JPH0329471A - Electronic still camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain hard copy of image pickup data immediately at the pickup of an object by providing a print means printing out a pickup data stored in a storage means and a case accommodating at least an image pickup means and the print means. CONSTITUTION:An object image is formed to a solid-state image pickup element in the inside of a main body case 10 through an image pickup lens 12, converted into a picture signal and recorded on a magnetic disk in a magnetic disk loading part 15. In this case, the picture data recorded on the magnetic disk is converted into print data as black, yellow, magenda and cyan and they are stored in semiconductor memories corresponding to each color. Then print paper P is loaded from a print paper loading discharge section 18 to apply print of each relevant print data. In this case, a main body case 10 and a printer case 11 are connected by a main body connector 20 and a printer connector 21 to be integrated in advance. Thus, after the pickup of an object image, the hard copy by the color printer is implemented immediately.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to an electronic still camera that captures an image of a subject using a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD.

[Prior art and its problems] Recently, electronic still cameras that capture images of subjects using solid-state image sensors such as CCDs have been put into practical use.Generally, electronic still cameras convert captured images of subjects into video signals. , so that it can be displayed immediately on a TV monitor, etc.

However, when photographing a subject image, if there is no monitor television or the like, the photographed subject image cannot be viewed immediately.

Therefore, it is conceivable to carry a small monitor television with the electronic still camera, but it is very inconvenient to carry the monitor television.

Further, electronic still cameras are equipped with a separate printer for printing the subject image, but it is inconvenient to print a hard copy immediately when photographing the subject.

[Object of the Invention] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic still camera that can immediately make a hard copy of imaged data when photographing a subject and is highly portable. .

[Summary of the Invention] That is, the electronic still camera according to the present invention includes an imaging means, a storage means for storing imaged data read by the imaging means, and a printing means for printing the imaged data stored in the storage means. It is structured to include, at least a little rumored, a casing housing the above-mentioned imaging means and printing means.

[Embodiments of the invention] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the external configuration of an electronic still camera. This electronic still camera is made up of a main body case 10 and a printer case 11 that are detachably integrated.
An imaging lens 12 and a strobe 13 are provided on the front surface, and a release button 14 and a magnetic disk reader 15 are provided on the top surface.

On the other hand, a printer unit power switch 16 and a print start switch 17 are provided on the top surface of the printer case 11, and a print paper insertion/ejection section 18 is provided on the side surface. An attachment/detachment button 19 is provided that is operated when the case 10 and the printer case 11 are integrated or separated.

FIG. 2 shows the internal configuration of the printer case 11 in the electronic still camera. First, this printer case 11 has a printer connector 20 that is movable by pressing the above-mentioned attachment/detachment button to the main body connector 20 on the side of the main body case 10. are connected and integrated. For example, a sublimation type thermal printer is configured inside the printer case 11, and its print head 22 is supported by a head vertical movement solenoid 23 arranged on the bottom surface of the printer case 11. Further, on both sides of the print head 22, there are ink ribbon supply fibs 2 with each axis parallel to the front and back direction of the case.
4 and an ink ribbon take-up shaft 25, and the ink ribbon 26 fed out from the ink ribbon supply shaft 24 is
The ink ribbon is brought into contact with the print head 22 by the platen roller 27 and is sequentially wound onto the ink ribbon take-up shaft 25 . The ink ribbon 26 is pressed against a print paper conveyor belt 29 which is placed between the platen roller 27 and the conveyor rollers 28a and 28b, and a print paper locking portion 30 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the two conveyor belts. is formed.

Here, the ink ribbon 26 is an arrangement in which black, yellow, magenta, and cyan inks are repeatedly applied in sequence.
The length of each ink area is equal to the length of the print paper P, and color printing can be performed by repeatedly performing independent printing processes for each color at the same position on the print paper P.

That is, when you look through a finder (not shown), capture a subject, and press the release button 14, the subject image is focused on the solid-state image sensor inside the main body case 10 through the imaging lens 12, converted into an image signal, and sent to the magnetic disk insertion part 1.
5 is recorded on the magnetic disk. In this case, the image data recorded on the magnetic disk is black. Yellow. The data is converted into magenta and cyan color print data, and stored in the semiconductor memory corresponding to each color.

Then, insert the print paper P into the print paper insertion/ejection section 18.
After inserting the paper and locking it in the print paper locking portion 30 of the print paper transport belt 29, turn on the printer power switch 16 and operate the print start switch 17, the transport rollers 28a and 28b will rotate. The print paper P is then conveyed.Then, each time the print paper P rotates once on the conveyance path, each corresponding print data is printed in the order of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black at the position of the print head 22. Then, when the above-mentioned four printing processes are completed, the leading edge of the print paper P is transported to the position of the transport roller 28a, and
Thereafter, the conveyance rollers 28a and 28b rotate in reverse, so that the print paper P on which the previous subject image is printed in color is discharged from the print paper insertion/discharge section 18.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the electronic circuit of the electronic still camera, and a control section 31 of this electronic circuit controls the operation of each part of the circuit in response to operation signals from keys and switches 32 such as the release button 14. .

On the other hand, the subject image incident through the imaging lens 33 is
An image is formed on a CCD image sensor 35 via an aperture 34. Here, black point adjustment by back and forth movement of the imaging lens 33 is performed by a lens driving section 36, and light amount adjustment by opening/closing operation of the diaphragm 34 is performed by an diaphragm driving section 37.
The shutter speed adjustment by the scanning process of the CD image sensor 35 is performed by the CCD drive unit 38. The focus adjustment control signal to the lens drive section 36, the incident light amount adjustment control signal to the aperture drive section 37, and the CCD scanning control signal to the CCD drive section 38 are all sent to the AE (automatic exposure) and AF (automatic focus) control section 3. Supplied from one source.

Note that the amount of light emitted by the strobe 13 is adjusted by sending a control signal from the control section 31 to the strobe drive section 13D.

The image signal output by the CCD image sensor 35 is output to the image signal processing section 40. This image signal processing section 40 separates the manually inputted image signal into a luminance signal, a synchronization signal (Y+S), and a color difference signal (RY) (B-Y). The luminance signal and synchronization signal (Y+S) and the color difference signals (R-Y) (B-Y) are both supplied to the FM modulation section 41, and only the luminance signal and synchronization signal (Y+S) are derived and the above-mentioned The signal is supplied to the AE and AF control section 39. In other words, the AE, AF control section 39
are the luminance signal and synchronization signal (Y+S) based on the actual imaging signal obtained by the image signal processing unit 40, and 1,! l
The focal length, exposure amount, and shutter speed are controlled according to the exposure control signal and focus control signal given by the ga section 31.

The FM modulation unit 41 modulates and superimposes each signal (Y1S) (R-Y) (B-Y) input from the image signal processing unit 40. The modulated ffi image signal is supplied to the floppy disk write/continue output control section 42, and is sent to the floppy disk 43 through the magnetic head 43a of the magnetic disk device 43.
recorded in b. Here, the floppy disk 43b is
For example, in the form of a card, the magnetic disk insertion section 1 is
5, and is loaded into the magnetic disk device 43.

On the other hand, when the control unit 31 is switched to the print mode by, for example, turning on the printer unit power switch 16 after the photographing and recording process of the subject image is completed,
The image signal recorded on the floppy disk 43b of the magnetic disk device 43 is read out through the magnetic head 43a by the floppy disk write/continue control section 42 and output to the FM demodulation section 44. This FMtsi tuning part 44
demodulates the image signal read out by the floppy disk write/read control unit 42, and converts the brightness and synchronization signal (y
+s) and color difference signals (R-Y) (B-Y), and the demodulated image signal from this FM demodulator 44 is given to a selector 45. This selector 45 is connected to the control unit 31
The video signal output or the print data output is switched according to the select signal from the encoder 46. In the case of video signal output selection, the demodulated image signal is given to the encoder 46,
clcv1s1on System Commltec
) format video signal, and input it to, for example, a video playback terminal of a monitor television.

In addition, in the case of print data output selection, the demodulated image signal is divided into a luminance and brightness signal (Y+S) and a color difference signal (RY) (B-Y), each of which is sent to a separate A/D converter 47a. ．． It is converted into a digital signal through 47b and output to the print data creation section 48. The print data creation unit 48 generates black data, yellow data, magenta data, and data for one screen of images to obtain color print data of the subject image. Each color data created by this print data creation section 48 is stored in the corresponding black data storage section 49B, yellow data storage section 49Y. The data is stored in the magenta data storage section 49M and the cyan data storage section 49C. In this case, address control for each of the storage sections 49B, 49Y, 49M, and 49C is performed by an address control section 50 to which a control signal is supplied from the control section 31.

The black data storage section 49B. Yellow data storage section 49Y
, magenta data storage section 49M, and cyan data: self-storage section 49C are connected to the print control section 51 of the printer case 11 via connectors 20 and 21, respectively.

The print control unit 51 controls the operations of the print paper/ink ribbon transport unit 53, the print head 22, and the head vertical movement solenoid 23 in response to operation signals from keys such as the print start switch 17 and the switch 52. When the print start switch 17 is pressed, the print head 22 is raised by the head vertical movement solenoid 23, and the ink ribbon 26 and print paper conveyance belt 29 are sandwiched between it and the platen roller 27. And each color data storage section 49B, 4
One screen worth of black print data from 9Y, 49M, and 49C. Yellow print data. The magenta print data and the cyan print data are sequentially read out, and each time one color data is outputted to the print head 22, the print paper/ink ribbon transport section 53 is controlled by $i1, and the two print paper transport belts are rotated once. The configuration is such that the printing process is performed twice.

Next, the imaging operation and printing operation by the electronic still camera having the above configuration will be explained.

To capture an image of a subject using this electronic still camera, first look through a viewfinder (not shown) and capture the subject.
Press the release button 14.

Then, the subject image optically obtained through the imaging lens 12.33 and the aperture 34 is transmitted to the CCD image sensor 35.
The image is formed into an image and accumulated as a charge corresponding to the amount of human light. In this case, the focal length, exposure speed, and shutter speed are controlled by the lens drive unit 3 by the AE and AF control units, respectively.
6. The aperture drive unit 37 and CCD drive unit 38 control the aperture to an optimum value in advance.

The image signal of the subject image photoelectrically converted by the CCD image sensor 35 is processed by the image signal processing unit 40 into luminance and friend signals (Y+S) and color difference signals (R-Y) (B-Y).
After being separated, the signal is modulated and superimposed through the FM modulation section 41 and sent to the floppy disk write/read control section 42. Thereby, the image signal of the subject image is recorded from the magnetic head 43a of the magnetic disk device 43 onto the floppy disk 43b.

In order to print a hard copy of the captured and recorded subject image, first, the printer section power switch 16 is turned "ON". Then, the image signal of the subject image recorded on the floppy disk 43b is read out via the magnetic head 43a by the floppy disk write/read control section 42, and is converted into a luminance and synchronization signal (y+s) and a color difference signal through the FM demodulation section 44. (RY) (B-
After being separated and demodulated into Y), the signals are supplied from the selector 45 to independent A/D converters 47a and 47b, respectively, and converted into digital signals. The image signal of luminance and synchronization signal (Y+S) converted into this digital signal and the color difference signal (
The image signals R-Y) (B-Y) are given to the print data creation section 48, and are respectively one screen worth of black print data, yellow print data, . Magenta print data. Cyan print data is created. Each color data is stored in the corresponding data storage unit 49B, 49Y.
, 49M. It is remembered in 49C.

Here, the print paper P is inserted from the print paper insert/output section 18 of the printer case 11, and the leading edge of the paper is locked in the print paper locking parts 30 of the two print paper conveyor belts. When the print start switch 17 is pressed, one screen worth of yellow print data stored in the yellow data storage section 49Y is first transferred to the print control section 5.
1 and are sequentially transferred line by line to the print head 22. At this time, the print head 22 is raised by the head vertical movement solenoid 23, and the print head 22, ink ribbon 26, . The two printing paper conveyance belts are brought into pressure contact with the platen roller 27 in this order. Then, when the print paper conveyance belt 29 is rotated by the conveyance rollers 28a and 28b in accordance with the transfer of the print data, the print paper P is transferred to the conveyance belt 29.
and an ink ribbon (yellow) 26, and one screen's worth of yellow print data is printed in the first rotation of conveyance. After that, the printing process of magenta day and evening, the printing process of cyan data, and the printing process of black data are repeated in the same way on the print area of the yellow print data using the ink ribbon (magenta, cyan, black), At the end of the fourth printing process, that is, the printing process of black data, when the printing paper P reaches the position of the transport port-ra 28a, the transport is temporarily stopped.
The print paper P is ejected from the paper insertion/ejection section 18 by reverse rotation of the conveyor belt 29 . As a result, one screen worth of the subject image is printed in color on the printing paper P.

Therefore, according to the electronic still camera having the above configuration, C.
Not only can the object image captured by the CD image sensor 35 be temporarily recorded on the floppy disk 43b and color printed on the printing paper P if necessary, but also the main body case 10 and the printer case 11 can be connected by the main body connector 20 and the printer connector 21. If they are integrated in advance, it is possible to make a hard copy of the color print immediately after capturing the subject image.

Also, when the main body case 10 and the printer case 11 are integrated, it is of course possible to operate the attachment/detachment button 19 to remove each case 10.
If and 11 are separated, an electronic still camera with even greater portability can be realized.

In the above embodiment, the magnetic disk device 43 was used as a storage means for the subject image, but as shown in FIG.
Access M etsory ). In this case, the RAM is mounted as a memory card in the memory card holding portion 15a of the main body case 10.

That is, the image signal obtained by the COD image sensor 35 is transmitted to the amplified signal processing section 61 and the video signal processing section 6.
2 through luminance signal (Y) and color difference signal (R-Y) (B-
Y) and an independent A/D converter 63
a. 63b converts it into a digital signal. The luminance signal for one screen of the subject image converted into this digital signal is written into the luminance signal storage section 64a of the RAM, and the color difference signal is written into the color difference signal storage section 64b of the same RAM.
written to.

Thereafter, when the video mode is selected by the control unit 31, the luminance signal (Y) and color difference signal CC) stored in the RAM are transferred to independent D/A converters 65a and 65b through the selector 45. The signal is converted into an analog signal by the encoder 46 and outputted as an NTSC video signal Video.

On the other hand, when the print mode is selected by the control section 31, both the luminance signal (Y) and the color difference signal (C) stored in the RAM are transferred to the print data creation section 48 through the selector 45. Four types of color print data are created in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

Here, address control for the RAM and address control for each color data storage section 49B, 49Y, 49M, and 49C is performed by an address control section 66 to which a control signal is supplied from the control section 31.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, an imaging means, a storage means for storing imaging data read by the imaging means,
Since the configuration includes a printing means for printing the imaging data stored in the storage means, and a housing housing at least the imaging means and the printing means, it is possible to immediately make a hard copy of the imaging data when photographing a subject, and it is also portable. We can provide an electronic still camera with excellent performance.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an electronic still camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a printer case in the electronic still camera, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the printer case in the electronic still camera. A block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit,
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit according to another embodiment of the electronic still camera. 10...Main body case, 11...Printer case, 1
2, 33...Imaging lens, 13...Strobe, 13
D... Strobe drive unit, 14... Release button,
15...Magnetic disk insertion part, 15a...Memory card divine part, 16...Printer part power switch, 1
7...Print start switch, 18...Print paper output unit, 19...Attachment/detachment button, 20...
Main unit connector, 21...Printer connector, 22...
・Print head, 23... Solenoid for head vertical movement, 24... Ink ribbon supply shaft, 25... Ink ribbon take-up shaft, 26... Ink ribbon, 27... Platen roller, 28a, 28b. ...Conveyance rollers, two...Print paper conveyance belt, 30...Print paper locking section, 31...Control section, 32, 52...Keys and switches, 34...Aperture, 35. ... CCD image sensor, 36... Lens drive unit, 37... Aperture drive unit, 38... CCD drive unit, three... AE, AF
Control unit, 40... Image signal processing unit, 41... FM modulation unit, 42... Floppy disk write/read control unit, 43... Magnetic disk device, 4.3a... Magnetic head, 43b ...floppy disk, 44...F
M demodulator, 45... selector, 4 5-.1 n:l
7-da, 4 7 a r 4 7 bs63a, 63b
...A/D conversion section, 48... Print data creation section, 49B... Black data storage section, 49Y... Yellow data storage section, 49M... Magenta data storage section, 49
C... Cyan data storage section, 50, 66... Address control section, 51... Print control section, 53... Print paper/ink ribbon transport section, 61... Amplification/signal processing section, 62 ...Video signal processing section, 64a... Luminance signal storage section (RAM), 64b... Color difference signal storage section (RAM), 65a, 65b.=D/A conversion section, P.
...Print paper.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An imaging means, a storage means for storing the imaging data read by the imaging means, a printing means for printing the imaging data stored in the storage means, and at least the imaging means and the printing means. An electronic still camera characterized by having a housing housing and the following.