JP2011018268A - Information management device, information management method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an information management apparatus capable of reducing the burden of selecting a distribution image for each distribution destination and reducing a user's operation load.
An information management apparatus is set by an image selection unit 804 that sets an image selected by a user operation, a distribution destination selection unit 805 that sets a distribution destination selected by a user operation, and an image selection unit 804. A display unit 806 for displaying a screen for designating which image of the selected selected image to be distributed to which of the selected distribution destinations set by the distribution destination selecting unit 805 according to the printable number, and the designation on the screen And a control unit 807 that executes the printing process of the selected image based on the obtained information.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an information management apparatus, an information management method, and a program having a function of sorting selected images into a plurality of distribution destinations.

  In recent years, there have been increasing opportunities to use personal computers to print images taken with digital cameras and present them to relatives and friends.

  By the way, since the number of images that can be shot and the number of images that can be saved have increased significantly due to the recent increase in storage capacity, images that have failed to be shot and duplicated images are also stored in the personal computer. You must select an image.

  In addition, from the selected images, you must select an image that is related to the distribution destination (for example, a face is shown in a group photo of multiple people). At that time, you should carefully determine the relationship between the image and the distribution destination. It must be adjusted (Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-285495 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information management apparatus capable of reducing a user's operation load by reducing the effort of selecting a distribution image for each distribution destination. And

  In order to achieve the above object, an information management apparatus according to the present invention includes an image selection unit that sets an image selected by a user operation, a distribution destination selection unit that sets a distribution destination selected by a user operation, and the image A display for displaying a screen for designating which image of the selected image set by the selection means is printed and to which distribution destination of the selected distribution destination set by the distribution destination selection means according to the number of printable sheets And print processing means for executing print processing of the selected image based on information designated on the screen.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to specify on the screen which image of the selected image is distributed to which distribution destination of the selected distribution destination, and the sorting process can be performed, so the distribution image can be selected many times for each distribution destination. It is possible to reduce the trouble of reworking and reduce the operation load on the user.

It is a perspective view for demonstrating the system configuration example of the information management apparatus which is the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structural example of the computer apparatus which implement | achieves an information management apparatus. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the control program stored in the external storage device of an information management device. FIG. 4 is a flowchart corresponding to processing in an image selection unit, a distribution destination selection unit, a print instruction unit, and a print control unit in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen for selecting the image printed by user operation. It is a figure which shows an example with the screen for making a user select the distribution destination which wants to print and present an image. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen for designating which image of a selection image is distributed to which distribution destination of a selection distribution destination. It is a figure which shows an example of a selection image list. It is a figure which shows an example of a distribution destination management list. It is a figure which shows an example of a distribution destination registration screen. It is a figure which shows an example of an image distribution list. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing for displaying an image without changing the area size of nine distribution destinations when displaying a screen on the display device in step S903 of FIG. 4; It is a figure which shows the example of a screen for designating which image of a selection image is distributed to which distribution destination of a selection distribution destination. The information management apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to a process of displaying five distribution destinations for one image when a screen is displayed on the display apparatus in step S903 in FIG. It is a flowchart figure. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen for designating which image of a selection image is distributed to which distribution destination of a selection distribution destination. In the information management apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when the screen of FIG. 7 is initially displayed on the display device in step S903 of FIG. 4, processing using the priority setting information of the selected image list of FIG. It is a flowchart figure for demonstrating. In the information management apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when the screen of FIG. 7 is initially displayed on the display device in step S903 of FIG. 4, the priority setting information of the distribution destination management list of FIG. 9 is used. It is a flowchart figure for demonstrating a process. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining processing for turning on / off a print check box based on button operation information on the operation unit of the screen of FIG. 19 in the information management apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. . It is a figure which shows the example of a screen for designating which image of a selection image is distributed to which distribution destination of a selection distribution destination. In the information management apparatus which is the 6th Embodiment of this invention, it is a flowchart figure for demonstrating the process which displays the number of printable sheets and the number of unprintable sheets by a bar graph in a printed sheet number confirmation area.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a system configuration example of the information management apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information management apparatus 200 of this embodiment is configured by a personal computer to which an input device 209 such as a keyboard and a pointing device (hereinafter referred to as a mouse) and a display device 210 such as a CRT are connected. .

  An image file and a control program are stored in the HDD or the like of the information management apparatus 200. When the control program of the information management device 200 is executed, a UI screen is displayed on the display device 210 and an operation instruction from the user is received from the input device 209.

  In addition, the information management apparatus 200 controls the printer 100 based on user operation information on the UI screen, and can thereby obtain a print result in which images are sorted into distribution destinations.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a computer device that implements the information management device 200.

  Note that the information management apparatus 200 may be realized by a single computer apparatus, or may be realized by distributing functions to a plurality of computer apparatuses as necessary. When the information management apparatus 200 is composed of a plurality of computer apparatuses, they are connected to each other via a LAN or the like so as to communicate with each other.

  In FIG. 2, the control unit 201 controls the entire information management apparatus 200. The ROM 202 stores programs and parameters that do not need to be changed. The RAM 203 temporarily stores programs and data supplied from an external device or the like. The external storage device 204 includes a removable recording medium such as a memory card in addition to the HDD.

  The operation input I / F 205 is an interface of an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard. A display I / F 206 is an interface of the display device 210. A network I / F 207 is an interface for connecting to a network 211 such as the Internet.

  The image input I / F 208 is an interface for inputting an image from an image input device 212 such as a digital camera. The system bus 213 is a bus that connects the units 201 to 208 so that they can communicate with each other.

  Next, a control program stored in the external storage device 204 of the information management device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 3, an image file management unit 801 manages a set of image files, reads an image file in response to a request from another program block, extracts image data from the image file, and transfers the image data. The image display unit 802 controls the display device 210 and displays a screen on the display device 210 in response to a request from another program block.

  The user operation processing unit 803 is an input / output control block that accepts operation information by the user at the input device 209 and transfers it to another program block.

  The image selection unit 804 controls the image selection screen and stores the image selected by the user on the selection screen.

  The distribution destination selection unit 805 controls the distribution destination selection screen and stores the distribution destination selected by the user on the selection screen. Also, the distribution destination selection unit 805 controls the distribution destination registration screen, accepts distribution destination registration, change, and deletion processing by user operations, and manages distribution destination information.

  The print instruction unit 806 displays the image selected by the image selection unit 804 and the distribution destination selected by the distribution destination selection unit 805 on the screen, and which image of the selected image designated by the user operation is the selected distribution destination. Information about the distribution destination is stored as print instruction information.

  The print control unit 807 controls the printer 100 based on the print instruction information and performs sorting printing.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart corresponding to the processing of the image selection unit 804, the distribution destination selection unit 805, the print instruction unit 806, and the print control unit 807 in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, step S901 corresponds to the image selection unit 804, and the control unit 201 displays a screen (FIG. 5) for selecting an image on the display device 210.

  Step S902 corresponds to the distribution destination selection unit 805, and the control unit 201 displays a screen (FIG. 6) for selecting a distribution destination on the display device 210.

  Step S903 corresponds to the print instruction unit 806, and the control unit 201 displays a screen (FIG. 7) for specifying which image of the selected image is distributed to which distribution destination of the selected distribution destination.

  Information about which image of the selected image to be distributed to which distribution destination of the selected distribution destination is stored in a memory or the like as print instruction information.

  Step S904 corresponds to the print control unit 807. When the print button 1311 is operated on the screen of FIG. 7, the control unit 201 controls the printer 100 based on the print instruction information stored in the memory or the like in step S903. Then, sort printing is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the screens in FIGS. 5 to 7 are UI screens in a wizard format (step-by-step method).

  Next, each screen shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 5 is an image selection screen for selecting an image to be printed by a user operation.

  In FIG. 5, when a folder storing images taken with a digital camera or the like is selected from the folder selection area 1001, images in the folder are displayed in the display area 1005.

  By clicking a favorite image (for example, image 1006) from the images displayed in the display area with the mouse, for example, a selection color is displayed on the image 1006, and it can be confirmed that the selection has been made.

  Further, by operating the button 1002 and the button 1003, all the images in the folder can be selected or the selection so far can be canceled. Further, by operating the slide bar 1004, the image size can be enlarged and reduced.

  The information on the image selected in this way is stored in a predetermined data storage area as a selected image list shown in FIG. The selected image list stores a selected image file name 1701 and an image folder path 1702 indicating the file location. The priority 1703 will be described in a third embodiment to be described later.

  Then, after the selection of an image on the screen shown in FIG. 5 is completed, if the “Next” button 1008 is operated, the screen changes to the screen shown in FIG. 6, and if the “Back” button is operated, the initial screen before the image selection is displayed. Return to (not shown).

  FIG. 6 is a distribution destination selection screen for allowing the user to select a distribution destination to be printed and presented as a gift.

  In FIG. 6, the name list 1102 of the distribution destination list displayed on the screen, the priority 1103, the option 1104, and a memo 1105 describing hints about the distribution destination are referenced, and the distribution destination is selected using the check box 1108. To do.

  The information on the selected distribution destination is stored in a predetermined data storage area as a distribution destination management list shown in FIG. In the distribution destination management list, the name 1801 of the selected distribution destination is stored.

  When the “Next” button 1107 is operated after the distribution destination is selected on the screen of FIG. 6, the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. 7, and when the “Back” button 1106 is operated, the screen returns to the screen of FIG.

  When the “update name” button 1101 is clicked on the screen of FIG. 6 with a mouse, the screen changes to the distribution destination registration screen shown in FIG.

  On this distribution destination registration screen, an input box 1201 for inputting a name, radio box groups 1202 and 1203 for specifying priority and options, and an input box 1204 for inputting a memo are displayed.

  In the input boxes 1201 and 1204, names and memos can be input using the keyboard, and in the radio box groups 1202 and 1203, a predetermined priority and option can be specified using the mouse.

  When the registration button 1205 is operated, the input / designated contents are added or updated on the screen of FIG. 6, and registered in the distribution destination management list name 1801, priority 1802, option 1803, and memo 1804 of FIG. Then, the screen returns to the screen of FIG.

  When the delete button 1207 is operated, the distribution destination information is deleted and the screen of FIG. 10 is changed to the distribution destination selection screen of FIG. 6, and the display of the deleted item is deleted from the distribution destination selection screen. Furthermore, when the cancel button 1206 is operated, the work on the screen of FIG. 10 is cleared and the screen returns to the screen of FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a screen for designating which image of the selected image is to be distributed (printed and presented) to which distribution destination of the selected distribution destination.

  In the screen of FIG. 7, in the image list display area 1303, a list of selected images 1308 is displayed horizontally based on the image distribution list shown in FIG. 11, and a list of selected distribution destinations (three names) for each selected image 1308 is displayed. ) Is displayed vertically.

  In the list of selected distribution destinations, a check box 1309 for designating to which distribution destination the selected image is distributed is displayed.

  Here, in the image distribution list shown in FIG. 11, the image file name 1701 of the selected image list in FIG. 8 is horizontally arranged to be an image name 1901, and the distribution destination management list name 1801 in FIG. 9 is vertically arranged. The list is a distribution destination name 1902.

  Also, by clicking on the image 1308 selected in the image list display area 1303 with the mouse, the image 1308 is enlarged and displayed in the image confirmation display area 1302, whereby the details of the selected image can be confirmed.

  The number-of-prints confirmation area 1301 is an area for confirming how many sheets are set to be printed for each distribution destination. In the print count confirmation area 1301, a distribution destination name 1304, a print count 1305 (number) for each distribution destination, 1307 (bar graph), and a total print count 1306 (number) are displayed.

  Information specifying which image of the selected image is distributed to which distribution destination of the selected distribution in this way is stored in the image distribution list of FIG. 11 as print instruction information.

  Then, by operating the print button 1311 on the screen of FIG. 7, the control unit 201 controls the printer 100 based on the print instruction information stored in the image distribution list and executes the sorting print process (FIG. 4). Step S904). When the return button 1310 on the screen of FIG. 7 is operated, the screen returns to the screen of FIG.

  When executing the sort printing process in step S904 in FIG. 4, the control unit 201 reads an image in the row direction of the image distribution list in FIG. 11, generates a print image, and prints it with the printer 100. As a result, for example, printing results sorted for each distribution destination, such as for distribution destination 1, for distribution destination 2,.

  Further, if the reading process in the row direction of the image distribution list in FIG. 11 is performed from left to right, printing is performed with a face-down (printing method in which the printing surface is printed downward) method, and the images of image name 1 are sequentially ordered. A printed material can be obtained.

  Furthermore, if the reading process in the row direction of the image distribution list in FIG. 11 is performed from right to left, printing is performed with a face-up (printing method in which the printing surface is printed upward) method, and the printed matter with image name 1 is the top Printing can be performed in a state where

  By the way, in the screen design shown in FIG. 7 in particular, it is desirable to display as many images selected as print candidates on the screen of FIG. 5 as much as possible, and to display a distribution destination name and a set selected as distribution destination candidates.

  However, the screen resolution of the display device 210 differs depending on the performance of the personal computer, and the size of the screen shown in FIG. 7 changes depending on the user's environment and operation as the user can freely change it on a general OS. Further, the number of distribution destinations to be displayed on the screen of FIG. 7 also increases or decreases depending on the number of distribution destinations selected on the screen of FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing for displaying nine distribution destinations for one image without changing the area size when the screen is displayed on the display device 210 in step S903 of FIG. is there. Each process in FIG. 12 is executed by the control program stored in the HDD or the like of the external storage device 204 loaded into the RAM 203 and executed by the CPU or the like of the control unit 201.

  In step S101, the control unit 201 obtains the number of distribution destinations stored in the distribution destination management list in FIG. 9, and proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the control unit 201 calculates an area necessary for displaying one image and a distribution destination list, and proceeds to step S103.

  Taking FIG. 7 as an example, in the image list display area 1303, the height (h) for displaying one image and three distribution destinations for one image and the width (w) for displaying one image are shown. The calculated area is the narrowest area.

  If the number of distribution destinations acquired in step S101 exceeds three, it is possible to draw distribution destinations for six persons in an area calculated by the width (w) and height (h) for one image. (See the image list display area 1402 in FIG. 13).

  Here, since the number of distribution destinations acquired in step S101 is nine, an area of 2w × h is calculated as an area necessary for displaying one image and a distribution destination list.

  In step S103, the control unit 201 acquires the current screen size, acquires the full width (W) of the image list display area 1303 in FIG. 7 from the image size, and proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the control unit 201 draws one image and nine distribution destinations for one image in an area calculated by the width 2w and the height h, and proceeds to step S105.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 13, in the image list display area 1402, one image on the left end, three distribution destinations below the image, one image and three distribution destinations on the right side of six distribution destinations. Each distribution destination 1403 is drawn.

  In step S105, the control unit 201 determines whether there is a margin in the drawing area, that is, whether the width of the area drawn in step S104 has reached the full width W acquired in step S103.

  If the width of the area drawn in step S104 has reached the full width W, the control unit 201 determines that there is no room in the drawing area and proceeds to step S106. If the width has not reached the full width W, Then, it is determined that there is room in the drawing area, and the process returns to step S104.

  Here, since W = 6w, repeating step S104 three times results in 2w × 3 = W, and the process proceeds to step S106. By repeating step S104 three times, as shown in FIG. 13, three areas in which one image and nine distribution destinations are drawn are displayed in the left-right direction.

  In step S106, the control unit 201 determines whether all images in the selected image list in FIG. 8 (images selected in step S901 in FIG. 4) are displayed in the image list display area 1402.

  Then, when all the images in the selected image list of FIG. 8 are displayed in the image list display area 1402, the control unit 201 ends the image and distribution destination drawing processing, and if not, the control unit 201 performs step The process proceeds to S107.

  In step S107, the control unit 201 displays a scroll bar 1404 below the image list display area 1402, and ends the image and distribution destination drawing processing. The scroll cursor displayed on the scroll bar is at the left end immediately after drawing, and represents the amount of an undrawn image by the ratio of the entire length of the scroll bar and the horizontal width of the scroll cursor. When the scroll cursor is operated to move left and right, a general window system drawing process is performed in which an undrawn image existing at a position corresponding to the scroll cursor is newly drawn.

  In the printed sheet number confirmation area 1401 in FIG. 13, the total number information of the number of printed sheets to nine distribution destinations is displayed as in the printed sheet number confirmation area 1301 in FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to specify on the UI screen which image of the selected image is distributed to which distribution destination of the selected distribution destination, so that sorting printing can be performed. It is possible to reduce the trouble of reselecting the image many times and reduce the operation load on the user.

  In addition, since the user can determine the number of prints by adjusting the number of images and the number of distribution destinations, the user can easily perform necessary and sufficient print settings.

  In the present embodiment, the display direction of the image and the distribution destination in the image list display area 1303 in FIG. 7 and the image list display area 1402 in FIG. 13 is set to one horizontal row, but it may be one vertical row. Images and distribution destinations may be arranged two-dimensionally in the vertical and horizontal directions.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, an information management apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that portions that overlap or correspond to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings and symbols.

  In this embodiment, in step S903 of FIG. 4, the screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display device 210 instead of the screen of FIG.

  An image list display area 1502 of the screen shown in FIG. 15 is an example of a screen in which the height h of the image list display area 1303 of the screen of FIG. 7 is increased and the number of distribution destinations is five.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a process of displaying five distribution destinations for one image when a screen is displayed on the display device 210 in step S903 of FIG. Each process in FIG. 14 is executed by the CPU or the like of the control unit 201 after the control program stored in the HDD or the like of the external storage device 204 is loaded into the RAM 203.

  In step S201, the control unit 201 acquires the number of distribution destinations stored in the distribution destination management list in FIG. 9, and proceeds to step S202. Here, it is assumed that five distribution destinations have been acquired.

  In step S202, the control unit 201 calculates an area necessary for displaying one image and a distribution destination list, and proceeds to step S203.

  Taking FIG. 7 as an example, in the image list display area 1303, the height (h) for displaying one image and three distribution destinations for one image and the width (w) for displaying one image are shown. The calculated area is the narrowest area.

  Since there are five distribution destinations acquired in step S201, the distribution destinations for five persons can be drawn in the area calculated by the width (w) and height (h ′) for one image ( (See image list display area 1502 in FIG. 15).

  In step S203, the control unit 201 acquires the current screen size, acquires the total height (H) and total width (W) of the image list display area 1303 in FIG. 7 from the image size, and proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the control unit 201 determines whether the height h ′ necessary for displaying one image and five distribution destinations can be secured.

  Specifically, when the height h ′ is ensured, the control unit 201 determines whether the image in the image confirmation display area 1302 in FIG. 7 can secure a height necessary for the user to confirm the image in detail. Determine whether.

  If the control unit 201 determines that the necessary height can be secured, the process proceeds to step S206. If the control unit 201 determines that the necessary height cannot be secured, the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, the control unit 201 displays an error message on the display device 210, stops redrawing of the image confirmation display area 1302, and proceeds to step S206.

  Here, the control unit 201 displays a part of the image in the image confirmation display area 1302 and displays a scroll bar or the like so that the image can be panned.

  In step S206, the control unit 201 redraws the image in the image confirmation display area 1302 with a new height size, and proceeds to step S207. In this example, the image is redrawn at the height size of the image confirmation display area 1501 in FIG.

  In step S207, the control unit 201 draws one image and five distribution destinations for one image in an area calculated by the width 2w and the height h ', and the process proceeds to step S208.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 15, in the image list display area 1502, one image is drawn at the left end, and five distribution destinations are drawn below the one image.

  In step S208, the control unit 201 determines whether there is a margin in the drawing area, that is, whether the width of the area drawn in step S207 has reached the full width W acquired in step S203.

  If the width of the area drawn in step S207 has reached the full width W, the control unit 201 determines that there is no room in the drawing area and proceeds to step S209. If the width has not reached the full width W, Then, it is determined that there is room in the drawing area, and the process returns to step S207.

  Here, since W = 5w, repeating step S207 five times results in w × 5 = W, and the process proceeds to step S209. By repeating step S207 five times, as shown in FIG. 15, five regions in which one image and five distribution destinations are drawn are displayed in the left-right direction.

  In step S209, the control unit 201 determines whether or not all images in the selected image list in FIG. 8 (images selected in step S901 in FIG. 4) are displayed in the image list display area 1502.

  Then, when all the images in the selected image list of FIG. 8 are displayed in the image list display area 1502, the control unit 201 ends the image and distribution destination drawing processing, and if not, the control unit 201 performs step Proceed to S210.

  In step S210, the control unit 201 displays a scroll bar 1504 below the image list display area 1502, and ends the image and distribution destination drawing processing.

  Note that the print count confirmation area 1505 on the screen in FIG. 15 displays the total print count information for the five distribution destinations as in the print count confirmation area 1301 in FIG. Other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment. By combining this embodiment and the first embodiment, it is possible to display a larger number of images and distribution destinations on the screen.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an information management apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that portions that overlap or correspond to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings and symbols.

  The information management apparatus according to the present embodiment has a function of placing a priority mark on a selected image on the screen (FIG. 5) displayed in step S901 of FIG. As a function for placing a priority mark on a selected image, a known function for placing a mark such as a star, five-step evaluation, or a color label is used. In the present embodiment, when a priority mark is entered in the selected image, a value other than zero is set in the priority 1703 column of the selected image list in FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining processing using the setting information of the priority 1703 of the selected image list in FIG. 8 when the screen of FIG. 7 is initially displayed on the display device 210 in step S903 of FIG. . Each process in FIG. 16 is executed by the CPU or the like of the control unit 201 by loading the control program stored in the HDD or the like of the external storage device 204 into the RAM 203.

  In step S301, the control unit 201 acquires the selected image list data in FIG. 8, and proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, the control unit 201 acquires the image distribution list data in FIG. 11, and proceeds to step S303. In the image distribution list data acquired here, the check box of the distribution destination 1309 on the screen of FIG. 7 is initialized to OFF.

  In step S303, the control unit 201 acquires the image file name 1701 and the priority 1703 of the first selected image in the selected image list in FIG. 8, and the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S304, the control unit 201 determines whether a priority mark is set in the priority 1703 acquired in step S303. If the priority mark is set, the process proceeds to step S305, where the priority mark is set. If not, the process proceeds to step S306.

  In step S305, the control unit 201 turns on all the check boxes of the distribution destination 1309 on the screen in FIG. 7 for the image with the image name in FIG. 11 corresponding to the image file name acquired in step S303, and in step S307. Proceed to

  In step S306, the control unit 201 turns off all the check boxes of the distribution destination 1309 on the screen in FIG. 7 in the image with the image name in FIG. 11 corresponding to the image file name acquired in step S303, and the process proceeds to step S307. .

  In step S307, the control unit 201 determines whether there is unprocessed selected image data in the selected image list in FIG. 8. If there is no unprocessed selected image data, the process ends. On the other hand, if there is unprocessed selected image data, the control unit 201 advances the pointer to the list of selected images in FIG. 8 to the position of the unprocessed selected image data, returns to step S303, and selects the unprocessed selection data. Repeat the process until there is no more image data.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when an image is selected, it is possible to set whether to distribute the selected image to all distribution destinations by simply putting a priority mark. The load can be reduced. Other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an information management apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that portions that overlap or correspond to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings and symbols.

  As described in the first embodiment, the contents input / designated in the priority radio box group 1202 on the screen of FIG. 10 are added or updated on the screen of FIG. 6 and distributed in FIG. It is registered in the field of priority 1802 of the destination management list.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining processing using the setting information of the priority 1802 of the distribution destination management list in FIG. 9 when the screen of FIG. 7 is initially displayed on the display device 210 in step S903 in FIG. is there. Each process in FIG. 17 is executed by the CPU or the like of the control unit 201 after a control program stored in the HDD or the like of the external storage device 204 is loaded into the RAM 203.

  In step S401, the control unit 201 acquires the distribution destination management list data in FIG. 9, and proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, the control unit 201 acquires the image distribution list data in FIG. 11, and proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, the control unit 201 acquires information of the name 1801 and the priority 1802 for the first distribution destination in the distribution destination management list acquired in step S401, and proceeds to step S404.

  In step S404, the control unit 201 determines whether or not “raise all” is designated as the priority 1802 acquired in step S403.

  Then, the control unit 201 determines that there is a priority mark when the priority 1802 is designated as “raise all”, and proceeds to step S406. If “raise all” is not designated, the control unit 201 proceeds to step S406. The process proceeds to S405.

  In step S406, the control unit 201 turns on the check boxes of the distribution destinations 1309 on the screen in FIG. 7 for all the selected images in the distribution destination name in FIG. 11 corresponding to the name 1801 acquired in step S403. The process proceeds to S407.

  In step S405, the control unit 201 turns off the check boxes of the distribution destinations 1309 on the screen in FIG. 7 for all the selected images in the distribution destination name in FIG. 11 corresponding to the name 1801 acquired in step S403. The process proceeds to S407.

  In step S407, the control unit 201 determines whether there is unprocessed distribution destination data in the distribution destination management list of FIG. 9, and ends the process if there is no unprocessed distribution destination data. On the other hand, if there is unprocessed distribution destination data, the control unit 201 advances the pointer to the distribution destination management list in FIG. 9 to the position of the unprocessed distribution destination data, returns to step S403, and performs unprocessed distribution. Repeat the process until there is no more data.

  As described above, in this embodiment, whether or not to distribute all images to one distribution destination can be determined only by setting the priority with the priority radio box group 1202 on the screen of FIG. Since it can be specified, the operation load on the user can be reduced. Other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, an information management apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that portions that overlap or correspond to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings and symbols.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, an operation unit 1610 is additionally displayed on the screen of FIG.

  The operation unit 1610 is for selecting a distribution destination to distribute (print) all selected images. The distribution destinations registered in the distribution destination management list in FIG. 9 (in FIG. 19, Mr. A and Mr. B). , C)) button 1611 is displayed.

  The button 1611 is a toggle button (also referred to as a steion button). When the button 1611 is clicked once with the mouse, the button 1611 stops in a push (ON) state, and when the button 1611 is clicked again, the button 1611 stops in an up (OFF) state.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining processing for turning ON / OFF the print check box on the screen of FIG. 19 based on the operation information of the button 1611 on the operation unit 1610. Each process in FIG. 18 is executed by the CPU or the like of the control unit 201 by loading the control program stored in the HDD or the like of the external storage device 204 into the RAM 203.

  In step S501, when the button 1611 of the operation unit 1610 is operated, the control unit 201 proceeds to step S502.

  In step S502, the control unit 201 determines whether the button 1611 is changed to push. If the button is changed to push, the process proceeds to step S503. If not changed to push, the process proceeds to step S504.

  In step S503, the control unit 201 turns on the printing check box of the distribution destination of the button 1611 operated for all the selected images, and registers that fact in the image distribution list of FIG. finish.

  In step S504, the control unit 201 turns off the printing check box of the distribution destination of the button 1611 operated for all the selected images, and registers that fact in the image distribution list of FIG. finish.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to specify whether or not to distribute all images to a single distribution destination with a simple click operation with the mouse, thereby reducing the operation load on the user. Can do. Other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, an information management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that portions that overlap or correspond to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings and symbols.

  In the present embodiment, when the printer 100 of FIG. 1 is a sublimation type thermal transfer printer, printing is performed with the ink ribbon and a pack of paper set, so that the remaining number of prints can be accurately determined by the remaining amount of the ink ribbon. Based on the remaining amount of ink ribbon, the number of printable sheets is displayed for each distribution destination as shown in the following new processing flow.

  A printer confirmation area 1601 is additionally displayed on the screen of FIG. In the printer confirmation area 1601, when an ink ribbon is set in the printer 100 and the ribbon set confirmation button 1605 is pressed, a printer name 1602, a paper name 1603, and a printable number 1604 are displayed.

  The numerical value (number) of the printable number 1604 is subtracted every time printing is performed in step S904 in FIG. In the print number confirmation area 1606, the number of printable sheets and the number of unprintable sheets are displayed as, for example, a bar graph.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining a process of displaying the printable number and the unprintable number in a bar graph in the print number confirmation area 1606. Each process in FIG. 20 is executed by the CPU or the like of the control unit 201 after the control program stored in the HDD or the like of the external storage device 204 is loaded into the RAM 203.

  In step S601, the control unit 201 acquires information indicating which distribution destination check box of which selected image has been changed to ON or OFF on the screen of FIG. 19, and the process proceeds to step S602.

  In step S602, the control unit 201 updates the distribution number of the distribution destination of the check box that has been changed to ON or OFF, and proceeds to step S603.

  Here, for example, when the “Mr. C” check box on the screen of FIG. 19 is changed to ON or OFF, the distribution number of “40 sheets” of “Mr. C” in the print number confirmation area 1606 is increased or decreased and updated. Is done. It should be noted that the check box may be switched on and off for each check box, or may be collectively switched for each distribution destination by pressing the button 1611 as described above.

  In step S603, the control unit 201 updates the total number of printed sheets, acquires information on the number of printable sheets and the number of paper shortages, and proceeds to step S604.

  Here, for example, in the screen of FIG. 19, the display of the printable number 1604 in the printer confirmation area 1601 is 50, the total number of prints in the print number confirmation area 1606 is 95, and the shortage 1609 is 45. It is.

  If the check box is changed to ON in step S601, the control unit 201 updates the display of the total number of prints in the print number confirmation area 1606 to 96 and the display of the deficit 1609 to 46, The process proceeds to step S604.

  If the check box is changed to OFF in step S601, the control unit 201 updates the display of the total number of prints in the print number confirmation area 1606 to 94 and the display of the deficit 1609 to 44, respectively. The process proceeds to step S604.

  In step S604, the control unit 201 selects one target distribution destination, and proceeds to step S605.

  In step S605, if the number of prints of the distribution destination selected in step S604 is equal to or less than (the total number of prints in the print number check area 1606-the number of shortages), the control unit 201 proceeds to step S606. In the case, the process proceeds to step S607. Note that the number of prints of the distribution destination selected in step S604 is the number including the number of prints of the distribution destination selected earlier if the selection is two or more times.

  In step S606, the control unit 201 draws a bar graph 1607 of the number of printable sheets in the print number confirmation area 1606, and the process proceeds to step S608.

  In step S607, a bar graph 1608 divided into a printable number and a non-printable number is drawn in the print number confirmation area 1606, and the process proceeds to step S608.

  In step S608, the control unit 201 determines whether there is an unprocessed distribution destination. If there is an unprocessed distribution destination, the control unit 201 returns to step S604 and repeats the above processing, and there is no unprocessed distribution destination. If so, the process ends.

  As described above, the number of sheets that can be printed with the current remaining ink amount is displayed in the print number confirmation area 1606. Therefore, the user's operation load when determining the number of prints by adjusting the number of images and the number of distribution destinations. Can be reduced. Other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to what was illustrated by said each embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can change suitably.

  The above embodiments can also be realized by executing software (programs) acquired via a network or various storage media on a personal computer (CPU, processor).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Printer 200 Information management apparatus 201 Control part 209 Input device 210 Display apparatus

Claims (7)

Image selection means for setting an image selected by a user operation;
A distribution destination selection means for setting a distribution destination selected by a user operation;
Displays a screen for designating which image of the selected image set by the image selection means is to be printed and to which distribution destination of the selected distribution destination set by the distribution destination selection means according to the number of printable sheets Display means to
An information management apparatus comprising: a print processing unit that executes print processing of the selected image based on information specified on the screen.   The information management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit increases or decreases the number of the selected images displayed on the screen according to the number of the selected distribution destinations.   The information according to claim 1, wherein the display unit adjusts a size of an area for displaying the selected image and the selected distribution destination on the screen according to the number of the selection distribution destinations. Management device. Means for setting a priority for the image when the user selects an image set by the image selection means;
2. A unit for designating all distribution destinations of the selected distribution destination for the image set with the priority among the selection images displayed on the screen. 4. The information management device according to any one of 3. Means for setting a priority for the distribution destination when the user selects a distribution destination set by the distribution destination selection means;
The allocation unit which allocates the number of printed sheets in order from the distribution destination having the highest priority among the selected distribution destinations displayed on the screen. Information management device. An image selection step for setting an image selected by a user operation;
A distribution destination selection step for setting a distribution destination selected by a user operation;
A screen for designating which image of the selected image set in the image selection step is to be printed and to which distribution destination of the selected distribution destination set in the distribution destination selection step is displayed according to the number of printable sheets. Display step to
A printing process step of executing a printing process of the selected image based on the information designated on the screen. An image selection step for setting an image selected by a user operation;
A distribution destination selection step for setting a distribution destination selected by a user operation;
A screen for designating which image of the selected image set in the image selection step is to be printed and to which distribution destination of the selected distribution destination set in the distribution destination selection step is displayed according to the number of printable sheets. Display step to
A program that causes a computer to execute a print processing step of executing print processing of the selected image based on information specified on the screen.