JP2010124182A - State recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tool which enables a user to easily record and leave, on-site, information of kinds which cannot be accurately preserved by written memorandums or recording. <P>SOLUTION: An image sensor for photographing or scanning a thing existing on-site, a storage device for storing an image captured through the image sensor, and a printer for printing the image stored in the storage device on a required medium are mounted and integrated in a portable enclosure 11 to constitute a state recording apparatus 1. The state recording apparatus 1 enables the user to not only easily record, on-site, a state and an atmosphere of the site, others' evaluation, a reaction of the audience, and handwritten writings on a white board or the like but also print and leave the image photographed or scanned at the site, on a handy medium available on-site, for example, the margin of materials in real time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a situation recording apparatus capable of easily recording things existing on the spot and the situation of the spot.

  In meeting, presentation, product promotion, etc., it is the success or failure of the meeting, presentation, promotion, etc., whether the other party's evaluation (reception) or audience reaction received from the atmosphere, presence, facial expression, gesture gesture, etc. It is valuable information for judgment, and it is recognized that it is necessary to record this to be useful after the fact.

  Traditionally, this type of information recording has relied solely on written memos, but recently, portable IC voice recorders (see, for example, the following patent document) are available at relatively low cost, In many cases, recording is performed by recording.

  However, it is not easy to record the situation on site in a necessary and sufficient manner and to reproduce it afterwards, either by written memo or by recording.

Although it is possible to shoot video at the site, a video camera is set up using a tripod, etc., the video camera is withdrawn after shooting, and the recorded video is edited and saved to an optical disk such as a DVD. In addition, a considerable amount of man-hours will be required, which will be bothersome and cumbersome.
JP 2007-325392 A

  The present invention has been made by paying attention to the above-mentioned problem for the first time, and it is useful to simply record and leave information of a kind that cannot be properly stored by written memo or recording, and to convey the sense of realism in the field. Is to provide a simple tool.

  In the present invention, an image sensor that captures or scans an object existing on the spot, a storage device that stores an image acquired via the image sensor, and an output device that outputs an image stored in the storage device, The situation recording device was configured by being mounted and integrated in a portable case. Here, the image means a still image or a moving image. In addition, the output means outputting the image in a manner appealing to human audiovisual. In particular, it is assumed that output to an object existing outside the situation recording apparatus, for example, printing on a required medium (generally printable articles including paper medium) or projection onto a screen or a wall surface (projection). Is done.

  According to this situation recording device, the situation of the scene, the atmosphere, the evaluation of the other party, the reaction of the audience, writing with a handwriting on a whiteboard, paper sheet or other article etc. can be easily recorded on the spot, In addition, you can convey the realism of the site later.

  If the output device prints out to a medium available on the spot, the image taken or scanned in the field is instantly put on a nearby medium such as a margin of a meeting / presentation / promotional material. Can be output and left. Meeting / presentation / promotional materials and on-site situation records can be integrated into the same medium, making it useful for subsequent analysis and reducing the consumption of extra paper. It can also contribute to resource saving.

  If the output device does not have an automatic paper feeding mechanism and prints out in a state where the housing is in contact with or close to the surface of a medium available on the spot, the output device is mounted. This is advantageous in terms of manufacturing cost of the situation recording apparatus.

  A moving image captured by the image sensor and stored in the storage device is read out, and a plurality of frames included in the moving image are arranged to generate a frame arrangement image as a single still image. If the image processing unit is stored and the output device outputs the frame array image generated by the image processing unit and stored in the storage device to a required medium, the content of the moving image is displayed. It can be confirmed at a glance by the printed medium, and is particularly suitable for the subsequent analysis or verification of the situation and atmosphere at the site.

  If a display that outputs an image stored in the storage device and is visible is also mounted and integrated in the housing, it is possible to check the printed image before printing. Contributes to improving sex.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily record and leave information of a kind that cannot be properly stored by a written memo or recording, and to convey a sense of realism in the field.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The situation recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes an image sensor 1i that captures or scans an object existing on the spot, storage devices 1b and 1c that store captured images or scan images acquired via the image sensor 1i, and storage. A casing that can carry a display 1e that can be viewed by displaying images stored in the devices 1b and 1c, and an output device 1j that prints and outputs the images stored in the storage devices 1b and 1c on a required medium 2. 11 and integrated.

  More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the situation recording apparatus 1 includes a processor 1a, a main memory 1b, an auxiliary storage device 1c, a display control device 1d, a display 1e, an operation input device 1f, and a microphone 1g. And hardware resources such as a speaker 1h, an image sensor 1i, a printer 1j, an I / O interface 1k, a communication interface 11 and the like, which are controlled by a controller 1m to operate in cooperation.

  The auxiliary storage device 1c is a read only memory, a flash memory, an optical disk drive, a hard disk drive, or the like. The flash memory may be a cartridge that is inserted into and removed from a slot provided in the housing 11.

  The display control device 1d includes, as elements, a graphics processor that generates image data to be displayed based on a drawing command received from the processor 1a and sends the image data to the display 1e, a video memory that temporarily stores image data and the like. To do.

  The operation input device 1f is a pointing device such as a push button, a lever, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, or a track pad that can be operated with fingers. The touch panel may overlap the display 1e.

  The image sensor 1i is a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS. The image sensor 1i can capture still images and moving images.

  As the printer 1j, various types such as a direct thermal printer capable of printing on thermal paper, a thermal transfer printer or sublimation type printer using an ink ribbon, and an ink jet printer for spraying finely optimized ink can be adopted. In this embodiment, a movable printer head (serial head or line head) 12 that can be displaced relative to the housing 11 is built in the housing 11, but no automatic paper feeding / discharging mechanism is provided.

  The communication interface 11 is typified by a wireless LAN transceiver or NIC (Network Interface Card), but other interfaces such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) may be mounted.

  A program to be executed by the processor 1a is stored in the auxiliary storage device 1c. When the program is executed, the program is read from the auxiliary storage device 1c into the main memory 1b and decoded by the processor 1a. Accordingly, the situation recording apparatus 1 operates the hardware resources in accordance with the program, and serves as the information acquisition unit 101, the information storage unit 102, the image processing unit 103, the information reproduction unit 104, and the information output unit 105 illustrated in FIG. Demonstrate the function.

  The information acquisition unit 101 captures or scans an object existing on the spot via the image sensor 1i to obtain a captured image or a scanned image. This image may be a still image or a moving image. If necessary, the current voice is recorded via the microphone 1g.

  The information storage unit 102 stores the image and / or sound acquired by the information acquisition unit 101 using a required storage area of the main memory 1b or auxiliary storage device 1c as a storage device. In addition, the information storage unit 102 also stores the frame array image 3 generated by the image processing unit 103 below using a required storage area of the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage device 1c.

  The image processing unit 103 reads out a moving image stored in the information storage unit 102, and arranges a plurality of frames 31, 32, 33, and 34 included in the moving image to form a single still image. 3 is generated. An example of the frame array image 3 is shown in FIG. The frame array image 3 selects a predetermined number of frames 31, 32, 33, and 34 from frames included in a single or a series of moving image files, and connects the frames 31, 32, 33, and 34 by arranging them in time series. In the example of FIG. 6, the four frames 31, 32, 33, and 34 are arranged vertically and horizontally like a so-called four-frame cartoon. The process of selecting the frames 31, 32, 33, and 34 that are the elements of the frame array image 3 may be automatically executed, or the desired frames 31, 32, 33, and 34 may be selected by the user's own hands. . In the former case, for example, the playback time of moving images is equally divided by the required number of frames, and representative frames (the first frame, the last frame, the frame just at the intermediate point, the key frame, etc.) are framed in each time segment. The elements 31, 32, 33, and 34 of the array image 3 are selected, or the necessary number of frames 31, 32, 33, and 34 are selected at random. In the latter case, the user selects and designates the necessary number of frames 31, 32, 33, and 34 via the operation input device 1f while displaying a moving image on the screen of the display 1e by using the function of the information reproducing unit 104 described below. Accept. The generated frame array image 3 is stored in the information storage unit 102.

  The information reproducing unit 104 reads an image (including the frame array image 3) stored in the information storage unit 102, and displays and outputs this image on the screen of the display 1e as shown in FIG. Moreover, the voice memorize | stored in the information storage part 102 is read as needed, and it outputs from the speaker 1h.

  The information output unit 105 reads out an image (including the frame array image 3) stored in the information storage unit 102, and outputs it via an output device. In the present embodiment, printing is performed on a required medium 2 via the printer 1j as an output device.

  A method of using the status recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described. The user should operate or manipulate the operation input device 1f at a site such as a meeting, presentation, or promotion as shown in FIG. 7 to shoot or scan a person, an article, a whiteboard, a paper sheet, or the like existing there. Enter the instructions. The situation recording apparatus 1 that has received this acquires a still image or a moving image via the image sensor 1i and stores it in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage device 1c.

  In particular, when a moving image is shot, the frame array image 3 can be generated. The situation recording apparatus 1 generates a frame array image 3 automatically or in response to a user operation input, and stores the generated frame array image 3 in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage device 1c.

  Thereafter, the user prints the photographed image, the scanned image, or the frame array image 3 on the medium 2 available at the site, for example, the margin of the distributed material for conference / presentation / promotion. In the present embodiment, the casing 11 is composed of a plurality of parts, and these parts are connected via a hinge, a slide mechanism, and the like so as to be opened and closed. Normally, the casing 11 is closed and shields the head 12 and the like of the printer 1j. The user opens the casing 11 to expose the printer head 12 and brings the casing 11 into contact with or close to the medium 2 as shown in FIGS. Then, the operation input device 1f is operated to input an instruction to print. Receiving this, the status recording apparatus 1 drives and controls the printer head 12 to execute printing of the image stored in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage device 1c. An example in which the frame array image 3 is printed in the margin of the conference / presentation / promotion material 2 is shown in FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, the image sensor 1i that captures or scans an object existing on the spot, the storage devices 1b and 1c that store images acquired via the image sensor 1i, and the storage devices 1b and 1c Since the situation recording apparatus 1 is configured by integrating a printer 1j that prints and outputs a stored image on a required medium 2 in a portable housing 11, the situation in the field, atmosphere, evaluation of the other party, audience And writing on a whiteboard, paper sheet, or other article with a brush can be easily recorded on site. In addition, an image photographed or scanned in the field can be printed and left on a medium 2 that is available on the spot. Therefore, for example, materials for meetings / presentations / promotions and records of the situation on the site can be integrated into the same medium 2, which is useful for subsequent analysis and consumption of extra paper. Can be suppressed and contribute to resource saving. Furthermore, the situation recording apparatus 1 can be used as a simple copying machine or stamp. In addition, at this time, it is not necessary to dare to use an off-the-shelf personal computer, a digital camera, a network printer, or the like, so that recording of necessary information and production of a hard copy are completed immediately.

  Since the printer 1j does not have an automatic paper feeding mechanism and performs printing in a state where the casing 11 is in contact with or close to the surface of the medium 2 that can be obtained on the spot, mounting of the printer Is simplified, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing cost of the status recording apparatus 1.

  A moving image captured by the image sensor 1i and stored in the storage devices 1b and 1c is read, and a plurality of frames 31, 32, 33, and 34 included in the moving image are arranged to form a single still image. The image processing unit 103 that generates the frame array image 3 and stores it in the storage devices 1b and 1c is provided. The printer 1j generates the frame array image 3 and stores it in the storage devices 1b and 1c. Since the frame array image 3 is printed on the required medium 2, the contents of the moving image can be confirmed at a glance by the printed medium 2, and the situation and atmosphere at the site are analyzed or verified later. It is particularly suitable for.

  Since the display 1e that can visually recognize the images stored in the storage devices 1b and 1c is also mounted and integrated in the housing 11, it contributes to the improvement of convenience.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in detail above. For example, even if the frame array image 3 generated by the image processing unit 103 is a long image in which a plurality of frames 31, 32, 33, and 34 are arranged in series in the vertical direction or the vertical direction as shown in FIG. Good. An example in which such a frame array image 3 is printed in the margin of the conference / presentation / promotion document 2 is shown in FIG.

  The printer head 12 is fixed to the housing 11 and does not interfere with the form in which the user moves the housing 11 relative to the medium 2 (in other words, scans) during printing. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the line head 12 and the roller 13 are provided at a predetermined portion of the casing 11, and the user brings the casing 11 close to the surface of the medium 2 and keeps the roller 13 in contact with the casing 11. Is moved in one direction. The roller 13 is provided with a sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation angle. According to the program, the status recording apparatus 1 in this example detects the moving distance of the casing 11 relative to the medium 2 via the sensor, and controls the print image output from the line head 12 according to the moving distance. The state of the printing is illustrated in FIG.

  The frame array image generated by the image processing unit 103 includes a plurality of frames selected from the still images stored in the information storage unit 102 as frames 31, 32, 33, and 34, and the frames 31, 32, 33, 34 may be arranged and combined into a single still image. The process of selecting the still images 31, 32, 33, and 34 that are the elements of the frame array image 3 may be automatically executed, or the desired still images 31, 32, 33, and 34 may be selected by the user's own hands. Also good.

  In the above embodiment, the situation recording apparatus 1 directly prints the image on the margin of the meeting / presentation / promotion material 2, but prints the image on a sticker, label, or the like that can be attached to another article. You may take the usage method which affixes the seal | sticker etc. on a required article | item. In that case, an automatic paper supply / discharge mechanism for loading a medium such as a seal may be mounted on the casing 11 of the status recording apparatus 1.

  As an output device, a projector unit that projects the still image, the moving image, or the frame array image 3 stored in the storage devices 1b and 1c onto a screen, a wall surface, or the like may be mounted on the housing 11. This projector unit includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel for displaying an image, a projection light source, a lens optical system for enlarging and projecting an image, and the like.

  A moving image shot by the image sensor 1i and stored in the storage devices 1b and 1c is read out, and a plurality of frames 31, 32, 33, and 34 included in the moving image are arranged to form a single still image. A step of generating the frame array image 3, a step of storing the frame array image 3 in the storage devices 1b and 1c, and a step of outputting the frame array image 3 stored in the storage devices 1b and 1c. The program may be installed in a general-purpose personal computer 14 or the like. The situation recording apparatus 1 at this time is not necessarily integrated with the image sensor 1i, the storage devices 1b and 1c, the display 1e, and the printer 1j mounted on the portable housing 11. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a ready-made personal computer 14 having an image sensor 1i, storage devices 1b and 1c, and a display 1e and a ready-made printer 1j are connected by wire or wirelessly, and the situation recording apparatus 1 is connected. It is possible to configure. The hardware resources and functional blocks provided in the personal computer 14 conform to that of the situation recording apparatus 1 in the above embodiment.

  Other specific configurations of each part can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The perspective view which looked at the situation recording device of one embodiment of the present invention from the front side. The perspective view which looked at the situation recording device from the back side. The hardware resource block diagram of the situation recording device. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing a printer of the situation recording apparatus. The functional block diagram of the situation recording device. The figure which shows the frame arrangement | sequence image and its screen display example. The figure which illustrates the use field of the situation recording device. The top view which shows the pattern of the printing of the image by the situation recording device. The figure which illustrates the state which printed the frame arrangement image on the required medium. The figure which shows a frame arrangement | sequence image and the example of a screen display as one modification of this invention. The figure which illustrates the state which printed the frame arrangement image on the required medium in the modification. The typical side view which shows the printer of a condition recording apparatus as one modification of this invention. The top view which shows the pattern of the printing of the image by the condition recording device in the modification. The figure which shows the condition recording apparatus comprised as a group of several apparatuses as one modification of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Status recording device 1b, 1c ... Storage device 1e ... Display 1i ... Image sensor 1j ... Printer 11 ... Housing 103 ... Image processing part 2 ... Necessary medium 3 ... Frame arrangement image 31, 32, 33, 34 ... Frame

Claims (6)

An image sensor that captures or scans an object present on the spot, a storage device that stores an image acquired via the image sensor, and an output device that outputs an image stored in the storage device. A status recording device that is integrated into the body. The status recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output device prints out a medium available on the spot. The situation according to claim 2, wherein the output device does not have an automatic paper feeding mechanism, and performs printing output in a state where the housing is in contact with or close to a surface of a medium that can be obtained on the spot. Recording device. A moving image captured by the image sensor and stored in the storage device is read out, and a plurality of frames included in the moving image are arranged to generate a frame arrangement image as a single still image. An image processing unit to be stored;
The situation recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output device outputs a frame array image generated by the image processing unit and stored in the storage device. The situation recording apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein a display capable of visually recognizing an image stored in the storage device is also mounted and integrated in the housing. In a situation recording apparatus comprising an image sensor that captures or scans an object existing on the spot, a storage device that stores an image acquired via the image sensor, and an output device that outputs an image stored in the storage device,
Reading a moving image captured by the image sensor and stored in the storage device, and generating a frame array image in which a plurality of frames included in the moving image are arrayed to form a single still image;
Storing the frame array image in the storage device;
A program for executing a step of outputting a frame array image stored in the storage device via the output device.

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