JPH0926561A - Electronic camera provided with printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera provided with a printer coping with multimedia capable of printing as soon as photographing is performed and inputting a picked up image in a personal computer with simple constitution. SOLUTION: This electronic camera is provided with an image pickup part 1 fetching the image of a subject by a lens, etc., and converting it to image information, and a storage part 2 at least having storage capacity as much as one piece of the image information and temporarily storing the information; it is constituted of an image compressing part 3 performing the data compression processing of the image information, a code conversion part 4 converting the compressed image information to a sign code which can be read, and a printing part 5 capable of simultaneously printing both of the image information converted by the image pickup part 1 and the sign code converted by the code conversion part 4 on the same recording medium such as paper every time photographing is performed; and further it is selectively equipped with an electronic display part capable of visually confirming the image and an optical finder part.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera with a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, some electronic cameras have a print output function, and the contents to be printed tend to be diversified. For example, (1) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 61-189785 discloses an electronic camera with a printer that can confirm a captured image on an LCD screen and print it if necessary.

Further, (2) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-231466 discloses a system in which information such as images, voices and characters is represented by a dot code (hereinafter referred to as "multimedia information dot code"), and is recorded and reproduced. It is shown.
Among them, as an application example of silver halide camera, LED on film
Discloses an example in which information such as voice and shutter speed is imprinted and output on photographic paper together with a photograph.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a conventional multimedia information dot code, which is an optically readable dot code for multimedia information including audio information, video information and digital code data.
An example in which images and characters are recorded on the same recording medium such as paper already exists.

[0005]

Many of the conventional electronic cameras described above are dedicated to photographing, and have the following problems (deficiencies) in specifications. That is, in the above-mentioned related art, first, there is no means for inputting a captured image to another device such as a personal computer, even though it is an electronic camera.

Secondly, an example of an electronic camera which outputs a multimedia information dot code together with a taken image is not shown. Normally, in order to input an image captured by an electronic camera to a personal computer, a device with a specification that temporarily stores it in an image memory in the camera and then connects to a personal computer etc. to input the image after shooting ( For example, using a Casio QV-10 (the same American name) or a memory card, a device with specifications such that this memory card is inserted into the throttle of a personal computer after shooting and input (for example, manufactured by Olympus) VC-1000) and so on,
Both devices require an interface for inputting to a personal computer, a large-capacity memory, and the like.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is an electronic camera which can be printed out immediately on the spot where it is photographed, and which is compatible with multimedia such that the photographed image can be input to a personal computer or the like with a simple structure. It is to provide an electronic camera with a printer as a system.

[0008]

The present invention takes the following means in order to solve this problem and achieve the above object. An electronic camera having an image pickup unit for converting an image into image information by an image pickup unit, and a storage unit having a storage capacity for at least one image of the image information, wherein the image information converted by the image pickup unit is compressed. An image compression unit,
There is provided a printer-equipped electronic camera, comprising: a code conversion unit that converts compressed image information into a readable code, and an output unit that externally outputs the code converted by the code conversion unit.

In the electronic camera with a printer of the present invention, the electronic camera with a printer is configured so that the captured image is printed, and at the same time, the image is coded and output together from the printing unit if desired.

(Operation) By taking such means, the electronic camera with a printer of the present invention has the following operation. That is, the image image of the subject is converted into image information that can be stored in the imaging unit, and is temporarily stored in the storage unit. Further, the image compression unit compresses the image information converted by the imaging unit, and the subsequent code conversion unit performs readable coding conversion.

Both the image image stored in the storage unit and the code representing the image coded by the code conversion unit can be printed out from the output unit to the same recording medium. This electronic camera prints out the photographed image for each photographing.

When the user wants to take this image into an external personal computer, the code can be read by a code reader and input to the personal computer. At this time, the electronic camera with printer does not use an electrical connection interface for connection with the personal computer or the like, but the scanning is completed by scanning the code with a scanner.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an electronic camera with a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The printer-equipped electronic camera of the present invention has an image pickup section 1 for capturing an image of a subject by image pickup means such as a lens (not shown) and converting it into image information, and a storage capacity for at least one image of the image information. And an image compression unit 3 for compressing the image information converted by the image pickup unit 1 by a predetermined method, and a compressed image. It is basically composed of a code conversion unit 4 for converting information into a readable code by a predetermined method, and a printing unit 5 for outputting the code converted by the code conversion unit 4 to the outside of the camera. . Further, an electronic display unit (not shown) such as an LCD for visually confirming the image may be optionally provided.

The above-mentioned image compression unit 3 is a DPCM, JPE
Image data compression processing is performed by a multi-value compression processing circuit using a still image compression function of either G or fractal compression.

The storage unit 2 and the code conversion unit 4 are directly connected to the printing unit 5, respectively. Then, the printer-equipped electronic camera of the present invention simultaneously outputs from the printing unit 5 both information of the image information converted by the image pickup unit 1 and the code (predetermined code) converted by the code conversion unit 4. It is possible to print out on the same recording medium such as paper (not shown).

That is, the electronic camera with a printer according to the present invention can print the picked-up image image at each photographing, and at the same time, code the image and output it from the printing unit 5 to the outside.

The code-converted image itself is printed out in a readable form as a predetermined code which is not an image image. Therefore, if this code is read by using a predetermined reading device, the image image can be arbitrarily reproduced from the code.

That is, when it is desired to take the image image into the personal computer, the code can be read by the code reader and stored in the memory of the personal computer in the form of the code.

Since the electronic camera body of the present invention prints out each time it is photographed, it is sufficient for operation if it has a memory capacity of at least one screen. In addition, a connection interface with a personal computer is not particularly necessary, and scanning can be performed by scanning the code with a reader.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an actual main part of the electronic camera with a printer of the present invention. First, the image formed by the lens (not shown) is the CCD
The image processing unit 12 fetches the image data 11 and subsequently performs clamp sample hold processing, A / D conversion processing, and the like, and the resulting image data is input to the memory 13. A memory capacity for LCD display is also secured in this memory 13, and the above-mentioned image data is thinned out and set to the number of pixels matching the display pixels of the LCD. The data in the LCD display memory is displayed and output to the LCD 15 via the LCD driver 14. The amount of memory for storing image information is usually about 500 KB according to the following equation, even if the amount of memory for recording 1.5 million pixels is compressed to 1/8 with 8 bits for each of R, G, and B. .

(Formula) 1.5 million × 3 × 1/8 = 500 KB The above-mentioned CCD 11, image processing unit 12, memory 13 and LC
The D driver 14 is connected in series, and each part is connected to the RISC microcomputer 16.

Further, the RISC microcomputer 16 is connected to a printer driver 17 having a circuit for driving a printer 18. Various controls including the above-mentioned processing such as image compression and code conversion are performed by this RISC.
It is performed by the microcomputer 16. Although one RISC microcomputer is used in the block diagram, control may be performed using two or more microcomputers.
A combination of different types of ISC microcomputers may be used.

The printer 18 is a printer having specifications such as "ink jet system", "thermal sublimation system" or "thermal transfer system", and may have any resolution capable of printing the above-mentioned multimedia information dot code. .

In the present invention, the color specification of the printer is preferable, but the black and white specification may be used in consideration of inputting to a personal computer or the like using a reading device after print output in operation.

Here, FIG. 3 shows an external image of the electronic camera with a printer 10 of the present invention as seen obliquely from the rear and above. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the operation SWs such as the power SW 6 and the release SW 7 are assumed to be connected so that their ON / OFF states can be detected by the RISC microcomputer.

In the electronic camera with a printer 10 of the present invention,
When the release SW7 is pressed, the subject is photographed, and the captured image is stored in the memory of the main body and at the same time LC
The image is displayed and output on D15 to instantly inform the photographer of the result of the photograph.

If this result is confirmed, and if printing is necessary, the print SW8 is pressed, and the print result in which the image image and the multimedia information dot code therebelow are printed from the printer section of the camera. Is output.

On the other hand, when the printing is not necessary, the cancel SW 9 is pressed to reset the image memory so that the image image is erased without being printed, and then the image can be taken.

In the present embodiment, description has been limited to multimedia information dots, but other digital format codes including "bar code" and "two-dimensional bar code" can be used as long as the code can input an image. Or
Other types of optically readable codes based on binary information can be similarly substituted.

The flowchart of FIG. 4 is a main routine as a camera sequence (No. 1) relating to the control performed by the RISC microcomputer used in the present invention. First, when the power SW is turned on (S1), a predetermined initial setting for this camera sequence (No. 1) is performed (S1).
2).

The release flag is reset to the initial state (S3). Then, the LCD is turned on (S4), and the subject image formed on the lens is set to L as the viewfinder field.
It is displayed on the CD.

Next, "Release INT" (S5) and "CCD drive INT" (S
6), "LCD drive INT" (S7) is executed to permit each drive of the release, CCD and LCD.

The subroutine "release INT"
Is an interrupt routine when the release SW is turned on. Since the subroutine "CCD drive INT" and the subroutine "LCD drive INT" generate respective drive signals by the internal timer (not shown) of the RISC microcomputer. Is an interrupt routine of.

Next, the state of the power SW is checked (S
8) If the power SW is OFF, the camera sequence processing is ended (S17). On the other hand, power S
If W is ON, the state of the print SW is checked (S9). If this print SW is OFF, then the state of the cancel SW is checked (S16). If it is OFF, the above-mentioned step S4 is performed. Then, the above process is repeated.

On the other hand, when the print SW is ON, the release INT is prohibited (S10) and the LCD is turned OFF.
Set to F, that is, erased (S11). Here, turn on the LCD
The reason for setting to FF is to "energy saving" such as a built-in battery. If there is no need for such "energy saving" according to the specifications, this LCD may remain in the ON state.

Next, a predetermined "image compression" process is performed (S12), the image data is "coded" into a predetermined multimedia information dot code (S13), and then print output is performed (S14).

Next, a set release flag, which will be described later, is reset (S15), the process returns to step S4, and this series of processes is repeated even when the cancel SW is ON.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the "release INT" processing as a subroutine. First, the release flag is reset (S51). This is because in order to set the image in the memory (that is, to execute the “CCD drive INT” process) even when the release SW is continuously pressed in a state where the print has not been printed yet.
It is to reset temporarily.

Then, the release flag is set (S
52) Return to the main routine. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the "CCD drive INT" processing as a subroutine.

First, the release flag is checked (S
61). If "1" is set here, the transfer of data from the CCD to the memory is prohibited in order to hold the image memory when the release button is pressed (S6).
2).

On the other hand, if it is reset to "0", C
Data is transferred from the CD to the memory (S63) so that the latest image input from the lens can be displayed on the LCD. Then return to the main routine.

Further, FIG. 7 shows a subroutine "LCD output".
It is a flow chart showing processing (S7). First, LC
The D drive INT process is performed to enable the LCD drive (S71).

In synchronism with the interrupt processing, the LCD drive signal is output from the LCD driver to display and output a desired image (S72). Then return to the main routine
I do.

(Effect 1) As described above, in the present embodiment, the code-converted image itself is printed out in a readable form as a predetermined code (for example, dot code) which is not an image image.

As a result, this dot code can be read by a predetermined reading device as desired and reproduced as an image freely. In other words, if the user wants to import this image image into a personal computer, the code image can be input to the memory in the personal computer by reading the above code with a code reader.

Since the electronic camera body of the present invention prints out each time it is taken, it only needs to have a memory capacity for at least one screen, and does not require a connection interface with a personal computer or the like.

(Second Embodiment) An electronic camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention is of a type having an optical viewfinder section (not shown) in addition to the main section taught in the first embodiment. One of the features of this camera is.

The electronic camera with a printer of the present invention has an image pickup section 1 for taking an image of a subject by an image pickup means such as a lens and converting it into image information, and a storage capacity for at least one image of the image information. An electronic camera having a storage unit 2 for temporarily storing the image information, including an image compression unit 3 for performing data compression processing on the image information converted by the imaging unit 1 by a predetermined method, and the compressed image information. A code conversion unit 4 for converting the code into a readable code by a predetermined method, and a print unit 5 for outputting the code converted by the code conversion unit 4 to the outside of the camera.

The storage unit 2 and the code conversion unit 4 are directly connected to the printing unit 5, respectively. In addition, the electronic camera with a printer of the present invention provides both information of the image information converted by the image pickup unit 1 and the code converted by the code conversion unit 4 from the print unit 5 at the same time, for example, on a paper or the like not shown. It is possible to print out on the same recording medium.

That is, the electronic camera with a printer according to the present invention can print the picked-up image image at each photographing, and at the same time, code the image and output it from the printing unit 5 to the outside.

The actual main parts of the electronic camera with a printer according to the second embodiment are the same as those shown in FIG. 2, but only an optical finder section (not shown) is provided independently. The difference lies in the structure of the first embodiment.

Therefore, the image of the subject can be obtained by looking through the optical viewfinder, and the image formed by the image pickup lens (not shown) is captured by the CCD 11 as in the first embodiment. Then, in the subsequent image processing unit 12,
Clamp sample hold processing, A / D conversion processing, and the like are performed, and the resulting image data is input to the memory 13. A memory capacity for LCD display is also secured in the memory 13, and the image data is thinned out and set to the number of pixels matching the display pixels of the LCD. The data in the LCD display memory is output to the LCD 15 via the LCD driver 14.

The CCD 11 and the image processing unit 12 described above are used.
The memory 13 and the LCD driver 14 are connected in series, and each part is connected to the RISC microcomputer 16.

Further, the RISC microcomputer 16 is connected to a printer driver 17 having a circuit for driving the printer 18. Various controls including the above-described processing such as image compression and code conversion are performed by the R
This is performed by the ISC microcomputer 16. One RISC microcomputer may be used, or two or more RISC microcomputers may be used.
It goes without saying that a combination of two different types of RISC and CISC microcomputers may be used.

Further, the printer 18 is a printer having specifications such as "ink jet system", "thermal sublimation system" or "thermal transfer system", and may have any resolution capable of printing the above-mentioned multimedia information dot code. ,
The printer preferably has a color specification, but may have a black and white specification.

Next, in FIG. 8, in the example of the electronic camera having the above-mentioned optical finder independently, the control performed by the RISC microcomputer as the second embodiment of the present invention particularly for the purpose of "energy saving". 2 shows a main flowchart as a camera sequence (No. 2).

In the case of the second embodiment, since it is assumed that the electronic camera is provided with the optical finder independently, the LCD display is performed only when the release SW is particularly depressed. Is set to "energy saving" operation.

The subroutine "CCD drive INT"
(FIG. 6) and the subroutine “LCD output” (FIG. 7) (that is, LCD drive INT) can be used as they are as a subroutine as they are, as in the camera sequence (No. 1) of the first embodiment.

However, the "release INT" is executed based on the sequence shown in FIG. 9 described later. As shown in FIG. 8, the main camera sequence (No. 2) of the electronic camera according to the second embodiment is controlled in the following order.

First, when the power SW is turned on by the photographer (S31), the camera sequence is initialized (S32). The release flag is reset (initial value: 0) (S33).

Next, the subroutine "release INT"
Call and permit (S34). Next, the release flag is checked (S35). If "0" is not set, the subroutine "CCD drive INT" is called and permitted. If "1" is set, the power SW state is checked. Yes (S37). Here, if the power SW is OFF, this series of sequences is terminated (S49).

On the other hand, if the power SW is ON, the state of the print SW is checked (S38), and if the print SW is OFF, the state of the cancel SW is checked (S46). If it is OFF, the process returns to step S34 and the above steps are repeated.

In step S38, if the print SW is turned on, the release INT is prohibited (S39), and the LCD drive INT is prohibited (S4).
0), the LCD is turned off (S41).

Next, predetermined "image compression" processing is performed (S42), "coding" processing is performed on the multimedia information dot code (S43), and then print output is performed on paper or the like (S44).

Next, the set release flag which will be described later is reset (S45). Note that the cancel switch is O
In case of N, LCD drive INT is prohibited and LCD is turned off.
After F, this processing is performed.

Then, returning to step S34, the above steps are repeated in the same manner. The camera sequence (No. 2) according to the second embodiment is different from the camera sequence (No. 1) according to the above-described first embodiment because the camera body is independently provided with an optical finder. As a point, a processing step for prohibiting LCD driving (S40, S47) and an LCD for "energy saving"
There is provided a processing step (S48) for turning off the.

As a result, it is understood that the control is basically performed so as to meet the "energy saving" specification in which the LCD is driven and displayed only when necessary. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the above-mentioned subroutine "release INT" permission (S34).

When this subroutine is called, first, the release flag is reset once (S341) and set again (S342). Next, to save energy, C
CD driving INT is prohibited (S343), CCD driving is stopped, and power consumption is suppressed.

Then, the LCD is turned on (S344),
By permitting LCD drive INT (S345),
Displayed on LCD only when release is ON. Then return to the main routine.

In FIG. 10, only the dot code as multimedia information is scanned by using the pen type input device 21 from the print paper with the dot code output by the electronic camera with printer 10 which is the device of the present invention. The state of inputting into the personal computer 20 is illustrated.

As shown in the figure, the code part is scanned by the pen type input device 21, and the dot code input to the personal computer 20 is then processed into an arbitrary image while being displayed on the screen according to the user's request. (For example, enlarging, reducing, combining, etc.), or transferred to a dedicated image forming apparatus such as a color printer for a personal computer and printed out for free operation.

(Function and Effect 2) As described above, in the present embodiment, the electronic camera provided with the optical finder is used as the camera structure. Therefore, when it is not necessary to display the image on the LCD, the LCD drive is prohibited. Then, by turning off the LCD, power consumption related to the display is suppressed, and in particular, "energy saving" which is also the purpose of the second embodiment is achieved. In other words, the above-mentioned control relating to the LCD is added to the camera sequence (2) performed by the RISC microcomputer to be used, and “energy saving” is performed if the cancel SW is pressed.
The effect of is demonstrated.

Further, as in the first embodiment, the code-converted image itself is printed out in a form that can be read later as a code such as a dot code. The image can be read by the device and freely reproduced as an image, or the image can be freely edited by inputting the image in the form of a code into the memory of the personal computer.

The electronic camera body of the present invention has at least 1
Since the configuration is sufficient if the memory capacity for the screen is secured, it is possible to provide the device at a low cost as well as the size and weight. In addition, the user does not need a connection interface with a personal computer, so that the connection is not bothersome.

(Modified Embodiment) The input means for the personal computer is not limited to the pen-type input device as shown in the drawing, but may be a reading device as disclosed in JP-A-6-231466. Absent.

In the above embodiment, an example in which both the image and the code are output has been described. However, if the configuration is set so that only the code can be printed out without an image, the camera becomes "smaller". Needless to say, "cost reduction" can be realized.

In the output example from the printer section of the electronic camera of the present invention shown in FIG. 11, only the dot code is printed in the code section area, and the upper portion thereof is a margin for the memo as shown in the figure (memo section area). If it is left as it is, it becomes possible to identify what kind of image the code is recorded by making a note in this margin, and it may be more convenient depending on the usage.

In this case, of course, the printing color of the printer may be black and white. The recording medium may be photographic paper, film, resin sheet, or metal sheet in addition to paper, and images and codes may be printed separately on the front and back.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the LC is attached to the camera body.
Although the case where the D is attached has been described, it goes without saying that a structure may be adopted in which printing is performed each time the release is pressed without the LCD.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the image is written integrally with the printer, but the camera and the printer unit may be separately configured and connected by a cord, for example.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the image pickup means has been described as an optical system such as a lens. However, for example, the image pickup means to be adopted is not limited to CCD, and may be CMD or MOS. It may be some kind of optical imaging means.

The means for displaying the image is T
The LCD may be any one of FT (thin film transistor) type, STN (super twisted nematic) type and TN (twisted nematic) type.

Besides, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described based on a plurality of embodiments, the present invention includes the following inventions in this specification.

(1) In an electronic camera having an image pickup unit for converting an image into image information by an image pickup unit and a storage unit having a storage capacity for at least one image of the image information, the image converted by the image pickup unit An image compression unit for compressing information, a code conversion unit for converting the compressed image information into a readable code, and an output unit for externally outputting the code converted by the code conversion unit. An electronic camera with a printer.

(2) In an electronic camera having an image pickup unit for converting an image into image information by an image pickup unit and a storage unit having a storage capacity for at least one image of the image information, the image information converted by the image pickup unit An image compression unit that compresses the image information, a code conversion unit that converts the compressed image information into a readable code, the image information converted by the imaging unit, and the code converted by the code conversion unit at the same time. An electronic camera with a printer, comprising: an output unit for external output.

(3) The electronic camera with a printer according to (1) or (2), wherein the image compression and the code conversion are performed by a RISC microcomputer. (4) The output unit outputs the image information converted by the imaging unit and the code converted by the code conversion unit to the same medium, (1) or (2). Electronic camera with printer.

(5) The image pickup means is a CCD or CMD
Alternatively, the electronic camera with a printer according to (1) or (2) is an optical image pickup means such as a MOS.

(6) The readable code is a digital format code composed of a dot code, a bar code or a two-dimensional bar code, or an optically readable code based on binary information (1) ] Or the electronic camera with a printer as described in (2).

(7) The electronic camera with a printer according to (1) or (2), wherein the code conversion is a coding process into an optically readable code. (8) The printer according to (1) or (2), wherein the image compression unit performs compression by a multi-level compression processing circuit using a still image compression function of DPCM, JPEG, or fractal compression. Electronic camera.

(9) The image compression section comprises a printer section for printing image information or codes, and a printer driver section for converting into a data format corresponding to the output form to the (section) printer (section). The electronic camera with a printer according to (1) or (2), characterized in that

(10) When the image information converted by the image pickup section and the code converted by the code conversion section are simultaneously output to the outside, any of paper, photographic paper, film, resin sheet or metal sheet is used. The electronic camera with a printer according to (1) or (2), which outputs on the same surface of the recording medium at the same time or separately on the front and back sides.

(11) The image pickup section, the storage section,
The electronic camera with a printer according to (1) or (2), wherein the image compression unit, the code conversion unit, and the output unit are integrally provided in the electronic camera body.

(12) In an electronic camera having an image pickup unit for converting an image into image information by an image pickup unit and a storage unit having a storage capacity for at least one image of the image information, the image is converted by the image pickup unit. An image compression unit for compressing image information, a code conversion unit for converting the compressed image information into a readable code, and a code converted by the code conversion unit alone or converted by the imaging unit. A printer having an output unit for externally outputting the image information and the code converted by the code conversion unit at the same time, and a display unit for externally displaying the image information converted by the imaging unit. Electronic camera.

(13) The display unit is a display device which is a TFT (thin film transistor) type, an STN (super twisted nematic) type, or a TN (twisted nematic) type LCD, and a display driving means including an LCD driver. And are provided (1
The electronic camera with a printer according to 2).

(14) The display unit prohibits power supply to the image pickup unit during driving (1)
The electronic camera with a printer according to 2). (15) An image pickup unit for converting an image into image information by an image pickup unit, a storage unit having a storage capacity of at least one image of the image information, and an image compression unit for compressing the image information converted by the image pickup unit. , A code conversion unit for converting the compressed image information into a readable code, and the code converted by the code conversion unit alone, or the image information converted by the imaging unit and the code conversion unit In an electronic camera having an output unit that outputs the generated code to the outside at the same time, after the output unit outputs the number of pieces of information corresponding to the amount of information that can be stored in the storage unit, the next image capturing operation is performed. An electronic camera with a printer, which is capable.

(16) In an electronic camera having an image pickup section for digitizing an image and a storage section for storing at least one screen of the picked-up image, an image compression section for compressing the picked-up image, and compressed image data. An electronic camera with a printer, comprising: a code conversion unit that encodes an output printable code, a captured image, and a print unit that outputs and prints the code.

(17) The electronic camera with a printer according to (16), wherein the images of the code are printed on the same surface. (18) An electronic camera with a printer according to (16), further comprising a display monitor for confirming a captured image, and the output printing is performed by a manual operation after confirming the display monitor. .

[0099]

In the embodiments described above, the code-converted image itself is printed out in a readable form as a predetermined code that is not an image image, for example, a dot code. This dot code can be read by a predetermined reading device as desired and reproduced as an image freely.

That is, when the user wants to take this image image into the personal computer, the above code can be read by a code reader to input the image image in the form of a code into the memory in the personal computer.

Since the electronic camera body of the present invention prints out each time it is photographed, it only needs to have a memory capacity for at least one screen, and a connection interface with a personal computer or the like is also unnecessary.

Therefore, a medium such as a conventional negative film is not required, and an image image can be obtained directly from a code printed on paper, and an intermediate conversion device which is particularly complicated for data transmission / reception with an external device. As a user, it is possible to easily enjoy data compatibility without using.

In the case of an electronic camera equipped with an optical viewfinder, when it is not necessary to display on the LCD, the LCD drive is actively prohibited and the LCD is turned off.
"Power saving" can be achieved by suppressing power consumption related to display.

As described above, the present invention is an electronic camera that does not need to be connected to a personal computer, but is a system that can be easily input to a personal computer, and the print itself that is output is a predetermined multimedia information. Since it can be used as a recording medium, there is an advantage that an expensive external storage device for personal computer such as HDD and MOS is not required.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize an electronic camera which can be immediately printed out on the spot where the photograph is taken with a simple structure, and further, the printer of the present invention which can input the photographed image to a personal computer or the like. It also becomes possible to provide a multimedia information system including an electronic camera.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing main components of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an actual main part of the electronic camera of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external image of an electronic camera with a printer of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a main flowchart relating to control and camera sequence (No. 1) performed by the RISC microcomputer used in the present invention.

[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a subroutine "Release IN".
The flowchart showing "T" processing.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a CCD driving I as a subroutine.
10 is a flowchart showing "NT" processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine “LCD output” processing.

FIG. 8 is a main flowchart relating to control and camera sequence (No. 2) performed by the RISC microcomputer used in the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a subroutine “release INT”.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing that only a dot code is input to a personal computer using a pen type input device from a print with a dot code output from the electronic camera with a printer.

FIG. 11 is an output example of a printer, which is a modification example of a recording medium having a memo part of a blank space.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a multimedia dot code as a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Imaging section, 2 ... Storage section, 3 ... Image compression section, 4 ... Code conversion section, 5 ... Print section, 6 ... Power SW, 7 ... Release SW, 8 ... Print SW, 9 ... Cancel SW, 10
... electronic camera, 11 ... CCD, 12 ... image processing unit, 13
... Memory, 14 ... LCD driver, 15 ... LCD, 16
... RISC microcomputer, 17 ... Printer driver, 18 ...
Printer, 20 ... Personal computer, 21 ... Pen type input device, S
1 ... Camera sequence (1), S5 ... "Release I
NT "routine, S6 ..." CCD drive INT "routine, S7 ..." LCD drive INT "routine, S31 ... Camera sequence (No. 2), S34 ..." Release IN "
"T" routine, S36 ... "CCD drive INT" routine.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An electronic camera having an image pickup unit for converting an image into image information by an image pickup unit, and a storage unit having a storage capacity for at least one image of the image information, wherein the image information converted by the image pickup unit An image compression unit for compressing the compressed image information, a code conversion unit for converting the compressed image information into a readable code, and an output unit for externally outputting the code converted by the code conversion unit. Electronic camera with printer. 2. An electronic camera having an image pickup unit for converting an image into image information by an image pickup unit, and a storage unit having a storage capacity for at least one image of the image information, wherein the image information converted by the image pickup unit is An image compression unit for compression, a code conversion unit for converting the compressed image information into a readable code, the image information converted by the imaging unit, and the code converted by the code conversion unit at the same time externally. An electronic camera with a printer, comprising: an output unit for outputting. 3. The image compression and code conversion is performed by RISC.
An electronic camera with a printer according to claim 1 or 2, which is executed by a microcomputer.