JP2000013718A - Image printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image printer capable of obtaining a fine printing-out result by applying optimum image processing to inputted image data. SOLUTION: The image printer is provided with an input means (memory card interface part) 3 for inputting image data and photographing information corresponding to the image data and output means (a printing data development part 8, a printing mechanism part 10, a driving circuit 11, etc.), for converting the image data inputted by the input means 3 into printing data optimum to printing based on the corresponding photographing information and printing out the printing data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image printing apparatus,
More specifically, the present invention relates to an image printing apparatus capable of reading image data recorded on a recording medium in a form that has been generated and compressed by an electronic imaging device or the like, expands the data appropriately, and prints out an image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a subject image formed by a photographing lens system is photoelectrically converted into an electric signal using an image pickup device such as a CCD, and the image signal is converted into a JPEG (Joint: Joint) image.
An electronic still camera configured to record image data in a form that has been subjected to a compression process such as a Photographic Experts Group (Graphic) method on a card medium such as a PC card or smart media or a recording medium such as a built-in fixed memory.
Electronic imaging devices such as digital still cameras have become widespread.

Along with this, predetermined image processing is performed on image data generated by such an electronic imaging device or the like, and the image data is printed as a two-dimensional image on a medium such as predetermined paper. Various types of image printing apparatuses configured to be able to output are also in practical use.

By the way, image data generated by a conventional general electronic image pickup apparatus is usually composed of Red,
It is recorded as RGB data composed of three primary colors, Green and Blue. On the other hand, image data handled for printing in a conventional general image printing apparatus includes Yellow, Magenta, and Cy, which are complementary colors of RGB data.
It is common to use YMC data composed of an.

Therefore, in an image printing apparatus which inputs image data (RGB data) generated by an electronic image pickup apparatus and prints an image based on the image data, usually, the input image data (RGB) is used. Various types of image processing such as expansion (decompression) processing of compressed data and color conversion processing of performing color correction and the like while converting the image data into YMC data so as to obtain an optimal form for printing the data are performed. After creating print data (YMC data)
Print output processing is executed based on the print data.

In this case, in a conventional image printing apparatus, parameters relating to various types of image processing when expanding (expanding) input image data (RGB data) and converting the data into YMC data are set in advance. Normally, the processing is executed based on a set predetermined reference value or the like, that is, a unique setting value or the like set in the printing apparatus.

[0007]

However, image data generated by a conventional electronic image pickup apparatus is subject to differences in photographing environment (light source type, photographing conditions, and the like) at the time of photographing, as well as the manufacturer and manufacturer of the electronic image pickup apparatus. Due to various factors, such as different internal processing means and settings depending on the model, etc., the color characteristics and the like of the image represented by the created image data are different for each electronic imaging device that has been photographed. It often happens.

However, in a conventional image printing apparatus,
As described above, since the print data is created based only on the specific prescribed value set in advance in the printing apparatus, the electronic imaging apparatus that has generated the input image data differs, Depending on photographing conditions and the like, the print output result of the image may be unnatural, for example, with variations in the color balance and color reproducibility of the image.

In addition, when the same image data is printed by different types of image printing apparatuses, there may be cases where remarkable differences are observed in the respective print output results (color balance, color reproducibility, etc.).

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a purpose thereof is to input desired image data generated by an electronic imaging device or the like and print the image data. In an image printing apparatus that creates print data in a form most suitable for printing and prints (prints) a desired image, it is always good regardless of the type of electronic imaging apparatus created and shooting conditions at the time of shooting. An object of the present invention is to provide an image printing apparatus capable of obtaining an optimum print output result.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, an image printing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: an input unit for inputting image data and photographing information corresponding to the image data; An output unit for converting the input image data into print data optimal for printing based on the corresponding photographing information, and performing a print output based on the print data.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image printing apparatus according to the first aspect, the photographing information includes at least one of image creating device information, light source information, and color correction information. I do.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of an image printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image printing apparatus.

The image printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, image data composed of electric signals representing an image acquired by a device such as an electronic image pickup device (not shown), and photographic device information corresponding to the image data. -Various kinds of information including shooting conditions at the time of shooting are input, and print data in a form suitable for printing with reference to shooting information and the like corresponding to the input image data is created. Then, based on the print data, printing (printing) on a predetermined medium such as paper.
It is configured to be able to output.

When the image printing apparatus 1 prints out an image, the image data input to the printing apparatus 1 and the photographic information corresponding thereto are stored in, for example, an electronic image pickup apparatus (not shown). Is obtained in advance and recorded on a recording medium or the like.

That is, image data and photographing information, etc., previously obtained by an electronic imaging device or the like are recorded on a memory card 18 which is a recording medium detachably provided to the electronic imaging device or the like. . After the memory card 18 on which the image data and the photographing information are recorded is removed from the electronic image pickup apparatus, and the memory card 18 is mounted on the image print apparatus 1, the image print apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment operates by its internal circuit. It is configured to be able to read out the image data and the photographing information.

For this purpose, in the image printing apparatus 1, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a mounting portion 3a for arranging a memory card 18 as a recording medium so as to be freely inserted and removed is arranged at a predetermined position on the front surface of the main body 1a. In addition, the memory card 18
This is the same as that used by an electronic imaging device or the like (not shown).

On the upper surface of the main body 1a of the image printing apparatus 1,
A print switch 12a which constitutes a part of the operation unit 12 (see FIG. 2) which is an operation means and an operation switch which can input a print command, and various warnings and operation states during the operation of the image printing apparatus 1 are displayed. The operation means is provided with a display unit (hereinafter, simply referred to as an LED) 16 including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and the like. The unit includes a paper tray 17 for storing paper or the like for printing an image.
Are provided so as to protrude toward the front side.

Then, a state in which the memory card 18 in which the image data and the photographing information and the like are recorded is mounted on the mounting portion 3a, that is, the image data and the photographing information and the like are stored in an internal circuit of the image printing apparatus 1 (the details will be described later). The image printing apparatus 1 receives a predetermined operation, for example, an operation such as pressing the print switch 12a, from the memory card 18 mounted thereon, and the predetermined image is read from the memory card 18. Data and corresponding shooting information are read, and predetermined image processing is performed on the read image data with reference to the corresponding shooting information read simultaneously with the image data. As a result, after the print data suitable for the print processing is created, the image printing apparatus 1 is configured to be able to execute a two-dimensional image print output on a medium such as a predetermined sheet based on the print data. ing.

Further, the internal configuration of the image printing apparatus 1 will be described below in detail with reference to FIG. Inside the mounting portion 3a (see FIG. 1) on which the memory card 18 is mounted,
A memory card I / F unit 3 is provided which electrically connects the memory card 18 to the image printing apparatus 1 and which is an input means for inputting information to the image printing apparatus 1, an image reading means and an information reading means. Have been.

Further, inside the main body 1a of the image printing apparatus 1, predetermined image data read out from the memory card 18 via the memory card I / F section 3 and photographing device information, photographing information, etc. Hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as an image file.) An image data storage unit 4 which is a storage unit including a nonvolatile memory for temporarily storing the image data, and image data of the image file stored in the image data storage unit 4 are For example, a video image developing unit 5 that develops image data for video signals in the NTSC format or the PAL format, and an image signal (video signal) from the video image developing unit 5 is optimally displayed. Signal processing section 6 for performing predetermined processing as described above, and an output signal from the video signal processing section 6 to an external image display device such as a TV monitor (not shown) via a connection cable or the like. A video signal output terminal 7 for outputting the image data to a printer, and developing (expanding) the image data of the image file stored in the image data storage unit 4 into print data for printing, and converting the image data into a form suitable for printing. A print data developing unit 8 serving as print data creating means for processing; a data buffer unit 9 serving as buffer memory means for temporarily storing print data created by the print data developing unit 8; A print mechanism unit 10 including a drive mechanism for driving a print head;
0, a drive circuit 11 for controlling the drive, a status display unit 16 (see FIG. 1), and a CPU for controlling the entire image printing apparatus 1.
(Hereinafter referred to as CPU) 2 and this CPU
2, a RAM 15 as an internal memory, which is a work area for temporarily storing image data and the like and performing various image processing and the like, and an external information device such as a personal computer (not shown). A PC input terminal to which a connection cable or the like for electrically connecting a PC or the like to the printing apparatus 1 is connected so that an image file (image data, photographing device information, etc.) can be input to the image printing apparatus 1. 14 and
A PC interface (I / F) unit 13 composed of an electric circuit or the like for performing a predetermined process or the like on the input signal from the PC input terminal 14; and an operating unit capable of inputting various operation commands and the like. The operation unit 12 includes a plurality of operation switches and the like.

The printing data developing section 8, a data buffer section 9 as a buffer memory means, a printing mechanism section 10 comprising a driving mechanism and the like, and a printing means comprising a driving circuit 11 for driving and controlling the same are provided. The group of constituent members and the like serve as output means of the image printing apparatus 1.

Here, the details of the structure of an image file created by an electronic imaging device or the like and input to the image printing apparatus 1 when executing print output are shown in FIG.
This will be described below based on the conceptual diagram of FIG. The image file created by the electronic imaging device or the like is formed in a predetermined file format that can be handled by an external information device such as a general personal computer. FIG.
Is an example showing the internal structure of one image file containing one image data.

An image file created by the electronic image pickup apparatus is composed of image data and corresponding photographing information and the like, and is recorded in a predetermined area inside the memory card 18 when data such as a photographing operation is acquired. Things.

As shown in FIG. 3, this image file has a predetermined code SOF (Start
The image file can be identified as one image file by the “Of File” and a predetermined code EOF (End Of File) indicating the end position of the file.

The image file is roughly divided into a header section and a data section, and a predetermined code SOI is provided at the start position and the end position of the data portion.
(Start Of Image) and EOI (End Of Image)
Are attached so that the header part and the data part can be identified.

In the header section, various types of attribute information relating to the image file are recorded as first image information [image information 1]. As the attribute information, for example, file size information indicating the size of an image file in bytes or the like, or a predetermined code (maker code, (E.g., model code, etc.), photographing device information (image creation device information such as camera model information), time code indicating the date and time when this image file was created, and the type of algorithm related to image data compression processing. Information on the image compression method to be displayed (codes indicating various compression means such as JPEG or an uncompressed code indicating uncompressed), an erasure prohibition code (protection) added to protect the image file from an erasure command or the like Code).

The data section includes second image information [image information 2], image processing information relating to compression / expansion processing, and image data (image compression) which has been compressed by a predetermined algorithm (eg, JPEG method). Data) The main body is recorded.

The second image information includes, for example, image size information (vertical and horizontal pixel number information),
Data of reduced images (thumbnail images), information such as photographing conditions at the time of photographing, for example, types of CCDs (complementary color CCDs / primary color CCDs) used in devices for acquiring data such as electronic imaging devices. Information), light source information such as whether or not strobe light is fired during shooting (lighting / non-lighting information)
Exposure information during shooting (shutter speed information / aperture value information)
Etc. Image processing information relating to compression / decompression processing includes a quantization table, a Huffman table, a frame header, a scan header, and the like.

It should be noted that the print data developing section 8 is connected to the memory card 1 via the memory card I / F section 3 as described above.
The image data of the image file (RGB image data subjected to the compression processing) read out from the image data 8 is subjected to expansion (expansion) processing into a form suitable for printing processing, and at the same time, data conversion processing is performed on the image data to optimize the processing. Print data (YM
C data) as a print data creation unit.

When performing the data conversion process, the print data developing unit 8 in the image printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment
In order to create print data most suitable for printing, shooting information or the like corresponding to image data,
And the second image information and the like, and
The color correction processing is executed for each of the colors C and C.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a color correction process among the image processes performed in the print data developing unit 8 of the image printing apparatus 1. As described above, the memory card I /
The image file read from the memory card 18 via the F unit 3 is input to the print data expanding unit 8, and the print data expanding unit 8 expands (decompresses) the image data (RGB image data). After the processing is performed, the data is converted into data for printing (YMC data) by data conversion processing.

At this time, the print data developing section 8 performs a color correction process on the print data (YMC data) as shown in FIG. In this case, the print data developing unit 8 refers to the photographing information and the like read together with the image data, and reads out predetermined data from various kinds of preset color correction information into the read unit 8a in the same developing unit 8. To perform color correction processing for each of the Y, M, and C colors. As a result, print data optimal for printing is created.

Here, the various types of color correction information (data) include the following (see also FIG. 4).

Color correction information corresponding to the type of CCD of the electronic imaging device that created the image data (correction data for complementary color CCDs / correction data for primary color CCDs) Second information in the image file such as color correction information (correction data for each case of light emission / non-light emission) corresponding to the type of light source such as presence / absence, exposure information at the time of shooting (shutter speed value / aperture value correction data), etc. In addition to the correction data relating to the image information (see FIG. 3), images such as color correction information (correction data for the camera model A, model B, model C, etc.) corresponding to each maker and model of the electronic imaging apparatus, etc. There is one related to the first image information (see FIG. 3) in the file.

The operation of the image printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
This will be described below. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of the [image printing process] executed by the image printing apparatus 1.

The power of the image printing apparatus 1 is turned on,
When an operation button or the like for instructing the start of printing in the operation unit 12, that is, the print switch 12a is operated by the operator, the execution of the [image printing process] is started.

In this [image printing process], as shown in FIG. 8, first, in step S11, the CPU 2 checks whether or not the memory card 18 is mounted on the mounting portion of the memory card I / F unit 3. . Here, the memory card I /
If it is determined that the memory card 18 is not mounted on the mounting section of the F section 3, the process proceeds to step S31, where the CPU
2 executes error processing such as controlling the LED 16 to display an error warning. After that, the image printing apparatus 1
A series of processing is completed and the apparatus enters a standby state. Note that the error state in this case is resolved by mounting the memory card 18 in the memory card I / F unit 3.

If it is confirmed in step S11 that the memory card 18 is mounted on the memory card I / F 3, the process proceeds to the next step S12, in which the memory card 18 is mounted. A confirmation is made as to whether or not an image file including image data is recorded on the memory card 18. If it is determined that the image file including the image data is not recorded on the memory card 18, the process proceeds to step S31,
U2 executes error processing such as controlling the LED 16 to display an error warning. Then, the image printing apparatus 1
Ends a series of processing and enters a standby state. Note that the error state in this case is resolved by mounting the memory card 18 storing the image file including the image data in the memory card I / F unit 3.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S12 that an image file including image data is recorded on the memory card 18, the next step S13
In this step S13, the CPU 2
Controls the image data storage unit 4 to control the memory card I / F
The processing of reading the selected image data from the memory card 18 via the unit 3 is executed. Here, the selected image data refers to an image to which the operator has previously added selection identification information from a plurality of image files (image data) recorded on the memory card 18 using an electronic imaging device or the like (not shown). It refers to a file (image data).

Here, a brief description will be given of a selection operation when an image file including desired image data is selected by using an electronic image pickup device and the selection identification information is added thereto. When the electronic imaging apparatus is switched to the reproduction mode, an image representing image data recorded by the latest photographing operation and predetermined attribute information associated with the image data among a plurality of image files recorded on the memory card 18 are displayed. It is displayed by the display device of the electronic imaging device. In this state, images to be displayed on the display device can be sequentially switched and displayed by using the selection means or the like.

When the operator operates a predetermined operation switch when a desired image is displayed on the display device, an operator selects a selected image to be printed on an image file corresponding to the displayed image. The selection identification information indicating that the data is data is added. In this way, predetermined selection identification information is added to desired image data using the electronic imaging device.

Returning to FIG. 5, in the above-described step S13, the image data storage unit 4 controlled by the CPU 2 of the image printing apparatus 1 determines whether or not there is selection identification information of a plurality of image files recorded on the memory card 18. And reads only the image data having the selection identification information. Then, after the read image data is temporarily stored in the image data storage unit 4, the process proceeds to the next step S14.

In this case, when an external image display device (not shown) such as a TV monitor is connected to the video signal output terminal 7 via a connection cable or the like, the image data is stored in the image data storage unit 4. The image data is transmitted to the video image expansion unit 5, transmitted to the video signal processing unit 6, subjected to a predetermined process, and output to the video signal output terminal 7 via the video signal processing unit 6. Further, the image is output to an external image display device such as a TV monitor by a connection cable or the like connected to the terminal 7, and is displayed as an image on a display screen of the device.

Next, in step S14, a read error is confirmed. If a defect or the like exists in the image data to be read and a reading error occurs due to this, the process proceeds to step S31, where the CPU 2 controls the LED 16 to display an error warning or the like. Execute error processing. Thereafter, the image printing apparatus 1 ends a series of processing and enters a standby state.

If no read error has occurred in step S14, it is determined that the predetermined image data has been read normally, and
The process proceeds to the next step S15.

In step S15, the CPU 2 reads out the information necessary for performing the color correction processing, out of the image files read out in the processing in step S13 and temporarily stored in the image data storage section 4, that is, The first and second image information such as attribute information and photographing information corresponding to the image data are read out and temporarily stored in the RAM 15 (loading of camera correction data).

Next, in step S16, the CPU
The control unit 2 controls the print data developing unit 8 to execute processing of expanding (expanding) the image data. That is, the image file generated by the electronic imaging device and recorded on the memory card 18 is in a form subjected to a compression process such as the JPEG method, and is stored in the image data storage unit 4 as it is. I have. However, printing is not possible with this compressed image file (data).

Therefore, in the process in step S16, the print data decompression unit 8 decompresses (decompresses) the compressed image data read into the image data storage unit 4.

Subsequently, in step S17, the print data developing unit 8 executes the processing in step S15 described above in the RAM.
15, an image correction process such as a color correction process is performed on the image data that has been expanded (expanded) with reference to the photographing information and the like read out in step S15.
Create print data. Thereafter, the print data is transmitted to the data buffer unit 9.

As a result of execution of various types of image processing such as data conversion processing by the print data expanding unit 8, the size of print data created exceeds the allowable storage capacity of the data buffer unit 9. Processing is performed to adjust the size to no.

Next, in step S19, the CPU 2
Drives and controls the printing mechanism unit 10 via the drive circuit 11 to execute a sheet feeding process. This process is a series of processes for supplying a predetermined medium such as a predetermined sheet on which an image is to be printed to a predetermined initial position inside the image printing apparatus 1.

Subsequently, in step S20, it is confirmed whether or not a paper feed processing error has occurred. Here, when an error occurs, for example, when paper is not prepared in a predetermined paper tray or the like, or when paper is not fed normally, so-called paper jam (paper jam) or the like occurs. Is detected, and the process proceeds to step S31. In this step S31, the CPU 2
The ED 16 is controlled to execute error processing such as displaying an error warning. Thereafter, the image printing apparatus 1 ends a series of processing and enters a standby state. The error state in this case is resolved by replenishing the paper or removing the paper that has caused a paper jam or the like.

If it is determined in step S20 that no error has occurred and that the sheet feeding process has been completed normally,
The process proceeds to the next step S21, and this step S21
Setting the ink ribbon at a predetermined initial position,
A so-called cueing process is performed. Here, the ink ribbon is printed in the order of yellow (Yellow), magenta (Magenta), and cyan (Cyan) in order to print the YMC color data constituting the print data created in step S18 described above on a paper basis. Refers to a ribbon coated with a dye or the like. This ink ribbon is actually wound and housed inside a cassette-shaped casing, a so-called ink ribbon cassette.

In the process performed in step S21, the printing mechanism 10 is driven to wind the ink ribbon in the ink ribbon cassette, and a predetermined initial position (Y color; Yellow start position)
Is a process to be set.

In the next step S22, the occurrence of an error is confirmed. Here, for example, if an error occurs by detecting that the ink ribbon is unusable, etc.,
Proceeding to step S31, the CPU 2 executes error processing such as displaying an error warning by controlling the LED 16 in this step S31. Thereafter, the image printing apparatus 1 ends a series of processing and enters a standby state. The error state in this case is eliminated by replacing the ink ribbon cassette containing the ink ribbon with a normal one.

When it is confirmed in step S22 that no error has occurred and that the ink ribbon has been normally set at the initial position, the process proceeds to the next step S23, in which the CPU 2 executes the process. The printing mechanism unit 10 is controlled based on the print data transmitted to the data buffer unit 9 in the above-described step S18, thereby executing a predetermined Y-color printing process.
When the color printing process is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S24.

In step S24, the CPU 2 drives the printing mechanism unit 10 via the drive circuit 11 to perform a sheet cueing process for returning the sheet on which the Y color printing process has been completed to the initial position. In S25, a cueing process for magenta (M color) of the ink ribbon is performed. Then, in step S26, a predetermined M color printing process is executed, and when the M color printing process is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S27.

In step S27, a sheet cueing process is performed to return the sheet on which the printing process of the Y and M colors has been completed to the initial position, as in step S24. Then, in step S28, the process proceeds to step S21.・ S2
In the same manner as in No. 5, a cueing process for cyan (C color) of the ink ribbon is performed. Then, in step S29, a predetermined C-color printing process is executed in the same manner as in steps S23 and S26 described above, and when this C-color printing process is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S30. That is, the image printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a YMC three-color overlapping printing apparatus.

In step S30, since the printing process has been completed for all of the Y, M, and C colors of the print data, the discharging process for discharging the printed sheet from the image printing apparatus 1 is performed. Is executed. When the paper discharging process is completed, a series of [image printing process] ends, and the image printing apparatus 1 enters a standby state.

During the execution of each of the above-described steps S23 to S30, the same error confirmation processing as in step S22 is appropriately performed. However, in order to avoid redundant description, FIG. In the figure, illustration is omitted.

As described above, in the image printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the image data acquired at the time of photographing (recording) and the corresponding photographing information are recorded as one image file. The desired selection identification information to be printed is added to the image file so that the memory card 18
The image file created by the electronic image capturing apparatus is input to the image printing apparatus 1 to execute a print output process.

As a result, the image printing apparatus 1 transmits (inputs) image data from the memory card 18 to the image printing apparatus 1 by mounting the memory card 18 on which the image file created by the electronic image pickup apparatus is recorded. If an instruction to execute the image printing process is given in this state,
Only a selected image among a plurality of image data (image files) recorded in the memory card 18 is automatically identified and read, and a predetermined image processing or the like is performed only on the read image file to obtain a predetermined image. It is configured to automatically execute print output on a medium such as paper.

That is, the image printing apparatus 1 of the embodiment
According to the method described above, print data in an optimal form for printing image data is created with reference to shooting information and the like of an image file recorded on the memory card 18, and print output processing is performed based on the print data. As a result, a better print output result can be obtained.

Further, the color balance and the color reproducibility are not remarkably changed by the electronic image pickup device which has created the image data, and the same image data is printed by different image printing devices. It is possible to easily obtain a print output result that always realizes stable color reproduction without remarkable difference between the respective print output results.

Incidentally, in the conventional electronic image pickup apparatus, as in the above-mentioned electronic image pickup apparatus, as a recording medium for recording the image file (data) created by itself, the electronic image pickup apparatus is detachably mounted on the main body. Memory card 1 to be installed
In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, a configuration in which a memory means such as a non-volatile memory in which a solid-state memory or the like is fixed on an electric board provided inside the electronic imaging apparatus main body is used as a recording medium. However, it is generally put to practical use.

In the electronic imaging apparatus thus configured, in order to use the image data and the like created by itself and recorded in the internal fixed memory means by an external information device or the like,
It is common to provide an output unit for outputting to the outside of the electronic imaging device.

Therefore, in order to cope with such an electronic image pickup apparatus, the image printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is provided with the above-described PC interface section 13 and PC input terminal 14 (see FIG. 1). ). This is an input means for reading image data from the memory card 18 and an image data input means provided separately from the memory card I / F section 3 which is an image reading means.

That is, the PC interface unit 13 and the PC
The input terminal 14 connects the image printing apparatus 1 directly to an external information device such as a PC (not shown) via a connection cable, thereby allowing desired image data to be output from the external information device or the like. 1 and input means for inputting to the image printing apparatus 1.

Therefore, the image printing apparatus 1 performs exactly the same processing as the above-described printing processing on the image data input in this way and the photographing information corresponding thereto,
It is configured so that an image can be printed out on a medium such as predetermined paper.

[Supplementary Note] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, an invention having the following configuration can be obtained. (1) Image reading means for reading image data from a removable recording medium on which image data is recorded, print data creating means for converting image data into print data, and printing means for printing print data on a predetermined sheet And an information reading means for reading out the image creation device information from the recording medium; and a readable and writable non-volatile storage unit for storing the image creation device information. An image printing apparatus configured to perform predetermined data processing based on image creating device information read from a printer.

(2) An interface means for communicating with an image data creation device corresponding to a protocol for image data transfer, a print data creation means for converting the transferred image data into print data, and a print data creation means. Printing means for printing the obtained print data, means for reading information on the image data creation device from the interface means, and a readable and writable non-volatile storage unit for storing information on the image data creation device. An image printing apparatus, wherein the print data creating means is configured to perform predetermined data processing based on image data creation information.

[0073]

As described above, according to the present invention, desired image data generated by an electronic imaging device or the like is input, and print data in a form optimal for printing the image data is created. Image printing device that prints (prints) a desired image by using an image printing device that can always obtain good and optimal print output results regardless of the type of electronic imaging device created and the shooting conditions at the time of shooting. An apparatus may be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of an image printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image printing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of an image file input to the image printing apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a color correction process among image processes performed in a print data developing unit of the image printing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of [image printing process] executed by the image printing apparatus of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image printing device 2 ... CPU (control means) 3 ... Memory card interface part (image reading means / information reading means / input means / interface means) 3a ... Mounting part 4 ... Image data storage part (storage) 8) Print data developing section (print data creation means / output means) 9 ... data buffer section (buffer memory means / output means) 10 ... print mechanism section (print means / output means) 11 ... drive Circuit (printing means / output means) 12 Operating section (operating means) 12a Print switch 13 PC interface section (input means) 14 ... Input terminal (input means) 16 ... Status display section (LED Light-emitting diode / display means) 18 Memory card (recording medium)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/225 H04N 1/46 Z 5C079 5/765 5/781 510L 5/781 F-term (Reference) 2C087 AB01 BA03 BA07 BA14 BB10 BC12 BD06 BD36 BD40 BD53 CB15 DA11 2C262 AB11 AC08 BA09 BB03 BC01 EA02 EA13 5C022 AA13 AC42 AC69 5C052 AA12 CC11 EE08 FA02 FA03 FA09 FB01 FC06 FD13 FE08 5C077 LL01 MM03 MP08 PP37 PP07 PP07 PP07

Claims (2)

[Claims] An input means for inputting image data and photographing information corresponding to the image data, and print data optimal for printing the image data input by the input means based on the corresponding photographing information. And an output unit for performing a data conversion and outputting a printout based on the print data. 2. The photographing information includes image forming device information and
The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image printing apparatus includes at least one of light source information and color correction information.