JP3628773B2 - camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention To a camera that can send image data and identification data to request printing of image data It is related.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, regarding an electronic camera with a transmission function and a recording apparatus with a reception function, for example, JP-A-5-167965 discloses the following.
After taking a picture with an electronic camera having a transmission function, it is not necessary to store a large amount of image data in the electronic camera by sending the image data obtained by the photography to a recording device at a remote location, A technique is described that does not require a large-capacity storage medium to be mounted on the electronic camera.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-167965 does not disclose a technique for printing photographed image data after transmitting it to a recording apparatus. Therefore, in order to print the image data, the user purchases an expensive printer and prints it, or records the data once on a floppy disk or other media, and the digital lab service at a DPE store etc. I had to take it and print it.
[0004]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and by transmitting image data and identification information captured by a camera with a transmission function to a remote printing apparatus, a photographer can Request the print you want in a timely manner it can camera The purpose is to provide.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the camera of the present invention provides: Imaging means for converting a photographed image into digital data, a memory for storing the number of photographing frames, the digital data converted by the imaging means, a code for identifying a print requester, and a code for designating a print request destination Transmitting means for sending and requesting printing of the image; and resetting means for resetting the number of frames taken in the memory when the printing of the image is requested via the sending means. It is characterized by having.
[0008]
That is, in the camera of the present invention, the captured image is converted into digital data by the imaging means, and the digital data, the code for identifying the print requester, and the code for designating the print request destination are transmitted by the transmission means to transmit the image. Request a print In addition, the number of shot frames is reset after the image is transmitted, so that it is possible to correctly recognize the number of frames that have not been transmitted. .
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
First, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the concept of the camera / print system according to the present invention will be described.
[0011]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a conceptual configuration of a camera / print system according to the present invention.
The camera / print system includes a camera 1 that is an imaging device having a transmission function, and a printing device 2 having a reception function for receiving information transmitted from the camera 1.
[0012]
Further, the camera 1 captures a subject and converts the image into digital image data, a data compression unit 12 that compresses the image data, an ID input unit 14 that inputs user ID information, The transmission signal forming unit 16 converts the user ID information and the compressed image data into a transmission signal, and the transmission unit 18 transmits the transmission signal.
[0013]
The printing apparatus 2 includes a receiving unit 20 that receives a transmission signal transmitted from the camera 1, an ID determining unit 22 that determines the user ID information, and a storage unit 24 that stores image data for each user ID information. A print start determination unit 26 that determines whether or not to start printing, and a print unit 28 that prints the image data according to an instruction from the print start determination unit 26.
[0014]
In the camera / print system configured as described above, the captured image is directly sent to the printing apparatus 2 and automatically printed by the print start determination. For this reason, for example, the photographer can drop in at a DPE store near the home where the printing apparatus 2 is located and receive a photograph taken on a trip.
[0015]
Next, a camera / print system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 2 is a specific image diagram showing the configuration of the camera / print system of the embodiment.
[0016]
A camera 1 that is an imaging apparatus is an electronic camera in which a modem and a telephone are built. Image data photographed by the camera 1 is sent to a nearby receiving point 30 by a telephone system such as the PHS system, and is connected to an access point 32 such as a personal computer communication from there to send data. The access point 32 checks the received user ID code and transmission destination ID code (ID code of a DPE store or the like), and the data is filed in the database 34 for each transmission destination ID code.
[0017]
The database 34 and the DPE store 36 that owns the printing apparatus are normally connected via a LAN. The DPE store 36 sucks data for each user ID code, and starts printing 38 when there is a print start determination.
[0018]
The data transmission method is not limited to the PHS method, and other methods may be used. The database 34 may be a database dedicated to the print system, even if it is not used for personal computer communication. The DPE store may be in a convenience store or a supermarket. The LAN may be a telephone line, a cable TV line, or the like.
[0019]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the camera 1.
The controller 40, which is composed of a RISC type microcomputer or the like, controls the overall operation of the camera 1, and the image pickup unit 10 that converts the subject image formed by the lens 42 into digital image data, and the image data are temporarily stored. In addition, a buffer memory when compressing the image data and an image memory 44 which is a storage location of the compressed data, an image created from the image data, a state of the camera 1 to be described later, a warning, and the like are displayed. A display unit 46, an ID input unit 14 for inputting a user ID, which will be described later, a non-volatile memory 48 made up of an EEPROM, a flash memory, etc., for storing the number of frames, a modem function, a telephone function, etc., and data transmission Is connected to the transmitter 18 for performing
[0020]
The control unit 40 further includes a power switch (hereinafter referred to as PWSW) 50 for starting the operation of the camera 1, a release switch (hereinafter referred to as RSW) 52 for starting photographing, and a print start. A print instruction switch (hereinafter referred to as PSW) 54 for transmission to the apparatus 2 is connected.
[0021]
The control unit 40 is composed of a RISC type microcomputer, but is not limited to this, and may be another CISC type microcomputer as long as the speed is high. The nonvolatile memory 48 may store compressed data of the image data when the capacity is large. In this case, the data is retained even when the camera 1 is turned off.
[0022]
The transmitter 18 may not have a modem function and a telephone function, and may be connected to the camera 1 separately from the camera 1. Further, a modem function and a telephone function may be built in the control unit 40.
[0023]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example in which user ID information is input to the ID input unit 14 using an ID card.
By inserting the ID card 58 having the contact 56 into the ID input unit 14 of the camera 1, user ID information stored in the ID card 58 as described later can be transmitted to the printing apparatus 2.
[0024]
The ID card 58 is given to the photographer when contracting with a DPE store or the like that owns the printing apparatus 2. The ID card 58 includes a flash memory, an EEPROM, and the like. The content of the user ID information stored in the ID card 58 is, for example, a user ID code for identifying the photographer as shown in FIG. 10 to be described later, and whether the user is the person when the data is sent. User pass code for confirmation, DPE store ID code indicating the contracted store (usually a store near your home), etc. when the DPE store is a chain store and located in the whole country, and whether there is any error in those data In order to check whether or not, it includes a check code such as a CRC and a parity code.
[0025]
The user ID code may be a number that is never registered twice, such as a telephone number.
Next, the operation of the camera 1 will be described.
[0026]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit 40 as the operation of the camera 1.
When the power switch (PWSW) 50 is turned on, first, the control unit 40 determines whether or not a user ID code is set (step S1). When the user ID code is not set, data cannot be transmitted, so that “no ID code” is displayed on the display unit 46 (step S2), and it is determined whether or not the PWSW 50 is turned off (step S11). . Here, when the PWSW 50 is off, the present process is terminated. On the other hand, when the PWSW 50 is not off, the process returns to step S1 and the determination in step S1 is repeated. If the user ID code is set during this period, the process proceeds to step S3.
[0027]
In step S3, the control unit 40 determines whether the release switch (RSW) 52 is on or off. When the RSW 52 is on, shooting is performed (step S4), and the image data digitized by the imaging unit 10 is transferred to the image memory 44 (step S5).
[0028]
Next, the control unit 40 compresses the image data by JPEG or another method (step S6), and whether there is an empty area to be stored in the image memory 44 or the nonvolatile memory 48, that is, for storing It is determined whether there is a margin (step S7). When there is no room, the user ID information and the compressed image data are transmitted to the printing apparatus 2 (step S8), and the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, when there is a margin, the process skips to step S9 without transmitting data.
[0029]
In step S9, the number of shot frames stored in the nonvolatile memory 48 is incremented (step S9), and the number of shot frames after the increment is stored again in the nonvolatile memory 48 (step S10). This number of frames is reset when a print request code is sent, and is sent together when data is sent in step S8.
[0030]
Subsequently, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the PWSW 50 is turned off (step S11). When the PWSW 50 is off, this process ends. On the other hand, when it is not off, the process returns to step S1 to repeat the processes after step S1.
[0031]
If the RSW 52 is off in step S3, it is determined whether the print instruction switch 54 (PSW) is on or off (step S12). When the PSW 54 is off, the process returns to step S1 and the processes after step S1 are repeated. On the other hand, when it is ON, it is determined whether or not the number of frames taken in the nonvolatile memory 48 is “0” (step S13). When the number of photographic frames is “0”, there is no need to transmit data, so “no photographic data” is displayed on the display unit 46 (step S14).
[0032]
On the other hand, when the number of shot frames is not “0” in step S13, it is determined whether there is untransferred compressed image data (step S15). When there is no untransferred data, user ID information and a print request code are sent (steps S16 and S17), the number of frames taken in the nonvolatile memory 48 is reset (step S18), and the process proceeds to step S10. . If there is untransferred data, user ID information and compressed image data are transmitted (step S19), and then a print request code is transmitted (step S17). , The number of shot frames stored in the nonvolatile memory 48 is reset (step S18), and the process proceeds to step S10.
[0033]
In step S10, the number of frames after reset is stored again in the nonvolatile memory 48 (step S10). Subsequently, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the PWSW 50 is turned off (step S11). When the PWSW 50 is off, this process ends. On the other hand, when it is not off, the process returns to step S1 to repeat the processes after step S1.
[0034]
The JPEG is a kind of compressed image format for still images standardized by ISO.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the camera 1.
[0035]
The configuration of the camera 1 is obtained by adding a mode switch (MSW) 60 for setting the user ID information input mode to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, and the other configurations are shown in FIG. Since it is the same as the camera 1, it shall be incorporated here and the description thereof will be omitted.
[0036]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the user ID writing external device 62 is connected to the ID input unit 14 and user ID information is input.
By connecting the user ID writing external device 62 to the ID input unit 14 of the camera 1, the contents input or stored in the user ID writing external device 62 can be transmitted to the printing apparatus 2.
[0037]
The contents input or stored in the user ID writing external device 62 are the same as the contents of the data stored in the ID card 58 described above, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0038]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which user ID information input to the ID input unit 14 is transmitted by a telephone.
By transmitting from the telephone 64 to the ID input unit 14 of the camera 1, user ID information is set and can be transmitted to the printing apparatus 2. This user ID information is the same as the contents of the data stored in the ID card 58 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0039]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the control unit 40 when setting user ID information in another example of the configuration of the camera 1 illustrated in FIG. 6.
When the mode switch (MSW) 60 is turned on, this flowchart is started by an interrupt. First, the control unit 40 displays on the display unit 46 that the ID input mode has been entered (step S21).
[0040]
Next, the control unit 40 determines whether or not data input of user ID information has been started (step S22). When no data is input, it is determined whether or not the PWSW 50 is turned off (step S23). If the PWSW 50 is not turned off, the process returns to step S22 and waits until data is input. On the other hand, when the PWSW 50 is off, this process is terminated.
[0041]
When the data input of the user ID information is started in step S22, the control unit 40 takes in the user ID information (step S24) and performs a data check with the check code shown in FIG. 10 (step S25). ). When the check result is normal, “data input success” is displayed on the display unit 46 (step S26). When the check result is not normal, “data input failure” is displayed on the display unit 46 (step S26). S27). Thereafter, this process is terminated.
[0042]
Next, the printing apparatus 2 in the camera print system of the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing apparatus 2.
[0043]
The print control unit 70 that controls the overall operation of the printing apparatus 2 includes a modem 74 that converts data coming from the communication line 72 into digital data, an image storage unit 76 that stores received image data, and will be described later. A user ID storage unit 78 storing data as shown in FIG. 12, an image printer 80 for printing an image from the image data stored in the image storage unit 76, and a media writing unit 82 for writing to the medium Is connected.
[0044]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing data stored in the user ID storage unit 78.
The stored data is a user ID code for identifying the photographer, a user passcode for confirming the identity of the photographer when the data is sent, or other media output as desired by the photographer. No., the number of simultaneous prints, and the type of print paper, such as paper size and gloss / peel, etc., and whether or not mailing of the printed result is desired.
[0045]
The user ID code may be registered when a contract is made with a DPE store or the like that owns the printer apparatus 2 so that the service of the present invention can be received. The media writing unit 82 writes to the media when media writing is desired, that is, when media output is set. This medium indicates a floppy disk (FD), a mini disk (MD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a photo CD, or the like for storing image data.
[0046]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing of the print control unit 70 as an operation of the printing apparatus 2.
First, the print controller 70 determines whether or not the communication start time has come (step S31). Here, when the communication start time comes, communication with the database 34 is performed. It is assumed that the communication start time usually falls several times a day and communication is performed at that time. As another method for starting communication, this apparatus may be activated from the database 34 side when the data amount is accumulated over a certain amount or when a print request code is sent.
[0047]
Next, the print controller 70 determines whether there is image data and user ID information data in the database 34 by communication (step S32). If there is data, the print controller 70 reads the data (step S33) and checks whether the user ID code and the user pass code match (step S34). If the user ID code matches the user pass code, the image data compressed for each user ID code is stored in the image storage unit 76 (step S35).
[0048]
Subsequently, the print control unit 70 determines whether or not the print request code has been read (step S36). When the print request code is read, unprinted data is decompressed from the image data stored in the photographer's user ID code corresponding to the print request code in the image storage unit 76 (step S37). Printing is performed (step S38), and the process proceeds to step S39. On the other hand, when the print request code has not been read, the present process is terminated.
[0049]
In step S39, it is determined whether or not there is a request for media output. When there is a request for media output, the compressed data is written to the media (step S40). Finally, the user request item (contents at the time of contract) is output on the label (step S41), and this process is terminated.
[0050]
Further, when it is not the communication start time at step S31, when there is no data in the database 34 at step S32, and when the user ID code and the user pass code do not match at step S34, the above step is further performed. If there is no hope of media output in S39, the process is similarly terminated.
[0051]
The DPE store that owns the printing apparatus 2 can usually read only the data of its own DPE store ID code. Further, the printing in step S38 is performed according to the specifications determined at the time of contract with the user.
[0052]
In addition to the data stored in the user ID storage unit 78, when it is desired to enlarge and print only one picture that has undergone image processing from a personal computer at home, a code indicating that output is desired is added to the transmission data of the picture. What is necessary is just to add and transmit. At this time, there is no problem if the transmitted data is processed with priority over the data stored in the user ID storage unit 78.
[0053]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of label output in step S41.
This label 90 records the customer's name, telephone number, address, output media, number of simultaneous prints, size, finishing, receiving method, and the like. A circle in the figure indicates that the item is selected from among several options.
[0054]
By putting prints, media, etc., on which image data and user ID code are output, in a bag and attaching the label 90, the output can be easily managed.
[0055]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the print control unit 70 as another example of the operation of the printing apparatus 2.
This indicates means for starting printing when the camera 1 does not have a function of transmitting a print request code.
[0056]
First, the print controller 70 determines whether or not the communication start time has come (step S51). Here, when the communication start time comes, communication with the database 34 is performed. It is assumed that the communication start time usually falls several times a day and communication is performed at that time. As another method for starting communication, this apparatus may be activated from the database 34 side when the data amount is accumulated over a certain amount or when a print request code is sent.
[0057]
Next, the print controller 70 determines whether there is image data and user ID information data in the database 34 by communication (step S52). If there is data, the print controller 70 reads the data (step S53) and checks whether the user ID code matches the user pass code (step S54). If the user ID code matches the user pass code, the image data compressed for each user ID code is stored in the image storage unit 76 (step S55). When this storage is performed, the date and time at this time is stored in the image storage unit 76 for each user ID code by a clock function (not shown) built in the printing apparatus 2 (step S56). Thereafter, this process is terminated.
[0058]
If there is no image data and user ID information data in the database 34 in step S52, the print control unit 70 displays image data that has passed for a fixed time from the latest reception date and time stored for each user ID code. It is determined whether or not there is (step S57). If there is image data that has passed for a fixed time, the image data is expanded (step S58) and printed (step S59).
[0059]
Next, the print controller 70 determines whether or not there is a request for media output (step S60). When there is a request for media output, the compressed data is written to the media (step S61). Finally, the user request item (contents at the time of contract) is output on the label (step S62), and this process is terminated.
[0060]
Further, when it is not the communication start time at step S51, when the user ID code and the user pass code do not match at step S54, and when there is no image data after a predetermined time at step S57, If no media output is desired in step S60, the process is similarly terminated.
[0061]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to request printing without taking photographed image data to a laboratory.
In addition, according to the said embodiment of this invention, the following structures are obtained.
(1) ID input means for inputting user ID information;
Imaging means for converting the captured image into digital data;
Data compression means for compressing the digital data;
Transmission signal forming means for converting the user ID information and the compressed digital image data into a transmission signal;
A transmission means for transmitting the transmission signal;
A camera with a transmission function having
Receiving means for receiving the transmitted signal for transmission;
Storage means for determining user ID information from a signal received by the receiving means and storing image data corresponding to the user ID information;
Print start determination means for determining whether or not to start printing of the image data stored in the storage means;
If the print start determining means determines that printing is started, the printing means for printing the image data;
A printing device with a receiving function,
A camera print system characterized by comprising:
(2) The camera / print system according to (1), wherein the user ID information input by the ID input means is input from an external device and stored in a nonvolatile memory.
(3) The camera / print system according to (1), wherein the user ID information input by the ID input means is input from an external telephone line and stored in a nonvolatile memory.
(4) The camera print according to (1), wherein camera shooting is prohibited when a user ID code for user identification is not set in the user ID information input to the ID input means. system.
(5) The camera with a transmission function includes a print instruction unit that transmits a print request code for instructing printing.
When receiving the print request code, the printing apparatus prints out the image data stored in the storage unit by the printing unit based on the print start determination unit. Camera / print system.
(6) The camera / print system according to (1), wherein the printing start unit starts printing by the printing unit when a predetermined time has elapsed from the last received image data signal.
(7) The camera / print system according to (1), wherein the printing apparatus includes user ID storage means for storing a user's desired print output items, and printing is possible based on the contents.
(8) The print output desired item includes at least one of a print size, the number of simultaneous prints, a print receiving method, necessity of media output, and an output medium type. Camera / print system.
(9) The camera / print system according to (8), wherein the type of the output medium includes at least one of FD, MD, MO, and photo CD.
(10) The camera / print system according to (1), wherein the printing apparatus includes writing means for writing image data to a storage medium.
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the image data and the identification information captured by the camera with the transmission function are transmitted to the remote printing apparatus, so that the print desired by the photographer can be timely transmitted. request it can camera Can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a conceptual configuration of a camera / print system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a specific image diagram illustrating a configuration of the camera / print system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a camera 1 in the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which user ID information is input to the ID input unit 14 of the camera 1 using an ID card.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the control unit 40 as an operation of the camera 1;
6 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the camera 1. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which a user ID writing external device 62 is connected to the ID input unit 14 of the camera 1 to input user ID information.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which user ID information input to the ID input unit 14 of the camera 1 is transmitted by a telephone.
9 is a flowchart showing a process of the control unit 40 when setting user ID information in another example of the configuration of the camera 1 shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of user ID information.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus 2 according to an embodiment.
12 is a diagram showing data stored in a user ID storage unit 78 of the printing apparatus 2. FIG.
13 is a flowchart showing processing of the print control unit 70 as an operation of the printing apparatus 2. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an output example of a label in the embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the print control unit as an operation of another example of the printing apparatus 2;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera, 2 ... Printing apparatus, 10 ... Imaging part, 12 ... Data compression part, 14 ... ID input part, 16 ... Transmission signal formation part, 18 ... Transmission part, 20 ... Reception part, 22 ... ID discrimination | determination part, 24 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS Storage unit 26 ... Print start determination unit 28 ... Print unit 30 ... Reception point 32 ... Access point 34 ... Database 36 ... DPE store 38 ... Print 40 ... Control unit (RISC type microcomputer) 42 ... Lens, 44 ... Image memory, 46 ... Display unit, 48 ... Non-volatile memory, 50 ... Power switch (PWSW), 52 ... Release switch (RSW), 54 ... Print instruction switch (PSW), 56 ... Contact, 58 ... ID card, 60 ... mode switch (MSW), 62 ... external device for writing user ID, 64 ... phone, 70 ... print controller, 72 ... communication Line, 74 ... modem, 76 ... image storage unit, 78 ... user ID storage unit, 80 ... image printer, 82 ... medium writing unit, 90 ... label.

Claims (1)

Imaging means for converting the captured image into digital data;
A memory for storing the number of shot frames;
Transmitting means for requesting printing of the image by transmitting the digital data converted by the imaging means, a code for identifying a print requester, and a code for designating a print request destination;
Resetting means for resetting the number of photographing frames stored in the memory when the image is requested to be printed via the transmission means;
A camera characterized by comprising

Images