JP2000118072A - Method for printing and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a time period required for printing an image and to readily obtain a printed image having a sufficient composition. SOLUTION: A positional relationship between first digital image data inputted from an image data input section 1 at a human interface section 28 and an image printing range pattern is relatively varied and/or the image printing range pattern is varied, then an image printing range is confirmed. An expanding processing to the first digital image data is executed on an as-needed basis by a data processing section 5 by selecting image data in the image printing range pattern and/or an expanding processing by tuning an input position at an input position tuning section 29 when inputting an analog image signal, then the image data input section 1 is allowed to generate the first digital image data again and the first digital image data is printed out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing method and a printer. More specifically, the present invention relates to a printing method and a printer that reduce the time required for printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the following method has been frequently used as a method for printing image data represented by a natural image.

First, as a first method, an input device for inputting image data is connected to a general-purpose computer to which a printer device is connected, and image data read from each input device to the computer is specified on the computer. And print data is input to a printer device and printed. The input devices include a removable media drive, which is a recording / reproducing device for a removable medium, and an NTSC (N
national Television System
(Committee) video signal input substrate, film scanner for silver halide photography, digital still image camera, and the like.

As a second method, input devices such as a digital still image camera and a document reading scanner are directly connected to a printer without using a general-purpose computer, and print data is input from each input device to the printer. Printing.

[0005] The first method will be specifically described.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 49, it is mainly composed of a host computer (hereinafter, referred to as a computer) 1001, a printer 1002, and an input device 1003.

As the input device 1003, the above-mentioned removable media (read-only optical disc,
For example, a so-called CD-ROM, a rewritable magneto-optical disk, for example, a so-called MD-DATA drive, a video signal (NTSC, PAL (Phase Alt))
input device, digital still picture camera, silver halide photographic film (35 mm film, so-called APS film etc. which also has magnetic information related to the image), scanner, document reading scanner, etc. No.

The printer 1002 includes a print head 1004 for actually performing printing and a head drive circuit 1005 for driving the print head.

The computer 1001 includes an interface 1006 for inputting image data from the input device 1003, a data processing unit 1007 for processing the image data as print data, and a printer 1002 for printing the print data 1007. The printer is mainly constituted by a bidirectional printer interface 1008 for outputting to a printer. The data processing unit 1007 controls a variety of input devices 1003, and includes a device driver and a printer 1002 suitable for these input devices.
And a printer driver suitable for the printer device 1002 for controlling image data, and application software for controlling input, processing, and print output of image data.
Is used to execute data processing.

The computer 1001 has a display device 100 as a man-machine interface.
9. An instruction device 1010, which is an input unit for inputting an external instruction such as a mouse or a keyboard, is also provided. Further, the computer 1001 has an image memory 101 such as a hard disk for storing image data input from the input device 1003.
1 is also provided.

By connecting the input device 1003 to the interface 1006 in the computer 1001 and connecting the bidirectional printer interface 1008 in the computer 1001 to the printer 1002, these are connected.

When printing is actually performed, the following operation is performed. That is, the computer 1001
By operating the application software and the device driver corresponding to the image data input device 1003, each input device 1003 is driven via the interface 1006 for inputting image data, and under the control of the computer 1001. , And causes each input device 1003 to read the image data. The image data is input to the computer 1001 via the interface 1006.

Next, based on an instruction externally input by the instruction device 1010, application software of the data processing unit 1007
Performs image editing processing desired by the user with respect to the image data input to. When image data processing is involved, the data processing unit 1007 in the computer 1001
, The required data processing is performed.

When the image editing process desired by the user is performed as described above and the image to be printed is determined, the printing operation is started. That is, the application software controls the printer driver, executes data processing for printing in the data processing unit 1007, and converts the data into print data that can be output to the printer device 1002. At this time, the computer 1001 communicates with the printer 100 via the bidirectional printer interface 1008.
I understand the state of 2.

The print data converted and generated as described above is configured as a printer control command, and sent to the printer 1002 via the bidirectional printer interface 1008. Next, the printer 100
On the second side, the print head 1004 is driven by the head drive circuit 1005 based on the print data included in the received printer control command, and a print image is formed on a recording medium to perform printing.

As a specific example of the data processing in the above operation, there is a processing method as shown in FIG. In FIG. 50, the hatched line attached to the line indicating the data flow is 8
Indicates that the data is bit / color. Computer 1
001 RGB input to the image data input unit 1012
Is sent to the image data processing unit 1013,
Processing is performed as needed. At this time, it is held as an image file 1011a in the image memory 1011 as needed. The RGB image data is sent from the image data processing unit 1013 to the printer driver 1014 that controls the printer device 1002.

The printer driver 1014 is an RGB printer driver.
RGB-C for converting image data of CMY into CMY print data
A MY conversion unit 1015, a color correction unit 1016 for performing color correction as necessary, a black extraction under color removal unit 1017 for extracting black in addition to CMY, an output gamma correction and gradation for correcting characteristics unique to a printer device It mainly includes a correction unit 1018 and a sharpness correction unit 1019 that performs edge processing and the like.

That is, the RGB image data sent from the image data processing unit 1013 to the printer driver 1014 is first converted into CMY print data, color-corrected, and then converted into print data including black (see FIG. 50). In the above, black print data is indicated as K.) In a state where characteristics unique to the printer device are corrected and edge processing is performed,
The data is sent to the printer device 1002. At this time, when a binary printer such as an inkjet printer that reproduces an image with or without print dots is used as the printer 1002, the printer driver 101 is used.
It is necessary to insert a binarization unit after the sharpness correction unit 1019 of No. 4 and is unnecessary when a printer device such as a sublimation type printer device that expresses gradations in print dots is used as the printer device 1002. .

In the printer device 1002, output characteristics are corrected in accordance with the state of the printer device.
An output characteristic conversion unit 1020 for suppressing variations due to the printer device, the above-described head drive circuit 1005, and a print head 1004 are provided.

Accordingly, the print data of CMYK transmitted from the printer driver 1014 to the printer 1002 is sequentially transmitted to the above-described head drive circuit 1005 and print head 1004 via the output characteristic conversion unit 1020 to perform printing. You.

The second method will be described. In the second method, as shown in FIG. 51, it is mainly composed of a digital still image camera 1021 as an input device and a printer 1022.

The digital still image camera 1021 includes an image photographing unit 1023 for photographing a subject, an instruction device 1024 such as a shutter for inputting an external instruction, an image memory 1025 for temporarily storing the photographed image, and necessary data. It mainly comprises an image data processing unit 1026 for performing processing, a display device 1027 for displaying a captured image, and the like.

One printer device 1022 includes an output characteristic conversion circuit 1028 for correcting output characteristics in accordance with the state of the printer device, a head drive circuit 1029 for driving the print head 1030, and a print head 1030 for actually performing printing. It is mainly composed of

The digital still image camera 102
As a method of transferring data from the printer 1 to the printer device 1022, these are connected by wire, and the image data generated by the digital still image camera 1021 or the image data is converted into print data, and then the digital signal is used as it is. Is converted into an analog video signal and transferred by a wire, or a method of wirelessly transferring the signal by using Ir-DA or the like.

When printing is actually performed, the following operation is performed. The digital still image camera 102
In FIG. 1, the image capturing unit 10 is ready for photography, that is, before the user presses the shutter to start capturing.
23, an image signal of the subject is input.
Correction processing is performed on the characteristics of 023 and shooting conditions. Then, the image corrected in this way is displayed on the display device 1027, and the user can confirm the range of the subject, the composition, and the like. In the case where an optical finder is provided instead of or together with the display device 1027, the user can perform the above-described confirmation by using the finder.

Subsequently, when the user operates an instruction device 1024 such as a shutter, a photographing operation is started. By issuing an instruction to start photographing with a shutter or the like, the image data is inputted from the image photographing unit 1023,
The image data subjected to the correction processing for the characteristics and the photographing conditions of the image photographing unit 1023 by the
Is stored in At the time of storage, data compression is performed as needed, but this may be performed by the image data processing unit 1026.

Next, when printing an image stored in the image memory 1025, the user operates a pointing device 1024 such as a key to start a printing operation. When the print operation is started, the image data processing unit 1026 reads out predetermined image data from the image memory 1025, decompresses the image data if necessary, and performs conversion for output to the printer device 1022.

Then, in accordance with the interface system between the digital still image camera 1021 and the printer device 1022, data is transferred to the printer device 1022 as digital image data or an analog video signal by wire or wireless connection.

On the printer device 1022 side, each correction and conversion according to the print output conditions at the time of printing is performed by an output characteristic conversion circuit 1028, and a print head 1030 driven by a head drive circuit 1029 based on this data. Printing is performed on the recording medium.

When the user performs editing, processing, and synthesis processing on image data, the digital still image camera 1021
Display device 1027 in the image data processing unit 1026 in the
Pointing device 1024 while checking the image displayed on
Thus, the desired process may be executed by inputting an instruction, and the processing of the image data is performed in the digital still image camera 1021.

As a specific example of the data processing in the above operation, there is a processing method as shown in FIG. In FIG. 52, the hatched line attached to the line indicating the data flow is 8
Indicates that the data is bit / color. RGB obtained by the image capturing unit 1023 of the digital still image camera 1021
Is sent to the image data processing unit 1026,
Processing is performed as needed. At this time, it is held in the image memory 1025 as needed. Then, the RGB image data is sent from the image data processing unit 1026 to the printer device 1022 via the image data output unit 1031.

The printer device 1022 has the same mechanism as the printer driver 1014 previously shown in FIG. 50, in addition to the output characteristic conversion circuit 1028, the head drive circuit 1029, and the print head 1030.

That is, the printer device 1022
An image data input unit 1032 to which image data from the digital still image camera 1021 is input is connected to the image data input unit 1032 to convert RGB image data into CMY print data.
A GB-CMY conversion unit 1033, a color correction unit 1034 for performing color correction as needed, a black extraction under color removal unit 1035 for extracting black in addition to CMY (in FIG. ), An output gamma correction and gradation correction unit 1036 for correcting characteristics unique to the printer device, and a sharpness correction unit 1037 for performing edge processing and the like.

That is, the RGB image data input to the image data input unit 1032 is first converted into CMY print data, color-corrected, and then converted into print data including black, which has characteristics unique to the printer. After being corrected and subjected to edge processing and the like, it is sent to the output characteristic conversion circuit 1028. At this time, when using a binary printer such as an inkjet printer that reproduces an image with or without print dots as the printer 1022,
It is necessary to insert a binarization unit after the sharpness correction unit 1037. This is unnecessary when a printer device such as a sublimation printer device that expresses gradations in print dots is used as the printer device 1022.

Therefore, the print data of CMYK is output to the above-described head drive circuit 1 through the output characteristic conversion circuit 1028.
029, the prints are sequentially sent to the print head 1030, and printing is performed.

[0035]

However, when printing is performed by the above-described method, the following inconveniences occur.

First, in the first method, it is necessary to arrange peripheral devices, connect them to a computer, and then install a device driver suitable for each peripheral device in the computer, which is very complicated. In addition, it is necessary to install application software suitable for processing such as image input, editing, processing, synthesis, correction, and printing desired by a user on a computer, and further, control peripheral devices by the above application software. It is necessary to set application software and device drivers as much as possible, which is very complicated. Furthermore, for peripheral devices that cannot be controlled by application software, application software for controlling these peripheral devices is required separately, and users can handle multiple application software and transfer image data between them. The operation is very complicated.

When a so-called desktop or tower computer is used as the computer, a large installation area is required for connection with peripheral devices, and handling is complicated.

Further, the above application software has a general-purpose input / output function in order to correspond to most of general image input devices and printer devices, and has a function of executing image data. Since it has general-purpose functions for handling general images without specifying the image, processing such as editing, processing, synthesizing, correcting, and printing desired by the user, especially for the image desired by the user For example, it is necessary to sequentially give specific instructions from the user, so that the method of use, the contents of the functions, and the operation method are extremely difficult, and it is difficult for a general user to master it.

Further, in the application software described above, when changing the composition of the image content in the image, the user sequentially executes a plurality of independent processes such as an image cutting process, a pasting process, and a rotating process. Thus, the desired composition can be changed, but the user must be familiar with the processing content and the operation method. Even if you are familiar with the details of these processes and how to operate them, especially if you want to perform different processes on a plurality of images and perform the desired process on all the images, and then print. Since the number of procedures increases, all the processing cannot be completed in a short time. Target image 1
As an example of the case where the user intends to correct the composition for each sheet, a normal photographer who is not a specialist holds a 35 mm silver halide film camera by hand and holds a horizon or a horizontal line or a straight road extending straight in front. When taking a picture, the subject is often photographed while the camera is tilted and held due to the habit of the photographer.

Therefore, the object on the photographed film is tilted with respect to the image frame, and if the image is printed on a monitor and printed by a printer as it is, an image of an inappropriate composition that lacks a sense of stability. Will be.

As another example, when a normal photographer who is not an expert shoots one person with a 35 mm silver halide film camera or the like, the face of the person tends to be arranged in the center of the viewfinder. Therefore, if the image thus photographed is displayed or printed as it is, the face of the person is placed at the center of the display output image and the print image, and the target is displayed above the display output image and the print image. There is no such thing, the composition is unbalanced, and it is difficult to obtain a printed image with a stable composition.

In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to correct the inclination of the image using application software. However, the use of application software causes the above-described difficulties. For this reason,
An ordinary user who is not familiar with the operation method of the application software can obtain only the display image and the print image in which the object is inclined.

Further, in the above application software, the target image data is inputted as it is, and the processing desired by the user is sequentially executed on the entire target image data in accordance with the user's instruction. . At this time, the progress and the execution result of the entire image data are displayed in the same size on the monitor device connected to the general-purpose computer.

That is, in the application software, processing such as editing, processing, combining, and correcting is performed on image data of the original size. If a process that requires processing time is included, it takes a long time to process the entire image size, display the progress of the process, and display the processing result, and the result is displayed after the user starts the processing. I had to wait until Furthermore, since the image data is large and the entire image data cannot be accommodated in the image display area on the monitor device as it is, when the reduction process is performed and the image data is displayed on the monitor device, the waiting time becomes longer. It was getting longer. There is a variable parameter in the processing content, while changing the variable parameter and seeing the processing result display based on it,
When determining an optimal parameter value, it is difficult to find the optimal value in a short time if a long waiting time is required until a result corresponding to one parameter value is displayed.

Further, in the above-mentioned method, when the processing is not fixed and the contents are determined while trying, a certain processing is executed on the target image data, and the result is displayed on a monitor. If an attempt is made to execute another process on the target image data, the result of the previous process displayed on the monitor will not be displayed. Therefore, it is not possible to display on the same screen the processing results obtained when the processing having different contents is performed on the target image data, and it is difficult to recognize the difference between the displayed images. For this reason, conventionally, a user executes a procedure for saving each processing result as another new image data, displays these completely different image data on the same screen, and recognizes a difference between them. I was
However, this method is an operation for generating completely new image data, which occupies extra storage RAM such as a hard disk in a general-purpose computer and the operation RAM capacity used by application software, and complicates the operation procedure. I was

When there is a variable parameter in the processing contents and the optimum parameter value is determined while changing the variable parameter and comparing the processing result display based on the variable parameter, the optimum value of the parameter is reduced for a short time for these reasons. And it was difficult to find easily.

On the other hand, in the second method, processes such as image input, editing, processing, synthesizing, correcting, and printing depend on the functions of the input device, and the processing capability is limited. The input device must have a function that can be directly connected to the printer. Furthermore, the possible processes vary greatly depending on the input device, and the operation procedures and the like are also changed, so that there is an inconvenience that the user is extremely difficult to use. At present, a silver halide photographic film scanner cannot be used as an input device, and printing of an image of a silver halide photographic film is desired. Furthermore, at present, the input device and the printer are connected in a one-to-one relationship, and it is impossible to process and print image data from a plurality of input devices.

Also, in the above-described method, as described above, the user can edit and edit the image desired by the user.
Processing such as processing / compositing / correction / printing is executed based on a specific instruction from a user from among limited and feasible processing, and is sequentially instructed for each target image. Need to do.

Further, in this method, in many cases, the input device does not have a correction function, and as described above, when an image is taken while the camera is held at an angle with respect to the object. , Only the display image and the print image in which the object is inclined can be obtained.

In other words, in any of these methods, it is difficult for the user to correct the composition of the image contents in each image, for example, the deviation or inclination of the image contents, and to obtain a print image having a sufficient composition. It is difficult to get.

Further, also in the above method, the processing section in the input device reads out the target image data, and executes the processing desired by the user from the limited functions for the entire target image data. They are executed sequentially according to the user's instructions. At this time, when an image display output unit such as a liquid crystal display (hereinafter, referred to as an LCD) is provided, the progress of the execution and the execution result are displayed on the LCD.

Therefore, if the executable processing content includes a process that requires a long processing time, it takes a long time to process the entire image size, and to display the progress of the process and the processing result. I had to wait for the results to be displayed after launching the process. In order to avoid such poor operability, there are many cases where such a time-consuming process is not included in an executable function. That is, the user cannot execute the intended processing, or the processing time is long even if the processing can be performed.

Accordingly, the present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and a printing method and a printing method capable of easily executing a desired editing process and reducing the time required for the process. An object of the present invention is to provide a printer device, in which the time required for the entire print is reduced, and a print image having a sufficient composition can be easily obtained.

[0054]

According to the present invention, there is provided a printing method comprising the steps of: inputting image data; and synthesizing a printing range pattern in which a portion surrounded by the image data is a printing range. A display output image is displayed and output, and the positional relationship between the print range pattern and the image data is relatively changed and / or the print range pattern is changed on the display output image, so that the positional relationship between the print range pattern and the image data is obtained. Is determined and the printing range is determined, the printing range is determined as the image data, and the image pattern in the printing range is subjected to an enlargement process as necessary, and the enlarged image data is obtained.
A print output process for converting the image data and / or the image data in which the print range is determined and / or the enlarged image data into print data, and performing print output based on the print data. It is.

Further, the printer device of the present invention comprises: an image data input section for converting digital image data and / or an analog image signal inputted from the outside into first digital image data by analog-to-digital conversion; A first digital image data is generated by synthesizing a print range pattern in which the enclosed portion is a print range with the digital image data of, and the print range pattern and the first digital image data are synthesized based on an external instruction. The relative position of the first digital image data is relatively changed and / or the print range pattern is changed to determine the positional relationship between the print range pattern and the first digital image data to determine the print range. A human interface unit for generating first digital image data in which the print range is determined, and a first digital image in which the print range is determined. Image processing unit for selecting the image data of the portion surrounded by the print range pattern of the image data, performing enlargement processing as necessary, and generating enlarged first digital image data, and / or the print range The input position is adjusted at the time of inputting the analog image signal that is the basis of the first digital image data for which the determined first digital image data is determined, and the enlargement processing is performed as necessary, and the adjusted first digital image data is transmitted to the image data input unit. An input position adjustment unit to be generated, and the first digital image data and / or the first digital image data whose print range is determined and / or the enlarged first digital image data and / or the adjusted first digital image data. An image display output unit for displaying and outputting the digital image data of the first digital image data and / or the first digital image data in which the printing range is determined. A print output processing unit for performing print output processing for converting the enlarged first digital image data and / or the adjusted first digital image data into print data for printing in the image print unit; And an image printing unit for printing out on a recording medium based on the printing data.

In the printer device of the present invention, the predetermined first digital image data input from the image data input unit is subjected to pattern synthesis by synthesizing a print range pattern in the human interface unit. The first digital image data is generated, and the first digital image data subjected to the pattern synthesis is displayed and output at the image display output unit, and the pattern synthesis is performed at the human interface unit based on an external instruction. The relative position of the printing range pattern in the first digital image data and the first digital image data is relatively changed, and / or the printing range pattern is changed, so that the printing range pattern and the first digital image data are changed. The printing range is determined by determining the positional relationship, and the first digital The image calculation unit selects image data of a portion surrounded by the print range pattern of the first digital image data in which the print range is determined, and performs an enlargement process as necessary. Then, the enlarged first digital image data is generated, and / or the input position adjustment unit adjusts the input position when the analog image signal serving as the basis of the first digital image data whose print range is determined is input. In addition, an enlargement process is performed as necessary, and the adjusted first digital image data is generated by the image data input unit.

In the printer of the present invention, the printing range pattern in the first digital image data obtained by the pattern synthesis is rotated and / or translated relative to the first digital image data. Preferably, the relative position of the print range pattern and the first digital image data is relatively changed, and / or the size and / or shape of the print range pattern is changed to change the print range pattern.

That is, in the printer apparatus of the present invention, when the composition in the photographed image is inclined with respect to the printing range pattern, or when there is an unnecessary space in the first digital image, the optimum composition is obtained. If the user does not check the print range pattern and the first digital image data,
Since the position of the digital image data is determined to determine the printing range, the composition can be easily changed.

Further, in the printer device of the present invention, the image calculation unit and / or the input position adjustment unit may add the first digital image data to the image data of the portion surrounded by the printing range pattern as necessary. Enlargement processing is performed, and even when the sizes of the printing ranges of the plurality of first digital image data are different from each other,
The size of the final print can be uniformed and the same.

Further, in the printer device of the present invention, an input means for inputting an instruction from the outside is displayed adjacent to the display output image indicating the first digital image data obtained by pattern synthesis of the image display output unit. Preferably.

Further, at this time, the first digital image data in the display output image showing the first digital image data synthesized with the pattern is displayed.
It is preferable that input means for inputting an instruction from outside is displayed on the digital image data and / or the print range pattern.

In this case, the functions of the input means include the following.

First, when the display position of the first digital image data is not changed, the display position of the print range pattern is changed, and the input means displayed at the center of the print range pattern is used. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the printing range pattern is moved in parallel. Also,
The printing range pattern is a rectangular frame,
When using the input means displayed at the four corners, there is an example in which the size of the print range pattern is changed. Further, there is an example in which the print range pattern is formed in a rectangular frame shape and the shape of the print range pattern is changed when input means displayed at the center of the four sides is used. Furthermore, when an input means displayed near the printing range pattern is used, there is an example in which the printing range pattern is rotated.

In this way, the first digital image data is always displayed and output in a stationary state, so that a stable operation can be obtained even during the printing range pattern changing operation.

Next, the display position of the print range pattern is not changed, and the display position of the first digital image data is changed, so that the input displayed at the center of the first digital image data is changed. When the means is used, there is an example in which the first digital image data is translated. Further, there is an example in which the first digital image data is formed into a quadrangle, and the size of the first digital image data is changed when input means displayed at the four corners are used. Further, there is an example in which the first digital image data is formed into a quadrangle and the shape of the first digital image data is changed when input means displayed at the center of the four sides is used. . Furthermore, there is an example in which the first digital image data is rotated and moved when input means displayed near the outer edge of the first digital image data is used.

In this way, the printing range pattern is always displayed and output in a stationary state, so that the printing impression can be easily determined even during the operation of changing the position of the first digital image data.

By doing so, the first in the display output image
The digital image data and the printing range pattern are arranged in correspondence with the input means, so that the user can easily understand the operation and the operability is improved. Furthermore, without changing the mode or the command, it is possible to rotate, translate, change the size, and change the image size of the basic operation for changing the composition, depending on the operation position in the display output image of the image display output unit. The operability is also improved.

Further, in the above-mentioned printer apparatus of the present invention, a portion surrounded by a printing range pattern in a display output image showing the first digital image data subjected to the pattern synthesis is displayed differently from other portions. It is preferable that

In this case, in order to display the first digital image data display other than the portion surrounded by the print range pattern to the extent that the display contents can be understood, the print range pattern is added to the first digital image data by the human interface unit. When synthesizing a pattern, it is preferable to also combine pattern data indicating that the area is not a part surrounded by the print range pattern. And a method of preventing a portion other than the portion surrounded by the print range pattern from being periodically displayed.

Further, in the printer device of the present invention, the print range pattern is formed in a rectangular frame shape, and the print range pattern in the display output image indicating the first digital image data obtained by synthesizing the pattern is defined. It is preferable that a guide pattern indicating a component parallel and / or a component perpendicular to the frame is also displayed in the enclosed portion.

In this case, it is preferable that the guide pattern indicating the parallel component and / or the vertical component corresponds to a point where each side of the frame-shaped print range pattern is golden-divided. The golden division is a method of dividing a line segment. When the line segment is divided into two points at points on the line segment, the ratio of the total length of the line segment to the longer section of the divided segment is used. Is equal to the ratio between the long section and the short section of the divided line segment.

In this case, the printing range pattern is displayed as a frame-shaped pattern on the first digital image data, and the display of the portion surrounded by the printing range pattern and the other portion is different. From that
The impression at the time of printing is easy to understand, and the composition can be determined more easily.

In the printer apparatus of the present invention, when selecting the image data of the portion surrounded by the print range pattern of the first digital image data whose print range has been determined by the image calculation section, A decoration pattern may be synthesized with the image data of the portion surrounded by the pattern. When the result is printed by the image printing unit, the decoration pattern is first printed together with the printing range pattern by the human interface unit. The digital image data is synthesized and displayed on an image display output unit.
When the position of the printing range pattern is changed relative to the digital image data, it is preferable to change the position of the decorative pattern in the same manner as the printing range pattern. By doing so, it is possible to easily confirm the optimum printing composition when the decorative pattern is used.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention as described above, a transmission image on a roll-type or sheet-type film is read by a photoelectric conversion element as an image input means in an image data input section, and the read image is converted into an analog / digital signal. It is preferable to have a film reading unit that obtains image data by conversion.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention as described above, a reflection image of a document on a paper is read by a photoelectric conversion element as an image input means in an image data input section, and the read image is converted from analog to digital. It is preferable to have a scanner unit for obtaining image data.

In these cases, the input position adjustment unit moves the film holder for holding the film, the document guide for holding the document, and the photoelectric conversion element mounting unit without changing the spatial parallel distance between them. It is preferable to perform relative movement by performing the following control. That is, first, a control of relatively rotating and moving is given. Next, a relative translational control is performed together with the relative rotational movement control, an image reading operation is performed again, and the image is read in accordance with the relative rotational movement performed by the input position adjustment unit during the reading operation. An input range control that limits the reading range so that the reading shape becomes a square shape is exemplified. In this case, the first reading operation may be sparse reading, and the second reading operation may be normal density reading.

As described above, when the input position adjustment unit relatively moves the film holder and the document guide and the photoelectric conversion element mounting unit, an inconvenience that may occur when rotating the digital image data is performed. It is possible to reduce the deterioration of image quality caused by the occurrence of a natural stepped jaggy, and it is possible to set the film when setting the film in the film holder, or when setting the document to the document guide. Even if a shift occurs, it is possible to correct these shifts.

Further, the printer device of the present invention comprises: an image data input section for converting digital image data and / or an analog image signal input from the outside into first digital image data by analog / digital conversion; An editing processing unit that performs at least one editing process on the digital image data to obtain second digital image data that is the edited image data; An editing processing storage unit for storing parameters and a processing order in processing, an image display output unit for displaying and outputting the first digital image data and / or the second digital image data, and an image display output unit for displaying and outputting the first digital image data and / or Or a print output for performing a print output process for converting the second digital image data into print data for printing in an image print unit. A processing unit, and has an image printing section for printing output on a recording medium based on the printing data.

In the printer device, the first digital image data input from the image data input unit is displayed and output on the image display output unit, and the first digital image data input from the image data input unit is displayed on the edit processing unit. A predetermined editing process is performed on a predetermined partial area of the digital image data to generate a partially edited image data, and during the execution of the predetermined editing process, each process for the predetermined partial area is performed in the editing process storage unit. The contents, parameters in each processing, and editing contents of the processing order are stored, the partial display image data input from the editing processing unit is displayed and output in the image display output unit, and the first digital image data is output to the editing processing unit. Is input for the second time, and the predetermined image executed for the partial area based on the storage of the editing process storage unit is applied to the entire image data. At least a portion of the editing process of the editing process is the second digital image data is performed, a second input from the editing processing unit in the image display output section
The digital image data is displayed and output, the second digital image data is converted into print data in the print output processing section, and the image print section prints out on a recording medium based on the print data to form a print image. It is characterized by being performed.

In the printer of the present invention, the predetermined partial area of the first digital image data is a central portion of the first digital image data, or a plurality of the first digital image data are stored. It is preferable that the area is one or more of the blocks divided into the above, or an area determined by an instruction from the outside.

In the printer of the present invention, the editing process to be executed has variable parameters, and when the user instructs the editing process by changing or specifying the parameter value, the first digital image data The editing process corresponding to the variable parameter is executed for the predetermined partial area. On the other hand, when the editing process to be executed has no variable parameters, when the user instructs the execution of the editing process, the editing process is directly performed on a predetermined partial area in the first digital image data. By doing so, it is possible for the user to execute the editing process of the predetermined partial area and set it as an area including the target image in the image data whose effect is desired to be confirmed.

That is, in the printer apparatus of the present invention, the editing process is not performed on the entire first digital image data, but is performed on a predetermined partial area including a portion of interest. Thus, the time until the processing result is obtained is short.

When executing an editing process having a variable parameter, in order to find the optimum value of the variable parameter,
When it is necessary to check each processing result while changing the variable parameter value, the processing time per one processing is reduced, and the time required for the entire processing can be reduced or the number of trials Can be increased.

In the case where a plurality of editing processes are executed, if there is an editing process having variable parameters in the editing process,
When the order of processing can be changed, or when there is an editing process that can be skipped, the time required for one series of editing processes can be reduced.

Further, in the printer device of the present invention, the display output image of the image display output unit is a plurality of first output images.
The digital image data and / or the second digital image data are arranged and displayed and output, and for a predetermined partial area of the plurality of first digital image data,
When each of the editing processes is performed to generate a plurality of partially edited image data, every time the partially edited image data of one first digital image data is generated, the predetermined processing is performed in the editing process storage unit during the execution of the editing process. The processing contents for each partial area, the parameters in each processing, the editing processing contents of the processing order are stored, and a plurality of partial edited image data input from the editing processing unit are arranged and displayed and output in the image display output unit. When one piece of the partially edited image data is selected from the plurality of pieces of the partially edited image data in accordance with the instruction, the entire first digital image data corresponding to the partially edited image data is selected based on the storage of the editing processing storage unit. In this case, at least a part of the predetermined editing process executed on the partial area is executed to be converted into second digital image data. It is preferred.

Further, in the above-described printer device of the present invention, the display output image of the image display output section is arranged to display and output a plurality of first digital image data and / or second digital image data. In a case where different editing processes are performed on a predetermined partial area of the predetermined first digital image data to obtain a plurality of partially edited image data, each time one piece of partially edited image data is generated, During the execution of the editing process, the editing process storage unit stores each processing content for the predetermined partial area, the parameters in each process, and the editing processing content of the processing order. And outputs the partial edited image data side by side, and outputs one partial edited image data from the plurality of partial edited image data according to an instruction from the outside. When selected, at least a part of a predetermined editing process executed on a partial area corresponding to the partial edited image data based on the storage of the editing process storage unit for the entire predetermined first digital image data It is preferable that the editing process is performed to obtain the second digital image data.

In such a case, if the editing process to be executed has variable parameters, each time the user changes the variable parameter value and executes the editing process, a plurality of partial edited image data generated is generated. What is necessary is just to display and output sequentially. Furthermore, the variable range of the parameter value is divided,
In accordance with a plurality of parameter values obtained, an editing process is performed on a specific partial area in the first digital image data based on a user's instruction or automatically, and an image display output unit is provided for each editing process. , A plurality of partial edited image data may be sequentially displayed and output.

Also, by sequentially outputting the obtained result images on the same screen while changing the contents of the editing process,
It is possible to make it easy to recognize the difference between the editing processing results, and it is possible to select the editing processing content desired by the user based on the processing content displayed and output. In addition, it is possible to determine an optimum editing process based on the display output image, and unnecessary print output is suppressed, and consumption of consumables such as ink and a recording medium is also suppressed.

Further, instead of the user's instruction to divide the parameter values and sequentially display and output the execution results on the same screen, the number of divisions of the parameter or the division interval is set in advance, and the division is automatically performed based on the parameter. By sequentially executing and displaying the output, it is easy to find the optimum parameter value.

Further, in the printer device of the present invention, the display output image of the image display output unit is a plurality of first output images.
The digital image data and / or the second digital image data are arranged and displayed and output, and the image printing unit converts a plurality of the first digital image data and / or the second digital image data into one A plurality of first digital image data and / or second digital image data to be displayed and output on the image display output unit are arranged as prints on the recording medium. It is preferable that the printout is arranged side by side on a plurality of recording media.

That is, in the printer device of the present invention, the result images obtained while changing the contents of the editing process are printed side by side on one recording medium, so that the display output image and the print output image are Even if the user has an impression difference, it is possible to optimally determine what kind of editing processing is necessary to obtain the desired print output image quality.

Further, in the printer of the present invention, the second digital image data resulting from the editing process in the display output image of the image display output unit is reduced and output. This makes it possible to reduce the capacity of the image memory that holds the image data necessary for display output.

In the printing method and the printer according to the present invention, the first digital image data input from the image data input unit is combined with the printing range pattern by the human interface unit to form the first digital image data. 1 digital image data, and the image display output unit displays and outputs the first digital image data subjected to the pattern synthesis, and the human interface unit displays the first digital image data subjected to the pattern synthesis based on an external instruction. The relative position of the printing range pattern and the first digital image data in the digital image data is relatively changed and / or the printing range pattern is changed to change the positional relationship between the printing range pattern and the first digital image data. The first digital image in which the print range is determined by determining the print range In the image calculation unit, image data of a portion surrounded by the print range pattern of the first digital image data in which the print range has been determined is selected, and enlargement processing is performed as necessary. The enlarged first digital image data is generated and / or the input position adjustment unit adjusts the input position when an analog image signal is input as the basis of the first digital image data whose print range has been determined, Enlargement processing is performed as necessary, and the adjusted first digital image data is generated by the image data input unit, and the first digital image data is printed out.

That is, in the printer apparatus according to the present invention, the composition in the photographed image is optimally determined if it is inclined with respect to the printing range pattern or if there is an unnecessary space in the first digital image data. Even when the composition is not the composition, the user determines the print relationship by determining the positional relationship between the print range pattern and the first digital image data while checking the display output image of the pattern-combined first digital image data. The composition can be easily changed.

Further, in the printer device of the present invention, the image calculation unit and / or the input position adjustment unit may add the first digital image data to the image data of the portion surrounded by the printing range pattern as necessary. Enlargement processing is performed, and even when the sizes of the printing ranges of the plurality of first digital image data are different from each other,
The size of the final print can be uniformed and the same.

In the printer of the present invention, input means for inputting an instruction from outside is displayed adjacent to the display output image indicating the first digital image data obtained by pattern synthesis of the image display output unit. Preferably.

Further, at this time, the first digital image data in the display output image showing the pattern-combined first digital image data is displayed.
It is preferable that input means for inputting an instruction from outside is displayed on the digital image data and / or the print range pattern.

By doing so, the first in the display output image
The digital image data and the printing range pattern are arranged in correspondence with the input means, so that the user can easily understand the operation and the operability is improved.

Further, in the printer device of the present invention, the first digital image data inputted from the image data input section is displayed and outputted at the image display output section, and the first digital image data inputted from the image data input section is outputted at the edit processing section. A predetermined editing process is performed on a predetermined partial area of the digital image data to generate a partially edited image data, and during the execution of the predetermined editing process, each process for the predetermined partial area is performed in the editing process storage unit. The contents, parameters in each process, and editing contents of the processing order are stored, the partial edited image data input from the editing processing unit is displayed and output on the image display output unit, and the first digital image data of the first digital image data is output to the editing processing unit. A second input is performed, and a predetermined editing process performed on the partial area based on the storage of the editing process storage unit is performed on the entire image data. And at least a part of the editing process is performed to obtain second digital image data. The image display output unit displays and outputs the second digital image data input from the editing processing unit. The second digital image data is converted into print data, and the image print unit prints out a print image on a recording medium based on the print data to form a print image.

That is, in the printer device of the present invention, the editing process is not performed on the entire first digital image data, but is performed on a predetermined partial area including a portion of interest. Thus, the time until the processing result is obtained is short.

Further, in the above-described printer apparatus of the present invention, the display output image of the image display output section is arranged to display and output a plurality of first digital image data and / or second digital image data. When editing processing is performed on a predetermined partial area of the plurality of first digital image data to obtain a plurality of partial edited image data, the partial edited image data of one first digital image data is obtained. Each time is generated, during the execution of the editing processing, the editing processing storage section stores the processing contents for the predetermined partial area, the parameters in each processing, and the editing processing contents of the processing order, and edits the image display output section. A plurality of partially edited image data input from the processing unit are arranged and displayed and output, and the plurality of partially edited image data are output by an external instruction. When one piece of the partially edited image data is selected, the predetermined editing performed on the entire first digital image data corresponding to the partially edited image data based on the storage of the editing processing storage unit with respect to the partial area is performed. The editing processing of at least a part of the processing may be executed to obtain the second digital image data.

Further, in the above-described printer device of the present invention, the display output image of the image display output unit is a plurality of first output images.
The digital image data and / or the second digital image data are arranged and displayed and output, and for a predetermined partial area of the predetermined first digital image data,
When a plurality of partially edited image data are obtained by performing different editing processes, each time one piece of partially edited image data is generated,
During the execution of the editing processing, the editing processing storage unit stores the processing contents for the predetermined partial area, the parameters in each processing, and the editing processing contents of the processing order, and is input from the editing processing unit in the image display output unit. A plurality of partial edited image data are arranged and displayed and output. When one partial edited image data is selected from the plurality of partial edited image data by an instruction from the outside, the predetermined first digital image data as a whole is Even if at least a part of the predetermined editing process executed on the partial area corresponding to the partial edited image data based on the storage of the editing process storage unit is executed, the editing process is performed to obtain second digital image data. good.

As described above, by sequentially outputting the obtained result images on the same screen, it is easy to recognize the difference between these editing processing results, and the processing contents in which the user selects the desired editing processing content is displayed. It is performed based on.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention, the display output image of the image display output section is arranged to display and output a plurality of first digital image data and / or second digital image data. The image printing unit prints a plurality of the first digital image data and / or the second digital image data side by side on one recording medium, and outputs the image data to the image display output unit. A plurality of first digital image data and / or
Alternatively, it is preferable that the second digital image data is printed and arranged as it is on a single recording medium in the image printing section.

That is, in the printer device of the present invention, the result images obtained while changing the contents of the editing process are printed side by side on one recording medium, so that the display output image and the print output image are Even when the user has an impression difference, it is easy to optimally determine what kind of editing processing is necessary to obtain the desired print output image quality.

[0106]

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

The printer according to the present invention has at least the following configuration. That is, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, an image data input unit 1 for converting externally input digital image data and / or an analog image signal into first digital image data by analog-to-digital conversion, and the first digital image data A print range pattern in which the enclosed portion is a print range is synthesized to generate first digital image data in which the pattern is synthesized, and the print range pattern and the first digital image data are combined based on an external instruction. The positional relationship is relatively changed and / or the print range pattern is changed to determine the positional relationship between the print range pattern and the first digital image data to determine the print range, and the first print range is determined. And a human interface unit 28 for generating digital image data of

In addition, the image data of the portion surrounded by the print range pattern of the first digital image data whose print range has been determined is selected, and if necessary, an enlargement process is performed to perform the enlarged first digital image data. The input position is adjusted at the time of inputting an analog image signal serving as a basis of the first digital image data in which the printing range is determined and / or the data processing unit 5 functioning as an image calculation unit that generates digital image data. And an input position adjusting unit 29 that causes the image data input unit 1 to generate the adjusted first digital image data by performing an enlargement process accordingly.

Further, the first digital image data and / or the first digital image data whose printing range is determined and / or the enlarged first digital image data and / or the adjusted first digital image An image display output unit 2 for displaying and outputting data, the first digital image data and / or the first digital image data in which the printing range is determined and / or the enlarged first digital image data and / or adjustment A print output processing unit 24 for performing print output processing for converting the obtained first digital image data into print data for printing in an image print unit, and an image print unit for printing and outputting on a recording medium based on the print data And 3.

At this time, in the printer device according to the present invention, the data processing unit 5 performs at least one editing process on the first digital image data to obtain a second edited image data. It also functions as an edit processing unit that converts digital image data, and also functions as an edit processing storage unit that stores the contents of each process, parameters in each process, and the processing order during the execution of at least one edit process.

For this reason, the image display output section 2 also displays and outputs the second digital image data, and outputs the second digital image data.
Converts the second digital image data into print data for printing in the image printing unit 3, and this second digital image data is also printed and output by the image printing unit 3.

Further, the printer device according to the present invention has a characteristic correction section 4 for defining the display image quality in the image display output section 2 and the print image quality in the image print section 3.

In this printer device, the data processing section 5 and the characteristic correction section 4 constitute an image processing section 6.

Further, in this printer device, in the image data input section 1, image input means 7 serving as analog image signal input means for inputting analog image signals and / or digital image data input means for inputting digital image data. Having.

Further, the printer has an instruction device 8 as input means for inputting an instruction from the outside, and also has an image memory 20 for storing an image.

That is, in the printer of the present invention, the human interface unit 28 combines the predetermined first digital image data input from the image data input unit 1 with the print range pattern to The first digital image data that has been synthesized is generated, the first digital image data that has been subjected to the pattern synthesis is displayed and output in the image display output unit 2, and the first digital image data that has been synthesized is displayed in the human interface unit 28 based on an external instruction. The relative position of the printing range pattern and the first digital image data in the first digital image data obtained by the pattern synthesis is relatively changed and / or the printing range pattern is changed so that the printing range pattern and the first digital image data are changed.
Is determined to determine the printing image range, and first digital image data in which the printing range is determined is generated.

Then, in the data processing section 5 functioning as the image calculation section, the first print area in which the printing range has been determined is determined.
And selecting the image data of the portion surrounded by the printing range pattern of the digital image data, performing the enlargement processing as necessary, and generating the enlarged first digital image data, and / or the input position adjustment unit In 29, the input position is adjusted when an analog image signal as a basis of the first digital image data in which the printing range has been determined is input, and an enlargement process is performed if necessary.
The first digital image data adjusted to the above is generated.

Further, in the data processing section 5, the first digital image data in which the printing range is determined and / or the enlarged first digital image data and / or the adjusted first digital image data are determined as necessary. Edit image data,
Processing, synthesis, and correction are performed to obtain second digital image data. Subsequently, the first digital image data in which the printing range is determined and / or the enlarged first digital image data and / or the adjusted first digital image data and / or the second digital image data are adjusted. The image is output to the image display output unit 2 and the image printing unit 3 via the characteristic correction unit 4 to display and print the image.

In the printer of the present invention, the printing range pattern in the first digital image data obtained by the pattern synthesis is rotated and / or translated relative to the first digital image data. Preferably, the relative position of the print range pattern and the first digital image data is relatively changed, and / or the size and / or shape of the print range pattern is changed to change the print range pattern.

That is, in the printer device of the present invention, the composition in the photographed image is optimized when the image is inclined with respect to the printing range pattern or when there is a space which is considered unnecessary in the first digital image data. Even when the composition is not the composition, the user determines the print relationship by determining the positional relationship between the print range pattern and the first digital image data while checking the display output image of the pattern-combined first digital image data. The composition can be easily changed.

Further, in the printer device of the present invention, the data processing unit 5 and / or the input position adjusting unit 29 functioning as the image calculation unit include a portion surrounded by the printing range pattern of the first digital image data. Enlargement processing is performed on the image data of the first digital image data as needed, and even when the sizes of the printing ranges of the plurality of first digital image data are different from each other, the sizes of the final prints are made uniform and the same. be able to.

Further, in the printer of the present invention, as will be described later, an instruction is input from the outside adjacent to the display output image indicating the first digital image data obtained by pattern synthesis of the image display output unit 2. It is preferable that an input means for displaying is displayed.

Further, at this time, the first digital image data in the display output image showing the first digital image data synthesized with the pattern is displayed.
It is preferable that input means for inputting an instruction from outside is displayed on the digital image data and / or the print range pattern.

In this case, the functions of the input means include the following.

First, the display position of the first digital image data is not changed, and the display position of the print range pattern is changed. When the input means displayed at the center of the print range pattern is used. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the printing range pattern is moved in parallel. Also,
The printing range pattern is a rectangular frame,
When using the input means displayed at the four corners, there is an example in which the size of the print range pattern is changed. Further, there is an example in which the print range pattern is formed in a rectangular frame shape and the shape of the print range pattern is changed when input means displayed at the center of the four sides is used. Furthermore, when an input means displayed near the printing range pattern is used, there is an example in which the printing range pattern is rotated.

In this way, the first digital image data is always displayed and output in a stationary state, so that a sense of stability can be obtained even during the printing range pattern changing operation.

Next, the display position of the print range pattern is not changed, and the display position of the first digital image data is changed, so that the input position displayed at the center of the first digital image data is changed. When the means is used, there is an example in which the first digital image data is translated. Further, there is an example in which the first digital image data is formed into a quadrangle, and the size of the first digital image data is changed when input means displayed at the four corners are used. Further, there is an example in which the first digital image data is formed into a quadrangle and the shape of the first digital image data is changed when input means displayed at the center of the four sides is used. . Furthermore, there is an example in which the first digital image data is rotated and moved when input means displayed near the outer edge of the first digital image data is used.

In this way, the print range pattern is always displayed and output in a stationary state, so that the print impression can be easily determined even during the operation of changing the position of the first digital image data.

By doing so, the first in the display output image
The digital image data and the printing range pattern are arranged in correspondence with the input means, so that the user can easily understand the operation and the operability is improved. Furthermore, without changing the mode or the command, it is possible to rotate, translate, change the size, and change the image size of the basic operation for changing the composition, depending on the operation position in the display output image of the image display output unit 2. Operability is also improved from the point of view.

Further, in the above-described printer apparatus of the present invention, as will be described later, a portion surrounded by a printing range pattern in the display output image showing the first digital image data synthesized with the pattern and a portion other than the portion are described. Preferably, the display is different.

In this case, in order to display the first digital image data display other than the portion surrounded by the print range pattern to such an extent that the display content can be understood, the print range is added to the first digital image pattern by the human interface unit 28. When synthesizing the pattern, it is preferable to synthesize the pattern data indicating that it is not a part surrounded by the print range pattern. There is a method of combining the pattern with the pattern and preventing a portion other than the portion surrounded by the print range pattern from being periodically displayed.

Further, in the printer device of the present invention, the printing range pattern is formed in a rectangular frame shape as described later, and the first digital image data obtained by synthesizing the pattern is included in a display output image. It is preferable that a guide pattern indicating a component parallel to the frame and / or a component perpendicular to the frame is also displayed in a portion surrounded by the printing range pattern.

In this case, it is preferable that the guide pattern indicating the parallel component and / or the vertical component corresponds to a point at which each side of the frame-shaped print range pattern is golden-divided. The golden division is a method of dividing a line segment. When the line segment is divided into two points at points on the line segment, the ratio of the total length of the line segment to the longer section of the divided segment is used. Is equal to the ratio between the long section and the short section of the divided line segment.

In this case, the print range pattern is displayed as a frame-like pattern on the first digital image data, and the display of the portion surrounded by the print range pattern and the other portion is different. From that
The impression at the time of printing is easy to understand, and the composition can be determined more easily.

In the printer apparatus of the present invention, the image data of the portion surrounded by the print range pattern of the first digital image data whose print range has been determined by the data processing section 5 functioning as an image calculation section. At the time of selection, a decoration pattern may be synthesized with the image data of the portion surrounded by the printing range pattern. When the result is printed by the image printing unit 3, the decoration pattern is combined with the human interface unit. When the first digital image data is combined with the print range pattern at 28 and displayed and output by the image display output unit 2, and the position of the print range pattern is changed relative to the first digital image data In addition, it is preferable to change the position of the decorative pattern in the same manner as the print range pattern. By doing so, it is possible to easily confirm the optimum printing composition when the decorative pattern is used.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention as described above, a transmission image on a roll-type or sheet-type film, which will be described later, is read by the photoelectric conversion element as the image input means 7 in the image data input section 1. ,
It is preferable to have a film reading unit 11 for converting the data into digital data to obtain image data.

Further, in the printer device according to the present invention as described above, a reflection image of a document on a sheet as described later is read by the photoelectric conversion element as the image input means 7 in the image data input section 1 and is read. It is preferable to have a scanner unit that obtains image data by analog-to-digital conversion.

In these cases, the input position adjusting section 29 moves the film holder for holding the film, the document guide for holding the document, and the photoelectric conversion element mounting section without changing the spatial parallel distance therebetween. It is preferable to perform relative control by performing the following control. That is, first, a control of relatively rotating and moving is given. Next, a relative translation control is performed together with the relative rotational movement control, and an image reading operation is performed again. The image corresponding to the relative rotational movement performed by the input position adjustment unit 29 at the time of this reading operation is performed. Input range control that limits the reading range so that the reading shape of the image becomes rectangular. In this case, the first reading operation may be sparse reading, and the second reading operation may be normal density reading.

As described above, when the input position adjusting section 29 relatively moves the film holder, the document guide, and the photoelectric conversion element mounting section, the rotation may be caused when digital image data is rotated. It is possible to reduce the deterioration of image quality caused by the occurrence of unnatural step-like jaggies, even if the setting misalignment occurs when setting the film in the film holder, or when setting the original in the original guide. Even if a setting deviation occurs, it is possible to correct these deviations.

Therefore, in the printer apparatus of the present invention, when executing the editing process desired by the user,
The processing result is obtained by executing the editing process on a predetermined partial area corresponding to the portion surrounded by the print range pattern, instead of executing the editing process on the entire first digital image data. Time is short.

As described above, in the printer device according to the present invention, the data processing section 5 performs at least one editing process on the first digital image data to generate the edited image data. It also functions as an edit processing unit for a certain second digital image data, and also functions as an edit processing storage unit for storing the contents of each process, the parameters in each process, and the processing order during the execution of the at least one edit process. .

For this reason, the image display output unit 2 also displays and outputs the second digital image data, and the print output processing unit 24
Converts the second digital image data into print data for printing in the image printing unit 3, and this second digital image data is also printed and output by the image printing unit 3.

That is, in the printer device of the present invention, the image data input unit 1
The first digital image data input from the display unit is displayed and output, and the data processing unit 5 functioning as the editing processing unit performs predetermined processing on a predetermined partial area of the first digital image data input from the image data input unit 1. The data processing unit 5 which functions as an edit processing storage unit during execution of the predetermined edit processing by generating partial edit image data
In the above, the processing contents for the predetermined partial area, the parameters in each processing, and the editing processing contents of the processing order are stored, and the partial editing input from the data processing unit 5 functioning as the editing processing unit in the image display output unit 2 The image data is displayed and output, the second input of the first digital image data is performed to the data processing unit 5 functioning as the editing processing unit, and the data processing unit functioning as the editing processing storage unit is applied to the entire image data. 5, at least a part of the predetermined editing process performed on the partial region based on the storage of the partial region is performed to be second digital image data,
The image display output unit 2 displays and outputs the second digital image data input from the data processing unit 5 functioning as an edit processing unit, and the print output processing unit 24 converts the second digital image data into print data. Then, the image printing section 3 prints and outputs a print image on a recording medium based on the print data to form a print image.

In the printer of the present invention, the predetermined partial area of the first digital image data is a central portion of the first digital image data, or a plurality of the first digital image data are stored. It is preferable that the area is one or more of the blocks divided into the above, or an area determined by an instruction from the outside.

In the printer of the present invention, the editing process to be executed has variable parameters, and when the user instructs to execute the editing process by changing or specifying the parameter value, the first digital image data The editing process corresponding to the variable parameter is executed for the predetermined partial area. On the other hand, when the editing process to be executed has no variable parameters, when the user instructs the execution of the editing process, the editing process is directly performed on a predetermined partial area in the first digital image data. By doing so, it is possible for the user to execute the editing process of the predetermined partial area and set it as an area including the target image in the image data whose effect is desired to be confirmed.

That is, in the printer apparatus of the present invention, the editing process is not performed on the entire first digital image data, but is performed on a predetermined partial area including a portion of interest. Thus, the time until the processing result is obtained is short.

When executing an editing process having a variable parameter, in order to find the optimum value of the variable parameter,
When it is necessary to check each processing result while changing the variable parameter value, the processing time per one processing is reduced, and the time required for the entire processing can be reduced or the number of trials Can be increased.

When a plurality of editing processes are executed, if there is an editing process having variable parameters in the editing process,
When the order of processing can be changed, or when there is an editing process that can be skipped, the time required for one series of editing processes can be reduced.

Further, in the printer of the present invention, the display output image of the image display output unit 2 is arranged to display and output a plurality of first digital image data and / or second digital image data. When editing processing is performed on a predetermined partial area of the plurality of first digital image data to obtain a plurality of partial edited image data, the partial edited image data of one first digital image data is obtained. Each time is generated, in the data processing unit 5 functioning as an edit processing storage unit during the execution of the edit processing, the processing contents for the predetermined partial area, the parameters in each processing, and the editing processing contents of the processing order are stored.
The image display output unit 2 arranges and displays a plurality of partial edited image data input from the data processing unit 5 functioning as an editing processing unit, and outputs the plurality of partially edited image data in response to an external instruction using an instruction device 8. When one piece of the partially edited image data is selected from the data, the whole of the first digital image data corresponding to the partially edited image data is selected based on the storage of the data processing unit 5 functioning as the editing processing storage unit. At least a part of the predetermined editing process executed on the area is executed and the second
Of digital image data.

Further, in the printer device of the present invention, the display output image of the image display output section 2 displays and outputs a plurality of first digital image data and / or second digital image data side by side. Has been done,
When a different editing process is performed on a predetermined partial area of the predetermined first digital image data to form a plurality of partial editing image data, the editing process is executed every time one partial editing image data is generated. In the data processing unit 5 functioning as an editing processing storage unit, the processing contents for the predetermined partial area, the parameters in each processing, and the editing processing contents of the processing order are stored. A plurality of partial edited image data input from the PC are displayed side by side, and when one partial edited image data is selected from the plurality of partial edited image data by an external instruction, the predetermined first digital image is displayed. A small number of predetermined editing processes performed on the entire data based on the storage of the editing process storage unit with respect to the partial area corresponding to the partial editing image data. Ku and also preferably part of the editing process is the second digital image data is performed.

In such a case, if the editing process to be executed has variable parameters, each time the user changes the variable parameter value and executes the editing process, a plurality of partial edited image data to be generated are generated. What is necessary is just to display and output sequentially. Furthermore, the variable range of the parameter value is divided,
In accordance with a plurality of parameter values obtained, an editing process is performed on a specific partial area in the first digital image data based on a user's instruction or automatically, and an image display output unit is provided for each editing process. In step 2, a plurality of partial edited image data may be sequentially displayed and output.

By sequentially outputting the obtained result images on the same screen while changing the contents of the editing process,
It is possible to make it easy to recognize the difference between the editing processing results, and it is possible to select the editing processing content desired by the user based on the processing content displayed and output. In addition, it is possible to determine an optimum editing process based on the display output image, and unnecessary print output is suppressed, and consumption of consumables such as ink and a recording medium is also suppressed.

Furthermore, instead of the user's instruction to divide the parameter values and sequentially display and output the execution results on the same screen, the parameter division number or division interval is set in advance and automatically By sequentially executing and displaying the output, it is easy to find the optimum parameter value.

Further, in the printer device of the present invention, the display output image of the image display output unit 2 is arranged to display and output a plurality of first digital image data and / or second digital image data. The image printing unit 3 includes a plurality of first digital image data and / or
Alternatively, the second digital image data is arranged and printed out on one recording medium, and the plurality of first digital image data and / or the second digital image data displayed and output on the image display output unit 2 are provided. It is preferable that the digital image data is printed as it is on the one printing medium in the image printing section 3 as it is.

That is, in the printer device of the present invention, the result images obtained while changing the contents of the editing process are printed side by side on one recording medium, so that the display output image and the print output image are Even if the user has an impression difference, it is possible to optimally determine what kind of editing processing is necessary to obtain the desired print output image quality.

In the printer of the present invention, the second digital image data as a result of the editing process in the display output image of the image display output unit 2 is reduced and displayed. This makes it possible to reduce the capacity of the image memory 20 that holds image data necessary for display output.

In the printer according to the present invention, it is preferable that at least the data processing section 5 functioning as an image calculation section and an editing processing section and the image printing section 3 are integrally formed.

In the printer device, the display output characteristic setting for defining the display image quality in the image display output unit 2 is corrected in accordance with the print characteristic setting for defining the image quality in the image printing unit 3. Alternatively, the printing characteristic setting for defining the image quality in the image printing unit 3 is corrected in accordance with the display output characteristic setting for defining the display quality in the image display output unit 2. As a result, the display output image of the image display output unit 2 and the print output image of the image print unit 3 are expressed as visually equivalent image quality.

Next, the individual components will be described in detail.

In this printer, as the image input means 7, an image data interface unit 9 functioning as an analog image signal input port or a digital image data input port, a removable media drive unit 10 which is a disk drive or a memory drive,
The camera includes a film reading unit 11 which is a scanner having a photoelectric conversion element, and a computer interface unit 12 functioning as a digital image data input port.

The image data interface unit 9
An interface unit for connecting an image data input / output unit 27 to a device or device for processing a subject or a document, such as a digital still image camera 14, a digital video camera, a document reading scanner, or the like, shown as an external connection device 13 in FIG. It is.

The image data interface unit 9 functions as a physical connection unit, and the externally connected device 1
3 and also functions as a digital image data input port (digital image data input port).
Examples of a method for connecting to the external connection device 13 include a wire connection and a wireless connection using infrared rays, electromagnetic waves, or the like.

In the image data interface section 9, the NTSC video signal, PAL video signal, R
An analog video signal such as a GB video signal and an S terminal video signal may be input (functioning as an analog image signal input port), and the digitalized signal may be generated as image data.

When inputting a continuous image such as a digital video camera or an analog video signal, that is, a moving image, the moving image is directly sent to a display device 15 shown as the image display output unit 2 or an external monitor connected to the output port 16. When the user outputs an image signal and gives an instruction to select a desired image using the instruction device 8, the moving image selected by the image data interface unit 9 is digitally controlled by the human interface unit 28 described later. It is also possible to take in as image data which is a converted still image.

The image data captured in this way is sent to the data processing section 5 via the image data input / output section 27. The data may be sequentially transmitted in units of blocks each composed of an amount, or may be transmitted in units of one complete image data.

The removable media drive section 10
Is a portion for reading and writing image data by driving a removable medium 17 or the like shown as the external connection device 13 in FIG.

As the removable medium 17, there are:
Examples include a magnetic card, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, an IC memory card including a flash memory, a ROM, and a RAM.

The removable media drive section 10
With regard to a medium that requires driving of a physical mechanism, drive control of the mechanism is also performed.

The image data captured in this way is sent to the data processing unit 5 via the image data input / output unit 27.
The image data may be sent sequentially in the order of capture, may be sent sequentially in units of blocks each having a fixed data amount, or may be sent in units of one complete image data. .

When there are a plurality of image data in the medium, the image signal is sent to a monitor connected to a display device 15 or an output port 16 shown as the image display output unit 2 sequentially or in a state where each image data is reduced. When the user issues an instruction to select a desired image using the instruction device 8, the removable media drive unit 10 stores the selected image data into image data under the control of the human interface unit 28 described later. The data can be sent to the output unit 27 and the data processing unit 5 can perform a predetermined process. On the contrary, the image data subjected to the predetermined processing by the data processing unit 5 is controlled by the human interface unit 28 so that the image data input / output unit 2
7, the removable media drive unit 10
, And the removable medium drive unit 10 can write and save the data in the removable medium 17.

The film reading section 11 includes, for example, a so-called APS (Advanced Pho) having magnetic information related to a so-called ordinary 35 mm film or image.
This is a part that reads a photographic film 18 shown as the external connection device 13 in FIG. 1 such as a film, a large roll type film, and a sheet type film, and converts it into image data.

That is, the film reading unit 11
First, each film is placed on a film holder that holds the film, and the film is moved, whereby control is performed to move each image on the film to a reading start position by the photoelectric conversion element. Examples of the photoelectric conversion element include a photodiode, a phototransistor, a CCD line sensor, a C-MOS line sensor, a CCD image sensor, a C-MOS image sensor, and the like.
Next, when reading one image, either the film folder or the photoelectric conversion element is moved two-dimensionally if the photoelectric conversion element is a single sensor, or one-dimensionally if the line sensor is used, according to the reading operation. Let it. In the case of the area sensor, it is not moved during the reading operation.

As an operation of reading an image on a film,
A sparse reading operation with a low reading density or a reading operation at a normal reading speed is performed on the image on the film, and the obtained image data is sent to the data processing unit 5 via the image data input / output unit 27. The data is sent from the data processing unit 5 to the image display / output unit 2 via the human interface unit 28 and displayed.

As described above, for example, the display device is used adjacent to the display output image of the image display output unit 2 such as a touch panel, or used from the instruction device 8 as input means displayed on the display output image. When the printing range is determined by the user's instruction and it is determined that rereading from the film reading unit 11 is necessary, a request for rereading is output from the human interface unit 28 to the film reading unit 11 and the film reading unit 11 The state information at the time of re-reading is sent to the input position adjustment unit 29 in.

When the input position adjusting section 29 obtains the state information, it mechanically rotates and translates the film holder or the photoelectric conversion element. Then, the operation of reading the image on the film is performed again, and the obtained image data is sent to the data processing unit 5 via the image data input / output unit 27.

The image data may be sent sequentially in the order of reading, may be sent sequentially in blocks of a fixed data amount, or may be sent in units of one complete image data.

In the case where a plurality of images are recorded on the film, the read image data may be left as they are, or each image may be reduced, or the pitch at the time of reading may be reduced. The sparsely read image is output as a video signal to an external monitor connected to the display device 15 or the output port 16 shown as the image display output unit 2 via the data processing unit 5 so that the user can use the human interface unit 28. When an instruction to select a desired image is issued by controlling the
It is also possible to perform an operation of instructing the printing range by the instruction to the printer, changing the position of the film folder or the photoelectric conversion element at the time of re-reading by the input position adjusting unit 29 based on the instruction, and performing the image reading operation again.

When the human interface unit 28 requests the film reading unit 11 to perform enlargement control at the time of re-reading, the photoelectric conversion element described below scans the film surface in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. In this case, the necessary enlargement control is executed by changing the scan speed in accordance with the enlargement ratio or by interpolating the read pixel data.

If re-reading by the film reading unit 11 is not required, the data processing unit 5 cuts out the image data according to the printing range set for the image data read first and, if necessary, To perform enlargement processing.

It is also possible for the film reading section 11 to send the selected image data to the image data input / output section 27 so that the data processing section 5 performs a part or all of the predetermined processing.

It is to be noted that the film reading section 11 may be provided with a function of correcting the characteristics of the photoelectric conversion element and a function of correcting the characteristics of illumination when performing photoelectric conversion. However, when the processing for these corrections can be performed as digital processing, the processing may be performed by the data processing unit 5 instead of the film reading unit 11.

Of the photographic films 18, especially APS
When the film is read by the photoelectric conversion element, a magnetic head is also provided in the film reading unit 11, and the reading operation is performed, and at the same time, the magnetic data relating to photographing recorded on the APS film is read. The magnetic data is displayed and output by the image display output unit 2 under the control of the human interface unit 28 as image data related to the image data, is used at the time of data processing by the data processing unit 5, and is stored together with the image data.

Conventionally, when printing the photographic film 18 as described above, a system mainly using a general-purpose computer has been used. However, if the printer of the present embodiment is used, it is possible to print without using a general-purpose computer. It is possible to easily perform printing.

Also, as described above, the film reading unit 1
An input position adjusting unit 29 is provided in the unit 1. The input position adjusting unit 29 performs an operation of changing the positional relationship of the film holder or the photoelectric conversion element based on the state information on the inclination of the target image from the data processing unit 5.

The film reading section 11 comprises a scanner section as described below. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, it is mainly constituted by a film holder 141 for holding a film 140 and a CCD sensor 142 serving as a photoelectric conversion element, and illuminates an image 143 from the back so as to sandwich the film 140. A light source 144 and a mirror 145 are provided.
The light L1 due to the image 143 illuminated by the light 143 is condensed by the lens 146 via the mirror 145, is sent to the CCD sensor 142 as light L2, and the analog image signal of the image 143 is photoelectrically converted to the first signal. Is converted to digital image data. Note that here, CC
An example in which a CCD line sensor is used as the D sensor 142 will be described.

At this time, the input position adjusting unit 29
Is a film holder 141 and a photoelectric conversion element CC
The positional relationship with the D sensor 142, more specifically, the mounting portion (not shown) of the film holder 141 and the CCD sensor 142 is relatively controlled by performing the following control without changing the space between them. It is preferable to move. That is, first, there is a control for relatively performing at least one of the rotational movement and the parallel movement. Next, there is a control for performing a relative translation along with a relative rotational movement control.

For example, in the example shown in FIG.
Sensor 142, lens 146, mirror 145, light source 1
The CCD unit 147 comprising the film 44 is fixed, and the film holder 141 is rotated and translated.
Specifically, the film holder 141 is rotated and moved as indicated by an arrow M3 in the figure, and is also moved in parallel in the main scanning direction indicated by an arrow M1 in the figure, which corresponds to a vertical direction in the figure, and an arrow M2 in the figure, which corresponds to an oblique direction in the figure. Are translated in the sub-scanning direction indicated by. By this operation, the optical distance of the reading area (in this case, a straight line) on the film 140 corresponding to the CCD sensor 142 does not change.

The main scanning direction indicated by the arrow M1 in the drawing, which is a reading line corresponding to the CCD sensor 142, and the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow M2 in the drawing at the time of reading are orthogonal to each other.

Therefore, in the case of FIG. 2, the film holder 141 is rotated and moved as shown by the arrow M3 in the figure, and the film holder 141 is further moved to the CCD sensor 1.
What is necessary is to move parallel to the position of the CCD sensor 142 in the main scanning direction as shown by the arrow M1 in the figure, and to move in parallel to the position of the CCD sensor 142 in the sub-scanning direction as shown by the arrow M2 in the figure. When reading the next image, the film holder 141 may be moved in parallel in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow M2 in the figure.

In FIG. 2, the film holder 1
The example in which the 41 is moved has been described.
The 47 side may move. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, in the film reading unit having the same configuration as the film reading unit 11 shown in FIG.
The CCD unit 147 including the CD sensor 142, the lens 146, the mirror 145, and the light source 144 may move. In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 are used, and the description is omitted.

More specifically, the CCD unit 147 is rotated and moved as indicated by an arrow M6 in the figure, and is also moved in parallel with the main scanning direction indicated by an arrow M4 in the figure, which corresponds to the vertical direction in the figure, and obliquely corresponds to the figure. It is translated in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the middle arrow M5. By this operation, the optical distance of the reading area (in this case, a straight line) on the film 140 corresponding to the CCD sensor 142 does not change.

The main scanning direction indicated by the arrow M4 in the drawing, which is a reading line corresponding to the CCD sensor 142, and the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow M5 in the drawing during reading are orthogonal to each other.

That is, in the case as shown in FIG. 3, the CCD unit 147 is rotated and moved as shown by the arrow M6 in the figure, and the CCD unit 147 is further moved in parallel with the position of the CCD sensor 142 by the arrow M4 in the figure. As shown in the figure, it is only necessary to move in parallel in the main scanning direction, and at right angles to the position of the CCD sensor 142, to move in parallel in the sub-scanning direction as shown by an arrow M5 in the figure. When reading the next image, the film holder 141 may be moved in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow M5 in the figure.

The computer interface unit 12
Is an interface for connecting the host computer 19 shown as the external connection device 13 in FIG. 1 and the image data input / output unit 27, and is a Bi-Centronic.
s, IEEE-1394, USB, SCSI, and other high-speed interfaces are used. The computer interface unit 12 controls each interface and controls various protocols including commands and responses for bidirectionally transmitting and receiving image data using each interface. The transmitted and received image data is handled in line units, block units, or plane units.

Until now, when an image of a computer was printed out by a printer, various processes for printing out had to be performed by a printer driver on the computer. On the other hand, in the printer device, the data processing unit 5 and the characteristic correction unit 4
Therefore, the processing by the printer driver of the host computer 19 is greatly reduced. That is, the time required for processing by the host computer 19 is reduced, the host computer 19 can immediately execute operations other than printing, and the CPU occupation time of the host computer 19 can be reduced. .

Further, in this printer, the result of performing various processes by the data processing unit 5 on the image data input from the various image input means 7 described above is sent to the host computer 19.
It is also possible to perform various processes with other software and store it in the host computer 19.

Here, four types of means have been described as the image input means 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image input means 7 may be provided as necessary without departing from the gist of the present invention. Good.

Next, regarding the image data input / output section 27, the image input means 7 and the data processing section 5 in the image processing section 6 will be described.
This is a part that controls the transfer of image data between the image data. That is, it is a portion for transferring the first digital image data obtained by converting the digital image data and / or the analog image signal inputted from outside in the image input means 7 from analog to digital to the data processing section 5.

The image data input / output unit 27
It also has a function of adjusting the transfer timing of the image data, the transfer source and the transfer destination, and preventing collision or the like of the image data. Further, it may have a function of adjusting image data input from various types of image input means so that the image data can be handled similarly.

In the image data input / output unit 27,
The image input unit 7 receives image data from the image data interface unit 9 and the film reading unit 11, and sends and receives image data to and from the removable media drive unit 10 and the computer interface unit 12. That is, the image data input unit 1
Functions as a data input / output unit. Timing of transmission and reception of image data in the image data input unit 1;
Control such as selection of image data is executed based on an instruction from a human interface unit 28 described later when following an instruction from the user, and based on control from the data processing unit 5 when automatically performed. Be executed.

Although the image data input section 1 has been described above, when each image input means 7 can directly read a plurality of image data, these plurality of image data are sequentially input. For example, in the following cases, they are sequentially input.

For example, when the digital still image camera 14 is connected to the image data interface unit 9 and there are a plurality of photographed image data in a memory or a recording medium in the digital still image camera 14, the data is sequentially input.

A moving picture video signal is input to the image data interface section 9 and the moving picture video signal is captured and digitized every fixed time or every time the content of the moving picture changes greatly. Input sequentially.

Further, when there is a plurality of image data in a medium to be connected or inserted into the removable medium drive section 10, they are sequentially input.

Further, when a plurality of images are recorded in a photographic film set for reading by the film reading section 11 in a roll type or a sheet type, they are sequentially input.

Further, the computer interface unit 1
A plurality of image data is stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk or a CD-ROM drive in the host computer 19 connected to the host computer 2, and the plurality of image data is transmitted from the host computer 19 through a bidirectional interface with the computer interface unit 12. When the control software is executed on the host computer 19 so that the data can be sequentially transmitted to the computer interface unit 12, the control software is sequentially input.

The input portion of the image data has been described above. The image data input from each of the image input means 7 of the image data described so far is subjected to a different operation after the data processing section 5 described later reduces the image data. Each process is executed, the execution result is displayed and output on the display device 15 or an external monitor, and by referring to the display output result image,
If the image data before the reduction is not held when determining the optimum arithmetic processing, the same image data is input again. For example, since the image size of the image data is larger than the displayable range on the display device 15 and the external monitor, the reduced image data is set to an image size within the displayable range by performing reduction or sparse readout control. In contrast, when different arithmetic processing is executed and the processing contents are temporarily held, and the final optimum processing contents are determined with reference to the resulting display output image, the data processing unit 5 and the image memory 20 Has no original size image data, the image data is input from the image data input unit 1 again.

The image data to be finally processed is sent from each image input means 7 to the next stage.

Further, the printer of this embodiment has a display device 15 and an output port 16 which is an analog image signal output port and / or a digital image data output port as the image display output section 2. The output port 16 is connected to an external monitor for external connection.

The display device 15 is mainly composed of a full-color display for displaying image data and a human interface 28 to be described later, and a drive unit thereof. As such a display device, a flat panel display represented by a liquid crystal panel is preferable. Further, one or more status indicators including LEDs or the like indicating the operation status may be provided.

The printer device of the present invention is particularly provided with an instruction device 8 which is constituted by a touch panel or the like in proximity to or in contact with a display image on the display device 15 or integrally therewith. The display device 15
Examples thereof include a CRT monitor, an LCD monitor, an FED monitor, an LCD projector, and an EL monitor.

The pointing device 8 which is an input means for inputting the external instruction includes a mouse, a trackball, a keyboard, a touch panel provided on the display device 15, a pen touch input panel for inputting with a pen point, and the like. Is exemplified. This is where the user's instructions are input in accordance with the control of the human interface unit 28 described later. In the touch panel or the pen touch input panel provided on the display device 15, the display of the operation key image on the display device and the input operation range for the displayed key image of the touch panel or the pen touch input panel are the same or related. Position.

Examples of the system of the touch panel and the pen touch input panel include an ultrasonic system, a capacitance system, a light (infrared) system, a distortion system, and a resistance film system, and include scratch resistance, resolution, parallax, response speed, light speed, and the like. An appropriate method is selected according to characteristics such as transmittance.

When chattering may occur due to keys or the like, a process for preventing malfunction due to chattering is performed by an electric circuit or control software. The pointing device 8 can be used by controlling the human interface unit 28 while displaying a pointer indicating the display position of the pointing device 8 on an external monitor display screen displayed by the video signal output from the output port 16. It is also possible to display the instruction acceptance range on the external monitor, move the pointer by the instruction device 8 within the range, and input a user instruction by selecting the pointer.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the display screen 15 of the flat display 150 as the display device 15
The frame-shaped touch panel 152 is joined so as to surround the outer frame of the image data display area 151 on 0a as indicated by an arrow M7 in the figure. The user touches the surface of each part of the image displayed on the touch panel 152 with a finger or a pen, or points on the surface, so that the touch panel 152 detects the position, and the position information is transmitted to the human interface unit 28 as described later. Output to At this time, the flat display driving circuit 153 is connected to the flat display 150.
Is connected, and an instruction from the touch panel 152 is output from the touch panel 152 to the touch panel drive / detection circuit 154, and the instruction is output from the human interface unit 28.
It goes without saying that it is output to The human interface unit 28 shifts to the next control from the display contents on the flat display 150 and the input information from the touch panel.

The function of the human interface unit 28 for outputting the image data output from the image processing unit 6 to be described later to the display device 15 and the image display output unit 2 of the output port 16 and the instruction device 8 A function for selecting an image and reading image data in response to an input instruction from a user of the image processing unit, and setting various parameters for editing, processing, synthesizing, and correcting image data in the data processing unit 5 in the image processing unit 6. Function to be performed, characteristic correction unit 4
A function for correcting the display output characteristic setting for defining the display image quality in the image display output unit 2 and / or the setting for correcting the print characteristic setting for defining the print image quality in the image printing unit 3 according to the above. The unit 4 has a function of performing settings when correcting image data, a function of performing print output instructions, and a function of controlling the printer apparatus in accordance with user instructions.

The human interface unit 28
Is a display device that combines image data for the display device 15 and output port 16 of the image display output unit 2 processed by the image processing unit 6 with a key display, a slide volume display, a menu screen display, and the like necessary for the operation. 15 and output from an output port 16 to an external monitor.

With such a configuration, the content displayed on the display device 15 and the content displayed on the external monitor can be made different. For example, the image synthesized with the image data and the human interface unit 28 may be displayed on the display device 15, and only the image signal may be output to the output port 16 to display only the image data on the external monitor. Specifically, the display device 15 displays the entire printing range of the recording medium, and the external monitor displays only the selected image data. Or vice versa.

Particularly, in the printer of the present invention,
The human interface unit 28 includes a display content on the display device 15 such as a flat display,
The input instruction contents from the instruction device 8 such as a touch panel formed on the surface of the display device 15 are controlled in association with each other, and finally a print image of the composition most desired by the user is determined from the image data. In the image data display area on the flat display, the input image data and the frame pattern indicating the printing range are synthesized and displayed and output, and the user on the display screen of the frame pattern or image data approaches with a finger or a pen. The position and the moving distance and the moving direction designated by the above are detected, and how to move the frame pattern or the image data is determined based on the detection, and further the moving direction and the moving direction are determined by the moving distance and the moving direction. Decide what to do.

[0220] The display on the flat display and the detection by the touch panel are preferably controlled in real time, and the time difference for changing the display content on the flat panel in response to the detection of the movement instruction from the touch panel is human time. It is preferable that the time is within 0.3 seconds from a general human characteristic that the delay can be recognized if the time exceeds 0.3 seconds.

Next, an example of specific display and instruction input will be described. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, image data (not shown) and a frame pattern 156 indicating a printing range are displayed in the image data display area 155. Then, when the user designates a specific position corresponding to the display content corresponding to the frame pattern 156 of the touch panel formed on the flat display with a finger, the frame pattern 156 displayed overlapping the image data display is displayed. Change the display position of the pattern.

When the user designates a translation region, a rotation region, a size change region, and a shape change region of the touch panel according to the display of the frame pattern 156 with a finger, the frame pattern 156 is set to an operation mode corresponding to the region. When the user moves the finger on the touch panel, the frame pattern 156 is rotated / moved / changed in size / changed in shape according to the operation mode according to the moving direction and the moving distance. When the user stops giving an instruction with the finger, the user exits from each operation mode and waits for the next input.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when the user designates the shape change areas 157a and 157b located at the center of each side 156a and 156b of the frame pattern 156,
As shown by arrows M8 and M9 in the figure, the frame pattern 156 expands and contracts in the vertical direction in the figure, and the shape of the frame pattern 156 changes in the vertical direction.

Further, as shown in FIG.
When the user designates the shape change areas 157c and 157d located at the center of each side 156c and 156d of FIG. 6, the frame pattern 156 expands and contracts in the horizontal direction in the figure as shown by arrows M10 and M11 in the figure. The shape of the pattern 156 changes in the left and right directions.

As described above, when the shape of the frame pattern 156 is changed, the vertical and horizontal sides included in the designated area are moved to perform a transformation such as changing from a rectangle to a square or a longer rectangle. .

Further, as shown in FIG.
Size change areas 158a, 158 located at each vertex of 56
When the user designates 8b, 158c, and 158d, the frame pattern 156 expands and contracts in the oblique direction in the figure as shown by arrows M12, M13, M14, and M15 in the figure, and the size of the frame pattern 156 moves in the oblique direction. Change.

In other words, in these cases, the size of the frame pattern 156 is changed, but similar deformation occurs without changing the ratio of the vertical and horizontal sides of the frame pattern 156.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when the user designates the parallel movement area 160 located within the frame pattern 156, the frame pattern 156 is displayed as shown by an arrow M17 in the figure.
Moves in the vertical and horizontal oblique directions in the figure in the parallel direction, and the frame pattern 15
The position of No. 6 changes in the vertical and horizontal oblique parallel directions.

That is, in this case, instead of changing the size and shape of the frame pattern 156,
Moves in parallel while maintaining the positional relationship between the vertical and horizontal sides and the respective lengths.

Further, in the rotation area 159 located within the frame pattern 156, the frame pattern 156 rotates and moves.
The operability is good when moved in all directions around 60 °. In rotation,
Rotate clockwise / counterclockwise around the center position of the frame pattern 156 as a center point.

In the above-described example, the example in which the frame pattern 156 is rotated / moved / changed in size / changed in shape according to the respective operation modes has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the frame pattern 156 is fixed. In addition, the display of the image data in the image data display area 155 may be rotated / moved / changed in size according to each operation mode.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when the user designates the size change areas 161a, 161b, 161c, 161d located at each vertex of the image data in the image data display area 155, arrows M18, M19 in the figure , M20,
As indicated by M21, the size of the image data changes in the oblique direction by similar deformation and expansion / contraction in the oblique direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the user designates the parallel movement area 163 located in the image data in the image data display area 155, the image data is displayed vertically and horizontally as indicated by an arrow M24 in the figure. The image data is moved in the oblique direction in the parallel direction, and the position of the image data is changed in the vertical and horizontal oblique parallel directions.

Further, in the rotation area 162 located within the image data in the image data display area 155, the operability is good if the image data rotates and moves in the 360 ° circumferential direction. In the rotation, the image data is rotated clockwise / counterclockwise around the center position of the image data.

However, as shown in FIG. 6, in this case, there is no operation for changing the shape of the image data, and when it is desired to change the shape of the printing range, the operation for changing the shape of the frame pattern 156 as shown in FIG. Is required.

In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,
One of the image data display position and the frame pattern 156 display position is mainly changed. However, both may be moved and rotated, or the mode may be switched by changing the mode so that the user can easily use it. May be enabled. Further, the relative position of the frame pattern 156 with respect to the image data display may be restricted so that the position can be changed within a range in which the frame pattern is entirely included in the image data display range, or a part of the frame pattern may be displayed in the image data display range. You may be allowed to go out of range.

Next, a specific moving example will be described.
FIG. 7 shows an example in which the position or shape of the frame pattern which is the printing range pattern is changed, and the position of the image data which is the first digital image data is fixed. An example in which the position of certain image data is changed and the position of a frame pattern that is a print range pattern is fixed will be described.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, if the frame pattern 165 on the image data 164 is moved diagonally to the right as shown by the arrow M25 in the figure, the frame pattern 166 can be determined. good. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the frame pattern 167 on the image data 164 may be rotated and moved as indicated by an arrow M26 in the figure to be a frame pattern 168 for determining the printing range. Further, FIG.
As shown in (c), the frame pattern 169 on the image data 164 may be a frame pattern 170 that determines the printing range by enlarging the frame in four directions as indicated by the arrow M27 in the figure. Further, as shown in FIG.
4 is enlarged in the horizontal direction as indicated by an arrow M28 in the figure to determine the printing range.
It should be 2.

Also, as shown in FIG. 8A, the frame pattern 173 on the image data 174 is fixed, and the image data 174 is moved diagonally to the right as shown by the arrow M29 in the figure. Image data 175 may be used. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, a frame pattern 176 on the image data 177 is fixed, and the image data 177 is rotated and moved as indicated by an arrow M30 in the figure to be shifted to the image data 178 after the movement. Good. Furthermore, FIG.
As shown in FIG.
May be fixed, and the image data 180 may be reduced and moved as indicated by the arrow M31 in the figure to obtain the moved image data 181.

Next, a display example of the contents of the frame pattern will be described. For example, as shown in FIG.
82, a frame pattern 183 is displayed.
In the outer print range outside area 184, an image pattern such as hatching as shown in the figure is synthesized so that the original image can be seen from between the image patterns, or FIG.
As shown in (b), a frame pattern 186 is displayed on the image data 185, and an image pattern such as a dot or hatching as shown in the drawing is synthesized in an area 187 outside the printing range outside the frame pattern 186. Then, the original image may be seen through the image pattern.

Further, a guide pattern may be indicated in the frame pattern. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, a guide pattern 190 indicating a component parallel and / or perpendicular to the frame is also displayed in a frame pattern 189 on the image data 188, and each side of the frame pattern 189 is set to be golden. It is preferable to correspond to the divided points. By doing so, the user can easily refer to the composition when setting the printing range. In this case, the present invention is not limited to the golden section pattern, but may be displayed with pattern contents and positions that are helpful in setting the composition.

Further, a decorative pattern may be synthesized on a frame pattern which is a print range pattern. That is, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a frame pattern 192 on the image data 191
The decorative pattern 193 may be combined and displayed thereon.

The image processing section 6 is mainly constituted by the data processing section 5 and the characteristic correction section 4 as described above.

The image processing section 6 includes the image data input section 1
If the image data input from the printer does not have the ideal image quality characteristics, in order to improve the image quality of the display image on the display device 15 or the external monitor, and the print image printed by the image print unit 3, The data processing unit 5 corrects the input image data.

Then, the data processing unit 5 receives a user's instruction from the instruction device 8 via the human interface unit 28, and based on the instruction, receives the first digital image data from the image data input unit 1. Then, predetermined editing, processing, synthesis, correction and conversion are performed to obtain second digital image data.

In the printer apparatus of the present invention, in particular, the data processing section 5 cuts out image data within the printing range from the input image data in accordance with the printing range set by the user at the human interface section 28. Execute Also, a film reading unit 1
In the case of the image data read from No. 1, the state information indicating the printing range set from the human interface unit 28 is stored in the film reading unit 11 and the input position adjusting unit 29.
And re-reading control is performed, and image data corresponding to the obtained printing range is input. When it is necessary to unify the print image sizes on the recording medium, enlargement processing is performed as necessary.

The data processing unit 5 also controls access to the image memory 20 as needed, and writes and reads image data under the control of the data processing unit 5 as needed. . The image data to be stored is edited, processed, and processed by the data processing unit 5 in the image processing unit 6.
If the information has been synthesized and corrected, and there is information related to the image data, the related information is also held.

The data held in the image memory 20 may be in a compressed format, a reversible compressed format, an irreversibly compressed format, and the like.
The format to be used depends on whether the format is easy to handle by the image processing unit 6, whether or not the image quality is degraded by repeating the compression / decompression, the maximum number of image data and the capacity of the image data stored in the image memory 20. , The read / write speed of the image memory 20, and the like. Processing speed, image quality degradation,
In consideration of handling of data and the like, it is preferable that the data is stored in the image memory 20 in a non-compressed format. Further, it is preferable that the image memory 20 has a capacity capable of holding a plurality of uncompressed image data. Further, a part of the image memory 20 may be used as a working memory for image data in the process of processing in the image processing unit 6.

When accessing the image data in the image memory 20, the image data is stored in a compressed form in the image memory 20.
When the image data is to be stored inside, when the image data is written to the image memory 20, the data processing unit 5 performs the compression processing of the image data before writing. As a matter of course,
At the time of reading, the data processing unit 5 performs the decompression processing.

The data processing unit 5 also controls access to the image memory 20.
Control such as performing time-division access when the timing of writing image data to the image memory 20 and the timing of reading image data from the image memory 20 are likely to collide, or delaying either timing is performed. By adopting a structure in which the capacity of the image memory 20 can be increased or decreased,
By detecting the effective capacity, address control for the image memory 20 can be performed normally.

When the data processing section 5 executes editing, processing, synthesizing, and correcting processes of image data,
In the case of a plurality of processes that are performed over the entire image of the target image data, the process converts, for example, the data value of each pixel constituting the image by using a conversion table, and converts the gradation characteristics of the image. Alternatively, similarly, when the color reproduction characteristic of the image is changed, or when the edge enhancement processing is performed on the entire image, or when the processing is performed on a specific portion of the image instead of the entire image, for example, a pattern in the image By performing extraction, detecting a flesh-colored area of a person, and performing a process of specifically changing the contrast and color reproduction characteristics of the flesh-colored area, for example, a partial area is set in the image data, and Only perform the above-mentioned processing desired by the user and temporarily save the processing contents,
By outputting and displaying the processing progress and the processing result on a display device and an external monitor connected to the standard video signal, the user observes and confirms whether the processing content is appropriate,
When the processing content is the processing content desired by the user, by executing the same processing over the entire image data according to the temporarily stored arithmetic processing content, the target processing content can be quickly determined, Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for determining the processing content and executing the processing as a total. The progress of the arithmetic processing over the entire image data and the image data as the processing result are displayed on the display device 15 and on an external monitor.

As a method for setting a partial area to be processed in the image data as described above, the following method can be used.

That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the central area of the image data 194 is set as a partial area 195.
In the image data, since a target object is often photographed almost at the upper center, this area is set as a partial area where the arithmetic processing is tried. In particular, when a person image is taken, the face of the person is often located at the upper center of the image data.

Also, as shown in FIG.
A total of 96 areas are divided into a plurality of blocks 197 to form a plurality of areas, and a user selects a predetermined block 197a among these blocks 197 as a block to be processed. In the initial setting, a block including a substantially central portion of the image data 196 is set to a selected state, and the user selects another block 1.
In the case where the processing is attempted on the block 97, the block 197 desired by the instruction from the human interface unit 28
Select It is preferable that a boundary pattern indicating the boundary of each block 197 is displayed on the display device 15 and the external monitor, and the selected block 197 is further specified.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the partial area 199 of the size desired by the user on the image data 198 is moved to an arbitrary position as indicated by an arrow M32 in the figure.
00 may be used. In this case, first, the image data 198
Is set as a partial area 200 as a partial area 200, and the user sets the partial area 200 to try processing by arbitrarily changing the size and position of the area according to an instruction from the human interface unit 28. I do. Then, a frame-shaped partial region 199 set on the display device 15 or an external monitor is shown, and the size and position of the frame pattern are changed to determine the partial region 200.

Then, the arithmetic processing is tried on the partial area in the image data set as described above. At this time, when the arithmetic processing has a variable parameter, the user changes or specifies the parameter value and instructs the execution of the arithmetic processing, and when the user instructs the execution of the arithmetic processing, the user sets the parameter value in the set partial area in the image data according to the parameter value. Perform arithmetic processing. If the arithmetic processing does not have a variable parameter, when the user instructs execution of the arithmetic processing, the arithmetic processing is executed on the set partial area.

That is, in the case of having a variable parameter, the image data 202 is displayed as shown in FIG. 15, the partial area 203 is displayed on the image data 202, and the processing display showing the processing currently being performed. What is necessary is just to display the screen 201 having the section 204, the variable parameter selection section 207, and the execution key 208 for deciding the processing.

As shown in FIG. 15, the variable parameter selection section 207 has a slide volume display section 206 for displaying the level of the variable parameter, and adjustment keys 205a and 205b for raising and lowering the variable parameter. Here, when the adjustment key 205a on the left side in FIG. 15 is pressed, the level of the variable parameter shifts to the left, and when the adjustment key 205b on the right side in FIG. 15 is pressed, the level of the variable parameter shifts to the right.

In this case, a plurality of image display areas 209 capable of displaying a plurality of calculation processing results executed on the partial area 203 in the image data 202 are provided on the screen 201, and the calculation editing processing is completed. And then sequentially displayed as the partial edited image 210, it is easy to recognize the difference between the processing results, and it is easy to determine the optimum processing content.

On the other hand, when there is no variable parameter, the image data 212 is displayed as shown in FIG. 16, the partial area 213 is displayed on the image data 212, and the processing indicating the currently performed processing is performed. What is necessary is just to display the screen 211 having the display unit 214 and the execution key 215 for confirming the processing.

In this case, a plurality of image display areas 216 capable of displaying a plurality of calculation processing results executed on the partial area 213 in the image data 212 are provided on the screen 211, and the calculation editing processing is completed. , And sequentially displayed as partial edited images 217 and 218, it is easy to recognize the difference between the respective processing results, and it is easy to determine the optimum processing content.

With respect to the image data corresponding to the set partial areas 203 and 213 in the image data 202 and 212,
Different arithmetic processing or arithmetic processing using different variable parameter values is attempted, and the arithmetic result is sequentially displayed in the multiple image display areas 209 and 216 for each trial. At this time, each calculation processing content is temporarily stored in correspondence with the displayed processing result image.

Alternatively, when a plurality of arithmetic processings are sequentially performed on the image data corresponding to the set partial areas 203 and 213 in the image data 202 and 212, respectively.
When a plurality of arithmetic processings with different arithmetic processing contents and different variable parameter values are performed on the same image data, each time each arithmetic processing is performed, the arithmetic result obtained after each series of arithmetic processing is completed is displayed in the multiple image display area. 209 and 216. At this time, the contents of the respective arithmetic processing are temporarily stored sequentially in correspondence with the displayed processing result images.

When the arithmetic processing to be executed has variable parameters, the user changes the parameter values and sets the set partial areas 203, 2 in the image data 202, 212.
Each time the arithmetic processing is performed on the image 13, the arithmetic result is sequentially displayed in the plural image display areas 209 and 216.

Alternatively, the variable range of the variable parameter value is appropriately divided, and the set partial areas 203, 203 in the image data 202, 212 are determined according to the plurality of obtained parameter values.
Each time the arithmetic processing is performed on the respective 213, the arithmetic results are sequentially and automatically displayed in the plural image display areas 209 and 216 or in accordance with a user's instruction.

After execution of the arithmetic processing as described above, the user instructs from the plurality of partial processed images 210, 217, and 218 displayed in the plurality of image display areas 209 and 216 according to an instruction from the human interface unit. When a display output image closest to the desired calculation result is selected, the same processing is performed on the entire image data 202 and 212 according to the content of the calculation processing temporarily stored corresponding to the selected display output image.

By the way, when the arithmetic processing such as editing, processing, synthesizing, correcting, and converting is performed on the image data as described above, the effect of the arithmetic processing is confirmed by the display output and / or the printing result. In the case of an arithmetic processing with or without a specific arithmetic processing and a variable parameter, in many cases, trial processing is repeatedly performed to determine which parameter value is an optimum value and the like.

For example, the data value of each pixel constituting an image is converted by a conversion table to change the gradation characteristics of the image, or to change the color reproduction characteristics of the image, When the edge enhancement processing is performed, or when the processing is performed not on the entire image but on a predetermined partial area in the image, for example, a pattern in the image is extracted to detect a flesh color area of a person, and the contrast of the flesh color area is detected. For example, when executing a process for specifically changing the color reproduction characteristics, the processing result is displayed on the display device 15.
By displaying and outputting on the external monitor connected to the upper and standard video signals, the user observes and confirms whether the processing contents are appropriate, and if it is not judged that the processing contents are optimal or variable parameter values, the calculation is performed. The arithmetic processing is repeated again by changing the processing content or changing the variable parameter value. By repeating the trial processing in this way, it is possible to determine an optimal processing method and a variable parameter value.

Furthermore, if the results of the arithmetic processing performed on the image data can be sequentially displayed and output on the same screen on the display device 15 and the external monitor, the difference between the processing results can be easily recognized, and the optimum processing can be performed. It is easy to determine the content.

In this case, a plurality of image display areas capable of displaying partially edited images, which are the results of the plurality of trial calculation processes, can be imagined within a range in which images can be displayed on the display device 15 or the external monitor. On the other hand, different arithmetic processing or arithmetic processing with different variable parameter values are respectively tried, and the arithmetic result is sequentially displayed and output to the multiple image display area for each trial. At this time, if the image data of each calculation processing result cannot be stored in the image memory 20, the content of each calculation processing is temporarily stored corresponding to the displayed processing result image.

Alternatively, when a plurality of arithmetic processings are sequentially performed on image data, and when a plurality of arithmetic processings with different arithmetic processing contents and different variable parameter values are performed on the same image data, the respective arithmetic processings are executed. For each time, a calculation result obtained after each series of calculation processing is completed is displayed in the multiple image display area. Also at this time, if the image data of a plurality of arithmetic processing results cannot be held in the image memory 20, the arithmetic processing contents are sequentially temporarily stored corresponding to the displayed processing result images.

After executing the arithmetic processing in this manner, the user, in accordance with an instruction from the human interface unit 28, is closest to the desired arithmetic result among the plurality of edited images displayed and output in the multiple image display area. When the display output image is selected, if there is no image data of the selected edit processing result in the image memory 20, according to the arithmetic processing content temporarily stored corresponding to the selected display output image,
The same processing is performed on the original image data.

When the calculation process to be executed has variable parameters, the calculation results are sequentially displayed and output in a plurality of image display areas each time the user changes the parameter value and executes the calculation process on the image data. I do.

Alternatively, the variable range of the variable parameter value is automatically or appropriately divided according to the user's instruction, and a plurality of variable ranges are obtained each time the arithmetic processing is performed on the image data in accordance with the plurality of obtained parameter values. Are sequentially displayed and output.

In order to put a plurality of processing result screens in the multiple image display area, the calculation processing result image may be reduced and displayed. Furthermore, by displaying each reduced display output image in the multiple image display area on a scrollable display screen, a large number of reduced images can be displayed and output. Further, instead of the reduction, the central portion in the image data may be cut out and displayed and output.

As described above, in the multiple image display area on the display device 15 or the external monitor, different arithmetic processing or arithmetic processing having different variable parameters for the image data input from the image data input unit 1 is performed. A plurality of arithmetic processes including a plurality of different arithmetic processes or arithmetic processes having different variable parameters are performed each time the arithmetic process is attempted in accordance with an instruction from the user, or by a dividing method in which the variable width of the variable parameter is determined in advance. Each time an arithmetic process is attempted based on a plurality of parameter values obtained by dividing the data or a plurality of parameter values obtained by an instruction from the user, the display is output.

When the arithmetic processing desired by the user is executed in this way, the image data obtained by the printing instruction from the user is sent to the printing output processing section 24 next.

At this time, in addition to sending only the finally obtained image data to the print output processing unit 24 for printing, a plurality of different processing result images in the plurality of image display areas are stored on one recording medium. In order to print the image data, image data to be sent to the print output processing unit 24 is newly generated, a plurality of image printing areas are assumed therein, and a plurality of different processing result image data are respectively associated with the area. The image data may be arranged and sent to the print output processing unit 24 for printing.

In the data processing section 5, when the image data interface section 9 and the film reading section 11 do not execute the characteristic correction processing for each input section when taking or reading each image data, The processing of the same brush may be performed in the digital processing.

In the data processing section 5,
Mainly, image data is digitized and handled. With respect to the digitized image data read from the image data input unit 1, if each process is continued while the number of bits of the operation of each data is the same as the number of input image data, the operation accuracy gradually deteriorates. Therefore, in the process of calculation, it is important to increase the number of bits of each data by 2 to 4 bits and to prevent the deterioration of the calculation accuracy as much as possible in order to secure the image quality of the printed image to be printed.

When the user performs desired editing, processing, synthesizing, and correcting the first digital image data input from the image data input unit 1 based on an instruction from the instruction device 8. Thus, an output is displayed on the image display output unit 2 under the control of the human interface unit 28, and a process desired by the user is confirmed.

When the user performs a desired process on the first digital image data to generate second digital image data and gives an instruction to print it, the second digital image data is described later. Is sent to the image printing unit 3 via the printing output processing unit 24.

The processing such as editing, processing, composition, and correction executed in the data processing section 5 in the image processing section 6 is used later in each processing from the removable media drive section 10 or the computer interface section 12. It is also possible to provide a configuration in which parameters and software for each process can be newly added or updated, and a new function can be added to the printer device.

The image data edited, processed, synthesized, corrected and converted in the image processing section 6 can be written and stored in the removable medium 17 via the removable medium drive section 10. In addition, by sending image data to a host computer 19 connected to the outside via the computer interface unit 12, various uses can be made by using image processing software and software for handling images in the host computer 19.

The image processing section 6 is provided with the data processing section 5 described above.
In addition, a characteristic correction unit 4 is also provided. The characteristic correction unit 4 includes a display device processing unit 22, a video signal processing unit 23, and a print output processing unit 24.

The display device processing section 22 displays the first digital image data or the processed second digital image data on the display device 15 via the human interface section 28 as necessary. This is a portion for performing a correction process according to the characteristics of the device 15.

[0287] The video signal processing section 23 converts the first digital image data or the processed second digital image data as necessary into an externally connected display device such as an external monitor via the human interface section 28. This is a section for performing correction processing according to the characteristics of the display device and the characteristics of a standard video signal output to the display device.

The image data output from the display device processing section 22 and the video signal processing section 23 to the human interface section 28 are combined with other data in the human interface section 28 and are combined. Image data may be displayed on the display device 15 or an external monitor. In this case, it is often combined with a display or a character for requesting a user's instruction, a pattern generated in the data processing unit 5, or the like.

Further, the printing output processing section 24 is a section which performs each conversion and correction processing for printing in the image printing section 3 and sends it to the image printing section 3. Normally, the first digital image data or the second digital image data processed as necessary is data of 8 bits or more for each color in RGB signals. However, the ink or toner used in the print head 25 used in the image printing unit 3 is CM
Since there are three colors of Y or four colors of CMYK, the print output processing unit 24 converts the RGB signals into these colors, and the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the recording ink or toner of each color are not ideal. A print head 25, such as a color correction process for correcting a color shift of a print output,
A conversion correction process is performed based on environmental conditions at the time of printing, such as ink, toner, and coloring characteristics of a printing medium.

In the print output processing section 24, the arrangement order of the image data to be transferred to the print head 25 is rearranged and output in the print order actually used by the print head 25. For this reason, the print output processing unit 24 may have a RAM for temporarily buffering print data. Alternatively, when the data processing unit 5 reads image data from the image memory 20, the read address may be controlled so as to conform to the printing order of the print head 25.

In the printer of this embodiment, in particular, the display image on the image display output unit 2 and the print image by the image print unit 3 are expressed as visually equivalent image quality as described above.

For this reason, in the printer of the present embodiment, the display output characteristic setting for defining the display image quality in the image display output unit 2 is made corresponding to the print characteristic setting for defining the image quality in the image printing unit 3. The correction is performed by the display device processing unit 22 and / or the video signal processing unit 23. Or, conversely, the print output setting unit 24 corrects the print characteristic setting that defines the print image quality in the image print unit 3 in accordance with the display output characteristic setting that defines the display image quality in the image display output unit 2. ing.

Next, the image printing section 3 mainly includes a print head driving section 26 and a print head 25. When an image to be printed is selected in the human interface unit 28 and an instruction to print is given,
The print data subjected to the conversion correction processing required for printing in the print output processing unit 24 in the image processing unit 6 is sent to the print head drive unit 26. The print head drive unit 26 converts the print data into a drive voltage, a drive current, and a drive waveform sufficient to drive the print head 25 in accordance with the drive timing of the print head 25, and Output to

That is, the print head driving section 26
Are performed in synchronization with the operation of the printing mechanism accompanying the printing of the print head 25, the movement of the print head 25, the movement of the recording medium, the maintenance processing of the print head 25, the supply of ink, and the like. In addition, in order to perform optimal printing in accordance with the environmental condition at the time of printing, there is a case where correction suitable for the analog electrical circuit configuration is executed based on an input from a detecting element such as a temperature sensor. If this correction process can be executed by digital processing, it can be executed in the print output processing unit 24 in the image processing unit 6. The print head drive unit 26 is configured and operates according to the type and number of the print heads 25 to be used, the configuration of the print mechanism unit, and the like.

The print head 25 is a portion for actually printing a picture by ejecting a recording ink onto a printing medium or printing by attaching a printing toner to the printing medium. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
An ink jet print head as disclosed in JP-A-164656 or JP-A-8-336990, in particular, a recording material flying print head and a two-liquid mixed print head are exemplified. In addition, a dye diffusion type thermal head, an image forming unit of a laser beam printer, and a recording head of another type may be used.

Of these, a recording material flying print head and a two-liquid mixed print head capable of full-color halftone printing can realize high-quality full-color printing and are preferably used. Further, a line print head and a serial print head can be configured according to the width of the print head. In the case of a line print head, the printing time is reduced because the recording medium needs to move in only one direction with respect to the line print head. In the case of a serial print head, the recording medium and the serial print head need to move relatively in two directions.

In this example, the image data input unit 1, the image processing unit 6, the image memory 20, the pointing device 8,
Although the example in which the image display output unit 2 and the image printing unit 3 are integrally formed to form the main body 21 has been described, the image input unit 7 of the image data input unit 1 is divided and disposed. May be. For example, the film reading unit 11 may be connected to the main body 21 through a bidirectional interface. By bidirectionally transmitting and receiving a signal from a photoelectric conversion element, a control signal of a reading mechanism, and the like, the film reading unit 11 Can be provided with a function equivalent to that in the case where is incorporated in the main body 21. In this case, IEEE-1394 is used as the interface.
A general-purpose interface such as the above may be used. By using the general-purpose interface in this way, if a software configuration is adopted in which another image input means 7 is connected instead of the film reading unit 11 and communication between them is controlled, this interface is used. Thus, transmission / reception with other image input means 7 is also possible.

As described above, if the image input means 7 is divided from the main body 21 and is separable, only necessary types of the image input means 7 can be connected to the main body. This is preferable because the size is reduced and the required installation area is reduced.

Although the display device 15 is incorporated in the main body 21, it is preferable that the display device 15 be movable on the main body 21. For example, it is preferable that it is held on a housing-shaped main body 21 via a support portion and has a structure in which rotation or the like can be performed in a predetermined range, so that the user can easily see the image. Further, it may be arranged separately from the main body 21, and preferably has a physical or electrical coupling mechanism with the main body 21, so that the user can visually recognize even a place away from the main body 21. Become. That is, the image characteristics such as the color tone of the display image by the display device 15 are easily affected by the surrounding environment. However, as described above, the display device 15 is made movable on the main body 21 or is divided and arranged. This is preferable because it facilitates visual recognition in a state that is hardly affected by the surrounding environment.

The pointing device 8 may also be provided separately from the main body 21. This allows the user to remotely control the printer device.

Next, FIG. 17 shows a circuit configuration of the printer of this embodiment. The configuration of the circuit is also substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and the external connection device 13, the image input unit 7, the image data input / output unit 27, the image processing unit 6, the image display output unit 2, the instruction device 8, It has a circuit corresponding to the image printing unit 3.
That is, the image data input / output unit 27 includes an image data interface circuit 39, a removable media drive device 40, a film reading device 41, and a computer interface circuit 42 corresponding to the image input means 7.
, An image data input / output circuit 31 is provided.

In the printer according to the present invention, an input position adjusting mechanism 43 corresponding to the input position adjusting section 29 is provided in the film reading device 41.

Further, a data processing circuit 36 is provided as a circuit corresponding to the image processing section 6, and a data processing section, a display device processing section, a video signal processing section, and a print output processing section are provided therein.

Further, the pointing device 8 is formed on a plurality of keys 38a arranged on the printer device of this embodiment to enable a user to perform an input operation, and on the liquid crystal monitor 45a arranged as the display device 15, It has a pen touch input device 38b that enables a user to perform an input operation with a pen-shaped tapered input device, and has an instruction device interface circuit 38c for inputting to a circuit corresponding to the human interface unit 28 described later. The pointing device interface circuit 38c prevents erroneous input due to chattering phenomenon or the like. When the same part of the key 38a or the pen touch input device 38b is continuously pressed for a certain period of time, the operation is performed a plurality of times. The input is transmitted to a circuit corresponding to the human interface unit 28 described later by the number of times.

Further, as a device corresponding to the display device 15 of the image display output unit 2, the liquid crystal monitor 4
5a, the image data in the image memory 20 is transferred, and a menu screen or a menu screen to be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 45a based on the transferred image data and a display control signal from a circuit corresponding to the human interface unit 28 described later. There is also a display device output circuit 45b for synthesizing the pen touch input device operation display screen and converting it into a drive signal that can be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 45a.

Further, based on the image data transferred from the image memory 20 and a display control signal from a circuit corresponding to the human interface unit 28 to be described later, a menu screen and an operation display screen for pen touch input device displayed on an external monitor are displayed. There is also provided a video signal output circuit 46 for synthesizing and converting it into, for example, an NTSC signal as a standard video signal that can be displayed on an external monitor. In this case, the liquid crystal monitor 45
a and the image displayed on the external monitor may be the same or different.

Further, a print head driving circuit 56 and a print head 25 are provided corresponding to the image printing section 3.
Then, when the print head 25 is used to control a mechanical unit necessary for forming a print image on a recording medium such as a recording paper, software control by a system control CPU 61, which will be described later, performs overall control of the mechanical unit. Based on the mechanical control signal from the controller, various motors, clutches, a head maintenance mechanism, and the like are driven, and at the same time, inputs from various sensors for detecting the movement of the recording medium and the movement of the print head are received.
A print output mechanism control circuit 47 for driving a mechanism required for printing such as notifying the printer 1 and detecting a state thereof is provided.

The printer has a system control CPU 61 using a working RAM 64 by control software in a system ROM 62 and a flash memory 63. The system control CPU 61 controls the entire printer. Part 2
8 also functions as a circuit.

Therefore, these are connected by the system control bus 65, and the system control bus 65 includes
The above-described image data input / output circuit 31 and data processing circuit 3
6, the instruction device interface circuit 38c, the display device output circuit 45b, the video signal output circuit 46, the print output mechanism control circuit 47, and the image print section 3 are also connected.
The image data input / output circuit 31, the data processing circuit 36, the display device output circuit 45b, the video signal output circuit 46, and the image printing unit 3 are also connected to the image data bus 66 of the image memory 20.

The control software in the flash memory 63 may be exchanged from the removable media drive device 40 or the computer interface circuit 42 via the image data input / output circuit 31.

If the operation of the data processing circuit 36 requires its own control software and there is no ROM or non-volatile RAM in the data processing circuit 36, the system ROM 62 or the flash memory 63 transfers the data to the data processing circuit 36. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the required software is transferred into the data processing circuit 36.
In this case, software required in the data processing circuit 36 is input from the removable media drive device 40 and the computer interface circuit 42, and is temporarily stored in the flash memory 63 or the working RAM 6.
4 and then transfer the data to the data processing circuit 36.

[0312] The system control CPU 61
The control executed by the control software in the OM 62 or the flash memory 63 includes the following. First, control of the entire printer device can be mentioned. In addition,
Drive control of the image data interface circuit 39, the removable media drive device 40, the film reading device 41, and the computer interface circuit 42 via the image data input / output circuit 31, handling of image data input by each control, and data processing Editing / synthesis processing correction control of the image data in the circuit 36,
Image display control on the liquid crystal monitor 45a and an external monitor,
A human interface control for controlling input of operation instructions from the keys 38a and the pen touch input device 38b and output to the liquid crystal monitor 45a and an external monitor, and controls the print head drive circuit 56, the print head 25, and the print output mechanism control circuit 47. Accordingly, control of the entire image printing unit 3 and other additional controls are included. In particular, in the printer device of the present invention, in order to relatively change the positional relationship between the print range pattern and the image data and / or to change the print range pattern, to determine these positional relationships and determine the print range, Control for inputting an input position control signal to the input position adjusting mechanism 43 in the film reading device 41 is also included.

From this, the system control CPU 6
When the shape and operation method of the print head 25 such as a line head or a serial head and the operation method of the recording medium change, the contents of the software and the circuit contents of the mechanism unit control software and the print output mechanism control circuit 47 change. . In other words, the control software and control circuit are determined by the mechanism structure of the print head 25.

When printing is actually performed, the following processing is performed. That is, in FIG. 17, digital image data or a video signal input from the external connection device 13,
The digital data is converted into the first digital image data by the image data interface circuit 39, the removable media drive device 40, the film reading device 41, and the computer interface circuit 42 corresponding to the image input means 7, and the digital data is sent to the image data input / output unit 27. The image data is input to the corresponding image data input / output circuit 31.

Next, the first digital image data is
The image data is sent to the data processing circuit 36 via the image data bus 66 under the control of the input / output control signal from the system control bus 65. At this time, it goes without saying that the system control CPU 61 controls the timing and the like.

The working RAM 6 is controlled by control software in the system ROM 62 and the flash memory 63 corresponding to the human interface unit 28.
In the system control CPU 61 using the first digital image data, a print range pattern is synthesized with the first digital image data to generate first digital image data obtained by pattern synthesis, and this is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 45a or an externally connected monitor. The system control CPU 61 outputs the first synthesized pattern based on an external instruction.
The relative position of the printing range pattern and the first digital image data in the digital image data is relatively changed and / or the printing range pattern is changed to change the positional relationship between the printing range pattern and the first digital image data. The print range is determined to determine the first digital image data in which the print range is determined.

At this time, if necessary, the input position adjusting mechanism 43 adjusts the input position at the time of inputting the analog image signal which is the basis of the first digital image data in which the printing range has been determined, Enlargement processing is performed accordingly to cause the image data input unit to generate the adjusted first digital image data.

Alternatively, the first digital image data in which the printing range is determined is sent to the data processing circuit 36, and the image of the portion of the first digital image data in which the printing range is determined is surrounded by the printing range pattern. The data is selected and, if necessary, an enlargement process is performed to generate enlarged first digital image data.

In the printer device according to the present invention, a predetermined editing is performed on a predetermined partial area of the predetermined first digital image data input to the data processing circuit 36 via the image data input / output circuit 31. In the data processing circuit 36 which performs processing to generate partial edited image data and also functions as an edit processing storage unit during the execution of the predetermined edit processing, each processing content for the predetermined partial area, a parameter in each processing, The editing processing contents in the processing order are stored.

When the partial edited image data has a desired result, predetermined first digital image data is input again, and each processing content and each processing for the predetermined partial area are input thereto. Based on the parameters and the editing processing contents in the processing order, at least a part of the above processing contents is executed to obtain second digital image data. At this time, it goes without saying that the first digital image data obtained by pattern synthesis, the adjusted first digital image data, and the enlarged first digital image data may be input as the first digital image data. .

Then, the first digital image data or the second digital image data subjected to the pattern synthesis / adjustment / enlargement is stored in the image memory 20 as necessary. In this case, the predetermined processing is sent from the key 38a or the pen touch input device 38b to the data processing circuit 36 via the pointing device interface circuit 38c, but it is needless to say that the system control CPU 61 also controls the timing and the like. No.

The first digital image data or the second digital image data subjected to predetermined processing by the data processing circuit 36 and subjected to pattern synthesis / adjustment / enlargement is output to the display device output circuit 45b, The signal is sent to the signal output circuit 46 and the print head drive circuit 56,
Image display and image printing are performed. Also in this case, needless to say, the system control CPU 61 controls the timing and the like, and it goes without saying that the respective devices described above fulfill their respective functions.

Next, a specific example of the data processing circuit 36 will be described. First, a first example is shown in FIG. That is, the data processing circuit has a data processing control system 74 which functions as a control unit for controlling each arithmetic circuit 75 which is mainly constituted by a data processing CPU 71, a data processing program RAM 72 and a data processing working RAM 73. And an image data transfer unit that functions as an image data operation unit and has a plurality of operation circuits 75 having the same function, sends data to these operation circuits 75, and controls a destination of data output from the operation circuit 75. It also has a data router circuit 76 functioning as a unit. The data processing circuit 74 controls the data router circuit 76. Further, the control from the system control CPU 61 shown in FIG. The data processing control system 74, data router circuit 76, and system control bus interface 77 are connected by a data processing bus 79. Further, it has an image data bus interface 78 for controlling each arithmetic circuit 75 to input and output image data.

That is, the control from the system control CPU 61 is accepted by the system control bus interface 77,
In addition to transmitting the information to the data processing CPU 71, the system control CPU
Send to 61.

In such a data processing circuit, data processing is executed in the following procedure. Here, an operation of performing data processing on image data held in the image memory 20 and holding the image data again in the image memory 20 will be described.

First, the control software (data processing software) to be executed is transferred from the flash memory 63 or the system ROM 62 of the system control CPU 61 to the data processing program RAM 72 via the system control bus interface 77.

Next, the system control CPU 61 instructs the data processing CPU 71 via the system control bus interface 77 to start executing data processing. The data processing CPU 71 converts the image data to be processed in the image memory 20 into an image data bus interface 78 based on the transferred control software (data processing software).
, And is input to a specific arithmetic circuit among a plurality of arithmetic circuits 75 for processing by the data router circuit 76. Each arithmetic circuit 75 executes data processing on the input image data based on control software (data processing software), and transmits the executed image data to the data router circuit 76 and the image data bus interface 78. Then, the image data is written into the image memory 20 via the memory.

When the next operation is subsequently performed, the data is input to the next specific operation circuit 75 via the data router circuit 76. As described above, the image data in the image memory 20 is sequentially read out, the arithmetic processing is executed, and the image data is again written as the image data in the image memory 20, thereby executing the data processing according to the control software (data processing software). .

During the processing of the image data or after the completion of the processing of all the image data, the data processing CPU 71 notifies the system control CPU 61 of the processing state or the result state via the system control bus interface 77, thereby controlling the system control. The CPU 61 can know the process and the result of the data processing being executed. The data processing working RAM 73 includes a system control CPU 61.
The data processing CPU 71 is used to hold parameters for data processing sent from the server and to hold a state during operation of the data processing CPU 71.

The plurality of arithmetic circuits 75 functioning as image data arithmetic units have the same function, but are selectively used as follows.

For example, the plurality of arithmetic circuits 75 perform the same processing, and the arithmetic circuits 75 correspond to the respective predetermined ranges in the data of the first digital image data. The arithmetic circuits 75 corresponding to the predetermined ranges in the data of the first digital image data may perform the same processing.

In this case, the predetermined range may be a range of one or more rows or one or more columns in the data of the first digital image data, a range indicated by a block in the data of the first digital image data, The range may be determined by the image content in the digital image data.

For example, when each of the arithmetic circuits 75 performs the same processing, and the predetermined range is a range of one row or one column in the data of the first digital image data,
First line or 1 in the data of the first digital image data
The processing of the column is performed by the arithmetic circuit A of the plurality of arithmetic circuits 75, and the processing of the second row or the second column in the data of the first digital image data is performed by the arithmetic circuit B of the plurality of arithmetic circuits 75.
What should be done is.

In the printer of the present invention, the plurality of arithmetic circuits 75 perform different processing, and each of the arithmetic circuits 75 performs processing on the entire data of the first digital image data. Different processes may be sequentially performed. By doing so, the one read from the image memory to perform a plurality of predetermined processes
Since one image data is processed a plurality of times, the number of accesses to the image memory is reduced, and the time required for a plurality of predetermined processes is reduced.

Therefore, the time required for the user to instruct the operation to be activated and the operation to be completed is shortened.
The time for which the user waits is greatly reduced as compared with the conventional case.

The method of using the plurality of arithmetic circuits 75 is as follows.
It may be fixed in advance, or can be changed by setting by a data processing program of control software (data processing software). The optimal number of the arithmetic circuits 75 connected in parallel is selected and determined according to the required processing speed, the complexity of the processing, the size of the image data, the circuit scale of each arithmetic circuit 75, and the like.

As the data processing circuit, a circuit as shown in FIG. 19 can be used. The data processing circuit shown in FIG. 19 is different from the data processing circuit shown in FIG.
5 has the same configuration except that the data router circuit 76 is omitted, and thus the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted. However, a processor capable of high-speed processing is used as the data processing CPU 71, and a DSP, a RISC CPU, or a dedicated data processing CPU is used. In this data processing circuit, the data processing CPU 71 functions as an image data calculation unit and an image data transfer unit. That is, if the control software (data processing software) is time-divided, the same operation as the plurality of arithmetic circuits 75 shown in FIG. 18 can be performed in a pseudo manner.

As the data processing circuit, there is one as shown in FIG. That is, a plurality of data processing circuits 80 are arranged in parallel, and each data processing circuit 80 is connected to the control system of the entire apparatus by the system control CPU 61 via the system control bus interface 77 and further via the image data bus interface 78. And connected to the image data bus 66. Each data processing circuit 80 may be composed of a dedicated arithmetic circuit, or may be composed of a general-purpose arithmetic control circuit and a general-purpose arithmetic control circuit. System control CP
U61 control software (data processing software) is transferred to each data processing circuit 80 via the system control bus interface 77, and the image memory 20
Control is performed so as to execute data processing on the image data in the middle. That is, the plurality of data processing circuits 80
Function as an image data calculation unit and an image data transfer unit, respectively. Each data processing circuit 80 may perform the same processing or different processing according to the arrangement of data as in the arithmetic circuit 75 shown in FIG.

Next, the flow of data processing in the printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. Note that the hatched lines attached to the data flow lines in FIGS. 21 and 22 indicate that the data is 8 bits or more / color data. As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 17,
In the computer interface circuit 42 of the image input means 7 shown in FIG.
The GB image data is transmitted to the image data
The image is output as GB image data.
Image data interface circuit 39, removable media drive device 40, and film reading device 41
, The read image data or video signal is output to the image data input / output circuit 31 as RGB image data.

Next, the image data input / output circuit 31 processes the image data input from each image input means 7 so that they can be handled in the same column, and outputs the processed data to the data processing section 5.

As shown in FIG. 22, the data processing section 5 includes a compression / decompression section 81, a cutout processing section 89, an enlargement processing section 90, a gradation correction section 83, a color tone correction section 84, a contour enhancement correction section 85, and others. It comprises a correction unit 86, an image synthesis / editing unit 87, and an image processing unit 88. When the image data input from the image data input / output circuit 31 does not have ideal image quality characteristics, a display device In order to improve the image quality of the display output image 45a, the display output image on the external monitor, and the print output image printed by the image print unit 3, the image data is corrected. And a process for improving the image quality.

The compression / decompression unit 81 is required when image data is stored in the image memory 20 in a reversibly or irreversibly compressed form. The RGB image data input to the data processing unit 5, the RGB image data after each processing, and the RGB image data between each processing are compressed as needed, and the compressed image data is stored in the image memory 20. . In addition, it has a function of reading out and expanding image data compressed and held in the image memory 20, executing various processes as uncompressed RGB image data, and outputting it to each unit in the data processing unit 5. .

When the RGB image data is input to the data processing section 5, it is input to the cutout processing section 89. The cut-out processing unit 89 partially cuts out the image data from the input image data according to the print range set by the human interface unit 28, and the set print range has an inclination with respect to the original image data. If it is set, the image data is rotated. The cutout process may be performed after rotating the original image data, or the rotation process may be performed after performing the cutout process on the original image data.

[0344] The RGB image data is input to the enlargement processing section 90 after the cut-out processing section 89. The enlargement processing section 90 performs an enlargement process on the image data corresponding to the print screen cut out by the cutout processing section 89. When the enlargement process is performed, the image size of the image data is reduced due to the cutout, and if the image is printed as it is, the image size to be printed becomes smaller than the size desired by the user. Whether to perform the processing is input in advance from the human interface unit 28. The enlargement ratio in the enlargement processing is obtained from the image size of the cut out image data and the print size that can be printed out by the image print unit 3.

The RGB image data is stored in the enlargement processing unit 90
Is input to the tone correction unit 83 next to. The tone correction unit 8
Reference numeral 3 denotes a portion for correcting the gradation characteristics of the input image data so that the image quality is improved when the image is printed out when the gradation characteristic histogram of the input image data is extremely deviated. In particular, when the exposure amount is not appropriate when the subject is photographed, the entire image becomes too dark or too bright, and this is corrected to improve the gradation characteristics of the entire image. If the gamma characteristic of the input image data can be similarly improved, the gamma characteristic is corrected.

The RGB image data is stored in the tone correcting section 83.
Is input to the color tone correcting unit 84 after the above. The color tone correction unit 8
Reference numeral 4 denotes a color tone of the input image data such that the image quality of the image is improved when the printout is output, for example, when the tone characteristics of the input image data are extremely deviated, as in the above-described tone correction unit 83. This is the part that corrects the characteristics. In addition to general color tone correction, when a specific color tone, particularly skin tone or gray color tone, is out of an appropriate range, it is also possible to make correction so that the portion falls within an appropriate range.

[0347] The RGB image data is stored in the color tone correcting section 84.
Is input to the contour emphasis correction unit 85 next to. The outline emphasis correction unit 85 is a part that corrects the outline of the image by performing outline emphasis correction processing when the outline of the image of the input image data is not clear or emphasized too much. .

The RGB image data is input to the other correction section 86 after the outline enhancement correction section 85. Other correction section 8
Reference numeral 6 denotes a portion to be executed when a process for improving the image quality of an input image is added in addition to the processes described above.

The RGB image data subjected to each processing as described above is then processed by the image synthesis / editing section 87 and the image processing section 8.
8 is input. These are for performing various processing processes on the input screen based on the user's instruction from the human interface unit 28, and for synthesizing and editing a plurality of input images, and finally printing and outputting. Is a part for generating an image.

Further, in the printer apparatus of the present invention, in particular, in these portions, a predetermined partial area of the image data is subjected to editing processing to obtain partially edited image data, and the contents of the editing processing are stored. The content of the editing process is confirmed by the partially edited image data, and if the content of the processing is satisfactory, the entire image data is subjected to the editing process based on the above storage, and finally printed out as the second digital image data. Generate an image of.

In these portions, it is also possible to synthesize an input image data with an image pattern such as a decoration pattern prepared in advance. Further, under the control of the human interface unit 28 during the editing operation, the user can input a desired image pattern from an instruction device such as a pen touch input device, and can combine this image pattern with the input image pattern. is there.

The control software for executing the synthesis, editing, and processing of such image data and the image pattern prepared in advance are configured to be newly input from the removable media drive device 40, the computer interface circuit 42 and the like. It is possible.

The RGB signals output from the data processing unit 5 are output to the display device processing unit 22 and the video signal processing unit 23,
Each is input to the print output processing unit 24.

The display device processing section 22 has a configuration in which the display device 45a has a characteristic display output characteristic, and even if the image data output from the data processing section 5 is displayed by the display device 45a as it is, the display device 45a The display device 45a is used when the display output characteristic of the display device 45a
This is a part for executing processing for correcting the display output characteristic characteristic of. The display device processing unit 22 includes a print adaptation correction unit 91 described later, an output characteristic correction unit 92 that performs necessary corrections other than output gamma characteristics described later, and an output gamma conversion unit that corrects output gamma characteristics characteristic of the display device. 93 are sequentially arranged.

The video signal processing section 23 is a section for executing processing for converting the image data output from the data processing section 5 into a standard video signal represented by an NTSC signal and outputting the standard video signal. The video signal processing unit 23 includes a print adaptation correction unit 94 described later, an output characteristic conversion unit 95 that performs necessary corrections other than output gamma characteristics described later, and an output gamma conversion unit 96 in this order. Further, in the video signal processing unit 23, when the expressible characteristic range of the image data is different from the expression range defined by the standard video signal, the expression range of the image data is converted into the standard video signal expression range. Processing. The video signal processing unit 2
In 3, the video signal according to the standard video signal may be used instead of the standard video signal.

The print output processing section 24 records the image data output from the data processing section 5 from the print head 25 on a recording medium. This is the part that converts to data. The processing in the printing output processing unit 24 is realized by conversion processing using an LUT (look-up table), an arithmetic processing using an arithmetic circuit capable of executing a product-sum operation at a high speed, or software having a high-speed arithmetic processing algorithm. This is realized by arithmetic processing, processing by a dedicated conversion circuit, or the like. In the case where the arithmetic processing is sequentially performed, the effective precision of each data often deteriorates if the same number of bits as the number of bits of each data in the input image data is always used. In this case, by increasing the number of bits of each data in the middle of the calculation with respect to the number of bits of the first image data and reducing the number of bits increased in the last processing, it is possible to avoid a decrease in effective accuracy. It is possible.

In the printer apparatus of the present invention, it goes without saying that the print output processing section 24 performs print output processing only on the portion surrounded by the print range pattern.

[0358] The print output processing section 24 is an RGB-CM
Y conversion section 98, color correction section 99, black extraction under color removal section 10
0, an output gamma correction and gradation correction unit 101, a sharpness correction unit 102, and an output characteristic conversion unit 103 are sequentially arranged. Note that this is an example, and it goes without saying that another configuration may be adopted.

The RGB-CMY conversion section 98 converts the RGB
C (Cya) that uses image data in the print head 25
n), M (Magenta), and Y (Yellow) are portions that are converted into data of each color of ink or toner. It is realized by density Log conversion, complementary color conversion, or linear masking conversion.

The image data converted into the CMY image data as described above is input to the color correction unit 99. After being converted into CMY image data, the color correction unit 99
This is a portion for correcting a shift in the color tone (particularly hue and saturation) of the printed image by the image printing unit 3 caused by the fact that the spectral absorption characteristics of each CMY ink or toner are different from the ideal characteristics due to subtractive color mixture.

The color correction section 99 is realized by conversion using an LUT (look-up table) and calculation, linear masking calculation, non-linear masking calculation, and the like. Also,
Printable maximum characteristic range of image data and print head 2
In many cases, the maximum expressible range of the print image on the recording medium by the image data 5 is different. Therefore, when the maximum range by the image data is wider than the maximum range by the print, the printable range of the image data Cannot reproduce the part beyond the expression range. For this reason, in the color correction unit 99, in order to express the surpassed portion on a print, it is necessary to perform compression conversion or clip conversion of the entire image data. Further, a conversion method may be employed in which a color tone does not shift with the compression conversion and the clip conversion.

When the image data is printed on the recording medium by the image printing unit 3, the image data is often emphasized and converted so that the image can be seen by the majority of people. That is, in the image expression represented by the image data, in particular, in the color expression, the original image data is simply converted into CMY (BK) so as to be equal to the colorimetry (colorimetric value by the colorimeter).
When converted to data and printed on a recording medium by a print head as it is, most observers are not satisfied with color reproduction (hue, lightness, saturation), and particularly have low saturation, in other words, a weak impression. You can only get high quality images. Therefore,
To compensate for this, the conversion from the image data is performed in consideration of such an emphasis reproduction process (hereinafter referred to as a preferable reproduction process). In order to perform a preferable reproduction process, a preferable color reproduction process and a preferable gradation reproduction process are mainly performed. Of these, a preferred color reproduction process is executed in the color correction unit 99, and the output gamma correction and gradation correction unit 1 described later.
01, a preferable tone reproduction process is often performed. Of course, it is also possible to execute these in the same processing. These preferable degrees of reproduction processing may be changed depending on the shipping destination (destination) of the printer device according to the present invention. That is, the average preferred degree of reproduction of a person living in the destination may differ depending on locations around the world.

Next, the CMY image data is input to the black extraction / under color removal unit 100. This black extraction under color removal unit 100
Means that if there is black (hereinafter referred to as BK) ink or toner in the print head 25 and if each of the CMY data has a BK component,
A process for replacing the BK component with BK ink or BK toner is performed. Thereafter, each BK component in the CMY image data replaced with the BK is removed from the data value of the CMY image data.

There are various methods for replacing the BK component in CMY with BK ink or toner, including a method of replacing all components, a method of replacing only a predetermined ratio, and a method of replacing the BK component in a region having a predetermined density or more. There are various methods. By expressing the BK component of the CMY data with BK ink or toner in this way, it is possible to realize a black expression in an image that cannot be sufficiently reproduced with the respective CMY inks or toners at a sufficient level. Can be. The data of the BK component is shown as K in FIG.

Subsequently, the CMYK image data is input to the output gamma correction and gradation correction unit 101. The output gamma correction and gradation correction unit 101 outputs the print output when the printhead 25 has a characteristic print output characteristic by the recording ink or toner and the halftone reproduction method in the image reproduction characteristic on the recording medium. This portion performs output gamma correction and gradation correction suitable for characteristics. In the output gamma correction and tone correction unit 101, conversion is performed on the original image data so that the tone reproduction when printed is the best. Further, the above-described color correction unit 9
As described in the section 9, preferable tone reproduction may be performed.

Next, the CMYK image data is input to the sharpness correction unit 102. The sharpness correction unit 102 is a part that performs contour enhancement and smoothing processing to improve the image quality of a printed image.

Further, the CMYK image data is input to the output characteristic conversion unit 103. This output characteristic converter 1
Numeral 03 denotes a portion for improving the print image quality by executing characteristic correction based on the type of the print head 25, the driving method of the print head 25, the type of recording medium, the type of ink or toner, and the like. Specifically, environmental temperature correction at the time of printing,
Thermal history correction, variation correction of each element of the print head 25, and the like can be given. Among these correction processes, those which are suitable to be corrected by the print head drive circuit 56 may be corrected by the print head drive circuit 56.

Then, in the printer of this example,
In order to visually match the image quality of the image displayed by the display device 45a and the image displayed by the external monitor with the image quality of the image printed by the image printing unit 3, the image printing unit 3 corresponds to the printing characteristic setting for defining the image printing quality. Thus, the display output characteristic setting for defining the display image quality in the image display output unit 2 is corrected.

Specifically, the display device processing unit 22 and the video signal processing unit 22 change the printing characteristics of the printing output processing unit 24, specifically, to visually match the image quality in accordance with the processing contents and the like. The correction parameter indicating the content of the correction to be performed by the unit 23 is stored in the print matching correction unit 9 of the display device processing unit 22.
1 and the print signal corrector 94 of the video signal processor 23.

In other words, in the display device processing section 22, the RGB image data has a correction parameter in the print adaptation correction section 91 which is input first, and the processing proceeds in this state.
a.

The same applies to the video signal processing unit 23. The RGB image data is in a state having correction parameters in the print adaptation correction unit 94 which is input first. Is displayed.

As a result, the image quality of the image displayed by the display device 45a and the image displayed by the external monitor is visually equivalent to the image quality of the image printed by the image printing unit 3.

In the above example, the display output characteristics of the display device processing unit 22 and the video signal processing unit 23 are corrected in accordance with the printing characteristics of the image printing unit 3, specifically, the processing contents of the printing output processing unit 24. Thus, the image quality of the display image by the image display output unit and the image quality of the print image of the image print unit are visually equivalent. However, it is also possible to match the printing characteristics of the image printing unit 3, specifically, the processing contents of the printing output processing unit 24 with the display output characteristics of the display device processing unit 22 and the video signal processing unit 23.

That is, the flow of data processing can be as shown in FIG. FIG. 23 shows that there is no print adaptation correction section 91 of the display device processing section 22 and no print adaptation correction section 94 of the video signal processing section 23, and there is no line indicating the correction parameter from the print output processing section 24. 21 is different from that in FIG. 21, and the same reference numerals are given to the other portions, and the description will be omitted.

However, when the flow of the data processing is the method as shown in FIG.
In response to the change of the display output characteristic, etc., a correction parameter indicating the content of the correction to be performed by the print output processing unit 24 to make the image quality visually equivalent is output to the color correction unit 99 of the print output processing unit 24. The data is input to the gamma correction and gradation correction unit 101.

That is, in the print output processing section 24, the RGB image data is converted into a color correction section 99 and an output gamma correction and gradation correction section 101 which substantially determine the characteristics of the image.
, A state having correction parameters is obtained. In this state, the process proceeds, and the image is printed by the image printing unit 3.

As a result, the image quality of the image displayed by the display device 45a is visually equivalent to the image quality of the image printed by the image printing unit 3.

The display device processing unit 2 as described above
2 and the video signal processing unit 23 and the print output processing unit 24 are provided with a non-volatile memory, and if correction parameters are stored in a rewritable state, processing can always be performed using the optimum correction parameters. preferable.

The display of the menu screen or the like on the display device 15 and / or the external monitor has been described above. A specific display example will be described along the operation procedure. As the first screen of these images, for example, FIG.
A screen 110 showing a menu as shown in FIG.
Here, a screen on which input processing is performed by directly touching a predetermined portion of the screen is assumed. On this screen 110, as shown in FIG. 24, a plurality of input section selection keys 111 on which respective names for selecting an external connection device and an image input unit are displayed, and an image display area 112 is displayed. It is mainly displayed. In the image display area 112, when an external device and an image input unit are selected by the input unit selection key 111, an image 113 accessible by the selected unit is displayed as a reduced image in the area.

The screen 110 includes a detail setting key 114 used for selecting the image 113 under specific conditions, a selection key 128 for selecting the image 113 displayed as a reduced image, and print image data. Is selected, or selection conditions are set, and the user sequentially executes each process on the image data and prints the image data. A print processing key 130 to be executed and a cancel key 116 for canceling the processing are also displayed.

First, the user, on the display screen,
When one of the externally connected device and the image input means is selected and designated by the input section selection key 111, a plurality of images 113 which can be read by this are displayed in the image display area 1.
12 is displayed. At this time, if there is information accompanying the information of the image 113, for example, header information or the like,
The information is displayed in association with each image 113.

Next, the user presses the selection key 128 to select a desired image 113 from the displayed plurality of images 113.
Is selected, the selected image 113 is displayed to indicate that it has been selected.

If there is no image to be printed in the displayed plurality of images 113, the selection need not be made.

When the detailed setting key 114 is selected, conditions can be input so that the user can select the image 113 under specific conditions such as the order of photographing date and time. Just do it.

In the case where a plurality of processes are sequentially performed on the selected image data, a screen as shown in FIG.
A screen 110 as shown in (a) is displayed. That is, one image 117 of a plurality of pieces of image data selected on the screen 110, a frame-shaped print range pattern 131 superimposed on the image 117, a process A sequentially executed to improve image quality, and a process A B, process C... A plurality of process display keys 118 indicating each correction process of process X, a print key 119 for instructing start of printing, and a cancel key 120 for canceling the process are displayed.

In the example shown in FIG. 25A, the frame-shaped print range pattern 131 overlaps the outer side of the image 117 so that the entire image data becomes the print range by default. Then, this print range pattern 131
The user makes a desired movement on the screen 110 on which the user moves, rotates, changes the shape, and changes the size to determine the final printing range. Once the printing area is determined,
The processing A, the processing B, the processing C,... The processing X, which are sequentially executed to improve the image quality, are executed.

At this time, image data to be printed is cut out from the selected image data in accordance with the position of the frame-shaped print range pattern 131 indicating the print range, and enlargement processing is performed to make the print image size the same. Move on to correction processing for improving image quality.

During the execution of each process or at the end of execution,
The image data of the processing result is displayed.

If the correction process can be started from a specific portion in the image 117, the display in the range where the process has been completed is gradually changed to the display after the process. It is confirmed to what extent the execution has been performed, which is preferable.

As the above-mentioned correction processing, processing having a variable parameter and processing not having such a variable parameter are assumed.

Therefore, it is assumed that the process A is a process having a variable parameter. When such correction processing is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 25B, the image 117 and the processing display unit 1 showing the processing currently being performed are performed.
21, a message to return to the previous screen (the screen shown in FIG. 25 (a)) is displayed and has a selection key 122 for selecting this, and a cancel key 123 for canceling the processing. What is necessary is just to display the screen 110 having the enter key 127 for fixing.

As shown in FIG. 25 (b), the variable parameter selection section 126 has a slide volume display section 125 for displaying the level of the variable parameter, and adjustment keys 124a and 124b for raising and lowering the variable parameter. Here, when the left adjustment key 124a in FIG. 25B is pressed, the level of the variable parameter shifts to the left, and when the right adjustment key 124b in FIG. 25B is pressed, the level of the variable parameter is changed. Move to the right. For example, assuming that the variable parameter is the brightness of the image, the left adjustment key 124a in FIG. 25B is a key to decrease brightness, and the right adjustment key 124b in FIG. 25B is a key to increase brightness. , These adjustment keys 124a,
By adjusting 124b to change the level of the slide volume display unit 125, the image brightness is also changed and displayed.

On the other hand, it is assumed that, for example, process B has no variable parameters. When such correction processing is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 25C, the image 117 and the processing display unit 1 indicating the processing currently being performed are performed.
21, a message to return to the previous screen (the screen shown in FIG. 25 (a)) is displayed and has a selection key 122 for selecting the same, a cancel key 123 for canceling the processing, and a decision key 127 for fixing the processing. What is necessary is just to display the screen 110 which has.

The printing range is selected on the screen as shown in FIG.
Each correction process is performed on an image as shown in FIG. If the user confirms that this process can be ended while executing the respective correction processes as shown in FIGS. 25B and 25C, the enter key 127 is selected. . Then, the screen returns to the screen as shown in FIG. 25A again, and when the print key 119 is selected, printing is started.

A display screen such as a menu screen displayed on the display device 15 or the external monitor may be as follows. Among these images, the first screen is, for example, a screen 110 showing a menu as shown in FIG. Here, a screen on which input processing is performed by directly touching a predetermined portion of the screen is assumed. On this screen 110, as shown in FIG. 26, a plurality of selection keys 111 displaying respective names for selecting an externally connected device and an image input unit are displayed, and the image display area 112 is mainly displayed. Will be displayed. The image display area 112 includes a selection key 111
When the user selects the externally connected device and the image input means, the image 113 accessible by the selected means is displayed as a reduced image in the area.

[0396] Also, on this screen 110, a detailed setting key 114 used for selecting the image 113 under specific conditions and an edit processing correction key used for editing or processing the selected image 113 are displayed. 115, a cancel key 116 for canceling the process is also displayed.

First, the user, on the above display screen,
When one of the externally connected device and the image input means is selected and designated by the selection key 111, a plurality of images 113 which can be accessed thereby are displayed in the image display area 112. At this time, if there is information accompanying the information of the image 113, for example, header information or the like, each image 11
3, the information is displayed.

Next, when the user selects a desired image 113 from the displayed plurality of images 113, a display indicating that the selected image 113 has been selected is displayed.

When the detailed setting key 114 is selected, conditions can be input so that the user can select the image 113 under specific conditions such as the order of photographing date and time. Just do it.

Further, when the above-mentioned editing and processing correction key 115 is selected, processing such as predetermined editing, processing, composition, and correction is performed, and the image 113 selected by the user is selected.
The desired processing can be performed for

Next, it is preferable that a screen for processing is displayed on the screen selected as described above. That is, as shown in FIG. 27A, the image 233 selected on the screen 232, the processing A, the processing B, the processing C... The processing X, the name of each processing, and the fact that each processing is being executed. A plurality of process keys 234, a print key 235 for instructing start of printing, and a cancel key 236 for canceling the process are displayed.

That is, during execution of each processing, the image 2
At 33, an image indicating that the processing is in progress and the result of the processing is displayed.

If the processing can be started from a specific part in the image 233, the display in the range where the processing is completed is gradually changed to the display after the processing, so that the processing in the image 233 can be started. Is checked to what extent
preferable.

[0404] However, in the printer of the present invention, first, an editing process is performed on a predetermined image area 237 including the image content to be noted in the image 233 to form a partially edited image. The processing contents are stored, and if the contents of the partial edit processing image are satisfactory, the image 2
The same editing process is performed on the entire 33 to generate second digital image data.

In the case where the above processing is performed, as processing, processing having a variable parameter and processing not having such a variable parameter are assumed.

Therefore, it is assumed that the process A is a process having a variable parameter. When such a process is selected, for example, as shown in FIG.
27, a process display unit 238 showing the process currently being performed, a selection key 239 displaying that the previous screen (the screen shown in FIG. 27A) is to be returned, and a cancel key for canceling the process. Screen 2 having a variable parameter selection portion 241 and a decision key 242 for deciding processing
32 may be displayed.

As shown in FIG. 27B, the variable parameter selection section 241 has a slide volume display section 243 for displaying the level of the variable parameter, and adjustment keys 244a and 244b for raising and lowering the variable parameter. Here, when the left adjustment key 244a in FIG. 27B is pressed, the level of the variable parameter shifts to the left, and when the right adjustment key 244b in FIG. 27B is pressed, the level of the variable parameter is changed. Move to the right. For example, if the variable parameter is the brightness of the image, the left adjustment key 244a in FIG. 27B is a key to decrease the brightness, and the right adjustment key 244b in FIG. 27B is a key to increase the brightness. , These adjustment keys 244a,
By adjusting the 244b to change the level of the slide volume display unit 243, the image brightness is also changed and displayed.

Here, in the printer device of the present invention, first, an editing process is performed on a predetermined partial area 237 containing the image content to be noted in the image 233 to obtain partially edited image data, and the result of the editing process is confirmed. Since the same editing process is performed over the entire image 233 after that, a region where a plurality of image data can be displayed is provided in the screen 232, and the partial edited image data 245 is provided in this region.
Should be displayed. If a desired image exists in the partial edited image data 245, the user selects the partial edited image data 245 and presses the execution key 246.
May be selected to perform the same editing processing as that of the partial edited image data 245 over the entire image 233.

On the other hand, it is assumed that, for example, the process B has no variable parameters. When such a process is selected, for example, as shown in FIG.
27, a process display section 246 showing the process currently being performed, a selection key 239 displaying that the previous screen (the screen shown in FIG. 27A) is to be returned, and a cancel key for canceling the process. What is necessary is just to display the screen 232 which has the 240 and has the enter key 242 which fixes a process.

Here, in the printer of the present invention, first, an editing process is performed on a predetermined partial area 237 including the image content to be noted in the image 233 to obtain partially edited image data, and the result of the editing process is confirmed. Since the same editing process is performed over the entire image 233 after that, a region where a plurality of image data can be displayed is provided in the screen 232, and the partial edited image data 247 is provided in this region.
Should be displayed. Then, when a desired image exists in the partial edited image data 247, the partial edited image data 247 is selected and an execution key 248 is displayed.
May be selected to perform the same editing processing as that of the partial edited image data 247 over the entire image 233.

Each process is performed on a screen as shown in FIGS. 27 (b) and 27 (c), and when the user confirms that this process can be ended, the enter key 242 is selected. I do. Then, when printing is performed, FIG.
Then, the screen returns to the screen shown in FIG. 9 and the print key 235 is selected to perform printing.

When printing is performed as described above, it is preferable to correct the luminance. That is, for example, when an image as shown in FIG. 28 is to be printed, if the luminance histogram is distributed averagely as shown in FIG. 29, it is possible to form a print with sufficient image quality. is there. In FIG. 29, the horizontal axis indicates the luminance level, and the vertical axis indicates the pixel amount. However, as shown in FIG. 30, when the luminance distribution is distributed entirely on the high luminance (highlight) side, or as shown in FIG. 31, the luminance distribution is entirely distributed on the low luminance (shadow) side. In the case of distribution, if printing is performed as it is, sufficient image quality cannot be obtained. Therefore, the data portion having the image content to be noted may be enlarged and corrected so as to approach the distribution as shown in FIG.
30 and 31, the horizontal axis indicates the luminance level, and the vertical axis indicates the pixel amount. Therefore, it is preferable to perform correction to correct the image as shown in FIG. 29 in which the luminance is distributed on average.

[0413] After a predetermined image is selected on the screen as shown in Fig. 26, it is preferable that a screen for performing processing is displayed on the screen selected as described above.
That is, as shown in FIG. 32A, an image 252 selected on the screen 250 and a plurality of process selection keys for selecting processes to be executed, indicating executable processes A, B, C,. 251, print key 25 for instructing start of printing
3. A cancel key 254 for canceling the processing, a memory key 255, and a multiple image display output area 256 capable of displaying and outputting a plurality of images are displayed.

[0414] Then, when each process is being executed or at the end of the execution, the image data resulting from the process is displayed. Depending on the processing content, it is possible to start from a specific part in the image data. In that case, by sequentially changing the display of the part where the processing has been completed, it is possible to determine to what extent the image 252 has been executed. Confirmed and preferred.

When the memory key 255 is selected after execution of the processing, the image data 257 of the result of the arithmetic processing executed so far is reduced and displayed in the image display output area 256.

When one of the displayed image 252 or the reduced image data 257 is selected and the print key 253 is selected, the image data corresponding to the selected image is printed out. When the cancel key 254 is selected, the arithmetic processing of the selected image is stopped.

In the case where the above processing is performed, as processing, processing having a variable parameter and processing not having such a variable parameter are assumed.

Thus, for example, assume that the process A is a process having a variable parameter. When such a process is selected, for example, as shown in FIG.
And a process display unit 258 indicating the process currently being performed, a cancel key 259 for canceling the process, a variable parameter selection part 260, a decision key 261 for fixing the process,
Screen 26 having a memory key 265 and a multiple image display output area 266 capable of displaying and outputting a plurality of images
2 may be displayed.

The variable parameter selection section 260 has a slide volume display section 263 for displaying the level of the variable parameter and adjustment keys 264a and 264b for raising and lowering the variable parameter, as shown in FIG. Here, when the left adjustment key 264a in FIG. 32B is pressed, the level of the variable parameter shifts to the left, and when the right adjustment key 264b in FIG. 32B is pressed, the level of the variable parameter is changed. Move to the right. For example, assuming that the variable parameter is the brightness of the image, the left adjustment key 264a in FIG. 32B is a key to decrease brightness, and the right adjustment key 264b in FIG. 32B is a key to increase brightness. , These adjustment keys 264a,
By adjusting the H.264b to change the level of the slide volume display unit 263, the image brightness is also changed and displayed.

When the memory key 265 is selected after executing the processing, the image data of the result of the arithmetic processing executed based on the variable parameter value set at that time becomes 267.
a, 267 b are displayed in a reduced size in the multiple image display output area 266.

When the displayed image 252 or one of the reduced image data 267a and 267b is selected and the enter key 261 is selected, the screen returns to the screen shown in FIG. When selected, the arithmetic processing of the selected image is stopped.

As described above, each process desired by the user is performed on the selected image data, and the print key 253 is selected and executed. Although not shown, an operation method for printing a plurality of images stored in the plurality of image output areas 256 and 266 may be provided. In this case, the stored image is printed out, and by observing the print sample, the optimal processing method and variable parameter values can be selected and determined.

Next, an example of a schematic operation of the printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 37.
This will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, a print range pattern is synthesized on the first digital image data to generate pattern-synthesized first digital image data, and the positional relationship between the print range pattern and the first digital image data is determined. To generate the first digital image data in which the print range is determined, select the image data of the portion surrounded by the print range pattern as necessary, and perform the enlargement process as necessary to enlarge the first digital image data. An example of generating one digital image data will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 33, step S1
, The power is turned on. Thereby, step S2
In FIG. 24, a processing menu which is a start screen as shown in FIG. 24 is displayed. Subsequently, in step S3, it is determined whether or not an instruction to select image input means for inputting image data or an externally connected device is performed. When the instruction is performed, a designated desired one is selected.
In step S4, the image data interface unit is activated, and in step S5, the image as the first digital image data input is displayed and output to the image display output unit.

Since there are a plurality of types of image input means or externally connected devices for inputting the image data as described above, the removable media drive unit is activated in step S6 and the image input in step S7 is performed. Is output to the image display output unit, and step S
In step 8, the film reading unit is activated, the image input in step S9 is output to the image display output unit, and in step S10, the computer interface unit is activated, and the first digital image data input in step S11. Is displayed on the image display output unit. That is, according to the selection in step S3, the process proceeds to any of steps S4, S6, S8, and S10.

On the other hand, if the instruction to select the image input means for inputting the image data or the externally connected device is not made in step S3, the instruction for selecting the image input means or the externally connected device for inputting the image data is made again in step S3. Is determined, and waits for an instruction to select an image input unit or an externally connected device.

As described above, steps S4, S6, S
When a plurality of image data is output from the image input unit or the externally connected device selected from 8, S10, the plurality of output image data are displayed and output as a plurality of reduced images on a display device or an external monitor. You.

Next, as shown in FIG.
In 2, it is determined whether to change the selection of the image input means for inputting the image data or the externally connected device. If there is no instruction to change the selection of the image input means or the externally connected device for inputting image data, it is determined whether or not an instruction to select an image to be processed is issued in step S13. The processing referred to here indicates processing such as editing processing correction by the image processing unit, printing processing by the image printing unit, and each processing executed therefor.

On the other hand, if an instruction to change image input means or an externally connected device for inputting image data again is made without selecting an image to be processed from the displayed plurality of images, step S12 is executed. In step S4, an image input unit or an externally connected device for inputting image data is selected again.
Proceed to any of

[0430] As described above, the image selected in step S13 is subjected to an image selection process in step S14 so that the user can see that the image has been selected. Then, it is determined whether or not the entire process for printing (printing) is started in step S17.

On the other hand, if the user does not give an instruction to select an image to be processed in step S13, the process proceeds to step S16.
It is determined whether there is a selected image for processing already selected. Here, if the selected image already exists, it is determined in step S17 whether or not to start the entire process for printing (printing).

If there is no selected image in step S16, the flow returns to step S12 to determine whether to change the selection of image input means for inputting image data or an externally connected device.

When the print processing is started in step S17, as shown in FIG.
In step S18, a process of inputting the selected image data is performed. In step S19, a process menu which is a start screen of the print process as shown in FIG. 25A is displayed on the display output screen of the image display output unit. Step S
At 20, the selected image data is displayed on the display output screen. Further, in step S21, a frame-shaped frame pattern indicating the printing range is synthesized and displayed at the initial position on the selected image data, and is used as the first digital image data in which the patterns are synthesized. That is, an image as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if the printing process has not been started in step S17, the flow returns to step S12 to determine whether or not to change the selection of image input means for inputting image data or an externally connected device.

As described above, steps S12 and S12
13, step S16 and step S17 are sequentially determined to wait for the next operation start instruction.

Next, in step S22, it is determined whether to change the position of the frame pattern. If it is to be changed, the process proceeds to step S23 to perform a process of changing the position of the frame pattern, and then proceeds to step S24 to redisplay the position of the frame pattern to obtain the first digital image data in which the printing range is determined. Then, it is determined again whether or not the frame pattern position is changed again in step S22.

If the position of the frame pattern is not changed in step S22, it is determined in step S25 whether or not an instruction to execute processing for improving the image quality of the image is issued.

Here, in the case of executing the processing for improving the image quality, it is determined whether or not the processing range for executing the processing for improving the image quality has been set in step S27 as shown in FIG. If the processing range is set,
In step S28, a cutout process is performed on the processing range, and in step S29, it is determined whether enlargement setting for performing the enlargement process on the cutout processing portion is set.

If the enlargement setting has been made, the enlargement ratio is calculated in step S30, and the process proceeds to step S31.
In step S3 shown in FIG.
Proceed to 2. Even when the enlargement setting has not been made, the process proceeds to step S32 shown in FIG. Also, when the processing range is not set in step S27, step S27 shown in FIG.
Go to 32.

Next, as shown in FIG.
In step S33, it is determined whether or not to perform the processing A. When the instruction is given, the input of a variable parameter relating to the processing A is prompted in step S33. When the input of the variable parameters is performed, the process A is performed in step S34, and the image obtained as a result of the process A in step S35 is corrected based on the display output characteristic setting and the printing characteristic setting corrected by the characteristic correcting unit. Is performed, and the corrected image is displayed by the image display output unit. This display image is visually equivalent to the image printed by the image printing unit.

If the input of the variable parameter relating to the process A is not made in the step S33, the flow waits until the variable parameter relating to the process A is inputted again. Further, the display image displayed in step S35 is viewed, and in step S36, an instruction to determine the content of the process A is determined. If this content is satisfactory, the process proceeds to step S37 shown in FIG. If the content is unsatisfactory, the process returns to step S33, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

In step S32, processing A
If the execution instruction is not issued, it is determined whether or not to perform the processing B in step S38. When the instruction is issued, the processing B is executed in step S39. ,
The correction is performed based on the display output characteristic setting and the printing characteristic setting corrected by the characteristic correction unit, and the corrected image is displayed by the image display output unit. This display image is visually equivalent to the image printed by the image printing unit.
As described above, here, it is assumed that the process B is a process in which a variable parameter is not input. Step S4
0, seeing the display image displayed in step S41.
In, an instruction to determine the content of the process B is determined. If this content is satisfactory, the process proceeds to step S37 shown in FIG.
If you are not satisfied with the contents, return to step S39,
The subsequent processing is repeated.

The same applies to other processes. Finally, it is determined whether or not to perform the process X in step S42, and when the instruction is given, the input of a variable parameter related to the process X is prompted in step S43. When the input of the variable parameter is performed, the process X is executed in a step S44, and the process X is executed in a step S45.
Is corrected based on the display output characteristic setting and the printing characteristic setting corrected by the characteristic correction unit, and the corrected image is displayed by the image display output unit. This display image is visually equivalent to the image printed by the image printing unit.

If the variable parameter relating to the processing X is not inputted in the step S43, the flow waits until the variable parameter relating to the processing X is inputted again. In addition, looking at the display image displayed in step S45, an instruction to determine the content of the process X is determined in step S46. If this content is satisfactory, the process proceeds to step S37 shown in FIG. If dissatisfied with the contents, the process returns to step S43, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

With respect to the image data selected in this way, a start instruction of process A, a start instruction of process B,.
It is sequentially determined whether or not an activation instruction is issued.

Then, as shown in FIG.
7, a start screen for performing the print processing, a screen as shown in FIG. 25A is displayed, and the image data subjected to the processing selected as described above is displayed as an image in step S47, and in step S48, A frame pattern is synthesized and displayed on the image, and the first digital image data is synthesized.

Then, returning to step S22 shown in FIG. 35, it is determined again whether or not the position of the frame pattern is changed, and if necessary, the position of the frame pattern is changed to determine the first print range. It is determined whether or not an instruction to execute the image quality improvement processing is made again in step S25 if necessary, and if not, it is determined whether or not a print instruction is made in step S26.

If a print instruction is given in step S26, as shown in FIG.
At 49, it is determined whether or not the printing range needs to be cut out. Here, if it is necessary to cut out the printing range, a printing range cutout process is performed in step S50, and it is determined in step S51 whether an enlargement setting for performing the enlargement process on the cutout processing portion has been made. .

If the enlargement setting has been made, the enlargement ratio is calculated in step S52, and the process proceeds to step S53.
The enlargement process is performed in step S1 to obtain enlarged first digital image data, and the process proceeds to step S54. The process also proceeds to step S54 when the enlargement setting has not been made. If it is determined in step S49 that it is not necessary to cut out the printing range, the process proceeds to step S54.

In step S54, print image data correction for converting and correcting the image to be printed (printed) is performed. Subsequently, print (print) output processing is performed in step S55, and printout (print) is performed in step S56 to form a print image. Then, in step S57, it is determined whether or not the image data to be printed next is selected. If it is determined that the next image data is not selected, in step S2 shown in FIG. A certain processing menu may be displayed, and the operations described above may be repeated. If it is determined that the next image data is selected, the process returns to step S17 shown in FIG. May be repeated.

Next, an example of the schematic operation of the printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, and 44.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In addition,
Here, an editing process is performed on a predetermined partial area of the first digital image data to generate partially edited image data, and during the execution of the predetermined editing processing, each processing content for the predetermined partial area, The editing processing contents such as the parameters in the processing and the processing order are stored, the partial edited image data is displayed and output, the second input of the first digital image data is performed, and the whole of the image data is stored in the editing processing storage unit. And at least a part of the predetermined editing process performed on the partial region based on the second digital image data is performed, the second digital image data is displayed and output, and the second digital image is displayed. An example in which data is converted into print data, a print image is formed on a recording medium based on the print data, and a print image is formed will be described.

First, as shown in FIG.
At 01, the power is turned on. Thus, in step S102, the initial menu which is the processing menu as shown in FIG. 26 is displayed. Then step S
In step 103, it is determined whether or not an instruction to select image input means for inputting image data or an externally connected device is performed. When the instruction is performed, the specified instruction is selected. For example, in step S104, the image data interface unit is selected. Drive. Since there are a plurality of types of image input means or externally connected devices for inputting the image data as described above, the removable media drive unit is driven in step S105 in response to this, and step S1 is executed.
At 06, the film reading unit is driven, and at step S107, the computer interface unit is driven. That is, according to the selection in step S103, the process proceeds to any of steps S104 to S107.

On the other hand, if the instruction to select image input means for inputting image data or an externally connected device is not made in step S103, the instruction for selecting image input means or externally connected equipment for inputting image data is made again in step S103. Is determined, and waits for an instruction to select an image input unit or an externally connected device.

As described above, steps S104 to S10
The image data output from the selected image input means or the externally connected device out of 7 is displayed and output as an image by the display device or the external monitor as the image data input in step S108. At this time, when a plurality of image data is output from the selected image input unit or the externally connected device, the output plurality of image data is displayed and output as a plurality of reduced images on a display device or an external monitor.

[0455] Next, in step S109, it is determined whether the selection of the image input means for inputting image data or the selection of an externally connected device is to be changed. If the instruction to change the selection of the image input means or the externally connected device for inputting the image data is not issued, it is determined in step S110 whether the instruction to select the image to be processed is issued. The processing referred to here indicates processing such as editing processing correction by the image processing unit, printing processing by the image printing unit, and each processing executed therefor. Here, it is assumed that a selection instruction for performing processing on a plurality of images is issued.

On the other hand, if an instruction to change image input means or an externally connected device for inputting image data again is made without selecting an image to be processed from among the displayed images, step S109 In step (3), an image input unit or an externally connected device for inputting image data is selected again, and the process proceeds to any of steps S104 to S107 according to the selection.

As described above, the image selected in step S110 is subjected to image data selection processing in step S111 so as to indicate that the image has been selected. Subsequently, in step S112, the list holding the processing order of the selected plurality of image data is updated, and the image data selection list configured to sequentially process the image data according to the list is updated. Then, step S1
At 13, the selected image is displayed so that it can be seen that it has been selected.

Next, as shown in FIG. 41, it is determined whether or not detailed setting is to be performed on a plurality of image data in the above step S114. If the detailed setting is to be performed, the image data selecting process is performed in step S115. I do. Subsequently, in step S116, the image data selection list is updated. Next, in step S117, the selected image is displayed so that it can be recognized that the selected image has been selected.

By the way, in step S11 shown in FIG.
If no processing image is selected at 0,
Proceed to step S114.

[0460] In step S118, it is determined whether or not an instruction is issued as to whether or not to execute the editing processing correction or the like on the image selected as described above. In step S119, image data to be processed is determined from the image data to be processed held in the selection list.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S118 that an instruction to perform processing such as editing processing correction has not been made on the selected image, the flow returns to step S109 shown in FIG. Perform processing.

After determining the image data to be processed in step S119, a screen showing the processing menu as shown in FIG. 27A is displayed in step S120, and the image data to be processed in step S121 is displayed. Is input as an image, and the target image data is displayed as an image in step S122.

As described above, steps S109 and S11
By sequentially determining 0, S114, and S118,
It waits for an instruction to change the selection of the image input means or the externally connected device, an instruction to select an image to be processed, and an instruction to execute processing such as editing and correction.

Next, as shown in FIG.
In step 3, a frame-like pattern indicating a predetermined partial area is displayed in the image at a predetermined initial position. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a print (print) activation instruction is issued in step S124.

Then, in step S124,
If no print start instruction has been given, it is determined in step S125 whether or not an instruction has been given to change the display position of a frame-shaped pattern indicating a predetermined partial area in the image. If an instruction to change the display position is given, a process of changing the display position of the frame-shaped pattern indicating the predetermined partial area is performed in step S126, and the predetermined portion of the display position after the change is determined in step S127. A frame-like pattern indicating an area is displayed in the image.

Next, in step S128, it is determined whether or not to perform the processing A. Even when the instruction to change the display position is not made in step S125, the process proceeds to step S128.

If it is determined in step S128 that the process A is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S129 in FIG.
A menu screen for the process A as shown in FIG. Next, in step S130, an initial value of the processing A parameter is set, and in step S131, the processing A parameter is displayed.

Subsequently, it is determined in step S132 whether or not an instruction to change the position of the frame pattern indicating the predetermined partial area is to be input. When the change instruction is input, a process of changing the position of the frame-shaped frame pattern indicating the predetermined partial area is performed in step S133, and the changed frame pattern is displayed in step S134.

Next, it is determined in step S135 whether or not an instruction to change the processing A parameter is to be input. If the change instruction is input, a processing to change the processing A parameter is performed in step S136.
At 37, the processing A parameters are displayed. If it is determined in step S132 that the instruction to change the position of the frame pattern indicating the predetermined partial area is not input, the process proceeds to step S135.

Subsequently, in step S138, it is determined whether or not to perform the processing A on a predetermined partial area. When the execution selection is made, the process proceeds to step S139, where the process A is executed using the process A parameter determined previously in the predetermined partial area surrounded by the frame pattern, and the process content of the process A is determined in step S140. The execution processing contents are stored and held, and the result of executing the processing A in step S141 is displayed in the multiple image display area, and the process proceeds to step S142 shown in FIG. If the execution is not selected in step S138, the process proceeds to step S142.

In step S142 shown in FIG. 44, it is determined whether or not a desired one of the image data displayed in the multiple image display area is selected and instructed. If a selection instruction is given, step S14 is performed.
The process proceeds to step S3, where a selection process is performed, and the image data selected in step S144 is displayed.

[0472] Then, it is determined whether or not the determination can be made in step S145. Even if the instruction to select the image data is not issued in step S142, the process proceeds to step S145. If it is determined and selected in step S145, step S1
At 46, the process is executed on the image data selected in the multiple image display area as described above, and the process A is executed over the entire image data based on the execution process content information stored and held. Is displayed, and the flow advances to step S149 shown in FIG.

[0473] If the decision is not made in step S145, the flow advances to step S148 to determine whether or not to cancel this processing. When canceling this process, the process proceeds to step S149 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if this process is not canceled, the process returns to step S132, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0474] The series of processing from step S129 to step S148 is referred to as a routine for performing processing A.

By the way, step S149 shown in FIG.
In, it is determined whether or not to perform the process B. Even if the process A is not performed in step S128, the process proceeds to step S149.
Next, the process proceeds to step S150, where a routine for performing the process B is performed. The routine for performing the process B is the same as the routine for performing the series of processes A from step S129 to step S148 described above.
Only the use of the process B parameter, which is a parameter for performing the process B, instead of the parameter, is a process different from the routine for performing the process A, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

The routine for performing the process B has been completed.
Alternatively, when it is determined that the process B is not performed, the determination and the process of the next process are sequentially performed. After determining whether or not to perform each process and performing a routine for executing the process as needed, finally, it is determined whether or not to perform the process X in step S151, and when the instruction is given, step S152 is performed. Performs a routine for performing the process X. The routine for performing the process X is the same as the routine for performing the series of processes A from step S129 to step S148 described above, and is a parameter for performing the process X instead of the process A parameter. Only the use of the processing X parameter is different from the routine for performing the processing X, and thus the description is omitted here.

The routine for performing the process X has been completed.
Alternatively, when it is determined that the process X is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step S153, and it is determined whether to cancel the process that has been performed so far. If not canceled, the process proceeds to step S124, and it is determined whether or not a print start instruction is issued again.

If a print start instruction is given, print (print) output processing is performed in step S154, as shown in FIG. 45, and step S155 is performed.
Are printed out (printed) at to form a printed image. Then, it is determined in step S156 whether or not the next image data to be processed is selected. If it is determined that the next image data is not selected, an initial processing menu is displayed in step S157, In S158, the same image input means (image data input unit) as before is selected, and step S10 shown in FIG.
The process proceeds to any of 4, 105, 106, and 107, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

If it is determined that the image data to be processed next is selected, the next image data to be processed is determined in step S159, and the process returns to step S120 shown in FIG. repeat.

On the other hand, when canceling in step S153 shown in FIG.
The process proceeds to 156, and the subsequent processing may be repeated.

Next, the general operation of the printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 46, 47 and 48.

First, as shown in FIG. 46, step S2
At 01, the power is turned on. Thus, in step S202, the processing menu as shown in FIG. 26 is displayed. Subsequently, in step S203, it is determined whether an instruction to select an image input unit or an externally connected device for inputting image data is performed, and when the instruction is performed,
Then, the designated desired one is selected, for example, in step S20.
At 4, the image data interface unit is driven.
Since there are a plurality of types of image input means or externally connected devices for inputting the image data as described above, the removable media drive unit is driven in step S205, and the film reading unit is driven in step S206. In step S207, the computer interface unit is driven. That is, according to the selection in step S203, step S203
The process proceeds to any of 204 to S207.

On the other hand, if the instruction to select image input means or externally connected equipment for inputting image data is not made in step S203, the instruction to select image input means or externally connected equipment for inputting image data is made again in step S203. Is determined, and waits for an instruction to select an image input unit or an externally connected device.

As described above, steps S204 to S20
In step S208, the image data output from the selected image input unit or the externally connected device is displayed as an image on a display device or an external monitor. At this time, when a plurality of image data is output from the selected image input unit or the externally connected device, the output plurality of image data is displayed and output as a plurality of reduced images on a display device or an external monitor.

[0485] Next, in step S209, it is determined whether to change the selection of image input means for inputting image data or an externally connected device. If the instruction to change the selection of the image input means or the externally connected device for inputting the image data is not issued, it is determined in step S210 whether the instruction to select the image to be processed is issued. The processing referred to here indicates processing such as editing processing correction by the image processing unit, printing processing by the image printing unit, and each processing executed therefor.

On the other hand, if an instruction to change the image input means or the externally connected device for inputting image data again is made without selecting an image to be processed from the displayed plurality of images, step S209 In step, an image input unit or an externally connected device for inputting image data is selected again, and the process proceeds to any of steps S204 to S207 according to the selection.

As described above, the image selected in step S210 is subjected to image selection processing in step S211 so that the user can see that the image has been selected. indicate.

In step S 213, it is determined whether or not an instruction is given as to whether or not to execute the editing processing correction or the like on the image selected as described above. In S214, the image data of the target image is read.

On the other hand, if no image to be processed is selected in step S210,
213.

[0490] If there is no instruction to execute processing such as editing and correction in step S213, it is determined again in step S209 whether to select image input means for inputting image data or an externally connected device. .

As described above, steps S209 and S21
By sequentially determining 0 and S213, the process waits for an instruction to change the selection of the image input unit or the externally connected device, an instruction to select an image to be processed, and an instruction to execute processing such as editing and correction.

As described above, the image data read as the target image to be subjected to the processing such as the editing processing correction in step S214 is read in step S21 as shown in FIG.
In step 6, the image is displayed as an image on the screen shown in FIG. Next, in step S217, it is determined whether a print (print) instruction is issued.

[0493] If no print (printing) instruction is given, it is determined whether or not an instruction to execute various processes is given. That is, it is determined whether or not to perform the process A in step S218, and when the instruction is given,
In step S219, for example, an image as shown in FIG. 32 (b) is displayed, and it is determined whether to set a variable parameter relating to the process A. When the variable parameters are input, processing A is executed in step S220, and the image resulting from the processing A in step S221 is corrected based on the display output characteristic setting and the printing characteristic setting corrected by the characteristic correcting unit. Is performed, and the corrected image is displayed and output by the image display output unit. This display image is visually equivalent to the image printed by the image printing unit. If the setting of the variable parameter related to the process A is not performed in the step S219, the process waits until the variable parameter related to the process A is input again.

Next, referring to the image shown in step S221, it is determined in step S222 whether the processing A parameter is appropriate. If the processing A parameter is appropriate, the flow returns to step S217 to determine whether a print instruction is issued. If the processing A parameter is not appropriate, the flow returns to step S219, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

If the execution instruction of process A is not issued in step S218, it is determined in step S223 whether or not process B is to be executed.
Processing B is performed in step S224, and an image obtained as a result of performing processing B in step S225 is
The correction is performed based on the display output characteristic setting and the printing characteristic setting corrected by the characteristic correction unit, and the corrected image is displayed by the image display output unit. This display image is visually equivalent to the image printed by the image printing unit.
Then, the process returns to step S217 again to determine whether a print instruction is issued.

The same applies to the other processes. Finally, it is determined in step S226 whether or not to perform the process X. When the instruction is given, in step S227, it is determined whether or not to set a variable parameter relating to the process X. Is determined. When variable parameters are entered,
Processing X is executed in step S228, and step S228 is executed.
In step 229, the image resulting from the process X is corrected based on the display output characteristic setting and the printing characteristic setting corrected by the characteristic correction unit, and the corrected image is displayed by the image display output unit. This display image is visually equivalent to the image printed by the image printing unit. If the variable parameter related to the process X is not set in the above step S227, the process waits until the variable parameter related to the process X is input.

Next, looking at the image shown in step S229, it is determined in step S230 whether the processing X parameter is appropriate. If the process X parameter is appropriate, the process returns to step S217 to determine whether a print instruction is issued. If the process X parameter is not appropriate, the process returns to step S227 to repeat the subsequent processes.

It is sequentially determined whether a print command, a process A command, a process B command, and a process X command are given to the selected image data.

[0499] Then, the image data selected as described above or subjected to each processing is again processed in step S217.
In, it is determined whether or not a print (print) instruction is made. In the case of performing a plurality of types of processing, for example, after executing the processing A, in step S217, no instruction for printing (printing) is given, and in step S218, the process proceeds to step S223 without issuing an instruction for starting the processing A. The process B is performed as it is, and after the process B is performed, the operation of returning to the step S217 is sequentially performed. When all the processes have been performed, an instruction of printing (printing) may be given in the step S217.

In step S217, when an instruction to execute printing (printing) is issued, step S2 in FIG.
At 31, print (print) output processing is performed, and at step S232, printout (print) is performed to form a print image.

Then, in step S233, it is determined whether or not the image data to be printed next has been selected. If it is determined that the next image data has not been selected, it is determined again in step S202 shown in FIG. The processing menu is displayed, and the operation described above may be repeated. If it is determined that the next image data is selected, the process returns to step S214 shown in FIG. 46 to read the target image data again. The subsequent processing may be repeated.

As described above, in the printer of this embodiment, various operations can be easily performed, and the printer can be easily handled. Further, since the work is performed by the same operation regardless of the type of the image input means, the user is not bothered by the work procedure.

[0503]

According to the printing method and the printing apparatus of the present invention, the printing range pattern is synthesized by the human interface unit with the predetermined first digital image data input from the image data input unit. The first digital image data generated is generated, and the first digital image data subjected to the pattern synthesis is displayed and output at the image display output unit, and the pattern synthesis is performed at the human interface unit based on an external instruction. By relatively changing the positional relationship between the printing range pattern in the first digital image data and the first digital image data and / or changing the printing range pattern,
The print area is determined by determining the positional relationship between the print area pattern and the first digital image data, generating the first digital image data whose print area has been determined, and determining the print area in the image calculation unit. The image data of the portion surrounded by the print range pattern of the first digital image data is selected, and if necessary, an enlargement process is performed to generate enlarged first digital image data and / or an input position. The adjustment unit adjusts the input position at the time of inputting the analog image signal that is the basis of the first digital image data in which the printing range is determined, performs an enlargement process as needed, and adjusts the image data input unit. First digital image data is generated, and the first digital image data is printed out.

That is, in the printer apparatus of the present invention, regarding the composition in the photographed image, if the composition is inclined with respect to the printing range pattern or if there is a space which is considered unnecessary in the first digital image, the optimum composition is obtained. If the user does not check the print range pattern and the first digital image data,
Since the position of the digital image data is determined to determine the printing range, the composition can be easily changed.

Further, in the printer device of the present invention, the image calculation unit and / or the input position adjustment unit may add the first digital image data to the image data of the portion surrounded by the printing range pattern as necessary. Enlargement processing is performed, and even when the sizes of the printing ranges of the plurality of first digital image data are different from each other,
The size of the final print can be uniformed and the same.

In the printer of the present invention, input means for inputting an instruction from outside is displayed adjacent to the display output image indicating the first digital image data obtained by pattern synthesis of the image display output unit. Preferably.

[0507] At this time, the first digital image data in the display output image showing the first digital image data synthesized with the pattern is displayed.
It is preferable that input means for inputting an instruction from outside is displayed on the digital image data and / or the print range pattern.

[0508] By doing so, the first in the display output image
The digital image pattern or print range pattern is arranged in correspondence with the input means, so that the user can easily understand the operation and the operability is improved.

Further, in the printer of the present invention, the first digital image data input from the image data input unit is displayed and output on the image display output unit, and the first digital image data input from the image data input unit is displayed on the edit processing unit. A predetermined editing process is performed on a predetermined partial area of the digital image data to generate a partially edited image data, and during the execution of the predetermined editing process, each process for the predetermined partial area is performed in the editing process storage unit. The contents, parameters in each process, and editing contents of the processing order are stored, the partial edited image data input from the editing processing unit is displayed and output on the image display output unit, and the first digital image data of the first digital image data is output to the editing processing unit. A second input is performed, and a predetermined editing process performed on the partial area based on the storage of the editing process storage unit is performed on the entire image data. And at least a part of the editing process is performed to obtain second digital image data. The image display output unit displays and outputs the second digital image data input from the editing processing unit. The second digital image data is converted into print data, and the image print unit prints out a print image on a recording medium based on the print data to form a print image.

That is, in the printer of the present invention, the editing process is not performed on the entire first digital image data, but is performed on a predetermined partial area including a portion of interest. Thus, the time until the processing result is obtained is short. As a result, the time required for printing is reduced.

[0511] Further, in the printer device of the present invention, the display output image of the image display output section is arranged to display and output a plurality of first digital image data and / or second digital image data. When editing processing is performed on a predetermined partial area of the plurality of first digital image data to obtain a plurality of partial edited image data, the partial edited image data of one first digital image data is obtained. Each time is generated, during the execution of the editing processing, the editing processing storage section stores the processing contents for the predetermined partial area, the parameters in each processing, and the editing processing contents of the processing order, and edits the image display output section. A plurality of partially edited image data input from the processing unit are arranged and displayed and output, and the plurality of partially edited image data are output by an external instruction. When one piece of the partially edited image data is selected, the predetermined editing performed on the entire first digital image data corresponding to the partially edited image data based on the storage of the editing processing storage unit with respect to the partial area is performed. The editing processing of at least a part of the processing may be executed to obtain the second digital image data.

[0512] Further, in the above-described printer apparatus of the present invention, the display output image of the image display output section is provided with a plurality of first output images.
The digital image data and / or the second digital image data are arranged and displayed and output, and for a predetermined partial area of the predetermined first digital image data,
When a plurality of partially edited image data are obtained by performing different editing processes, each time one piece of partially edited image data is generated,
During the execution of the editing processing, the editing processing storage unit stores the processing contents for the predetermined partial area, the parameters in each processing, and the editing processing contents of the processing order, and is input from the editing processing unit in the image display output unit. A plurality of partial edited image data are arranged and displayed and output. When one partial edited image data is selected from the plurality of partial edited image data by an instruction from the outside, the predetermined first digital image data as a whole is Even if at least a part of the predetermined editing process executed on the partial area corresponding to the partial edited image data based on the storage of the editing process storage unit is executed, the editing process is performed to obtain second digital image data. good.

[0513] As described above, by sequentially displaying the obtained result images on the same screen, it is easy to recognize the difference between the editing processing results, and the processing content in which the user selects the editing processing content desired is displayed. It is performed based on.

[0514] Further, in the printer device of the present invention, the display output image of the image display output unit is arranged to display and output a plurality of first digital image data and / or second digital image data. The image printing unit prints a plurality of the first digital image data and / or the second digital image data side by side on one recording medium, and outputs the image data to the image display output unit. A plurality of first digital image data and / or
Alternatively, it is preferable that the second digital image data is printed and arranged as it is on a single recording medium in the image printing section.

That is, in the printer of the present invention, the result images obtained while changing the contents of the editing processing are arranged and printed out on one recording medium, so that the display output image and the print output image are Even when the user has an impression difference, it is easy to optimally determine what kind of editing processing is necessary in order to obtain a print output image book desired by the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part schematically showing an example of a schematic configuration of a film reading unit.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part schematically showing an example of a schematic configuration of a film reading unit.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an example in which a touch panel is arranged on a flat display.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of display and instruction input on a flat display.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of display and instruction input on a flat display.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which the position of image data is fixed and the position or shape of a frame pattern is changed.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which the position of a frame pattern is fixed and the position of image data is changed.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of frame pattern contents.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a guide pattern is shown in a frame pattern.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a decorative pattern is synthesized on a frame pattern.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a method for setting a partial area to be processed in image data.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a method of setting a partial area to be processed in image data.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of a method of setting a partial area to be processed in image data.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of a method for setting a partial area to be processed in image data.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of a method of setting a partial area to be processed in image data.

FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a data processing circuit of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram showing another example of the data processing circuit of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram showing still another example of the data processing circuit of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a flow of data processing of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a circuit diagram showing a flow of data processing in a data processing unit of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram showing another example of the data processing flow of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display device or an external monitor of the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of an image displayed on a display device or an external monitor of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of an image displayed on a display device or an external monitor of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of an image displayed on a display device or an external monitor of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of an image displayed on the display device or the external monitor of the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a luminance histogram of an image.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a luminance histogram of an image.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of a luminance histogram of an image.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of an image displayed on a display device or an external monitor of the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a part of a schematic operation in the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 49 is a schematic view showing an example of a conventional image data printing method.

FIG. 50 is a circuit diagram showing a data flow of an example of a conventional image data printing method.

FIG. 51 is a schematic view showing another example of the conventional image data printing method.

FIG. 52 is a circuit diagram showing a data flow of another example of the conventional image data printing method.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 image data input section, 2 image display output section, 3 image printing section, 4 characteristic correction section, 5 data processing section, 6 image processing section, 7 image input means, 8 pointing device, 15
Display device, 16 output ports, 21 body, 22
Display device processing unit, 23 video signal processing unit, 24 print output processing unit, 25 print head, 26 print head drive unit, 27 image data input / output unit, 28 human interface unit, 29 input position adjustment unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C087 AA18 AB01 AB05 BB10 BD06 BD07 CB06 CB16 CB20 DA02 5B057 BA24 CD02 CD03 CD05 CE09 5C076 AA21 AA36 CA02 CA11 9A001 DD11 HH24 HH28 JJ35

Claims (15)

[Claims] An image data is input, and a display output image obtained by synthesizing a print range pattern in which a portion surrounded by the image data is a print range is displayed and output. The relative position of the image data is relatively changed and / or the print range pattern is changed to determine the positional relationship between the print range pattern and the image data to determine the print range. Performing an enlargement process on the image pattern in the printing range as necessary to obtain enlarged image data; and printing the image data and / or the image data in which the printing range is determined and / or the enlarged image data. A printing method, comprising: performing printing output processing for converting data into data; and performing printing output based on the printing data. 2. An image data input unit for converting externally input digital image data and / or an analog image signal into first digital image data by analog-to-digital conversion, wherein the image data input unit is surrounded by the first digital image data. A first digital image data is generated by synthesizing a print range pattern in which the printed portion is a print range, and the position of the print range pattern and the position of the first digital image data are determined based on an external instruction. The relationship is relatively changed and / or the print range pattern is changed to determine the positional relationship between the print range pattern and the first digital image data to determine the print range, and the first print range is determined. A human interface unit for generating digital image data, and a print range pattern of the first digital image data in which the print range is determined. Image data of a portion surrounded by the image data, an enlargement process is performed as necessary, and an image calculation unit that generates enlarged first digital image data and / or the image processing unit in which the print range is determined Input position adjustment for adjusting an input position when an analog image signal as a basis of one digital image data is input, performing an enlargement process as needed, and causing the image data input unit to generate the adjusted first digital image data. A first digital image data and / or an enlarged first digital image data and / or an adjusted first digital image data whose print area is determined.
An image display output unit for displaying and outputting the digital image data of the first and second digital image data, and / or the first digital image data and / or the enlarged first digital image data and / or the enlarged first digital image data whose print range has been determined. Or adjusted first
A print output processing unit for performing print output processing for converting digital image data into print data for printing in the image print unit, and an image print unit for performing print output on a recording medium based on the print data, The human interface unit generates a first digital image data obtained by synthesizing a printing range pattern with the predetermined first digital image data input from the image data input unit, and displaying the image. An output unit displays and outputs the first digital image data obtained by the pattern synthesis, and the human interface unit outputs a print range pattern in the first digital image data obtained by the pattern synthesis based on an external instruction. Relatively changing the positional relationship of the first digital image data and / or the printing range By changing the pattern, the print range pattern and the first
Determining the positional relationship of the digital image data to determine the printing range, generating first digital image data with the printing range determined, and the first digital image data with the printing range determined in the image calculation unit. In addition to selecting image data of a portion surrounded by the printing range pattern of the image data, performing enlargement processing as necessary, generating enlarged first digital image data, and / or in the input position adjustment unit, The input position is adjusted at the time of inputting the analog image signal which is the basis of the first digital image data in which the printing range is determined, and the first digital image adjusted by the image data input unit while performing enlargement processing as necessary. A printer device for generating image data. 3. The printing range pattern in the first digital image data obtained by the pattern synthesis is rotated and / or translated relative to the first digital image data so that the printing range pattern and the first printing range pattern are combined with the first digital image data. 3. The printer device according to claim 2, wherein the relative position of the digital image data is relatively changed and / or the size and / or shape of the print range pattern is changed to change the print range pattern. 4. An input means for externally inputting an instruction is displayed adjacent to a display output image showing the first digital image data subjected to pattern synthesis of the image display output unit. The printer device according to the above. 5. An input means for externally inputting an instruction is displayed on the first digital image data and / or the print range pattern in the display output image showing the first digital image data on which the pattern has been synthesized. 5. The printer according to claim 4, wherein: 6. A display device according to claim 1, wherein a portion surrounded by a printing range pattern in the display output image showing the first digital image data subjected to the pattern synthesis is displayed differently from the other portion. 2. The printer device according to 2. 7. The printing range pattern has a rectangular frame shape, and a frame surrounded by a printing range pattern in a display output image showing the first digital image data combined with the pattern is provided. 3. The printer device according to claim 2, wherein a guide pattern indicating a component parallel and / or a component perpendicular thereto is also displayed. 8. The guide pattern indicating the parallel component and / or the vertical component corresponds to a point at which each side of a frame-shaped print range pattern is golden-divided.
The printer device according to the above. 9. An image data input unit for converting externally input digital image data and / or an analog image signal into first digital image data by analog-to-digital conversion; An editing processing unit that performs at least one editing process to generate second digital image data that is edited image data; and a content of each process during execution of the at least one editing process.
An editing processing storage unit that stores parameters and a processing order in each processing; an image display output unit that displays and outputs the first digital image data and / or the second digital image data; And / or a print output processing unit for performing print output processing for converting the second digital image data into print data for printing in the image print unit; and an image print unit for printing and outputting on a recording medium based on the print data. The image display output unit displays and outputs the first digital image data input from the image data input unit, and the edit processing unit determines the first digital image data input from the image data input unit. A predetermined editing process is performed on the partial area to generate partial edited image data, and the editing process storage unit is executed during the predetermined editing process. Oite,
The processing contents for the predetermined partial area, the parameters in each processing, and the editing processing contents of the processing order are stored, and the image display output unit displays and outputs the partial edited image data input from the editing processing unit. The first input of the first digital image data is performed on the image data, and at least a part of the predetermined editing process executed on the partial area based on the storage of the editing process storage unit on the entire image data is performed. Is executed to obtain the second digital image data. The image display output unit displays and outputs the second digital image data input from the editing processing unit. The print output processing unit converts the second digital image data into the second digital image data. The image data is converted into print data, and the image print unit prints and outputs a print image on a recording medium based on the print data to form a print image. Printer device that. 10. The printer device according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined partial region of the first digital image data is a central portion of the first digital image data. 11. The printer device according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined partial area of the first digital image data is one or more blocks obtained by dividing the first digital image data into a plurality of blocks. 12. The printer device according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined partial area of the first digital image data is an area determined by an external instruction. 13. A display image output from the image display output section, wherein a plurality of first digital image data and / or second digital image data are arranged and output, and a plurality of first digital image data are displayed. In the case where a plurality of partial edited image data is obtained by performing an editing process on each of the predetermined partial regions, the above-described editing process is being executed every time partial edited image data of one first digital image data is generated. In the editing processing storage unit, each processing content for the predetermined partial area, parameters in each processing, and editing processing content of the processing order are stored, and the plurality of partial edited images input from the editing processing unit in the image display output unit. When the data is displayed side by side and one of the partially edited image data is selected from the plurality of partially edited image data by an external instruction, the corresponding The entire first digital image data corresponding to the partially edited image data is subjected to at least a part of the predetermined editing process executed on the partial region based on the storage in the editing process storage unit, and the second editing process is performed. The printer device according to claim 9, wherein the digital image data is digital image data. 14. The display output image of the image display output section, wherein a plurality of first digital image data and / or second digital image data are arranged and displayed and output, and a predetermined first digital image is output. In the case where different editing processes are performed on a predetermined partial area of data to generate a plurality of partially edited image data, each time one piece of partially edited image data is generated, the editing process is performed in the editing process storage unit during the execution of the editing process. The processing contents for the predetermined partial area, the parameters for each processing, and the editing contents of the processing order are stored, and the plurality of partial edited image data input from the editing processing unit are arranged and displayed and output in the image display output unit. When one piece of the partially edited image data is selected from the plurality of pieces of the partially edited image data according to an instruction from the outside, the predetermined first digital image At least a part of the predetermined editing process performed on the partial area corresponding to the partial editing image data based on the storage of the editing process storage unit is performed on the entire data, and the second digital image data 10. The printer device according to claim 9, wherein: 15. A display output image of said image display output section, wherein a plurality of first digital image data and / or second digital image data are arranged and displayed and output, and said image printing section comprises a plurality of image print sections. The first digital image data and / or the second digital image data are arranged and printed on one recording medium, and the plurality of first digital images displayed and output on the image display output unit are provided. 10. The printer device according to claim 9, wherein the data and / or the second digital image data are printed as they are arranged on a single recording medium in the image printing section.