JP2009272859A - Moving image printer - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a moving image printing apparatus that can easily obtain a desired frame image from a large number of still images included in the moving image.
A method for dividing a moving image file into partial moving images, a means for extracting a predetermined number of frame images selected from the partial moving images, and arranging a plurality of extracted frame images in a predetermined layout to correspond to the frame images A first printing unit that prints the first setting sheet together with a mark that is a starting point of a range for narrowing down the frame image, and a unit that reads the mark marked on the first setting sheet And a narrowing range detection means for detecting a plurality of partial moving images corresponding to a plurality of marked frame images as a narrowing range, and for each video included in the narrowing range detected by the narrowing range detection means And a second printing means for printing the second setting sheet.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to a function of mounting a storage medium for storing image data including moving image data taken by a digital camera or the like, and reading and printing the image data stored in the storage medium. The present invention particularly relates to a moving image printing apparatus and method for selecting and printing an arbitrary frame image of moving image data.

  In recent years, more and more people have enjoyed printing desired images from videos shot with electronic devices such as digital video cameras, mobile phones, and digital cameras, and images can be printed from videos shot with these devices. Printers are known.

  There is also known a printer having a so-called direct print function in which image data stored in a memory card or the like is directly taken into a printer and printed without starting a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”).

  When printing a moving image, it is common to capture the moving image on a PC, select a desired image with a dedicated application, and print it with a printer.

  However, as described above, when a moving image is printed using the direct print function without starting up the PC, it is necessary to operate the printer and first select a desired image from the moving image. Hereinafter, a desired image selected from the moving images is referred to as a “frame image”.

  In this case, the moving image is divided into a plurality of partial moving image data, a frame image is selected for each of the divided partial moving image data, index printing is performed, desired partial moving image data is selected from these printed indexes, and the moving image is selected. An invention for narrowing down is known (see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, there is a description of mark sheet type index printing, and an invention is known in which a desired partial moving image is designated by a mark sheet and the range of the moving image is narrowed down stepwise by reading the sheet.

In addition, a frame image is extracted from the moving image and displayed on the display unit. The frame image at the start and end points of the narrowing range is selected via the operation unit, and the moving image range is narrowed down based on the selected frame image. From this range, an invention for selecting a still image is known (see Patent Document 2).
JP 2005-244934 A JP 2006-60649 A

  In the above-described conventional example, it is necessary to narrow down a desired frame image from an enormous number of frame images. That is, when a moving image is shot at 10 frames / second for 30 minutes, it is necessary to narrow down a desired frame image from 10 frames / second × 60 seconds × 30 (minutes) = 18000 frame images.

  According to the invention described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of frame images obtained by dividing a moving image by a predetermined unit are layout printed in an index format, and a partial moving image to be narrowed down can be selected from the printing result. By repeating this step by step, the range of the moving image is narrowed down to reach a desired frame image.

  However, only one partial moving image can be selected for index printing at each stage. For this reason, as a result of narrowing down, a desired frame image may not be included. In this case, the user needs to redo the index printing for narrowing down from the entire moving image, which is complicated.

  That is, the invention described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that when there are a large number of frame images, it is complicated to narrow down a desired frame image from the frame images.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 2, it is possible to select a frame image that is a start point and an end point for narrowing down a frame image from moving images using the display unit and the operation unit, and narrow down the range of the moving image.

  However, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, when a desired frame image is scattered in a moving image and the desired frame image exists outside the range of a predetermined set of start and end points, the range is designated. , You need to start over. Therefore, the invention described in Patent Document 2 has a problem that the operation of narrowing down a desired frame image is complicated.

  Further, the invention described in Patent Document 2 has a problem that the product cost is high because the display unit and the operation unit are required to have a certain level of performance.

An object of the present invention is to provide a moving image printing apparatus that makes it easy to obtain a desired frame image from a large number of still images included in a moving image.

The present invention provides, in a printing apparatus equipped with a moving image printing function, means for dividing a moving image file into partial moving images, means for extracting a predetermined number of frame images selected from the partial moving images, and a plurality of the extracted frame images Are arranged in a predetermined layout and are associated with the frame image, and together with a mark serving as a starting point of a range for narrowing down the frame image, a first printing unit that prints a first setting sheet; Means for reading a mark marked on the first setting sheet; a narrowing range detecting means for detecting a plurality of partial moving images corresponding to the plurality of marked frame images as a narrowing range; and The second printing hand that prints the second setting sheet for each moving image included in the narrowing range detected by the narrowing range detecting means. A moving printing apparatus having and.

According to the present invention, since moving image files can be easily narrowed down by sheet, even if the number of still images included in the moving image is enormous, it is easy to obtain a desired frame image. There is an effect that there is.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention is the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an MFP apparatus 100 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The MFP apparatus 100 is a multifunction printer apparatus, which is an example of a printing apparatus equipped with a moving image printing function, and has a function as a normal PC printer that receives data from a host computer (PC) and prints it.

  In addition, the MFP apparatus 100 has a scan function for reading a document placed on a document table in accordance with an operation instruction from a PC, and a copy function for copying and printing a document on the document table. Furthermore, it has a function of reading and printing image data stored in a memory card, and a function of receiving and printing image data from a digital camera.

  The MFP apparatus 100 includes an upper cover 11, a paper discharge tray 12, a connector 13, a card slot 14, a liquid crystal display unit 15, and an operation unit 16.

  The state shown in FIG. 1 is a state in which the upper cover 11 is closed, and the document can be placed on the document table by opening the upper cover 11. In the state shown in FIG. 1, the paper discharge tray 12 is closed, and when performing printing, the paper discharge tray 12 is opened to function as a paper discharge tray for printed paper. By connecting a connector 13 for connecting a digital camera to a digital camera (not shown), image data stored in a memory inside the digital camera can be read out and directly printed by the MFP apparatus 100.

  The card slot 14 is a slot into which a memory card is inserted. By inserting the card slot 14, image data including moving images stored in the memory card can be read and printed.

  When searching for an image to be printed from the images stored in the memory card, the liquid crystal display unit 15 displays an image for each frame, an image list, and the like. In addition, a screen for operating various settings such as the paper size, magnification, copy density, and the maintenance function of the MFP apparatus 100 when copying with the MFP apparatus 100 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15. Further, a screen indicating the state of the MFP apparatus 100 when any abnormality occurs in the MFP apparatus 100, a screen indicating operation guidance when a prohibited operation is performed, and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15. To do.

  The operation unit 16 is an operation unit that operates the MFP apparatus 100. The operation unit 16 includes a plurality of operation keys such as an up / down / left / right key, a copy mode key, and a print start key. By pressing these keys, a liquid crystal display is displayed. The MFP apparatus 100 is operated in conjunction with the screen displayed on the unit 15.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functions of the MFP apparatus 100.

  The MFP apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 21, an operation control unit 22, a display control unit 23, and a document analysis unit 24. The MFP apparatus 100 includes a scan engine control unit 25, a system control unit 26, a print engine control unit 27, an image processing unit 28, and a memory card control unit 29.

  The communication means 21 controls data communication performed with a PC connected to a PC connector (not shown), and data communication performed with a digital camera connected to the digital camera connection connector 13. To control.

  The operation control unit 22 detects pressing of various keys provided on the operation unit 16 of the MFP apparatus 100, converts it to a logical key operation message, and sends the converted key operation message to the display control unit 23. It is a means to transmit.

  In response to the key operation message transmitted from the operation control unit 22, the display control unit 23 displays an image to be printed, a trimming range for the selected image, and the like. The setting is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15.

  The document analysis unit 24 is a unit that analyzes the document on the manuscript converted into data by the scan engine control unit 25.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the moving image print setting sheet SH1.

  This is means for reading a barcode and a mark designated via the moving image print setting sheet SH1 shown in FIG. 3, generating print settings and image processing setting information for photo printing, and starting printing.

  The scan engine control means 25 is a means for performing scan control in order to read a document at the time of copying or a moving image print setting sheet SH1, and is also used during PC scanning.

  The system control unit 26 is a unit that arbitrates various control units, and also performs state management of the MFP apparatus 100 such as exclusive control of physical resources, sequence control, various errors, and remaining ink amount.

  The print engine control means 27 is a means for controlling printing processing such as copy printing, photo printing, and PC printing, such as ink droplet ejection control, paper feeding and paper discharge, and print head control.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the moving image frame selection sheet SH2.

  The print engine control means 27 is also means for printing the moving image print setting sheet SH1 and the moving image frame selection sheet SH2.

  The image processing unit 28 is a unit that converts print data transmitted from the PC and transmits the print data to the print engine control unit 27, and performs image decoding processing, trimming processing, and the like in photo printing. The image processing unit 28 holds area information of the print layout, and arranges image data and the like at the layout position, scaling processing, color processing, binarization processing, brightness and saturation, red-eye correction processing, and the like. Image processing is also performed. Furthermore, the image processing means 28 is also means for performing various processes relating to moving images. Then, the image processing unit 28 generates arbitrary frame image data from the moving image data, divides the moving image data into an arbitrary range from the instructed information, determines a representative frame in an arbitrary range, It is a means for analyzing features.

  The memory card control unit 29 reads and writes image files such as moving images and still images stored in the memory card mounted in the card slot 14. Further, the details of the image data information stored in the memory card are analyzed, the directory is managed, and image numbers that are one-to-one are assigned to the image data.

  The document analysis unit 24 is a unit that reads the moving image frame selection sheet SH2, reads bar codes and marks on the sheet, and specifies a moving image range to be narrowed down. These means are controlled or executed by a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown).

  The image processing means 28 is an example of means for dividing a moving image file into partial moving images, and is an example of means for extracting a predetermined number of frame images selected from the partial moving images.

  The print engine control unit 27 arranges the plurality of extracted frame images in a predetermined layout, and is a mark associated with the frame image and serving as a starting point of a range for narrowing down the frame image. Is an example of a first printing means for printing.

  The scan engine control unit 25 is an example of a unit that reads a mark marked on the first setting sheet.

  The system control unit 26 is an example of a narrowing-down range detecting unit that detects a plurality of partial moving images corresponding to a plurality of marked frame images as a narrowing-down range.

  The print engine control unit 27 is an example of a second printing unit that prints the second setting sheet for each moving image included in the narrowing range detected by the narrowing range detection unit.

  The moving image dividing means is a means for setting a moving image dividing method so as to divide the moving image at a predetermined time.

  The image processing unit 28 is an example of a moving image analysis unit that analyzes the characteristics of a moving image. The moving image dividing means is a means for setting a moving image dividing method according to the feature analyzed by the moving image analyzing means.

  In the embodiment, the starting mark is a mark indicating a selection start point and a selection end point for narrowing down the frame image, and the selection start point and the selection end point are associated with the extracted frame image. The mark indicating is printed.

  Further, the narrowing-down range detecting means is a means for controlling to invalidate the selection start point detected later when the selection start points overlap.

  The narrowing-down range detection unit is a unit that controls to invalidate the previously detected selection start point when selection start points overlap. Further, the narrowing-down range detection unit is a unit that controls to invalidate the previously detected selection end point when the selection end point overlaps.

  The image processing means 28 is an example of analysis means for analyzing the time of the divided partial moving images. Then, in the first setting sheet and the second setting sheet, the time information analyzed by the analyzing unit is printed in association with the extracted frame image.

  Next, a procedure for printing moving image data of a memory card mounted in the card slot 14 on the moving image frame selection sheet SH2 in the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for printing moving image data stored in the memory card mounted in the card slot 14 on the moving image frame selection sheet SH2 in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating representative frame extraction when a moving image is divided into partial moving images.

  The user operates the operation unit 16 to select a moving image to be output to the sheet while viewing the liquid crystal display unit 15 and starts printing. The moving image frame selection sheet SH2 to be printed has a paper size of A4 size and a paper type of plain paper.

  First, an image number for a moving image selected by the user is acquired (S1), and moving image data corresponding to the image number is analyzed (S2). For example, assume that the number of image layouts on the moving picture frame selection sheet SH2 is 16 frames. In this case, the entire moving image is divided into 16 equal parts at regular time intervals and divided into 16 partial moving images (S3). As shown in FIG. 6A, the first frame image is generated as a representative frame image within the range of the divided partial moving images, and a total of 16 frame images are generated (S4).

  Next, for reference when reading the moving image frame selection sheet SH2, information on the “image number” of the moving image, the “first frame number of the partial moving image”, and the “division method” Information is generated (S5). As the barcode information, information of “image number” of the moving image, “first frame number of partial moving image”, and “division method” are recorded.

  Next, the barcode is printed based on the barcode information generated in S5 for generating the barcode information (S6).

  In association with each of the frame images generated in S4, a mark portion for instructing setting of the number of prints of the frame image is printed in the vicinity of a place where a frame image to be described later is printed (S7).

  Next, four frames of the frame image generated in S4 are printed in the horizontal direction (S8).

  Then, a narrowing range designation mark area used for further narrowing down the moving image range is printed (S9). In the narrowed-down range designation mark area, a mark indicating the start point and end point of the partial moving image represented by (belonging to) the frame image is generated in association with each frame image printed in S8. Also, a symbol indicating that there is a time interval between the start point mark and the end point mark is generated and printed.

  Hereinafter, the printing of the “print number setting instruction mark”, “frame image”, and “squeezing range designation mark area” for the remaining 12 frames is performed by repeatedly executing the processes of S4 to S9, thereby selecting a moving image frame. One sheet SH2 is printed.

  In the print processing shown in FIG. 5, barcode rectangular data generation processing, memory card moving image data decoding processing, color space conversion processing, scaling processing to fit the print area, and binary for print output Execute the conversion process. Since these processes can be realized by a known technique and do not affect the essence of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In Example 1, in the case of extracting a 16-frame frame image in FIG. 6 (1), the entire moving image is divided into partial moving images at a constant time interval, and the frame image at the beginning of each partial moving image is represented as a representative frame. Extracted as an image.

  At this time, a characteristic frame image may be extracted as a representative frame image based on so-called scene information. The scene information here is information indicating the scene features and change points, such as frame images at the start and end of a race, each frame image of day and night, where the scene changes in the partial video. .

  Further, in extracting the representative frame image, chapter information input by the photographer of the moving image may be used.

  Next, considering the number of frames (16 frames here) laid out on the moving image frame selection sheet SH2, the entire moving image data is divided into a plurality of partial moving images based on the scene information analyzed previously. The method is described.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 6B, it is assumed that the entire moving image is divided into 16 partial moving images based on the scene information. Here, as shown in the middle of FIG. 6B, if the number of partial videos obtained by scene analysis is less than the number of layout frames, the partial videos are further divided so as to match the number of layout frames ( The lower part of FIG. 6 (2).

  In this way, by subdividing the partial moving image obtained by the scene analysis, the representative frame image is extracted from the obtained partial moving image so as to satisfy the number of frames laid out on the moving image frame selection sheet SH2. .

  On the other hand, although not shown, if the number of partial moving images obtained by scene analysis is larger than the number of layout frames, the following may be performed. That is, representative frame images may be extracted by the number of the above-mentioned layout frames by preferentially extracting scenes in which the time length of the scene or a larger change is seen.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the moving image frame selection sheet SH2 printed based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  On the moving image frame selection sheet SH2, a barcode 51 printed in S6 and a mark 52 for instructing setting of the number of prints printed in S7 are described. The moving image frame selection sheet SH2 includes a frame image 53 representing the range of the moving image generated in S4 and a narrowing range designation mark 54 printed in S9.

  The moving image frame selection sheet SH2 is originally a sheet for narrowing down the range of moving images in order to search for a desired frame image. However, the frame image laid out on the moving image frame selection sheet SH2 may be a printing target, and if desired by the user, the frame image can be printed by setting printing using the mark 52.

  Note that “moving image selection sheet TOP” 50 is printed as the title of the moving image frame selection sheet SH2, and the “moving image selection sheet TOP” 50 is a sheet for narrowing the range from the entire moving image file. Indicates that there is. Of course, the title may not be the above as long as the purpose of use of the moving picture frame selection sheet SH2 can be understood.

  Next, an operation in which the user narrows down the moving image range will be described.

  The user looks at the representative frame image laid out on the moving image frame selection sheet SH2 shown in FIG. 4 and estimates in which part of the moving image the image to be printed is. Or you may just decide the range of the moving picture to narrow down. For example, assume that the user wants to narrow down the range of the partial moving image represented by A and B in the frame image in FIG.

  In this case, a check mark is handwritten on the mark 55 indicating the start point of the partial video represented by the frame image A and the mark 56 indicating the end point of the partial video represented by the frame image B. Similarly, when the user wants to narrow the range of the partial moving image represented by the frame images G and L, the moving image range can be specified by marking the mark 57.

  As described above, the feature of the first embodiment is that two or more moving image ranges can be narrowed down in one moving image frame selection sheet SH2. The MFP apparatus 100 can narrow down the range of the moving image by reading the moving image frame selection sheet SH2 and detecting a check mark written by the user.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the motion range narrowing-down operation showing the characteristics of the first embodiment.

  In S11, various variables are initialized. n is an identification number for identifying a frame image representing the partial moving image (hereinafter, simply referred to as “frame”). That is, since the frame n and the partial moving image including the frame n have a one-to-one relationship, it is expressed as a partial moving image n including the frame n and is used as an identification number for identifying the partial moving image.

  In the first embodiment, since the number of frame images that can be laid out on the moving image frame selection sheet SH2 is 16, the range of values that n can take is an integer from 0 to 15. Further, i is an identification number for identifying information on the range of the video selected by the user (information indicating from what number partial video to what number partial video), and the range that i can take is the same as n. For reasons, it is an integer of 0-15.

  In S12, it is determined whether or not there is a check mark at the start point corresponding to frame n. If there is a check mark at the start point, it is determined in S13 whether the flag is OFF. The meaning of this flag will be described later.

  In S14, the partial moving image n including the frame n is stored as the starting moving image, that is, stored as the first partial moving image for narrowing down. In S15, the flag is turned ON. The fact that this flag is ON indicates that the start moving image is already stored.

  Next, in S16, it is determined whether or not there is a check mark at the end point corresponding to the frame n. If there is a check mark at the end point, it is determined in S17 whether the flag is ON. When it is determined that the flag is ON, that is, when it is determined that the start moving image is stored, the user selects from the stored start moving image to the partial moving image n as a narrowing range in S18. it is conceivable that. Information on this narrowing range is stored as narrowing information i.

  If the subscripts of the partial video stored as the start video and the partial video with a check mark at the end point in S18 are n, it is assumed that only the partial video n is selected by the user as a narrowing range. To be judged. In S19, i is counted up and prepared for storage of the next narrowed-down information.

  Further, in S20, the flag is turned OFF and one is determined as a narrowing range. In S21, n is counted up to prepare for check mark detection of the start / end points corresponding to the next frame. In S22, n is compared with N. Here, N is 16. That is, in the first embodiment, N is 16 because the layout of the moving image frame selection sheet SH2 is 16 frames.

  As described above, the refining by the moving image frame selection sheet SH2 is completed by repeatedly executing the processes S12 to S22.

  In addition, in the moving image frame selection sheet SH2, the user checks the desired start point and end point, so a mark check error may occur. Accordingly, the MFP apparatus 100 narrows down the moving images by executing the following processing in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a moving picture frame selection sheet SH2 for explaining the flowchart shown in FIG.

  It is assumed that a check mark 71 is also added to the start point of frame A and frame B, and a check mark 71 is attached to the end point of frame B. First, the partial video A represented by the frame A is stored as the start video. Next, a check mark is also added to the start point of the frame B, but since the flag is determined in S13, the partial moving image A is already stored as the starting moving image. Therefore, the partial video B represented by the frame B is not stored as the start video.

  That is, the operation is performed in consideration of the case where the user erroneously checks the start point of the frame B, even though the user wants to combine the partial moving image A and the partial moving image B into the narrowing range.

  Further, it is assumed that the check mark 72 is also present at the end point of the frame H following the start point and end point of the frame G. When the start point and end point of the frame G are detected, the narrowing range is determined in S18, but when the end point of the frame G is detected in S16, the flag is determined in S17. Here, no start moving image is stored, but since the end point of the frame H is detected, nothing is processed. Therefore, the partial video G represented by the frame G is a target of narrowing down, but the partial video H represented by the frame H is excluded from the target of narrowing down.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an area of a memory that stores information on a narrowing range obtained by the processing according to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7 using the moving image frame selection sheet SH2 illustrated in FIG.

  i is the same as i in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, and is an index indicating an area in which information on the narrowing range is stored. In FIG. 7, the information to be stored is information as a partial moving image, such as from partial moving image A to partial moving image B, but from the first frame number of partial moving image A to the final frame number of partial moving image B, etc. The frame number may be stored.

  As described above, the selection range should originally include one start point and one end point. If not, the MFP apparatus 100 performs the following process. That is, when the start points overlap, the first start point is valid, and when the end points overlap, the first end point is valid. Further, when only the end point is detected without the start point, or when the start point is detected without the end point, the range is narrowed down.

  In this way, the MFP apparatus 100 reads the described check mark sheet using the moving picture frame selection sheet SH2, and narrows down the moving picture range desired by the user.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing various sheets generated based on the narrowing range information shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram showing the moving image frame selection sheet SH2, and two narrowing ranges, a range from the partial moving image A to the partial moving image B and a range from the partial moving image G to the partial moving image L, are selected by the user. It is a figure which shows being done.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a partial moving image frame selection sheet SH3 for further narrowing down the range of the partial moving image A to the partial moving image B.

  FIG. 10 (3) is a diagram showing a partial moving image frame selection sheet SH3 for further narrowing down the range from the partial moving image G to the partial moving image L.

  Each of the barcodes 91 and 92 includes information indicating the range of the entire moving image included in the sheets shown in FIGS. 10 (2) and 10 (3). When the information on the narrowing range is printed on the moving image frame selection sheet SH2, the narrowing range of the moving image can be specified when the MFP apparatus 100 reads the information. The sheet title print area 93 is an area in which a title is printed to clearly indicate to the user that the two narrowed-down ranges have been selected from the entire moving image.

  FIG. 10 (4) is a diagram illustrating the partial moving image frame selection sheet SH3 output as a result of further selecting the narrowing range by the partial moving image frame selection sheet SH3 of FIG. 10 (3).

As described above, by printing the moving image frame selection sheet SH2, selecting the narrowing range by the user, reading the sheet, and analyzing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, a frame image desired by the user is obtained. Obtainable.

  In the first embodiment, when the start point specification of the range for narrowing down the moving image range overlaps and the end point specification overlaps, the overlapped end points are invalidated later.

  The second embodiment of the present invention is an embodiment in which the start point detected earlier is invalidated when the start points of the range for narrowing down the moving image range overlap.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation for narrowing down the moving image range, which is a feature of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In S31, various variables used in the second embodiment are initialized. The meanings of the various variables are the same as those described with reference to FIG. In S32, it is determined whether or not there is a check mark at the start point corresponding to frame n. If there is a check mark at the start point, in S33, the partial moving image n including the frame n is stored as the starting moving image, that is, stored as the first partial moving image for narrowing down. In S34, the flag is turned ON. That this flag is ON indicates that the start moving image has already been stored.

  Next, in S35, it is determined whether or not there is a check mark at the end point corresponding to the frame n. If there is a check mark at the end point, it is determined in S36 whether the flag is ON. If the flag is ON, it is determined that the starting moving image is stored, and it is considered that the user has selected from the stored starting moving image to the partial moving image n as a narrowing range in S37. The range information is stored as the refinement information i. In S38, the narrowing-down information i is counted up to prepare for storing the next narrowing-down information. Further, in S39, the flag is turned OFF and one narrowing range is determined.

  In step S40, the frame n is counted up to prepare for check mark detection of the start / end points corresponding to the next frame. In step S41, frame n is compared with N. The number of layouts (number of frames) N of the moving image frame selection sheet is 16, as in the first embodiment. If there is no check mark at the end point corresponding to frame n in S35, the start point or end point mark associated with the frame is sequentially detected through S40 and S41. If the start points overlap, the start point is detected in S32 after the start point is detected and before the end point is found. In S33, the partial moving image stored as the starting moving image is updated. That is, since the starting moving image stored above is overwritten, the starting point found earlier is invalidated.

  By repeatedly executing the processes S32 to S41, narrowing down by the moving picture frame selection sheet is completed.

Taking the check mark 71 shown in FIG. 8 as an example, the start point of frame A is invalidated and the start point of frame B is valid. Therefore, the partial moving image B represented by the frame B becomes a narrowing range, and can cope with a user's check mistake.

  The third embodiment of the present invention is an embodiment in which the first detected end point is invalidated when the start point overlaps and the end point overlaps.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the moving image range narrowing-down operation showing the characteristics of the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In S51, various variables used in the third embodiment are initialized. The meanings of the variables n and i are the same as those described with reference to FIG. The description of the flags 1 and 2 will be described later.

  In S52, it is determined whether or not there is a check mark at the start point corresponding to frame n. If there is a check mark at the start point, in S53, the partial moving image n including the frame n is stored as the starting moving image, that is, stored as the first partial moving image for narrowing down. In S54, the flag 1 indicating that the start moving image is stored is turned ON, and the flag 2 indicating that the end point corresponding to the start point has been detected is turned OFF. If the flag 1 is ON, it indicates that the start moving image has already been stored.

  Next, in S55, it is determined whether or not there is a check mark at the end point corresponding to the frame n. If there is a check mark at the end point, it is determined in S56 whether the flag 1 is ON. If it is determined that the flag 1 is ON, it is determined that the start moving image is stored, and it is considered that the user has selected from the stored start moving image to the partial moving image n as a narrowing range, In S57, the narrowing range information is stored as narrowing information i. In S58, the narrow-down information i is counted up and prepared for storage of the next narrow-down information.

  Further, in S59, the flag 1 is turned OFF, and one narrowing range is determined. In S60, the flag 2 is turned on. The flag 2 is a flag indicating that an end point corresponding to the start point has been detected. In S65, n is counted up to prepare for check mark detection of the start / end points corresponding to the next frame. In S66, n is compared with N. The number N of layouts of the moving image frame selection sheet is 16, as in the first embodiment.

  If there is no check mark at the end point corresponding to frame n in S55, the start point or end point mark sequentially associated with the frame is detected through S65 and S66. If the start points overlap, after detecting the start point and before finding the end point, the start point is detected in S52, and the partial video stored as the start video is updated in S53. That is, since the stored start moving image is overwritten, the starting point found earlier is invalidated.

  If the end points overlap, the end point is detected again in S55 before the start point is found after the end point is detected. In this case, since the flag 1 is not ON in S56, the flag 2 is determined in S61. At this time, the flag 2 is ON, that is, the end point is detected and the narrowing-down information is once determined. However, in order to invalidate the previous end point, it is necessary to overwrite the narrowing-down information. That is, the index of the variable i is decremented in S62, and the narrowing information is stored again in S63. In S64, i is counted up to prepare for storing the next narrowed-down information.

By repeatedly executing the processes S52 to S66, narrowing down by the moving image frame selection sheet is completed. Taking the check mark 72 shown in FIG. 8 as an example, the end point of the frame G is invalidated and the end point of the frame H is valid. Therefore, the partial moving image G to the partial moving image H represented by the frame G and the frame H is a narrowing range, and it is possible to cope with a user's check mistake.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the entire moving image is divided based on the scene information.

  In the first embodiment, when the scene information is divided, the playback time of each partial video is unknown in the video frame selection sheet. Since the reproduction time becomes effective information when the user narrows down the moving images, it is desirable that the reproduction time for each partial moving image is printed on the moving image frame selection sheet.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a moving image frame selection sheet SH4 on which time information for each partial moving image is printed in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Symbols 121 and 122 representing the length of time are symbols representing the temporal length of the partial moving image represented by the frame in association with the frame image to be laid out.

  For example, if the symbol 121 representing the length of time includes three symbols “•” and the symbol “•” has a length of 1 minute, the playback time of the partial video A is about 3 minutes. I can guess that there is. Since the symbol 122 representing the length of time includes six symbols “·”, it can be inferred that the playback time of the partial moving image B is about 6 minutes. Of course, the actual time may be printed instead of the symbol. In this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

If the means of the above embodiment is replaced with a process, the above embodiment can be grasped as an invention of a control method.

1 is an overview perspective view showing an MFP apparatus 100 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing functions of the MFP apparatus 100. FIG. It is a figure which shows the moving image print setting sheet SH1. It is a figure which shows moving image frame selection sheet | seat SH2. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for printing moving image data stored in a memory card mounted in a card slot 14 on a moving image frame selection sheet SH2 in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows notionally the extraction of the representative frame when a moving image is divided | segmented into a partial moving image. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a moving image range narrowing-down operation showing the characteristics of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the moving image frame selection sheet | seat SH2 for demonstrating the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the area of the memory which memorize | stores the information of the narrowing-down range obtained by the process by the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 using the moving image frame selection sheet | seat SH2 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the various sheets produced | generated based on the information of the narrowing-down range shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which narrows down the moving image range which is the characteristics of Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows narrowing-down operation | movement of the moving image range which shows the characteristic of Example 3 of this invention. In Example 4 of this invention, it is a figure which shows the moving image frame selection sheet | seat SH4 which printed the time information for every partial moving image.

Explanation of symbols

100: MFP apparatus,
24. Document analysis means,
25. Scan engine control means,
26: System control means,
27. Print engine control means,
28: Image processing means,
29 ... Memory card control means,
SH1: Movie print setting sheet,
SH2, SH3, SH4 ... Movie frame selection sheet.

Claims (9)

In printing devices equipped with video printing functions,
Means for dividing the video file into partial videos;
Means for extracting a predetermined number of frame images selected from the partial video;
The plurality of extracted frame images are arranged in a predetermined layout, and the first setting sheet is printed together with marks that are associated with the frame images and that serve as starting points of a range for narrowing down the frame images. A first printing means;
Means for reading a mark marked on the first setting sheet;
Narrowing range detection means for detecting a plurality of partial moving images corresponding to the plurality of marked frame images as a narrowing range;
Second printing means for printing a second setting sheet for each moving image included in the narrowing range detected by the narrowing range detection means;
A moving image printing apparatus comprising: In claim 1,
The moving image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for dividing the moving image is a means for setting a moving image dividing method so as to divide the moving image at a predetermined time. In claim 1,
A moving image analyzing means for analyzing the characteristics of the moving image;
The moving image printing apparatus characterized in that the means for dividing into the partial moving images is means for setting a moving image dividing method according to the characteristics analyzed by the moving image analyzing means. In claim 1,
The starting mark is a mark indicating a selection start point and a selection end point for narrowing down the frame image, and a mark indicating the selection start point and the selection end point is printed in association with the extracted frame image. A moving image printing apparatus. In claim 1,
The moving image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the narrowing-down range detection unit is a unit that controls to invalidate a selection start point detected later when selection start points overlap. In claim 1,
The moving image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the narrowing-down range detection unit is a unit that controls to invalidate the selection start point detected earlier when the selection start point overlaps. In claim 1,
The moving image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the narrowing-down range detection unit is a unit that controls to invalidate the previously detected selection end point when the selection end point overlaps. In claim 1,
Having an analysis means for analyzing the time of the divided partial video,
A moving image printing apparatus for printing time information analyzed by the analysis unit in association with the extracted frame image in the first setting sheet and the second setting sheet. In a control method of a printing apparatus equipped with a video printing function,
Dividing the video file into partial videos;
Extracting a predetermined number of frame images selected from the partial video;
The plurality of extracted frame images are arranged in a predetermined layout, and the first setting sheet is printed together with marks that are associated with the frame images and that serve as starting points of a range for narrowing down the frame images. A first printing step;
Reading a mark marked on the first setting sheet;
A narrowing range detection step of detecting a plurality of partial moving images corresponding to the plurality of marked frame images as a narrowing range;
A second printing step of printing a second setting sheet for each moving image included in the narrowing range detected in the narrowing range detection step;
A method for controlling a moving image printing apparatus, comprising:

Images