This application is based on an application No. 2009-069939 filed in Japan, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus which executes printing processing using a data file stored in a data storage device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, not only a conventional information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, an image processing apparatus such as a printer and a digital complex machine is also provided with advanced information processing capability enough to work singly as an information processing apparatus.
In such an image processing apparatus, a user is able to connect an image processing apparatus with a data storage device directly via a connection port or indirectly through a network, and to cause the image processing apparatus to execute image processing using a data file stored in the data storage device. For example, a user may connect the data storage device with a digital complex machine (also referred to as an “MFP” (Multi-Function Peripheral), hereinafter), which is one example of such an image processing apparatus, and manipulate the digital complex machine so as to cause the digital complex machine to print out an image stored in the data storage device in the form of a data file.
Examples of such data storage devices that can be connected to the digital complex machine (MFP) include: a USB memory (USB flash drive); an SD memory card (SD card); Compact Flash (registered trademark) (CF card); a flexible disk (FD); a Compact Disc (CD); a digital versatile disc (DVD); a magneto-optical disc (MO); a hard disk; and the like. In the present application, such a data storage device is also referred to as a “media device”. A maximum data storage capacity of an existing media device has dramatically been increased, and it makes possible to store enormous numbers of data files in a single media device.
It is understood that data files of various types of data formats can be stored in a single media device. Hence, it is thinkable that a variety of data files such as data files of written reports for business use and image data pieces for private use would be mixed together in a single media device. The MFP manages the data files in the media device by means of a file name assigned to each data file and a hierarchical structure (such as file paths) of folders (directories), in which data files are stored. File names and file paths are used also when a user specifies a data file. However, in the situation where enormous numbers of data files are stored in a media device, it is practically impossible for a user to keep a file name or a file path of each file stored in the media device in his/her memory.
Accordingly, an information processing apparatus or an image processing apparatus is typically provided with functions such as: a file listing function for displaying a list of data files stored in a media device by grouping them in folder units and presenting the group of data files to the user; and a file search function for searching a data file using information of a specific keyword (search key) specified by the user and stored information being associated with data files.
The user tries to pinpoint an intended data file by properly using those functions.
For example, when a user using the file listing function, he/she tries to find an intended data file from a data files list of a specific folder, in which the intended data file, would possibly be therein, by specifying the folder to display the folder's data files list folder and sort the list using the management data stored and associated with each data file such as a time stamp.
Alternatively, for example, when a user using the file search function, he/she inputs into an information processing apparatus a character string as a search key, which would be expected to be a part of an intended data file's name and tries to find the intended data file from a displayed list of data files each of which file name includes the search key.
However, with the file listing function and the file search function described above, it is not always possible to efficiently identify data file. This is because the information that the user keeps partly in his/her mind about the intended data file's name and the folder which involves the data file is often incorrect.
In particular, regarding a data file (of image data, for example) that is automatically generated and stored in a media device by an information device (a digital camera, for example), the name of the data file and a destination folder to save the file are usually automatically determined by the information device, and there may be a case where the user does not know at all the information about how the data file is managed in the media device.
As another aspect, character entry means provided on a typical image processing apparatus such as a digital complex machine is often a software key that is temporarily displayed on an operation panel as needed. Accordingly, even if the user correctly remembers the file name of the data file, it may take time for the user to enter a character string (search key). Thus, the conventional data file search function based on the entry of a character string does not always work efficiently in the image processing apparatuses such as digital complex machines.
JP 2008-022336 A discloses an image forming apparatus, a method, and a program each of which is characterized in an image data search refinement technique.
The image forming apparatus according to JP 2008-022336 A is provided with a function of generating a compound condition using setup items relating to printing (printing mode, printing paper size, and number of printing pages) out of the setup items for the image forming apparatus, and of displaying a list of data files that satisfy the compound condition (filtering function), for example.
In the invention of JP 2008-022336 A, the filtering function starts to operate only after when “file selection button” (see,
Furthermore, a compound condition used for the filtering is the compound condition generated based on the setup items relating to printing being set in the image forming apparatus at the time when the user presses down the file selection button.
Accordingly, in the invention of JP 2008-022336 A, even if the user modifies a part of the setup items relating to printing, the filtering result that reflects the modification may not be presented to the user until the user presses down the file selection button again. In order to change the compound condition used for the filtering in the configuration disclosed in JP 2008-022336 A, the user is required to firstly cancel a file selection screen (see,
Consequently, when the intended data file is not included in the result of the filtering, the operations required to the user next is adversely cumbersome, and, in some cases, it is adversely unclear for the user what kind of operation should be carried out next to find the intended data file.
In view of the problems inherent in the conventional technique as described above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus which allows a user to find an intended data file stored in a media device (data storage device), and execute image processing using the file quickly. Accordingly, the present invention improves operability of the image processing apparatus, and thus improving productivity and facilitating effective use thereof.
In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus which executes a predetermined image processing using a data file stored in a data storage device. The image processing apparatus includes: an external interface unit that detachably connects with the data storage device; an input unit that accepts a setting input for a setup item relating to the predetermined image processing; a setting input detection unit that detects the setting input inputted through the input unit; a search condition generating unit that generates a search condition based on a setting value that is set for the setup item relating to the predetermined image processing, when the setting input detection unit has detected the setting input; an execution instructing unit that instructs a search unit to execute a data file search when the setting input detection unit has detected the setting input; the search unit that, in accordance with the instruction from the execution instructing unit, executes a data file search for a data file stored in the data storage device to output a search result based on the search condition that is generated by the search condition generating unit; and a display unit that displays the search result of the data file search.
In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing method in an image processing apparatus which executes a predetermined image processing using a data file stored in a data storage device. The image processing method includes: accepting a setting input for a setup item relating to the predetermined image processing by an input unit; detecting the setting input inputted through the input unit by a setting input detection unit; generating a search condition based on a setting value that is set for the setup item relating to the predetermined image processing, when the setting input detection unit has detected the setting input; instructing a search unit to execute a data file search by an execution instructing unit when the setting input detection unit has detected the setting input; executing a data file search for a data file stored in the data storage device by the search unit, in accordance with the instruction from the execution instructing unit, to output a search result based on the search condition that is generated by the search condition generating unit; and displaying the search result of the data file search by a display unit.
In a yet further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer executable instructions which, when executed by a computer of an image processing apparatus which executes a predetermined image processing using a data file stored in a data storage device, perform: causing an input unit to accept a setting input for a setup item relating to the predetermined image processing; causing a setting input detection unit to detect the setting input inputted through the input unit; causing a search condition generating unit to generate a search condition based on a setting value that is set for the setup item relating to the predetermined image processing, when the setting input detection unit has detected the setting input; causing an execution instructing unit to instruct a search unit to execute a data file search when the setting input detection unit has detected the setting input; causing the search unit to, in accordance with the instruction from the execution instructing unit, execute a data file search for a data file stored in the data storage device to output a search result based on the search condition that is generated by the search condition generating unit; and causing a display unit to display the search result of the data file search.
The above and further objects and novel features of the present invention will more fully appear from the following detailed description when the same is read in connection with the accompanying drawings, and in which:
It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as definitions of the limits of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below referring to these accompanying drawings.
An MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention is accomplished based on the idea of the inventors below. When a user carries out printing processing of a data file stored in a media device (USB memory, for example) using an MFP, it is considered that the user often holds a clearer picture of a finished printed matter using the data file (such as a number of pages, printing paper size (original size or image size), color setup (black-and-white, two-color, or full-color), magnification ratio, double sides/single side, and finishing setup (setting for stapling processing and its position and setting for punching processing and its position)), rather than information such as a file name and a file path of the data file in the media device. Further, it is also considered that probability that the picture about the finished printed matter held by the user in mind would be reflected upon the setup configuration of the MFP made by the user is quite high. Based on these considerations, the inventors came up with an idea that carrying out search refinement of data files based on the setup configuration of the MFP made by the user, in other words, only presenting data files having attributes consistent with the setup configuration to the user, can make it easier for the user to find an intended data file from a media device in which an enormous number of data files are stored, and thus it can be expected that operability, productivity and the like of the MFP are improved. Moreover, by generating thumbnail images of a small number of data files as a result of data file refinement as described above and giving a preview display of these images, even if the user has no information at all about the intended data file such as a file path, a file name, and a file format, the user can find the intended data file quickly.
According to the MFP of the present embodiment accomplished based on such an idea, a search condition for searching a data file in a media device is automatically generated based on a setup configuration entered by the user, and a data file search is automatically executed by this search condition, thereby presenting a search result to the user. In this manner, the MFP assists the user to find an intended data file out of a group of data files in the media device. The MFP according to the present embodiment executes a search, based on a search condition that is automatically generated, for attribute information of data files (header information in data files or data file management information generated in association with data files, for example) in a media device. Further, the MFP can automatically regenerate a search condition and carry out a data file search again every time when the user inputs the setup configuration, that is, every time when the setup configuration is modified, and notify the user of the search result as needed.
Such an MFP according to the present embodiment uses the setup configuration of the MFP set by the user (as described above, probability that the picture of the finished printed matter that the user holds in mind may be reflected upon the “setup configuration” is quite high) to generate a condition for the data file search, and carries out the search refinement of the data files in the media device (data file search) based on the condition. Accordingly, the MFP according to the present embodiment is able to refine the search for the data file even when the user does not have any information regarding the file name and the format of the data file at all. This is also advantageous when searching for a data file that has been automatically generated by an information processing device such as a digital camera, and automatically stored in a media device.
As described above, the MFP according to the present embodiment displays in a list a result of the data file search in a user interface. Accordingly, every time when the user modifies the setup configuration, the user is immediately able to see the result of the data file search that reflects the modification, without any special operation to perform a new search. According to the MFP of the present embodiment, for a setup item that the user does not wish to include as a condition for the data file search, the user can make an input for the setup item after finding the data file. Therefore, with the MFP according to the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically generate a condition for the data file search and execute the data file search only based on the setup items that the user arbitrarily and selectively set. Further, according to the MFP of the present embodiment, when there is inconsistency between data characteristics (attribute values) of a data file selected by the user and the setup configuration inputted after the selection, it is possible to prompt the user to modify the setup configuration of the printing processing of the selected data file by issuing an alert to the user.
With such characteristics, according to the MFP of the present embodiment, the user is able to perform a search for a data file quickly by selecting a search condition of the data file freely in a simple manner. Thus, the MFP according to the present embodiment provides advantageous effects of improvement of operability as well as utilization efficiency and productivity.
Further, according to the MFP of the present embodiment, as the user can freely select the setup items included in the search condition, it is possible to avoid, to a maximum extent, such a situation in which an enormous number of data files are presented in the result of the data file search or in which the number of the data files that satisfy the search condition is zero. Moreover, as the user can follow a process of change in a search result that is displayed in the user interface and changes in accordance with the modification made to the data file search condition, the user can easily recognize incorrectness of the picture of the finished printed matter that the user holds in mind. Accordingly, it is possible to modify the incorrectness in the print setup made by the user and carry out the printing based on the correct setting. Therefore, according to the MFP of the present embodiment, misprinting can also be reduced.
The following describes the embodiment of the present invention in detail.
The image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is a digital complex machine (MFP). A digital complex machine (MFP) is an image processing apparatus having at least two functions out of printer, facsimile, photocopier, and scanner functions, for example. The MFP according to the present embodiment is connectable with a data storage device (media device) directly via its connection port, or indirectly via a network. As the media device, a USB memory, an SD memory card (SD card), a Compact Flash (registered trademark) (CF card), an FD, a CD, a DVD, an MO disc, a hard disk and the like may be used.
The MFP 1 is able to, using a data file (image data file, for example) stored in the media device 101, execute a predetermined process (printing processing of an image of the image data file, for example). In this case, the data file is not limited to an image data file. When the predetermined process is printing processing, the data file may be any data file that can be printed out (such as document data). While it is described that the predetermined process may be printing processing based on the data file in the present embodiment, this does not mean that the predetermined process according to the present invention is limited to the printing processing.
The MFP 1 is able to acquire an attribute value that will be described below for each data file stored in the media device (USB memory) 101 connected therewith as needed.
a number of pages of an image, document, and the like (hereinafter referred to as “image and the like”) included in the data file;
an original size that is previously set for the data file for printing the image and the like (printing paper size);
a magnification ratio for enlargements and reductions that is previously set for the data file for printing the image and the like;
a color setting selection that is previously set for the data file for printing the image and the like;
a stapling position that is previously set for the data file for printing the image and the like; and
a punching position (position of punching processing) that is previously set for the data file for printing the image and the like. For example, an attribute value of the attribute “number of pages” of the “file 3” is “100”. Similarly, an attribute value of the attribute “original size” is “A4”, and an attribute value of the attribute “color selection” is “full-color”, and an attribute value of the attribute “stapling position” is “left”. For the “file 3”, attribute values are not set for the attributes “magnification ratio” and “punching position”. These attributes and attribute values may be included in a part of a data file (header, for example), or may be recorded independently in the media device 101 and the like in association with the data file. Further, the attributes and the attribute values are not limited to the attributes and the attribute values that are assigned for the purpose of printing the image and the like. The MFP 1 treats each attribute of a data file appropriately, for example, by giving priority to a value of its own setup item related to an attribute when the attribute value is not assigned.
The RAM 17 can store the image data that has been compressed by the compressing and decoding unit 19 in a coded data form. The compressing and decoding unit 19 compresses as needed the image data that has been inputted and outputs as the coded data, and expands the coded data and restores the image data. The compressing and decoding unit 19 can also be realized as a software component such as a program executed by the computer main part 11. The scanner unit 21 is configured by an imaging sensor such as a CCD, a slider control, various image processing controls and the like, and reads a document optically to convert the document into electric signals (electronic data). The printer unit 23 is configured by an engine control such as laser and ink-jet, and outputs the image expressed by the electric signals (electronic data) onto recording paper. The user interface unit 5 may be configured by the LCD with a touch panel and a hardware key. In this case, the LCD configures the display unit 5a, and the touch panel and the hardware keys configure the input unit 5b. Herein, the input unit 5b configured on the touch panel is referred to as software keys. The input unit 5b of the user interface unit 5 is configured by a numerical keypad, a start key, an LCD (liquid crystal display) and the like, and the user can carry out a mode selection, input of various settings, input of instructing to execute a process and the like.
The media device 101 is connected to the MFP 1 via the external interface unit 3 of the MFP 1.
In Step S101, the MFP 1 extracts image attribute information of a data file and the like stored in the media device 101. The image attribute information and the like includes a file name of the data file, a file path, a directory configuration of the media device, and file management information (time and date of file creation, file size, and the like), as well as the attributes, the attribute values and the like shown in
In Step S103, the MFP 1 sets a data file display mode to a list display mode. This step may be considered as a part of an initial setting step for displaying a result of the data file search.
In Step S105, the MFP 1 displays a list of the data files in the media device on the display unit 5a using the image attribute information and the like acquired in Step S101.
Referring back to
In Step S109, the MFP 1 displays a list of data files in the display unit 5a based on the stored result of the data file search.
In Step S111, the MFP 1 determines whether or not an input has been made to the input unit 5b. When the MFP 1 determines that an input to the input unit 5b has been made (“YES” in Step S111), the process proceeds to Step S113. When the MFP 1 determines that an input to the input unit 5b has not been made (“NO” in Step S111), the process returns to Step S107.
In Step S113, the MFP 1 determines whether or not the input is for inputting a new setting value for the setup item. As used herein, the inputting of a new setting value for a setup item means, for example, inputting a setting value by the operator operating the setting input keypad 51. When the MFP 1 determines that the input is for inputting a new setting value for a setup item (“YES” in Step S113), the process proceeds to Step S115. At this time, the detection unit 37 (
In Step S115, the generating and instructing unit 35 (
In Step S117, the search unit 33 (
In Step S119, the search unit 33 obtains a result of the search executed in Step S117.
Here, before describing the steps of Step S121 and thereafter, an example of displaying the search result obtained in S119 on the display unit 5a is described. This displaying is carried out through a predetermined process when returning to Step S109 from Step S119.
In Step S109, the MFP 1 displays the search result obtained in S119 on the display unit 5a, in a display mode that is selected in Step S137 (described below), Step S143 (described below), or in Step S151 (described below).
As described above, according to the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, the search condition is generated again every time when the operator inputs the setting (including the modification), the data file search is automatically executed based on the latest search condition, and then the result of the search is displayed in the display unit 5a.
Now, referring back to
In the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, the operator can select/deselect a data file that is displayed in a list by touching the display unit 5a (the input unit 5b). Steps S123 and S125 are the steps carried out by the MFP 1 when the operator selects/deselects a data file.
In Step S123, the MFP 1 determines whether or not the input is for selecting or deselecting the data file that is displayed in a list. When the MFP 1 determines that the input is for selecting or deselecting the data file that is displayed in a list (“YES” in Step S123), the process proceeds to Step S125. When the MFP 1 determines that the input is not for selecting or deselecting the data file that is displayed in a list (“NO” in Step S123), the process proceeds to Step S111.
In Step S125, the MFP 1 changes a selection status of the data file relating to the input to a selected state (deselected state) and stores the state after the modification, and displays the data file in the selected state (deselected state) in the data file view.
In Step S121, the MFP 1 determines whether or not the data file in the selected state is included in a search result of the search that has been carried out last time. As used herein, the data file in the selected state indicates the data file that the operator has selected through the UI unit 5. When there is no data file that is in the selected state, it is determined that a data file that is in the selected state and is not consistent with the search condition is not present, and the process proceeds to Step S135 (“YES” in Step S121). When the MFP 1 determines that the data file in the selected state is included in a search result of the search that has been carried out last time (“YES” in Step S121), the process proceeds to Step S135. When the MFP 1 determines that the data file in the selected state is not included in a search result of the search that has been carried out last time (“NO” in Step S121), the process proceeds to Step S127.
Referring to
In Step S127, the MFP 1 displays a warning message notifying that the file in the selected state is not consistent with the new search condition. In addition to displaying of the warning message, the MFP 1 accepts modification of the setup configuration by the operator.
When the operator does not change the setup configuration, the MFP 1 determines that the operator has disregarded the warning message in Step S129 (“YES” in Step S129), and the process proceeds to Step S131. When the operator changes the setup configuration, the MFP 1 determines that the operator has accepted the warning message in Step S129 (“NO” in Step S129), and the process proceeds to Step S133.
In Step S131, the search result obtained in Step S119 is modified by adding the data file in the selected state to the search result.
As described above, due to an additional setting input made by the operator after selecting the data file in the data file list 53, a case where the data file in the selected state is not consistent with the current search condition may occur.
In Step S133, the latest search result is discarded, and the search result based on the search condition corresponding to the setup configuration after modification by the operator in Step S129 (for example, the search result obtained by the search that has been executed before the last search) is called and set as the current search result.
<Display Configuration Switching Processing based on Number of Searched Data Files>
Steps S135, S137, S139, S141, S143, S145, S147, S149, S151, and S153 are the steps for, based on the number of the data files included in the search result, switching a display configuration of the data file list between displaying by means of a list of file names and displaying by means of previews, and displaying a warning message. Referring to
In Step S141, the MFP 1 determines whether or not the total number of the data files included in the search result is less than or equal to 1. When the MFP 1 determines that the total number of the data files included in the search result is less than or equal to 1 (“YES” in Step S141), the process proceeds to Step S147. When the MFP 1 determines that the total number of the data files included in the search result is not less than or equal to 1 (“NO” in Step S141), the process proceeds to Step S143.
In Step S147, the MFP 1 determines whether or not the total number of the data files included in the search result is zero. When the MFP 1 determines that the total number of the data files included in the search result is zero (“YES” in Step S147), the process proceeds to Step S149. When the MFP 1 determines that the total number of the data files included in the search result is not zero (“NO” in Step S147), the process proceeds to Step S151.
Steps S137 and S139 are the steps for setting processing of the display configuration of the display unit 5a when the total number of the data files included in the search result is greater than or equal to 6. In Step S137, the MFP 1 sets the data file display mode to the list display mode. The list display mode is a display mode for displaying the search result in the display unit 5a by a list of file names. This display mode is advantageous when the number of files to be displayed is relatively large.
In Step S139, the MFP 1 sets the display configuration such that all the keys including a key that is not operated by the operator out of the keys 51a to 51e included in the setting input keypad 51 of the input unit 5b (
Steps S143 and S145 are the steps for setting processing of the display configuration of the display unit 5a when the total number of the data files included in the search result is less than or equal to 5 and greater than or equal to 2. In Step S143, the MFP 1 sets the data file display mode to a preview display mode. The preview display mode is a display mode for displaying the search result in the display unit 5a using preview images of the data files. This display mode is advantageous when the number of files to be displayed is relatively small.
In Step S145, the MFP 1 sets the display configuration such that all the keys including a key that is not operated by the operator out of the keys 51a to 51e included in the setting input keypad 51 of the input unit 5b (
Steps S151 and S153 are the steps for setting processing of the display configuration of the display unit 5a when the total number of the data files included in the search result is 1. In Step S151, the MFP 1 sets the data file display mode to the preview display mode.
In Step S153, the MFP 1 sets the display configuration such that the keys including a key that is not operated by the operator out of the keys 51a to 51e included in the setting input keypad 51 of the input unit 5b (
Step S149 is the step carried out by the MFP 1 when the total number of the data files of the search result is zero. In Step S149, the MFP 1 displays a message in the display unit 5a for notifying the operator that there is no data file that satisfies the current search condition, that is, the current setup configuration.
In Step S155, the MFP 1 determines based on a predetermined condition whether the process for the data file search is to be terminated or continued. When the MFP 1 determines that the data file search process is to be terminated (“YES” in Step S155), the process shown in this flow chart is terminated. When the MFP 1 determines that the data file search process is to be continued (“NO” in Step S155), the process returns to Step S107 (
According to the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the operator can input setting for an arbitrary setup item, and see the result of the data file search based on the setup configuration. For example, as shown in
An MFP of the embodiment according to the present invention is useful as an image processing apparatus that utilizes a setup configuration relating to printing processing made by a user, thereby assisting the user with operations relating to specification of data files.
With an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, a user can easily find an intended data file stored in a media device (data storage device), and quickly complete image processing using the file. The present invention provides effects of improving operability and productivity of the image processing apparatus.
As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of essential characteristic thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the description preceding them, and all changes that fall within metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds thereof are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2009-069939 | Mar 2009 | JP | national |