JP2000295565A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image forming device where a temperate picture recorded on a recording medium is used to modify an original picture received from a medium other than the recording medium. SOLUTION: A system controller 101 uses a read section 103 to read a template picture for modifying an original picture from a memory card 200 contained in a card slot 102 and allows an interface section 106 to transfer the original picture received from an external input terminal 105 into a printer. An image generating section 108 composites the template picture with the original picture and a print picture generating section 113 generates a print picture from the picture composited by the image generating section 108.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a function of synthesizing an original image recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card which is removably accommodated and a template image for decorating the original image, and printing the combined image. More particularly, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of decorating an original image input from other than a recording medium using a template image recorded on the recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various types of electronic cameras have been developed which allow a photographed image to be viewed on the spot using a liquid crystal panel provided as standard equipment. In addition to the convenience of being able to watch the scene on the spot, this electronic camera is also provided with the compatibility of exchanging image data with another electronic device via a recording medium such as a memory card. Therefore, it has recently begun to spread rapidly.

On the other hand, a printer is a typical example of another electronic apparatus that exchanges image data with the electronic camera via a recording medium such as a memory card. And
Some printers of this type have a function of synthesizing a captured image recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card and a template image for decorating the captured image. This template image is, for example, an image that is recorded in advance as a accessory on a recording medium such as a memory card that is sold separately and has a picture like a so-called photo frame. Accordingly, the user of the printer may use the peripheral portion of the original image (here, an image decorated with the template image, regardless of whether it is an original or a copy, referred to as the original image) as the template image. It can be decorated and printed. On the other hand, since the printer does not need to prepare a template image in the device body in advance, it is possible to perform composite printing using the template image even if the printer does not have a built-in memory or the like for recording the template image. become. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a function of printing a composite image by the printer.

The printer 900 includes an image capturing unit 901, an image synthesizing unit 902, and an image printing unit 903 in order to realize this function.
Captures a desired template image 201 and a desired captured image 202 from a memory card 200 removably stored in the main body of the printer 900. Next, the image combining unit 902 combines the template image 201 captured by the image capturing unit 901 with the captured image 202. Then, the image printing unit 903 prints the image synthesized by the image synthesis unit 902 on the print paper 301. For example,
A captured image 202 as shown in FIG. 6A and a template image 201 as shown in FIG.
1, an image as shown in FIG. 6C is synthesized by the image synthesizing unit 902 and the image printing unit 9
03 is printed on the print paper 301.

In this type of printer, an image obtained by synthesizing an original image captured by a user and a template image is reduced to, for example, 1/3 of that in normal printing, and the reduced image is displayed in three columns. Some have a function of editing one set image arranged in × 3 rows and printing it on dedicated paper. In this special paper, small-sized paper having a glue on the back surface, that is, a so-called sticky paper is arranged on one mount in, for example, 3 columns × 3 rows.
It is possible to create nine pieces of stickers in which the peripheral portion of the original image captured by the user is decorated with a template image and printed. This function is realized only by the image synthesizing unit 902 of FIG. 5 editing the group image.

[0006] By the way, in a conventional printer, it is assumed that an original image recorded on the same recording medium and a template image are combined. Therefore, an original image input from a source other than the recording medium using the template image is used. When the original image is to be decorated, there is a problem that the user has to perform a troublesome operation of storing the original image in the recording medium.

In a conventional printer, a user performs an operation of synthesizing and printing an original image and an index image according to a procedure shown in FIG.

[0008] The user first obtains a captured image 2 to be printed from a plurality of captured images 202 recorded on the memory card 200.
02 is selected (step B1). next,
The user selects one of the template images 201 for decorating the selected captured image 202 from the plurality of template images 201 recorded on the memory card 200 (step B2). Then, the user performs an operation of instructing that the selected captured image 202 and template image 201 are combined and printed (step B).
3).

That is, the user selects the captured image 202 and the template image 201 at different timings. When determining which template image 201 is most suitable for the selected captured image 202, There is a problem that the usability is not very good, for example, it is necessary to alternately display the image 201 and the captured image 202.

In a conventional printer, after an original image and a template image are combined, the combined image is reduced to edit one group image in which a plurality of images are arranged, and the edited group image is printed on a sticker sheet. However, when printing is performed on special paper arranged in plural on a mount, as shown in FIG. 8, all the images printed on each piece are the same, so that there is a problem that a lot of waste occurs.

[0011]

As described above, the conventional printer has a problem that an original image input from a medium other than a recording medium on which a template image is recorded cannot be decorated using the template image. .

Further, since the original image and the template image are selected at different timings, there is a problem that a template image suitable for the original image cannot be efficiently selected.

[0013] In addition, there is another problem in that a group of images to be printed on special paper in which a plurality of sticky sheets are arranged on a backing paper are all edited with the same composite image, so that a lot of waste is generated.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. For example, it is possible to use a template image recorded on a recording medium to decorate an original image input from a source other than the recording medium. It is an object to provide a forming device.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a storage section for removably storing a recording medium and an original image from the recording medium stored in the storage section. Template image reading means for reading the template image, original image input means for inputting an original image to be decorated with the template image, template image read by the template image reading means, and an original image input by the original image input means. An image synthesizing unit for synthesizing an image and an image printing unit for printing a synthesized image synthesized by the image synthesizing unit are provided.

In the present invention, since the index image recorded on the recording medium and the original image input from a source other than the recording medium can be combined and printed, for example, a desired original image is stored in the recording medium. There is no need to force the user to perform a troublesome task of causing the user to do so.

Further, the present invention is provided with a combined image output means for generating and outputting display data of an image combined by the image combining means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to confirm a composite image to be printed on a display device, for example, before starting printing.

Further, the present invention provides a template image storage means for storing a plurality of template images for decorating an original image, an original image input means for inputting an original image to be decorated with the template image, and the template image storage. Selection screen display means for reducing each of the plurality of template images stored by the means and displaying a selection screen arranged as options on the original image input by the original image input means, and displayed by the selection screen display means. Image combining means for combining a template image selected and instructed in response to the selected screen with the original image input by the original image input means, and image printing means for printing a combined image combined by the image combining means And so on.

In the present invention, a template image suitable for the original image can be selected on the original image, so that, for example, an operation of alternately displaying the original image and the template image is not required.

Further, the present invention provides a template image storing means for storing a plurality of template images for decorating an original image, an original image inputting means for inputting an original image to be decorated with the template image, and the template image storing means. Means for synthesizing each of the plurality of template images stored by the means and the original images input by the original image input means for the number of combinations thereof, and reducing the plurality of synthesized images synthesized by the image synthesizing means And a group image editing unit that edits one group image that is arranged side by side, and an image printing unit that prints the group image edited by the group image editing unit.

In the present invention, nine reduced synthetic images, for example, nine pieces of sticky sheets of 3 columns × 3 rows, which are printed on dedicated paper placed on a backing paper, are arranged in 3 columns × 3 rows. When editing one group image, it is possible to mix multiple composite images with different template images,
Waste can be reduced. It is also effective to mix a plurality of composite images having the same template image and different original images, and to synthesize a plurality of images at least one of which is different from the plurality of template images and the plurality of original images. It is also effective to mix them.

Further, the present invention comprises a group image output means for generating and outputting display data of the group image edited by the group image editing means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to confirm the set image to be printed on the display device, for example, before starting printing.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a device configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The overall control of the printer is controlled by a system controller 101. As shown in FIG. 1, a card slot 102 for removably storing a memory card 200 for recording an original image captured by an electronic camera or the like, as shown in FIG. A reading unit 103 for reading an original image from the card slot 102; In the memory card 200 stored in the card slot 102, some template images for decorating the captured original image are recorded in advance, and the printer reads out the template image read by the reading unit 103. Is provided.

Further, the printer has a memory card 20.
External input terminal 105 for inputting an original image from other than 0
And an interface unit 106 for taking in the original image inputted from the external input terminal 105 into the printer, and an image memory 107 for storing the original image taken in by the interface unit 106. The image memory 107 is also used to store the original image of the memory card 200 read by the reading unit 103.

A first feature of the printer is that an original image input from a device other than the memory card 200 can be decorated by using a template image read from the memory card 200. The controller 100 causes the decompression unit 108 to reproduce two encoded images, the template image stored in the template memory 104 and the original image stored in the image memory 107, and reproduces the template image reproduced by the decompression unit 108. And the original image are combined by the image combining unit 109.

When the template image and the original image are combined by the image combining unit 109, the system controller 1
01 generates display data for displaying the synthesized image on an externally connected display, writes the display data in a video memory 111 provided in the video output unit 110, and outputs the display data to the video output terminal 11.
2 to output. Therefore, after confirming the image synthesized by the display device connected by the video output terminal 112, the user can perform an operation of instructing printing of the image.

When instructed to print an image, the system controller 100 causes the print image generation unit 113 to generate a print image for printing from the image synthesized by the image synthesis unit 109. When the print image generation unit 110 generates a print image, the head drive unit 114 drives the head 115 to print the print image on the print paper of the cartridge 300, and the drive control unit 116
However, the drive unit 117 is driven to discharge the print paper on which the print image is printed from the cartridge 300.

As described above, this printer can decorate an original image input from a device other than the memory card 200 by using the template image read from the memory card 200. For example, there is no need to force the user to store the desired original image in the memory card 200 on which the template image is recorded.

The system controller 101
Controls the operation of the printer in response to a notification from the operation unit 118. The operation unit 118 has at least a U / D
Key 118a, L / R key 118b, select key 118c
And a print key 118d, and when any key is operated, the system controller 101
Notify. The second feature of the printer is that the printer is reduced on the original image so that the user can efficiently perform the operation of selecting a template image suitable for the original image by operating the keys of the operation unit 118. The point is that the template image is displayed as an option. Less than,
This will be described.

The U / D key 118a is connected to the memory card 20
Multiple original images read from 0 or external input terminal 1
05 is a key for selecting a desired original image from a plurality of original images inputted from the system controller 1.
When the operation of the key is notified from the operation unit 118, 01 switches the original image to be displayed on an externally connected display.

On the other hand, the L / R key 118b is a key for selecting a template image for decorating the original image selected by operating the U / D key 118a, and the system controller 101 operates this key. Is switched from the operation unit 118, the template image to be selected is switched.

In this printer, the system controller 101 displays the original image selected by the U / D key 118a and the template image selected by the L / R key 118b as shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram exemplifying a selection screen for selecting an original image and a template image. As shown in FIG. 2, the system controller 101 displays the image on one of the original images (a1). , The reduced plurality of template images (a2) are displayed side by side as options. And
When notified of the operation of the U / D key from the operation unit 118, the system controller 101 switches the original image (a1). The system controller 101 also displays a frame (a) indicating the selected index image together with the plurality of template images (a2) displayed as options.
3) is displayed and the operation of the L / R key 118b is
8, the display position of the frame (a3) is moved in a direction corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 118. If there are template images exceeding the number displayed as options, the template images displayed as options are replaced by scrolling instead of moving the display position of the frame (a3).

Thus, this printer allows the user to
The original image and the template image can be selected on the same screen. This eliminates the need for an operation of, for example, alternately displaying the original image and the template image as in the related art. It is possible to efficiently select a template image suitable for an image.

Further, in this printer, the print image generating unit 113 reduces the image synthesized by the image synthesizing unit 109 to, for example, 1/3 of that in normal printing, and arranges the reduced image in 3 columns × 3 rows. It has a function of editing one set of images. This function is effective when the exclusive paper in which the seal-shaped paper with the glue on the back surface is arranged on one backing sheet in, for example, 3 columns × 3 rows is stored in the cartridge 300. By printing the group image on special paper, the user of the printer creates a sticker on which an image obtained by decorating the original image with the template image is printed. A third feature of the printer is that a group image in which a plurality of images different in at least one of the original image and the template image are mixed can be edited so as not to waste the seal. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

Here, three different original images and three
It is assumed that a group image composed of nine images in which at least one of the original image and the template image differs between the three different template images.

In this case, first, the user operates the U / D key 118a and the L / R key 118b to select the first original image and the first template image on the selection screen shown in FIG. . Then, when the original image and the template image are selected, the selection key 118c is operated in that state. When the operation of the selection key 118c is notified from the operation unit 118, the system controller 101 stores the identification data of the original image and the identification data of the template image as a set in the EEPROM 119.

After this operation is repeated three times,
When the operation of the print key 118d is notified from the operation unit 118, the system controller 101 causes the image combining unit 109 to combine nine images in which at least one of the three original images and the three template images is different. When the nine images are combined, the system controller 101 causes the print image generation unit 113 to edit one set image in which the nine images are reduced and arranged in three columns × three rows. FIG. 3 is a diagram exemplifying the group image edited in this way. Note that the original image and the template image
It is effective not only to select one template image at a time but also to select three template images for one original image. Conversely, one template image is selected for three original images. Is also effective.

Next, an operation procedure of the printer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the printer.

The system controller 101 first reads a template image from the memory card 200 stored in the card slot 102 by the reading unit 103 (step A1). Also, the system controller 101
Reads the original image from the memory card 200 stored in the card slot 102 by the reading unit 103 or from the outside via the external input terminal 105 by the interface unit 106 (step A2). Then, the system controller 101 displays a selection screen in which a plurality of reduced template images are arranged as options on any one of the original images (step A3).

Thereafter, the operation of the selection key 118c is changed to the operation unit 1
18 (Yes in step A4), the system controller 101 stores the identification data of the selected original image and template image in the EEPROM 119 (step A5). When the operation of the U / D key 118a is notified from the operation unit 118 (N in step A4)
o, Yes in step A6), system controller 1
01 switches the original image to be displayed (step A)
7). Further, the operation of the R / L key 118b is
8 (No in step A4, step A
No. 6, No in step A8), the system controller 101 switches the template image to be selected (step A7).

When the operation of the print key 118d is notified from the operation unit 118 (No in step A4, No in step A6, No in step A8, Yes in step A10), the system controller 101 causes the EEPRO
The original image indicated by the identification data stored in M119 and the template image are synthesized by the image synthesizing unit 109, and the print image generating unit 113 generates an image for printing from the image synthesized by the image synthesizing unit 109. Printing is executed (step A11).

Thus, in this printer,
(1) The original image input from other than the memory card 200 can be decorated using the template image read from the memory card 200, and (2) the user can efficiently perform the operation of selecting a template image suitable for the original image.
(3) A group image in which a plurality of images having at least one of the original image and the template image different from each other can be edited.

[0047]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, an index image recorded on a recording medium and an original image input from a source other than the recording medium can be combined and printed. The user does not have to perform a troublesome task of storing the original image in the recording medium.

Further, since a template image suitable for the original image can be selected on the original image, an operation of alternately displaying the original image and the template image, for example, becomes unnecessary.

Furthermore, since it is possible to edit a group image in which a plurality of images having at least one of the original image and the template image different from each other are mixed, different images are respectively printed on a plurality of sticky sheets placed on the same mount. Since printing can be performed, waste can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a device configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view exemplifying a selection screen for selecting an original image and a template image displayed by the printer of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view showing an example of a group image edited by the printer of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the printer of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a function of printing a composite image by a conventional printer.

FIG. 6 is a view exemplifying an original image and a template image synthesized by a conventional printer and an image after synthesis.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a procedure of an operation of synthesizing an original image and an index image for printing by a user using a conventional printer and printing the image.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a problem of a group image edited by a conventional printer.

[Description of Signs] 101 ... System Controller 102 ... Card Slot 103 ... Reading Unit 104 ... Template Memory 105 ... External Input Terminal 106 ... Interface Unit 107 ... Image Memory 108 ... Decompression Unit 109 ... Image Synthesizing Unit 110 ... Video Output Unit 111 ... Video memory 112 ... Video output terminal 113 ... Print image generation unit 114 ... Head drive unit 115 ... Head 116 ... Drive control unit 117 ... Drive unit 118 ... Operation unit 118a ... U / D key 118b ... L / R key 118c ... Selection key 118d print key 119 EEPROM 200 memory card 300 cartridge

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A storage section for removably storing a recording medium, template image reading means for reading a template image for decorating an original image from the recording medium stored in the storage section, and decorating with the template image. An original image input unit for inputting an original image; an image synthesizing unit for synthesizing the template image read by the template image reading unit with the original image input by the original image input unit; And an image printing means for printing the synthesized image. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a composite image output unit configured to generate and output display data of the image combined by the image combining unit. 3. A template image storage unit for storing a plurality of template images for decorating an original image, an original image input unit for inputting an original image to be decorated with the template image, and stored by the template image storage unit. Selection screen display means for reducing each of the plurality of template images and displaying a selection screen juxtaposed as options on the original image input by the original image input means, and a selection screen displayed by the selection screen display means. An image synthesizing unit that synthesizes the template image selected and instructed in response to the original image input by the original image input unit, and an image printing unit that prints a synthesized image synthesized by the image synthesizing unit. An image forming apparatus. 4. A template image storage means for storing a plurality of template images for decorating an original image; an original image input means for inputting an original image to be decorated with the template image; Image synthesizing means for synthesizing each of the plurality of template images and the original image input by the original image input means for the number of combinations thereof, and a plurality of synthesized images synthesized by the image synthesizing means are reduced and juxtaposed. An image forming apparatus comprising: a group image editing unit that edits one group image; and an image printing unit that prints a group image edited by the group image editing unit. 5. A template image storage unit for storing a template image for decorating an original image, an original image input unit for inputting a plurality of original images to be decorated with the template image, and stored by the template image storage unit. Image synthesizing means for synthesizing the template image and each of the plurality of original images input by the original image input means for the number of combinations thereof, and a plurality of synthesized images synthesized by the image synthesizing means are reduced and juxtaposed. An image forming apparatus comprising: a group image editing unit that edits one group image; and an image printing unit that prints a group image edited by the group image editing unit. 6. A template image storage means for storing a plurality of template images for decorating an original image, an original image input means for inputting a plurality of original images to be decorated with the template image, and the template image storage means An image synthesizing unit for synthesizing each of the plurality of stored template images and each of the plurality of original images input by the original image input unit by the number of combinations thereof; and a plurality of synthesized images synthesized by the image synthesizing unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a group image editing unit that edits one group image that is reduced and juxtaposed; and an image printing unit that prints a group image edited by the group image editing unit. 7. A collective image output means for generating and outputting display data of a collective image edited by said collective image editing means.
The image forming apparatus as described in the above.