JPH05122722A - Picture processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a picture processing system in which the result of image pickup desired by the user is outputted. CONSTITUTION:A color picture from a video camera 11 is picked up and stored in a picture storage section 12. A system control section 16 selects a changeover switch 71 in response to a black-white/color selection command from an operation section 17. When a command from the operation section 17 is a white/black command, the changeover switch 71 is thrown to the position of a picture conversion section 70 and the picture conversion section 70 converts the color picture of the picture storage section 12 into a white/black picture, which is printed out by a video printer 18. Furthermore, when the command is a color command, the changeover switch is thrown to the position of the picture storage section 12, and the color picture of the picture storage section 12 is printed out by the video printer 18.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing system for photographing a subject and printing the photographed image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a photo booth device which can automatically take a photograph for identification cards, passports, etc. by inserting money into it.
An apparatus using an optical silver salt photographic technique equipped with a photographic developing section, a flash and the like is known.

However, since such a device uses a chemical agent for developing a photograph, it has a problem of pollution, so that the installation place is limited and maintenance of the device is troublesome.

Further, in such an apparatus, it takes a long time to perform a chemical treatment for development, and a user has to wait about 5 minutes from taking a photograph to obtaining a photograph.

Further, in such a device, the photographing result is not known until it is developed, and when the photographing fails, it is already printed on the paper, so the paper is wasted, or money is paid despite the failure. There was a drawback that was collected.

Further, in such a device, a device for black and white and a device for color are separate, so that in order to take a desired photograph, it is necessary to search for a device capable of obtaining a desired photograph. ..

Further, such a device has a drawback that the cost increases if various functions are mounted.

Further, such an apparatus could not print anything other than an image taken by the apparatus.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system capable of outputting a photographing result desired by a user. is there.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system which can realize various functions at low cost.

[0011]

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an input means for inputting color image information,
Conversion means for converting the color image information input from the input means into black and white image information; output means for outputting the color image information from the input means and the black and white image information from the conversion means; Switching means for switching between output and output of the monochrome image information.

According to the present invention, the color separation means for color-separating the image information, the digital input means for digitally inputting the image information color-separated by the color separation means, and the color input from the digital input means. Synthesizing means for synthesizing the decomposed image information into color image information, and outputting means for outputting the color image information synthesized by the synthesizing means,
Selection means for selecting output of color image information and output of black and white image information, and when output of black and white image information is selected by the selecting means, the black and white image information is input from the digital input means without color separation, Control means for controlling the output means to output black and white image information.

Further, according to the present invention, an image pickup means for converting the picked-up image information into a digital signal, an input means for inputting a digital signal of the image information, a memory for storing the image information from the image pickup means and the input means. And means for outputting the image information stored in the storage means.

Further, according to the present invention, input means for inputting image information, storage means for storing the image information input from the input means, and detection of a blur in the image information stored in the storage means are detected. And a notification unit that notifies the detection result of the detection unit, and an output unit that outputs the image information stored in the storage unit.

Further, according to the present invention, an input means for inputting image information, a storage means for storing the image information input from the input means, and a blurring portion in the image information stored in the storage means are detected. Detecting means, a correcting means for correcting blurring at a blurring portion in the image information detected by the detecting means, and an output means for outputting the image information corrected by the correcting means.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A detailed description will be given below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 11 is an image pickup unit including a video camera, 12 is an image storage unit configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory that stores image information from the video camera 11, 13 is a monitor output screen changeover switch, 14 is a monitor, and 15 is power supply to each unit. It is a power supply unit that performs. A system control unit 16 controls the operation of each unit, and includes a CPU and RA.
It is composed of an M and a ROM (not shown). RAM is C
It is used as a work area for the PU, and the contents of control operations and message data to be displayed on the monitor are written in the ROM. Reference numeral 17 denotes an operation unit for operating the system control unit 16, including a shutter button 17a for starting image storage,
Print button 17b for starting printing of the stored image
After the image is stored, it has a cancel button 17c for canceling the stored image and re-entering the shooting standby state. 18
Is a video printer such as a thermal printer or a bubble jet printer that generates bubbles by heat and ejects ink by the pressure. Reference numeral 19 is a detector for detecting coin insertion.

FIG. 2 is an external view of this embodiment. Reference numeral 20 denotes an illumination for illuminating a subject, such as a fluorescent lamp. Two
1 is a coin slot.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of the electronic photo system having the above-mentioned configuration. When the coin detection unit 19 detects a coin, it sends a coin insertion signal to the system control unit 16 (step S1).
The system control unit 16 that receives the coin insertion signal is the power supply unit 1
A signal is sent to 5 to start the supply of electric power to each unit (step S2). Next, switch the switch 13 to the camera side,
The image currently captured by the video camera 11 is directly displayed on the monitor 14 (step S3). When the shutter button 17a of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S4), the image captured at that time is stored in the image storage unit 12 as a still image (step S5).

Next, the switch 13 is switched to the storage unit side, and the stored image is displayed on the monitor 14 so that the photographer can confirm the image to be printed (step S6).
When the print button 17b of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S7), the stored image is printed by the video printer 18 (step S8). After printing is completed, the video printer 18 sends a print end signal to the system controller 17,
Furthermore, a signal is sent to the power supply unit 15 to stop the supply of electric power to each unit (step S9), and the process ends. Step S
If the cancel button 17c is pressed without pressing the print button 17b in step 7, the process proceeds to step S3. If the cancel button 17c is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S6. (Step S10).

When the shutter button 17a of the operation unit 17 is pressed during photographing, a counter provided in the system control unit 16 counts, and when a predetermined count value is reached, the image currently being photographed is stored. The system control unit 16 may control so as to enable photographing in a correct posture.

Further, the shutter button 17a of the operation unit 17
Place the shutter button at the foot of the photographer and press the shutter button 17a
You may press so that you can shoot in the correct posture. Furthermore, the illumination 20 may be a flash lamp so that flash photography can be performed.

As a result, it is effective as a countermeasure against pollution, the maintenance is easy, the time until the photo is completed is shortened, the printing cost and the print paper are saved, and the desired photo is obtained.

Next, an embodiment of another aspect will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the image processing system of another embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram of this embodiment is the same as that of FIG. In this embodiment, it is possible to print a plurality of identical photographs. Since steps S1 to S10 are the same as those in FIG. 3, description thereof will be omitted.
After the printing of the image stored in step S8 is completed, the timer in the system control unit 16 is turned on (step S11), and a message notifying whether or not to print the currently stored image (example: "When printing another sheet) , Please insert a coin.)) On the monitor 14 (step S12). When a coin is detected, the process proceeds to step S6 and waits for a printing operation (step S13). When the coin is not detected in step S13, it is checked whether or not a predetermined time has passed by the timer in the system control unit 16 (step S14). If the predetermined time has not elapsed in step S14, the process proceeds to step S12 to wait for the insertion of coins. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the system control unit 17 sends a signal to the power supply unit 15 to notify the power to each unit. The supply is stopped (step S15), and the process ends.

When it is detected in step S13 that a coin has been inserted, the stored image is displayed on the monitor 14 (step S6), and a standby state for printing the stored image is awaited (step S7).

With this configuration, it is possible to obtain a plurality of photographs of favorite images that have been stored once.

When a photograph is taken and the print button 17b of the operation unit 17 is pressed, the system control unit 16 controls to print a predetermined number of sheets so that a plurality of photographs of desired images can be obtained. You can set it to any action.

Next, examples of another aspect of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an image processing system showing another embodiment of the present invention. 11 to 19 are shown in FIG.
Is the same as. Reference numeral 30 is a paper feed unit, 31 is a communication unit that uses the telephone line to communicate with the management center or the like when an abnormality occurs, and 32 is a telephone line.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a centralized monitoring apparatus for centrally monitoring a plurality of image processing systems. Reference numeral 40 is a communication unit that communicates with a plurality of image processing systems using the telephone line 32, and 41 is a control unit that controls the centralized monitoring device.
A storage unit 42 stores the state of each image processing system, map data indicating the location of the nearest usable image processing system when an abnormality occurs in the image processing system, and the like. Reference numeral 43 is a monitor for displaying the state of each image processing system from the control unit 41.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the operation of the control unit 16 of the image processing system having the above-mentioned configuration. When the coin detection unit 19 detects a coin, it sends a coin insertion signal to the control unit 16 (step S1). Upon receiving the coin insertion signal, the control unit 16 sends a signal to the power supply unit 15 to start supplying power to each unit (step S2). The control unit 16 receives a status signal as shown in FIG. 8 from the printer 18 at regular intervals and determines whether the printer 18 is operating normally (step S20). If there is no abnormality such as running out of paper or paper jam in step S20, continue the normal control,
After that, the abnormality is detected at regular intervals. Normally, the image captured by the video camera 11 is displayed on the monitor 14 (step S3), and when the shutter button 17a is pressed (step S4), the captured image at the time of pressing is stored as a still image (step S3). S5). Then, the stored stored image is displayed on the monitor 14 (step S6). When the print button 17b of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S
7) The stored image is printed by the video printer 18 (step S8). After printing, the video printer 18
Sends a print end signal to the system control unit 17 and further sends a signal to the power supply unit 15 to stop the supply of electric power to each unit (step S9) and end the processing. The cancel button 17c is pressed without pressing the print button 17b in step S7.
If is pressed, the process proceeds to step S20 and waits for the storage operation, and if the cancel button 17c is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S6 and waits for the storage operation (step S10). When there is an abnormality such as paper out or paper jam in step S20, the inserted coin is returned (step S21), and the unique code of the image processing system is sent from the communication unit 31 to the centralized monitoring device (FIG. 3) in the management center. , The place name code, and the error content code are transmitted (step S2).
2).

The control unit 41 of the centralized monitoring device which has received the abnormality content causes the monitor 43 to display the unique code, the place name and the abnormality content of the image processing system in which the abnormality has occurred. And
The contents of the state of the image processing system in the storage unit 42 are rewritten to be unusable, and the nearest image processing system in the usable state is searched. Based on the search result, the communication unit 40 transmits, to the image processing system in which the abnormality has occurred, the data of the map, which is stored in advance in the storage unit 42 and indicates the place where the image processing system is installed.

FIG. 9 shows a specific circuit configuration of the communication section 31. Reference numeral 55 is an abnormality notification control signal from the control unit 16, and when this signal is turned on, the CPU 53 causes the line connection control signal 54
Turn on the network control unit (NC
U) Command the line connection to 50. Next, the CPU 53 sets EE
The telephone number of the management center written in advance in a non-volatile memory such as the PROM 56 is read, and the DTMF (dual tone multi fr) corresponding to the number is read.
The DTMF generator 54 is instructed to output the "energy" code in the order of numbers in accordance with the line standard. When the line is connected to the control center, the centralized monitoring device automatically responds and sends a 1 KHz sine wave signal to the transmitting side. Communication device 3
The 1 band-pass filter (BPF) 58 extracts a 1 KHz sine wave, and the A / D converter 59 digitizes the detection level. When the digital value exceeds a predetermined value, the CPU 53 determines that the line is connected to the management center, and sequentially writes the unique code of this image processing system, the installed place name code, and the error content code to the EEPROM 5
The data is read in order from 6, and an error correction code is added at the end and the data is sent as the DTMF code. When received correctly at the control center, the centralized monitoring device generates a 1 KHz sine wave and informs the transmitting side that the reception was successful. Communication device 31
Turns off the line when this 1 KHz signal is detected. The centralized monitoring device displays the booth number, installation site name, failure content, etc. on the monitor 43 to inform the manager.

The communication section 16 of the image processing system receives the map data of the nearest usable image processing system from the centralized monitoring device and stores it in the image storage section 12 (step S23). Then, the map is displayed on the monitor 14 (step S24), and when the print button of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S25), it is checked whether or not there is print paper to be printed (step S26). The received data is printed (step S27). While the image processing system is abnormal, steps S24 to S2
7. The control operation of 7 is continued, and when it returns to normal, it is reset and control is performed from step S1.

The location of another usable image processing system may be output in words.

In this way, when there is an abnormality in the image processing system, it is possible to notify the management center.
Eliminates the need for periodic inspections of the image processing system. In addition, since a map of another usable image processing system is displayed, the user can find the usable image processing system without searching for it. In addition, since coins are returned even if an abnormality occurs during control, there is no problem in money management.

Next, an example of another aspect will be described.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 11 is an image pickup unit including a video camera, 12 is an image storage unit configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory that can read and write subject information from the video camera 11, and the image storage unit has 640 points in the X direction and Y.
480 points of pixels can be stored in the direction. In addition, the read area for printing is S point (XS, YS), E point (XE, Y
It is represented by a rectangle whose diagonal is E). XS, YS, X
E and YE respectively represent addresses in the image storage section.
13 to 19 are the same as in FIG. Reference numeral 17d is an area move button for moving the print area in the image. By pressing the area button, the above-mentioned XS, YS, XE, and YE are increased or decreased. Initial values are given to XS, YS, XE, and YE when the power is turned on. XS and XE increase by 1 when the right direction of the area movement button 52d is pressed, and decrease by 1 when the left direction is pressed. YS and YE decrease by 1 when the up direction of the area movement button 52d is pressed, and increase by 1 when the down direction is pressed. 61 generates a mark indicating an area to be printed,
This is a mark generation unit that displays a composite image with the monitor 14.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of the electronic photo system having the above-mentioned configuration. When the coin detector 19 detects a coin, it sends a coin insertion signal to the system controller 16 (step S1). When the system control unit 16 receives the coin insertion signal, the power supply unit 15
To supply power to each unit (step S2). When power supply is started, step 13 is switched to the camera side, and the image currently taken by the video camera 11 and the mark 61 generated by the mark generation unit 61 are combined and displayed on the monitor 14 (step S30). ).
At this time, the mark generation unit outputs data (XS, YS, XE, Y) representing the print area from the system control unit 16 described above.
In response to E), a mark 62 indicating the area is generated as shown in FIG. The position of the mark at the start of power supply is determined by the initial value stored in the ROM of the system control unit 16. The photographer operates the area movement button 17d while looking at the monitor 14 to move the mark 62 to a position where a preferable composition is obtained. When the area movement button 52d is pressed (step S31), the system control unit 16 increases or decreases the position data (XS, YS, XE, YE) according to the direction and amount (step S32). The data changed in step S32 is sent to the mark generation unit 61 to generate a mark according to the data, and the process proceeds to step S30 to display the image currently captured by the video camera 11 and the mark 62 generated by the mark generation unit 61. The composite image is displayed on the monitor 14. If the area move button 17d is not pressed in step S31, the process proceeds to the next step. When the shutter button 17a of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S4), the image captured at that time is stored in the image storage unit 12 (step S5). Next, the switch 13 is switched to the storage unit side, and the stored image is displayed on the monitor 14 so that the photographer can confirm the image to be printed (step S6). When the print button 17b of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S7), printing in the print area is performed (step S).
8).

The printing in step S8 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. x and y represent addresses from which image data is read from the image storage unit 12. First, x is XS and y is YS (steps S41 and S42). Next, the video of the image data of the address (x, y) is sent to the video printer 18 and printed (step S43). Then, x is incremented by 1 (step S4
4), it is checked whether x> XE (step S4)
5). When x ≦ XE in step S45, step S43
Go to and increase x. Video printer 1 when x> XE
A line feed signal is sent to 8 (step S46), and y is incremented by 1 (step S47). Then, it is checked whether y> YE (step S48). Y in step S48
When ≦ YE, the process proceeds to step S41, x is reset to XS, and printing is continued. When y> YE, a print end signal is sent to the video printer 18 to end printing. As a result of printing, an image as shown in FIG. 14 is obtained.

After the printing is completed, the video printer 18 sends a printing end signal to the system control unit 17, and the power supply unit 1
5 is sent to stop the supply of electric power to each part (step S9), and the process ends. If the cancel button 17c is pressed without pressing the print button 17b in step S7, the process proceeds to step S30. If the image of the video camera 11 and the mark 62 are combined and displayed and the cancel button 17c is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S6. Then, the printing operation is waited (step S10).

The mark generating section 61 and the area moving button 17d are not used, the position data of the print area is fixed, and a fixed mark indicating the print area of each print size is written on the surface of the screen of the monitor 14. A simple structure may be used so that the composition of the photograph can be confirmed.

Further, when the shutter button 17a of the operation unit 17 is pressed during photographing, a storage start signal is generated when a value determined by a counter in the system control unit 16 reaches a predetermined value, and after a certain time, the present The system control unit 16 that stores the imaged image may be controlled so that the image can be taken in the correct posture.

In addition to the position data of the print area, size data may be input to change the print size.

In this way, the user can confirm the photographed result before the photograph is printed, so that the photograph can be obtained without wasting the photograph bill and the print paper. Further, since the movable print area mark is displayed on the monitor, the composition of the photograph can be confirmed, and the composition of the photograph can be changed without moving the subject.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an electronic photo system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 11 is an image pickup unit including a video camera, and 12 is an image storage unit configured to store subject information from the video camera 11 and configured with, for example, a semiconductor memory. The image storage unit 12 can store a plurality of screens,
For example, in this embodiment, four screens can be stored. Thirteen
Is a monitor output screen changeover switch, 14 is a monitor, and 15 is a power supply unit for supplying power to each unit. A system control unit 16 controls the operation of each unit, and includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM.
(Not shown). The RAM is used as a work area for the CPU, and the ROM stores the contents of control operation and message data to be displayed on the monitor. 17
Is an operation unit for operating the system control unit 16, and includes a shutter button 17a for starting image storage and an image storage unit 12
It has a print image selection button 17e for designating a stored image to be printed out of the four stored images stored in. A video printer 18 is, for example, a bubble jet printer that generates bubbles by heat of a thermal printer and ejects ink by its pressure. Reference numeral 19 is a detector for detecting coin insertion.

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of the electronic photo system having the above-mentioned configuration. When the coin detection unit 19 detects a coin, it sends a coin insertion signal to the system control unit 16 (step S1).
The system control unit 16 that receives the coin insertion signal is the power supply unit 1
A signal is sent to 5 to start the supply of electric power to each unit (step S2). Next, switch the switch 13 to the camera side,
The image currently captured by the video camera 11 is directly displayed on the monitor 14 (step S3). When the shutter button 17a of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S4), the captured image of the video camera 11 is displayed for a predetermined time (step S5).
0, S51), and the captured image is stored in the image storage unit 1.
2 (step S52). Next, switch 13
Is switched to the storage unit side, and the stored image is displayed on the monitor 14 for a predetermined time for the photographer to confirm (steps S53 and S54). Then, the system control unit 16 counts each time an image is stored and checks whether or not it has been counted four times, that is, whether or not four screens have been stored (step S5).
5). If the counter is less than 4 in step S55, the process proceeds to step S50. If the counter is 4, the monitor is divided into four areas as shown in FIG. 17, and the four images stored in the image storage unit 12 are displayed. The images are collectively displayed on the monitor (step S56). The photographer selects the images to be printed by looking at the monitors displayed collectively,
The print image selection button 17c of the operation unit 17 is pressed. When the print image selection button 17c is pressed and the image to be printed is designated, the designated image is printed (step S57). After printing, the video printer 18 to the system controller 17
Send a print end signal to. Upon receiving the print end signal, the system control unit 17 sends a signal to the power supply unit 15 to stop the supply of electric power to each unit (step S9) and ends the process.

In the present embodiment, the image storage unit 12 is assumed to be capable of storing four screens, but it is not limited to four screens, and any device capable of storing a plurality of screens may be used.

Further, the print image may be designated by pressing the print button while the stored image is being displayed during a series of repeated operations of image pickup, storage and display.

In this way, the user can correct the pose by continuously storing the images picked up by the camera and displaying the stored images, so that a good pose can be taken. Furthermore, since a plurality of images are stored and collectively displayed and the image designated by the user is printed, the cost of photographs and waste of print paper are eliminated, and the user can compare a plurality of images and select a preferable photograph.

Next, examples of another aspect of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. A video camera 11 captures a color image and outputs a color image signal. 12
Is an image storage unit configured by a semiconductor memory or the like for storing image information from the video camera 11, 13 is a monitor output screen changeover switch, 14 is a monitor, and 15 is a power supply unit for supplying power to each unit. Reference numeral 16 is a system control unit that controls the operation of each unit, and is composed of a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM (not shown). The RAM is used as a work area of the CPU, and the contents of the control operation and the message data to be displayed on the monitor are written in the ROM. Reference numeral 17 denotes an operation unit for operating the system control unit 16, which includes a shutter button 17a for starting storage of an image, a print button 17b for starting printing of the stored image, and after storing the image, cancels the stored image and again. Cancel button 17c for waiting for shooting, monochrome / color selection button 17f for selecting whether to perform monochrome printing or color printing
have. A video printer 18 is, for example, a thermal printer, a bubble jet printer that generates bubbles by heat, and ejects ink by the pressure. 19
Is a detector for detecting coin insertion.

Reference numeral 70 denotes an image conversion unit for converting the color image information read out from the image storage unit 12 into black and white image information, and 71 switches whether the video printer 18 is allowed to print a color image or a black and white image. Is a print image changeover switch for.

FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of the electronic photo system having the above-mentioned configuration. When the coin detection unit 19 detects a coin, it sends a coin insertion signal to the system control unit 16 (step S1).
The system control unit 16 that receives the coin insertion signal is the power supply unit 1
5, and the power supply unit 15 starts supplying power to each unit (step S2). Next, the switch 13 is switched to the camera side, and the image currently captured by the video camera 11 is directly displayed on the monitor 14 (step S3). When the shutter button 17a of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S
4) Then, the image captured at that time is stored in the image storage unit 12 as a still image (step S5).

Next, the switch 13 is switched to the storage unit side, and the stored image is displayed on the monitor 14 so that the photographer can confirm the image to be printed (step S6).
When the print button 17b of the operation unit 17 is pressed, it is determined whether the instruction is monochrome printing or color printing (step S60). When monochrome is selected by the monochrome / color selection button 17f in step S60, the system control unit 16 switches the print image changeover switch 71 to the image conversion unit 70 side, and the image conversion unit 70 outputs the color image information from the image storage unit 12. Is converted into black and white image information, and this black and white image information is output to the video printer 18 (step S
61). When a color is selected by the monochrome / color selection button 17f in step S60, the system control unit 1
Reference numeral 6 designates a print image changeover switch 71 which is directly connected to the image storage unit 1.
2 and the video printer 18 are connected, that is, the print image changeover switch 7 is provided on the side opposite to the image conversion unit 70.
1 to switch the color image information from the image storage unit 12 directly to the video printer 18 (step S6).
2).

Then, a color or monochrome image is printed on the video printer 18 based on the image information sent (step S8). After printing, video printer 1
8 sends a print end signal to the system control unit 17, and further sends a signal to the power supply unit 15 to stop the supply of electric power to each unit (step S9) and end the process. In step S7, the cancel button 17 is pressed without pressing the print button 17b.
If c is pressed, the process proceeds to step S3. If the cancel button 17c is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S6 to wait for the printing operation (step S10).

FIG. 20 is a block configuration diagram obtained by improving FIG. The difference from FIG. 18 is that the image conversion unit 70 and the print image changeover switch 71 are connected in front of the switch 13. As a result, when monochrome is selected with the monochrome / color selection button 17f, a monochrome image is displayed on the monitor 1.
4 and a color image is displayed on the monitor 14 when the color is selected. As a result, it is possible to print color and black and white images, and it is possible to obtain a photograph according to the user's request. Further, it is possible to confirm whether black and white or color is printed on the monitor.

Next, examples of another aspect of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 11 denotes a monochrome video camera, which generates a synchronization signal in synchronization with the reading of an image. 12 to 1
9 is the same as in FIG. Reference numeral 75 is a rotary filter, 76 is a motor controller, and 77 is a stepping motor.
FIG. 22 shows the shape of the rotary filter. R, G and B are windows to which red, green and blue transmission filters are attached respectively, and T is a colorless and transparent window. The video camera 11 captures an image through these windows.

In such a configuration, when monochrome is selected with the monochrome / color selection button on the operation unit 17, the system control unit 16 outputs a signal to that effect to the monitor control unit 76, and the motor control unit 76. Drives the motor 77 so that the T window of the rotary filter 75 is in front of the video camera 11, keeps the rotary filter in that state, and causes the T window to perform imaging (steps S71 and S72). On the other hand, when a color is selected with the monochrome / color selection button on the operation unit 17, the system control unit 16 outputs a signal to that effect to the motor control unit 76. The motor control unit 16 drives and controls the motor 77 so that the R window, the G window, and the B window are in front of the video camera 11 in synchronization with the synchronizing signal output from the video camera 11.

As a result, the video camera 11 sequentially reads the image through the R filter, G filter, and B filter (steps S73, S74, S75), and the system control unit 16 obtains the image information obtained through the respective filters. In order to obtain a color image by synthesizing, the obtained color information is calculated (step S76). As a result, it is possible to print black and white and color images, and it is possible to obtain a photograph according to the wishes of the user. Moreover, since a monochrome video camera is used, a low-cost image processing system can be realized.

Next, examples of another aspect of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 11 is an image pickup unit including a video camera, 80 is an external video input terminal, 81 is a video input selection changeover switch, 82 is an external input terminal connection detection unit, and 12 is a semiconductor memory or the like for accumulating subject information from the video camera 11. A configured image storage unit, 13 is a monitor output screen changeover switch, 14 is a monitor, 15 is a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit, 16 is a system control unit that controls the operation of each unit, and 17 is an operation of the system control unit 16. An operation unit, 18 is a video printer as a print output unit, 19
Is a detector for detecting coin insertion.

FIG. 25 shows a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of the electronic photo system having the above-mentioned configuration. When the coin detection unit 19 detects a coin, it sends a coin insertion signal to the system control unit 16 (step S1).
The system control unit 16 that receives the coin insertion signal is the power supply unit 1
A signal is sent to 5 to start the supply of electric power to each unit (step S2).

Next, the external terminal connection detection unit 22 detects whether or not the video input is connected to the external video input terminal. If the external terminal is connected (step S8)
1) The video input selection changeover switch 81 is switched to the external video input terminal 80 side so that an image signal is input from the external video input terminal 80 (step S82).
If the external terminal is not connected in step S81,
The video input selection changeover switch 81 is switched to the video camera 11 side to input the image signal from the video camera 11 (step S83). Then, the input image selected in steps S81 to S83 is displayed (step S3). Shutter button 17a of operation unit 17
When is pressed (step S4), the image captured at that time is stored as a still image in the image storage unit 12 (step S5).

Next, the switch 13 is switched to the storage section side, and the stored image is displayed on the monitor 14 so that the photographer can confirm the image to be printed (step S6).
When the print button 17b of the operation unit 17 is pressed (step S7), the stored image is printed by the video printer 18 (step S8). After printing is completed, the video printer 18 sends a print end signal to the system controller 17,
Furthermore, a signal is sent to the power supply unit 15 to stop the supply of electric power to each unit (step S9), and the process ends. Step S
If the cancel button 17c is pressed without pressing the print button 17b in step 7, the process proceeds to step S3. If the cancel button 17c is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S6. (Step S10).

As shown in FIG. 26, the external video input terminal 80 is provided with a sync signal detector 83 for generating a detection signal when the sync signal of the input video signal is detected. The video input selection switch 81, the external video input terminal 80
You may make it control so that it may switch to the side.

Further, instead of the external video input terminal 80, a video tape deck may be used to print the image recorded on the video tape.

As described above, since an image other than an image taken by the photo booth system can be printed, the user's range of use is expanded.

Next, examples of another aspect of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 11 to 19 are the same as those in FIG. Reference numeral 85 is a discriminating circuit for discriminating whether or not the image stored in the image storage unit 12 is blurred, and 86 is a monitor 14
A character generation circuit for generating a character to display a message on the screen, 87 is a signal amplifier for amplifying a voice signal for a message output from the system control unit 16, and 88 is a voice signal amplified by the signal amplifier as voice. It is a speaker that outputs.

Next, the detection method by the blur detection unit 85 will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 to 32. Shutter button 17a
When is pressed, the images from the video camera 11 at the times t1 and t2 are displayed in the first field A and the second field A of the image storage unit 12.
The system control unit 16 controls so that each is stored in the field B.

When the shutter button 17a is pressed while the object is moving to the upper right, the image stored in the second field memory is the object in the image stored in the first field memory as shown in FIG. Is the image that has moved to the upper right. Here, when the image stored in the image storage unit 12 is output to the monitor 14 as it is, a blurred image is displayed as shown in FIG. When the image stored in the image storage unit 12 is output to the printer 18, a blurred image is printed as shown in FIG.

Since printing of such a blurred image is useless, a motion vector is detected based on the images stored in the first and second field memories to determine whether or not the blurred image may be printed. .. First, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, a block consisting of m = n × n pixels is set in the image of the first field A and the second field B.

Then, the correlation between the target block A and the target block B is expressed by the following equation from the pixel value Ai in the target block A in the first field A and the pixel value Bi in the target block B in the second field B. Get the value C. (Tokuhei 2-
52914) C = Σ ^m ₁ | Ai−Bi | where Σ ^m ₁ Xi = X ₁ + X ₂ + X ₃ + ... + X _m-1 + X _m Corresponding to the target block A and the target block A by the above formula. The correlation value C with the target block B at the position and the eight blocks around the target block B is obtained for each block, and the position of the block having the smallest correlation value C is stored and stored in the second field. If the correlation value C between the target block A and the blocks other than the target block B is minimum among the 9 blocks, it is determined that there is a blur during shooting, and a blur detection signal is output to the system control unit 16.
When the correlation value C between the target block B and the target block A is the minimum, the correlation value C is compared with a preset constant value C _B, and when C> C _B , the blur detection signal is transmitted to the system. The shake detection signal is output to the control unit 16. The work of detecting the blur by obtaining the correlation value C between the target block A and each block of the 9 blocks in the second field is performed by changing the target block A from the A (0,0) block to the A (l, k) block. Repeat for all blocks in the first field.

It is also possible to shorten the calculation time by providing the block for calculating the motion vector detection only in the printing range of the printer.

On the contrary, it is possible to perform processing without waste by printing by matching the printing range to an integral multiple of the motion vector calculation block.

Next, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system control unit 16 of the electronic photo system having the above configuration.
3, shown in FIG. Steps S1 to S7 and S10 are shown in FIG.
Is the same as. When the print button 17b is pressed in step S7, the blur detection of the stored image described above is performed by the blur detection unit 8
5 is performed (step S85). In step S85, the blur detection unit 85 detects the blur of the stored image, and when the system control unit 16 receives the blur detection signal from the blur detection unit 85, the character generation circuit 86 notifies the user that the blur has occurred. The monitor 14 is caused to output a message such as "There was blur." At the same time, a sound such as a chime sound or "there was blurring" is output from the speaker 88 via the signal amplifier 87 (step S87). Then, when the print button 17b is pressed after notifying the user that there is blurring (step S88), the stored image is printed by the video printer 18 (step S8). After printing, the video printer 18 sends a print end signal to the system controller 17, and the power supply 1
5 is sent to stop the supply of electric power to each part (step S9), and the process is ended.

If the print button 17b is not pressed in step S88, the process proceeds to step S3, and the blurred image can be taken again without printing.

If there is no blur in step S86, the process proceeds to step S8 to perform normal print operation.

In this way, if there is blurring during shooting,
Since the user is warned before the image is printed, the photograph that failed to be taken is not printed.

Next, examples of another aspect of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, the motion vector detecting method shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 is further developed to correct the blur even if the stored image is blurred.

As described above in the image processing system in FIG. 27, when motion vector detection is performed for each block in the first field, motion vectors for each block as shown in FIG. Can be detected. As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the blur detection unit 85 writes the image information of the block in the first field in which the blur is detected in a position corresponding to the block of the first field in the second field (in the drawings). 1 is the first field image,
2 represents the second field image. ). As a result, FIG.
As shown in, the image of the first field is left as it is, the image of the second field is the image of the first field for the block with blurring, and the image of the second field is for the block without blurring. The printed image can be printed.

As a result, even if there is blurring at the time of shooting, the blurring is corrected, and a photograph without blurring can be obtained.

[0088]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since it is possible to output color image information and black-and-white image information, the user can output the desired image, and for example, the effect of not being bothered by the fact that only a black-and-white image can be obtained even if a color image is required. is there.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to output an image other than the image picked up by the image pickup means, that is, an image input from the outside, so that the range of use of the image processing system is widened and various images can be output. effective.

Further, according to the present invention, since it is possible to prevent blurring at the time of image pickup, there is an effect that an image desired by a user can be obtained without outputting a blurred image.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the image processing system according to the embodiment.

3 is a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of FIG.

4 is a flowchart of another operation of the system control unit 16 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an image processing system of another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram of a centralized monitoring device that centrally monitors a plurality of image processing systems.

7 is a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing signals representing a state of the printer 18 of FIG.

9 is a specific circuit configuration diagram of a communication unit 31 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an image processing system according to another embodiment.

11 is a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing marks in a print area displayed on a monitor.

13 is a flowchart of printing in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a result of printing with the area designation shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an image processing system of another embodiment.

16 is a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of FIG.

17 is a diagram showing a display on the monitor 14. FIG.

FIG. 18 is a block configuration diagram of an image processing system of another embodiment.

19 is a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of FIG.

FIG. 20 is a block configuration diagram of an image processing system of another embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an image processing system of another embodiment.

22 is a configuration diagram of the rotary filter 75 of FIG. 21. FIG.

23 is a flowchart of the image pickup in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an image processing system of another embodiment.

25 is a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of FIG.

FIG. 26 is a block configuration diagram of an image processing system of another embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a block configuration diagram of an image processing system of another embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating movement of an image in the time direction.

29 is a diagram showing a blurred image displayed on the monitor 14. FIG.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a blurred image printed by the printer 18.

31 is a diagram showing an image stored in the first field of the image storage unit 12. FIG.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an image stored in a second field of the image storage unit 12.

33 is a flowchart of the operation of the system controller 16 of FIG. 27.

34 is a flowchart of the operation of the system control unit 16 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing detected motion vectors.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an image of the first field after blur correction.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an image of a second field after blur correction.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an image printed after blur correction.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 video camera 12 image storage unit 14 monitor 16 system control unit 18 video printer 70 image conversion unit 71 black and white / color changeover switch 75 color separation filter 80 external image input terminal 85 blur detection unit 88 notification speaker

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Kawahara 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. Input means for inputting color image information, conversion means for converting the color image information input from the input means into black and white image information, color image information from the input means and the conversion means. An image processing system comprising: an output unit that outputs black and white image information; and a switching unit that switches the output of the color image information and the output of the monochrome image information. 2. The apparatus further comprises means for displaying the color image information and the monochrome image information, wherein the switching means displays the color image information when outputting the color image information and the monochrome when outputting the monochrome image information. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein image information is displayed. 3. Color separation means for color-separating image information, digital input means for digitally inputting the image information color-separated by the color separation means, and color-separated images input from the digital input means. Combining means for combining information into color image information; output means for outputting the color image information combined by the combining means; selecting means for selecting output of color image information and output of monochrome image information; When the output of the black-and-white image information is selected by the selecting means, the control means controls to input the black-and-white image information from the digital input means without performing color separation and to output the black-and-white image information from the output means. Image processing system characterized by. 4. The apparatus further comprises means for displaying the black and white image information and the color image information, wherein the control means displays the color image information when outputting the color image information and the black and white when outputting the black and white image information. The image processing system according to claim 3, wherein image information is displayed. 5. An image pickup means for converting picked-up image information into a digital signal, an input means for inputting a digital signal of the image information, a storage means for storing the image information from the image pickup means and the input means, An image processing system comprising: an output unit that outputs the image information stored in the storage unit. 6. An input unit for inputting image information, a storage unit for storing the image information input from the input unit, and a detection unit for detecting that the image information stored in the storage unit has a blur. An image processing system comprising: an informing unit for informing according to the detection result of the detecting unit; and an output unit for outputting the image information stored in the storage unit. 7. The control means for controlling the output of the output means is further provided, and the control means prohibits the output from the output means when the detection means detects a blur. 6. The image processing system according to item 6. 8. An output instructing means for instructing an output from said output means is further provided, wherein said control means outputs said output when there is an output instruction from said output instructing means during prohibition of output from said output means. The image processing system according to claim 7, wherein the prohibition of the output from the means is released. 9. An input unit for inputting image information, a storage unit for storing the image information input from the input unit, and a detection unit for detecting a blurring portion in the image information stored in the storage unit. An image processing system, comprising: .. 10. The storage means stores one image information as a first image information.
And the second field, the detecting means compares the image information stored in the first and second fields to detect a blurring portion, and the correcting means detects the first portion detected by the detecting means. 10. The image processing system according to claim 9, wherein the image information of the blurred portion on the field is used as the image information on the second field.