JP2002094903A - Image processor digital camera, image processing method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor with excellent operability and portability that can quickly distribute a printed matter of a photographed image to a designated distribution destination even when the designated distribution destination is not always connected to a network and to provide an image processing method and a storage medium. SOLUTION: The image communication system transmits photographed image data together with data denoting a distribution form and a distribution destination to which a print outputted by a print system is distributed in the case that a wireless communication section transmits image data generated from the photographed image data by a digital camera section by means of data communication to the print system via a network.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a digital camera, an image processing method, and a storage medium for performing image communication via wireless communication.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the progress of semiconductor technology and the like, portable communication devices have been remarkably popularized. And
Communication using a telephone is shifting from a call to a telephone number (Call to number) to a call to a person (Call to person).

Further, most of the portable wireless communication devices can realize a text mail function and a simple Web browser function in addition to a voice call. In view of the further improvement of the communication capability of the next-generation portable wireless communication device, it is considered that the image capturing function and the communication function become important.

[0004] Conventionally, attempts have been made to digitize and transmit images captured by a camera, but the practicality has been further improved by improving the communication speed and improving the image quality of the digital camera.

In fact, the performance of a digital camera has been dramatically improved in recent years, and it is possible to perform shooting with the same image quality as a silver halide camera (a camera using a silver halide film) if printing is so-called about L size. I can do it. Therefore, taking into account the time and effort required to take an image using a silver halide camera, develop and print the image using a minilab, etc., and digitize and transmit the image obtained in this way using a scanner, etc. It can be said that performing image communication using a communication device has become much more efficient.

[0006] As described above, performing image communication using a digital camera and a portable wireless communication device is also compatible with the diversification of communication demand and the direction of modern society of multimedia. is there.

[0007] By the way, in order to realize the conventional image communication performed by digitizing an image obtained by a silver halide camera by using a digital camera and an e-mail function, image data to be transmitted from the digital camera to a personal computer or the like is transmitted. Once transferred, the transferred image data is transmitted by the image transmission function of the personal computer.
You can send it to your desired address.

[0008]

However, if the desired destination does not necessarily have an address, for example, if the desired destination is not connected to a computer network, it may not be possible to send an image to the desired address. Occurs.

According to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus, a digital camera, an image processing method, and a storage medium for executing the method by a computer, which can immediately deliver a captured image and have excellent portability. It is intended to provide.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: supply means for supplying image data from an image pickup means; wireless communication means for performing data communication for network transmission; Wireless communication control means for transmitting image data supplied by the means to the printing system by the wireless communication means, wherein the wireless communication control means together with data indicating a distribution destination to distribute the print output by the printing system The image data is transmitted.

A digital camera according to the present invention is a digital camera for generating electronic image data from image pickup light, a supply unit for supplying image data from an image pickup unit, and a wireless communication for performing data communication for network transmission. Means, and wireless communication control means for transmitting the image data supplied by the supply means to a printing system by the wireless communication means, wherein the wireless communication control means distributes a print output by the printing system. The image data is transmitted together with data indicating the above.

Further, according to the image processing method of the present invention, image data is supplied from an image pickup means, and the image data supplied by the supply means is transmitted to a print system by wireless communication means for performing data communication so as to transmit the image data to a network. In this case, the wireless communication control means transmits the image data together with data indicating a distribution destination to distribute a print output by the printing system.

Further, the storage medium of the present invention is a storage medium storing the image processing method in a computer-executable manner.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention described below, an image input means having a de-wireless communication function and inputting an image, There is disclosed a system which is capable of wireless communication and has portable communication means capable of being wirelessly connected to a public wireless network, and wherein the image input means and the portable communication means can be separated. The present invention is not limited to such a system, and can be similarly applied to other various devices, for example, a system in which a digital camera can be directly wirelessly connected to a public line network. Also, the present invention can be applied to a system for electronically distributing printed matter and a system for physically distributing printed matter on the receiving side.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image communication system 1000 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

An image communication system 1000 includes an image communication device I including an image input unit comprising a so-called digital camera.
C1, a base station 500, an ISDN network 600, an access point 700, an Internet network 800, and a receiving terminal 900. The receiving terminal is provided with a printer and creates a print in accordance with the received image data. Further, the receiving terminal has a function of distributing the printed matter, a function of notifying the distribution destination that the printed matter is generated, or a function of both.

The image communication device IC1 includes an image input unit 100
And a portable communication unit 300.

The image input unit 100 has a digital camera function and a wireless image communication function. The image input unit 10
0 can be used as a single unit, that is, the image input unit 100 can be used separately from the portable communication unit 300.

The image input unit 100 and the portable communication unit 300 both have wireless communication means and can communicate with each other.
In this embodiment, the wireless communication means is 2.4.
Bluetooth transmitting the GHz band by the frequency spreading method
h is used.

The portable communication unit 300 can be used as a normal wireless telephone (for example, a wireless telephone for making only a telephone call), and can communicate with the image input unit 100 located at a remote place by wireless communication. Image communication can be performed. That is, the portable communication unit 300 is a wireless communication unit different from the wireless communication unit used between the image communication input unit 100 and the portable communication unit 300, and has a wireless communication unit for accessing a general public network. In this embodiment, the wireless communication means for accessing the general public network includes:
Although the wireless communication method using the PHS method is adopted, the wireless communication method is not limited to the PHS in the present invention.

That is, the image input unit 100 is an example of an image input unit having a wireless communication function and inputting an image. The portable communication unit 300 is an example of a portable communication unit that can perform wireless communication with the image input unit and that can be wirelessly connected to a public wireless network. Further, the image input means and the portable communication means can be separated.

Base station 500 communicates with portable communication section 300 by the PHS method.
It converts data received from the image communication device IC1 via the PHS method into data for an ISDN network (wired network) 600.

The access point 700 is an access point of an Internet provider. Via this access point 700, Internet communication can be performed. The access point 700 performs communication with the receiving terminal 900 via the Internet network 800. As described above, the receiving terminal 900 includes a printer and creates a print in accordance with the received image data. Further, the receiving terminal has a function of distributing the printed matter, a function of notifying the distribution destination that the printed matter is generated, or a function of both. Also, the function of notifying the delivery destination that a printed matter is to be generated may be a wireless function or a priority function.

In the image communication system 1000 configured as described above, for example, POP3 / S
If an Internet protocol such as MTP is used, information can be transmitted to terminals all over the world connected to the Internet.

(Explanation of Image Input Unit 100) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the image input unit 100 in the above embodiment.

The image input unit 100 includes a camera unit 150,
Main CPU unit MC1, sub CPU unit SC1, LC
D and a Bluetooth Module 148.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the camera unit 150 provided in the image input unit 100.

In the camera section 150, the CPU 151
Is for controlling the camera unit 150, and the CPU 1
Reference numeral 52 controls the entire camera unit 150, and includes a mixed type IC having a memory controller and a serial interface.

The CCD 153 converts light (image) information into electric charges and outputs the converted electric charges as electric signals. In this embodiment, the size of the image formed by the CCD 153 (the number of pixels of the image) is 1280 (horizontal).
It is assumed that pixels × 960 pixels vertically.

The CDS / AGC circuit (correlated double sampling circuit / automatic gain control circuit) 154 samples the electric signal sent from the CCD 153 and controls the signal amplitude.

The AD converter 155 converts an analog image signal into a digital signal. The signal processing circuit 156 calculates the converted digital data
This circuit corrects white balance and the like, performs color space conversion on the corrected data from the color space of the CCD to RGB data, and outputs image data subjected to the color space conversion.

The vertical driver 157 is a driver that converts a voltage amplitude and generates a signal for driving the CCD 153.
Reference numeral 153 denotes a generator for generating timing necessary for forming an image, and a lens 159 transmits and refracts light, and condenses the light on the charged surface of the CCD 153.

The control line 160 is a signal line for communication between the CPU 152 and the CPU 151 for controlling the whole of the camera section 150. The control line 161 is for the CPU 151 for controlling the camera section 150 to be connected to the image processing IC (signal processing IC). circuit)
156 is a control line for controlling the control line 156.
Using 1, the internal register of the image processing IC 156 reads and writes.

The pixel signal line 162 is connected to the CCD
This is a signal line for transmitting an image signal to the DS / AGC circuit 154, and the image signal is transmitted in an analog value.

The pixel signal line 163 supplies the image signal whose amplitude has been controlled by the CDS / AGC circuit 154 to the AD converter 15.
The signal line 164 is a signal line for transmitting the signal digitized by the AD converter 155 to the signal processing circuit 1.
This is a signal line to be transmitted to 56. Note that the signal line 164 is
It is composed of ten data buses.

The image bus 165 is a bus for transmitting the image signal converted into the YUV format to the CPU 152 by the signal processing circuit 156 performing image processing. Note that the image bus 165 is composed of eight data buses.

A signal line 166 is a signal line for transmitting a timing signal from which the CCD 153 forms an image from the timing generator 158 to the CCD 153.
The signal line 167 is connected to the CCD via the vertical driver 157.
153 is a signal line for transmitting a timing signal (timing signal requiring voltage conversion) to be supplied to the 153.

The signal line 168 is a signal line for transmitting a clock signal which is a basis for sampling a pixel signal. The signal line 169 is a horizontal synchronization signal generated by the CPU 152.
A signal line for transmitting a vertical synchronization signal to the timing generator 158.

A signal line 170 transmits a clock signal generated by the CPU 152 and used as a timing base for controlling the entire camera unit 150 to the timing generator 15.
8 and a signal line 171 is connected to the CDS /
A signal line for transmitting a sample-hold timing signal to be supplied to the AGC circuit 154.

Next, the flow of signals between the blocks constituting the camera section 150 will be described.

An IC (C) for controlling the entire camera section 150
PU) 152 via a signal line 170 to input a clock signal to a timing generator 158.
The horizontal synchronization signal and the vertical synchronization signal are input from the PU 152 to the timing generator 158 via the signal line 169.

The timing generator 158 synchronizes with the input signal and outputs the signal from the CCD 1 via a signal line 166.
53, a timing signal is supplied to a vertical driver 157 via a signal line 167, a timing signal is supplied to a CDS / AGC circuit 154 via a signal line 171, and a signal is supplied via a signal line 168. , A sample clock signal to the AD converter 155.

The CCD 153 outputs a captured image signal as an analog signal composed of 1280 dots (horizontal) × 960 dots (vertical) in accordance with the drive timing. The output photographed image signal is transmitted via a signal line 162 to a CD.
Sent to the S / AGC circuit 154 and the CDS / AGC circuit 1
The sampled signal 54 removes noise, performs gain processing, converts the processed signal into a 10-bit digital signal by the AD converter 155, and outputs the digital signal to the image processing IC 156 via the signal line 164.

When the image processing IC 156 receives the digitally converted signal, the camera microcomputer (CPU) 1
Under the control of 51, the received signal is subjected to image processing such as white balance, AE, etc., and the signal subjected to this image processing is converted into a C signal in a YUV 8-bit format.
Output to PU152.

The lens 159 is a triple zoom lens, and the zoom position can be manually moved. The lens 159 has a focal length of 34 mm to 103 mm when converted to a camera lens for 35 mm film, and performs various image processing by transmitting the lens position to the CPU 151 using a Hall element.

Returning to FIG. 2, the sub CPU unit SC1 communicates with the main CPU 129 to exchange commands and data. In addition, the signal line 1 is used as a communication means.
19, and 13 signal lines (8
Data BUS, one address signal line, one I /
OREAD signal line, one I / OWRITE signal line, 1
One chip select signal line, one INTERRUPT
Signal line), and signals are transferred in parallel using the signal line 119.

The sub CPU SC1 is provided with a main CP
It has a reset request signal line 120 for sending out a signal for resetting U129. Further, the sub CPU unit SC1
Camera microcomputer (CPU) for controlling the camera unit 150
A reset request signal line 121 for transmitting a signal for resetting the reset signal 151 is provided.

The sub CPU unit SC1 is connected to the signal line 1 in order for the LCD display 102 to display various information.
03 (CS signal line, RS signal line, SDA signal line, SCL
A command or display data is serially transferred through a signal line, and the display of the LCD display 102 is controlled. In addition, the backlight provided on the LCD display 102 is turned ON / OFF by the backlight ON signal.
Control.

The sub CPU SC1 includes an RTC 104 for generating calendar and time information, and an I2C-BU.
It is connected via S105, and information on date and time can be obtained.

Further, the sub CPU unit SC1 includes various switches and a keyboard (key matrix type switch).
113 can be entered.

The various switches and keyboard 113 described above constitute a communication destination designating means for designating a communication destination for wireless communication by wireless means in accordance with a user's instruction.
Preferably, a distribution destination designating means for designating a distribution destination of the printed matter generated by the receiving terminal in accordance with a user instruction is provided. More preferably, a distribution form designating means for designating a distribution form to the distribution destination according to a user's designation is constituted. Here, the designation of the communication destination includes the address or URL of the receiving terminal. The distribution destination of the printed material includes the address, address, e-mail address, telephone number, and the like of the distribution destination. The designation of the distribution form is the size of the printed matter, for example, L size, 2L size, quarter cut, six cut, etc. or whether the printed matter is bound with a cover or provided as a separate printed matter for each sheet etc. There is a form.

The mode changeover switch 107 is a switch for the user to select the state of the image input unit 100. That is, the image input unit 100 identifies which of the three modes (states) of a power-off (power-off) state, an image reproduction state, and an image input state (camera use state). Switch. Therefore, the signal line 108 has three switch input terminals.

The shutter switch 109 is a two-stage switch for distinguishing between a half-pressed state and a fully-pressed state. Therefore, the signal line 110 has two switch input terminals.

When the jog dial 111 selects one item from a plurality of items displayed on one screen of the LCD display 102, the user turns the dial, moves the cursor to a target item, and dials the dial. By pressing, it is possible to use such that the selected item is determined.

The jog dial 111 can also be tilted left and right. For example, when the jog dial 111 is tilted left, it returns to the previous screen, and when tilted right, it advances to the next screen. For this purpose, two signal lines 112 are used for discriminating the rotation direction of the dial, and one signal line 112 is used for discriminating the pressing of the dial.
There are a total of five switch input terminals for discriminating the left and right inclinations of the dial.

Further, the sub CPU unit SC1 is connected to the battery 122 via the RxD serial communication line 126, and receives the remaining amount of battery energy and information (voltage, temperature, etc.) of the battery at the time of charging. Processing is performed according to the received information. Further, power is supplied from the battery 122 to each unit via the DC-DC converter 124.

The sub-CPU unit SC1 is a DC-DC
The output (ON / OFF) of the converter 124 is controlled via an output terminal 125 to perform power management.
Further, a signal is input from a detachment detection switch 123 interlocked with a knob provided on a cover of an outlet of the battery 122, and when the battery 122 is about to be removed, a power-off process is performed and data stored in a memory is stored. Etc. are not destroyed.

The sub CPU unit SC1 is connected to the signal line 12
8, the output voltage of the battery 122 is input to an A / D converter input terminal, the battery voltage is monitored, and when an abnormality such as overcharge or overdischarge is detected, a protection process is performed.

The main CPU unit MC1 has two serial ports. The signal line 138 connected to the serial port 0 is used when communicating with the camera unit 150. Further, using the serial port 0, the CPU chip 129 transmits an exposure condition instruction, a strobe instruction, a photographing mode designation, a photographing timing instruction, and the like to the camera unit 150.

The signal line 134 connected to the serial port 2 is used for data communication with the Bluetooth Module 148.

The parallel interface 119 has a sub C
It is used to connect the PU 101 and the main CPU 129.

The main CPU 129 captures images, adjusts the amount of image data, outputs to the display,
Communication with the camera microcomputer, communication with the sub CPU 101,
Communication with Bluetooth Module 148, communication with external host computer, and Bluetooth
A CPU chip that processes a protocol normally used in the th Module 148.

In order to perform these processes, the CPU chip 129 includes a serial port, a camera interface,
Display interface, memory interface,
Parallel interface, General Purpo
se IO (GPIO), operation unit, cache memory,
It has a DMA controller, an interrupt controller, a timer, and a compression / expansion engine.

The EDO DRAM 130 is a memory used as a work area for the OS and application software.

In this embodiment, EDO DR
Two AMs 130 are used. Also, EDO DR
The AM 130 supports the Self Refresh mode, and shifts to a low power consumption state under the control of the memory controller of the CPU 129.

The flash ROM 131 is equipped with a NOR type memory and has a hardware interface as follows.
It is connected in the same manner as a normal SRAM.

The flash ROM 131 stores an image captured by the camera unit, and receives an incoming mail or ft
It is used to record data obtained by p communication and record various parameters.

The Mask ROM 132 is a memory that stores programs of the OS and application software. When the power of the CPU 129 is turned on or after the reset is released, the ROM 132 is selected and the bootstrap code is executed.

The crystal oscillators 146 and 147 are
9 is an oscillator that produces the frequency used inside.
The crystal oscillator 146 is used for controlling the entire system and performing NTSC encoding. The crystal oscillator 147 is connected to the camera unit 1
Used for input from 50.

The camera section interface 139 transmits the image signal transmitted from the camera section 150 to the CPU 129.
Used to store inside. This image signal is
About CCD Raw data, Image Process
Image processing such as color space conversion, image interpolation, automatic exposure adjustment, auto white balance, and auto focus control by the ssor.
The format is 4: 2: 2. For this, CC
A sampling frequency twice as high as that of the DRaw data is required.

The signal line 140 is a signal line for transmitting the horizontal synchronizing signal HD and the vertical synchronizing signal VD. By transmitting these signals from the kCPU 129 to the Image Processor and TG provided in the camera unit 150, the timing of storing the image data can be synchronized.

The display interface 141 is
The NTSC signal sent from the PU 129 is sent to the external connector 1
42, which is transmitted to the LCD controller 145. The LCD controller 145, together with the voltage conversion device 144, converts the NTSC signal into a Co
lorLCD143 to convert the signal into a signal to be displayed.

FIG. 4 shows the portable communication unit 3 in the above embodiment.
It is a block diagram which shows the example of a structure of 00.

The sub CPU section SC3 includes the main CPU 32
9 and can exchange commands and data.
Note that a signal line 319 is used as communication means, and the signal line 319 is composed of 13 signal lines (8 data BSUs,
One address signal, I / OREAD signal, I / OWR
ITE signal, chip select signal, INTERRUPT
Signal), and via this signal line 319,
The signals are transferred in parallel.

The sub CPU unit SC3 is connected to the main CPU
It has a reset request signal line 320 for sending a signal for resetting U329. Further, the sub CPU unit SC3
An RTC 304 for generating calendar and time information;
It is connected via the 2C-BUS 305 to obtain date and time information. The sub CPU unit SC3 can input information from various switches and a keyboard 313.

The mode changeover switch 307 is a switch for the user to select the state of the portable communication unit 300. In other words, the portable communication unit 30 determines whether any mode (state) of the power OFF (power cutoff) state or the communication state is present.
0 is a switch for identification.

When the jog dial 311 selects one item from a plurality of items displayed on the screen, the user turns the dial, moves the cursor to a target item, and presses the dial to select the item. It is possible to use it to determine the items that have been set. This input device (jog dial 311) is used, for example, when selecting a desired address from a telephone directory.

The switch 313 of the key matrix system is
This switch is used when inputting a telephone number, inputting various characters, and the like.

This key matrix switch 313
It is composed of × 2 keys, and is scanned by eight output terminals 314 and two input terminals 315.

The sub CPU unit SC3 is connected to the battery 322 via the RxD serial communication line 326, and receives the remaining amount of battery energy and information (voltage, temperature, etc.) of the battery at the time of charging. Perform processing according to the information. In addition, power is supplied from a battery 322 to each unit via a DC-DC324 converter.

The sub CPU unit SC3 has an output terminal 1
25, the output of the DC-DC converter 324 (O
N / OFF) to perform power management.
In addition, a signal is input from a detachment detection switch 323 linked to a knob provided on a cover of an outlet of the battery 322, and when the battery 322 is about to be removed, a power-off process is performed, and data stored in a memory, etc. Not to be destroyed.

Further, the sub CPU unit SC3 is connected to the signal line 3
The output voltage of the battery 322 is input to the A / D converter input terminal via 28, and the battery voltage is monitored. If an abnormality such as overcharge or overdischarge is detected, a protection process is performed.

The main CPU MC3 has two serial ports. The signal line 337 connected to the serial port 1 has a Bluetooth Module.
Used when communicating with e350.

The signal line 334 connected to the serial port 2 is used for data communication with the PHS Module 348.

The parallel interface 319 is used to connect the sub CPU 301 and the main CPU 329.

The main CPU 329 outputs data to the display, communicates with the sub CPU 301, and executes Bluetooth.
Communication with Module 350 and Bluetooth
hModule 350 is a CPU chip that processes the protocols normally used. In order to perform these processes, the CPU chip 329 includes a serial port, a camera interface, a display interface, a memory interface, a parallel interface, a Gen.
eralPurpose IO (GPIO), arithmetic unit, DMA controller, interrupt controller,
It has a timer.

The EDO DRAM 330 is a memory used as a work area for the OS and application software. In order to reduce the size and weight of the portable communication unit 300, the EDO DRAM 330 does not have a memory capacity enough to display a large-scale image.

The Flash ROM 331 is equipped with a NOR type memory and has a hardware interface as follows.
It is connected in the same manner as a normal SRAM.

The Flash ROM 331 stores an image transferred from the image input unit 100, stores data obtained by an incoming mail, and records various parameters.

The Mask ROM 32 is a memory that stores programs of the OS and application software. This ROM 332 is selected when the power of the CPU 129 is turned on or after the Reset is released, and the bootstrap code is executed.

The crystal oscillator 347 is an oscillator for generating a frequency used inside the CPU 329. And
The crystal oscillator 347 is used for controlling the entire system.

The display interface 341 is a C
The signal sent from PU 329 is used as the LCD Control
It is to be transmitted to the roller 345.

LCD Controller 345 is
Together with the voltage conversion device 344, the NTSC signal is
The color LCD 343 converts the signal into a signal to be displayed.

Next, in the above embodiment, the image input unit 1
The data flow at 00 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of data in the image input unit 100.

The image input means 101B is the camera section 150 shown in FIG.

The storage means 102B stores the EDO shown in FIG.
A DRAM 130 and a FlashROM 131.
Then, the storage unit 102B stores an image captured by the camera unit 150.

The image size conversion means 105B is a conversion means executed by the CPU 129 shown in FIG. 2, and converts an input image size (for example, 1280 × 960 dots) into an arbitrary size (for example, 320 × 24 dots). . When performing this conversion, for example, a method using simple thinning, an interpolation method using an average value, an image encoding method, etc.
A known method can be used.

[0099] The first wireless communication means 106B is the Bluetooth section 148 shown in FIG.

The control means 107B is a CPU 1 shown in FIG.
29, each of the means 101B, 102B, 105
B and 106B are controlled.

The display means 103B displays the photographed image, and is used for selecting an image to be transmitted and for specifying a distribution destination, a distribution form, and the like.

The selection means 104B is a means for selecting an image whose image size is to be changed.

Next, in the above embodiment, the portable communication unit 3
The data flow at 00 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data flow in the portable communication section 300 in the above embodiment.

The first wireless communication means 301B is means for performing wireless communication between the image input section 100 and the portable communication section 300, and is the Bluetooth section 350 shown in FIG.

The storage means 302B stores the EDO shown in FIG.
A DRAM 330 and a FlashROM 331.
Then, it holds an image transferred from the image input unit 100, data transmitted from another terminal, and the like.

The display means 303B is used for displaying an image obtained by communication, displaying an e-mail, and the like.

The second wireless communication means 304B is means for performing wireless communication between the portable communication section 300 and the base station 500, and is the PHS Module 348 shown in FIG.

The control means 305B is the CPU 3 shown in FIG.
29, and controls the above means (301B to 304B) and the input means 306B.

The input means 106 is used for inputting the address of the communication destination and for various selections such as the above-mentioned distribution destination and distribution form.

Next, a description will be given of a procedure in which data flows when transmitting an image in the above embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a procedure in which data flows when transmitting an image in the above embodiment.

[0113] From the image input unit 100 to the portable communication unit 300
Then, a copy (image for selection) of an image (an image having a small number of pixels constituting the image) created in advance so as to reduce the image size is transferred (t11).

Subsequently, in the portable communication section 300, the body of the e-mail is input, and the communication destination, the distribution destination of the printed matter, and the distribution form are selected and input. Thereafter, a connection is made to the mail server through the base station 500 (t12).

Subsequently, the mobile communication unit 30 is sent from the mail server.
0, it is notified that the mail text is ready for transfer (t13), and the portable communication unit 300 notifies the image input unit 100 that the transfer preparation is completed together with the destination information (t14).

[0116] The image input unit 100 transmits an image suitable for the destination information to the base station 500 via the portable communication unit 300. That is, when the other party (transmission destination) is a printer, the image is transferred as a high-definition image (high-resolution image), and when the other party is a normal computer, the image is transferred as a medium image (t15). In any case, the portable communication unit 300 can perform communication of the selected image. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, image communication can be performed without storing a large image (image with high resolution). In particular, when the receiving side is a printer system, the information is transmitted to the receiving terminal 900 including the information on the distribution destination and preferably the distribution form, for example, as a header of the image data or as a file separate from the image data.

Subsequently, when the image communication ends, an end instruction arrives from the mail server to the portable communication unit 300 (t1).
6), the image communication in the image input unit 100 ends (t17).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of transmitting an image by the image input unit 100 in the above embodiment.

First, the image input unit 100 is connected to the LCD 143.
Is displayed on the screen, and the user can use JogDial 111 or K
Using the key 113, an image to be transmitted is selected (S
2) For the selected image, the number of pixels and the encoding method are changed to create a copy of the image with a reduced data amount (small data amount) (S3).

Subsequently, it is monitored whether or not there is a transmission instruction from the user (S4). If there is a transmission instruction, the copied image having a small data amount is transferred to the portable communication unit 300 (step S4). S5). When sending multiple images,
Returning from step S4 to step S2, a transmission image is selected.

Subsequently, it is monitored whether or not the destination information has been sent from the portable communication section 300 (S6). This means that the mobile communication unit 300 uses the image to be sent to create an e-mail, select a destination, etc., and establishes a connection with the communication server.

Subsequently, the data amount of the image to be transferred is changed according to the information of the destination obtained in step S6, and the image is transmitted to the base station 300 via the portable communication unit 300 (S7). For example, if the original image is 1280 dots × 960 dots and the destination is a printer, send it as is,
If the destination is a computer, set the image size to 64.
Change to 0dot × 480dot and transmit. If the destination is a portable communication device, the image size is set to 320 dots.
Change to × 240dot and send. In the present embodiment, when the receiving terminal is a terminal that generates a print, the image size is set to a high resolution, for example, 1280 dots × 960.
Dot is transmitted at a resolution of dot.

The image size is changed by the image size conversion means 105B converting the image stored in the storage means 102B. This conversion enables efficient communication according to the transmission destination.

Subsequently, it is monitored whether or not a communication end instruction has arrived from the portable communication section 300 (S8). When the communication end instruction has arrived, the operation is ended (S9).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an image transmission operation in portable communication section 300 in the above embodiment.

The portable communication section 300 monitors whether or not the selected image has been transferred from the image input section 100 (S2).
2) When the selected image is transferred, an electronic mail, a Web Page, and the like are created using the transferred image (S23).

Subsequently, a destination is selected (S24).
The selection of the transmission destination is performed using a telephone directory provided in the portable communication unit 300 or a past communication record.

Then, in order to transmit, a connection is made to a server such as a mail server (S25), and it is monitored whether transmission is possible (S26). If transmission is possible, the selected image is deleted (S26a). Then, the transmission destination information is transferred to the image input unit 100, and an image transmission instruction is issued (S27). When an image is transmitted, a large amount of image data is transmitted from the image input unit 100, but the portable communication unit 300 does not store the image data but performs the relay operation in the transmission (S
28), the storage capacity of the memory provided in the portable communication unit 300 can be saved.

Subsequently, it is monitored whether or not the communication with the server has been completed (S29).
An instruction to end the communication is transferred to the image input unit 100 (S
30), and terminate the operation (S31).

The receiving terminal 900 in this embodiment includes a terminal having a printing function, and it is preferable that such a printing system is a system connected via the Internet. Preferably, the printing system has a function of delivering the print to the delivery destination by a delivery company. Further, the print system has a function of notifying the delivery destination designated by the operation unit of the digital camera that the print has been generated.

Next, the flow of data when receiving an image in the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data flow at the time of receiving an image in the above embodiment.

First, a reception request arrives at the portable communication unit 300 from the base station 300 including the mail server (t21).
If the free space of the portable communication unit 300 is small and reception is not possible, the mail reception itself is rejected (t2).
2). Note that if there is no problem with the empty memory amount of the mobile communication unit 300, but the communication state with the image input unit 100 is not good, an e-mail is received for parts other than the image, and the operation is terminated. , Empty memory amount and image input unit 10
If there is no problem with the communication state with 0, all data is received (t22).

Subsequently, the mail server sends the image input unit 10
0, an instruction to start reception is issued (t23), and when an error occurs or communication is ended, an instruction to end communication is issued from the image input unit 100 to the portable communication unit 300 (t24). Then, the portable communication unit 300 instructs the mail server to end the communication (t25).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an image receiving operation in portable communication section 300 in the above embodiment.

The portable communication unit 300 determines whether or not there is a memory capable of storing the received data (S42). If the character data or the like cannot be stored at all due to a shortage of the empty memory, the receiving operation is performed. End (S4
8).

On the other hand, if there is a memory capable of storing the received data (S42), it is checked whether there is any problem in the communication state with the image input unit 100 (S4).
3) If there is a problem, the receiving operation from the server
In step S50 and step S51, only the portable communication unit 300 performs, and the image input unit 100 does not perform reception.

If there is no problem with the communication state with the image input unit 100 (S43), the server is instructed to start reception (S44), and the image data received from the server is relayed to the image input unit 100. Send (S45).

Subsequently, the process waits until the communication with the server is completed (S46). When the communication is completed, a communication end instruction is sent to the image input unit 100 and the server (S4).
7).

In step S43, the image input unit 10
If there is a problem with the communication state between the two (S43),
The server is instructed to start receiving only the text part (S50), and the received data is stored (S51).

Then, the process waits until the communication with the server is completed (S52), and when the communication is completed, notifies the server of the end of the communication (S53).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the image receiving operation of the image input unit 100 in the above embodiment.

The image input section 100 determines whether or not there is an empty memory capable of storing the received data (S62). If the empty memory does not have enough capacity to store any character data or the like at all, the receiving operation is performed. Ends (S6
5).

If there is an empty memory capable of storing the received data (S62), the image data is received from the server via the portable communication unit 300 (S63). Then, it waits until the communication with the server ends (S64), and when the communication ends, the operation ends (S65).

The portable communication section 300 and the image input section 10
0 when the communication state with the mobile communication unit 300 is not good.
Receives only character data, but it is also possible to have the other server send image data with a small data amount in addition to the character data.

According to the image communication device IC1, the image input unit 100 such as a digital camera and the portable communication unit 300 are provided in separate housings, and these are used by the wireless communication unit 300 when the portable communication unit 300 communicates with the public network. Since the connection is made by wireless communication means different from the communication means, when the image photographing function is not required, there is no need to carry the image input section 100, and therefore, the portability is excellent and the image input section 10 is excellent.
The configuration of the image input unit 100 can be changed in accordance with the technical development of No. 0 and the technical development of the wireless communication means for connecting the portable communication unit 300 and the base station 500, thereby flexibly supporting a wide variety of applications. There is an advantage that can be.

Furthermore, an image input unit 1 such as a digital camera
Since 00 and the portable communication unit 300 can be connected by wireless communication means, there is an advantage that transmission and reception can be performed suddenly (quickly) even during shooting. Although it is disadvantageous to provide two wireless communication units from the viewpoint of the configuration cost of the device, a frequency-spread method that can be configured at low cost as a wireless communication unit that connects the image input unit 100 and the portable communication unit 300 The use of the short-distance device-to-device communication method using the method has an advantage that there is little cost problem.

In the image communication device IC1, the image input unit 100 and the portable communication 300 are provided with the CP which is normally provided.
Since the above control is realized by using the U, the memory, the display means, the selection means and the like, there is an advantage that the image communication device IC1 can be configured at low cost.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the portable communication unit 300 stores an image photographed by an image input element having several million pixels since the image memory is small in size to reduce the size and weight of the device. Is difficult to do,
First, a plurality of images (thumbnail images) having a small amount of data are transferred from the image input unit 100 to the mobile communication unit 300, and after the transmission image is selected in the mobile communication unit, the images are transferred from the mobile communication unit to the image input unit. , And the image input unit 100 may communicate with the base station 500 via the portable communication unit 300.

According to the image communication device IC1, the image input unit 100 and the portable communication unit 30 are used when receiving an image.
Since the receiving mode is changed according to the status of the means (first wireless communication means) for wireless communication with the image input unit 100, the image input unit 100 may be, for example, distant or have noise.
When wireless communication between the mobile communication unit 300 and the mobile communication unit 300 is difficult, there is an advantage that control such as reducing or stopping the data amount of the received image can be performed.

Further, according to the image communication device IC1, the image input unit 100 converts the data amount of the image to be transmitted according to the situation of the transmission destination and transmits the image. In the case of an e-mail, it is sufficient to be able to see it on the screen. Therefore, when sending the image to an Internet printer, the image is transmitted with a high number of pixels in order to output a clearer image. Note that the image amount may be changed by reducing the number of pixels or changing the image encoding method. The speed of the wireless communication means (second wireless communication means) between the portable communication unit 300 and the base station 500 which can be connected to the public network is expected to be increased in the future. It is often slower than the means (means for wirelessly communicating between the image input unit 100 and the portable communication unit 300). Further, performing communication with an unnecessary number of pixels is not appropriate in terms of suppressing communication cost. Thus, there is an advantage that communication can be performed to an appropriate place with an appropriate number of pixels.

[Second Embodiment] The configuration of the device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the device according to the first embodiment. However, the overall control method in the second embodiment is different from the control method in the first embodiment.

That is, in the second embodiment, the image input unit 100 selects a transmission destination. For this purpose, a plurality of destination addresses are transmitted from the mobile communication unit 300 to the image input unit 100 prior to transmission. Then, the image input unit 3
In 00, from the plurality of transmitted destination addresses,
After the destination is selected, as soon as the destination mail server is ready, the image input device 10
Transfer the image from 0 to the mail server.

In the first embodiment, after the image input unit 100 selects an image to be transmitted, the portable communication unit 300 selects a transmission destination. Therefore, the two devices of the image input unit 100 and the portable communication unit 300 are used. Must be operated. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, since the selection of an address and the like are also performed in the image input unit 100, there is an advantage that the transmission operation can be completed using only one device, the image input unit 100. .

When the address information is transferred to the image input unit 100, it is not necessary to send all the address information described in the telephone directory, and only the necessary information such as an electronic mail address is transmitted. Sending is more efficient.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data flow at the time of image transmission in the second embodiment.

First, from the image input unit 100 to the portable communication unit 3
00, a request to acquire destination address information is issued (t3
1). Then, from the mobile communication unit 300 to the image input unit 100
The necessary address information is transferred to (t32), an e-mail having an image size corresponding to the destination is created in the image input unit 100, and a relay request is issued to the portable communication unit 300 (t33).

The portable communication unit 300 makes a request to the server to transmit image data (t34). When transfer permission is transmitted from the server to the portable communication unit 300 (t35), the portable communication unit 300 sends the image input unit 100. Then, an image data transmission start instruction is sent (t36), and the image data is transmitted from the image input unit 100 to the server via the portable communication unit 300 (t37).

By performing such control (eg, relaying), image data can be transmitted without increasing the memory capacity of portable communication section 300.

Subsequently, after the transmission is completed, the portable communication unit 300
However, the status is acquired from the server (t38), the status is transmitted from the portable communication unit 300 to the image input unit 100 (t39), and the operation ends.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an image transmission operation in the image input unit 100 in the second embodiment.

The image input unit 100 issues a request for acquiring an address information group to the portable communication unit 300 to acquire address information for selecting a transmission destination (S82), and acquires address information from the portable communication unit 300. (S83). Then, the destination is selected by the user (S84), and the type of the image to be attached (image resolution) is changed according to the selected destination, and the image mail is created (S8).
5).

Subsequently, the created image mail is transferred to the server via the portable communication unit 300 (by relaying the portable communication unit 300) (S86), and the process waits until an end instruction arrives (S87), and the process ends. When the instruction arrives, the operation ends (S88).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an image transmission control operation in the portable communication section 300 in the second embodiment.

When receiving a request for obtaining address information from image input section 100 (S102), portable communication section 300 transfers the address information to image input section 100 (S10).
3). Subsequently, the creation of the e-mail is completed in the image input unit 100, the connection instruction to the server is received from the image input unit 100, the connection is made to the server, and the preparation for e-mail transmission is performed (S104).

Then, the image sent from the image input section 100 and having an image size (resolution image) corresponding to the destination is transferred to the server (S105). At this time, instead of storing all the images sent from the image input unit 100 and transmitting the stored image to the server, the image sent from the image input unit 100 is not stored. In addition, since relaying and transmission processing are performed, there is an advantage that a memory capacity required for transmission processing is not required.

Subsequently, the process waits until the communication with the server is completed (S106), and when the communication is completed, the operation is terminated (S107).

According to the second embodiment, the image input unit 1
00 selects a plurality of pieces of address information transmitted from the portable communication unit 300 and uses the selected address information as a destination address, so that there is an advantage that user convenience can be improved.

That is, since the image input section 100 has a function of displaying an image, the image can be selected, but the destination address information is not normally stored. Since the image input unit 100 and the portable communication unit 300 are connected by the wireless communication unit, the degree of freedom in the physical arrangement of the devices is improved, but it is inconvenient to operate the respective devices. Also, usually, the mobile communication unit 3
In order to send and receive phone calls and text emails,
Has an address book. To this end, address information is transmitted from the mobile communication unit 300 to the image input unit 100,
Therefore, there is an advantage that the user's convenience can be improved by making the selection.

[Other Embodiments of the Present Invention] Even if the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile) Device).

Also, in order to operate various devices to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, a device connected to the various devices or a computer in a system is provided with software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments. The present invention also includes a program code supplied and implemented by operating a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus according to a stored program to operate the various devices. That is, the operation of the computer so as to have a digital camera and a communication function by incorporating or connecting a camera unit to the computer and a program therefor are included in the present invention.

In this case, the program code of the software implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, the program code The storage medium storing the information constitutes the present invention.

Examples of storage media for storing such program codes include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and CD-R.
OM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM
Etc. can be used.

When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer or another program code that executes the program code. Needless to say, even when the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized in cooperation with application software and the like, such program codes are included in the embodiments of the present invention.

Further, the supplied program code is stored in a memory provided in a function expansion board of the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and then stored in the function expansion board or the function storage unit based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that the present invention also includes a case where a provided CPU or the like performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0176]

According to the present invention, a photographed image can be immediately sent to a desired destination, and can be distributed in a desired distribution form even if the destination is not necessarily connected to a network. Moreover, such destinations, distribution destinations,
Since at least one of the distribution modes can be designated using the operation unit of the digital camera, a device which can be transmitted immediately with good operability and has good portability can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image communication system 1000 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image input unit 100 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a camera unit provided in the image input unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a portable communication unit 300 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a data flow in the image input unit 100 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data flow in the portable communication unit 300 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a procedure in which data flows when transmitting an image in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of transmitting an image by the image input unit 100 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an image transmission operation in the portable communication unit 300 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data flow at the time of receiving an image in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an image receiving operation in the portable communication unit 300 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an image receiving operation of the image input unit 100 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data flow at the time of transmitting an image in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an image transmission operation in the image input unit 100 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an image transmission control operation in the portable communication unit 300 according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1000: Image communication system, IC1: Image communication device, 100: Image input unit, 300: Portable communication unit, 500: Base station, 600: ISDN network, 700: Access point, 800: Internet network, 900: Receiving terminal.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5C022 AA13 AC03 AC31 AC69 5C052 AA11 AB04 CC11 DD02 EE02 EE03 FA02 FA03 FA08 FB01 FC01 5C062 AA01 AA29 AA37 AB20 AB23 AB38 BD06

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. A supply unit for supplying image data from an imaging unit, a wireless communication unit for performing data communication for network transmission, and a wireless unit for transmitting the image data supplied by the supply unit to a printing system by the wireless communication unit. An image processing apparatus, comprising: communication control means, wherein the wireless communication control means transmits the image data together with data indicating a distribution destination to distribute a print output by the printing system. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit includes a communication destination designation unit that designates a communication destination for wireless communication by the wireless unit in accordance with a user's instruction. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image capturing unit further includes a distribution destination specifying unit that specifies the distribution destination according to a user's instruction. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit has a distribution mode designating unit that designates a distribution mode to the distribution destination according to a user's specification. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print system is a system connected via the Internet. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print system delivers the print to the delivery destination by a delivery company. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print system notifies the delivery destination that the print has been generated. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission notifying unit that notifies that the image data is being transmitted while the image data is being transmitted by the wireless communication unit. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a display unit for displaying an operation state of the image processing apparatus. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the display unit includes one or both of a light emitting element and a display device capable of displaying characters or graphics. 11. The image according to claim 10, wherein the transmission notifying means is performed by turning on or off the light emitting element, displaying characters or graphics on the display device, or a combination thereof. Processing equipment. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit performs wireless communication using radio waves. 13. A digital camera that generates electronic image data from image pickup light, a supply unit that supplies image data from an image pickup unit, a wireless communication unit that performs data communication for network transmission, and the supply unit Wireless communication control means for transmitting the supplied image data to a printing system by the wireless communication means, wherein the wireless communication control means transmits the print data output by the print system together with data indicating a distribution destination to distribute the image. A digital camera for transmitting data. 14. The digital camera according to claim 13, wherein said imaging means has a communication destination specifying means for specifying a communication destination for wireless communication by said wireless means in accordance with a user's instruction. 15. The digital camera according to claim 13, wherein the imaging unit further includes a distribution destination specifying unit that specifies the distribution destination according to a user's instruction. 16. The digital camera according to claim 13, wherein said imaging means has a distribution form designating means for designating a distribution form to said distribution destination according to a user's designation. 17. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the communication destination designation unit is a unit using at least a part of a photographing operation unit of the digital camera. 18. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the distribution destination designating unit is a unit using at least a part of a photographing operation unit of the digital camera. 19. The digital camera according to claim 15, wherein the distribution mode designating unit is a unit using at least a part of a photographing operation unit of the digital camera. 20. The digital camera according to claim 13, further comprising display means for displaying an operation state of the digital camera. 21. The digital camera according to claim 15, wherein the distribution mode designating unit is a unit using at least a part of a photographing operation unit of the digital camera. 22. The digital camera according to claim 13, further comprising display means for displaying an operation state of the digital camera. 23. A digital camera according to claim 22, wherein said display means is constituted by one or both of a light emitting element and a display device capable of displaying characters or graphics. 24. The digital camera according to claim 13, wherein said wireless communication means is performed by wireless communication using radio waves. 25. When wireless communication means for supplying image data from an image pickup means and transmitting the image data supplied by the supply means to a print system by wireless communication means for performing data communication for network transmission, the wireless communication control means An image processing method, wherein the image data is transmitted together with data indicating a distribution destination to which a print output by the printing system is distributed. 26. The storage medium according to claim 25, wherein the image processing method is stored in a computer-executable manner.