JP2003283909A - Color image photographing apparatus with name card intake function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a color image photographing apparatus with a name card intake function suitable for photographing a name card. <P>SOLUTION: The color image photographing apparatus 1 with a name card intake function for converting the photographing light from a subject into a color image signal through an optical system comprises a means 2 for photographing a name card with a size substantially corresponding to the photographing angle of field by zooming automatically in accordance with the name card size. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in a color image capturing device such as a digital still camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it is known to record an image photographed by using a color image photographing device such as a digital still camera together with data related to the image. For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-72546, an electronic notebook and a camera are integrated, and when the user is acting according to the schedule at the registered time and shooting is performed at that time, the schedule is set. Has been proposed in which the contents of the schedule are automatically extracted and the contents of the schedule are recorded in association with the image as data related to the image.

[0003]

By the way, recently, a business card is photographed by using the digital still camera, and the image of the photographed business card is also taken into a personal computer. When shooting a business card using a digital still camera, it is attempted to manually perform zoom control to match the size of the image of the business card with the size of the angle of view, but it is difficult to match the size easily.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a color image photographing apparatus with a business card import function, which is suitable for photographing a business card.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color image capturing apparatus with a business card capturing function, which converts a photographing light from a subject into a color image signal through an optical system, when capturing a business card. Further, it is characterized by further comprising business card photographing execution means for automatically zooming in accordance with the size of the business card and photographing the business card with a size similar to the photographing field angle.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the business card is photographed by using the digital camera, the size of the image of the business card can be automatically set to the full photographing angle of view.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color image capturing apparatus with a business card capturing function, which alerts a user when an image of a business card which is rotated with respect to a shooting field angle or an image of the business card is larger than the shooting field angle. It is characterized by having a warning means for performing.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the failure of taking in the business card in advance.

The color image photographing apparatus with a business card import function according to claim 3 automatically creates a dedicated folder,
It is characterized by having a dedicated folder creating means for automatically saving the image of the taken business card in the folder.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the image of the taken business card is automatically saved in the dedicated folder.
You can easily organize business cards.

A color image photographing device with a business card importing function according to a fourth aspect is characterized by having extraction means for automatically extracting a home page address or a mail address described in the business card.

According to the invention described in claim 4, since it becomes easy to associate the homepage address or the mail address with the name, the usability is convenient.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color image capturing apparatus with a business card capturing function, which comprises release prohibiting means for prohibiting release when the resolution of characters written on the business card does not exceed a threshold value of a predetermined value or more. Characterize.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the resolution of the character is less than or equal to the threshold value, the release is prohibited, so that the failure of photographing the business card can be prevented.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color image photographing apparatus having a business card taking function, which has an automatic transfer means for automatically transferring a dedicated folder to a personal computer when placed on a cradle.

According to the invention described in claim 6, when the digital still camera is placed on the cradle, the dedicated folder is automatically transmitted to the personal computer, which is convenient.

[0017]

1 shows a system block circuit of a digital still camera 1 as an example of a color image photographing means. In FIG. 1, 2 is a microcomputer, 3 is a photographing lens, 4 is a mechanical shutter, and 5 is a mechanical shutter. Is C
CD (charge coupled device), 6 is a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit, 7 is an analog-digital converter (A / D)
Converter), 8 is a digital signal processing circuit, 9 is a frame memory, 10 is an image compression / expansion circuit, 11 is a data storage memory, 12 is a motor driver, 13 is a timing control signal generation circuit (SG circuit), and 14 is stroboscopic light emission. Control circuit,
Reference numeral 15 is a camera operation unit as a key operation unit, and 16 is an EEP.
ROM, 17 is an OSD (on-screen display), and 18 is a display device.

The microcomputer 2 controls the digital still camera 1 as a whole, and includes a taking lens 3, a mechanical shutter 4, a CCD 5, a timing control signal generating circuit 13,
It controls the input means consisting of the A / D converter 7.

The CCD 5 is a timing control signal generation circuit 1
All pixels of the CCD 5 can be read using the mechanical shutter 4 by the interlaced scanning method, and the total number of pixels is 3.26 million pixels (horizontal direction 2080).
The number of effective pixels is 3.14 million pixels (horizontal direction 2048 pixels, vertical direction 1536 pixels).

The subject image is formed on the CCD 5 and the C
The signal is converted into an electric signal by the CD5, subjected to correlated double sampling by the CDS circuit 6, and input to the A / D converter 7. The A / D converter 7 samples the CDS output signal output from the correlated double sampling signal at the optimum sampling frequency (for example, an integer multiple of the subcarrier frequency of the NTSC signal) and converts it into a digital signal.

The CDS output signal converted into the digital signal is subjected to ordinary camera signal processing such as γ (gamma) correction and color separation by the digital signal processing circuit 8 which constitutes a part of the image processing apparatus to obtain the luminance. Signal Y, color difference signals Cb, C
r is generated.

The frame memory 9 is an image memory capable of accumulating image data of at least one screen of image pickup pixels, for example, VRAM, SRAM, DRAM, SDR.
An AM (synchronous DRAM) is used to temporarily store the image pickup data processed by the digital signal processing circuit 8.

The luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr are input as image data to the image compression / expansion circuit 10, and the image data is encoded by the image compression / expansion circuit 10 and the data storage memory 11 such as a memory card. Memorized in.

A general microcomputer system is used for the microcomputer 2, and the microcomputer 2 has a RAM for storing a control program, a RAM used as a working memory (working area), and an image pickup and recording based on the control program. , A CPU for executing a required operation such as reproduction.

The memory card is used for compressing the data stored in the buffer memory and storing and accumulating the compressed data. In addition, the data may be recorded in an internal memory of about 8 MB, smart media, compact flash (registered trademark), or SD card.

A liquid crystal display is used as the display device 18, and the captured image is displayed. An on-screen display circuit 19 as a display control unit 19 is connected to the microcomputer 2, and the display control unit 19 controls the display of the image data that has been subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit, and the image pickup data is displayed. It is displayed on the device 18.
The image processing unit executes image processing according to the image processing parameters stored in the EEPROM 16 according to the instruction of the microcomputer 2.

In the image compression / decompression circuit, the JPEG method is used as the image compression / encoding method, ADCT (adaptive discrete cosine transform method) is used as the encoded algorithm, and an image with low resolution is first encoded. Hierarchical coding with progressively higher resolution is introduced.

The camera operation unit 15 as a key operation unit is
It has a release key for instructing the operation of the image pickup apparatus, an instruction for photographing, and a button for externally performing various other settings.

The general operation of this digital still camera will be briefly described below, and the constituent actions of the present invention will be described.

The image data input from the input device is temporarily stored in the frame memory 9. The digital image processing circuit 8 processes the image data temporarily stored in the frame memory 9 based on the image processing parameter instructed by the microcomputer 2, and re-outputs it to the frame memory 9. Face recognition processing is included in this processing.

The display control unit 19 transmits the image data written in the frame memory 9 to the display device 18, and displays the photographed image. The data compression unit encodes the image data written in the buffer memory (not shown) of the image compression / expansion circuit 10 by the JPEG method and stores the compression result in the data storage memory 11 such as a memory card.

The CPU of the microcomputer 2 is an RO
Using the RAM as a work area according to the control program stored in M, the camera operation unit 1 as a key operation unit
5, all operations of the digital still camera 1 are controlled in accordance with an instruction from the external device 5, an external operation instruction such as a remote control (not shown), or a communication operation instruction through communication from an external terminal such as a personal computer.

That is, the microcomputer 2 performs various settings and controls such as image pickup operation control, image parameter setting of the image processing apparatus, memory control, display control, and the like.

When photographing a business card, it is desirable that the background is black so that the boundary with the business card is clearly recognized, that is, the contrast is clear, for example, when photographing a white business card.

First, the card operating unit 15 is set in the business card photographing mode.
Set manually by key operation.

The microcomputer 2 has a business card photographing execution means. The business card photographing execution means detects the boundary between the business card and the background by using the brightness data evaluation value. Business cards generally have mostly white areas and have high luminance data values. On the other hand, when the background is black, for example, its brightness value is relatively low.

Therefore, when the image of the business card exists within the shooting angle of view, the boundary is always present. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the image 20 of the business card is shown, a boundary 2 is formed between the image 20 of the business card and the background image 23 within the photographing field angle 21.
There are two. Whether or not the boundary 22 exists is determined by, for example, whether or not the brightness data corresponding to the predetermined pixels 24 within the photographing view angle 21 and around the view angle is larger than the set threshold value.

That is, the microcomputer 2 sequentially acquires the luminance data evaluation value while the motor driver 1
2 is driven to zoom up the image. While performing this zoom-up, it is determined whether or not the image 20 has been expanded to the periphery of the angle of view 21 depending on whether or not the brightness data corresponding to the predetermined pixel 24 around the angle of view becomes larger than the set threshold value. To do.

As shown in FIG. 3, the microcomputer 2 zooms up until the size of the image 20 of the business card is about the same as the angle of view 21, and the predetermined pixel 24 is displayed.
It is determined that the image 20 has been expanded to the periphery of the angle of view 21 when the luminance of exceeds the set threshold value. At this point, if the release button of the camera operation unit 15 is operated, shooting is performed.

That is, when the key of the card operating unit 15 is set to the business card photographing mode, the microcomputer 2 executes an image capturing process as shown in FIG. 4 (S.
1). Next, the microcomputer 2 executes a brightness data evaluation value acquisition process (S.2), and the motor driver 2
Is driven to execute the image zooming-up process (S.3), and then it is determined whether the luminance data evaluation value is lower than the threshold value (S.4). When the luminance data evaluation value is lower than the threshold value, S.M. 1-S. 4 is repeated, and when the brightness data evaluation value is higher than the threshold value, the microcomputer 2 executes release processing (S.5). As a result, the image 20 of the business card with the full angle of view is obtained.

Further, the microcomputer 2 is provided with a warning means, and as shown in FIG. 5, when the image 20 of the business card is inclined with respect to the photographing field angle 21, the microcomputer 2 prohibits the release. Or warning sound, LE
The warning lighting by D may be performed. In addition, FIG.
As shown in, the release may be prohibited when the image 20 of the business card is larger than the shooting angle of view 21.

For example, when the key of the card operating unit 15 is set to the business card photographing mode as shown in FIG. 7, the microcomputer 2 executes the image capturing process as shown in FIG. 4 (S.10). Next, the microcomputer 2 executes a brightness data evaluation value acquisition process (S.1).
1) After driving the motor driver 2 to execute the image zoom-up processing (S.12), it is determined whether the evaluation value acquisition area exceeds the angle of view 21 (S.1).
3). When the evaluation value acquisition area exceeds the angle of view 21, it is determined that an error has occurred and, for example, the LED is turned on with a warning.

When the evaluation value acquisition area does not exceed the angle of view 21, it is determined whether the brightness data evaluation value is lower than the threshold value (S.14). When the brightness data evaluation value is lower than the threshold value, the S.I. 10-S. Repeat process 14
When the luminance data evaluation value is higher than the threshold value, the microcomputer 2 determines whether the pixel on the same scanning line as the pixel whose luminance data evaluation value has changed has changed (S.15). S. 15, if the microcomputer 2 determines YES, then 16, the release process is executed, and the S.I. When the answer is No in 15,
The LED is turned on as a warning because it is in a rotating state with respect to the angle of view 21.

Furthermore, when the microcomputer 2 is provided with means for creating a dedicated folder for business cards and the business card is photographed,
A folder for exclusive use of business cards may be automatically created in the internal storage medium or the external storage medium. In order to recognize that it is a folder for business cards only as a folder name, "meis
It may be named "hi01", and the captured images may be automatically saved in this folder dedicated to business cards. When shooting on another day, the folder name is automatically set to "meishi02", for example. Alternatively, the image of the business card taken on another day may be stored in this newly created folder.

Further, a character recognition processing program as a character extracting means is incorporated in the microcomputer 2, and the OC
R (Optical Character) processing may be performed, and when the character strings “http: //” and “.htm” are included, the home page address may be automatically extracted. Further, in the case of a character string including the code "@", it may be automatically extracted as a mail address. Further, the name read by the OCR process of the business card and the home page address or the mail address may be associated and stored.

Here, in the case of character detection, the conversion accuracy is 95.
% To about 99%, the microcomputer 2 is provided with a release prohibiting means, and when the resolution above the predetermined threshold is not detected from the characters written on the business card,
It is also possible to prohibit the release. For example,
When the resolution of 400 dpi or more is not detected, the release may be prohibited, the warning sound, and the warning lighting by the LED may be performed.

For example, the card operation unit 1 is set in the business card shooting mode.
When the key of No. 5 is set, the microcomputer 2 executes an image capturing process as shown in FIG. 8 (S.2).
0). Next, the microcomputer 2 executes a luminance data evaluation value acquisition process (S.21), and the motor driver
After driving 2 to execute the image zoom-up process (S.22), it is determined whether or not the luminance data evaluation value is lower than the threshold value (S.23). When the luminance data evaluation value is lower than the threshold value, S.M. 20-S. 23 is repeated, and when the luminance data evaluation value is higher than the threshold value, the microcomputer 2 causes the S.S. In step 24, it is determined whether the resolution is equal to or higher than the threshold. When the resolution is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the microcomputer 2 executes the release process (S.25). The microcomputer 2 is an S.M.
If the answer is NO in 24, it is determined that an error has occurred, the warning LED is turned on, and execution of the release process is prohibited. As a result, a business card image in which the characters written on the business card have a predetermined resolution or higher is acquired.

Further, the microcomputer 2 is provided with automatic transfer means, and the digital still camera 1 is connected to the personal computer 25 and the USB cable 26 as shown in FIG.
It is also possible to automatically transfer the dedicated folder to the personal computer 25 by placing it on the cradle 27 for connecting the cradle / charging / personal computer which is connected via the personal computer 25.

As described above, in the embodiment of the invention, the business card photographing mode is set by the key operation of the camera operation section. However, the microcomputer 2 acquires the brightness data value, and the background image 23 and the business card image are acquired. Boundary 2 with 20
2 is detected, and it is determined whether the subject is a business card by determining whether the contour line forming the boundary 22 is a rectangle and whether the average luminance data value inside the boundary 22 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Then, the business card photographing execution means may be activated.

[0050]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a business card is photographed by using a digital camera, the size of the image of the business card can be automatically set to the full angle of view.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the failure of importing the business card in advance.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the image of the taken business card is automatically saved in the dedicated folder.
You can easily organize business cards.

According to the invention described in claim 4, since it becomes easy to associate the homepage address or the mail address with the name, the convenience of use is convenient.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, when the resolution of the character is less than or equal to the threshold value, the release is prohibited, so that the failure of photographing the business card can be prevented.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, when the digital still camera is placed on the cradle, the dedicated folder is automatically transmitted to the personal computer, which is convenient.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system block circuit diagram of a digital still camera.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a business card image before zooming up.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a business card image that is zoomed up and has a full angle of view.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining an example of a business card photographing execution means.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a business card image is tilted with respect to a shooting angle of view.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a business card image extends beyond a shooting angle of view.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the business card shooting execution unit when the business card image is out of the angle of view and when the image is in a rotating state.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow for obtaining a character image having a predetermined resolution or higher.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection state between a digital still camera and a personal computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Digital still camera (color image capturing device) 2. Microcomputer (business card shooting execution means)

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Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A color image photographing apparatus for converting photographing light from a subject into a color image signal via an optical system, when a business card is photographed, zooming is automatically performed according to the size of the business card to obtain a photographed image. A color image capturing apparatus with a business card capturing function, comprising business card capturing execution means for capturing the business card in a size similar to a corner. 2. A warning means for warning a user when an image of a business card rotated with respect to the photographing field angle or an image of the business card larger than the photographing field angle is provided. Color image capturing device with the business card capture function described in. 3. A dedicated folder creating means for automatically creating a dedicated folder dedicated to a business card and automatically saving an image of a taken business card in the dedicated folder. Color image capturing device with the business card capture function described in. 4. The color image capturing apparatus with a business card importing function according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising automatic extracting means for automatically extracting a home page address or a mail address described in the business card. . 5. A release prohibition means for prohibiting a release when the resolution of characters written on a business card does not exceed a threshold value of a predetermined value or more.
Alternatively, the color image capturing device with a business card capturing function according to claim 2. 6. The color image capturing apparatus with a business card capturing function according to claim 3, further comprising an automatic transfer means for automatically transferring the dedicated folder to a personal computer when placed on a cradle.