JPH11146034A - Information processor, information processing method and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply and quickly send desired information among plural information sets to an opposite party. SOLUTION: In the case of sending information from an electronic camera 1 to a telephone set 106, a facsimile equipment 107, a video telephone set 108 or a server 105 through a network 103, identification information sent from each information processing unit at a destination is received and a kind of information processed by an information processor of the opposite party is decided based on the identification information. Only the process enable information is sent to each information processor based on the decision result.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus capable of communicating information with another information processing apparatus connected via a communication line. The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Advances in image compression technology have made it possible to transmit images such as moving images using a transmission medium such as a telephone line which has a relatively small transmission capacity.

For example, in a videophone or the like, an image picked up by a CCD or the like is converted to an MPEG (Moving Picture Exp).
erts Group), compresses the data, and sends it to the communication partner via a telephone line. The receiving side displays the original image on an LCD or the like after decompression processing. .

[0004]

As an electronic camera, the present applicant has proposed not only ordinary image information obtained by photographing a subject, but also line drawing information input with a pen and audio captured through a microphone. We have commercialized products that can handle information. When information is exchanged between an information processing device capable of handling such a plurality of information and another information processing device via a communication line, depending on the information processing device as a communication partner, a plurality of information In some cases, only predetermined ones can be handled.

[0005] Normally, the user cannot recognize which information can be handled by another information processing apparatus. Therefore, in such a case, it is necessary for the user to set a mode suitable for each information processing device after confirming in advance information that can be handled by the information processing device of the communication partner, for example, by telephone. Therefore, there is a problem that the operation for that is complicated and inconvenient.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and simply and reliably exchanges a predetermined one of a plurality of pieces of information with another information processing apparatus simply and reliably. It is intended to be able to communicate.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising: input means for inputting a plurality of information; recording means for recording information input by the input means; The information processing apparatus includes a transmitting unit that transmits the information to the information processing device, a determining unit that determines another information processing device, and a selecting unit that selects information to be transmitted in accordance with the determination result of the determining unit.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method comprising: an input step of inputting a plurality of information; a recording step of recording information input in the input step; and transmitting the plurality of information to another information processing apparatus. It is characterized by comprising a transmitting step, a determining step of determining another information processing apparatus, and a selecting step of selecting information to be transmitted in accordance with the determination result in the determining step.

[0009] According to the recording medium of the present invention, an input step of inputting a plurality of information, a recording step of recording the information applied in the input step, and a transmission of transmitting the plurality of information to another information processing apparatus. A computer program is recorded which includes a step, a determining step of determining another information processing apparatus, and a selecting step of selecting information to be transmitted in accordance with the determination result in the determining step.

[0010] The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, claim 7,
In the information processing method described in the above, and the recording medium described in the eighth aspect, another information processing apparatus is determined, and information to be transmitted is selected according to the determination result. Therefore,
The operability is improved, and information can be transmitted easily and reliably.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In order to clarify the correspondence between each means of the invention described in the claims and the following embodiments, each means is described. When the features of the present invention are described by adding the corresponding embodiment (however, an example) in parentheses after the parentheses, the result is as follows. However, of course, this description does not mean that each means is limited to those described.

An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an input unit (for example, a touch tablet 6A, a CCD 20, and a microphone 8 in FIG. 6) for inputting a plurality of information, and a recording unit for recording information input by the input unit. Means (for example, the memory card 24 in FIG. 6) and transmission means (for example, the modem unit 5 in FIG. 6) for transmitting a plurality of pieces of information to another information processing apparatus.
7), determination means for determining another information processing apparatus (for example, step S5, step S12 in FIG. 13, step S25, step S32 in FIG. 14) and information to be transmitted correspond to the determination result of the determination means. (For example, step S8, step S20, step S22 in FIG. 13, step S30, step S4 in FIG. 14)
4).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising: a first mode for transmitting information input from an input unit without recording the information on the recording unit; and a second mode for transmitting information recorded on the recording unit. Switching means for switching between the two modes (for example, step S5 and step S12 in FIG. 13, and step S25 and step S32 in FIG. 14) is further provided.

An information processing apparatus according to a fifth aspect further comprises superimposing means (for example, step S21 in FIG. 13 and step S29 in FIG. 14) for superimposing the line drawing information and the image information. The transmitting means transmits the line information and the image information superimposed by the superimposing means when the apparatus has a function of recording the image information but does not have a function of independently recording the image information and the line image information. .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus which performs processing for dithering an image (for example, step S in FIG.
28), wherein when the other information processing apparatus is a facsimile, the transmitting unit superimposes the dithered image information on the line drawing information and transmits the image information.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the configuration of an embodiment of an electronic camera to which the present invention is applied. In the electronic camera of the present embodiment, when photographing a subject, the surface facing the subject is defined as surface X1, and the surface facing the user is defined as surface X2. Above the surface X1, a finder 2, a photographing lens 3, a light emitting unit 4, a red-eye reduction lamp 15, a photometric element 16, and a colorimetric element 1
The turning part 19 provided with the 7 is arranged. Rotating part 1
Reference numeral 9 denotes a rotatable unit that allows the surface on which the photographing lens 3 is provided to rotate from the direction of the surface X1 to the direction of the surface X2 and to be fixed at an arbitrary position. Note that the viewfinder 2 is used to confirm the photographing range of the subject, and the photographing lens 3 captures an optical image of the subject.
The light emitting section (strobe) 4 emits light for illuminating the subject.

Further, the red-eye reduction lamp 15 is adapted to emit red light before the flash 4 to reduce red-eye when the flash 4 is emitted for photographing. The photometric element 16 performs photometry when the operation of the CCD 20 (FIG. 4) is stopped. Further, the colorimetric element 17 performs colorimetry when the operation of the CCD 20 is stopped.

On the other hand, on the back surface of the rotating portion 19 (the surface opposite to the surface on which the photographing lens 3 is provided), the eyepiece of the finder 2 and the sound recorded in the electronic camera 1 are recorded. An output speaker 5 is provided. The LCD 6 and the operation keys 7 formed on the surface X2 include the viewfinder 2, the photographing lens 3, the light-emitting unit 4, and the speaker 5.
Rather than vertically below. On the surface of the LCD 6, a so-called touch tablet 6A, which outputs position data corresponding to a pointed position by a contact operation of a pen-type pointing device (pen 41 in FIG. 6) described later, is arranged.

The touch tablet 6A is made of a transparent material such as glass, resin or the like.
LCD 6 formed inside touch tablet 6A
Can be observed through the touch tablet 6A.

The operation key 7 is a key operated when the recorded data is reproduced and displayed on the LCD 6, and detects an operation (input) by the user and supplies the operation to the CPU 39 (FIG. 6).

The menu key 7A of the operation keys 7 is
These keys are operated when displaying a menu screen on the LCD 6. The execution key 7B is a key operated when reproducing the recording information selected by the user.

The clear key 7C is operated when deleting recorded information. Cancel key 7D
Are keys operated when the reproduction process of recorded information is interrupted. The scroll key 7E is a key operated to scroll the screen up and down when a list of recording information is displayed on the LCD 6.

The surface X2 is provided with a slidable LCD cover 14 for protecting the LCD 6 when not in use. The LCD cover 14 covers the LCD 6 and the touch tablet 6A as shown in FIG. 3 when moved vertically upward. Also, LC
When the D cover 14 is moved vertically downward, the LCD 6 and the touch tablet 6A appear, and the power switch 11 (described later) arranged on the surface Y2 is turned on by the arm 14A of the LCD cover 14. It has been done.

On the upper surface of the electronic camera 1, there are provided a microphone 8 for collecting sound and an earphone jack 9 to which an earphone (not shown) is connected.

On the left side (surface Y1), a release switch 10 which is operated when capturing an image of a subject, a continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 which is operated when switching between continuous shooting modes during shooting, and a telephone line. A modular jack 18 used for connection is provided. The release switch 10 and the continuous shooting mode switch 1
3 and the modular jack 18 are disposed vertically below the finder 2, the photographing lens 3, and the light emitting unit 4 provided in the rotating unit 19.

On the other hand, a surface Y2 opposite to the surface Y1 (right side)
Has a recording switch 1 operated when recording voice.
2 and a power switch 11. The recording switch 12 and the power switch 11 are, like the release switch 10 and the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13, vertically below the finder 2, the photographing lens 3, and the light emitting unit 4 provided in the rotating unit 19. Are located. The recording switch 12 is formed at substantially the same height as the release switch 10 on the surface Y1, so that it does not feel uncomfortable when holding it with either left or right hand.

By intentionally making the heights of the recording switch 12 and the release switch 10 different from each other, when one of the switches is pressed, when the opposite side is held with a finger to cancel the moment due to this pressing force, The switch provided on the opposite side may be prevented from being pressed by mistake.

The continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is
When the user presses the release switch 10 to photograph a subject, this is used to set whether to photograph the subject in one frame or a predetermined plurality of frames. For example, when the release switch 10 is pressed while the pointer of the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the position where “S” is printed (that is, the mode is switched to the S mode), only one frame is shot. Has been made to take place.

When the release switch 10 is pressed while the pointer of the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the position where "L" is printed (ie, the mode is switched to the L mode), the release is performed. During the period in which the switch 10 is pressed, eight frames are shot per second (that is, the low-speed continuous shooting mode is set).

Further, a continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
When the release switch 10 is pressed in a case where the pointer is switched to the position where “H” is printed (that is, the mode is switched to the H mode), during the period in which the release switch 10 is pressed, 30 frames are taken per second (that is, high-speed continuous shooting mode is set).

Next, the internal configuration of the electronic camera 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the electronic camera shown in FIGS. The CCD 20 is provided downstream of the photographing lens 3 (on the surface X2 side), and photoelectrically converts an optical image of a subject formed through the photographing lens 3 into an electric signal.

The display element 26 in the viewfinder is arranged in the field of view of the viewfinder 2 and displays the setting state of various functions to the user who is looking at the subject through the viewfinder 2. The finder 2, the photographing lens 3, the light-emitting unit 4, the speaker 5, the CCD 20, and the light-emitting element 26 in the finder are formed by a cylindrical rotating unit 1.
9.

On the lower side of the LCD 6, four cylindrical batteries (AA batteries) 21 are vertically arranged, and the power stored in the battery 21 is supplied to each unit. Further, a capacitor 22 for storing electric charge for causing the light emitting section 4 to emit light is arranged together with the battery 21 below the LCD 6 vertically.

Various control circuits for controlling each part of the electronic camera 1 are formed on the circuit board 23. A memory card 24 that can be inserted and removed is provided between the circuit board 23, the LCD 6, and the battery 21.
Various types of information input to the electronic camera 1 are respectively recorded in preset areas of the memory card 24.

Further, the LCD switch 25 arranged adjacent to the power switch 11 is a switch which is turned on only while its projection is being pressed,
When the cover 14 is moved vertically downward, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the arm 14A of the LCD cover 14 is turned on together with the power switch 11.

When the LCD cover 14 is positioned vertically upward, the power switch 11 is turned on by the LCD switch 25.
Independent of the user. For example, LC
When the D cover 14 is closed and the electronic camera 1 is not used, as shown in FIG.
And the LCD switch 25 is off. In this state, the user sets the power switch 11 in FIG.
As shown in (c), when the power switch 11 is turned on, the power switch 11 is turned on.
Remain off. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the LCD cover 14 is opened while the power switch 11 and the LCD switch 25 are off, as shown in FIG. The LCD switch 25 is turned on. After that, when the LCD cover 14 is closed, the LCD switch 25
Alone is in the off state as shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG.
An arbitrary angle between the normal direction of the plane X1 and the normal direction of the plane X2 can be set.

In this embodiment, the memory card 24 can be inserted and removed. However, a memory may be provided on the circuit board 23 so that various information can be recorded in the memory. Also, a memory (memory card 24)
May be output to an external personal computer via an interface (not shown).

Next, the electrical configuration inside the electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels photoelectrically converts a light image formed on each pixel into an image signal (electric signal). A digital signal processor (hereinafter referred to as DSP) 33 supplies a CCD horizontal drive pulse to the CCD 20 and controls a CCD drive circuit 34 to supply the CCD 20 with a CCD vertical drive pulse.

The image processing section 31 is controlled by the CPU 39 to sample the image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 20 at a predetermined timing, and to convert the sampled signal into a signal.
It is designed to amplify to a predetermined level. Analog / digital conversion circuit (hereinafter referred to as A / D conversion circuit)
Numeral 32 is configured to digitize the image signal sampled by the image processing unit 31 and supply it to the DSP 33.

The DSP 33 controls a data bus connected to the buffer memory 36 and the memory card 24.
After temporarily storing the image data supplied from the / D conversion circuit 32 in the buffer memory 36, the image data stored in the buffer memory 36 is read, and the image data is recorded on the memory card 24.

The DSP 33 includes an A / D conversion circuit 32
The supplied image data is stored in the frame memory 35 and displayed on the LCD 6, and the memory card 2
After reading out the photographed image data from the memory 4 and expanding the photographed image data, the expanded image data is stored in the frame memory 3.
5 and displayed on the LCD 6.

Further, when the electronic camera 1 is started, the DSP 33 adjusts the exposure time (exposure value) while adjusting the exposure time (exposure value) until the exposure level of the CCD 20 becomes an appropriate value.
0 is repeatedly operated. At this time, first, the DSP 33 operates the photometric circuit 51, and in accordance with the light receiving level detected by the photometric element 16, C
The initial value of the exposure time of the CD 20 may be calculated. By doing so, the exposure time of the CCD 20 can be adjusted in a short time.

In addition, the DSP 33 stores the memory card 24
, And the timing of data input / output in the storage of the decompressed image data in the buffer memory 36 and the like.

The buffer memory 36 stores the memory card 24
Speed of data input / output to / from CPU 39 and DSP
It is used to alleviate the difference in processing speed in, for example, 33.

The microphone 8 inputs audio information (collects audio) and supplies the audio information to the A / D and D / A conversion circuit 42.

The A / D and D / A conversion circuit 42 converts an analog signal corresponding to the sound detected by the microphone 8 into a digital signal, and then outputs the digital signal to the CPU 39 and is supplied from the CPU 39. The audio data is converted into an analog signal, and an analog audio signal is output to the speaker 5.

The photometric element 16 measures the light quantity of the object and its surroundings, and outputs the measurement result to the photometric circuit 51.

The photometric circuit 51 performs predetermined processing on an analog signal as a photometric result supplied from the photometric element 16, converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the CPU 39. I have.

The colorimetric element 17 measures the color temperature of the object and its surroundings, and outputs the measurement result to the colorimetric circuit 52.

The colorimetric circuit 52 performs a predetermined process on the analog signal as the colorimetric result supplied from the colorimetric element 17, converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the CPU 39. Has been made.

The timer 45 has a built-in clock circuit, and outputs data corresponding to the current time to the CPU 39.

The aperture drive circuit 53 sets the aperture diameter of the aperture 54 to a predetermined value.

The diaphragm 54 is arranged between the photographing lens 3 and the CCD 20 and changes the aperture of light incident on the CCD 20 from the photographing lens 3.

The rotation part position detection circuit 55 refers to the output from the potentiometer 56 that is linked with the rotation part 19,
At this time, the direction in which the rotating portion 19 is turned is detected.

The modem unit 57 converts the data format when transmitting and receiving information to and from another electronic camera 1 and another information processing device connected via a public line. .

In response to a signal from the LCD switch 25, the CPU 39 stops the operations of the photometric circuit 51 and the colorimetric circuit 52 when the LCD cover 14 is open, and stops the operation when the LCD cover 14 is closed. Is
The photometric circuit 51 and the colorimetric circuit 52 are operated, and C is held until the release switch 10 is half-pressed.
The operation of the CD 20 (for example, an electronic shutter operation) is stopped.

When the operation of the CCD 20 is stopped, the CPU 39 controls the photometric circuit 51 and the colorimetric circuit 52 so as to receive the photometric result of the photometric element 16 and the colorimetric result of the colorimetric element 17. It has been done.

Then, the CPU 39 calculates a white balance adjustment value corresponding to the color temperature supplied from the colorimetric circuit 52 with reference to a predetermined table, and supplies the white balance adjustment value to the image processing section 31. It has been made like that.

That is, when the LCD cover 14 is closed, the operation of the CCD 20 is stopped because the LCD 6 is not used as an electronic viewfinder. Since the CCD 20 consumes a lot of power, stopping the operation of the CCD 20 in this way can save the power of the battery 21.

When the LCD cover 14 is closed, the CPU 39 operates until the release switch 10 is operated (until the release switch 10 is half-pressed).
The image processing unit 31 is controlled so that the image processing unit 31 does not perform various processes.

Further, the CPU 39 controls the LCD cover 14
Is closed, until the release switch 10 is operated (until the release switch 10 is half-pressed) so that the aperture driving circuit 53 does not perform an operation of changing the aperture diameter of the aperture 54 or the like. The circuit 53 is controlled.

The CPU 39 controls the strobe drive circuit 37 so that the strobe 4 emits light appropriately. In addition, the CPU 39 controls the red-eye reduction lamp drive circuit 38 so that the red-eye reduction lamp is driven before the strobe 4 emits light. 15 is adapted to emit light as appropriate.

When the LCD cover 14 is open (that is, when the electronic viewfinder is used), the CPU 39 does not allow the strobe 4 to emit light. By doing so, the subject can be photographed in the state of the image displayed on the electronic viewfinder.

The CPU 39 records information on the date and time of shooting as header information of image data in the shot image recording area of the memory card 24 in accordance with the date and time data supplied from the timer 45 (that is, the memory card). The photographed image data recorded in the 24 photographed image recording areas is accompanied by data of the photographing date and time.)

The CPU 39 compresses the digitized voice information, temporarily stores the digitized and compressed voice data in the buffer memory 36, and then stores the voice data in a predetermined area of the memory card 24 (voice recording). Area). At this time, in the audio recording area of the memory card 24, data of the recording date and time is recorded as header information of the audio data.

The CPU 39 controls the lens driving circuit 30 to perform an autofocus operation by moving the photographing lens 3, and controls the aperture driving circuit 53 to be disposed between the photographing lens 3 and the CCD 20. Diaphragm 54
The opening diameter is changed.

Further, the CPU 39 controls the display circuit 40 in the finder to display the settings in various operations on the display element 26 in the finder.

The CPU 39 has an interface (I / F)
48, predetermined data is exchanged with a personal computer and other predetermined external devices (not shown).

The CPU 39 receives a signal from the operation key 7 and performs appropriate processing.

Pen operated by user (pen-type indicating member)
When a predetermined position of the touch tablet 6A is pressed by the CPU 41, the CPU 39 reads the XY coordinates of the pressed position of the touch tablet 6A, and stores the coordinate data (line drawing information described later) in the buffer memory 36. It has been made to be. The CPU 39 records the line drawing information stored in the buffer memory 36 in the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24 together with the header information of the line drawing information input date and time.

Next, various operations of the electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the operation of the electronic viewfinder on the LCD 6 of the present apparatus will be described.

When the user half-presses the release switch 10, the DSP 33 determines whether or not the LCD cover 14 is open based on the value of the signal supplied from the CPU 39 corresponding to the state of the LCD switch 25. L
If it is determined that the CD cover 14 is closed, the electronic viewfinder operation is not performed. In this case, DSP33
Stops the processing until the release switch 10 is operated.

When the LCD cover 14 is closed, the electronic viewfinder operation is not performed.
39 stops the operation of the CCD 20, the image processing unit 31, and the aperture driving circuit 53. And the CPU 39
Operates the photometric circuit 51 and the colorimetric circuit 52 instead of stopping the CCD 20, and supplies the measurement results to the image processing unit 31. The image processing unit 31 uses the values of the measurement results when performing white balance control and luminance value control.

When the release switch 10 is operated, the CPU 39 controls the CCD 20 and the aperture driving circuit 5
3 is performed.

On the other hand, when the LCD cover 14 is open, the CCD 20 performs an electronic shutter operation at a predetermined exposure time for a predetermined exposure time, and photoelectrically converts the light image of the subject condensed by the photographing lens 3. Then, the image signal obtained by the operation is output to the image processing unit 31.

The image processing section 31 performs white balance control and luminance value control, performs predetermined processing on the image signal, and outputs the image signal to the A / D conversion circuit 32. When the CCD 20 is operating, the image processing unit 31 uses the adjustment values calculated by the CPU 39 using the output of the CCD 20 and used for the white balance control and the control of the luminance value.

The A / D conversion circuit 32 converts the image signal (analog signal) into image data which is a digital signal, and outputs the obtained image data to the DSP 33.

The DSP 33 outputs the image data to the frame memory 35 and causes the LCD 6 to display an image corresponding to the image data.

As described above, in the electronic camera 1, L
When the CD cover 14 is open, at a predetermined time interval,
The CCD 20 operates the electronic shutter.
The electronic viewfinder operation is performed by converting the signal output from 0 into image data, outputting the image data to the frame memory 35, and displaying the image of the subject on the LCD 6 constantly.

As described above, when the LCD cover 14 is closed, the electronic viewfinder operation is not performed, and the operations of the CCD 20, the image processing unit 31, and the aperture driving circuit 53 are stopped, and the power consumption is reduced. Is saving.

Next, shooting of a subject by the present apparatus will be described.

First, the case where the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 provided on the surface Y1 is switched to the S mode (a mode in which only one frame is shot) will be described. At this time, the user operates the power switch 1 shown in FIG.
1 is switched to the side where “ON” is printed, and the power of the electronic camera 1 is turned on. When the subject is confirmed in the viewfinder 2 and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

When the LCD cover 14 is closed, when the release switch 10 is half-pressed, the CPU 39 restarts the operations of the CCD 20, the image processing section 31, and the aperture driving circuit 53. When the release switch 10 is fully pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

A light image of a subject observed by the finder 2 is condensed by the photographing lens 3 and forms an image on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels. The optical image of the subject formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted into an image signal by each pixel, and is sampled by the image processing unit 31. The image signal sampled by the image processing unit 31 is supplied to an A / D conversion circuit 32, where the image signal is digitized,
Is output to

The DSP 33 once outputs the image data to the buffer memory 36, reads the image data from the buffer memory 36, and performs a discrete cosine transform.
JPEG combining quantization and Huffman coding
(Joint Photographic Experts Group), and the compressed image is recorded in the captured image recording area of the memory card 24. At this time, in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24, data of the photographed date and time is recorded as header information of the photographed image data.

When the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the S mode, only one frame is shot, and even if the release switch 10 is continuously pressed, the subsequent shooting is not performed. I can't. When the release switch 10 is continuously pressed, the taken image is displayed on the LCD 6 when the LCD cover 14 is open.

Next, a case where the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is switched to the L mode (a mode for performing continuous shooting of eight frames per second) will be described. Power switch 1
When the power of the electronic camera 1 is turned on by switching 1 to the side where “ON” is printed and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the photographing process of the subject is started.

When the LCD cover 14 is closed, the CPU 39 restarts the operations of the CCD 20, the image processing section 31, and the aperture driving circuit 53 when the release switch 10 is half-pressed. When the release switch 10 is fully pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

A light image of a subject observed by the finder 2 is condensed by the photographing lens 3 and forms an image on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels. The optical image of the subject formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted into an image signal at each pixel, and is sampled by the image processing unit 31 at a rate of eight times per second. At this time, the image processing section 31 thins out three-quarters of the pixels of the image electrical signals of all the pixels of the CCD 20.

That is, the image processing section 31 divides the pixels of the CCD 20 arranged in a matrix into regions each having 2 × 2 pixels (four pixels) as shown in FIG. From one area, an image signal of one pixel arranged at a predetermined position is sampled, and the remaining three pixels are thinned out.

For example, at the time of the first sampling (first frame), the upper left pixel a of each area is sampled, and the other pixels b, c, and d are thinned out. At the time of the second sampling (second frame), the pixel b at the upper right of each area is sampled, and the other pixels a,
c and d are thinned out. Hereinafter, at the time of the third or fourth sampling, the lower left pixel c or the lower right pixel d is sampled, respectively, and the other pixels are thinned out. That is, each pixel is sampled every four frames.

The image signal sampled by the image processing section 31 (the image signal of a quarter of all the pixels of the CCD 20) is supplied to an A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to a DSP 33. Is done.

The DSP 33 temporarily outputs the digitized image signal to the buffer memory 36, reads the image signal, compresses the image signal in accordance with the JPEG system, and converts the digitized and compressed photographed image data into the memory card 24. Is recorded in the captured image recording area. At this time, in the photographed image recording area of the memory card 24, data of the photographed date and time is recorded as header information of the photographed image data.

Further, a continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13
Is switched to the H mode (a mode in which 30 frames are continuously shot in one second). When the power of the electronic camera 1 is turned on by switching the power switch 11 to the side where “ON” is printed, and the release switch 10 provided on the surface Y1 is pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

When the LCD cover 14 is closed, the CPU 39 restarts the operations of the CCD 20, the image processing section 31, and the aperture driving circuit 53 when the release switch 10 is half-pressed. When the release switch 10 is fully pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

A light image of a subject observed by the finder 2 is condensed by the photographing lens 3 and forms an image on the CCD 20. An optical image of a subject formed on the CCD 20 having a plurality of pixels is photoelectrically converted into an image signal at each pixel, and is sampled by the image processing unit 31 at a rate of 30 times per second. At this time, the image processing unit 31
8/9 pixels out of the image electrical signals of all the pixels are thinned out.

That is, the image processing section 31 divides the pixels of the CCD 20 arranged in a matrix into regions each having 3 × 3 pixels as shown in FIG. Is sampled at a rate of 30 times per second for the image electric signal of one pixel arranged at the position of
The remaining 8 pixels are thinned out.

For example, at the time of the first sampling (first frame), the pixel a at the upper left of each area is sampled, and the other pixels b to i are thinned out. At the time of the second sampling (second frame), the pixel b disposed on the right side of the pixel a is sampled, and the other pixels a, c to i are thinned out. Hereinafter, at the time of the third and subsequent samplings, the pixels c, d,.
Are sampled and other pixels are decimated. That is, each pixel is sampled every nine frames.

The image signal sampled by the image processing section 31 (the image signal of one-ninth of all the pixels of the CCD 20) is supplied to the A / D conversion circuit 32, where it is digitized and output to the DSP 33. Is done.

The DSP 33 once outputs the digitized image signal to the buffer memory 36, reads out the image signal, compresses the image signal according to the JPEG system, and adds the header of the date and time of shooting to the digitized and compressed photographed image data. The information is added and recorded in the captured image recording area of the memory card 24.

Note that the strobe 4 can be operated to irradiate the subject with light as needed. Where L
When the CD cover 14 is open, that is, when the LCD 6 is performing the electronic viewfinder operation, the CPU 39
Controls the strobe 4 not to emit light.

Next, the operation when two-dimensional line drawing information (pen input information) is input from the touch tablet 6A will be described.

When the touch tablet 6A is pressed with the pen tip of the pen 41, the XY coordinates of the touched position are displayed on the CPU.
39 is input. The XY coordinates are stored in the buffer memory 36. In addition, data can be written into the frame memory 35 at locations corresponding to the XY coordinates, and a line drawing corresponding to the contact of the pen 41 can be displayed on the XY coordinates on the LCD 6.

As described above, the touch tablet 6A
Is composed of a transparent member,
The point displayed on the LCD 6 (the point at the position pressed by the pen tip of the pen 41) can be observed, as if the LCD
6 can be felt as if a pen input was made directly. When the pen 41 is moved on the touch tablet 6 </ b> A, a line accompanying the movement of the pen 41 is displayed on the LCD 6. Further, when the pen 41 is intermittently moved on the touch tablet 6A, a broken line accompanying the movement of the pen 41 is displayed on the LCD 6. As described above, the user inputs desired line drawing information such as characters and graphics to the touch tablet 6A (LCD 6).

When the photographed image is displayed on the LCD 6 and the line drawing information is inputted by the pen 41, the line drawing information is synthesized with the photographed image information in the frame memory 35, and is simultaneously displayed on the LCD 6. Is displayed.

By operating a color selection switch (not shown), the user can select the color of the line drawing displayed on the LCD 6 from colors such as black, white, red, and blue.

When the execution key 7B of the operation key 7 is pressed after the line information is input to the touch tablet 6A by the pen 41, the line image information stored in the buffer memory 36 is stored in the memory card 24 together with the header information of the input date and time. And is recorded in the line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24.

The line drawing information recorded on the memory card 24 is information that has been subjected to compression processing. Since the line drawing information input to the touch tablet 6A contains a lot of information having a high spatial frequency component, if the compression processing is performed by the JPEG method used for compressing the photographed image, the compression efficiency is poor. The required time becomes longer. Furthermore, since the compression by the JPEG method is irreversible compression, it is not suitable for compression of line drawing information having a small amount of information (when expanded and displayed on the LCD 6, gathers and bleeding due to lack of information are noticeable. To get it).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the line drawing information is compressed by the run length method used in facsimile and the like. The run-length method scans a line drawing screen in the horizontal direction, and continues the length of information (points) of each color such as black, white, red, and blue, and the length of continuous non-information (portion without pen input). This is a method for compressing line drawing information by encoding the line drawing information.

By using this run length method,
Line drawing information can be optimally compressed, and even when the compressed line drawing information is decompressed, loss of information can be suppressed. The line drawing information may not be compressed when the information amount is relatively small.

Further, as described above, when a photographed image is displayed on the LCD 6, when a pen input is performed, the photographed image data and the line drawing information of the pen input are combined in the frame memory 35, and the photographed image and the line drawing information are combined. The composite image of LC
Displayed on D6. On the other hand, in the memory card 24, photographed image data is recorded in a photographed image recording area, and line drawing information is recorded in a line drawing information recording area. As described above, since the two pieces of information are recorded in different areas, the user can delete one of the images (for example, the line drawing) from the composite image of the captured image and the line drawing,
Further, each image information can be compressed by an individual compression method.

When data is recorded in the audio recording area, photographed image recording area, or line drawing information recording area of the memory card 24, a predetermined display is displayed on the LCD 6, as shown in FIG.

On the display screen of the LCD 6 shown in FIG. 9, the date when the information was recorded (recorded date) (in this case, August 25, 1995) is displayed at the lower end of the screen. The recording time of the information recorded on the recording date is displayed on the leftmost side of the screen.

On the right side of the recording time, a thumbnail image is displayed. This thumbnail image is displayed on the memory card 2
4 is created by thinning (reducing) the bitmap data of each image data of the photographed image data recorded in No. 4. The information with this display is information including captured image information. That is, "10:16" and "10:21"
The information recorded (input) includes the captured image information, such as “10:05”, “10:28”, and “10:28”.
Hour 54 ”and“ 13:10 ”
No image information is included.

A memo symbol “*” indicates that a predetermined memo is recorded as line drawing information.

On the right side of the thumbnail image display area, an audio information bar is displayed, and a bar (line) having a length corresponding to the length of the recording time is displayed (if no audio information is input, Do not show).

The user presses any part of the desired information display line of the LCD 6 shown in FIG. 9 with the pen tip of the pen 41 to select and specify the information to be reproduced, and presses the execution key 7B shown in FIG. By pressing with the pen tip of the pen 41, the selected information is reproduced.

For example, when the displayed line of “10:05” shown in FIG.
The CPU 39 reads the audio data corresponding to the selected recording date and time (10:05) from the memory card 24,
After expanding the audio data, the audio data is supplied to the A / D and D / A conversion circuit 42. A / D and D / A conversion circuit 42
Converts the supplied audio data into an analog signal, and then reproduces the data via the speaker 5.

When reproducing the photographed image data recorded on the memory card 24, the user selects the information by pressing the desired thumbnail image with the pen tip of the pen 41, and presses the execution key 7B to select the selected information. To play.

The CPU 39 instructs the DSP 33 to read out, from the memory card 24, the photographed image data corresponding to the selected photographing date and time. The DSP 33 expands the photographed image data (compressed photographed image data) read from the memory card 24, stores the photographed image data in the frame memory 35 as bitmap data, and causes the LCD 6 to display it.

The image shot in the S mode is displayed on the LCD 6 as a still image. This still image is CC
It goes without saying that the image signals of all the pixels of D20 are reproduced.

An image photographed in the L mode is continuously displayed on the LCD 6 at a rate of 8 frames per second. At this time, the number of pixels displayed in each frame is CCD2
0 is a quarter of the total number of pixels.

Normally, the human eye is sensitive to the degradation of the resolution of a still image, and thus thinning out the pixels of the still image is perceived by the user as degradation of the image quality. However, when the continuous shooting speed at the time of shooting is increased, eight frames are captured per second in the L mode, and when this image is reproduced at a speed of eight frames per second, the number of pixels of each frame becomes equal to the number of pixels of the CCD 20. Although this is a quarter of the number, since the human eye observes eight frames per second, the amount of information perceived by the human eye per second is twice as large as that of a still image.

That is, one of the images shot in the S mode
Assuming that the number of pixels of a frame is 1, the number of pixels of one frame of an image captured in the L mode is １ ／. When an image (still image) captured in the S mode is displayed on the LCD 6, the amount of information perceived by the human eye in one second is 1 (= (number of pixels 1) × (number of frames 1)). On the other hand, when an image captured in the L mode is displayed on the LCD 6, the amount of information perceived by the human eye in one second is 2 (= (number of pixels ４) × (number of frames 8)) (ie, The human eye receives twice as much information as a still image.) Therefore, even if the number of pixels in one frame is reduced to ４, the user can observe the reproduced image at the time of reproduction without much concern about deterioration in image quality.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, different pixels are sampled for each frame and the sampled pixels are displayed on the LCD 6, so that an afterimage effect occurs to human eyes and 4 pixels per frame. Even if three pixels are thinned out, the user can observe the image photographed in the L mode displayed on the LCD 6 without much concern about the deterioration of the image quality.

An image shot in the H mode is an LC mode.
The images are continuously displayed on D6 at a rate of 30 frames per second. At this time, the number of pixels displayed in each frame is C
Although the number of pixels of the CD 20 is one-ninth of the total number of pixels, for the same reason as in the case of the L mode, the user can copy an image captured in the H mode displayed on the LCD 6 without much concern about deterioration in image quality. Can be observed.

In the present embodiment, when the subject is imaged in the L mode and the H mode, the image processing unit 31
CCD to the extent that you do not mind degradation of image quality during playback
Since 20 pixels are thinned out, the load on the DSP 33 can be reduced, and the DSP 33 can be operated at low speed and with low power. In addition, this makes it possible to reduce the cost and power consumption of the device.

FIG. 10 shows a configuration example when the electronic camera 1 is connected to another information processing device via a network. In this configuration example, the electronic camera 1 is connected to the network 103. The network 103 includes a server 105, a telephone 106, a facsimile 10
7, and the videophone 108 are connected.

The server 105 records information to be provided to various information processing apparatuses via the network 103 in the recording unit 112 as shown in FIG. 11, for example. Communication unit 1
Reference numeral 11 communicates with another information processing apparatus via the network 103. The control unit 113 is connected to the communication unit 111 and the recording unit 112 via the bus 114, and controls each unit.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the format of information transmitted by the electronic camera 1 via the network (communication line) 103. As shown in this figure, information transmitted via the network 103 includes information indicating the type of information transmitted immediately thereafter and information of an information processing apparatus such as an electronic camera, a videophone, a facsimile, and a server. A header 70 for storing identification information for identifying which one is, control information 71 for controlling an information processing apparatus of a communication partner, image information 72, memo image information 73 composed of line drawings, and the like; , Audio information 7
4. Depending on the type of information transmitted, the control information 71, the image information 72, the memo image information 73, or the audio information 74 may not be included.

Next, referring to the flow charts of FIGS. 13 to 16, the electronic camera 1 is connected to the server 105, telephone 106, facsimile machine 10 via the network 103.
7 or a process in the case of transmitting and receiving information by connecting to the videophone 108 will be described.

First, in step S1, the CPU 39
Determines whether the reception mode is currently set. If the reception mode is not set, the process proceeds to step S2 to determine whether the transmission mode is set. If the transmission mode has not been set, the process returns to step S1, and thereafter, the processes of step S1 and step S2 are repeatedly executed.

If it is determined in step S2 that the transmission mode has been set, the process proceeds to step S3, and the user performs an operation of calling the information processing device of the information exchange partner. In this case, the user operates the pen 41 and inputs the telephone number of the information processing device to be connected from the touch tablet 6A. That is, the server 105,
The telephone number of the telephone 106, facsimile 107, or video telephone 108 is input. The CPU 39 controls the modem unit 57 to execute a calling operation for the input telephone number.

Next, in step S4, the process waits until a connection is established with the other party. If the connection is made with the other party, the flow advances to step S5 to determine whether or not identification information has been received from the information processing apparatus of the other party. I do. That is, the server 105 other than the normal telephone 106 in FIG.
07 or the videophone 108 is connected to another information processing device, and transmits identification information for identifying itself to the information processing device. In step S5, it is determined whether or not the identification information has been received.

If it is determined in step S5 that the identification information has not been received from the other party, step S4
Can be determined to be a normal telephone 106. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to step S6, and the CPU 39 executes a telephone mark display process. That is, at this time, the CPU 39 displays, for example, a message such as “The connection destination has no videophone function. Only voice communication”, together with the image of the telephone mark as shown in FIG. Thereby, the user can know that the image information or the line drawing information cannot be transmitted to the connected information processing apparatus. Next, proceeding to step S7, the CPU 39 turns off the LCD 6. Further, in step S8, an audio signal transmission / reception process is executed. That is, the user uses the microphone 8 and the speaker 5 to set the telephone 10 of the other party.
You can have a conversation with 6.

In step S9, it is determined whether or not the conversation has ended. If not, step S8
And the subsequent processing is repeatedly executed. If it is determined in step S9 that the conversation has ended, the process proceeds to step S10, where a line termination procedure is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the identification information has been received from the information processing device on the partner side,
Proceeding to step S11, the CPU 39 reads the identification information stored in advance in, for example, a ROM (not shown), and transmits the identification information to the other party via the modem unit 57. This allows the other information processing apparatus to execute the same processing as in the electronic camera 1. For example, the electronic camera 1
When an electronic camera having the same function as that of the electronic camera is connected, the same processing can be executed in the electronic camera.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S12, wherein it is determined whether or not the identification information received from the other party indicates that the information processing apparatus of the other party is a videophone. When the other information processing apparatus is the videophone 108,
Proceeding to step S13, the CPU 39 determines whether or not the partner device is a device that can input pen input, that is, line drawing information. Whether or not the device can input line drawing information can also be determined from the received identification information. If the other party's videophone 108 does not have the function of inputting the line drawing information,
Proceeding to 14, the CPU 39 sets a superimposition mode in which the image information input from the CCD 20 and the line drawing information input from the touch tablet 6A are superimposed. If it is determined that the other party's videophone 108 has a function of inputting line drawing information, the process of step S14 is skipped. That is, the superimposition mode is not set.

Next, the flow advances to step S15 to receive any of image information, audio information, and line drawing information from the other party's videophone 108. Then, in step S16, it is determined whether or not the image information has been received. If the image information has been received, the process proceeds to step S17 to execute a process of displaying the received image information. That is, in this case, the image information transmitted from the videophone 108 is displayed on the LCD 6 via the frame memory 35. As a result, an image of the user using the videophone 108 is displayed on the LCD 6, for example, as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in step S16,
If it is determined that the image information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S18, and the CPU 39 causes the LCD 6 to display, for example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, a display is performed to make the user recognize that there is no partner image. In the display example of FIG. 19, a symbol figure in which a square figure representing an image is added with an X mark, and a message "No image has been sent from the connection partner" are displayed. This allows the user to
Since no image is displayed on the CD 6, there is no possibility that the device is erroneously recognized as having failed.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S19, wherein it is determined whether or not the superimposition mode is set. As described above, when the other party's videophone 108 does not have the line image input function, the superimposition mode is set in step S14. In this case, the process proceeds to step S21, in which the CPU 39 causes the DSP 33 to superimpose the line drawing information input from the touch tablet 6A with the pen 41 on the user image input from the CCD 20. And
In step S22, a process of transmitting the image information superimposed in step S21 and the audio information input from the microphone 8 to the videophone 108 of the other party is executed. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S19 that the superimposition mode is not set, the process proceeds to step S20, in which the CPU 39 executes a process of individually transmitting image information, line drawing information, and audio information. . That is, when the video phone 108 has a line drawing information input function, the video phone 108
The electronic camera 1 has substantially the same function. Therefore, in this case, these three pieces of information are transmitted individually.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S23, wherein it is determined whether or not the conversation is completed. If the conversation is not completed, the process returns to the step S15, and the subsequent processes are repeatedly executed. If it is determined in step S23 that the conversation has ended, the process proceeds to step S24, where a line termination procedure is performed.

If it is determined in step S12 that the information processing apparatus of the other party is the videophone 108, the above processing is executed.
When it is determined that the information processing device on the other side is not a videophone, the process proceeds to step S25, and it is determined whether the information processing device on the other side is a facsimile. This determination is also made based on the identification information. If it is determined that the other information processing device is the facsimile 107, the process proceeds to step S26, where the CPU 39
The DSP 33 controls the DSP 33 to read out the information previously taken in and stored in the memory card 24, and reads the information.
6 is displayed. Then, in step S27, it is determined whether or not the image currently displayed on the LCD 6 is a line drawing. If it is not a line drawing (if it is a normal image), the process proceeds to step S28, where the number of pixel points is determined. In order to obtain an image representing the density by using, the DSP 33 executes dither processing. If it is determined in step S27 that the information displayed on the LCD 6 is the line drawing information (the information to be transmitted), the processing in step S28 is skipped.

Next, in step S29, the CPU 3
9 controls the DSP 33, and if a line drawing exists,
This is superimposed on the image. Then, in step S30, the CPU 39 causes the facsimile 107 to transmit the image information (if there is line drawing information, it is superimposed thereon) via the modem unit 57. Then, in step S31, a line termination procedure is executed.

As described above, the information to be transferred to the facsimile 107 is the information stored in the memory card 24 in advance.

If it is determined in step S25 that the other information processing apparatus is not a facsimile, the process proceeds to step S32, where it is determined whether the other information processing apparatus is a network server. If it is determined that the other information processing device is not a network server,
Proceeding to step S33, the CPU 29 causes the LCD 6 to display the character "communication error", for example, as shown in FIG. That is, in the case of this processing example, the telephone set 106, facsimile 107,
Since it is either the videophone 108 or the server 105, if it is neither of these, an error process is performed. Then, in step S34, a communication end process is executed.

If it is determined in step S32 that the information processing device of the other party is the server 105, the process proceeds to step S35, where the CPU 39 causes the LCD 6 to display a menu, for example, as shown in FIG. This menu contains “Send”, “Receive”,
The character is displayed so that either “mode setting” or “end” can be selected. Therefore, in steps S36 to S39, the process waits until any one of these items of “transmission”, “reception”, “mode setting”, or “end” is selected. Step S3
In 9, when it is determined that “end” has been selected by the pen 41, the process proceeds to step S 40, and a communication end process is executed.

In contrast, in step S36,
If it is determined that the character “transmit” has been selected with the pen 41, the process proceeds to step S41, where the CPU 39
Is read, an image stored in the memory card 24 is read, a thumbnail image is generated, and displayed on the LCD 6. At this time, in step S42, the user selects a thumbnail to be transmitted from the displayed thumbnails by designating with the pen 41. When this selection is made, the CPU 39 reads the original image data corresponding to the specified thumbnail stored in the memory card 24 in step S43, and causes the server 105 to transmit the read image data in step S44.

The server 105 causes the recording unit 112 to record the image data transmitted from the electronic camera 1 in this way. Thereafter, the user, for example,
Is completed, and when returning home, the server 105 is accessed from a personal computer or the like, and the server 10
5 can be transferred.

On the other hand, in step S37, "reception"
If it is determined that the character is selected, step S45
The CPU 39 receives the menu of the server 105 from the server 105 and causes the LCD 6 to display the menu. At this time, in step S46, the user performs an operation of selecting information to be provided from the server 105 from the displayed menu. When this selection is made, the server 105 transmits the selected information, and therefore, in step S47, the CPU 39 receives this. This received information is displayed on the LCD 6 and stored in the memory card 24 as needed.

If it is determined in step S38 that the character "mode setting" has been selected, the process proceeds to step S48, where the CPU 39 displays a mode setting menu. At this time, in step S49, the user selects an item to be set from the displayed menu. When this selection is made, in step S50, the CPU
39 executes processing for setting the set mode.
In this way, for example, the setting for turning on or off the e-mail transfer process is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the reception mode has been set, step S5
In step 1, the CPU 39 reads the identification information of the electronic camera 1 from a ROM (not shown) and transmits it. Next, in step S52, the CPU 39 determines whether or not identification information has been received from the partner information processing apparatus. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S53,
Execute the phone mark display process. That is, as described above, the image as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, steps S7 to S7 in FIG.
The same processing as in the case of No. 10 is executed in steps S54 to S57. That is, LCD
6 is turned off, and a voice signal is transmitted and received until it is determined that the conversation has ended. When the conversation ends, a line termination procedure is executed.

If it is determined in step S52 that the identification information has been received from the information processing device of the other party, the process proceeds to step S58, and it is determined whether or not the information processing device of the other party is the videophone 108. . If the information processing device of the other party is the videophone 108, the process proceeds to step S
59 to S70 are executed. This processing is performed in steps S13 to S24 in FIG.
Since the processing is similar to the processing described above, the description thereof is omitted, but image information and audio information are exchanged with the videophone 108. When the videophone 108 has a function of recording linework information, image information, linework information, and audio information are individually transmitted and received. , And is superimposed on the image information and transmitted.

If it is determined in step S58 that the information processing device of the other party is not the videophone 108, the flow advances to step S70 to determine whether or not the information processing device of the other party is the facsimile 107. If the information processing device of the other party is a facsimile, the process proceeds to step S71, and the telephone number of the facsimile 107 of the other party and the fact that image information is being received from the facsimile 107, for example, "Facsimile is being received" Is displayed on the LCD 6. As a result, the user can specify the facsimile 107 of the other party and can recognize that information is being received from the facsimile. Then, in step S72, the CPU 39 receives the information transmitted from the facsimile 107, displays the information on the LCD 6, and stores the information on the memory card 24 as necessary. Then, when the reception is completed, a line termination procedure is executed in step S73.

If it is determined in step S70 that the other information processing apparatus is not a facsimile,
Proceeding to step S74, it is determined whether the other information processing apparatus is a network server. If it is determined that the other information processing apparatus is not a network server, an error display process is executed in step S75, and a communication end process is executed in step S76. This processing is performed in steps S33 and S33 in FIG.
This is the same process as the process of No. 34.

If it is determined in step S74 that the other information processing apparatus is a network server, the flow advances to step S77 to proceed to step S77.
It receives any of the image information, the line drawing information, and the audio information. Then, when the reception is completed, step S7
At 8, a line termination procedure is performed.

In the above description, the electronic camera 1 is directly connected to the network 103.
As shown in FIG. 2, the PHS 101 may be connected to the electronic camera 1 and connected to the network 103 via the PHS 101 and the nearest base station 102. In this case, as in the case described above, the server 105, the telephone 106, the facsimile 107,
Or, it can be connected to the videophone 108, but via another base station 104, with another PHS 110,
It is also possible to connect to the electronic camera 111 connected to it.

Note that the PHS 101 may be integrally formed with the electronic camera 1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the electronic camera 1 can be connected to the network 103 via the personal computer 109.

In the above embodiment, the CCD 20
The input image is compressed based on the JPEG standard,
Although transmission is performed via a network (communication line), for example, transmission is performed by compressing based on the MPEG standard,
Of course, a corresponding decompression process may be performed on the receiving side.

The present invention is not limited to an electronic camera, but can be applied to, for example, a mobile phone.

In order to provide a user with a computer program for performing the above-described processing, the computer program may be provided by recording it on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a CD-ROM, or a solid-state memory, or provided on a communication medium such as a network or a satellite. Can be provided by recording on a recording medium what has been transmitted via the.

[0165]

As described above, according to the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, the information processing method according to claim 7, and the recording medium according to claim 8, another information processing apparatus is determined. Since information to be transmitted is selected according to the determination result, desired information can be easily and quickly transmitted from a plurality of pieces of information.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration when viewed from the back of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an electronic camera 1 with an LCD cover 14 closed.
FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 shows the position of the LCD cover 14 and the power switch 11.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between the state and the state of an LCD switch 25.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration inside the electronic camera 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating pixel thinning processing in the L mode.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating pixel thinning processing in the H mode.

9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

10 is a diagram showing a connection relationship when the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG. 1 is connected via a network.

11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server 105 in FIG.

12 is a diagram illustrating a format of a signal transmitted by the electronic camera 1 in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the electronic camera 1 of FIG.

14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the electronic camera 1 in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the electronic camera 1 of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the electronic camera 1 of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example in step S6 of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display example in step S17 of FIG.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display example in step S18 of FIG.

20 is a diagram showing a display example in step S33 of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a display example of a menu in step S35 of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating another connection relationship when the electronic camera 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is connected via a network.

23 is a diagram showing still another connection relationship when the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG. 1 is connected via a network.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic camera 2 Viewfinder 3 Shooting lens 4 Light-emitting part 5 Speaker 6 LCD 6A Touch tablet 7 Operation key 7A Menu key 7B Execution key 7C Clear key 7D Cancel key 7E Scroll key 8 Microphone 9 Earphone jack 10 Release switch 11 Power switch 12 Recording switch Reference Signs List 13 continuous shooting mode changeover switch 15 red eye reduction lamp 16 photometric element 17 colorimetric element 20 CCD 21 battery 22 capacitor 23 circuit board 24 memory card 25 LCD switch 26 display element in viewfinder 30 lens drive circuit 31 image processing section 32 analog / digital conversion Circuit 33 Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 34 CCD Drive Circuit 35 Frame Memory 36 Buffer Memory 37 Strobe Drive Circuit 38 Eye reduction lamp driving circuit 39 CPU 40 viewfinder display circuit 42 A / D and D / A conversion circuit 45 timer 48 interface 51 photometric circuit 52 colorimetry circuit 53 diaphragm driving circuit 54 diaphragm 57 modem

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 5/781

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus for transmitting information to another information processing apparatus, comprising: input means for inputting a plurality of information; recording means for recording information input by the input means; Transmitting means for transmitting to the other information processing apparatus; determining means for determining the other information processing apparatus; and selecting means for selecting information to be transmitted in accordance with the determination result of the determining means. Characteristic information processing device. 2. Switching between a first mode for transmitting information input from the input unit without recording the information on the recording unit and a second mode for transmitting information recorded on the recording unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pieces of information includes audio information, line drawing information, or image information. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the selection unit selects only audio information when the other information processing apparatus does not have a function of receiving image information. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a superimposing unit configured to superimpose the line information and the image information, wherein the other information processing apparatus has a function of recording the image information, and records the image information and the line image information independently. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when not having the function, the transmitting unit transmits the line drawing information and the image information superimposed by the superimposing unit. 6. 6. The image processing apparatus further comprising a processing unit for dithering the image, wherein when the other information processing apparatus is a facsimile, the transmission unit transmits the dither-processed image information by superimposing the image information on the line drawing information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: 7. An information processing method of an information processing apparatus for transmitting information to another information processing apparatus, wherein: an input step of inputting a plurality of pieces of information; a recording step of recording information input in the input step; A transmitting step of transmitting a plurality of pieces of information to the other information processing apparatus; a determining step of determining the other information processing apparatus; and a selecting step of selecting information to be transmitted in accordance with the determination result in the determining step. An information processing method comprising: 8. A computer program for use in an information processing apparatus for transmitting information to another information processing apparatus, comprising: an input step of inputting a plurality of pieces of information; and a recording step of recording information input in the input step. A transmitting step of transmitting the plurality of pieces of information to the other information processing apparatus; a determining step of determining the other information processing apparatus; and selecting information to be transmitted in accordance with a result of the determination in the determining step. A recording medium on which a computer program comprising a selecting step is recorded.