JP2004312786A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera small in size, good in portability, having a communication function and capable of making a communication without fail. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic camera is provided with: a display section 26 for displaying a photographed image; and a signal level discrimination section 50 for discriminating a level of a received signal, thereby performing a warning indication in the display section 26 in accordance with the signal level. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic camera, and more particularly, to an electronic camera which has a communication function and is capable of communication without failure in addition to a function of capturing and reproducing and displaying an image.

  Today, various technologies relating to an electronic still camera (DSC; Digital Still Camera) having a display unit for reproducing and displaying the image on a built-in color liquid crystal display panel in addition to the imaging unit and the image storage unit have been proposed. Prior example 1).

  Also, there is a DSC-related technology in which a DSC is provided with a data communication means, which can be connected to a telephone line, and which can display image data shot by using network communication of a personal computer on a screen of a remote personal computer. It has been proposed (Prior example 2).

  However, the prior art 1 does not have a communication function between devices and has a limited angle of view that can be clearly seen on a small liquid crystal screen. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Cannot enjoy watching the image displayed on one DSC 1.

Further, the above-described prior example 2 is based on the premise that a personal computer is used, and the specifications of a portable device are too large and are not suitable for carrying.
An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera which is small and easy to carry, has a communication function, and can perform communication without failure.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a display unit that displays a captured image,
An electronic camera capable of transmitting and receiving the image, comprising: a signal level determining unit that determines a received signal level; and displaying a warning on the display unit according to the signal level. You.

  In this aspect, the warning display may be performed when the signal level is lower than a predetermined level.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic camera which is small, easy to carry, has a communication function, and can perform communication without failure.

  The electronic camera of the present invention described in detail below is small and easy to carry, and enables communication between devices so that a plurality of people can enjoy the same image.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2B, the electronic camera 1a, 1b, 1c is configured to be able to enjoy the same image. When such communication is performed, the captured image and the display image obtained by the communication cannot be distinguished, the image is transmitted to a device of a person who does not want to show, or the photographer does not know at the communication destination of the image. Various problems such as being stored beforehand occur, but the present invention solves the problem as described later.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment.

  In the figure, reference numerals 1a and 1b indicate separate electronic cameras, respectively, and these electronic cameras 1a and 1b have the same configuration. Since the present invention performs communication between electronic cameras, two electronic cameras 1a and 1b are illustrated for convenience of explanation. The imaging control unit 2 includes an imaging unit and a sequence controller. The imaging control unit 2 includes a memory unit 3 for storing imaging results, a display unit 6 for monitoring imaging results, and a mode setting. A communication unit 4 for communicating image data between the electronic cameras 1a and 1b is connected in addition to a release switch 7, a transmission switch 8, and a transmission / reception changeover switch 9 for inputting a timing for entering a shooting operation.

  The user can switch the transmission / reception mode by operating the transmission / reception switch 9. In addition, the display format of the display unit 6 can be switched by the display switching unit 5 so that the image photographed by the user and the image obtained by communication can be distinguished. Further, each of the electronic cameras 1a and 1b has an encryption setting unit 10 so that communication and display of an image can be performed only when the encryption settings of the electronic cameras 1a and 1b are the same.

  Here, FIGS. 2A to 2C show and explain the state of the screen of the display unit 6 switched by the display switching unit 5 in the above configuration. FIG. 2A shows a state where a screen shot by oneself is displayed, and FIG. 2B shows a state where a received image is displayed. In FIG. 2B, a frame display 6a for indicating that the image is not the original image is displayed. In addition, on the reception screen, the word “reception” can be displayed on the screen. FIG. 2C will be described later.

  Next, FIG. 3 is an external view of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment, which will be described.

  FIG. 3A is a front view, in which a photographing lens 11 and a release switch 7 are arranged at predetermined positions of the electronic camera main body 1. FIG. 3B is a rear view in which a liquid crystal screen of the display unit 6 and various switches such as a transmission / reception switch 9 are arranged.

  When the transmission / reception switch 9 is set to the “reception mode” side, a circuit for receiving an image signal from another electronic camera is activated, and a received image is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the display unit 6. When the transmission / reception changeover switch 9 is set to the “photographing mode”, the image captured through the photographing lens 11 by operating the release switch 7 is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the display unit 6 and the transmission switch 8 is turned on. An image captured by the camera can be transmitted to another display unit 6 by an operation. In addition, the electronic camera is provided with an encryption setting switch 10, and transmitted and received images can be viewed only when the setting of the encryption setting switch 10 is the same between the transmitting camera and the receiving camera. By doing so, you are protecting your privacy.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, the operation of each component is controlled by a system controller (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) 30 including a one-chip microcomputer or the like. Here, for the sake of simplicity, each switch previously shown individually in FIGS. 1 and 3B is shown as a switch unit 29. The CPU 30 detects the input state of the switch unit 29 and performs sequence control according to the input state.

  That is, when the release switch in the switch unit 29 is operated by the user, the CPU 30 stores the image captured by the lens 11 and the imaging circuit 21 in the memory unit 28. The image pickup circuit 21 has an image pickup device such as a CCD and converts a subject image formed through the photographing lens 11 into an electric image signal. The A / D converter 22 converts the signal into a digital signal, and the frame memory 23 temporarily stores the digital signal. Then, the CPU 30 reads out the data relating to the digital signal in block units, compresses the data according to a predetermined format such as a JPEG (JOINT PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPERT GROUP) method via the compression / decompression circuit 27, and then stores the data in the memory unit 28. Remember.

  On the other hand, at the time of reproducing the stored data, the CPU 30 selects a predetermined memory area, reads out predetermined data from the memory unit 28, inputs the read data to the compression / decompression circuit 27, performs decompression processing, and stores the data in the frame memory 23. Remember. The image data is read out again from the frame memory 23, is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 24, is converted into a video signal by the video encoder 25, and is displayed on the display unit 6 composed of a liquid crystal or the like. Is performed.

  When the image signal is transmitted by the setting of the switch unit 29, the data is transmitted by blinking a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode of the transmitter 31 according to a predetermined communication protocol (communication procedure). When an image signal is received, a signal converted into an electric signal by the receiver 32 having a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode is determined as an image signal according to a predetermined communication protocol.

  This protocol may be changed by the setting of the cipher setting unit 10. However, in the sequence shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, by simply adjusting the timing of the synchronization signal, the reception data of the received data can be changed only when the cipher settings match. An image is displayed. That is, the CPU 30 determines whether the setting of the switch unit 29 is set to the photographing mode or the transmission mode (step S1). If the setting is set to the photographing mode, the CPU 30 proceeds to the processing after step S20. The switch unit 29 has an input of a release switch (step S20). When the release switch is pressed, a photographing sequence is performed (step S21), and the photographing result is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 6 (step S22).

  On the other hand, if the photographing mode is not set in step S1, the CPU 30 subsequently determines whether or not the transmission switch in the switch unit 29 is turned on (step S2), and the transmission switch is turned on. If so, the display enters a subroutine (step S10). In this subroutine, an image to be transmitted is selected, and an image to be transmitted is selected by operating the switch unit 29 from an image photographed by the user. When the selection is completed in this manner, a preset encryption signal is transmitted by the switch unit 29 (step S11). When another camera in the reception mode receives the encryption signal, the CPU 30 transmits a synchronization signal only when the encryption matches.

  Subsequently, the electronic camera on the transmitting side waits while the synchronization signal is input to the receiver 32 (step S12). That is, the electronic camera on the transmission side performs timer counting, and if there is no input of a synchronization signal for a predetermined time (step S14), issues a warning (step S15), and returns to step S1 to transmit the image signal. Do not do. Therefore, when there is no camera whose code matches, the image selected in step S10 cannot be viewed by another camera. Conversely, when the reception of the synchronization signal is detected (step S12), the image signal is transmitted (step S13).

  When the setting of the reception mode is determined in step S2, the reception of the encryption signal from the electronic camera on the transmission side is waited for and the synchronization signal is transmitted only when the signal is received (step S3) as described above. Since a signal for forming an image is transmitted according to the synchronization signal, the CPU 30 stores the signal based on a predetermined communication protocol (step S5). Subsequently, the image data is expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 27, D / A converted by the D / A converter 24, and reproduced and displayed in a predetermined frame displayed on the display unit 6 such as a liquid crystal display (step). S6), end the operation.

  It is preferable that the transmitted image signal is the same digital data as when the photographed image was taken by oneself in the same way as the extra photo, but the received data should not be stored in the memory unit 28 from the CPU 30. It is also conceivable to take measures to prevent the original image from being duplicated unnecessarily. In this case, it is effective to change the format of the digital data to be transmitted. Specifically, the portion of the frame 6a shown in FIG. 2 (c) may be cut at the transmission stage, or data of an image reduced so that the entire screen falls within the frame may be transmitted.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the captured image can be transferred to another device. Therefore, even though the electronic camera has a small screen, the same device can be used simultaneously with a plurality of people on different devices. Images can be appreciated. Therefore, the size of the electronic camera body can be reduced, and an electronic camera excellent in portability can be provided. Moreover, since the original and copy screens have different display forms, there is an advantage that duplication and confusion can be prevented.

  Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment in which it is possible to set whether or not the other party can store the image in the transmission stage, and to place more importance on privacy and the rights of the photographer. Note that the configuration of the electronic camera is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the electronic camera according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the shooting mode has been set (step S30). When the shooting mode has been set, the CPU 30 subsequently determines whether or not the release switch has been pressed (step S50). Here, when the release is performed, shooting (step S51) and display are performed (step S52). This is the same as in the first embodiment (FIG. 5).

  In step S50, when the photographing mode is not set, it is determined whether the transmission mode or the reception mode is selected by the setting of the switch unit 29. When the transmission mode is set, the process branches to step S32, and the other party is determined. The process branches to step S33 or step S35 according to the setting result of the switch for selecting whether or not the received image may be recorded.

  Then, in a case where the other party may save the image signal with the same feeling as the additional printing of the photograph, after transmitting a permission signal indicating that the image can be recorded (step S33), the first embodiment is executed. After generating the synchronization signal as in the embodiment (FIG. 5) (step S36), the image signal is transmitted (step S37).

  On the other hand, if the user wants the other party to see the image only at that time and does not want to save the image, the image is combined with the frame 6a and the warning character 6b on the image in step S35 as shown in FIG. Thus, a recordable signal is not output, and a synchronization signal is generated and an image signal is transmitted (steps S36 and S37).

  If the reception mode is set in step S31, the reception of a synchronization signal is waited for (step S40). When the signal is received, an image signal is received according to a predetermined protocol (step S41). It is determined whether or not it is included (step S42). When the recordable signal is included, the CPU 30 stores it in the memory unit 28 (step S43) and displays an image on the display unit 6 such as a liquid crystal display (step S43). S44).

  On the other hand, if the storage enable signal has not been received, the process branches from step S42 to step S45, where the CPU 30 displays the image signal sent for a predetermined time, without storing the signal in the memory 28. After a predetermined period of time, it is erased.

  According to the operation described above, in the second embodiment, a photograph taken by oneself can be viewed on another device while having a small display screen because of the small size, light weight, and excellent portability of the main body. Since copying can be prohibited indiscriminately, it is possible to provide an electronic camera that allows many people to easily see what has been shot and enjoy the same screen.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described. Various methods are conceivable in order to not only enjoy the image obtained by the electronic camera as a personal memory aid but also to involve and enjoy a person other than the photographer, but in the third embodiment, A four-frame comic format has been proposed as a format for presenting a record to more people in a manner that is easy to understand by adding sound, which is information other than images.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic camera according to the third embodiment.

  The main configuration is the same as that of FIG. 4, but an audio input circuit 41 composed of an amplifier or the like is connected to a microphone 40 so that audio can be digitally recorded, and an audio signal converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter 42. Is input to the memory 28 via the CPU 30. The time of the voice input also serves as a time for sequentially switching the screen, and a timer unit 47 is provided so that the time at that time can be displayed on the screen during recording.

  When the screen display period is longer than the recording time, a non-recording time may be provided. As a result, the screen switching setting switch can also serve as a recording switch, which can contribute to cost reduction and miniaturization. At the time of reproduction, the digital signal read from the memory 28 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 43, and then amplified by the amplifier 44 to output sound from the speaker 45.

  Further, in the third embodiment, the signal level detection circuit 50 is provided in the receiving unit 32, and the distance between the transmitting side and the receiving side is too large or there is an obstacle between the transmitting side and the signal level. When the intensity does not come in, the CPU 30 can detect this and issue a warning. This warning enables more reliable reception if the person holding the receiving device approaches the transmitting side. Without such a contrivance, the receiver will always wait for a signal to come in, even when the image is not transmitted successfully due to the above-described obstacle. In the third embodiment, such inconvenience in usability is also solved.

  Here, FIG. 8A shows the appearance of the back of the electronic camera according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, similarly to FIG. 3B, the display screen of the display unit 6 made of liquid crystal or the like, the release switch 7, the photographing switch 10, the transmission switch 8 are provided. Further, as a feature of this embodiment, a speaker 45 is arranged in the microphone 40 in correspondence with recording and reproduction of audio.

  Further, as described above, the recording switch 60 also functions as a screen display time setting switch during reproduction. While the recording switch 60 is pressed, recording is performed from the microphone 40 and time is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 6.

  In addition, a screen selection switch 61, a four-frame cartoon reproduction switch 62, and a four-frame cartoon start / stop connection setting switch 63 are also provided at predetermined positions. When the switches 61 to 63 are depressed, images sequentially appear on the screen, and a corresponding sound is output from the speaker 45.

  In addition, images and sounds recorded separately can be made to correspond later, and it is determined whether or not sound and picture are input for the start and end of the four-frame cartoon by, for example, setting the four-frame cartoon reproduction switch 62. When the button is pressed, the information may be confirmed in a table format on the screen as shown in FIG. 8B, or may be displayed on a multi-screen as shown in FIG. Note that the numbers shown in FIG. 11 represent the recording time and the display time at the time of screen switching, and the places without such numbers indicate that recording is needed from now on.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, a sequence at the time of creating a four-frame cartoon according to the third embodiment will be described.

  First, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the recording mode is selected by an operation such as double-clicking the recording switch 60 (step S60). When the recording mode is not set, the user operates the selection switch 61 or the like to operate the recording mode. Allows the user to select a screen that constitutes a four-frame cartoon (step S61).

  Next, a message "Please select a start and finish connection" is displayed on the selected screen (step S62). At this time, when the user presses any one of the start-and-stop connection switches 63, the CPU 30 recognizes which part of the four-frame comic is displayed on the displayed screen (step S63), and the image data according to the result is displayed. It is stored in the memory unit 28 (step S64).

  Alternatively, the method of specifying the memory in which the image data is already stored may be changed according to the result of the switch selection. Subsequently, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the selection of all four frames has been completed by such an operation (step 65). If the setting of both the image and the sound has not been completed, the finished frame is displayed and the user is updated. The user is notified that another screen selection or voice recording is required (step S70).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S60 that the recording mode has been selected, the flow branches to step S80, and a message "Please select a start / stop connection" is displayed on the display unit 6. When the selection is made with the switch 63, the CPU 30 detects the result (step S81) and displays a message "Press the recording SW" on the display unit (step S82). When it is determined that the user has pressed the recording switch (step S83), the CPU 30 enables the microphone 40 and the like and stores the sound in a predetermined memory (step S84).

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, if sound effects that cannot be actually recorded are displayed on the screen, and these can be selected by, for example, a start / stop switch, the image information is supplemented more effectively. I can do it. That is, for example, if the switch of “roll” is pressed during recording, a sound effect of “rolly” is output from the speaker 45 at the time of reproduction. At this time, the timer 47 is operated, and the time measurement result is displayed on the display unit 6. When the finger is released from the recording switch 60 (step S85), it is determined that the recording of the frame has been completed (step S86). At the end, the process branches to step S65, and at the end, the CPU 30 detects the operation state of the four-frame comic reproduction switch 62 (step S66).

  When the four-frame cartoon reproduction switch 62 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S67, in which the image and the sound are reproduced sequentially in the order of starting and turning and determining the display time of the frame according to the time when the recording button was pressed. Thereafter, when the save switch is pressed, this is determined (step S68), and processing such as protection is performed, and the four images and sounds are collectively recognized and stored in the memory unit 28 (step S69). . At this time, a file name may be given to this group.

  At the time of correction, the process returns from step S71 to step S60 by an operation such as pressing the selection switch 61. If the four-panel cartoon can be given a file name, a file name list may be displayed on the screen before that so that the user can select a file by operating the selection switch 61 or the like.

  If there is no correction, the transmission switch is accepted in step S72, and after transmitting the encryption signal as described with reference to FIG. 5 and the like, the image signal is transmitted. The difference from the previous embodiment is that there are a plurality of images (four frames) and they are accompanied by audio signals, but the other is the same.

  Next, a sequence at the time of reception according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. The CPU 30 determines whether or not an encryption signal has been received from the transmission unit 31 (step S100), and if not, counts for a predetermined time (step S111), and determines that the encryption signal has not been received. Then, the sequence ends. When the sequence is received, a synchronization signal is transmitted from the receiving side to the transmitting side via the transmitting unit 31 (step S101).

  Since the image signal and the audio signal are transmitted from the transmission side according to a predetermined protocol in synchronization with the synchronization signal, the signal level is determined using the reception unit 32 and the level determination unit 50 (step S102). If the signal level is lower than the predetermined level, the process branches to step S120 to display a warning on the display unit 6. Users should be closer to the sender when they see this alert.

  When the signal level is sufficient, the received signal is stored in a predetermined memory unit 28 one after another (step S103). Upon completion of the signal reception, the process branches to step S105 in step S104, and among the images and sounds constituting the start and stop, the image and the sound of the “KI” portion are reproduced from the display unit 6 and the speaker 45, respectively. This display is displayed only while the audio signal is being reproduced in step S107.

  The same reproduction is performed also for the “consent” of the start and transfer (steps S108 to S110), the reproduction of the “roll” portion is performed similarly (steps S121 to S123), and the reproduction of the “connection” portion is performed in the same manner. (Steps S124 to S126). Thus, in step S127, the display is terminated, and when it is desired to view again, the four-frame comic reproduction switch 62 is pressed, and the process returns from step S128 to step S105, and the same display is repeated.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, in addition to the image signal, the audio signal can be transferred so that many people can enjoy the image. In addition, since a plurality of images are displayed in a predetermined order and time with accompanying sound, it is possible to appeal to the viewer with persuasive power that cannot be obtained with conventional still photographs. In addition, since a warning is displayed when the signal is weak, communication without failure is possible.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, communication between two devices has been described for the sake of simplicity. However, if signals are synchronized, expansion is possible, and communication with other devices should be performed sequentially. Of course, three or four units can be extended. Further, even when a plurality of machines are in the reception mode, by further taking measures such as changing the synchronization timing in accordance with the encryption, it is possible to prevent a signal from being received and reproduced by a device of a person who does not want to show the signal. be able to.

  As described above, according to the present invention, communication between devices is enabled so that many people can enjoy the same image, which is small and portable, and the same image can be enjoyed on each device. Also, if you try to make such a communication, you will not be able to distinguish between the image you took and the image displayed by communication, the image will be sent to the device of the person you do not want to show, Various problems, such as being memorized, occur, but in the present invention, these problems can be solved, and images taken with many friends can be easily viewed. Also, by reproducing some images in a predetermined order and at a predetermined time interval with a predetermined sound, many people other than the photographer can easily enjoy the images.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it is small and easy to carry, has a communication function, can distinguish a captured image from a display image obtained by communication, and can select a communication destination and prohibit storage at the transmission destination. An electronic camera that can be controlled can be provided. Also, since a plurality of images are displayed in a predetermined order and time with accompanying sound, an electronic camera capable of appealing to a viewer with persuasive power not obtained by conventional still photography is provided. Can be. Further, since the warning display is performed according to the signal level (for example, lower than a predetermined level), it is possible to provide an electronic camera capable of communication without failure.

  According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the following configuration is obtained.

(1) In an electronic camera including an imaging unit that outputs an image signal, a storage unit that stores a captured image, and a display unit that displays an image, a transmission unit that transmits the image signal, and a transmitted image signal Receiving means for receiving data, transmission / reception switching means for switching between a transmission mode and a reception mode, and display control means for changing a display format of the display means when displaying an image received by the reception means on the display means. An electronic camera, comprising:

(2) In an electronic camera including an imaging unit that outputs an image signal, a storage unit that stores a captured image, and a display unit that displays an image, a transmission unit that transmits the image signal, and a transmitted image signal Receiving means for receiving an image signal, and encryption setting means for setting an encryption sent before the signal transmission and / or an encryption at the time of receiving the image signal, and transmitting the encryption signal and the image signal from another electronic camera. Comparing means for comparing the set cipher with the received cipher when received by the receiving means, and a display for deciding whether or not to display the image signal on the display means according to the output of the comparing means An electronic camera, comprising: a control unit.

(3) In an electronic camera including an imaging unit that outputs an image signal, a storage unit that stores a captured image, and a display unit that displays an image, a transmission unit that transmits the image signal, and a transmitted image signal Receiving means, a detecting means for detecting whether or not the received signal contains a predetermined signal, and, in accordance with an output of the detecting means, the received image signal to the storage means. An electronic camera comprising: a control unit that controls whether or not to store the information.

(4) In an electronic camera including an imaging unit that outputs an image signal, a storage unit that stores a captured image, and a display unit that displays an image, a transmission unit that transmits the image signal, and a transmitted image signal Receiving means, a display means, a signal level determining means for determining whether the received signal has a predetermined signal level, and a warning to the display means according to an output result of the signal level determining means. An electronic camera, comprising: a warning unit that outputs a signal.

(5) In an electronic still camera having an image signal recording and audio signal recording / playback function, a switch for setting a recording time, a switch for setting the next screen, and a switch for setting the recording time according to the contents set by the recording time setting switch. An electronic still camera, comprising: screen control means for shifting from the display of the screen to the next screen display.

(6) A sound effect selection switch for selecting one from a plurality of sound effects prepared in advance, and reproducing the selected sound effect at the time of reproducing the image according to a selection signal of the switch. The electronic still camera according to the above (5), which is characterized in that:
(7) In an electronic camera capable of bidirectionally transferring a signal including image information between a plurality of electronic cameras having image monitoring means, an image signal captured by itself is transmitted, and an image signal transmitted from a partner is transmitted. Transmitting and receiving means for receiving, storage means for storing an image signal transmitted from the other party by the transmitting and receiving means, encryption generating means for generating an encryption for transmitting an image signal only to a specific other party, and at least an imaging signal An electronic camera, comprising: control means for performing band compression, adding a signal generated by the encryption generation means, and outputting a signal to the transmission / reception means.

(8) A means for generating a protect signal for inhibiting the other party from storing the image signal transmitted by itself is provided. The control means adds the protect signal in addition to the band compression and the encryption, The electronic camera according to (7), wherein a signal is output to the transmitting / receiving means.

(9) The electronic camera according to (8), wherein the bidirectional signal transfer is achieved by a wireless communication method.

(10) In an electronic camera including an image pickup unit that outputs an image signal, a storage unit that stores a picked-up image, and a display unit that displays an image, an image signal picked up by itself is transmitted and transmitted from a partner. Transmitting and receiving means for receiving the image signal, encryption setting means for setting the encryption at the time of transmission and reception of the image signal, encryption at the time of reception set by the encryption setting means, and encryption at the transmission and reception means And a display control means for determining whether or not to display the image signal on the display means in accordance with an output of the comparison means.

(11) In an electronic still camera having a function of recording and reproducing an image signal and an audio signal, a display means for displaying an image based on the image signal, a recording time setting switch for setting a recording time, and the recording time setting switch An electronic still camera, comprising: a screen control unit that controls the display unit in accordance with the content set by (1) and shifts from the current screen display to the next screen display.

(12) A sound effect selection switch for selecting one from a plurality of sound effects prepared in advance, and reproducing the sound effect selected by the selection switch when displaying an image on the display means. The electronic still camera according to (11), which is characterized in that:

(13) In an electronic camera having a recording / reproducing function of an image signal and an audio signal, a display means for displaying an image based on the image signal, and the display means are controlled in accordance with a recording time of the audio signal. And a screen control means for shifting from the screen display of (1) to the next screen display.

(14) One sound effect can be selected from a plurality of sound effects prepared in advance, and the selected sound effect is reproduced when an image is displayed by the display means ( An electronic camera according to 13).

  According to (13) and (14), it is possible to provide an electronic camera capable of displaying a plurality of images in a predetermined order and time with sound.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic camera according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state of a screen of a display unit 6 switched by a display switching unit 5. An external view of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment is shown and described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the electronic camera according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic camera according to a third embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing the appearance of the back of the electronic camera according to the third embodiment, and (b) is a table for identifying whether sound and picture have been input for the start and end of a four-frame cartoon. FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the sequence at the time of 4 frame cartoon creation by 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the sequence at the time of the reception of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mode that the created four-frame cartoon display was displayed on the multi-screen. It is a figure showing the screen display which chooses a sound effect. (A) is a diagram showing a situation where one DSC is observed by many people, and (b) is a diagram showing a situation where the same image is simultaneously displayed on a plurality of DSCs by communication.

Explanation of reference numerals

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic still camera, 2 ... Imaging control part, 3 ... Memory, 4 ... Communication part, 5 ... Display switching part, 6 ... Display part, 7 ... Release switch , 8: transmission switch, 9: transmission / reception switch, 10: encryption setting unit.

Claims (2)

Display means for displaying a captured image;
In an electronic camera capable of transmitting and receiving the image,
A signal level determination unit that determines a reception signal level;
An electronic camera, wherein a warning is displayed on the display means according to the signal level.   The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the warning display is performed when the signal level is lower than a predetermined level.

Images