JP2000216989A - Digital camera, image compositing device, and control method the camera and the device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid cases, where the photograph of a person of photograph object is given to the wrong person by compositing the object identification information with the image data which are associated with each other by means of the identification codes that specify plural objects respectively. SOLUTION: A template file store FD 7, storing the data on plural template images which are produced by a personal computer, is mounted on an image composing device 9, and a template file is stored in a memory 56 via an input circuit 54. A memory card 5 having an image store file is also mounted on the device 9, and the image store file is stored in the memory 56 via a memory card read circuit 51. Furthermore, an attendant file store FD 6 storing an attendant file is mounted on the device 9, and the attendants file is stored in the memory 56 via an attendants file reading circuit 53. Then a CPU 55 read out the attendant relative information and shows them in a display area of a template image area that is previously selected based on the image data. The attendant relative information is composited with the images of attendants and then printed out by one of printers 61-64.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image synthesizing apparatus, an image synthesizing method, a digital camera, an operation control method thereof, a printer control apparatus, and an operation method thereof.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION When photographing a large number of attendees at weddings, receptions, and the like, and distributing photos obtained by the shooting to the attendees, look at the pictures and confirm the person in the photos. I have. A photograph will be given to the confirmed attendee at a later date.

[0003] In this case, the photograph cannot be given to the attendees unless the person in the photograph is known.

When photographing a large number of subjects,
Some subjects may forget to shoot.

[0005]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to make it possible to confirm a person to whom a printed matter obtained by photographing a subject should be delivered.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to photograph all subjects without forgetting them.

An image synthesizing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention provides an image synthesizing apparatus which obtains image data representing each of a plurality of frames of subject images obtained by photographing from an image file in which the image data is stored in association with identification codes for specifying a plurality of subjects. Reading means for reading image data and identification code,
Second reading means for reading the subject identification information from a subject identification file in which the subject identification information including the identification code is stored for a plurality of subjects;
Means for combining and outputting the image data and the subject identification information which are associated with each other by the identification code among the image data obtained by the reading means and the subject identification information obtained from the second reading means. Things.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image synthesizing method, wherein image data representing each of a plurality of subject images obtained by shooting is stored in an image file in which the image data is stored in association with an identification code for specifying each of a plurality of subjects. , Image data and an identification code, and inputs the subject identification information from a subject identification file in which the subject identification information including the identification code is stored for a plurality of subjects. The image data and the subject identification information that are associated with each other by the identification code are combined and output.

An image file storing image data and an identification code in association with each other is generally obtained from a digital camera. Such a digital camera will be described later. The first reading means is realized by a reading device of an image recording medium (for example, a memory card) of a digital camera.

The subject identification file storing the subject identification information includes a hard disk of a personal computer,
It is made on a storage medium such as a floppy disk. The image synthesizing device itself may be a personal computer. Therefore, the second reading means is an HD drive, F
This is realized by a D drive or the like.

In one embodiment, the output means outputs a signal representing image data and a signal representing subject identification information. When these output signals are given to the printer, a print of the subject image representing the subject identification information is obtained.

In another embodiment, the output means synthesizes and outputs image data representing a subject and image data representing subject identification information. When the composite image data is given to the printer, a composite image print representing the subject identification information is obtained.

[0013] In still another embodiment, the output means includes:
The object image represented by the image data and the object identification information are synthesized and output on the template image. Using the composite image data, the printer prints a composite image of the subject in which the subject identification information is represented.

Preferably, the output means includes a printer for printing the synthesized image.

In a preferred embodiment, the image compositing device comprises:
Input means (including an FD drive, an HD drive, and the like) for taking in template image data representing a template image in which a plurality of synthesis areas are defined is further provided. The output means combines the image data and the data representing the subject identification information with the template image data received from the input means so that the subject image and the subject identification information are located in the combining area. When the combined image data is provided to the printer, a photograph (print) including the subject identification information and the subject image combined on the template image is obtained.

[0016] Since the printed matter is provided with the subject identification information of the partner to whom the printed matter is to be delivered, the partner to whom the printed matter is to be delivered can be known only by looking at the identification information. Even if the person (subject) of the printed image is not known, the person to whom the printed matter should be delivered can be known.

The subject identification information is, for example, the name or distribution destination of the person if the subject photographed as the subject image is a person.

The subject identification information may include, for example, the date and time when the subject was photographed, the photographing location, a message, and the like. Further, the subject identification information may include various messages depending on the person to whom the printed matter is to be delivered.

The digital camera according to the second invention is
Photographing means for photographing an image of a subject, means for receiving an identification code (including means for inputting an identification code), and associating digital image data representing the subject image obtained by the photographing means with the identification code received by the receiving means And a first storage means for storing the information. As a result, an image file used in the image synthesizing apparatus is generated.

In a preferred embodiment, the digital camera further comprises means for displaying the identification code received by the receiving means. If the identification code is carried by a medium that propagates in the air (for example, infrared), it is preferable that the receiving means or the transmitting means of the medium have high directivity.

In another embodiment, the digital camera includes a second storage means for storing in advance a plurality of subject identification information each including an identification code, the identification code received by the reception means and the second storage means. The first storage means for comparing the identification code stored in the first storage means and storing the object identification information including the identification code coincident with the received identification code in association with the digital image data obtained from the imaging means. Have.

The image data stored in the first storage means can be combined with the subject identification information.

In still another embodiment, the digital camera is further provided with display means for displaying a part of the subject identification information including the identification code corresponding to the received identification code.

In a preferred embodiment, the digital camera further comprises means for synthesizing digital image data and data representing subject identification information which are stored in association with each other in the first storage means.

More preferably, the digital camera is provided with a means for printing the combined image combined by the image combining means. The digital camera provides a print of the composite image including the subject identification information.

The digital camera according to the third invention is
An expected number of shots file input means for inputting an expected number of shots file in which the number of expected shots is predetermined for each category, a first notification control means for notifying the expected number of shots for each category, obtained by shooting for each category Control means for recording image data representing an image of a subject on a recording medium, decrement means for decrementing the expected number of images of a corresponding category according to recording on the recording medium by the recording control means, and decrement means A second notification control means for notifying the expected number of images to be shot after decrementing by category for each category.

The third invention also provides a method for controlling the camera. That is, in this method, an expected number of shots file in which the number of expected shots is predetermined for each category is input, the number of expected shots is reported for each category, the subject is shot according to the category, and the subject image is displayed. The image data is recorded on a recording medium, and the planned number of shots in the corresponding category is decremented in accordance with the recording of the image data on the recording medium, and the decremented number of shots is reported for each category.

According to the third aspect, the number of images to be shot is displayed for each category. The photographer performs the shooting for the displayed planned number of shots for each category. When the photographing for the planned number of images is completed, it is considered that the photographing has been completed without any of the subjects forgotten to be photographed. You can prevent forgetting to shoot.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus, comprising: input means for inputting image data obtained by photographing a subject for each category and data representing the number of shots or the number of shots to be shot; The number of prints of the subject image represented by the image data is set by the number of prints set for each subject, the number of prints set by the number of prints set by the category is calculated by the category, and the number of prints is calculated by the calculator. Warning means for warning when the number of prints for each category is larger than the above-mentioned number-of-sheets data; Means for outputting data representing the number of prints and corresponding image data And said that you are.

The fourth invention also provides an operation method of the control device. That is, in this method, image data obtained by photographing a subject for each category and number data indicating the number of shots or the expected number of shots are input, and the subject image represented by the image data obtained by shooting is input. The number of prints is set for each subject, the set number of prints is calculated for each category, and a warning is issued when the calculated number of prints for each category is greater than the above data, and the number of prints for each category calculated When the value is equal to or less than the above-mentioned number data, data representing the set number of prints and corresponding image data are output.

When printing a subject image, the number of prints is set for each subject image. The set number of prints is calculated for each category.

If the calculated number of prints for each category is larger than the planned number of shots or the number of shots, the number of prints is larger than the number of prints distributed. A warning is issued because the printed material to be printed becomes redundant. When the calculated number of prints for each category is equal to or less than the above number, data representing the set number of prints and corresponding image data for printing the set number of prints are output. By outputting the output data to a printer, for example, the set number of subject images are printed.

[0033]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (1) First Embodiment The digital camera and the image synthesizing apparatus according to the first embodiment are used to transfer a photograph obtained by photographing and printing a subject to a person of the subject. ， Be sure to give the wrong partner. In the first embodiment, the attendees of the reception are photographed, and a photograph of the attendees is given to each attendee.

The photograph shows the image of the attendee obtained by the photographing and the name of the attendee. Looking at the name of the attendee shown in the photograph, give the photograph to the attendee (see FIGS. 9 and 10). Even if the name and face of the attendee do not match, the photograph can be given to the person in the photograph.

FIG. 1 shows a part of the reception hall.

In the reception hall, a number of tables 2 are arranged. Attendees 4 of the reception are sitting around the table 2. At the reception, the table 2 where the attendees sit and the seats on the table 2 are determined in advance.

A seat code (a code unique to the attendee) is assigned in advance to the seat where the attendee should sit. In table 2 of table number 1, seat code "001"
”To“ 005 ”, and seat codes“ 006 ”to“ 010 ”are allocated to table 2 of table number 2. Table 2 of table number 1 has five seats. The seat with the seat code "001" is the seat of "Taro Yamada", and therefore Taro Yamada has the code "001".
have. The seat with the seat code "002" is the seat of "Saburo Tanaka" (the code of "Saburo Tanaka" is "002"). The seat with the seat code “003” is the seat of “Ichiro Suzuki” (the code of “Ichiro Suzuki” is “003”). The other seats of table No. 1 and all seats of table No. 2 also have predetermined attendees to be seated there.

An Ir light-emitting device 3 is placed on the table 2 in front of each person in the row. The Ir light emitting device 3 outputs infrared light representing a seat code at all times or at short time intervals.

The digital camera 1 used at the reception receives the infrared light output from the Ir light emitting device 3 and detects the seat code represented by the infrared light. The digital camera 1 associates the detected seat code with the image data representing the photographed image of the attendee and records it in the memory card.

FIG. 2 shows how a composite image as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 is generated based on an image captured by the digital camera 1. FIG. 3 shows the format of the image storage file, and FIG. 4 shows the format of the attendee file. FIG. 5 shows an example of the template image.

In FIG. 3, the image storage file includes a header recording area and a data recording area. The header recording area stores management data of the image storage file. The data recording area includes a seat code recording area and an image data recording area. The seat code recording area stores the seat codes of the attendees at the reception. The digital camera 1 is located in the image data recording area.
Is stored in a form linked to the seat code in the seat code recording area. Using the seat code, it is possible to specify image data representing the image of the attendee sitting in the seat to which the seat code is assigned. Such an image storage file is generated in the memory card 5 by the digital camera 1.

In FIG. 4, the attendee file (subject identification file) stores attendee-related information for each attendee. The attendee-related information contained in the attendee file includes the seat code, the attendee's name, the name of the reception hall,
Includes bride and groom names, dates, and messages. Such an attendee file is provided in the attendee file storage FD6.

In FIG. 5, the template image includes an area A1 representing a name included in the attendee-related information, an area A2 representing (compositing) a message included in the attendee-related information, and attendees obtained by photographing. An area A3 representing (combining) an image to be represented, an area A5 representing (synthesizing) a date included in the attendee-related information, an area A5 representing (synthesizing) a reception hall name included in the attendee-related information, and a bride and groom name Are defined (combined). The template file contains image data representing a plurality of types of template images, and this template file is provided in the template file storage FD7.

As shown in FIG. 2, a memory card 5 storing an image storage file, an attendee file storage FD6 having an attendee file, and a template file storage FD7 having a template file are an image synthesizing apparatus. 9, the attendee-related information corresponding to the areas A1, A2, A4 to A6 of the template image is synthesized, and the image of the attendee having the name included in the attendee-related information in the area A3, as described later. Is generated, the synthesized data representing the synthesized image obtained by synthesizing is generated. The generated composite image data is provided to the printer, and a photograph of the composite image representing the names of the attendees is obtained. The attendee file and the template file may be provided in one common FD.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the digital camera 1.

The entire operation of the digital camera 1 is controlled by the main CPU 30.

The digital camera 1 has an Ir light receiving element.
31 are included. The Ir light receiving element 31 receives the infrared ray output from the Ir light emitting device 3 described above, and code data represented by the infrared ray is input to the main CPU 30, whereby the seat code is recognized by the main CPU 30. The code data is stored in a seat code recording area in the memory card 5.

The digital camera 1 includes a battery 33, from which power is supplied to each circuit. An external power supply can be connected to the digital camera 1. A terminal 32 is provided for connecting an external power supply.

The digital camera 1 has a camera 1
Switch 41 for detecting that the cameraman's eyes have approached the viewfinder, lens cover switch 43 for detecting that the lens cover is covered, and camera 1 A power switch 44 that is pressed when the power is turned on, a grip switch 45 that is turned on when a photographer holds the grip of the camera 1, and a shutter release switch
46 are provided. A detection signal from these switches or a signal indicating depression or the like is input to the main CPU 30. The camera 1 also includes, as described later, a key for inputting that the user has taken a picture without the attendees and various other operation keys 47. A signal representing setting data by the operation key 47 and other input signals are Input to the main CPU 30.

The digital camera 1 includes a strobe device 21 as an auxiliary light source. This strobe device 21
The charging and light emission are controlled by the charge / emission control circuit 22.

Focusing lens 11 and aperture 12
Is controlled by the AE and AF CPU 23. The light amount of the subject image is limited by the aperture 12 and is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 13 by the focusing lens 11. C
A video signal representing a subject image is output from the CD 13 and input to the imaging circuit 14. In the imaging circuit 14, imaging processing such as white balance adjustment and gamma correction of the video signal is performed. The video signal output from the imaging circuit 14 is converted to digital image data in an analog / digital conversion circuit 15. The digital image data is input to the buffer memory 16 and is temporarily stored. A clock signal is supplied from the clock generator 24 to the CCD 13, the imaging circuit 14, and the analog / digital conversion circuit 15, and the CCD 13, the imaging circuit 14, and the analog / digital conversion circuit 15 operate based on the clock signal.

The image data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 16 is supplied to a YC processing circuit 25, where luminance data Y and color difference data C are generated. The generated luminance data Y and chrominance data C are supplied to a compression / expansion circuit 17, where data compression is performed. The luminance data Y and the chrominance data C which have been subjected to the data compression
Is given to the memory card 5 connected via
It is recorded in the image data recording area in association with the seat code.

The digital camera 1 has a liquid crystal display device
29 is also included. G, B, and R image data are generated from the luminance data Y and the color difference data C, and are provided to the liquid crystal display device 29 via the main CPU 30. The subject image obtained by the imaging is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 29.

Further, the digital camera 1 can also perform continuous shooting. A continuous shooting CPU 28 is included for continuous shooting. The continuous shooting CPU 28 controls continuous shooting. In continuous shooting, image data obtained by continuous shooting is
It is stored in the continuous shooting memory 27 one after another. When the continuous shooting is completed, the image data for the number of frames obtained by the continuous shooting is sequentially read from the continuous shooting memory 27, subjected to YC processing, data compression processing, and the like, and recorded on the memory card 5.

Further, the digital camera 1 includes a timer 26 for measuring time.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image synthesizing device 9. As shown in FIG. The image synthesizing device 9 can be realized by a personal computer (PC).

The overall operation of the image synthesizing device 9 is controlled by the CPU 55.

The image synthesizing device 9 includes a memory card reading circuit (memory card reader) 51 for reading data recorded on the memory card 5, an operation control circuit 52 for inputting operation commands, File storage FD6
File reader circuit (FD driver) 53 for reading the attendee file stored in the file and a template file input circuit (FD driver) for reading the template file stored in the template file storage file FD7 54 are included. One FD driver may be provided instead of the FD drivers 53 and 54 and shared by the FDs 6 and 7.

The image synthesizing device 9 has a memory 56 for temporarily storing data and an SCS for controlling the printers 61 to 64 connected to the image synthesizing device 9.
I (Small Computer System Interface) Controller
57 are included.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image synthesis by the image synthesis device 9. 9 and 10
Shows an example of a synthesized image generated by using the image synthesizing device 9.

As will be described later, the attendees of the reception are photographed using the digital camera 1. The seat code and the image data representing the image of the attendee assigned to the seat code are recorded on the memory card 5 in association with each other.

The attendee file is created in advance by a personal computer, and the attendee file is stored in the attendee file storage FD6.

Further, a template file storage FD7 storing image data representing a plurality of template images.
Are prepared in advance. The template file storage FD7 is also created by the personal computer.

First, the template file storage FD 7
Is attached to the image synthesizing device 9. The template file stored in the template file storage FD7 is input by the template file input circuit 54,
It is temporarily stored in the memory 56 (step 71). The memory card 5 is mounted on the memory card reading circuit 51. The image storage file stored in the memory card 5 is input by the memory card reading circuit 51. The image storage file is temporarily stored in the memory 56 (Step 72). In addition, the attendee file storage FD6
Is attached to the attendee file reading circuit 53 of the image synthesizing device 9. The attendee file reading circuit 53 reads the attendee file stored in the attendee file storage FD6 and temporarily stores it in the memory 56 (step 73).

The image storage file, the attendee file, and the template file temporarily stored in the memory 56 are input to the CPU 55. Using the seat code stored in the image storage file, the CPU 55 reads out the image data specified by the seat code and the attendee-related information stored in the attendee file.
Among the template images in the template file, the image of the attendee represented by the image data is synthesized in the image display area A3 of the predetermined or selected template image, and the other areas A1, A2, A
The image representing the attendee and the attendee-related information are combined with the template image so that the corresponding attendee-related information is displayed on 4, 4, and A6 (step 74).

The image data representing the synthesized image is given from the CPU 55 to the SCSI controller 57 and is input to the printer 61 (step 75). Printer 61 (or Printer 62
9 to 64), the print processing of the composite image is performed.
Alternatively, a composite image as shown in FIG. 10 is printed (step 76). The processing of steps 72 to 76 is repeated until the print processing is completed for all the attendees (step 77).

In the composite image printed as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the names of the attendees are displayed in addition to the image of the attendees, so that the attendees to whom this print should be handed can be immediately known. In addition, since a different message can be combined into a composite image for each attendee, a message unique to the attendee can be displayed on the print of the attendee.

A technique for synthesizing a target image at a predetermined position of a template image using a mask image is as follows.
For example, it is described in JP-A-9-269999. In addition, the combination of the character with the image can be realized by superimposing a bit map image (dot image) representing the character on the template image or by using a mask image.

An ID unique to the digital camera used for photographing may be recorded in the image storage file, and this ID may be printed on the composite image to be printed. By looking at the identification data printed on the composite image, it is possible to know which digital camera has taken the image. When all of the printed composite images are to be passed to a specific person (groom, bride, etc.), the partner to be passed can be known by referring to the ID.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing for photographing the attendees using the digital camera 1. FIG. 12 is an example of a display screen of a liquid crystal display device provided in the digital camera 1.

The memory card 5 is the digital camera 1
(Step 81). The cameraman points the digital camera 1 in front of the attendee to be photographed. Infrared light output from the Ir light emitting device 3 placed in front of the attendee to be photographed is transmitted to the Ir light receiving element 31 of the digital camera 1.
(At least one of the Ir light emitting device 3 and the Ir light receiving element 31 has a structure with high directivity, and only the infrared light of the Ir light emitting device 3 in front of the digital camera 1 receives the infrared light. (Step 82). If the digital camera 1 has a zoom function, an Ir light receiving element according to the zoom ratio
The light receiving range of 31 may be changed.

The seat code of the attendee represented by the infrared light received by the Ir light receiving element 31 of the digital camera 1 is displayed in the area A7 of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 29 of the digital camera 1 (see FIG. 12). ) (Step 83). The photographer confirms the attendees sitting on the seat specified by the seat code displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 29 (step 84), and photographs the attendees (step 85).

The image data obtained by the photographing is stored in the image data recording area of the image storage file of the memory card 5 (step 86). The seat code of the attendee represented by the received infrared light is stored in a state linked to image data corresponding to the seat code recording area of the image storage file of the memory card 5.

If the attendee is not present at the time of photographing, the attendee will be skipped and photographing will be continued. When the photograph is taken without the attendees, for example, data indicating that fact is input from the operation keys 47. In the image data recording area of the image storage file of the memory card 5, the seat code of the attendee whose shooting has been skipped will be recorded based on the infrared light receiving signal. By operating the operation key 47, the seat code is read from the image data recording area and displayed, so that the row seat of the read seat code is photographed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the seat code is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 29. However, instead of the seat code, the names of the attendees may be displayed.
In this case, data representing the names of the attendees is stored in the memory card 5 in advance corresponding to the seat code. When infrared rays are received and the seat code is known, data representing the seat code and the corresponding name is read from the memory card 5, and
indicate.

Image data obtained by photographing the attendees is stored in the memory card 5 in association with the seat code and the name data.

The attendee-related information other than the name data may be stored in the memory card 5 in advance. That is, the attendee file is stored in the memory card 5. Further, the template image may also be stored in the memory card 5 in advance. In such a case, it is sufficient to connect (attach) only the memory card 5 to the image synthesizing device 9. Images and text (messages,
All data necessary for synthesizing (name, date, etc.) is read from the memory card 5. If the digital camera 1 has an image synthesizing function and a printer, it is possible to perform image synthesis using image data (including template image data) and character data read from the memory card 5 and print a synthesized image. .

In the above embodiment, the Ir light emitting device 3 is placed in front of the attendee's seat to associate the image obtained by the photographing with the attendee-related information stored in the attendee file. A seat code represented by infrared light output from the light emitting device 3 is used. However, even without using the Ir light emitting device 3, it is possible to associate the image obtained by the photographing with the attendee related information.

For example, a seat code is stored in the memory card 5 in advance. In addition, a seat code tag is placed in front of the attendees. The seat code is read out from the memory card 5 for each photographing or in response to an input from the operation key 47 and displayed on the display device 29 of the digital camera 1.
The cameraman confirms that the seat code displayed on the display device 29 matches the seat code indicated on the bill, and photographs the attendee corresponding to the bill. Image data representing an image obtained by photographing is recorded on the memory card 5 in association with the seat code. If the photographer remembers the table's seat code, no bills are needed. Memory card 5
Are taken in accordance with the order in which the seat codes stored in are read out.

In recent years, a system for transmitting an image file from a user to a laboratory via a network and printing an image represented by the received image file in the laboratory has been constructed. Even in such a system, data for identifying an image (for example, the name of a user who is an orderer) may be stored in an image file to be transmitted to the laboratory, and the identification data may be printed on the image. By looking at the printed identification data, the laboratory can see the orderer at a glance, and can immediately confirm the orderer who came to get the printed matter.

(2) Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, one composite image is generated using a plurality of frames of images. In this embodiment, a composite image representing the entire reception is generated using one cut image in each of the scenes of the bride and groom entrance, the cake cut scene, and the color change scene. .

FIGS. 13 and 14 show the format of the image storage file. FIG. 15 shows an example of the template image, and FIG. 16 shows an example of the generated composite image.

In FIG. 13, by photographing the bride and groom using the digital camera 1, the memory card 5
The image data recording area of the image storage file stores image data representing images of the bride and groom of many frames. A plurality of images of the bride and groom are taken for each scene.
For example, in the entrance scene, three photos were taken and DSC0001.jpg
The image data representing the image to which the identification code DSC0003.jpg is assigned is stored in the image storage file. In the scene of the cake cut and the scene after the color change, three frames are respectively photographed, and the image data of these frames is identified by identification codes DSC0004.jpg to DSC0006.jpg and DSC0007.jpg.
And DSC0009.jpg are given and stored in the image storage file.

In the header area of the image storage file, information indicating the length and width of the image (information indicating whether the image was shot with the camera held vertically or horizontally). Or set based on a posture detection output of a posture detector (not shown)) is stored in association with the image recorded in the image data recording area.

While sequentially displaying the images of the respective frames on the display device 29 of the digital camera 1, one image to be used as the composite image is determined for each scene. The image data of the image not used for the composite image is deleted from the image storage file in response to the input delete command. FIG. 14 shows an image storage file from which image data not used for a composite image has been deleted. The image data DSC0001.jpg is used for the entrance scene, the image data DSC0005.jpg is used for the cake cut scene, and the image data DSC0008.jpg is used for the composite image in the scene after the color change. Remains without. Other image data is deleted from the image storage file.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a template image used for generating a composite image.

The template image includes a first combined area A7, a second combined area A8, and a third combined area A9.
Is stipulated. The images are synthesized with the first synthesis region A7, the second synthesis region A8, and the third synthesis region A9 in the order of images represented by the image data stored in the image synthesis file. In the first combining area A7, a representative image of the entrance scene is combined, in the second combining area A8, a representative image of a cake-cut scene is combined, and in the third combining area A9, the scene of the scene after the color change is combined. The representative images are combined.

FIG. 16 shows a synthesized image obtained by synthesizing a representative image of each scene in the synthesis area.

In each scene, an image to be combined for each frame has already been determined. A representative image of each scene is combined with each combination area of the template image according to the order stored in the image storage file. First synthesis area A
7 shows an image of DSC0001.jpg representing an entrance scene, and a second composite area A8 shows DSC0005.jpg representing a scene of a cake cut.
The jpg image is combined with the DSC0008.jpg image representing the scene after the color change in the third combining area A9.

As shown in the first embodiment, the name of the partner to be passed may be additionally combined with the combined image.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure for generating a composite image. The image synthesizing apparatus shown in FIG. 7 can be used.

The template file storage FD 7 is attached to the image synthesizing device 9 and the template file storage FD 7
The template file stored in D7 is read (step 90). Image data representing a template image including a plurality of composite image areas as shown in FIG. 15 is temporarily stored in the memory 56. The combining area number N indicating the order in which the images are combined with the combining area is reset (step 91).

As described above, the memory card 5 on which the data of the representative image is recorded for each scene is mounted on the image synthesizing device 9, and the image storage file stored on the memory card 5 is read (step S1). 92). The read image storage file is temporarily stored in the memory 56. In the image storage file temporarily stored in the memory 56, the representative image to be combined with the template image has already been selected, and the image data representing the unnecessary image has been deleted. However, when the image data of the image not synthesized with the template image is also stored in the memory card 5, the image data of the image storage file is transferred to the memory 56 as it is, and then the image data is read out from the memory 56 and the image is displayed on the monitor. The images to be sequentially displayed on the device (or to display the thumbnail images at once) and to be combined with the template image may be selected (step 9).
3).

The template image data temporarily stored in the memory 56 is read and input to the CPU 55. Thereafter, image data to be combined with the image area of the combination area number N is read from the memory 56 and input to the CPU 55 (step 94). The image corresponding to the combination area number N is combined with the Nth combination area of the template image (step 9).
Five). As described above, the header of the image storage file includes the vertical and horizontal information of the image. It goes without saying that the image is synthesized with the synthesis area by referring to the vertical and horizontal information so that the arrangement is easy to see (so that the images in all the synthesis areas are in the same direction as the shooting direction).

The combining area number N is incremented (step 96), and the processing of steps 94 to 96 is repeated until the combining area number N reaches the end value (step 97). When the composite area number N reaches the end value (3 in FIG. 15) (YES in step 97), the image data representing the composite image is sent to the CPU.
From 55, it is given to the printer 61 via the SCSI controller 57 (step 98). The printing process of the composite image is performed in the printer 61 (step 99).

A composite image representing the story or the whole of the reception is obtained.

(3) Third Embodiment FIG. 18 shows a third embodiment, and shows the configuration of an image printing system. This image printing system has a function of setting the number of images to be shot on a digital camera, setting the number of prints, and printing the set number of prints.

At a reception or the like, the number of people sitting at each table is predetermined. In the third embodiment, the expected number of images to be taken according to the number of people is determined in advance for each table, and the estimated number of images to be taken is displayed on a digital camera. The photographer determines that the photographing is not completed for all the attendees unless the planned number of photographings has been performed. The attendees can be prevented from forgetting to take a picture.

A monitor display device 132 and a printer 133 are connected to the printer controller 100. The printer controller 100 has a memory card slot.
113 is formed, and the memory card slot 113 is formed.
A memory card 131 can be attached to the device for connection. An image represented by the image data recorded on the memory card 131 can be displayed on the monitor display device 132 or printed using the printer 133.

The operation surface of the printer controller 100 (see FIG.
18) print setting button 101,
Setting change button 102, print image button 103, card setting button 104, numeric keypad 105, clear button
106, an up arrow button 107, a down arrow button 108, a left arrow button 109, a right arrow button 110, a decision button 111 and a print button 112 are provided.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer controller 100.

The entire operation of the printer controller 100 is controlled by the CPU 120.

The image data and other data recorded on the memory card 131 attached (connected) to the printer controller 100 are transferred to the card interface 11.
4 to the printer controller 100. As described above, input signals (setting signals) from various buttons provided on the operation surface are transmitted to the operation interface.
It is taken into the print controller 100 via 115.

The printer controller 100 includes an image data expansion circuit 116. The image data expansion circuit 116 stores compressed image data (for example,
The compressed image data read from the card 131 is expanded. The expanded image data is stored in the frame memory 117 under the control of the memory controller 118. The image data temporarily stored in the frame memory 117 is read from the frame memory 117 under the control of the memory controller 118, and applied to the monitor display device 132 via the 75 ohm driver 121. An image represented by the image data recorded on the memory card 5 is displayed on the display screen of the monitor display device 132.

The printer controller 100 has an OSD
(On Screen Device) circuit 119 is also included. OSD
The circuit 119 outputs data representing a character to be superimposed (or combined) on the image and displayed, and is supplied to the monitor display device 132 via the 75 ohm driver 121. An image containing a character is displayed on the monitor display device 13.
2 is displayed on the display screen.

The printer controller 100 includes a printer interface 123, and a printer 133 is connected through the printer interface 123.

Further, in the printer controller 100, a program storage memory 124 in which an execution program is stored, a work DRAM 125, a work SRAM 12
6 and a non-volatile memory 127 are included.

FIG. 20A is a front view of the digital camera, FIG. 20B is a plan view of the digital camera, and FIG.
(C) shows an example of a screen of a liquid crystal display device provided in the digital camera.

An imaging lens 143 is arranged at a substantially central portion on the front of the digital camera 140. A view finder 141 is formed at the upper left of the imaging lens 143 when viewed from the front. A strobe light emitting device 142 is provided at the upper right of the imaging lens 143 when viewed from the front.

In FIG. 20B, a digital camera
A shutter release switch 146 and a first dial 144 and a second dial 145 are provided on the right side of the plane of 140. The first dial 144 is a mode setting dial (for setting a shooting mode and the like).
The second dial 145 is a dial for incrementing or decrementing a table number or the like as described later.

A liquid crystal display device 147 is provided substantially at the center of the plane of the digital camera 140. On the left side of the liquid crystal display device 147, an up key 148 and a down key 149 are provided.

On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 147, the table number and the expected number of images are displayed.

Further, on the back of the digital camera 140, there are provided an image display device for displaying a photographed subject image and a display device for displaying the number of photographed images in the same table and the number of remaining images to be described later.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting the number of images to be shot in the printer controller 100. FIG. 22 shows an example of the display screen of the monitor display device 132. FIG. 23 shows a table of the expected number of shots recorded on the memory card.

Also in this embodiment, a case where the attendees are photographed at the reception will be described.

In the table of the number of expected shots, the number of shots of the attendees at the table indicated by the table number corresponding to the table number, and the number of remaining shots obtained by subtracting the actually shot number from the expected number of shots Are stored.

First, the scheduled number of images to be shot setting process is performed in the printer controller 100 (step 151).
In this scheduled photographing number setting process, the scheduled photographing number for each table is set. In the expected number-of-shooting-images setting process, the expected number-of-shooting-images setting screen shown in FIG.

While viewing the screen for setting the number of images to be shot, the number of images to be shot for each table is set as follows. The table number and the number of images to be shot
Is entered using. A table number is displayed in the area A11. In the area A12, the number of images to be shot is displayed.
In the area A13, a table number for which the scheduled number of images has been set is displayed. In the area A14, the set scheduled number of shots is displayed for each table number. When the up-arrow key 107 or the down-arrow key 110 is pressed, the display area A13 and A14 of the table number for which the number of shots has been set and the number of shots to be shot are scrolled.

First, a table number is set. The table number to be set is input using the numeric keypad 105. The entered table number is displayed in italics. A desired digit is set using the left arrow key 108 or the right arrow key 109. When the table number is entered, the enter button 111 is pressed.

Next, the number of images to be shot in the table having the set table number is input. The expected number of images is set to the same number as the number of seated persons sitting at the table specified by the table number. When the expected number of images is input, the enter button 111 is pressed.

When the expected number of images is set, the printer
The memory card 131 is mounted on the controller 100 (it may be mounted in advance), and data representing the set number of images to be shot is recorded on the memory card 5 (step 152).

The memory card 131 is taken out of the printer controller 100 and mounted on the digital camera 140. The expected number of shots for each table number recorded on the memory card 131 is read from the memory card 131. The set of table numbers and the number of images to be photographed are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 147 of the digital camera 140. The photographer can know the number of images to be photographed in each table by looking at the table number displayed on the liquid crystal display device 147 and the number of images to be photographed in the table of the table number. The attendees are photographed while looking at the expected number of images for each table displayed on the liquid crystal display device 147 (step 153). It is possible to prevent forgetting to photograph the attendees before they happen. Image data obtained by photographing is stored in the memory card 131 in association with the table number.

More specifically, the dial 144 provided on the digital camera 140 is turned by the cameraman, and the photographing mode is first set. Then dial
When the 145 is turned by the photographer, the memory card
Data indicating the number of images to be shot for each table number recorded in 131 is read out, and the liquid crystal display device 147 of the digital camera 140 displays the table number and the number of images to be shot in the table of the table number. The table number displayed on the display device 147 can be incremented or decremented by the dial 145, and the display of the set of the desired table number and the expected number of images can be switched. It goes without saying that the number of images taken for each table is also displayed on the display device provided on the back of the digital camera 1. The photographer presses the reset switch (not shown) for each table or dials
When the 145 is turned to shoot a different table, the number of shots is reset.

In the digital camera 140, the number of images to be shot can be changed. The table number of the planned number of images to be changed is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 147.
Press the up key 148 to increase the number of images to be shot. When the up key 148 is pressed, the planned number of shots increases. Liquid crystal display 147
Is displayed, and the planned number of images recorded on the memory card 131 is changed. Press the down key 149 to decrease the number of images to be shot. The reduced planned number of images is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 147, and the planned number of images recorded on the memory card 131 is changed.

When the number of seated persons sitting at the table increases, the expected number of shots will be increased, and when the number of seated persons sitting at the table decreases, the expected number of shots will be reduced.

In each table, each attendee is photographed individually, but a plurality of attendees may be photographed at a time. The planned number of shots decreases. When an attendee is shot, the number of shots is subtracted from the expected number of shots, and the remaining number of shots is calculated for each table number. Data representing the calculated remaining number of shots is recorded on the memory card 131 (see FIG. 23). The number of remaining shots is displayed on the display device on the back of the digital camera 140.

When the photographing of all the attendees is completed, the memory card 131 is taken out of the digital camera 140, and the process shifts to the printing process in the printer controller 100 again.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a print processing procedure of the printer controller 100. FIGS. 25 and 26 show an example of the display screen of the monitor display device 132. FIG.

The memory card 131 is inserted into the printer controller 100 (Step 154). The image data representing the image of the attendees recorded on the memory card 131 is read out, given to the image data expansion circuit 116, and the data is expanded. If the expanded image data is C
A reduced image of the image of the attendee is input to the PU 120 to generate a reduced image (although reduced image data generated in advance and recorded in the memory card 131 may be used). Image data representing the reduced image is output from the CPU 120,
Frame memory controller 118 and 75 ohm
It is provided to the monitor display device 132 via the driver 121. On the display screen of the monitor display device 132, a list of reduced images of the attendees is displayed in a list as shown in FIG. 25 (reduced images t1 to t9).

The data indicating the table number and the data indicating the expected number of shots (and the number of shots) recorded on the memory card 131 are also read out, and the monitor display 132
To enter. The table number of the attendee is displayed on the reduced image of the attendee displayed on the monitor display device 132.
The number of prints of the image of the attendee is also displayed on the reduced image. The number of prints is initially displayed as one. The user of the printer controller 100 uses the numeric keypad 105 to set the number of prints of attendee images (step 155). The number of prints would be set so that all of the attendees' images would be printed one by one when each attendee was photographed separately, and if multiple attendees were photographed at once, The number of prints will be set so as to print the number of prints for a plurality of persons.

A mark 161 indicating that the number of prints is being set is displayed on the reduced image for which the number of prints is to be set. The table number and the number of prints of the reduced image on which the mark 161 is displayed are displayed in italics. The image for which the number of prints is to be set is specified using the numeric keypad 105. To set the number of prints of the reduced image t1, "1" is input using the numeric keypad 105. When setting the number of prints for the other images t2 to t9, a numerical value corresponding to the reduced image (a numerical value corresponding to the table number) is input using the numeric keypad 105.

Pressing the right arrow key 109 moves the digit for setting the number of prints to the right, and pressing the left arrow key 108 shifts the digit for setting the number of prints to the left. After confirming the input number of prints, the enter button 111 is pressed by the user. When the up arrow key 107 is pressed, the reduced image scrolls up, and when the down arrow key 110 is pressed, the reduced image scrolls down.

The number of prints set for each table number (the sum of the number of prints set on the reduced image of the attendee sitting at the same table) is the number of prints already set for each table number ( Or number of shots)
Is checked (step 156).
). If there are many prints (YES in step 156), there may be excess prints. For this reason, a warning is displayed on the monitor display device 132 (step 157). If the number of prints is equal to or less than the expected number of images (or the number of images) (NO in step 156), the process of step 157 is skipped. A warning may also be displayed when the set number of prints is smaller than the expected number of shots (or the number of shots).

When the setting of the number of prints is completed, the image data representing the attendee image recorded on the memory card 5 is transmitted to the printer 133. Thus, the printing process of the image of the attendee starts (step 158). The data indicating the set number of prints is also transmitted to the printer 133, and the images of the attendees are printed for the number of prints (step 159).

The print status of the printer 133 is displayed on the monitor display device 132. FIG. 26 shows this print status screen.

The print status screen includes an area A31 indicating the total number of sheets to be printed and an area A32 indicating the number of sheets already printed. Further, an area A33 indicating a table number, an area A34 indicating the number of prints for each table, and an area A35 indicating the number of prints for each table are included. The number of prints and the number of completed prints are displayed for each table number.

By pressing the up arrow key 107 and the down arrow key 110, the display of the areas A33 to A35 is scrolled.

If the expected number of prints have not been completed (for example, if the print processing has been stopped halfway) despite the completion of the print processing by the printer 133 (step 160), data representing the print status is displayed. Is recorded on the memory card 131 (step 161). The memory card 131 is taken out of the printer controller 100 and photographed using the digital camera 140.
When the photographing is completed, the printing operation of the attendees will be continued again.

When all printing is completed (step 16)
0), the processing of step 161 is skipped.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the printing procedure (FIG. 24,
It is a flowchart showing the processing of step 159).

The compressed image data recorded on the memory card 131 is read (step 171). The read image data is expanded into luminance data Y and color difference data C in the data expansion circuit 116 as described above, and is temporarily stored in the frame memory 117 (step 172).

The luminance data Y and the color difference data C are
The data is converted into RGB image data in U120 and temporarily stored in the work DRAM 125 (step 173).
The RGB image data is read from the work DRAM 125 and is output to the printer via the printer interface 123.
133 (step 174).

A print command is given to the printer 133 (step 175), and the printer 133 executes a print process (step 176).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a part of an arrangement of tables and seats in a reception hall.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which data is provided to an image synthesizing apparatus from an image storage file, an attendee file, and a template file.

FIG. 3 shows a format of an image storage file.

FIG. 4 shows the contents of an attendee file.

FIG. 5 is an example of a format of a template image.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital camera.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image composition device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of image synthesis.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of printing a composite image.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of printing a composite image.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a photographing processing procedure.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a display screen of a liquid crystal display device of a digital camera.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the content of an image storage file.

FIG. 14 shows an example of the contents of an image storage file.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a template image format.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of printing a composite image.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of image synthesis.

FIG. 18 shows the overall configuration of an image printing system.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a printer controller.

FIG. 20A is a front view of a digital camera,
(B) is a plan view of the digital camera, and (C) shows an example of a display screen of a liquid crystal display device of the digital camera.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for setting the number of images to be shot.

FIG. 22 shows an example of a display screen of the monitor display device.

FIG. 23 shows an example of a table recorded on a memory card.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the entire print processing procedure of the printer controller.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example of a display screen of the monitor display device.

FIG. 26 shows an example of a display screen of the monitor display device.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of print processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,140 Digital camera 2 Table 3 Ir light emitting device 4 Seating person 5,131 Memory card 6 Seating person file storage FD 7 Template file storage FD 9 Image compositing device 13 CCD 29 Liquid crystal display device 30 Main CPU 31 Ir light receiving element 55, 120 CPU 100 Printer controller 124 Program storage memory

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/76 H04N 5/907 B 5/907 G06F 15/62 380

Claims (22)

[Claims] An image data and an identification code are read from an image file in which image data representing each of a plurality of frames of a subject image obtained by photographing is stored in association with an identification code for specifying each of the plurality of subjects. First reading means, second reading means for reading the subject identification information from a subject identification file in which the subject identification information including the identification code is stored for a plurality of subjects, and image data obtained by the first reading means Means for synthesizing and outputting image data and object identification information mutually associated by the identification code among the object identification information obtained from the second reading means. 2. The image synthesizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said output means outputs a signal representing image data and a signal representing subject identification information. 3. The image synthesizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said output means synthesizes and outputs image data representing a subject and image data representing subject identification information. 4. The image synthesizing device according to claim 1, wherein said output means synthesizes and outputs a subject image represented by image data and subject identification information on a template image. 5. The image synthesizing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said output means further includes a printer for printing the synthesized image. 6. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: input means for receiving template image data representing a template image in which a plurality of composite areas are defined. 2. The image synthesizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data and the data representing the subject identification information are combined such that the subject and the subject identification information are located at the same position. 7. The image synthesizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the subject identification information includes a name of the subject or a distribution destination of an output image. 8. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said first reading means comprises a digital
2. The image synthesizing device according to claim 1, wherein the image data and the identification code are read from a memory card that can be mounted on the camera. 9. A photographing means for photographing an image of a subject, means for receiving an identification code, and digital image data representing the subject image obtained by said photographing means, stored in association with the identification code received by said receiving means. 1. A digital camera comprising: a storage unit. 10. The digital camera according to claim 9, further comprising means for displaying the identification code received by said receiving means. 11. The digital camera according to claim 9, wherein said receiving means has high directivity. 12. A second storage means for storing in advance a plurality of subject identification information each including an identification code, the identification code received by the receiving means and the identification code stored in the second storage means. 10. The first storage means for comparing and storing subject identification information including an identification code coincident with a received identification code and digital image data obtained from the imaging means in association with each other.
A digital camera according to claim 1. 13. The digital camera according to claim 12, further comprising display means for displaying a part of subject identification information including an identification code matching the received identification code. 14. An image synthesizing means for synthesizing digital image data and data representing subject identification information stored in association with each other in said first storage means, and printing a synthetic image synthesized by said image synthesizing means. 13. The digital camera according to claim 12, further comprising means. 15. An expected-shooting-number-of-files input means for inputting an expected-shooting-number-of-shooting file in which the number of expected shootings is predetermined for each category; a first notification control means for notifying the expected number of shootings for each category; Recording control means for recording image data representing a subject image obtained by photographing on a recording medium, decrement means for decrementing the expected number of images to be photographed in a corresponding category according to recording on the recording medium by the recording control means, And a second notification control means for notifying, by category, the number of images to be shot after the decrement by the decrement means. 16. The digital camera according to claim 15, further comprising means for correcting the expected number of shots. 17. An input means for inputting image data obtained by photographing a subject for each category and number data representing the number of photographed images or the number of images to be photographed, and a subject image represented by the image data obtained by photographing Means for setting the number of prints for each subject, calculation means for calculating the number of prints set by the number of prints set for each category, and the number of prints for each category calculated by the calculation means A warning unit for warning when the number of prints is larger than the data, and data representing the number of prints set by the number-of-prints setting unit when the number of prints for each category calculated by the calculation unit is equal to or smaller than the number-of-prints data. A printer control device comprising: means for outputting image data. 18. The printer according to claim 17, wherein said output means is for outputting to a printer device, and further comprising means for notifying a printing status by said printer device for each category.
3. The printer control device according to claim 1. 19. Image data and identification codes are input from an image file in which image data representing each of a plurality of frames of subject images obtained by shooting is stored in association with identification codes for specifying a plurality of subjects, respectively. And inputting the subject identification information from a subject identification file in which the subject identification information including the identification code is stored for a plurality of subjects, and the input image data and the subject identification information are associated with each other by the identification code. An image combining method for combining and outputting image data and subject identification information. 20. An identification data set corresponding to a subject is inputted, a subject is photographed, image data representing a subject image is obtained, and the image data obtained by the photographing and the inputted identification data are mutually exchanged. An operation control method for a digital camera, which is recorded on the recording medium in association with the operation. 21. An image-taking number file in which the number of images to be shot is predetermined for each category is input, the number of images to be shot is reported for each category, an object is shot according to the category, and an image representing the image of the object. An operation of a digital camera that records data on a recording medium, decrements the estimated number of images to be shot in a corresponding category according to the recording of image data on the recording medium, and notifies the estimated number of images to be shot after decrement for each category. Control method. 22. Image data obtained by photographing a subject and data on the number of shots or the number of shots to be shot are input for each category, and the subject image represented by the image data obtained by shooting is printed. The number of prints is set for each subject, the set number of prints is calculated for each category, and a warning is issued when the calculated number of prints for each category is greater than the above-mentioned number data, and the calculated number of prints for each category is When the number is less than the above data,
An operation method of a printer control device for outputting data representing a set number of prints and corresponding image data.