JP4083776B2 - Digital camera system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera system including a digital camera that captures a desired video and stores it as digital image data, and a digital printer that prints based on the digital image data. In particular, the present invention relates to a digital camera system that realizes printing by directly outputting image data.

  In recent years, various techniques relating to digital cameras that record images using a solid-state imaging device (CCD: Charge Coupled Device) instead of a film have been proposed. In this digital camera, the captured video is recorded as digital data in a built-in memory (flash memory or the like), a hard disk, or a memory card. When shooting with such a camera, development processing like a silver salt film is not required, and an image shot immediately after the shutter is released can be used immediately. Furthermore, a digital camera having an auto white balance mechanism has a feature that natural color reproduction close to that of the human eye can be obtained regardless of the type of light source.

  The video shot by the above digital camera is recorded as digital data on a memory card, hard disk, or built-in memory as described above, so there are models that can check the shot image on the LCD display, but the photographer actually When it is desired to obtain a print, for example, it is necessary to display it on a monitor screen of a personal computer and print it with a color digital printer.

  When printing with this color digital printer, as described above, there is a benefit that not only the development work in the dark room of the conventional silver salt photograph is unnecessary, but also the print can be obtained more quickly. Furthermore, if the digital data is input to an information device such as a personal computer, various edits such as enlargement / reduction can be performed, and a print more suited to the needs of the user can be obtained.

Furthermore, the system based on the combination of the digital camera and the color digital printer has been highly evaluated because it can immediately confirm an image taken by the digital camera and can be realized at a relatively low price.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-351012

  However, when a general person prints with a digital printer based on the digital image data obtained by the digital camera, the following problems have occurred. That is, since the digital image data obtained by the digital camera must first be taken into an information device such as a personal computer, and then subjected to predetermined processing using the application software of the personal computer, it is necessary to print with a digital printer. Even when it is desired to print a photographed image without editing the photographed image, it takes time with complicated operations of the information device.

  Furthermore, in general, a color digital printer has a very long printing time, and when printing a plurality of images continuously, the operator is forced to perform various operations for each image. It was over.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to realize simple, quick and economical printing of captured images, and more efficient continuous printing for a plurality of images. It is to provide a digital camera system.

To achieve the above object, the digital camera system of the present invention, an image captured by 該De digital camera by direct communication between the digital camera and the printer or a digital printing system for printing at the printer, the digital camera An imaging conversion means for electrically capturing a desired video and converting the obtained video signal into digital image data; a storage means for storing the digital image data; a display for displaying information; and A predetermined process is performed on the digital image data stored in the storage unit, and the first control unit that controls the entire digital camera, a first operation unit that inputs a user operation, and the first operation unit In response to an operation input by the operation means, a video related to a video to be displayed is selected from the digital image data stored in the storage means. A selection means for selecting, a display image generation means for generating display image data for performing a predetermined process by the first control means to display a video image related to the digital image data on the display, and a selection means selected by the selection means. Display means for displaying a display image on the display based on the display image data of the digital image data, and outputting the digital image data stored in the storage means to an external device and data output by the external device A first communication means for inputting the code, a code input means for inputting a unique code unique to the external device from the connected external device when the external device is connected to the first communication means, and the code An operation for controlling prohibition or permission of the input of the operation by the first operation means in accordance with the unique code input by the input means. And control means, said operation control means, in a state where the external device is connected to the first communication means, an input operation by the first operating means in accordance with the processing capability of the external device prohibit or permit, if the external device is a printer, the first control means, the digital image data selected by the selection means, in response to a command of the printer, the printer by the first communication means It is characterized by being output to.

The digital camera system of the present invention having such a configuration has the following effects. That is, in the digital camera system of the present invention, a desired video is electrically imaged by the imaging conversion means of the digital camera, the obtained video signal is converted into digital image data, and the digital image data is stored in the storage means. The information is displayed on the display, and the first control means applies predetermined processing to the digital image data stored in the storage means, and the overall control of the digital camera is controlled. A user's operation is input by the operation means, and an operation input by the first operation means is received, and a video relating to an image to be displayed is selected from the digital image data stored in the storage means by the selection means. The display image generation means is selected, and the video relating to the digital image data is subjected to predetermined processing by the first control means, and the display is performed. Display image data for display is generated by the display unit, the display image based on the display image data of the digital image data selected by said selecting means is displayed, by the first communication means, stored in said storage means The digital image data is output to the external device, and the data output from the external device is input. When the external device is connected to the first communication unit by the code input unit, the digital image data is connected. A unique code unique to the external device is input from the external device, and the operation control means controls prohibition or permission of the operation input by the first operation means according to the unique code input by the code input means. Is done. The operation control unit prohibits or permits input of an operation by the first operation unit according to the processing capability of the external device in a state where the external device is connected to the first communication unit. It said first control means, when the external device is a printer, digital image data selected by the selection means, in response to a command of the printer, and outputs to the printer by the first communication means.
In order to achieve the above object, the digital camera of the present invention is a digital camera that prints an image captured by direct communication with a printer, and electrically captures a desired video and obtains it. Imaging conversion means for converting the received video signal into digital image data, storage means for storing the digital image data, a display for displaying information, and digital image data stored in the storage means is subjected to predetermined processing. And a first control unit that controls the entire digital camera, a first operation unit that inputs a user's operation, and an operation input by the first operation unit. Selecting means for selecting a video related to the video to be displayed from among the digital image data stored in the image, and a video relating to the digital image data to the first control means. Display image generation means for generating display image data to be displayed on the display by performing predetermined processing, and a display image is displayed on the display based on the display image data of the digital image data selected by the selection means. A display unit, a first communication unit that outputs the digital image data stored in the storage unit to an external device, and inputs the data output by the external device; and the external device is connected to the first communication unit. When a device is connected, code input means for inputting a unique code unique to the external device from the connected external device, and the first operation means according to the unique code input by the code input means An operation control unit that controls prohibition or permission of an operation input, and the operation control unit is configured such that the external device transmits the first communication. In a state where the external device is connected to a stage, input of an operation by the first operation unit is prohibited or permitted according to the processing capability of the external device. When the external device is a printer, the first control unit The digital image data selected by the selection means is output to the printer by the first communication means in response to a command from the printer.
The digital camera of the present invention having such a configuration has the following effects. That is, in the digital camera of the present invention, a desired video is electrically captured by the imaging conversion means, the obtained video signal is converted into digital image data, the digital image data is stored in the storage means, and the display is displayed. Information is displayed on the digital image data stored in the storage means by the first control means and the entire control of the digital camera is controlled and used by the first operation means. When the user's operation is input, the input of the operation by the first operation unit is received, and the selection unit selects and displays the video related to the video to be displayed from the digital image data stored in the storage unit A display image for displaying the video relating to the digital image data by the image generation means on the display after the predetermined processing is performed by the first control means. The display means displays a display image based on the display image data of the digital image data selected by the selection means, and the first communication means stores the digital image data stored in the storage means. When the external device is output to the external device and the data output from the external device is input, and the external device is connected to the first communication unit by the code input unit, the external device connects to the external device. A unique code unique to the device is input, and the operation control unit controls the prohibition or permission of the input of the operation by the first operation unit according to the unique code input by the code input unit. The operation control unit prohibits or permits input of an operation by the first operation unit according to the processing capability of the external device in a state where the external device is connected to the first communication unit. When the external device is a printer, the first control means outputs the digital image data selected by the selection means to the printer by the first communication means in response to a command from the printer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a digital camera system that realizes simple, quick, and economical printing of video taken by a digital camera and that makes continuous printing more efficient for each of a plurality of images.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera and a digital printer according to the first embodiment. On the digital camera 100 side, the output of the CCD 1 is connected to the input of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 4 via an analog / digital (A / D) conversion circuit 2 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 3. The CCD 1 is driven and controlled by a CCD driver 10. Furthermore, as the CCD, both a line CCD and an area CCD can be applied. When this line CCD is employed, photographing is performed while horizontally moving the CCD on the imaging plane. On the other hand, when the area CCD is adopted, the CCD sensors are arranged in a matrix of vertical and horizontal directions, so that the entire screen can be photographed at a time.

  The CPU 4 is further connected to a flash ROM 5, various operation switches 12, and a power source 8, respectively. In this example, it is assumed that the flash ROM 5 as a recording medium is built in the camera, but it is of course possible to use a removable one such as a memory card. The operation switches include a playback mode switch 12a for instructing display on the LCD 7 and switches 12b and 12c for moving the frame to be displayed back and forth. As shown in FIG. 4, these can be arranged near the LCD 7 on the back surface of the camera 100, for example, but are not limited thereto. However, it can be said that this position is appropriate considering that the operator operates while actually viewing the LCD display.

  The output of the CPU 4 is connected to the input of the LCD 7 through the VRAM 6 and is also connected to the inputs of the power control unit 9 and the communication driver 11. The LCD 7 has a backlight drive circuit 7b, and is further disposed at a predetermined position on the back surface of the camera 100 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the communication driver 11 is for realizing serial communication when connected to the communication driver 13 on the digital printer 101 side via the communication cable 20.

  Further, the power supply control unit 9 is for supplying the voltage of the power supply 8 to the LCD 7, the CCD driver 10, and the communication driver 11 with predetermined timing under the control of the CPU 4. As the power source 8, for example, a general-purpose type battery such as an AA alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a rechargeable cartridge type battery, or the like can be used.

  On the other hand, on the digital printer 101 side, the communication driver 11 and the communication driver 13 on the digital camera 100 side are connected to each other via the communication cable 20, and the output of the communication driver 13 is connected to the input of the CPU 14. The output of the CPU 14 is connected to the input of the paper transport unit 18 and is connected to the print head 17 via the buffer memory 15 and the driver 16. Further, the CPU 14 is connected to a print SW 19 that is arranged at a position shown in FIG.

  Of course, the communication drivers 11 and 13 can be freely communicated by known communication means such as infrared rays and wireless as well as being connected by a communication cable as described above. Further, as a printing method of the digital printer 101 having the above configuration, a sublimation thermal method or the like can be adopted.

  In such a configuration, an image is taken by the CCD 1 and an analog signal is input to the A / D conversion circuit 2 at the subsequent stage. The analog signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 2 and then temporarily stored in the RAM 3. The data stored in the RAM 3 is read by the CPU 4 and subjected to various processes such as color conversion and compression by an internal arithmetic unit. The data subjected to the various processes is sequentially stored in the flash ROM 5.

  In this state, when the playback mode switch 12a is operated by the operator, the image data stored in the flash ROM 5 is read out under the control of the CPU 4 in synchronism with this, and the arithmetic unit inside the CPU 4 The image data is subjected to various processes necessary for LCD display, and then written into the VRAM 6 as display data. At this time, the voltage of the power supply 8 is supplied to the drive circuit of the LCD 7 and the backlight drive circuit 7b included therein by the control of the CPU 4 in synchronization with the operation of writing the display data to the VRAM 6 through the power supply control unit 9. The As a result, an image related to the digital image data is displayed on the LCD 7.

  Subsequently, when the operator operates the display frame selection switches 12b and 12c, the digital image data stored in the flash ROM 5 is selected based on the operation, and this selection is performed through the processing described above. An image related to the digital image data is displayed on the LCD 7. Therefore, the operator can display the video of the desired shooting frame on the LCD 7 by appropriately operating the switches 12b and 12c.

  When the camera 100 and the digital printer 101 are connected by a communication cable or a known communication means such as infrared or wireless, communication is performed between the camera 100 and the digital printer 101. In such communication, first, by exchanging “unique codes” with each other, each of the CPUs 4, 14 indicates that the communication partner is the digital printer 101 on the camera 100 side and that the communication partner is the camera 100 on the digital printer 101 side. Is recognized.

  When the CPU 4 on the camera 100 side receives a recognition code of a partner having an advanced processing function such as a personal computer as a communication partner, the CPU 4 prohibits input of the camera operation SW 12 or the like. On the other hand, when an identification code of a device such as the digital printer 101 that does not have a processing function is received, at least input of the operation SW 12 for selecting image data on the camera side is permitted. Alternatively, the communication partner exchanges data for prohibiting / permitting input reception to the CPU 4 such as the mutual operation SW 12 together with the recognition code. Thereby, in the state connected to the digital printer 101, the input to the CPU 4 such as the operation SW 12 for selecting the image data of the camera 100 is permitted. Such an operation is described as an instruction code in the CPU 4 although not shown. This facilitates data transfer from the digital camera 100 to the digital printer 101.

  When the print switch 19 (see FIG. 3) of the digital printer 101 is operated in such a state, the CPU 14 on the digital printer side issues a “print data request command” to the camera 100 via the communication cable 20. Send.

  When the CPU 4 of the camera 100 receives this print data request command, it reads data corresponding to the image data currently displayed on the LCD 7 from the flash ROM 5 again, performs processing necessary for digital printing, and then performs a communication driver. 11 to the digital printer 101. Then, the power consumption during printing is reduced by turning off the display on the LCD 7. Note that it is also possible to perform control so that the same video is displayed again with the end of printing by the digital printer.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 14 on the digital printer 101 receives the image data from the camera 100, for example, the compressed data is decompressed, and the color information is converted if color conversion is necessary. Is written in the buffer memory 15 in the digital printer. When necessary data is written in the buffer memory 15 in this way, the data is sequentially sent to the driver 16 and printing is performed on the paper by the print head 17. When the printing operation of the desired image is completed in this way, the CPU 14 transmits a “printing end signal” indicating that the printing has ended to the CPU 4 on the camera 100 side. With this signal, the CPU 4 on the camera 100 side can recognize the end of printing.

  As described above, according to the digital camera and the digital printer according to the first embodiment, the image display on the LCD 7 is turned off during printing, thereby reducing power consumption during printing, and an economical printing system. Can be realized.

  Next, FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a digital camera and a digital printer that continuously execute printing for each of a plurality of embodiments as a second embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the camera 100 shown in FIG. 1 is further provided with a marking switch 12d (refer to FIG. 4 for the arrangement position), and the digital printer 101 is provided with a paper feed unit 21. Is further provided. Other constituent elements have the same contents as those in the first embodiment, and are therefore denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  In such a configuration, an image is taken by the CCD 1 and converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 2 at the subsequent stage. The digitized image data is temporarily stored in the RAM 3 and then subjected to processing such as color conversion and compression by the CPU 4 and stored in the flash ROM 5 as a plurality of image data.

  In this state, when the playback mode switch 12a is operated by the operator, the image data stored in the flash ROM 5 is read by the control of the CPU 4, and after the predetermined processing necessary for LCD display is performed, the VRAM 6 Are sequentially written as display data. At the same time as the display data is written into the VRAM 6, the voltage of the power supply 8 is supplied to the drive circuit of the LCD 7 and the backlight drive circuit 7 b included therein under the control of the CPU 4 via the power supply control unit 9. An image is displayed.

  Thereafter, when the display frame selection switches 12b and 12c are operated, the digital image data stored in the flash ROM 5 is selected under the control of the CPU 4, and the digital image selected by the operator is processed through the above processing. Image data is displayed on the LCD 7 for confirmation.

  When the marking operation switch 12d is operated with the image displayed on the LCD 7 as described above, marking data (index) indicating that the image data in the flash ROM 5 has been selected is added. . In this embodiment, it is assumed that marking data is added only to an image desired to be printed among the image data stored on the camera 100 side. As described above, if marking data is added to image data, it is possible to display an index indicating that the selected frame is superimposed on the display screen of the display LCD 7.

  In this state, when the print switch 19 on the digital printer 101 side is operated, the CPU 14 on the digital printer 101 side sends a print data request command to the camera through the communication cable 20. Upon receiving this print data request command, the camera CPU 4 searches the flash ROM 5 for the image data to which the marking data has been added, reads it from the flash ROM 5, performs the processing necessary for printing, and then executes the communication driver. 11 to the digital printer 101 side.

  On the other hand, when the image data is received from the camera 100, the CPU 14 of the digital printer 101 decompresses the compressed data, and converts the color information if color conversion is necessary. After processing, the data is written in the buffer memory 15 in the digital printer 101. In parallel with this operation, under the control of the CPU 14, the paper supply unit 21 performs a paper supply operation for setting the print paper at the print start position. When the necessary data is written in the buffer memory 15 in this way, the data is sequentially sent to the driver 16, and printing is performed on the paper from the print head 17, and at the same time, the necessary paper feeding operation is performed by the paper transport unit 18. .

  When printing for one frame is completed, the CPU 14 of the digital printer sends a print end command indicating the end of printing to the camera 100. At the same time, after the paper transport unit 18 discharges the printed paper, the paper feeding unit 21 performs a paper feeding operation for feeding new printing paper.

  In the camera 100, when the CPU 14 receives the print end command, if image data to which marking data is added still remains, the next marked image data is searched from the flash ROM 5, and the same operation as described above is performed. Perform the operation. Thus, in this embodiment, as long as the marked image data remains, the printing operation is repeated.

  As described above, according to the digital camera and the digital printer according to the second embodiment, when printing a plurality of sheets, the operator switches a desired frame from a plurality of captured frames. Since the digital printer automatically prints the video of the frame just by selecting the operation, the operation related to printing is simplified.

  In the first and second embodiments, the necessary shooting frames can be obtained by simply connecting the camera and the digital printer and performing simple operations without using special information devices such as personal computers. The print image can be obtained.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above description, it is described that the data processing is performed by the CPU in accordance with the actual situation, but it goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained even if a logic circuit such as a gate array is used. . Further, the functions of the first and second embodiments can be used in appropriate combination.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention include the following inventions.
(1) An imaging conversion unit that electrically captures a desired video and converts the obtained video signal into digital image data, a storage unit that stores the digital image data, and a digital stored in the storage unit A control unit that performs predetermined processing on the image data and controls the entire image, a selection unit that selects digital image data related to a video to be displayed from the digital image data stored in the storage unit, and the selection Display means for displaying the video related to the digital image data selected by the means after the predetermined processing by the control means, communication means for outputting the digital image data stored in the storage means to an external device, The control means includes a digital image data selected by operating the selection means among the digital image data stored in the storage means. A digital camera characterized in that a video image is displayed on the display means and the selected digital image data is output to the external device in accordance with a command from the external device.
(2) The digital camera according to (1), wherein the control unit further stops power supply to the display unit in synchronization with output of the digital image data to the external device. .
(3) The processing means further stops power supply to the display means in synchronization with the output of the digital image data to the external device, and then synchronizes with the end of output of the digital image data by the external device. Then, the digital camera according to (1), wherein power is supplied to the display unit again to display the video again.
(4) An input means for inputting digital image data from a digital camera, a digital image data input from the input means is converted into print data, and a control means for controlling the whole, and instructing the printing An operating means for printing, a printing means for performing printing based on the print data converted by the printing means in synchronization with an instruction of the operating means, a conveying means for conveying the paper printed by the printing means, And the control means requests the digital camera to output the image data displayed on the display means of the digital camera at that time in synchronization with the operation of the operation means. A digital printer that outputs a signal and outputs a print end signal indicating that printing has ended in synchronization with the end of the printing operation.
(5) An imaging conversion unit that electrically captures a desired video and converts the obtained video signal into digital image data, a storage unit that stores the digital image data, and a digital stored in the storage unit A control unit that performs predetermined processing on the image data and controls the entire image, a selection unit that selects digital image data related to a video to be displayed from the digital image data stored in the storage unit, and the selection A display means for displaying a video image related to the digital image data selected by the means after being subjected to predetermined processing by the control means, and a desired one of the digital image data displayed on the display means. And an index adding unit for adding the digital image data stored in the storage unit to an external device. The stage sequentially selects, from the digital image data stored in the storage means, only the image data selected by the index adding means and attached with an index, according to a command from the external device via the communication means. A digital camera characterized by output.
(6) An input means for inputting digital image data from a digital camera, a digital image data input from the input means for converting into print data, a control means for controlling the whole, and the printing The operation means for instructing, the printing means for performing printing based on the printing data converted by the control means in accordance with the print instruction by the operation means, and the paper for printing by the printing means in order Paper feeding means for feeding paper, and transport means for transporting the paper printed by the printing means, the control means to the digital camera in synchronization with the instruction of the operation means Outputting an output request signal requesting that digital image data with an index indicating that the digital camera should be printed be sequentially output in print units. Digital printer to be.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the digital camera and digital printer which concern on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the digital camera and digital printer which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a mode that a digital camera and a digital printer are connected with a communication cable, and a print is produced. It is a figure which shows the mode of LCD7 and various operation switches 12a-12d arrange | positioned on the back surface of a digital camera.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... CCD, 2 ... A / D conversion circuit, 3 ... RAM, 4 ... CPU, 5 ... Flash ROM, 6 ... VRAM, 7 ... LCD, 8 ... Power supply, 9 ... Power supply control part, 10 ... CCD driver, 11 ... Communication driver, 12 ... operation switch, 13 ... communication driver, 14 ... CPU, 15 ... buffer memory, 16 ... driver, 17 ... print head, 18 ... paper transport unit, 19 ... print switch, 20 ... communication cable, 21 ... feed Paper section.

Claims (9)

An image photographed by 該De digital camera by direct communication between the digital camera and the printer or a digital printing system for printing in the printer,
The above digital camera
An imaging conversion means for electrically capturing a desired video and converting the obtained video signal into digital image data;
Storage means for storing the digital image data;
A display for displaying information,
A first control unit that performs predetermined processing on the digital image data stored in the storage unit and controls the entire digital camera;
A first operation means for inputting a user operation;
Selection means for receiving an input of an operation by the first operation means and selecting an image related to an image to be displayed from the digital image data stored in the storage means;
Display image generation means for generating display image data for performing a predetermined process by the first control means and displaying the video relating to the digital image data on the display;
Display means for displaying a display image on the display based on display image data of the digital image data selected by the selection means;
A first communication means for outputting the digital image data stored in the storage means to an external device, and for inputting the data output by the external device;
A code input means for inputting a unique code unique to the external device from the connected external device when the external device is connected to the first communication means;
Operation control means for controlling prohibition or permission of the input of the operation by the first operation means in accordance with the unique code input by the code input means;
Have
The operation control means prohibits or permits an input of an operation by the first operation means according to a processing capability of the external device in a state where the external device is connected to the first communication means.
If the external device is a printer, the first control means, the digital image data selected by the selection means, in response to a command of the printer, to output to the printer by the first communication means Features a digital camera system. The digital camera further includes index adding means for selecting a desired one from digital image data corresponding to the display image displayed on the display by the first operation means and adding an index,
The first control means includes only the digital image data to which the index is added by the index adding means among the digital image data stored in the storage means via the first communication means. The digital camera system according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera system sequentially outputs in response to an output request signal from. The digital camera, when the display image image of the digital image data index is added by the index adding means is displayed on the display is an indicator mark indicating that the index is added to display along with the display image image The digital camera system according to claim 2. The printer
A second communication means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the digital camera;
Converting the digital image data input via the second communication means into data for printing, and second control means for controlling the entire printer;
A second operating means for instructing the printing;
Printing means for performing printing based on the printing data converted by the second control means in accordance with the printing instruction by the second operation means;
Paper feeding means for sequentially feeding paper for printing by the printing means;
Conveying means for conveying the paper printed by the printing means;
Have
The second control means outputs an output request signal for requesting the digital camera to sequentially output the digital image data to which the index is added to the digital camera in print units in synchronization with an instruction from the second operation means. The digital camera system according to claim 2, wherein the digital camera system is output to the digital camera via the second communication unit. The printer outputs a print end signal to the digital camera via the second communication means when printing on the input digital image data is completed,
In the digital camera, when the print end signal is input from the printer via the first communication unit, an index is added by the index adding unit, and there is digital image data that has not been printed yet. 5. The digital camera system according to claim 4, wherein the digital image data is read from the storage means and output to the printer via the first communication means. In the above digital camera,
When the external device is connected to the first communication unit, the code input unit inputs a unique code unique to the external device from the connected external device, and the input by the first operation unit. Enter the operation control data to prohibit or permit
4. The digital camera system according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit controls prohibition or permission of input by the first operation unit based on the operation control data. A digital camera that prints an image taken by direct communication with a printer using the printer,
An imaging conversion means for electrically capturing a desired video and converting the obtained video signal into digital image data;
Storage means for storing the digital image data;
A display for displaying information,
A first control unit that performs predetermined processing on the digital image data stored in the storage unit and controls the entire digital camera;
A first operation means for inputting a user operation;
Selection means for receiving an input of an operation by the first operation means and selecting an image related to an image to be displayed from the digital image data stored in the storage means;
Display image generation means for generating display image data for performing a predetermined process by the first control means and displaying the video relating to the digital image data on the display;
Display means for displaying a display image on the display based on display image data of the digital image data selected by the selection means;
A first communication means for outputting the digital image data stored in the storage means to an external device, and for inputting the data output by the external device;
A code input means for inputting a unique code unique to the external device from the connected external device when the external device is connected to the first communication means;
Operation control means for controlling prohibition or permission of the input of the operation by the first operation means in accordance with the unique code input by the code input means;
Comprising
The operation control means prohibits or permits an input of an operation by the first operation means according to a processing capability of the external device in a state where the external device is connected to the first communication means.
When the external device is a printer, the first control means outputs the digital image data selected by the selection means to the printer by the first communication means in response to a command from the printer. A featured digital camera. The apparatus further comprises index adding means for selecting a desired one from the digital image data corresponding to the display image displayed on the display by the first operation means and adding an index.
The first control means includes only the digital image data to which the index is added by the index adding means among the digital image data stored in the storage means via the first communication means. The digital camera according to claim 7, wherein the digital camera sequentially outputs in response to an output request signal from. The digital camera displays an index mark indicating that an index has been added together with the display image when a display image of digital image data to which an index has been added by the index adding means is displayed on the display. The digital camera according to claim 8.

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