JP2005063063A - Mobile information processor and method for composing image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile information processor capable of generating image information including character information by combining, through a simple operation, predetermined character information with image information picked up by an image pickup part. <P>SOLUTION: An image of a predetermined subject of photography is picked up using a camera part 6 to obtain first image information. A control part 10 causes a first display part 4 to display an item corresponding to the predetermined character information. When an operator operates a first operating part 2 to input a command to select either of a plurality of items displayed in the first display part 4, the control part 10 combines the predetermined character information corresponding to the selected item with the first image information to generate second image information. The composite image resulting from the combination of the predetermined character information and the first image information can thus be obtained through the simple operation of selecting either of the plurality of items displayed in the inner display part 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable information processing apparatus having a camera and an image composition method thereof.

  As a first conventional technique, for example, there is a terminal device that transmits image information acquired by, for example, a camera and a scanner, and character information such as a message and a destination to, for example, a server and a business operator using a keyboard (for example, Patent Document 1, 2).

  The terminal device of the first conventional technique has a problem that image information and character information cannot be synthesized. In view of such a problem, as a second conventional technique, a composite image is created by combining image information acquired by a camera, a background image, and a message input by, for example, a touch panel and a keyboard, and the center, for example, There is a multimedia terminal that transmits to (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

JP 2001-350691 A JP 2002-44355 A JP 2000-134456 A

  In the second conventional technique described above, the image information, the background image, and the message can be synthesized in the multimedia terminal. However, in order to input a message that is character information, it is necessary to input characters one by one by operating an input unit such as a keyboard and a touch panel provided in the terminal device, which takes time and effort to create a composite image. There is a problem that it is difficult to use for an unfamiliar operator.

  In a portable information processing device such as a mobile phone device having a camera, image information and character information are used in order to expand the use range of image information acquired by the camera as the number of imaging pixels of the camera increases. Something that can be easily synthesized is faced. For example, in a portable information processing device such as a cellular phone device, the number of operation keys provided as an input unit for inputting character information is smaller than that of the multimedia terminal realized by a personal computer or the like. For this reason, in the portable information processing apparatus, it is difficult for an operator to input a message character by character using an operation key.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a portable information processing apparatus and image composition capable of creating image information including character information by synthesizing predetermined character information and image information captured by an imaging unit with a simple operation. Is to provide a method.

The present invention includes an imaging unit that acquires first image information;
A display unit for displaying a plurality of items corresponding to predetermined character information;
An operation input unit for inputting a command for selecting any of the items displayed on the display unit;
An image generation unit configured to generate second image information by combining predetermined character information corresponding to the selected item and the first image information based on a command input by the operation input unit; This is a portable information processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the predetermined character information includes calendar information for displaying a calendar by the display unit.

  The display unit may display the second image information generated by the image generation unit.

Moreover, this invention has an output part which outputs the 2nd image information produced | generated by the said image generation part,
The image generation unit outputs the generated second image information in a predetermined data format to the output unit.

  In the invention, it is preferable that the output unit detachably mounts a storage medium capable of storing the second image information.

The present invention is also an image composition method in a portable information processing apparatus having an imaging unit,
A predetermined subject is imaged by an imaging unit to obtain first image information,
Display a plurality of items corresponding to predetermined character information by the display unit,
Based on the command input by the operation input unit, select any of the displayed items,
In this image composition method, predetermined image information corresponding to a selected item and first image information are synthesized by an image composition unit to generate second image information.

  According to the present invention, the imaging unit captures a predetermined subject and acquires first image information. When the operator operates the operation input unit and inputs a command to select any of a plurality of items displayed on the display unit, the image generation unit sets predetermined character information corresponding to the selected item; The second image information is generated by combining the first image information. As described above, in the present invention, it is not necessary to input character information one character at a time to generate a composite image as in the third conventional technique, and any one of a plurality of items displayed on the display unit is selected. With a simple operation of selecting, it is possible to obtain second image information that is a composite image obtained by combining predetermined character information and first image information. Therefore, the second image information can be generated in a short time compared to the case where the character information is input character by character.

  For example, in a portable information processing device such as a mobile phone device, the number of operation keys provided as an operation input unit is smaller than the number of operation keys of a keyboard provided in a personal computer, for example. Thus, even in an apparatus having a small number of operation keys, a composite image in which character information and captured image information are combined can be obtained with an easy operation.

  Further, for example, the second image information may be displayed on the display unit so that the operator can confirm the second image information. For example, when the portable information processing device is a portable communication device, the generated second image information may be transmitted to another device, and the second image information may be displayed on the other device. In addition, since the second image information is generated by combining the first image information with the predetermined character information, for example, when the first image information is associated with the predetermined character information and each information is handled individually Compared to, it becomes easier to handle as information. That is, in a state where the first image information and predetermined character information are simply associated with each other, for example, when printing is performed by a printing apparatus or the like, the printing apparatus needs a function of combining them. When the second image information is generated, the printing process is facilitated.

  Further, according to the present invention, the predetermined character information includes calendar information that causes the display unit to display a calendar including information such as year, month, day, and day of the week, so that the first image information acquired by the imaging unit is included. In addition, an original calendar including information on the calendar can be created. Thus, since the original calendar can be generated using the first image information acquired by the imaging unit, the range of use of the acquired first image information is expanded.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the second image information generated by the image composition unit is displayed on the display unit, the operator can check the second image information by looking at the display unit. By confirming the second image information, for example, when printing the second image information, it can be used as a determination material for determining whether or not to print, and the generated second image information can be used as a determination material. It is possible to prevent unnecessary printing.

  According to the invention, the second image information generated by the image generation unit is converted into a predetermined data format by the image generation unit and output from the output unit. The predetermined data format is, for example, a data format that can be handled by another device, and the use range of the second image information generated thereby is expanded. For example, when the data format is a data format that can be directly printed in a printing apparatus such as a printer, the second image information is read by a personal computer or the like and then printed by the printing apparatus. The trouble of printing the second image information can be simplified.

  According to the present invention, the second image information can be stored in the storage unit via the output unit in a state in which the storage unit is attached to the output unit. The storage medium is realized by, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory. Since the storage medium is detachably attached to the output unit, after the second image information is stored in the storage unit, it can be detached from the output unit and carried. For example, when the second image information is used in another device, for example, when printing, the second image information is stored without connecting the portable information processing apparatus and the other device with a cable or the like. By causing the other storage device to read the storage medium, the second image information can be easily used in the other device. Therefore, the use range of the second image information is expanded.

  According to the invention, the imaging unit captures a predetermined subject and acquires the first image information. When the operator operates the operation input unit and inputs a command to select any of a plurality of items displayed on the display unit, the image generation unit sets predetermined character information corresponding to the selected item; The second image information is generated by combining the first image information. As described above, in the present invention, it is not necessary to input character information one character at a time to generate a composite image as in the third conventional technique, and any one of a plurality of items displayed on the display unit is selected. With a simple operation of selecting, it is possible to obtain second image information that is a composite image obtained by combining predetermined character information and first image information. Therefore, the second image information can be generated in a short time compared to the case where the character information is input character by character.

  For example, in a portable information processing device such as a mobile phone device, the number of operation keys provided as an operation input unit is smaller than the number of operation keys of a keyboard provided in a personal computer, for example. Thus, even in an apparatus having a small number of operation keys, a composite image in which character information and captured image information are combined can be obtained with an easy operation.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a portable information processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is an example when the portable information processing device 1 is applied to a foldable mobile phone equipped with a camera. The portable information processing device 1 includes a first operation unit 2 and a second operation unit 3 that are operation input units, a first display unit 4 and a second display unit 5 that are display units, and a camera unit 6 that is an imaging unit. The image processing unit 7, the first memory 8, the second memory 9, the control unit 10, the first display driver unit 11, the second display driver unit 12, the first backlight unit 13, the second The backlight unit 14, the state detection switch 15, the antenna 16, the radio unit 17, the communication control unit 18, the audio input unit 19, the audio output unit 20, and the data output unit 21 are included.

  The first operation unit 2 has a plurality of operation keys 2a (see FIG. 4) for inputting predetermined information such as numeric data, character data, and a command to the portable information processing device 1, and the operator By operating the operation key 2a, an instruction signal corresponding to each operation key 2a is given to the control unit 10 described later.

  The second operation unit 3 includes a key operation unit 25 having a plurality of operation keys for inputting predetermined information such as a command to the portable information processing device 1 and a shutter key 26, and the operator operates the key operation unit. By operating 25 and the shutter key 26, an instruction signal corresponding to each operation key of the key operation unit 25 and the shutter key 26 is given to the control unit 10 described later.

  The first display unit 4 displays display contents including image information and character information based on information input by the operation of the first operation unit 2. The first display unit 4 is realized by a transflective liquid crystal display element capable of color display, for example.

  The second display unit 5 displays the display contents based on information input by the operation of the second operation unit 3. The second display unit 5 is realized by a transflective liquid crystal display element capable of color display, for example. The first display unit 4 and the second display unit 5 described above are realized by a transflective liquid crystal display element capable of color display, but are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, at least one of the first display unit 4 and the second display unit 5 may be a transmissive liquid crystal display element capable of color display or monochrome display, a reflective liquid crystal display element, an electroluminescence (Electro Luminescent; EL) element, Alternatively, it may be realized by any one of transflective liquid crystal display elements capable of monochrome display.

The camera unit 6 converts incident light into an electrical signal and generates image data representing the first image information. The camera unit 6 includes an imaging lens, a charge coupled device (abbreviated as CCD) image sensor, and a complementary metal oxide (Complementary Metal Oxide).
Semiconductor (abbreviation: CMOS) An image sensor such as an image sensor, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color filters, and a microlens array. The camera unit 6 converts light reflected by a predetermined subject and incident on the imaging lens into three color lights of R, G, and B through a color filter, and converts the three color lights of R, G, and B into electrical signals by the imaging device, respectively. Convert.

  The image processing unit 7 includes an amplification unit, an analog / digital (abbreviated as A / D) conversion unit, and a signal processing unit. The amplifying unit amplifies electric signals corresponding to the three color lights of R, G, and B supplied from the camera unit 6 and supplies the amplified signals to the A / D conversion unit. The A / D conversion unit converts analog electrical signals corresponding to R, G, and B amplified by the amplification unit into digital electrical signals, generates image data representing the first image information, and generates a signal processing unit. To give. The signal processing unit performs processing such as pixel interpolation processing on the image data supplied from the A / D conversion unit. Further, the image processing unit 7 supplies the first memory 8 with the image data subjected to the signal processing based on the control signal supplied from the control unit 10.

The first memory 8 temporarily stores image data, which is first image information continuously given from the image processing unit 7 at predetermined intervals, for example. The first memory 8 stores image data for a plurality of screens. Of the image data stored in the first memory 8, the temporally old image data is erased, or the temporally newest image data is overwritten on the temporally old image data, whereby the first memory 8. Temporarily stores image data. The first memory 8 is, for example, a static random access memory (Static Random Access).
It is realized by a volatile memory such as Memory (abbreviated as SRAM).

  The second memory 9 receives this instruction when an instruction to save information input by either the first operation unit 2 or the second operation unit 3, for example, an image captured by the camera unit 6, is input. Predetermined image data is stored among the image data stored in the first memory 8 based on the control signal given by the responding control unit 10. The second memory 9 stores character data input by the first operation unit 2, image data and character data received via the communication control unit 18, and predetermined character information. The predetermined character information includes calendar information for displaying a calendar by the display unit and fixed sentence information for displaying a predetermined character string by the display unit.

  The second memory 9 is realized by a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. For example, by operating any one of the shutter key 26 in the second operation unit 3 described above and a shutter key 44 described later provided in the first operation unit 2, the first image obtained by being captured by the camera unit 6 is acquired. Image information can be stored in the second memory 9.

  The character data stored in the second memory 9 includes phone book data. The phone book data includes telephone number information, e-mail address information, and identification information corresponding to these telephone number information and e-mail address information, such as name information.

  The control unit 10 is realized including a central processing unit (abbreviated as CPU). The control unit 10 has a storage area for storing a control program therein, and based on the stored control program, each unit constituting the portable information processing apparatus 1, that is, the first operation unit 2 and the second operation. Unit 3, camera unit 6, image processing unit 7, first memory 8, second memory 9, first display driver unit 11, second display driver unit 12, first backlight unit 13, second backlight unit 14, The communication control unit 18 and the data output unit 21 are controlled. The control unit 10 gives a control signal to each unit constituting the portable information processing device 1 in response to information input by the first operation unit 2 and the second operation unit 3 and a state detection switch 15 described later. Control its operation. The control program includes a program for sending and receiving e-mails. The control unit 10 sends e-mails to a predetermined notification destination via a communication control unit 18 and a radio unit 17 described later, and You can receive mail.

  The control unit 10 functions as an image generation unit that synthesizes the first image information and predetermined character information based on the control program. The control unit 10 reads predetermined character information from the second memory 9 based on a command input by the first operation unit 2, and combines the predetermined character information with the first image information. Second image information is generated. The control unit 10 stores the generated second image information in at least one of the removable memory attached to the second memory 9 and the data output unit 21 based on a command input by the first operation unit 2. . The control unit 10 stores the first image information acquired by the camera unit 6 in at least one of the second memory 9 and the removable memory in a state where an identification number is assigned.

  In addition, the control unit 10 responds to information for imaging by the camera unit 6 that is input from either the first operation unit 2 or the second operation unit 3. When information for imaging by the camera unit 6 is input by the first operation unit 2, the control unit 10 captures an image by the camera unit 6 on the first display unit 4 corresponding to the first operation unit 2. Display an image. When information for imaging by the camera unit 6 is input by the second operation unit 3, the control unit 10 captures an image by the camera unit 6 on the second display unit 5 corresponding to the second operation unit 3. Display an image. Therefore, since the operator can input predetermined information from the first operation unit 2 or the second operation unit 3, the operability of the mobile phone is improved.

  When information for imaging with the camera unit 6 is input by the first operation unit 2, the control unit 10 gives the image data stored in the first memory 8 to the first display driver unit 11. When information for imaging with the camera unit 6 is input by the second operation unit 3, the control unit 10 gives the image data stored in the first memory 8 to the second display driver unit 12.

  The first display driver unit 11 applies a driving voltage to each pixel electrode of the first display unit 4 based on the image data and the character data. The second display driver unit 12 applies a driving voltage to each pixel electrode of the second display unit 5 based on the image data and character data. As a result, predetermined display content is displayed on at least one of the first display unit 4 and the second display unit 5. The predetermined display content includes a plurality of items corresponding to the predetermined character information. The first display unit 4 is driven by the first display driver unit 11 and displays an image captured by the camera unit 6. The second display unit 5 is driven by the second display driver unit 12 and displays an image captured by the camera unit 6.

  The first backlight unit 13 faces the display surface side behind the first display unit 4, in other words, behind the first display unit 4 when viewing the display content displayed on the first display unit 4 from the side where it can be seen. The first display unit 4 is irradiated with light. The second backlight unit 14 faces the display surface side behind the second display unit 5, in other words, behind the second display unit 5 when viewing the display content displayed on the second display unit 5 from the side where it can be seen. The second display unit 5 is irradiated with light. The first and second backlight units 13 and 14 are so-called sidelight type backlight units. Each of the first and second backlight units 13 and 14 includes a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode and a light guide plate constituted by an optical filter, and the light emitting element is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the light guide plate. It arrange | positions at a side part and the light which the light emitting element emits is guided to a display surface with the pattern formed in the light-guide plate, and is irradiated as a backlight.

  A control signal is given to the first and second backlight units 13 and 14 from the control unit 10 to turn on / off the light emitting element and adjust the luminance. By providing the first and second backlight units 13, 14, a display displayed on at least one of the first display unit 4 and the second display unit 5 even when the portable information processing device 1 is dark. The contents can be easily seen and visibility is improved.

  The first and second backlight units 13 and 14 described above are independently controlled by the control unit 10. When the predetermined display content is displayed on the first display unit 4, the control unit 10 turns on the light emitting element of the first backlight unit 13. When a predetermined display content is displayed on the second display unit 5, the control unit 10 turns on the light emitting element of the second backlight unit 14.

  The light emitting elements of the first and second backlight units 13 and 14 are turned on until information for turning off the light emitting elements is input by the operator through the first operation unit 2 or the second operation unit 3. And The light emitting elements of the first and second backlight units 13 and 14 may be configured to be extinguished by the control unit 10 when a predetermined time has elapsed since lighting.

  The state detection switch 15 constitutes a part of a state detection unit that is a determination unit that detects a folded state and an unfolded state of first and second casings 32 and 33 described later. This state detection part is comprised including the projection part provided in the 2nd casing 33, the hole provided in the 1st casing 32, the state detection switch 15, and the control part 10, for example. The control unit 10 is configured to be able to detect, for example, a current flowing between the individual contacts based on the position of the protrusion that can be inserted into the hole, in other words, the switching state of the state detection switch 15.

  The control unit 10 detects the current flowing between the individual contacts, and determines that the first and second casings 32 and 33 are in the folded state when the current flows. When the first and second casings 32 and 33 are in the developed state, no current can flow between the individual contacts. Therefore, the control unit 10 determines that the first and second casings 32 and 33 are not in the folded state, that is, in the unfolded state. As described above, in the portable information processing device 1, the control unit 10 can easily determine whether the first and second casings 32 and 33 are in the unfolded state or the folded state based on the switching state of the state detection switch 15. It can be easily detected with a simple configuration.

  The antenna 16 radiates communication information such as voice data, character data, and image data when performing wireless communication with the base station via wireless radio waves, and acquires communication information from the base station. The radio unit 17 demodulates communication information such as character data, image data, and voice data acquired from the base station via the antenna 16, and character data, image data, and voice sent from the communication control unit 18 described later. Communication information such as data is modulated and amplified, and transmitted to the base station via the antenna 16.

  The communication control unit 18 sends received data such as character data and image data demodulated by the radio unit 17 to the control unit 10 based on a predetermined communication protocol, and sends the audio data demodulated by the radio unit 17 to the audio output unit 20. . Received data such as character data and image data from the other party received via the wireless unit 17 and the communication control unit 18 is stored in the second memory 9. Further, the communication control unit 10 sends transmission data such as character data and image data stored in the second memory 9 and audio data input from the audio input unit 19 described later to the radio unit 17. The control unit 10 described above gives the telephone number information input by the operation key 2a of the first operation unit 2 to the communication control unit 18, and the communication control unit 18 controls the radio unit 17 to connect to the public line network. To do. The voice input unit 19 is realized by a microphone, for example, and converts voice into voice data and inputs the voice data. The audio output unit 20 is realized by a speaker, for example, and generates sound based on audio data provided from the communication control unit 18.

  The data output unit 21 is an output unit that outputs the second image information generated by the control unit 10 and the first image information acquired by the camera unit 6. The data output unit 21 includes a connector for detachably attaching a removable memory. The removable memory is realized by, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory. The non-volatile semiconductor memory is realized by a flash memory, for example. The data output unit 21 is electrically connected to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 causes the removable memory attached to the connector of the data output unit 21 to store, for example, predetermined information including first image information obtained by the imaging unit and the second image information described above, or Reads information stored in the removable memory.

  By storing, for example, the first image information captured by the camera unit 6 in the removable memory connected to the data output unit 21, the number of image data that can be stored is increased, and the number of image data that can be stored is increased. Image data can be easily moved to another device, and convenience is improved. Further, by storing the second image information in the removable memory, the second image information can be stored in the removable memory and then detached from the data output unit 21 and carried. For example, when the second image information is used in another device, for example, when printing, the second image information can be obtained without connecting the portable information processing apparatus 1 and the other device by a communication cable or the like. By making the other device read the removable memory that stores the second image information, the second image information can be easily used in the other device. Therefore, the use range of the second image information is expanded.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the display screen of the second display unit 5 and the key operation unit 25 in the portable information processing apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating one surface portion including the camera unit 6 of the portable information processing device 1 in a folded state. FIG. 4 is a view of the portable information processing apparatus 1 in the unfolded state as viewed from one side in the thickness direction. FIG. 5 is a side view of the portable information processing apparatus 1 in a folded state. FIG. 6 is another side view of the portable information processing device 1 in a folded state.

  The portable information processing device 1 includes first and second casings 32 and 33 and a hinge part 34. These first and second casings 32 and 33 are connected to each other by a hinge part 34 so as to be angularly displaceable between a folded state as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and a developed state shown in FIG. Is done. That is, the first and second casings 32 and 33 are, from the folded state, a virtual plane including the hinge portion 34 and the free end portion of the first casing 32, the hinge portion 34 and the free end portion of the second casing 33, and Are configured to be angularly displaceable with respect to each other about the hinge portion 34 up to a position where, for example, the angle formed with a virtual plane including the angle is about 180 °.

  The first casing 32 is provided with the first operation unit 2. The first operation unit 2 is provided in a region facing the second casing 33 of the first casing 32 in a folded state in which the first and second casings 32 and 33 are opposed to each other. The second display 33 is provided with the first display unit 4. The first display unit 4 is provided in a region of the second casing 33 facing the first casing 32 in a folded state in which the first and second casings 32 and 33 are opposed to each other.

  By providing the first display unit 4 and the first operation unit 2 in regions facing each other of the first and second casings 32 and 33 in the folded state, the first and second casings 32 and 33 are set in the unfolded state. Then, the operator can input information through the first operation unit 2 while looking at the first display unit 4. In the present embodiment, the expanded state is the following state. That is, the regions facing each other in the folded state in which the first and second casings 32 and 33 are opposed to each other are exposed to the outside, and the operator can visually observe the first display unit 4. At the same time, the first operation unit 2 can be operated.

  In the second casing 33, the second operation unit 3 is provided on the back side of the first display unit 4 and on one side surface of the second casing 33. In other words, the second operation unit 3 is provided in a region exposed to the outside of the second casing 33 in the folded state, that is, a region excluding a region where the first and second casings 32 and 33 face each other in the folded state. .

  The key operation unit 25 includes three rear keys 25a, 25b, and 25c arranged at appropriate intervals. Each back key 25a, 25b, 25c corresponds to an operation piece. Moreover, one of the back keys 25a, 25b, and 25c is disposed in the vicinity of the middle of one side 35 of a rectangular display area in the second display unit 5 described later. The back key 25a is defined as a center key 25a. Another back key 25b is disposed in the vicinity of one of the four corners of the rectangular display area, that is, an intersection of the one side 35 and one side 36 adjacent to the one side 35. The back key 25b is defined as the left key 25b. The remaining back key 25c is disposed close to the intersection of one of the four corners of the rectangular display area, that is, one side 35 of the rectangular display area and the other side 37 adjacent to the one side 35. The back key 25c is defined as a right key 25c. By selectively operating the center key 25a, the left key 25b, the right key 25c, and the shutter key 26, for example, zooming up or down of the captured image, temporary saving and saving of the image data can be executed.

  The second display unit 5 is provided on the back side of the second casing 33 when the predetermined display content displayed on the first display unit 4 is viewed from the side where it can be viewed. Therefore, the display surface of the first display unit 4 and the display surface of the second display unit 5 face away from each other. In other words, the side on which the predetermined display content displayed on the first display unit 4 can be viewed and the side on which the predetermined display content displayed on the second display unit 5 can be viewed sandwich the second casing 33. It is opposite to each other. In the first casing 32, the camera unit 6 and the antenna 16 are disposed on the back side of the first operation unit 2. The camera unit 6 is provided near the base end portion of the first casing 32, that is, near the hinge portion 34.

  A removable memory mounting hole 48 for mounting the removable memory to the connector of the data output unit 21 is formed on the other side surface of the second casing 33. The removable memory mounting hole 48 communicates the external space of the second casing 33 with the external space, and the removable memory inserted into the removable memory mounting hole 48 is detachably mounted on the data output unit 21.

  The voice input unit 19 described above is provided in the central portion of the free end portion in the internal space of the first casing 32. In the folded state in which the first and second casings 33 and 34 are opposed to each other, the first casing 32 is provided with the voice input unit 19 at the free end portion of the region facing the second casing 33. An insertion hole through which the internal space 32 and the external space are inserted is formed. The audio output unit 20 described above is provided in the center of the free end 24 in the internal space of the second casing 33. In the folded state in which the first and second casings 32 and 33 are opposed to each other, the second casing 33 is provided with the sound output unit 20 at the free end portion of the second casing 33 facing the first casing 32. An insertion hole through which the internal space 33 and the external space 33 are inserted is formed. The operation key 2a of the first operation unit 2 includes, for example, a numeric keypad 41 for inputting information that functions as a number and information about characters, a cross key 42, a determination key 43, and a shutter key 44 that inputs an instruction regarding imaging. Etc. are included.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically showing a procedure for generating the second image information in the portable information processing apparatus 1. The second memory 9 stores a plurality of pieces of first image information acquired in advance by the camera unit 6. From step s0 to step s1, based on a command input from the first operation unit 2 by the operator, the control unit 10 causes the first display unit 4 to display a plurality of items corresponding to predetermined character information. The process proceeds to step s2.

  In step s2, the control unit 10 selects one of a plurality of items based on a command input from the internal input unit 5 by the operator, and proceeds to step s3. In step s3, the control unit 10 selects one of the first image information stored in the second memory 9 based on a command input from the internal input unit 5 by the operator. The process proceeds to step s4.

  In step s4, the control unit 10 combines the predetermined character information corresponding to the item selected in step s2 with the first image information selected in step s3 to generate second image information. Then, the process proceeds to step s5. In step s5, the control unit 10 displays the second image information on the first display unit 5, moves to step s6, and ends the process. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the process of step s3 may be provided between step s1 of step s0. The second image information includes, for example, image information representing an original calendar generated using the first image information captured by the camera unit 6, and a postcard generated using the first image information. Contains image information to represent.

  FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams for specifically explaining a procedure for generating an original calendar as the second image information, and show a display screen displayed on the first display unit 4. The display screen of the first display unit 4 is provided with a state display area 50 that represents the state of the portable information processing device 1. The control unit 10 causes the state display area 50 to display, for example, predetermined symbols representing information indicating the communication state and information indicating a location where the first image information acquired by the camera unit 6 is stored. The predetermined symbol is called a pict. The state display area 50 is provided at an end portion of the second casing 33 near the free end portion on the display screen of the first display unit 4.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a first selection menu 51 displayed on the first display unit 4. When a predetermined command is input by the first operation unit 2, the control unit 10 displays the first selection menu 51 on the first display unit 4. In any one of the first selection menus 51 displayed on the first display unit 4, a cursor 52 is superimposed and displayed according to a control command from the control unit 10. As a result, the operator can confirm which one of the first selection menus 51 is selected. The control unit 10 moves the cursor 52 based on a command input from the first display unit 5. The cursor 52 can be moved by operating the cross key 42, here, by pressing the cross key 42. The control unit 10 includes an upper key 43a and a lower key 43b of the cross key 42. When the upper key 43a is operated, the cursor 52 is moved upward, that is, the free end portion of the second casing 33 is moved upward, and the hinge portion 34 is moved. When the lower key 43b is operated, the cursor 52 is moved downward, that is, the free end portion of the second casing 33 is moved upward, and the hinge portion 34 is moved downward.

  Here, the cursor 52 is placed on the item “5, original print image” displayed on the first display unit 4 in the first selection menu 51 by using the cross key 42 provided on the internal operation unit 5 to create a calendar. Then, the operator operates the enter key 43. As a result, the control unit 10 selects the item “5, original print image”.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the second selection menu 53 displayed on the first display unit 4. The second selection menu 53 is a subordinate menu of the item “5, create original print” of the first selection menu 51 described above. In any one of the second selection menus 53 displayed on the first display unit 4, a cursor 52 is superimposed and displayed according to a control command from the control unit 10. Thus, the operator can confirm which one of the second selection menus 53 is selected. The control unit 10 moves the cursor 52 based on a command input from the first display unit 5. When the operator operates the determination key 43 with the cursor 52 over the state shown in FIG. 8A, that is, the first selection menu 51 “5, original print image”, the first display unit 4 displays the item A second selection menu 53 including “1, calendar creation” and item “2, postcard creation” is displayed. The second selection menu 53 corresponds to predetermined character information. Here, in order to create a calendar, the operator places the cursor 52 on the item “1, calendar creation” in the second selection menu 53 and operates the enter key 43, which is pressed here. Accordingly, the control unit 10 selects the item “1, calendar creation”.

  FIG. 8 (3) is a diagram showing a calendar setting menu 54 displayed on the first display unit 4. The calendar setting menu 54 is a subordinate menu of the item “1, calendar creation” described above. When the operator operates the determination key 43 by placing the cursor 52 on the item “1, calendar creation” included in the second selection menu 53 and in the state shown in FIG. A calendar setting menu 54 including an item “layout”, an item “selection of creation date” and an item “select attachment image” is displayed. Here, a case will be described in which the items “layout”, items “creation date selection” and items “attached image selection” are set in this order.

  Below the item “layout”, item “selection of creation date” and item “select attachment image”, the first to third calendar setting content display areas 55, 56, in which the contents set for the respective items are displayed. 57 is provided. In the present embodiment, when the first casing 32 is set to the upper side and the second casing 33 is set to the lower side in the unfolded state, the items “layout” and item “creation date” are selected on the first display unit 4 in order from the top. ”And the item“ Select attached image ”are displayed. In the present embodiment, a first calendar setting content display area 55 is displayed below the item “layout”, a second calendar setting content display area 56 is displayed below the item “selection of creation date”, and the item “ A third calendar setting content display area 57 is displayed below the “attached image selection”.

  One of the first to third calendar setting content display areas 55, 56, 57 corresponding to each item of the calendar setting menu 54 displayed on the first display unit 4 includes a control command of the control unit 10. The cursor 52 is displayed in an overlapping manner. Thereby, the operator can confirm which item of the items of the calendar setting menu 54 is selected. The control unit 10 moves the cursor 52 based on a command input from the first display unit 5. When the cursor 52 is moved to any of the calendar setting content display areas 55, 56, and 57 corresponding to the items of the calendar setting menu 54 and the enter key 43 is operated, the corresponding calendar setting selection menus 61, 62, and 63 are displayed. Is done.

  FIG. 8 (4) is a diagram showing a first calendar setting selection menu 61 displayed on the first display unit 4. The first calendar setting selection menu 61 is a subordinate menu of the item “layout” of the calendar setting menu 54 described above. When the cursor 52 is placed on the first calendar setting content display area 55 and the operator operates the determination key 42 in the state shown in FIG. 8 (3), the item “12 months display (vertical)” is displayed on the first display unit 4. ) ”, Item“ 2, 1 month display (horizontal) ”, item“ 3, 2 months display (vertical) ”and item“ 4, 2 months display (horizontal) ”are displayed. The

  In any one of the first calendar setting selection menus 61 displayed on the first display unit 4, a cursor 52 is superimposed and displayed according to a control command from the control unit 10. Thereby, the operator can confirm which one of the first calendar setting selection menu 61 is selected. The control unit 10 moves the cursor 52 based on a command input from the first display unit 5.

  When the item “12 months display (vertical)” is selected, when the second image information to be generated is displayed on the first display unit 4, a number indicating the calendar day for one month is displayed on the first display unit 4. They are displayed side by side in the vertical direction, that is, in the vertical direction. When the item “2, 1 month display (horizontal)” is selected, when the generated second image information is displayed on the first display unit 4, a number representing the calendar day for one month is displayed on the first display unit. 4 are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction, that is, in the left-right direction. When the item “3, 2 month display (vertical)” is selected, when the generated second image information is displayed on the first display unit 4, a number representing the calendar day for 2 months is displayed on the first display unit. 4 are displayed side by side in the vertical direction, that is, in the vertical direction. When the item “4, 2 month display (horizontal)” is set, when the generated second image information is displayed on the first display unit 4, a number representing the calendar day for 2 months is displayed on the first display unit. 4 are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction, that is, in the left-right direction.

  Here, a case where the item “12 months display (vertical)” is selected from the first calendar setting selection menu 61 will be described. When the operator operates the determination key 43 by placing the cursor 52 on the item “12 months display (vertical)” in the state shown in FIG. A predetermined character information display form is set, and the predetermined character information display form setting is stored in a setting storage unit provided in the control unit 10. Thereafter, the control unit 10 causes the first display unit 4 to display the calendar setting menu 54 again.

  FIG. 8 (5) is a diagram showing a calendar setting menu 54 displayed on the first display unit 4 after selecting an item of the first calendar setting selection menu 61. When the operator operates the determination key 43 with the cursor 52 over the item “12 months display (vertical)” in the state shown in FIG. 8 (4), that is, the first calendar setting selection menu 61, the control unit 10 The calendar setting menu 54 is displayed again on the 1 display unit 4. At this time, the set content is displayed in the first calendar setting content display area 55, and here, the setting content of “12 months display (vertical)” is displayed. Thereby, the content set by the operator can be confirmed. In addition, the control unit 10 causes the cursor 52 to be displayed over the second calendar setting content display area 56.

  FIG. 8 (5) is a diagram showing a second calendar setting selection menu 62 displayed on the first display unit 4. The second calendar setting selection menu 62 is a subordinate menu of the item “selection of creation date” of the calendar setting menu 54 described above. When the operator operates the determination key 43 with the cursor 52 over the state shown in FIG. 8 (5), that is, the second calendar setting content display area 56, the control unit 10 displays predetermined character information on the first display unit 4. A second calendar setting selection menu 62 including a plurality of items corresponding to is displayed.

  The second calendar setting selection menu 62 includes a plurality of items corresponding to the calendar year included in the calendar information, in this case, the items “1, 2003”, “2, 2004”, “3, 2005”, The item “4, 2006”, the item “5, 2007” and the item “6, 2008” are included. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the second calendar setting selection menu 62 is not limited to this, and may include other items.

  In any one of the plurality of items of the second calendar setting selection menu 62 displayed on the first display unit 4, the cursor 52 is displayed so as to overlap with the control command of the control unit 10. The control unit 10 moves the cursor 52 based on a command input from the first display unit 5. Here, a case where the item “1, 2003” included in the second calendar setting selection menu 62 is selected is shown. When the operator operates the determination key 43 by placing the cursor 52 on the item “1, 2003” included in the second calendar setting selection menu 62 in the state shown in FIG. 8 (6), information on the calendar year is displayed. The information related to the calendar year is set and stored in a setting storage unit provided in the control unit 10. Thereafter, the control unit 10 causes the first display unit 4 to display the third calendar setting selection menu 63.

  FIG. 9 (1) is a diagram showing a third calendar setting selection menu 63 displayed on the first display unit 4. When the operator operates the enter key 43 with the cursor 52 over the item “1, 2003” in the state shown in FIG. 8 (6), that is, the second calendar setting selection menu 62, the first display unit 4 displays A third calendar setting selection menu 63 is displayed.

  The third calendar setting selection menu 63 is an item corresponding to predetermined character information, and is a plurality of items corresponding to the month of the calendar included in the calendar information. The items “1, January”, “2, "February", items "March and March", items "April and April", and items "May and May" to "December". In any one of the plurality of items of the third calendar setting selection menu 63 displayed on the first display unit 4, the cursor 52 is superimposed and displayed according to the control command of the control unit 10. The control unit 10 moves the cursor 52 based on a command input from the first display unit 5. When the operator operates the first operation unit 2 to move the cursor 52, the control unit 10 changes the items “May and May” to “December and December” that are not displayed in FIG. Can be displayed. Here, a case where the item “1, January” is selected from the third calendar setting selection menu 63 will be described. When the operator operates the determination key 43 by placing the cursor 52 on the item “1, January” included in the third calendar setting selection menu 63 in the state shown in FIG. 9A, information regarding the calendar month is displayed. The information related to the calendar month is set and stored in a setting storage unit provided in the control unit 10. Thereafter, the control unit 10 causes the first display unit 4 to display the calendar setting menu 54 again.

  FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a calendar setting menu 54 displayed on the first display unit 4 after selecting each item of the second calendar setting selection menu 62 and the third calendar setting selection menu 63. When the operator operates the enter key 43 with the cursor 52 over the state shown in FIG. 9 (1), that is, “December” in the third calendar setting selection menu 63, the control unit 10 appears on the first display unit 4. The calendar setting menu 54 is displayed again. At this time, the set content is displayed in the second calendar setting content display area 56, and here, the setting content “January 2003” is displayed. As a result, the contents set by the operator can be confirmed. Further, the control unit 10 displays the cursor 52 so as to overlap the third calendar setting content display area 57.

  FIG. 9 (3) is a diagram showing first image information displayed on the first display unit 4. 9 (2), that is, when the operator operates the enter key 43 with the cursor 52 over the third calendar setting content display area 57, the control unit 10 causes the camera unit 6 to move to the first display unit 4. The first image information acquired and stored in the second memory 9 or the removable memory is displayed. In the present embodiment, when a plurality of first image information is stored in the second memory 9 or the removable memory, the control unit 10 displays the plurality of first image information side by side on the first display unit 4. . Here, for example, on the display screen of the first display unit 4, the control unit 10 displays three pieces of first image information in a total of nine vertical and horizontal directions. The control unit 10 reduces the first image information and displays it on the first display unit 4. A cursor 52 is superimposed and displayed on any one of the first image information displayed on the first display unit 4 according to a control command from the control unit 10. The control unit 10 moves the cursor 52 based on a command input from the first display unit 2.

  Information corresponding to the first image information on which the cursor 52 is superimposed is displayed in the display area near the lower portion of the first display unit 4. The information corresponding to the first image information is identification information of the first image information, for example. As described above, the identification information of the first image information is given by the control unit 10 when the first image information is stored in the second memory 9 or the removable memory, and is represented by a number, for example. Here, a case where the first image information of the identification information “001” is selected from the plurality of pieces of first image information will be described. When the operator operates the enter key 43 by placing the cursor 52 on the first image information having the identification number “001” among the plurality of first image information, the first image information to be combined is selected, and the first The calendar setting menu 54 is displayed again on the display unit 4. The control unit 10 stores information related to the selected first image information in the setting storage unit.

  FIG. 9 (4) is a diagram showing a calendar setting menu 54 displayed on the first display unit 4 after selecting the first image information to be combined. When the operator operates the determination key 43 by placing the cursor 52 on the first image information having the identification number “001” as shown in FIG. 9 (3), the control unit 10 is again displayed on the first display unit 4. The calendar setting menu 54 is displayed. At this time, the set content is displayed in the third calendar setting content display area 57, and here, the identification information of the selected first image information of “001” is displayed. As a result, the operator can confirm the selected content. Further, the control unit 10 displays the cursor 52 so as to overlap the third calendar setting content display content area 57.

  After completing the above-described setting, the control unit 10 causes the first display unit 4 to display information 58 indicating that all the settings for generating a calendar have been completed. As a result, the operator can confirm that all settings have been completed. After the above setting is completed, that is, in a state where the setting content is displayed in the first to third calendar setting content display areas 55, 56, 57, for example, when the operator operates the shutter key 44, the control unit 10 Based on each piece of information stored in the setting storage unit, predetermined character information corresponding to the item and the first image information are combined to generate second image information. The combination of the predetermined character information and the first image information may be combined by converting both into a bitmap, for example, and is not limited to this, and may be realized by another combining method. Based on information on the display form stored in the setting storage unit by the control unit 10, information on the calendar year, and information on the month, predetermined character information stored in the second memory 9, that is, year, month, Calendar information for displaying a calendar representing a day and a day of the week by the display unit is selected. The predetermined character information may be generated by the control unit 10.

  The control unit 10 displays the generated second image information on the first display unit 4. Thus, the operator can confirm the original calendar which is the generated second image information.

  FIG. 9 (5) is a diagram showing second image information displayed on the first display unit 4. Here, the second image information is a calendar of January 2003. In the present embodiment, as character information determined in advance, for example, character information that is an item related to the year such as “2003”, character information that is an item related to the month such as “January”, and “1 to 31”, for example And text information related to the day of the week such as “(Monday), (Tue), (Wednesday), (Thursday), (Friday), (Saturday), (Sunday)” It is. In FIG. 9 (5), “1 to 8” are shown as character information regarding the day in order to prevent the figure from becoming complicated.

  When the determination key 34 is operated in the state shown in FIG. 9 (5), that is, when the control unit 10 displays the second image information on the first display unit 4, the control unit 10 displays the second image information. Is stored in at least one of the second memory 9 and the removable memory. Information relating to the location where the second image information is stored is stored in the setting storage unit. By causing the operator to select whether or not to save the generated second image information, it is possible to prevent an undesired composite image from being saved in the second memory 9 and the removable memory.

  When the control unit 10 combines the predetermined character information with the first image information, the predetermined character information may be arranged in the image area of the first image information. As shown in FIG. 4, the image information may be arranged around the image of the first image information without overlapping the image area of the first image information. For example, when the gradation value of the captured first image information and the gradation value of the predetermined character information to be combined are close to each other, the control unit 10 can identify the predetermined character information. May be synthesized by changing the gradation value of predetermined character information.

The control unit 10 determines that the second image information is, for example, JPEG data (JPEG: Joint
Photographic Experts Group) and stored in at least one of the second memory 9 and the removable memory in a predetermined data format. The predetermined data format is, for example, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format). DPOF includes information such as JPEG data and the creation date and time of the JPEG data. By storing in such a data format, printing can be performed directly on a printing apparatus such as a printer. For example, when the second image information is read by a personal computer or the like and then printed by the printing apparatus. Compared to the above, it is possible to simplify the trouble of printing the second image information.

  When the second image information is stored in the removable memory in a plurality of data formats, the control unit 10 provides a folder that is a predetermined storage area for each data format, and stores the folder for each data format. Thereby, when the second image information stored in the other device is read by detaching the detachable memory from the data output unit 21, the reading can be easily performed in the other device.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the settings of each menu of the calendar setting menu 54 are performed in the order of the item “layout”, the item “selection of creation date”, and the item “select attachment image” has been described. May be selected.

  FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are diagrams for specifically explaining a procedure for generating a picture postcard which is the second image information, and show a display screen displayed on the first display unit 4. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing the second selection menu 53 displayed on the first display unit 4. Here, in order to create a picture postcard, the operator operates the first operation unit 5 from the state shown in FIG. 8B, that is, the state where the cursor 52 is overlaid on the item “1, Calendar creation”, to move the cursor 52 Is moved, and the determination key 34 is operated so as to overlap the item “2, postcard creation” as shown in FIG. As a result, the control unit 10 selects the item “2, create postcard”.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a picture postcard setting menu 64 displayed on the first display unit 4. The picture postcard setting menu 64 is a subordinate menu of the above-mentioned item “2. Create picture postcard”. When the operator operates the determination key 43 by placing the cursor 52 on the state shown in FIG. 10 (1), that is, the item “2, Create picture postcard” included in the second selection menu 53, the first display unit 4 displays A postcard selection menu 64 including an item “layout”, an item “use selection”, and an item “attached image selection” is displayed. Here, a case will be described in which items “layout”, item “use selection”, and item “attached image selection” are set in this order.

  Below the item “layout”, the item “use selection”, and the item “attached image selection”, first to third postcard setting content display areas 65, 66, and 67 in which contents set for the respective items are displayed. Provided. In the present embodiment, when the first casing 32 is set to the top and the second casing 33 is set to the bottom in the unfolded state, the items “layout”, items “use selection” and The item “Select attached image” is displayed. In the present embodiment, the first picture postcard setting content display area 65 is displayed below the item “layout”, the second picture postcard setting content display area 66 is displayed below the item “use selection”, and the item “attached image”. The third picture postcard setting content display area 67 is displayed below “Select”.

  Any one of the first to third postcard setting content display areas 65, 66, and 67 corresponding to each item of the postcard setting menu 64 displayed on the first display unit 4 includes a control command of the control unit 10. The cursor 52 is displayed in an overlapping manner. As a result, the operator can confirm which item of the postcard setting menu 64 is selected. The control unit 10 moves the cursor 52 based on a command input from the first display unit 5. By moving the cursor 52 to one of the postcard setting content display areas 65, 66, and 67 corresponding to the item of the postcard setting menu 64 and operating the enter key 43, the corresponding postcard setting selection menus 71, 72, and 73 are displayed. Is done.

  FIG. 10 (3) is a diagram showing a first picture postcard setting selection menu 71 displayed on the first display unit 4. The first picture postcard setting selection menu 71 is a subordinate menu of the item “layout” described above. When the operator moves the cursor 52 over the first picture postcard setting content display area 65 and operates the enter key 43 in the state shown in FIG. 10B, the item “1, landscape orientation (vertical) The first picture postcard setting selection menu 71 including “writing”, item “2, horizontal orientation (horizontal writing)”, item “3, vertical orientation (vertical writing)” and item “4, vertical orientation (horizontal writing)” is displayed. In any one of the first picture postcard setting selection menus 71 displayed on the first display unit 4, the cursor 52 is superimposed and displayed according to a control command from the control unit 10. Thereby, the operator can confirm which one of the first picture postcard setting selection menu 71 is selected. The control unit 10 moves the cursor 52 based on a command input from the first display unit 5.

  When the item “1, landscape orientation (vertical writing)” is selected, the first image information to be synthesized is oriented horizontally on the first display unit 4, that is, the vertical direction of the first image information image is the horizontal direction of the first display unit 4. That is, the predetermined character information vertically aligned with the left and right direction of FIG. 10 and synthesized with the first image information, that is, the character information and the first character information so that the characters are aligned in the vertical direction of the displayed image are displayed. Are combined with the image information. When the item “2, horizontal orientation (horizontal writing)” is selected, the first image information to be combined is oriented horizontally on the first display unit 4, that is, the vertical direction of the image of the first image information is the horizontal direction of the first display unit 4. In addition, the predetermined character information combined with the first image information is horizontally written, that is, the predetermined character information and the first image information are combined so that the characters are arranged in the horizontal direction of the displayed image. . When the item “3, portrait orientation (vertical writing)” is selected, the first image information to be synthesized is oriented vertically on the first display unit 4, that is, the vertical direction of the first image information image is displayed on the first display unit 4. The predetermined character information vertically aligned with the first image information and vertically written, that is, the predetermined character information and the first image information so that the characters are aligned in the vertical direction of the displayed image, Is synthesized. When the item “4, portrait orientation (horizontal writing)” is selected, the first image information to be synthesized is oriented vertically on the first display unit 4, that is, the vertical direction of the first image information image is the top and bottom of the first display unit 4. Predetermined character information to be combined with the first image information is horizontally written, that is, the predetermined character information and the first image information are combined so that the characters are arranged in the left-right direction of the displayed image. Is done.

  Here, the case where the item “1, horizontal orientation (vertical writing)” is selected from the first picture postcard setting selection menu 71 is shown. When the operator operates the determination key 43 with the cursor 52 over the item “1, horizontal orientation (vertical writing)” in the state shown in FIG. 10 (3), that is, in the first picture postcard setting selection menu 71, the control unit 10 A predetermined character information display form is set, and the predetermined character information display form information is stored in a setting storage unit provided in the control unit 10. Thereafter, the control unit 10 causes the first display unit 4 to display the calendar setting menu 54 again.

  FIG. 10 (4) is a diagram showing a picture postcard setting menu 64 displayed on the first display unit 4 after selecting an item of the first picture postcard setting selection menu 71. When the operator operates the determination key 43 with the cursor 52 over the item “1, horizontal orientation (vertical writing)” in the state shown in FIG. 10 (3), that is, the first picture postcard setting selection menu 71, the control unit 10 The postcard setting menu 64 is displayed again on the first display unit 4. At this time, the set contents are displayed in the first picture postcard setting contents display area 75, and here, the setting contents “1, horizontal orientation (vertical writing)” are displayed. As a result, the operator can confirm the set contents. In addition, the control unit 10 causes the cursor 52 to be displayed over the second calendar setting content display area 66.

  FIG. 10 (5) is a diagram showing a second picture postcard setting selection menu 72 displayed on the first display unit 4. The second picture postcard setting selection menu 72 is a subordinate menu of the item “use selection” of the calendar setting menu 64 described above. When the operator operates the state shown in FIG. 10 (4), that is, the cursor 52 over the second picture postcard setting content display area 66 and operates the enter key 43, the control unit 10 displays predetermined character information on the first display unit 4. The second picture postcard setting selection menu 72 including a plurality of items corresponding to is displayed.

  The second picture postcard setting selection menu 72 is a plurality of items corresponding to the use, and here, the item “1, New Year's card”, the item “2, summer greeting”, the item “3, birthday”, the item “4, Christmas” ”And the item“ 5, no fixed phrase ”. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the second picture postcard setting selection menu 72 is not limited to this, and may include other items. Predetermined character information is stored in the second memory 9 in association with a plurality of items corresponding to uses. For example, the fixed phrase information “Happy New Year” is stored in the second memory 9 in association with “1, New Year's card”, and the fixed phrase information “Thank you in summer” is related to “2, Hot summer greeting”. The fixed phrase information “Happy Birthday!” Is stored in the second memory 9 in association with “3, birthday”, and is stored in the second memory 9, and “Merry Christmas! Is stored in the second memory 9. Here, a case where the item “1, New Year's card” is selected from the second picture postcard setting selection menu 72 is shown. 10 (5), that is, when the operator operates the enter key 43 with the cursor 52 over the item “1, New Year's card” included in the second picture postcard setting selection menu 72, the usage is set. The information regarding is stored in a setting storage unit provided in the control unit 10. Thereafter, the control unit 10 causes the first display unit 4 to display the picture postcard setting menu 64 again.

  FIG. 11 (1) is a diagram showing a postcard setting menu 64 displayed on the first display unit 4 after selecting an item of the second picture postcard setting selection menu 72. When the operator operates the determination key 43 with the cursor 52 over the item “1, New Year's card” in the state shown in FIG. 10 (5), that is, the second picture postcard setting selection menu 72, the control unit 10 displays the first display unit. 4 displays the postcard setting menu 64 again. At this time, the set contents are displayed in the second picture postcard setting contents display area 66, and here, the setting contents “1, New Year's card” are displayed. As a result, the operator can confirm the set contents. Further, the control unit 10 displays the cursor 52 so as to overlap the third calendar setting content display area 57.

  When the operator operates the state shown in FIG. 11 (1), that is, the third picture postcard setting content display area 67 with the cursor 52 placed on the display key 67, and the operator operates the enter key 43, the control unit 10 is moved to the first display unit 4 by the camera unit 6. The first image information acquired and stored in the second memory 9 or the removable memory is displayed. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing the first image information displayed on the first display unit 4. In the present embodiment, when a plurality of pieces of first image information are stored in the second memory 9 or the detachable memory, the control unit 10 uses the plurality of first pieces of information as in the case shown in FIG. The image information is displayed side by side on the first display unit 4.

  Information corresponding to the first image information on which the cursor 52 is superimposed is displayed in the display area near the lower portion of the first display unit 4. The information corresponding to the first image information is identification information of the first image information, for example. As described above, the identification information of the first image information is given by the control unit 10 when the first image information is stored in the second memory 9 or the removable memory, and is represented by a number, for example. Here, a case where the first image information of the identification information “001” is selected from the plurality of pieces of first image information will be described. When the operator operates the enter key 43 by placing the cursor 52 on the first image information having the identification number “001” among the plurality of first image information, the first image information to be combined is selected, and the first On the display unit 4, the picture postcard setting menu 64 is displayed again.

  FIG. 11C is a diagram showing a calendar setting menu 64 displayed on the first display unit 4 after selecting the first image information to be combined. When the operator operates the determination key 43 by placing the cursor 52 on the first image information having the identification number “001” as shown in FIG. 11B, the control unit 10 again displays the first display unit 4. A picture postcard setting menu 64 is displayed. At this time, the set contents are displayed in the third picture postcard setting contents display area 67, and here, the identification information of the first image information “001” is displayed. As a result, the operator can confirm the set contents. Further, the control unit 10 causes the cursor 52 to be displayed over the third picture postcard setting content display area 57.

  After completing the above-described setting, the control unit 10 causes the first display unit 4 to display information 68 indicating that all the settings for generating a postcard have been completed. After the above setting is completed, that is, when the setting contents are displayed in the first to third picture postcard setting contents display areas 65, 66, and 67, for example, when the operator operates the shutter key 44, the control unit 10 Based on each piece of information stored in the setting storage unit, predetermined character information and the first image information are combined to generate second image information. That is, the first image information corresponding to the identification information displayed in the third picture postcard setting content display area 67 and the predetermined character information corresponding to the setting contents in the second picture postcard setting content display area 66, here “Happy New Year”. The second image information is generated by synthesizing the character information “There is”. The control unit 10 displays the generated second image information on the first display unit 4. As a result, the operator can confirm the postcard, which is the generated second image information.

  FIG. 11 (4) is a diagram showing second image information displayed on the first display unit 4. When the determination key 34 is operated in the state shown in FIG. 11 (4), that is, when the control unit 10 displays the second image information on the first display unit 4, the control unit 10 displays the second image information. Is stored in at least one of the second memory 9 and the removable memory. By causing the operator to select whether or not to save the generated second image information, it is possible to prevent an undesired composite image from being saved in the second memory 9 and the removable memory.

  As described above, in the present invention, it is not necessary to input character information one character at a time to generate a composite image as in the third conventional technique, and among the plurality of items displayed on the first display unit 4 A composite image obtained by combining predetermined character information and first image information can be obtained by a simple operation of selecting any one of the above. In the portable information processing device 1 such as a cellular phone device, the number of operation keys provided as an operation input unit is smaller than the number of operation keys on a keyboard of a personal computer, for example. Even in such an apparatus having a small number of operation keys, a composite image in which character information and captured image information are combined can be obtained with an easy operation.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 10 inputs at least one of the second memory 9 and the removable memory by inputting a predetermined command from at least one of the first operation unit 2 and the second operation unit 3. The second image information stored in the e-mail is attached to the e-mail and transmitted from the wireless unit 17 to a predetermined notification destination. Accordingly, the second image information may be displayed on the display unit of the apparatus that has received the e-mail attached with the second image information. For example, instead of transmitting the first image information and the predetermined character information as separate data, it can be transmitted as one data, so that the amount of data to be transmitted can be reduced, and in the receiving apparatus Since it is not necessary to synthesize the first image information and the predetermined character information, the receiving side only needs to have a function of displaying the image information.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, only the first image information acquired by the camera unit 6 may be used as the first image information used by the control unit 10 to generate the second image information. In this case, the control unit 10 determines the identification information to which the first image information is added, and determines whether the first image information is captured by the camera unit 6 or not.

  In still another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 10 may generate the second image information by combining the image data received by the wireless unit 17 and predetermined character information. The procedure in this case is the same as the procedure of combining the first image information obtained by the camera unit 6 described above with predetermined character information. In this case, the control unit 10 determines whether the received image data includes copyright information. If the copyright information is included, the control unit 10 uses the received image data. 2 image information is not generated. In still another embodiment of the present invention, desired character information is input by operating the operation key 2a provided in the first operation unit 2, and the desired character information is combined with the first image information. May be.

  In still another embodiment of the present invention, the portable information processing device 1 may include short-range wireless communication means. The short-range wireless communication means performs wireless communication in accordance with wireless communication standards such as an infrared communication standard and a Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. By providing the short-range wireless communication unit in this way, the generated second image information is transmitted to another device having the same short-range wireless communication unit, and the second image information is used in the other device. Will be able to. Therefore, the use range of the second image information is expanded.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 10 may have a function of decoding a barcode and a two-dimensional code (Quick Response Code; abbreviated QR code) to obtain predetermined information. When the control unit 10 determines that the first image information captured by the camera unit 6 includes a bar code or a two-dimensional code, the control unit 10 decodes the coded predetermined information and decodes the coded information. Get certain information. For example, when information on a telephone number is obtained by the decoding, the control unit 10 stores the obtained information in the second memory 2 as telephone book data.

  In the present embodiment, the portable information processing device 1 is applied to a foldable mobile phone, but the portable information processing device 1 is not necessarily limited to a foldable mobile phone. For example, a slide type in which the first casing 32 is slid and displaced relative to the second casing 33 relatively and substantially in parallel. The first casing 32 is rotationally displaced with respect to the second casing 33 about an axial direction parallel to the thickness direction thereof. The present invention is applicable to various mobile phones that selectively combine the rotary type, the folding type, the slide type, and the rotary type.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a portable information processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a display screen of a second display unit 5 and a key operation unit 25 in the portable information processing device 1. It is a figure showing one surface part containing the camera part 6 of the portable information processing apparatus 1 of the folded state. It is the figure which looked at the portable information processor 1 of the unfolded state from the thickness direction one side. 1 is a side view of a portable information processing apparatus 1 in a folded state. It is the other side view of the portable information processing apparatus 1 in the folded state. 5 is a flowchart schematically showing a procedure for generating second image information in the portable information processing apparatus 1. It is a figure explaining the procedure which produces | generates the original calendar which is 2nd image information concretely. It is a figure explaining the procedure which produces | generates the original calendar which is 2nd image information concretely. It is a figure explaining the procedure which produces | generates the picture postcard which is 2nd image information concretely. It is a figure explaining the procedure which produces | generates the picture postcard which is 2nd image information concretely.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Portable information processing apparatus 2 1st operation part 3 2nd operation part 4 1st display part 5 2nd display part 6 Camera part 7 Image processing part 10 Control part 21 Data output part

Claims (6)

An imaging unit for acquiring first image information;
A display unit for displaying a plurality of items corresponding to predetermined character information;
An operation input unit for inputting a command for selecting any of the items displayed on the display unit;
An image generation unit configured to generate second image information by combining predetermined character information corresponding to the selected item and the first image information based on a command input by the operation input unit; A portable information processing apparatus.   The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined character information includes calendar information for displaying a calendar by the display unit.   The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays second image information generated by the image generation unit. An output unit that outputs the second image information generated by the image generation unit;
The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image generation unit causes the output unit to output the generated second image information in a predetermined data format.   The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output unit detachably mounts a storage medium capable of storing the second image information. An image composition method in a portable information processing apparatus having an imaging unit,
A predetermined subject is imaged by an imaging unit to obtain first image information,
Display a plurality of items corresponding to predetermined character information by the display unit,
Based on the command input by the operation input unit, select any of the displayed items,
An image composition method for generating second image information by combining predetermined character information corresponding to a selected item and first image information by an image composition unit.

Images