Abstract:
The motion picture image print apparatus extracts a plurality of frames from recorded motion picture data for printing, the apparatus enabling the range of loaded images to be determined from images reproduced on a screen, not from the results of measurement of time, thus allowing a desired print to be more easily obtained. An operator reads motion picture image data recorded on a recording medium. The operator then sets a layout of a print output and the number of image frames in the print output to display a list of motion picture image files on a list screen, thereby selecting motion picture image file to be printed. The operator then depresses a motion picture control button to reproduce the selected motion picture image file in the check area. While viewing the reproduced images, the operator sets at least either a print starting image or a print ending image by depressing a “From” button or a “To” button, respectively. Thus, images corresponding to a predetermined number of frames are extracted from the set range of images at equal intervals. The extracted images are edited so as to be arranged in the set layout and are then printed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to an image editing apparatus and method that edits continuous images such as motion pictures or continuous photograph images picked up by a video camera, a digital camera, or a mobile telephone with a camera.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    Japanese Patent No. 2833010 discloses a method of decomposing motion picture images picked up by an image pickup device such as a video camera, a digital camera, or a mobile telephone with a camera into still images for printing. This publication describes a print apparatus which loads a motion picture video from VTR or the like in the form of a plurality of frames and which prints the video as decomposed photographs. In connection with the loading of a plurality of frames for printing, the publication describes a method of specifying the time for which the desired video is to be loaded and the number of frames to be loaded so as to load a required number of images for the decomposed photographs in response to an operator&#39;s instruction to start loading.  
           [0005]    However, for some motion picture scenes, it is unknown how long it takes to load scenes from which decomposed photographs are to be obtained.  
           [0006]    Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-334954 describes a video printer which can print multi-stroboscopic images and which enables the selection of the first and last frames of multi-stroboscopic images to be printed.  
           [0007]    Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-19213 describes a printer which can print a plurality of images on a sheet and which allows a user to select a layout of the images.  
           [0008]    However, actually, it has been strongly desirable to edit and print the most desirable image portion of reproduced motion picture scenes together with its preceding and succeeding images.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    In view of these circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image editing apparatus and method that extracts and edits a plurality of frames from recorded continuous image data and which enables the range of loaded images to be determined from images reproduced on a screen, not from the results of measurement of time, thus allowing a desired print to be more easily obtained.  
           [0010]    According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image editing apparatus which edits continuous image data recorded on a recording medium, the apparatus comprising:  
           [0011]    a continuous image data reading device which reads continuous image data recorded on the recording medium;  
           [0012]    a layout setting device which sets an image edition layout of continuous images and the number of image edition frames for the continuous images;  
           [0013]    an image display device which displays a list of one or more continuous image files recorded on the recording medium;  
           [0014]    a continuous image file selecting device which selects a continuous image file;  
           [0015]    an edited image setting device which enables setting of at least one of an edition starting image and an edition ending image from the selected continuous image file;  
           [0016]    an edited image extracting device which extracts images corresponding to the set number of frames from a range of images set by the edited image setting device; and  
           [0017]    an image arrangement editing device which edits the images extracted by the edited image extracting device so as to arrange the images in the set layout.  
           [0018]    According to the first aspect of the present invention, the continuous image data reading device reads continuous image data recorded on the recording medium, and the layout setting device sets an image edition layout of continuous images and the number of image edition frames for the continuous images. The image display device displays a list of one or more continuous image files recorded on the recording medium. The phrase “one or more” means that if a plurality of continuous image files are recorded, a list of these files is displayed. The continuous image file selecting device selects a continuous image file to be edited from the list of continuous image files.  
           [0019]    The edited image setting device enables the setting of at least either an edition starting image or an edition ending image from the continuous image file selected by the continuous image file selecting device. Accordingly, only the edition starting or ending image or both can be set. If only the edition starting image is set, the images starting with this edition starting image and ending with the last image of the file are edited. If only the edition ending image is set, the images starting with the first image of the file and ending with this edition ending image are edited. It is also possible to set neither the edit starting image nor the edit ending image. However, in this case, all images in the file are edited.  
           [0020]    The edited image extracting device extracts images to be edited, corresponding to the number of frames set by the layout setting device, from the range of images set by the edited image setting device. The predetermined number of frames may be extracted from the set range of images at equal intervals or by weighting particular scenes within the set range of images.  
           [0021]    The image arrangement editing device edits the images extracted by the edited image extracting device so as to arrange the images in the layout set by the layout setting device.  
           [0022]    The first aspect of the present invention can exist as an image editing method for operations performed by the above image editing apparatus. It can also exist as a program for allowing a computer to perform these operations.  
           [0023]    According to a second aspect of the present invention, an image editing apparatus which edits continuous image data recorded on a recording medium, the apparatus comprising:  
           [0024]    a continuous image data reading device which reads continuous image data recorded on the recording medium;  
           [0025]    a layout setting device which sets an image edition layout of continuous images and the number of image edition frames for the continuous images;  
           [0026]    an image display device which displays a list of one or more continuous image files recorded on the recording medium;  
           [0027]    a continuous image file selecting device which selects a continuous image file;  
           [0028]    an edited image setting device which enables setting of at least a particular image to be edited from the selected continuous image file;  
           [0029]    an edited image extracting device which extracts images corresponding to the set number of frames and including the particular image set by the edited image setting device; and  
           [0030]    an image arrangement editing device which edits the images extracted by the edited image extracting device so as to arrange the images in the set layout.  
           [0031]    According to the second aspect of the present invention, the operations performed by the continuous image data reading device, layout setting device, image display device, and continuous image file selecting device are similar to those described in the first aspect.  
           [0032]    The edited image setting device enables the setting of at least a particular image to be edited from the continuous image file selected by the continuous image file selecting device.  
           [0033]    The edited image extracting device extracts images to be edited, corresponding to the number of frames set by the layout setting device and including the particular image set by the edited image setting device. It is possible to extract frames which precede and succeed a particular image to be edited and which correspond to a predetermined time, or frames which precede or succeed the particular image to be edited and which correspond to the predetermined time.  
           [0034]    The image arrangement editing device edits the images extracted by the edited image extracting device so as to arrange the images in the layout set by the layout setting device.  
           [0035]    The second aspect of the present invention can exist as an image editing method for operations performed by the above image editing apparatus. It can also exist as a program for allowing a computer to perform these operations.  
           [0036]    According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image editing apparatus which edits continuous image data recorded on a recording medium, the apparatus comprising:  
           [0037]    a continuous image data reading device which reads continuous image data recorded on the recording medium;  
           [0038]    a layout setting device which sets an image edition layout of continuous images and the number of image edition frames for the continuous images;  
           [0039]    an image display device which displays a list of one or more continuous image files recorded on the recording medium;  
           [0040]    a continuous image file selecting device which selects a continuous image file;  
           [0041]    an edited image setting device which enables setting of at least either an edition starting image or an edition ending image from the selected continuous image file and which enables setting of at least a particular image to be edited within a set range of images;  
           [0042]    an edited image extracting device which extracts, if the particular image to be edited has been selected, images which correspond to the set number of frames and which include the particular image within the range set by the edited image setting device; and  
           [0043]    an image arrangement editing device which edits the images extracted by the edited image extracting device so as to arrange the images in the set layout.  
           [0044]    According to the third aspect of the present invention, the operations performed by the continuous image data reading device, layout setting device, image display device, and continuous image file selecting device are similar to those described in the first aspect.  
           [0045]    The edited image setting device enables the setting of at least either an edition starting image or an edition ending image from the continuous image file selected by the continuous image file selecting device, and enables the setting of at least a particular image to be edited within the set range of images. Accordingly, only the edition starting or ending image or both can be set. If only the edition starting image is set, the images starting with this edition starting image and ending with the last image of the file are edited. If only the edition ending image is set, the images starting with the first image of the file and ending with this edition ending image are edited. It is also possible to set neither the edit starting image nor the edit ending image. However, in this case, all images in the file are edited. Alternatively, at least a particular image to be edited can be set within the range set for the edition starting and ending images. The particular image to be edited may or may not be set.  
           [0046]    If the particular image to be edited has been selected, the edited image extracting device extracts images to be edited, which correspond to the number of frames set by the layout setting device and which include the particular image within the range set by the edited image setting device. The images corresponding to the predetermined number of frames may be extracted by weighting images preceding or succeeding the particular image.  
           [0047]    The image arrangement editing device edits the images extracted by the edited image extracting device so as to arrange the images in the layout set by the layout setting device.  
           [0048]    The third aspect of the present invention can exist as an image editing method for operations performed by the above image editing apparatus. It can also exist as a program for allowing a computer to perform these operations.  
           [0049]    With respect to the first to third aspects of the present invention, the computer executing the above-described operations includes any types of computers and can be an image controller of which main purpose is to edit images.  
           [0050]    According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a motion picture image print apparatus which prints digital motion picture image data recorded on a recording medium, the apparatus comprising:  
           [0051]    a motion picture image data reading device which reads digital motion picture image data recorded on the recording medium;  
           [0052]    a print layout setting device which sets a layout of a print output and the number of frames in the print output;  
           [0053]    an image display device which displays a list of one or more motion picture image files recorded on the recording medium;  
           [0054]    a motion picture image file selecting device which selects a motion picture image file to be printed;  
           [0055]    a printed image setting device which enables setting of at least one of a print starting image and a print ending image from the selected motion picture image file;  
           [0056]    a printed image extracting device which extracts images corresponding to a set number of frames from a range of images set by the printed image setting device;  
           [0057]    an image arrangement editing device which edits the images extracted by the printed image extracting device so as to arrange the images in the set layout; and  
           [0058]    an image print device which prints the edited images.  
           [0059]    According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the motion picture image data reading device reads digital motion picture image data recorded on the recording medium, and the print layout setting device sets the layout of a print output and the number of image frames in the print output. The image display device displays a list of one or more motion picture image files recorded on the recording medium. The phrase “one or more” means that if a plurality of motion picture image files are recorded, a list of these files is displayed. The motion picture image file selecting device selects a motion picture image file to be printed from the list of motion picture image files.  
           [0060]    The printed image setting device enables the setting of at least either a print starting image or a print ending image from the motion picture image file selected by the motion picture image file selecting device. Accordingly, only the print starting or ending image or both can be set. If only the print starting image is set, the images starting with this print starting image and ending with the last image of the file are printed. If only the print ending image is set, the images starting with the first image of the file and ending with this print ending image are printed. It is also possible to set neither the print starting image nor the print ending image. However, in this case, all images in the file are printed.  
           [0061]    The printed image extracting device extracts images to be printed, corresponding to the number of frames set by the print layout setting device, from the range of images set by the printed image setting device. The predetermined number of frames may be extracted from the set range of images at equal intervals or by weighting particular scenes within the set range of images.  
           [0062]    The image arrangement editing device edits the images extracted by the printed image extracting device so as to arrange the images in the layout set by the print layout setting device. The image print device prints the images edited by the image arrangement editing device.  
           [0063]    According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a motion picture image print apparatus which prints digital motion picture images data recorded on a recording medium, the apparatus comprising:  
           [0064]    a motion picture image data reading device which reads digital motion picture image data recorded on the recording medium;  
           [0065]    a print layout setting device which sets a layout of a print output and the number of frames in the print output;  
           [0066]    an image display device which displays a list of one or more motion picture image files recorded on the recording medium;  
           [0067]    a motion picture image file selecting device which selects a motion picture image file to be printed;  
           [0068]    a printed image setting device which enables setting of at least a particular image to be printed from the selected motion picture image file;  
           [0069]    a printed image extracting device which extracts images corresponding to the set number of frames and including the particular image set by the printed image setting device;  
           [0070]    an image arrangement editing device which edits the images extracted by the printed image extracting device so as to arrange the images in the set layout; and  
           [0071]    an image print device which prints the edited images.  
           [0072]    According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the operations performed by the motion picture image data reading device, print layout setting device, image display device, and motion picture image file selecting device are similar to those described in the fourth aspect.  
           [0073]    The printed image setting device enables the setting of at least a particular image to be printed from the motion picture image file selected by the motion picture image file selecting device.  
           [0074]    The printed image extracting device extracts images to be printed, corresponding to the number of frames set by the print layout setting device and including the particular image set by the printed image setting device. It is possible to extract frames which precede and succeed a particular image to be printed and which correspond to a predetermined time, or frames which precede or succeed the particular image to be printed and which correspond to the predetermined time.  
           [0075]    The image arrangement editing device edits the images extracted by the printed image extracting device so as to arrange the images in the layout set by the print layout setting device. The image print device prints the images edited by the image arrangement editing means.  
           [0076]    According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a motion picture image print apparatus which prints digital motion picture images data recorded on a recording medium, the apparatus comprising:  
           [0077]    a motion picture image data reading device which reads digital motion picture image data recorded on the recording medium;  
           [0078]    a print layout setting device which sets a layout of a print output and the number of frames in the print output;  
           [0079]    an image display device which displays a list of one or more motion picture image files recorded on the recording medium;  
           [0080]    a motion picture image file selecting device which selects a motion picture image file to be printed;  
           [0081]    a printed image setting device which enables setting of at least one of a print starting image and a print ending image from the selected motion picture image file and which enables setting of at least a particular image to be printed within a set range;  
           [0082]    a printed image extracting device which extracts, if the particular image to be printed has been selected, images which correspond to the set number of frames and which include the particular image within the range set by the printed image setting device; and  
           [0083]    an image arrangement editing device which edits the images extracted by the printed image extracting device so as to arrange the images in the set layout; and  
           [0084]    an image print device which prints the edited images.  
           [0085]    According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the operations performed by the motion picture image data reading device, print layout setting device, image display device, and motion picture image file selecting device are similar to those described in the fourth aspect.  
           [0086]    The printed image setting device enables the setting of at least either a print starting image or a print ending image from the motion picture image file selected by the motion picture image file selecting device, and enables the setting of at least a particular image to be printed within the set range of images. Accordingly, only the print starting or ending image or both can be set. If only the print starting image is set, the images starting with this print starting image and ending with the last image of the file are printed. If only the print ending image is set, the images starting with the first image of the file and ending with this print ending image are printed. It is also possible to set neither the print starting image nor the print ending image. However, in this case, all images in the file are edited. Alternatively, at least a particular image to be printed can be set within the range set for the print starting and ending images. The particular image to be printed may or may not be set.  
           [0087]    If the particular image to be printed has been selected, the printed image extracting device extracts images to be printed, which correspond to the number of frames set by the print layout setting device and which include the particular image within the range set by the printed image setting device. The images corresponding to the predetermined number of frames may be extracted by weighting images preceding or succeeding the particular image.  
           [0088]    The image arrangement editing device edits the images extracted by the printed image extracting device so as to arrange the images in the layout set by the print layout setting device. The image print device prints the images edited by the image arrangement editing device.  
           [0089]    According to the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, those of the continuous images or motion pictures which are to be edited or printed can be determined using reproduced images on a screen. Thus, desired edition results or prints can be more easily obtained. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0090]    The nature of this invention, as well as other objects and advantages thereof, will be explained in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures and wherein:  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer according to the present invention;  
         [0092]    [0092]FIG. 2 is a view showing an operation section and a display screen on a touch panel monitor;  
         [0093]    FIGS.  3 ( a ) to  3 ( d ) are views showing the format of an output layout;  
         [0094]    [0094]FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a print according to a second embodiment;  
         [0095]    [0095]FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a procedure of using a printer to print still images within a desired specified section on the basis of motion picture image data; and  
         [0096]    [0096]FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a procedure of using the printer to print still images preceding and succeeding a desired decisive moment on the basis of motion picture image data. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0097]    With reference to the accompanying drawings, detailed description will be given of a first embodiment of a motion picture image print apparatus according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, description will be given of an example in which desired still images are printed which belong to digital motion picture image data obtained using a digital camera and recorded in motion JPEG form.  
         [0098]    [0098]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer  2  according to the present invention.  
         [0099]    As shown in this figure, the printer  2  is mainly composed of a recording media insertion opening  4 , a media interface  6 , a memory  8 , a system memory  10 , a touch panel monitor  12 , an input controller  14 , a display controller  16 , a CPU  18 , a print engine  20 , and a bus  22 .  
         [0100]    The printer  2  has the recording media insertion opening  4  into which a recording medium used in a digital camera is inserted. The printer  2  is adapted to load a motion picture image file from the recording medium inserted into the recording media insertion opening  4 .  
         [0101]    After the recording medium has been inserted into the recording media insertion opening  4 , a motion picture image file recorded on the recording media is transmitted to a desired section via the media interface  6  and the bus  22  according to an instruction given by the CPU  18 . The memory  8  temporarily stores image data in order to generate displayed image data or printed image data. The system memory  10  is composed of a ROM or the like so that system files are saved to the system memory  10 . The touch panel monitor  12  has an operation section and a display screen (for the details, see FIG. 2). The display controller  16  displays images on the display screen. The operation section of the touch panel monitor  12  is operated to activate the input controller  14  to perform an input operation. The CPU  18  carries out various types of control and expands image data compressively recorded in motion JPEG form. The print engine  20  carries out printing.  
         [0102]    [0102]FIG. 2 is a view showing the operation section and display screen on the touch panel monitor  12 . A list screen  24  is formed in the right of the touch panel monitor  12  to display a list of motion picture image files. A check area  26  is formed in the upper left of the touch panel monitor  12  to carry out the reproducible display of a selected motion picture image file, and the like. A scroll bar is provided at the bottom of the check area  26  to show, during reproduction, a part of the entire motion picture image file in which a scene being displayed is located. Motion picture control buttons  28  are formed below the check area  26 . The motion picture control buttons  28  include a return, start/stop, and fast-forward buttons. A frame feed mode is entered by depressing the fast-forward button while the screen is stopped. A fast-forward mode is entered by depressing the fast-forward button while reproduction is being carried out on the screen. A rotation button  30  is formed in the lower right corner of the check area  26 . A displayed image is vertically or horizontally rotated by operating the rotation button  30 .  
         [0103]    A “Decisive Moment” button, a “From” button, a “To” button, and a “Preview” button are formed below the motion picture control buttons  28 . When an image displayed in the check area  26  is to be specified as a print target, the “Decisive Moment” button is depressed to accomplish this operation. The “From” button and the “To” button are used to set timings for the start and end points of actual printing, respectively. If the start and end points are not set, it is assumed that the start and end of the selected motion picture image file have been selected. It is also possible to depress both “Decisive Moment” button and at least one of the “From” and “To” buttons. In this case, the range of images specified by the “From” and “To” buttons and including the particular image set by the “Decisive Moment” button is a print target. Depressing the “Preview” button enables a laid-out print to be checked before actual printing.  
         [0104]    An operation button (not shown) can be used to set the layout of a print output and the number of frames in the output. Since the formats of layouts for which the corresponding numbers of frames are shown have already been stored in the system memory  10 , the operation button is operated to select one of the formats in which images are to be printed. To execute this selection, the layout formats are displayed in the check area  26  to select a desired one.  
         [0105]    Description will be given of a procedure of using the printer  2 , used at a print shop, to print desired still images contained in motion picture image data. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a procedure of using the printer  2  to print desired still images contained in motion picture image data. This example is suitable for printing motion picture image data obtained by photographing scenes of skiing or an athletic meet. In the present embodiment, motion pictures are obtained using a digital camera and recorded in motion JPEG form. Accordingly, the motion pictures are established by reproducing still images like electronic picture cards illustrating a story.  
         [0106]    First, an operator selects a motion picture print button (not shown) of the printer  2  to set the printer  2  in a mode for motion picture printing (step  32 ).  
         [0107]    The operator then operates the operation button (not shown) to select an output layout (step  34 ). Several output layout formats are already stored in the system memory  10  as described above. For example, the formats shown in FIGS.  3 ( a ) to  3 ( d ) are stored. In addition to the examples shown in FIGS.  3 ( a ) to  3 ( d ), vertical or horizontal formats showing 10 or 16 images may be provided. The date on which the images were photographed is printed in the margin of each format.  
         [0108]    The operator then selects a sheet size (step  36 ). The provided sheet sizes include, for example, L, 2L, and 3L.  
         [0109]    The operator then selects a type of recording medium (step  38 ). Compatible types are displayed in the check area  26 . Thus, the operator selects one of them by operating an operation button (not shown).  
         [0110]    When the operator inserts a recording medium into the recording media insertion opening  4 , the indices of the motion picture image files recorded in the recording medium are displayed on the list screen  24  (step  40 ). The first frame of each motion picture image file is displayed on the list screen  24 .  
         [0111]    The operator uses an operation button (not shown) to select a motion picture image file to be printed, using its index. Then, the operator depresses the motion picture control button  28  to reproduce the selected motion picture image file to check its contents. The indices can be used to select a plurality of motion picture image files. When a motion picture image file is selected while another motion picture image file is being reproduced, the newly selected motion picture image file is reproduced for a check.  
         [0112]    While the motion picture image file is being reproduced, the operator specifies a print starting and ending points by depressing the “From” and “To” buttons. After the specification, images are extracted at equal intervals for printing which correspond to the number of frames in the layout already selected from within the specified section. The other images are not extracted. If the print starting and ending points are not specified, the full motion picture time is specified. Then, images corresponding to a predetermined number of frames are extracted from the full motion picture time at equal intervals. The remaining frames are not extracted. The predetermined number of frames may be extracted by weighting a scene starting with a print starting point, with the remaining frames not extracted.  
         [0113]    If a decisive moment image (for example, a scene in which a skier is turning or the moment when someone running a race of an athletic meet reaches the finish line) is to be specified for printing after the print starting and ending points have been specified, then the operator depresses the “Decisive Moment” button within the specified section to extract an image so that the specified image can be printed. Further, several images preceding and succeeding the “Decisive Moment” image are weighted and extracted, with the remaining images not extracted for frame adjustment. In this regard, even if the print starting and ending points are not specified, the full motion picture time is divided into equal sections as in the case in which they are selected as described previously. Thus, on the basis of these sections, an image is specified as a decisive moment image and extracted for printing. Further, several images preceding and succeeding the “Decisive Moment” image are weighted and extracted, with the remaining images not extracted for frame adjustment.  
         [0114]    The extracted images are edited on the memory  8  so as to conform to the already selected layout, on the basis of an instruction from the CPU  18  and according to software in the system memory  10 . The operator depresses the preview button as required to check in the check area  26  how the images are printed. The operator then determines the number of prints (step  42 ), and a billing procedure is executed (step  44 ). Then, the edited image data is transferred to the print engine  20  for printing (step  46 ).  
         [0115]    According to the printer of the first embodiment, decomposed image prints of desired scenes are easily obtained while viewing images reproduced on the screen on the basis of digital motion picture image data. The motion picture photographer can enjoy prints in a new way.  
         [0116]    A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The printer  2  and touch panel monitor  12  used in the present embodiment are similar to those in the first embodiment. Accordingly, their description will be omitted.  
         [0117]    [0117]FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a procedure of using the printer  2 , used at a print shop, to print a still image from motion picture image data which image corresponds to the desired decisive moment. This example is suitable for printing, for example, motion picture image data obtained by photographing scenes of a golf swing. Also in the present embodiment, motion pictures are obtained using a digital camera and recorded in motion JPEG form.  
         [0118]    Steps  48  to  54  are similar to steps  32  to  38  in the first embodiment. Accordingly, their description will be omitted.  
         [0119]    When a recording medium is inserted into the recording media insertion opening  4 , the indices of the motion picture image files recorded in the recording medium are displayed on the list screen  24  (step  56 ). The list screen  24  displays the first frame of each of the motion picture image files.  
         [0120]    The operator uses an operation button (not shown) to select a motion picture image file to be printed, using its index. Then, the operator depresses the motion picture control button  28  to reproduce the selected motion picture image file to check its contents. The indices can be used to select a plurality of motion picture image files. When a motion picture image file is selected while another motion picture image file is being reproduced, the newly selected motion picture image file is reproduced for a check.  
         [0121]    If a decisive moment image (for example, the moment when someone swings a golf club) is to be specified for printing while the motion picture image file is being reproduced, then the operator depresses the “Decisive Moment” button to specify an image as the center of the decisive moment. The specified image will be the central image of the series of frames to be printed. The specified central image is extracted for printing. Then, images corresponding to a predetermined time before and after the central image are extracted as print targets, with the remaining images not extracted for frame adjustment.  
         [0122]    The extracted images are edited on the memory  8  so as to conform to the already selected layout, on the basis of an instruction from the CPU  18  and according to software in the system memory  10 . The operator depresses the preview button as required to check in the check area  26  how the images are printed. The operator then determines the number of prints (step  58 ), and a billing procedure is executed (step  60 ). Then, the edited image data is transferred to the print engine  20  for printing (step  62 ). An example of a print according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 4. In this print example, in the central image, a player holds a golf club highest above his head.  
         [0123]    According to the printer of the second embodiment, decomposed image prints of scenes preceding and succeeding a decisive moment image are easily obtained while viewing images reproduced on the screen on the basis of digital motion picture image data. The motion picture photographer can thus enjoy prints in a new way.  
         [0124]    In the above embodiments, motion pictures are processed. However, continuous photograph images may be processed. In this case, basically, one continuous photograph image constitutes one file. Accordingly, continuous photograph image files are associated with one another using tag data for the files or the like.  
         [0125]    It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternate constructions and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.