JP2000358206A - Electronic camera and print controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To clearly inform a user of a range of print properly designated before photographing or printing and to print out only a picture within the print range as a print of the picture of a prescribed size. SOLUTION: When a user operates an operation section 80 of this electronic camera to select a kind of a photo for a certificate, an on-screen device OSD controller 74 outputs a frame signal corresponding to a size of the photo for certificate to an output of a digital encoder 76 at which the frame signal is mixed with a video signal outputted from the digital encoder 76. Thus, a monitor can display a picture on which a frame for the photo for the certificate is composited. Furthermore, data of R, G, B for recording are captured from a CCD 56, the R, G, B data are converted into luminance/chrominance Y/C data and they are compressed and stored in a memory card 52. In this case, information denoting the frame of the photo for certificate is also recorded. On the basis of the frame information, only the picture within the frame is printed out as the picture of the size of the photo for certificate or the print range is again set independently of the frame information and the resulting picture is printed out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an electronic camera and a print control device, and more particularly to a print output range (frame).
The present invention relates to an electronic camera and a print control device which enable shooting by setting an image and printing only an image in the frame.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a video camera having an electronic zoom function, a range (monitor range) wider than a range actually recorded (recording range) is displayed on an electronic viewfinder, and the recording range and the monitor range are displayed. There has been proposed a video camera in which the density of both is changed and displayed so that they can be distinguished from each other (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 4-233372).
No.). Thus, the situation around the subject to be actually recorded can be grasped.

In a video camera having an electronic zoom function and an optical viewfinder, a transparent liquid crystal panel is provided in the optical viewfinder, and an image frame is displayed on the liquid crystal panel according to the magnification of the electronic zoom. (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-2603)
No. 52).

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned conventional video camera has a recording area narrower than a monitor range displayed on an electronic viewfinder and an area of an image frame narrower than a viewfinder visual field displayed on an optical viewfinder. Since only the area (ie, the area to be electronically zoomed) is recorded on the recording medium, there is a problem that images other than the area that has been electronically zoomed cannot be reproduced or printed. That is, when printing a reproduced image, there is a problem that the print position cannot be adjusted beyond the electronically zoomed area.

[0005] On the other hand, when taking various ID photos, it is necessary to take the ID photos so as to be adapted to the aspect ratio and size according to the type of ID photos. Moreover, when printing, there is a problem that a desired photograph cannot be obtained. Furthermore, there is a problem that it is difficult to cut a photograph into an aspect ratio and a size corresponding to the type of the ID photograph.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is possible to clearly notify a print range before photographing, and only an image within the print range is an image of a predetermined size. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of printing and outputting as printed.

Further, according to the present invention, the range to be printed can be clearly notified before printing, the size and aspect ratio of the print can be set, and the print position and size can be set regardless of the print range set at the time of shooting. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print control apparatus capable of performing print output so that only an image within a print range in which is appropriately set or adjusted is printed as an image of a predetermined size.

[0008]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera, comprising: a photographing means for photographing a subject and obtaining an image signal indicating the subject; and a frame indicating a print range. Frame designating means for designating at least one of the size and the aspect ratio of the frame so as to be changeable, and a frame designated by the frame designating means superimposed on the subject image and displayed. Means for causing the image signal acquired by the photographing means,
Recording means for recording an image signal indicating the entire range of the subject image without a frame on a recording medium and recording information of the frame designated by the frame designating means.

That is, since the frame appropriately designated by the frame designating means can be displayed so as to be superimposed on the subject image, the print range can be clearly recognized before the photographing, so that the appropriate composition and the like can be set. Will be possible.

[0010] The electronic camera may further include a reproducing means for displaying an image on a monitor based on the image signal recorded on the recording medium, and information on a frame recorded on the recording medium. A frame generating unit configured to generate a frame based on the frame; and a frame combining unit configured to combine the frame with an image displayed on the monitor. An image signal indicating the entire range of the subject image without a frame is recorded on the recording medium, and an image obtained by combining the frame set at the time of shooting based on the frame information together with this image signal is displayed on a monitor. be able to.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera, comprising: photographing means for photographing a subject and obtaining an image signal indicating the subject; and frame designating means for designating a frame indicating a print range. Frame designating means for designating at least one of the aspect ratio and the aspect ratio to be changeable, means for superimposing and displaying the frame designated by the frame designating means on the subject image, and within the frame designated by the frame designating means. Image processing means for processing an image signal obtained by the photographing means so that only the image is printed as an image of a predetermined size, and print control means for outputting the image signal processed by the image processing means to a printer And, it is characterized by having.

That is, since the frame appropriately designated by the frame designating means can be displayed so as to be superimposed on the subject image, the print range can be clearly recognized before photographing, so that appropriate composition and the like can be set. Will be possible. Further, an image signal which has been subjected to processing such as trimming and electronic zoom so that only the image within the frame is printed as an image of a predetermined size can be output to a printer.

As a fourth aspect of the present invention, the means for superimposing and displaying the frame on the subject image includes a frame generating means for generating a frame designated by the frame designating means, and a frame signal based on an image signal from the photographing means. Frame synthesizing means for synthesizing the frame with the image displayed on the monitor. The electronic camera is further characterized in that it has means for relatively moving an image displayed on the monitor and a frame, as shown in claim 5 of the present application.

The frame designating means designates a frame having the same aspect ratio as that of the selected certificate photograph by selecting one of the various certificate photographs as set forth in claim 6 of the present application. It is characterized by.

[0015] The image processing means converts the image signal acquired by the photographing means so as to be printed as an image having the same aspect ratio and size as the ID photograph selected by the frame designating means. It is characterized by processing. This makes it possible to obtain a certification photograph having a desired aspect ratio and size by cutting the printed photograph along the printed area.

[0016] The frame designating means may be at least one of various types of ID photos such as a visa ID photo, a passport ID photo, a resume ID photo, and a car driver's license. It is characterized in that any one of two or more ID photos is selected.

The frame is a vertically elongated frame with the camera held horizontally as described in claim 9 of the present application. In general, the camera has a structure suitable for horizontal position shooting, and it is difficult to operate the vertical position shooting. However, according to the invention according to claim 9 of the present application, the camera is held horizontally even when shooting and printing a vertically long image. It is possible to shoot while holding it, which is particularly effective for a large camera.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus comprising: a reproducing unit for displaying an image on a monitor based on an image signal recorded on the recording medium according to the first aspect; Frame generating means for generating a frame based on information; frame synthesizing means for synthesizing the frame with an image displayed on the monitor; and so that only the image in the frame is printed as an image of a predetermined size. The image processing apparatus is characterized by comprising image processing means for processing the image signal recorded on the recording medium, and print control means for outputting the image signal processed by the image processing means to a printer.

With this, it is possible to confirm the trimming range at the time of shooting at the time of reproduction, and to perform trimming and electronic zooming so that only the image within the frame set at the time of shooting is printed as an image of a predetermined size. The processed image signal can be output to a printer.

The print control apparatus according to claim 11 of the present invention is a reproduction means for displaying an image on a monitor based on an image signal recorded on a recording medium, and a frame designating means for designating a frame indicating a print range. Frame designating means for designating at least one of the size and aspect ratio of the frame so as to be changeable, a frame generating means for generating a frame designated by the frame designating means, and an image displayed on the monitor. A frame synthesizing unit for synthesizing the frame generated by the frame generating unit, and an image recorded on the recording medium such that only an image in the frame specified by the frame specifying unit is printed as an image of a predetermined size. Image processing means for processing a signal; and print control means for outputting an image signal processed by the image processing means to a printer. .

That is, the print control device combines a desired frame with the reproduced image to confirm a trimming range,
An image signal subjected to processing such as trimming and electronic zoom can be output to a printer so that only the image within the frame is printed as an image of a predetermined size.

The print control apparatus further comprises means for relatively moving the image displayed on the monitor and the frame, as described in claim 12 of the present application.

The frame designating means designates a frame having the same aspect ratio as that of the selected ID photograph by selecting one of the ID photos from various ID photos as set forth in claim 13 of the present application. It is characterized by.

[0024] The image processing means may include an image signal recorded on the recording medium so as to be printed as an image having the same aspect ratio and size as the ID photograph selected by the frame designating means. Is processed.

[0025] The frame designating means may include at least one of various identification photos such as a visa ID photo, a passport ID photo, a resume ID photo, and a car driver's license. It is characterized in that any one of two or more ID photos is selected. Further, the frame generation means generates a frame which is vertically long with respect to a reproduced image of an image photographed with the camera held horizontally, as described in claim 16 of the present application.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an electronic camera and a print control device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of an electronic camera according to the present invention. At the center of the front of the electronic camera 1 is mounted a lens barrel 3 having a taking lens 2 incorporated therein.
A flash window 4 and a finder window 5 are provided above the taking lens 2.
Are formed. The AF on the right side of the viewfinder window
(Auto Focus) A light projecting window 6 and an AF light receiving window 7 are provided vertically. Reference numeral 8 denotes a flash light control sensor.

The photographing lens 2 is composed of a zoom lens, and a zoom lever 20 provided on the back of the electronic camera 1.
The focal length can be changed to 9.2 mm to 25.8 (corresponding to 35 mm to 105 mm in 35 mm camera conversion) by the driving force of a motor (not shown) driven according to the operation of FIG. Although not shown in detail, a moving lens group constituting an objective lens is arranged inside the finder window 5, and the moving lens is driven in conjunction with a change in the focal length of the taking lens 2. A zoom finder is configured. Furthermore, by setting to × 2 mode,
A 2x electronic zoom can be performed. That is, the optical zoom and the electronic zoom enable a maximum of 6 times zoom.

A light projecting means such as an infrared light emitting diode is provided inside the AF light projecting window 6, and a light receiving means including a light receiving element such as a photodiode is arranged inside the AF light receiving window 7. These light emitting means and light receiving means constitute a distance measuring unit for measuring the distance to the subject. This distance measuring unit (AF unit) obtains the distance to the subject based on, for example, the principle of triangulation, and the result is determined by autofocus (A
F) Used for control.

On the upper surface of the electronic camera 1, a shutter button 9, a mode dial 10, an up / down dial 1
1, an accessory shoe 12, and a liquid crystal display panel 13 are provided. On the left side of the liquid crystal display panel 13, a size switching button 14, an erase button 15, and a print button 16 are provided in order from the front.

The mode dial 10 is provided to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions, and the function of the electronic camera 1 can be changed depending on the setting position of the dial. For example, "OFF"-"AUTO"-"SETU" for each click stop position of the rotation operation
P "-" P "-" S "-" A "-" M "-" PC "-
The mode is changed in order of “PLAY” and 9 steps, and “PLAY”
After "AY", the dial returns to "OFF" and the dial makes one rotation.

The "OFF" mode is a position set when the electronic camera 1 is not used. In this mode, the power of the electronic camera 1 is turned off. “AUTO” is a mode set when performing automatic photographing. Under this mode, AF and AE (automatic exposure control) function effectively.
The photographer can perform photographing only by pressing the shutter button 9 without performing any other special operation. "SETU
"P" means date, time, sensitivity correction, compression mode, color /
This is a mode for making various settings such as black and white. In this mode, the user operates the up / down dial 11 and a set button 23 (FIG. 2) described later while checking the display on the liquid crystal display panel for each item to be set. Input the desired setting.

"P" is a program AE, "S" is shutter priority, "A" is aperture priority, and "M" is a position for setting a manual exposure shooting mode. For the program selection, shutter speed setting, aperture value setting, and the like in each of these shooting modes, desired input is performed by operating the up / down dial 11 and the set button 23.

"PC" is a mode in which the electronic camera 1 and a personal computer are connected by a dedicated cable to transmit and receive image data. “PLAY” is a mode set when a captured image is reproduced.

The size switching button 14 is a button used for setting and switching the print size of various ID photos, and the erase button 15 is used for instructing erasure of image data stored in the memory card. Button used. Further, the liquid crystal display panel 13 displays the selected print size, the state of various switches, the remaining battery power, the use status of the memory, and the like. The details of the print size display and the like displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 13 will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the electronic camera shown in FIG. A zoom lever 20 is provided on the back of the electronic camera 1, and by operating the zoom lever 20 upward or downward, the focal length of the photographing lens 2 is set to the long focal length (tele) or short focal length (wide). Can be changed to An eyepiece 22 of a finder is formed at the upper left corner of the camera rear surface, and a field of view substantially equal to the angle of view can be observed from the eyepiece 22.

On the left side of the eyepiece section 22 of the finder, a set button 23 and a scene number switching button 24 are provided vertically. The set button 23 is used when setting various inputs in combination with the up / down dial 11 as described above. Also, a scene number switching button 24
Is a button used when switching between one scene print and two scene print.

A memory card cover 25 is provided on the right side of the electronic camera 1 in FIG. A memory card loading chamber is formed inside the electronic camera 1, and the memory card cover 25 can be opened to insert a memory card into the electronic camera 1 or take out the memory card from the electronic camera 1. It has become. A transparent memory card confirmation window 27 is formed in the center of the rear surface of the electronic camera 1, through which it is possible to confirm whether a memory card is loaded in the electronic camera 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the electronic camera shown in FIG.

On the bottom surface of the electronic camera 1, there are provided an extension terminal 30, a tripod screw hole 32, and a unit mounting hole 34 for making an electrical connection with an extension unit 40 described later. The tripod screw hole 32 is also used as a fixing screw hole of the extension unit, and the unit mounting hole 34 has an L-shaped inside so that an L-shaped hook (see FIG. 4) formed on the extension unit side can be engaged. Is formed.

A battery cover 36 is provided on the bottom of the electronic camera 1 via a hinge 37 so as to be openable and closable. The battery cover open knob 38 formed on the battery cover 36 is operated to operate the battery cover. By opening 36, the battery can be replaced.

FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of an extension unit mounted on the bottom surface of the electronic camera shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 4 shows a state as viewed from the back side of the extension unit 40.

On the upper surface of the extension unit 40, a terminal 42 to be fitted with the extension terminal 30 of the electronic camera 1 and a fixing screw 43
And a substantially L-shaped hook 44 are provided. The extension unit 4 is attached to the bottom of the electronic camera 1 by engaging the hook 44 with the unit mounting hole 34 on the electronic camera 1 side and screwing the fixing screw 43 into the tripod screw hole 32.
The electronic camera 1 and the extension unit 40 are electrically connected by the extension terminals 30 and the terminals 42.

A 25-pin SCSI terminal (not shown) is provided on the left side of the extension unit 40 in the figure, and can be directly connected to a personal computer or a digital printer 54 via a SCSI cable (FIG. 5). , FIG. 9).

On the back of the extension unit 40, a slide switch 46 and a dip switch 48 are provided.
The slide switch 46 is used for switching between an OFF position, a SCSI position, and the like. When the switch is set to the OFF position, the slide switch 46 enters a power save mode, and suppresses consumption of a battery mounted on the electronic camera 1 side. In other words, this is substantially equivalent to a state where the extension unit 40 is not attached to the electronic camera 1. When the slide switch 46 is set to the SCSI position, data transmission / reception with a personal computer or digital printer 54 connected via the SCSI terminal becomes effective. That is, the photographed image can be sent to the personal computer, and the personal computer can perform the photographing operation of the electronic camera 1. Further, photographed image data can be directly transferred to the digital printer 54 for printing.

On the other hand, a four-position up / down type dip switch is used, and more detailed setting under the SCSI mode is performed by a combination of the four switches. That is, when the SCSI mode is selected by the slide switch 46, the DIP switch 48 is used to set the PC operation mode in which the PC connection is further enabled, or the printer connection is set to the print mode in which the printing is enabled by the connection. Settings are made.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a system in which the digital camera shown in FIG. 1 and the extension unit shown in FIG. 4 are combined. The electronic camera 1 converts the captured image to N
It has a video output terminal for transmitting in a predetermined signal format such as TSC, and the video output terminal is connected to the accessory shoe 12 by a liquid crystal viewfinder or a liquid crystal monitor 5.
0 or by connecting to an image display device such as a television monitor, a through image (moving image) or a captured image can be confirmed.

A memory card 52 is loaded in the electronic camera 1, and photographed image data is recorded on the memory card 52 in a predetermined format. As a recording method, for example, a format conforming to the Exif format is adopted, and image data compressed in JPEG format and 8
A set of thumbnail data of 0 × 60 pixels is recorded. Further, tag information of the image data and information of a frame indicating a print range according to the present invention are recorded together with the image data.

As the memory card 52, a PC card or a smart media (SSFDC) that can be used in a compatible manner with a PC card by using a PC card adapter is used. The memory card 52 is removable from the electronic camera 1, can be inserted into a notebook personal computer having a PC card slot, or a PC card reader, and can use image data in various devices.

The extension unit 40 mounted on the bottom of the electronic camera 1 can be directly connected to the digital printer 54 via a SCSI cable. Digital printer 54
And the extension unit 40, bidirectional communication is performed, and a printer model,
Information about the paper size and the like is sent to the extension unit 40 side.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which a frame having the same size as the print size of each of the various ID photos is displayed on the monitor, and FIGS. 6 (A), 6 (B), 6 (C) and FIG. 6D shows a visa frame, a passport frame, a resume frame, and a car driving license frame, respectively. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display screen of a monitor showing a state in which a resume frame (white frame) is synthesized on an image.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the display contents of the liquid crystal display panel 13 based on the operation of the size switching button 14 and the like.
The size switching button 14 is used to set and switch the print size of various ID photos as described above. Each time one push is performed, “OFF” → “A size (Visa ID photo)” → “B size” (Passport ID photo) → “C size (resume ID photo)” → “D size (automobile driver's license ID photo)” → “OFF”.

The print size of the visa ID photo is 5
0 mm x 50 mm (vertical / horizontal aspect ratio = 1: 1), and the passport ID photo print size is 45 mm x 35
(Aspect ratio = 9: 7), the print size of the resume certificate photo is 40 mm × 30 (aspect ratio = 4: 3),
The print size of the car driver's license photo is 30mm
× 24 (aspect ratio = 5: 4).

Also, "A", "b", "c" and "d" displayed in segments on the liquid crystal display panel 13 shown in FIG. 8 have A size, B size, C size and D size, respectively. "2" in the segment display indicates that two-scene printing has been set by the scene number switching button 24 described above.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the internal structure of the electronic camera and the like.

The electronic camera 1 mainly includes a photographing lens 2, a CCD 56, an analog decoder 57, an A / D converter 58, and a card interface (card I / F) 6.
0, SCSI I / F 62, central processing unit (CPU) 6
4, work memory 68, frame memory controller 7
0, compression / decompression engine 72, digital encoder 7
6, a frame memory 78, an operation unit 80, and the like. The SCSI I / F 62 is provided on the extension unit 40 side.

Light from the subject is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 56 by the photographing lens 2. The CCD 56 has, for example, a 2/3 inch and 1.4 million pixels, and the image light formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 56 is R, G, B
Each sensor having a filter accumulates electric charges for a predetermined time and converts the signals into R, G, and B signals in amounts corresponding to the light intensity.

The R, G, B signals are supplied to the analog decoder 5
7, where the gains of the R, G, and B signals are controlled. R, G, B output from the analog decoder 57
The signal is converted into a digital signal (R, G, B data) by an A / D converter 58, and then converted to a digital signal (R, G, B).
The data is converted to Y / C data (luminance signal Y and chroma signal C) by Y / C conversion processing, and stored in frame memory 78 via frame memory controller 70.

When a compression command is sent from the CPU 64, the compression / expansion engine 72 compresses the Y / C data in the frame memory 78 and sends the compressed data to the card I / F.
Output to the memory card 52 via 60. Thus, the compressed data is recorded on the memory card 52. When the compressed data recorded on the memory card 52 is reproduced, the compression / decompression engine 72
2 is expanded, and the expanded Y / C data is expanded in the frame memory 78.

The digital encoder 76 receives the Y signal from the frame memory 78 via the frame memory controller 70.
For example, an NTSC color composite video signal is generated based on the input Y / C data, and is output to a video output terminal 82.

An on-screen device (OSD) controller 74 generates frame signals indicating various frames and character signals indicating characters and the like according to the present invention based on commands from the CPU 64, and outputs these from the digital encoder 76. Mixed video signal.

In the print mode, the CPU 64 converts the Y / C data stored in the frame memory 78 into R,
The data is converted into G and B data and stored in the work memory 68.
The R, G, and B data are transferred to the SCSI I / F 62
Is transferred to the digital printer 54 via the. In addition, ROM
Reference numeral 66 stores a control program and a color correction lookup table (LUT) corresponding to the model of each printer.

Further, in a mode of photographing or reproducing printing of an ID photograph, which will be described later, the frame memory 7 is used.
8, the Y / C data corresponding to the image in the frame indicating the selected ID photo is represented by R,
The data is converted into G and B data and stored in the work memory 68, and the number of pixels of the R, G and B data is adjusted by an interpolation process or the like so that the ID photo is printed in the same size as the print size. R for ID photo print,
The G and B data are transferred to the digital printer 54.

Next, the operation of the electronic camera configured as described above will be described.

The CPU 64 controls the electronic camera 1 as a whole, and includes a shutter button 9, a mode dial 10, an up / down dial 11, a size switching button 14,
A normal photographing mode, a photographing print mode, a reproduction print mode, and the like are determined based on various switch inputs from the operation unit 80 including the print button 16 and the like, and each circuit is controlled in accordance with each mode.

Here, the photographing mode is a mode for recording photographed color image data on the memory card 52.
Set the mode dial 10 of the electronic camera 1 to "AUTO",
Adjust to any one of "P", "S", "A", and "M", and do not connect the extension unit 40 to the electronic camera 1 or switch the slide switch 46 of the extension unit 40 to the SCSI position. This is the mode set in the case.

In the photographing print mode, the photographed image is
This is a mode in which printing is performed immediately on the digital printer 54 connected to the CSI, and the mode dial 1 of the electronic camera 1 is used.
0 is set to any one of "AUTO", "P", "S", "A", and "M", and the slide switch 46 of the extension unit 40 is switched to the SCSI position. This mode is set when the user selects to enable the printer connection below.

The reproduction print mode is a mode for printing reproduced images on the digital printer 54 connected to the SCSI.
This mode is set when 0 is set to “PLAY”, the slide switch 46 of the extension unit 40 is switched to the SCSI position, and the DIP switch 48 is set to enable the printer connection under the SCSI mode.

Next, the processing operation when the electronic camera 1 is set to the photographing mode and is switched to the photographing mode for photographing the ID photograph by the size switching button 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. .

First, the type of the ID photo is selected by operating the size switching button 14 (step S1).
0). In the next step S12, four steps S1 are performed in accordance with the type of the ID photo selected in step S10.
4, branch to one of S16, S18, S20. That is, when the visa ID photo is selected, step S is performed.
The process proceeds to step S14, and if the passport ID photo is selected, the process proceeds to step S16. If the resume ID photo is selected, the process proceeds to step S18. If the vehicle driver license ID photo is selected, the process proceeds to step S20. Transition.

In step S 14, a frame signal indicating a visa frame is generated from the OSD controller 74 by a command from the CPU 64, and this frame signal is mixed with a video signal output from the digital encoder 76. As a result, the video signal synthesized with the visa frame is output to the video output terminal 82.
The movie is output to the liquid crystal monitor 50 (see FIG. 5) via.

Similarly, in step S16, a frame signal indicating the passport frame is mixed with the video signal to output a video signal in which the passport frame is synthesized, and in step S18, a frame signal indicating the resume frame is output in step S18. Is mixed with the video signal to output a movie signal in which the resume frame is synthesized. In step S20, the frame signal indicating the car driving license frame is mixed with the video signal to synthesize the car driving license frame. The output video signal is output as a movie. OSD
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the controller 74 generates a frame signal so that the frame becomes vertically long for an image photographed with the camera held horizontally.

Next, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 9 has been turned on (step S22). If the shutter button 9 is not turned on, the process returns to step S10, and the image in which the frame for the ID photo is synthesized is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 50. Accordingly, the composition can be determined by re-selecting the type of the ID photo while viewing the frame-combined image, or by optically zooming so that a subject of an appropriate size falls within the frame.

When the shutter button 9 is turned on, the R, G, B data for recording is taken in from the CCD 56 (step S24), and the R, G, B data is converted into Y / C data. Then, it is stored in the frame memory 78 (step S26). The Y / C data stored in the frame memory 78 is compressed by the compression / decompression engine 72 (step S28), and the compressed data is recorded on the memory card 52 (step S30).

The tag of the compressed data (image data) is recorded on the memory card 52. At this time, information on the frame for the ID photo (for example, the type of the ID photo, the size of the frame, the The position is also recorded (step S3).
2). That is, the memory card 52 records image data indicating the entire range of the subject image without a frame, regardless of whether or not the ID photo is taken. Information is recorded.

Next, the processing operation when the electronic camera 1 is set to the photographing print mode will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the same steps as those in the shooting mode shown in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the photographing mode, image data is recorded on the memory card 52. However, in this photographing print mode, the image data is printed out.

That is, after conversion into Y / C data in step S26 and storing the Y / C data in the frame memory 78, the Y / C data selected from the Y / C data stored in the frame memory 78 is selected in step S10. Only the Y / C data corresponding to the image in the frame showing the ID photo is converted into R, G, B data and stored in the work memory 68 (step S4).
0).

Subsequently, the number of pixels of the R, G, and B data is adjusted by interpolation processing, thinning-out processing, and the like so that the ID photo is printed in the same size as the print size of the ID photo. The G and B data are transferred to the digital printer 54 (Step S42). Then
The digital printer 54 is instructed to execute printing (step S50). Thus, the ID photo having the same size as the print size of the ID photo selected by the digital printer 54 is printed.

Next, a processing operation when the electronic camera 1 is set to the reproduction print mode will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the same steps as those in the photographing print mode shown in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the photographing print mode, image data obtained at the time of photographing is immediately printed out, but in the reproducing print mode, image data read from the memory card 52 is printed out.

That is, compressed data (image data) is fetched from the memory card 52 (step S50), and the fetched compressed data is decompressed by the compression / decompression engine 72, and the decompressed Y / C data is stored in the frame memory 78. It is developed (step S52). At the start of reproduction, the latest compressed data is fetched from the memory card 52.

Subsequently, based on the information on the frame of the ID photograph recorded in association with the taken-in compressed data, a video signal in which the frame for the ID photo is synthesized is output to the video output terminal 82
Is output to the liquid crystal monitor 50 through the LCD (step S12).
To S20).

As a result, the image data photographed and recorded by selecting the photographing mode of the ID photo is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 50 as an image in which the frame for the ID photo is synthesized.

Then, in a step S60, it is determined whether or not another image is selected. Whether or not to select another image is determined based on the operation of the up / down dial 11, and when the up / down dial 11 is operated,
In accordance with the operation, another compressed data is fetched in step S50, and thereby the frame of the reproduced image is moved.

In step S62, it is determined whether or not to change the type of the ID photo selected for the currently reproduced image. If the type of the ID photo is to be changed, the size switch button 14 is operated. To select the type of ID photo (step S64), and returns to step S12. This allows
An image obtained by combining the newly selected ID frame is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 50.

On the other hand, when the type of the ID photo selected for the currently reproduced image is not changed, it is determined whether or not to adjust the position of the frame superimposed on the currently reproduced image. (Step S66).

In order to adjust the position of the frame, turn the up / down dial 11 while pressing the set button 24 to output a movement command to move the frame up or down, or press the shutter button 9 to move up / down. By turning the dial 11, a movement command to move the frame left and right is output (step S68), and the process returns to step S12.
When the OSD controller 74 receives a command to move the frame via the CPU 64, the OSD controller 74 generates a frame signal to move the frame in accordance with the command. Thereby, the position of the frame can be adjusted.

When the position of the frame is not adjusted or when the adjustment is completed, it is determined whether or not to adjust the size of the frame combined with the currently reproduced image (step S70).

In order to adjust the size of the frame, a command to make the frame smaller or larger by operating the zoom lever 20 upward or downward is output (step S72).
It returns to step S12. OSD controller 74 uses C
When a command to adjust the frame size is input via the PU 64, a frame signal is generated to make the frame smaller or larger according to the command. Thereby, the frame size can be adjusted.

Next, when the frame size is not adjusted or when the adjustment is completed, it is determined whether or not there is a print instruction (step S74). This print instruction is performed by operating the print button 16.

Then, when there is a print instruction input, FIG.
Steps S40, S42, and S44 described in Step 1 are executed.

Here, in step S40, of the Y / C data stored in the frame memory 78, only the Y / C data corresponding to the image in the frame indicating the selected ID photo is converted to the R, G, B data. Is stored in the work memory 68. If the frame position or the frame size has been adjusted in step S68 or step S72, only the Y / C data corresponding to the adjusted frame position or frame size is stored. The data is converted into R, G, and B data and stored in the work memory 68 (step S40).

Subsequently, the number of pixels of the R, G, and B data is adjusted by interpolation processing, thinning-out processing, etc., so that the ID photo is printed in the same size as the selected ID photo. The G and B data are transferred to the digital printer 54 (Step S42). Then
The digital printer 54 is instructed to execute printing (step S50). Thus, the ID photo having the same size as the print size of the ID photo selected by the digital printer 54 is printed.

In this embodiment, the position and size of the frame are adjusted with respect to the reproduced image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The reproduced image is moved on the screen or the image is electronically zoomed. You may. Further, in this embodiment, the monitor is configured to be externally attached to the electronic camera. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an electronic camera in which the monitor is integrally provided may be used. It may be something.

Further, the types of ID photos are not limited to the four types in the present embodiment. Also, the frame is not limited to a white frame, and various types are conceivable. For example, a frame in which the density is different between the inside and the outside of the frame, or a frame which is distinguished between color and black and white may be used.

[0097]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the frame indicating the print range is appropriately designated, the designated frame is displayed on the monitor so as to be superimposed on the subject image. The print range can be clearly recognized, whereby an appropriate composition or the like can be set according to the print range. Similarly, the print range can be clearly notified before printing.

Further, regardless of the setting of the print range,
Since the image signal of the entire range of the subject image without the frame indicating the print range is recorded on the recording medium and the information of the designated frame is recorded, only the image within the print range is used using the information of the frame. It can be printed out, and regardless of the print range set at the time of shooting,
It is possible to print out only an image within a print range in which the print position and size are appropriately set or adjusted.

In addition, since the printout is performed so that only the image within the print range is printed as an image of a predetermined size, for example, when an ID photo having a designated print size and aspect ratio is printed, It is advantageous. In this case, by cutting the printed photograph along the printed area, a certification photograph having a desired aspect ratio and size can be obtained.

Further, the frame for the ID photo displayed on the monitor is displayed so as to be vertically long with the camera held horizontally, and the ID photo can be taken while holding the camera horizontally. This is particularly advantageous for large cameras that are difficult to hold in a vertical position.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of an electronic camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the electronic camera shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the electronic camera shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of an extension unit.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a system in which the electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 and a device connected to the electronic camera are combined;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which a frame having the same size as the print size of various ID photos is displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display screen of a monitor showing a state in which a resume frame is synthesized on an image;

FIG. 8 is a view showing display contents of a liquid crystal display panel based on an operation of a size switching button or the like.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an internal configuration of an electronic camera or the like.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart used to explain a processing operation in a shooting mode;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart used to explain a processing operation in a photographing print mode;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart used to explain a processing operation in a reproduction print mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic camera, 2 ... Shooting lens, 9 ... Shutter button, 11 ... Up / down dial, 14 ... Size switching button, 16 ... Print button, 20 ... Zoom lever, 40 ... Extension unit, 52 ... Memory card, 54
... Digital printer, 56 ... CCD, 60 ... Card I /
F, 62: SCSI I / F, 64: CPU, 68: Work memory, 70: Frame memory controller, 72
... compression / decompression engine, 76 ... digital encoder, 7
8: frame memory, 80: operation unit, 82: video output terminal

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C087 AA09 AA12 AA15 AB01 BB10 BD07 BD40 CA03 CB03 CB07 CB17 CB20 5B021 AA30 LA01 PP08 5C022 AA13 AB02 AB15 AB24 AB66 AB67 AC02 AC03 AC12 AC13 AC16 AC32 AC42 AC54 AC05 AC61 FA FA06 FB01 FC06 FD07 FE01 9A001 BB04 BB06 HH24 HH28 HH31 JJ35 KK42 KK54

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A photographing means for photographing a subject and acquiring an image signal indicating the subject, and a frame designating means for designating a frame showing a print range,
Frame specifying means for specifying at least one of the size and aspect ratio of the frame so as to be changeable; means for displaying the frame specified by the frame specifying means so as to be superimposed on a subject image; Recording means for recording, on a recording medium, an image signal, which is an image signal indicating the entire range of the subject image without a frame, and recording information of the frame specified by the frame specifying means. And electronic camera. 2. A reproducing means for displaying an image on a monitor based on an image signal recorded on the recording medium; a frame generating means for generating a frame based on information on a frame recorded on the recording medium; 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: frame combining means for combining the frame with an image displayed on a monitor. 3. A photographing means for photographing a subject and obtaining an image signal indicating the subject, and a frame designating means for designating a frame indicating a print range,
Frame designating means for designating at least one of the size and aspect ratio of the frame so as to be changeable; means for superimposing and displaying the frame designated by the frame designating means on the subject image; designation by the frame designating means Image processing means for processing an image signal obtained by the photographing means so that only an image in the frame set is printed as an image of a predetermined size; and outputting the image signal processed by the image processing means to a printer. An electronic camera, comprising: And means for displaying the frame superimposed on the subject image, wherein the frame is displayed on a monitor based on an image signal from the photographing means and a frame generating means for generating a frame specified by the frame specifying means. 4. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a frame synthesizing unit that synthesizes the frame with an image. 5. An electronic camera according to claim 4, further comprising means for relatively moving an image displayed on said monitor and a frame. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said frame designating means designates a frame having the same aspect ratio as that of the selected ID photograph by selecting one of the ID photos. An electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit processes an image signal acquired by the photographing unit so as to be printed as an image having the same aspect ratio and size as the ID photograph selected by the frame designating unit. The electronic camera according to claim 6, wherein 8. The frame designating means includes a visa ID photograph,
Claims: selecting any one of at least two or more of various ID photos such as an ID photo for a passport, an ID photo for a resume, and an ID photo for a driver's license. Item 6. The electronic camera according to item 6 or 7. 9. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the frame is a vertically elongated frame when the camera is held horizontally. 10. A reproducing means for displaying an image on a monitor based on the image signal recorded on the recording medium according to claim 1, and a frame for generating a frame based on information on the frame recorded on said recording medium. Generating means; frame synthesizing means for synthesizing the frame with the image displayed on the monitor; and an image signal recorded on the recording medium such that only the image in the frame is printed as an image of a predetermined size. And a print control unit for outputting an image signal processed by the image processing unit to a printer. 11. A reproducing means for displaying an image on a monitor based on an image signal recorded on a recording medium, and a frame designating means for designating a frame indicating a print range,
A frame designating unit for designating at least one of the size and the aspect ratio of the frame to be changeable, a frame generating unit for generating a frame designated by the frame designating unit, and an image displayed on the monitor. A frame synthesizing unit for synthesizing a frame generated by the frame generating unit; and an image recorded on the recording medium such that only an image in the frame specified by the frame specifying unit is printed as an image of a predetermined size. A print control device comprising: an image processing unit that processes a signal; and a print control unit that outputs an image signal processed by the image processing unit to a printer. 12. The print control apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising means for relatively moving an image and a frame displayed on the monitor. 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the frame designating means designates a frame having the same aspect ratio as that of the selected certification photograph by selecting one of the certification photographs from various certification photographs. 11 or 12 print control device. 14. The image processing unit processes an image signal recorded on the recording medium so that the image is printed as an image having the same aspect ratio and size as the ID photo selected by the frame designating unit. 14. The print control device according to claim 13, wherein: 15. The frame designating means, based on at least two or more of a variety of ID photos such as a visa ID photo, a passport ID photo, a resume ID photo, and a car driver's license ID photo. 15. The print control device according to claim 13, wherein one of the ID photos is selected. 16. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said frame generating means generates a frame which is vertically long with respect to a reproduced image of an image photographed with the camera held horizontally. The print control device as described in the above.