JPH0993521A - Image pickup device and system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain reading and writing of data relating to image pickup information or the like quickly with high precision without provision of an exclusive information reader or recorder by providing a means converting picked-up multimedia information code into an image signal outputted externally. SOLUTION: The system is composed of an image pickup device 1, an image output equipment 2 and a printer 4, and the image pickup device 1 and image output equipment 2 are interconnected. Furthermore, the image pickup device 1 converts image pickup information into a prescribed multimedia information dot code to pick up an object and prints it out. The image pickup device 1 and the image output equipment 2 are interconnected by a 2-way communication cable 3 and a mode changeover switch is provided. Thus, the multimedia information code outputted from the image pickup device 1 is picked up by the image pickup device 1 again and fetched and transferred to the image output equipment 2 and then an exclusive multimedia information reader is not required.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus for recording / reproducing, as a dot code, so-called "multimedia information" including image information obtained from a camera, a video, etc., and shooting information, and an image pickup apparatus using the same. It was about the system that was used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-231466 discloses a technique relating to a system for converting image information into dot codes and recording them on a recording medium. An example of the configuration of this system is as shown in FIG.

That is, this system includes an image pickup device 51, a dedicated information reading device 55, an image output device 52, and a printer 5.
It is composed of four. The image pickup device 51 outputs a print in which shooting information and the like are recorded as dot codes together with the shot image. When the user reads the information on the print using the dedicated information reading device 55, the information is output to the image output device 52 and displayed. The user can perform desired editing and processing on the image displayed by the image output device 52, and then output the edited image and the like to the printer 54 to obtain the image.

Here, the detailed structure of the image pickup apparatus is shown in FIG.
As shown in. As shown in FIG. 8, a CCD 102 is arranged on the optical path of the lens 101, and the CCD 102 is electrically connected to the image pickup signal processing unit 103. Further, the image pickup signal processing unit 103 includes an image signal / dot data conversion processing unit 105 and an LCD display unit 1.
04, and the printer unit 106, respectively.

In such a structure, the lens 10
When a photographed image is received by the CCD 102 via 1, the image pickup signal is input to the image pickup signal processing unit 103 and predetermined processing is performed to obtain an image signal. The image signal / dot data conversion processing unit 105 converts the image signal into dot data, and the printer unit 106 prints and outputs the dot data together with the image signal. The image signal can be confirmed on the LCD display unit 104 at any time.

[0006]

However, in the configuration of the above-mentioned prior art example, the dedicated information reading device 55 for inputting the image information converted into the dot code to the image output device 52.
Was necessary, which was a factor of increasing the cost of the system.

Further, when the image information is input to the image output device 52, the tone of the input image is adjusted, the image is combined with another image, and the like, the dot code is to be converted and recorded again. Must be incorporated into the image output device 52, which is also a factor of increasing the cost of the system.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to quickly and accurately read data relating to photographic information without providing a dedicated information reading device or recording device. And writing.

[0009]

To achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus capable of printing out a picked-up subject image as at least a multimedia information code. When the output multimedia information code is imaged, it is characterized by comprising image signal conversion means for converting the imaged multimedia information code into an image signal that can be output to the outside.

In the image pickup system according to the second aspect, a print means for printing and outputting a subject image and multimedia information obtained by coding the subject image, and the multimedia information code printed out are photographed. An image pickup device having an image signal converting means for converting the imaged information code into an image signal that can be output to the outside, a receiving means for receiving an image signal from an external device, and an image converted by the image signal converting means. An image processing device having a signal reading device for reading a signal, an image signal processing device for processing the read image signal, and an output device for outputting the processed image signal to the receiving device of the imaging device. A subject image and multimedia information can be printed by the printing means of the imaging device based on the processed image signal. Characterized in that was.

Further, in the image pickup system according to the third aspect, a printing means for printing out a subject image and multimedia information obtained by coding the subject image and a multimedia information code printed out are photographed. An image pickup device having an image signal converting means for converting the imaged information code into an image signal that can be output to the outside, and a part where the output print member is mounted and then multimedia information is stored in the image pickup device. And a feeding adapter device having means for moving the imaging device to an imageable position.

According to the first to third aspects as described above, the following effects are obtained. That is, in the image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the image signal converting unit picks up the printed multimedia information code, the picked-up multimedia information code becomes an externally output image signal. To be converted.

In the image pickup system according to the second aspect, in the image pickup apparatus, the print image is printed out by the print means and the multimedia information in which the print image is encoded, and the image signal conversion means prints out the above. When the multimedia information code is captured, the captured information code is converted into an image signal that can be output to the outside, and the image signal from the external device is received by the receiving unit. In the image processing apparatus, the image signal converted by the image signal converting means is read by the signal reading means, the read image signal is processed by the image signal processing means, and the image signal processed by the output means is It is output to the receiving means of the imaging device. Then, based on the processed image signal, the subject image and the multimedia information can be printed by the printing means of the imaging device.

Further, in the image pickup system according to the third aspect, in the image pickup apparatus, the subject image and the multimedia information in which the subject image is coded are printed out by the printing means, and the image signal converting means prints out the above. When the multimedia information code is captured, the captured information code is converted into an image signal that can be output externally, and the output print member is mounted on the feeding adapter, and then the multimedia information is stored. The part is moved to an imageable position of the image pickup apparatus.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 shows and describes a configuration of an image pickup apparatus and a system using the same according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.
The image pickup apparatus 1 is composed of an image output device 2 and a printer 4, and the image pickup apparatus 1 and the image output device 2 are connected to each other via a cable 3. Furthermore, the imaging device 1
Is for capturing an image of a subject, and also has a function of converting photographing information and the like into predetermined multimedia information dot codes and printing them. Furthermore, the image pickup apparatus 1 also has a function of reading the printed multimedia information dot code again and restoring the original information. These various functions will be described later.

Here, the specific construction of the image pickup apparatus 1 is as shown in FIG. That is, FIG. 2A is a view showing a state of the image pickup apparatus 1 viewed from the front, and an image of a subject is formed through the lens 11 arranged at a predetermined position.

Further, FIG. 2 (b) is a view showing the image pickup apparatus 1 viewed from the back side. In FIG. 2 (b),
The power SW 12 arranged at a predetermined position is an operating member for starting the apparatus, and the release SW 13 is a lens 11
Is an operation member for taking in a subject imaged by the image pickup device or the like. The display monitor 14 is for confirming a subject, and an LCD or the like is used for the display monitor 14.

Further, the print SW 15 is an operation member for printing out the subject captured in the image pickup device as a multimedia information code, and the mode switching SW 16 is an interface between the image pickup apparatus 1 and the image output device 52. It is an operation member for changing. In the actual print result 17, the captured image 17a and the multimedia information dot code 17b are written.

Next, a detailed configuration of the image pickup apparatus 1 will be shown in FIG. 3 and will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the subject image formed on the image sensor 18 via the lens 11 is photoelectrically converted and then converted into a video signal by the image signal processing circuit 19. For example, when photographing a landscape or the like, if the mode switch SW 16 is set to the "A" side, the display monitor 14
A subject image is displayed on the screen, and the image signal / dot data conversion processing unit 22 further converts the projected subject image into a multimedia information code. The printer unit 23 writes the captured image 17a and the information dot code 17b as described above.

This written information dot code 17b
When the image is read by the image pickup apparatus 1, the cable 3 is connected to the input / output interface unit 21. Then, when the mode switching SW 16 is set to the “C” side, the display monitor 14, the printer unit 23, and the image signal / dot data conversion processing unit 22 are separated from the image pickup signal processing circuit 19. As a result, the information dot code 17b formed on the image sensor 18 by the lens 11 is restored to the original image by the dot code / image signal conversion processing unit 20 via the image signal processing circuit 19, and then input / output. It is transferred from the interface unit 21 to the image output device 2 via the cable 3.

On the other hand, the image output device 2 processes the input image and performs color tone, brightness, contour enhancement, and combination processing with other images. Although this processing result can be output by the printer 4, in the present system, the processed image is output by the printer unit 23 of the image pickup apparatus 1 via the cable 3, or the image signal / dot data conversion processing unit 22.
It is also possible to output by the printer unit 23 after converting into a multimedia information code by. In that case, the "B" side may be selected and set by the mode switching SW16.

Next, FIG. 4 shows the structure of an image pickup apparatus and a system using the same according to the second embodiment and will be described.
In FIG. 4, during reproduction of the multimedia information code, the feeding adapter 25 is connected to the image pickup apparatus 1 via the feeding adapter connecting portion 24. Then, when the recorded multimedia information dot code 17b is inserted into the feeding adapter 25, it is loaded at the focal point of the lens 11.

The detailed structure of the image pickup apparatus 1 is as shown in FIG. It should be noted that here, only differences from the first embodiment will be described. In FIG.
The connection member detection unit 21b is the input / output interface unit 2
It is detected whether the cable 3 is connected to 1. The feeding adapter detecting unit 24a detects whether the feeding adapter 25 is connected to the feeding adapter connecting unit 24. Then, the connection determination unit 26 determines the signal processing switching condition of the imaging device 1 from the detection states of the connection member detection unit 21b and the feeding adapter detection unit 24a.

FIG. 6 shows a summary of the judgment conditions.
Based on this determination, the mode switching SW 16 is automatically selected. That is, when the mode switch SW16 is set to the "A" side, the connection member detection unit 21b is at the "H" level, and the feeding adapter detection unit 24a is at the "H" level, "landscape photography",
The mode switch SW16 is set to the "B" side, the connection member detection unit 21b is at the "L" level, and the feeding adapter detection unit 24a.
Is "L" level, "read information dot code", the mode switch SW16 is set to "C" side, the connecting member detecting section 21b is "L" level, and the feeding adapter detecting section 24a is "H" level. In case of, it becomes "external connection". Therefore, according to this embodiment, the manual mode switching SW 16 in FIG. 2B is unnecessary.

As described above, according to the present invention, since the image pickup device and the image output device are connected by the bidirectional communication cable and the mode changeover switch is provided, the multimedia information code outputted by the image pickup device is again picked up. It can be captured by the device, captured, and transferred to the image output device, eliminating the need for a dedicated multimedia information reading device. In addition, since an image that has been captured in an image output device and processed can be transferred again to the imaging device and printed as a multimedia information code, it is convenient to store image data. Further, by detecting the connection between the feeding adapter and the bidirectional communication cable, the manual mode switching SW can be eliminated, which is convenient in operation.

According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the following constitution can be obtained. (1) Mode switching means for switching between a print mode for printing out and an imaging mode for imaging a multimedia information code already printed out, in an imaging device capable of printing out a captured subject image as at least a multimedia information code. An image signal converting means for converting the imaged multimedia information code into an image signal that can be output to the outside when the image pickup mode is switched to the image pickup device. (2) The image pickup apparatus according to (1), wherein the mode switching by the mode switching unit is determined by detecting whether or not the image pickup apparatus is connected to an external device. (3) The external device reads the image signal converted by the image signal conversion unit, and mounts the image signal processing unit that processes the read image signal or the output print member, and then multimedia. The imaging device according to (2) above, which is a feeding adapter device having means for moving a portion in which information is stored to a position where the imaging device can image.

[0027]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus and a system using the same, which can read and write data relating to photographing information and the like quickly and with high accuracy without providing a dedicated information reading apparatus or recording apparatus. Can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image pickup apparatus and a system using the same according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing in detail the image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image pickup apparatus according to a second embodiment and a system using the image pickup apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image pickup apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing requirements set in various modes of the image pickup apparatus 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional image pickup apparatus and a system using the same.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image pickup apparatus in a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Imaging device, 2 ... Image output device, 3 ... Cable, 4 ...
Printer, 11 ... Lens, 12 ... Power SW, 13 ... Release SW, 14 ... LCD display monitor, 15 ... Print SW, 16 ... Mode switching SW, 17 ... Print result, 1
8 ... Image sensor, 19 ... Image signal processing circuit, 20 ... Dot data / image signal conversion processing unit, 21 ... Input / output interface unit, 22 ... Image signal / dot data conversion processing unit,
23 ... Printer unit.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Masao Sato 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Within Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Shinji Araoka 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An imaging apparatus capable of printing out a captured subject image as at least a multimedia information code, and when the printed multimedia information code is captured, the captured multimedia information code is externally output. An image pickup device comprising an image signal converting means for converting into a possible image signal. 2. A printing means for printing and outputting a subject image and multimedia information obtained by coding the subject image, and outputting the information code captured when the printed multimedia information code is captured. An image pickup device having an image signal converting means for converting the image signal into a possible image signal and a receiving means for receiving an image signal from an external device; a signal reading means for reading the image signal converted by the image signal converting means; An image processing device having an image signal processing means for processing the read image signal and an output means for outputting the processed image signal to the receiving means of the imaging device, based on the processed image signal. An image pickup system wherein a subject image and multimedia information can be printed by the printing means of the image pickup apparatus. 3. A print means for printing and outputting a subject image and multimedia information obtained by coding the subject image, and outputting the information code captured when the printed multimedia information code is captured. An image pickup device having an image signal conversion means for converting the image signal into a possible image signal, the output print member is mounted, and then a portion in which multimedia information is stored is moved to an imageable position of the image pickup device. And a feeding adapter device having a means.