JPH11282093A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make easily performable rearrangement of prints by providing a means for printing information selected out of an addresses, a names, etc., retrieved by a retrieval means in the print to which a specified image is previously transferred. SOLUTION: A scanner 2 is attached to a cartridge 11, and a picked-up image is read, and at the same time, position information corresponding to each photographed picture is read by a magnetic head. Various plane names (address, name, etc.), corresponding to the position information is retrieved from position information data 7. The read-out image and various place names retrieved are displayed on the picture display part 6a and the place name display part 6b of a monitor 6. By operating a keyboard 5, the place name intended by a photographer is selected from the display part 6b. The print 13 having the same image as that displayed on the display part 6a is set on a printer 4, and the selected place name is printed on the print 13 as a superscription. Thus, the place name intended by the photographer is printed on the print 13, so that the arrangement of an album is effectively performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus combining a film image reading device and a printer device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a GPS (Global Positioning System) has been added as an added value to a camera that shoots using a film.
ng System) has been proposed.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-224
Japanese Patent Publication No. 290 discloses a camera provided with a means for receiving a positioning radio wave from a GPS satellite, and simultaneously taking a picture and recording position information (latitude and longitude) at the time of the photographing on a film.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-313988, a camera is provided with a means for receiving a positioning radio wave from a GPS satellite, and a detachable device storing a specific place name corresponding to position information (latitude and longitude) is provided. There is disclosed a camera that uses a flexible mounting unit, changes the mounting unit according to the place where the image is taken, searches the location name at the time of shooting from the location information at that time, and records it on film.

The above technique relates to a camera for recording various types of positional information on a film. In addition to the camera, the following peripheral devices have also been proposed.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-240854 discloses a filing apparatus which can read image information and position information from a film on which position information is recorded, and store the information separately for each piece of information. An apparatus including a conversion unit that converts position information into an actual place name using a map database is disclosed.

In recent years, in addition to a method of recording various information on a film, a method of performing magnetic recording using a film having a magnetic layer has been proposed in addition to a method of optically copying the information on the film. At the same time, cameras and the like that magnetically record the various position information described above have been proposed.

[0008] By the above-mentioned method, the photograph and the GPS function can be effectively used.

[0009]

However, even if the above-described technique is used, the following problems occur.

That is, a general camera user takes a picture at various places such as a travel destination. However, it is common to view a printed matter, not an actually photographed film, and arrange it in an album or the like. (A) Simply looking at a print on which positional information such as latitude and longitude is imprinted has no meaning since it is not a specific place name of the shooting location. (B) In specific place names corresponding to position information such as latitude and longitude, addresses (for example, prefectures, cities, and towns), names (for example, Disneyland, Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Tower) and common names (for example, Shibuya Koen-dori) Even if you have a function to search and select those place names when shooting, there is a risk that the operation is complicated and you may miss shooting opportunities,
Even a place name selected and determined at the time of shooting may be changed to a name or the like when it is later arranged into an album. (C) Further, even if there is a function of inputting impressions, comments, and the like at the time of photographing to the camera in addition to the place names, a photographing opportunity is missed if the function is inputted on the spot. (D) In the case of a group photo or the like, since the same film is used for additional printing and handed over to another person, it is inconvenient to receive the information if only positional information such as latitude and longitude is imprinted. (E) Even in a database in which specific place names corresponding to position information such as latitude and longitude are stored, it is difficult to update the latest data such as common names that change over a wide area that changes every day.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus capable of printing an address, a name, a common name, etc. on a print on which an image has been transferred. It is.

[0012]

Means for Solving the Problems The above-mentioned problems are solved,
In order to achieve the object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an image reading unit for reading a predetermined image on a film; and a position corresponding to the predetermined image, which is magnetically recorded on the film. Position information reading means for reading information; storage means for storing addresses, names, common names, etc. corresponding to various kinds of position information in advance; addresses, names, common names corresponding to the position information read by the position information reading means. Search means for searching for the information from the storage means, and printing means for printing information selected from the address, name, common name and the like searched by the search means on a print in which the predetermined image has been transferred in advance. It is characterized by:

Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the image reading means includes a photoelectric conversion element for converting optical information of the image into an electric signal.

Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the position information reading means includes a reproducing magnetic head.

Further, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the image processing apparatus further comprises magnetic recording means for magnetically recording predetermined information on the film.

Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the magnetic recording means magnetically records the same information as the information printed on the print on the film.

Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the magnetic recording means includes a recording magnetic head.

Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the magnetic recording means also serves as the position information reading means.

Further, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is further characterized by further comprising a monitor for displaying the image read by the image reading means.

Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the monitor further displays an address, a name, a common name, etc. searched by the search means.

Further, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is further characterized by further comprising a selecting means for selecting information to be printed on the print from an address, a name, a common name and the like displayed on the monitor. .

Further, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the image processing apparatus further comprises input means for inputting information to be additionally printed on the print.

Also, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the position information is GPS data.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the flow of processing performed on the film 12 and its print 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention as a whole model. Also,
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed in the apparatus according to the embodiment.

The configuration of the image processing apparatus according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 includes the following, but it does not need to be a single unit as a whole, and may be an aggregate of apparatuses having individual functions.

In FIG. 1B (d), reference numeral 2 denotes a film 12
A scanner for reading an image photographed on the film 3, a magnetic head for reading information magnetically recorded on the film 12, or a magnetic head for performing magnetic recording on the film 12, and a printer 4 for printing a photograph or the like. Reference numeral 5 denotes a keyboard used for selecting a place name and inputting additional characters. Reference numeral 6 denotes a monitor that displays an image read by the scanner 2 and a place name corresponding to the image and characters input by the keyboard. Reference numeral 7 denotes a latitude and longitude. Location information (GP
A storage device 8 stores a place name or the like corresponding to (S data), and a microcomputer 8 controls the entire image processing apparatus 1.

In FIG. 1B (d), the scanner 2 for reading an image photographed on the film 12 has a feeding mechanism for drawing out the film 12 from the cartridge 11 in addition to a reading element such as a CCD. The magnetic head 3 for reading information magnetically recorded on the film 12 has a writing function in addition to a reading function.

The printer 4 for directly printing on the print 13 can be of any type, such as an ink jet type or a thermal transfer type, but any type can be used as long as it can print on photographic paper. The keyboard 5 is a selection and input unit used for selecting a place name and inputting additional characters to be described later.

The monitor 6 is a display means having an image display section 6a for displaying an image read by the scanner 2, a place name display section 6b for displaying a place name to be selected, and an additional character display section 6c for displaying additional characters. However, a multi-screen display method used in recent computers may be used.

The storage device 7 is a data storage means in which various place names corresponding to the latitude and longitude positions are stored, and data is rewritten in consideration of a place name that changes from time to time, such as the above-mentioned "common name". And additions are possible.

The microcomputer 8 is control means for performing control described later. When the image processing apparatus 1 has a single unit configuration, the microcomputer 8 directly controls the scanner 2, the magnetic head 3, the printer 4, the monitor 6, and the like. That is, when the image processing apparatus 1 is configured by connecting a plurality of units, the image processing apparatus 1 serves as a control unit that only gives an instruction to each unit.

Further, as a pre-process for handling the apparatus of the present embodiment, a cartridge 11 containing a film 12 on which position information (GPS data) is magnetically recorded is required. A camera 14 capable of writing position information is required.
For example, it is sufficiently disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-224290 or the like, and its description is omitted.

With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a description will be given of a procedure of processing performed on the film 12 and the print 13 with the above-described configuration. However, descriptions of conventionally known processes for magnetic recording of date and photographing information on a film and printing are omitted.

Photographing and Magnetic Recording (FIG. 1A (a)) Photographing is performed by the camera 14, and at the same time, information (latitude and longitude) of the photographing position at the time of photographing is magnetically recorded on the film.
However, as described above, the position information itself such as latitude and longitude does not have much meaning to ordinary photographers, so it is recorded on film only as information, and printed information such as latitude and longitude is used. No numerical value is displayed.

Developing (FIG. 1A (b)) The photographed cartridge 11 is taken out to the developing station 15. Generally, when performing development, a so-called “simultaneous printing” process of printing simultaneously with the development of the film is performed.

Simultaneous Print Finish (FIG. 1A (c)) The cartridge 11 and the print 13 which have been subjected to the simultaneous print processing are returned from the developing station 15 to the photographer. Although position information such as latitude and longitude is not printed on the print 13 as described above, magnetic information of the film 12 is recorded as "GPS data" together with date and photographing information.

The cartridge 11 by the image processing apparatus 1
And processing for the print 13 (FIG. 1B (d)). This is the main part of the present embodiment. Image processing device 1
2 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2, and specific control will be described with reference to this flowchart.

First, in step S1, the cartridge 1
1 is mounted on the scanner 2 and the photographed image is read.

In step S2, the position information (GPS data) corresponding to each photographing screen is read by the magnetic head 3 simultaneously with the reading of the image.

In step S3, the storage device 7 retrieves various place names (addresses, names, common names, etc.) corresponding to the read position information (GPS data).

In step S4, the read image and the plurality of searched place names are displayed on the image display unit 6 of the monitor 6.
a and the place name display section 6b.

In step S5, the operator operates the keyboard 5
To select a place name that suits the user's intention from the place name display section 6b.

In step S6, it is determined whether or not there is any character to be added other than the place name. If not, step S
Then, the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S7, the operator sets the image display unit 6
A print 13 of the same image as that displayed in a is set in the printer 4, and the selected place name is printed over the print 13 in an overwritten form. As a result, the place name intended by the photographer is printed on the print 13, which is effective in organizing the album.

In step S8, the place name selected by the magnetic head 3 is magnetically recorded on the film 12 as character information.

In step S9, the operator uses the keyboard 5 to input the contents to be additionally printed on the print 13 (for example, memories at the place, episodes, etc.). At the time of input, the content is confirmed on the additional character display section 6c. According to this method, the latest place names and the like that are not stored in the storage device 7 can be printed at any time.

In step S10, the content to be printed is selected. If it is desired to print both the place name and the additional character selected from the storage device 7, the process proceeds to step S11. If it is desired to print only the additional character, the process proceeds to step S13.
The reason that step S10 is provided is that, as described in step S9, when printing the latest place name, there is an effect that it is possible to avoid writing an old place name together.

In step S11, as in step S7, both the place name and the additional character selected by searching from the storage device 7 are printed on the print 13.

In step S12, similarly to step S8, both the place name and the additional character retrieved from the storage device 7 are magnetically recorded on the film 12 as character information.

In step S13, additional characters are printed on the print 13 as in step S7.

In step S14, as in step S8, the additional characters are magnetically recorded on the film 12 as character information.

With the above processing and operation, the place names and comments that are intended by the photographer are printed on the print 13, which is effective for organizing albums and the like.

Additional printing (FIG. 1B (e)) Through the above-described steps S8, S12, and S14, the place name and the comment selected and searched have already been magnetically recorded on the film 12 as character information. In the additional printing, the content intended by the photographer can be simultaneously printed on the print 13, which is convenient when handing over to a large number of people such as a group photo.

Furthermore, even when viewing a film with another film viewer or the like which does not have a function of searching for a place name from GPS data, the place and situation at the time of shooting can be easily displayed by magnetically reading any character. I can do it.

[0057]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects. (1) The photographer can search and select a place name that suits his or her intention from a plurality of place names corresponding to GPS data magnetically recorded on the film, and overwrite the place name on the print, so that simple numerical values of latitude and longitude are imprinted. Compared to rare prints,
A print suitable for the photographer's purpose can be obtained, and the print can be easily arranged. (2) Since the place name searched and selected by the photographer is magnetically recorded on the film as character information, the place name suitable for the photographer's purpose can be printed at the time of additional printing. Also, when viewing with a film image reader without a place name search function, an appropriate place name can be displayed by magnetically reading the character information. (3) In addition to printing and magnetic recording of the selected place name, additional characters can be added to the place name, so that various comments can be printed on the print in addition to the place name. Additional printing becomes possible. In addition, since the latest place name that is not included in the place name data can be input by an individual, it is possible to cope with a case where the place name data cannot be updated or a case where the update is delayed.

[0058]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a diagram generally modeling and showing a flow of processing performed on a film and a print thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an overall model of a flow of processing performed on a film and a print thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of control performed by the image processing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus 2 Scanner 3 Magnetic head 4 Printer 5 Keyboard 6 Monitor 6a Image display part 6b Place name display part 6c Additional character display part 7 Storage device 8 Microcomputer 11 Cartridge 12 Film 13 Print 14 Camera

Claims (12)

[Claims] An image reading means for reading a predetermined image on a film; a position information reading means for reading position information corresponding to the predetermined image, which is magnetically recorded on the film; At least the address, name,
A storage unit for storing a common name, a search unit for searching at least an address, a name, and a common name from the storage unit corresponding to the position information read by the position information reading unit; and a print in which the predetermined image is transferred in advance. An image processing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints at least information selected from an address, a name, and a common name retrieved by the retrieval unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading unit includes a photoelectric conversion element that converts optical information of the image into an electric signal. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position information reading unit includes a reproducing magnetic head. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising magnetic recording means for magnetically recording predetermined information on said film. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the magnetic recording unit magnetically records the same information as the information printed on the print on the film. 6. An image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said magnetic recording means includes a recording magnetic head. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said magnetic recording means also serves as said position information reading means. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a monitor for displaying an image read by the image reading unit. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the monitor further displays at least an address, a name, and a common name searched by the search unit. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a selection unit for selecting information to be printed on the print from at least an address, a name, and a common name displayed on the monitor. . 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for inputting information to be additionally printed on the print. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position information is GPS data.