Patent Publication Number: US-2005128510-A1

Title: Method for selecting images for action by an imaging apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and, more particularly, to methods for selecting images for performing actions thereon using the imaging apparatus, such as printing the images.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      In recent years, both professional and consumer users have increasingly turned to the use of digital cameras. The images taken by digital cameras are typically stored in a removable memory associated with the camera, for example, a memory card or a floppy disk. These images can be subsequently modified by the user using built-in features of the digital camera, such as changing contrast or color depth. The images can also be downloaded onto a typical personal computer, and modified using commercially available specialized software. In either case, the images can then be printed using conventional electrostatic or ink jet printers, preferably in a photo-quality print mode. Many current digital cameras allow the user to connect the camera directly to a printer. With such cameras, the user can print the images without using a personal computer, for example, using the printer in a stand-alone mode.  
      Printing in a stand-alone mode has the advantage of printing without the necessity of booting up a personal computer, which can be time consuming. In addition, the user may not be able to afford to own a personal computer, but may own only a printer for printing photos, which is considerably less expensive than the typical personal computer system including a printer. In such cases, it is desirable to display the contents of the camera&#39;s memory to allow the user to select the images that the user wishes to print. In one method, the photo printer has a small color display screen and input buttons for displaying and selecting the desired image or group of images. The disadvantage with this approach is the cost involved, for example, the cost of the color screen, and potential usability issues associated with using a small display screen, such as readability, and the resolution of displayed images.  
      In another method, a thumbnail sheet is printed by an all-in-one (AIO) unit, which includes a printer and conventional scanner. The user then selects photos for printing by filling in selection circles or check boxes, and inserts the thumbnail sheet back into the AIO unit, which scans the thumbnail sheet and prints the selected images. However, marking the desired photos and print options may be difficult and/or unintuitive for some people. For example, filling in a check box or a circle may be difficult for users who have trouble with their eyesight. Also, groups of check boxes or circles might be confusing to the user. Moreover, if the thumbnail sheet is inserted improperly, the wrong image might be printed, or some other adverse action might take place, for example, if the printer does not recognize that the thumbnail sheet has been inserted improperly. Even if no adverse action takes place, the user may have to go through the trouble of re-inserting the thumbnail sheet into the unit.  
      Also, if the user has inadvertently selected the wrong thumbnail, e.g., by filling in the wrong circle or check box, accidentally selected more than one image by marking outside of the circle or check box, or did not insert the thumbnail sheet in the proper orientation, the wrong image or images might be printed. Given the high cost of photo quality paper, the cost of ink, and the time required for printing photo quality images, it is desirable to avoid printing the wrong image.  
      What is needed in the art is a method for clear, intuitive, and sure selection of images on which to perform an action, such as for example printing.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention provides a method for clear, intuitive, and sure selection of images on which to perform an action, such as for example, printing.  
      The invention, in one form thereof, relates to a method for selecting images from a plurality of images obtained from a digital device for printing with an imaging apparatus, the imaging apparatus having a scanner and accessing a memory storing the plurality of images. The method includes the steps of printing a thumbnail printout, the thumbnail printout including a plurality of thumbnails corresponding to the plurality of images; generating a selection sheet from the thumbnail printout by placing a first designation mark on the thumbnail printout for each thumbnail of the plurality of thumbnails corresponding to each image of the plurality of images on which a first action is to be taken; detecting the first designation mark by scanning the selection sheet with the scanner; printing a confirmation for confirming to a user that each image on which the first action to be taken is designated; and performing the first action based on detecting the first designation mark.  
      The invention, in another form thereof, relates to a method for selecting images from a plurality of images obtained from a digital device for printing with an imaging apparatus, the imaging apparatus having a scanner and accessing a memory storing the plurality of images. The method includes the steps of printing a thumbnail printout, the thumbnail printout including a plurality of thumbnails corresponding to the plurality of images; generating a selection sheet from the thumbnail printout by placing a first designation mark directly on each thumbnail of the plurality of thumbnails corresponding to each image of the plurality of images on which a first action is to be taken; detecting the first designation mark by scanning the selection sheet with the scanner; and performing the first action based on detecting the first designation mark.  
      The invention, in yet another form thereof, relates to a method for selecting images from a plurality of images obtained from a digital device for printing with an imaging apparatus, the imaging apparatus having a scanner and accessing a memory storing the plurality of images. The method includes the steps of printing a thumbnail printout, the thumbnail printout including a plurality of thumbnails corresponding to the plurality of images and at least one orientation symbol for indicating an orientation of the thumbnail printout; generating a selection sheet from the thumbnail printout by placing a first designation mark on the thumbnail printout for each thumbnail of the plurality of thumbnails corresponding to each image of the plurality of images on which a first action is to be taken; detecting the first designation mark by scanning the selection sheet with the scanner; detecting the at least one orientation symbol by scanning the selection sheet with the scanner; determining the orientation of the selection sheet based on the at least one orientation symbol; and performing the first action based on detecting the first designation mark and based on determining the orientation.  
      The invention, in still another form thereof, relates to a method for selecting images from a plurality of images obtained from a digital device for printing with an imaging apparatus, the imaging apparatus having a scanner and accessing a memory storing the plurality of images. The method includes the steps of printing a thumbnail printout, the thumbnail printout including a plurality of thumbnails corresponding to the plurality of images; generating a selection sheet from the thumbnail printout by placing a first designation mark on the thumbnail printout for each thumbnail of the plurality of thumbnails corresponding to each image of the plurality of images on which a first action is to be taken, and placing a second designation mark on the thumbnail printout for each thumbnail of the plurality of thumbnails corresponding to each image of the plurality of images on which a second action is to be taken, the second designation mark being different from the first designation mark, and the second action being different from the first action; detecting the first designation mark and the second designation mark by scanning the selection sheet with the scanner; performing the first action based on detecting the first designation mark; and performing the second action based on detecting the second designation mark.  
      An advantage of the present invention is that it may be implemented in a low cost imaging apparatus operating in a stand alone mode.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that the cost of a display screen and conventional scanner may be avoided.  
      An advantage of the present invention, in some embodiments thereof, is that the user receives a confirmation of which images are designated to be printed, and which are designated for other actions, such as deleting, thus avoiding costs associated with printing the wrong image or deleting the wrong image, such as the high cost of photo quality paper, the cost of ink, and the time required printing photo quality images, or the loss of an image.  
      Another advantage of the present invention, in some embodiments thereof, is that marking directly on a thumbnail to select the image allows a selection method that is intuitive, clear, and unambiguous.  
      Yet another advantage of the present invention, in some embodiments thereof, is that the selection sheet can be inserted in any of four orientations, allowing for ease of use, and the prevention of mistakes in printing or deleting images. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent, and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic depiction of an imaging system that utilizes the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is an illustration of a selection sheet used in conjunction with the present invention to perform an action on an image, e.g., printing.  
       FIG. 2A  is a table containing a partial listing of actions that may be performed by an imaging apparatus in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 2B  is a table containing a partial listing of print options.  
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart depicting a method according to the present invention.  
       FIG. 4  is another illustration of a selection sheet used in conjunction with the present invention to perform one action, e.g., printing, on one image, and to perform another action on another image, e.g., deleting the image from memory.  
       FIGS. 5A-5D  depict alternative approaches to applying a designation mark to a thumbnail.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates a confirmation that images have been designated, in the form of a confirmation sheet, in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 7  is an illustration of a thumbnail printout depicting a known location of a thumbnail in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart depicting another method according to the present invention.  
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart depicting yet another method according to the present invention. 
    
    
      Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a diagrammatic depiction of an imaging system  10  embodying the present invention. Imaging system  10  includes an imaging apparatus  12 , a digital device  13 , and a host  14 . Imaging apparatus  12  communicates with host  14  via a communications link  16 .  
      Imaging apparatus  12  can be, for example, an ink jet printer and/or copier, an electrophotographic printer and/or copier, or an all-in-one (AIO) unit that includes a printer, a scanner, and possibly a fax unit. Imaging apparatus  12  includes a controller  18 , a print engine  20 , a printing cartridge  22 , a scanner  24 , and a user interface  26 . Imaging apparatus  12  also includes an interface  28  for communication with digital device  13  via a communication link  30 . Interface  28  communicates with controller  18  via a communication link  32 . Interface  28  and communication link  30  provide communication between imaging apparatus  12  and digital device  13 , respectively, via a typical communication protocol, such as a universal serial bus (USB).  
      Controller  18  includes a processor unit and associated memory  36 , and may be formed as one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC). Alternatively, memory  36  may be in the form of a separate electronic memory, a hard drive, a CD drive, or any memory device convenient for use with controller  18 . Controller  18  may be a printer controller, a scanner controller, or may be a combined printer and scanner controller. Controller  18  communicates with print engine  20  via a communications link  38 , with scanner  24  via a communications link  40 , and with user interface  26  via a communications link  42 . Controller  18  serves to process print data and to operate print engine  20  during printing, as well at to operate scanner  24  and process data obtained via scanner  24 .  
      In the context of the examples for imaging apparatus  12  given above, print engine  20  can be, for example, an ink jet print engine or a color electrophotographic print engine, configured for forming an image on a substrate  44 , such as a sheet of paper, transparency or fabric. As an ink jet print engine, print engine  20  operates printing cartridge  22  to eject ink droplets onto substrate  44  in order to reproduce text or images, etc. As an electrophotographic print engine, print engine  20  causes printing cartridge  22  to deposit toner onto substrate  44 , which is then fused to substrate  44  by a fuser (not shown), in order to reproduce text or images, etc.  
      Scanner  24  is a conventional scanner. Alternatively scanner  24  is any suitable sensor capable of scanning, e.g. an alignment sensor for aligning a printhead of imaging apparatus  12 , such as printing cartridge  22 .  
      Digital device  13  includes a memory  45 , and may be, for example, a digital camera having a memory or a video camera having a memory. Alternatively, digital device  13  with memory  45  is a floppy drive, a hard drive, a CD drive, a DVD drive, a memory card, or any digital device capable of storing images and communicating with imaging apparatus  12 . When digital device  13  is in communication with imaging apparatus  12  via communication link  30 , imaging apparatus  12  has access to memory  45 .  
      Host  14  may be, for example, a personal computer, including memory  46 , an input device  48 , such as a keyboard, and a display monitor  50 . Digital device  13 , may be coupled to host  14  via a communication link  52 , depicted as a dashed line. Host  14  further includes a processor, input/output (I/O) interfaces, memory, such as RAM, ROM, NVRAM, and at least one mass data storage device, such as a hard drive, a CD-ROM and/or a DVD unit.  
      During operation, host  14  includes in its memory a software program including program instructions that function as an imaging driver  54 , e.g., printer/scanner driver software, for imaging apparatus  12 . Imaging driver  54  is in communication with controller  18  of imaging apparatus  12  via communications link  16 . Imaging driver  54  facilitates communication between imaging apparatus  12  and host  14 , and may provide formatted print data to imaging apparatus  12 , and more particularly, to print engine  20 , to print an image. Alternatively, however, all or a portion of imaging driver  54  may be located in controller  18  of imaging apparatus  12 .  
      In some circumstances, it is desirable to operate imaging apparatus  12  without host  14 , for example, in a stand-alone mode. In a stand-alone operating mode, imaging apparatus  12  is capable of functioning without host  14 . For example, a user of imaging apparatus  12  may take some pictures with digital device  13 , which stores the images in memory  45 . After taking the pictures, the user may desire to quickly and easily work with images obtained from digital device  13  without turning on host  14 , due to the fact that host  14  may require a considerable amount time to boot up. Also, a user may not have access to or own a computer such as host  14 . Accordingly, the present invention is directed to allowing a user to perform actions on images obtained by or stored in digital device  13 , using imaging apparatus  12  in a stand-alone mode. As such, imaging apparatus  12  is in direct communication with digital device  13 , via interface  28  and communication link  30 , including accessing memory  45  that stores a plurality of images  56 . The plurality of images  56  are transferred or copied from memory  45  to a memory associated with imaging apparatus  12 , such as memory  36 . The transfer may be made, for example, by accessing a transfer function on user interface  26  or digital device  13 . This allows imaging apparatus  12  to perform actions with respect to plurality of images  56 . Alternatively, imaging apparatus  12  may perform actions with respect to plurality of images  56  simply by accessing memory  45  without transferring plurality of images  56 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is depicted a thumbnail printout  62  that includes a plurality of thumbnails  64  corresponding to plurality of images  56 , for example, including thumbnail  66  corresponding to image  58  and thumbnail  68  corresponding to image  60 . Each thumbnail of plurality of thumbnails  64  includes a thumbnail image  70  and a thumbnail frame  72 . It will be understood, however, that each of plurality of thumbnails  64  may include only thumbnail image  70 , without thumbnail frame  72 . Thumbnail printout  62  also includes a plurality of print option symbols  74  corresponding to a plurality of print options  76  that may be selected for printing an image or images.  
      In practicing the present invention, as described in the following embodiments, the user of imaging apparatus  12  selects images from plurality of images  56  on which the user desires to perform an action, such as printing, by placing one or more designation mark on thumbnail printout  62 . It will be understood that, in addition to printing, many actions are possible within the scope of the present invention, including, without limitation, with reference to  FIG. 2A , actions  77  such as copying images to memory  36 ; copying images to another storage device; inhibiting printing, for example if the user chooses to print all images except a select few that are inhibited from being printed; deleting, for example deleting images from memory  36  and or memory  45 ; changing image parameters, for example, changing from a normal image to a negative, changing a resolution of an image, compressing an image; as well as other operations that may be performed with respect to an image.  
      Although only certain print options/print option symbols are depicted on thumbnail printout  62 , it will be understood that plurality of print options  76  includes, but is not limited to, with reference to  FIG. 2B , a selection of a number of copies; print quality settings, such as multi-pass printing, print resolution, color, back and white, or other color-related settings; printed size; page layout for printing one image or several images on a page; paper size selection; page orientation for printing; and an output type, e.g., a negative image. Further, it will be understood that more than one print option of plurality of print options  76  may be applied to any given image, and that different sets of print options from plurality of print options  76  may be applied to different images. In addition, although depicted in close proximity to the thumbnails, the print option symbols may be located at any convenient location on thumbnail printout  62 . Further, it will be understood that all images selected for printing may be printed using the same print options by selecting, for example, a global print option  78 . Print options may also be selected by choosing both from plurality of print option symbols  74  and a global print option  78 .  
      Various algorithms may be used for detecting designation marks, and for detecting the configuration of each designation mark. For example, designation marks on a page may be detected using scanner  24  in the form of a conventional scanner, and using optical character recognition (OCR) software residing in memory  36  of controller  18 .  
      If OCR software is used to detect the designation marks, in order to prevent errors by the OCR software due to interference of the thumbnail image with the designation mark, drop-out inks having a known spectral absorptivity or “print contrast signal” (PCS) may be used to print plurality of thumbnails  64 . The drop-out inks would have, for example, a PCS level of 0.4 or less. Here, scanner  24  has a threshold PCS detection level above approximately 0.4, and accordingly, would not detect plurality of thumbnails  64 , but instead, would “see” only the designation marks.  
      Alternatively, imaging apparatus  12  may electronically mask each thumbnail of plurality of thumbnails  62 , for example, by subtracting from each scanned thumbnail, the known pixels values of the thumbnail image stored in memory  36 . If a number of non-white pixels above a threshold level remained, after the subtraction step, imaging apparatus  12  determines that a designation mark has been detected. The configuration of the group of remaining non-white pixels could be detected as corresponding to a particular known configuration, for example, wherein the manufacturer of imaging apparatus  12  specifies that certain configurations of designation marks should be used. For example, configurations in the form of a handwritten “X”  80 , and/or any other alpha-numeric symbol, such as a hand-drawn circle  82 . In addition, OCR software could otherwise be used to detect the configuration. It will be understood that a designation mark according to the present invention may take any convenient form.  
      In addition to detecting the designation marks and their configurations, imaging apparatus  12  also detects the location of each designation mark by detecting the X and Y coordinates e.g., of the centroid of the group of remaining non-white pixels. The locations of each thumbnail and print option symbol are known to imaging apparatus  12 , having been stored in memory  36  before or during the printing of thumbnail printout  62 . The locations of the designation marks are then used in conjunction with the known locations of the respective thumbnails to determine the corresponding images on which actions will be performed, and to determine which print options are selected for each image sought to be printed.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is generally depicted a method for selecting images from the plurality of images  56  obtained from digital device  13  for performing an action, such as printing, with imaging apparatus  12 . The method is described with reference primarily to  FIG. 4 , and also to  FIGS. 2A, 2B , and  5 A- 7 .  
      At a step S 200 , the function of printing thumbnail printout  62  with plurality of thumbnails  64  corresponding to plurality of images  56  is performed, using imaging apparatus  12 . Thumbnail printout  62  also includes plurality of print option symbols  74 , including, for example, a print option symbol  84 , a print option symbol  86 , and a print option symbol  88 .  
      At a step S 202  selection sheet  90  is generated from thumbnail printout  62  by placing a designation mark  92  on thumbnail printout  62  for each thumbnail of plurality of thumbnails  64  corresponding to each image of plurality of images  56  on which an action  94  is to be taken. For example, as depicted in  FIG. 5A , designation mark  92  in the form of hand-drawn circle  82  is placed adjacent thumbnail  66  corresponding to image  58 . In another example, as depicted in  FIG. 5B , designation mark  92  in the form of handwritten “X”  80  is placed in a check box  96  for thumbnail  66  corresponding to image  58 . Alternatively, designation mark  92  may be made by filling in a fill-in circle  98 , as depicted in  FIG. 5C , or making any other convenient character or mark. Another designation mark  100  is placed on thumbnail printout  62  for each thumbnail of plurality of thumbnails  64  corresponding to each image of plurality of images  56  on which a another action, such as an action  102 , is to be taken, wherein designation mark  100  is different from designation mark  92 , and action  102  is different from action  94 . As depicted in  FIG. 5D , designation mark  100  is placed adjacent thumbnail  68  corresponding to image  60 . Designation mark  92  has a configuration  104  in the form of hand-drawn circle  82 , and designation mark  100  has a configuration  106 , different from configuration  104 , in the form of handwritten “X”  80 . Action  94  is printing image  58 , whereas action  102  is deleting image  60  from memory  36  and/or memory  45 .  
      It will be understood that the user may select as many of plurality of images  56  by marking each with designation mark  92  or designation mark  100 . In addition, the configuration of each of designation mark  92  and designation mark  100  may take any convenient form, such as an alphanumeric symbol other than handwritten “X”  80  or hand-drawn circle  82 . The user may select as many of plurality of images  56  as desired, by marking with designation mark  92  and/or designation mark  100 , so that action  94  and action  102  are performed on the selected images, respectively. It will also be understood that additional designation marks, corresponding to additional actions, may be used within the context of the present invention.  
      At a step S 204 , an option designation mark  108 , which is one of a plurality of option designation marks  110 , is placed at one or more print option symbols of plurality of print option symbols  74  on selection sheet  90  to designate one or more desired print option of plurality of print options  76  to be used in printing the desired image or images.  
      Each image of plurality of images  56  on which an action is to be taken includes at least a first image on which the action is to be taken and at least a second image on which the action is to be taken. The user may print different images with different print options. In such a case, the user places an option designation mark  108  for at least one print option symbol corresponding to at least one print option  76  for an image upon which an action is to be taken, and places an option designation mark  108  for a different at least one print option symbol corresponding to a different at least one print option  76  for an image upon which the action is to be taken. For example, in  FIG. 4 , option designation mark  108  in the form of a “scribble”  112  is used to mark print option symbol  84 , print option symbol  86 , and print option symbol  88  for thumbnail  66 , corresponding to image  58  upon which action  94  is to be taken. In addition option designation mark  108 , in the form of “scribble”  112 , is used to mark a print option symbol  114  and print option symbol  86  for thumbnail  67 , corresponding to image  59 , upon which action  94  is also to be taken. In both cases, action  94  is printing the designated images using the print options  76  selected for each image.  
      At a step S 206 , selection sheet  90  is inserted into imaging apparatus  12 , for example, into an automatic sheet feeder or a manual feed slot in imaging apparatus  12 .  
      At a step S 208 , imaging apparatus  12  detects each designation mark by scanning selection sheet  90  with scanner  24 . For example, scanner  24  scans selection sheet  90  to detect designation mark  92 , a second designation mark, e.g., designation mark  100 , and each option designation mark  108 . Using the detection algorithms described above, detection step S 208  includes detecting the configurations of each designation mark, for example, detecting configuration  104  of designation mark  92  as being hand-drawn circle  82 , and detecting configuration  106 , respectively, of designation mark  100  as being handwritten “X”  80 .  
      At a step S 210 , a confirmation  116  is printed, for confirming to the user that each image for which an action to be taken is designated. Confirmation  116  is printed on selection sheet  90 , wherein the printing of confirmation  116  includes printing a first confirmation mark printed at one of a location adjacent each thumbnail and on each thumbnail, corresponding to each image on which an action is to be taken. Confirmation  116  includes printing a confirmation mark  118  and a confirmation mark  120  different from confirmation mark  118 . For example, a confirmation mark  118 , in the form of the word “PRINT”, is printed on thumbnail  66  to confirm that corresponding image  58  is designated for printing, and is printed adjacent thumbnail  67  to confirm that corresponding image  59  is to be printed. A confirmation mark  120  in the form of the word “DELETE” is printed adjacent thumbnail  68  to confirm that corresponding image  60  is to be deleted from memory  36  and/or memory  45 .  
      The printing of confirmation  116  includes printing an option confirmation mark  122  at one of a location adjacent the corresponding print option symbol and on the print option symbol. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5A , option confirmation mark  122  in the form of a checkmark is printed on print option symbol  84 , print option symbol  86 , and print option symbol  88 . As depicted in  FIG. 5B , option confirmation mark  122  is printed adjacent print option symbol  84 , print option symbol  86 , and print option symbol  88 .  
      Where more than one print option is selected by the user, confirmation  116  includes printing option confirmation mark  122  at print option symbols of plurality of print option symbols  74  corresponding to each at least one print option and each different at least one print option. For example, print option symbol  84 , print option symbol  86 , and print option symbol  88  with respect to thumbnail  66 ; and print option symbol  86  and print option symbol  114  with respect to thumbnail  67 .  
      Alternatively, confirmation  116  is printed on a separate sheet, for example, with reference to  FIG. 6 , wherein printing the confirmation includes printing each designated thumbnail, e.g., thumbnail  66  and thumbnail  67 , corresponding to each image on which an action is to be taken. In addition, confirmation  116  includes printing each selected print option symbol. For example, with reference to  FIG. 6 , printing print option symbol  84 , print option symbol  86 , and print option symbol  88  with respect to thumbnail  66 ; and print option symbol  86  and print option symbol  114  with respect to thumbnail  67 .  
      At a step S 212 , in response to user input, for example, via user interface  26 , imaging apparatus  12  performs action  94  based on detecting designation mark  92  and based on the known location of each thumbnail, e.g., thumbnail  66 . For example, the location of designation mark  92 , with respect to the known location of thumbnail  66  at “X” coordinate  124  and “Y” coordinate  126  (reference  FIG. 7 ), allows for a determination by imaging apparatus  12  that thumbnail  66  has been selected. If a print option is selected, step S 212  includes printing each image on which an action is to be taken, using the print option, based on the known location of the print option symbol. For example, printing image  58 , on which action  94  is to be taken, using a print option  76  based on a known location of print option symbol  84  and the detected location of option designation mark  108 . Here, action  94  is printing. Alternatively, however, action  94  may be any action, such as one of the previously described actions, for example, inhibiting image  58  from printing, or deleting image  58  from memory  36  and/or memory  45 .  
      If more than one image is selected for the action of printing, and different print options are desired for each respective image, step S 212  includes, for example, printing image  58  using at least one print option  76  of plurality of print options  76 , and printing image  59  using a different at least one print option  76  of plurality of print options  76 .  
      If more one action is desired for a particular image or images, and another action is desired for another image or images, step S 212  includes performing both such actions on the respective images, without the need to re-mark and reinsert selection sheet  90  into imaging apparatus  12 . For example, step S 212  includes performing both action  94  on image  58  and action  102  on image  60  based on detecting both designation mark  92  and designation mark  100 , respectively, and based on detecting, for example, configuration  104  of designation mark  92  in the form of hand-drawn circle  82 , and configuration  106  of designation mark  100  in the form of handwritten “X”  80 , respectively. Action  94  is, for example, printing image  58 , and action  102  is, for example, deleting image  60  from memory  36  and/or memory  45 .  
      In a case where the user wishes to print all of plurality of images  56  except for a certain image or certain images, step S 212  includes printing all images except for those images designation for the action of inhibiting printing.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is generally depicted another method for selecting images from the plurality of images  56  obtained from digital device  13  for performing an action, such as printing, with imaging apparatus  12 . This method is described with reference primarily to  FIG. 4 , and also with reference to  FIGS. 2A, 2B , and  7 .  
      At a step S 300 , the function of printing thumbnail printout  62  with plurality of thumbnails  64  corresponding to plurality of images  56  is performed, using imaging apparatus  12 . Thumbnail printout  62  also includes plurality of print option symbols  74 , including, for example, print option symbol  84 , print option symbol  86 , and print option symbol  88 .  
      At a step S 302  selection sheet  90  is generated from thumbnail printout  62  by placing a designation mark  92  directly on each thumbnail of plurality of thumbnails  64  corresponding to each image of plurality of images  56  on which an action  94  is to be taken. For example designation mark  92  is placed on thumbnail  66  corresponding to image  58 . Another designation mark  100  is placed directly on each thumbnail of plurality of thumbnails  64  corresponding to each image of plurality of images  56  on which a another action, such as action  102 , is to be taken, wherein designation mark  100  is different from designation mark  92 , and action  102  is different from action  94 . As depicted in  FIG. 4 , designation mark  100  is placed on thumbnail  68  corresponding to image  60 . Designation mark  92  has a configuration  104  in the form of hand-drawn circle  82 , and designation mark  100  has a configuration  106 , different from configuration  104 , in the form of handwritten “X”  80 . Action  94  is printing image  58 , whereas action  102  is deleting image  60  from memory  36  and/or memory  45 .  
      In this embodiment of present invention, the placement of designation marks directly on a thumbnail is advantageous relative to other marking methods, for example, marking a check box, such as a check box  96 , filling in a circle, such as fill-in circle  98  or marking adjacent to a thumbnail, because marking directly on a thumbnail is more intuitive to the user in that the user marks the object of his/her desire directly, rather than requiring the additional mental step of seeking and selecting the appropriate location to make a designation mark. In addition, placing an “X”, such as handwritten “X”  80 , is an intuitive method of selecting for deletion, which allows for quicker and easier marking by the user. Further, marking directly on the thumbnail reduces the amount of printing that would be required to print check boxes or the like, thus saving ink. Additionally, the absence of check boxes allows for a less cluttered appearance of thumbnail printout  62 , thus preventing confusion for the user. Furthermore, marking directly on the image may be easier and less confusing, especially for users with poor eyesight, such as elderly users, particularly considering that thumbnail images are typically larger and more visible than check boxes or circles that need to be checked or filled in.  
      At a step S 304 , an option designation mark  108 , which is one of plurality of option designation marks  110 , is placed directly on one or more print option symbols of plurality of print option symbols  74  on selection sheet  90  to designate one or more desired print option of plurality of print options  76  to be used in printing the desired image or images.  
      Each image of plurality of images  56  on which an action is to be taken includes at least a first image on which the action is to be taken and at least a second image on which the action is to be taken. Accordingly, the user may print different images with different print options. In such a case, the user places an option designation mark  108  directly on at least one print option symbol corresponding to at least one print option  76  for an image upon which an action is to be taken, and places an option designation mark  108  on a different at least one print option symbol corresponding to a different at least one print option  76  for an image upon which the action is to be taken. For example, in  FIG. 4 , option designation mark  108  in the form of a “scribble”  112  is used to mark print option symbol  84 , print option symbol  86 , and print option symbol  88  for thumbnail  66 , corresponding to image  58  upon which action  94  is to be taken. In addition option designation mark  108 , in the form of “scribble”  112 , is used to mark print option symbol  114  and print option symbol  88  for thumbnail  67 , corresponding to image  59 , upon which action  94  is also to be taken. In both cases, action  94  is printing the designated images using the print options  76  selected for each image.  
      At a step S 306 , selection sheet  90  is inserted into imaging apparatus  12 , for example, into an automatic sheet feeder or a manual feed slot in imaging apparatus  12 .  
      At a step S 308 , imaging apparatus  12  detects each designation mark by scanning selection sheet  90  with scanner  24 . For example, scanner  24  scans selection sheet  90  to detect designation mark  92 , a second designation mark, e.g., designation mark  100 , and each option designation mark  108 . Using the detection algorithms described above, detection step S 308  includes detecting the configurations of each designation mark, for example, detecting configuration  104  of designation mark  92  as being hand-drawn circle  82 , and detecting configuration  106 , respectively, of designation mark  100  as being handwritten “X”  80 .  
      At a step S 310 , imaging apparatus  12  performs action  94  based on detecting designation mark  92  and based on the known location of each thumbnail, e.g., thumbnail  66 . For example, the location of designation mark  92 , with respect to the known location of thumbnail  66  at “X” coordinate  124  and “Y” coordinate  126  (reference  FIG. 7 ), allows for a determination by imaging apparatus  12  that thumbnail  66  has been selected. If a print option is selected, step S 310  includes printing each image on which an action is to be taken, using the print option, based on the known location of the print option symbol. For example, printing image  58 , on which action  94  is to be taken, using a print option  76  based on a known location of print option symbol  84  and the detected location of option designation mark  108 . Here, action  94  is printing. Alternatively, however, action  94  may be any action, such as one of the previously described actions, for example, inhibiting image  58  from printing, or deleting image  58  from memory  36  and/or memory  45 .  
      If more than one image is selected for the action of printing, and different print options are desired for each respective image, step S 310  includes, for example, printing image  58  using at least one print option  76  of plurality of print options  76 , and printing image  59  using a different at least one print option  76  of plurality of print options  76 .  
      If more one action is desired for a particular image or images, and another action is desired for another image or images, step S 310  includes performing both such actions on the respective images, without the need to re-mark and reinsert selection sheet  90  into imaging apparatus  12 . For example, step S 310  includes performing both action  94  on image  58  and action  102  on image  60  based on detecting both designation mark  92  and designation mark  100 , and based on detecting, for example, configuration  104  of designation mark  92  in the form of hand-drawn circle  82 , and configuration  106  of designation mark  100  in the form of handwritten “X”  80 , respectively. Action  94  may be, for example, printing image  58 , and action  102  may be, for example, deleting image  60  from memory  36  and/or memory  45 .  
      In a case where the user wishes to print all of plurality of images  56  except for a certain image or certain images, step S 310  includes printing all images except for those images designation for the action of inhibiting printing.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is generally depicted yet another method for selecting images from the plurality of images  56  obtained from digital device  13  for performing an action, such as printing, with imaging apparatus  12 . This method is described primarily with reference to  FIG. 4 , and also,  FIGS. 2A, 2B , and  6 - 7 .  
      At a step S 400 , the function of printing thumbnail printout  62  with plurality of thumbnails  64  corresponding to plurality of images  56  is performed, using imaging apparatus  12 . Thumbnail printout  62  includes at least one orientation symbol  128  for indicating an orientation of thumbnail printout  62 . In addition, thumbnail printout  62  incorporates plurality of print option symbols  74 , including, for example, a print option symbol  84 , a print option symbol  86 , and a print option symbol  88 .  
      Orientation symbol  128  includes at least one elongate bar  130 , which is preferably located in a corner  132  of thumbnail printout  62 , but may be located on any convenient portion of thumbnail printout  62 . As depicted in  FIG. 4 , orientation symbol  128  includes four orientation symbols, wherein a first orientation symbol  128  is an elongate bar  130 , a second orientation symbol  128  is two elongate bars  130 , a third orientation symbol is three elongate bars  130 , and a fourth orientation symbol is four elongate bars  130 . Orientation symbol  128  is configured to indicate at least four possible orientations of thumbnail printout  62 , for example, a top orientation  134 , a bottom orientation  136 , a left orientation  138 , and a right orientation  140 .  
      At a step S 402  selection sheet  90  is generated from thumbnail printout  62  by placing a designation mark  92  on thumbnail printout  62  for each thumbnail of plurality of thumbnails  64  corresponding to each image of plurality of images  56  on which an action  94  is to be taken. For example, as depicted in  FIG. 5A , designation mark  92  in the form of hand-drawn circle  82  is placed adjacent thumbnail  66  corresponding to image  58 . In another example, as depicted in  FIG. 5B , designation mark  92  in the form of handwritten “X”  80  is placed in check box  96  for thumbnail  66  corresponding to image  58 . Alternatively, designation mark  92  may be made by filling in a fill-in circle  98 , as depicted in  FIG. 5C , or making any other convenient mark. Another designation mark  100  is placed on thumbnail printout  62  for each thumbnail of plurality of thumbnails  64  corresponding to each image of plurality of images  56  on which a another action, such as an action  102 , is to be taken, wherein designation mark  100  is different from designation mark  92 , and action  102  is different from action  94 . As depicted in  FIG. 5D , designation mark  100  is placed adjacent thumbnail  68  corresponding to image  60 . Designation mark  92  has a configuration  104  in the form of hand-drawn circle  82 , and designation mark  100  has a configuration  106 , different from configuration  104 , in the form of handwritten “X”  80 . Action  94  is printing image  58 , whereas action  102  is deleting image  60  from memory  36  and/or memory  45 .  
      At a step S 404 , an option designation mark  108 , which is one of plurality of option designation marks  110 , is placed at one or more print option symbols of plurality of print option symbols  74  on selection sheet  90  to designate one or more desired print option of plurality of print options  76  to be used in printing the desired image or images.  
      At a step S 406 , selection sheet  90  is inserted into imaging apparatus  12 , for example, into an automatic sheet feeder or a manual feed slot in imaging apparatus  12 .  
      At a step S 408 , imaging apparatus  12  detects each designation mark by scanning selection sheet  90  with scanner  24 . For example, scanner  24  scans selection sheet  90  to detect designation mark  92 , a second designation mark, e.g., designation mark  100 , and each option designation mark  108 . Using the detection algorithms described above, detection step S 408  includes detecting the configurations of each designation mark, for example, detecting configuration  104  of designation mark  92  as being hand-drawn circle  82 , and detecting configuration  106 , respectively, of designation mark  100  as being handwritten “X”  80 .  
      In addition to detecting designation marks, each orientation symbol  128  is detected by scanning selection sheet  90  with scanner  24 .  
      At a step S 410 , the orientation of selection sheet  90 , e.g., top orientation  134 , bottom orientation  136 , left orientation  138 , or right orientation  140 , is determined, based on orientation symbol  128 . In the present embodiment, the orientation is determined based on detecting a number of elongate bars. For example, as selection sheet  90  is fed through imaging apparatus  12 , if scanner  24  initially detects a single elongate bar  130  at the beginning of scanning of selection sheet  90 , imaging apparatus  12  determines the orientation of selection sheet  90  as being top orientation  134 , e.g., a portrait orientation with the top end having been inserted into the automatic sheet feeder or manual feed slot of imaging apparatus  12 . On the other hand, if scanner  24  initially detects three elongate bars  130 , imaging apparatus  12  determines the orientation of selection sheet  90  as being right orientation  140 , e.g., a landscape orientation with the right end of selection sheet  90  having been inserted into imaging apparatus  12 . It will be understood that bottom orientation  136  and left orientation  138  are similarly detected, based on initially detecting two elongate bars and four elongate bars, respectively. It will also be understood that the orientation may be determined using other numbers and shapes of orientation symbol  128  that are sufficient to indicate at least four possible orientations of thumbnail printout  62 .  
      At a step S 412 , imaging apparatus  12  performs action  94  based on detecting designation mark  92  and based on the known location of each thumbnail, e.g., thumbnail  66 , which is based on the determining of the orientation of selection sheet  90 . For example, the location of designation mark  92 , with respect to the known location of thumbnail  66  at “X” coordinate  124  and “Y” coordinate  126  (reference  FIG. 7 ), allows for a determination by imaging apparatus  12  that thumbnail  66  has been selected. If a print option is selected, step S 412  includes printing each image on which an action is to be taken, using the print option, based on the known location of the print option symbol. For example, printing image  58 , on which action  94  is to be taken, using a print option  76  based on the known location of print option symbol  84  and the detected location of option designation mark  108 . The location of each print option symbol is known based on the determined orientation of selection sheet  90 .  
      In the example given, action  94  is printing. Alternatively, however, action  94  may be any action, such as one of the previously described actions, for example, inhibiting image  58  from printing, or deleting image  58  from memory  36  and/or memory  45 .  
      If more than one action is desired for a particular image or images, and another action is desired for another image or images, step S 412  includes performing both such actions on the respective images, without the need to re-mark and reinsert selection sheet  90  into imaging apparatus  12 . For example, step S 412  includes performing both action  94  on image  58  and action  102  on image  60  based on detecting both designation mark  92  and designation mark  100  and based on the determined orientation of selection sheet  90 , and also based on detecting, for example, configuration  104  of designation mark  92  in the form of hand-drawn circle  82 , and configuration  106  of designation mark  100  in the form of handwritten “X”  80 , respectively. Action  94  is, for example, printing image  58 , and action  102  is, for example, deleting image  60  from memory  36  and/or memory  45 .  
      In a case where the user wishes to print all of plurality of images  56  except for a certain image or certain images, step S 412  includes printing all images except for those images designation for the action of inhibiting printing.  
      While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.