JP2002314931A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent data of photographing (photographing date, etc.), from being redundantly overlapped. SOLUTION: When photographing is performed with a date imprinting mode designated, an object image before overlapping the date, etc., and an overlapped image after overlapping the date, etc., are recorded to reproducibly record the object image and the overlapped image. Later, when an instruction of overprinting the date, etc., on the overlapped image with the overlapped date, etc., by DPOF(Digital Print Order Format), etc., is set, the instruction of overprinting is set for the object image of the original image of the overlapped image. Alternatively, the instruction of overlapped recording of the date, etc., is set for the overlapped image, and overlapped recording is performed on the object image which is the original image of the overlapped image. Thus, the redundant overprinting or overlapped recording of the date, etc., can be prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an electronic camera having a superimposition recording function for superimposing and recording information (shooting date and the like) related to photographing on a photographed image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electronic camera superimposes (combines) information on photographing such as a photographing date on a photographed image based on a user's instruction, and records the superimposed image on a recording medium (memory card or the like). Some have functions. According to this superimposition recording function, at the time of reproduction or printing, it is possible to always display and print the shooting date and the like on the image,
This function is familiar to a user who has taken a picture with a shooting date imposed by a silver halide camera. Also, by superimposing the character data of the number on the image data of the photographed image, it is possible to prevent forgetting to print the number at the time of printing in the use of photographed image management by number, etc. There are advantages such as prevention of tampering, and easy prevention of an erroneous date setting of the electronic camera by a shooting date always displayed during reproduction.

On the other hand, various image file formats for maintaining compatibility of image files between electronic cameras and peripheral devices have been defined. For example, Exif, Ex
ifR98, CIFF (Camera Image File Format
), DCF (Design rule for Camera File system)
And so on. According to such an image file format, image data of a photographed image obtained by photographing is recorded on a recording medium as one image file together with supplementary information such as information on photographing (photographing conditions, photographing date, etc.). . Therefore, if the device is compatible with this format, it is possible to reproduce or print by superimposing the shooting date and the like based on the supplementary information when reproducing or printing the image based on the image file.

Further, there is a DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) defined to facilitate designation of printing of a photographed image recorded on a recording medium. This specifies a format for recording print designation information, such as an instruction of an image to be printed, an instruction for the number of prints, an instruction for date printing, etc., from the captured images recorded on the recording medium on the recording medium. . Thus, in a DPOF-compatible electronic camera, for example, when a user designates a print such as a date print instruction for a predetermined captured image, print designation information based on the print designation is recorded on a recording medium, and later the DPOF is designated. In a compatible printer device, lab service, or the like, date printing or date printing based on the print designation information recorded on the recording medium can be performed.

[0005]

When an electronic camera having the above-described superimposition recording function is DPOF-compatible, a user superimposes a photographing date or the like on a photographed image using the superimposition recording function. Later, a DPO
When a superimposition printing instruction such as a date printing instruction by F is designated, there is a problem that the shooting date and the like are duplicated and printed.

When a user superimposes a photographing date or the like on a photographed image using the superimposition recording function and then superimposes the photographing date or the like on the superimposed image again using the same function, However, there is a problem that the information is duplicated and recorded. In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a superimposed image on which information (imaging date and the like) relating to imaging is superimposed, when an instruction for superimposing printing (printing) of information relating to imaging by DPOF or the like is set. Or, when the superimposition recording instruction of the information regarding the photographing is performed again,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera that prevents information related to photographing from being overlapped.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
Electronic imaging means, and recording control means for reproducibly recording, as a captured image, a subject image obtained by the imaging means and a superimposed image in which information relating to photography is superimposed on the subject image as characters. It is an electronic camera.

According to the above arrangement, it is possible to reproducibly record a subject image and a superimposed image obtained by superimposing information on photographing on the subject image. It should be noted that the information relating to shooting includes, for example, shooting date (including time), shooting conditions such as shutter speed and exposure, user comments, numbers (management numbers), and the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the recording control means records the superimposed image and difference data between the superimposed image and the subject image. According to this configuration, the subject image can be reproduced from the recorded superimposed image (image data of the superimposed image) and the difference data.

In a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the recording control means records the subject image with the characters attached as data and the superimposed image. According to this configuration, the subject image can be reproduced from the recorded subject image (image data of the subject image).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or third aspect of the present invention, an instruction for superimposing and printing the information relating to the photographing as characters is set together with the image printing instruction. And a print instruction setting unit configured to set to instruct to print the subject image in response to a print instruction to a photographed image recorded so that the subject image and the superimposed image can be reproduced. .

According to this configuration, when an instruction such as superimposition printing (printing) by DPOF or the like is set for a captured image in which a superimposed image and a subject image are recorded so as to be reproducible, the reproduced subject image is reproduced. An instruction such as superimposition printing is set. Therefore, it is possible to prevent information related to photographing from being duplicated and superimposed after printing (printing).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, a restoring means for restoring the subject image from the superimposed image and the difference data, and an image printing instruction to the image printing apparatus. An instruction for superimposing and printing the information relating to the photographing as characters is set, and a print instruction for a photographed image recorded so that the subject image and the superimposed image can be reproduced is restored by the restoration unit. And a print instruction setting unit for setting to instruct the subject image to be printed.

According to this configuration, when an instruction such as superimposition printing (printing) by DPOF or the like is set for a captured image in which a superimposed image and a subject image are recorded so as to be reproducible, restoration is performed from the superimposed image and the difference data. An instruction such as superimposition printing is set for the (reproduced) subject image. Therefore, it is possible to prevent information related to photographing from being duplicated and superimposed after printing (printing).

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first or the third aspect of the present invention, when information relating to photographing is superimposed and recorded as characters on a photographed image in which the subject image and the superimposed image are reproducibly recorded. Is a configuration further comprising a superimposition recording control unit that superimposes and records the reproduced subject image.

According to this configuration, when information relating to photographing is superimposed and recorded on a photographed image in which the superimposed image and the subject image are recorded so as to be reproducible, the information relating to photographing is:
The reproduced subject image is superimposed and recorded. Therefore, it is possible to prevent information relating to imaging from being duplicated and superimposed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, a restoring means for restoring the subject image from the superimposed image and the difference data, and capable of reproducing the subject image and the superimposed image. When the information relating to imaging is superimposed and recorded as characters on the recorded photographed image, the recording apparatus further includes superimposition recording control means for superimposing and recording on the subject image restored by the restoration means.

According to this configuration, when information relating to photographing is superimposed and recorded on a photographed image in which a superimposed image and a subject image are recorded so as to be reproducible, the information relating to photographing is:
The subject image restored (reproduced) from the superimposed image and the difference data is superimposed and recorded. Therefore, it is possible to prevent information relating to imaging from being duplicated and superimposed.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, electronic photographing means superimposes information relating to photographing on a photographed image as characters.
Recording control means for recording a superimposed image on which the character is superimposed;
For an image printing apparatus, an instruction to print the image-related information as characters together with an instruction to print the image is set, and in response to the print instruction to the superimposed image,
A print instruction setting unit for prohibiting the setting of the instruction for superimposed printing.

According to the above configuration, when a superimposed print instruction such as DPOF is set for a superimposed image on which information relating to photographing is superimposed, the setting of the superimposed print instruction is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent information relating to imaging from being duplicated and superimposed. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic imaging unit, a recording control unit that superimposes information related to photographing on a photographed image as a character, and records a superimposed image on which the character is superimposed, and a re-overlap recording on the superimposed image. Control means for controlling the recording control means so as to prohibit the recording.

According to the above arrangement, re-superimposition recording on a superimposed image on which information relating to photographing is superimposed is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent information relating to imaging from being duplicated and superimposed.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the electronic camera shown in the figure is a DCF and DPOF compatible electronic camera, and is a date stamp that superimposes (combines and burns) a photographing date (including time) on a photographed image according to a user's instruction. Print mode (date superimposition recording function).

In FIG. 1, a lens 1 converts a subject image into C
An imaging optical system that forms an image on a CD (Charge Coupled Device) 2. The CCD 2 is an image sensor that photoelectrically converts the formed subject image and outputs an electric signal (analog signal) indicating the image.

The imaging circuit 3 has a CDS (Correlated Doubl).
e Sampling: Correlated double sampling circuit) and AGC (Au
tomatic Gain Control (automatic gain control amplifier), etc., and under the control of CPU_A4,
This circuit removes reset noise of the electric signal (analog signal) output from the CCD 2 and adjusts the signal level.

The A / D conversion circuit 5 converts an output signal (analog signal) of the imaging circuit 3 into a digital signal (digital data).
Is a circuit that converts the The correction circuit 6 is a circuit that performs correction processing such as white balance and γ correction on the output signal (digital data and image data) of the A / D conversion circuit 4.

The frame memory 7, CPU_B8,
The FIFO (First-In First-Out) memory 9 and the recording buffer 10 are all connected to a bus line 11, through which data is exchanged with each other. The frame memory 7 is used not only as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data output from the correction circuit 6 and image data processed by the CPU_B8, but also as a work storage area for various processes by the CPU_B8. The memory used.

The CPU_B 8, under the control of the CPU_A 4, compresses image data (image compression function), decompresses image data (image decompression function), and controls the frame memory 7 in accordance with a control program provided therein. (Frame memory control function), access control processing such as writing (recording) and reading to a recording medium (recording medium access function), and a superimposed image in which a subject image (original image) and a shooting date and the like are superimposed on the subject image And the like (image difference data creation means) for creating difference data from the image data. In the compression and decompression of image data, for example, compression and decompression by the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method are performed.

The FIFO memory 9 is a memory for temporarily storing image data for display. For example, CPU_B
Display image data and the like which have been subjected to the image processing by 8 are stored. The on-screen circuit 12 is a circuit that superimposes on-screen information such as a date on image data output from the FIFO memory 9 under the control of the CPU_A4.

The video output circuit 13 is a circuit for converting image data output from the on-screen circuit 12 into a video signal (image signal). The video output terminal 14 is a terminal for sending a video signal (image signal) output from the video output circuit 13 to the outside.

The TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal driving circuit 15 is controlled by the CPU_A 4 based on the image data output from the on-screen circuit 12.
This is a circuit for driving the panel (TFT liquid crystal) 16. TF
The T panel 16 is driven based on the driving of the TFT driving circuit 15,
For example, a captured image or the like based on image data is displayed.

The backlight unit 17 has a CPU_A
Under the control of step 4, the liquid crystal portion of the TFT panel 16 is irradiated with light from the back. The recording buffer 10 includes the recording medium 1
8 is a memory for temporarily storing the image data when writing the image data into the memory 8 or reading the image data from the mold recording medium 18.

The recording medium I / F 19 provides an interface function for transmitting and receiving data to and from the recording medium 18. The recording medium I / F 19 writes image data on the recording medium 18, or outputs an image from the recording medium 18. Data read processing is performed. The recording medium 18 is a removable recording medium such as a memory card.

The CPU_A4 is a central processing unit, which performs control processing (system control function) of each unit constituting the electronic camera, date / time management processing (date management means), and the like in accordance with a control program provided therein. Then, processing (image management means) for managing the subject image, the superimposed image, the difference data between the subject image and the superimposed image, and the like are executed.

The actuator 20 is a motor (zooming motor, AF motor, or the like) for driving the lens (photographing optical system) 1, and is driven by an actuator drive circuit 21. Actuator drive circuit 21
Is a circuit for driving the actuator 20 under the control of the CPU_A4.

An EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Pr)
grammable Read-Only Memory) 22 is a memory for storing various data such as variables and adjustment data.
U_A4 performs reading and writing of various data as needed. The external data I / F 23 provides an interface function for exchanging data between an external device such as a personal computer and the CPU_A4.
l Bus) I / F.

The key matrix unit 24 includes various keys, switches, buttons, and the like for receiving various instructions from the user and notifying them to the CPU_A4. For example, DP
There are provided a DPOF setting unit for enabling setting of a print instruction by OF, a date imprint mode designating unit for enabling the date imprint mode to be designated, and the like.

The LCD panel 25 includes an LCD display circuit 26
And displays information based on the driving signal. For example, various setting states such as exposure and shutter speed are shown. The LCD display circuit 26 has a CPU_A4
Is a circuit for driving the LCD panel 25 under the control of.

The battery 27 is a power supply for supplying power to the electronic camera. The power supply circuit 28 is a circuit that controls the voltage supplied from the battery 27 and supplies power to each unit of the electronic camera under the control of the CPU_A4. The backup power supply 29 is a power supply for maintaining (holding) various set values and the like set in the electronic camera, and includes, for example, a coin battery, a super capacitor, and the like.

The battery state detection circuit 30 detects the remaining amount of the battery 27 and notifies the CPU_A4 of the detection. next,
An example of various control processes related to the present invention performed by the CPU_A4 in the electronic camera having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that these processes are performed by the CPU_A4 executing a control program provided therein.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the photographing process when the date imprint mode is designated. In FIG. 3, when a user sets a predetermined photographing condition (date imprinting mode or the like) and gives a photographing instruction via the key matrix unit 24, first, a subject image is fetched via the CCD 2 or the like, and the image pickup circuit 3 Then, image data based on the subject image is obtained via the above-described method, and the image data is temporarily stored in the frame memory 7 (S201).

Subsequently, the image data stored in the frame memory 7 is read out, and the image data is subjected to compression processing by the CPU_B (for example, compression processing by the JPEG method).
Is performed (S202) and recorded on the recording medium 18 (S20).
3). However, the image data of the subject image recorded at this time is recorded as one image file together with supplementary information such as information on photographing (shooting date and the like).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the date imprint mode is designated by the user (S204). If this mode is designated (Y in S204), the data is stored in the frame memory 7 in the process of S201. The image data is read, and character data such as a date managed by the date management means is superimposed (combined) on the image data (S205), and the image data on which the character data is superimposed is subjected to a compression process by the CPU_B (S206). Is recorded on the recording medium 18 (S
207). However, the image data of the superimposed image recorded at this time is also recorded as one image file together with the supplementary information such as the above-mentioned information on the photographing (the photographing date and the like).

Subsequently, in the accompanying information of the image file of the superimposed image, a date imprint flag indicating that the image data is the superimposed image data on which the superimposed image such as the date is superimposed, and
Original image information (image file name of object image, path information, etc.) for specifying (reading) the image data of the object image (original image) recorded in the process of 203 later is added (registered) (S208). The flow ends.

On the other hand, in the process of S204, if the date imprint mode is not specified (N in S204),
The processing in S205 to S208 described above is skipped. By such processing, when the image is imprinted with the date imprint mode specified, an image file of the subject image and an image file of a superimposed image in which the date and the like are superimposed on the subject image are recorded on the recording medium 18, In the accompanying information of the image file of the superimposed image, original image information for specifying the image file (image data) of the subject image is registered together with the date imprint flag. Therefore, it is possible to read out the image data of the subject image based on the original image information (supplementary information) of the image file of the superimposed image, and as a result, based on the image file of the superimposed image, the image data of the superimposed image and the image of the subject image Data can be reproduced.

Next, a description will be given of a process when a print instruction by DPOF is set in the image file of the superimposed image thus recorded. FIG.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process when a print instruction by DPOF is set during reproduction.

In the figure, when a user sets a print instruction by DPOF to a predetermined image file via the key matrix unit 24, first, a date imprint flag is read from the supplementary information of the set image file. (S301). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the set print instruction is a date print instruction (S302). If the set print instruction is a date print instruction (S302: Y), the print designation information designating the date print instruction is stored in a recording medium. 18 (S30).
3). On the other hand, if it is not a date printing instruction (S302
Is N), and then it is determined whether or not it is a time printing instruction (S3).
04) If it is a time print instruction (Y in S304), print designation information designating the time print instruction is recorded on the recording medium 18 (S305), and if it is not a time print instruction (S304 is N). Then, print designation information that designates another print instruction received from the user is recorded on the recording medium 18 (S309).

After the print designation information is recorded by the processing of S303 or S305, the image of the image file in which the print instruction by the DPOF is set based on the date imprint flag read out in the processing of S301. It is determined whether or not the image is a superimposed image on which a date or the like is superimposed (S30).
6). If the image for which the print instruction has been set is a superimposed image (Y in S306), the image data of the image file for which the print instruction has been set (superimposed image)
Is replaced with the image data of the subject image (original image) before the date or the like is superimposed (S307). The image data of the subject image is read (specified) based on the original image information included in the supplementary information of the image file in which the print instruction by the DPOF is set.

On the other hand, if the image for which the print instruction has been set is not a superimposed image (N in S306), the process proceeds to S307.
Skips the process and moves to the subsequent process. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not another print instruction has been set (S30).
8) If it has been set (Y in S308), the print instruction is included in the previous print designation information and recorded (S309).
The flow ends. On the other hand, if no other print instruction has been set (N in S308), this S30
Step 9 is skipped.

By such processing, when the image of the image file in which the print instruction such as the date by the DPOF is set is a superimposed image, the image data of the image file is automatically added to the image data of the subject image before superimposition. Since the date and the like that were previously superimposed are not superimposed, only the date and the like based on the print instruction such as the date by the DPOF later are superimposed, and the date and the like are superimposed and superimposed. There is no. Further, the present invention is also effective when the user once superimposes a date or the like on an image in the date imprint mode, but later changes his / her intention and desires to print a date or the like by DPOF.

Alternatively, in the flow shown in FIG.
If the image of the image file for which the print instruction by OF has been set is a superimposed image, processing may be performed to prohibit the setting of the superimposed print instruction. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of such processing. In the flow shown in FIG. 3, the processing of S401 and the processing of S404 to S409 are the processing of S301 and S302 to S3 shown in FIG.
05 and S308 to S309,
Here, the description thereof is omitted, and different processes will be described.

In FIG. 4, a date imprint flag is read from the supplementary information of the image file in which the print instruction by the DPOF is set (S401), and based on the date imprint flag, the image of the image file is superimposed with a date or the like. It is determined whether or not the image is a superimposed image (S402). In this determination process, when the image of the image file is a superimposed image (Y in S402), the setting of the superimposed printing instruction such as date is prohibited, and the setting of the superimposed printing instruction such as date is performed on the TFT panel 16. A message indicating that it cannot be performed (prohibited) is displayed (S403).

By such processing, when the image of the image file to which the print instruction by the DPOF is set is a superimposed image, the setting of the superimposition print instruction such as the date by the DPOF is prohibited, and the date and the like are later duplicated. To prevent superimposed printing. Next, a description will be given of a process performed when a superimposition recording instruction such as a date is again issued to the image file of the superimposed image recorded by the process illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when a date imprint mode is designated during reproduction and an instruction for imprinting a date or the like is issued. In the figure, when the date imprint mode is designated by the user via the key matrix unit 24 and an imprint instruction such as a date is given to a predetermined image file, first, the additional information of the instructed image file Read the date imprint flag from
501).

Subsequently, based on the read date imprint flag, it is determined whether or not the image of the image file for which the imprint instruction such as the date has been issued is a superimposed image on which the date or the like is superimposed (S502). . In this determination processing, if the image for which the imprint instruction such as the date has been issued is a superimposed image (S
502: Y), the image data (superimposed image) of the image file in which the imprint instruction such as the date is issued is replaced with the image data of the subject image before the date or the like is superimposed (S5).
03). The image data of the subject image is read (specified) based on the original image information included in the supplementary information of the image file of the superimposed image.

On the other hand, when the image for which the imprint instruction such as the date has been issued is not a superimposed image (N in S502), the processing in S503 is skipped. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the imprint instruction such as a date is a date (S504).
If it is the date (Y in S504), the character data of the date is superimposed (combined) on the image data of the image file for which the printing instruction is performed, and the image data of the superimposed image is recorded (S505). The flow ends.

On the other hand, if the imprint instruction such as a date is not a date (N in S504), it is determined whether or not it is time (S506). If it is a time (Y in S506), the imprint is performed. The character data of the time is superimposed (combined) on the image data of the image file for which the instruction has been made, and the image data of the superimposed image is recorded (S507), and the flow ends. On the other hand, if the date imprint instruction is not the time (N in S506), the flow is terminated.

The date to be superimposed is obtained based on the shooting date and the like included in the supplementary information of the image file for which the imprint instruction such as the date has been issued. By such processing, when the image of the image file for which the imprint instruction such as the date has been issued is a superimposed image, the image data of the image file is automatically replaced with the image data of the subject image before superimposition. Therefore, the date or the like previously superimposed is not superimposed, only the date or the like based on the imprint instruction such as the later date is superimposed, and the date and the like are not superimposed. In addition, when the user once superimposes a date or the like on an image in the date imprint mode, but wants to change the format of the date to be superimposed later, for example, the format of the shooting date superimposed first is year, month, day. However, it is also effective when it is desired to change this to a date-month-year format, or when it is desired to change the superposition position.

Alternatively, in the flow shown in the figure, if the image of the image file for which the imprint instruction such as the date has been issued is a superimposed image, the superimposition recording of the date and the like on the superimposed image is prohibited. May be processed. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of such processing. It should be noted that in the flow shown in the figure, the processing of S601, S604-S
The processing of S607 is the processing of S501 shown in FIG.
Since the processing is the same as that in steps 4 to 507, the description thereof is omitted here, and different processing will be described.

In FIG. 6, a date imprint flag is read from the supplementary information of the image file for which the date imprint instruction has been issued (S601). Based on the date imprint flag, the image of the image file is superimposed with a date or the like. It is determined whether or not the image is a superimposed image (S602). If the image of the image file is a superimposed image in this determination processing (Y in S602), superimposition recording of the date and the like on this superimposed image is prohibited, and the date and the like have already been superimposed on the TFT panel 16. A message to the effect is displayed (S603), and the flow ends.

According to such processing, when the image of the image file for which the imprint instruction such as the date has been issued is a superimposed image on which the date or the like is superimposed, re-superimposition recording on the superimposed image is prohibited. , Date and the like can be prevented from being superimposed and recorded. Next, another example of the photographing process when the date imprint mode is designated will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of such a photographing process. In the figure, when a user sets a predetermined shooting condition (such as a date imprint mode) and gives a shooting instruction via the key matrix unit 24,
First, a subject image is captured via the CCD 2 or the like, image data based on the subject image is obtained via the imaging circuit 3 or the like, and is temporarily stored in the frame memory 7 (S7).
01).

Subsequently, the image data stored in the frame memory 7 is read out, and the image data is subjected to a compression process by the CPU_B (for example, a compression process by the JPEG system).
Is performed (S702). The processing in S701 and S702 is the same as the processing in S201 and S202 shown in FIG.

Subsequently, it is determined whether the date imprint mode is designated by the user (S703). In this determination processing, if the date imprint mode is designated (Y in S703), the frame memory 7 is processed in the processing in S701.
Is read, and character data such as a date managed by the date management means is superimposed (combined) on the image data (S704), and the image data on which the character data is superimposed is subjected to compression processing by the CPU_B. (S70
5) Recording is performed on the recording medium 18 (S706). However, the image data of the superimposed image recorded at this time is recorded as one image file together with supplementary information such as information on photographing (such as photographing date).

Subsequently, difference data is created between the image data of the subject image after the compression processing obtained in the processing of S702 and the image data of the superimposed image after the compression processing obtained in the processing of S705 (S707). The difference data is stored in the recording medium 1
8 (S708). The difference data will be described later.
This is data for creating (restoring) image data of a subject image from the difference data and the image data of the superimposed image. For example, if the compression method performed in S702 and S705 is JP
In the case of the EG system, when the position where the date and the like are superimposed is in the lower right area of the superimposed image, the data capacity of the difference data can be further reduced due to the characteristics of the JPEG system.

Subsequently, in the accompanying information of the image file of the superimposed image recorded in the process of S706, a date imprint flag indicating that the image data is the superimposed image data on which the date or the like is superimposed, and a process of S708 Add (register) the difference information (file name, path information, etc. of the difference data) for specifying (reading out) the difference data recorded later in
(S709) The flow ends. On the other hand, if the date imprint mode is not specified in S703 (N in S703), the processes in S704 to S709 are skipped.

When the date imprint mode is designated and photographed by such processing, the image file of the superimposed image and the difference data between the superimposed image and the subject image are recorded on the recording medium 18, and the superimposed image is recorded. In the accompanying information of the image file, difference information for specifying difference data is registered together with the date imprint flag. Therefore, it is possible to read the difference data based on the difference information (additional information) of the image file of the superimposed image, and as a result, based on the image file of the superimposed image, the image data of the superimposed image and the image data of the subject image (superimposed image) (Can be created from the image data and the difference data). Further, since the data capacity required to reproduce the image data of the subject image based on the image file of the superimposed image is sufficient for the data capacity of the difference data, the data capacity required for the reproduction can be further reduced.

In the process of S707, difference data is created based on the image data of the subject image and the superimposed image after the compression process. The difference data may be created based on the

Next, an example of a process when a print instruction by DPOF is set in an image file of a superimposed image recorded in this way will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process when a print instruction by DPOF is set during reproduction. In the flowchart shown in the figure, the processing other than S807 is the same as the processing other than S307 shown in FIG. 3, and thus the description thereof will be omitted here and different processing will be described.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the image of the image file in which the print instruction by the DPOF is set is a superimposed image on which a date or the like is superimposed (Y in S806), the difference between the image files of the superimposed image is determined. The difference data is read out based on the information (additional information), and image data of the subject image before the date or the like is superimposed is created (restored) based on the difference data and the image data of the superimposed image. Then, the image data (superimposed image) of the image file in which the print instruction by the DPOF is set is replaced with the created image data of the subject image (S807).

According to such processing, when the image of the image file to which the print instruction by the DPOF is set is a superimposed image, the image data of the image file is created from the image data of the superimposed image and the difference data. Is automatically replaced with the image data of the subject image, so that the date or the like previously superimposed is not superimposed, and the DP
Only the date based on the print instruction such as the date by the OF is superimposed, and the date is not superimposed. Further, the user once superimposes a date or the like on the image in the date imprint mode, but the user's intention changes later, and the DP
This is also effective when printing of the date or the like by the OF is desired.

Next, an example of a process when a superimposition instruction such as a date is again performed on the image file of the superimposed image recorded by the process shown in FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process when a date imprint mode is designated during reproduction and an instruction for imprinting a date or the like is issued. In the flowchart shown in FIG.
The processes other than S903 are the same as the processes other than S503 shown in FIG. 5, and thus description thereof is omitted here, and different processes will be described.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the image of the image file for which the user has instructed the imprinting of the date or the like is a superimposed image on which the date or the like is superimposed (Y in S902),
The difference data is read out based on the difference information (additional information) of the image file of the superimposed image, and the image data of the subject image before the date and the like is superimposed is created (restored) based on the difference data and the image data of the superimposed image. ). Then, the image data (superimposed image) of the image file for which the imprint instruction such as the date is issued is replaced with the created image data of the subject image (S903).

According to such processing, when the image of the image file for which the imprinting instruction such as the date has been issued is a superimposed image, the image data of this image file is obtained from the image data of the superimposed image and the difference data. Since the data is automatically replaced with the image data of the created subject image, the date and the like previously superimposed are not superimposed, and only the date and the like based on the imprint instruction such as the later date are superimposed and the date is superimposed. Are not overlapped. In addition, the user temporarily superimposes a date or the like on an image in the date imprint mode, but is also effective when the user wants to change the format of the imprinted date or change the superimposition position.

According to the examples shown in FIGS. 7 to 9,
The superimposed image and the difference data between the superimposed image and the subject image are recorded, and thereafter, the subject image can be restored from the superimposed image and the difference data. The difference data of the superimposed image may be recorded, and then the superimposed image may be reconstructed from the subject image and the difference data so as to perform processing.

Further, in this embodiment, the photographing date is applied as an example of the information relating to the photographing superimposed on the image.
In addition, photographing conditions such as shutter speed and exposure, user comments, numbers, and the like may be applied. Further, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which a print instruction such as a date is specified by DPOF, but a print instruction may be specified based on another format.

Although the present embodiment has been described with respect to the electronic camera, the processing relating to the reproduction processing (FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9) other than the photographing processing (FIGS. 2 and 7) Since the processing can be performed by a reproducing apparatus or a PC (personal computer) that handles, the present invention can be applied to these apparatuses.

[0077]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, superimposition printing (printing) of information relating to photographing by DPOF or the like is performed on a superimposed image on which information relating to photographing (such as a photographing date) is superimposed. When an instruction is set, or when an instruction for superimposing recording of information relating to imaging is issued again, the information relating to the imaging is superimposed on the subject image which is the original image of the superimposed image. Can be prevented from being overlapped. It is also possible to prohibit the setting of the superimposition printing instruction and the superimposition recording.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a photographing process when a date imprint mode is designated;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing when a print instruction by DPOF is set during reproduction.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of prohibiting the setting of a superimposed print instruction when a print instruction by DPOF is set during reproduction.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process when an instruction for imprinting a date or the like in a date imprint mode is performed during reproduction.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of prohibiting imprinting of a date or the like when an instruction for imprinting a date or the like in a date imprint mode is performed during reproduction.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the photographing process when the date imprint mode is designated.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of processing when a print instruction by DPOF is set during reproduction.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example of processing when a date imprint instruction is issued in the date imprint mode during reproduction.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 lens 2 CCD 3 imaging circuit 4 CPU_A 5 A / D conversion circuit 6 correction circuit 7 frame memory 8 CPU_B 9 FIFO memory 10 recording buffer 11 bus line 12 on-screen circuit 13 video output circuit 14 video output terminal 15 TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 16 TFT panel 17 Backlight unit 18 Recording medium 19 Recording medium I / F 20 Actuator 21 Actuator drive circuit 22 EEPROM 23 External data I / F 24 Key matrix unit 25 LCD panel 26 LCD display circuit 27 Battery 28 Power supply circuit 29 Backup power supply 30 Battery State detection circuit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H054 AA01 5C022 AA13 AB00 AC69 5C053 FA08 GB36 GB40 JA16 KA04 KA22 5C076 AA16

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An electronic imaging unit, and a recording control for reproducibly recording, as a captured image, a subject image obtained by the imaging unit and a superimposed image in which information relating to photography is superimposed on the subject image as characters. Means, and an electronic camera. 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit records the superimposed image and difference data between the superimposed image and the subject image. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the recording control unit records the subject image with the characters attached as data and the superimposed image. 4. An image printing apparatus which sets an instruction to print the image and superimpose the information on the photographing as characters together with an instruction to print the image, wherein the subject image and the superimposed image are recorded in a reproducible manner. 4. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: a print instruction setting unit configured to set a print instruction for the subject image in response to the print instruction for the captured image. 5. A restoring means for restoring the subject image from the superimposed image and the difference data, and an instruction for superimposing and printing the information relating to the photographing as characters together with an instruction to print the image is set for the image printing apparatus. A print setting for instructing to print the subject image restored by the restoring means in response to a print instruction for a photographed image in which the subject image and the superimposed image are reproducibly recorded. The electronic camera according to claim 2, further comprising: instruction setting means. 6. A superimposition recording control for superimposing and recording on the reproduced subject image when information relating to photographing is superimposed and recorded as characters on the captured image in which the subject image and the superimposed image are reproducibly recorded. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: 7. A restoring means for restoring the subject image from the superimposed image and the difference data, and superimposing information relating to photographing as a character on a photographed image reproducibly reproducing the subject image and the superimposed image. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 2, further comprising: superimposition recording control means for superimposing and recording the subject image restored by the restoration means when recording. 8. An electronic image pickup unit, a recording control unit that superimposes information relating to photographing as a character on a photographed image and records a superimposed image on which the character is superimposed, and instructs an image printing apparatus to print an image. Along with this, an instruction for superimposing and printing the information regarding the shooting as characters is set.
An electronic camera, comprising: print instruction setting means for prohibiting setting of the instruction for superimposed printing. 9. An electronic image pickup unit, a recording control unit that superimposes information related to photographing as a character on a photographed image and records a superimposed image on which the character is superimposed, and prohibits re-superimposition recording on the superimposed image. An electronic camera comprising: a control unit for controlling the recording control unit as described above.