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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
The digital camera capable of printing shot images by directly connecting
a digital camera to the printing device, and even if the printing
device does not support at least one of the index printing and the
multiple printing, a synthetic image corresponding to the printing
mode not supported by the printing device is generated by the digital
camera and is sent to the printing device. Thereby, even if the
printing device does not support one of, or both of the index printing
and the multiple printing, the index printing and/or the multiple
printing can be conducted.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
1. A digital camera capable of printing shot images by directly
connecting a printing device thereto, comprising: a determination
portion for determining whether or not the printing device supports
an index printing when the printing device is directly connected
to the digital camera; a recording portion for recording shot images;
a small image acquisition portion for acquiring small images of
shot images recorded in the recording portion; and a synthetic image
generation portion for generating a synthetic image by arranging
small images therein; wherein when the index printing is performed
in the case in which the determination portion determines that the
printing device does not support the index printing, the small image
acquisition portion acquires small images of all the shot images
recorded in the recording portion, the synthetic image generation
portion generates one or a plurality of synthetic images, in each
of which a predetermined number of small images of all the shot
images are arranged, and the one or the plurality of the synthetic
images are sent to the printing device.
2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined
number is determined based on a size and/or a quality of printing
medium supported by the printing device.
3. A digital camera capable of printing shot images by directly
connecting a printing device thereto, comprising: a determination
portion for determining whether or not the printing device supports
a multiple printing when the printing device is directly connected
to the digital camera; a recording portion for recording shot images;
a small image acquisition portion for acquiring small images of
shot images recorded in the recording portion; and a synthetic image
generation portion for generating a synthetic image by arranging
small images therein; wherein when the multiple printing is performed
in the case in which the determination portion determines that the
printing device does not support the multiple printing, the small
image acquisition portion acquires a small image of one shot image,
the synthetic image generation portion generates one or a plurality
of synthetic images, in each of which a predetermined number of
small images of the one small images are arranged, and the one or
the plurality of the synthetic images are sent to the printing device.
4. The digital camera according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined
number is determined based on a size and/or a quality of printing
medium supported by the printing device.
5. A printing method of a digital camera capable of printing shot
images by directly connecting a printing device thereto, the method
comprising: determining whether or not the printing device supports
an index printing when the printing device is directly connected
to the digital camera; and when the index printing is performed
in the case in which it is determined that the printing device does
not support the index printing, acquiring small images of all the
shot images recorded in a recording portion, generating one or a
plurality of synthetic images, in each of which a predetermined
number of small images of all the small images are arranged, and
sending the one or the plurality of the synthetic images to the
printing device.
6. The printing method of the digital camera according to claim
5, wherein the predetermined number is determined based on a size
and/or a quality of printing medium supported by the printing device.
7. A printing method of a digital camera capable of printing shot
images by directly connecting a printing device thereto, the method
comprising: determining whether or not the printing device support
multiple printing when the printing device is directly connected
to the digital camera; and when the multiple printing is performed
in the case in which it is determined that the printing device does
not support the multiple printing, acquiring a small image of one
shot image recorded in a recoding portion, generating one or a plurality
of synthetic images, in each of which a predetermined number of
small images of the one small images are arranged, and sending the
one or the plurality of the synthetic images to the printing device.
8. The printing method of the digital camera according to claim
7, wherein the predetermined number is determined based on a size
and/or a quality of printing medium supported by the printing device.
9. A printing method of a digital camera capable of printing shot
images by directly connecting a printing device therto, comprising
the steps of: determining whether or not the printing device supports
a specific printing mode; synthesizing images of the specific printing
mode by the digital camera when the digital camera determines that
the specific printing mode is not supported by the printing device;
and the digital camera sending a synthetic image synthesized by
the digital camera to the printing device to cause the printing
device to print the synthetic image.
Digital Camera Patent Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-153817,
filed on May 26, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a digital camera equipped
with a so-called direct printing function, which enables printing
shot images only by directly connecting a printing device thereto.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In recent years, a lot of digital cameras and printing devices
equipped with a direct printing function have been introduced to
the market. By using both the digital camera and printing device,
which are equipped with this function, a user can print shot images
easily without using a PC (Personal Computer).
[0006] FIG. 9 is a view explaining the overall action of direct
printing in the case in which a digital camera and a printing device
equipped with the direct printing function are directly connected
to each other.
[0007] As shown in FIG. 9, when the digital camera (DSC) and the
printing device (PRT) are directly connected to each other, the
PRT first sends a direct printing connection request to the DSC
to determine whether or not the DSC is equipped with a direct printing
function (S61). In response to the request, the DSC notifies the
PRT that the DSC is equipped with the direct printing function by
sending a direct printing connection response (S62).
[0008] Subsequently, the DSC sends a printing function acquisition
request to the PRT in order to acquire printing functions supported
by the PRT (S63). In response to the request, the PRT notifies the
DSC of the functions that the PRT supports (S64).
[0009] For the functions supported by the PRT, various modes, such
as a one-frame printing, an all-frame printing, an index printing,
a multiple printing may be included.
[0010] Subsequently, the DSC sends a printing paper size acquisition
request to the PRT in order to acquire the size of printing papers
(the size of printing mediums) supported by the PRT (S65). In response
to the request, the PRT notifies the DSC of the sizes of printing-paper
the PRT supports (S66).
[0011] Subsequently, the DSC sends a Paper Quality acquisition
request to the PRT in order to acquire the quality of papers ("PaperQuality",
the quality of printing mediums) supported by the PRT (S67). In
response to the request, the PRT notifies the DSC of the qualities
of paper that the PRT supports (S68).
[0012] Subsequently, the DSC designates the kind of printing and
the images to be printed to the PRT according to an instruction
by a user (S69). The PRT responds to the instruction (S70), and
also the PRT sends the DSC a printing image data acquisition request
in order to acquire the image data of the images to be printed (S71).
In response to the request, the DSC sends the image data to the
PRT according to the request (S72). In this instance, if a plurality
of images are designated in S69, steps in S71 and S72 are repeated
for each image. Then, when the PRT acquires all the necessary image
data for printing, the PRT performs a printing process (S73), and
actually prints the images to the printing paper.
[0013] FIGS. 10A to 10C are views explaining examples of printing
results of the direct printing. For example, in the case where four
shot images, A, B, C and D, are recorded in a storage portion of
the digital camera, as shown in FIG. 10A, if the index printing
is performed, the four shot images are arranged and printed on a
piece of printing paper, as shown in FIG. 10B. Otherwise, if the
multiple printing of the shot image A is performed, a plurality
of (four in this example) the shot images A are arranged and printed
on a piece of printing paper, as shown in FIG. 10C.
[0014] Incidentally, the index printing is a printing method for
displaying a plurality of images on a printing medium. For example,
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-236507 discloses
an image file storage method in which a plurality of images are
displayed as one synthetic image by generating a synthetic image
in which a plurality of images are arranged.
[0015] However, various printing functions which are supported
by the equipped direct printing functions but not supported by both
the digital camera and the printing device cannot be used. For example,
even if a digital camera supports printing modes such as the index
printing and the multiple printing, but a printing device does not
support them, the index printing or the multiple printing cannot
be performed even though the digital camera and the printing device
are connected to each other.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] A digital camera according to the present invention is capable
of printing shot images by directly connecting a printing device
thereto, and when the printing device does not support at least
one of an index printing and a multiple printing, a synthetic image
corresponding to one for that not supported printing mode is generated
and sent to the printing device.
[0017] According to the present invention, even if the printing
device does not support one of, or both of the index printing and
the multiple printing, the index printing and/or the multiple printing
can be conducted. Therefore, the convenience for the user can be
improved.
[0018] An example of a structure of the digital camera according
to the present invention will be described. A digital camera capable
of printing shot images by directly connecting a printing device
thereto, comprising: a determination portion for determining whether
or not the printing device supports an index printing when the printing
device is directly connected to the digital camera a recording portion
for recording shot images; a small image acquisition portion for
acquiring small images of shot images recorded in the recording
portion; and a synthetic image generation portion for generating
a synthetic image by arranging the small images, wherein when the
index printing is performed in the case in which the determination
portion determines that the printing device does not support the
index printing, the small image acquisition portion acquires small
images of all shot images, the synthetic image generation portion
generates one or a plurality of synthetic images, in each of which
a predetermined number of small images of all the shot images are
arranged, and the one or the plurality of the synthetic images are
sent to the printing device.
[0019] By replacing the "index printing" with a "multiple
printing", the above-mentioned structure can be understood
as a different structure. In addition, the present invention can
be also understood as a printing method of a digital camera.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
apparatus and methods of the present invention will become better
understood with regard to the following description, appended claims,
and accompanying drawings where:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a view showing a main structure regarding a direct
printing in a digital camera equipped with a direct printing function
according to an embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing actions performed in the case
in which a user designates the index printing when a printing device
is connected to the digital camera but not supporting the index
printing;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing actions performed in the case
in which a user designates a multiple printing when a printing device
is connected to the digital camera but not supporting the multiple
printing;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process for determining
the number of thumbnail images which can be arranged in one synthetic
image, based on the size of printing paper that the printing device
supports;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process for determining
the number of thumbnail images which can be arranged in one synthetic
image, based on the quality of the printing paper ("PaperQuality")
that the printing device supports;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for determining
the number of thumbnail images which can be arranged in one synthetic
image, based on the size of the printing paper and the quality of
the printing paper ("PaperQuality") that the printing
device supports;
[0027] FIGS. 7A to 7C are views showing examples of printing results
in the case in which the number of thumbnail images which can be
arranged in one synthetic image is determined, based on the size
of the printing paper that the printing device supports;
[0028] FIGS. 8A to 8C are views showing examples of printing results
in the case in which the number of thumbnail images which can be
arranged in one synthetic image is determined, based on the quality
of the printing paper ("PaperQuality") that the printing
device supports;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a view explaining an overall action of the direct
performed in the case in which the digital camera and the printing
device equipped with the direct printing function are directly connected
to each other; and
[0030] FIGS. 10A to 10C are views explaining examples of printing
results of the direct printing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described
below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0032] FIG. 1 is a view showing a main structure regarding the
direct printing in a digital camera equipped with a direct printing
function according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] In FIG. 1, a control portion 1 is a portion for controlling
an overall action of the digital camera. For example, the control
portion corresponds to a CPU. The control portion 1 includes a connected
printing device printing function acquisition portion (printing
function acquisition portion of a connected printing device) 1a,
a printing paper size acquisition portion (a portion for acquiring
the size of printing medium) 1b, and a Paper Quality acquisition
portion (a portion for acquiring quality of the printing medium)
1c, and a print execution control portion 1d. For example, the functions
of the connected printing device printing function acquisition portion
1a, the printing paper size acquisition portion (printing medium
size acquiring portion) 1b, and the Paper Quality acquisition portion
(printing medium quality acquisition portion) 1c, and the print
execution control portion 1d are realized by executing one program
having all the functions thereof, or a plurality of programs having
each function thereof on the above mentioned CPU. However, not limited
by these examples, each of the functions may be performed in a dedicated
circuit.
[0034] In this instance, the connected printing device printing
function acquisition portion 1a acquires printing functions (including
printing modes) supported by the printing device, from the printing
device which is equipped with the direct printing function and connected
to the digital camera. The printing paper size acquisition portion
1b acquires the sizes of the printing paper supported (the size
of the printing medium) by the printing device, from the printing
device. The Paper Quality acquisition portion 1c acquires the paper
quality (the qualities of the printing medium) supported by the
printing device, from the printing device. The print execution control
portion 1d controls the print execution of the printing device via
a communication control portion 2.
[0035] The communication control portion 2 controls communication
conducted between the printing device equipped with the printing
function and connected to the digital camera, and the digital camera.
In this instance, the digital camera and the printing device are
directly connected to each other, for example, by a USB (Universal
Serial Bus). And the communication control portion 2 is, for example,
realized by a dedicated I/F circuit.
[0036] An operation portion 3 is provided with various buttons
or various switches, and the like, (not shown) such as an arrow
pad to select menu items on a display screen or to select images,
an OK button to instruct confirmation on a display screen or selecting
images, and the like, and instructions received are delivered to
the control portion 1.
[0037] A storage portion 4 records image files of images shot by
the digital camera. Incidentally, the digital camera of the present
embodiment complies with DFC standard, and the image file of each
image shot by the digital camera includes a small image of the main
image (the original image) along with the image data thereof. In
the present embodiment, the above-mentioned small image corresponds
to an image data of a thumbnail image. For example, the storage
portion 4 corresponds to a built-in memory such as a RAM, or a removable
storage medium such as a memory card.
[0038] Next, an explanation is provided with regard to an action
of the direct printing of the digital camera performed when the
digital camera having the above-mentioned configuration is connected
to the printing device equipped with the direct printing function.
[0039] In this instance, it is assumed that the direct printing
function equipped by the digital camera supports both of the index
printing mode and the multiple printing mode.
[0040] The actions of the direct printing of the digital camera
is almost the same as the above-mentioned actions of the DSC explained
with reference to FIG. 9, however, when a user designates one of
the index printing and the multiple printing, which is not supported
by the direct printing function equipped by the printing device
connected to the digital camera, the actions from S69 will differ.
That is, in the DSC explained with reference to FIG. 9, one of the
index printing and the multiple printing, which is not supported
by the printing device cannot be performed, however, the digital
camera of the present invention is able to perform this.
[0041] Hereinbelow, actions for performing the index printing or
the multiple printing, which is not supported by the printing device
connected to the digital camera, will be explained in detail.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing actions performed in the case
in which a user instructs the index printing when the printing device
which does not support the index printing is connected to the digital
camera. In this instance, the flowchart of FIG. 2 shows contents
of a process corresponding to S69 of FIG. 9.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, when the user instructs the index printing,
the digital camera first determines whether or not the printing
device is capable of performing the index printing, based on the
previously acquired information of the printing function supported
by the printing device. That is, the digital camera determines whether
or not the printing device supports the index printing (S1).
[0044] If this determination result is Yes, the process for usual
index printing instruction is performed. However, if this determination
result is No, a image file for a shot image, which has not been
read yet, is read from the storage portion 4 (S2), and then, a thumbnail
image of the main image of the image file is acquired (S3). Next,
it is determined whether or not the thumbnail images of the main
images for all the shot images recorded in the storage portion 4
are already acquired (S4). If this determination result is No, the
process is returned to S2. In this way, when the thumbnail images
of the main images of all the shot images recorded in the storage
portion 4 are acquired, the determination result of S4 turns Yes.
Subsequently, one synthetic image, or a plurality of synthetic images,
in each of which a predetermined number of the acquired thumbnail
images are arranged, is/are generated (S5), and the instruction
indicating the one synthetic image, or the plurality of the synthetic
images as an image or images to be printed is sent to the printing
device (S6).
[0045] Subsequently, the printing device which received this instruction
sends the printing image data acquisition request (corresponding
to S71 in FIG. 9), and in response to this, the digital camera sends
the data of the one, or the plurality of the synthetic images to
the printing device (corresponding to S72 in FIG. 9). The index
printing is completed by printing these images in the printing device.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing actions performed in the case
in which the user designates a multiple printing when the printing
device, which does not support the multiple printing, is connected
to the digital camera. In this instance, the flowchart of the FIG.
3 also shows contents of a process corresponding to S69 of FIG.
9.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, when the user instructs the multiple
printing, the digital camera first determines whether or not the
printing device is capable of performing the multiple printing based
on the previously acquired information of the printing function
supported by the printing device. That is, the digital camera determines
whether or not the printing device supports the multiple printing
(S11).
[0048] If this determination result is Yes, the process for usual
multiple printing instruction is performed. However, if this determination
result is No, a image file for a shot image, which is the target
of the multiple printing, is read from the storage portion 4 (S12),
and a thumbnail image of the main image of the image file is acquired
(S13). Subsequently, one synthetic image, or a plurality of synthetic
images, in each of which a predetermined number of the acquired
thumbnail images are arranged, is/are generated (S14), and the instruction
indicating the one synthetic image, or the plurality of the synthetic
images as images to be printed is sent to the printing device (S15).
[0049] Subsequently, the printing device which received this instruction
sends the printing image data acquisition request (equivalent to
S71 in FIG. 9), and in response to this, the digital camera sends
the data of the synthetic image to the printing device (corresponding
to S72 in FIG. 9). The multiple printing is completed by printing
these images in the printing device.
[0050] FIG. 4, 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing processes for determining
the number of thumbnail images which can be arranged in one synthetic
image in the above-mentioned S5 or S14.
[0051] FIG. 4 is the flowchart showing a process for determining
the number of thumbnail images which can be arranged in one synthetic
image, based on the size of printing paper that the printing device
supports.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, in this process, the digital camera
first acquires the printing functions from the printing device.
The digital camera determines the size of the printing paper designated
by the user out of the sizes of printing paper supported by the
printing device(S21). However, if the printing device supports only
one size, this size of printing paper is automatically designated
(the same applies in S42, S46 and S50 of FIG. 6 described later).
[0053] If the determination result is "smaller than 4''.times.6-
(smaller than 4 inches.times.6 inches)", N=2 is applied (S22),
if the result is "equal to or larger than 4''.times.6'' and
smaller than A4", N=4 is applied (S23), and if the result is
"equal to or larger than A4", N=8 is applied (S24).
[0054] Subsequently, in the case of the index printing, one synthetic
image, or a plurality of synthetic images, in each of which N thumbnail
images, out of all the acquired thumbnail images, are arranged (S25).
In this instance, if the number of thumbnail images is less than
N, the synthetic image is generated from that number of thumbnail
images which is less than N. Thereby, N thumbnail images, or the
number of thumbnail images which is less than N, are arranged in
one synthetic image.
[0055] Also, in the case of the multiple printing, one synthetic
image or a plurality of synthetic images, in each of which N of
the one thumbnail images are arranged, is/are generated (S25). Thereby,
N thumbnail images are arranged in one synthetic image.
[0056] Thus, according to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the larger number
of thumbnail images are arranged in one synthetic image for the
bigger size of the printing paper, and the less number of thumbnail
images are arranged in one synthetic image for the smaller size
of the printing paper.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process for determining
the number of thumbnail images which can be arranged in one synthetic
image, based on the quality of printing paper ("PaperQuality")
that the printing device supports.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, in this process, the digital camera
first acquires the printing functions from the printing device.
The digital camera determines the quality of printing paper designated
by the user out of the qualities of printing paper supported by
the printing device (S31). However, if the printing device supports
only one kind of quality of paper, this quality is automatically
designated (the same applies in S41 of FIG. 6 described later).
[0059] If the determination result is "Draft" (the quality
of paper: low)", N=2 is applied (S32), if the result is "Normal"
(the quality of paper: middle), N=4 is applied (S33), and if the
result is "Fine" (the quality of paper: high), N=8 is
applied (S34).
[0060] The following process of S35 is performed in the same way
as the process of S25 shown in FIG. 4.
[0061] Thus, according to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the larger number
of thumbnail images are arranged in one synthetic image for the
higher quality of printing paper, and the less number of thumbnail
images are arranged in one synthetic image for the lower quality
of printing paper.
[0062] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a-process for determining
the number of thumbnail images which can be arranged in one synthetic
image, based on the size of the printing paper and the quality of
the printing paper ("PaperQuality") that the printing
device supports. That is, FIG. 6 is a process which combines the
process of FIG. 4 and the process of FIG. 5.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, in this process, the digital camera
first acquires the printing functions from the printing device.
The digital camera determines the quality of the printing paper
designated by the user out of the qualities of the printing paper
supported by the printing device(S41).
[0064] If the determination result is "Draft", then the
digital camera determines the size of the printing paper designated
by the user out of the sizes of the printing paper supported by
the printing device which have already acquired by the printing
device (S42). If the determination result is "smaller than
4''.times.6'' (smaller than 4 inches.times.6 inches)", N=2
is applied (S43), if the result is "equal to or larger than
4''.times.6'' and smaller than A4", N=4 is applied (S44), and
if the result is "equal to or larger than A4", N=8 is
applied (S45).
[0065] If the determination result of S41 is "Normal",
then the digital camera determines the size of the printing paper
designated by the user out of the sizes of the printing paper supported
by the printing device which have already acquired by the printing
device (S46). If the determination result is "smaller than
4''.times.6'' (smaller than 4 inches.times.6 inches)", N=4
is applied (S47), if the result is "equal to or larger than
4''.times.6'' and smaller than A4", N=8 is applied (S48), and
if the result is "equal to or larger than A4", N=16 is
applied (S49).
[0066] If the determination result of S41 is "Fine",
then the digital camera determines the size of the printing paper
designated by the user out of the sizes of the printing paper supported
by the printing device which have already acquired by the printing
device (S50). If the determination result is "smaller than
4''.times.6'' (smaller than 4 inches.times.6 inches)", N=8
is applied (S51), if the result is "equal to or larger than
4''.times.6'' and smaller than A4", N=16 is applied (S52),
and if the result is "equal to or larger than A4", N=32
is applied (S53).
[0067] When the value of N is thereby determined, the following
process of S54 is performed in the same way as the process of S25
shown in FIG. 4.
[0068] Thus, according to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the larger number
of thumbnail images are arranged in one synthetic image for the
higher quality and bigger size of the printing paper, and the less
number of thumbnail images are arranged in one synthetic image for
the lower quality and smaller size of the printing paper.
[0069] FIGS. 7A to 7C, and FIGS. 8A to 8C are views as examples
of printing results in the case in which the index printing is performed
in the printing device, which does not support the index printing
and is connected to the digital camera.
[0070] FIGS. 7A to 7C are views showing examples of the printing
results in the case in which the number of thumbnail images which
can be arranged in one synthetic image is determined, based on the
size of the printing paper that the printing device supports (refer
to FIG. 2 and 4).
[0071] In the example of FIGS. 7A to 7C, it is assumed that four
image files of shot images, A, B, C and D, are recorded in the storage
portion 4.
[0072] FIG. 7A is a view showing an example of the printing result
in the case in which "Postcard" is designated as the size
of printing paper. In this case, N=2 is applied in the flowchart
shown in FIG. 4, and the index printing is performed by printing
two synthetic images, in each of which two thumbnail images are
arranged. FIG. 7A is the printing result of this.
[0073] FIG. 7B is a view showing an example of a printing result
in the case in which a "4''.times.6''" is designated as
the size of printing paper. In this case, N=4 is applied in the
flowchart shown in FIG. 4, and the index printing is performed by
printing one synthetic image, in which four thumbnail images are
arranged. FIG. 7B is the printing result of this.
[0074] FIG. 7C is a view showing an example of a printing result
in the case in which "A4" is designated as the size of
printing paper. In this case, N=8 is applied in the flowchart shown
in FIG. 4, and the index printing is performed by printing one synthetic
image in which eight thumbnail images are arranged. FIG. 7C is the
printing result of this. However, in this case, there are only four
image files of shot images, therefore only four thumbnail images
are arranged.
[0075] FIGS. 8A to 8C are views showing examples of printing results
in the case in which the number of thumbnail images which can be
arranged in one synthetic image is determined, based on the quality
of paper ("PaperQuality") that the printing device supports
(refer to FIG. 2 and 5).
[0076] In the example of FIGS. 8A to 8C, it is also assumed that
four image files of shot images, A, B, C and D, are recorded in
the storage portion 4.
[0077] FIG. 8A is a view showing an example of a printing result
in the case in which "Draft" is designated as the quality
of the printing paper. In this case, N=2 is applied in the flowchart
shown in FIG. 5, and the index printing is performed by printing
two synthetic images in each of which two thumbnail images are arranged.
FIG. 8A is the printing result of this.
[0078] FIG. 8B is a view showing an example of a printing result
in the case in which "Normal" is designated as the quality
of the printing paper. In this case, N=4 is applied in the flowchart
shown in FIG. 5, and the index printing is performed by printing
one synthetic image in which four thumbnail images are arranged.
FIG. 8B is the printing result of this.
[0079] FIG. 8C is a view showing an example of a printing result
in the case in which a "Fine" is designated as the quality
of the printing paper. In this case, N=8 is applied in the flowchart
shown in FIG. 5, and the index printing is performed by printing
one synthetic image in which eight thumbnail images are arranged.
FIG. 8C is the printing result of this. However, in this case, there
are only four image files of shot images, therefore only four thumbnail
images are allocated.
[0080] As described above, according to the present embodiment,
when a digital camera and a printing device, which are equipped
with a direct printing function, are directly connected to each
other, even if the printing device does not support one of or both
of the index printing and the multiple printing while the digital
camera support the two of them, the index printing and/or the multiple
printing can be performed. Therefore, the convenience for the user
in the direct printing can be improved.
[0081] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the control portion
1 can be recognized as at least one of the following functions:
a determination portion for determining whether or not the printing
device supports the index printing (or the multiple printing) when
the printing device is directly connected to the digital camera;
a small image acquisition portion for acquiring small images of
shot images recorded in the recording portion; and a synthetic image
generation portion for generating a synthetic image, in each of
which the small images are arranged.
[0082] While there has been shown and described what are considered
to be preferred embodiments of the invention, it will, of course,
be understood that various modifications and changes in form or
detail could readily be made without departing from the spirit of
the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention should
not be limited to the exact forms described and illustrated, but
constructed to cover all modifications that may fall within the
scope of the appended claims.
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