JPH1141549A - Photographing device with printer and printer unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely perform print-out by detecting the remaining amount of printer paper and controlling the output size of video information to be printed corresponding to the detected remainng amount. SOLUTION: The print-out size is set by a mode setting means 6. When an automatic reduction mode is selected by a terminal setting button, a control means 1 discriminates whether printout in the output size set by a size setting dial is enabled or not from the remaining amount of printer paper detected by a remaining paper amount detecting part 12 and the amount of paper required for the print-out in that size. When it is impossible, the output size is changed smaller. The output size is changed by thinning and interpolating data corresponding to a reduction scale when sending the video information preserved in a memory means 7 to a printer control part 5 through the control means 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a compound camera, and more particularly, to a photographing apparatus with a printer in which a still camera using a silver halide photographic film and an image printer are integrally formed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There has been a demand for viewing a photographic print on the spot where a photograph was taken. U.S. Pat.
709,122, 3,727,529, 4,000,500, 4,249,811,
No. 4,212,524 and a so-called instant camera and instant film such as a film cartridge disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,707,116 disclose a system in which prints can be viewed in a short time after photographing.

[0003] However, the above-mentioned conventional apparatus has the following problems.

(1) Images taken at the moment of photographing are all recorded only on an instant film. In particular, even if a plurality of prints are to be obtained, the image formed on the instant film must be copied. However, the method of preserving the original is inconvenient as compared with a silver halide film or the like.

(2) Not all shooting scenes need to be printed out on the spot. However, instant photos are not printed out on the spot, and cannot be printed out at once.

As a method of compensating for such a shortcoming of instant photography, image information picked up by a solid-state image pickup device is fetched into a memory at a timing substantially equivalent to, for example, exposure to a silver halide film, and arbitrarily printed out. Such a camera with a printer can be considered.

As a printer used for printing out such color image information, generally, (a) a fusion type thermal transfer printer, (b) a sublimation type thermal transfer printer, and (c) an ink jet type printer are suitable.

[0008] Among them, the ink jet printer is
It is excellent in running cost, miniaturization, power saving, output speed, etc., and is very effective as a camera with a printer requiring portability.

On the other hand, US Pat. No. 4,074,324 and JP-A-54-13
In an apparatus such as the publication No. 6325, a camera with a printer that prints out information that is electrically imaged by a solid-state image sensor or the like is disclosed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-200181
In the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-209, a camera with a built-in printer capable of loading several types of ink ribbons and several types of recording paper is disclosed.

[0010]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the operability is complicated by integrally forming a device for photographing a still image and a printer device for outputting image information to a medium such as paper. It does not provide a sufficient solution for preventing or preventing photographing and printout that the user easily intends, such as the configuration and cost of the apparatus.

Now, supply of printer paper in the printer unit will be considered. 2. Description of the Related Art In general printers such as offices and homes, a method of feeding paper of a fixed size (for example, A4 size or B5 size) one sheet at a time is mainly used (both automatic paper feeding and manual paper feeding are commercially available). ing).

The camera with a built-in printer described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-200181 is also configured to supply recording paper from outside.

However, if the environment in which the photographing device is used is that of a photographing device with a printer that is mainly used outdoors, and it is necessary to carry the recording paper separately, the recording paper will be soiled or bent before recording. There is a possibility that normal recording operation cannot be performed in many cases, which is not preferable. Further, when recording paper cut into a fixed size is stored in a photographing apparatus with a printer, it is not preferable because there are many problems in size reduction and cost reduction including a paper feeding mechanism.

As one method for solving such a problem, a printer having a built-in printer device of a type in which roll-shaped recording paper is housed inside the device and pulled out by a necessary amount and used is considered. I have.

A photographing device incorporating such a printer device is excellent in portability and can obtain a print output immediately when desired, but has the following problems when used near the end of the built-in printer paper. Was.

(1) If the printer paper runs out during the print output, the output of the frame cannot be obtained, and the printing ink or ink sheet is wasted.

(2) When printing out a plurality of continuous frames or printing out a plurality of frames, it is difficult to tell whether all of the printer paper is actually printed, even if the printer paper seems to have a certain remaining amount.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and provides an apparatus capable of reliably performing a designated print output in accordance with the remaining amount of built-in printer paper. This is the first object.

Next, consider a photographing mode which is used at the time of photographing by the photographing apparatus. In a silver halide still camera or still video camera, taking into account the movement of the subject to be photographed, etc., a single release mode that records only once (exposure in the case of a silver halide still camera) for one release operation, and a single release mode In many cases, the camera has two continuous shooting modes (including a case where a predetermined number of frames are shot) in which recording (exposure) is performed continuously while the release button is pressed for the operation.

By selecting such a photographing mode, it is possible to photograph a moving subject at the most intended moment, which is very effective. Further, in a photographing device with a printer, an arbitrary image can be immediately printed out from the continuous photographing performed in the continuous photographing mode, so that the photographing can be confirmed on the spot and the printout to another person can be performed. It is very convenient.

However, there are the following problems when printing out.

(3) It takes a certain amount of time to print out one frame. Generally, high-speed shooting of several frames or more per second can be performed in the continuous shooting mode. If you try to print, you will have to print out for a very long time after shooting.

Therefore, there is a possibility that the current photographing situation and the current print output situation do not match, and the usability deteriorates.

(4) In some cases, continuous shooting does not require all shooting frames. That is, a desired frame is selected from several consecutive scenes. In this case, in the print output, if it is possible to confirm the state of the subject in each frame, a desired one frame can be immediately selected. However, if you print out each frame in a large size,
Unnecessary amounts of printer paper and printing ink are also consumed, resulting in waste.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of preventing a time lag between a photographing operation and a print output operation, particularly during continuous photographing, and performing a print output suitable for each photographing mode. It is to be.

A third object is to perform a continuous shooting,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that does not waste print paper, printing ink, and the like by sequentially printing out photographed frames that do not require print output.

Further, in general, the depth of field of image information using an electronic image pickup system such as a CCD is generally deeper than silver halide photographs taken at the same angle of view. This is the image size, which is the exposure area of silver halide photographic film, and CC
It is well known that the difference in the light receiving area (image size) of the imaging device such as D is often caused by the focal length of the taking optical lens.

That is, in general, images using an electronic image pickup system often have a feeling that the whole object is in focus in the depth direction of the distance of the object field, and a moving image such as a video image is used for a long time. When it is necessary to chase, etc., it is very effective because slight focusing by the automatic focus adjustment mechanism does not affect the viewing.

Here, in the case of photographing a still image, in a silver halide photograph, for example, an image in which the background is blurred and only the periphery of the main subject is in focus like a portrait photograph often becomes a beautiful photograph. However, in the case of a still image camera using an electronic imaging system, the image often has no blurred background as described above, and it is possible to obtain an advanced image reflecting the intention of the author such as a silver halide photograph. It had a problem that it was difficult.

In order to deal with such a problem, a method of digitally treating image information by taking advantage of electronic imaging, transmitting the information to a computer, and performing image processing by software on the computer has recently been proposed. It is being done very often.

In this case, for example, when it is desired to obtain an image similar to that of a portrait photograph taken with a silver halide photograph, the operator first looks at the image on a computer and draws a person or the like as a main subject to create a background. It is necessary to perform an operation to separate the part from the part. Then, a desired image can be obtained by performing a blurring process on a portion desired to be set as a background.

As described above, in the case of an electronic image, the atmosphere of a silver halide photograph cannot be obtained without post-shooting processing by an operator. One of the main causes is that in the original information of the electronic image. It is difficult to automatically separate the main subject from the background because there is no information on whether the subject is the subject.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and takes advantage of the fact that the photographing device is integrated with the printer device to select a main subject from the screen at the time of photographing. The present invention provides an apparatus which can easily perform image processing on an image to be printed and output, and can easily obtain a printout close to a silver halide photograph image using an electronic imaging unit. That fourth
The purpose of.

[0034]

To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus for imaging video information,
In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing apparatus with a printer in which a memory means for storing imaged image information and a printer apparatus for outputting the image information stored in the memory means to a recording sheet are integrated or separable. And a control means for controlling an output size of video information to be printed in accordance with the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting means. Things.

According to this, when the print output of the designated size or the number of sheets cannot be performed due to the remaining amount of the printer paper, the output size is controlled and the print output is performed.

In the second invention, the control means prohibits the printing operation and issues a warning when there is not enough printer paper remaining to print the print size set by the print size selecting means. Control.

According to this, when the remaining amount of printer paper is small and a normal print output cannot be performed, the print output is prohibited and a warning is issued.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing apparatus with a printer, wherein the photographing apparatus for recording video information on a recording medium and the printer for outputting video information on recording paper are integrated or separable. It has frame number detecting means for detecting the number of photographable frames of the recording medium of the photographing device, and sheet remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of printer paper built in the printer device, and the photographable frames detected from both of them. The output size of the video information to be printed is controlled from both the number and the remaining amount of the printer paper.

According to this, the operation is performed so as to control the output size for printing out from both the number of photographable frames of the recording medium and the remaining amount of printer paper.

Further, in order to achieve the second object,
According to the fourth aspect, an image pickup means for converting an optical image of a scene to be shot into an electronic image signal, a memory means for storing an electronic image signal picked up by the image pickup means, and A printer which prints out the image signal so that the image signal can be visually recognized; and control means for selecting at least a plurality of photographing modes with respect to the print output, wherein the control means performs one frame from the plurality of photographing modes by one release operation. When the single-shot mode in which only shooting is performed is selected, a continuous shooting mode in which printing is performed according to the first print output size after shooting and a plurality of frames are continuously shot by one release operation. Is selected, the first
Is controlled so that print output is continuously performed with the second print output size obtained by changing the print output size with respect to the print output size.

According to this, the operation is performed so as to change the output size for print output according to the shooting mode.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the printer device can be separated from the image pickup section having the image pickup means.

According to this, after photographing only with the photographing section,
The printer operates so that a desired print output can be obtained by connecting the printers.

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the fourth object, according to the sixth invention, at least an image pickup means for converting an optical image of a photographed object scene into an electronic image signal; ,
A photographing apparatus with a printer, which has a printer apparatus for visually printing out an electronic image signal picked up by the image pickup means on recording paper, wherein a mode selection means capable of selecting at least a plurality of shooting modes; Display means for displaying a rough range to be the main subject when selected; and dividing the inside and outside of the image information of the rough range to be the main subject when an imaging operation is performed in the shooting mode. The image processing apparatus further includes image processing means for performing individual image processing, and control means for executing print output based on image information processed by the image processing means.

According to this, the approximate range of the main subject is indicated according to the predetermined photographing mode, and when photographing is performed, individual image processing is performed on the inside and outside of the general range of the main subject to print out. It works.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, at least the image pickup means for converting an optical image of the scene to be photographed into an electronic image signal, and the electronic image signal picked up by the image pickup means can be visually recognized on a recording sheet. A photographing device with a printer having a printer device for performing print output, comprising: a distance measuring means for measuring a distance to a main subject; and a display means for displaying a rough range to be the main subject. A first control unit that changes an approximate range to be displayed as the main subject in accordance with the distance obtained by the distance measuring unit; and the main subject set by the first control unit. Image processing means for dividing the inside and outside of the approximate range of image information and performing individual image processing on each of them, and a second control for executing print output based on the image information processed by the image processing means Is obtained so as to have a stage. According to this, the operation is performed so as to vary the approximate range of the main subject according to the distance of the main subject.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided an image pickup means for converting at least an optical image of an object scene to be picked up into an electronic image signal, a mode selection means capable of selecting a plurality of photographing modes,
A display means for displaying an approximate range to be set as a main subject when a predetermined shooting mode is selected; and an image picked up by the image pickup means when an image pick-up operation is performed in the shooting mode, forming a pair with image information. A memory means for storing information of an approximate range to be set as a main subject; and a control means for sending image information stored in the memory means and information of an approximate range to be set as a main subject to the outside. It is. According to this, an operation is performed such that information of an approximate range to be set as a main subject is paired with imaged image information and stored as a pair.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer device which prints out image information so that the image information can be visually recognized, and identifies information in an approximate range to be set as a main subject to be paired with the image information. Identification means, image processing means for dividing the inside and outside of a general range to be a main subject identified by the identification means and performing individual image processing on each of the divided areas, and image information processed by the image processing means And control means for executing a print output based on the information.

According to this, by using the image processing means used in the seventh and eighth aspects of the invention in a printer device, a general range to be set as a main subject is identified, thereby changing the image processing area. It operates to print out.

[0050]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the apparatus of the present invention. FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the operation flow. FIG. 4 is a perspective perspective view showing the configuration of the device of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a center cross section of the present apparatus. FIG. 6 is a view showing the form of print output.

In FIG. 1, the photographing apparatus with the printer is
An imaging unit 2 including an imaging lens and a photoelectric conversion element, an imaging control unit 3 that controls the imaging unit 2, a printer engine unit 4 that outputs a print, a printer control unit 5 that controls the printer engine unit 4, A paper remaining amount detecting unit 12 for detecting the remaining amount of the printing paper, a mode setting means 6 for setting a magnification of the print output at the time of print output, a display unit 8 for notifying a photographer of various information, and A memory means 7 including an A / D converter for recording an image signal, and an operation switch 9 including an interface between a photographer and the apparatus
To 11 and a control unit 1 including a CPU for controlling the above-described units and a program therefor.

This photographing apparatus with a printer employs an ink jet recording system in the printer engine, stores electronic image pickup signals in a memory, and prints out image information stored in an arbitrary memory for an arbitrary number of prints. Is what you can do. This device will be described according to the operation procedure.

The imaging operation will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the photographer turns on the power of the photographing apparatus with the printer (S1), the control means 1 uses the apparatus last time,
A predetermined period after the power is turned off, for example, three days or more (72
It is determined whether or not the time has elapsed (S2). If three or more days have elapsed, the control means 1 issues a recovery pumping instruction to the printer control unit 5 which controls the printer unit, and drives the printer engine unit 4 (S3).

Here, the recovery pumping is to make the recording more effective in an ink jet recording system to be described later, and the recording head is cleaned by means of a suction pump or the like before recording on paper. Is what you do. Thereby, a clear print output without ink slack can be obtained.

As a guide for this cleaning, in this embodiment, this cleaning is performed when the power is turned on when there is an unused period of three days or more.

When the photographer presses the shutter button 112 to the first stroke during photographing, the photographer presses SW1.
The signal 9 is input (S4).

The control means 1 drives the image pickup unit 2 via the image pickup control unit 3 to determine the exposure control value, the distance measurement information, and various conditions necessary for the exposure operation, such as the presence or absence of strobe light emission. (S5).

When the photographer further depresses the shutter button 112 to actually execute photographing, the SW2 signal 10 is input to the control means 1 (S6).

When the SW2 signal 10 is input, the control means 1
A series of exposure operations such as driving a lens for focusing, controlling the speed of a shutter, controlling the aperture of an aperture, and, if necessary, emitting light from a strobe, by driving the imaging unit 2 via the imaging control unit 3. Then, image information to be input to the solid-state imaging device 1040 is generated by performing an imaging operation (S7), and is taken into the memory unit 7 (S8).

Next, a series of operations after image pickup will be described with reference to FIG. The control means 1 calls up the stored memory image from the memory means 7 and displays it on the display means 8, specifically on the large liquid crystal display panel 114, so that the photographing contents and photographing conditions can be confirmed ( S9). By repeating the above as the photographing operation, the memory means 7
The video information is accumulated in. This repetition may be continuous or intermittent, and the number of images and the precision thereof are determined by the capacity of the memory means 7 and the image processing such as the compression processing and the thinning processing of the video information signal. It is determined by processing means and the like.

When the photographer desires the print output (S10), the print output mode is set. The print output has a large print area for the image to be printed,
A size setting dial 115a for switching between medium and small and an end setting button 115b for setting a printing state when the printer paper reaches the end are input (S11).

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
With respect to the width of 024, it can be changed to (a) L size, (b) M size, (c) S size. Since the photographer can arbitrarily select the output size depending on the application, the printer paper 1024 can be used effectively.

Here, in FIG. 6, (a) is a type (L size) having the largest output size used in the vertical direction of the video information to output the width of the printer paper 1024. (B) is a type used in the horizontal direction of video information for outputting the width of the printer paper 1024 (M size). (C) is an M-size screen of (b) reduced to about 1/2, and is used for index printing or the like.

Now, the function of the termination setting button 115b, which is another print output mode selection, will be described.

In this embodiment, the printer paper 10
It is possible to automatically change the size of the print output according to the remaining amount of 24 or to prohibit the print output when the remaining amount is insufficient.

Reference numeral 1042 denotes a remaining amount detection sensor fixed to face the printer paper 1024. The remaining amount detection sensor 1042 includes a light source that generates a constant amount of light, a non-contact type photo sensor, and the like. When the printer paper 1024 is consumed, the remaining amount detection sensor 1042 and the printer paper 1
Since the distance 024 increases, the output of the remaining amount detection sensor 1042 changes (output decreases). When this value falls below a predetermined amount, the remaining paper amount detection unit 1 on the sensor circuit board 1043
2 and sends it to the control means 1 to know the remaining amount of printer paper 1024.

In this embodiment, the printer paper 10
When a print output instruction is executed in the vicinity of the end of the print paper 24, an automatic reduction mode for automatically reducing and outputting the print paper with the remaining amount of printer paper 1024 is completed. It has three modes: a print prohibition mode in which print output is prohibited and a warning is issued when print output is impossible, and a forced output mode in which print output is continued to the end of the paper.

When the photographer presses the print start button 113, a print signal PR11 is input to the control means 1 (S12).

Here, the control means 1 controls the paper remaining amount detecting section 12
If the output is sufficiently possible based on the remaining amount of the printer paper 1024 detected from the above and the setting state of the print output size by the mode setting means 6, the operation for executing the print output is started (S13).

Here, if it is not possible to perform the print output at the set output size, the control means 1 advances to the next according to the contents of the end setting button 115b by the mode setting means 6.

When the automatic reduction mode is selected by the end setting button 115b (S17), the control means 1 determines whether or not printout at the output size set by the size setting dial 115a is possible. It is calculated from the amount and the amount of paper used necessary for print output at that size, and if it is not possible, the output size is changed to a smaller side and output.

Here, the control means 1 controls the printer paper 102
From the remaining amount of 4, calculate the maximum output size that can be output,
It is also possible to set a unique output size different from the L size / M size / S size that can be set in advance.

The output size is changed by thinning out and interpolating the data according to the reduction ratio when the control means 1 sends the video information stored in the memory means 7 to the printer control section 5 (S18). ).

If the print prohibition mode is selected by the end setting button 115b (S19), the display means 8, more specifically, the printer paper 1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 114.
024, and the display of print prohibition is performed (S20).

On the other hand, when the forced output mode is selected by the termination setting button 115b, a forced output is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 111 for alerting, and the printing operation is started. The actual printing operation is performed as follows.

The printer control unit 5 includes a recording head (4 to be described later).
In order to make the printing operation more effective at the home position of (00), first, preliminary ejection is performed to eliminate clogging of the recording head 400 and to recover the evaporating nozzle (S14).

Next, the printer control unit 5 outputs the image information stored in the memory unit 7 from the printer engine unit 4 after performing image processing for print output (S15).

The printer paper 1024a printed by the printer engine unit 4 is automatically fed to a position where it is separated from the printer paper 1024 wound in a roll (S16).

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus unit IJRA to which the photographing apparatus with a printer according to the present invention is applied.

Here, the carriage HC is driven by the drive motor 10.
13 and the drive transmission gears 1011 and 1
A pin (not shown) that engages with the helical groove 1005 of the lead screw 1004 that rotates via 009;
It is reciprocated in the directions of arrows a and b.

An ink jet head cartridge 400 is mounted on the carriage HC. A paper holding plate 1002 presses the paper against the platen 1000 in the moving direction of the carriage. Reference numerals 1007 and 1008 denote home position detecting means for confirming the presence of the lever 1006 of the carriage in this area and switching the rotation direction of the motor 1013. 10
16 is a cap member 1 for capping the front surface of the recording head.
Reference numeral 1015 denotes a suction unit for sucking the inside of the cap, and performs suction recovery of the recording head through the opening 1023 in the cap.

Reference numeral 1017 denotes a cleaning blade;
Reference numeral 1019 denotes a member that enables the blade to move in the front-rear direction, and these members are supported by the main body support plate 1018.

It is needless to say that the cleaning blade 1017 is not limited to this embodiment, and a known cleaning blade can be applied to this embodiment.

Reference numeral 1012 denotes a lever for starting suction for recovery from suction, and a cam 10 which engages with the carriage.
It moves with the movement of 20, and the driving force from the driving motor is controlled by known transmission means such as clutch switching.

The capping, cleaning, and suction recovery are configured so that when the carriage HC is positioned in the home position side area, desired operations can be performed at the corresponding positions by the action of the lead screw 1005. However, if a desired operation is performed at a known timing, any of the embodiments can be applied.

The present invention includes a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for ink ejection, particularly in an ink jet recording system. In a print head and a printing apparatus based on a method in which a change in the state of ink is caused by energy, an excellent effect is provided as compared with a method using a piezo effect.

The typical configuration and principle are disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,723,129 and US Pat. No. 4,740,796. The basic principle of this method is that, in the case of an on-demand type, in particular, the recording information is stored in an electrothermal transducer disposed in correspondence with a sheet holding a liquid (ink) or a liquid path. By applying at least one drive signal that gives a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, causing the film to boil on the heat-acting surface of the recording head. One-to-one correspondence with drive signals, liquid (ink)
This is effective because air bubbles inside can be formed. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed.

When the driving signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubbles are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of the liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable.

As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. In addition, U.S. Pat.
If the conditions described in the specification of No. 4 are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination of the ejection port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (linear liquid path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, heat U.S. Pat.No. 4,558,333, which discloses a configuration in which the action portion is arranged in a bending region, U.S. Pat.
The configuration using the specification of No. 00 is also included in the present invention.

In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal transducer for a plurality of electrothermal transducers, or a pressure wave of thermal energy is absorbed. A configuration based on JP-A-59-138461, which discloses a configuration in which an opening to be made corresponds to a discharge portion, is also effective when applied to the photographing apparatus with a printer according to the present invention.

Further, as a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording medium that can be recorded by the recording device, a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above-mentioned specification can be used. Either a configuration that satisfies the length or a configuration as a single recording head that is integrally formed may be used, but by adopting these configurations, the present invention can be more effectively exerted.

In addition, the print head is replaceable with a print head of a replaceable chip type, which can be electrically connected to the main body of the apparatus or supplied with ink from the main body of the apparatus, or is integrated with the print head itself. The present invention is also effective when a cartridge-type recording head provided in a fixed manner is used.

Further, by adding recovery means for performing suction recovery of the recording head, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like to the recording head provided as a configuration of the recording apparatus section of the present invention, the effect of the present invention is further enhanced. This is preferable because it can be stabilized.

More specifically, for the recording head, a capping means, a cleaning means, a pressurizing or suction means, a preheating means using an electrothermal converter or another heating element or a combination thereof. Performing a preliminary ejection mode in which ejection is performed separately from printing is also effective for performing stable printing.

Further, the printing mode of the printing apparatus is not limited to the printing mode of only the mainstream color such as black, and the printing head may be integrally formed or a combination of a plurality of printing heads may be used. It is extremely effective that the apparatus is provided with at least one of full colors by color mixture.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a central cross section of a compound camera which is an image pickup device with a printer according to the present invention.

The compound camera of the present invention is of a so-called twin-lens type having a finder for visually recognizing a subject separately from a photographing optical system, and uses a solid-state image pickup device for forming a printer image between the finder and the printer. An optical system is arranged.

In FIG. 5, 1037a, 1037b,
Reference numerals 1037c, 1037d, and 1037e are optical lenses forming a finder. Of these, 1037
b, 1037d: adjustment of the angle of view of the imaging optical system (zoom operation)
And the angle of view substantially the same as the angle of view of the imaging optical system can be confirmed.

Reference numerals 1038a and 1038b denote zoom lens units of an image pickup optical system for transmitting image information to a printer unit.

Reference numeral 1039 denotes an aperture unit, which is driven so as to appropriately maintain the exposure amount of the solid-state imaging device (CCD) 1040 by feedback control.

A solid-state image sensor 104 for forming a printer image
The image signal from 0 is processed by the image signal processing circuit on the signal processing board 1026.

When signal processing is performed to generate a printer control signal, the signal is sent to the printer drive circuit of the printer control board 1027, and is combined with information such as the position control signal of the ink jet head cartridge 400 in the printer unit. To a drive motor or the like necessary for the printing operation.

A print operation is performed by a print start button 113
Printer paper 1 started by a roll
024 through the platen 1000 to the printer paper 10
24a is pulled out and printed.

Reference numeral 1041 denotes a paper cutter portion formed by an outer cover, which is used when the printed portion after printing is cut off by hand.

Reference numeral 1025 denotes a power supply battery for driving the printer unit and the photographing device, and supplies power in common with the still camera unit.

Next, reference numeral 1042 denotes a remaining amount detection sensor.
It is fixed on the sensor circuit board 1043. As described above, the remaining amount detection sensor 1042 and the printer paper 102
4 as the distance from the printer paper 1024 increases.
And the remaining amount of the printer paper 1024 can be detected in accordance with the light amount.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The first
The same reference numerals are given to the parts that perform the same operations as those of the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the image pickup apparatus with a printer according to the second embodiment, an image pickup element for obtaining image information to be printed by a printer section is arranged on an optical path separated from a photographic optical system for forming an image on a silver halide film. Thus, image information having substantially the same angle of view as an image recorded on a silver halide film can be obtained.

According to this apparatus, it is possible to obtain a print output having substantially the same angle of view as that obtained by printing and processing an image recorded on a silver halide film, so that an image closer to a silver halide photographic print can be printed immediately. Can be obtained from

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the flow of operation.

In FIG. 7, the photographing apparatus with the printer is
An imaging unit 202 including an imaging lens and a photoelectric conversion element, an imaging control unit 203 that controls the imaging unit 202, a printer engine unit 204 that outputs a print, a printer control unit 205 that controls the printer engine unit 204,
Paper remaining amount detecting unit 21 for detecting the remaining amount of the printing paper
2, a mode setting means 206 for setting a print output magnification for print output, a display unit 208 for notifying a photographer of various information, and an A / A for recording a captured image signal.
A memory unit 207 including a D conversion unit; and operation switches 209 to 211 including an interface between a photographer and the apparatus.
A control unit 201 including a CPU for controlling the above-described units and a program thereof; a silver halide camera unit 214 for mounting a silver halide film and exposing through a photographing lens; and setting a shutter speed and an angle of view of the silver halide camera unit 214. And the like, and a silver halide camera control unit 213.

The photographing operation of the photographing apparatus with a printer will be described below with reference to FIG. When the photographer inputs power (S201), the control means 201 determines that the apparatus has been used last time and the power has been turned off for a predetermined period of time, for example, three times.
It is determined whether or not days (72 hours or more) have elapsed (S202). If three days or more have elapsed,
The control unit 201 issues a recovery pumping instruction to the printer control unit 205 to drive the printer engine unit 204 (S203), as in the first embodiment.

When the photographer presses the shutter button 2035 to the first stroke during photographing, SW1 is pressed.
The signal 209 is input (S204).

The control means 201 drives the imaging unit 202 via the imaging control unit 203, and determines exposure control values, distance measurement information, and various conditions necessary for the exposure operation such as whether or not to use a flash. (S205).

At this time, various conditions required for the exposure operation of the silver halide camera unit 214 are also determined in consideration of information such as the ISO sensitivity of the film in addition to the information from the image pickup unit 202 (S206).

When the photographer further presses the shutter button 2035, the SW2 signal 210 is input to the control means 201 (S207).

The control means 201 is a silver halide camera control unit 213
And drives the silver halide camera unit 214 through the CPU to perform a series of exposure operations such as lens driving for focus adjustment, shutter speed control, aperture opening amount control, and if necessary, flash emission (S208). ).

At substantially the same time, the control means 201 drives the image pickup section 202 via the printer control section 205, and fetches the image information input to the solid-state image pickup element 2013 into the memory means 207 at the timing of the SW2 signal 210 (FIG. 2). S209).

Thereafter, the photographer presses the shutter button 203
Release 5 to wind up the film.

After photographing, the control means 201
7 is displayed on the electronic viewfinder unit 2018 which is the display means 208 (S21).
1).

The control means 201 detects the film feeding state by the photo sensor 2042 provided in the silver halide camera section 214, and stores the value of the number of frames that can be photographed by the silver halide camera section 214. In the present embodiment, when the film is loaded, the last frame is wound up on the spool in advance, and the total number of recordable frames is calculated in advance.At the time of filming, the exposed frames are sequentially rewound to reduce the number of recordable frames. It is designed to subtract.

If the photographer does not print out further, the series of operations is completed (S212).

Next, the print output operation will be described with reference to FIG. If a printout is desired, a printout mode in the control panel 2038 is set (S213).

When the control panel 2038 is opened, the setting status is displayed on the electronic viewfinder 2018 or a connected monitor.

Here, the control means 201 measures the remaining amount of paper (A) by the paper remaining amount detection unit 212 via the printer control unit 205. At the same time, the silver halide camera section 214
Is called from the memory in the control means 201. On the other hand, as in the first embodiment, three large, medium, and small output sizes can be set (L size = C ₁ , M size = C
₂ , S size = C ₃ ).

The number of prints to be output can be set as desired (x). From the above, the control unit 201 determines that the remaining amount of paper A and the amount of paper to be used Y = B × C × x (C is C _{1 to} C
₃ ) Always compare the result of
018 or the like.

When the print button 2034 is pressed after the predetermined print output is set, a print signal 211 is input, and the control means 201 starts the print operation (S21).
4).

Here, based on the relationship between the remaining amount of paper A and the amount of used paper Y, the control means 201 performs print output if there is sufficient remaining paper for a predetermined output (S215). .

On the other hand, if the set output is continued and there is a possibility that the paper may run out, for example, if the print output which is many times the number of photographable frames of the silver halide camera unit 214 is performed with a large output size, If so, the process proceeds to the next flowchart.

FIG. 10 shows an electronic viewfinder 2018.
1 shows an example of a display state in the box. FIG. 10 (a)
Is the output size and the number of printouts that can be set by the photographer, the number of frames that can be taken from the remaining amount of film calculated by the control means 201, the number of printables from the remaining amount of printer paper, and whether printing is possible Is displayed (in this case, it can be output as it is).

Here, it is assumed that the number of output sheets per frame is set to two as shown in FIG. In this case, since the amount of paper Y used is simply doubled, the number of frames that can be printed is increased by continuing printing under the same conditions as the number of frames that can be photographed (in this case, 20). This is half (in this case, 15 frames) as compared with the case of outputting one by one, and it is impossible to print out all the frames.

The control means 201 provides a display for prompting the user to switch to automatic reduction so as to output the number of photographable frames of the film at the designated number of printouts per frame. For example, a message such as "Can not output all the frames under this condition and perform automatic reduction?" Is displayed. Here, when the photographer selects the automatic reduction mode, the control means 201 performs display for changing the output size so that the number of printable frames exceeds the number of photographable frames. For example, as shown in FIG. 10C, the permission of the photographer is requested, such as "output size M, output number 2, number of frames that can be shot 20, number of frames that can be printed 30, and output?" . In the present embodiment, the output sizes are three sizes of L / M / S. However, it is also possible to calculate an output size that can just use up the paper from the number of photographable frames of the film and the remaining amount of the printer paper. (S216).

When the control means 201 determines the output size to be reduced, it thins out and interpolates the image information stored in the memory means 207 in preparation for the output (S
219).

On the other hand, if the automatic reduction is not performed, the control means 201 checks whether or not a mode for inhibiting print output is set (S 217). In this case, the print operation is inhibited and the electronic viewfinder is used. 2
A warning is displayed in 018 (S218).

When the print button 2034 is pressed again after the print output is confirmed, the control unit 201 drives the printer engine unit 204 via the printer control unit 205 to start the printing operation.

Here, the operations from the preliminary ejection (S220) to the printing operation (S221) to the paper discharge (S222) are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

FIG. 11 is a left side view for explaining the function of the compound camera of the second invention. In the figure, 2
Reference numeral 001 denotes an exterior cover that constitutes the apparatus, and is composed of several parts such as screws and other fastening parts. Reference numeral 2002 denotes a lens unit for capturing an image on a silver halide film. Reference numeral 2003 denotes a lens unit and holds a lens element. 2004 is a glow stop for silver halide still photography,
2005 is a silver halide film. In this embodiment,
A lens unit 2003 is a zoom lens, and includes a variable power lens element group movable on the optical axis in conjunction with an automatic or manual zoom operation, and a focusing lens driven by information from an automatic focusing device described later. It has an element group.

Reference numeral 2006 denotes a shutter device which is disposed immediately before the silver halide film, and includes a shutter curtain 2006a, a shutter frame 2006b, and the like. 2
007 is a translucent thin film mirror for distributing images from the subject to the silver halide film side and the video image sensor side, respectively. 2007a is an optical axis which enters from the subject side.
Reference numeral 7b denotes an optical axis that passes through the translucent thin film mirror 2007 and reaches the silver halide film side, and 2007c and 2007d denote optical axes reflected by the translucent thin film mirror 2007. 2008a and 2008b are field lenses provided on the optical axis 2007c for performing pupil alignment of a subject image, 2009 is a reflecting mirror for deflecting the photographing optical axis 2007c, and 2010 is a reduction lens provided on the optical axis 2007d. The unit includes a video aperture unit 2011 for capturing a video moving image. Reference numeral 2012 denotes an optical low-pass filter, and 2013, a solid-state imaging device. 2014
Is an automatic focus detection device 20 which forms an aerial image formed at a position equivalent to the silver halide film 2005 retracted during shooting.
It is a reflecting mirror that reflects light in the direction of 15. The subject image information is re-imaged on the solid-state imaging device 2013 via the reduction lens unit 2010.

The reflecting mirror 2014 is a sub-mirror that can be retracted behind the translucent thin-film mirror 2007 when photographing, and guides a part of the photographing light to the automatic focus detection device 2015. The automatic focus detection device according to the present embodiment includes:
In a conventionally known phase difference detection method, a plurality of images generated by light beams passing through different regions of the photographing lens are compared to detect a defocus amount and a direction on the film surface 2005. Since a subject image is obtained on the image sensor 2013, the automatic focus adjustment of the blur system may be performed based on the high-frequency video signal from the solid-state image sensor. But it is good.

Reference numeral 2016 denotes a light-shielding plate which can be retracted at the time of photographing in order to prevent light leakage because the semi-transparent thin film mirror 2007 is used.

Further, 2017 is a silver halide film 2005
This is a back cover unit that is provided so that it can be opened and closed when loading the camera. In the present embodiment, a 135 type silver halide film is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a film of a drop-in type or a disk type may be used.

Reference numeral 2018 denotes an electronic viewfinder unit which outputs an image to a small liquid crystal 2019 for monitoring an image signal from the solid-state imaging device 2013 and observes the image via a reflection mirror 2020 and an eyepiece 2021. The viewfinder unit has a rotating shaft 20.
It is rotatable around 22 as a support shaft.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 11, normally, the iris diaphragm 2004 for silver halide still photography is always kept open, and when a release switch for silver halide still photography described later is depressed, it is stopped down to a predetermined diameter. It is. When the image for print output is captured, the reduction lens unit 20 is used.
Exposure control is also performed on the video aperture unit 2011 in 10, and an appropriate exposure is obtained by changing the accumulation time of the image sensor and the gain of the signal processing system as needed.

Reference numeral 2023 denotes a secondary battery detachably attached to the lower part of the apparatus, which is a common single power supply for supplying all power used in the apparatus. Lens unit 200
An openable and closable barrier 2025 incorporating a strobe 2024 is provided in front of 3. Reference numeral 2027 denotes an external terminal as an interface with an external device such as a television or a stereo device.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the present embodiment.
Reference numeral 28 denotes a patrone room for the silver halide film 2005.
Reference numeral 029 denotes a spool for winding the film.
In the present embodiment, a prewind system is adopted in which the last frame is wound up on a spool in advance when a film is loaded, and the exposed frames are sequentially rewound during photographing.

Reference numerals 2030 and 2031 denote a zoom drive motor and a focus drive motor of the photographing lens. Reference numeral 2032 denotes a zoom button arranged at a position operable by the photographer's right hand, reference numeral 2033 denotes a main mode selection switch also serving as a power switch, reference numeral 2034 denotes a print button for starting print output, and reference numeral 2035 denotes a silver halide. A still shutter button that can be used when shooting on film or simultaneously shooting video and silver halide film.

On the opposite side of the operation member, a mode selection dial 2036 is provided, which can be used to select a program exposure mode, a portrait mode using a large number of apertures, a sports mode giving priority to a shutter speed, a backlight mode, and the like.

The photometry is feedback-controlled according to the luminance signal level of the solid-state image sensing device 2013 in accordance with the various modes. In the present embodiment, the image pickup device for the printer is electrically divided into areas and is also used as a photometric device. However, a dedicated photometric device may be separately provided.

Next, reference numeral 2037 denotes the lens unit 201.
1 is a printer engine unit disposed on the right side of the printer, and in the present embodiment, an ink jet recording apparatus having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

On the upper surface, a control panel 20 for adjusting the image quality of print, and controlling the shading, the output mode and the like.
38, a discharge button 2039 for instructing discharge of paper
Etc. are arranged.

In FIG. 13, reference numeral 2040 denotes an outer cover for covering the printer engine unit 2037, which is used for exchanging the printer paper 2041, exchanging the ink jet head cartridge 400, and the like. The configuration of this printer section is the same as that of the printer section shown in FIG.

(Third Embodiment) A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same operations as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

The apparatus according to the third embodiment is of a type in which a printer engine including an image pickup system for a printer is configured to be detachable from a lens shutter type still camera section.

According to this apparatus, it is possible to use only the still camera unit or only the printer unit.

In FIGS. 14 and 15, the lower portion 3000a of the outer cover 3000 of the still camera portion SC has a fixing portion 30 which engages with the fixing portion 3001b of the printer portion P.
00b.

When the still camera unit SC is inserted into the printer unit P, the still camera unit SC has a leaf spring 30 that performs both one-sided positioning and positioning.
14 to be fixed and integrated.

In the apparatus of the third embodiment, the lower surface 3000a of the still camera SC and the upper surface 3001a of the printer P are placed on the lower surface 3000a of the still camera SC so that the printer image can be captured in conjunction with the shutter operation of the still camera SC. It has a contact for communication.

Fixed contacts 3002 to 3007 made of SUS material, phosphor bronze plate or the like are arranged on the printer section P side.

On the other hand, S
Rod-shaped movable contact 30 made of US material, phosphor bronze rod, etc.
08 to 3013 are arranged.

The movable contacts 3008 to 3013 correspond to the lower surface 3
000a and is urged by a spring to enable reliable contact with the fixed contacts 3002 to 3007 of the printer unit P.

The device according to the third embodiment has contacts of six terminals and is arranged as shown in FIG. However, the amount of information to be communicated is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited in terms of the number of terminals, contact means, types of signals, and the like.

In FIG. 16, No. 1 is a GND contact that takes a common ground for other signals. No. 2 is a SW1 signal generated when the shutter button of the still camera unit SC is pressed until the first stroke. Still camera section SC
Determines the photographing exposure condition based on the SW1 signal, so that the condition for capturing the data of the imaging unit of the printer unit P is also determined based on the SW1 signal. No. 3 is a SW2 signal at which the still camera unit SC actually starts the exposure operation, and the imaging unit of the printer unit P captures print data at the input timing of this signal.

No. 4 is a control signal when a print output instruction is issued on the still camera section SC side.

No. 5 and No. 6 are signals for transmitting the selected state of the output mode of the printer unit P to the printer unit P. In this case, four types of shooting modes can be input with the print mode button 3018. This allows the still camera section S
The print output conditions of the printer unit P set in C can be transmitted.

In FIG. 14, reference numeral 3017 denotes a print start button of the still camera unit SC, and reference numeral 3016 denotes a print trigger button used when printing is performed by the printer unit P alone. This print trigger button 3016 is also generated when the shutter button is pressed to the first stroke, similarly to the shutter button of the still camera unit SC.
The imaging condition of the image to be captured is determined by W1, and the image is captured and printed out by SW2 generated when the image is pressed to the second stroke.

Reference numeral 3015 denotes an input terminal for supplying drive power for the printer unit P. As a result, power can be supplied from various power sources such as a home power source and a vehicle power source, which is more effective for long-time use.

Confirmation of these print output modes is as follows.
This is performed by the liquid crystal display panel 3019 on the top of the still camera unit SC.

The setting and operation of the mode at the time of print output are the same as those of the first or second embodiment, and the description is omitted.

(Fourth Embodiment) An embodiment of an image pickup apparatus with a printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the apparatus of the present invention, and the same reference numerals denote the same functional parts as those described in the first embodiment. Reference numeral 13 denotes a silver halide camera unit, which includes means for exposing a silver halide film.
18 to 20 are flowcharts showing the flow of the operation. FIG. 21 shows an example of print output. FIG. 22 is a partially transparent perspective view of the present apparatus, and FIG. 23 is a central sectional view of the present apparatus.

This imaging apparatus with a printer employs an ink-jet recording system in the printer engine section, and stores a still camera section that stores an electronic image having substantially the same angle of view on a silver halide film while storing electronic imaging in a memory. Since they are provided side by side, a description of the same configuration as that of FIG. 1 will be omitted. This device is configured so that it can be separated into a still camera section and a printer section. This device will be described according to the operation procedure.

According to FIG. 18, when the photographer turns on the power (S31), the control means 1 uses the device the last time, and
A predetermined period after the power is turned off, for example, three days or more (72
It is determined whether or not the time has elapsed (S32).
If three or more days have elapsed, the control means 1 issues a recovery pumping instruction to the printer control unit 5 which controls the printer unit, and drives the printer engine unit 4 (S33).

Here, the recovery pumping is to make the recording more effective in an ink jet recording type apparatus to be described later, and to clean the recording head by means of a suction pump or the like before recording on the paper. is there.

As a guide for this cleaning, in the present embodiment, when there is an unused period of three days or more,
Although this is performed at the time of power input, it is not limited to this.

The photographer presses the shutter release button 2012 in the single shooting mode in which one exposure operation, one imaging operation and a memory operation are performed in one release operation by the shooting mode selection button 2015, or in one release operation. Selects one of the continuous shooting modes in which the exposure operation, the imaging operation, and the memory operation are continuously performed (S34). In the continuous shooting mode, setting such as high-speed continuous shooting and low-speed continuous shooting is also possible.

In the present embodiment, the print output mode is set in conjunction with the selection of the photographing mode. That is, when shooting is performed in the single shooting mode, a print output operation is performed at the maximum output size that allows print output after shooting. On the other hand, when photographing is performed in the continuous shooting mode, after the release operation, the print output operation is performed by changing the output size according to the speed of the continuous shooting.

The control means 1 sets a flag N = 1 (S34b) when the single shooting mode is selected, and sets a flag N = 0 (S34a) when the continuous shooting mode is selected.

In this flowchart, for the sake of convenience, the presence or absence of a print output shown after a series of release operations (S43)
Is a shooting mode selection button 2015 before shooting.
Shall be set by

When the photographer presses the shutter button 2012 to the first stroke during photographing, the SW1 signal 9 is input (S35).

The control unit 1 drives the imaging unit 2 via the imaging control unit 3 to determine the exposure control value, the distance measurement information, and various conditions necessary for the exposure operation, such as whether or not to use a flash. . At this time, various conditions necessary for the exposure operation of the silver halide camera unit 13 are also included in the information from the imaging unit 2 described above.
The photographing conditions of the silver halide camera unit 13 are also determined by correcting values such as the SO sensitivity and the brightness of the lens of the photographing optical system (S36).

Next, referring to FIG. 19, when the photographer further presses the shutter button 2012 in order to actually execute photographing, the SW2 signal 10 is input to the control means 1 (S37).

The control means 1 controls the imaging section 2 via the imaging control section.
To perform a series of exposure operations such as driving a lens for focusing, controlling the speed of a shutter, controlling the aperture of a diaphragm, and emitting strobe light if necessary.
The image information input to 0 is taken into the memory means 7.

Similarly, the silver halide camera section 13 is also driven to perform exposure on the silver halide film (S38 to S40).

Here, if the single shooting mode is selected, the shutter button 2012 is kept depressed and S
Even if the W2 signal 10 is continuously input, only one exposure operation and loading into the memory means 7 are performed (S4).
1). At this time, the memory means 7 constituted by a frame memory stores one piece of image information using the maximum memory capacity that can be captured at one time. The present embodiment is of a type in which a plurality of frame memories for storing all of the information captured by the solid-state imaging device 1040 by the exposure operation for one frame are mounted. Can be saved.

On the other hand, while the shutter button 2012 is continuously pressed during the release operation in the continuous shooting mode, the SW2 signal 10 is continuously input.

During this time, the control means 1 continues the exposure operation at the fastest interval in consideration of mechanical factors such as film feeding of the silver halide camera unit 13 and charging of the shutter. In the electronic imaging by the imaging unit 2, image information being imaged is stored in the memory unit 7 in accordance with the shutter opening / closing timing of the silver halide camera unit 13.

Here, if the continuous shooting mode (high-speed continuous shooting / low-speed continuous shooting) is selected, a number of frames are photographed in one second, and these are stored in the above-mentioned frame memory. In this case, if information for one frame is stored in the entire frame memory, the memory is used up immediately, and it is not possible to store all of the results of continuous shooting by one release operation.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the continuous shooting mode is set and the high-speed continuous shooting is set, the memory capacity obtained by dividing one frame memory into nine is used for shooting one frame, so that a large number of shootings can be performed. The number of pieces is saved. On the other hand, when low-speed continuous shooting is set, a memory capacity obtained by dividing one frame memory into four is used for imaging one frame.

The relationship between the continuous shooting and the division of the memory can be set in any manner depending on the speed of the continuous shooting, and is not limited to the present embodiment (S42).

When a series of photographing operations is completed, the control means 1
Drives the printer engine unit 4 via the printer control unit 5 to perform a printing operation.

Here, referring to FIG. 20, the printer control section 5 first performs preliminary ejection at the home position of the recording head 400 to make the printing operation more effective.
The clogging of the recording head 400 is eliminated, and the recovery of the evaporated nozzle is performed (S44).

Next, the printer control section 5 reads out image information from the frame memory of the memory means 7 in accordance with the photographing order, performs image processing for printer output, and outputs it from the printer engine section 4.

At this time, in the case of the single shooting mode, the image information of one frame stored in one frame memory is called and the maximum width in which the width direction of the printer paper can be printed out as shown in FIG. Output at the output size.

On the other hand, in the case of the continuous shooting mode, as described above, four frames (low-speed continuous shooting mode) or nine frames (high-speed continuous shooting mode) of image information are stored in one frame memory. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 21B and 21C, control is performed so that two or three frames are output in the width direction of the printer paper. As a result, even when images are continuously shot in the continuous shooting mode, the memory capacity can be reduced, and the output can be shortened (S45).

The print paper 1024a printed by the printer engine unit 4 is automatically fed to a position where the print paper 1024a is cut off from the roll of printer paper 1024 (S). By cutting out the printer paper 1024a, the photographer can immediately confirm the situation immediately before shooting on the spot, and know whether or not the desired scene has been shot. Also, when it is obtained, it is possible to know which frame number on the film it is, so that it can be directly specified when developing and stretching the film. As a result, useless stretching is not required, and at the same time, only one time is required, so that the efficiency is high.

Reference numeral 2016 denotes a release button for fixing the still camera unit and the printer unit.

The bottom of the still camera unit (not shown) and the top of the printer unit have electrical contacts so that they can exchange signals with each other. Therefore, the still camera section may be, for example, an electronic still camera or the like, and is not limited to a silver halide still camera.

FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram of a central section of the compound camera of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a two-stage lens barrel and film 1
033 etc. are different.

In the still camera section of the compound camera of the present invention, a so-called twin-lens reflex camera having a viewfinder for visually recognizing a subject is arranged above the printer section separately from the photographing optical system, and a printer is provided between the still camera section and the printer section. A second imaging optical system using a solid-state imaging device for image formation is arranged.

In the still camera section, lens units 1028a and 1028b of a photographing optical system are arranged for retractable two-stage barrels 1029 and 1030, respectively.
Reference numeral 1031 denotes a shutter unit which controls the photographing light beam and also controls the exposure amount.
Are located in Reference numeral 1032 denotes a helicoid member for rotating the lens barrel 1030, and a cam projection 103 of the lens barrel 1030.
0a. The helicoid member 1032 is driven by a helicoid drive motor (not shown).

The above-described photographing optical systems 1028a and 1022
8b and the light beam having passed through the shutter unit 1031 form an image on the film 1033.

The film 1033 is pressed by a pressure plate 1034 urged by a pressure plate spring 1035 in order to maintain its planarity, and maintains an optical positional relationship. Reference numeral 1036 denotes a back cover of the still camera unit, which is opened / closed when exchanging the film 1033 or the like.

Also, 1037a, 1037b, 1037
Reference numerals c, 1037d, and 1037e denote optical lenses forming a finder. Of these, 1037b, 103
Reference numerals 7c and 1037d move in accordance with the adjustment of the angle of view (zoom operation) of the photographing optical system, so that the angle of view substantially equal to the angle of view of the photographing optical system can be confirmed.

Reference numerals 1038a and 1038b denote lens units of an imaging optical system for image formation for transmitting image information to the printer unit.

Reference numeral 1039 denotes an aperture unit, which is driven so that the exposure amount of the solid-state imaging device (CCD) 1040 is properly maintained by feedback control.

The lens units 1038a and 1038a
038b also moves with the adjustment of the angle of view (zoom operation) of the imaging optical system of the still camera unit, and can capture an image angle of view that is substantially the same as the angle of view of the imaging optical system.

[0209] Solid-state image sensor 104 for forming a printer image
The image signal from 0 is processed by the signal processing board 1026.

When signal processing is performed to generate a control signal for the printer, the signal is sent to the printer control board 1027, and is used in a printing operation in accordance with information such as the position control signal of the ink jet head cartridge 400 in the printer section. It is supplied to necessary drive motors and the like.

[0211] The print operation is performed by a print start button 201.
3 and the printer paper 1024 from the rolled printer paper 1024 via the platen 1000
024a is pulled out and printed.

Reference numeral 1041 denotes a paper cutter portion formed by an outer cover, which is used when the printed portion after printing is cut off by hand.

Reference numeral 1025 denotes a power supply battery for driving the printer unit and the photographing device, and supplies power commonly to the still camera unit.

(Fifth Embodiment) A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the portions performing the same operations as those in the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The apparatus according to the fifth embodiment employs an ink jet recording apparatus in the printer engine unit, and the video camera employs a video camera for recording moving images on a video tape, and is integrally formed.

According to this apparatus, an image at an arbitrary timing can be printed out on the spot during video recording.

FIG. 24 is a semi-transparent perspective view of the apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, which has a printer unit on the left side of the video camera unit. The main part of the printer unit is shown in FIG.
2 are substantially the same as those shown in FIG.

In FIG. 24, reference numeral 201 denotes a trigger button for starting / stopping recording of the video camera unit. Reference numeral 202 denotes a zoom button for zooming the imaging optical system of the video camera unit. 203 is an electronic viewfinder.

The operation buttons 204 to 208 are used for winding up, rewinding, and playing back a video tape (for example, 204 fast forward, 205 forward, 206 forward).
Stop, 207: reverse reproduction, 208: rewind).

Reference numeral 209 denotes a print capture button which is pressed when the user wants to print out, and captures a print output image at this timing. 2
Reference numeral 10 denotes a print output mode changeover switch.

In the fifth embodiment, when the print capture button 209 is pressed, image information for one screen (a frame image at the time of frame recording and a pseudo frame image obtained by interpolating the field image at the time of field recording) is printed out. A single output mode, and a continuous mode in which moving image information for a predetermined time from the timing when the print capture button 209 is pressed is treated as a still image in units of frames, and all or a part of the image information during that period is printed out. Have.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an image pickup apparatus with a printer. FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are flowcharts showing the flow of the operation of the present apparatus, and will be described according to the operation.

In FIG. 25, an imaging device with a printer includes a video camera unit 232 capable of continuous photographing and a video camera control unit 233 for controlling the video camera unit 232.
And a printer engine unit 234 for outputting a print one by one from the video signal, and the printer engine unit 234
235, an output mode selection means 236 for selecting an output mode such as winding and rewinding of the video tape, and reproduction, a memory means 237 for storing an image signal at the time of printing, an instruction switch 238, 239
It is composed of

Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27. After the power of the apparatus is turned on, recovery pumping is performed as necessary, as in the fourth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted (S231 to S233).

The photographer operates the print capture button 209 in a single mode (N = 1) in which a single output is obtained by a single operation of the print capture button 209.
Image information for a predetermined time thereafter by (N)
= 0), a continuous mode for continuous output is selected (S
234).

In the continuous mode, a time interval between adjacent frames of image information to be output can be selected.

In the fifth embodiment, the image is taken in the continuous mode for about 5 seconds. The video camera unit has 150 screens (when recording frames) or 300
The information of the screen (at the time of field recording) is recorded. If all of these image information are stored and output, a large memory capacity is required. Takes a lot of time.
On the other hand, if one screen is too small, it is not preferable because the image recognition becomes difficult even if the output resolution of the printer output unit is high.

In the fifth embodiment, a mode for storing and outputting image information for five screens at one second intervals (low-speed continuous shooting mode) (M = 0), and a total of twenty screens for four screens per second Two modes are prepared: a memory mode and a mode (high-speed continuous shooting mode) for outputting image information in the minute mode (M = 1). Here, the number of screens per second may be arbitrarily determined according to the memory capacity, the speed of the printer output unit, and the like, and is not limited to this example (S235).

[0229] When the videographer records a moving image by the video camera unit 232, the trigger button 201 is pressed to generate a trigger signal T238 in the control means 231 and the video camera is controlled via the video camera control unit 233. The unit 232 is driven (S236).

The control means 231 controls the aperture and measures the distance by means of the video camera unit 232, and performs recording on a recording medium such as a video tape or a solid-state memory (S237).

Thereafter, if the print capturing operation is not performed, the recording operation is continued until the trigger button 201 is pressed again, as in a normal video camera (S2).
39).

If the print capture button 239 is pressed, a print signal PR239 is generated (S23).
8).

The control means 231 comprises the output mode selection means 23
Print capture button 209 set as 6
(S240, S242) to change the memory operation of the image for print output in accordance with the setting state of.

(1) In the case of single mode At the input timing of the print capture button 209, the image information captured by the video camera unit is stored as a one-frame full-screen memory operation (S24).
1).

(2) In the case of low-speed continuous shooting mode The image information is stored as a divided screen memory operation 1 in units of one frame per second for a predetermined time (5 seconds in this embodiment) from the input timing of the print capture button 209 ( S243).

(3) In the case of high-speed continuous shooting mode The image information is stored as a divided screen memory operation 2 in units of four frames per second for a predetermined time (five seconds in this embodiment) from the input timing of the print capture button 209 ( S244).

In any case, it is preferable that the image information supplied from the imaging CCD of the video camera unit 232 be of an all-pixel reading type in which there is no time lag in reading out the CCD in order to record and print out a still image.

In this embodiment, by inputting a signal indicating that a still image has been printed out to a video tape, which is a recording medium of a video camera unit, it is possible to search for a reproduction point while looking at the print output. Easy to do.

In the case of the continuous shooting mode, moving picture information is recorded on the video tape. In the present embodiment, it is recorded that a still picture has been recorded for 5 seconds.

When the predetermined photographing memory fetch time has elapsed (S245), the control means 231 causes the printer control unit 23
5, the printer engine 234 is driven to perform a printing operation.

The operation from the preliminary ejection to the printing operation and the sheet discharging operation are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, and the details are omitted.
In the present embodiment, the output is performed at the maximum printable size in the single mode, and each output size is reduced to half the output size in the single mode in the low-speed continuous shooting mode. In the high-speed continuous shooting mode, each output size is reduced to 1/4 of the output size in the single mode, so that the output time, the time required for output, and the amount of memory required are balanced. It is not limited.

(Sixth Embodiment) A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the photographing apparatus with a printer according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 29 and 29 are flowcharts showing the flow of the operation. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a frame indicating the range of the main subject. FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which an image is captured. FIG. 33 is a semi-transparent perspective view of the device, and FIG. 34 shows a cross-sectional view.

This apparatus employs an ink jet recording system for the printer engine unit 4 and performs electronic image pickup in the memory unit 7.
The video information stored in an arbitrary memory means 7 can be printed out for an arbitrary number of prints. Also, a silver halide print can be obtained by installing a photographing device using a silver halide photographic film.

In FIG. 28, the photographing apparatus with a printer includes an image pickup section 2 including an image pickup lens and a photoelectric conversion element, an image pickup control section 3 for controlling the image pickup section 2, a printer engine section 4 for outputting a print, and The printer engine unit 4
A mode setting unit 6 for controlling the image signal at the time of printout, such as background blurring.
A display unit 8 for informing the photographer of various information; a memory means 7 including a silver halide camera and an A / D conversion unit for recording photographed image signals; and operation switches 9 to 9 including an interface between the photographer and the apparatus. 11, a silver halide camera unit 13 including a silver halide camera and a silver halide camera control unit, an image processing unit 14 for processing an image signal of a print output, a subject frame changing unit 16 for changing a range frame of the subject, C to control each part
It is composed of a PU and a control means 1 including its program.

The main parts of the configuration shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 are substantially the same as the contents shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 described in the first embodiment, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

Next, the operation procedure of this device will be described in accordance with the flow charts of FIGS. 29 and 30.

When the photographer inputs power (S61), the control means 1 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time, for example, three days or more (72 hours) has elapsed since the device was last used and the power was turned off. Is determined (S52). If three or more days have passed, the control means 1 issues a recovery pumping instruction to the printer control section 5 which controls the printer section and drives the printer engine section 4 (S53).

The photographer sets the photographing mode using the mode setting means 6 (S54). In the present embodiment, in addition to a normal program mode, a background blur mode is provided, and when this mode is selected, a silver halide photographic camera having a blurred background with respect to a main subject is generally used. You can get prints that are close to portrait images. Further, the background blur mode has two modes, a portrait mode and a full body mode.

Here, the portrait mode is used when the size of the main subject is to be photographed at a size close to the size of the bust near the center of the composition to be photographed.
On the other hand, the whole-body mode is used when the size of the main subject is to be photographed at a size such that the whole body substantially enters the center of the composition to be photographed.

When the photographer sets the photographing mode by the mode setting means 6, the control means 1 drives the display means 8 composed of a liquid crystal display panel or the like to drive the subject guide frame 101 (corresponding to each photographing mode). FIG. 31 (a)) or 102 (FIG. 31 (b)) is displayed (S55).

In FIG. 31A, the subject 101 has an id frame 101 in a state where the whole body mode is selected. FIG.
(B) is a case where the portrait mode is similarly selected. In the present embodiment, assuming photographing of a person,
Although the head, body, and legs are shown, the shape of the subject guide frame is not limited to this.

When the photographer presses the shutter button 2012 to the first stroke during photographing, the SW1 signal 9 is input (S56).

The control means 1 drives the image pickup unit 2 via the image pickup control unit 3 to determine the exposure control value, the distance measurement information, and various conditions necessary for the exposure operation, such as the presence or absence of strobe light emission. At this time, the camera unit 13 of the silver halide photograph is similarly controlled (S57).

When the photographer further presses the shutter button 2012 in order to actually execute photographing, the SW2 signal 10 is input to the control means 1 (S58).

The control means 1 drives the imaging unit 2 via the imaging control unit 3 to control a series of operations such as lens driving for focus adjustment, shutter speed control, aperture opening amount control, and if necessary, flash emission. Of the solid-state imaging device 104
The image information input to 0 is taken into the memory means 7. The silver halide photographic camera unit 14 also performs the same exposure operation to expose the film (S59, S60).

[0257] By repeating the above as a photographing operation, the video information is accumulated in the memory means 7 and the photographed image information is displayed on the display means 8 (S61).

When the photographer desires a print output, a print button 2013 is pressed to input a print signal 11 to the control means 1 and a print is output. (S62).

The control means 1 reads out the stored image information from the memory means 7 and performs predetermined image processing using the image processing means 14 (S63).

FIG. 32 shows that the portrait mode is selected.
This shows a state where an image is being shot toward the main subject 103. When the photographer performs a photographing operation with the approximate range adjusted to the main subject in accordance with the subject guide frame 102, the image information is stored in the memory means 7, and at the same time, the setting type of the selected mode is also stored. When this image information and the mode setting type are read for printing, the image processing means 14 roughly classifies the image information into the inside and outside of the subject guide frame 102. For example, considering each pixel of the image information as each coordinate of the X and Y axes with the origin at the upper left corner, the pixel G ₀ (0,
0) Count from 107. The subject guide frame 102 is defined as a function of f (X, Y). On the other hand, the pixel G ₁ (X ₁ , Y ₁ ) 104 and the pixel G ₂ (X ₂ ,
Y ₂ ) 105 is the pixel G ₃ inside the subject guide frame 102
(X ₃ , Y ₃ ) 106 can be defined as being outside the subject guide frame 102.

Basically, by subjecting pixels outside the subject guide frame 102 to blurring image processing, an image with a blurred background can be obtained for the main subject 103 to which no image processing is applied. it can. This is good when the shapes of the main subject 103 and the subject guide frame 102 substantially match. For example, the pixel G ₂ (X ₂ , Y ₂ ) 105 in FIG. Is shown. In such a case, if the blurring image processing is simply performed only with the subject guide frame 102, the image becomes unnatural.

The image processing means 14 compares information such as the brightness and color of each pixel in a predetermined area from the boundary of the subject guide frame between adjacent pixels, and has values close to each other. Whether the pixel is on the main subject side or on the background side is set by, for example, a built-in control program of the control means 1.

At this time, as to the inside of the subject guide frame 102, the farther from the boundary line, that is, the closer to the center,
Since the probability of being the main subject is high, the weighting is changed accordingly. Similarly, the weight of the outside of the subject guide frame 102 is changed according to the probability that the background is farther away from the boundary than the background. After performing these image processes, the printer control unit 5 controls the recording head 400
In order to make the printing operation more effective at the home position, first, preliminary ejection is performed to eliminate clogging of the recording head 400 and to recover evaporating nozzles (S64).

Next, the printer control section 5 adds necessary processing such as color separation processing and binarization processing for print output, and outputs the result from the printer engine section 4 (S65).

The printed printer paper 1024-a printed by the printer engine unit 4 is automatically fed to a position where it is separated from the rolled printer paper 1024 (S66).

(Seventh Embodiment) FIGS. 35 to 37 show an image pickup apparatus with a printer according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The parts performing the same operations as in the sixth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The schematic configuration of the internal block of the imaging device with a printer and the device will be described with reference to FIGS. 28, 33, and 34.

The device according to the seventh embodiment is configured so that the subject guide frame can be changed according to the distance to the main subject. As shown in FIG.
On the other hand, when the subject frame differs according to the photographing distances l1 and l2 and the subject range is changed, a predetermined functional relationship shown in FIG. 37 is established. Can be determined. According to this, the range for specifying the main subject can be set more effectively. Only specific parts of this device will be described according to the operation.

The operations from the power-on of the apparatus to the recovery pumping are the same as S51, S52 and S53 of the sixth embodiment, respectively (S251 to S253).

When the photographer depresses the shutter button 2012 to the first stroke during photographing, a SW1 signal is input (S254). The control means 1 determines the photographing conditions as in the first embodiment (S255). Here, the control unit 1 determines the size of the subject guide frame 3001 according to the distance information l ₁ and l ₂ measured to the main subject 3000, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, it is determined according to a predetermined setting function S (l) and displayed on the display means 8 (S256). At this time, if the size of the main subject 3000 and the size of the subject guide frame 3001 do not match, the photographer uses the subject guide frame size change button (not shown) to select the subject guide frame 3.
001 can be changed (S257, S257).
258). The control means 1 changes the constant of the setting function S (l) to cope with this, and also records this information when the photographing operation is actually performed. In this way, when the same subject is photographed thereafter, the subject guide frame 3001 changes according to the distance to the subject, so that a more accurate depiction of the main subject can be achieved.

Thereafter, when the photographer depresses the shutter button 2012 to actually execute photographing (S259),
The operations from the photographing operation to the print output after the SW2 signal 11 is input to the control means 1 are all the same as in the sixth embodiment and are omitted (S209 to S217).

In the seventh embodiment, a single focus photographing optical system is taken as an example. However, in the case of an image pickup unit having a zoom variable magnification photographing optical system, a setting function for determining the size of the subject guide frame 3001 By adding a change in the angle of view due to the zoom change as a variable to S (l), it is possible to cope with zoom magnification.

(Eighth Embodiment) An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 14, 15 and 38. Note that the portions performing the same operations as those in the sixth embodiment and the seventh embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the apparatus according to the eighth embodiment is of a type in which a printer unit is configured to be detachable from a still camera unit. Since the structural description of this apparatus has been described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the description of the overlapping parts will be omitted. According to this device, it is possible to use only the still camera unit or only the printer unit. Fixed contacts 3002 to 3007 made of SUS material, phosphor bronze plate or the like are provided on the printer section P side.
Is arranged. On the other hand, rod-shaped movable contacts 3008 to 3013 made of SUS material, phosphor bronze rod, or the like are arranged on the still camera unit SC side. Movable contact 30
08 to 3013 are guided by the lower surface 3000a, and are urged by a spring to fix the fixed contacts 3 of the printer unit P.
002 to 3007 can be reliably contacted.

In the apparatus according to the eighth embodiment, a control signal having four contact points, image information consisting of two terminals, and a signal of the main subject frame are arranged as described above. However, the amount of information to be communicated is not limited to this,
The present invention is not limited to the number of terminals, the contact means, the type of signal, and the like.

In FIG. 38, No. 1 is a GND contact that takes a common ground for other signals. No. 2 is a control signal when a print output instruction is given on the still camera unit SC side.

No. 3 and No. 4 are signals for transmitting the selected state of the output mode of the printer unit P to the printer unit P. In this case, four types of output modes can be input. Thereby, the print output conditions of the printer unit P set using the still camera unit SC can be transmitted.

Reference numeral 3017 denotes a print start button of the still camera unit SC, and reference numeral 3016 denotes a print trigger button used when printing is performed by the printer unit P alone. Nos. 5 and 6 are terminals for transferring image information and code information of the main subject frame. 301
Reference numeral 5 denotes an input terminal for supplying drive power for the printer unit P. As a result, power can be supplied from various power sources such as a home power source and a vehicle power source, which is more effective for long-time use.

The print output mode is confirmed by the liquid crystal display panel 3019 on the top of the still camera section SC.

The mode setting and operation at the time of print output are the same as in the sixth or seventh embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the still camera section SC, when a shooting mode in which a main subject frame such as a portrait mode is displayed is selected, a code representing the shape of the main subject frame with respect to the screen is displayed together with the captured image information. Is stored. For example, as in the sixth embodiment, a code is determined for each shape and size of the main subject frame, such as 01 for the whole body mode and 10 for the portrait mode. This information is used when image information is transmitted to the printer unit P and a print output operation is performed.

[0281] That is, the control unit S _P is image information of the printer unit P, sent from the code of the main object frame came, a function of the range set as the range of the main subject f (X, Y), For example, a function according to the function characteristics of FIG. 37 described in the seventh embodiment is called, the inside of the screen is divided into inside and outside by this function f (X, Y), and individual image processing is performed. To control. At this time, image processing for the boundary area and the like is the same as in the sixth embodiment.

At this time, it is more preferable that the image information and the information of the main subject frame code are also stored in the printer section P, because the memory of the still camera section SC can be erased and the next photographing can be performed.

[0283]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By controlling the output size of the video information to be printed out according to the remaining amount of printer paper, there is no problem that the desired print output cannot be obtained because the print output is lost during the output of the printer paper. This has the effect that an output can be obtained. At this time, there is an effect that the ink is not wasted.

By prohibiting the printing operation when there is no remaining paper in the printer and issuing a warning, when the output of the desired size is not obtained, the output time and the consumption of ink can be reduced without outputting extra output. There is an effect that there is no.

Further, by controlling the output size of the video information to be printed out from both the number of photographable frames of the photographing device and the remaining amount of printer paper, the optimum size can be obtained from the remaining amount of printer paper and the number of photographable frames. With such a large size, there is no waste on the printer paper, and the print output can be obtained without worrying about the remaining state of the paper and the number of frames.

Further, according to the present invention, an image pickup means for converting an optical image of a scene to be photographed into an electronic image signal, a memory means for storing an electronic image signal picked up by the image pickup means, and a recording sheet A printer device that prints out the electronic image signal so that it can be visually recognized, and a control unit that can select a plurality of photographing modes for at least the printout,
When a single shooting mode in which one frame is shot by one release operation from the plurality of shooting modes is selected from the plurality of shooting modes, the control unit performs control so that printout is performed according to a first print output size after shooting, When the continuous shooting mode in which a plurality of frames are continuously photographed by one release operation is selected, the continuous printing mode is changed by changing the print output size with respect to the first print output size. By controlling to print out,
Since the optimal print output for the shooting mode can be obtained, even if multiple print outputs are performed by continuous shooting, the time difference between the shooting operation and the print output operation can be minimized. ing.

Further, since the print output is changed depending on the photographing mode, there is an effect that it is economical without consuming extra paper or printing ink.

Further, when the print output is changed, the total capacity of the memory required by the memory means can be minimized because the memory capacity for storing the image information to be printed is variable. This also has the effect that the speed and cost can be reduced.

Further, by configuring the printer device so as to be separable from the image pickup unit, it is possible to carry only the photographing device unit, but to obtain an output suitable for the mode setting at the time of photographing when printing out. It has the effect that it can be done.

Further, according to the present invention, when a predetermined photographing mode is selected in the photographing apparatus with a printer, individual image processing is performed on the inside and outside of the frame indicating the approximate range of the main subject, and printout is performed. By doing so, a print that looks like a portrait photo using silver halide photographic film with a blurred background and only the main subject is in focus,
This has the effect that it can be easily obtained on the spot with a photographing device using an electronic imaging system.

In addition, there is no need for the operator to use a computer to draw the main subject after photographing as in the prior art, and the operability and the immediacy are high.

Also, in the photographing apparatus with a printer, the frame of the approximate range of the main subject is changed according to the distance to the main subject, and individual image processing is performed on the inside and outside of the frame to print out. This has an effect that an area desired to be drawn as the main subject can be captured even if the user concentrates on the photographing operation (composition or the like) without worrying about the distance to the main subject.

Further, once the approximate range of the main subject is adjusted at a predetermined distance, there is also an effect that a more accurate depiction is possible for the same subject thereafter.

Also, by storing information on the approximate range of the main subject in pairs with the captured image information and transmitting it to the outside, information on the main subject can be recorded at the time of shooting. This has the effect that the main subject can be easily drawn when printing out later.

Also, by identifying information in the approximate range of the main subject sent in pairs with the image information, individual image processing is performed in accordance with the information, and the printout is performed.
This eliminates the need for complicated processing when printing out and allows the user to easily obtain a print with image processing applied to a specific area without having to manually draw the main subject. Have.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective perspective view of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a central sectional view of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a print output form according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a second embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a second embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a second embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an electronic viewfinder display state diagram of a second embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a left side view of the second embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a second embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a central sectional view of a third embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a signal arrangement diagram of the third embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart-1 of a fourth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart-2 of a fourth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart-3 of a fourth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of a print output example according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a partially transparent perspective view of a fourth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a central sectional view of a fourth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a semi-transparent perspective view of a fifth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a fifth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart-1 of a fifth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart-2 of a fifth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a configuration block diagram of a sixth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of a sixth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a sixth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a diagram of a main subject guide frame according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a photographing state diagram of a sixth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a semi-transparent perspective view of a device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a sectional view of an apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a seventh embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a photographing diagram of a seventh embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a distance-frame area diagram of the seventh embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a signal arrangement diagram of an eighth embodiment according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 control unit 2 imaging unit 3 imaging control unit 4 printer engine unit 5 printer control unit 6 mode setting unit 7 memory unit 8 display unit 101 subject guide frame 102 subject guide frame 103 subject 104 pixel on subject 105 background pixel 106 background Pixel 107 Starting pixel 1000 Platen 1015 Suction means 1024 Printer paper 1012 Shutter button 1040 Solid-state image sensor

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image capturing apparatus for capturing video information, and a printer device having memory means for storing the captured video information, and outputting the video information stored in the memory means to a recording sheet. In a photographing apparatus with a printer integrally or separably configured, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of printer paper built in the printer apparatus, and printing is performed according to the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detecting means. A photographing device with a printer, comprising: control means for controlling an output size of the video information. 2. The control means for controlling the output size,
2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein when there is not enough printer paper remaining to print the print size set by the print size selecting means, the printing operation is prohibited and a warning is issued. Attached photographing device. 3. A photographing apparatus with a printer, wherein a photographing apparatus for photographing video information and recording it on a recording medium, and a printer apparatus for outputting said video information to recording paper are integrated or separable. The printer device has a frame number detecting means for detecting the number of recordable frames of the recording medium, and a printer remaining amount detecting means for detecting a remaining amount of printer paper built in the printer device. A photographing apparatus with a printer, comprising: control means for controlling an output size of the video information to be printed based on both the number of frames and the remaining amount of the printer paper by the paper remaining amount detecting means. 4. An image pickup means for converting an optical image of a scene to be photographed into an electronic image signal, a memory means for storing an electronic image signal picked up by the image pickup means, and the electronic image signal on a recording sheet. A printer device for visually outputting printouts, and control means capable of selecting at least a plurality of photographing modes for the printouts, wherein the control means controls only one frame from the plurality of photographing modes by one release operation When the single shooting mode for shooting is selected, control is performed such that printout is performed according to the first print output size after shooting, and a plurality of frames are continuously shot while the single release operation is being performed. When the continuous shooting mode for performing the printing is selected, the printing is continuously performed according to the second print output size in which the print output size is changed with respect to the first print output size. An imaging device with a printer, characterized in that output is controlled. 5. The photographing device with a printer according to claim 4, wherein the printer device is configured to be separable from an imaging unit having the imaging unit. 6. An image pickup device for converting an optical image of an object scene to be photographed into an electronic image signal, and a printer device for visually printing out the electronic image signal picked up by the image pickup device on a recording sheet. A photographing apparatus with a printer, a mode selecting means capable of selecting at least a plurality of photographing modes, and a display means for displaying an approximate range to be a main subject when a predetermined photographing mode is selected from the plurality of photographing modes. An image processing unit configured to divide the inside and outside of the approximate range of image information to be the main subject and perform individual image processing on each of the image information when the imaging operation is performed in the shooting mode; Control means for executing a print output based on the image information processed by the printer. 7. An image pickup device for converting an optical image of a scene to be photographed into an electronic image signal, and a printer device for visually outputting the electronic image signal picked up by the image pickup device on a recording sheet. In a photographing apparatus with a printer, a distance measuring means for measuring a distance to a main subject, a display means for displaying a rough range to be the main subject, and a schematic for the main subject to be displayed by the display means. First control means for changing the range in accordance with the distance obtained by the distance measuring means, and further comprising image information of a general range to be set as the main subject set by the first control means Image processing means for dividing the inside and outside of the image processing unit and performing individual image processing on each of them, and a second control means for executing print output based on image information processed by the image processing means. Printer with a photographing apparatus according to claim. 8. An imaging means for converting an optical image of an object scene to be captured into an electronic image signal, a mode selection means capable of selecting a plurality of shooting modes, and a predetermined shooting mode among the plurality of shooting modes. Display means for displaying an approximate range to be a main subject when selected, and image information taken by the imaging means to be the main subject in a paired manner when an imaging operation is performed in the shooting mode. An electronic image pickup apparatus, comprising: a memory unit for storing information of an approximate range; and a control unit for transmitting image information stored in the memory unit and information of an approximate range to be a main subject to the outside. 9. A printer device for visually recognizing and outputting image information, comprising: identification means for identifying information in an approximate range to be a main subject to be inputted in pairs with the image information; Image processing means for dividing the inside of the general range to be the main subject and the outside of the general range identified by the above and performing individual image processing on the inside and outside images, respectively, and the image processing Control means for executing a print output based on the image information processed by the means.