JP3820086B2 - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic camera capable of transmitting an image captured by an image sensor via a communication means.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a printing system has been proposed in which a digital still camera (electronic camera) and a lab store are connected via a communication line, and image data obtained by the electronic camera is stored in a large-capacity memory in the lab store and can be printed out. (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-322114). This system includes a camera body that captures an image of a subject, a data communication unit that transfers image data obtained by the camera body and identification data corresponding to the camera body, receives image data and identification data, and manages them in an image database. And printing equipment for reading out and printing necessary image data.
[0003]
In this type of system, image data obtained by imaging with an electronic camera is immediately transferred to a printing facility by a data communication unit, so that the camera only needs a frame memory for one image. Therefore, a high-quality hard copy can be obtained without preparing a large-capacity recording medium in the electronic camera, and the camera can be reduced in size and cost.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, this type of electronic camera has the following problems. In other words, an electronic camera is valuable only if it can be easily carried anywhere and anytime and anyone can easily shoot. However, there is a problem that the electronic camera according to the above prior art cannot be used in an area where communication facilities are not provided.
[0005]
In order to solve this problem, a relatively large-capacity recording medium is provided in the electronic camera, the first mode in which image data is recorded on the recording medium attached to the electronic camera, and the image data is transmitted through the communication means. A method in which the photographer selects a second mode for transferring to a large-capacity memory installed in a store or the like can be considered.
[0006]
However, in this case, impairs the fast copy of the electronic camera for mode switching. In particular, when the second mode is selected in an area where communication facilities are not prepared, there is a decisive problem that an opportunity for photographing is missed. Further, if the image transmitted via the communication means in the second mode cannot be confirmed later by the electronic camera, a similar scene can be taken again later, or the group photo can be compared with the already taken image. However, there are problems such as difficult composition.
[0007]
Further, when recording a transmitted image, if a full-size image is recorded in a memo, the merit of transmitting the image is halved. In addition, when it is decided to record a reduced image of the transmitted image, it cannot be distinguished from an image recorded in the camera memory without being transmitted. It is inconvenient if it is not possible to distinguish between images that have already been transmitted and images that are not.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to transmit an image captured by an image sensor via a communication means without impairing the original function of the electronic camera. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera that can be easily confirmed on the camera side without occupying a large memory capacity even if it is an image transmitted through a communication means.
[0009]
Another object of the present invention is to reduce the size of an image transmitted through a communication unit, which can transmit an image captured by an image sensor through a communication unit without impairing the original function of the electronic camera. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera that can easily identify whether it is an image or a reduced image of an image stored in a recording medium attached to the camera body.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(Constitution)
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration.
[0011]
That is, the present invention is an electronic camera that selectively records a photographed image on a recording medium or transmits it to a center connected via a communication means, and an unsent image to the center and a reduced version of the image. A recording medium for recording on the recording medium a first reduced image and a second reduced image obtained by reducing the image transmitted to the center; and reading and displaying the first reduced image and the second reduced image from the recording medium Display means for transmitting, and transmission means for transmitting to the center an image corresponding to a predetermined reduced image selected from the first reduced images displayed on the display means, wherein the display means includes the first reduced image or The second reduced image is displayed to identify whether it has been transmitted or not yet transmitted .
[0012]
Further, the present invention selects a first mode in which an image captured by an image sensor is recorded on a recording medium attached to the camera body, and a second mode in which the image is transmitted via communication means. An electronic camera capable of recording a reduced image of each image in the first mode and the second mode on the recording medium, a reduced image in the first mode, and a reduced image in the second mode And display means for displaying in a different form.
[0016]
(Function)
According to the present invention, the first reduced image is recorded from a recording medium on which an image not transmitted to the center, a first reduced image obtained by reducing the image, and a second reduced image obtained by reducing the image transmitted to the center are recorded. When the second reduced image is read and displayed, a predetermined reduced image is selected from the displayed first reduced images, and the image corresponding to the selected reduced image is transmitted to the center, the first reduced image is displayed. Easily identify and transmit the transmitted image and the image stored in the recording medium of the camera body by performing display for identifying whether the image or the second reduced image has been transmitted or not transmitted Can do.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The details of the present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 101 is a taking lens, 102 is a CCD image pickup device for picking up a subject image, 103 is a process processing circuit for performing color signal separation, gain control, gamma correction, and the like, 104 is an A / D converter, and 105 is image data. Frame memory for temporary storage, 106 an LCD driver, 107 a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying captured images and thumbnails of images, and 108 encoding / decompressing image data. Decoding circuit 109 is a modem for transmitting / receiving data, 110 is a header information memory storing header information about thumbnail images to be transmitted, 111 is a recording medium such as compact flash or smart media (registered trademark), Reference numeral 112 denotes a controller (CPU) that controls the control of each part, 11 The power on / off, mode switching and various operation switches, 114 denotes a motor for driving the lens 101.
[0021]
Reference numeral 121 denotes a memory (RAM) that temporarily stores thumbnail images. This memory is built in the camera body separately from the recording medium 111. Reference numeral 122 denotes a release switch. The release switch includes a release first switch (SW1) and a release second switch (SW2). SW1 and SW2 operate in conjunction with the release operation. SW1 is turned on first by lightly pressing a push button type release switch (207 in FIG. 2) to be described later, and then SW2 is turned on when pressed strongly. . The connection to the communication line is instructed when SW1 is turned on, and the photographing operation is started when SW2 is turned on.
[0022]
The image data temporarily stored in the frame memory 105 is compressed with a first mode in which the image data is compressed by the encoding / decoding circuit 108 and recorded on the recording medium 111 under the control of the controller 112. Instead, any one of the second modes transmitted to the outside via the modem 109 is selected. Furthermore, image data input from the outside to the modem 109 by communication is stored in the frame memory 105 and displayed on the LCD 107. Here, the image data input from the outside is thumbnail image data.
[0023]
In addition to the normal switch, the operation switch 113 has a mode for preferentially storing image data in the recording medium 111 attached to the camera body, and a memory provided in the center for transmitting image data to the center. A priority mode selection switch is provided for selecting a mode to be stored in the memory.
[0024]
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the electronic camera of FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 209 denotes a camera body, and reference numeral 210 denotes a liquid crystal display unit that displays captured images and thumbnail images thereof. 201 is an antenna for transmitting and receiving image data, 202 is a mode selection switch for selecting a predetermined mode from various camera modes, and 203 is for displaying mode information selected by the mode selection switch. It is a liquid crystal display part.
[0025]
Reference numeral 204 denotes a decrement switch. Each time the switch 204 is pressed, the thumbnail images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 210 are updated in ascending order. 205 is a confirmation switch for confirming various types of information displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 210, and 206 is an increment switch. Each time the switch 206 is pressed, the thumbnail images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 210 are updated in descending order. 207 is a release switch in which SW1 and SW2 are linked, 208 is a power switch for controlling on / off of the power supply of the camera body, 211 is an insertion / ejection port of a recording medium such as an IC card for recording a photographed image, 212 is a monitor or a television Video output terminals 231 for connection are data input / output terminals for connection to external devices such as printers and personal computers.
[0026]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a print system using the electronic camera. The center 330 that receives, records, and prints out image data includes a modem 331, a server 332, a printer 333, and the like, and is connected to the telephone exchange 351 by the modem 331. The center user terminal 340 includes a modem 341, a personal computer 342, and the like, and is connected to the telephone exchange 351 by the modem 341. A plurality of radio base stations 353 are connected to the telephone exchange 351 through a public telephone line 352. The electronic camera 320 configured as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can communicate with the wireless base station 353.
[0027]
Here, the center 330 may be a laboratory store shared by a plurality of users, or may be the photographer's own office or home. The server 332 includes a large-capacity memory, stores image data transmitted from the electronic camera 320 in a memory designated by a user ID, and controls peripheral devices such as the printer 333 in response to a request. The personal computer 342 of the terminal 340 edits the image recorded in the memory of the center 330. For example, the image is compressed at a predetermined compression rate, or an image print is ordered from the center 330.
[0028]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a recording format of transmission data transmitted from the electronic camera 320. The transmission data includes a center ID representing the identification number of the center as the transmission destination, a user ID representing the identification number of the user as the sender, a recording format for recording in any format such as Bitmap, TIFF, and JPEG (compression) 0 if not, the compression rate for designating the compression rate when a format such as JPEG is designated, the number of prints (0 if not printed), size, shutter speed, etc. It includes shooting information for recording an aperture value and the like, an image identification ID for identifying an image for each frame (if there is no such designation, it is identified by the time of transmission), and uncompressed image data.
[0029]
Next, the imaging operation in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0030]
When the release first switch SW1 is turned on (S1), connection of the communication line is started (S2). Next, it is determined whether the release second switch SW2 is on (S3). When SW2 is turned on, the subject is imaged (S4), and the obtained image data is temporarily stored in the frame memory 105 (S5). If SW2 is not turned on in S3, it is determined whether SW1 is turned on (S7). If SW1 is turned off, the communication line is disconnected (S8), and the process returns to the start. If SW1 is on, the process returns to S3 and waits for SW2 to turn on.
[0031]
As described above, when the image data is stored in the frame memory 105 in S5, it is determined whether the connection of the communication line is completed (S9). If it is determined that the connection of the communication line has been completed, the image data stored in the frame memory 105 is transmitted to the center 330 via the communication line (S10). Next, a thumbnail image of the transmitted image is generated (S11), and the thumbnail image and the shooting frame number are recorded in a predetermined area of the recording medium 111 (S12). This thumbnail image may be stored in the memory 121 built in the camera.
[0032]
If it is determined in S9 that the connection of the communication line has not been completed, a thumbnail image of the photographed image is first generated (S13), and the thumbnail image, the photographing frame number, and the photographed image are attached to the camera body. To the recording medium 111. At this time, the thumbnail image corresponding to the transmitted image is recorded in a predetermined area different from the area for storing the thumbnail image.
[0033]
This makes it easy to identify whether the image is a transmitted image or an image recorded on the recording medium 111 of the camera body. Note that identification information indicating whether or not the image is transmitted may be added to the thumbnail image and stored as header information.
[0034]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation for displaying a thumbnail image on the liquid crystal display unit 210.
[0035]
When the mode selection switch 202 shifts to the display mode, first, a thumbnail image of a predetermined frame is displayed (S30). The thumbnail image displayed initially may be the first frame or may be displayed when the previous display mode is canceled.
[0036]
Next, it is determined whether or not the increment switch 206 has been pressed (S31), and each time the increment switch 206 is pressed, the thumbnail images are updated in ascending order of the shooting frame number (S32). If the increment switch 206 is not pressed in S31, it is next determined whether or not the decrement switch 204 is pressed (S33), and if it is pressed, the thumbnail images are updated in descending order of the shooting frames (S34). Here, since the thumbnail images are displayed in the order of photographing frames, the transmitted image and the image not transmitted are mixed. Therefore, in order to discriminate between transmitted images and images that are not, as shown in FIG. 7, the transmitted images are displayed as “sent” in the upper right of the screen (a). Displays “not sent” (b). This display may be a graphic symbol as long as it can be identified appropriately. The shooting frame number is displayed at the lower left of the screen.
[0037]
Next, it is determined whether to transmit image data while appropriately updating the display of thumbnail images (S35). This is performed by, for example, determining whether the operator is pressing the confirmation switch 205 when an untransmitted image is displayed. If the confirmation switch 205 is pressed, it is determined whether or not the image has already been transmitted (S36). If it has been transmitted, the process returns to S31 again. If it has not been transmitted, next, it is determined whether or not the communication line is connected and connected normally for transmission (S37). If the connection is successful, transmission is started (S38).
[0038]
Next, the thumbnail image of the transmitted image is stored in a predetermined area for storing the transmitted thumbnail image of the recording medium 111 (S39), and the original photographed image data is erased from the recording medium 111 (S40). This is to secure a memory area in which image data can be stored in preparation for the next shooting. Although the image data has been erased from the recording medium 111 in the above, the address of the storage area where the transmitted image data is stored is stored in the memory, and if necessary, new image information is stored in that portion. It may be overwritten.
[0039]
Next, it is determined whether or not the display mode is ended (S41). If the display mode is ended, the process is ended.
[0040]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the first mode in which the captured image data is stored in the recording medium 111 in the electronic camera 320 and the second mode in which the image data is transmitted to the center 330 by communication are determined depending on whether communication is possible. And are automatically selected. In other words, if communication is possible, the second mode is automatically selected, and the captured image is recorded in the memory in the server 332 provided in the center 330 via the communication means, so the memory capacity is a concern. You can shoot without having to. If communication is impossible, the first mode is automatically selected, and as long as the recording medium 111 has sufficient capacity, shooting can be performed in the same manner as a normal electronic camera.
[0041]
Therefore, it is possible to shoot without worrying about memory capacity when communication facilities are in place, and even where communication facilities are not in place, as long as there is a remaining recording medium, it is the same as with an ordinary electronic camera. Shooting can be performed.
[0042]
In addition to this, in the present embodiment, a reduced image of an image transmitted through the communication unit is recorded on the recording medium 111, so that even an image transmitted through the communication unit occupies a large memory capacity. And can be easily confirmed on the camera side. Further, the reduced image of each image in the first mode and the second mode is recorded on the recording medium 111, and the reduced image in each mode is displayed in a different form, so that the transmitted image and the recording medium 111 of the camera body are displayed. It is possible to easily identify the image stored in the.
[0043]
Further, the reduced image in the first mode and the reduced image in the second mode are recorded in different predetermined memory areas of the recording medium 111, so that the reduced image in the first mode or the second image is recorded. It is possible to easily identify whether the image is a reduced image in the mode. Furthermore, it is possible to arrange all the captured images regardless of the transmitted image or the image stored in the recording medium 111 of the camera body in the order of capturing.
[0044]
In addition, an image captured in the first mode and recorded on the recording medium 111 can be transmitted to the outside by pressing the confirmation switch 205 in a state where the thumbnail image is displayed. It can be easily identified and transmitted. Furthermore, by releasing the memory area in which the image transmitted to the outside among the images captured in the first mode is stored as a memory area for a new captured image, the recording medium 111 can be used in a communication environment. It is possible to shoot without worrying about memory capacity.
[0045]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the embodiment, an image captured in the first mode and recorded on the recording medium is transmitted to the outside by an operation of a confirmation switch or the like. In order to be able to determine whether the image is a transmitted image or an untransmitted image from the thumbnail image, This transmission operation may be performed automatically. In the embodiment, the second mode is prioritized when communication is possible (an image is transmitted when communication is possible, and an image is recorded on a recording medium when communication is not possible). Therefore, the first mode may be prioritized (when the memory capacity of the recording medium is large, an image is recorded on the recording medium, and when the capacity is small, the image is transmitted).
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily identify and transmit whether the image is a reduced image of the image transmitted via the communication means or a reduced image of the image stored in the memory of the electronic camera. Is possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an external perspective view of the electronic camera shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a print system using the electronic camera of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a recording format of transmission data transmitted from the electronic camera.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an imaging operation in the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of displaying a thumbnail image on the liquid crystal display unit in the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a transmitted image and an image that is not.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Shooting lens 102 ... CCD image sensor 103 ... Process processing circuit 104 ... A / D converter 105 ... Buffer memory 106 ... LCD driver 107 ... LCD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 108 ... Coding / decoding circuit 109,332,342 ... modem 110 ... header information memory 111 ... recording medium 112 ... controller 113 ... operation switch 114 ... motor 121 ... memory 122 ... release switch 209 ... camera body 210 ... liquid crystal display part 201 ... Antenna 202 ... Mode selection switch 203 ... Liquid crystal display unit 204 ... Decrement switch 205 ... Confirm switch 206 ... Increment switch 207 ... Release switch 208 ... Power switch 211 ... Recording medium insertion / extraction port 212 ... Video output terminal 231 ... Data input Output terminal 320 ... Electronic camera 330 ... Center 332 ... Server 333 ... Printer 340 ... Center user terminal 341 ... PC 351 ... Telephone exchange 352 ... Public telephone line 353 ... Wireless base station

Claims (1)

An electronic camera that selectively records captured images on a recording medium or transmits them to a center connected via communication means,
A recording medium for recording on the recording medium an image not yet transmitted to the center, a first reduced image obtained by reducing the image, and a second reduced image obtained by reducing the image transmitted to the center;
Display means for reading out and displaying the first reduced image and the second reduced image from the recording medium;
Transmitting means for transmitting to the center an image corresponding to a predetermined reduced image selected from the first reduced images displayed on the display means;
With
The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays on the first reduced image or the second reduced image for identifying whether the image has been transmitted or not transmitted .

Images