JP2002152581A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a time required for sending an image data from a digital camera to a personal computer after an information code is acquired by the digital camera. SOLUTION: This digital camera has a function to record a photographed image in digital value, and it has also an image code photographing mode in which the photographed image data is converted into a binary image data. In such a structure, the binary image data is greatly made small in size, so that a time required for sending it from the digital camera to a personal computer can be shortened significantly.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera having a function of recording a photographed image as a digital value.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Most of two-dimensional code readers for reading, for example, two-dimensional codes as information codes are for industrial use and their prices are high. For this reason, it has been quite difficult in terms of price to popularize an industrial two-dimensional code reader for home use. In contrast, in recent years,
A two-dimensional code reader for disseminating it at home has been considered.
There is an apparatus described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H10-26095.

[0003] In the configuration of this publication, a digital camera (CCD video camera) is integrated into a personal computer, and a two-dimensional code is photographed by the incorporated digital camera. In the case of this configuration, the two-dimensional code image data captured by the digital camera is binarized on the personal computer side, and the two-dimensional code is read by decoding the binarized image data. ing. According to the above configuration, since only a digital camera is incorporated in a personal computer, the price of a personal computer incorporating this digital camera is almost the same as that of a normal personal computer. Therefore, when a household user buys (or replaces) a computer,
It is possible to purchase a personal computer incorporating the above digital camera.

[0004]

However, in the configuration of the above publication, since the digital camera is incorporated in the personal computer, it is necessary to carry the entire personal computer to a place where a two-dimensional code is to be read. It is. In addition, since the user has to purchase the whole personal computer newly, the economic burden is considerably large.

In order to solve such a problem, the present inventor considered a configuration in which a home digital camera is used for reading a two-dimensional code. Specifically, after shooting a two-dimensional code with a digital camera, connect the digital camera to a personal computer, send the image data of the captured two-dimensional code from the digital camera to the personal computer, and execute the dedicated application on the personal computer. A configuration was developed in which image data of the two-dimensional code was processed and decoded, and the two-dimensional code was read. According to this configuration, only the digital camera needs to be carried to a place where the user wants to read the two-dimensional code, so that the handling is simplified. In addition, since the user simply purchases an application for reading the two-dimensional code and installs it on a personal computer, the economic burden is small.

However, in the case of the above-described developed configuration, the data size of image data captured by a digital camera is considerably large (for example, about several megabytes). Was required. In addition, when a personal computer having a low data processing capacity inputs image data having a large data size, a very long time is required for data processing. Eliminating such problems has been an issue to be improved.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to reduce the time required for transmitting image data from a digital camera to a personal computer after photographing an information code with a digital camera. Another object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera that can reduce the time required for data processing on the side.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information code photographing mode in which photographed image data is converted into binary image data and recorded, so that image data photographed with an information code is provided. Can be converted into binary image data. In this case, the data size of the binarized image data is significantly reduced. Therefore, the time required to send the binary image data from the digital camera to the personal computer can be greatly reduced. Further, the time required for data processing of the sent binary image data on the personal computer side can be reduced.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the information code photographing mode, there are multi-gradation image data which is photographed image data as it is and image data obtained by binarizing the multi-gradation image data. Since the configuration is such that the binarized image data is recorded, both the multi-tone image data and the binarized image data can be used.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the binarizing means for binarizing the multi-tone image data includes a binarizing means for dividing the multi-tone image data into a brightest image portion and a darkest image portion. Since the intermediate brightness is used as the threshold for binarization, the image of the information data can be converted to the binarized image data almost satisfactorily.

In the invention according to claim 4, the binarizing means displays binarized image data generated by binarizing the multi-tone image data based on the determination threshold on a monitor screen. Display means, correction means for correcting the determination threshold value, and binarized image data generated by binarizing the multi-tone image data based on the corrected determination threshold value. Means for displaying on a monitor screen. According to this configuration, the state of the binarized image data can be easily visually confirmed on the monitor screen, so that clearer binarized image data can be obtained.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, means for displaying the multi-tone image data or the binary image data on a monitor screen, and instructing a trimming area in the image data displayed on the monitor screen. The image processing apparatus is configured to include an area designating unit and a trimming unit that deletes the designated trimming region from the image data displayed on the monitor screen to leave a target region. According to this configuration, since the binarized image data can be trimmed, for example, only the binarized image data corresponding to the information code can be extracted. Therefore, the data size can be further reduced.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light / dark designating means for designating whether to record the erased area as a bright area or as a dark area. In the case of photographing (reading), data processing becomes easy.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the selection display means for selecting and displaying the multi-tone image data, the binary image data, or the trimmed binary image data on the monitor screen. With the provision, the user can easily check the above three image data visually on the monitor screen.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided selection output means for selecting the multi-tone image data, the binarized image data or the trimmed binarized image data and outputting the same to the outside. The three image data can be easily used outside (for example, a personal computer).

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the rear surface side of the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, that is, the surface 3 on the finder 2 side. Digital camera 1 of the present embodiment
Is a camera having a function of recording a captured image as a digital value, and has almost the same function as a home (personal) digital camera currently manufactured and sold (that is, a so-called photographing function). And has a function of an information code photographing mode.

In the information code photographing mode, various functions can be executed in addition to the function of converting photographed image data (ie, multi-gradation image data) into binary image data and recording it. ing. The specific operation of each function will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, a liquid crystal display 4 is provided on a surface 3 of the digital camera 1 on the side of the finder 2, and a rectangular display screen 5 of the liquid crystal display 4 is displayed on a monitor screen 5 as shown in FIG. It has become. On the surface 3 of the digital camera 1, a finder 2 and four keys 6, 7, 8, and 9 are arranged above the monitor screen 5. Of these four keys 6 to 9, the leftmost key 6 is a reproduction key 6, and the rightmost key 9 is a setting key 9.
It is.

Further, on the surface 3 of the digital camera 1, a cursor key 10 and four keys 11, 12, 13, and 14 are arranged on the right side of the monitor screen 5. The cursor keys 10 move up, down,
These keys can be operated in four directions, left and right. The upper left key 12 of the four keys 11 to 14 is an OK key (confirmation key) 12.

A shutter button 15 is provided at the right end of the upper surface of the digital camera 1. And
Although not shown, the housing of the digital camera 1 is provided with a connector for connecting a connection cable for connecting the personal computer and the digital camera 1.

The mechanical and electrical configurations of the digital camera 1 are almost the same as those of a home digital camera manufactured and sold at present. The difference between the two is that an electrical configuration (for example, a control circuit and a control program, etc.) for realizing the information code photographing mode is incorporated in the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment. The built-in electrical configuration realizes each function such as a binarizing unit described later.

Next, a specific operation of the information code photographing mode will be described with reference to FIGS. In this case, it is assumed that the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment captures, for example, a two-dimensional code 17 which is an information code printed on a business card 16 as shown in FIG. The two-dimensional code 17 is composed of, for example, a QR code.

First, the user photographs the business card 16 with the digital camera 1. In this case, digital camera 1
Is substantially the same as the photographing operation of a conventionally known digital camera. For example, while looking through the viewfinder 2 of the digital camera 1, the business card 16 is made as large and clear as possible in the viewfinder 2 (see FIG. 3), and then the shutter button 15 is pressed. As a result, the business card 16 is photographed, and the photographed image data, that is, the multi-tone image data is recorded in the recording means including the memory inside the digital camera 1. The multi-tone image data is data referred to as gray value image data when the digital camera 1 is a monochrome (black and white) camera.

Thereafter, when the user presses the reproduction key 6 of the digital camera 1, the photographed image data can be displayed on the monitor screen 5. in this case,
By appropriately operating the cursor keys 10, image data to be displayed on the monitor screen 5 can be selected.
It is configured to be able to perform a so-called frame feed (or frame feed in the opposite direction) operation of a plurality of captured image data.

FIGS. 3A and 4A show a state in which two pieces of image data of the business card 16 are displayed on the monitor screen 5. The image data shown in FIG.
This is an example of image data with good contrast. This figure 3
In the case of the image data of FIG. 3A, the brightness of the brightest image portion is the highest point in the graph indicating the brightness level, as shown in FIG. Is the lowest point in the graph shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the image data shown in FIG. 4A is an example of image data having low contrast. In the case of the image data of FIG. 4A, the brightness of the brightest image portion is a middle point in the graph of the brightness level, as shown in FIG. The point is the lowest point in the graph shown in FIG.

Subsequently, by appropriately operating the setting key 9 of the digital camera 1, a binarization process is executed. The setting key 9 is a so-called cyclic selection type operation key. When the setting key 9 is pressed a predetermined number of times, the mode becomes an execution mode of the binarization processing, and an inquiry about whether or not to execute the binarization processing is displayed on the monitor screen 5. Is displayed. Here, when the OK key 12 is pressed, the binarization processing is executed.

That is, the image data (multi-gradation image data) displayed on the monitor screen 5 as described above is binarized, and the binarized binarized image data is displayed on the monitor screen 5. (See FIG. 5). In this binarization process, the intermediate brightness between the brightest image portion and the darkest image portion of the multi-tone image data is set as a binarization determination threshold. Specifically, FIG.
In the case of the image data shown in FIG.
This is an intermediate point shown in FIG. In the case of the image data of FIG. 4A, the binarization determination threshold is a point slightly lower than the intermediate point shown in FIG. 4B.

Subsequently, an inquiry as to whether or not to store the binary image data is displayed.
When is pressed, the binary image data is recorded (stored) in the recording means. Thus, in the information code photographing mode of the present embodiment, multi-gradation image data of photographed image data as it is and binarized image data which is binarized image data of the multi-gradation image data are generated. It is configured to be recorded. In this case, the data size of the binarized image data is １ ／ to 1 of the data size of the multi-tone image data.
/ 12 (depending on the degree of multiple gradations).

In the binarized image data shown in FIG. 5, the frame area around the business card 16 is displayed so as to be filled with an oblique lattice pattern. Since this is data, it is a region painted black. On the other hand, in the image data of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 as well, the frame area around the business card 16 is displayed so as to be filled with an oblique lattice pattern as in FIG. Is multi-tone image data, and thus may be a region filled with slightly light black (light black).

When the binarized image data displayed on the monitor screen 5 is unclear, the user performs an operation of modifying (changing) the threshold value for binarization processing. in this case,
When the cursor key 10 is operated upward or downward while the binarized image data is displayed on the monitor screen 5 (see FIG. 2), the determination threshold can be corrected to a bright value or a dark value. . At this time, when the operation of the cursor key 10 is stopped, the binarization processing is executed with the corrected determination threshold, and the binarized image data generated by the binarization processing is displayed on the monitor screen 5. Is configured. That is, when the operation of the cursor key 10 is stopped, the binarized image data based on the corrected determination threshold is displayed on the monitor screen 5 after a short time.

If the corrected binary image data is clear, the binary image data may be stored. If the corrected binary image data is still unclear, an operation of correcting the corrected determination threshold again may be performed.

In the case of the above configuration, the electrical configuration inside the digital camera 1 has a function as the above-described binarizing means. Further, the binarizing means has a function as a means for displaying binarized image data generated by binarizing the multi-tone image data on the basis of the judgment threshold on a monitor screen; And a function as a means for displaying, on a monitor screen, binarized image data generated by binarizing the multi-tone image data based on the corrected determination threshold. It has.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, there is also a mode of a function for directly adjusting the image quality of the multi-tone image data displayed on the monitor screen 5. More specifically, when the setting key 9 is operated an appropriate number of times while multi-tone image data is displayed on the monitor screen 5, the image quality adjustment mode is set. In this image quality adjustment mode, when the cursor key 10 is operated upward or downward as shown in FIG. 2, the brightness of the image data can be adjusted to a brighter or darker one. When the cursor key 10 is operated leftward or rightward, the contrast of the image data can be adjusted to be smaller or larger. Subsequently, the image data (multi-gradation image data) adjusted as described above is configured to be sequentially displayed on the monitor screen 5.

Then, an inquiry is made as to whether or not to store the multi-tone image data whose image quality has been adjusted.
When the OK key 12 is pressed, the multi-gradation image data is recorded on the recording means.

Next, a mode of a function for trimming the multi-tone image data or the binarized image data displayed on the monitor screen 5 will be described. Here, the trimming of the binarized image data will be described, but the trimming of the multi-tone image data is almost the same.

That is, in a state where the binarized image data is displayed on the monitor screen 5, the setting key 9 is operated an appropriate number of times to set a trimming mode (that is, a mode for cutting out image data). In this mode, first, as shown in FIG. 6, for example, cross-shaped cursor lines 18a, 18b
Is displayed on the monitor screen 5. In this case, the area to the left of the vertical cursor line 18a is the area to be erased, and the area above the horizontal cursor line 18b is the area to be erased.

When the cursor key 10 is operated leftward or rightward, the vertical cursor line 18a moves leftward or rightward. When the cursor key 10 is operated upward or downward, a horizontal cursor line 18 is displayed.
b moves upward or downward. As a result, the area of the image data to be erased (the vertical cursor line 18a)
(The area on the left side and the area above the horizontal cursor line 18b) can be set freely.

In this case, from the binarized image data, 2
Since the area of the dimension code 17 is trimmed,
As shown in FIG. 6, after setting the cursor lines 18a and 18b, the setting key 9 is pressed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the area to the left of the cursor line 18a and the area above the cursor line 18b are erased from the binarized image data, and the erased state is displayed on the monitor screen 5. .
At the same time, the cursor lines 18c, 1
8d is displayed. In this case, the vertical cursor line 18c
Is the area to be erased, and the area below the horizontal cursor line 18d is the area to be erased.

In this state, when the cursor key 10 is operated leftward or rightward, the vertical cursor line 18c moves leftward or rightward. Also, use cursor key 1
When 0 is operated upward or downward, the horizontal cursor line 18d moves upward or downward. This makes it possible to freely set the area of the image data to be erased (the area to the right of the vertical cursor line 18c and the area below the horizontal cursor line 18d).

Then, as shown in FIG.
After positioning 8c and 18d, the setting key 9 is pressed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the area to the right of the vertical cursor line 18c and the area below the horizontal cursor line 18d are erased from the binary image data, and the erased state is monitored. It is displayed on the screen 5. In this case, only the area corresponding to the two-dimensional code 17 is trimmed and remains as image data (binary image data).

Subsequently, an inquiry is made as to whether or not the trimmed image data is to be stored. When the OK key 12 is pressed, the trimmed image data is recorded in the recording means. .

In the case of the above configuration, the electrical configuration inside the digital camera 1 has a function as a means for displaying multi-tone image data or binary image data on the monitor screen 5 and a function as a means for displaying on the monitor screen 5. Function as an area designating unit for designating an area to be trimmed out of the specified image data, and trimming that leaves a target area by erasing the specified trimming area from the image data displayed on the monitor screen 5 Function as a means.

Further, in the case of the present embodiment, it is possible to specify whether the erased area is recorded as a bright area or a dark area while the trimmed image data is displayed on the monitor screen 5. Has become. More specifically, when the setting key 9 is pressed an appropriate number of times, a mode for designating whether to record the erased area as a bright area is set, and the above inquiry is made. In this mode, when the OK key 12 is pressed, the erased area is recorded as a bright area. Further, when the setting key 9 is further pressed, a mode for designating whether to record the erased area as a dark area is set, and the above inquiry is made. In this mode, when the OK key 12 is pressed, the erased area is recorded as a dark area.

That is, in the case of the above configuration, the digital camera 1
Has a function as light / dark designating means for designating whether the erased area is recorded as a bright area or recorded as a dark area.

In the present embodiment, when the setting key 9 is pressed an appropriate number of times, the monitor screen 5
The multi-tone image data, the binarized image data, or the trimmed binarized image data is selected and displayed. In this case, the electrical configuration inside the digital camera 1 indicates multi-tone image data,
It has a function as selection display means for selecting and displaying binarized image data or trimmed binarized image data.

Further, when the digital camera 1 of this embodiment is connected to a personal computer with a connection cable and a command is transmitted from the personal computer to the digital camera 1, the digital camera 1
Is selected and transmitted (output) to the personal computer side by selecting multi-tone image data, binary image data, or trimmed binary image data recorded in the PC. In this case, a command for selecting and specifying three pieces of image data is predetermined.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of multi-tone image data (and binarized image data obtained by binarizing the multi-tone image data and the binarized image data) are stored in the digital camera 1. It is configured to record binary image data obtained by trimming image data. Therefore, a command for selecting and specifying the plurality of multi-tone image data, and a command for selecting and specifying binary image data and trimmed binary image data respectively associated with the plurality of multi-tone image data are provided. Is predetermined. Therefore, by appropriately selecting these commands, it is possible to select and extract desired image data in the digital camera 1 from the personal computer side.

In the case of the above configuration, the electrical configuration inside the digital camera 1 is a selection output means for selecting multi-gradation image data, binary image data or trimmed binary image data and outputting the same to the outside. As a function.

According to the present embodiment having such a configuration, since the digital camera 1 is provided with the information code photographing mode for converting photographed image data into binary image data and recording it, the information code is photographed. The image data can be converted to binary image data, thereby significantly reducing the data size of the image data. Therefore, the time required to send the binary image data from the digital camera 1 to the personal computer can be greatly reduced. In addition, the time required for the personal computer to process the sent binary image data can be greatly reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the information code photographing mode, multi-gradation image data which is the photographed image data as it is, and binarization which is binarized image data of the multi-gradation image data. Since the image data is recorded in the digital camera 1, both the multi-tone image data and the binary image data can be used by an external personal computer.

In this embodiment, the binarizing means for binarizing the multi-tone image data comprises a medium brightness between the brightest image portion and the darkest image portion of the multi-tone image data. Is used as the binarization determination threshold value, so that an image obtained by capturing a two-dimensional code (information data) can be converted to binary image data almost satisfactorily.

Further, in the present embodiment, when performing the binarization processing on the multi-tone image data, the binarization image data generated by performing the binarization processing on the multi-tone image data based on the determination threshold value. Is displayed on the monitor screen 5, the determination threshold is corrected, and the binarized image data generated by binarizing the multi-tone image data based on the corrected determination threshold is displayed on the monitor screen 5. Is configured to be displayed.
According to this configuration, the state of the binary image data (for example, 2
Monitor screen 5)
Can be converted while visually confirming, so that clearer binary image data (for example, the light and dark pattern of the two-dimensional code 17) can be obtained.

Further, in this embodiment, after displaying the multi-tone image data or the binarized image data on the monitor screen 5, an area to be trimmed out of the image data displayed on the monitor screen 5 is designated. Thus, the target area is left by erasing the designated trimming area from the image data displayed on the monitor screen 5. According to this configuration, since the binarized image data can be trimmed, for example, only the binarized image data corresponding to the two-dimensional code 17 can be extracted, and the data size can be further reduced.

In this embodiment, since it is possible to specify whether the erased area is to be recorded as a bright area or a dark area, the two-dimensional code 17 of the bright / dark inverted display is photographed ( Reading), it becomes easier to execute data processing in an external personal computer.

In this embodiment, the multi-tone image data, the binarized image data, or the trimmed binarized image data can be selected and displayed on the monitor screen 5. The above three image data can be easily confirmed visually on the monitor screen 5, and the usability is improved accordingly.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the multi-tone image data, the binarized image data, or the trimmed binarized image data can be selected and output to, for example, a personal computer (external). As a result, the above 3
Image data can be easily used.

In the above embodiment, 2 is used as the information code.
Although the present invention is applied to a configuration in which the dimensional code 17 is photographed, the present invention is not limited to this.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing a viewfinder side surface of a digital camera showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the vicinity of a cursor key.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state where an example of multi-tone image data is displayed on a monitor screen;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which another example of multi-tone image data is displayed on a monitor screen.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state where an example of binarized image data is displayed on a monitor screen;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which binary image data and a cross-shaped cursor line for trimming are displayed on a monitor screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where binary image data partially trimmed and a cross-shaped cursor line for trimming are displayed on a monitor screen;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state where trimmed binary image data is displayed on a monitor screen;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a digital camera, 2 is a viewfinder, 4 is a liquid crystal display, 5 is a monitor screen, 6 is a playback key, 9 is a setting key, 10 is a cursor key, 12 is an OK key, 15 is a shutter button, 16 is a business card, and 17 is a business card. Two-dimensional codes (information codes) 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d indicate cursor lines.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A digital camera having a function of recording a photographed image as a digital value, comprising an information code photographing mode for converting photographed image data into binary image data and recording the same. Digital camera. 2. In the information code photographing mode, multi-gradation image data which is photographed image data as it is,
2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera is configured to record binarized image data which is image data obtained by binarizing the multi-tone image data. 3. A binarizing means for binarizing the multi-tone image data, wherein the binarizing means binarizes the intermediate brightness between the brightest image portion and the darkest image portion of the multi-tone image data. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the threshold value is a threshold value for determining whether or not the image data has been converted.
Digital camera as described. 4. The binarizing unit displays binarized image data generated by binarizing the multi-tone image data based on the determination threshold on a monitor screen, Correction means for correcting a determination threshold; and means for displaying, on a monitor screen, binarized image data generated by performing a binarization process on the multi-tone image data based on the corrected determination threshold. 4. The digital camera according to claim 3, wherein: 5. A means for displaying the multi-tone image data or the binarized image data on a monitor screen, an area instructing means for indicating a trimming area in the image data displayed on the monitor screen, 5. A trimming device according to claim 1, further comprising trimming means for deleting a designated trimming area from the image data displayed on the monitor screen to leave a target area. Digital camera. 6. The digital camera according to claim 5, further comprising a light / dark designation unit for designating whether to record the erased area as a bright area or a dark area. 7. The monitor screen further comprises a selection display unit for selecting and displaying the multi-tone image data, the binarized image data, or the trimmed binarized image data. The digital camera according to claim 5. 8. A selection output means for selecting the multi-tone image data, the binarized image data or the trimmed binarized image data and outputting the selected data to the outside. 8. The digital camera according to any one of items 7 to 7.