JP2000059722A - Image printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image printer whose main body is provided with a camera that can select an external camera or the camera mounted on the main body, even when the external camera is connected to the printer and where the operability or the convenience of an image fetching switch are enhanced, when the external camera is connected to the printer. SOLUTION: Since a CPU 2 is so set as to allow an input selector 4 to select an image signal from a main body camera 3 or an external camera 21, based on a selection input or a system setting input from switch circuits 16, 23 by the user, priority is not always given to the external camera by the connection of the external camera, and any camera can be used and selected for image pickup, corresponding to the utilizing state. Furthermore, since the CPU 2 accepts an input from a main body switch circuit 16 and an external switch circuit 23 independently of the selection of a camera, so that the operability and the convenience are improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image printing apparatus for loading an image captured by a camera into a memory, displaying the image stored in the memory as necessary, and then printing the image. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a camera, a display for displaying an image captured by a camera, and a printer for printing the image captured by the camera are provided. A photographing system that prints an image after fixing has been put into practical use (for example, JP-A-6-189308, JP-A-9-437).
No. 19). In such a system, an image captured by a camera is displayed as a moving image on a monitor, and an image is captured while an appropriate image is captured while watching the monitor, and the image data is stored in a memory. If necessary, the image is captured again, and then the image is printed on a sticker or the like based on the image data stored in the memory. Further, there is also a method of displaying / printing an image captured by a camera by combining a previously prepared decorative image such as a background or a frame decoration.

In such a system, the camera is fixed to the main body. When the subject is a human, the camera itself moves, and when the subject is not a human, the subject is manually held in the image pickup area of the camera. I have to work. Therefore, a system is conceivable in which an external camera that can be separated from the main body is provided in addition to the camera provided on the main body, so that a desired image can be obtained by moving the camera without moving the subject. Also, at this time, the external camera
In consideration of operability, an image capturing instruction switch such as a shutter or a memory button similar to that provided on the main body is often provided in addition.

[0004]

Normally, when an external camera is provided, the external camera is given priority over the camera of the main body as a camera for actually taking an image. This switching is performed by detecting that the connection terminal of the external camera is connected to the connection terminal provided on the main body, and while the external camera is connected to the main body, the main body is used as a camera that is actually used for imaging. Couldn't choose a camera.

However, even if there is a request to take an image with an external camera or a camera of the main body depending on the situation, when the external camera is connected, the camera actually used for imaging is fixed to the external camera. Therefore, it was difficult to meet this demand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and enables selection of either an external camera or a camera of a main body even when an external camera is connected, and further, with the external camera connected. To provide an image printing apparatus in which the usability of the image capturing switch is improved.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing apparatus which is provided detachably from a main body and outputs an image signal obtained by imaging, and an image signal provided in the main body and which is provided with an image signal. And an input unit for selecting between an image signal from the external imaging unit and an image signal from the main unit imaging unit, and one of the external imaging unit and the main unit imaging unit according to an input from the input unit. And an image storage means for storing the image signal selected by the selection means, and a printing means for printing an image based on the image signal on a sheet.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing apparatus comprising:
An external imaging unit that is provided detachably from the main body and outputs an image signal captured; an external input unit that is provided in parallel with the external imaging unit and includes at least a capture instruction unit for instructing image capture; Main body imaging means for outputting a captured image signal; main body input means including at least an acquisition instruction means for instructing image acquisition provided in the main body; and selecting an image signal from one of the external imaging means and the main body imaging means. Selecting means, image storing means for storing the image signal selected by the selecting means, and external input means or main body input irrespective of which of the image signals from the external imaging means and the main body imaging means is selected by the selecting means. Control means for controlling storage of an image signal in the image storage means in response to operation of one of the capture instruction means of the means, and use of an image based on the image signal. Characterized in that it comprises a printing unit for printing on.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing apparatus comprising:
In the invention according to claim 2, the control means controls the timing at which the image signal is stored in the image storage means by the operation of the capture instruction means of the main body input means, and the image storage means by operation of the capture instruction means of the external input means. It is characterized in that the timing for storing the signal is made different.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing apparatus comprising:
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the image signal is stored in the image storage means by the operation of the input instruction means of the main body input means from the timing of storing the image signal in the image storage means by the operation of the input instruction means of the external input means. The feature is that the timing is later.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image printing apparatus comprising:
An external imaging unit that is provided separately from the main body and outputs a captured image signal; an external input unit that is provided alongside the external imaging unit for instructing image capture; and that is provided in the main body and outputs a captured image signal. Main body imaging means, a main body input means provided in the main body for instructing image capture, an image storage means for storing an image signal from any of the external imaging means and the main body imaging means, and an image based on the image signal. It is characterized by comprising printing means for printing on paper, and control means for controlling storage of image signals in the image storage means in response to operation of either the external input means or the main body input means.

An image printing apparatus according to the present invention according to claim 6 is
In the invention according to claim 5, the control means determines that the timing at which the image signal is stored in the image storage means by the operation of the main body input means is different from the timing at which the image signal is stored in the image storage means by the operation of the external input means. It is characterized by

An image printing apparatus according to the present invention according to claim 7 is:
The invention according to claim 6, wherein the timing of storing the image signal in the image storage means by the operation of the main body input means is later than the timing of storing the image signal in the image storage means by the operation of the external input means. I do.

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, even when the external image pickup means (external camera) is connected, the selection means can select an image signal from any of the image pickup means by the input from the input means. .

According to the second aspect of the present invention, even if an image signal from any one of the image pickup means is selected by the selection means, if any of the input instruction means of the external input means or the main body input means is operated. Since the control means controls the storage of the image signal in the image storage means, the operability in image capture is improved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, similarly, when either the external input means or the main body input means is operated,
Since the control means controls the storage of the image signal in the image storage means, the operability in image capture is improved.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a photo sticker printing apparatus as an image printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a main body of the apparatus, and reference numeral 20 denotes an external camera body which is connected to the main body of the apparatus by a cable 19 and can be separated from the main body. Reference numeral 2 denotes a CPU serving as control means for controlling the overall control of the apparatus main body. Reference numeral 3 denotes a main body camera as main body imaging means using a color-compatible CCD, and a main body camera 3 outputs a picked-up image signal. A is input to the decoder 5 through the input selector 4 as means.
/ D converted and output as (image data). 6
Is a mirror processing circuit which is controlled by the CPU 2 and inverts the left and right of the image data (image signal) output from the decoder 5 as required to obtain a mirror image display.

Reference numeral 7 denotes an illustration memory which stores a plurality of decorative image data of a decorative image serving as a decoration of an image to be printed on a storage medium such as a smart media detachably mounted on the apparatus main body 1. A plurality of blocks having a capacity for storing image data for (frames) are provided, and a plurality of decorative images used for synthesizing with an image captured by the main camera 3 or an external camera described later, for example, around the captured image A plurality of frame-like images (illustration frame images) in which images exist in portions corresponding to regions are stored. Since the illustration memory 7 is configured to be detachable from the main body, it is possible to easily update or change the decoration image data. For example, if a plurality of illustration memories (smart media) that collect decoration images for different seasons and situations are prepared, various decoration images can be easily provided according to the situation.

Reference numeral 8 denotes an overlay memory for storing decorative image data selected and output from the illustration memory 7 under control of the CPU 2 (for example, decorative image data is output by selecting a block). The decoration image data is read from the overlay memory 8 and the read decoration image data is imaged and the mirror processing circuit 6 is picked up.
Is an overlay circuit that combines and outputs the image data supplied from the controller. In this embodiment, the overlay circuit 9 basically has a configuration in which the image data from the overlay memory 8 is prioritized, and selects the image data supplied from the mirror processing circuit 6 only for the image data portion indicating transmission. .

Reference numeral 10 denotes a capture memory as image storage means for storing image data of an image picked up by the main body camera 3 or an external camera which will be described later, and 11 reads out image data from the capture memory 10 under the control of the CPU 2. In this embodiment, a captured memory controller that performs writing is stored in the capture memory 10 in a state where the captured image and the decorative image read from the overlay memory 8 are combined. Or a configuration in which only image data of an image captured by an external camera, which will be described later, is recorded, and at the output stage, an image in which the decorative image is synthesized by an image synthesizing unit such as an overlay circuit is displayed or output for printing. But it is good.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a printer which is controlled by the CPU 2 and prints an image based on the image data stored in the capture memory 10. As the printer 12, a thermal printer or a printer of a type that ejects ink is used, and performs color printing on a recording sheet or a dedicated sticker sheet. In this embodiment, printing is performed on a dedicated sticker sheet.

An output selector 13 receives image data from the overlay circuit 9 and the capture memory controller 11 and selects and outputs one of them under the control of the CPU 2. An encoder for converting an analog signal to an analog image signal;
4 is a main body display for performing display based on the image signal from the display unit 4.

Reference numeral 16 includes a switch as a capture instructing unit for instructing capture of an image to be printed, and includes a switch C for executing printing.
A main body switch circuit as main body input means provided in the main body 1 for giving various instructions to the PU.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a program memory in which a program for controlling the entire apparatus by the CPU 2 and various setting data are stored. Reference numeral 18 denotes rotation of image data obtained by removing a predetermined area from the image data stored in the capture memory 10. And an image processing memory as a work area for reducing image data to be supplied to the printer 12.

As the external camera body 20, a color CCD similar to that of the main body camera 3 is used, and an external camera 21 as an external imaging means for outputting a captured image signal and supplying it to the input selector 4. An external display 22 for displaying based on an image signal from the encoder 14,
Similar to the main body switch circuit 16, an external switch circuit 23 is provided as an external input means for providing various instructions to the CPU 2 such as print execution, including a switch as a capture instruction means for instructing capture of an image to be printed. . These are connected to the apparatus main body 1 by a cable 19 having a length suitable for taking an image of a subject by holding the external camera body 20.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the switch configuration of the main body switch circuit 16 or the external switch circuit 23. As switches, “movement instruction buttons” C and D for selecting items in operation guide display and item setting on an OSD (on-screen display) (not shown), items to fix (instruction to capture) an image to be printed, and items to be selected Button B for deciding the item, the image taken with the "Confirm" button B is canceled and the image is displayed in the moving image display state before the "Confirm" button B is pressed, or the item is decided by pressing the "Confirm" button B A "cancel" button A for canceling the selection is provided.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the entire apparatus. On the front surface of the main body 1, a main body camera 3, a main body display 15 below the main body camera 3, and a switch of a main body switch circuit 16 are arranged. The external camera body 2 is connected to the main body 1 by a cable 19, the external display 22 and the switch of the external switch circuit 23 are arranged on one surface, and the external camera 21 (dotted line portion) is arranged on the opposite surface. I have.

Prior to the use of this apparatus, a system setting for which one of the cameras is to be used for actual imaging is performed in a state where two cameras are connected. That is, as the camera to be used for actual imaging, one of (1) always selects the main body camera 3, (2) always selects the external camera 21, and (3) permits selection by the user. This setting may be performed, for example, by operating the main body switch circuit 16 or the external switch circuit 23 in the maintenance mode and inputting the value of a memory switch provided in the program memory 17 or by using a mechanical switch such as a dip switch. It may be performed by a simple switch. Here, when (1) or (2) is set, the CPU 2 sets the input selector 4
Is controlled so that the image signal from the camera set in the above is always selected and output to the decoder 5.

In the case where (3) permission for selection by the user is set, the user selects which camera performs imaging each time the user uses the camera. The CPU 2 includes an O (not shown)
A display indicating that the camera to be used is selected by the SD circuit is displayed on the main body display 15 and the external display 22, and an input of the selection of the camera to be used for imaging is awaited. The user can use the main body switch circuit 16 or the external switch circuit 2
Operate 2 to select one of the cameras. CPU2
Receives an input by operating the main body switch circuit 16 and the external switch circuit 22 irrespective of the setting state of the camera used for imaging, and performs control based on an instruction input from any of the switch circuits.

When the user's selection is the camera body 3 or when the system setting is (1), the CPU 2
Controls the image signal selected and output by the input selector 4 to be supplied from the main camera 3, and further displays the image signal from the main camera 3 on the main display 15 and the external display 22 in a moving image state. Is
The mirror processing circuit 6 is controlled to output the image data in the left and right reversed order so as to display a mirror image so that the imaging position of the main body camera 3 can be easily adjusted. Except at this time, the mirror processing in the mirror processing circuit 6 is not performed, and the input image data is output as it is. When the selection by the user is the external camera 21 or when the system setting is (2), the CPU 2 controls the input selector 4 to select and output the image signal to be supplied from the external camera 21, and As described above, the mirror processing circuit 6 passes and outputs the image data.

As described above, in the state where the selection of the camera to be picked up is performed, the main camera 3 and the external camera 21 are selected.
The CPU 2 controls so that the image signal from the camera which is selectively grounded among the image signals supplied to the input selector 4 is selectively output by the decoder 5, decoded by the decoder 5 and appropriately subjected to mirror processing by the mirror processing circuit 6. Thereafter, the image data is supplied to the overlay circuit 9.

At this time, the decoration images stored in advance from the illustration memory 7 by the user are sequentially selected one by one and transferred to the overlay memory 8, and the decoration images are displayed on the displays 15 and 22, thereby being printed. If the desired decoration image to be combined with the image to be combined has been selected, only the decoration image data of the selected desired decoration image is transferred and stored in the overlay memory 8.

If data is selected for the decoration image, the overlay circuit 9 reads the decoration image data from the overlay memory 8 and combines it with the image data supplied from the decoder 5 and the mirror processing circuit 6 to output. Output selector 1
In step 3, the image data from the overlay circuit 9 is selected and output to the encoder 14. In the encoder 14, the CPU
2, the display data for the OSD is appropriately synthesized based on the operation status and output as an image signal suitable for the main body display 15 and the external display 22,
On these displays 15 and 22, an image which is taken by the selected camera (3 or 21) and combined with the decorative image is displayed. At this time, new images are sequentially captured from the camera (3 or 21), and moving images are displayed on the displays 15 and 22 for the images captured by the cameras.

Next, when the "OK" button B of the main body switch circuit 16 or the external switch circuit 23 is depressed while an appropriate image is being picked up, the CPU 2 receives the image as an image capture instruction and receives the image.
Then, the image data from the overlay circuit 9 is stored in the capture memory 10. At this time, if the pressed “enter” button B is for the main body switch circuit 16,
Reference numeral 2 denotes a timing at which image data is stored in the capture memory 10, that is, a timing at which an image signal is captured is slightly delayed from the pressing of the "OK" button B, and is stored, for example, at a timing three seconds later (timings 1, 2, and 3). .
When storing image data in the capture memory 10, the CPU 2 outputs image data that has not been subjected to mirror processing by the mirror processing circuit 6 in accordance with the storage timing.

When the pressed "OK" button B belongs to the external switch circuit 23, the CPU 2 stores the image data of the immediately succeeding one screen (frame) in the capture memory 10 at that timing when detecting the pressing. Let it.

As described above, the CPU 2 changes the timing of image capture depending on whether the pressed "OK" button B is for the main body switch circuit 16 or the external switch circuit 23. In the case of the external switch circuit 23, it is possible to give time allowance for the user to take a pause after pressing the "Enter" button B. When the user selects the main camera 3 or the system setting is (1) and the external camera 21 does not seem to be capturing an image, the external camera body is selected. 20 can be used as a remote control.

When the image data is stored in the capture memory 10, the image data stored in the capture memory 10 is read by the capture memory controller 11 under the control of the CPU 2, and is output to the output selector 13. . Although the image data from the overlay circuit 9 is also supplied to the output selector 13, in a state where the image is captured, that is, when the image to be printed is determined, the CP
Under the control of U2, the capture memory controller 11
Is selectively output. And
The image signal analog-converted by the encoder 14 is supplied to the main body display 15 and the external display 22 and stored in the capture memory 10, that is, the image captured for printing is displayed as a still image.

If the "cancel" button A is pressed, images from the selected camera (3 or 21) are sequentially displayed to display a moving image, but when an operation to instruct printing is performed. The CPU 2 causes the printer 12 to print an image based on image data stored in the capture memory 10 and read out and output by the capture memory controller 11.

That is, when a print instruction is operated, the CPU
2 first reads out the image data stored from the capture memory 10, transfers the image data to the image processing memory 18 as necessary, performs a reduction process, and transfers the image data to the printer 12 to execute image printing. . Then, when the printing in the printer 9 is completed, the display returns to a state in which an image displayed as a moving image from the camera 2 and a composite image of the decoration image selected in the overlay memory 5 are displayed.

The reduction process is performed according to the size of the divided seal paper, for example, when the seal paper used for printing is divided.

When such divided seal paper is used, the same reduced image may be printed on all the divided seal paper portions, or different images may be taken for each seal paper portion. The reduced image may be printed on one piece of sticker paper. When a different reduced image is printed for each sticker sheet portion, a camera to be used for imaging may be selected each time an image is taken, or a camera to be used for imaging may be selected first. Alternatively, the images of all the seal paper portions may be captured by the selected camera.

[0043]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, even if an external camera other than the main body camera is provided by the system setting or the user's selection input from the switch circuit, the external camera is connected. An external camera is not given priority, and a camera to be used for imaging can be selected in accordance with a use situation.

Even if the external camera is not selected, the external camera body can be used as a remote controller by receiving an input from an external switch circuit provided on the external camera body. Operability is improved.

Further, the timing of image capture is changed depending on whether the button for instructing image capture is of the main body switch circuit or the external switch circuit. By delaying the timing until the data is captured from when the external switch circuit is operated, it is possible to give the user time to pause after the image capture instruction operation, An easy-to-use image printing apparatus can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a photo sticker printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the photo sticker printing apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a switch of the switch circuit in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body 2 CPU (control means) 3 Main body camera (main body imaging means) 4 Input selector (selection means) 10 Capture memory (image storage means) 11 Capture memory controller 12 Printer (printing means) 13 Output selector 15 Main body display 16 Main body switch Circuit (main body input means) 19 Cable 20 External camera body 21 External camera (external imaging means) 22 External display 23 External switch circuit (external input means) B "Enter" button (capture instruction means)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/225 H04N 5/225 F 5C052 5/76 5/76 E 5C053 (72) Inventor Toru Uemura Osaka 2-5-5, Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi F-term (reference) in Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An external image pickup means provided detachably from a main body to output a picked-up image signal, a main body image pickup means provided in the main body to output a picked-up image signal, an image signal from the external image pickup means and a main body An input unit for selecting an image signal from the imaging unit; a selection unit for selecting an image signal from one of the external imaging unit and the main body imaging unit according to an input from the input unit; An image printing apparatus comprising: an image storage unit that stores an image signal; and a printing unit that prints an image based on the image signal on a sheet. 2. An external image pickup means provided detachably from the main body and outputting a picked-up image signal, and an external input means provided in parallel with the external image pickup means and including at least an instructing means for instructing image taking. A main body imaging unit provided on the main body and outputting a captured image signal; a main body input unit including at least a capture instruction unit for an image capture instruction provided on the main body; and an external imaging unit or a main body imaging unit. Selecting means for selecting an image signal; image storing means for storing the image signal selected by the selecting means; and externally irrespective of which of the image signals from the external imaging means and the main body imaging means is selected by the selecting means. Control means for controlling the storage of the image signal in the image storage means in response to the operation of the input instruction means of either the input means or the main body input means; An image printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints an image on a sheet. 3. The control means controls the timing at which the image signal is stored in the image storage means by the operation of the capture instruction means of the main body input means, and stores the image signal in the image storage means by the operation of the capture instruction means of the external input means. 3. The image printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the timing is different. 4. The timing of storing an image signal in the image storage means by operating the capture instruction means of the main body input means is later than the timing of storing the image signal in the image storage means by operation of the capture instruction means of the external input means. The image printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: 5. An external image pickup means provided to be separated from the main body and outputting a picked-up image signal; an external input means provided in parallel with the external image pickup means for instructing image capture;
A main body imaging unit provided on the main body for outputting a captured image signal; a main body input unit provided on the main body for instructing image capture; and an image storage for storing an image signal from one of the external imaging unit and the main body imaging unit. Means, printing means for printing an image based on the image signal on a sheet, and control means for controlling storage of the image signal in the image storage means in response to operation of either the external input means or the main body input means. An image printing apparatus, comprising: 6. The control means makes the timing of storing an image signal in the image storage means operated by the main body input means different from the timing of storing the image signal in the image storage means operated by the external input means. The image printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein 7. The timing of storing an image signal in the image storage means by operating the main body input means is later than the timing of storing the image signal in the image storage means by operating the external input means. An image printing apparatus as described in the above.