JP4765907B2 - Image processing apparatus, control method thereof, and program thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program thereof.

Conventionally, an image and an image frame that can surround the image are displayed on a display, and the image frame is moved, enlarged, or reduced using a mouse or the like. On the other hand, in a device that has a display but does not have a mouse, such as a printer, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the screen is enlarged or reduced based on an instruction to enlarge or reduce the screen using a touch panel. What to do is known.
JP 2000-206956 A

  By the way, as an operation button of the display, a four-direction button provided corresponding to each of four directions of up, down, left and right is known. The four-way button has an advantage that it is easy for the user to operate intuitively because it is only necessary to press the upward button when an operation target such as a cursor displayed on the display is to be moved upward. However, the assignment of functions other than moving the operation target in the up / down / left / right directions to the four-way button has not been studied so far.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and provides an image processing apparatus that can easily operate an image frame using a four-way button, a control method thereof, and a program thereof. With the goal.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the above-mentioned object.

The image processing apparatus of the present invention
Display means;
A four-way button provided corresponding to each of the four directions of up, down, left and right,
When the user selects one of the four-way buttons in a state where an image and an image frame capable of enclosing part or all of the image are displayed on the display means, the selected one is selected. When the display means is controlled to move the image frame in the direction corresponding to the button, and the user selects two or more of the four-direction buttons at the same time, the image is selected based on the combination of the simultaneously selected buttons. Control means for controlling the display means so that the size or orientation of the frame changes;
It is equipped with.

  In this image processing apparatus, when the user selects one of the four-way buttons in a state where the image and the image frame are displayed on the display unit, the image frame is displayed in the direction corresponding to the selected button. When the user moves and selects two or more 4-way buttons simultaneously, the size or orientation of the image frame changes based on the combination of the simultaneously selected buttons. As described above, when changing the size or orientation of the image frame, two or more four-direction buttons may be selected at the same time, so that the image frame can be easily operated using the four-direction button. .

  Here, changing the size of the image frame includes, for example, enlarging / reducing while maintaining the aspect ratio, expanding / contracting only the length, expanding / contracting only the width, and the like. Moreover, changing the orientation of the image frame includes, for example, rotating the image frame. Although the four-way button is composed of four independent buttons, a technique for preventing simultaneous pressing has been conventionally proposed (for example, JP-A-2001-306225). In other words, there has been known a technique for denying the simultaneous pressing of the four-way buttons.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the control unit may simultaneously select the up button and the down button of the four-way button in a state where the image and the image frame are displayed on the display unit. In this case, the display means is controlled so that the horizontal length of the image frame remains the same while the vertical length spreads on both sides of the top and bottom, and the user simultaneously presses the left button and the right button of the four-way button. When selected, the display means may be controlled such that the vertical length of the image frame remains the same, and the horizontal length extends or narrows to the left and right sides. In this way, when the user wants to operate the image frame up and down, the up button and the down button can be selected simultaneously, and when the image frame is operated left and right, the left button and the right button can be selected simultaneously. Can be operated intuitively.

  If you select the up and down buttons at the same time and the image frame expands vertically, when the up and down buttons are selected at the same time after the maximum size is reached, the original size is temporarily set. Or may be changed to the minimum size and then spread up and down again. Also, if the up and down buttons are selected at the same time and the image frame narrows up and down, and the up and down buttons are selected at the same time after reaching the minimum size, the original size is once set. Or you may change it to the maximum size and then narrow it down again. This also applies to the horizontal direction.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the control unit may simultaneously select the right button and the up button of the four-way button while the image and the image frame are displayed on the display unit. The display means is controlled so that either the lower left corner or the upper right corner of the image frame is fixed and the other corner moves in the upper right direction while maintaining the aspect ratio to enlarge or reduce the image frame. When the user selects the right button and the lower button of the four-way button at the same time, either the upper left corner or the lower right corner of the image frame is fixed, and the other corner is maintained while maintaining the aspect ratio. The display means is controlled to move in the lower right direction so that the image frame is enlarged or reduced, and when the user simultaneously selects the left button and the upper button of the four-way button, The user controls the display means so that either the lower corner or the upper left corner is fixed and the other corner moves in the upper left direction while maintaining the aspect ratio to enlarge or reduce the image frame. When the left button and the down button are simultaneously selected, either the upper right corner or the lower left corner of the image frame is fixed and the other corner moves in the lower left direction while maintaining the aspect ratio. The display means may be controlled so that the frame is enlarged or reduced. In this way, for example, if the right and up buttons are selected at the same time, the upper right corner of the image frame can be picked and moved to the upper right direction to enlarge, or the lower left corner can be picked and moved to the upper right direction to reduce it. As described above, which corner is picked and enlarged or reduced is determined according to the direction in which two buttons simultaneously selected from the four direction buttons are associated with each other. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand which corner of the image frame is picked and operated.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the control unit may simultaneously select the right button and the up button of the four-way button while the image and the image frame are displayed on the display unit. The display means is controlled so that the upper right corner moves in the upper right direction and the image frame is enlarged or reduced while the lower left corner of the image frame is fixed and the aspect ratio is maintained. When the right button and the down button are simultaneously selected, the display is performed so that the upper left corner of the image frame is fixed and the lower right corner moves in the lower right direction while maintaining the aspect ratio so that the image frame is enlarged or reduced. When the user selects the left button and the upper button of the four-way button at the same time, the upper left corner moves in the upper left direction while fixing the lower right corner of the image frame and maintaining the aspect ratio. in front The display means is controlled to enlarge or reduce the image frame, and when the user simultaneously selects the left button and the down button of the four-way button, the upper right corner of the image frame is fixed and the aspect ratio is maintained. The display means may be controlled so that the lower left corner moves in the lower left direction and the image frame is enlarged or reduced. In this way, for example, if the right and up buttons are selected at the same time, it is possible to zoom in or out by grabbing the upper right corner of the image frame. Which corner is picked and enlarged or reduced is determined by the corresponding direction. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand which corner of the image frame is picked and operated.

  Note that if the right and up buttons are selected at the same time and the upper right corner of the image frame is picked up and enlarged, the right and up buttons are selected at the same time after reaching the maximum size. The size may be changed to the minimum size or the minimum size, and then the upper right corner may be picked again and enlarged. If the right and up buttons are selected at the same time, and the upper right corner of the image frame is picked and reduced, the right and up buttons are selected at the same time after reaching the minimum size. The size may be changed to the maximum size or the size may be reduced again by picking the upper right corner. This also applies to the case where other buttons are selected at the same time.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a printing mechanism that prints on a print medium, and a print instruction button that is selected when a user instructs printing, and the control unit displays an image displayed on the display unit. The display unit is controlled so that the image surrounded by the image frame is cut out to be a cropped image and a state where the cropped image is arranged on a print medium of a predetermined size is displayed, and then the user presses the print instruction button. The printing mechanism may be controlled so that the cropped image displayed on the display unit when selected is printed on the print medium. In this way, it is possible to easily print the cropped image. The print instruction button may be a dedicated button for a print instruction or a general-purpose button to which a print function can be assigned.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention adopting this aspect further includes a crop image operation input unit that allows a user to instruct the operation of the crop image, and the control unit arranges the crop image on a print medium of a predetermined size. When the user gives an instruction to operate the crop image via the crop image operation input means while the displayed state is displayed on the display means, a crop image reflecting the operation is arranged on the print medium. The display means may be controlled so that the displayed state is displayed. In this way, the cropped image can be edited and placed at an arbitrary position on the print medium, so that the user can perform a variety of printing depending on the application.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention provided with the printing mechanism and the print instruction button described above, the control unit allows the user to select one of the four-way buttons while the crop image is displayed on the display unit. When one is selected, the display means is controlled to move the cropped image in the direction corresponding to the selected button, and when the user selects two or more of the four-way buttons at the same time, the selection is performed simultaneously. The display means may be controlled to change the size or orientation of the cropped image based on the combination of buttons. In this way, it is possible to easily change the movement and size of the cropped image using the four-way button.

  At this time, when the cropping image is displayed on the display unit and the user simultaneously selects the up button and the down button of the four-way button, the control unit is located next to the crop image. When the display unit is controlled so that the vertical length spreads on both the upper and lower sides without changing the length, and the user selects the left button and the right button of the four-way button at the same time, the vertical length of the cropped image is displayed. The display means may be controlled so that the horizontal length spreads on both the left and right sides. In this way, the user can select the up and down buttons simultaneously when operating the cropped image up and down, and the left and right buttons can be selected simultaneously when operating the cropped image left and right. Can be operated intuitively.

  In addition, when the user selects the right button and the upper button of the four-way button in a state where the crop image is displayed on the display unit, the control unit controls the lower left corner of the crop image and One of the upper right corners is fixed and the display means is controlled so that the other corner moves in the upper right direction while maintaining the aspect ratio and the cropped image is enlarged or reduced. When the direction button and the down button are selected at the same time, either the upper left corner or the lower right corner of the crop image is fixed, and the other corner moves in the lower right direction while maintaining the aspect ratio. When the user selects the left button and the upper button of the four-way button at the same time, the display means is controlled to enlarge or reduce the size of the cropped image. The display means is controlled so that the cropped image is enlarged or reduced by fixing one of the lower corner and the upper left corner and the other corner moves in the upper left direction while maintaining the aspect ratio. When the left button and the down button are simultaneously selected, either the upper right corner or the lower left corner of the cropped image is fixed and the other corner moves in the lower left direction while maintaining the aspect ratio. The display means may be controlled so that the image is enlarged or reduced. In this way, for example, when the right and up buttons are selected at the same time, the upper right corner of the cropped image can be picked and moved to the upper right direction to enlarge, or the lower left corner can be picked and moved to the upper right direction to be reduced. As described above, which corner is picked and enlarged or reduced is determined according to the direction in which two buttons simultaneously selected from the four direction buttons are associated with each other. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand which corner of the image frame is picked and operated.

  In addition, when the user simultaneously selects the right button and the upper button of the four-way button while the crop image is displayed on the display unit, the control unit displays the lower left corner of the crop image. The display means is controlled so that the upper right corner moves in the upper right direction while the aspect ratio is fixed and the cropped image is enlarged or reduced, and the user simultaneously presses the right button and the lower button of the four-way button. When selected, the display means is controlled so that the crop image is enlarged or reduced by moving the lower right corner in the lower right direction while fixing the upper left corner of the crop image and maintaining the aspect ratio. When the left button and the up button are selected at the same time, the lower left corner of the cropped image is fixed and the upper left corner moves to the upper left while maintaining the aspect ratio. The display means is controlled to enlarge or reduce the cropped image, and when the user simultaneously selects the left button and the down button of the four-way button, the upper right corner of the crop image is fixed and the aspect ratio is maintained. The display means may be controlled so that the lower left corner moves in the lower left direction and the cropped image is enlarged or reduced. In this way, for example, two buttons selected at the same time out of the four-way buttons can be selected by simultaneously selecting the right button and the upper button so that the upper right corner of the crop image can be picked up and down. Which corner is picked and enlarged or reduced is determined by the corresponding direction. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand which corner of the cropped image is to be operated.

The control method of the image processing apparatus of the present invention includes:
A method for controlling an image processing apparatus provided with display means and four-direction buttons provided corresponding to four directions of up, down, left, and right by computer software,
(A) When the user selects one of the four-way buttons in a state where an image and an image frame capable of enclosing part or all of the image are displayed on the display unit, Controlling the display means so that the image frame moves in a direction corresponding to the selected button;
(B) When the user selects two or more of the four-way buttons at the same time in a state where an image and an image frame capable of enclosing part or all of the image are displayed on the display means, Controlling the display means to change the size or orientation of the image frame based on the combination of the simultaneously selected buttons;
Is included.

  In this image processing apparatus control method, when the user selects one of the four-way buttons in a state where an image and an image frame are displayed on the display unit, the image processing apparatus is controlled in the direction corresponding to the selected button. When the image frame moves and the user selects two or more 4-way buttons at the same time, the size or orientation of the image frame changes based on the combination of the simultaneously selected buttons. As described above, when changing the size or orientation of the image frame, two or more four-direction buttons may be selected at the same time, so that the image frame can be easily operated using the four-direction button. . Note that a step for realizing the function of any of the above-described image processing apparatuses may be added to the control method of the image processing apparatus.

  The program of the present invention is a program for causing one or a plurality of computers to execute each step of the control method of the image processing apparatus of the present invention. This program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, hard disk, ROM, FD, CD, DVD, etc.), or from a computer via a transmission medium (communication network such as the Internet or LAN). It may be distributed to another computer, or may be exchanged in any other form. If this program is executed by a single computer, or if each step is shared and executed by a plurality of computers, the same effect as the above-described control method of the image processing apparatus of the present invention can be obtained.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a photo printer 10 that is an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention with a front door 14 and a cover 30 opened, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an electrical configuration of the photo printer 10. FIG.

  The photo printer 10 according to the present embodiment includes an operation panel 20 provided on the upper surface of the printer main body 12, a cover 30 that is attached to an inner side of the upper surface of the printer main body 12 so as to be freely opened and closed, and covers the operation panel 20 in a closed state. The printer main body 12 includes a printing mechanism 50 (see FIG. 2), a front door 14 that can open and close the front surface of the printer main body 12, and a controller 70 (see FIG. 2) that controls the entire photo printer 10. ing.

  The operation panel 20 includes a display 22 that displays characters, graphics, symbols, and the like, and a button group 24 arranged around the display 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the button group 24 includes a power button 24a for turning on / off the power, a menu button 24b for calling a main menu screen (see FIG. 2) on which a plurality of options relating to the printing function are arranged, and an operation. Cancel button 24c for canceling halfway or interrupting printing on paper P, printing button 24d for instructing execution of printing on paper, editing to memory card M inserted in memory card slot 16 Save button 24e for saving an image or the like, up / down / left / right operated when selecting a desired option from among a plurality of options displayed on the display 22, moving a cursor, or changing the size of an image frame The arrow buttons 24f to 24i, and the arrow buttons 24f arranged at the center of the upper, lower, left and right arrow buttons 24f to 24i. 24i OK button for instructing the determined choices selected by the 24j, and is constituted by a zoom button 24k is operated to scale the image displayed on the display 22.

  The cover 30 is a resin plate formed in a size that can cover the upper surface of the printer main body 12, and exposes the surface of the operation panel 20 to the outside in the open state (see FIG. 1), and the operation panel 20 in the closed state. Cover. The cover 30 includes a window 32 having the same size as the display 22. When the cover 30 is in a closed state, the user can check the display content of the display 22 through the window 32. Furthermore, the cover 30 is held in a state of being inclined obliquely rearward with respect to the operation panel 20 in the open state. Therefore, the back surface of the open cover 30 can be used as a tray for supplying paper to the print mechanism 50. Further, at the back of the operation panel 20, a paper feed port 58 of the print mechanism 50 is provided. The paper feed port 58 has a pair of papers that are slid in the horizontal direction so that the guide width matches the width of the paper. Guides 59, 59 are provided.

  The printing mechanism 50 is disposed inside the printer main body 12 and is driven by a timing belt 51 that is looped in the left-right direction as shown in FIG. The ink cartridge 54 mounted on the carriage 53 and individually containing inks of each color such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and the ink supplied from each ink cartridge 54 is pressurized to face the paper from the nozzles. The printer includes a print head 55 that ejects ink, and a transport roller 56 that feeds paper supplied from a paper feed port 58 formed on the operation panel 20 to the open front door 14 that is a paper discharge tray. Here, the print head 55 employs a method in which a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element to deform the piezoelectric element and pressurize the ink. However, a voltage is applied to a heating resistor (for example, a heater) to heat the ink. A method of pressurizing the ink with the generated bubbles may be employed. The carriage 53 includes a paper edge detection sensor 57 that detects left and right edges and upper and lower edges of the paper. The paper edge detection sensor 57 detects the left and right edges of the paper when the carriage 53 scans in the left and right directions before printing on the paper set in the paper supply port 58, and enables recognition of the paper width. The trailing edge of the paper is detected during printing, and the paper length can be recognized.

  The front door 14 is a lid for opening and closing the front surface of the printer main body 12. When the front door 14 is open, the front door 14 functions as a paper discharge tray for receiving paper discharged from the front surface of the printer main body 12. The various memory card slots 16 provided on the front surface of the user can be used by the user. A memory card M is inserted into the memory card slot 16. The memory card M stores a plurality of image files.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 70 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU 71, and includes a ROM 72 that stores various processing programs and various data, a RAM 73 that temporarily stores data, A flash memory 74 that can be rewritten and retains data even when the power is turned off, an interface 75 that enables communication with the print mechanism 50, the operation panel 20, the memory card slot 16, and the like, and an image to be drawn on the display 22 A graphic memory 76 for storing data is provided, and these are connected via a bus 77 so that signals can be exchanged with each other. The controller 70 inputs an image file of the memory card M inserted into the memory card slot 16, and also detects a detection signal from the paper edge detection sensor 57 of the print mechanism 50 and a command signal from the button group 24 of the operation panel 20. Enter. Further, the controller 70 stores an edited image or the like in the memory card M, and outputs a control signal to the print head 55 of the print mechanism 50 and a control signal to the display 22 of the operation panel. The data written in the graphic memory 76 is read out by a predetermined amount at a predetermined cycle and displayed on the display 22.

  Next, the operation of the photo printer 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a crop printing processing routine executed by the controller 70. This crop printing processing routine is executed by the CPU 71 when the user presses the OK button 24j in a state where the image 26 based on the image file stored in the memory card M is displayed on the display 22.

  When this routine is started, the CPU 71 of the controller 70 first controls the display 22 so that the crop frame 28 for cropping the image 26 is displayed superimposed on the image 26 (step S100). The crop frame 28 is a quadrangular frame, and has triangular arrows on the outer sides of the upper, lower, left and right sides. Subsequently, the CPU 71 determines whether the up / down / left / right arrow buttons 24f to 24i have been pressed (step S110), and controls the display 22 based on the pressing patterns of the arrow buttons 24f to 24i. Then, the cropping frame 28 is moved or the size of the cropping frame 28 is changed (step S120). Specifically, when only one of the up / down / left / right arrow buttons 24f to 24i is pressed, the crop frame 28 is moved along the direction of the arrow of the button. That is, when only one up arrow button 24f is pressed, the crop frame 28 moves upward, and when only one down arrow button 24g is pressed, the crop frame 28 moves downward, and the left arrow button 24h When only one is pressed, the cropping frame 28 is moved leftward. When only one right arrow button 24i is pressed, the cropping frame 28 is moved rightward. On the other hand, when two of the up / down / left / right arrow buttons 24f to 24i are pressed at the same time, the size of the crop frame 28 is enlarged according to Table 1 below. However, after the crop frame 28 is enlarged to the maximum size, it is once returned to the original size, that is, the minimum size, and then enlarged again from there. FIG. 4 shows an example of the change of the crop frame 28 when the up arrow button 24f and the down arrow button 24g are pressed at the same time when the crop frame 28 is located at the center of the display 22, and FIG. An example of a change in the crop frame 28 when the left arrow button 24h and the right arrow button 24i are pressed simultaneously is shown. FIG. 6 shows an example of a change in the crop frame 28 when the right arrow button 24i and the down arrow button 24g are pressed at the same time when the crop frame 28 is located at the upper left of the display 22.

  After such processing of step S120, the CPU 71 controls the display 22 so that a message “Do you want to cut and print this range?” Is displayed (step S130). The state at this time is shown in FIG. Then, after step S130 or when the up / down / left / right arrow buttons 24f to 24i are not pressed in step S110, it is determined whether the OK button 24j or the cancel button 24c is pressed (step S140). When the button 24c is pressed, the process returns to step S110 again. On the other hand, when the OK button 24j is pressed in step S140, it is considered that the user intends to cut and print the image 26 with the crop frame 28 having the current position and size, and paper setting is performed (step S150). FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a paper size selection screen. In the paper setting, as shown in FIG. 8, since a plurality of paper sizes that can be fed to the photo printer 10 are displayed in a list, the user presses the up arrow button 24f or the down arrow button 24g to select a desired size. The user selects and sets the paper by moving the cursor to the paper size and pressing the OK button 24j. In FIG. 8, the cursor is displayed by shading. Subsequently, the CPU 71 displays the display 22 so that a state in which a range cut out by the crop frame 28 (referred to as a crop image) in the image 26 is arranged in the paper frame 29 representing the outer edge of the selected paper is displayed. Control is performed (step S160), and the display screen of the display 22 is updated as the button group 24 of the operation panel 20 is operated (step S170). FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display when the crop image 27 is arranged in the paper frame 29. The cropped image 27 rotates right or left by a predetermined angle (for example, 90 °) each time the menu button 24b is pressed, as shown in the explanation column displayed below the display 22 in FIG. Each time the button is pressed, the image is enlarged according to a predetermined magnification (for example, 120%, 140%, 160%, 180%, 200%), and the button is pressed each time the up / down / left / right arrow buttons 24f-24i are pressed. When the cancel button 24c is pressed, the image returns to the previous image. Note that after the zoom button 24k is pressed and the maximum magnification is reached, the size is temporarily returned to the minimum size. By doing this, it is possible to enlarge and reduce with one button.

  Subsequently, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a print instruction has been given based on whether or not the OK button 24j has been pressed (step S180), and when the print instruction has not been given, returns to step S170 again. On the other hand, when the print instruction is given in step S180, that is, when the OK button 24j is pressed, the position and size of the crop image 27 in the paper frame 29 at that time are determined, and the display screen at that time is printed as it is. Then, the printing mechanism 50 is controlled (step S190), and this routine is finished after the printing is finished. A similar process is performed when the print button 24d is pressed instead of the OK button 24j.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The display 22 of this embodiment corresponds to the display means of the present invention, the up / down / left / right arrow buttons 24f to 24i correspond to four-way buttons, and the controller 70 corresponds to the control means. The print mechanism 50 corresponds to a print mechanism, the OK button 24j or the print button 24d in step S180 corresponds to a print instruction button, and the button group 24 corresponds to a crop image operation input unit. In this embodiment, an example of the control method of the image processing apparatus of the present invention is also clarified by describing the operation of the photo printer 10.

  According to the photo printer 10 of the present embodiment described in detail above, when changing the size of the crop frame 28, two arrow buttons 24f to 24i on the top, bottom, left and right may be selected simultaneously. The cropping frame 28 can be easily operated using ~ 24i. Specifically, the up arrow button 24f and the down arrow button 24g are selected simultaneously when it is desired to operate the crop frame 28 up and down, and the left arrow button 24h and the right arrow button 24i are selected simultaneously when it is desired to operate the crop frame 28 up and down. Therefore, the user can operate intuitively. Further, for example, when the right arrow button 24i and the up arrow button 24f are selected at the same time, the upper right corner of the crop frame 28 can be picked up and enlarged, so that the up, down, left and right arrow buttons 24f to 24i are simultaneously selected. Since the corners to be picked and enlarged or reduced are determined by the direction in which the two buttons are associated with each other, the user can intuitively understand which corner of the cropping frame 28 is to be picked and operated.

  Further, it is possible to easily print the crop image 27 cut out by the crop frame 28 in the image 26. In particular, as shown in FIG. 9, the crop image 27 can be edited with the crop image 27 placed in the paper frame 29, or the crop image 27 can be rearranged at an arbitrary position. Can print a variety of applications.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the embodiment described above, one crop image 27 is arranged in the paper frame 29 as shown in FIG. 9, but a plurality of crop images may be arranged in the paper frame 29. For example, when there is no print instruction in step S180 of FIG. 3, the display 22 is controlled so that a message asking whether or not the user desires to arrange another image is displayed, and another image is arranged. If desired, after the user selects a desired image file from the memory card M, the process may return to step S100 again to display the crop frame superimposed on the image. By doing this, it is possible to create a crop image from a plurality of images using a crop frame and print them on a single sheet.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where only one of the up / down / left / right arrow buttons 24f to 24i is pressed and the case where two are pressed simultaneously are described. However, the case where three are pressed simultaneously or four are pressed simultaneously. In this case, the crop frame 28 may be operated. For example, the crop frame 28 may be rotated by a predetermined angle (for example, 5 ° or 10 °) each time three of the arrow buttons 24f to 24i are pressed simultaneously. At this time, the rotation direction may be clockwise or counterclockwise.

  In the above-described embodiment, the correspondence between the two buttons pressed simultaneously and the processing method is determined as shown in Table 1, but may be determined as shown in Table 2. According to Table 2, for example, when the right arrow button 24i and the up arrow button 24f are pressed at the same time, the crop frame 28 is reduced by picking up the upper right corner. In this case, when both the buttons 24i and 24f are simultaneously pressed after reaching the minimum size, the size may be once changed to the maximum size and then reduced by picking the upper right corner again. This also applies to the case where other buttons are selected at the same time.

  In the embodiment described above, the enlargement / reduction ratio of the cropped image 27 is changed by the zoom button 24k. Instead of or in addition to this, any two of the up / down / left / right arrow buttons 24f to 24i are simultaneously used. The enlargement / reduction ratio of the cropped image 27 may be changed by pressing the button. Table 3 shows the correspondence between the buttons pressed simultaneously and the processing method. 9 is displayed on the display 22, if the left arrow button 24h and the right arrow button 24i are pressed at the same time, the crop image 27 expands in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. In this way, it is possible to easily move and change the size of the cropped image 27 using the up / down / left / right arrow buttons 24f to 24i. In addition, when the right arrow button 24i and the up arrow button 24f are pressed at the same time, the upper right corner of the cropped image 27 can be picked up and enlarged so that the two selected simultaneously from these arrow buttons 24f to 24i. The direction in which the two buttons are associated determines which corner is picked and enlarged. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand which corner of the cropped image is to be operated. In Table 3, the crop image 27 is expanded or enlarged, but the crop image 27 may be narrowed or reduced (see Table 2).

  In the embodiment described above, when the user simultaneously selects the right arrow button 24i and the up arrow button 24f, the lower left corner moves to the upper right direction while fixing the upper right corner of the crop frame 28 and maintaining the aspect ratio. When the display 22 is controlled so that 28 is reduced and the user selects the right arrow button 24i and the down arrow button 24g at the same time, the lower left corner of the crop frame 28 is fixed and the upper left corner is directed to the lower right while maintaining the aspect ratio. When the display 22 is controlled so that the cropping frame 28 is reduced and the left arrow button 24h and the up arrow button 24f are simultaneously selected, the upper left corner of the cropping frame 28 is fixed and the aspect ratio is maintained. The display 22 is controlled so that the lower right corner moves in the upper left direction and the cropping frame 28 is reduced, and the user moves the left arrow button 24h and the down arrow. When selecting a button 24g at the same time, may control the display 22 to remain right corner keeping the lower left corner to the fixed aspect ratio of the cropping frame 28 is reduced in cropping frame 28 moves in the lower left direction. When the same button operation is performed after the crop frame 28 reaches the minimum size, it is enlarged to the maximum size. Also in this case, the user can intuitively understand which corner of the cropping frame 28 is picked and operated. Note that the crop image 27 may be operated in the same manner as the crop frame 28.

  In the above-described embodiment, the inkjet photo printer 10 is exemplified as the image processing apparatus. However, the present invention may be applied to printers such as an electrophotographic method and a dot impact method, and functions such as a scanner in addition to the printer. The present invention may be applied to a multi-function peripheral having both of the above, or the present invention may be applied to a digital camera or a video camera. Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to software for image processing or photo processing.

  In the above-described embodiment, the crop printing processing routine is executed using the image file stored in the memory card M. However, an external device (for example, a digital camera, a mobile phone, a CD / DVD drive device) connected to the photo printer 10 is used. The crop print processing routine may be executed by using the image file stored in the memory etc., or the image file distributed to the photo printer 10 via the network is stored in the flash memory 74 and the image file is used. Then, the crop printing processing routine may be executed.

The perspective view of the state which opened the front door and cover of the photo printer. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of an electrical configuration of a photo printer. The flowchart of a crop printing process routine. Explanatory drawing of a crop frame when the up and down arrow buttons are pressed simultaneously. Explanatory drawing of a crop frame when the left and right arrow buttons are pressed simultaneously. Explanatory drawing of a crop frame when the right and down arrow buttons are pressed simultaneously. Explanatory drawing of the screen where the message was displayed. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a paper size selection screen. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of a display when a crop image is arrange | positioned on paper. Explanatory drawing which shows a mode when a crop image spreads in the left-right direction.

Explanation of symbols

10 Photo Printer, 12 Printer Body, 14 Front Door, 16 Memory Card Slot, 20 Operation Panel, 22 Display, 24 Button Group, 24a Power Button, 24b Menu Button, 24c Cancel Button, 24d Print Button, 24e Save Button, 24f Up Arrow button, 24g Down arrow button, 24h Left arrow button, 24i Right arrow button, 24j OK button, 24k Zoom button, 26 images, 27 crop image, 28 crop frame, 29 paper frame, 30 cover, 32 window, 50 print mechanism , 51 Timing belt, 52 Guide, 53 Carriage, 54 Ink cartridge, 55 Print head, 56 Transport roller, 57 Paper end detection sensor, 58 Paper feed port, 59 Paper guide, 70 Controller, 71 CPU 72 ROM, 73 RAM, 74 a flash memory, 75 interface, 76 a graphic memory, 77 a bus.

Claims (12)

Display means;
A four-way button provided corresponding to each of the four directions of up, down, left and right,
When the user selects one of the four-way buttons in a state where an image and an image frame capable of enclosing part or all of the image are displayed on the display means, the selected one is selected. When the display means is controlled to move the image frame in the direction corresponding to the button, and the user selects two or more of the four-direction buttons at the same time, the image is selected based on the combination of the simultaneously selected buttons. Control means for controlling the display means so that the size or orientation of the frame changes;
An image processing apparatus. When the user simultaneously selects the up button and the down button of the four-way button in a state where the image and the image frame are displayed on the display unit, the control unit When the display unit is controlled so that the vertical length spreads or narrows on both the upper and lower sides and the user simultaneously selects the left button and the right button of the four-way button, The display means is controlled so that the vertical length is left as it is, and the horizontal length is widened or narrowed on both the left and right sides.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. When the user simultaneously selects the right button and the upper button of the four-way button in a state where the image and the image frame are displayed on the display unit, the control unit lowers the lower left of the image frame. The user controls the display means so that either the corner or the upper right corner is fixed and the other corner moves in the upper right direction while maintaining the aspect ratio, and the image frame is enlarged or reduced, and the user selects the four-way button. When the right button and the down button are simultaneously selected, either the upper left corner or the lower right corner of the image frame is fixed and the other corner moves to the lower right while maintaining the aspect ratio. When the display unit is controlled to enlarge or reduce the image frame and the user selects the left button and the upper button of the four-way button at the same time, either the lower right corner or the upper left corner of the image frame The display means is controlled so that the other corner moves in the upper left direction while the aspect ratio is fixed and the image frame is enlarged or reduced, and the user selects the left button and the down button of the four-way button. Is selected at the same time, either the upper right corner or the lower left corner of the image frame is fixed and the other corner moves in the lower left direction while maintaining the aspect ratio so that the image frame is enlarged or reduced. Control means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. When the user simultaneously selects the right button and the upper button of the four-way button in a state where the image and the image frame are displayed on the display unit, the control unit lowers the lower left of the image frame. The display means is controlled so that the upper right corner moves in the upper right direction while the corner is fixed and the aspect ratio is maintained, and the image frame is enlarged or reduced, and the user selects the right button and the lower button of the four direction button, At the same time, the display means is controlled so that the upper right corner of the image frame is fixed and the lower right corner moves in the lower right direction while maintaining the aspect ratio, and the image frame is enlarged or reduced. When the left button and the up button of the four-way button are selected at the same time, the lower right corner of the image frame is fixed and the upper left corner moves in the upper left direction while maintaining the aspect ratio, and the image frame is enlarged or reduced. Like When the user selects the left button and the down button of the four-way button at the same time, the upper left corner of the image frame is fixed and the lower left corner moves in the lower left direction while maintaining the aspect ratio. And controlling the display means so that the image frame is enlarged or reduced.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A printing mechanism for printing on a print medium;
A print instruction button that is selected when the user instructs printing;
With
The control means cuts out an image surrounded by the image frame from among the images displayed on the display means, and displays the state where the crop image is arranged on a print medium of a predetermined size. Controlling the display mechanism, and then controlling the printing mechanism so that the cropped image displayed on the display means is printed on the print medium when the user selects the print instruction button.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5,
A crop image operation input means that allows a user to instruct the operation of the crop image,
The control unit instructs the operation of the crop image via the crop image operation input unit when the display unit displays the state where the crop image is arranged on a print medium of a predetermined size. Sometimes, the display means is controlled so that a state in which the crop image reflecting the operation is arranged on the print medium is displayed.
Image processing device. When the cropping image is displayed on the display unit and the user selects one of the four-way buttons, the control unit displays the cropped image in a direction corresponding to the selected button. The display means is controlled to move, and when the user selects two or more of the four-way buttons at the same time, the size or orientation of the cropped image is changed based on the combination of the simultaneously selected buttons. Control the display means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 5. When the user selects the up button and the down button at the same time in the state where the crop image is displayed on the display means, the horizontal length of the crop image is When the display unit is controlled so that the vertical length spreads on both the upper and lower sides as it is, and the user simultaneously selects the left button and the right button of the four-way button, the vertical length of the cropped image remains unchanged. The display means is controlled so that the horizontal length spreads on both the left and right sides.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 7. The control means, when the crop image is displayed on the display means, when the user simultaneously selects the right button and the upper button of the four-way button, the lower left corner and the upper right corner of the crop image. The display means is controlled so that the other corner moves in the upper right direction while the aspect ratio is fixed and the other corner moves in the upper right direction, and the cropped image is enlarged or reduced, and the user presses the right button of the four direction button. And the down button are selected at the same time, either the upper left corner or the lower right corner of the crop image is fixed and the other corner moves to the lower right while maintaining the aspect ratio, and the crop image is enlarged. Or when the display means is controlled to reduce and the user simultaneously selects the left button and the upper button of the four-way button, the lower right corner of the cropped image The display means is controlled so that the cropped image is enlarged or reduced by moving the other corner in the upper left direction while maintaining either one of the upper left corner and the aspect ratio, and the user controls the four-way button. When the left button and the down button are selected at the same time, either the upper right corner or the lower left corner of the crop image is fixed and the other corner moves in the lower left direction while maintaining the aspect ratio, and the crop image Controlling the display means to enlarge or reduce,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8. The control means fixes the lower left corner of the crop image when the user simultaneously selects the right button and the upward button of the four-way button while the crop image is displayed on the display means. The display means is controlled so that the upper right corner moves in the upper right direction while maintaining the aspect ratio and the cropped image is enlarged or reduced, and the user simultaneously selects the right button and the lower button of the four-way button. In some cases, the display unit is controlled so that the crop image is enlarged or reduced by moving the lower right corner in the lower right direction while fixing the upper left corner of the crop image and maintaining the aspect ratio. When the left button and the upper button are selected at the same time, the lower right corner of the cropped image is fixed and the upper left corner moves to the upper left direction while maintaining the aspect ratio, and the When the user selects the left button and the down button of the four-way button at the same time, the upper right corner of the crop image is fixed and the aspect ratio is maintained. The display means is controlled so that the lower left corner moves in the lower left direction and the cropped image is enlarged or reduced.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus provided with display means and four-direction buttons provided corresponding to four directions of up, down, left, and right by computer software,
(A) When the user selects one of the four-way buttons in a state where an image and an image frame capable of enclosing part or all of the image are displayed on the display unit, Controlling the display means so that the image frame moves in a direction corresponding to the selected button;
(B) When the user selects two or more of the four-way buttons at the same time in a state where an image and an image frame capable of enclosing part or all of the image are displayed on the display means, Controlling the display means to change the size or orientation of the image frame based on the combination of the simultaneously selected buttons;
A method for controlling an image processing apparatus.   The program for performing each step of the control method of the image processing apparatus of Claim 11 by 1 or several computer.

Images