JP2003153172A - Imaging device, and method and program for setting number of image printing sheets - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device, a method for setting the number of image printing sheets, and a program for setting the number of image printing sheets for printing the desired number of sheets of a desired photographed image without performing a designation operation about the number of photographed sheets in printing photographed images. SOLUTION: On a memory card 34, a copy folder (copy 1, etc., copy 5, etc.), and a stored compressed image file (99101001.jpg, etc., 99101008.jpg, etc.), are stored in a lower level (level 2) of a folder (folder A) of a level 1. Further, copy image files obtained by copying images (compressed image file of level 2) designated by a copy setting operation are respectively associated with copy folders and stored in the lower level (level 3) of each copy folder. Since images to be printed are preliminarily copied onto the memory card as many as the number of sheets to be copied, the image data of the copy image files are printed simply by removing the memory card 34 from the digital camera and setting the memory card 34 in an external image printer. On the side of the external image printer, a user does not have to perform a designation operation about the copy images and the number of sheets to be copied.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus such as a digital camera, and more particularly to a technique for setting the number of image prints of a shot image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Images taken by a digital camera are stored and stored in a removable storage memory such as an internal memory or a CompactFlash (registered trademark) memory (hereinafter referred to as CF memory), and reproduced and displayed on a display screen. Alternatively, it can be printed out using an external printer device.

Conventionally, as a printout method of a photographed image,
This is a method for printing images from a digital camera on a personal computer and printing them out, a method for directly printing out the digital camera and printer, and a digital camera with a removable memory card such as CF memory, which can be used by print vendors. There is a method of mounting a memory card removed from a digital camera and printing out a stored captured image.

In copying the desired number of photographed images by the desired number, in the above method, the thumbnail images of the photographed images read on the personal computer side are displayed in multi-display, and the user selects the image to be printed and specifies the number of prints. ing. In the above method, the user performs a predetermined operation on the digital camera side to display the photographed image and the thumbnail image on the liquid crystal image,
The photographed image to be printed and the number of prints are specified. Further, in the above method, the user mounts the memory card in the print vendor and then performs a predetermined operation to display the photographed image or the thumbnail image on the liquid crystal image, and selects the photographed image to be printed and specifies the number of prints. ing.

[0005]

However, in the above method, the user needs to perform a predetermined operation on the personal computer to reproduce and display the photographed image or the thumbnail image, and select the photographed image to be printed and the number of prints. However, there is a problem in that the operation is troublesome for a user who is not accustomed to operating a personal computer.

In the above method, after each printing, the printer and the camera are connected, and a predetermined operation is performed on the digital camera to reproduce and display the photographed image or the thumbnail image, and the photographed image to be printed is selected and printed. There is a problem that it is necessary to select the number of sheets and the operation is troublesome.

Also in the above method, it is necessary to mount the memory card in the print vendor and then perform a predetermined operation to select the photographed image to be printed and the number of prints. There was a point.

Further, in the above methods, since the operation is performed after a lapse of time after photographing, it is necessary to count the number of persons shown in the reproduced image or the thumbnail image in the group photograph in order to confirm the number of printed sheets. .

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an image pickup apparatus that prints a desired number of photographed images without specifying the number of photographed images when printing the photographed images,
An object is to provide a method for setting the number of printed images and a program for setting the number of printed images.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image pickup apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus having a storage means for picking up a subject image, converting the image into image data, and storing the image data. Image reproduction display means for reproducing and displaying the image data stored in the means, duplicate image setting means for selecting a desired image from the images reproduced and displayed by the image reproduction display means and setting the number of duplicates thereof, duplicate image And a duplicate image generation unit that generates the duplicate image data in the same size as the image data to be reproduced and displayed based on the setting result by the setting unit, and the duplicate image data generated by the duplicate image generating unit is duplicated on the storage unit. It is characterized in that it is stored in a location different from the storage location of the image data corresponding to the image selected by the image setting means.

A second invention is characterized in that, in the image pickup apparatus according to the first invention, the storage means is a removable memory.

A third invention is characterized in that, in the image pickup apparatus according to the first invention, the duplicate image setting means comprises a GUI.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect, the duplicate image generating means includes copy folder generating means for generating a copy folder corresponding to the number of duplicated images set by the duplicate image setting means. The location for storing and storing the duplicate image data is related to the folder created by the copy folder creating means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when storing the duplicated image data generated by the duplicated image generating means, if the storage capacity of the storage means becomes insufficient, the capacity shortage information is notified. When there is an empty area in the storage area of the storage means of the setting information storage means for storing the setting information set by the duplicated image setting means, the duplicated image generation means is insufficient in capacity based on the setting information. It is characterized in that the duplicate image data that could not be generated by the above is generated and stored in the empty area.

A method of setting the number of printed images of the sixth invention is as follows.
In an imaging device that captures a subject image, converts it to image data, and stores the image data, a step of reproducing and displaying the stored and stored image data, a step of selecting a desired image from the reproduced and displayed images, The step of setting the number of copies of the image, the step of generating the copy image data of the image with the set number of copies, and the storage location of the image data corresponding to the selected image of the generated copy image data are distinguished. And a step of storing and storing in a different place.

The image print number setting program of the seventh invention is a program executable in an image pickup device for picking up a subject image, converting the image into image data, and storing the image data. The step of reproducing and displaying the stored image data A step of selecting a desired image from the reproduced and displayed images, a step of setting the number of duplicates of the selected image, a step of generating duplicated image data of the image for which the number of duplicates is set, Storing the duplicated image data in a location different from the storage location of the image data corresponding to the selected image.

[0017]

1 is a diagram showing the external appearance (the external appearance from the rear) of an embodiment of an image pickup apparatus of the present invention, and a digital camera is taken as an example of the image pickup apparatus. In FIG. 1, a digital camera 100 includes a shutter key 11 on the upper surface of the camera, a liquid crystal display unit 12 at the center of the rear surface, an optical viewfinder 13 at the center of the upper rear surface, a power switch 14 at the upper right portion of the rear surface,
A menu switching key 15, a cross key 16, and a set key 17 are provided on the left side of the rear side in this order from the top, and a removable storage memory such as a memory card (for example, a CF memory) is attached to and detached from the side (the right side when facing). A storage storage memory attachment / detachment unit 18 is provided. An imaging lens unit, an optical finder window, etc. are provided on the front surface (not shown), and a battery storage unit is provided on the bottom surface (not shown).

FIG. 2 shows the digital camera 10 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of 0, the digital camera 100 includes a processing unit 20 and a peripheral unit,
The processing unit 20 includes a CPU 21, a program storage memory 22,
The image processor 23, the JPEG compression unit 24, the memory controller 25, and the encoder 26 are provided, and the peripheral unit includes an operation unit 31, an imaging unit 32, a work memory 33, a storage memory 34, an LCD driver 35, and an external interface 3.
6 and a liquid crystal display (LCD) 12. Also,
A voice output device 37 for outputting operation guidance or warning may be provided. Further, a lighting lamp (not shown) for warning may be provided instead of the audio output device 37.

The CPU 21 controls the overall operation of the digital camera 100 and performs various functions including the number-of-prints setting function of the present invention based on the selection by the user by the control program and various application programs stored in the program storage memory 22. Run.

The program storage memory 22 is composed of a memory such as a ROM, and in addition to a control program and a print number setting program for realizing the print number setting function of the present invention, a program corresponding to various functions of the digital camera 100 and an initial program. It stores setting values and format data for various screens. When the program is stored in the storage memory 34, only the control program or the control program and the basic application program are stored in the program storage memory 22.

The image processor 23 processes the signal from the image pickup section 32 to obtain image data and writes it in the work memory 33. Further, the JPEG compression unit 24 reads the image data for one frame obtained by the image processor 23 from the work memory and performs JPEG compression. The JPEG compression unit 24 decompresses the compressed image read from the storage memory 34 by the memory controller 25 at the time of image reproduction to restore the image data.

The memory controller 25 is a compressed image (compressed image data) compressed in JPEG by the JPEG compression unit 24.
Is written in the storage memory 34. Further, at the time of image reproduction, the compressed image is read from the storage memory 34.

The encoder 26 is for the image data taken into the work memory at the time of image pickup and for the JPEG compression unit 2 at the time of reproduction.
The image data expanded by 4 is expanded into a bitmap, that is, converted into image data.

The operation unit 31 is provided with various keys (power switch 14, menu change key 15, cross key 16 and set key 17) shown in FIG. 1 and the like, and when the user operates those keys, the operation result is displayed. It is converted into an electric signal (code or status signal) and sent to the CPU 21. In addition, the cross key 16 uses the UP key
The N key, the REV key, and the FF key are used, and a predetermined function is assigned to each processing mode.

The image pickup section 32 includes an image pickup lens, a CDS, and a CCD.
Etc., the subject image is captured, converted into an electric signal, and given to the image processor 23 at a predetermined timing.
The work memory 33 is used as a temporary storage of image data processed by the image processor 23, a work area for JPEG compression / expansion, and the like.

The storage memory 34 is composed of a removable memory such as a memory card, and has a file structure as shown in FIG. 3, for example, and has a JPEG compressed image or a thumbnail image (reduced image) associated with the compressed image. ) Etc. are saved and stored. The program may be stored and stored in the storage storage memory 34 together with the image data. Also,
In the present embodiment, a memory card configured to be removable is used as the storage storage memory 34.
Is not limited to removable memory.

The external interface 36 is a data interface for transmitting / receiving data between the digital camera 100 and an external device, and data transmission / reception such as data transmission / reception by cable connection, short-range communication such as infrared communication or Bluetooth, or data transmission / reception by wireless communication. It is equipped with the one according to the method.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a file structure stored in the storage memory 34 (hereinafter, memory card will be referred to as a memory card 34). The files form a directory structure. That is, in FIG. 3, the highest level (level 0) folder of the file directory 340 is QV01, and the lower level (level 1) folder is FolderA, ...
..D, FolderE, ... are set. In addition, copy folders (Copy1, ...
.., Copy5, ...) and compressed image files are stored,
Furthermore, at the lower level (level 3) of each copy folder,
Copy image files obtained by copying an image (level 2 compressed image file) designated by a copy setting operation described later are stored in association with each other.

In the example of FIG. 3, the folder A has a copy folder (Copy1, ..., Copy5, ...) And each image (99101001.jpg, ..., 99101008.jpg, ...) File stored and stored. Is related, and further, copy folder Co
Image file 99101001.jpg, ..., 9910100 in py1
6.jpg is an image file 99101 in the copy folder Copy2
001.jpg, ..., 99101004.jpg is the copy folder Cop
Image files 99101001.jpg, 99101002.jpg, 991 for y3
01003.jpg is an image file 9 in the copy folder Copy4
9101001.jpg and 99101002.jpg are copy folders Copy5
An image file 99101001.jpg is associated with and stored in.

An embodiment of a method of setting the number of printed images (print number setting mode) using the above-described digital camera 100 will be described below. In each of the following embodiments, a GUI (gui user or graphical user) is used.
Interface)) is the user interface
It is a general term for a method of operating with a pointing device such as a mouse or cursor keys using visual elements. In each of the following embodiments, the cross key 16 is used as a pointing device, the shutter key 11 is used as an OK key (confirmation key), and the menu switching key 15 is used as an end key, but not limited to these.

Further, in each of the following embodiments, the cross key 16 functions as a cursor movement button when the copy function menu is selected, and the UP key, DOWN key, REV key, FF is used.
The keys mean cursor movement keys for upward, downward, leftward and rightward directions, respectively. Further, when selecting an image, the REV key and the FF key of the cross key 16 correspond to the image return key and the image advance key as in the normal PLY mode. Also, when setting the number of copies, press the UP key of the cross key 16 to 1
Each time it is pressed, 1 is added to the copy number counter, and DOW
Each time the N key is pressed, 1 is subtracted from the copy number counter.

<First Embodiment>: Individual Number Setting FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are views showing an example of the GUI in the print number setting mode. FIG. 4 shows an example of mode selection on the number setting mode selection screen. In the number-of-images setting mode selection screen 120, "1. Image copy (individual)" menu for designating the number of images to be copied (duplicated image) for each image and the number of images to be copied are summarized for the captured images. A designated “2. Image copy (uniform)” menu and a cursor 121 are displayed. The user can specify the desired menu by moving the cursor 121 up and down by pressing the UP key or DOWN key of the cross key 16. The illustrated example is an example in which the cursor 121 designates the “1. Image copy (individual)” menu, and when the user operates the shutter key 11, “1.
Image copy (individual) menu is selected.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the image selection / number setting screen displayed on the display unit 12 when the individual number setting mode is selected in FIG. Image selection / number of sheets setting screen 130
A reproduction image display field 131, an image number display field 132, a copy number setting field 133, and an operation guide 134 are displayed on the screen.

When the image selection / number-of-images setting screen 130 is displayed, the first image and the image number photographed this time are displayed in the image display column 131 and the image number display column 132. By pressing the REV key or the FF key of the cross key 16, the user can return / send the image reproduced and displayed in the image display field 131. Therefore, when setting the copy number of a certain image and designating the copy of the next image, if the FF key is pressed until the desired image is displayed, the unnecessary image is skipped, so the desired image is selected. You can Also, the user may use the UP key of the cross key 16 or the DO
By pressing the WN key, the number of copies of the image displayed in the image display field 131 can be designated. When the user presses the shutter key 11 after finishing the designation of the number of copies, the selected image is copied to the memory card 34 by the designated number, as will be described later (FIG. 6). Although the image number is displayed in FIG. 5, the image number may not be displayed.

(Example of Operation of Digital Camera in Individual Number Setting Mode) FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the image selection / number setting operation of the digital camera in the number of printed number setting mode. It is an operation example when the number of sheets setting mode is selected.

When the user selects the print number setting mode with the digital camera 100 immediately after photographing the subject with the digital camera 100 or at a desired time, the print number setting program is started. CPU 21 is a program storage memory 2
The format data of the number-of-sheets setting mode selection screen 120 of FIG. 4 described above is taken out from No. 2 and the number-of-sheets setting mode selection screen 120 is displayed on the display unit 12 (step S1).

The user selects the UP key of the cross key 16 or the DO key.
Operate the WN key to move the cursor 121 up and down to specify the "1. Image copy (individual)" menu, and operate the shutter key 11 to "1. Image copy (individual)"
The menu is selected, and the operation unit 31 sends a selection signal of the “1. Image copy (individual)” menu to the CPU 21. When the user selects the "2. Image copy (uniform)" menu, the operation shifts to the uniform number setting mode operation (second embodiment: FIG. 11) described later, and when the menu switching key 15 is pressed, image printing is performed. The number setting mode is ended (step S2).

When the CPU 21 receives the "1. Image copy (individual)" menu selection signal from the operation unit 31, it extracts the format data of the image selection / number of sheets setting screen 130 of FIG. 12, an image selection / number-of-images setting screen 130 is overwritten, and the first captured image (compressed image data) and the image number captured this time are retrieved from the memory card 34.
The JPEG compression unit 24 decompresses the compressed image data, reproduces the image data and sends it to the encoder 26, and the reproduced image is displayed in the image display field 131 of the display unit 12. At this time, the image number is displayed in the image number display field 132 (step S3).

If the image displayed in the image display field 131 is not selected as the copy image, that is, if the displayed image is not the desired image, the user operates the RE of the cross key 16.
The V key or the FF key is operated to return / send the reproduced image to the image display field 131. The CPU 21 extracts the compressed image data and the image number from the image file in the order corresponding to the operation of the REV key or the FF key from the memory card 34, decompresses the compressed image data to reproduce the image data, and displays the image data via the encoder 26. 12 image display columns 1
The reproduction image is displayed on 31 and the image number and the number of copies are displayed (step S4).

When the image displayed in the image display field 131 is selected as the copy image, the user selects the cross key 1
Image display field 1 by operating the UP key or DOWN key of 6
The number of copies of the image displayed in 31 is set. When the UP key of the cross key 16 is operated, the CPU 21 adds 1 to the copy number counter, and when the DOWN key is operated, 1 is subtracted from the copy number counter. Also, CPU
Reference numeral 21 sends the content (value) of the copy number counter to the display unit 12 to display it in the copy number setting field 133 of the image selection / number setting screen 130. The user sets the number of copies setting field 13
Looking at the number of copies displayed in 3, if the desired number of copies is reached, press the shutter key 11. When the shutter key 11 is pressed, the operation unit 31 sends a shutter operation signal to the CPU 21, and when the CPU 21 receives the shutter operation signal, the process proceeds to step S6 (step S5).

When the shutter key 11 is operated and the number of copies is determined in step S5, the CPU 21 creates a specified number of copy folders, that is, the number of copy folders corresponding to the value of the copy number counter, and selects each copy folder. Images, that is, images (compressed image data) having the same size as the image data to be reproduced and displayed are sequentially copied and stored. Specifically, for example, when the images captured this time are the images “99101001.jpg” to “99101008.jpg” stored in Folder A of the directory 340 of FIG. 3 described above, the user selects the image “99101001.jpg” to “99101008.jpg” in step S4. 99101001.jpg "
Is selected and "5" is designated as the number of copies in step S5, copy folders 1 to 5 are generated in level 2 of the directory 340. Further, level 3, that is, the images “99101001.jpg” to “99101008.jpg” stored and stored in the copy image storage area of the memory card 34 are copied by the number of copies set in association with the copy folders 1 to 5. To be done. If the number of copies of a new image is specified and the number of copies is less than the current number of copy folders, the new image is copied in association with the current copy folder, and the number of copies is less than the current number of copy folders. If the number is large, new copy folders are generated by the number exceeding the current number of copy folders, and new images are copied in association with each copy folder. Further, when the number of copies of the image for which the number of copies has already been set is designated again, update (deletion or addition of copy image) is performed (step S6).

When the copy is completed, a copy end message, for example, "the setting of the number of images has been completed" is displayed in FIG. 5 (not shown), so that the user can switch the menu within a predetermined time (for example, within 10 seconds). If the key 15 is pressed, the process returns to step S1; otherwise, the process returns to step S4 to select the next image (step S7).

By the operation shown in the flow chart of FIG. 6, normal JPEG compressed data is copied to each copy folder with the same name. Therefore, on the printing apparatus side, a method for designating the number of copies and printing different depending on the model and maker of the digital camera. It is not necessary to prepare printing software (or a printing controller) used on the printing device side according to the format of the output data for use.

That is, since the image to be copied (reprinted) and the number of copies are determined in advance, the contents of the storage memory are read by the printer or print vendor regardless of various formats that differ depending on the model and manufacturer of the digital camera, and the folder name By specifying, the specified number of images will be printed. Therefore, there is no need to bother with selecting an image or setting the number of copies at the time of printing as in the conventional case. Also, if the storage memory is a removable memory such as a memory card, set the memory card removed from the digital camera into the printer or print vendor,
All you have to do is specify the folder name.

In step S6, the copy folders for the maximum number of copies are generated, and the images sequentially selected according to the specified number of copies are copied in association with the copy folders. Therefore, at the time of printing, the example of FIG. 3 is used. , Copy folder Co
The image 99101001.jpg of py1, ..., 101101006.jpg is printed, then the image 99101001.jpg of copy folder Copy2,
..., 99101004.jpg is printed, and it is a copy folder sequentially
Since the image 99101001.jpg of Copy 5 is printed, the trouble of sorting and organizing when distributing the printed image (= photograph) to friends and the like is saved.

In the flow chart shown in FIG. 6, the number setting selection screen 120 (FIG. 4) is displayed in step S1.
Although the menu is selected in step S2,
If steps S1 and S2 are omitted and the print number setting mode is selected, the image selection / image selection of FIG.
You may comprise so that the number setting screen 130 may be displayed.
In other words, only the individual number of sheets may be set in the print number setting mode of the digital camera 100.

Further, in step S6, the copy folders for the maximum number of copies are generated, and the images sequentially selected according to the specified number are copied in association with the copy folder, but the image copying method is not limited to this. For example,
A copy folder may be generated for each selected image, and a specified number of images may be copied to the folder. That is, the same number of images may be copied to the designated image copy folder. With such a configuration, at the time of printing, the designated number of images are sequentially printed for each selected image.

<Second Embodiment>: Uniform Number Setting FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 are views showing an example of the GUI in the print number setting mode. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the uniform number setting mode is selected on the number setting mode selection screen 120 (FIG. 4) described above. In the uniform number setting mode, the number of copies can be designated for each level 1 folder (FIG. 3). Further, it is possible to set whether or not to print the images in the folder.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the number setting screen displayed on the display unit 12 when the uniform number setting mode is selected. The number setting screen 140 includes a folder designation field 141,
A copy number setting field 142 and a cursor 143 are displayed.

The memory card 3 is displayed in the folder designation field 141.
The folder name of the directory 340 is displayed in 4. By pressing the UP key or the DOWN key of the cross key 16, the user can move the cursor 143 up and down to specify a desired folder. The example shown is cursor 1
This is an example in which Folder A is designated by 43. When the set key 17 is pressed after designating a folder with the cursor 143, a number setting screen 150 (described later) of FIG. 9 is displayed. Further, the copy number setting field 142 is provided with a number setting line corresponding to each line of the folder designation field 141, and “0” is set as an initial value (before setting the uniform copy number). The user can set the uniform copy number of images set to ON in the number setting screen 150 of FIG. 9 among the images in the folder designated by the cursor in the folder designation field 141. The user can specify the number of copies by pressing the UP key or DOWN key of the cross key 16, and can set the number of copies by pressing the shutter key 11.

The number of folders is the folder designation field 141.
If the number of lines is larger than the number of lines, the cursor 143 is moved to the bottom line, and the folder name displayed in the folder designation field 141 and the set value in the copy number setting field 142 are scrolled upward line by line. When the cursor 143 is moved to the first line, the folder name displayed in the folder designation field 141 and the set value in the copy number setting field 142 are scrolled downward line by line.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the image selection screen. When the folder is selected in FIG. 8, the image selection screen 15 is displayed.
0 is displayed. The image selection screen 150 includes a reproduction image display field 151, an image number display field 152, and a copy setting field 153.
And the operation guide 154 is displayed.

When the image selection screen 150 is displayed, FIG.
The image and the image number of the folder designated on the image number setting screen 140 are displayed in the image display field 151 and the image number display field 152.
Is displayed in. By pressing the REV key or the FF key of the cross key 16, the user can return / send the image reproduced and displayed in the image display field 151. Therefore, when the selection of a certain image is completed and the selection of the next image is performed, the unnecessary image is skipped by pressing the FF key until the desired image is displayed.

When the user presses the set key 17, "on" is displayed in the copy setting field 153 as shown in the figure, and the image displayed in the image display field 151 is set as the image to be copied. It should be noted that when the set key 17 is pressed again for the same image at the time of selecting the image, the copy setting of the image can be canceled.
When the uniform copy number is set to 0, and the image is reproduced and displayed on the image selection screen 150 after the copy folder is generated and the image is copied, the image copy setting cannot be canceled. Although the image number is displayed in FIG. 9, the image number may not be displayed.

(Example of Operation of Digital Camera in Uniform Number Setting Mode) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the copy information table generated in the work memory 33 in the uniform number setting mode. The table record is generated for each level 1 folder, and the folder name column 111 for storing the folder name, the image copied (value =
An image copied flag column 112 for distinguishing 1) or not (value = 0) and a copy number column 113 for storing the set number of copies. Further, in the copy number column 113, “0” (flag off) is set as an initial value in at least the subdivided areas 113-1 to 113-n subdivided by the number of images belonging to the folder. The copy information table 110 is stored in the copy information table storage area of the memory card 34.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of the image selection / sheet number setting operation of the digital camera when the uniform sheet number setting mode is selected in the print sheet number setting mode.

In step S2 of the flowchart of FIG. 6 described above, when the user selects the "2. image copy (uniform)" menu as shown in FIG. 7, the "2. image copy (uniform)" menu from the operation unit 31. Selection signal is CP
It is sent to U21. When the CPU 21 receives a “1. image copy (uniform)” menu selection signal from the operation unit 31, the CPU 21 retrieves the format data of the above-described number setting screen 140 of FIG. 8 from the program storage memory 22 and sends it to the display unit 12 to set the number. The screen 140 (initial screen, number of sheets set value "0") is overwritten and a message prompting the user to specify a folder (for example, "Please specify the folder for which you want to newly set the number of copies") is overlaid and displayed to the user. At this time, regarding the folder in which the image has already been copied to the copy folder (that is, the folder in which the flag value of the copied flag column 112 of the copy information table 110 is “1”), the copy of the memory card 34 is performed. From the copy information table 110 stored in the information table storage area, the copy number setting value (copy Number column 1
(Value of 13) is taken out and displayed on the corresponding line of each folder (step T1).

The user selects the UP key of the cross key 16 or the DO key.
The WN key is operated to move the cursor 143 to specify a folder for which the number of copies is not set, and when the set key 17 is pressed, the specified folder is selected (step T2).

The CPU 21 takes out the format data of the image selection screen 150 of FIG. 9 described above from the program storage memory 22 and sends it to the display unit 12, and the image selection screen 15
Overwrite 0. In addition, the head image (compressed image data) and the image number of the folder selected in step T2 are extracted from the memory card 34, the compressed image data is decompressed by the JPEG compression unit 24, and the image data is reproduced and encoded. Send to 26, image display column 1
A reproduced image is displayed on 51 to prompt the user to select an image. At this time, the image number is displayed in the image number display field 152 (step T3).

When the image displayed in the image display field 151 is selected as a copy image, the process proceeds to step T5. If you do not select it as a copy image, that is,
If the displayed image is not the desired image, the user operates the REV key or the FF key of the cross key 16 to display the image display field 1
The reproduced image is returned / forwarded to 51. The CPU 21 takes out the photographed images (compressed image data) and the image numbers in the photographing order corresponding to the operation of the REV key or the FF key from the memory card 34, decompresses the compressed image data to reproduce the image data, and through the encoder 26. The reproduced image is displayed in the image display field 151 and the image number is displayed on the display unit 12 (step T4).

When selecting the image displayed in the image display field 151 as the copy image, the user sets the key 17
When the CPU is operated, the CPU 21 writes a value (for example, “−1”) meaning copy-on in the subdivision area corresponding to the level 2 image (compressed image data) in the copy number column 113 in the copy information table 110, and displays it. Send a character code meaning "copy on" to the copy section 12 and set the copy setting field 15
No. 3 is displayed (step T5).

When the user finishes the operation of selecting the image in the designated folder, the user operates the menu switching key 15, and otherwise, the REV key of the cross key 16 or the F key.
Operate the F key. The CPU 21 checks the signal sent from the operation unit 31, and when the menu switching key 15 is operated, writes the copy information table 110 of this folder in the copy information table storage area of the memory card 34, and then transitions to step T7. When the cross key 16 is operated, the process returns to step T4 (step T6).

The CPU 21 retrieves the format data of the number setting screen 140 from the program storage memory 22, causes the display unit 12 to overwrite the number setting screen 140, and prompts the user to set the uniform number of copies (for example,
"Please set the number of uniform copies for this folder") is displayed to prompt the user to specify the folder.
At this time, for the folder in which the number of copies has already been set, the set value is taken out from the number of copies column 113 of the copy information table 110 in the copy information table storage area of the memory card 34 and displayed in the corresponding line of the number of copies setting column 142. (Step T7).

The user uses the UP key of the cross key 16 or the DO key.
Operate the WN key to specify the uniform number of copies. When the UP key of the cross key 16 is operated, the CPU 21 adds 1 to the copy number counter, and when the DOWN key is operated, 1 is subtracted from the copy number counter. In addition, the CPU 21
Sends the content (value) of the copy number counter to the display unit 12 and displays it in the copy number setting field 142 of the copy number setting screen 140. The user looks at the number of copies displayed in the copy number setting field 142 and presses the shutter key 11 if the desired number of copies. The operation unit 31 sends a shutter operation signal to the CPU 21 when the shutter key 11 is pressed,
21 receives the shutter operation signal, the copy number table 113 of the folder in the copy information table 110.
Of the subdivided areas 113-1 to 113-n, the uniform set value is written in the subdivided area that is set to copy-on (that is, the subdivided area whose value is “−1”). In the example of FIG. 8, “6” set in FIG. 8 as the uniformly designated number of sheets is written in the subdivision area corresponding to the image copy-on in FIG. 9 for Folder A (step T8).

Next, a message asking whether or not there is a folder for newly setting the uniform copy number (for example, "Specify the folder when setting the copy number."
When the print number setting mode is terminated, press the set key ") is displayed (not shown) to prompt the user to operate. The CPU 21 also examines the signal sent from the operation unit 31, transitions to step T10 when the set key 17 is operated, and returns to step T2 when the cross key 16 is operated (step T9).

When the set key 17 is operated in the step T9, the CPU 21 searches the copy information table 110, and the folder in which the number of copies is newly set by the operation of the steps T2 to T9 (that is, the image copy completed). For each folder (flag = 0 in the flag column 112), as many copy folders as the maximum number of copies stored in the number-of-copies column 113 are generated, and a selected image (compressed image data), that is, a copy is created. The image files for which the number of copies is set among the subdivided areas 113-1 to 113-n of the number column 113 are sequentially copied and stored in the copy image storage area in association with the set number of copy folders. When the copying of the folder is completed, the value of the image copied flag is turned on (= "1") (step T10).

When the generation of the copy folder and the image copy are completed for each folder in which the number of copies is set, the process proceeds to step S1 in FIG. 6 (step T11).

The number of copies of the image in each folder can be confirmed by the operation shown in the flow chart of FIG. Further, if the image to be copied (reprinted) is designated among the images in the folder, the same number of copies is set, so that the copy designation operation is easy.

Further, since the compressed data is copied with the same name as in the first embodiment (FIG. 6), the method of designating the number of copies and the output data for printing, which differ depending on the model and manufacturer of the digital camera, on the printing apparatus side. It is not necessary to prepare printing software (or a printing controller) used on the printing apparatus side in correspondence with the format and the like, and there is no troublesomeness of selecting an image at the time of printing and designating the number of copies unlike the conventional case.

In step T10, the copy folders for the maximum number of copies are created, and the images sequentially selected according to the specified number of copies are copied in association with the copy folder. Therefore, the printed image (= photo) is printed. Eliminates the trouble of sorting and distributing when distributing to friends.

In the flow chart of FIG. 11, the number setting mode selection screen 120 (FIG. 4) is displayed in step S1 of FIG. 6 and the menu is selected in step S2. Similarly, steps S1 and S
It is also possible to omit 2 and to display the number setting screen 140 of FIG. 8 in step T1 when the print number setting mode is selected. That is, it may be configured such that only the uniform number is set in the print number setting mode of the digital camera 100.

Further, in the step T10, the copy folders for the maximum number of copies are generated, and the images sequentially selected according to the designated number of copies are copied in association with the copy folder. However, like the first embodiment, the selection is performed. A copy folder may be generated for each of the created images, and a specified number of images may be copied to the folder.

<Third Embodiment>: Operation at Memory Over In the first and second embodiments, the copy image area of the memory card 34 is associated with the selected copy folder by associating the selected image with the generated copy folder. Since it is copied as it is, the memory over condition may occur depending on the storage capacity of the memory card. In this embodiment, when the memory is over, a copy incompletion information table is generated for the copy incomplete image and the copy number information of the copy incomplete image is stored in the memory card. The selected image file is copied using the copy incompletion information table.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the copy incomplete information table. In the embodiment, the copy incomplete information table 190 has the same structure as the copy information table shown in FIG. 10, but is not limited to this. In FIG. 12, the copy incompletion information table 190 includes a folder name column 191 that stores the name of a folder that includes uncopied images, a copied flag column 192 that distinguishes whether or not copying has been completed, and an incomplete copy number column that stores the number of unfinished copies. 193, and the unfinished copy number column 193 is composed of subdivision areas 191-1 to 191-n that are associated with the images in the folder in a one-to-one correspondence.
The value “0” is stored for the copied image and the image not selected as the copy target, and for the copy incomplete image, step S5 of FIG.
The number of copies set in step T8 of the flow chart 1 is stored. The generated copy incompletion information table 190 is stored in the copy incompletion information storage area of the memory card 34.

In the example of FIG. 12, as the number of unfinished copies, the number of copies “3” of the fourth, fifth and sixth images in the folder K is the subdivision area 191-in the number of unfinished copies column 193.
4, 191-5 and 191-6.

FIGS. 13 and 15 are views showing an embodiment of the GUI in the print number setting mode. FIG. 13 shows an example of a message displayed when the memory overflow occurs when the storage memory is a removable memory card. Shows an example,
FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a message displayed when a memory overflow occurs when the storage memory is a fixed memory. 14 and 16 are flowcharts showing an embodiment of the operation of the digital camera when the storage capacity of the storage memory is insufficient during the image selection / number-of-images setting operation.
FIG. 14 shows an operation example when the storage memory is a removable memory card, and FIG. 16 shows an operation example when the storage memory is a fixed memory built in the digital camera 100.

(Operation upon occurrence of memory over): In the case of a memory card In the case of a memory card in which the storage memory 34 is removable, during the image copying operation of the first or second embodiment (see FIG. 6 step S6, FIG. 11 step T1
0) when the memory is over, the CPU 21 displays the warning message 161 and the insufficient memory 162 on the notification screen 160 as shown in FIG. 13, and displays unnecessary image data in the memory, for example, image data not to be copied or printing. Messages 163, 164 and a cursor 165 asking whether or not the copied image can be overwritten are displayed on the already copied image. Instead of the screen display, the voice output device 37 may be configured to repeatedly output a warning message or a message on the unnecessary image asking whether or not to overwrite the copy image for a predetermined time. (Step U1).

The user moves the cursor 165 to "overwrite NO".
Move to and press the shutter button 11 to step U
Transition to 4. In addition, the cursor 165 is set to "Overwrite OK".
CPU 21 when the shutter button 11 is pressed after moving to
Searches for image files that are not to be copied or copied image files that have already been printed, in order of shooting date and time, calculates the copyable capacity, and overwrites them by associating them with the created folder, as in step S6 of FIG. 6 or step T10 of FIG. It is stored (step U2).

If all of them can be copied at step U2, the process is terminated, and if the memory is insufficient, that is, if the memory is still over, the process proceeds to step U4 (step U3).

The CPU 21 stores a copy incomplete information table 190 in which information relating to images that have not been copied in association with the copy folder due to memory overflow is stored.
(FIG. 12) is generated and stored in the copy incomplete information table storage area of the memory card 34. Here, when the step S6 of the flowchart of FIG. 6 of the first embodiment is transited to the above step U1, first, the unfinished copy number column 193 of the copy unfinished information table 190 is cleared to zero and selected in step S4 of FIG. The unfinished copy information table 190 can be generated by storing the number-of-copies value set in step S5 in the subdivision area corresponding to the selected image and making a transition to step S7. Further, in the second embodiment, that is, when the step T10 of the flowchart of FIG. 11 is transited to the above step U1, a folder in which the value of the copied flag column 112 of the copy information table 110 shown in FIG. 10 is “0”. The table data corresponding to is extracted, the value of the subdivision area corresponding to the image already copied in association with the copy folder in the number of copies in the number of copies column 113 is set to “0”, and other values are copied as they are. Thus, the copy incompletion information table 190 can be generated (step U4).

With the above configuration, even if the memory is over, the copy incomplete information table 190 is stored in the memory card 34.
Is stored in the copy incomplete information table 190 after the memory card 34 is removed from the digital camera to the controller of the external printer or print vendor and set in the printer or print vendor to print an image.
Add a function (program) to copy a level 2 image (unfinished copy image) file corresponding to the subdivision area in which the number of unfinished copies is stored in the unfinished copy number column 193 to the copy image file storage area of the printed image If so, the image can be continuously printed after the copying is completed. That is, even if the storage memory capacity is insufficient, the desired number of copies can be easily printed at the time of printing without specifying an image or the number of copies.

In the flowchart of FIG. 14, the menu is selected in step U1 and the image set for printing is copied to the unnecessary image file storage area in the memory in U2. However, in step U1, the menu is displayed. Alternatively, steps U2 and U3 may be omitted and only the copy incomplete information table 190 may be generated.

(Operation when Memory Over Occurs): Fixed Memory When the storage memory 34 is a fixed memory, during the image copying operation of the first embodiment or the second embodiment (step S6 of FIG. 6, When the memory overflow occurs in step T10) of FIG. 11, the CPU 21 causes the notification screen 1 as shown in FIG.
A warning message 171 and an insufficient memory capacity 172 are displayed on 70. It should be noted that this display is displayed at a predetermined time interval until the memory is emptied and the image is copied in the subsequent steps. Further, instead of the screen display, the voice output device 37 may be configured to repeatedly output a warning message and a message asking whether to overwrite the copy image for a predetermined time. Further, the lamp may be blinked until the memory becomes empty (step V1).

The CPU 21 performs the same operation as that of step U4 in the flowchart of FIG. 14, and stores the copy incompletion information table 19 in which the information regarding the images that have not been copied in association with the copy folder due to the memory overflow is stored.
0 (FIG. 12) is generated and stored in the copy incomplete information table storage area of the memory card 34 (step V2).

When the digital camera 100 and an external image printing device such as an external printer or print vendor are connected via the interface 36 by a predetermined data transfer method, the CPU 21 causes the copy image stored in the copy image file storage area. One copy of the compressed image data is read out and transmitted to the external image printing apparatus via the interface 36. When one copy image is transmitted, the copy image file storage area for that image becomes free, so the process proceeds to step V4. . If the copying of all the incompletely copied images is completed in the previous step V4, the process is completed (step V3).

The CPU 21 uses the copy incomplete information table 19
The level 2 image (unfinished copy image) file corresponding to the subdivision area in which the number of unfinished copies in the unfinished copy number column 193 of 0 is stored is copied (overwritten) to the transmitted copy image file storage area, and step V3 (Step V4).

With the above configuration, when the memory is over in the case of the fixed memory, the copy incompletion information table is stored in the memory (card), and when the copy image is printed by connecting the digital camera and the external image printing device, it becomes empty. Incomplete copy images are sequentially copied to the area based on the information in the incomplete copy information table, so even if the storage memory capacity is insufficient, you can print the desired number of copies at the time of printing without specifying the image and number of copies. It can be done easily.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications can be made.

[0089]

As described above, according to the image pickup apparatus of the first invention, the method for setting the number of printed images of the sixth invention and the program for setting the number of printed images of the seventh invention, the number of printed images is preset. Since the image data is generated and stored, the external printing apparatus can print the specified number of images simply by fetching the stored duplicate image data regardless of various formats that differ depending on the model and manufacturer of the digital camera. Therefore, there is no need to bother with selecting an image or setting the number of copies at the time of printing as in the conventional case.

Further, according to the image pickup apparatus of the second invention, since the removable memory is used as the storage means, the removable memory is inserted into and connected to the printer, and the print target is "image in the copy folder ( ) ”Is specified, an effect that only desired images can be collectively printed can be obtained. That is, desired images can be collectively printed without having to bring an image pickup apparatus main body for printing and needing to individually specify images to be printed to the printer at the time of printing.

Further, according to the image pickup apparatus of the third invention, the duplicate image setting means uses a visual element of the user interface to perform a GUI operation by using a pointing device such as a mouse or a cursor key.・ Since it is composed of (eye), it is easy to use when setting the number of printed images.

Further, according to the image pickup apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the place for storing the duplicate image data is associated with the number of copy folders corresponding to the number of duplicates. Since the images are grouped and printed, the trouble of classifying and organizing the printed images can be saved.

Further, according to the image pickup apparatus of the fifth invention, the setting information storing means for storing the setting information is generated, and when the storage capacity is insufficient, the setting information storing means stores the memory when the memory capacity becomes empty. Since the duplicated image data that could not be generated due to insufficient capacity can be generated using the set information, even if the storage capacity is insufficient, it is easy to print the desired number of copies at the time of printing without specifying the image and number of copies. Can be done

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an embodiment of an image pickup apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a digital camera.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a file configuration of a storage memory.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of mode selection on a number setting mode selection screen.

FIG. 5 shows an example of an image selection / number setting screen displayed when the individual number setting mode is selected.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an image selection / number setting operation of the digital camera in the print number setting mode.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a number setting mode selection screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a number setting screen displayed when a uniform number setting mode is selected.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an image selection screen displayed when the uniform number setting mode is selected.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a copy information table.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an image selection / number setting operation of the digital camera in the print number setting mode.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a copy incomplete information table.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a message displayed on the display unit when the storage memory capacity becomes insufficient.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the operation of the digital camera when the storage capacity of the storage memory is insufficient.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a message displayed on the display unit when the capacity of the storage memory is insufficient.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the digital camera when the storage capacity of the storage memory is insufficient.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 Shutter Key (Duplicate Image Setting Means) 12 Display Section (Image Reproduction Displaying Means) 16 Cross Key (Duplicate Image Setting Means, GUI) 17 Set Key (Duplicate Image Setting Means, GUI) 21 CPU (Duplicate Image Generating Means) 23 Images Processor (image data generation unit) 24 JPEG compression unit (storing storage unit, image reproduction display unit) 25 Memory controller (duplicate image generation unit) 32 Imaging unit (imaging unit) 34 Storage memory, memory card (storing storage unit) 37 Audio output device (notification means) 100 Digital camera (imaging device) 110 Copy information table (setting information storage means) 130 Image selection / number-of-images setting screen (copy image setting means,
GUI) 140 number setting screen (duplicated image setting means) 150 image selection screen (duplicated image setting means) 160, 170 notification screen (notification means) 190 copy incomplete information table (setting information storage means)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/91 H04N 5/91 JF term (reference) 2C061 AP10 HH03 HJ06 HJ07 HK07 HK15 HL01 HN02 HN15 2C087 AA09 AB01 BB01 BC06 BC07 BC12 CB10 CB18 CB20 DA11 5C022 AA13 AC42 AC69 5C052 AA12 AA17 AB05 DD02 DD04 FA02 FB01 FC06 FC08 GA02 GB01 GB09 GE08 GF04 5C053 FA04 FA08 FA27 GB05 GB36 HA30 HA33 LA01 LA06

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup apparatus comprising a storage means for picking up a subject image, converting it into image data and storing the image data, and an image reproduction display means for reproducing and displaying the image data stored in the storage means, and the image reproduction. Duplicate image setting means for selecting a desired image from the images reproduced and displayed by the display means and setting the number of duplicates thereof; and image data for reproducing and displaying the duplicate image data based on the setting result by the duplicate image setting means. A duplicate image generating unit for generating the same size, and the duplicate image data generated by the duplicate image generating unit stores image data corresponding to the image selected by the duplicate image setting unit on the storage unit. An image pickup device characterized by being stored in a place distinguished from a place. 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is a removable memory. 3. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the duplicate image setting means is a GUI. 4. The duplicated image generating means includes copy folder generating means for generating a copy folder corresponding to the number of duplicated images set by the duplicated image setting means, and a place for storing and storing the duplicated image data is: The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus is associated with a folder generated by the copy folder generating means. 5. When the duplicated image data generated by the duplicated image generating means is stored, a notification means for notifying capacity shortage information when the storage capacity of the storage storage means runs short, and the duplicated image setting means Setting information storage means for storing the set setting information, and when an empty area is created in the storage area of the storage storage means,
2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the duplicated image generation means generates duplicated image data that could not be generated due to insufficient capacity based on the setting information and stores the duplicated image data in the empty area. 6. An image pickup apparatus for picking up a subject image, converting the image data into image data, and storing the image data, the step of reproducing and displaying the stored image data, and selecting a desired image from the reproduced and displayed images. A step of setting a copy number of the selected image, a step of generating copy image data of the image having the copy number set, and the generated copy image data corresponding to the selected image. And a step of storing and storing the image data in a location different from the storage location of the image data. 7. A program executable in an imaging device for capturing a subject image, converting the subject image into image data, and storing the image data, the step of reproducing and displaying the stored image data,
A step of selecting a desired image from the reproduced and displayed images, a step of setting a copy number of the selected image, a step of generating copy image data of the image having the set copy number, and the generation And a step of storing the stored duplicated image data in a location different from the storage location of the image data corresponding to the selected image.