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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
With a digital camera 100, a photographed image 31 is displayed
on a liquid crystal display and the user selects a desired image
and specifies print specifications of the number of print sheets,
a print paper size, a print color mode, etc., then print image data
is prepared. The prepared print image data is transmitted from the
digital camera 100 to a color printer of an output unit. An image
is printed at the color printer in accordance with the print image
data.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
1. A digital camera for executing photoelectric conversion of image
pickup light and then recording the conversion result as image data,
the apparatus comprising: a display portion; a recording medium
which records the image data; an image displaying unit which reads
the image data from the recording medium, and which causes the display
portion to display an image; an image data selecting unit which,
when the image displayed by the display portion is selected, selects
the image data corresponding thereto; a number-of-copies specification
screen displaying unit which causes the display portion to display
a number-of-copies specification screen, the number-of-copies specification
screen being used for specifying number of copies of the selected
image, wherein: the number-of-copies specification screen displays
1 as a default value of the number of copies in the number-of-copies
specification screen, and the number of copies in the number-of-copies
specification screen is changeable; and an output unit which directly
outputs the selected image data to a printer.
2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the output
unit is configured so that, after image selection by the image data
selecting unit and specification of the number of copies using the
number-of-copies specification screen displaying unit are repeatedly
conducted plural times, the output unit executes processing for
continuously outputting the plural image data to the printer one
time.
3. A digital camera method, comprising: executing photoelectric
conversion of image pickup light; recording the conversion result
as image data; recording the image data on a recording medium; reading
the image data from the recording medium, and causing a display
portion to display an image; when the image displayed by the display
portion is selected, selecting the image data corresponding thereto;
displaying a number-of-copies specification screen used for specifying
a number of copies of the selected image, wherein: the number-of-copies
specification screen displays 1 as a default value of the number
of copies in the number-of-copies specification screen, and the
number of copies in the number-of-copies specification screen is
changeable; and outputting the selected image data to a printer.
4. The digital camera method according to claim 3, wherein, after
image selection and specification of the number of copies are repeatedly
conducted plural times, processing is executed for continuously
outputting the plural image data to the printer one time.
5. A digital camera for executing photoelectric conversion of image
pickup light and then recording the conversion result as image data,
the apparatus comprising: means for displaying; means for recording
the image data; means for reading the image data from the recording
medium, and causing the means for displaying to display an image;
means for selecting image data corresponding to a selected image
displayed by the means for displaying; means for causing the means
for displaying to display a number-of-copies specification screen,
the number-of-copies specification screen being used for specifying
number of copies of the selected image, wherein: the number-of-copies
specification screen displays 1 as a default value of the number
of copies in the number-of-copies specification screen, and the
number of copies in the number-of-copies specification screen is
changeable; and means for directly outputting the selected image
data to a printer.
6. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the means for
outputting is configured so that, after image selection by the means
for selecting image data and specification of the number of copies
using the means for causing the means for displaying to display
a number-of-copies specification screen are repeatedly conducted
plural times, the meant for outputting executes processing for continuously
outputting the plural image data to the printer one time.
Digital Camera Patent Description
CROSS-REFERENCE OF THE APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation application of Ser. No. 10/298,087
filed on Nov. 18, 2002, which is a continuation application of Ser.
No. 09/081,786 filed on May 20, 1998, which issued as U.S. Pat.
No. 6,618,553 on Sep. 9, 2003; the disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a digital camera and in particular
to a digital camera capable of outputting image data directly to
a printer and a printing system using the same.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] In recent years, digital cameras (still-video cameras) have
been developed, sold, and finding spreading use.
[0006] The digital camera is configured to execute photoelectric
conversion of image pickup light to provide image data, record the
image data on a recording medium, and output the recorded image
data to an external image processing system such as a personal computer
(PC). The external image processing system performs print image
data preparation processing and outputs the prepared print image
data to a printer for printing or reproducing the picked-up image
on paper.
[0007] Most digital cameras comprise each a liquid crystal display
for displaying the image pickup result and the image data provided
by photoelectric conversion is compressed and recorded on a recording
medium. To compress the image data, normally JPEG (Joint Photographic
Expert Group) standard is applied.
[0008] To select an image on a PC, a number of thumbnail images
compressed in JPEG (described later) are previously input and displayed
on a monitor. The picked-up image data corresponding to a selected
thumbnail image is input from the digital camera and is decompressed,
then displayed on the monitor. When the user recognizes it, color
print image data preparation processing is performed and the image
is printed at a printer connected to the PC.
[0009] The thumbnail image is a reduced image used for the user
to select a desired image out of the input image data on a PC, etc.
For example, assuming that the size of 1-frame image data is 680.times.480
pixels, the corresponding thumbnail image is reduced by thinning
out the data to about 80.times.60 pixels; the thumbnail images are
recorded on a recording medium of the digital camera in a one-to-one
correspondence with normal picked-up images.
[0010] When color print image data preparation processing is performed,
print image data preparation processing is performed by programs
on the PC to reproduce or print a color image (video) with high
accuracy and bit map data is prepared for each print color required
for drawing and is given to a printer together with a control signal
for performing the color image reproduction operation on recording
paper.
[0011] A color print ink jet printer capable of printing a high-quality
image like a picture or a photo is developed and sold as a color
printer.
[0012] The above-mentioned print image data preparation processing
programs are contained in a program group called a printer driver
in a data processing module 210 as shown In FIG. 11. A printer driver
220 normally comprises three modules of rasterizer, color correction,
and halftone as means for obtaining binary data.
[0013] However, usually the PC comprises a large number of application
programs other than image (video) print processing because of general
versatility. The application programs and the above-mentioned printer
driver operate under the control of windows, MS-DOS, etc., (PC operating
system (OS) manufactured by Microsoft Corporation).
[0014] Therefore, to perform image print processing, the user needs
to enter commands as specified by the OS for reading the print processing
application program and the printer driver into PC internal memory
from a storage unit storing them (for example, magnetic disk) and
placing them in an executable state. However, it takes time (so-called
overhead time) to enter commands and read the print processing application
program and the printer driver; the overhead time requires several
minutes at the shortest, thus it takes time to start.
[0015] Although PCs are finding remarkable spreading use, many
problems remain to be solved for users to know how to actually handle
PCs; it is also pointed out that most persons who have PCs cannot
master them. If they attempt to install the image (video) print
processing application program and the printer driver, they may
find it difficult to install the software or may not understand
how to enter the commands.
[0016] The need for using an expensive PC only for the purpose
of printing picked-up images involves remarkable impairment of user's
convenience.
[0017] Examining demands for simplifying the print processing operation
and reducing the overhead time almost to zero from the aspect of
the digital camera, preferably, for example, image data can be output
from the digital camera directly to a printer without intervention
of a PC and a desired picked-up image can be printed on a desired
number of print sheets in a desired paper size and print color mode.
More preferably, an external unit to which image data is to be transmitted
including a printer can be specified.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
digital camera having capabilities of outputting image data directly
to an external system and printing a desired image under desired
print specifications of the number of print sheets, paper size,
mint color mode, etc. It is another object of the invention to provide
a printing system using the digital camera.
[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided
a digital camera for executing photoelectric conversion of image
pickup light and then recording the conversion result as image data,
the digital camera comprising a display section for displaying an
image, a recording medium for recording the image data, image data
selection means for selecting desired image data out of the recording
medium, and output method specification means for outputting the
selected image data to an external system under predetermined output
specifications. The image data selection means reads the image data
for each frame and adds an index to the image data for display on
the display section.
[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided
a digital camera for executing photoelectric conversion of image
pickup light and then recording the conversion result as image data
and thumbnail image data of the image data, the digital camera comprising
a display section for displaying an image, a recording medium for
recording the image data and the thumbnail image data, thumbnail
image display means for reading the thumbnail image data from the
recording medium and displaying thumbnail images on the display
section, image data selection means for selecting one of the displayed
thumbnail images, thereby selecting desired image data corresponding
thereto, and output method specification means for outputting the
selected image data to an external system under predetermined output
specifications The thumbnail image display means enlarges and displays
the thumbnail image.
[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided
a digital camera for executing photoelectric conversion of image
pickup light and then recording the conversion result as image data
and thumbnail image data of the image data, the digital camera comprising
a display section for displaying an image, a recording medium for
recording the image data and the thumbnail image data, thumbnail
image print means for printing out the thumbnail image data recorded
on the recording medium at an external printer, thumbnail image
display means for reading the thumbnail image data from the recording
medium and displaying thumbnail images on the display section, image
data selection means for selecting one of the displayed thumbnail
images based on the printed thumbnail images, thereby selecting
desired image data corresponding thereto, and output method specification
means for outputting the selected image data to an external system
under predetermined output specifications. The thumbnail image print
means adds an index to each thumbnail image data piece and outputs
to the external printer and the index of one of the indexed thumbnail
images printed is specified, whereby the image data selection means
selects desired image data corresponding thereto.
[0022] With the digital cameras according to the three aspects
of the invention, the external system is a color printer and the
predetermined output specifications contain at least one of the
number of print copies, a print paper size, and a print color mode
for printing the image data. The print color mode is full color,
single color, or monochrome. The external system contains a printer
or a facsimile or an image processing system connected by a communication
line.
[0023] A printing system provided according to the invention comprises
of the three types of digital cameras described above and a color
printer as an external system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] In the accompanying drawings:
[0025] FIGS. 1(a)-1(b) are block diagrams to show a configuration
example of a digital camera of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram to show a configuration example
of control means stored in ROM;
[0027] FIGS. 3(a)-3(d) are block diagrams to show a configuration
example of image selection means,
[0028] FIG. 4 is a block diagram to show the relationship among
image selection means, print image data preparation programs, and
control means;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a flowchart to show brief operation of a control
section;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a block diagram to show a configuration example
of output method specification means;
[0031] FIGS. 7(a)-7 (b) are examples of a rear part view of the
digital camera;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a flowchart to show an operation example from
image selection to print image data preparation;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a flowchart to show another operation example
from image selection to print image data preparation;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a flowchart to show another operation example
from image selection to print image data preparation; and
[0035] FIG. 11 is a block diagram to show an example of print image
data preparation programs used to prepare print data on a personal
computer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram to show a configuration example
of a digital camera of the invention.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1a, a digital camera 100 comprises an optical
system consisting of a lens, an iris mechanism, etc., through which
reflected light from an image to be photographed is incident on
a CCD 2, the CCD 2 for converting image pickup light from the optical
system 1 into an electric signal, a signal processing section 3
for processing the signal from the CCD 2 and outputting the processed
signal to a frame memory 6 as multiple-valued (R, G, B) raster data
(image data), a control section 4 for controlling the operation
of the signal processing section, frame memories 6 and 6', a signal
processing section 7, and a recording medium control section 8,
image processing, image compression/decompression processing, etc.,
input means 5 for inputting a command entered by the user operating
a switch, etc., converting the command into a digital signal, and
feeding the digital signal into the control section 4, the signal
processing section 7 for converting R, G, B raster data in the frame
memory into brightness component Y and color difference components
U and V, compressing the data in JPEG, and performing reduction
processing for preparing a thumbnail image, a recording medium control
section 8 for receiving output of the signal processing section
7 and controlling writing of the image data compressed in JPEG,
which will be hereinafter referred to as JPEG image data, and thumbnail
image data into predetermined locations of a recording medium 9
or an expanded recording medium 10, read of the recorded JPEG image
data therefrom, etc., the recording medium 9 and expanded recording
medium 10 for storing image data, an interface 11 used to transfer
data to and from an external system, display means 15 of a LED lamp,
etc., for displaying the switch state, functional specifications,
etc., and display means 16 made of a liquid crystal display, etc.,
for displaying a photographed image or an object to be picked up.
Display means 15 and display means 16 are examples of means for
displaying.
[0038] The frame memory 6 normally is used as an image display
memory of the liquid crystal display 16 and image data is expanded
in bit map image. The frame memory 6' normally is used as a menu
display memory of the liquid crystal display 16. At the display
time on the liquid crystal display 16, the contents of the frame
memories 6 and 6' are superimposed on each other on the display.
[0039] The recording medium 9 is made of a 4-MB flash memory fixed
in the camera 100. It can be configured to record not only image
data, but also programs, etc. Compact flash (trademarks of Sun Disk)
having a capacity of 4-40 MB is used as the expanded recording medium
10 in the embodiment. The recording medium 9 and expanded recording
medium 10 are examples of means for recording image data.
[0040] A serial interface is used as the interface 11 in the embodiment
to receive a program sent from a computer such as a PC 200, transmit
image data to the PC 200, send image data via a modem 150 to a communication
line 160, etc., and transmit print image data to a printer 240 or
a facsimile machine.
[0041] FIG. 1b shows the configuration of the control section 4
which consists of a CPU 41, a RAM 42, and a ROM 43. The ROM 43 stores
control means 430 made up of programs required for operation control
of the digital camera 100 and data processing in the digital camera
such as data compression processing (FIG. 2).
[0042] Print data preparation programs including printer driver
may be stored in the ROM 43. Alternatively, they can also be read
from an external recording medium such as magnetic disk, CD-ROM,
or a memory card into the recording medium 9 or the expanded recording
medium 10 and be read therefrom for execution at a desired time.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a block diagram to show a configuration example
of the control means 430 stored in the ROM 43. The control means
430 consists of means required for operation control of the digital
camera 100, image data processing means required in the process
of storing image data such as compression of image data, and means
for decompressing compressed image data and preparing print data.
Normally, the means are made of programs.
[0044] The control means 430 comprises a control system 431, input
command determination means 432, an internal program group 433,
external program reception means 434, data management means 435,
and display data output means 436.
[0045] The control system 431 controls the whole operation of the
digital camera 100, for example, an aperture motor drive section
(not shown) in the optical system, the operation of the signal processing
section 3, the frame memory 6, the signal processing section 7,
and the recording medium control section 8, and execution of the
input command determination means 432 to the display data output
means 436. Recording medium control section 8 may be thought of
as just one example of part of a means for reading the image data
from the recording medium, in its reading function, and may be thought
of as part of a means for recording the image data in its storage
function.
[0046] When the user selects desired operation or processing by
operating a switch, etc., disposed on the digital camera 100, the
input command determination means 432 determines a digital signal
output from the input means 5 and determines what the user-entered
command operation is. According to the determination result, the
input command determination means 432 transfers control to the corresponding
program in the internal program group 433 or transfers control to
the control system 431 for the external program reception means
434 to receive an external program.
[0047] The internal program group 433 consists of programs for
controlling storage of picked-up image data in the recording medium
9, read or write of data from or into the expanded recording medium
10, LED display at the image picking up time, etc.; the programs
are contained in the ROM 43 as basic processing programs. For example,
the internal programs include a JPEG compression program required
for writing image data into the recording medium 9.
[0048] The external program reception means 434 is started when
the input command determination means 432 outputs an external program
introduction command.
[0049] The external program reception means 434 determines which
of the PC or the like, the expanded recording medium 10, and the
communication line a program is to be introduced from by the contents
of the external program introduction command and performs corresponding
reception processing, then transfers control to the data management
means 435.
[0050] When picked-up image data is written into the recording
medium 9, deleted, or added or program code introduced from the
outside is written, deleted, or added, the data management means
435 performs data management equivalent to file management widely
performed in a computer such as the PC.
[0051] The image data (data compressed in JPEG) and thumbnail image
data are processed by the internal program 433 or its equivalent
circuit and are written into the recording medium 9 by the recording
medium control section 8.
[0052] The display data output means 436 outputs LED display data,
image data, or display data of a menu, etc., to the LED display
means 15 or the liquid crystal display 16 of the digital camera
100.
[0053] FIG. 3 is a block diagram to show a configuration example
of image selection means 45.
[0054] Image selection means 45A shown in FIG. 3a comprises print
image selection means 453 for displaying picked-up image data on
the liquid crystal display 16 in order for the user to select a
desired print image and output method specification means 454 for
specifying print specifications of the number of print sheets, print
paper size, print color mode (full color, single color, monochrome),
etc., and an external system to which the image data is to be transmitted.
(See first embodiment.)
[0055] Image selection means 45B shown in FIG. 3b comprises thumbnail
image display means 452 for displaying thumbnail image data on the
liquid crystal display 16 in a fast forward manner, print image
selection means 453' for requesting the user to select a desired
image from among displayed thumbnail images and displaying the image
data corresponding to the user-selected thumbnail image for the
user to recognize it, and output method specification means 454
for specifying print specifications and an external system to which
the image data is to be transmitted. (See second embodiment.) The
output method specification means 454 may be thought of as an example
of a means for causing the means for displaying to display a number-of-copies
specification screen.
[0056] Image selection means 45C shown in FIG. 3c comprises thumbnail
image print means 452' for adding index code to thumbnail image
data and transmitting to a printer for printing thumbnail images,
print image selection means 453'' for displaying a thumbnail image
selection screen on the liquid crystal display 16 for the user to
specify a desired image based on the printed thumbnail images and
displaying the specified image data for the user to recognize it,
and output method specification means 454 for specifying print specifications
and an external system to which the image data is to be transmitted.
(See third embodiment.)
[0057] Image selection means 45D shown in FIG. 3d comprises additional
image selection method specification means 451 for the user to select
either the image selection means 45B or 45C.
[0058] The image selection means 45A, 45B, 45C, or 45D may be introduced
from the outside or can also be stored in the ROM 43 as one of the
internal programs 433 making up the control means 430 (FIG. 2).
The output method specification means 454 has a setup value registration
table comprising setup values and image index numbers provided in
a one-to-one correspondence with each other.
[0059] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation to execute a direct
print function for transmitting print image data to a printer, showing
the relationship among the image selection means 45, the print image
data preparation program group 50, and the control means 430. FIG.
5 is a flowchart to show the operation of the control section 4
when the direct print function is executed.
[0060] In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, when the user turns on an image selection
processing switch, the input command determination means 432 gives
code meaning image selection to the control system 431, which then
reads the image selection means (program) 45 from the ROM 43 or
the recording medium 9 through the recording medium control section
8 at step P1.
[0061] When the image selection means 45 is expanded in the RAM
42, the control system 431 transfers control to the image selection
means 45. When the user selects a desired image and specifies a
desired output method, the image selection means 45 goes to step
P3 if the external system to which image data is to be transmitted
is the printer 240 or a facsimile machine. If the external system
is the PC 200 or image data is sent to the communication line through
the modem 150, the image selection means 45 goes to step P5 and
transfers control to the control system 431 (P2).
[0062] The control system 431 gives an instruction for reading
the print image data preparation program group 50 stored in the
ROM 43 or the recording medium 9 through the recording medium control
section 8. The programs (51, 52, 531, 532, 533, 54) in the print
image data preparation program group 50 are read in the instruction
order of the control system 431 and are expanded in the RAM 42 at
step P3.
[0063] The control system 431 transfers control to the programs
in the print image data preparation program group 50 in order for
preparing print image data. At the termination of preparing the
print image data at step P4, control goes to step P5. The 1-frame
image data can also be divided into several blocks in the subscanning
direction for preparing the print image data.
[0064] If the specified external system is the printer 240, the
image data transmission means 54 transmits print image data and
print control data via the interface 11 to the printer 240. If the
specified external system is a facsimile machine, the image data
transmission means 54 transmits monochrome print image data. If
the external system is the PC 200 or image data is sent to the communication
line through the modem 150, the image data transmission means 54
transmits image data or print image data and print control data
at step P5. The interface 11 is an example of a means for directly
transmitting or outputting the selected image data and the specified
number of copies to an external printer.
[0065] UV components of the image data (YUV component data) transferred
to the print image data preparation program group 50 are set to
U=u and V=v (-1<u<1 and -1<v<1), whereby the image data
output from the print image data preparation program group 50 can
be made single-color (for example, sepia, blue, or green) image
data. U=0 and V=0 are set, whereby the image data output from the
print image data preparation program group 50 can be made monochrome
image data.
[0066] The print image data preparation program group 50 contains
a data decompression program 51 for decompressing compressed data
read from the recording medium 9, an RGB conversion program 52 for
converting image data consisting of YUV components into RGB components,
a printer driver 53, and image data transmission program 54 for
transmitting print data.
[0067] The printer driver 53 has the same configuration as a printer
driver for preparing print data in PC, etc., and comprises three
modules of rasterizer, color correction, and halftone to provide
binary data.
[0068] Preferably, a color conversion parameter is added to the
RGB conversion program 52 and a UV value conversion routine for
setting U=0 and Y=0 at the preceding stage of RGB conversion when
the color conversion parameter is set to a given value (for example,
`0, 0`) is added.
[0069] The image data transmission program 54 can also be configured
to transmit print image data with the digital camera 100 connected
to the communication line through the modem connected to the interface
11. Further, it can also be configured to transmit print image data
by wireless with the digital camera 100 connected to a radio unit
such as a portable telephone through the modem connected to the
interface 11.
[0070] FIG. 6 is a block diagram to show the configuration of the
output method specification means 454. The output method specification
means 454 comprises output method specification screen display means
4541 for displaying an output method specification screen for specifying
print specifications and an external system to which image data
is to be transmitted (FIG. 7b), number-of-print-sheets specification
means 4542 for specifying the number of print sheets, print size
specification means 4543 for specifying a print paper size, print
color mode specification means 4544 for specifying a print color
mode, and output unit specification means 4545 for specifying an
external system to which image data is to be transmitted.
[0071] Preferably, the print size specification means 4543 comprises
a table in which print paper sizes, such as A4, A6, and postcard
or business card size, L format, and E format used with normal silver
salt photos, are previously registered.
[0072] FIG. 7 shows an example of the rear part of the digital
camera 100. The digital camera 100 is provided on the rear with
the liquid crystal display 16 for displaying an image or a function
menu, etc., buttons 19 and 20 for scrolling the screen of the liquid
crystal display 16 up and down and from side to side, and function
selection buttons 17 and 18. FIG. 7a provides an image display example
and 7b provides an output method specification screen example.
Embodiment
[0073] Embodiments of image selection means 45 (45A, 45B, 45C,
45D) will be discussed.
First Embodiment
[0074] FIG. 8 is a flowchart to show an operation example of image
selection means 45A. In the operation example, photographed image
data pieces are displayed in order on a liquid crystal display and
the user is requested to select a desired print image and specify
print specifications of the number of print sheets, print paper
size, print color mode (color, single color, or monochrome), etc.,
then print image data is prepared and transmitted to an external
system.
[0075] When the image selection means 45A is transferred to a RAM
42, a control system 431 transfers control to the image selection
means 45A. Print image selection means 453 reads 1-frame image data,
transfers the image data to a frame memory 6, uses a data decompression
program to decompose JPEG image data, and displays a candidate image
31 on a liquid crystal display 16 at step S1. In this case, an index
number is added to the candidate image on the display.
[0076] If the user continues to press a button 19, the print image
selection means 453 displays candidate images in order. When the
user releases the button, the print image selection means 453 stops
the display at the current image. If the user continues to press
a button 20, the print image selection means 453 displays the preceding
candidate images in order. When the user releases the button, the
print image selection means 453 stops the display at the current
candidate image at step S2.
[0077] If the user presses either the button 17 or 18, the print
image selection means 453 assumes the candidate image to be selected
and transfers control to output method specification means 454 at
step S3.
[0078] The output method specification means 454 displays an output
method specification menu as shown in FIG. 7b by output method specification
screen display means 4541, prompting the user to select or enter
the print specifications and the external system to which image
data is to be transmitted.
[0079] At this time, initial display is, for example, "number
of print sheets=1, print paper size=A4, print color mode=full color,
output unit=color printer." The inside of a box 21 that can
be specified or selected is displayed in a color different from
the colors of other boxes at step S4.
[0080] First, when the user presses the button 17 or 18, number-of-print-sheets
specification means 4542 goes to a step for specifying the number
of print sheets. Each time the user presses a button 19, the number
of print sheets is incremented by one starting at the initial value
and the resultant number of sheets is displayed. Each time the user
presses a button 20, the number of print sheets displayed is decremented
by one. If the user presses either the button 17 or 18, the current
display value is set as the number of print sheets and is stored
in the location corresponding to the image index number in a setup
value registration table at step S5 and control goes to the next
step.
[0081] When the user presses the button 17 or 18, print size specification
means 4543 goes to a step for selecting a print paper size and displays
the contents of a print size registration table in which print paper
sizes are previously registered. If the user presses the button
19 or 20 to select a desired print paper size and presses the button
17 or 18, the selected print paper size is set and is stored in
the location corresponding to the image index number in the setup
value registration table at step S6 and control goes to the next
step.
[0082] When the user presses the button 17 or 18, print color mode
specification means 4544 goes to a step for selecting a print color
mode and displays the contents of a print color mode registration
table in which print color modes are previously registered. If the
user presses the button 19 or 20 to select a desired print color
mode and presses the button 17 or 18, the selected print color mode
is set. If full color is selected as the print color mode, a print
color mode parameter in an RGB conversion program 52 is set to 1.
If a single color is selected as the print color mode, the print
color mode parameter in the RGB conversion program 52 is set to
2. If monochrome is selected as the print color mode, the print
color mode parameter in the RGB conversion program 52 is set to
3. The print color mode parameter is stored in the location corresponding
to the image index number in the setup value registration table
at step S7.
[0083] When the user presses the button 17 or 18, output unit specification
means 4545 goes to a step for selecting an output unit and displays
the contents of an output unit registration table in which output
units are previously registered. If the user selects a color printer
as the output unit, an output unit parameter in an image data transmission
program 54 is set to 1. If the user selects a facsimile as the output
unit, the output unit parameter in the image data transmission program
54 is set to 2. If the user selects a PC as the output unit, the
output unit parameter in the image data transmission program 54
is set to 3. If the user selects a communication terminal as the
output unit, the output unit parameter in the image data transmission
program 54 is set to 4. If the user presses the button 17 or 18,
the selected output unit is set and the setup value corresponding
to the selected output unit is stored in the location corresponding
to the image index number in the setup value registration table,
then control returns to step S1 to display another candidate image.
If another candidate image does not exist, the output unit parameter
value is checked. If the value is 1 or 2, control goes to step S9;
if the value is 3 or 4, control goes to step S16.
[0084] The control system 431 expands programs contained in a print
image data preparation program group 50 in the RAM 42 in order and
transfers control to a compressed data decompression program 51
at step S9.
[0085] The compressed data decompression program 51 reads image
data (JPEG image data) selected by the print image selection means
453 into the RAM 42 and decompresses the data at step S10.
[0086] At the termination of decompressing the compressed image
data, the RGB conversion program 52 checks the print color mode
parameter at step S11. If the print color mode parameter has a value
of 1, control goes to step S12. If the print color mode parameter
has a value of 2, all UV components of the image data are converted
into U=u and V=v. If the print color mode parameter has a value
of 3, all UV components of the image data are converted into U=0
and V=0.
[0087] The RGB conversion program 52 converts the image data consisting
of YUV components into image data consisting of R (red), G (green),
and B (blue) components at step S12. When the UV components are
U=u and V=v, the image data is converted into single-color image
data. When the UV components are U=0 and V=0, the image data is
converted into monochrome image data.
[0088] A rasterizer 531 converts the image data into RGB continuous-tone
(for example, 256-gray-level) bit image data undergoing raster conversion
for each of R, G, and B at step S113.
[0089] A color correction module 532 applies color correction processing
to the RGB continuous-tone bit image data to relate the data to
print colors and converts the data into CMYK continuous-tone bit
image data for K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow)
printing at step S14.
[0090] A halftone module 533 uses a dither method or an error diffusion
method to perform halftone processing for the CMYK continuous-tone
bit image data at step S15, whereby a bit map binarized for each
color (binary data table) is prepared.
[0091] At the termination of the halftone processing, the image
data transmission program 54 checks the print color mode parameter.
If the value of the print color mode parameter is 1, the image data
transmission program 54 transmits the setup values of the number
of print sheets and the print paper size, a print control signal,
and binary bit map data to a color ink jet printer 240, for example,
through an interface 11 at step S16. The color ink jet printer 240
can receive the print control signal and print data directly from
the digital camera 100 and print a desired number of sheets of the
photographed image on recording paper of a desired size.
[0092] If the user specifies a single color or monochrome as the
print color mode, the image is printed in the single color or monochrome
if it is color-photographed. If the value of the print color mode
parameter is 2, the image data transmission program 54 transmits
the setup values of the number of print sheets and the print paper
size, a print control signal, and binary bit map data to a facsimile
through an interface 11. If the value of the print color mode parameter
is 3 or 4, the image data transmission program 54 transmits JPEG
image data or the setup values of the number of print sheets and
the print paper size, a print control signal, and binary bit map
data to PC 200 through the interface 11 or a terminal connected
to a communication line 160 through a modem 150.
Second Embodiment
[0093] FIG. 9 is a flowchart to show an operation example of image
selection means 45B (FIG. 3B) wherein thumbnail images are displayed
and the user selects a desired image and specifies print specifications
of the number of print sheets, print paper size, print color mode,
etc., and an output unit to which image data is to be transmitted.
[0094] When the image selection means 45B is transferred to a RAM
42, a control system 431 transfers control to the image selection
means 45B. Thumbnail image display means 452 reads all thumbnail
image data and expands the data in the RAM 42 at step S21.
[0095] The thumbnail image display means 452 uses a data decompression
program to decompose the thumbnail image data, enlarges the image
data, adds an index number to the enlarged thumbnail image data,
and displays the thumbnail image on a liquid crystal display 16
at step S22. A number of thumbnail images may be displayed on the
liquid crystal display 16 without enlarging the thumbnail image
data. The thumbnail image display menas 452 is an example of a means
for sequentially reading the reduced image data from the means for
recording.
[0096] Each time the user presses a button 19, print image selection
means 453' displays one enlarged thumbnail image. If the user stops
pressing the button 19, the print image selection means 453' continues
to display the current thumbnail image. Each time the user presses
a button 20, the print image selection means 453' displays the preceding
thumbnail image. If the user stops pressing the button 20, the print
image selection means 453' continues to display the current thumbnail
image at step S23. Buttons 19 and 20 are examples of means for causing
the means for displaying to display images in a quick scroll manner.
[0097] If the user stops pressing the button 19 or 20 and presses
either the button 17 or 18 with the thumbnail image displayed, the
print image selection means 453' assumes the image to be selected.
When the user selects images from among the thumbnail images and
completes selection of desired images, the print image selection
means 453' transfers control to the control system 431. Buttons
17 and 18 are examples of means for selecting image data corresponding
to a desired image data from the images displayed in the quick scroll
manner.
[0098] The control system 431 transfers control to output method
specification means 454. At step S25, the output method specification
means 454 handles output method specification processing of print
specifications, an output unit to which image data is to be transmitted,
etc., and checks the value of an output unit parameter at step S25.
If the parameter value is 1 or 2, control goes to step S26; if the
parameter value 3 or 4, control goes to step S27.
[0099] The control system 431 expands print image data and programs
contained in a print image data preparation program group 50 in
the RAM 42 in order and transfers control to the print image data
preparation program group 50 at step S26.
[0100] The print image data preparation program group 50 performs
similar processing to steps S10 to S15 in FIG. 8, namely, performs
decompression processing of image data (JPEG image data) selected
by the print image selection means 453', RGB conversion processing,
rasterizing, color correction processing, and halftone processing
at step S27.
[0101] At the termination of the halftone processing, as at step
S16 in FIG. 8, an image data transmission program 54 checks the
output unit parameter and transmits the print image data or JPEG
image data to the specified output unit at step S28.
Third Embodiment
[0102] FIG. 10 is a flowchart to show an operation example of image
selection means 45C (FIG. 3c) wherein thumbnail image data is printed
at a printer and the user selects a desired image from among the
printed thumbnail images and specifies print specifications of the
number of print sheets, print paper size, print color mode, etc.,
and an output unit to which image data is to be transmitted.
[0103] A control system 431 expands programs contained in a print
image data preparation program group 50 in a RAM 42 in order and
transfers control to the image selection means 45C at step S31.
[0104] Thumbnail image print means 452' reads all thumbnail image
data, expands the image data in the RAM 42, decompresses the thumbnail
image data in the RAM 42, and adds an index number to each thumbnail
image data piece at step S32.
[0105] As described at steps S12 to S15 in FIG. 8, the print image
data preparation program group 50 performs RGB conversion processing,
rasterize processing, color correction processing, and halftone
processing to prepare print thumbnail image data and transmits the
image data to a printer 240 at step S33. In this case, the thumbnail
image print means 452' may set U and V components of the thumbnail
image data in the RAM 42 to U=0 and V=0 to print a monochrome thumbnail
image at the printer 240.
[0106] Thumbnail images each with an index number are printed at
the printer 240 at step S34. Print image selection means 453'' displays
a message on a liquid crystal display, prompting the user to select
a desired image from among the printed thumbnail images and enter
the index number of the selected image at step S35.
[0107] If the user presses a button 19 as many times as the number
of digits of the index number of the desired image and then presses
a button 17 or 18, the print image selection means 453'' reads the
image data corresponding to the index number from a recording medium
9 into a frame memory 6 and displays the image on a liquid crystal
display 16 at step S36.
[0108] If the user furthermore presses the button 17 or 18, the
print image selection means 453'' assumes the image to be selected
and transfers control to output method specification means 454 at
step S37.
[0109] The output method specification means 454 handles setting
of print specifications and specification of an output unit to which
image data is to be transmitted at step S38 as at steps S4 to S8
in FIG. 8. To select another candidate image, control returns to
step S35. If another candidate image does not exist, the value of
an output unit parameter is checked. If the parameter value is 1
or 2, control goes to step S39; if the parameter value is 3 or 4,
control goes to step S40.
[0110] The print image data preparation program group 50 performs
decompression processing of selected image data (JPEG image data),
RGB conversion processing, rasterize processing, color correction
processing, and halftone processing at step S39 as at steps S10
to S15 in FIG. 8.
[0111] At the termination of the halftone processing, as at step
S16 in FIG. 8, an image data transmission program 54 checks the
output unit parameter and transmits the print image data or JPEG
image data to the specified output unit at step S40.
[0112] It is understood that the foregoing description is preferred
embodiments of the invention and that various changes and modifications
may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and
scope thereof.
[0113] As described above, according to the invention, images are
displayed on display means such as a liquid crystal display of the
digital camera and the user selects a desired image from among the
displayed images and specifies the print specifications of the number
of print sheets, a print paper size, a print color mode, etc., then
can transmit the print image data prepared based on the user's selection
and specification from the digital camera to a printer. Therefore,
a photographed image can be printed without intervention of another
processing system such as a PC and it can be expected that digital
cameras will come into wider use for those who do not have a PC,
etc., or who have a PC, but are unfamiliar with handling the PC.
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