JP2003298985A - Print system, imaging apparatus, and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simple print system at a lower cost, an imaging apparatus, and a printer while maintaining the similar function to that of a conventional system. <P>SOLUTION: A printer 120 is integrated with the imaging apparatus 110 to print out data immediately after imaging, then a function of an image display section such as confirmation of a photographed image can be fulfilled. Further, using a function of an image processing section 124 substantially provided to the printer 120 eliminates the need for provision of an image processing section to the imaging apparatus 110 so as to reduce the cost and simplify the configuration. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a print system, an image pickup apparatus and a printer that can print a photographed optical image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image pickup apparatus represented by a digital still camera is a CCD (Charge-Coupled Decoder).
Vices), CMOS (Complementary)
Metal-Oxide Semiconductor
An optical image is photoelectrically converted on a pixel-by-pixel basis by an image pickup means which is an image sensor such as r), image-processed, and stored in a memory as image data. The image data stored in the memory can be displayed as an image on a monitor such as an LCD mounted on the digital still camera, or output to the outside of the digital still camera so that the image can be printed by a color printer or the like.

[0003]

By the way, the digital still camera is useful in terms of the instant visibility of an image on an LCD or the like, the instantness of image output, and the ease of image processing after shooting. A general digital still camera has a problem that it is expensive as compared with a salt camera, and therefore, further cost reduction is desired.

When the digital still camera is reviewed from the viewpoint of cost reduction, it can be said that it is not always necessary to provide all the functions normally provided. However, there is also the fact that we do not want to omit the necessary functions.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art, and provides a lower cost and simpler printing system, an image pickup apparatus and a printer while maintaining the same functions as those of the conventional art. The purpose is to

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises an image pickup means for converting an optical image into an image signal, a storage means for storing the image signal, and An image pickup apparatus having an external output unit for outputting the stored image signal to the outside, an input unit for inputting an image signal from the external output unit of the image pickup apparatus, and an image input through the input unit A printing system comprising: an image processing unit that performs image processing on a signal; and a printer having an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data processed by the image processing unit. The image pickup device and the printer can be separated from each other.

A conventional digital still camera generally has an image pickup means such as a CCD, an image processing section, a memory,
It has an image processing unit and an interface. On the other hand, a normal printer has an interface and an image forming unit. Here, when considering the combination of the printer and the digital still camera, it can be said that the image display unit is not always necessary for the digital still camera if the printer can immediately print after photographing. Further, if the image processing unit is provided on the printer side, it can be said that it is not necessary to provide the image processing unit on the digital still camera side. Therefore, according to the print system of the present invention, in the image pickup apparatus, the image processing unit and the image display unit are omitted, so that the price and the simplification of the image processing unit are reduced.

On the other hand, since the structure of the image pickup device is omitted,
How to supplement the function of the omitted configuration, but if the image pickup device is combined with the printer, as described above, the function of the image display unit for confirming the photographed image by printing immediately after photographing Can cover. In addition, if the function of the image processing unit originally possessed by the printer is used, there is no need to provide an image processing unit for image display in the image pickup apparatus, and there is an advantage that the cost can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified. Incidentally, if the image pickup device can be separated from the printer, it is possible to perform arbitrary photographing with the light and compact image pickup device. In such a case, the image signal obtained from the image pickup means is stored in the storage means of the image pickup device and can be read out to the printer at a predetermined timing such as when the image signal is combined with the printer.

Further, the printer preferably has a monitor for displaying an image. This is because it is convenient to be able to preview before forming an image.

Further, it is preferable that the printer has a storage means so that the image signal stored in the image pickup device can be transferred to and stored in the storage means of the printer. Thereby, even when the capacity of the storage unit of the image pickup apparatus is suppressed to be small and the price is reduced, more image signals can be stored by using the storage unit on the printer side.

Further, it is preferable that the storage means of the printer can store the image data processed by the image processing means. This is because it is possible to quickly respond to reprinting.

Further, it is preferable that the image signal stored in the storage means of the image pickup device can be erased by a signal from the printer. This is because the storage means of the image pickup device can be effectively used by deleting unnecessary image signals such as an image signal corresponding to an image that has been printed.

Further, if the image pickup device and the printer each have a battery, and one battery of the image pickup device and the printer can supply power to the other, they can be separated from each other. This is because they can be operated independently, and in the unlikely event that the remaining capacity of one of the batteries decreases, power can be supplied from the other battery so that it can function normally.

Further, when the remaining amount of the battery for supplying electric power to the printer is lower than the first threshold value, a predetermined operation is prohibited, and when it is lower than the second threshold value, the operation of the image forming section is prohibited. Is prohibited. This is to ensure the minimum functions of the printer.

Further, it is preferable that the printer has a storage portion for a medium on which an image is formed by the image forming portion, and the storage portion stores a medium of a single size. This is because the configuration of the printer is simplified by limiting to a single size medium.

Further, it is preferable that the printer has a communication section for outputting image data subjected to image processing by the image processing section to the outside. This is because if the image data can be output to an external personal computer or the like, more advanced image processing can be performed.

The image pickup apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention is an image pickup means for converting an optical image into an image signal, a storage means for storing the image signal, and an external output for outputting the stored image signal to the outside. And an image processing unit that performs image processing on the image signal input through the input unit, the input unit inputting an image signal from an external output unit of the image capturing apparatus. Since it is attachable / detachable to / from a printer having an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data processed by the image processing unit,
By omitting the image processing unit and the image display unit, it is possible to achieve cost reduction and simplification.

The printer of the third aspect of the present invention is an image pickup means for converting an optical image into an image signal, a storage means for storing the image signal, and an external output means for outputting the stored image signal to the outside. Input means for inputting an image signal from the external output means of the image pickup apparatus, image processing means for performing image processing on the image signal input via the input means, and processing by the image processing means. A printer having an image forming unit that forms an image based on the generated image data, and the image pickup device is attachable / detachable. Therefore, in the image pickup device, the image processing unit and the image display unit are omitted. Therefore, the price can be reduced and the cost can be simplified.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system 100 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printing system 100.

The printing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 comprises an image pickup device 110 and a printer 120. In the image pickup device 110, the CPU 111 is supplied with power from the battery 113 and controls the image pickup means 112 such as a CCD, the memory 114 as a storage means, and the interface 115 as an external output means.

On the other hand, in the print 120, the control unit 121 is supplied with power from the battery 122 and has an interface 123 as an input unit, an image processing unit 124 as an image processing unit, a memory 125 as a storage unit,
The monitor 126 such as an LCD, the DRAM 127, and the image forming unit 128 are controlled. Image forming unit 128
May be an inkjet printer, a sublimation printer, or a thermal transfer printer.

In FIG. 2, the image pickup device 110 is attached to the upper portion of the printer 120 and is integral with the printer 120.
Both can be separated (the imaging device 110 can be removed). The imaging device 110 has a release switch SW on the upper surface and an optical viewfinder window F on the back surface. The printer 120 has a power switch PS on the side surface and a screen of the monitor 126 and an operation unit B on the back surface.

When the photographer presses the release switch SW while checking the subject through the window F, the image pickup means 112 in which an optical image is formed on the light receiving surface by a photographing lens (not shown).
Under the control of the CPU 111, performs so-called photoelectric conversion, which outputs an analog signal (image signal) corresponding to the optical image of the subject. As the imaging means, a CC that performs photoelectric conversion
A solid-state image sensor such as D or CMOS can be used.
The analog signal obtained by photoelectric conversion is recorded in the memory 114 as an analog signal or as an A / D converted digital signal (image signal). Memory 11
The image signal stored in 4 is under the control of the CPU 110.
The data is output to the printer 120 side via the interface 115.

The control unit 121 of the printer 120 converts the image signal input via the interface 123 into image data by image processing by the image processing unit 124, and stores the image data in the memory 125. After that, the control unit 121 can transfer the image data stored in the memory 125 to the image forming unit, form an image on the medium incorporated therein, and output it as a print P. The image data processed by the image processing unit 124 is
It may be sent to the image forming unit 128 immediately without being stored in the memory 125.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a flow of a series of operations from reading the image signal from the image pickup device 110 to printing. Image reading button (1 of operation unit B
When one is operated (pressed), first, step S1
01, the control unit 121 of the printer 120 causes the imaging device 1
Make sure you are properly connected to 10. In the following step S102, the control unit 121 determines whether the image signal can be read from the memory 114 by the imaging device 110. For example, if the image signal cannot be read because the image signal is not stored in the memory 114 of the imaging device 110, the control unit 121 displays a warning message such as “data is not stored” in step S103. Display (sound or voice is acceptable, the same applies below), and the flow ends.

On the other hand, in step S102, the image pickup device 11
When it is determined that the image signal can be read from 0, the control unit 121 reads the image signal and causes the image processing unit 124 to perform image processing in step S104. Furthermore,
In step S105, the control unit 121 displays an image on the monitor 126 based on the processed image data. Here, the user sends the image data to the memory 1 of the printer 120.
It is also possible to select either to be stored in 25 or to print by operating the operation unit B or the like.

If it is determined in step S106 that the image data storage is selected by the user's operation, the control section 121 confirms the free space of the memory 125, and if the free space is insufficient, step S117. Displays a warning message such as "Not enough memory to store". On the other hand, if the capacity of the memory 125 is sufficient, the image data is stored in the memory 125 (step S11).
6). After that, in step S118, the control unit 121
It is determined whether or not the image pickup device 110 finishes reading the image signal. If it is determined that the reading is not finished, the flow returns to step S104, and if it is determined that the reading is finished, step S1
At 19, it is determined whether the memory 114 of the image pickup apparatus 110 is to be formatted (image signal erase). If the user operates the operation unit B and determines that the formatting is desired, the control unit 121 formats the memory 114 in step S120, and if the formatting is not desired, the control unit 121 does not perform the formatting. End the flow.

Further, when it is determined in step S106 that the storage of image data is not selected, the control unit 121
Further, it determines whether or not the image reading button (one of the operation sections B) has been operated (pressed). If it is determined that the image loading button has been operated, the control unit 121 returns the flow to step S104, but if it is determined that the image loading button has not been operated, then in step S108,
It is determined whether or not the print button (another one of the operation units B) has been operated. If it is determined that the print button has not been operated, the control unit 121 returns the flow to step S107. However, if it is determined that the print button has been operated, the image data is stored in the image forming unit 128 in step S109. Stored in the temporary memory of.

Thereafter, in step S110, the control unit 12
For example, in the case of an inkjet printer, 1 checks whether or not there is one print of ink and medium (print paper), and in the case of a sublimation printer, whether or not there is one print of ink ribbon and medium. If any of these is insufficient, a warning message such as "no ink or print paper is available" is displayed in step S111. When it is confirmed in step S110 that the ink or the like is sufficient, or in step S112 that the ink or the like has been replenished, the control unit 121 reads the image data from the temporary memory and prints based on it in step S113. Form an image on paper.

Thereafter, when it is determined in step S114 that the image data storage is selected by the user's operation, the control section 121 performs the processing from step S115 described above, while the image data storage is not selected. If so, the process from step S118 described above is performed.

The control unit 121 prohibits a predetermined operation (for example, an image display that consumes a lot of power) when the remaining amount of the battery 122 that supplies power to the printer 120 is below the first threshold. It is preferable to prohibit the operation of the image forming unit 128 when the value is below the second threshold. This is to ensure the minimum functions of the printer. However, battery 1
Even if the remaining amount of 22 is less than or equal to the threshold value, the connected imaging device 1
When the remaining amount of the battery 113 of 10 is sufficient, the power may be supplied from there.

Further, the printer 120 includes the image forming unit 12
8 has an accommodating portion (for example, a cassette type that can be exchanged in a cassette type and can accommodate about 5 print sheets) for a medium (printing paper) on which an image is formed. It is preferable that the medium (1) is accommodated. The printer 12 is limited to a single size medium.
This is to simplify the configuration of 0.

The printer 120 also includes an image processing unit 124.
It is preferable to have a communication unit 129 that outputs the image data that has been subjected to the image processing to the outside. In FIG. 2, if image data can be transmitted to an external personal computer PC or a mobile phone T via the communication unit 129, they can be stored in a predetermined server S via the network N, whereby the image data level can be increased. It is possible to perform various processing (for example, creating a postcard or a calendar).

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the exemplary embodiments, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, but it goes without saying that appropriate modifications and improvements are possible. is there.

[0035]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lower cost and simpler printing system, an image pickup apparatus and a printer while maintaining the same function as the conventional one.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a print system 100 according to an embodiment.
It is a block diagram of.

FIG. 2 is a print system 100 according to the present embodiment.
FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of a series of operations from reading an image signal from the image pickup device 110 to printing.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 printing system 110 Imaging device 120 printers

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/225 H04N 5/225 F 5/91 101: 00 // H04N 101: 00 5/91 J (72 ) Inventor Hiroshi Kibayashi 1st Sakura-cho, Hino-shi, Tokyo Konica Stock Company F-term (reference) 2C055 CC00 CC01 CC03 CC05 EE00 2C061 AP01 AP10 AQ04 AQ05 AR01 HJ10 HK11 5C022 AA13 AB40 AC02 AC03 AC32 AC42 AC77 AC78 5C052 A11 AA17 AB04 DD02 EE02 EE03 FA02 FA03 FA09 FB01 FC06 FE01 FE07 FE09 5C053 FA04 FA08 FA27 KA04 LA01 LA03

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup apparatus comprising: an image pickup unit that converts an optical image into an image signal; a storage unit that stores the image signal; and an external output unit that outputs the stored image signal to the outside. An input unit for inputting an image signal from an external output unit of the image pickup apparatus; an image processing unit for performing image processing on the image signal input via the input unit; and an image processed by the image processing unit. A print system comprising: a printer having an image forming unit that forms an image based on data, wherein the image pickup device and the printer are separable from each other. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer has a monitor for displaying an image. 3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the printer has a storage unit, and the image signal stored in the image pickup device can be transferred to and stored in the storage unit of the printer. Printing system. 4. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the storage means of the printer is capable of storing the image data processed by the image processing means. 5. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the image signal stored in the storage means of the image pickup device can be erased by a signal from the printer. 6. The image pickup apparatus and the printer each have a battery, and the battery of one of the image pickup apparatus and the printer can supply power to the other. The printing system according to any one of 1 to 5. 7. The operation of the image forming unit is prohibited when a remaining amount of a battery for supplying electric power to the printer is below a first threshold value, and a predetermined operation is prohibited when the remaining amount is below a second threshold value. A printing system characterized by prohibiting. 8. The printer includes a storage unit for a medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and the storage unit includes:
The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a single size medium is accommodated. 9. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printer has a communication unit that outputs image data subjected to image processing by the image processing unit to the outside. 10. An image pickup unit for converting an optical image into an image signal, a storage unit for storing the image signal, and an external output unit for outputting the stored image signal to the outside.
An image pickup apparatus having: an input unit that inputs an image signal from an external output unit of the image pickup apparatus; an image processing unit that performs image processing on the image signal input through the input unit; Attached to a printer having an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data processed by the processing unit.
An imaging device, which is removable. 11. An image pickup unit for converting an optical image into an image signal, a storage unit for storing the image signal, and an external output unit for outputting the stored image signal to the outside.
Input means for inputting an image signal from the external output means of the image pickup apparatus having: an image processing means for performing image processing on the image signal input via the input means; and processing by the image processing means. A printer having an image forming unit for forming an image based on image data, wherein the image pickup device is attachable / detachable.