JP2001045412A - Image processing unit and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance efficiency of data processing of an image processing unit by allowing the image processing unit to check a level of a video signal so as to discriminate whether or not a monitor is connected to the processing unit, applying expansion processing to image data for a display purpose, displaying the processed image data onto the monitor when the discrimination indicates the connection of the monitor and executing a processing on the basis of an instruction when the discrimination indicates no connection of the monitor. SOLUTION: An electrophotographic image expansion means applies image expansion processing to an electrophotographic image and a layout template. A display means displays the electrophotographic image or contents of the template with the electrophotographic image pasted thereto onto an external monitor such as a television receiver through a video signal cable 190 interconnecting a processing unit main body section 100 and the external monitor 200 such as a television receiver when receiving a display instruction from a display execution instruction means. A monitor connection discrimination means checks the level of a video signal supplied through the video signal cable 190 so as to discriminate whether or not the external monitor 200 such as a television receiver is connected to the processing unit. The electrophotographic image expansion means conducts the image expansion processing only when the discrimination indicates the connection of the monitor.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of displaying or printing electrophotographic image data without an electronic device such as a personal computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a photographic image captured from an image capturing device such as a digital camera or a film scanner is pasted into a provided layout template and output to a display device such as a TV or a printing device such as a printer. There is a photographic image processing device.

An electrophotographic image processing apparatus of this type is realized on an electronic device such as a personal computer or on an electronic device not via a personal computer, and displays or prints a captured photographic image. I have.

[0004]

However, in these electrophotographic image processing apparatuses, since it is assumed that an electrophotographic image is displayed on a monitor such as a TV, an image developing process for constantly displaying the electrophotographic image is performed. In need of.

[0005] Therefore, in these electrophotographic image processing apparatuses, nothing can be done until the display processing of the screen is completed, and the operator is forced to just wait.

Further, such a conventional technique is effective when the specified electrophotographic image is printed while confirming the electrophotographic image on the display, but the electrophotographic image to be printed is specified in advance. If it is possible to perform printing only, the operator is forced to useless time.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of eliminating unnecessary work and improving the efficiency of data processing.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for processing image data, comprising: an image specifying means for specifying the image data; and a signal level of a video signal of a video signal cable connected to a monitor. Monitor connection determining means for checking whether the monitor is connected or not, and when it is determined that the monitor is connected,
Means for expanding the image data for display, means for displaying the image data expanded for display on the monitor via the video signal cable, and determining that the image data is not connected to the monitor. Means for performing an output process based on an instruction without performing the expansion process on the image data for display, thereby forming an image processing apparatus.

The present invention also relates to a method of processing image data, comprising: an image specifying step of specifying the image data; and a signal level of a video signal of a video signal cable connected to the monitor. A monitor connection determining step of determining whether or not the image data has been connected; a step of expanding the image data for display when it is determined that the image data is connected to the monitor; and a step of expanding the image data for display. Displaying the image data on the monitor via the video signal cable; and when it is determined that the image data is not connected to the monitor, the image data is not expanded for display and output based on an instruction. Providing an image processing method.

[0010] The present invention is also a medium in which a program for controlling processing of image data by a computer is recorded.
The image data is specified, the signal level of the video signal of the video signal cable connected to the monitor is checked, and it is determined whether or not the monitor is connected, and it is determined that the monitor is connected. When the image data is expanded for display, the image data expanded for display is displayed on the monitor via the video signal cable, and it is determined that the image data is not connected to the monitor. In some cases, a medium in which an image processing control program is recorded is provided by performing output processing based on an instruction without performing expansion processing of the image data for display.

Here, when it is determined that the image data is not connected to the monitor, a means for printing the image data based on a print instruction without performing expansion processing for display of the image data is further provided. Can be.

The image data may be an electrophotographic image or a template on which the electrophotographic image is pasted.

[0013] An image capturing means for capturing the image data may be further provided.

The image capturing means may be a digital camera or a film scanner.

[0015]

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

FIG. 3 shows a basic configuration of the electrophotographic image processing apparatus.

The apparatus comprises a main unit 100 and an external monitor 200 connected to the main unit 100 via a video signal cable 190.

The apparatus main body 100 includes a CPU 110,
ROM 120, key / panel driver 130, operation panel 135, RAM 140, external communication driver 1
50, an external media driver 160, a printing unit 170, and a display driver 180.

The CPU 110 executes various programs described in the ROM 120. The ROM 120 describes a main program that controls the overall control of the electrophotographic image processing apparatus, a program that performs the control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 according to the present invention, a program that executes various functions, and the like.

The key / panel driver 130 fetches a key required for other processing, such as an instruction for specifying an electrophotographic image, in addition to a print execution instruction from the operation panel 135, and distributes the key input processing. And display on the operation panel. Key input can also be performed by a remote controller. In this case, a signal sent from the remote controller is received and processing is distributed.

The RAM 140 is used as a buffer or a work memory necessary for processing.

The external communication driver 150 performs all processing necessary for receiving the electrophotographic image data and the layout template when the data is supplied through an external communication cable. Also, when transmitting the electrophotographic image data and the layout template to the outside, all necessary processes for transmitting the data are performed.

When the external photographic image data and the layout template are supplied by an external medium, the external media driver 160 performs all processes necessary for reading the data. Further, when the electrophotographic image data and the layout template are stored in an external medium, all processes necessary for writing the data are performed.

The display driver 180 performs necessary processing for displaying the result of pasting and developing the electrophotographic image on the layout template on the display of the external monitor 200 such as a TV via the video signal cable 190. Do all. In the display driver 180, the external monitor 20 necessary for performing the processing claimed in the present invention is provided.
A process of acquiring connection information of 0 is also performed.

The printing unit 170 performs all processing necessary for printing the result of pasting and developing an electrophotographic image on a layout template in response to a print execution instruction.

Incidentally, with respect to this printing unit, if the printing unit is changed to a printer driver, printing can also be performed by an external printer via a printer cable.

FIG. 1 shows various means according to the present invention in an electrophotographic image processing apparatus.

As image input information, an electrophotographic image 1
The layout template 2 on which the electrophotographic image 1 is pasted is used. These pieces of information can be captured by image capturing means such as a digital camera and a film scanner.

The electrophotographic image developing means 3 performs an image developing process on the electrophotographic image 1 and the layout template 2.

When a display instruction is given by the display execution instructing means 4, the display means 5 provides a video signal cable 190 for connecting the apparatus main body 100 to an external monitor 200 such as a TV.
, The contents of the electrophotographic image 1 or the template 2 on which the electrophotographic image 1 is pasted are displayed on an external monitor 200 such as a TV.

When the print instruction is given by the print execution instructing means 6, the printing means 7 prints the electrophotographic image 1 or the template 2 on which the electrophotographic image 1 is pasted.

The electrophotographic image specifying means 8 specifies the electrophotographic image 1 to be displayed or printed.

The monitor connection judging means 9 checks the signal level of the video signal of the video signal cable 190,
It is determined whether the external monitor 200 such as V is connected or not, and the image data expansion processing for display is performed only when the external monitor 200 such as TV is connected. Control is performed so that image data expansion processing is not performed.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the process according to the present invention.

First, when the power is turned on, step S1 is executed.
In the initial processing of 00, various initialization processings are performed. In the initial processing, processing necessary for starting the electrophotographic image processing apparatus and initial setting of the operation panel 135 are performed, and the first electrophotographic image is specified.

In step S200, the connection of the external monitor 200 is checked in the external monitor connection determination processing. If it is determined that the external monitor 200 is connected, the process proceeds to step S300.

In step S300, as an initial display process, a development process for displaying the electrophotographic image specified by the initial process is performed.

In step S400, in the screen display processing, processing for displaying the contents developed in the display photographic image developing processing on the screen is performed.

On the other hand, if the external monitor 200 is not connected, the above-described display photographic image development processing and screen display processing are skipped, and the flow advances to step S500.

When the initial display processing is completed, step S5
00 key wait state, and waits for input of an instruction for the next operation.

Here, when an instruction to switch a photographic image is input, the process proceeds to step S600, and a process of specifying the switched photographic image is performed. At this time, a process of displaying the specific number of the switched photographic image on the operation panel is performed, so that it is possible to confirm what the specified photographic image is.

When the photographic image specification processing is completed, the process proceeds to step S200 again, and the processing is repeated from the external monitor connection determination processing.

If an instruction to execute printing is input in a key input waiting state, the flow advances to step S700.
The processing of developing the electrophotographic image specified for printing is performed, and the printing processing of the electrophotographic image developed in step S750 is performed.

When the printing process is completed, the process waits for a key in step S500, and waits for input of an instruction for the next operation.

If there is an input of a key required for processing other than the above, the process proceeds to step S800, where processing required for the input instruction is performed. Upon completion of the necessary processing, the process advances to step S500 to enter a key input state.

If an end instruction has been input in the key input state, the flow advances to step S900 to perform end processing.
The process ends.

As described above, the means for specifying the electrophotographic image to be printed without display is provided, and at the same time, the signal level of the video signal is checked, and the level of the signal level is used to determine whether a monitor such as a TV is connected. A means for performing the determination is provided, so that when the monitor is not connected to a monitor such as a TV, the image development processing for display is omitted, and an electrophotographic image to be printed for the operator without using unnecessary time can be specified. Is provided.

Thus, when the operator wants to check the electrophotographic image on the display, the operator can check the display by connecting the video signal cable 190 to the external monitor 200 such as a TV, without checking the display. If the user wants to print an electrophotographic image, the user can print the electrophotographic image without wasting time unless the video signal cable 190 is connected, and can perform a highly flexible operation.

The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, and a printer).
The present invention may be applied to an apparatus including two devices (for example, a copying machine and a facsimile machine).

It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. Then, a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or M) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
(PU) reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium, so that the effects of the present invention can be enjoyed.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM
(A mask ROM, a flash EEPROM, or the like) can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion port inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0055]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is determined whether or not the apparatus main body is connected to a monitor such as a TV, and when it is determined that the connection is not made, the image processing for display is not performed and the print processing is immediately executed. As a result, the time required for the processing of developing the electrophotographic image for display can be saved, thereby enabling the user to specify the electrophotographic image without imposing unnecessary time and providing a comfortable operation for the operator. And can efficiently print an electrophotographic image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the relationship among various means according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control process according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electrophotographic image processing apparatus applicable to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 electrophotographic image 2 layout template 3 electrophotographic image developing means 4 display execution instructing means 5 display means 6 print execution instructing means 7 printing means 8 electrophotographic image specifying means 9 monitor connection discriminating means 100 main body of electrophotographic image processing apparatus 110 CPU 120 ROM 130 Key / panel driver 135 Operation panel 140 RAM 170 Printing unit 190 Video signal cable 200 External monitor

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page F term (reference) 2H027 DA27 GA41 5C052 AA12 AB04 DD04 FA00 FA02 FA03 FA04 FB01 FC06 FD00 5C062 AA01 AA05 AB03 AB17 AB22 AB23 AB38 AC29 AC58 BA04 9A001 BB01 BB03 BB04 DD06 JJ35 KK31 KK42

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for processing image data, comprising: an image specifying means for specifying the image data; and a video signal cable connected to a monitor for checking a signal level of a video signal. Monitor connection determining means for determining whether or not the image data is connected to the monitor; and means for expanding the image data for display when determined to be connected to the monitor; and image data expanded for display. Means for displaying the image data on the monitor via the video signal cable, and when it is determined that the image data is not connected to the monitor, the image data is not expanded for display, and output processing is performed based on an instruction. An image processing apparatus comprising: 2. When it is determined that the image data is not connected to the monitor, a means for printing the image data based on a print instruction without performing expansion processing of the image data for display is further provided. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is an electrophotographic image or a template on which the electrophotographic image is pasted. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image capturing unit that captures the image data. 5. An image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said image capturing means is a digital camera or a film scanner. 6. A method of processing image data, comprising: an image specifying step of specifying the image data; and checking a signal level of a video signal of a video signal cable connected to a monitor, and determining whether the monitor is connected. A monitor connection determining step of determining whether or not, when it is determined that it is connected to the monitor, a step of expanding the image data for display, the image data expanded for display, Displaying the image data on the monitor via the video signal cable; and performing an output process based on an instruction without performing the expansion process on the image data for display when it is determined that the image data is not connected to the monitor. An image processing method comprising: 7. When it is determined that the image data is not connected to the monitor, a step of printing the image data based on a print instruction without performing expansion processing for display of the image data is further provided. 7. The image processing method according to claim 6, wherein: 8. The image processing method according to claim 6, wherein the image data is an electrophotographic image or a template on which the electrophotographic image is pasted. 9. The image processing method according to claim 6, wherein said image data is taken in from an image taking means. 10. A medium in which a program for controlling processing of image data by a computer is recorded, wherein the control program causes a computer to specify the image data, and a video signal of a video signal cable connected to a monitor. A signal level of the signal is checked to determine whether or not the monitor is connected. When it is determined that the monitor is connected, the image data is expanded for display, and Display the image data expanded on the monitor via the video signal cable, and when it is determined that the image data is not connected to the monitor, the image data is not expanded for display, and an instruction is given. A medium on which an image processing control program for causing an output process to be performed based on a program is recorded. 11. The image data is printed based on a print instruction when it is determined that the image data is not connected to the monitor, without expanding the image data for display. A medium recording the image processing control program according to claim 10.