JP3499017B2 - Laboratory system and operation control method thereof, and reproduction apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a laboratory system suitably used in a photo lab (including a photo shop capable of developing and printing services) (referred to as a laboratory), its operation control method, and mainly a customer (user). The present invention relates to a reproducing device and a reproducing method placed at home, at home, etc.

[0002]

[Background Art] The image of each frame recorded on a developed photographic film (negative film or positive film) is read by a film scanner, converted into digital image data, and a disk-shaped recording medium (optical disk, magnetic disk, etc.). It is considered to be recorded in. This disc-shaped recording medium can be reproduced by a player owned (or available) by the user. What is currently being considered is whether the images represented by the image data recorded on the disc-shaped recording medium are simply displayed on the display device in the order of recording (automatic reproduction), or the image of the frame specified by the user. Is only displayed on the display device (manual playback).

On the other hand, a photographic film provided with an elongated belt-shaped information recording portion made of a transparent magnetic material has been studied. This photo film has information for each film (Information IX1)
And information for each frame (information IX2) can be recorded.
It is hard to say that how to utilize such information is well thought out.

[0004]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a laboratory system capable of recording information recorded in an information recording section together with an image of a photographic film on a recording medium, and an operation control method thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for creating a visually appealing program by using a recording medium on which information of the information recording section and image data are recorded.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for reproducing the created program.

The laboratory system according to the present invention reads an image of each frame recorded on a developed film having a film information recording section and a frame information recording section provided for each frame, and reads the image. A film reading device for generating digital image data representing an image and reading the film information and the frame information recorded in the film information recording unit and the frame information recording unit, respectively, and digital image data obtained by the film reading device, In addition, the above-mentioned film information and frame information are associated with the digital image data of each frame for the frame information of each frame, and a user recording medium recording device for recording on the user recording medium is provided.

Here, the laboratory system includes not only a system installed in a so-called laboratory such as a developing station but also a system installed in a user's house. That is, the laboratory system does not necessarily have to be considered in relation to the developing device of the photographic film. This name is only used to make it easier to understand assuming that it will be used mainly in laboratories.

According to the operation control method of the laboratory system of the present invention, an image of each frame recorded from a film after development provided with a film information recording section and a frame information recording section provided for each frame. To generate digital image data representing the image, and to read the film information and the frame information recorded in the film information recording section and the frame information recording section, respectively, to obtain the obtained digital image data and the film information and the frame information. The frame information is recorded in the user recording medium in association with the frame image information of each frame and the digital image data of each frame.

According to the present invention, not only the image from the photographic film but also the film information (information for each film) and the frame information (information for each frame) recorded in the information recording portion of the photographic film are read and recorded on the recording medium for the user. To be done. The film information and frame information of such a recording medium are effectively used for image reproduction in the reproducing apparatus described later.

There are two types of user recording media. One is that resources including at least one of an image component and a sound component used when reproducing an image represented by digital image data are recorded in advance. The other is a resource in which such a resource is not recorded. In this case, a resource including at least one of an image component and a sound component and corresponding to the above film information is a laboratory system. Is recorded on the user recording medium.

An image component is image data used alone or in combination with an image obtained from a film to make a more desirable, easy-to-see, crisp, and beautiful screen. The sound component is data representing a sound (music, narration, sound effect, etc.) played during image display.

In a program, image parts are in principle associated with film images in a one-to-one relationship, but sound parts do not necessarily have to be in a one-to-one relationship with film images.

As described above, since the resource including at least one of the image component and the sound component is recorded in the recording medium for the user, when reproducing the film image, the program (slide Show) can be created.

The creation of the program will be described in the section of the reproducing apparatus, but the laboratory system may be allowed to create the program.

In the preferred embodiment, the digital image data comprises reduced image data thereof. The reduced image data is useful when grasping the entire image recorded in the user recording medium or when searching.

In the reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, a group of image data composed of image data of a plurality of frames (corresponding to image data of one film), first information on the group of image data (corresponding to the above-mentioned film information). , A second medium (corresponding to the frame information described above) relating to each frame image, and a recording medium on which resources including at least one of an image component and a sound component used when reproducing a group of image data are recorded, At least a means for confirming the presence of a group of image data and the presence of a resource associated with the first information, and program information regarding the order of reproduction and the combination of images and resources when the presence is confirmed. And a program creating means for creating the program and recording it on the recording medium.

According to the reproducing method of the present invention, a group of image data consisting of a plurality of frames of image data, first information about the group of image data, second information about each frame image, and a group of image data are generated. In a recording medium (corresponding to a user recording medium) in which a resource including at least one of an image component and a sound component used for reproduction is recorded, at least a group of image data is associated with the first information. The existence of the resource is confirmed, and when the existence is confirmed, the program information regarding the reproduction order and the combination of the image and the resource is created and recorded in the recording medium.

The reproducing apparatus and reproducing method can also be called a program creating apparatus and a program creating method, respectively.

When the recording medium has a plurality of groups of image data, the group for which a program is to be created will be selected from among them.

The program is most easily created in a predetermined order in a predetermined combination. However, the order or combination can be specified or changed according to the user's wish.

Preferably, the image parts and the sound parts include those to be reproduced at the beginning of the program.

Images are reproduced in accordance with the program created in this way.

That is, the reproducing device reads out the image data from the recording medium and at least the image component combined with the image data by the combination information contained in the program information, in accordance with the order contained in the program information. And a means for displaying the image represented by the combined image data.

Preferably, means is further provided for reading the sound component according to the program information and reproducing the sound represented by the sound component.

More preferably, the reproducing device is provided with means for generating an image of the character represented by the second information, and means for combining and displaying the generated character image and the corresponding image.

In this way, the user can enjoy the film image by effectively utilizing the film information (first information) and the frame information (second information) recorded on the photo film. Depending on your taste, you can play it back as a slide show.

At least one of the additional image component and the additional sound component is input if necessary or according to the preference of the user, and the input additional image component or sound component is recorded with an identification code and recorded. It is recorded on the medium. The user can use these additional image parts or additional sound parts for program creation.

In the preferred embodiment, a printer is connected to the playback device. The user can use the printer to create a photograph of a desired one of the displayed images. It is preferable that the displayed image continues to be displayed for as long as possible. Therefore, when the print mode is set, it is preferable that the user can arbitrarily set the display image switching time (display time) regardless of the program information, or it can be automatically set.

[0030]

【Example】

(1) Photo film with information recording section and camera Figure 1 shows a new type of photo film, that is, a photo film with information recording section.

The end of the photographic film 1 is fixed to a spool (not shown) rotatably provided in the cartridge 4. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the photographic film 1 is pulled out from the cartridge 5.

At the tip of the photographic film 1, some perforations 2a are formed for engaging with a part of the photographic film winding shaft of the camera.

Except for an appropriate length of the leading end, the entire photographic film 1 has a region 4 for recording an image (this region is formed by photographing, and for convenience of explanation in FIG. 1). Are shown in dashed lines for).

On both sides of the image recording area 4, elongated strip-shaped information recording portions 3b and 3d are provided. In addition, one perforation 2b is formed between the information recording portions 3b corresponding to each image recording area 4. This perforation 2b is mainly used for positioning the image recording area 4 at the image forming position in the camera.

Information recording portions 3a and 3c are also provided on both sides of the leading end portion of the photographic film 1.

The information recording portions 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are magnetic recording layers generally formed by applying a transparent magnetic material. The information recording sections 3a and 3b provided on one side of the photographic film 1 are generally laboratories [a film developing station (store), a photo shop, etc., where a film is developed and printed or printed on a photographic paper: a processing laboratory. I]. The information recording sections 3c and 3d provided on the other side of the photographic film 1 are generally used by a user or a camera to record information (data).

The information recording portions (leader information recording portions) 3a and 3c at the tip end portion are used for recording information on one film 1. Information recording sections (frame information recording sections) 3b and 3d provided corresponding to the respective image recording areas 4 are used for recording information regarding the images recorded in the respective areas 4.

As an example, the reader information recording section 3c used by the user records information representing an event related to an image taken by using the photo film. The event is, for example, a sports day, a birthday, a party, a wedding, or the like. This is called information IX1.

Frame information recording section 3d used by the user
The information to be recorded in the information includes information that the user inputs to the camera (for example, a title that briefly describes the image) and information that is automatically recorded by the camera (for example, the shutter speed used when capturing the image of the frame). Etc.) and are included. These pieces of information are called information IX2. Only the information input by the user may be the information IX2.

FIG. 2 shows the data arrangement (format) in the information recording portion of the photographic film. This data format applies to both information IX1 and IX2, SS, VER, ID, LNG, DATA, LCR
And ES are included.

SS is an abbreviation for Start Sentinal, and is a code indicating the start of a data string. VER indicates the version of the recording format (standard). The ID represents the type of information to be recorded (IX1, IX2, etc.). LNG indicates the length of the next data. DATA is data representing information to be recorded or to be recorded. LCR is CRC
Check code. ES stands for End Sentinal,
It is a code indicating the end of the data string.

One or a plurality of data strings having such a format are provided in one information recording section. For example,
The frame information recording unit 3d records a data string representing data input by the user and a data string representing data to be written by the camera. If necessary, in order to improve reliability, the same data string is recorded in parallel in the information recording unit.

FIG. 3 shows a part of the structure of a camera capable of handling such a photographic film with an information recording section. In this figure, the configuration relating to recording in the information recording portion of the photographic film is mainly shown, and the configuration of the image pickup optical system and the like is omitted.

The cartridge 5 is rotatably supported by a fork in the camera. The leading end of the photographic film 1 pulled out from the cartridge 5 can be wound around the photographic film winding shaft 16. A photoelectric sensor 12 for detecting the perforation 2b is provided, and this detection signal is given to the control device 10. The control device 10 drives the motor 14 to rotate the take-up shaft 16 to sequentially take up the photo film 1 and take a photograph so that the image recording area 4 comes to the image forming position based on the detection signal of the photoelectric sensor 12. The film 1 is positioned for each shooting.

A magnetic head 11 is provided on the traveling path of the information recording sections 3c and 3d for recording information in the information recording sections 3c and 3d for users. While the photographic film 1 is being wound (running), the information input from the input device 15 or the information generated by the control device 10 is controlled by the control device 10 under the control of the control device 10. Recording unit 3c,
It will be magnetically recorded on 3d.

The input device 15 is for inputting numbers and characters. For example, the input device 15 includes a numeric keypad, alphabet keys, and the like. If necessary, the input device 15 includes a display device, and the information keyed in is displayed on the display device.
In order to reduce the number of keys, the displayed character changes each time one key is pressed, and the user can select the displayed character.

In this embodiment, the event information, that is, the type of the information IX1 is predetermined, and the user selects a desired one from them. There are 99 types of information IX1, and codes 01 to 99 are assigned to these. For example, code 01 is athletic meet, code 02 is birthday, etc. Therefore, it is sufficient if the code selected by the user is recorded in the reader information recording unit 3c.

The information IX2 is generally input from the input device 15 as a character code or a numerical code. As shown later, "Before start", "Start", "Ouugi"
A code representing a character such as is recorded in the frame information recording unit 3d.

(2) Outline of Operation of Laboratory System and Playback Device Prior to the description of the specific configuration and operation of the laboratory system and the playback device of the user, their operation will be outlined. This will help you understand the overall flow.

FIG. 4 shows the use (operation) mode of the laboratory system when developing an undeveloped film (a photo film with an information recording section described above) possessed by the user in a laboratory and printing (printing) a photo. ing.

After taking a picture with the camera, the user generally develops the picture film in the laboratory and has the picture printed. At this time, in the laboratory, the image data representing the image read from the developed film and the information IX1 and IX2 read from the film are recorded on a disc, and the disc (this disc is called a user disc) is given to the user. The undeveloped film owned by the user is brought into the laboratory directly or through a store, a photo shop, or the like. At this time, generally, an order form (slip) is created.

In the laboratory, the undeveloped film is developed using a developing device. After that, the developed film is printed on a photographic paper by a printing device to produce a photograph of the image represented on the film. The photographs may be created using a photographic printer without using the printing apparatus. In the case of a photographic film with an information recording section, the film is not cut into multiple frames,
It is kept in its original length and wound up in a patrone (or other container) for storage. Information such as developing conditions and printing conditions is written in the laboratory information recording portions 3a and 3b of the photographic film.

Subsequently, the developed film image and the information in the information recording sections 3c and 3d (and 3a and 3b as necessary) are read by the film scanner. Read image data (processing is performed as necessary to obtain appropriate image data) and the information recording unit 3
On the one hand, the information of c, 3d (and 3a, 3b) is stored on the disk of the laboratory system (hereinafter, referred to as a lab disk) together with the generated identification code.

On the other hand, the image data read from the photographic film and the information in the information recording section are appropriately processed and edited and recorded on the user disk together with the identification code if necessary.

The user disc also includes image parts (parts, etc.) used for automatically creating a program on the reproducing apparatus.
Or resources) and sound components are recorded,
Or it is recorded in advance.

The label printer issues a label on which a bar code representing the generated identification code is printed. This label is attached to at least the film after development. A label is also preferably attached to the user disk.

The label to which the developed label is attached, the printed photograph, and the user disc (to which the label is attached) are given to the user. Of course, the payment will be given and received.

By loading the user disc transferred to the user in the reproducing apparatus in this way, the user composites the image of the photograph recorded on the user disc with the image parts, as described later in detail. Above, you can enjoy playing with the sounds represented by the sound components. A combination of a combined image and sound is called a program (only a combined image or only a combination of a photographic image and a sound may be called a program). The playback device automatically creates the program, but the user can change or modify the automatically created program. Of course, the user may create the program from the beginning.

If the user wants only the disc for the user, the printing of the photograph may be unnecessary.

The user's disc and the lab disc can also be used to print additional photographs without using a film.

The order for additional printing is performed by recording the order data on the user disk and transmitting the order data from the reproducing device to the laboratory system, or by writing the order details on the slip.

The recording of the order data on the user disk is performed by using the reproducing apparatus (when it has the order function).
The user will pass the order data directly to the user's disc or through the dealer to the laboratory.

When the order data is transmitted from the reproducing device (when it has the order function) to the laboratory system through the communication line, the user does not need to pass the user disk to the laboratory system. The user disc is used only when the user creates order data using the playback device (for confirmation of images to be ordered, etc.).
Reprinted photos created by the laboratory system are mailed,
It will be sent to the user by courier or the like. The price will also be paid in credits.

The identification code of the label attached to the user's disk delivered to the laboratory is read by the bar code reader. Alternatively, the identification code included in the order data recorded on the user disk is read by the magnetic disk reader.

The identification code included in the order data read by the user disc or transmitted through the communication line is the identification code attached to the image data stored in the lab disc of the laboratory system. Matched.

The image data is stored in the laboratory disk in the laboratory system for a certain period (a few months, half a year, one year, etc.), and is erased after the certain period. By the above collation processing, it is confirmed whether or not the image data ordered for additional printing is stored in the lab disk.

If the desired image data is stored in the lab disc, the order data recorded on the user disc is read. According to the order data read from the user disc or the received order data, the image data of the ordered film frame is read from the lab disc, and the size ordered by the photographic printer,
The specified number of photos will be printed.

The printed photograph and the user's disc (if ordered using the disc) are passed (sent) to the user.

If the ordered image data is not stored in the lab disk, the user's film will be used to reprint the photograph.

The identification code is used to identify the image data stored in the user disc, the film and the lab disc, and is used especially when printing is performed. The identification code is not required if these identifications can be made in another form, or if the reprint is film-based. It will not be necessary to save the image data on the lab disk. Particularly, in terms of the present invention, the identification code may not be used at all. Image data and information IX1 and IX2 may be stored in the user disk.

(3) Laboratory System FIG. 5 shows a laboratory system installed at a place (laboratory) for developing a film and printing or reprinting photographic paper at a photofinishing shop (store), photo shop, etc. Is shown.

The laboratory includes a developing device 47 for developing an undeveloped film (negative or positive) deposited by a customer (user), and a printing device for printing (or printing) an image appearing on the developed film on photographic paper. A device 48 is provided. There is also a type in which the developing device 47 and the printing device 48 are integrated. In any case, these developing devices
47 and printing device 48 are well known. If necessary, these devices 47, 48 are electrically connected to the computer system 20 of the laboratory system. It may or may not be possible to include these devices 47 and 48 in the laboratory system.

The laboratory system is a computer
Including the system 20, the computer system 20 includes an input device 24, a film scanner 30, a user disc recording device 41, a label printer 42, a photographic printer 43, a disc driver 44, and a reproduction and display control circuit 25.
Are connected by a bus (or serial communication line). If necessary, the communication device 45 is a computer system.
Connected to 20. A display device 26 (for example, a CRT display device, a liquid crystal display device, etc.) is connected to the reproduction and display control circuit 25.

The input device 24 includes a keyboard and a mouse,
It is used to input various data, commands and the like to be given to the computer system 20 or various devices 30, 41 to 46 connected thereto. Further, the input device 24 is operated by an operator of the laboratory system (such as a worker at a photo lab) in order to make selections in the menu displayed on the display screen of the display device 26 and to specify images.

The computer system 20 includes devices 30, 41 ...
It controls 46 individually and supervises the operation of the entire laboratory system. Computer system 20 also generates an identification code, described below. The computer system 20 includes a CPU, a memory (semiconductor memory,
This includes floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and other peripheral devices (see FIG. 6).

The film scanner 30 reads the image represented on the developed photographic film to generate digital image data, and the information IX1, I recorded in the information recording section (at least 3c and 3d) of the photographic film.
X2 is read.

The user disk recording device 41 stores original digital image data read by the film scanner 30 from a photographic film and various reduced digital image data (including index image data) on a user disk (portable recording medium), and The information IX1 and IX2 are edited and then recorded.

Typical examples of user's disks include optical disks (rewritable optical disks such as magneto-optical disks and phase change optical disks), write-once optical disks and magnetic disks (floppy disks). As the user recording medium, a semiconductor memory card, a magnetic tape, an optical tape or the like can be used instead of the disc-shaped recording medium.

The user disk recording device 41 further records the digital image data and information IX1 and IX2 obtained from one photographic film on the user disk, if necessary. Record the identification code for each. The identification code is basically for identifying the film, but it is preferable to be able to clearly identify which laboratory (or dealer) and which laboratory system processed the identification code.

The label printer 42 prints a label representing the above-mentioned identification code. The identification code is converted into, for example, a barcode and printed on the label.

2 for film and user disc
Labels are created. These labels may be different in size, but the identification code represented therein is the same. The film label is attached to the film (including the cartridge or the film case), and the user disc label is attached to the user disc (including the disc cassette and the disc cartridge).

When the label showing the identification code is attached to the user disc, the identification code need not be recorded on the user disc.

A bar code reader 46 is preferably provided in the laboratory system for reading bar codes on labels affixed to user discs and films. The bar code read by the bar code reader 46 is given to the computer system 20 and its identification code is decoded. If the identification code is not used, the label printer 42 and bar code reader 46 would not be needed.

The photo printer (hard copy unit) 43 is a lab disc (laboratory disc).
Of the original digital image data recorded in (1), the specified one (the one for which additional printing has been ordered) is used to print the image represented by the original digital image data on paper. This printed one is a reprinted photograph.

After developing the film, the image represented on the film may be printed on paper by using the photographic printer 43 to produce a print photograph. In this case, the printing device 48 can be omitted. That is, the film
The original digital image data obtained by reading the film with the scanner 30 (after being temporarily stored in the memory of the host computer as needed) is used as the photographic printer 43.
Given to.

The disk driver 44 stores the original digital image data output from the film scanner 30 and the information (including IX1 and IX2) in the information recording section (after once storing it in the memory of the host computer if necessary).
The data is recorded on the lab disc and the specified original digital image data is read from the lab disc. The read original digital image data is applied to the photographic printer 43 for photographic printing as described above. Hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, etc. may be used as lab disks. A magnetic tape may be used instead of the lab disk.

The original digital image data output from the film scanner 30 is preferably recorded on a lab disk in units of one film. At this time, the above-mentioned identification code generated in association with the film is also stored in the lab disc in association with the original digital image data. In this way, it is identical to the photo film, the image data generated by reading this film and recorded on the user disc, and the image data obtained by reading the film and recorded on the lab disc. The identification code is added to clearly indicate that they represent the same image.

The original digital image data may be subjected to data compression processing, and this compressed image data may be stored in the lab disk. In this case, the computer
Data compression (expansion) processing may be performed in the system 20, or a data compression / expansion circuit (may be combined with that of the user disk recording device) may be provided.

When the film is a color film, it goes without saying that the original digital image data and the reduced digital image data are color image data. The color image data may be R, G, B data, a combination of luminance data and color difference data, or NTSC data.

The reproduction and display control circuit 25 and the display device 26 are used for displaying a menu screen and the like when an operator operates the laboratory system, displaying images and the like. When it comes to displaying images, film scanners
The image represented by the image data output from 30,
An image represented by reduced image data to be written on the user disc or read from the user disc, and an image represented by original image data read from the lab disc are displayed on the display screen of the display device 26 as necessary. Is displayed.

The communication device 45 is provided as needed. The communication device 45 communicates with a reproducing device used by a user through a public line or the like (including ISDN),
It is mainly used to receive order data (details will be described later) transmitted from the player.

FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the computer system 20, the film scanner 30, and the peripheral parts thereof.

The computer system 20 has a SCSI
(Small Computer System Interface) bus,
Disk driver 44, user disk recording device 41,
Film scanner 30 and computer system 20
The hard disk driver 25 in is connected.

The computer system 20 includes a CPU 21 and its peripheral circuits, a memory device (ROM, RAM, floppy disk, etc.) 22, a hard disk driver 25.
In addition, a SCSI control unit 23 for transmitting and receiving commands and data in the SCSI system is included.

The film scanner 20 picks up an image represented on a photographic film and outputs image data (for example, 2048 × 3072 pixels) representing the image, and the information recording sections 3c and 3d (and 3a, 3b)
A reading device 50 for reading and outputting information (IX1, IX2, etc.) magnetically recorded on the disk, a memory (RAM, ROM, etc.) for storing these image data and information, commands and data with the computer system 20. SCSI control unit 33 for sending and receiving, and reading of film images,
It includes a controller 31 that controls storage of image data, transfer of image data, and the like.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic structure of the reading device 50 in the film scanner 30.

The photographic film 1 is pulled out from the cartridge 5 and wound on the photographic film winding shaft 54. The photographic film 1 is conveyed at a predetermined speed by a film feeding mechanism (not shown).

The light from the light source 51 is applied to the conveyed film 1. The light representing the image displayed in the image recording area of the film 1 is focused on the CCD line sensor 53 by the lens system 52. The CCD line sensor 53 includes a large number (for example, 2048) of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the photographic film 1. Film 1
In the process of sending the image data, the CCD line sensor 53 provides a video signal for each line to the image processing device 56. When the film 1 is sent for the length of one image recording area, image data for one frame is obtained (for example, when sent at the finest pitch, image data with a resolution of 2048 × 3072 pixels is obtained). .

The image processing device 56 is a CCD line sensor 53.
A signal processing circuit (including a necessary one of a white balance circuit, a gamma correction circuit, a negative / positive inversion circuit, etc.) for processing a video signal (or digital image data after A / D conversion) obtained from A, A It is composed of a / D conversion circuit and the like. The digital image data obtained when the photographic film 1 is sent at the finest pitch is called original digital image data. The original image data is given to the controller 31.

The original image data is for so-called high definition. Standard image data can be obtained by reducing the original image data to 1/2 vertical and 1/2 horizontal. Reduced image data can be obtained by further reducing this standard image data to 1/8 in length and 1/8 in width. Image reduction is performed by thinning processing or averaging processing for each of a plurality of adjacent pixels. This reduction processing is performed by the user disk recording device 41. These original (high-definition) digital image data, standard image data, and reduced digital image data are recorded on the user disk after data compression as necessary. Therefore,
The recording device 41 includes a thinning circuit (averaging circuit) and a data compression (expansion) circuit, if necessary. The thinning process (averaging process) and the data compression (expansion) circuit are the recording device 41.
Can be implemented by software in
It may also be executed in the computer system 20. Further, by changing the feed pitch of the film 1 in the reading device 50, it is possible to obtain image data having different resolutions.

In the reading device 50 shown in FIG. 7, a magnetic head 55 is provided in the conveying path of the photographic film 1 at a position where the information recording sections 3c and 3d pass. Magnetic head 55
Is recorded on the information recording sections 3c and 3d while the film 1 is being sent.
The magnetically recorded information is read and the read signal is sent to the magnetic reading circuit 57. The magnetic reading circuit 57 adds necessary processing (demodulation, encoding, etc.) to the read signal and adds it to the controller 31.
Give to.

(4) Structure of user disk As described above, the user disk is realized by an optical disk and a magnetic disk, but from the viewpoint of resources (image parts, sound parts) used for creating a program in the reproducing apparatus. Can be classified into two types.

One of them is called a hybrid disc (optical disc). This is a ROM area where data cannot be written and a writable and readable area (RAM).
Area) is provided on one disk. The other one is one in which all areas are writable and readable (this is called a general disk).

FIG. 8 shows the entire recording structure of the hybrid disc. In the hybrid disc, a resource (details of which will be described later) for creating a program is recorded in advance in the ROM area for each of the 99 types of events (information IX1) described above. The ROM area includes a directory area and a resource storage area. When creating a dedicated hybrid disk for each event, it is sufficient to record the resource for one type of event on that disk.

FIG. 9 shows the entire recording structure of a general disc. A general disc also has a recording area for creating a program. In the laboratory system, resources are created in advance for each of 99 types of events on the hard disk (or floppy disk) in the computer system 20. When the image data and information (IX1, IX2) of the photographic film are recorded on this general disc, the resource relating to the event represented by the information IX1 is recorded in the resource recording area of the general disc.

Other recording structures are the same in the hybrid disc and the general disc. In other words, these user disks (the RAM area in the case of a hybrid disk) have a directory
Area, index file area and album area are provided. Image data and information of the photographic film are recorded in these areas by the user disk recording device 41.

The user disk is further provided with script files, image cast files, sound cast files, and areas for additional image files and additional sound files. In these areas, various data (commands) which will be described in detail later are recorded automatically by the reproducing device or by the user using the reproducing device.

FIG. 10 shows the structures of directories, index files and albums provided on the user disk. The details of the index file for one album are shown in FIG. 11, and the details of the image file for one album are shown in FIG. Here, an album refers to a collection of image data obtained from one photo film. For example, if 40 frames of images are recorded on one photo film, one album will contain image data for 40 frames.

In the directory, the album name and the path to the index file of the album (offset or address length to each index file, other information necessary for accessing the index file) are provided for each album. Described in. The album name is an event name (athletic meet, birthday, etc.) represented by the information IX1. Therefore, the album name is automatically determined by the computer system 20 of the laboratory system. However, it may be determined according to the user's request, or the user can change the album name by using the playback device. The album name may be the information IX1 itself. The above-mentioned identification code can be recorded together with this album name.

Referring to FIG. 11, the index file for one album (image file) includes an index file header and the number of images (number of frames: n) included in this album. Entry, n
Reduced image data and representative data for each of the individual images are recorded. Since the data length of all these items is fixed, all items can be accessed from the position of the header.

In the header, the ID indicating the index file, the version of the specification of the index file, the path to the representative image data, the date when this index file was created, and this index file were changed Date, this album (index,
Number of images (frames) stored in file (n mentioned above), nickname of this index file,
Information IX1 and the like read from the photo film is recorded.
The film nickname is entered by the user using the playback device.

Instead of the path to the representative image, the representative image data may be stored at this position. If the representative image data is arranged at the end of all the reduced image data, it is not necessary to provide a path to the representative image.

The image entry for each image includes an ID number of the image file (for example, a serial number or a film number), the above-mentioned album name (not necessarily required), an image (frame) ID number (frame number), and an album (frame number). Path for accessing the image data of the frame stored in the image file, attributes of the image or image data (for example, the rotation direction of the image, that is, portrait orientation, landscape orientation, angle, etc.) and parameters (representing the image directly) The keyword, the brightness of the image, the image information such as the shutter speed of the camera when the image is obtained, etc., the frame information IX2 read from the film, etc. are described. Image (piece)
The user's ID number can be changed to the nickname of the image.

The reduced image data is image data representing an image obtained by reducing the standard image to (1/8) × (1/8) = 1/64 as described above.

In this way, the index file describes the overall information about one film, and by looking at this index file (especially by reproducing and displaying the reduced image data), You can know all the image information contained in the film.

FIG. 12 shows an image file for one image. This is called a merged image file,
It includes image data representing a picture and image data representing a character. Image data of a picture and a character can be read from this image file, these can be combined, and a combined image of the picture and the character can be displayed.

The image filter includes a header, an image information area,
It is composed of a frame information IX2 area, a path area, and an image data area.

Image data representing a photographed image and image data representing a character image are stored in the image data area.

There are three types of image data representing a photographed image, which are reduced image data for retrieval A1, standard image data A2, and image data for high definition A3.

The reduced image data A1 is the standard image data A2.
Is created by reducing (1/64) by thinning processing, averaging processing, etc., and is mainly used for search processing. That is, during the search processing, the reduced image data is read from each of a large number of merged image files, and the reduced images represented by these reduced image data are displayed on the display screen so as to form a multi-screen. However,
Since the reduced image data is also stored in the index file, the reduced image data A1 is not always necessary.

The standard image data A2 is image data having a resolution suitable for displaying on a television screen. The high-vision image data A3 has a high resolution (4 times the standard image data) and is used for high-definition display or printing. Image data of higher resolution (for example, one having a resolution four times higher than that for high definition, to obtain a larger print image) can be included in the combined image file. The number of types of image data representing a natural image is arbitrary.

These image data A1, A2 and A3 are generated in the laboratory system as described above.

The character image data B can be input by the user in the reproducing apparatus. Therefore, it is not generally created in the laboratory system. However, it can also be created in the laboratory system based on the information IX2. The character image data B need only be at least for the character area, and not necessarily for one screen. As for the character image data, a plurality of types having different resolutions may be prepared.

It goes without saying that image data representing different pictures and characters may be provided in the combined image file. This is because the merged image file is a composite of two or more types of images. Not only color images but also black and white image data may be prepared.

In the path area, the above-mentioned image data A
Data for accessing 1, A2, A3 and B (data related to a path or an offset, and other addresses) are stored.

In the header, a code indicating a merged image file, the name (name) of the album to which this merged image file belongs, the name (name) of the merged image file, etc. are stored.

In the information area, the version number, compression method, image rotation information, table, creation date, etc. are described.

The version number is a version 1.2 or version 3.5 number for identifying the version.

The compression method is used when the image data in the image data area is compressed (for example, JP
EG method, etc.), which is mainly applied to natural images.

The image rotation information indicates how many times the image data in the image data area (particularly a natural image) should be rotated counterclockwise to be displayed correctly for the observer. Is. For example, this information has 0 degrees,
There are 90 degrees, 180 degrees and 270 degrees.

The table shows the type and resolution of the image data stored in the image data area. In short,
Color (24-bit) natural image (reduced 1/64, standard 1/1,
Data of high-definition 4/1), characters (8 bits), and images (standard 1/1) are described in a table in a fixed array. This array matches the order of the path data described in the path area. The data of characters (8 bits) is created when the character image data B is input.

The creation date is the creation date of this merged image file.

The frame information IX2 is information read from the photographic film. This information IX2 may be stored in at least one of the image file and the index file.

An image file having the structure of a merged image file is shown in FIG. 12, and the JFIF (JPEG File In
terchange Format), TIFF (Tag Image File Forma)
Needless to say, it may be an image file of another format such as t).

(5) Reading of Image etc. from Photo Film and Recording on User Disk The image and information IX1 and IX2 recorded on the photo film are read by the film scanner 30 and these are shown in FIGS. 8 to 12. The data structure shown is recorded on the user disc.

In order to obtain more appropriate image data, the film scanner 30 prescans the image of the photographic film, and the CP of the computer system 20 is scanned.
In U21, parameters for brightness, color correction, etc. are set based on the prescan result. Further, in this prescan, the information IX1 and IX2 are read from the information recording portions 3c and 3d of the film, and the computer system
Temporarily stored on 20 hard disks. afterwards,
Main scanning (fine scanning: fine scanning) is performed in the film scanner 30, and the image data obtained by this is sent to the computer system 20. The CPU 21 of the computer system 20 edits the received image data and writes it on the user optical disk.

FIG. 13 shows the operation of the CPU 21 of the computer system 20 which controls the prescan operation in the film scanner 30. FIG. 14 shows a prescan operation in the film scanner 30.

In the film scanner 30, the power is turned on and the film to be read is set. The film scanner 30 checks whether the first frame is in the scan position (step 81). As described above, since the perforations 2b are formed at the positions between the image recording areas 4, it is possible to recognize whether or not the first frame is the first frame. If the first frame of the film is not at the scan position, rewinding is performed and the first frame is positioned at the scan position (step 82). As a result, the film scanner 30 is ready for operation.

The CPU 21 checks the state of the film scanner 30 and if it is in an operable state (YES in step 61).
S), and sends the initial parameters for prescan to the film scanner 30 (step 62). The initial parameters include the film feed pitch (which makes the resolution rougher than in the main scan), brightness, and color correction value (all of these are default values, that is, predetermined values).

When the initial parameters are set in the film scanner (step 83), the CPU 21 confirms this (step 63) and gives an instruction to the film scanner 30 to read the film information IX1 (step 6).
Four).

In response to this instruction, the film scanner 30 reads the information IX1 in the information recording section 3c by the magnetic head 55 (step 84), and reads the read information IX1 in the CPU 21.
To (step 85). At this time, if necessary, the film is once fed in the reverse direction, and then the information IX1 is read by the magnetic head 55 in the process of being fed in the forward direction. C
PU21 is the information IX transferred from the film scanner 30.
1 hard disk (hard disk driver 25
Temporarily store (step 65).

Thereafter, the CPU 21 gives a prescan instruction for the first frame to the film scanner 30 (step 66), and then gives an instruction to transfer the image data and frame information IX2 obtained by the prescan. (Step 67).

In response to this, the film scanner 30 scans the image of the first frame of the film to obtain the image data representing it, and the frame information magnetically recorded in the information recording section 3d at the position of the first frame. IX2 is read (step 86). The obtained digital image data and information IX2 are sent to the CPU 21 (step 87).

The CPU 21 receives the image data and the information IX2 (step 68). The received information IX2 is stored in the hard disk corresponding to the frame number. Further, the CPU 21 generates a parameter for the main scan based on the received image data and stores it in the memory 22 corresponding to the frame number (step 69). It also gives an instruction for frame feed to the film scanner 30 (step 71).

Film scanner in response to frame feed instruction
30 positions the next frame at the scan position (step 8)
9).

Prescan instruction by CPU 21 and instruction to send image data and information IX2 (step 66,
67), in response to this, prescanning of one frame of image by the film scanner 30, reading of information IX2, and sending of the obtained image data and information IX2 (step
86, 87), and CPU based on received image data
The generation of parameters by 21 and the temporary storage of information IX2 (steps 68, 69) are repeated until the end of the last frame (steps 70, 88). Film scanner 30
In, it is judged whether or not it is the final frame based on the perforation indicating the final frame attached to the film.

FIG. 15 shows the operation of the CPU 21 which controls the main scan operation of the film scanner 30, and FIG. 16 shows the main scan operation of the film scanner 30.
Differences from the pre-scan processing will be described.

The CPU 21 sends initial parameters for main scanning to the film scanner 30 (step 92). This initial parameter includes the film feed pitch. It is a feed pitch for obtaining a fine resolution, and is set so that the resolution becomes 2048 × 3072 pixels, for example.

In addition, the parameters (brightness, color correction values, etc.) created for each frame in the prescan processing are stored in the CPU.
21 is given to the film scanner 30 for each main scan of each frame (step 94).

In response to this, the film scanner 30
The parameters given from the CPU 21 are set prior to the scanning of each frame (step 104).

The film scanner 30 accumulates digital image data of fine resolution obtained while scanning the image of each frame in the memory 32 (step 105).
When the scanning for one image is completed, the film scanner 30 sends the obtained image data to the CPU 21 (step 106). Needless to say, trimming and enlargement processing may be performed when obtaining image data of each frame of the film.

The CPU 21 controls the hard disk driver 25 to temporarily store the image data transferred from the film scanner 30 in the hard disk (steps 97, 98).

When the image data of all the frames of one film are received and stored in the hard disk,
The CPU 21 edits these image data to edit the information IX1,
Then, the process moves to the process of storing the data on the user optical disk together with IX2. This process is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. CPU
21 controls the user disk recording device 41 to perform this processing.

As described above, the user disc includes a hybrid disc and a general disc. Resources for creating a program are stored in advance in the ROM area of the hybrid disk. In a general disc, the process of writing this resource is necessary.

FIG. 17 shows a writing process to a hybrid disc, and FIG. 18 shows a writing process to a general disc.

In FIG. 17, first, the album name is set. The album name is automatically set based on the film information IX1 read from the film. The film information IX1 represents an event, and the event name is the album name. A directory is created (addition of directory data) in the optical disc using the set album name (step 111).

The film information IX1 read from the hard disk is stored in the index file of the set album name (step 112).

Image data (photographed image A3) of the n-th (n = 1, 2, 3, ...) Image (frame) temporarily stored in the hard disk is read (step 113), and this image is read. By reducing the data, the captured images A1, A2
Image data is created and converted into a predetermined format (including image data compression processing) (step 114).

These image data are frame information IX2.
At the same time (reading from the hard disk), it is written in the album (image file) on the optical disk as to the nth frame (step 115). Further, the reduced image data (photographed image A1) is stored in the index file (step 116).

Images (frames) of all image data and information IX2 temporarily stored in the hard disk
The processing of steps 113 to 116 is sequentially performed for each time.

When all the image data have been stored in the optical disc (YES in step 117), the representative image is selected. The reduced image created in advance is displayed on the display device 26, and the operator selects a reduced image which briefly represents the image contained in one film (or which may be useful for retrieval at a later date). To do. The selected reduced image data is indexed as representative image data.
It is registered in the file (step 118). The selection of the representative image is preferably based on the user's opinion.

The recording process of the general disc shown in FIG.
It is basically the same as that shown in FIG. The difference is that there is a resource writing process in a general disk (step 119).

The resources (image parts, sound parts) for creating programs are suitable for all the events in a suitable recording medium of the laboratory system (eg computer system).
It is recorded in advance on a hard disk or optical disk in 20). After writing all image data to the user disk (YES in step 117),
The resource for the event represented by the film information IX1 read from the film is read from the hard disk and written in the resource area of the user disk (step 119).

(6) Resources for creating programs (image parts and sound parts) A series of image parts and a series of sound parts are provided for each event.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a series of image parts set for the athletic meet with the event code (number) = 01. These series of image components are numbered from 0 to m + 1 (m + 2 image components are provided). The image component is image data representing a picture, a combination of a picture and a character, a frame, a character, and the like.

NO. The image component of 0 is called a start-up image (title image) and is generally displayed at the start of the program. The start-up image expresses the contents of the event in a straightforward manner (generally a composite image of pictures and characters), and is generally displayed (reproduced) alone without being combined with the photographed image (photo image).

NO. The m + 1 image component is a character image that represents the event by characters. It goes without saying that a number other than m + 1 may be attached to this character image.

NO. 1-NO. The image component of m + 1 (character image) is used in combination with a captured image to create a composite image. When the number of photographed images (the number of frames) recorded on one film is n (for example, n = 40), generally m ≧ n. That is, the number of image parts is equal to or larger than the number of images included in one film.

Such image parts are recorded as data of R, B and G, as a set of luminance Y image data and color difference C image data, on the user recording medium with or without data compression. , Or has been. It goes without saying that these image parts can be reduced by thinning out, averaging, etc. during reproduction.

FIGS. 20A to 20D show examples of start-up images for other events. (A)
Represents the above-mentioned athletic meet (event code = 0
1) and (B) indicate marriage (event code = 0)
3) and (C) represent Christmas (event code = 05), and (D) represent a party (event code = 99).

The sound component is composed of data representing a sound (music, sound effect, narration, etc.). A number of sound parts greater than the film frame number n is provided for one event. Sound parts NO. 0 is called the start-up sound and represents the sound played at the start of the program.

Both the image parts and the sound parts are specified by the event code and the part number.

(7) Playback Device FIG. 21 shows the electrical configuration of the playback device used by the user. The playback device is most commonly located at the user's home. It can be located in a company where users work, a company that handles many photographs, a photo development and printing shop, a photo shop, a laboratory, and the like.

As will be described later in detail, the reproducing apparatus basically creates a program using the image data stored in the album of the user disc, and creates the created program (slide show) (image and sound Consists of)).
The reproducing device also has a function of displaying a reduced image represented by the reduced digital image data recorded on the disk for the user on the display screen of the display device, a function of ordering additional printing, and the like.

The reproducing device is mainly composed of a control device 120, and the image display device 121, the display control device 122, the image input circuit 123, the image compression / expansion circuit 124 and the memory 125 are connected to this control device 120 via a path. Connected, SCSI
Disk driver 126, printer 127 via bus
, The communication device 129, etc. are connected.

The image display device 121 includes a CRT display device and the like. This display device 121 can output RGB video signals.

The display control device 122 controls image display on the display device 121, and includes an image signal processor and VR.
Including AM etc. The control device 122 has a function of synthesizing two types of image data provided (for example, image data of a captured image and image data representing image parts) on the VRAM. The control device 122 also has a function of, when a character code is given, generating image data of a character represented by the character code, combining this character image with another image, and displaying the combined image on the display device 121.

The image input circuit 123 is externally supplied with N.
It takes in a TSC video signal and converts it into RGB data.

The image compression / expansion circuit 124 performs expansion processing of compressed image data read from the user disk, compression processing of non-compressed image data, and the like.

The memory 125 is composed of, for example, a DRAM and is used as a temporary storage of image data and other work areas.

The disk driver 126 reads data from the user optical disk and writes data to the disk. This disk driver 126
Includes a circuit (D / A converter, etc.) for reproducing the sound data read from the user optical disk. The output signal of this sound reproducing circuit is given to the stereo speaker 128.

The printer 127 prints an image represented by image data to create a photograph.

The communication device 129 is provided as necessary, and in addition to the above-described transmission of additional order data and the like,
It has the function of receiving resources transmitted from the system and other computer systems. In this case, it is not necessary to store the resource in the user disk.

The control unit 120 includes a CPU, ROM, RA
It includes M, timer, calendar circuit, remote control interface, SCSI interface, etc., and executes the reproducing circuit described later. A remote controller (not shown) is used as the input device,
The input device can also be configured by a keyboard, a mouse or the like connected to the control device 120.

The execution program of the CPU of the control device 120 is stored in the ROM, but a part of it (for example, the reproduction program) may be stored in the user disk. In this case, the CPU loads the program from the user disk and executes it.

In addition to the resources stored in the user disk, the user can select desired images necessary for program creation,
Sounds (these are also called parts) can be input. The image may be input from the image input circuit 123, for example. Alternatively, a medium (optical disc) on which an image or sound is recorded is loaded into the disc driver 126 or another reproducing device separately provided and connected to the control device 120, and image data or sound data is supplied from these drivers and reproducing devices. It may be generated. Such image data and sound data will be stored in an additional image file or an additional sound file on the user disk.

(8) Program Reproduction As described above, in the program reproduction (slide show), the photographed image (photo image) read from the film is combined with the corresponding image parts and sequentially displayed, and this image is also displayed. It is to flow (generate) a sound (sound) by a sound component in association with display. FIG. 22 shows an example of a sequence of images (still images) and sounds generated during reproduction of a program.

First, a start-up image (image part No. 0) is displayed on the display device 121, and a start-up sound (sound part No. 0) is generated from the speaker 128. Next, the image # 1 of the film and the image parts No. 1
The composite image of is displayed and the sound of sound component No. 1 is played. Furthermore, the film image # 2 and the image parts No. No. 2 sound image is displayed. Two sounds are played. Thus, the composite image of the image represented by the image data obtained from the film and the corresponding image component in the resource is sequentially displayed, and a sound is generated by the corresponding sound component in the power supply. .

Although the sound and the image correspond to each other on a one-to-one basis, they do not necessarily have to correspond on a one-to-one basis. The sound represented by one sound component may be played over the display period of a plurality of images. In an extreme case, only one sound component (may be only start-up sound) may be used during the display period of all the images of one film. Some images represented by the image data obtained from the film may be displayed without being combined with the image parts.

The resources used for image synthesis and sound generation correspond to the event represented by the information IX1 read from the film, which is recorded on the user disc as described above.

The time from the start of the output of a certain sound or the display of an image to the start of the output of the next sound or the display of an image is called the transition time. The time when one image is displayed is called the display time. The display time may be fixed. The transition time may be defined as the time from the stop of the output of a certain sound or the end of the display of an image to the start of the output of the next sound or the start of the display of an image. The display start of the composite image and the start of sound generation corresponding to each other may be the same point.
The transition time and the display time may be set arbitrarily or may be fixed values set in advance.

23 (A) to 23 (D) show event code = 01
19 shows an example of an image that is synthesized and displayed using the image parts shown in FIG. 19 for the athletic meet.

Characters such as "start", "start", and "youyuugi" appearing in FIGS. 23B to 23D are created based on the frame information IX2 read from the film. . Character image data represented by a character code included in the frame information IX2 stored corresponding to each image is generated by an image signal processor (Graphic Signal Processor) of the display control device 122,
This character image data is combined on the VRAM together with the data of the photographed (photo) image and the image data of the image parts. Whether or not such a character representing the information IX2 is displayed can be instructed by the remote controller of the reproducing device. In response to the command (on / off signal) from the remote controller, the controller 120 sends the information I
It is controlled so that generation and composition of the character image representing X2 are performed or stopped.

FIG. 24 shows another example of the composite image. This is a photograph (picture) of image #n and image parts NO. M +
1 (character image). As will be shown later, in the simplest embodiment, the number of the photographed image and the number of the image part to be combined with this are predetermined, but as shown in FIG. It is also possible to arbitrarily determine the combination.

Such one image (composite image) to be reproduced or one sound at a time is described by an image cast or a sound cast, and the order of reproduction thereof is described in a script file. A script file, an image cast file that is a set of image casts, and a sound cast file that is a set of sound casts are
It is automatically created by the playback device (or changed or modified by the user) and recorded on the user disc.

An example of a script file is shown in FIG. This script file represents the sequence shown in FIG. PLAY gives the playback command, Audi
o Cast represents a sound cast, and Image Cast represents an image cast. PLAY Audio Cast (0) is one statement, which is sound cast (0)
Is meant to be played. These command statements are described in the order of reproduction. Therefore, the sound (0),
Image (0), image (1), sound (1), and sound (2) are played in this order. In the script file, the description of the command PLAY can be omitted. The transition time and display time described in the image cast and sound cast may be described in the script file.

FIG. 26 shows an example of the structure of an image cast. The image cast includes a header, an album name, a (merged) image file name, merged information, transition time (display time), image appearance effect, image appearance effect time, image resolution, position information, enlargement ratio, and the like. Image casts are assigned image cast numbers.

The header indicates that it is an image cast.

The album name and the (combined type) image file name indicate image files to be reproduced (combined type image file or other image files).

The merged information is used when a merged image file is instructed, and includes information (type of image to be merged) of which of a plurality of image data included in the merged image file is to be used. , And a synthesis (coalescing) method. The information on the types of images to be combined also includes information on whether or not to combine the images. This is described by the image mix descriptor shown below. When they are combined, the image data to be combined are specified as necessary. When they are not combined, which image (natural image or character image) is used is described. There are OR, AND, NOR, etc. in the combination method.

Image Mix Descriptor is 2
Contains a bit descriptor. This descriptor is 00, 01, 10
Takes the value of.

The descriptor 00 indicates that the image (one of the photographed images A1, A2 and A3) in the image file should be displayed as it is (without being combined with other images).

The descriptor 01 indicates that the character image B in the merged image file should be merged with the photographed image (A1, A2 or A3) and displayed.

The descriptor 10 indicates that the photographed image (A1, A2 or A3) in the image file should be combined with the image component in the resource and displayed. Unless otherwise specified, image parts having the same number as the captured image should be combined. Of course, the user may instruct the number of image parts to be combined.

When it is desired to combine the image component in the additional image file with the captured image, the number of the image component may be designated and described. In this case, 1 as a descriptor
You may make it use 1.

The image mix descriptor will be ignored on the playback program since it has been decided that the image cast (0) will indicate the display of the startup image.

The transition time and display time are as described above. The display time is not always required.

The image appearance effect is as follows: when the image display is started, the full screen is suddenly displayed (whether the full screen is instantaneously switched) or the double-opening door (or curtain) is opened. Whether to display an image, to display the next image while sweeping from right to left, to start displaying an image while sweeping from top to bottom, or to gradually expand the display area from the center to make a picture appear Such a screen effect is selected. The image appearance effect time is
It is the time from the start of appearance of a part of the image to the appearance of the whole image.

[0209] Three types of captured image A in the image file
One of A1, A2 and A3 to be displayed is designated by the resolution of the image. The resolutions 1/64, 1/1, and 4/1 specify the images A1, A2, and A3, respectively.

The position information represents the position of the image to be displayed on the display screen. For example, it is represented by the X and Y coordinates of the center of the image to be displayed.

The enlargement ratio (including the reduction ratio) represents the ratio at which the image to be displayed is enlarged or reduced.

FIG. 27 shows an example of the structure of a sound cast (Audio Cast). Sound cast includes header and sound parts N
O. , Transition time is included. The number is also assigned to the sound cast. When using the sound component of the additional sound file instead of the sound component of the resource, the sound component NO. Is used.

Sound digital data (ADPCM: Adaptive Differential Pulse Code) representing a sound as a sound component.
In addition to the data that has been modulated, data representing the place (track number) where the sound is recorded in the medium where the sound is recorded, MIDI (Musical Instrument)
Digital Interface) data may be used. In the former case, the sound cast will contain data representing the time zone (start time and end time) to be played on the specified track. The playback device may be provided with a playback device for recording media or an electronic musical instrument.

(9) Program Creation Program creation (image cast, sound cast, script,
File creation) is basically performed by the playback device. However, the computer system 20 of the laboratory system may be made to create a program.

28 to 30 show the procedure of reproduction and program creation processing by the reproduction apparatus.

If there are a plurality of albums (image data of a plurality of films) in the user disc, the album to be reproduced (number should be created) is selected (step 130).

At least the names of all the albums stored in the user disc are displayed on the display device 121. The user selects a desired album from this name list by using the remote controller. A representative image representing the album or a reduced image included in the album may be displayed to prompt the user to select the album.

There are automatic and manual reproduction methods (step 131). When the automatic reproduction is selected, the index file of the corresponding album in the user disc is read and the film information IX1 in it is recognized (step 132). It is checked whether the resource relating to the event represented by this information IX1 exists in the user disk (step 133).

If the corresponding resource exists, automatic reproduction (reproduction of the program) is possible. It is checked whether a program (script file, image cast, sound cast) corresponding to the designated album name has already been created (step 134). If the program has been created, the program is automatically played (step 135).

In the automatic reproduction of the program, as described above, the corresponding script file is read, and the corresponding image cast and sound cast are read according to the description of this script file. The captured image data and the image component data in the image file are read according to the instructions of various data in the image cast, these are combined and displayed, and the sound component data is read according to the instruction of the sound cast. The sound is played (the most common case). Depending on the contents of the image mix descriptor, images may not be combined. When instructed, the image appearance effect is displayed. Images and sounds are played during the transition time (display time). The sound may be ended when the reproduction of all sound data is completed.

If the program has not been created, the program proceeds to automatic creation (FIGS. 29 and 30). You may make a user create a program manually.

If the resource designated by the information IX1 does not exist, it is displayed that automatic reproduction cannot be performed (step 136) and the simple reproduction is started (step 137). Even when the user selects manual playback, simple playback is performed.

In the simple reproduction, the photographed (photo) images stored in the image file are sequentially displayed in the order of their numbers at fixed time intervals or in response to the user's next button input. No image synthesis and no sound is generated. The user can specify the frame number. In this case, the image of the designated frame is displayed.

[0224] In the automatic creation of a program, first, an image cast (0) of a startup image and a sound cast (0) of a startup sound are created (step
140). The counter n is initialized to 1.

If the photographed image #n designated by the counter n does not exist in the album (image file), an error will occur (step 141). The user can also instruct to create a program by omitting this image #n.

Image component No. having the same number n as image #n.
It is checked whether n exists in the resource file (step 143). If the image part No. n exists, the descriptor of the image mix descriptor is set to 10, and if it does not exist, it is set to 00, and then the image part no. An image cast (n) is created using n (steps 144 and 145). In the creation of the image cast (n), the default values set in advance are used as various parameters (transition time, image appearance effect, composition method, etc.). Of course, the user may specify.

Subsequently, it is checked whether or not there is a note number NO.n (step 146).
A sound cast is created using n (step 147).

Sound component NO. If n does not exist, an error will occur. In this case, the user may be instructed to select another sound component. Then you can create a sound cast. Sound parts NO. If n does not exist, the sound cast may not be created without an error. Further, when the reproduction period of the sound represented by the sound component of the already created sound cast corresponds to the display time of the images of a plurality of frames, steps 146 and 147 can be omitted.

While incrementing the counter n (step 148), the above-mentioned processing is performed for all the images in the album (step 141).

Finally, a script file is created (step 149). In the script file, the image cast and the sound cast may be described in the order of their numbers. As mentioned above, the image and sound casts do not always have to be combined one-to-one.

The created image cast, sound cast, and script file are saved in the user disk.

[0232] After this, if the user desires reproduction (step
150), the created program is automatically played back (step 151), and if not desired, all processing is terminated.

The user can modify or change the program automatically created in this way according to his or her preference. The processing therefor is shown in FIG.

Items that can be modified or changed (including addition) include a script file, image cast and sound cast (cast), additional image and additional sound. First, these items are selected (step 160).
).

In the case of changing the script file,
First, the script file is read from the user disk and displayed on the display device 121 (step 161). While looking at the display screen, the user uses the remote controller (or keyboard, mouse, etc.) to modify the number and order of each cast described in the script file (step 162). The modified script file is saved on the disk for the user (step 163).

In modifying a cast, when the user inputs the type and number of the cast to be modified (step 164), the content of the cast is displayed (step 165). If the user similarly modifies the cast using the input device (step 166), the modified cast is saved on the user disk (step 167).

[0237] Reduced image data of each image component is created (or created in advance and recorded on the user disk) so that the user can easily select the image component to be combined, and these are displayed on a multi-screen. It is preferable to do so. It is preferable that the sound component can also be reproduced by user's designation.

The user inputs an image to be added by the image input circuit 12
You can enter from 3. An output video signal from a television, a video deck, or the like is given to this circuit 123,
The user can select a desired screen while viewing the display.
Alternatively, an image created by the user can be taken with a video camera and the video signal can be input to the circuit 123.
The user can also input the desired sound from the playback device (step 168).

A part number is given to the image or sound input in this way (step 169), and the image or sound is stored in the additional image file or additional sound file of the user disk (step 170).

The program creation by manual can be performed in the same manner as this modification or change.

(10) Others The user can print a photograph of a desired image by using this reproducing apparatus. It is preferable to display each image for a long time so that the user can easily select a desired image (that is, the images are switched slowly).

For this purpose, the playback device is provided with a print screen selection mode. This mode can be selected by the remote controller. When this mode is selected, the print screen selection mode is displayed on the display screen.

In the print screen selection mode, the transition time during casting is ignored, and the image display screen is switched slowly (eg, at one second intervals) sequentially (in the order described in the script file). Also, no sound is reproduced in this mode.

It is preferable that the user can arbitrarily set the time interval for switching the drawings by using the button of the remote controller.

When the user finds the desired image, he or she can enter the modification interrupt using the remote controller. The screen switching is stopped and the last displayed image continues to be displayed. The screen also displays a message saying "Confirm that the currently displayed image is to be printed."

When the user inputs a confirmation, image data representing the displayed image (image data A3 having the highest resolution) is given to the printer 127, and a photograph is printed. At this time, "printing" is displayed on the display screen. Of course, the user can print a desired number of photographs. After that, the operation returns to the print screen selection mode.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a photographic film with an information recording unit.

FIG. 2 shows a format of data recorded in an information recording section.

FIG. 3 shows a part of a camera capable of handling a photo film with an information recording unit.

FIG. 4 shows an example of operation of a laboratory system.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a laboratory system.

6 is a block diagram showing the configurations of a film scanner and a computer system in FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a structure of a film scanner.

Figure 8: Hybrid disc (user disc)
The data recording structure of is shown.

FIG. 9 shows a data recording structure of a general disc (user disc).

FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of directories, index files, and albums of a user disc.

FIG. 11 shows details of an index file.

FIG. 12 shows details of an image file.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a control procedure of a CPU for prescan processing.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a prescan operation in the film scanner.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the control procedure of the CPU for the main scan processing.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a main scan operation in the film scanner.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a data recording procedure on a hybrid disc.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a procedure for recording data on a general disc.

FIG. 19 shows an example of image parts related to one event.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a start-up image in an image part.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the structure of a playback device.

FIG. 22 is a time chart showing how a program (slide show) is reproduced.

23 (A), (B), (C) and (D) show examples of reproduced composite images.

FIG. 24 shows another example of a composite image.

FIG. 25 shows an example of a script file.

FIG. 26 shows details of an image cast.

FIG. 27 shows the contents of a sound cast.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing a reproduction processing procedure.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing a program creation processing procedure.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing a program creation processing procedure.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing a procedure for correcting a program.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Photo film 3c User's film information recording section 3d user frame information recording unit 4 image recording area 20 computer systems 30 film scanner 41 User disc recorder 120 controller 121 Image display device 122 Display controller 123 Image input circuit 126 disk driver 127 printer 128 speakers

Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-5-252361 (JP, A) JP-A-4-143760 (JP, A) JP-A-5-274375 (JP, A) JP-A-6-83873 (JP , A) JP 4-157439 (JP, A) JP 6-67361 (JP, A) JP 63-4372 (JP, A) JP 61-214858 (JP, A) JP 6-43555 (JP, A) JP-A-6-82904 (JP, A) JP-A-3-98387 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06T 1/00 G03D 15/00 H04N 1/00 G11B 7/00 H04N 5/262-5/28

Claims (26)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image of each frame recorded therein is read from a film after development having a film information recording section and a frame information recording section provided for each frame, and digital image data representing the image is read. A film reading device for generating and reading the film information and the frame information recorded in the film information recording part and the frame information recording part, respectively, and digital image data obtained by the film reading device, and the film information and the frame information. The frame information of each frame is associated with the digital image data of each frame, and a user recording medium recording device for recording on the user recording medium is provided, and the image represented by the digital image data is recorded on the user recording medium. Image parts used for playback Resources including at least one fine sound component is recorded in advance, Laboratory I system. 2. An image of each frame recorded therein is read from a film after development having a film information recording section and a frame information recording section provided for each frame, and digital image data representing the image is read. A film reading device for generating and reading the film information and the frame information recorded in the film information recording part and the frame information recording part, respectively, and digital image data obtained by the film reading device, and the film information and the frame information. The frame information of each frame is associated with the digital image data of each frame, and a user recording medium recording device for recording on the user recording medium is provided, and the user recording medium recording device is represented by the digital image data. Image used when playing back the image A resource including at least one of goods and sound components, and records those corresponding to the film information to the user for the recording medium, Laboratory I system. 3. The user recording medium recording device according to claim 1, wherein the user recording medium records data representing a correspondence relationship between the digital image data and the resource at the time of image reproduction. Laboratory system. 4. An image of each frame recorded on a film after development having a film information recording section and a frame information recording section provided for each frame is read, and digital image data representing the image is read. The generated film information and frame information recorded in the film information recording section and the frame information recording section are read, and the obtained digital image data, the film information and frame information, and the frame information of each frame are The digital image data is recorded on the user recording medium in association with each piece of digital image data, and the digital image data is recorded as the user recording medium.
Image part used when playing back the image represented by
Resources that contain at least one of a product and a sound component
A method for controlling the operation of a laboratory system that uses the recorded information. 5. A film information recording section and a film information recording section are provided for each frame.
After development with a frame information recording unit
Read the image of each piece recorded there and
Generate digital image data to represent
For the film information recording section and the frame information recording section respectively.
Read recorded and recorded film information and frame information
The obtained digital image data and the above film
Information and frame information about the frame information of each piece.
Associated with the digital image data of each frame
Then, the image is recorded on the user recording medium, and the image represented by the digital image data is reproduced again.
At least image parts and sound parts used when live
A resource that includes one of the above and corresponds to the above film information
A method for controlling the operation of a laboratory system , in which objects are recorded on a recording medium for users . 6. The operation control method for a laboratory system according to claim 4, wherein data representing a correspondence relationship between the digital image data and the resource at the time of image reproduction is recorded in the user recording medium. . 7. A group of image data composed of image data of a plurality of frames, first information relating to the group of image data,
The presence of at least one group of image data in the recording medium in which the second information relating to the image of each frame and the resource including at least one of the image component and the sound component used when reproducing the group of image data are recorded. A means for confirming the existence of the resource associated with the first information, and when the existence is confirmed, program information relating to the order of reproduction and the combination of the image and the resource is created and recorded on the recording medium. A reproducing apparatus having a program creating means for performing. 8. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising means for selecting a group for which program information is to be created from a plurality of groups of image data recorded on the recording medium. 9. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein at least an image component of the resource includes data representing a start image to be reproduced at the beginning of the program. 10. The program creating means combines at least an image component with each piece of image data of each frame.
7. The playback device according to 7 . 11. further comprising an input means for specifying or changing the combination of image and resources, according to claim 7 or 10
The playback device according to 1. 12. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the program creating means sets the order of reproduction as the order assigned to a group of frames. 13. further comprising an input means for specifying or changing the order to be reproduced, the reproducing apparatus according to claim 7 or 12. 14. A means for inputting at least one of an additional image component and an additional sound component, and a means for adding an identification code to the input additional image component or sound component and recording the same on the recording medium. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising: 15. A means for reading out image data from the recording medium and at least image parts combined with the image data by the combination information included in the program information according to the order included in the program information, and the read image data. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising: a unit that combines the image component and the image component, and a unit that displays an image represented by the combined image data. 16. read a sound component in accordance with the program information, further comprising means for reproducing a sound represented by the sound component, the reproducing apparatus according to claim 7 or 15. 17. The second means for generating a character image represented by the information, and the generated character image and means for synthesizing and displaying an image corresponding thereto claims, further comprising a 7, 15 Or the reproducing device according to item 16 . 18. A group of image data composed of image data of a plurality of frames, first information about the group of image data, second information about each frame image, and used when reproducing the group of image data. In the recording medium in which the resource including at least one of the image component and the sound component is recorded, at least the existence of the group of image data and the existence of the resource associated with the first information are confirmed, and the existence is confirmed A reproducing method, in which program information regarding a reproduction order and a combination of an image and a resource is created and recorded on the recording medium. 19. A group of image data composed of image data of a plurality of frames, first information about the group of image data, second information about each frame image, and image parts used when reproducing the group of image data. And at least one of the sound parts, and the program information is read from a recording medium on which the program information regarding the order to be reproduced and the combination of the image and the resource is recorded, and according to the order included in the read program information, Means for reading out the image data from the recording medium and at least the image component combined with the image data by the combination information included in the program information, means for synthesizing the read image data and the image component, and the synthesized image A reproducing device having means for displaying an image represented by data. 20. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 19 , further comprising means for selecting a group to be reproduced from a plurality of groups of image data recorded on the recording medium. 21. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 19 , further comprising means for reading a sound component according to the program information and reproducing a sound represented by the sound component. 22. The second means for generating a character image represented by the information, and the generated character image and means for synthesizing and displaying an image corresponding thereto, or claim 19, further comprising a 21 The playback device according to 1. 23. Means for selecting a displayed image,
And reproducing apparatus according to any one of the selected printer to print the image, from claim 19 having a 22. 24. A means for setting a print screen selection mode, and a means for deciding a switching time of an image to be displayed regardless of the program information when the print screen selection mode is set. 23. A reproducing apparatus according to item 23 . 25. A group of image data composed of image data of a plurality of frames, first information about the group of image data, second information about each frame image, image parts used when reproducing the group of image data. And at least one of the sound parts, and the program information is read from a recording medium on which the program information regarding the order to be reproduced and the combination of the image and the resource is recorded, and according to the order included in the read program information, The image data and at least the image component combined with the image data by the combination information included in the program information are read from the recording medium, the read image data and the image component are combined, and are represented by the combined image data. How to display and play back images. Reproducing sound represented sound part reading, by the sound component in accordance with claim 26] program information, claim 25
Reproduction method described in.