JPH05269261A - Image preparing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To facilitate operation at a low cost, maintaining a certain degree of function. CONSTITUTION:An input means consisting of a tablet 1 and a switch 2 is provided, and a system control part 5 performs the preparation of an image and the control for the whole device on the basis of the coordinate position inputted into the tablet 1 and the signal output supplied from the input means, and the prepared image data is converted to the image signals and displayed on a monitor. The voice information which receives the signal supplied from the system control part 5 and assists and leads a user for the imitation sound corresponding to the input to the input means and the control processing and the input operation to the input means is outputted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for drawing on a monitor according to a coordinate signal input by operating a tablet, and is characterized by outputting a voice synthesis message for assisting the operation. The present invention relates to a home image creation device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image creating apparatus is a specialized device as it is often used for creating computer graphics for business use, computer software, and graphics for computer games. Therefore,
It is expensive to use as a hobby or entertainment at home, and it is difficult for a child or a person unfamiliar with computer operation to understand a professional operation.

Therefore, in recent years, it has been proposed that only a simple image creating function is provided among the functions of the image creating apparatus so that a child or a person unfamiliar with machine operation can use it at home. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Sho 64-7849, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-7849
170997).

[0004]

However, in these devices intended for use in general households, if they are provided with advanced functions, the number of functions and switches that cannot be selected during the operation of the device increases, and the operation becomes complicated. As a result, there are many cases where an operation mistake is made or the operation procedure is not known during the operation, so the functions provided in the image creating apparatus are limited. Therefore, it is not possible to have advanced functions such as drawing a fine picture, processing and storing image data of the drawn picture.

Further, in an image forming apparatus to which an external storage device such as an IC card can be connected, software can be supplied from the outside. At this time, the various software supplied may have greatly different functions and operating procedures, but the operation content becomes complicated to cope with these functions and operating procedures with one input device.

In such a case, it is possible to use a character or a picture to display a message on the screen to assist the operation. However, in the case of a small child, the character cannot be read or the message content is I may not understand. In addition, if a message is displayed on the drawing screen at any time, it will hinder the drawing itself.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image producing apparatus mainly for home use, which is inexpensive, maintains a certain function, and is easy to operate.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an input means comprising a tablet and a switch, coordinate position detection means for converting the coordinate position input to the tablet into an electric signal, Program storage means for storing a program in which a procedure for creating an image is stored, and control means for creating an image based on signal output from the coordinate position detecting means and the input means and controlling the entire apparatus according to the program. A storage means for storing the created image data and data transferred from the control means; a video signal conversion means for converting the stored image data into a video signal and outputting the video signal to a monitor; and a signal from the control means. In response, the user is assisted with the input to the input means and the onomatopoeia corresponding to the processing of the program and the input operation to the input means, And outputs the audio information to guide a configuration in which a sound generating means.

[0009]

According to the present invention, the signal of the coordinate position of the tablet and the signal of the switch, which are input by the user, are input to the control means. Then, the image data is created by the control means in accordance with the stored program based on these input signals, and this data is converted into a video signal and guided to the monitor. At this time, the sound generating means generates an onomatopoeic sound according to the input to the input means or the processing of the program, and the sound information is output to assist or guide the input operation of the user.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the image creating apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the tablet. FIG. 3 is an external view showing a configuration in which the image creating apparatus is connected to a monitor.

The tablet 1 is for inputting the coordinate position when the tablet is pressed by the input pen 1a or an object equivalent thereto, and as shown in FIG. The X-coordinate detection sheet 20a, the Y-coordinate detection sheet 20b, the protective sheet 21, and the decorative sheet 22. When the input pen 1a presses an arbitrary point on the tablet 1, the X- and Y-coordinates are displayed. The detection sheets 20a and 20b are in contact with each other, and a resistance value having a value corresponding to the contacted coordinate position is output.

Further, the tablet 1 has a drawing area and an icon area provided in an appropriate place on the periphery, and it is determined whether position information for drawing is obtained from X and Y coordinate values input to the system control unit 5 described later. It is determined whether the information is an icon instruction.

The key switch section 2 is composed of an enter key 2a for determining each operation and a select key 2b for selecting each function to be described later. The switch signal thereof is output to the system control section 5 to be described later. Has been done. In the image creating apparatus, the coordinate designation of the tablet 1 by the input pen 1a is made to be determined as the enter key 2a is being input. The enter key 2a is provided at appropriate positions on both left and right sides of the tablet 1 in consideration of operability for right-handed and left-handed users.

The coordinate detection unit 3 converts the resistance value output from the tablet 1 into an analog voltage, and applies a constant current to the resistance value output from the tablet 1 to generate an analog voltage proportional to the resistance value. Then, the coordinate position signal is output as an analog voltage. The A / D conversion unit 4 converts the analog signal input from the coordinate detection unit 3 into a digital signal.

The main body program section 6 and the card program section 7 have a ROM and a RAM. The main body program section 6 is provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus, and the card program section 7 is composed of an IC card, a memory card or the like. The image forming apparatus main body is detachable. In the ROM of the main body program section 6 and the card program section 7, an image creating program for performing normal drawing, an image creating program having a storyline that encourages the creation of a specific image, and an image creating function are used. The entertainment program and necessary characters are stored.

The system control unit 5 includes a main body program unit 6
And the card program section 7 are used to communicate the image creating program, data and the like via an address bus and a data bus. Then, according to the image creating program, an image is created on the basis of the coordinate position signal input from the A / D converter 4 and the switch signal input from the key switch unit 2, and a voice synthesizing unit 9 to be described later The required data is output to the control unit 10. Further, according to an input instruction from the tablet 1, image data during drawing or the like is stored in the RAM of the main body program unit 6 or the card program unit 7.

The voice synthesizing section 9 converts voice data transferred from the main body program section 6 and the card program section 7 via the system control section 5 into a voice signal, and outputs the voice signal to the monitor 8. Has been done. The display control unit 10 converts the image data transferred from the system control unit 5 into a video signal, and includes a display circuit 11, a color encoder 12, etc., and monitors the video signal via a video cable 23. It is designed to output to 8.

With the above configuration, the user of the image creating apparatus can input the key switch unit 2 and the input pen 1a according to the icon displayed on the monitor 8, the character information and the voice information generated from the voice synthesizing unit 9. The tablet 1 is used to input data, and operations such as drawing are performed.

Next, the function of creating an image will be described.
The image creating apparatus has a pen function of drawing a line in an arbitrary color on the screen of the monitor 8 corresponding to a coordinate position input from the tablet 1, a paint function of filling a specified frame with an arbitrary color, and a specified function. A bordering function that borders the frame in any color,
From the colors that can be displayed on the screen, a color selection function that selects the color used for the pen function, paint function, edging function, etc., it is possible to select from all colors that can be colored simultaneously due to the performance of this device. Palette function to specify the number of colors, stamp function to output characters such as pictures stored in ROM of the main body program section 6 or card program section 7 at any position on the screen, erase the pictures on the screen Function to clear only background color, undo function to undo the last operation, drawing function to draw simple figures such as arbitrary straight lines, squares and circles, image editing such as copying, moving and enlarging pictures on the screen An image function that saves the created picture in a memory device such as a memory card of the card program section 7, reads previously saved pictures, partially deletes the saved pictures, and displays a list. Data file editing function, eraser function to partially erase the picture on the screen, search function to search the color drawn on the screen from the color palette, function to instantly change the background color and frame color of the drawing screen It has a function, and each function is selected by the input of the tablet 1 in the key switch section 2 and the icon area.

Next, the operation of each function will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of 2. First, when the power is turned on, a logo and a demo screen are displayed as shown in FIG. 4 (step S1). This is the decision key 2a,
The process continues until the tablet 1 or the like is input (NO in step S2). Then, when some key input is performed (YES in step S2), a normal drawing mode (initial screen) is started (step S3), and when the selection key 2b is pressed (YES in step S4), each function mode is activated. If it is not pressed (NO in step S4), the drawing mode is continued.

Next, the color selection function and the palette function will be described with reference to FIG. When the color selection function is selected with the selection key 2b, a palette function icon and the number of color samples selected by the palette function are displayed on the screen at predetermined positions at the upper end of the screen (step S11). Then, the tablet 1 is used to specify the icon of the desired color sample, and the enter key 2a is pressed to specify the color to be used (step S12).

On the other hand, if the icon of the palette function is designated by the coordinate designation by the tablet 1 and the decision key 2a,
As shown in FIG. 5B, 144 kinds of colors are arranged and displayed on the screen at appropriate positions by the color palette 32 together with the color sample 31 (step S13). Then, the color sample 31 to be changed is designated (step S14), and the desired color is designated from the color palette 32 (step S1).
5) The color sample 31 displayed at the appropriate place on the upper edge of the screen is changed. The color of the color sample may be changed by the palette function by designating the mixing ratio of the color components of the three primary colors, red, green, and blue, which are used to determine the color, by inputting on the tablet 1.

The color samples that can be selected include "fluorescent colors", which are hues, saturations, and lightnesses individually.
Or comprehensively, for example, it is cyclically changed in 8 steps in 1 second, and when used for the color of the flame portion of the picture of a candle, for example, the sense of reality becomes high.

Next, the pen function will be described with reference to FIG. When the pen function is selected with the selection key 2b, a plurality of icons indicating the thickness of the pen are displayed on the screen (step S21), and on the tablet 1 corresponding to the position of the pen icon corresponding to the thickness of the line to be drawn. Select the line thickness by pressing the input pen 1a at the coordinate position of
After the determination in step S22 (step S22), an image is created (step S23). A line is drawn by drawing a line with the input pen 1a on the tablet 1 while pressing the enter key 2a, and the line is drawn at a position on the screen corresponding to the coordinate position on the tablet 1 pressed by the input pen 1a. A line is drawn in any color. The color is specified by the color selection function.

During the drawing, for example, a thin line makes a "crisp" sound like a pen draws, and a thick line makes a "cucu." Draw like a magic (registered trademark). An onomatopoeic sound, such as a sound, which corresponds to the thickness of the pen is output from the voice synthesizing unit 9 (step S24) to give a feeling of drawing a line on the screen.

Next, the paint function will be described with reference to FIG. To specify the frame to be painted, after the color is specified by the color selection function (step S31), an arbitrary position in the frame of the picture drawn by using the pen function or the like is specified by the tablet 1 and the enter key 2a is pressed. This is performed by pressing (step S32), and then the inside of the frame is filled (step S33). During the execution of this painting, an onomatopoeic sound is output from the voice synthesizing unit 9 (step S34) so that a blank of the processing time is not felt, and in comparison with the drawing using ordinary paper, the image creating apparatus , It is designed to make you realize that you can do more fun.

Next, the edging function will be described with reference to FIG. After designating a color (step S41), an arbitrary frame in the picture drawn by using the pen function or the like is designated in the same manner as the paint function (step S42), and then, inside the selected frame. Is edged with a constant thickness (step S43). Further, similar to the above-mentioned paint function, the onomatopoeia is output from the voice synthesizing unit 9 during the edging (step S44). The width of the border may be selected from a plurality of desired widths.

Next, the stamp function will be described with reference to FIG. When the stamp function is selected with the selection key 2b, stamp icons showing various characters are displayed on the screen (step S51). When the desired stamp is selected with the coordinate input using the tablet 1 and the enter key 2a (step S51). S52), the selected stamp is displayed at the screen position corresponding to the coordinate position of the input pen 1a input from the tablet 1. And input pen 1
The stamp is fixedly displayed at the coordinate position when "a" is moved and the enter key 2a is pressed (step S5).
3). Here, when the display position of the stamp is determined, an onomatopoeic sound that causes the stamp to be output is output from the voice synthesizing unit 9 to give a feeling of the stamp being pressed on the screen.

Next, the clear function will be described. When the clear function is selected by the selection key 2b, all the pictures drawn on the screen are erased. Also, with the undo function,
When the undo function is selected with the selection key 2b, the process performed immediately before is canceled and the screen is returned to the previous state.

Next, the drawing function will be described with reference to FIG. When the drawing function is selected by the selection key 2b, various graphic icons are displayed on the screen (step S61), and the desired graphic is selected from the graphic icons by the coordinate input by the tablet 1 and the enter key 2a. Yes (step S62).

For example, when a circle is designated, first, the center position of the circle is designated by the coordinate input by the tablet 1 and the enter key 2a (step S63). Then, when the coordinate is inputted by the tablet 1, a circle passing through the coordinate position is displayed. Then, when the enter key 2a is pressed (step S65) (step S64), a circle is drawn. In the case of a straight line, one point is designated by the coordinate input by the tablet 1 and the enter key 2a (step S66), and when the coordinate is next input by the tablet 1, the coordinate position is designated.
A straight line passing through the points is displayed (step S67), and when the enter key 2a is pressed (step S65), a straight line is drawn between the two points, and in the case of a rectangle, the coordinates of the two points are similarly designated. Then (steps S68 and S69), the designated 2
A rectangle whose points are diagonal is drawn (step S65).

Since the operation of this drawing function is complicated, when specifying the coordinates of two points, "O" is specified for each coordinate specification.
K. It is also possible to prevent a mistake in the operation by outputting a voice message such as “No” or “No” from the voice synthesizer 9 so that drawing can be performed while confirming the progress of the operation.

Next, the editing function will be described with reference to FIG. The editing functions include functions such as copying, moving, enlarging, and enlarging editing. When the editing function is selected with the selection key 2b, icons indicating the respective functions are displayed on the screen (step S71) and the coordinates of the tablet 1 are displayed. An icon of a desired function is selected by the input and decision keys 2a (step S72). At this time, when selecting each function, "copy", "warp", "up", "zoom"
Is output.

In the copy function, when two points are designated by the coordinate input by the tablet 1 and the enter key 2a, the inside of a rectangle having the designated two points as a diagonal becomes a region to be copied (step S73). The picture is displayed on the screen corresponding to the position of the input pen 1a of the tablet 1 (step S74) and moves with the input pen 1a on the screen. Then, the copy position is determined by pressing the enter key 2a (step S75), and the copy is performed.

In the move function, when two points are designated in the same manner as the copying function, the inside of a rectangle having the designated two points as diagonals is cut out. The cutout area is tablet 1
Is displayed on the screen corresponding to the position of the input pen 1a, which moves with the input pen 1a on the screen. And
By pressing the enter key 2a, the movement position is decided and the movement is performed (steps S73 to S75).

In the enlargement function, when two points are designated in the same manner as the copying function, the inside of a rectangle whose diagonal points are the designated two points is doubled. Since the designated enlargement area moves on the screen together with the input pen 1a on the tablet 1, the picture in the enlargement area at the moved position is enlarged and displayed twice. Then, by pressing the decision key 2a, the display position of the enlarged area is decided (step S73).
-Step S75).

Even with these copying, moving, and enlarging functions, since the operation is complicated, when specifying the coordinates of two points, a voice message such as "OK." The composition unit 9 outputs the data so that the editing can be performed while confirming the progress of the operation, thereby preventing an error in the operation.

In the enlargement editing function, when the position is designated by the coordinate input by the tablet 1 and the enter key 2a (step S76), a predetermined area centered on the designated coordinate is enlarged and displayed on the screen (step S77). By using the pen function and other functions for the picture in the enlarged display area, the original image corresponding to the enlarged area can be corrected (step S78).

Next, the image data file editing function will be described with reference to FIG. The image data file editing function includes functions such as save, read, delete, and list. When the image data file editing function is selected with the selection key 2b, icons indicating the respective functions are displayed on the screen (step S81), the coordinate input by the tablet 1 and the enter key 2a are used to select the icon of the desired function (step S82).

When the save function is selected, the free storage capacity of the storage medium and the storable image data file number are displayed in order to store the drawn picture data in the storage medium such as the card program unit 7 and the like. A text message "where to save?" And a voice message "which" are output (step S83). Then, using the coordinate designation and decision key 2a on the tablet 1,
When the image data file number to be stored is designated (step S84), a message in characters such as "save" is displayed and a rhythm sound or the like is output from the voice synthesizer 9 (step S85). Image data is stored in the storage medium (step S).
86). When the processing is completed, a message in the form of characters and voices such as "I'm finished" is output (step S).
87).

When the read function is selected, the image data file number stored in the storage medium is displayed on the screen (step S91), and a message such as "which to load?" The voice message "Which" is output from the voice synthesizer 9 (step S92). Then, as in the case of the storage function, when the desired image data file number to be read out is designated by using the coordinate designation and decision key 2a by the tablet 1 (step S93), the image data stored in the storage medium is read out. Processing is performed (step S94), and a picture is displayed on the screen. At this time, the onomatopoeic sound "CEAN" indicating that the processing is completed is output.

When the delete function is selected, the image data file number stored in the storage medium is displayed on the screen, and a text message "Which one?" And a voice message "Which" are output. (Step S101). Then, when the image data file number to be deleted is designated by using the coordinate designation and decision key 2a by the tablet 1 (step S102), the picture of the designated image data file number and "Is this correct?" For example, a character message such as “1” and an icon such as “◯” or “×” indicating that the deletion is possible are displayed, and a voice message “Kiechauyo” is output from the voice synthesis unit 9 (step S103).

Then, when the "○" icon is designated by using the coordinate designation and decision key 2a by the tablet 1 (step S104), a character message "A little wait" is displayed and "Baibai". Is output from the voice synthesizing unit 9 (step S105), during which the image data file of the picture displayed on the screen is deleted (step S105).
106). And when the process is over, "I'm done"
It outputs the onomatopoeia of "Chine" with the text message.

On the other hand, in step S104, "x"
When the icon is designated, the process returns to step S101.

When the list function is selected, the picture of the minimum image data file number of the image data stored in the storage medium is displayed on the screen, and the image data file number is displayed at one end of the screen ( Step S11
1). Then, every time the enter key 2a is pressed, the pictures to be displayed are sequentially changed in the ascending order of the image data file numbers (step S112).

Since the image data file editing function handles image data of a picture already drawn, there is a risk that the image data will be erased if the operation is mistaken. Therefore, unnecessary key input other than a normal message is performed. The voice synthesizing unit 9 may output a message, such as “No,” or “I can't use that key.”

When operating other functions, a voice message is output from the voice synthesizing section 9 to call attention when a function or switch that cannot be selected is designated or if an erroneous operation is made. In addition, when a correct operation is performed, an artificial sound as if a switch such as “click” is input is output from the voice synthesis unit 9 in order to clearly show that the operation is proceeding smoothly. It is designed to output.

As described above, since the voice synthesizer 9 outputs the voice information, the onomatopoeia, etc. in accordance with the user's operation, even if the operation is relatively difficult, it is correct while assisting and guiding the user. The operation can be performed.

In addition, in the case of an image creating program having a story-like characteristic for prompting the creation of a specific image, an entertainment program using the image creating function, etc., a voice message in accordance with the contents of those programs is output from the voice synthesizer 9. do it.

The storage medium of the card program section 7 is not limited to an IC card, a memory card, etc., but may be a rewritable storage medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention, the voice information, the onomatopoeia, etc. are output from the voice generation means in response to the user's input operation. , It is possible to perform a correct operation while guiding, and it is possible to perform advanced drawing that requires a relatively complicated operation.

Since voices such as humans and animals or onomatopoeia can be output as voices, even children or people unfamiliar with machine operation can enjoy drawing without being aware of machine operation while playing in an interactive manner. It will be possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image creating apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a tablet.

FIG. 3 is an external view showing a configuration in which the image creating apparatus is connected to a monitor.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image creating apparatus according to the present invention.

5A is a flowchart showing operations of a color selection function and a palette function, and FIG. 5B is a display screen of a monitor when the palette function is selected.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of a pen function.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of a paint function.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of a edging function.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of a stamp function.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the drawing function.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of an editing function.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image data file editing function.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 tablet 1a input pen 2 key switch section 2a decision key 2b selection key 3 coordinate detection section (coordinate position detection means) 4 A / D conversion section 5 system control section (control means) 6 main body program section (program storage means, storage means) ) 7 card program section (program storage means, storage means) 8 monitor 9 voice synthesis section (voice generation means) 10 display control section (video signal conversion means) 11 display circuit 12 encoder 31 color sample 32 color palette

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification number Internal reference number FI Technical display location G09G 5/36 9177-5G G10K 15/04 302 G 7227-5H G10L 3/00 S 8946-5H H04N 1/00 Z 7046-5C (72) Inventor Toshitaka Izumida 2-3-3 Minatojima Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe Konami Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takuji Kaneko 2-3 Konami Nakajima-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 2 Konami Within the corporation

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Input means comprising a tablet and a switch, coordinate position detection means for converting the coordinate position input to the tablet into an electric signal, and program storage means for storing a program in which an image creation procedure is described. According to the program, control means for creating an image based on the signal output from the coordinate position detecting means and the input means and controlling the entire apparatus, and the created image data and the data transferred from the control means. A storage means for storing, a video signal converting means for converting the stored image data into a video signal and outputting the video signal to a monitor, and a signal from the control means for inputting to the input means and processing the program. And a voice generating means for outputting voice information that assists and guides the user with respect to the corresponding onomatopoeia and the input operation to the input means. An image creation device characterized by.