JP3093370B2 - Image processing system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing system for photographing a subject and printing the photographed image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a photo booth device that can automatically take a photograph for an identification card, a passport, or the like by inserting money into the photo booth.
2. Description of the Related Art An apparatus using an optical silver halide photographic technology including a photographic developing unit and a flash is known.

[0003] However, such a device uses a chemical agent for developing a photograph, so that the place where the device is installed is limited because of the problem of pollution, and maintenance of the device is troublesome.

Further, in such an apparatus, a long time is required for chemical processing for development, and a user has to wait about 5 minutes from taking a picture to obtaining a picture.

In such an apparatus, the photographing result is not known until the image is developed, and when the photographing fails, the paper is already printed on the paper, so that the paper is wasted. There was a drawback that would be collected.

Further, in such a device, since a device for black and white and a device for color are separate, in order to take a desired photograph, it is necessary to search for a device capable of obtaining a desired photograph. .

[0007] Further, such an apparatus has a drawback that the cost increases when various functions are mounted.

[0008]

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system capable of outputting a photographing result desired by a user. is there.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system capable of realizing various functions at low cost.

[0011]

To achieve the above object, according to an aspect of the present invention includes converting means for converting an input means for inputting a color image, a color image input to the black-and-white image, mosquitoes
Selecting means for selecting any of a color image and a black and white image;
According to the selection of the black and white image by the selection means, the conversion
Controlling the monochrome image from the means to be output to the display device,
The monochrome image from the conversion means is displayed on the display device.
Depending on the selection of the color image by the selection means,
The color image from the input means without passing through the conversion means.
Control to output to the display device, and on the display device
A display control means for displaying a color image from the input means
And an image displayed on the display device according to an instruction.
Control means for controlling the image forming apparatus to form on a sheet
And a step .

Also, the present invention provides a color separation unit for performing color separation of an image , a monochrome imaging unit, and
This is for inputting an image and taking the image through the color separation means.
In accordance with the image, the color-separated image is
Input an image and take it without passing through the color separation means.
Input means for inputting a black and white image from the imaging means
When a synthesizing means to color image by combining color separation images inputted by said input means, or the combining means
Output means for outputting the color image and the black and white image from the input means; and outputting the color image and the black and white image .
Selection means for selecting one, color by the selection means
-When the output of the image is selected, the color separation
An image is taken through a step, and the color component
Inputting the solved image, the color image from the synthesizing means
Controls to output, according particular output a monochrome image is selected by the selection means, through the said color separation means
Without taking the image, the black and white image from the imaging means
Control means for inputting and outputting black and white images from the input means .

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 11 denotes an image pickup unit including a video camera, 12 denotes an image storage unit that stores image information from the video camera 11, for example, a semiconductor memory, 13 denotes a monitor output screen changeover switch, 14 denotes a monitor, and 15 denotes power supply to each unit. A power supply unit for performing A system control unit 16 controls the operation of each unit.
M, ROM (not shown). RAM is C
Used as a work area for the PU, the contents of the control operation and message data to be displayed on the monitor are written in the ROM. Reference numeral 17 denotes an operation unit for operating the system control unit 16, a shutter button 17a for starting storage of an image,
Print button 17b for starting printing of stored images
And a cancel button 17c for canceling the stored image after storing the image and putting the image capturing standby state again. 18
Is a video printer, such as a thermal printer or a bubble jet printer that generates bubbles by heat and discharges ink by the pressure. Reference numeral 19 denotes a detection unit that detects coin insertion.

FIG. 2 is an external view of this embodiment. Reference numeral 20 denotes illumination for illuminating a subject, such as a fluorescent lamp. 2
1 is a coin slot.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the operation of the system control section 16 of the electronic photo system having the above-mentioned configuration. When the coin detector 19 detects a coin, it sends a coin insertion signal to the system controller 16 (step S1).
When receiving the coin insertion signal, the system control unit 16 operates the power supply unit 1.
5 to start supplying power to each unit (step S2). Next, switch 13 is switched to the camera side,
The image currently captured by the video camera 11 is directly displayed on the monitor 14 (step S3). When the shutter button 17a of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S4), the image captured at that time is stored in the image storage unit 12 as a still image (step S5).

Next, the switch 13 is switched to the storage unit side, and the stored image is displayed on the monitor 14 so that the photographer can confirm the image to be printed (step S6).
When the print button 17b of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S7), the stored image is printed by the video printer 18 (step S8). After printing, a print end signal is sent from the video printer 18 to the system control unit 17,
Further, a signal is sent to the power supply unit 15 to stop supplying power to each unit (step S9), and the process ends. Step S
If the print button 17b is not pressed and the cancel button 17c is pressed in step 7, the process proceeds to step S3, and the storage operation wait state is entered. If the cancel button 17c is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S6 to enter the print operation wait state. (Step S10).

When the shutter button 17a of the operation unit 17 is depressed during photographing, it is counted by a counter provided in the system control unit 16, and when the count value reaches a predetermined value, the image currently being photographed is stored. May be controlled by the system control unit 16 so that the photographing can be performed in a correct posture.

The shutter button 17a of the operation unit 17
Is placed at the foot of the photographer and the shutter button 17a is
May be pressed so that shooting can be performed in a correct posture. Furthermore, the illumination 20 may be a flash lamp so that flash photography can be performed.

This is effective for pollution control, facilitates maintenance, shortens the time required for completing a photograph, saves printing cost and print paper, and obtains a favorite photograph.

Next, another embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram of the present embodiment is the same as FIG. In this embodiment, the same photograph can be printed on a plurality of sheets. Steps S1 to S10 are the same as those in FIG.
After the printing of the image stored in step S8 is completed, the timer in the system control unit 16 is turned on (step S11), and a message notifying whether or not the currently stored image is to be further printed (for example, “when another sheet is to be printed”) , Insert a coin. ") On the monitor 14 (step S12). When a coin is detected, the process proceeds to step S6, and a print operation waiting state is set (step S13). If no coin is detected in step S13, it is checked whether a predetermined time has elapsed by a timer in the system control unit 16 (step S14). If the predetermined time has not elapsed in step S14, the process proceeds to step S12, and the operation waits for the insertion of a coin. If the predetermined time has elapsed, a signal is sent from the system control unit 17 to the power supply unit 15, and the power of each unit is reduced. The supply is stopped (step S15), and the process ends.

If it is detected in step S13 that a coin has been inserted, the stored image is displayed on the monitor 14 (step S6), and a print instruction for the stored image is awaited (step S7).

With this configuration, it is possible to obtain a plurality of photographs of a favorite image stored once.

When the user presses the print button 17b of the operation unit 17 while taking a picture, the system control unit 16 controls the printing so that a predetermined number of sheets are printed, so that a plurality of photographs of a desired image can be obtained. Operation may be performed.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an image processing system showing another embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
Is the same as Reference numeral 30 denotes a paper feed unit, 31 denotes a communication unit that communicates with a management center or the like using a telephone line when an abnormality occurs, and 32 denotes a telephone line.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a centralized monitoring device for centrally monitoring a plurality of image processing systems. A communication unit 40 communicates with a plurality of image processing systems using the telephone line 32, and a control unit 41 controls the centralized monitoring device.
Reference numeral 42 denotes a storage unit that stores the state of each image processing system, map data indicating the location of the nearest available image processing system when an abnormality occurs in the image processing system, and the like. A monitor 43 displays the status of each image processing system from the control unit 41.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the operation of the control unit 16 of the image processing system having the above configuration. When the coin detector 19 detects a coin, it sends a coin insertion signal to the controller 16 (step S1). The control unit 16 that has received the coin insertion signal sends a signal to the power supply unit 15 and starts supplying power to each unit (step S2). The control unit 16 receives a status signal as shown in FIG. 8 from the printer 18 at regular intervals, and determines whether the printer 18 is operating normally (step S20). If there is no abnormality such as paper breakage or paper jam in step S20, control at normal time is continued as it is,
Thereafter, an abnormality is detected at regular intervals. Normally, the image captured by the video camera 11 is displayed on the monitor 14 (step S3). When the shutter button 17a is pressed (step S4), the captured image at the time when the shutter button 17a is pressed is stored as a still image (step S4). S5). Then, the stored image is displayed on the monitor 14 (step S6). When the print button 17b of the operation unit 17 is pressed (Step S)
7) The stored image is printed by the video printer 18 (step S8). After printing, the video printer 18
Sends a print end signal to the system control unit 17, further sends a signal to the power supply unit 15, stops the supply of power to each unit (step S9), and ends. In step S7, the print button 17b is not pressed and the cancel button 17c
If is pressed, the flow advances to step S20 to enter a waiting state for a storage operation. If the cancel button 17c is not pressed, the flow advances to step S6 to enter a waiting state for a storage operation (step S10). If there is an abnormality such as paper out or paper jam in step S20, the inserted coin is returned (step S21), and the communication unit 31 sends the unique code of the image processing system to the centralized monitoring device (FIG. 3) in the management center. , The place name code and the code of the abnormal content are transmitted (step S2).
2).

The control unit 41 of the centralized monitoring device that has received the content of the abnormality causes the monitor 43 to display the unique code, the place name, and the content of the abnormality of the image processing system in which the abnormality has occurred. And
The contents of the state of the image processing system in the storage unit 42 are rewritten to be unusable, and the nearest available image processing system is searched. Based on the search result, map data indicating a place where the image processing system is installed and stored in the storage unit 42 in advance is transmitted from the communication unit 40 to the image processing system in which the abnormality has occurred.

FIG. 9 shows a specific circuit configuration of the communication unit 31. Reference numeral 55 denotes an abnormality notification control signal from the control unit 16. When this signal is turned on, the CPU 53 causes the line connection control signal 54
Turn on the network control unit (NC
U) Instruct 50 to connect to the line. Next, the CPU 53 executes EE
The telephone number of the management center written in a nonvolatile memory such as the PROM 56 is read in advance, and the DTMF (dual tone multi fr) corresponding to the number is read out.
EGMF) instructs the DTMF generator 54 to output the codes in numerical order in accordance with the line standard. When the line is connected to the management center, the centralized monitoring device automatically responds and sends a 1 KHz sine wave signal to the transmitting side. Communication device 3
A band pass filter (BPF) 58 extracts a 1 KHz sine wave, and an A / D converter 59 digitizes the detection level. When the digital value exceeds a predetermined value, the CPU 53 determines that the line has been connected to the management center, and sequentially stores the unique code of the image processing system, the installed place name code, and the code of the abnormality in the EEPROM 5.
6 and sequentially read out with the DTMF code with an error correction code added at the end. When correctly received by the management center, the centralized monitoring device generates a 1 KHz sine wave to notify the transmitting side that the reception has been correctly performed. Communication device 31
Turns off the line when this 1 KHz signal is detected. The centralized monitoring device displays the booth number, the installation location name, the details of the failure, and the like on the monitor 43 to notify the administrator.

The communication unit 16 of the image processing system receives the map data of the nearest available image processing system from the centralized monitoring device and stores it in the image storage unit 12 (step S23). Then, the map is displayed on the monitor 14 (step S24). When the print button of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S25), it is checked whether there is any print paper to be printed (step S26). The received data is printed (step S27). Steps S24 to S2 while the image processing system is abnormal
The control operation of Step 7 is continued, and when it returns to normal, it is reset and the control is performed from Step S1.

It is also possible to output a word expressing the location of another usable image processing system.

As described above, when there is an abnormality in the image processing system, it can be notified to the management center.
This eliminates the need for periodic inspections of the image processing system. Also, since a map of another available image processing system is displayed, the user can find a usable image processing system without searching around. Further, even if an abnormality occurs during the control, the coin is returned, so that there is no problem in money management.

Next, another embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 11 denotes an image pickup unit including a video camera. Reference numeral 12 denotes an image storage unit including, for example, a semiconductor memory capable of reading and writing subject information from the video camera 11. The image storage unit has 640 points in the X direction.
480 pixels in each direction can be stored. The readout areas for printing are point S (XS, YS) and point E (XE, Y).
It is represented by a rectangle with E) as the diagonal. XS, YS, X
E and YE each represent an address in the image storage unit.
13 to 19 are the same as those in FIG. An area move button 17d moves a print area in an image. By pressing the area button, the aforementioned XS, YS, XE, YE are increased or decreased. XS, YS, XE and YE are given initial values when the power is turned on. XS and XE increase by one when the rightward direction of the area movement button 52d is pressed, and decrease by one when the leftward direction is pressed. YS and YE decrease by one when the upward direction of the area movement button 52d is pressed, and increase by one when the downward direction is pressed. 61 generates a mark indicating the area to be printed,
This is a mark generation unit that causes the monitor 14 to display the image combined with the image.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system control section 16 of the electronic photo system having the above-described configuration. When the coin detector 19 detects a coin, it sends a coin insertion signal to the system controller 16 (step S1). Upon receiving the coin insertion signal, the system control unit 16 turns on the power supply unit 15.
To start power supply to each unit (step S2). When the power supply is started, step 13 is switched to the camera side, and the image currently captured by the video camera 11 and the mark 61 generated by the mark generation unit 61 are combined and displayed on the monitor 14 (step S30). ).
At this time, the mark generation unit outputs data (XS, YS, XE, Y) representing the print area from the system control unit 16 described above.
In response to E), a mark 62 indicating the area is generated as shown in FIG. The position of the mark at the start of power supply is determined by the initial value stored in the ROM of the system control unit 16. The photographer operates the area move button 17d while looking at the monitor 14 to move the mark 62 to a position where a desirable composition is obtained. When the area move button 52d is pressed (step S31), the system control unit 16 increases or decreases the position data (XS, YS, XE, YE) according to the direction and amount (step S32). In step S32, the changed data is sent to the mark generation unit 61 to generate a mark corresponding to the data, and the process proceeds to step S30, where the image currently captured by the video camera 11 and the mark 62 generated by the mark generation unit 61 are compared. The images are synthesized and displayed on the monitor 14. If the area move button 17d is not pressed in step S31, the process proceeds to the next step. When the shutter button 17a of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S4), the image being captured at that time is stored in the image storage unit 12 (step S5). Next, the switch 13 is switched to the storage unit side, and the stored image is displayed on the monitor 14 so that the photographer can confirm the image to be printed from now on (step S6). When the print button 17b of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S7), printing in the print area is performed (step S7).
8).

The printing in step S8 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. x and y represent addresses at which image data is read from the image storage unit 12. First, x is XS and y is YS (steps S41 and S42). Next, the video data of the image data at the address (x, y) is sent to the video printer 18 and printed (step S43). Then, x is increased by 1 (step S4).
4) Check whether x> XE is satisfied (step S4)
5). If x ≦ XE in step S45, step S43
Go to and increase x. Video printer 1 when x> XE
A line feed signal is sent to 8 (step S46), and y is increased by 1 (step S47). Then, it is checked whether or not y> YE (step S48). Y in step S48
If ≤YE, the process proceeds to step S41, x is reset to XS, and printing is continued. If y> YE, a print end signal is sent to the video printer 18 to end printing. As a result of printing, an image as shown in FIG. 14 is obtained.

After the printing is completed, a printing end signal is sent from the video printer 18 to the system control unit 17, and the power supply unit 1
5 to stop the supply of electric power to each unit (step S9), and ends. If the cancel button 17c is pressed without pressing the print button 17b in step S7, the process proceeds to step S30, where the image of the video camera 11 and the mark 62 are combined and displayed, and if the cancel button 17c is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S6. The process proceeds to a print operation waiting state (step S10).

The mark generating unit 61 and the area move button 17d are not used, and the position data of the print area is fixed, and a fixed mark indicating the print area of each print size is written on the surface of the screen of the monitor 14. Alternatively, the composition of the photograph may be confirmed with a simple configuration.

When the shutter button 17a of the operation unit 17 is depressed during photographing, a memory start signal is generated when a count value determined by a counter provided in the system control unit 16 is reached. The control may be performed by the system control unit 16 that stores the image being captured so that the image can be captured in a correct posture.

Further, in addition to the position data of the print area, size data may be input to change the print size.

As described above, since the user can confirm the photographing result before the photograph is printed, the user can obtain a favorite photograph without wasting the photograph cost and printing paper. Further, since the movable print area mark is displayed on the monitor, the composition of the photograph can be confirmed, and the composition of the photograph can be changed without moving the subject.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an electronic photo system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 11 denotes an image pickup unit including a video camera, and reference numeral 12 denotes an image storage unit configured to store subject information from the video camera 11, for example, a semiconductor memory. The image storage unit 12 can store a plurality of screens,
For example, in this embodiment, four screens can be stored. 13
Is a monitor output screen changeover switch, 14 is a monitor, and 15 is a power supply unit for supplying power to each unit. A system control unit 16 controls the operation of each unit, and includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM.
(Not shown). The RAM is used as a work area of the CPU, and the contents of the control operation and message data to be displayed on the monitor are written in the ROM. 17
Is an operation unit for operating the system control unit 16, a shutter button 17 a for starting storage of an image, and an image storage unit 12.
Has a print image selection button 17e for designating a stored image to be printed out of the four stored images stored in the. Reference numeral 18 denotes a video printer, such as a bubble jet printer that generates bubbles by the heat of a thermal printer and discharges ink by the pressure. Reference numeral 19 denotes a detection unit that detects coin insertion.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system control section 16 of the electronic photo system having the above-described configuration. When the coin detector 19 detects a coin, it sends a coin insertion signal to the system controller 16 (step S1).
When receiving the coin insertion signal, the system control unit 16 operates the power supply unit 1.
5 to start supplying power to each unit (step S2). Next, switch 13 is switched to the camera side,
The image currently captured by the video camera 11 is directly displayed on the monitor 14 (step S3). When the shutter button 17a of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S4), the image captured by the video camera 11 is displayed for a predetermined time (step S5).
0, S51), and the captured image is stored in the image storage unit 1
2 (step S52). Next, switch 13
Is switched to the storage unit side, and the stored image is displayed on the monitor 14 for a predetermined period of time for the photographer to confirm (steps S53 and S54). The system controller 16 counts each time an image is stored, and checks whether it has been counted four times, that is, whether four screens have been stored (step S5).
5). In step S55, if the counter is less than 4, the process proceeds to step S50, where the image is stored, and if the counter is 4, the monitor is divided into four displays as shown in FIG. The images are collectively displayed on the monitor (step S56). The photographer looks at the monitor and selects the image to be printed.
The user presses the print image selection button 17c of the operation unit 17. When the print image selection button 17c is pressed and an image to be printed is specified, the specified image is printed (step S57). After printing, the system controller 17
Send a print end signal to Upon receiving the print end signal, the system control unit 17 sends a signal to the power supply unit 15 to stop supplying power to each unit (step S9), and ends.

In this embodiment, the image storage unit 12 can store four screens. However, the image storage unit 12 is not limited to four screens, but may be any storage capable of storing a plurality of screens.

Further, a print image may be designated by pressing a print button while a stored image is being displayed during a series of imaging, storage, and display operations.

As described above, the user can correct the pose by continuously storing the captured image of the camera and displaying the stored image, so that a good pose can be taken. Further, since a plurality of images are stored and displayed collectively, and the image designated by the user is printed, the user can compare the plurality of images and select a preferred photograph without wasting a photo fee or printing paper.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. A video camera 11 captures a color image and outputs a color image signal. 12
Reference numeral denotes an image storage unit that stores image information from the video camera 11, for example, a semiconductor memory, 13 denotes a monitor output screen changeover switch, 14 denotes a monitor, and 15 denotes a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit. Reference numeral 16 denotes a system control unit that controls the operation of each unit, and is configured by a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM (not shown). The RAM is used as a work area of the CPU, and the contents of the control operation and message data to be displayed on the monitor are written in the ROM. Reference numeral 17 denotes an operation unit for operating the system control unit 16. A shutter button 17a for starting storage of an image, a print button 17b for starting printing of the stored image, and after storing the image, cancel the stored image and retry. A cancel button 17c for putting the camera into a shooting standby state, a black / white / color selection button 17f for selecting whether to perform monochrome printing or color printing
have. Reference numeral 18 denotes a video printer, for example, a thermal printer, a bubble jet printer that generates bubbles by heat, and discharges ink by the pressure. 19
Is a detection unit for detecting coin insertion.

Reference numeral 70 denotes an image conversion unit for converting the color image information read from the image storage unit 12 into black and white image information, and 71 switches whether the video printer 18 prints a color image or a black and white image. Switch for changing the print image.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system control section 16 of the electronic photo system having the above-described configuration. When the coin detector 19 detects a coin, it sends a coin insertion signal to the system controller 16 (step S1).
When receiving the coin insertion signal, the system control unit 16 operates the power supply unit 1.
5 and the power supply unit 15 starts supplying power to each unit (step S2). Next, the switch 13 is switched to the camera side, and the image currently captured by the video camera 11 is directly displayed on the monitor 14 (step S3). When the shutter button 17a of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S
4) The image currently captured is stored in the image storage unit 12 as a still image (step S5).

Next, the switch 13 is switched to the storage section side, and the stored image is displayed on the monitor 14 so that the photographer can confirm the image to be printed (step S6).
When the print button 17b of the operation unit 17 is pressed, it is determined whether the instruction is a monochrome printing instruction or a color printing instruction (step S60). When monochrome is selected by the monochrome / color selection button 17f in step S60, the system control unit 16 switches the print image changeover switch 71 to the image conversion unit 70 side, and the image conversion unit 70 switches the color image information from the image storage unit 12. Is converted to monochrome image information, and the monochrome image information is output to the video printer 18 (step S).
61). When a color is selected by the monochrome / color selection button 17f in step S60, the system controller 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes a print image changeover switch 71 which is directly connected to the image storage unit 1.
2 and the video printer 18 are connected, that is, the print image changeover switch 7 is
1 to directly output the color image information from the image storage unit 12 to the video printer 18 (step S6).
2).

Then, a color or black-and-white image is printed by the video printer 18 based on the sent image information (step S8). After printing, video printer 1
8 sends a print end signal to the system control unit 17, further sends a signal to the power supply unit 15, stops the supply of power to each unit (step S9), and ends. In step S7, the print button 17b is not pressed and the cancel button 17
When c is pressed, the process proceeds to step S3, and the process enters a waiting state for a storage operation. When the cancel button 17c is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S6 to enter a waiting state for a printing operation (step S10).

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a modification of FIG. The difference from FIG. 18 is that the image conversion unit 70 and the print image changeover switch 71 are connected before the switch 13. As a result, when black and white is selected by the black and white / color selection button 17f, a black and white image is displayed on the monitor 1.
4 and a color image is displayed on the monitor 14 when a color is selected. Thereby, printing of color and black and white images becomes possible, and a photograph according to the user's request can be obtained. Further, it is possible to confirm whether black and white or color is printed by the monitor.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 11 denotes a monochrome video camera, which generates a synchronization signal in synchronization with image reading. 12-1
9 is the same as FIG. 75 is a rotary filter, 76 is a motor control unit, and 77 is a stepping motor.
FIG. 22 shows the shape of the rotary filter. R, G, and B are windows provided with red, green, and blue transmission filters, respectively, and T is a colorless and transparent window. The video camera 11 captures images through these windows.

In such a configuration, when monochrome is selected by the monochrome / color selection button on the operation unit 17, the system control unit 16 outputs a signal to that effect to the monitor control unit 76, and the motor control unit 76 Controls the drive of the motor 77 so that the T window of the rotary filter 75 is in front of the video camera 11, and keeps the rotary filter in that state to perform imaging via the T window (steps S71, S72). On the other hand, when a color is selected by the monochrome / color selection button on the operation unit 17, the system control unit 16 outputs a signal to that effect to the motor control unit 76. The motor control unit 16 controls the drive of the motor 77 so that the R window, the G window, and the B window are located in front of the video camera 11 sequentially in synchronization with the synchronization signal output from the video camera 11.

As a result, the video camera 11 sequentially reads out the images through the R filter, the G filter, and the B filter (steps S73, S74, S75), and the system controller 16 obtains the image information obtained through the respective filters. Are obtained, and the obtained color information is calculated to obtain a color image (step S76). This makes it possible to print black-and-white and color images, and obtain a photograph according to the user's request. Further, since a monochrome video camera is used, a low-cost image processing system can be realized.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 11 denotes an image pickup unit comprising a video camera, 80 denotes an external video input terminal, 81 denotes a video input selection switch, 82 denotes an external input terminal connection detection unit, and 12 denotes a semiconductor memory for storing subject information from the video camera 11, for example. The configured image storage unit, 13 is a monitor output screen changeover switch, 14 is a monitor, 15 is a power supply unit for supplying power to each unit, 16 is a system control unit that controls the operation of each unit, and 17 is a system control unit 16 An operation unit 18, a video printer serving as a print output unit, 19
Is a detection unit for detecting coin insertion.

FIG. 25 shows a flowchart of the operation of the system control section 16 of the electronic photo system having the above configuration. When the coin detector 19 detects a coin, it sends a coin insertion signal to the system controller 16 (step S1).
When receiving the coin insertion signal, the system control unit 16 operates the power supply unit 1.
5 to start supplying power to each unit (step S2).

Next, the external terminal connection detecting section 22 detects whether the video input is connected to the external video input terminal. If the external terminal is connected (step S8)
1) The video input selection switch 81 is switched to the external video input terminal 80 to input an image signal from the external video input terminal 80 (step S82).
If the external terminal is not connected in step S81,
The video input selection switch 81 is switched to the video camera 11 side to input an image signal from the video camera 11 (step S83). Then, the input image selected in steps S81 to S83 is displayed (step S3). Shutter button 17a of operation unit 17
Is pressed (step S4), the image being captured at that time is stored in the image storage unit 12 as a still image (step S5).

Next, the switch 13 is switched to the storage section side, and the stored image is displayed on the monitor 14 so that the photographer can confirm the image to be printed (step S6).
When the print button 17b of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S7), the stored image is printed by the video printer 18 (step S8). After printing, a print end signal is sent from the video printer 18 to the system control unit 17,
Further, a signal is sent to the power supply unit 15 to stop supplying power to each unit (step S9), and the process ends. Step S
If the print button 17b is not pressed and the cancel button 17c is pressed in step 7, the process proceeds to step S3, and the storage operation wait state is entered. If the cancel button 17c is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S6 to enter the print operation wait state. (Step S10).

As shown in FIG. 26, the external video input terminal 80 is provided with a synchronizing signal detecting section 83 for generating a detecting signal when detecting a synchronizing signal of the input video signal. Is received, the video input selection switch 81 is set to the external video input terminal 80.
It may be controlled to switch to the side.

Further, instead of the external video input terminal 80, a video tape deck may be used to print an image recorded on a video tape.

As described above, since it is possible to print an image other than the image photographed by the photo booth system, the use range of the user is expanded.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 11 to 19 are the same as those in FIG. Reference numeral 85 denotes a determination circuit for determining whether the image stored in the image storage unit 12 is blurred, and reference numeral 86 denotes a monitor 14.
A character generating circuit for generating a character for displaying a message on the top, 87 is a signal amplifier for amplifying a message audio signal output from the system control unit 16, and 88 is an audio signal amplified by the signal amplifier as audio. It is a speaker that outputs.

Next, a detection method by the shake detection unit 85 will be described with reference to FIGS. Shutter button 17a
Is pressed, the video from the video camera 11 at times t1 and t2 is stored in the first field A and the second field A in the image storage unit 12.
The system control unit 16 controls so as to be stored in the field B respectively.

When the shutter button 17a is pressed while the subject is moving to the upper right, as shown in FIG. 28, the image stored in the second field memory is the subject in the image stored in the first field memory. Is an image moved to the upper right. Here, when the image stored in the image storage unit 12 is output to the monitor 14 as it is, a blurred image is displayed as shown in FIG. When the image stored in the image storage unit 12 is output to the printer 18, a blurred image is printed as shown in FIG.

Since the printing of the blurred image is useless, a motion vector is detected based on the images stored in the first and second field memories to determine whether the blurred image is likely to be printed. . First, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, a block including m = n × n pixels is set in the images of the first field A and the second field B.

The correlation between the target block A and the target block B is expressed by the following equation based on the pixel value Ai in the target block A of the first field A and the pixel value Bi in the target block B of the second field B: Get the value C. (Tokuhei 2-
52914 _{^{reference) C = Σ m 1 | Ai}} -Bi | However, by ^{_{Σ m 1 Xi = X 1 +}} X 2 + X 3 + ... + X m-1 + X m above equation, the block of interest A, corresponding to the target block A The correlation value C between the position of the block of interest B and the eight blocks around the block of interest B is determined for each block, and the position of the block where the magnitude of the correlation value C is minimum is stored. When the correlation value C between the block other than the block of interest B and the block of interest A among the nine blocks is the smallest, it is determined that there is a blur at the time of shooting, and a blur detection signal is output to the system control unit 16.
The system shake detection signal when the when the correlation value C between the block of interest A block of interest B is the smallest, as compared with a constant value C _B set in advance the correlation value C, C> C _B It outputs a shake detection signal to the control unit 16. The operation of calculating the correlation value C between the target block A and each of the nine blocks in the second field to detect blurring is performed by changing the target block A from the A (0,0) block to the A (l, k) block. Until all blocks in the first field are processed.

It is also possible to shorten the calculation time by performing the above-mentioned block for calculating the motion vector detection only in the printing range of the printer.

Conversely, by performing printing with the printing range adjusted to an integral multiple of the operation block of the motion vector, it is possible to perform processing without waste.

Next, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system control section 16 of the electronic photo system having the above configuration.
3, shown in FIG. Steps S1 to S7 and S10 are shown in FIG.
Is the same as When the print button 17b is pressed in step S7, the blur detection of the stored image is performed by the blur detection
5 (step S85). In step S85, the shake detection unit 85 detects the shake of the stored image, and when the system control unit 16 receives the shake detection signal from the shake detection unit 85, the system control unit 16 sends the character generation circuit 86 to inform the user that the shake has occurred. Message on the monitor 14. At the same time, a sound such as a chime sound or "there is blurring" is output from the speaker 88 via the signal amplifier 87 (step S87). Then, when the print button 17b is pressed after notifying the user of the blur (step S88), the stored image is printed by the video printer 18 (step S8). After the printing is completed, a printing end signal is sent from the video printer 18 to the system control unit 17, and the power supply unit 1
5 to stop the supply of power to each unit (step S9), and the process ends.

If the print button 17b has not been pressed in step S88, the flow advances to step S3, and the blurred image can be photographed again without printing.

If there is no blurring in step S86, the flow advances to step S8 to perform a normal printing operation.

As described above, when there is blur during shooting,
Since the user is warned before printing the image, the photograph that failed to be photographed is not printed.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, the motion vector detection method shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 is further developed to correct even if the stored image is blurred.

As described above in the image processing system of FIG. 27, when the motion vector is detected for each block of the first field, the motion vector for each block as shown in FIG. 35 is detected, and the blurred block is detected. Can be detected. As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the blur detection unit 85 writes the image information of the block in the first field where the blur is detected at a position corresponding to the block of the first field in the second field (FIG. 36). , 1 is the first field image,
Reference numeral 2 denotes a second field image. ). As a result, FIG.
As shown in (1), the image of the first field is left as it is, and the image of the second field is the image of the first field for the blurred block, and the image of the second field is for the unblurred block. You can print the image.

Thus, even if the image is blurred at the time of shooting, the blur is corrected, so that a photograph without blur can be obtained.

[0088]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, input means for inputting a color image,
Conversion means for converting the converted color image into a black and white image.
Then, according to the selection of the monochrome image, the monochrome
Controlling the image to be output to a display device;
To display the monochrome image from the conversion means,
According to the selection of the color image from the input means,
Control to output to the display device without going through conversion means
Then, a color image from the input unit is displayed on the display device.
Display the image displayed on the display device in response to an instruction.
Control the image forming apparatus to form the image on the sheet
And, since the output either a color image and black-and-white image can be, the user Ru can be used to output the image of hope
And before printing by the image forming device,
Confirms the desired image in advance via the display device
And input color images.
When a user requests to print a color image
Display on the display device as a color image,
Want to print a color image as a black and white image
Is requested, the color image is directly displayed on the display device.
Display device converted to black and white image without displaying
Can be displayed on a color image.
Will be printed as a color image.
Or print as a black and white image
To prevent inconveniences such as
Convert a color image input to a black and white image and print
Conversion means when requesting the device to
The converted black and white data is correctly converted to the desired black and white data.
Whether or not the conversion has been performed is indicated by the user via the display device.
Because it can be confirmed by yourself, it is different from the data you want
To prevent black and white data from being printed,
Useless printing can be prevented beforehand.

[0089] Further, according to the present invention described in claim 3, color
-It is possible for users to output images and black-and-white images.
You can output only an image, for example, a color image
Things that are troubled because you can only do black and white when you need it
Has the effect of disappearing.

[0090]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the image processing system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an operation of a system control unit 16 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another operation of the system control unit 16 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a centralized monitoring device that centrally monitors a plurality of image processing systems.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an operation of the system control unit 16 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing signals indicating the state of the printer 18 of FIG.

9 is a specific circuit configuration diagram of the communication unit 31 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment.

11 is a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a mark of a print area displayed on a monitor 14;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of printing in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a result of printing with the area designation shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment.

16 is a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 in FIG.

17 is a diagram showing a display on a monitor 14. FIG.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram of the rotary filter 75 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of imaging in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a motion of an image in a time direction.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a blurred image displayed on a monitor 14;

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a blurred image printed by the printer.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an image stored in a first field of the image storage unit 12.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an image stored in a second field of the image storage unit 12.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 34 is a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 in FIG. 27.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing detected motion vectors.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an image of a first field after blur correction.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an image of a second field after blur correction.

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating an image printed after blur correction.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 11 video camera 12 image storage unit 14 monitor 16 system control unit 18 video printer 70 image conversion unit 71 black and white / color changeover switch 75 color separation filter 80 external image input terminal 85 blur detection unit 88 notification speaker

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Kawahara 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-61-137487 (JP, A) -170562 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/525 H04N 1/46 H04N 9/79-9/898

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] An input unit for inputting a color image; a converting unit for converting the input color image into a black and white image; and a selecting unit for selecting one of a color image and a black and white image
The conversion according to the selection of the black and white image by the selection means.
Controlling the monochrome image from the means to be output to the display device,
The monochrome image from the conversion means is displayed on the display device.
Depending on the selection of the color image by the selection means,
The color image from the input means without passing through the conversion means.
Control to output to the display device, and on the display device
A display control means for displaying a color image from the input means
A column and an image displayed on the display device according to an instruction;
An image processing system, comprising: a control unit configured to control an image forming apparatus to be formed on the image forming apparatus . 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said input means includes a color image from an imaging device.
Inputting an image, and the control means controls the input color image
Image or the black-and-white image converted by the conversion means.
2. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is controlled to form the image on the image forming apparatus . 3. A color separation means for performing color separation of an image, an image pickup means for monochrome, and an image from the image pickup means, which is inputted with the color separation means.
According to the image pickup through the disassembling means, the image pickup means
The color-separated image is input from the
The black-and-white image by the imaging means
Input means for inputting from the input means, synthesizing means for synthesizing a color-separated image input by the input means to form a color image, and a color image from the synthesizing means and a color image from the input means.
And output means for outputting a monochrome image, and selection means for selecting one of outputs of the monochrome image of a color image, the output of the color image is selected by said selection means
In accordance with the image pickup through the color separation means,
Inputting the color-separated image from the imaging means ,
Control means for outputting a color image from the generating means, and in response to the selection of a black and white image by the selecting means.
Taking an image without passing through the color separation means,
A black-and-white image is input from the imaging unit, and the
An image processing system, comprising: control means for controlling output of a black-and-white image . 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for displaying a monochrome image and a color image from said output means , wherein said control means displays a color image when outputting a color image, and displays a monochrome image when outputting a monochrome image. 4. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein is displayed. 5. A control method for an image processing system, comprising: input means for inputting a color image; and conversion means for converting the input color image into a black-and-white image. Selecting the black and white image from the conversion means in response to the selection of the black and white image to a display device, and displaying the black and white image from the conversion means on the display device; and Controlling the color image from the input unit to be output to the display device without passing through the conversion unit in accordance with the selection of, and displaying the color image from the input unit on the display device; Controlling an image forming apparatus to form an image displayed on a display device on a sheet in response to an instruction; and controlling the image processing system. Law.