CN108215526B - Printer, camera with printer, and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention aims to provide a printer, a camera with the printer and a printing method, which can obtain a printed product with a blank area in a desired direction relative to a shot object when an image is printed by using an instant film with an image forming area and the blank area. In the printer according to one aspect of the present invention, since the input image is rotated so that the blank area is positioned in the specific direction with respect to the subject when the print medium is printed, when the image is printed using the print medium having the image forming area and the blank area, a printed matter in which the blank area is positioned in the desired direction with respect to the subject can be obtained. By recording a message in such a blank area, a printed product with good visual effect can be obtained.

Description

Printer, camera with printer, and printing method

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a printer, a camera with a printer, and a printing method, and more particularly, to a printer, a camera with a printer, and a printing method for printing an image on an instant film.

Background

There is known a printer using an instant film or a camera using such a printer, and in the case of printing an image by these devices, a message is posted to a friend or acquaintance in a blank area of the film (an area different from an area where the image is formed). The message is printed by the printer in addition to the user's handwriting. For example, in patent document 1 described below, a message is printed in a blank area by a thermal head or an inkjet head provided separately from an image printing exposure head.

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2002-

When a blank area printed on an instant film is to be written or a message is to be printed, the blank area may be in various directions (up, down, left, right, and oblique) with respect to the subject depending on conditions such as the direction of the subject or the direction of the camera (for example, the subject is oriented obliquely, the camera is tilted, etc.), and the blank area may not be in a desired direction with respect to the subject. However, such a problem is not considered in patent document 1 described above.

In the conventional techniques such as this, when an image is printed using an instant film, a printed product in which a blank area is positioned in a desired direction with respect to a subject cannot be obtained.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a printer, a camera with a printer, and a printing method that obtain a printed product in which a blank area is positioned in a desired direction with respect to a subject when an image is printed using an instant film having an image forming area and a blank area.

In order to achieve the above object, a printer according to a first aspect of the present invention is a printer for printing a picture on an instant film, the instant film having an image forming area and a blank area having a wide width on one side, the blank area being an area different from the image forming area, the printer including: an image input unit which inputs an image; an object detection unit that detects an object from an input image; an image rotating unit that rotates an input image in accordance with the direction of the subject, and rotates the input image so that the blank area is positioned in a specific direction with respect to the subject when the rotated image is printed on an instant film; and a printing section that prints the rotated image to an instant film.

In the printer according to the first aspect, when the print is made on the instant film, the image input so that the blank area is positioned in the specific direction with respect to the subject is rotated, and therefore, when the image is printed using the instant film having the image forming area and the blank area, a printed matter in which the blank area is positioned in the desired direction with respect to the subject can be obtained. The user can also record a message in such a blank area, and obtain a printed product with good visual effect. In the 1 st aspect, a region in front of or a region behind the image forming region in the conveyance direction during printing in the different region may be referred to as a "blank region".

In addition, when the image is rotated, the direction of the object may be determined by image processing, or may be determined by the direction of an imaging device (such as a digital camera) that obtains the image. When the direction of the object is determined by the direction of the imaging device, for example, the direction opposite to the direction of gravity detected by the acceleration sensor can be set to the upward direction when imaging is performed.

The printer according to claim 2 includes, in the 1 st aspect, a display control unit that arranges the rotated image and the blank area so that the blank area is positioned in a specific direction with respect to the rotated image, and displays the rotated image and the blank area on the display device. According to the 2 nd aspect, the relationship between the blank area and the image can be specified, and the desired printed product can be easily obtained. In addition, when the printer itself includes a display (display device), the rotated image and the blank area can be displayed on the display. When the printer is operated by a terminal device such as a personal computer or a smartphone, the rotated image and the blank area can be displayed on the display of the terminal device.

In the printer according to claim 3, in claim 2, the display control unit displays a sample of the message on the display device in the blank area displayed, in accordance with the direction based on the arrangement (in claim 2, the arrangement in which the blank area is located in the specific direction with respect to the rotated image as described above). According to the 3 rd aspect, in the above configuration, it is possible to confirm the state of the message being entered into the blank area in the display device, and to easily obtain the assumed printed product. Further, as in the case of the 2 nd embodiment, the message sample may be displayed on the display of the printer itself, or may be displayed on a smartphone or other terminal device. Also, samples of messages may contain text, numbers, and symbols.

In the printer according to claim 4, in the 2 nd or 3 rd aspect, the display control unit displays, on the display device, the display image that is rotated by aligning the input image or the rotated image with the transport direction of the instant film sheet at the time of printing. As in the 4 th aspect, by displaying the image, the display image displayed on the display device can be aligned with the transport direction of the instant film at the time of printing, and the print state can be easily confirmed. Further, the sense of incongruity when the user uses the printer due to the orientation of the display image being different from that of the image to be printed can be reduced.

The printer according to claim 5 is the printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the specific direction is above or below the detected object. The 5 th aspect is a specific example of defining the relationship between the blank area and the object.

In the printer according to claim 6, in any one of claims 1 to 5, the object detection unit detects a face of a person as the object. According to the 6 th aspect, a printed product in which the blank area is positioned in a desired direction with respect to the face of the person can be obtained.

In the printer according to claim 7, in the 6 th aspect, the image rotation unit rotates the input image so that the blank area is positioned above the face of the person. The 7 th aspect defines an aspect of the relationship between the blank area and the face, and therefore the "upper side" can be, for example, the parietal direction.

In the printer according to claim 8, in the 6 th aspect, the image rotation unit rotates the input image so that the blank area is positioned below the face of the person. The 8 th aspect is another aspect in which the relationship between the blank area and the face is defined, and therefore the "lower side" can be, for example, the opposite side of the vertex (the chin direction).

In the printer according to claim 9, in any one of claims 6 to 8, the image rotation unit rotates the input image when the subject detection unit detects faces of a plurality of persons and when a difference in direction of the faces of the plurality of persons is within an allowable range. The 9 th aspect specifies processing when the directions of the faces of a plurality of persons deviate within the allowable range, and therefore, for example, the direction of the line connecting the vertex and the chin is defined as "the direction of the face", and the "difference in the direction of the face" can be determined from the angle formed by these lines. In the 9 th aspect, the image may be rotated with reference to the direction of an arbitrary face or with reference to a direction calculated from the directions of a plurality of faces (for example, an average of the directions of a plurality of faces).

In the printer according to claim 10, in any one of claims 6 to 8, when the subject detection unit detects faces of a plurality of persons, and when the difference in the direction of the faces of the plurality of persons exceeds an allowable range, the image rotation unit does not rotate the input image. The 10 th aspect defines a process when the directions of the faces of a plurality of persons are deviated beyond the allowable range, and for example, if the directions of the faces are largely deviated and it is difficult to clearly see the other faces when the image is rotated while aligning any one face, the process as in the 10 th aspect can be performed. In the 10 th aspect, the "direction of the face" and the "difference in the direction of the face" can be defined as the same as those in the 9 th aspect.

The printer according to claim 11 includes a trimming unit configured to trim a partial region of the rotated image except for a region of the face of the detected person, and the printing unit prints the trimmed image in any one of claims 6 to 10. According to the 11 th aspect, printed matter of a large number of portions of the image forming area occupied by the face of the person can be obtained. The trimming degree (how much the region other than the face of the person is trimmed) may be set automatically or by user operation. When an image smaller than the image forming area is obtained by trimming, the image can be enlarged so as to match the size of the image forming area. Also, the trimming result may be displayed on a display device before printing so that the user can confirm.

The printer according to claim 12 includes, in the 11 th aspect, a storage unit that stores information indicating the content of the rotation and/or the trimming in association with an input image. According to the 12 th aspect, by reading the stored content, a printed product in which the content is rotated or trimmed can be reproduced. In order to associate an image with information, the information may be recorded in the title of the image, or the image and the information may be linked to each other as another file.

The printer according to claim 13 is the printer according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the developing film is a self-developing type developing film in which a developing liquid bag is provided in a blank area, and the printing unit conveys the self-developing type developing film with the developing liquid bag set to the front side at the time of printing. The 13 th mode is a configuration example of a predetermined instant film, and after exposure to light in an image forming area, the instant film is discharged from between 1 pair of developing rollers, whereby the developing liquid bag is crushed and development processing of the built-in developing liquid is performed.

In order to achieve the above object, a camera with a printer according to claim 14 of the present invention includes the printer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, an imaging optical system, and an imaging element that outputs an optical image representing a subject imaged by the imaging optical system, and an image input unit inputs an image generated based on an output signal. According to the 14 th aspect, a printed product in which a blank area of a photographic film is positioned in a desired direction with respect to a subject can be obtained with respect to an image captured by a camera.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing method according to a 15 th aspect of the present invention is a printing method for printing an image on an instant film having an image forming area and a blank area having a wide width on one side, the blank area being an area different from the image forming area, the printing method including: an image input step of inputting an image; an object detection step of detecting an object from an input image; an image rotation step of rotating the input image in accordance with the detected direction of the subject, and rotating the input image so that the blank area is positioned in a specific direction with respect to the subject when the rotated image is printed on the instant film; and an image printing step of printing the rotated image to the instant film. According to the 15 th aspect, as in the 1 st aspect, when an image is printed using an instant film having an image forming area and a blank area, a printed product in which the blank area is positioned in a desired direction with respect to a subject can be obtained. Further, by recording a message in such a blank area, a printed product with good visual effects can be obtained.

In addition, the 15 th aspect may include the same structure as the 2 nd to 14 th aspects. A non-transitory recording medium on which a program for executing the methods according to the above-described embodiments on an image processing apparatus such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a printer, and a computer-readable code of the program are recorded can also be an embodiment of the present invention.

Effects of the invention

As described above, according to the printer, the camera with the printer, and the printing method of the present invention, when an image is printed using an instant film having an image forming area and a blank area, a printed matter in which the blank area is positioned in a desired direction with respect to a subject can be obtained.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view showing a digital camera with a printer according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the digital camera with printer according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 3 is a front view showing the digital camera with printer according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 4 is a rear view showing the digital camera with printer according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a mechanical configuration of the inside of the digital camera with printer according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 6 is a front view of an instant film.

Fig. 7 is a rear view of the instant film.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital camera with printer according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining normal printing.

Fig. 10 is another diagram for explaining normal printing.

Fig. 11 is another diagram for explaining normal printing.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of print processing according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining the rotation of the image in embodiment 1.

Fig. 14 is another diagram for explaining the rotation of the image in embodiment 1.

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a printed image according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing how a printed image is displayed and printed in embodiment 1.

Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining another example 1 of image rotation.

Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining another example 1 of image rotation.

Fig. 19 is a flowchart for explaining another example 2 of image rotation.

Fig. 20 is a diagram for explaining another example 2 of image rotation.

Fig. 21 is a diagram for explaining another example 2 of image rotation.

Fig. 22 is a diagram for explaining another example 2 of image rotation.

Fig. 23 is a diagram for explaining another example 2 of image rotation.

Fig. 24 is a diagram for explaining another example 3 of image rotation.

Fig. 25 is a diagram for explaining another example 3 of image rotation.

Fig. 26 is a diagram for explaining another example 4 of image rotation.

Fig. 27 is a diagram for explaining another example 4 of image rotation.

Fig. 28 is a diagram for explaining image trimming.

Fig. 29 is another diagram for explaining the trimming of an image.

Fig. 30 is still another diagram for explaining the trimming of an image.

Fig. 31 is still another diagram for explaining image trimming.

Fig. 32 is a diagram showing a configuration of the printing system according to embodiment 2.

Description of the symbols

1-digital camera with printer, 10-camera body, 10A-body section, 10B-back cover section, 10C-hinge section, 12-photographic lens, 12 a-diaphragm, 12B-shutter, 14-power ring, 16A-1 st release button, 16B-2 nd release button, 18-flash, 20-auxiliary light, 22-display, 24-back operation section, 24 a-menu button, 24B-indicator dial, 24C 1-function button, 24C 2-function button, 24C 3-function button, 24C 4-function button, 24C 5-function button, 24C 6-function button, 26-photographic mode switching lever, 28-print discharge port, 30-lock release lever, 42-image sensor, 50-film loading chamber, 52-film conveying mechanism, 52 a-card slot, 54-film conveying mechanism, 54A-conveying pair roller, 54B-unwinding pair roller, 56-printing head, 100-instant film packaging box, 110-instant film, 110 a-exposure surface, 110B-observation surface, 112-exposure part, 114-bag part, 114A-development processing liquid bag, 115-blank region, 116-collection part, 116 a-absorption material, 118-observation part, 118 a-frame, 120-shell, 120 a-opening part, 120B-discharge port, 120 c-card slot opening part, 200-smart phone, 212-photographic lens driving part, 214-image sensor driving part, 216-analog signal processing part, 218-image data input section, 220-digital signal processing section, 222-internal memory, 230-film conveyance mechanism driving section, 232-film conveyance mechanism driving section, 234-print head driving section, 236-image signal processing section for printing, 240-system controller, 242-work memory, 244-data memory, 246-display driving section, 248-operation section, 250-power supply section, 300-printer, 500-printing system, D0-up-down direction, D1-up-down direction, D10-up-down direction, D11-up-down direction, D12-up-down direction, D13-direction, D14-up-down direction, D2-up-down direction, D3-direction, D4-up-down direction, D5-up-down direction, d6-up-down direction, D7-up-down direction, D8-up-down direction, D9-up-down direction, F-arrow, G1-frame, G2 a-frame, G2 b-frame, G b-frame, Im b-photographic image, Im b-printed image, Im b-photographic image, Im3 b-image, Im b-printed image, Im4 b-printed image, Im b-photographic image, Im b-image, Im5 b-printed image, Im b-photographic image, Im7 b-printed image, Im b-photographic image, Im b-printed image, Im b-photographic image, Im b-printed image, m1-sample, M1 a-sample, M1 b-sample, M2-sample, M3-sample, M4-sample, M5-sample, M6-sample, P1-person, P2-person, P3 a-person, P3 b-person, P4 a-person, P5 a-person, P6 a-person, P7-person, S100 to S114 a-steps of the print processing method, Th-left and right ranges, Tv-up and down ranges, x-arrows, y-arrows, z-arrows.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of a printer, a camera with a printer, and a printing method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

< embodiment 1>

< digital camera with Printer >

[ appearance Structure ]

Fig. 1 to 4 are front perspective views, rear perspective views, front views, and rear views showing a digital camera with printer 1 (printer, camera with printer, image input unit) according to embodiment 1.

The digital camera with printer 1 shown in fig. 1 to 4 is a digital camera with printer using an instant film as a printing medium. In fig. 3 and 4, the direction indicated by the arrow x is the left-right direction, and the direction indicated by the arrow y is the up-down direction. The right and left directions have the same meaning as the lateral direction or the width direction. The upper and lower sides have the same meaning as the height direction.

The digital camera 1 with a printer includes a portable camera body 10. The camera body 10 includes a photographing lens 12, a power ring 14, a 1 st release button 16A, a 2 nd release button 16B, a flash 18, and an auxiliary light 20 on a front surface portion. The camera body 10 includes a display 22 and a rear operation unit 24 on the rear surface. The camera body 10 is provided with a photographing mode switching lever 26 on the left side surface portion and a print outlet 28 on the top surface portion.

Camera body

The camera body 10 has a flat block shape with a circular shape as a whole. The camera body 10 has a bilaterally symmetrical shape as a whole so as to be able to be held with either of the left and right hands.

The camera body 10 is composed of a main body 10A and a rear cover 10B. The rear cover section 10B constitutes a rear surface section of the camera body 10, and is provided to the main body section 10A so as to be openable and closable via a hinge section 10C. The body portion 10A includes a rear lid locking mechanism for locking the rear lid 10B. When the rear lid section 10B is closed, it is automatically locked by the rear lid section locking mechanism. The lock is released by a slide type lock release lever 30 provided in the rear cover portion 10B. However, no operation can be performed during printing. That is, it is forcibly locked during printing so as not to open the rear cover portion 10B.

Photographic lens

The photographing lens 12 (imaging optical system) is disposed at a substantially central position of the front surface of the camera body 10. The photographing lens 12 is constituted by a fixed focus lens.

Power ring

The power ring 14 is an operation member for turning on and off the power supply of the digital camera with printer 1. The power ring 14 has a ring shape and is disposed coaxially with the photographing lens 12. The power ring 14 is operated to rotate around the photographing lens 12, thereby turning on and off the power of the digital camera 1 with a printer. The movable range of the power ring 14 is limited, and when the power ring is rotated to one end of the movable range, the power of the digital camera with printer 1 is turned on, and when the power ring is rotated to the other end of the movable range, the power of the digital camera with printer 1 is turned off.

Release 1 st and Release 2 nd buttons

The 1 st release button 16A and the 2 nd release button 16B are examples of a photographing instruction unit, and are operation members for instructing photographing. The 1 st release button 16A and the 2 nd release button 16B are provided on the front surface of the camera body 10, and are arranged symmetrically. The 1 st release button 16A and the 2 nd release button 16B are constituted by two-stage stroke press buttons capable of performing so-called "half-press" (operation until half press stroke) and "full-press" (operation of full press stroke). The digital camera 1 with a printer performs preparation for shooting by half-pressing the 1 st release button 16A or the 2 nd release button 16B, and performs main shooting by full-pressing. The main photography is photography for recording an image.

Flash lamp

The flash 18 is provided on the front surface of the camera body 10 and is disposed substantially directly above the photographing lens 12. The flash lamp 18 is constituted by a xenon tube.

Auxiliary light lamp

The auxiliary light 20 is a lamp that emits auxiliary light for AF (Auto Focus). The auxiliary light 20 emits light when photographed in a dark environment, and is provided with auxiliary AF. The auxiliary Light 20 is formed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and is provided on the front surface of the camera body 10.

Display (display)

The display 22 is an example of a display device. The display 22 is a color liquid crystal display, and is provided on the back surface of the camera body 10. The display 22 is a so-called wide-screen display, and has a horizontally long screen.

Back operation section

The back operation unit 24 includes a confirmation button 24a, a command dial 24b, and 6 function buttons 24c 1-24 c 6. The confirmation button 24a, the command dial 24b, and the 6 function buttons 24c 1-24 c6 are arranged concentrically, and constitute a circular operation portion as a whole. The back surface operation unit 24 is provided on the back surface of the camera body 10. The display 22 and the rear surface operation unit 24 are arranged at the center in the width direction of the rear surface of the camera body 10 and are arranged vertically. In particular, the back surface operating unit 24 is disposed at a position where it can be operated by the thumb of the hand holding the camera body 10, and is disposed symmetrically in the left-right direction so that both the left and right hands can operate with substantially the same operating feeling.

< Menu button >

The menu button 24a is a button for adjusting the menu screen to the display 22, and is formed of a circular push button. The menu button 24a is disposed at the center of the rear operation unit 24. By pressing the menu button 24a, a menu screen is displayed on the display 22.

The menu button 24a also functions as a confirmation button. The confirmation button is a button that indicates confirmation to the inquiry. At the time of printing, the user presses the menu button 24a to instruct confirmation, and specifies the instruction for printing.

< Command turntable >

The command dial 24b is formed of a ring-shaped touch sensor, and is operated to rotate by touching the surface thereof along a circle. The command dial 24b also functions as a cross key, and is configured to be capable of being pressed in 4 directions, up, down, left, and right.

The command dial 24b is disposed coaxially with the menu button 24a and on the outer periphery of the menu button 24 a.

< function button >

The 6 function buttons 24c 1-24 c6 are arranged on the same circumference, and form 1 circle as a whole. Each button has the same shape and has a shape in which a ring is divided into 6 equal parts. Each button is constituted by a push button.

The function button 24c1 has a function as a vignetting button (vignetting). The vignetting button is a button to call a function of performing vignetting processing on an image. The vignetting process is a process of darkening the periphery of an image.

The function button 24c2 has a function as an effect button. The effect button is a button to call a function of performing effect processing on an image. The effect processing is processing for giving a certain effect to an image, and corresponds to, for example, processing for changing the color tone of an image or blurring the image.

The function button 24c3 has a function as a brightness button. The brightness button is a button for calling a function of changing the brightness of an image.

The function button 24c4 has a function as a print button. The print button is a button for instructing printing on an image displayed on the display 22.

The function button 24c5 has a function as a back button. The back button is a button for instructing to return to the state of the previous 1. Since the state returns to the previous 1, the function as a button for instructing cancel of selection, instruction, or the like, that is, a cancel button is also provided.

The function button 24c6 has a function as a play button. The play button is a button that instructs switching of the play mode. When the function button 24c6 is pressed in a state where the operation mode is set to the shooting mode, the operation mode is switched to the playback mode.

The switching from the playback mode to the shooting mode is performed by operating the 1 st release button 16A and the 2 nd release button 16B. When the 1 st release button 16A or the 2 nd release button 16B is pressed while the operation mode is set to the playback mode, the shooting mode is switched to.

Photographing mode switching lever

The photographing mode switching lever 26 is an example of a photographing mode switching unit, and is an operation member for switching a photographing mode. The shooting mode switching lever 26 is formed of a slide switch and is provided on the left side surface of the camera body 10. When the photographing mode switching lever 26 is slid to be set at the "auto position", the photographing mode is set to the "auto mode". When the "manual position" is set, the shooting mode is set to the "manual mode".

In the case of the automatic mode, when shooting is performed, the printing process is directly executed. On the other hand, in the manual mode, when shooting is performed, the shot image is displayed on the display 22, and the print processing is performed while waiting for an instruction for printing. This point will be described later in detail.

Print outlet

Print outlet 28 is an outlet for printed instant film. The print outlet 28 is provided as a slit through which the instant film 110 can pass, at the center of the top surface of the camera body 10 in the width direction. That is, the film 110 is discharged from the print discharge port 28 toward the right upper side.

[ internal mechanical Structure ]

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a mechanical structure inside the digital camera 1 with a printer. Fig. 5 shows only the structure of the main portion. In fig. 5, the direction indicated by the arrow z is taken as the thickness direction.

The digital camera 1 with a printer includes a photographing lens 12 (an imaging optical system) and an image sensor 42 (an imaging element) as a configuration related to the digital camera, and an optical image of a subject is formed on the image sensor through the photographing lens 12. The printer includes an instant film package 100, a film loading chamber 50, a film feeding mechanism 52, a film conveying mechanism 54, and a print head 56.

Structure relating to digital camera

< imaging lens >

The photographing lens 12 is composed of a plurality of lenses including a focusing lens. In fig. 5, only 1 lens is illustrated for simplification. The photographing lens 12 is focused by moving the focus lens back and forth along the optical axis.

The photographing lens 12 includes a diaphragm 12a and a shutter 12 b. The light quantity of the light passing through the photographing lens 12 is adjusted by the diaphragm 12 a. The light passing through the photographing lens 12 is blocked by the shutter 12 b.

< image sensor >

The image sensor 42 is configured by a two-dimensional solid-state imaging element such as a CCD image sensor (CCD Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS image sensor (CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide semiconductor), and outputs a signal representing an optical image of the subject imaged by the imaging lens 12. The image sensor 42 has an imaging area with an aspect ratio corresponding to the printable area of the instant film used.

Structure relating to Printer

< instant film packaging box >

The instant film package 100 has a structure in which a plurality of instant films 110 are accommodated in a case 120.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the instant film 110. Fig. 7 is a rear view of the instant film.

In fig. 6 and 7, the direction indicated by the arrow F is the direction in which the film 110 is used. That is, the instant film 110 is transported in the direction indicated by the arrow F and the instant film 110 is used. Therefore, when the digital camera 1 with a printer is loaded, the direction indicated by the arrow F is the discharge direction of the instant film 110.

The instant film 110 is a self-developing type instant film having a rectangular card shape. The photographic film 110 has a back surface side serving as an exposure surface 110a and a front surface side serving as an observation surface 110 b. The exposure surface 110a is a surface on which an image is recorded by exposure, and the observation surface 110b is a surface on which the recorded image is observed.

As shown in fig. 6, the viewing surface 110b of the instant film 110 is provided with a viewing unit 118. The observation unit 118 is a portion (image forming region) where an image is displayed. By performing the development process on the exposure portion 112 (see fig. 7), an image is displayed on the observation portion 118. The observation unit 118 is disposed to correspond to the exposure unit 112. A frame 118a is provided around the observation unit 118, and an image is displayed in the frame 118a (image forming region). The observation unit 118 has a square shape with an aspect ratio of 1 to 1 as in the exposure unit 112. In the observation surface 110b, a region where the bag portion 114 (see fig. 7; developer bag) is arranged on the back surface, that is, a region having a width in the conveyance direction that is wider than a region existing on one side (front side in the conveyance direction) of the instant film 110, out of a region different from the image forming region in the observation surface 110b, is a blank region 115, and as described later, the user can input a message in the blank region 115.

As shown in fig. 7, the exposure surface 110a of the instant film 110 includes an exposure portion 112, a pocket portion 114, and a collection portion 116.

The exposure section 112 is a portion where an image is recorded by exposure. The bag portion 114 and the collecting portion 116 are arranged in front and rear (front and back) directions with the exposure portion 112 interposed therebetween. The instant film 110 according to embodiment 1 includes a square exposure portion 112 having an aspect ratio of 1 to 1.

The bag portion 114 is disposed on the front side in the arrow F direction with respect to the exposure portion 112. The bag portion 114 contains a developing solution bag 114a containing a developing solution. In embodiment 1, the region of the bag portion 114 on the side of the observation surface 110b is a blank region 115.

The collection unit 116 is disposed on the rear side of the exposure unit 112 in the arrow F direction. The collecting portion 116 contains an absorbent 116a for the developing solution.

In addition, in a normal case, the photographic film 110 is printed in a direction in which the collection portion 116 is positioned above the image and the pocket portion 114 is positioned below the image (see fig. 11), and is printed by rotating the image in a direction in which the collection portion 116 is positioned above and the pocket portion 114 is positioned below (opposite to the printing time) as will be described later. In the initial state (state in which no user instruction is given), the printing (whether the blank area is the upper side or the lower side of the image) of the image on which one of the collecting section 116 and the bag section 114 is set to the upper side can be set by the operation of the back surface operation section 24.

After the exposure of the developing film 110, the developing liquid in the bag portion 114 is developed into the exposure portion 112 to be subjected to the developing process. When the instant film 110 passes between the rollers, the developing solution in the bag portion 114 is pushed out from the bag portion 114 and developed in the exposure portion 112. The developing treatment liquid remaining during the development treatment is captured by the collecting portion 116.

The housing 120 has a rectangular box shape. The housing 120 has an exposure opening 120a in a front portion and a slit-shaped discharge opening 120b in a top portion. In the photographic film 110, the exposure surface 110a faces the front side of the housing 120, and the bag portion 114 faces the top side of the housing 120, and is housed in the housing in an overlapping manner.

The housing 120 has a slit-shaped card slot opening 120c in a bottom surface portion. The instant film 110 stored in the housing 120 enters the card slot 52a from the card slot opening 120c, is conveyed one by one to the discharge port 120b, and is discharged from the discharge port 120 b.

10 sheets of instant film 110 are stored in 1 instant film package 100.

< film filling Chamber >

The film loading chamber 50 is a recess for storing the instant film package 100 and is provided in the main body 10A of the camera body 10. When the rear cover portion 10B of the camera body 10 is opened, the film loading chamber 50 is exposed, and the film pack 100 can be loaded.

< film delivery mechanism >

The film discharging mechanism 52 discharges the instant films 110 one by one from the instant film package 100 loaded into the film loading chamber 50. The film feeding mechanism 52 has a catch 52a that moves back and forth in the transport direction of the instant film 110, and the catch 52a scrapes the instant film 110 off the instant film 110 in the housing 120 one by one to feed the instant film 110 out of the instant film package 100.

< film conveyance mechanism >

The film transport mechanism 54 transports the instant film 110 fed out from the instant film package 100 by the film feeding mechanism 52 at a constant speed. The film transport mechanism 54 includes a transport roller pair 54A and a development roller pair 54B.

The conveyance rollers 54A are driven by a motor not shown to rotate, and convey the film 110 as a bag on both sides.

The developing roller 54B is driven by a motor, not shown, to rotate, and conveys the entire film 110. In the process of conveyance, the bag portion 114 of the instant film 110 is crushed, and the developing solution is developed.

< printhead >

The print head 56 records an image on the instant film 110 fed from the instant film package 100. The print head 56 is constituted by a line type exposure head. The print head 56 irradiates print light for 1 line to the exposure surface 110a of the instant film 110 conveyed by the film conveying mechanism 54, and records an image on the instant film 110 by 1 pass.

In the digital camera with printer 1 according to embodiment 1, the film output mechanism 52, the film transport mechanism 54, and the print head 56 are components constituting a printing unit.

[ Electrical Structure ]

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a digital camera with a printer. Fig. 8 illustrates only the structure of the main portion.

The digital camera with printer 1 includes, as a configuration relating to the digital camera, a photographing lens 12, a photographing lens driving unit 212, an image sensor 42, an image sensor driving unit 214, an analog signal processing unit 216, an image data input unit 218, a digital signal processing unit 220, and an internal memory 222. The printer includes a film feeding mechanism 52, a film feeding mechanism driving unit 230, a film feeding mechanism 54, a film feeding mechanism driving unit 232, a print head 56, a print head driving unit 234, and a print image signal processing unit 236. The digital camera and the printer have a common configuration including a system controller 240, a work memory 242, a data memory 244, the display 22, a display driver 246, an operation unit 248, and a power supply unit 250. The system controller 240 (image input section, image rotation section, printing section, display control section, trimming section) controls these elements.

Structure relating to digital camera

< Driving part of photographing lens >

The photographing lens driving part 212 is a driving member of the photographing lens 12. The photographing lens driving unit 212 drives the focus lens, the diaphragm 12a, and the shutter 12 b. The photographing lens driving part 212 drives the photographing lens 12 under the control of the system controller 240.

< image sensor drive section >

The image sensor driving section 214 is a driving member of the image sensor 42. The image sensor driving section 214 drives the image sensor 42 under the control of the system controller 240.

< analog Signal processing section >

The analog signal processing unit 216 takes in the signal output from the image sensor 42, performs signal processing such as correlated double sampling loop processing and amplification processing, converts the signal into a digital image signal, and outputs the digital image signal.

< image data input section >

The image data input unit 218 (image data input unit) receives the digital image signal output from the analog signal processing unit 216 under the control of the system controller 240. The imported 1 equivalent of image data is stored in the work memory 242.

< digital Signal processing section >

The digital signal processing unit 220 performs signal processing such as synchronization processing, white balance correction, gamma correction, and contour correction on the image data loaded into the work memory 242, and generates image data including luminance data (Y data) and color difference data (Cr and Cb data).

The digital signal processing unit 220 processes the image data under the control of the system controller 240.

< internal memory >

The internal memory 222 (storage unit) stores an image obtained by imaging. Also, the internal memory 222 associates and stores information indicating the contents of the rotation and/or trimming of the image with the image. The internal Memory 222 is constituted by a nonvolatile Memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable read/write Memory). The image and information stored in the internal memory 222 may be recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card via an interface unit not shown. Further, images and information recorded in a memory card or the like can be input via the interface unit, and used for rotation, trimming, and printing of images to be described later.

Structure relating to Printer

Film output mechanism drive section

The film feeding mechanism driving section 230 is a driving member of the film feeding mechanism 52. The film output mechanism driving section 230 drives the card slot 52a under the control of the system controller 240.

Film transport mechanism drive section

The film transport mechanism drive unit 232 is a drive member of the film transport mechanism 54. The film transport mechanism drive unit 232 drives the transport rollers 54A and the unwind rollers 54B to rotate in accordance with an instruction from the system controller 240.

Print head drive section

The head driving portion 234 is a driving member of the print head 56. The print head driving section 234 drives the print head 56 under the control of the system controller 240.

< image Signal processing section for printing >

The print image signal processing unit 236 (object detection unit, image rotation unit, trimming unit, and printing unit) generates print image data under the control of the system controller 240. The image data for printing is image data for recording to the instant film 110 by the print head 56. The print head 56 is driven based on the image data for printing generated by the image signal processing unit 236 for printing, and records an image on the instant film 110. The print image signal processing unit 236 performs subject detection, image rotation, and trimming, which will be described later, under the control of the system controller 240.

Common Structure of digital Camera and Printer

< System controller >

The system controller 240 controls the entirety of the digital camera 1 with a printer. The system controller 240 is constituted by a computer, and provides various functions by executing various programs (including a program for executing the printing method according to the present invention).

< working memory >

The work memory 242 is a work memory. The working Memory 242 is constituted by, for example, SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory).

< data storage >

The data memory 244 is a memory for storing a control program, various data necessary for control, and the like. The data memory 244 is constituted by a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM.

< display drive section >

The display driver 246 (display controller) is a driving member of the display 22. The display driver 246 drives the display 22 under the control of the system controller 240.

< operating section >

The operation unit 248 is composed of the power ring 14, the 1 st release button 16A, the 2 nd release button 16B, the back surface operation unit 24, and the shooting mode switching lever 26. The operation unit 248 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation of each operation member to the system controller 240.

< Power supply section >

The power supply unit 250 supplies power to each unit under the control of the system controller 240. The power supply unit 250 includes a battery as a power supply and a power supply circuit.

[ Effect ]

The digital camera with printer 1 has an imaging mode, a playback mode, and a printing mode as operation modes. The digital camera with printer 1 can capture an image by setting to the shooting mode, and can record the captured image in the internal memory 222. By setting the playback mode, the image recorded in the internal memory 222 can be played back. When the shooting mode is set, a shot image can be printed on the spot, and when the playback mode is set, an image being played can be printed.

Photographing mode

When the power is turned on, the digital camera 1 with a printer is started in a photographing mode. The photographing mode includes an automatic mode and a manual mode, and the automatic mode and the manual mode are switched by a photographing mode switching lever 26. In the automatic mode, when imaging is performed, the print processing is directly executed, whereas in the manual mode, when imaging is performed, the captured image is displayed on the display 22, and the print processing is executed while waiting for an instruction for printing.

General printing

The relationship between the subject and the blank area in normal printing (when the image is not rotated by the printing method of the present invention) will be described. Hereinafter, the subject is a person P1 shown in fig. 9, and the vertical direction of the face of the person P1 is made to coincide with the vertical direction of the digital camera with printer 1. When such a person P1 is photographed, normal printing is performed as shown in fig. 10 (a), and the person looks at the print in the direction shown in fig. 10 (b). That is, the photographic film 110 is conveyed so that the blank region 115 (the region of the observation surface 110b where the bag portion 114 is located on the back surface) is forward in the conveying direction (arrow F) (see fig. 10 and 11). In fig. 11, the paper surface side is an observation surface 110b, and the opposite side is an exposure surface 110 a. Therefore, in normal printing (the state of fig. 10 and 11), the blank area 115 is positioned below the character P1 when viewed. In fig. 11, at the time of printing, a print image (an image in which a printed image and a blank area are arranged in accordance with the rotation of the image) is displayed on the display 22. In fig. 11, the brightness of the printed image is reduced and displayed, but the chroma may be reduced.

When a message is entered in the blank area 115 of such a printed product, the message is positioned below the person P1, but there are cases where it is not preferable for the user to position the message below the subject, and the desired printed product cannot be obtained in the above-described processing for such a user. Therefore, in embodiment 1, the next print processing is performed. The printing direction in the initial state is set to the direction shown in fig. 10 and 11 by the operation of the back surface operation unit 24.

< printing processing according to embodiment 1>

Next, a printing process according to embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the print processing. The subject is a person P1 shown in fig. 9.

When the digital camera with printer 1 is started, the system controller 240 performs live view display on the display 22, and performs shooting in accordance with a shooting instruction from the user in the live view display state. The live view display is a display in which an image captured by the image sensor 42 is displayed on the display 22 in real time, and is also referred to as "through display". The photographing instruction is performed by fully pressing the 1 st release button 16A or the 2 nd release button 16B. In addition, as the previous stage, the 1 st release button 16A or the 2 nd release button 16B is half-pressed to prepare for shooting. That is, photometry and distance measurement are performed, and setting and focusing of exposure are performed.

After half-pressing the 1 st release button 16A or the 2 nd release button 16B, the full-pressing of either of these buttons instructs the main shooting, and the process of the main shooting is executed (step S100; image input process). That is, the image sensor 42 is exposed to light with the set exposure level, and the recording image is read. The read image is recorded as a photographed image in the internal memory 222.

In the automatic mode, the system controller 240 performs the next process and prints the rotated image. In the manual mode, the next process is executed to rotate the captured image and preview the captured image on the display 22 together with the blank area 115 (step S108 in fig. 12), and when the print button and the confirm button are pressed in this state, the instruction for printing is specified, and the system controller 240 executes the next process.

In step S102 (subject detection step), the subject of the captured image is detected following the main imaging process, and it is determined whether or not the face of the person is detected in step S104 (subject detection step) based on the detection result. These processes are performed by the image signal processing section 236 for printing under the control of the system controller 240. The face detection can use various known methods. For example, in the photographed image, the image of the target region and the face image template are checked while moving the position of the target region, and the association between the two is investigated. And if the correlation value exceeds a preset threshold value, the target area is determined as a face area. When no face is detected, the process is repeated while changing the size of the target region. As a face detection method, a method of detecting a characteristic region (for example, a region having a skin color, a region having a black color (eyes) in a skin color region, a skin color region having a shape of a face, or the like) included in a face as a face region can be used. When the face of the person is not detected in steps S102 and S104, the process of steps S106 and S108 is skipped and step S110 is performed.

As shown in fig. 13, it is assumed that the face of the person P1 is detected in the captured image Im0 (yes in step S104). In fig. 13, the one-dot chain line indicates a face detection box G1 (not printed). In addition, face detection is not necessarily applicable to the frame. Moreover, the blocks will be omitted as appropriate in the following drawings.

In step S106, the photographed image Im0 is rotated based on the result of the face detection (image rotation step). In the example of fig. 13, the vertical direction D1 of the face coincides with the vertical direction D0 of the photographed image Im0, and therefore the photographed image I m0 is rotated 180 degrees so that the vertical direction D1 coincides with the conveyance direction (the direction of the arrow F). An image obtained by the rotation (image Iml) is shown in fig. 14. It is not necessary to display the above-described face detection frame and the arrows indicating the vertical direction of the face on the display 22.

When the images are rotated and displayed as shown in fig. 13 and 14, the vertical direction of the face (subject) can be determined from the result of face detection (image processing), or can be determined from the direction of the digital camera with printer 1 at the time of shooting. The "direction of the digital camera with printer 1 at the time of shooting" can be determined, for example, by setting the direction of gravity detected by the acceleration sensor to be upward.

In step S106, the photographed image Im0 is rotated to obtain an image Iml, and the printed image Im2 (image Im1 and blank area 115 arranged according to the rotation of the image; an example of an image for display) is displayed on the display 22 (step S108; see fig. 16). When the rotated image Im1 is printed, the blank area 115 is conveyed (in the direction of arrow F in fig. 15 and 16) so as to be positioned above the person P1 (an example of the "specific direction"), and therefore the blank area 115 is arranged above the person P1 with respect to the image Im1 in the printed picture Im2 (see fig. 15).

As shown in fig. 15 and 16, when the printed image Im2 is displayed, a sample of the message (sample M1 in fig. 15) is displayed in the blank region 115 arranged so as to be positioned above the image Im 1. In embodiment 1, it is possible to confirm the state in which a message is entered into the blank area 115 by such display, and to easily obtain a desired printed product. The content of the message sample is not particularly limited, and the display may be performed by characters, numbers, symbols, and figures. Sample M1 in fig. 15 is assumed to be displayed in a handwritten character style for the user to write by hand, but the type of characters and the like is not limited to this embodiment.

In step S110, whether or not a print instruction is given is determined. This determination can be made by pressing or not pressing the menu button 24 a. Specifically, when the menu button 24a as the confirmation button is pressed, the print instruction is specified, and when the function button 24c5 as the back button is pressed, the print instruction is canceled. The instruction and cancellation of printing can be performed by displaying a print instruction dialog on the display 22. The determination of the presence or absence of the print instruction may be performed only in the manual mode, and the step S110 may be skipped in the automatic mode.

When menu button 24a is pressed while print image Im2 is displayed on display 22, a print instruction is specified and printing is performed as shown in fig. 16 (step S112; image printing process). As described above, in embodiment 1, since the photographed image Im0 is rotated by 180 degrees to be the image Im1, the direction of the object in the printed image Im2 displayed on the display 22 matches the direction of the object in the discharged instant film 110, and the user does not feel a sense of incongruity. In addition, as for normal printing, the print image Im2 displayed on the display 22 may be displayed with reduced lightness and/or chroma, as described above.

When the printing is finished, step S114 is performed to store the photographed image Im0 in the internal memory 222 in association with the image rotation information (in which the photographed image Im0 is rotated by 180 degrees). The rotation information may be recorded in a header portion of the image file, or may be recorded in another file and linked with the image file. Skipping such storage enables reproduction of the rotation of the image in accordance with the instruction of the user.

As described above, according to the digital camera 1 with a printer, since the photographed image Im0 is rotated based on the result of face detection and the printed image Im2 including the rotated image Im1 and the blank area 115 is displayed on the display 22, the positional relationship between the image Im1 and the blank area 115 can be confirmed before printing. Further, since the sample of the message (see sample M1 in fig. 15) is displayed on the display in accordance with the arrangement direction of the blank area 115 (the upper side of the face), it is possible to confirm the state of entering information into the blank area 115 before printing.

As described above, according to embodiment 1, when an image is printed using an instant film having an image forming area and a blank area, a printed product in which the blank area is positioned in a desired direction with respect to a subject can be obtained.

In addition, although the above-described embodiment 1 has described the case where the photographed image is rotated so that the blank area is positioned on the upper side of the face portion, there may be a case where the user prefers that the blank area is positioned on the lower side of the face portion. Therefore, in this case, in step S110, it is determined that "no" is possible in accordance with the operation of the back surface operation unit 24 (the function buttons 24c1 to 24c6), and the process returns to step S106, and the image Iml may be rotated again to be printed as usual. In this case, as shown in fig. 10, a printed product in which the blank area 115 is located below the character P1 is obtained.

In the digital camera 1 with a printer, since the print direction (any one of fig. 15 and 16) in the initial state (the state where no user instruction is provided) can be set by the operation of the back surface operation unit 24 as described above, there is also a case where "the print direction is set in the initial state as in fig. 16, but the user prefers to print as in fig. 15". In this case, as in embodiment 1, the photographed image can be rotated, displayed on the display 22 as a printed image, and printed.

< Another example of image rotation 1>

In the above-described embodiment 1, a case where the direction of the face of the subject coincides with the vertical direction of the image is described (see fig. 13). However, depending on the direction of the subject or the holding direction of the digital camera with printer 1 of the user, the direction of the face may not coincide with the vertical direction of the image and may be inclined. The rotation of the image in this case will be described below.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the photographed image Im3 when the face is tilted (in fig. 17, arrow F shows the conveyance direction at the time of printing). In fig. 17, the up-down direction D2 of the face (detected by the frame G2) of the person P2 as the subject does not coincide with and incline from the up-down direction D0 of the photographed image Im 3. In this case, as in the above-described embodiment 1, the face can be rotated by about 180 degrees so that the vertical direction D2 coincides with the direction D3, which is the opposite direction of the vertical direction D0 of the photographed image Im3, and as a result, the rotated image is the same as the image Iml shown in fig. 14. Therefore, the relationship between the person P2 as the subject and the blank area 115 is the same as the printed image Im2 shown in fig. 15, and the same display and printing as those described with reference to fig. 16 are performed.

On the other hand, in the state of fig. 17, the face vertical direction D2 can be rotated so as to coincide with the vertical direction D0 of the photographed image Im3, as in the above-described "normal state". In this case, as shown in fig. 18 (a), the blank area 115 is located below the face (an example of the "specific direction") with respect to the rotated image Im3 a. Therefore, the display 22 can display the printed image Im4 (display image) including the rotated image Im3a and the margin area 115. At this time, a sample M1 of the message is displayed aligned to the blank area 115.

Further, when the print image Im4 is displayed on the display 22, the face may face downward and the user may feel unsightly. Therefore, when displayed on the display 22, the print image rotated so that the face faces upward may be displayed on the display 22. At this time, if the positional relationship between the object (person P2) in the print image Im4 and the sample M1 is maintained and the sample M1a is rotated by 180 degrees as it is, the sample M1a will be less visible as the print image Im4a, but in such a case, when the print image is rotated, the sample may be rotated in accordance with the rotation to be displayed as the print image Im4 b. Thus, the user can easily recognize the printed image Im4b (including the image Im3b and the sample M1b disposed therebelow). Since such rotation of the print image is performed only when the print image is displayed on the display 22, when the print image is displayed as in the case of the print image Im4b, the direction of the print image on the display 22 is opposite to the direction of the image on the photographic film 110 being transported at the time of printing (see fig. 11).

According to example 1 described above, when the subject is obliquely reflected, the user can obtain an image in which the user can easily recognize the subject by obtaining an image and printing in which the rotated image and the blank area are positioned above or below the face. In addition, in the case of rotating the image as in example 1, the rotation angle is not 180 degrees, and therefore the rotated image does not match the shape of the image forming region (observation unit 118). Therefore, the image can be appropriately enlarged, reduced, and trimmed so as to match the shape (the same applies to embodiment 1 and the following examples).

< Another example of image rotation 2>

Although the above-described embodiment 1 and example 1 have described the case where the subject is a single person, the subject may be a plurality of persons, and the directions of the faces may be different. The rotation of the image in such a case will be described below.

Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing image rotation processing in the case where the subject is a plurality of persons. Steps for performing the same processing as in fig. 12 are given the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the flowchart of fig. 19, when it is determined in step S104 (subject detection step) that the face of a person is "detected" (yes determination result), it is determined in step S105 (subject detection step) whether 1 face is detected, and when a plurality of faces are detected (no in step S105), step S107 (subject detection step, image rotation step) is performed to determine whether or not the difference in the directions of the plurality of faces is within the allowable range. For example, as shown in fig. 20, when the subject detected in the captured image Im5 is a person P3a and a person P3b (based on frames G2a and G2b), and the directions of the faces of these persons are the up-down direction D4 and the up-down direction D5, it is determined whether the angle formed between the up-down direction D4 and the up-down direction D5 is within the allowable range. The value of the allowable range may be set to any value such as 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or 90 degrees, as necessary. The direction of the photographed image Im5 is the vertical direction D0, and the vertical direction D4 is assumed to coincide with the vertical direction D0.

In the example of fig. 20, the angle between the vertical direction D4 and the vertical direction D5 is small and within an allowable range. In this case, the image is rotated as in embodiment 1 described above (see fig. 13 to 15), and displayed on the display 22 in a state of the print image Im6 (display image) in fig. 21. In the blank area 115, the sample M2 of the message is displayed in the display direction (the vertical direction when displayed on the display 22 coincides with the vertical direction of the image) according to the positional relationship between the rotated image Im5a and the blank area 115. The display and printing on the display 22 are the same as in fig. 16.

Fig. 20 shows an example of a case where the difference in the direction of the face is small and within the allowable range, but there may be a case where the difference in the direction of the face is larger than the allowable range. Fig. 22 shows a photographed image Im7 in a case where the difference in the direction of the face of the person P4a or P4b (up-down direction D6 or D7) is large, and the angle formed by the up-down direction D6 or D7 exceeds 120 degrees. In this way, in a state where the difference in the direction of the face is large, if any one of the face rotation images is aligned, it may be difficult to distinguish the other face, and therefore, in a case where the difference in the direction of the face is larger than the allowable range, the image may not be rotated at the time of printing as described below. In addition, the composition as in fig. 22 may occur in a case where a plurality of persons lie on the floor or floor from the upper side or conversely a case where a plurality of persons view a camera placed on the floor from the upper side, or the like.

In the example of fig. 22, if the allowable range of the difference in the face direction is set to 90 degrees, the difference in the face direction exceeds the allowable range, and therefore the determination of step S107 (subject detection step, image rotation step) is denied, and step S108 of performing the photographic image Im7 without rotating is performed by skipping step S106 (image rotation step). In this case, since the photographed image Im7 is not rotated, the printed image Im7a is displayed on the display 22 as shown in fig. 23. The sample M3 of the message is displayed in the blank area 115 in the display direction according to the positional relationship of the photographic image Im7 with the blank area 115. The display and printing on the display 22 are the same as those in fig. 11.

< Another example of image rotation 3>

Next, another example of image rotation will be described. Fig. 24 shows that a plurality of persons P5a, P5b, and P5c whose faces are directed vertically in the directions D8, D9, and D10 are detected by the face detection frame in the photographed image Im 8. The vertical directions D8 and D9 coincide with the vertical direction D0 of the photographed image Im8, and the vertical direction D10 differs from the vertical direction D0.

In this example, in such a case, it is preferable to rotate the captured image Im8 in a large number of directions. Specifically, since 2 vertical directions D8 and D9 are the same direction and 1 vertical direction D10 is different direction, the photographed image Im8 is rotated in alignment with the vertical directions D8 and D9. The degree of rotation is set to 180 degrees so that the vertical directions D8 and D9 of the faces of the persons P5a and P5b coincide with the conveyance direction (the direction of the arrow F), as in embodiment 1 (see fig. 13 to 15). Thus, the blank area 115 is positioned above the face of the person on the display 22 as in the printed image Im9 (including the rotated image Im8a and blank area 115; image for display) shown in FIG. 25. And, a sample M4 of the message is shown in blank area 115. The display and printing of such a printed image can be performed in the same manner as described with reference to fig. 16.

In this way, in this example as well, the positional relationship between the blank area 115 and the image and the state in which the message is entered into the blank area 115 can be confirmed, and a printed product in which the blank area 115 is positioned in a desired direction with respect to the persons P5a, P5b, and P5c as subjects can be obtained.

< Another example of image rotation 4>

Next, another example of image rotation will be described. In this example, when the difference in the face direction of a plurality of persons is within the allowable range (for example, 90 degrees), the photographed image is rotated with the center of the face direction of the plurality of persons as a reference. For example, as shown in fig. 26, the photographed image Im10 is photographed with a plurality of persons P6a and P6b, and the face directions are the up-down directions D11 and D12, respectively. The difference in face orientation (the angle between the vertical directions D11 and D12) is 90 degrees or less. In this case, the photographed image Im10 is rotated so that the direction D13 coincides with the conveyance direction (the direction of the arrow F) at the time of printing, with the direction D13, which is the middle of the vertical directions D11 and D12, as a reference.

Fig. 27 shows a printed image Im11 (display image) obtained by such rotation. The printed image Im11 is arranged such that the blank region 115 is positioned above the rotated image Im10a, and a sample M5 of a message is also displayed. The display and printing of such a printed image can be performed in the same manner as in fig. 16. In this way, in this example, the positional relationship between the blank area 115 and the image and the state in which the message is entered into the blank area 115 can be confirmed, and a printed product in which the blank area 115 is positioned in a desired direction with respect to the persons P6a and P6b as the subjects can be obtained.

< trimming of image >

Next, as described above, the trimming of the rotated image will be described. Depending on the imaging situation, the image of the person may be less visible, and a printed matter in which the person or the face image thereof occupies a large space can be obtained by trimming. Fig. 28 is a flowchart showing the processing of image rotation and trimming. In fig. 28, the same processes as those in fig. 12 and 19 are assigned the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the flowchart of fig. 28, after a sample of the rotated image and message is displayed in step S108, it is determined whether or not a trimming instruction is performed in step S109 a. This determination can be made by the presence or absence of an instruction input by the user via the back surface operation unit 24. If yes, the process proceeds to step S109b to perform cropping, and a sample of the cropped image and message is displayed in step S109 b. The trimming process is performed by the image signal processing unit 236 for printing under the control of the system controller 240.

For example, in fig. 29, in the photographed image Im12, the person P7 is detected by the face detection frame G4, and the direction of the face is the vertical direction D14. In this case, as described above, when the image is rotated 180 degrees so that the vertical direction D14 coincides with the conveyance direction (the direction of the arrow F), the image Iml2a shown in fig. 30 is obtained, but the image Im12a has the person P7 in the vicinity of the edge of the image, and thus a part other than the person is partially trimmed. For example, the regions other than the upper and lower ranges Tv and the left and right ranges Th shown in fig. 30 can be left and trimmed. The upper and lower ranges Tv and the left and right ranges Th are set in the image Im12a with the face of the person P7 as the center, and the clipped image is not empty (no image part).

When the trimming is performed in this manner, a sample of the image and the message obtained by the trimming is displayed on the display 22 in step S109 c. For example, a print image Im13 (display image) as shown in fig. 31 is displayed. In the printed movie Im13, as described above, the image Iml2b of the part other than the person P7 which is partially clipped and rotated and the blank region 115 located above the face of the person P7 are displayed. And, a sample M6 of the message is displayed in the blank area 115. The display and printing of such a print image can be performed in the same manner as described with reference to fig. 16. In addition, as in the above-described embodiment 1, information indicating the contents of the rotation and/or trimming of the photographed image and the image is stored in the internal memory 222 in association with each other (step S114 a), and the contents of the rotation and/or trimming can be reproduced in accordance with the instruction of the user.

< embodiment 2>

In embodiment 1 and another example described above, the printer, the image capturing apparatus, and the printing method according to the present invention are implemented by the digital camera 1 with a printer, but the printer, the image capturing apparatus, and the printing method according to the present invention are not limited to this embodiment, and can be implemented by using a smartphone and a printer.

Fig. 32 is a diagram showing a configuration of a printing system 500 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. The printing system 500 includes a smartphone 200 (camera with printer, printer) and a printer 300 (printer). The smartphone 200 includes: an image pickup unit (digital camera) that acquires an image through an image pickup optical system and an imaging element; an image processing unit that performs image rotation and the like; and a display having a touch panel function (not shown in fig. 32), on which the photographed image and/or the print image are displayed, and the user performs the same operation as the back surface operation unit 24 and the like described in embodiment 1. The program for executing the printing method according to the present invention in the smartphone 200 is installed as application software, and the same processing as that performed in the digital camera with printer 1 described in embodiment 1 is performed under the control of the application software. That is, the smartphone 200 in embodiment 2 functions as an image input unit, an object detection unit, an image rotation unit, a display control unit, and a trimming unit in the printer and the camera with a printer according to the present invention, and also functions as a display device that displays a photographed image, a printed image, and the like. The smartphone 200 also has a part of the functions (printing unit) of the printer according to the present invention (print instruction function for the printer 300).

On the other hand, the printer 300 communicates with the smartphone 200 by wire and/or wireless, and prints in accordance with an instruction from the smartphone 200. In the printer 300, as in embodiment 1, the instant film 110 accommodated in the instant film package box 100 can be used, and the printed instant film 110 can be discharged from the discharge opening 311.

In the printing system 500 having the above configuration, the shooting (image input), the rotation of the image, the display of the print image (including the image, the blank area, and the sample of the message), the print instruction, and the like are performed in the same manner as in embodiment 1 and another example, according to the processing procedure shown in the flowcharts of fig. 12, 19, 28, and the like. This makes it possible to obtain printing in which the blank area is positioned in a desired direction with respect to the subject, and to confirm the status of the message entered into the blank area. The functions of the smartphone 200 in the printing system 500 can also be realized by installing the same software as the application software described above into a personal computer.

< Another example >

In the above-described embodiments and examples, the case where the subject is the face of a person has been described, but the subject in the present invention is not limited to the face of a person, and can be applied to other subjects having an up-down direction such as the sky, the sea, the ground, trees, buildings, and various devices.

The embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (14)

1. A printer for printing an image on an instant film, the instant film having an image forming area and a blank area having a wider width on one side than the blank areas on the other sides, the blank area being an area different from the image forming area, the printer comprising:

an image input unit which inputs an image;

a subject detection unit that detects a subject from the input image;

an image rotating unit configured to rotate the input image in accordance with the direction of the subject, and rotate the input image so that the blank area is positioned in a specific direction with respect to the subject when the rotated image is printed on the instant film;

a printing section that prints the rotated image onto the instant film; and

a display control unit configured to display the rotated image and the blank area on a display device such that the blank area is positioned in the specific direction with respect to the rotated image.

2. The printer according to claim 1,

the display control unit displays a sample of a message on the display device according to a direction based on the arrangement in the blank area that has been displayed.

3. Printer according to claim 1 or 2,

the display control unit displays, on the display device, a display image in which the input image or the rotated image is rotated so as to be aligned with a transport direction of the instant film at the time of printing.

4. The printer according to claim 1,

the specific direction is an upward direction or a downward direction with respect to the detected object.

5. The printer according to claim 1,

the subject detection section detects a face of a person as the subject.

6. The printer according to claim 5,

the image rotation section rotates the image that has been input so that the blank area is positioned on an upper side of the face of the person.

7. The printer according to claim 5,

the image rotation section rotates the image that has been input so that the blank area is located on a lower side of the face of the person.

8. Printer according to claim 5 or 6,

the image rotating unit rotates the input image when the direction difference between the faces of the plurality of persons is within an allowable range when the faces of the plurality of persons are detected by the subject detecting unit.

9. Printer according to claim 5 or 6,

the image rotating unit may not rotate the image input thereto when the direction of the faces of the plurality of persons differs beyond an allowable range in a case where the faces of the plurality of persons are detected by the object detecting unit.

10. Printer according to claim 5 or 6,

the printer includes a trimming unit configured to trim a part of the image that has been rotated, the part being a region other than the detected face of the person, and the printing unit is configured to print the image after the trimming.

11. The printer according to claim 10,

the printer includes a storage unit that stores information indicating the content of the rotation and/or the trimming in association with the input image.

12. The printer according to claim 1,

the instant film is a self-developing type instant film provided with a developing liquid bag in the blank area,

the printing unit conveys the self-developing instant film with the developer bag in front during the printing.

13. A camera with a printer, characterized in that,

the printer according to claim 1 or 2, an imaging optical system, and an imaging element that outputs a signal representing an optical image of the subject imaged by the imaging optical system,

the image input unit inputs an image generated based on the signal that has been output.

14. A printing method for printing an image on an instant film having an image forming area and a blank area having a wider width on one side than the other side, the blank area being an area different from the image forming area, the printing method comprising:

an image input step of inputting an image;

a subject detection step of detecting a subject from the image that has been input;

an image rotation step of rotating the input image in accordance with the detected direction of the subject, and rotating the input image so that the blank area is located in a specific direction with respect to the subject when the rotated image is printed on the instant film; and

an image printing step of printing the rotated image to the instant film,

a display control step of configuring the rotated image and the blank area so that the blank area is displayed on a display device in the specific direction with respect to the rotated image.

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