JP2000350127A - Image processing unit and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the convenience of an image processing unit by reading all or part of the image signals of a picture that is picked up by an image pickup means and to be stored in an image signal storage means, storing the read image signal to a nonvolatile storage means that requires no power supply for information storage and printing the image signal. SOLUTION: When a main body attachment/detachment section 31 detects that an image pickup device 2 is fitted to a printer 3, the image pickup device 2 discriminates whether an image is to be automatically transferred, and the printer 3 applies reception preparation processing to the image signal in the case of transferring the image automatically. The image signal having been stored in a camera image memory section 23 of the image pickup device 2 is transferred from the image pickup device 2 to the printer 3 via the main body attachment/detachment section 31 and stored in a main body external storage section 33 of the printer 3. In the case that the image is not automatically transferred, the image pickup device 2, even after being fitted to the printer 3, enters again into an idle state without conducting transfer processing of the image signal.

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 having a printing apparatus and an image pickup apparatus which are detachable from each other, and an image processing method in such an image processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, imaging devices such as digital still cameras have been widely used. An image captured by an imaging device is often printed by a printing device.
At this time, exchange of image signals between the imaging device and the printing device is performed via a personal computer,
Or, they use a dedicated memory card as an intermediary.

[0003]

As described above, conventionally,
The exchange of image signals between the imaging device and the printing device is
This is done via a personal computer or via a dedicated memory card.

[0004] Therefore, there is a problem that a personal computer, a dedicated memory card, or the like must be prepared in order to print an image captured by the image capturing apparatus by the printing apparatus. In addition, the labor for connecting them is required, which is very inconvenient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described conventional circumstances, and allows easy exchange of image signals between an image pickup apparatus and a printing apparatus, and provides an image processing apparatus having excellent convenience. It is intended to provide a device. The present invention also provides an image processing method in such an image processing device.

[0006]

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a printing device and an imaging device which are detachably attached to each other. The imaging device includes an imaging unit that captures an image, and an image signal storage unit that stores an image signal of the image captured by the imaging unit. The printing apparatus includes a nonvolatile storage unit having a nonvolatile storage device that does not require power supply to hold information, and a storage unit that stores an image signal stored in the image signal storage unit when the imaging device is attached to the printing device. There is provided a signal reading unit that reads all or a part of the image signal and stores the read image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit, and a printing unit that reads an image signal to be printed from the nonvolatile storage unit and prints an image corresponding to the image signal.

In this image processing apparatus, the imaging device and the printing device are detachable from each other, and when the imaging device is attached to the printing device, the image reading device stores the image in the image signal storage device. All or a part of the image signal is read out and stored in the nonvolatile storage means. Therefore, in this image processing device, when the imaging device is attached to the printing device, the image signal is quickly exchanged between the imaging device and the printing device.

Further, in the image processing method according to the present invention, the image pickup apparatus provided with an image pickup means for picking up an image and the printing apparatus provided with a print means for printing an image corresponding to an image signal are detachably attached to each other. . Then, the image pickup device is provided with an image signal storage unit for storing an image signal of an image picked up by the image pickup unit. Further, the printing apparatus is provided with a non-volatile storage unit having a non-volatile storage device that does not require power supply for holding information. Then, when the imaging device is attached to the printing device, all or a part of the image signal stored in the image signal storage unit is read out and stored in the nonvolatile storage unit.

In this image processing method, the image pickup device and the printing device are detachable from each other, and when the image pickup device is attached to the printing device, all or a part of the image signal stored in the image signal storage means is removed. The data is read out and stored in the nonvolatile storage means. Therefore, in this image processing method, when the imaging device is attached to the printing device, the exchange of image signals between the imaging device and the printing device is performed quickly.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a plurality of configuration examples of the image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be exemplified, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components in each configuration example.

[0011] 1. First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a first configuration example of an image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

The image processing apparatus 1A shown in FIG. 1 includes an imaging device 2 and a printing device 3 which are detachably attached to each other. The imaging device 2 includes a camera imaging unit 21, a camera imaging signal processing unit 22, a camera image memory unit 23, a camera control unit 24, a camera power supply unit 25, and a camera attaching / detaching unit 26. The printing device 3 includes a main unit attaching / detaching unit 31, Main unit image memory unit 32, main unit external storage unit 33, main unit print signal processing unit 34, main unit printing unit 3
5, a main body control section 36 and a main body power supply section 37 are provided.

The camera image pickup section 21 is an image pickup means for picking up an image, and includes an image pickup optical system and an image pickup device. The imaging device includes a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) and a CMO
S (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or the like can be used.

The camera image signal processing unit 22 performs predetermined signal processing on the image signal of the image picked up by the camera image unit 21. Specifically, for example, image processing such as color signal conversion processing, gradation characteristic conversion processing, and contour correction processing is performed.

The camera image memory section 23 is an image signal storage means for storing image signals of images picked up by the camera image pickup section 21. More specifically, the camera imaging unit 2
A signal obtained by processing the image signal of the image captured by the camera 1 by the camera imaging signal processing unit 22 is stored in the camera image memory unit 23.

The method of retaining information in the camera image memory unit 23 may be any of recording using a semiconductor device, optical recording, magnetic recording, magneto-optical recording, etc., but uses a method capable of random access with low power consumption. Is preferred. Specifically, an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)
ry), DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), EE
PROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read O
It is preferable to use a semiconductor device such as an nly memory, a flash memory, or a ferroelectric memory (FeRAM).

It is desirable that the camera image memory unit 23 has a memory capacity of about 16 to 80 Mbytes or more. With such a memory capacity, for example, about 40 to 100 or more images can be recorded by using an image compression technique such as JPEG compression or the like, with an image quality comparable to a silver halide photograph.

The camera control unit 24 controls the entire image processing apparatus and controls the entire image processing apparatus in cooperation with the printing apparatus 3. Specifically, for example, the camera control unit 24 performs control of image signal processing in each part of the imaging device 2, control of power supply, control of attachment / detachment operation, control of communication with the printing device 3, and the like. This camera control unit 24
Are, for example, CPU (Central Processing Unit), RO
M (Read-Only Memory) and RAM (Random-Access Memor)
y) and the like.

The camera power supply unit 25 supplies power to each unit constituting the image pickup apparatus 2, and includes a primary battery and / or
Alternatively, it includes a secondary battery and an electric circuit for controlling power supply.
In the power control here, for example, control of power supply to each unit constituting the imaging device 2, control on detection and display of the remaining amount of the battery, and control of the battery by the power supplied from the printing device 3 or an external power supply are performed. Control when charging is performed.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the camera power source 25 is connected to the printing device 3 from the camera power source 25 of the imaging device 2 via the camera attaching / detaching portion 26 and the main body attaching / detaching portion 31. It is preferable that information such as remaining battery level information of a battery provided in the camera power supply unit 25 can be transferred.

The camera attachment / detachment unit 26 is an attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting the attachment / detachment state of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3, and detects the attachment / detachment state of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 by a mechanical or electromagnetic method. . As a method of detecting the attachment / detachment state of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3, a method using mechanical fitting,
Examples include a method using electrical terminal contact, a method using transmission and reception of light and radio waves, and a method using electromagnetic induction.

The camera attaching / detaching section 26 also serves as an interface for exchanging various signals and electric power between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3. That is, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 via the camera attaching / detaching portion 26.
The image signal of the image captured by the imaging device 2 or the imaging device 2
And an apparatus status signal indicating the operation state of the printing apparatus 3 are exchanged. When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, power is supplied from the printing device 3 to the imaging device 2 via the camera attachment / detachment unit 26.

The main body attaching / detaching portion 31 is an attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting the attachment / detachment state of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3, and detects the attachment / detachment state of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 by a mechanical or electromagnetic method. . Methods for detecting the state of attachment and detachment of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 include a method using mechanical fitting, a method using contact between electric terminals, a method using transmission and reception of light and radio waves, and electromagnetic induction. Examples include the method used.

Further, the main body attaching / detaching section 31 also serves as an interface when various signals and electric power are exchanged between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3. That is, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, an image signal of an image captured by the imaging device 2 is output between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 via the main body attaching / detaching portion 31. 2 and an apparatus state signal indicating the operation state of the printing apparatus 3 are exchanged. When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the printing device 3
The power supply to the imaging device 2 is performed.

The main body image memory section 32 is storage means for temporarily storing image signals and the like.
If you want to temporarily hold the image signal sent from
When image signal processing is performed inside the printing device 3,
It is used when temporarily holding an image signal before printing.

The method of retaining information in the main body image memory section 32 may be any of recording using a semiconductor device, optical recording, magnetic recording, magneto-optical recording, etc., but uses a method capable of random access with low power consumption. Is preferred. Specifically, an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)
ry), DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), EE
PROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read O
It is preferable to use a semiconductor device such as an nly memory, a flash memory, or a ferroelectric memory (FeRAM).

The main unit external storage unit 33 is a non-volatile storage unit having a non-volatile storage device that does not require power supply to hold information. The main body external storage unit 33 includes the imaging device 2
, And various information added to the image signal. Also, the main unit external storage unit 3
3 stores various setting information of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 as needed.

If the storage device used in the main body image memory unit 33 does not require a power supply to hold information,
Any of a storage device using a semiconductor device, a storage device using an optical recording medium, a storage device using a magnetic recording medium, a storage device using a magneto-optical recording medium, and the like may be used. However,
It is desirable that the main body image memory unit 33 has a larger memory capacity than the camera image memory unit 23.

As a storage device for realizing such a large capacity, for example, a storage device using a magnetic recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or a hard disk, or an optical recording medium such as a phase change optical disk is used. Examples include a storage device and a storage device using a magneto-optical recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk.

Here, examples of the phase change type optical disk include CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, and DVD-R.
AM, DVD + RW, DVD-RW and the like.
As a magneto-optical disk, for example, ISO / IE
A 3.5-inch MO disk conforming to the C10090 standard, the ISO / IEC13963 standard, the ISO / IEC15041 standard, or the like, and the ISO / IEC FCD152
And a 5.25 inch MO disk conforming to the 86 standard.

It is preferable that the storage device used in the main body image memory unit 32 can be replaced by removing the recording medium. This makes it possible to replace the recording medium when the capacity is full, or to remove and carry the recording medium storing the image signal and the like, thereby improving convenience.

The main body print signal processing unit 34 includes the main body print unit 3
In step 5, predetermined signal processing is performed on the image signal of the image to be printed. Specifically, for example, image processing such as color signal conversion processing, gradation characteristic conversion processing, and contour correction processing is performed.

The main body printing section 35 is a printing means for reading an image signal to be printed from the main body external storage section 33 and printing an image corresponding to the image signal. The printing method in the main body printing unit 35 includes, for example, an ink jet recording method, a fusion heat transfer method, a dye heat transfer method, an energizing heat transfer method, a thermal paper method, a toner direct recording method, an electrophotographic method, a silver halide photographic method, and a photosensitive micro-system. Examples include a capsule system and a pressure-sensitive microcapsule system. These printing methods are described in, for example, "The Fine Imaging and Hard Copies", edited by the Joint Publishing Committee of the Photographic Society of Japan and the Imaging Society of Japan (Corona) (1999)
There is an explanation.

The main body controller 36 controls the entire printing apparatus and controls the entire image processing apparatus in cooperation with the imaging apparatus 2. Specifically, for example, the main body control unit 36 performs control of image signal processing in each part of the printing apparatus 3, control of power supply, control of attachment / detachment operation, control of communication with the imaging device 2, and the like. The main body control unit 36 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read-O
It is configured by a computer including an nly memory (RAM) and a random access memory (RAM).

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the main body control section 36 reads out all or a part of the image signal stored in the camera image memory section 23 and reads out the main body external storage section 33. Is also a signal readout means for storing the data. That is, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image processing device 1 </ b> A
Under the control of 6, all or a part of the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is read and stored in the main unit external storage unit 33.

The main body power supply section 37 is a section for supplying power to each section constituting the printing apparatus 3, and receives power supply from an external power supply and controls the power supplied to each section constituting the printing apparatus 3. It has an electric circuit.

When the camera power supply unit 25 has a secondary battery, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the camera power supply unit of the imaging device 2 is switched from the main power supply unit 37 of the printing device 3. It is preferable to supply power to the secondary battery 25 via the main body detachable unit 31 and the camera detachable unit 26 for charging the secondary battery provided in the camera power supply unit 25.

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 1A as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 2A illustrates a processing flow on the imaging device 2 side, and FIG. 2B illustrates a processing flow on the printing device 3 side.

In the initial state, the imaging device 2 is in an idle state. At this time, the imaging device 2 performs step S1-
As shown in FIG. 1, it is monitored whether or not the image pickup device 2 and the detachable portion of the printing device 3 are connected. This monitoring is performed by the camera attaching / detaching unit 26.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and when they are connected, step S
Proceed to 1-2. That is, when the camera attachment / detachment unit 26 detects that the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S1-2. At this time, the camera attaching / detaching unit 26 notifies the camera control unit 24 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. With this as a trigger, the camera control unit 24 executes the processing from step S1-2.

On the other hand, the printing apparatus 3 is also idle in the initial state. At this time, the printing device 3 performs step S2
As shown in -1, it is monitored whether or not the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected. This monitoring is performed by the main body attaching / detaching unit 31.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are connected, step S
Proceed to 2-2. That is, when the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 detects that the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S2-2. At this time, the main body detachable part 3
1 informs the main body control unit 36 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. This triggered
The main body control unit 36 executes the processing after step S2-2.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the imaging device 2 determines whether or not to automatically transfer an image in step S1-2. Note that automatically transferring an image means that an image signal of an image captured by the imaging device 2 is output to the printing device when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 without any special instruction input from the user. 3
It is to transfer to. Note that whether or not to automatically transfer an image is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

When the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 returns to the idle state again. That is, in a case where the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even if the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3. On the other hand, when the image is to be automatically transferred, the process proceeds to step S1-3, and a transmission preparation process of the image signal is performed. More specifically, it performs processing for receiving a transmission request signal for requesting transmission of an image signal from the printing apparatus 3 and processing for transmitting a transmission confirmation signal for confirming transmission of an image signal to the printing apparatus 3.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the printing device 3 determines whether or not to automatically transfer an image in step S2-2. And
If the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. That is, when the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even when the imaging device 2 is attached. On the other hand, if the image is to be automatically transferred, step S
Proceeding to 2-3, the image signal reception preparation processing is performed. Specifically, it performs a process of transmitting a transmission request signal for requesting transmission of an image signal to the imaging device 2, a process of receiving a transmission confirmation signal for confirming transmission of the image signal from the imaging device 2, and the like.

When the preparation for transmission and reception of the image signal between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 is completed by the processing in steps S1-3 and S2-3, the imaging device 2 proceeds to step S1-4. Is transmitted to the printing device 3, while the printing device 3 receives an image signal from the imaging device 2 in step S <b> 2-4. Specifically, the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is read, and the image signal is transmitted from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 via the camera attachment / detachment unit 26 and the body attachment / detachment unit 31. And stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 of the printing apparatus 3. At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal for confirming that the image signal has been transferred to the imaging device 2.

When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed, the imaging device 2 performs an image signal transmission completion process in step S1-5. Specifically, a process of transmitting a completion notification signal indicating that the transmission of the image signal has been completed to the printing device 3, a process of receiving from the printing device 3 a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal has been completed, and the like. I do. When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed, the printing device 3 proceeds to step S2.
At -5, image signal reception completion processing is performed. Specifically, a process of receiving a completion notification signal indicating that the transmission of the image signal has been completed from the imaging device 2, a process of transmitting a completion confirmation signal to confirm that the reception of the image signal has been completed to the imaging device 2, and the like. I do.

Thus, the process of transferring the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed, and thereafter, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. On the other hand, the imaging device 2 performs a process of deleting the image signal transmitted to the printing device 3 as necessary in steps S1-6 and S1-7.
Return to the idle state again. Specifically, the imaging device 2
In step S1-6, it is determined whether or not the image signal transmitted to the printing device 3 is to be erased.
The process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the idle state again. When erasing the image signal transmitted to the printing apparatus 3, the image signal to be erased is erased from the camera image memory unit 23, the processing is terminated, and thereafter, the processing returns to the idle state again.

Whether the image signal transmitted to the printing apparatus 3 is deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging apparatus 2 is set in the imaging apparatus 2 and / or the printing apparatus 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

If the image signal is to be deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the image pickup device 2 after the image signal is transmitted to the printing device 3, the user can specify the image signal to be deleted. It is desirable to keep. In this case, for example, even if the transmission to the printing device 3 is completed, the image signal that is explicitly prohibited from being deleted is not deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 and is retained. To do.

In the image processing apparatus 1A as described above, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is read out and the image signal is read. Is transferred from the imaging apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 3 via the camera attaching / detaching section 26 and the main body attaching / detaching section 31, and is stored in the main body external storage section 33 of the printing apparatus 3. This eliminates the need for the user to save and transfer the image signal, and the imaging device 2 is connected to the printing device 3.
The image signal is automatically transferred, copied, and stored in the printing device 3 automatically and simply by attaching it to the printer 3.

Further, if the image signal is erased from the camera image memory section 23 of the image pickup device 2 after the image signal is transmitted to the printing device 3, the image pickup device 2 is in a state after being attached to the print device 3. , A maximum memory capacity can always be ensured. That is, the imaging device 2 can capture a large number of images at any time after being once attached to the printing device 3.

In the image processing apparatus 1A, after the process of transferring the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed, an image corresponding to the image signal transferred to the printing device 3 is printed. May be printed by the main body printing unit 35. FIG. 3 shows a processing flow in this case.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), a process for printing an image corresponding to the image signal received from the imaging device 2 as necessary (step S2). −6, S2-7, S2-8). That is, after the process of transferring the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed, the printing device 3
Then, a process of printing an image corresponding to the image signal received from the printer as necessary is performed, and thereafter, the process returns to the idle state.

More specifically, the printing apparatus 3 determines in step S2
At -6, it is determined whether or not to print an image corresponding to the image signal received from the imaging device 2. If the image is not to be printed, the process ends and the process returns to the idle state again.
In the case of printing, in step S2-7, predetermined image printing preparation processing is performed, such as performing predetermined signal processing on the image signal to be printed by the main body print signal processing unit 34, and then, in step S2-8. Then, an image corresponding to the image signal received from the imaging device 2 is printed by the main body printing unit 35. Thereafter, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again.

Note that whether or not to print an image corresponding to the image signal transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user. When an image corresponding to the image signal is printed after the image signal is transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, the image to be printed may be specified by the user. That is, only the image specified by the user may be printed, and the image not specified may not be printed.

As described above, when an image corresponding to the image signal transferred to the printing device 3 is printed, the user is not bothered by the operation of printing the image, and the imaging device 2 is printed. By simply attaching the image signal to the printing apparatus 3, the image signals are automatically transferred, copied, and stored in the printing apparatus 3, and the images corresponding to the image signals are automatically printed. This is equivalent to simultaneous printing of silver halide photographs.

When all the images corresponding to the image signals transferred to the printing device 3 are set to be printed, one or more images picked up by the image pickup device 2 are always printed. Therefore, when the image capturing apparatus 2 is attached to the printing apparatus 3, all the images captured by the image capturing apparatus 2 are printed and remain at the user's hand.

[0059] 2. Second Embodiment FIG. 4 shows a second configuration example of an image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

The image processing apparatus 1B shown in FIG. 4 has a camera clock section 27 added to the imaging device 2 side, and the rest is substantially the same as the image processing apparatus 1A shown in FIG.

The image processing apparatus 1B includes a camera imaging unit 2
When the image is captured by the camera 1, the time when the image is captured is measured by the camera clock unit 27. Then, imaging time information, which is information on the time at which the image was captured, is added to the image signal, and the imaging time information is stored in the camera image memory unit 23 together with the image signal.

When the image signal is read from the camera image memory unit 23 and stored in the external storage unit 33, the main body control unit 36 of the image processing apparatus 1B also stores the imaging time information added to the image signal in the camera. It is read from the image memory unit 23 and stored in the main unit external storage unit 33.

In the image processing apparatus 1 B, an image signal captured by the imaging device 2 and stored in the camera image memory unit 23, or transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 and stored in the main unit external storage unit 33. The image signals and the like are distinguished by the imaging time information added to each image signal. That is, in the image processing apparatus 1B, the camera imaging unit 21
When an image is picked up, the image pickup time is detected and recorded together with the image signal, so that each image signal can be distinguished based on the image pickup time information.

Here, it is preferable that the imaging time information has an accuracy smaller than the minimum imaging time interval when an image is captured by the imaging device. Thereby, the imaging device 2
Even if the image pickup is performed at the minimum image pickup time interval, all the images can be distinguished by the image pickup time information.

In the image processing apparatus 1B, the imaging time information is used to distinguish image signals. Therefore, in the following description, when it is emphasized that the imaging time information is information for distinguishing image signals, the imaging time information is referred to as image identification information.

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 1B as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 (a) and FIG. 6 (a)
FIG. 5B shows a processing flow on the imaging device 2 side, and FIG.
FIG. 6B shows a processing flow on the printing apparatus 3 side.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the initial state, the imaging device 2 is in an idle state. At this time, the imaging device 2
Monitors whether or not the detachable portion of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected as shown in step S3-1. In addition,
This monitoring is performed by the camera attaching / detaching unit 26.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are connected, step S
Proceed to 3-2. That is, when the camera attachment / detachment unit 26 detects that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S3-2. At this time, the camera attaching / detaching unit 26 notifies the camera control unit 24 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. With this as a trigger, the camera control unit 24 executes the processing from step S3-2.

On the other hand, the printing device 3 is also in the idle state in the initial state. At this time, the printing device 3 determines in step S4
As shown in -1, it is monitored whether or not the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected. This monitoring is performed by the main body attaching / detaching unit 31.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are connected, step S
Proceed to 4-2. That is, when the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 detects that the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S4-2. At this time, the main body detachable part 3
1 informs the main body control unit 36 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. This triggered
The main body control unit 36 executes the processing after step S4-2.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the imaging device 2 determines in step S3-2 whether to automatically transfer an image. Note that automatically transferring an image means that an image signal of an image captured by the imaging device 2 is output to the printing device when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 without any special instruction input from the user. 3
It is to transfer to. Note that whether or not to automatically transfer an image is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

When the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 returns to the idle state again. That is, in a case where the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even if the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3. On the other hand, if the image is to be automatically transferred, the process proceeds to step S3-3, where the image signal is transmitted. The transmission process here will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

When the imaging device 2 is mounted on the printing device 3, the printing device 3 determines whether or not to automatically transfer an image in step S4-2. And
If the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. That is, when the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even when the imaging device 2 is attached. On the other hand, if the image is to be automatically transferred, step S
Proceeding to 4-4, a receiving process of the image signal is performed. The reception process here will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

After the image signal transmission / reception processing between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 is completed by the processes in steps S3-3 and S4-3, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. On the other hand, in steps S3-4 and S3-5, the imaging device 2 performs a process of deleting the image signal transmitted to the printing device 3 as necessary, and then returns to the idle state again. Specifically, the imaging device 2
In step S3-4, it is determined whether or not the image signal transmitted to the printing apparatus 3 is to be erased. If the image signal is not to be erased, the process is terminated, and the process returns to the idle state again.
When erasing the image signal transmitted to the printing apparatus 3, the image signal to be erased is erased from the camera image memory unit 23, the processing is terminated, and thereafter, the processing returns to the idle state again.

It should be noted that whether or not the image signal transmitted to the printing device 3 is deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

When the image signal is to be deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 after the image signal is transmitted to the printing device 3, the user can specify the image signal to be deleted. It is desirable to keep. In this case, for example, even if the transmission to the printing device 3 is completed, the image signal that is explicitly prohibited from being deleted is not deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 and is retained. To do.

Next, the image signal transmitting process performed in step S3-3 and the image signal receiving process performed in step S4-3 (these processes will be collectively referred to as image signal transmitting and receiving processes in the following description). Will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 6 (a)
Is a processing flow on the imaging apparatus 2 side, and is performed in step S3.
-3 corresponds to the image signal transmission processing performed. FIG. 6B is a processing flow on the printing apparatus 3 side, and corresponds to the image signal receiving processing performed in step S4-3.

The image signal transmission / reception processing is performed for each image. That is, the processing of steps S5-1 to S5-4 in the image signal transmission processing shown in FIG. 6A and the step S6 in the image signal reception processing shown in FIG.
The processing of -1 to S6-6 is performed for each image signal corresponding to one image, and is repeatedly performed until the processing of all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed.

In the image signal transmission / reception processing, the imaging device 2
First transmits the image identification information to the printing device 3 as shown in step S5-1. On the other hand, the printing device 3 receives the image identification information from the imaging device 2 as shown in step S6-1. At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal to the imaging device 2 for confirming that the image identification information has been transferred. Here, the image identification information transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is imaging time information added to the image signal.

Next, in step S6-2, the printing apparatus 3 determines whether the image identification information received in step S6-1 and the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main body external storage unit 33 (step S6-2). That is, it compares the information with the imaging time information.

Then, the printing apparatus 3 proceeds to step S6-3.
In step S6, the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the external storage unit 33 includes
It is determined whether or not there is any one that matches the image identification information received in step -1. If there is no match, the process proceeds to step S6-4. If there is a match, the process proceeds to step S6-6.

In step S6-4, the printer 3
Transmits to the imaging device 2 a transmission request signal requesting transmission of the image signal to which the image identification information received in step S6-1 is added. In response to this, in step S5-2, the imaging device 2 performs image signal transmission confirmation processing, and returns a request confirmation signal for confirming that the image signal transmission request has been accepted to the printing device 3.

Next, in step S5-3, the imaging device 2 transmits an image signal requested by the printing device 3 to the printing device 3. In response to this, the printing device 3 performs an image signal receiving process as shown in step S6-5. At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal for confirming that the image signal has been transferred to the imaging device 2.

When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed by the processing in steps S5-3 and S6-5, the imaging device 2 proceeds to step S5-4.
Performs image signal transmission completion processing. Specifically, 1
A process of transmitting a completion notification signal indicating that the transmission of the image signal for the image has been completed to the printing device 3 and a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal for one image has been completed is received from the printing device 3. Perform processing, etc. Also, the imaging device 2
When the transfer of the image signal from the printer to the printing apparatus 3 is completed, the printing apparatus 3 performs an image signal reception completion process in step S6-6. Specifically, a process of receiving a completion notification signal indicating that transmission of the image signal for one image is completed from the imaging device 2 and a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal for one image is completed are performed. For example, processing for sending the image data to the imaging device 2 is performed.

In step S 6-3, among the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main unit external storage unit 33, one that matches the image identification information received in step S 6-1 If there is, the image signal to which the image identification information received in step S6-1 is added is determined to be already stored in the main unit external storage unit 33, and the image signal is determined by the camera image memory. The process of reading from the unit 23 and storing it in the external storage unit 33 is not performed. In that case, steps S5-2 and S5
-3 and the processes in steps S6-4 and S6-5 are skipped, and the process immediately proceeds to steps S5-4 and S6.
Perform image signal transmission / reception completion processing in -6. At this time, in step S6-6, the printing device 3 sends a completion confirmation signal to the imaging device 2 for confirming that the reception of the image signal has already been completed.

With the above processing, the transfer processing from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 for the image signal corresponding to one image is completed. Then, the above processing is repeated until the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed. That is, step S5
In -5, all the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is compared with the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main unit external storage unit 33. It is determined whether or not the comparison is completed, and the above-described processing is repeated until all the comparisons are completed.

When the processing has been completed for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23, the process proceeds to steps S5-6 and S6-7.

In step S5-6, the imaging device 2
Performs image signal transmission end processing. More specifically, an end notification signal indicating that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is transmitted to the printing apparatus 3, and it is confirmed that the end notification signal has been received. From the printing device 3 to confirm the completion. With the above processing, the imaging device 2 ends the image signal transmission processing.

On the other hand, in step S6-7, the printing device 3 performs an image signal reception termination process. Specifically, to receive from the imaging device 2 an end notification indicating that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed, and to confirm that the end notification signal has been received. Is transmitted to the imaging device 2.

Then, the printing apparatus 3 proceeds to step S6-8.
, It is determined whether or not an end notification signal has been received.
If the end notification signal has not been received yet, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has not been completed yet, and thus the above-described processing is repeated. On the other hand, when the end notification signal is received, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed. The signal reception processing ends.

In the image processing apparatus 1B described above, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is read out, and the image signal Is transferred from the imaging apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 3 via the camera attaching / detaching section 26 and the main body attaching / detaching section 31, and is stored in the main body external storage section 33 of the printing apparatus 3. This eliminates the need for the user to save and transfer the image signal, and the imaging device 2 is connected to the printing device 3.
The image signal is automatically transferred, copied, and stored in the printing device 3 automatically and simply by attaching it to the printer 3.

Further, in the image processing apparatus 1B, when the image signal is read out from the camera image memory unit 23 and transferred to the external storage unit 33, the image signal is stored in the external storage unit using the image identification information (that is, the imaging time information). It is determined whether or not the image signal has already been stored in the unit 33. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1B, the inconvenience of repeatedly storing the same image signal in the main body external storage unit 33 can be avoided.

In other words, in this image processing apparatus 1B,
Only the image signals not yet stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 are transferred from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 to the main unit external storage unit 3 of the printing device 3 without bothering the user.
3 can be transferred and stored.

Further, if the image signal is erased from the camera image memory unit 23 of the image pickup device 2 after the image signal is transmitted to the printing device 3, the image pickup device 2 is in a state after being attached to the print device 3. , A maximum memory capacity can always be ensured. That is, the imaging device 2 can capture a large number of images at any time after being once attached to the printing device 3.

In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described with reference to the processing flow of FIG. 3, the process of transferring an image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is performed. After the completion of the above, an image corresponding to the image signal transferred to the printing device 3 may be printed by the printing device 3.

As a result, the user is not bothered by the operation of printing the image, and the image signal is automatically transferred to the printing device 3 automatically and reliably by simply attaching the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3. Images that are stored and corresponding to those image signals are automatically printed.

In the present embodiment, the image signal determined to be already stored in the main body external storage unit 33 is
The processing for reading out the image signal from the camera image memory unit 23 and storing it in the external storage unit 33 is not performed. Therefore, when automatically printing an image when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, it is preferable to print only an image corresponding to the image signal newly transferred to the printing device 3.

As described above, if only the image corresponding to the image signal newly transferred to the printing apparatus 3 is printed, useless printing can be avoided. That is, an image that is automatically printed when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 is stored in the camera image memory unit 23 before the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, and is stored outside the main body. Only the image corresponding to the image signal that has not been stored in the storage unit 33 can be avoided, and the inconvenience of repeatedly printing the same image can be avoided.

[0099] 3. Third Embodiment FIG. 7 shows a third configuration example of an image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

In the image processing apparatus 1C shown in FIG. 7, a unique number assigned to the image pickup device 2 is recorded in the camera control section 24 of the image pickup device 2. That is, in the image processing apparatus 1C, the camera control unit 24 of the imaging device 2 also serves as unique information recording means in which unique information uniquely attached to the imaging device 2 is recorded. The other configuration is substantially the same as that of the image processing apparatus 1B shown in FIG.

In this example, a unique number uniquely assigned to the imaging device 2 is used. The format of the unique information uniquely assigned to the imaging device 2 depends on the model name and manufacturing Any format may be used as long as it can identify the imaging device 2, such as a unique symbol and / or number that can be distinguished by a number or the like.

This image processing apparatus 1C includes a camera imaging unit 2
When the image is captured by the camera 1, the time when the image is captured is measured by the camera clock unit 27. Then, the imaging time information, which is information relating to the time at which the image was captured, is added to the image signal, and a unique number uniquely assigned to the imaging device 2 is also added to the image signal. These are also stored in the camera image memory unit 23 together with the image signals.

When the image signal is read from the camera image memory unit 23 and stored in the main unit external storage unit 33, the main unit control unit 36 of the image processing device 1C The number is also read from the camera image memory unit 23 and stored in the external storage unit 33.

In the image processing apparatus 1C, an image signal captured by the imaging device 2 and stored in the camera image memory unit 23, or an image signal transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 and stored in the main unit external storage unit 33. Image signals and the like are distinguished by imaging time information and a unique number added to each image signal. That is, in the image processing apparatus 1C, when an image is captured by the camera imaging unit 21, the image capturing time of the image and the unique number of the image capturing apparatus 2 are detected and recorded together with the image signal. An image signal can be distinguished based on imaging time information and a unique number.

Here, it is preferable that the imaging time information has an accuracy smaller than the minimum imaging time interval when an image is captured by the imaging device. Thereby, the imaging device 2
Even if the image pickup is performed at the minimum image pickup time interval, all the images can be distinguished by the image pickup time information.

In the image processing apparatus 1C, the imaging time information and the unique number are used to distinguish image signals.
Therefore, in the following description, when it is emphasized that the imaging time information and the unique number are information for distinguishing image signals, the imaging time information and the unique number will be referred to as image identification information.

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 1C as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In addition, FIG. 8A and FIG.
FIG. 8B shows a processing flow on the imaging device 2 side, and FIG.
FIG. 9B shows a processing flow on the printing apparatus 3 side.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the initial state, the imaging device 2 is in an idle state. At this time, the imaging device 2
Monitors whether or not the detachable portion of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected as shown in step S7-1. In addition,
This monitoring is performed by the camera attaching / detaching unit 26.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and when they are connected, step S
Proceed to 7-2. That is, when the camera attachment / detachment unit 26 detects that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S7-2. At this time, the camera attaching / detaching unit 26 notifies the camera control unit 24 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. With this as a trigger, the camera control unit 24 executes the processing of step S7-2 and thereafter.

On the other hand, the printing apparatus 3 is also idle in the initial state. At this time, the printing device 3 performs step S8.
As shown in -1, it is monitored whether or not the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected. This monitoring is performed by the main body attaching / detaching unit 31.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are connected, step S
Proceed to 8-2. That is, when the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 detects that the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S8-2. At this time, the main body detachable part 3
1 informs the main body control unit 36 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. This triggered
The main body control unit 36 executes the processing after step S8-2.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, in step S7-2, the imaging device 2 determines whether to automatically transfer an image. Note that automatically transferring an image means that an image signal of an image captured by the imaging device 2 is output to the printing device when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 without any special instruction input from the user. 3
It is to transfer to. Note that whether or not to automatically transfer an image is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

If the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 returns to the idle state again. That is, in a case where the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even if the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3. On the other hand, if the image is to be transferred automatically, the process proceeds to step S7-3, where the image signal is transmitted. The transmission process here will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

When the imaging device 2 is mounted on the printing device 3, the printing device 3 determines whether or not to automatically transfer an image in step S8-2. And
If the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. That is, when the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even when the imaging device 2 is attached. On the other hand, if the image is to be automatically transferred, step S
Proceeding to 8-4, an image signal receiving process is performed. The reception process here will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

After the image signal transmission / reception processing between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 is completed by the processes in steps S7-3 and S8-3, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. On the other hand, in steps S7-4 and S7-5, the imaging device 2 performs a process of deleting the image signal transmitted to the printing device 3 as necessary, and then returns to the idle state again. Specifically, the imaging device 2
In step S7-4, it is determined whether or not the image signal transmitted to the printing apparatus 3 is to be erased. If the image signal is not to be erased, the process is terminated, and the process returns to the idle state again.
When erasing the image signal transmitted to the printing apparatus 3, the image signal to be erased is erased from the camera image memory unit 23, the processing is terminated, and thereafter, the processing returns to the idle state again.

It should be noted that whether or not the image signal transmitted to the printing device 3 is deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

If the image signal is to be deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the image pickup device 2 after the image signal is transmitted to the printing device 3, the user can specify the image signal to be deleted. It is desirable to keep. In this case, for example, even if the transmission to the printing device 3 is completed, the image signal that is explicitly prohibited from being deleted is not deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 and is retained. To do.

Next, the image signal transmitting process performed in step S7-3 and the image signal receiving process performed in step S8-3 (these processes are collectively referred to as an image signal transmitting / receiving process in the following description). Will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 9 (a)
Is a processing flow on the imaging device 2 side, and is performed in step S7.
-3 corresponds to the image signal transmission processing performed. FIG. 9B is a processing flow on the printing apparatus 3 side, and corresponds to the image signal receiving processing performed in step S8-3.

The image signal transmission / reception processing is performed for each image. That is, steps S9-1 to S9-4 in the image signal transmission process shown in FIG. 9A and step S1 in the image signal reception process shown in FIG. 9B.
The processing of 0-1 to S10-6 is performed for each image signal corresponding to one image, and is repeatedly performed until the processing of all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed.

In the image signal transmission / reception processing, the imaging device 2
First transmits the image identification information to the printing device 3 as shown in step S9-1. On the other hand, the printing device 3 receives the image identification information from the imaging device 2 as shown in step S10-1. At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal to the imaging device 2 for confirming that the image identification information has been transferred. Here, the image identification information transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is imaging time information and a unique number added to the image signal.

Next, the printing device 3 executes step S10-2.
In step S10-1, the image identification information received in step S10-1 is compared with the image identification information (that is, the imaging time information and the unique number) added to the image signal stored in the external storage unit 33.

Then, the printing apparatus 3 proceeds to step S10-
In step S3, the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main body external storage unit 33 includes step S
It is determined whether or not there is any matching image identification information received in 10-1. If there is no match, the process proceeds to step S10-4. If there is a match, the process proceeds to step S10-6.

In step S10-4, the printer 3
Transmits to the imaging device 2 a transmission request signal requesting to transmit the image signal to which the image identification information received in step S10-1 is added. In response to this, in step S9-2, the imaging device 2 performs an image signal transmission confirmation process, and returns a request confirmation signal for confirming that the image signal transmission request has been received to the printing device 3.

Next, in step S9-3, the imaging device 2 transmits an image signal requested by the printing device 3 to the printing device 3. In response to this, the printing device 3 performs an image signal receiving process as shown in step S10-5.
At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal for confirming that the image signal has been transferred to the imaging device 2.

Step S9-3 and step S10-5
When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed by the process in step S9, the imaging device 2 proceeds to step S9-
At 4, an image signal transmission completion process is performed. In particular,
A process of sending a completion notification signal indicating that the transmission of the image signal for one image has been completed to the printing device 3 and a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal for one image has been completed are transmitted from the printing device 3. Perform the receiving process. When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed, the printing device 3 performs an image signal reception completion process in step S10-6. Specifically, a process of receiving a completion notification signal indicating that transmission of the image signal for one image is completed from the imaging device 2 and a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal for one image is completed are performed. For example, processing for sending the image data to the imaging device 2 is performed.

In step S10-3, if the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 matches the image identification information received in step S10-1. If there is, the image signal to which the image identification information received in step S10-1 is added is determined to be already stored in the main unit external storage unit 33, and the image signal is determined by the camera image memory. The process of reading from the unit 23 and storing it in the external storage unit 33 is not performed. In that case, step S9-
2, processing in S9-3, and steps S10-4, S1
The processing at 0-5 is skipped, and the image signal transmission / reception completion processing at steps S9-4 and S10-6 is immediately performed. At this time, the printing device 3 sends a completion confirmation signal to the imaging device 2 to confirm that the reception of the image signal has already been completed in step S10-6.

By the above processing, the transfer processing from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 for the image signal corresponding to one image is completed. Then, the above processing is repeated until the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed. That is, step S9
In -5, all the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is compared with the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main unit external storage unit 33. It is determined whether or not the comparison is completed, and the above-described processing is repeated until all the comparisons are completed.

When the processing has been completed for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23, the process proceeds to steps S9-6 and S10-7.

In step S9-6, the image pickup device 2
Performs image signal transmission end processing. More specifically, an end notification signal indicating that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is transmitted to the printing apparatus 3, and it is confirmed that the end notification signal has been received. From the printing device 3 to confirm the completion. With the above processing, the imaging device 2 ends the image signal transmission processing.

On the other hand, in step S10-7, the printing device 3 performs an image signal reception termination process. In particular,
An end notification indicating that the processing for all image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is received from the imaging device 2, and an end confirmation signal for confirming that the end notification signal has been received is transmitted. Imaging device 2
To send to.

Then, the printing apparatus 3 proceeds to step S10-
At 8, it is determined whether an end notification signal has been received. If the end notification signal has not been received yet, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has not been completed yet, and thus the above-described processing is repeated. On the other hand, when the end notification signal is received, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed. The signal reception processing ends.

In the image processing apparatus 1C as described above, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is read out and the image signal is read. Is transferred from the imaging apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 3 via the camera attaching / detaching section 26 and the main body attaching / detaching section 31, and is stored in the main body external storage section 33 of the printing apparatus 3. This eliminates the need for the user to save and transfer the image signal, and the imaging device 2 is connected to the printing device 3.
The image signal is automatically transferred, copied, and stored in the printing device 3 automatically and simply by attaching it to the printer 3.

Further, in the image processing apparatus 1C, when the image signal is read from the camera image memory unit 23 and transferred to the main unit external storage unit 33, the image signal is read using the image identification information (that is, the imaging time information and the unique number). Main unit external storage unit 3
It is determined whether or not an image signal has already been stored in 3. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1C, it is possible to avoid a disadvantage that the same image signal is repeatedly stored in the external storage unit 33.

In other words, in this image processing apparatus 1C,
Only the image signals not yet stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 are transferred from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 to the main unit external storage unit 3 of the printing device 3 without bothering the user.
3 can be transferred and stored.

In addition, since the image processing apparatus 1C uses not only the imaging time information but also the unique number as the image identification information, it is determined whether or not the image signal is already stored in the main body external storage unit 33. Can be performed more reliably.

Furthermore, if the image signal is deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the image pickup device 2 after the image signal is transmitted to the printing device 3, the image pickup device 2 will be in a state after being attached to the print device 3. , A maximum memory capacity can always be ensured. That is, the imaging device 2 can capture a large number of images at any time after being once attached to the printing device 3.

In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described with reference to the processing flow of FIG. 3, the process of transferring an image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is performed. After the completion of the above, an image corresponding to the image signal transferred to the printing device 3 may be printed by the printing device 3.

As a result, the user does not have to be bothered by the operation of printing an image. Just by attaching the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, the image signal is automatically transferred to the printing device 3 without fail. Images that are stored and corresponding to those image signals are automatically printed.

In the present embodiment, the image signal determined to be already stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 is
The processing for reading out the image signal from the camera image memory unit 23 and storing it in the external storage unit 33 is not performed. Therefore, when automatically printing an image when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, it is preferable to print only an image corresponding to the image signal newly transferred to the printing device 3.

As described above, if only the image corresponding to the image signal newly transferred to the printing apparatus 3 is printed, useless printing can be avoided. That is, an image that is automatically printed when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 is stored in the camera image memory unit 23 before the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, and is stored outside the main body. Only the image corresponding to the image signal that has not been stored in the storage unit 33 can be avoided, and the inconvenience of repeatedly printing the same image can be avoided.

[0141] 4. Fourth Embodiment In the third embodiment, the unique number of the imaging device 2 is recorded together with all the image signals as additional information of the captured image. It is not necessary to record it in addition to the image signal.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the unique number of the imaging device 2 is read by the main body control unit 36 of the printing device 3, and at that time, the imaging device 2 Are used as additional information of the image signal. That is, at the stage when the image signal is stored in the camera image memory unit 23, the image signal is recorded without adding a unique number. Then, at the stage where the image signal is read from the camera image memory unit 23 and stored in the main unit external storage unit 33, the unique number of the imaging device 2 is added to the image signal. In this case, at the stage when the image signal is stored in the camera image memory unit 23, the image signal is not added with the unique number, so that the amount of memory required for recording the unique number can be reduced. Can be.

FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of such an image processing apparatus (ie, a fourth configuration example of the image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied). In the image processing apparatus 1D shown in FIG. 10, a unique number uniquely assigned to the imaging device 2 is recorded in the camera control unit 24 of the imaging device 2. That is, in the image processing apparatus 1D, the camera control unit 24 of the imaging device 2 also functions as unique information recording means in which unique information uniquely attached to the imaging device 2 is recorded.
The other configuration is substantially the same as that of the image processing apparatus 1B shown in FIG.

In this example, a unique number uniquely assigned to the imaging device 2 is used. The format of the unique information uniquely assigned to the imaging device 2 depends on the model name of the imaging device 2 and the manufacturing method. Any format may be used as long as it can identify the imaging device 2, such as a unique symbol and / or number that can be distinguished by a number or the like.

The image processing apparatus 1D includes a camera imaging unit 2
When the image is captured by the camera 1, the time when the image is captured is measured by the camera clock unit 27. Then, imaging time information, which is information on the time at which the image was captured, is added to the image signal, and the imaging time information is also stored in the camera image memory unit 23 together with the image signal.

When the image signal is read out from the camera image memory unit 23 and stored in the external memory unit 33, the image capturing time information added to the image signal is also stored in the camera control unit 36 of the image processing apparatus 1D. It is read from the image memory unit 23 and stored in the main unit external storage unit 33. Further, when reading the image signal from the camera image memory unit 23 and storing it in the main unit external storage unit 33, the main body control unit 36 of the image processing apparatus 1D reads out the unique number recorded in the camera control unit 24, The unique number is added to the signal, and the unique number is also stored in the external storage unit 33 together with the image signal.

In the image processing apparatus 1D, an image signal captured by the image capturing apparatus 2 and stored in the camera image memory unit 23, or an image signal transferred from the image capturing apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 3 and stored in the main unit external storage unit 33. The image signals and the like are distinguished by the imaging time information added to each image signal and the unique number recorded in the camera control unit 24 of the imaging device 2.

Here, it is preferable that the imaging time information has an accuracy smaller than the minimum imaging time interval when an image is captured by the imaging device. Thereby, the imaging device 2
Even if the image pickup is performed at the minimum image pickup time interval, all the images can be distinguished by the image pickup time information.

In the image processing apparatus 1D, the imaging time information and the unique number are used to distinguish image signals.
Therefore, in the following description, when it is emphasized that the imaging time information and the unique number are information for distinguishing image signals, the imaging time information and the unique number will be referred to as image identification information.

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 1D as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Note that FIG. 11A and FIG.
(A) shows a processing flow on the imaging device 2 side,
FIGS. 11B and 12B show a processing flow on the printing device 3 side.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the initial state,
The imaging device 2 is in an idle state. At this time, the imaging device 2 monitors whether or not the detachable part of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 have been connected as shown in step S11-1. This monitoring is performed by the camera attaching / detaching unit 26.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are in the connected state, step S
Proceed to 11-2. That is, when the camera attachment / detachment unit 26 detects that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S11-2. At this time, the camera attaching / detaching unit 26 notifies the camera control unit 24 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. With this as a trigger, the camera control unit 24 executes the processing of step S11-2 and thereafter.

On the other hand, the printing device 3 is also idle in the initial state. At this time, the printing device 3 performs step S1
As shown in 2-1, it is monitored whether or not the detachable portion of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected. This monitoring is performed by the main body attaching / detaching unit 31.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are connected, step S
Proceed to 12-2. That is, when the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 detects that the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S12-2. At this time, the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 notifies the main body control unit 36 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. This triggered
The main body control unit 36 executes the processing after step S12-2.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the imaging device 2 determines whether or not to automatically transfer an image in step S11-2. Note that automatically transferring an image means that an image signal of an image captured by the imaging device 2 is output to the printing device when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 without any special instruction input from the user. 3 is transferred. Note that whether or not to automatically transfer an image is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

When the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 returns to the idle state again. That is, in a case where the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even if the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3. On the other hand, if the image is to be transferred automatically, the process proceeds to step S11-3, where the image signal is transmitted. Note that the transmission processing here is described in FIG.
This will be described in detail later.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the printing device 3 determines whether or not to automatically transfer an image in step S12-2. And
If the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. That is, when the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even when the imaging device 2 is attached. On the other hand, if the image is to be automatically transferred, step S
Proceeding to 12-4, a process of receiving an image signal is performed. The reception process here will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Steps S11-3 and S12-
After the image signal transmission / reception processing between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 is completed by the process in 3, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. On the other hand, in steps S11-4 and S11-5, the imaging device 2 performs a process of deleting the image signal transmitted to the printing device 3 as necessary, and then returns to the idle state again. Specifically, the imaging device 2 determines in step S11-4 that the printing device 3
It is determined whether or not to erase the image signal transmitted in step (1). If the image signal is not to be erased, the process is terminated, and the process returns to the idle state again. When deleting the image signal transmitted to the printing device 3, the image signal to be deleted is stored in the camera image memory unit 23.
Then, the process is terminated after erasing from, and then returns to the idle state again.

It should be noted that whether or not the image signal transmitted to the printing device 3 is to be deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

If the image signal is to be deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the image pickup device 2 after the image signal is transmitted to the printing device 3, the user can specify the image signal to be deleted. It is desirable to keep. In this case, for example, even if the transmission to the printing device 3 is completed, the image signal that is explicitly prohibited from being deleted is not deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 and is retained. To do.

Next, the image signal transmission processing performed in step S11-3 and the image signal reception processing performed in step S12-3 (these processings are collectively referred to as image signal transmission and reception processing in the following description). About FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG.
2 (a) is a processing flow on the imaging device 2 side, and corresponds to the image signal transmission processing performed in step S11-3. FIG. 12B is a processing flow on the printing apparatus 3 side, and corresponds to the image signal receiving processing performed in step S12-3.

The image signal transmission / reception processing is performed for each image. That is, the processes of steps S13-2 to S13-5 in the image signal transmission process shown in FIG. 12A and the processes of steps S14-2 to S14-7 in the image signal reception process shown in FIG. The processing is performed for each image signal corresponding to one image, and is repeatedly performed until the processing of all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed.

In the image signal transmission / reception processing, the imaging device 2
Transmits the unique number to the printing device 3 as shown in step S13-1. On the other hand, the printing device 3 receives the unique number from the imaging device 2 as shown in step S14-1. At this time, the printing device 3 sends a transfer confirmation signal for confirming that the unique number has been transferred to the imaging device 2.
To return. Here, the unique number transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is a unique number recorded in the camera control unit 24 of the imaging device 2. Use as information.

Next, the image pickup apparatus 2 executes step S13-2.
, The imaging time information is transmitted to the printing apparatus 3.
On the other hand, the printing device 3 receives the imaging time information from the imaging device 2 as shown in step S14-2. At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal to the imaging device 2 for confirming that the imaging time information has been transferred. Here, the imaging time information transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is imaging time information added to the image signal, and the image processing device 1D also uses this imaging time information as image identification information. .

Next, the printing device 3 executes step S14-3.
In step S14-1 and step S14-2, the image identification information (that is, the imaging time information and the unique number) received in steps S14-1 and S14-2 and the image identification information that is added to the image signal stored in the main body external storage unit 33 (that is, the imaging (Time information and unique number).

Then, the printing apparatus 3 proceeds to step S14-
In step S4, the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the external storage unit 33 includes the step S
It is determined whether or not there is any matching image identification information received in 14-1 and S14-2. If there is no match, the process proceeds to step S14-5. If there is a match, the process proceeds to step S14-7.

In step S14-5, the printer 3
Transmits a transmission request signal for requesting transmission of the image signal to which the image identification information (that is, imaging time information) received in step S14-2 is added, to the imaging device 2. In response to this, the imaging device 2 performs step S13-
In step 3, an image signal transmission confirmation process is performed, and a request confirmation signal for confirming that an image signal transmission request has been received is returned to the printing apparatus 3.

Next, in step S13-4, the imaging device 2 transmits an image signal requested by the printing device 3 to the printing device 3. In response to this, the printing device 3 performs an image signal receiving process as shown in step S14-6. At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal for confirming that the image signal has been transferred to the imaging device 2.

Steps S13-4 and S14-
When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed by the processing in 6, the imaging device 2 proceeds to step S1
At step 3-5, an image signal transmission completion process is performed. More specifically, a process of transmitting a completion notification signal indicating that the transmission of the image signal for one image has been completed to the printing apparatus 3 and a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal for one image has been completed. And the like from the printing apparatus 3. When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed, the printing device 3 performs an image signal reception completion process in step S14-7. Specifically, a process of receiving a completion notification signal indicating that transmission of the image signal for one image is completed from the imaging device 2 and a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal for one image is completed are performed. For example, processing for sending the image data to the imaging device 2 is performed.

In step S14-4, the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 includes steps S14-1 and S1.
If there is one that matches the image identification information received in 4-2, the image signal to which the imaging time information received in step S14-2 is added is output to the main unit external storage unit 33.
It is determined that the image signal has already been stored, and the process of reading the image signal from the camera image memory unit 23 and storing it in the main unit external storage unit 33 is not performed. In that case, the processing in steps S13-3 and S13-4 and the processing in steps S14-5 and S14-6 are skipped, and the image signal transmission / reception completion processing in steps S13-5 and S14-7 is immediately performed. At this time, the printing device 3 sends a completion confirmation signal to the imaging device 2 to confirm that the reception of the image signal has already been completed in step S14-7.

The above processing (steps S13-2 to S13)
-5, and the processing of steps S14-2 to S14-7), the image capturing apparatus 2
From the printer to the printing apparatus 3 is completed. Then, the above processing is repeated until the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed. That is, in step S13-6, all the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is stored in the main unit external storage unit 33.
It is determined whether the comparison with the image identification information added to the image signal stored in is completed, and the above processing is repeated until all the comparisons are completed.

When the processing has been completed for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23, the flow advances to steps S13-7 and S14-8.

In step S13-7, the image pickup device 2
Performs image signal transmission end processing. More specifically, an end notification signal indicating that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is transmitted to the printing apparatus 3, and it is confirmed that the end notification signal has been received. From the printing device 3 to confirm the completion. With the above processing, the imaging device 2 ends the image signal transmission processing.

On the other hand, in step S14-8, the printing device 3 performs an image signal reception termination process. In particular,
An end notification indicating that the processing for all image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is received from the imaging device 2, and an end confirmation signal for confirming that the end notification signal has been received is transmitted. Imaging device 2
To send to.

Then, the printing apparatus 3 determines in step S14-
At 9, it is determined whether or not an end notification signal has been received. If the end notification signal has not yet been received, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has not been completed yet, so the above-described processing (steps S13-2 to S13) -5 and steps S14-2 to S14-7) are repeated. On the other hand, when the end notification signal is received, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed. The signal reception processing ends.

In the image processing apparatus 1D as described above, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is read out and the image signal is read. Is transferred from the imaging apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 3 via the camera attaching / detaching section 26 and the main body attaching / detaching section 31, and is stored in the main body external storage section 33 of the printing apparatus 3. This eliminates the need for the user to save and transfer the image signal, and the imaging device 2 is connected to the printing device 3.
The image signal is automatically transferred, copied, and stored in the printing device 3 automatically and simply by attaching it to the printer 3.

Further, in the image processing apparatus 1D, when the image signal is read from the camera image memory unit 23 and transferred to the main unit external storage unit 33, the image signal is read using the image identification information (that is, the imaging time information and the unique number). Main unit external storage unit 3
It is determined whether or not an image signal has already been stored in 3. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1D, the inconvenience of repeatedly storing the same image signal in the main body external storage unit 33 can be avoided. In other words, in the image processing apparatus 1D, only the image signals that have not yet been stored in the main body external storage unit 33 are transferred from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging apparatus 2 to the main body of the printing apparatus 3 without bothering the user. The data can be transferred and stored in the external storage unit 33.

Further, since the image processing apparatus 1D uses not only the imaging time information but also the unique number as the image identification information, it is determined whether or not the image signal has already been stored in the main unit external storage unit 33. Can be performed more reliably. Moreover, in the image processing device 1D, the imaging device 2
Is attached to the printing device 3, the unique number of the imaging device 2 is read by the main body control unit 36 of the printing device 3,
At that time, the unique number of the imaging device 2 is used as additional information of the image signal. Therefore, when the image signal is stored in the camera image memory unit 23, it is not necessary to add a unique number to the image signal, and the amount of memory required for recording the unique number can be reduced.

Further, if the image signal is erased from the camera image memory unit 23 of the image pickup device 2 after the image signal is transmitted to the printing device 3, the image pickup device 2 is in a state after being attached to the print device 3. , A maximum memory capacity can always be ensured. That is, the imaging device 2 can capture a large number of images at any time after being once attached to the printing device 3.

In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described with reference to the processing flow of FIG. 3, the process of transferring the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is performed. After the completion of the above, an image corresponding to the image signal transferred to the printing device 3 may be printed by the printing device 3.

As a result, the user is not bothered by the operation of printing an image, and the image signal is automatically transferred to the printing device 3 automatically, reliably by simply attaching the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3. Images that are stored and corresponding to those image signals are automatically printed.

In the present embodiment, the image signal determined to be already stored in the main body external storage unit 33 is
The processing for reading out the image signal from the camera image memory unit 23 and storing it in the external storage unit 33 is not performed. Therefore, when automatically printing an image when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, it is preferable to print only an image corresponding to the image signal newly transferred to the printing device 3.

As described above, if only the image corresponding to the image signal newly transferred to the printing apparatus 3 is printed, useless printing can be avoided. That is, an image that is automatically printed when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 is stored in the camera image memory unit 23 before the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, and is stored outside the main body. Only the image corresponding to the image signal that has not been stored in the storage unit 33 can be avoided, and the inconvenience of repeatedly printing the same image can be avoided.

[0184] 5. Fifth Embodiment A fifth configuration example of the image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied is shown in FIG.
Shown in

The image processing apparatus 1E shown in FIG. 13 has a camera position detecting unit 28 added to the image pickup apparatus 2 side, and the rest is substantially the same as the image processing apparatus 1B shown in FIG. .

The camera position detecting section 28 provided in the image pickup device 2 of the image processing apparatus 1E is a position information detecting means for detecting the image pickup position of the image when the image is picked up by the camera image pickup section 21.

As a method of detecting the image pickup position by the camera position detection unit 28, for example, a method of detecting a position mainly outdoors with an accuracy of several cm to several meters is a method using a GPS (radio wave from an artificial satellite). Global Positioning System)
Latitude and longitude measurements. As a commercially available product of such a measuring instrument using GPS, for example, a PC card navigation system “PACY-CN” manufactured by Sony Corporation is available.
V10 "and Jupiter of SPA (System Producer Associates). In addition, several mm ~
Methods that can be used mainly for indoor position detection with an accuracy of several centimeters include methods such as position measurement using a pair of modulated magnetic field source and magnetic field sensor, and position measurement using a pair of modulated ultrasonic sound source and ultrasonic sensor. No. As a commercially available product of such a measuring device, for example, as a three-dimensional position sensor using a magnetic field, a 3 SPACE series “Fast” of Pohimus, USA
rak ".

The image processing apparatus 1E includes a camera image pickup unit 2
When an image is captured by the camera 1, the time at which the image was captured is measured by the camera clock unit 27, and the position at which the image was captured is detected by the camera position detection unit 28. Then, imaging time information, which is information on the time at which the image was captured, and imaging position information, which is information on the position at which the image was captured, are added to the image signal, and these are stored in the camera image memory unit 23 together with the image signal.

When the image signal is read from the camera image memory unit 23 and stored in the external storage unit 33, the main body control unit 36 of the image processing apparatus 1E stores the imaging time information and the imaging time information added to the image signal. The position information is also read from the camera image memory unit 23 and stored in the main unit external storage unit 33.

In the image processing apparatus 1E, an image signal captured by the imaging device 2 and stored in the camera image memory unit 23, or an image signal transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 and stored in the main unit external storage unit 33. Image signals and the like are distinguished by imaging time information and imaging position information added to each image signal. That is, in this image processing apparatus 1E,
When an image is captured by the camera imaging unit 21, the image capturing time and the image capturing position of the image are detected and recorded together with the image signal, so that each image signal is captured based on the image capturing time information and the image capturing position information. Be distinguishable.

Here, it is preferable that the imaging time information be set to an accuracy smaller than the minimum imaging time interval when an image is captured by the imaging device. Thereby, the imaging device 2
Even if the image pickup is performed at the minimum image pickup time interval, all the images can be distinguished by the image pickup time information.

In the image processing apparatus 1E, the imaging time information and the imaging position information are used to distinguish image signals. Therefore, in the following description, when it is emphasized that the imaging time information and the imaging position signal are information for distinguishing image signals, the imaging time information and the imaging position information are referred to as image identification information. I do.

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 1C as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 (a) and FIG.
(A) shows a processing flow on the imaging device 2 side,
FIG. 14B and FIG. 15B show a processing flow on the printing device 3 side.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the initial state,
The imaging device 2 is in an idle state. At this time, the imaging device 2 monitors whether or not the attachment / detachment portion of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected as shown in step S15-1. This monitoring is performed by the camera attaching / detaching unit 26.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are connected, step S
Proceed to 15-2. That is, when the camera attachment / detachment unit 26 detects that the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S15-2. At this time, the camera attaching / detaching unit 26 notifies the camera control unit 24 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. With this as a trigger, the camera control unit 24 executes the processing of step S15-2 and thereafter.

On the other hand, the printing apparatus 3 is in an idle state in the initial state. At this time, the printing device 3 performs step S1
As shown in 6-1, it is monitored whether or not the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected. This monitoring is performed by the main body attaching / detaching unit 31.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are connected, step S
Proceed to 16-2. That is, when the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 detects that the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S16-2. At this time, the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 notifies the main body control unit 36 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. This triggered
The main body control unit 36 executes the processing after step S16-2.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the imaging device 2 determines in step S15-2 whether to automatically transfer an image. Note that automatically transferring an image means that an image signal of an image captured by the imaging device 2 is output to the printing device when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 without any special instruction input from the user. 3 is transferred. Note that whether or not to automatically transfer an image is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

When the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 returns to the idle state again. That is, in a case where the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even if the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3. On the other hand, if the image is to be transferred automatically, the process proceeds to step S15-3, where the image signal is transmitted. Note that the transmission processing here is described in FIG.
This will be described in detail later.

When the imaging device 2 is mounted on the printing device 3, the printing device 3 determines whether or not to automatically transfer an image in step S16-2. And
If the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. That is, when the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even when the imaging device 2 is attached. On the other hand, if the image is to be automatically transferred, step S
Proceeding to 16-3, the image signal is received. The reception process here will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Steps S15-3 and S16-
After the image signal transmission / reception processing between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 is completed by the process in 3, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. On the other hand, in steps S15-4 and S15-5, the imaging device 2 performs a process of deleting the image signal transmitted to the printing device 3 as necessary, and then returns to the idle state again. Specifically, the imaging device 2 determines in step S15-4 that the printing device 3
It is determined whether or not to erase the image signal transmitted in step (1). If the image signal is not to be erased, the process is terminated, and the process returns to the idle state again. When deleting the image signal transmitted to the printing device 3, the image signal to be deleted is stored in the camera image memory unit 23.
Then, the process is terminated after erasing from, and then returns to the idle state again.

It is to be noted that whether or not the image signal transmitted to the printing apparatus 3 is deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging apparatus 2 is set in the imaging apparatus 2 and / or the printing apparatus 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

If the image signal is to be deleted from the camera image memory section 23 of the imaging device 2 after the image signal is transmitted to the printing device 3, the user can specify the image signal to be deleted. It is desirable to keep. In this case, for example, even if the transmission to the printing device 3 is completed, the image signal that is explicitly prohibited from being deleted is not deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 and is retained. To do.

Next, the image signal transmitting process performed in step S15-3 and the image signal receiving process performed in step S16-3 (these processes will be collectively referred to as an image signal transmitting / receiving process in the following description). About FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG.
5 (a) is a processing flow on the imaging apparatus 2 side, which corresponds to the image signal transmission processing performed in step S15-3. FIG. 15B is a processing flow on the printing apparatus 3 side, and corresponds to the image signal receiving processing performed in step S16-3.

The image signal transmission / reception processing is performed for each image. That is, the processing of steps S17-1 to S17-4 in the image signal transmission processing shown in FIG. 15A and the processing of steps S18-1 to S18-6 in the image signal reception processing shown in FIG. The processing is performed for each image signal corresponding to one image, and is repeatedly performed until the processing of all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed.

In the image signal transmission / reception processing, the imaging device 2
First, as shown in step S17-1, the printing device 3
The image identification information. On the other hand, the printing device 3 receives the image identification information from the imaging device 2 as shown in step S18-1. At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal to the imaging device 2 for confirming that the image identification information has been transferred. Here, the image identification information transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is imaging time information and imaging position information added to the image signal.

Next, the printing apparatus 3 executes step S18-2.
In step S18-1, the image identification information received in step S18-1 is compared with the image identification information (that is, imaging time information and imaging position information) added to the image signal stored in the external storage unit 33.

Then, the printing apparatus 3 determines in step S18-
In step S3, the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main body external storage unit 33 includes step S
It is determined whether or not there is any matching image identification information received in 18-1. If there is no match, the process proceeds to step S18-4. If there is a match, the process proceeds to step S18-6.

In step S18-4, the printing device 3
Transmits to the imaging device 2 a transmission request signal requesting transmission of the image signal to which the image identification information received in step S18-1 is added. In response to this, in step S17-2, the imaging device 2 performs an image signal transmission confirmation process, and returns a request confirmation signal for confirming that the transmission request of the image signal has been received to the printing device 3.

Next, in step S17-3, the imaging device 2 transmits an image signal requested by the printing device 3 to the printing device 3. In response to this, the printing device 3 performs an image signal receiving process as shown in step S18-5. At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal for confirming that the image signal has been transferred to the imaging device 2.

Steps S17-3 and S18-
When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed by the processing in 5, the imaging device 2 proceeds to step S1.
At 7-4, an image signal transmission completion process is performed. More specifically, a process of transmitting a completion notification signal indicating that the transmission of the image signal for one image has been completed to the printing apparatus 3 and a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal for one image has been completed. And the like from the printing apparatus 3. When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed, the printing device 3 performs an image signal reception completion process in step S18-6. Specifically, a process of receiving a completion notification signal indicating that transmission of the image signal for one image is completed from the imaging device 2 and a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal for one image is completed are performed. For example, processing for sending the image data to the imaging device 2 is performed.

In step S 18-3, among the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main unit external storage unit 33, the one that matches the image identification information received in step S 18-1 If there is, the image signal to which the image identification information received in step S18-1 is added is determined to be already stored in the main unit external storage unit 33, and the image signal is determined by the camera image memory. The process of reading from the unit 23 and storing it in the external storage unit 33 is not performed. In that case, step S17-
2, processing in S17-3, and steps S18-4, S
The processing in 18-5 is skipped and step S17-4 is performed immediately.
Then, the image signal transmission / reception completion processing in step S18-6 is performed. At this time, the printing device 3 determines in step S18-
In step 6, a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal has already been completed is transmitted to the imaging device 2.

With the above processing, the transfer processing from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 for the image signal corresponding to one image is completed. Then, the above processing is repeated until the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed. That is, step S1
In step 7-5, all the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is compared with the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main unit external storage unit 33. It is determined whether or not the comparison has been completed, and the above-described processing is repeated until all the comparisons have been completed.

When the processing has been completed for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23, the flow advances to steps S17-6 and S18-7.

In step S17-6, the image pickup device 2
Performs image signal transmission end processing. More specifically, an end notification signal indicating that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is transmitted to the printing apparatus 3, and it is confirmed that the end notification signal has been received. From the printing device 3 to confirm the completion. With the above processing, the imaging device 2 ends the image signal transmission processing.

On the other hand, in step S18-7, the printing device 3 performs image signal reception termination processing. In particular,
An end notification indicating that the processing for all image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is received from the imaging device 2, and an end confirmation signal for confirming that the end notification signal has been received is transmitted. Imaging device 2
To send to.

Then, the printing apparatus 3 determines in step S18-
At 8, it is determined whether an end notification signal has been received. If the end notification signal has not been received yet, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has not been completed yet, and thus the above-described processing is repeated. On the other hand, when the end notification signal is received, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed. The signal reception processing ends.

In the image processing apparatus 1E as described above, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is read out, and the image signal is read. Is transferred from the imaging apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 3 via the camera attaching / detaching section 26 and the main body attaching / detaching section 31, and is stored in the main body external storage section 33 of the printing apparatus 3. This eliminates the need for the user to save and transfer the image signal, and the imaging device 2 is connected to the printing device 3.
The image signal is automatically transferred, copied, and stored in the printing device 3 automatically and simply by attaching it to the printer 3.

Further, in this image processing apparatus 1E, when the image signal is read out from the camera image memory unit 23 and transferred to the external storage unit 33, the image identification information (that is, the imaging time information and the imaging position information) is used. It is determined whether or not the image signal has already been stored in the external storage unit 33 of the main body. Therefore, this image processing apparatus 1D
Thus, the inconvenience of repeatedly storing the same image signal in the external storage unit 33 can be avoided. In other words,
In the image processing apparatus 1D, only the image signals not yet stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 are transferred from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 to the main unit external storage unit 33 of the printing device 3 without bothering the user. Can be transferred and stored.

Further, since the image processing apparatus 1E uses not only the imaging time information but also the imaging position information as the image identification information, it is determined whether or not the image signal has already been stored in the main body external storage unit 33. The determination can be performed more reliably.

Further, if the image signal is erased from the camera image memory unit 23 of the image pickup device 2 after the image signal is transmitted to the printing device 3, the image pickup device 2 is in a state after being attached to the print device 3. , A maximum memory capacity can always be ensured. That is, the imaging device 2 can capture a large number of images at any time after being once attached to the printing device 3.

In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described with reference to the processing flow of FIG. 3, the process of transferring the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is performed. After the completion of the above, an image corresponding to the image signal transferred to the printing device 3 may be printed by the printing device 3.

As a result, the user does not have to be bothered by the operation of printing an image. Just by attaching the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, the image signal is automatically and reliably transferred to the printing device 3. Images that are stored and corresponding to those image signals are automatically printed.

In the present embodiment, the image signal determined to be already stored in the main body external storage unit 33 is
The processing for reading out the image signal from the camera image memory unit 23 and storing it in the external storage unit 33 is not performed. Therefore, when automatically printing an image when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, it is preferable to print only an image corresponding to the image signal newly transferred to the printing device 3.

As described above, if only the image corresponding to the image signal newly transferred to the printing apparatus 3 is printed, useless printing can be avoided. That is, an image that is automatically printed when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 is stored in the camera image memory unit 23 before the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, and is stored outside the main body. Only the image corresponding to the image signal that has not been stored in the storage unit 33 can be avoided, and the inconvenience of repeatedly printing the same image can be avoided.

[0226] 6. Sixth Embodiment FIG. 16 shows a sixth configuration example of the image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
Shown in

In the image processing apparatus 1F shown in FIG. 16, a camera control section 24 of the imaging device 2 records a unique number uniquely assigned to the imaging device 2. That is,
In the image processing apparatus 1F, the camera control unit 24 of the imaging device 2 also serves as unique information recording means in which unique information uniquely attached to the imaging device 2 is recorded. Other configurations are almost the same as those of the image processing apparatus 1E shown in FIG.

In this example, a unique number uniquely assigned to the imaging device 2 is used. The format of the unique information uniquely assigned to the imaging device 2 depends on the model name and manufacturing Any format may be used as long as it can identify the imaging device 2, such as a unique symbol and / or number that can be distinguished by a number or the like.

[0229] This image processing apparatus 1F includes a camera image pickup unit 2
When an image is captured by the camera 1, the time at which the image was captured is measured by the camera clock unit 27, and the position at which the image was captured is detected by the camera position detection unit 28. Then, imaging time information that is information about the time at which the image was taken, imaging position information that is information about the position at which the image was taken, and a unique number uniquely assigned to the imaging device 2 are added to the image signal. Are also stored in the camera image memory unit 23 together with the image signals.

When the main body control section 36 of the image processing apparatus 1F reads out the image signal from the camera image memory section 23 and stores it in the main body external storage section 33, the imaging time information added to the image signal, The position information and the unique number are also read from the camera image memory unit 23 and
3 is stored.

In the image processing apparatus 1F, the image signal captured by the image capturing apparatus 2 and stored in the camera image memory unit 23, or the image signal transferred from the image capturing apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 3 and stored in the main unit external storage unit 33. Image signals and the like are distinguished by imaging time information, imaging position information, and a unique number added to each image signal. That is, in the image processing apparatus 1F, when an image is captured by the camera imaging unit 21, the imaging time and the imaging position of the image and the unique number of the imaging device 2 are detected and recorded together with the image signal. Thus, each image signal can be distinguished based on the imaging time information, the imaging position information, and the unique number.

Here, it is preferable that the imaging time information has an accuracy smaller than the minimum imaging time interval when an image is captured by the imaging device. Thereby, the imaging device 2
Even if the image pickup is performed at the minimum image pickup time interval, all the images can be distinguished by the image pickup time information.

In the image processing apparatus 1F, the imaging time information, the imaging position information, and the unique number are used to distinguish the image signal. Therefore, in the following description, when it is emphasized that the imaging time information, the imaging position information, and the unique number are information for distinguishing image signals, the imaging time information, the imaging position information, and the unique number are referred to as image information. It is referred to as identification information.

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 1C as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Note that FIG. 17A and FIG.
(A) shows a processing flow on the imaging device 2 side,
FIG. 17B and FIG. 18B show a processing flow on the printing apparatus 3 side.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the initial state,
The imaging device 2 is in an idle state. At this time, the imaging device 2 monitors whether or not the attachment / detachment portion of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 have been connected as shown in step S19-1. This monitoring is performed by the camera attaching / detaching unit 26.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and when they are connected, step S
Proceed to 19-2. That is, when the camera attachment / detachment unit 26 detects that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S19-2. At this time, the camera attaching / detaching unit 26 notifies the camera control unit 24 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. With this as a trigger, the camera control unit 24 executes the processing of step S19-2 and thereafter.

On the other hand, the printing apparatus 3 is also in the idle state in the initial state. At this time, the printing device 3 performs step S2
As shown in 0-1, it is monitored whether or not the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected. This monitoring is performed by the main body attaching / detaching unit 31.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are connected, step S
Proceed to 20-2. That is, when the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 detects that the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S20-2. At this time, the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 notifies the main body control unit 36 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. This triggered
The main body control unit 36 executes the processing after step S20-2.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the imaging device 2 determines in step S19-2 whether or not to automatically transfer an image. Note that automatically transferring an image means that an image signal of an image captured by the imaging device 2 is output to the printing device when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 without any special instruction input from the user. 3 is transferred. Note that whether or not to automatically transfer an image is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

When the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 returns to the idle state again. That is, in a case where the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even if the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3. On the other hand, if the image is to be transferred automatically, the process proceeds to step S19-3, where the image signal is transmitted. Note that the transmission processing here is described in FIG.
This will be described in detail later.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the printing device 3 determines in step S20-2 whether or not to automatically transfer an image. And
If the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. That is, when the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even when the imaging device 2 is attached. On the other hand, if the image is to be automatically transferred, step S
Proceeding to 20-4, the reception processing of the image signal is performed. The reception process here will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Steps S19-3 and S20-
After the image signal transmission / reception processing between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 is completed by the process in 3, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. On the other hand, in steps S19-4 and S19-5, the imaging device 2 performs a process of deleting the image signal transmitted to the printing device 3 as necessary, and then returns to the idle state again. Specifically, the imaging device 2 determines in step S19-4 that the printing device 3
It is determined whether or not to erase the image signal transmitted in step (1). If the image signal is not to be erased, the process is terminated, and the process returns to the idle state again. When deleting the image signal transmitted to the printing device 3, the image signal to be deleted is stored in the camera image memory unit 23.
Then, the process is terminated after erasing from, and then returns to the idle state again.

It should be noted that whether or not the image signal transmitted to the printing device 3 is to be deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

If the image signal is to be deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the image pickup device 2 after the image signal is transmitted to the printing device 3, the user can specify the image signal to be deleted. It is desirable to keep. In this case, for example, even if the transmission to the printing device 3 is completed, the image signal that is explicitly prohibited from being deleted is not deleted from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 and is retained. To do.

Next, the image signal transmitting process performed in step S19-3 and the image signal receiving process performed in step S20-3 (these processes will be collectively referred to as an image signal transmitting / receiving process in the following description). About FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG.
8A is a processing flow on the imaging device 2 side, and corresponds to the image signal transmission processing performed in step S19-3. FIG. 18B is a processing flow on the printing apparatus 3 side, and corresponds to the image signal receiving processing performed in step S20-3.

The image signal transmission / reception processing is performed for each image. That is, the processing of steps S21-1 to S21-4 in the image signal transmission processing shown in FIG. 18A and the processing of steps S22-1 to S22-6 in the image signal reception processing shown in FIG. The processing is performed for each image signal corresponding to one image, and is repeatedly performed until the processing of all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed.

In the image signal transmission / reception processing, the imaging device 2
First, as shown in step S21-1, the printing device 3
The image identification information. On the other hand, the printing device 3 receives the image identification information from the imaging device 2 as shown in step S22-1. At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal to the imaging device 2 for confirming that the image identification information has been transferred. Here, the image identification information transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is imaging time information, imaging position information, and a unique number added to the image signal.

Next, the printing apparatus 3 proceeds to step S22-2.
In step S22-1, the image identification information received in step S22-1 and the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main body external storage unit 33 (that is, imaging time information,
(Imaging position information and a unique number).

Then, the printing apparatus 3 proceeds to step S22-
In step S3, the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main body external storage unit 33 includes step S
It is determined whether or not there is any matching image identification information received in 22-1. If there is no match, the process proceeds to step S22-4. If there is a match, the process proceeds to step S22-6.

In the step S22-4, the printing apparatus 3
Transmits to the imaging device 2 a transmission request signal requesting transmission of the image signal to which the image identification information received in step S22-1 is added. In response to this, in step S21-2, the imaging device 2 performs an image signal transmission confirmation process, and returns a request confirmation signal for confirming that the image signal transmission request has been received to the printing device 3.

Next, in step S21-3, the imaging device 2 transmits an image signal requested by the printing device 3 to the printing device 3. In response to this, the printing device 3 performs an image signal receiving process as shown in step S22-5. At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal for confirming that the image signal has been transferred to the imaging device 2.

Steps S21-3 and S22-
When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed by the processing in 5, the imaging device 2 proceeds to step S2
At 1-4, the image signal transmission completion processing is performed. More specifically, a process of transmitting a completion notification signal indicating that the transmission of the image signal for one image has been completed to the printing apparatus 3 and a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal for one image has been completed. And the like from the printing apparatus 3. When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed, the printing device 3 performs an image signal reception completion process in step S22-6. Specifically, a process of receiving a completion notification signal indicating that transmission of the image signal for one image is completed from the imaging device 2 and a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal for one image is completed are performed. For example, processing for sending the image data to the imaging device 2 is performed.

In step S22-3, if the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 matches the image identification information received in step S22-1. If there is, the image signal to which the image identification information received in step S22-1 is added is determined to be already stored in the main unit external storage unit 33, and the image signal is determined by the camera image memory. The process of reading from the unit 23 and storing it in the external storage unit 33 is not performed. In that case, step S21-
2, processing in S21-3, and steps S22-4, S
The process in 22-5 is skipped, and the process immediately proceeds to step S21-4.
Then, the image signal transmission / reception completion processing in step S22-6 is performed. At this time, the printing device 3 executes step S22-
In step 6, a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal has already been completed is transmitted to the imaging device 2.

With the above processing, the transfer processing from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 for the image signal corresponding to one image is completed. Then, the above processing is repeated until the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed. That is, step S2
In 1-5, all the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is compared with the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main unit external storage unit 33. It is determined whether or not the comparison has been completed, and the above processing is repeated until all the comparisons have been completed.

When the processing has been completed for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory section 23, the flow advances to steps S21-6 and S22-7.

[0256] In step S21-6, the imaging device 2
Performs image signal transmission end processing. More specifically, an end notification signal indicating that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is transmitted to the printing apparatus 3, and it is confirmed that the end notification signal has been received. From the printing device 3 to confirm the completion. With the above processing, the imaging device 2 ends the image signal transmission processing.

On the other hand, in step S22-7, the printing device 3 performs an image signal reception termination process. In particular,
An end notification indicating that the processing for all image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is received from the imaging device 2, and an end confirmation signal for confirming that the end notification signal has been received is transmitted. Imaging device 2
To send to.

Then, the printing apparatus 3 proceeds to step S22-
At 8, it is determined whether an end notification signal has been received. If the end notification signal has not been received yet, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has not been completed yet, and thus the above-described processing is repeated. On the other hand, when the end notification signal is received, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed. The signal reception processing ends.

In the image processing apparatus 1F as described above, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is read out and the image signal is read. Is transferred from the imaging apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 3 via the camera attaching / detaching section 26 and the main body attaching / detaching section 31, and is stored in the main body external storage section 33 of the printing apparatus 3. This eliminates the need for the user to save and transfer the image signal, and the imaging device 2 is connected to the printing device 3.
The image signal is automatically transferred, copied, and stored in the printing device 3 automatically and simply by attaching it to the printer 3.

In addition, in the image processing apparatus 1F, when the image signal is read from the camera image memory unit 23 and transferred to the main unit external storage unit 33, the image identification information (that is, the imaging time information, the imaging position information, and the unique number) is used. Is used to determine whether or not an image signal has already been stored in the external storage unit 33. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1F, the inconvenience of repeatedly storing the same image signal in the main body external storage unit 33 can be avoided.

In other words, in this image processing apparatus 1F,
Only the image signals not yet stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 are transferred from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 to the main unit external storage unit 3 of the printing device 3 without bothering the user.
3 can be transferred and stored.

Further, in this image processing apparatus 1F, not only the imaging time information but also the imaging position information and the unique number are used as the image identification information. The determination as to whether or not it is possible can be made more reliably.

Furthermore, if the image signal is erased from the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 after the image signal is transmitted to the printing device 3, the imaging device 2 is in a state after being attached to the printing device 3. , A maximum memory capacity can always be ensured. That is, the imaging device 2 can capture a large number of images at any time after being once attached to the printing device 3.

In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described with reference to the processing flow of FIG. 3, the process of transferring the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is performed. After the completion of the above, an image corresponding to the image signal transferred to the printing device 3 may be printed by the printing device 3.

As a result, the user does not have to be bothered by the operation of printing an image. Just by attaching the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, the image signal is automatically and reliably transferred to the printing device 3. Images that are stored and corresponding to those image signals are automatically printed.

In the present embodiment, the image signal determined to be already stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 is
The processing for reading out the image signal from the camera image memory unit 23 and storing it in the external storage unit 33 is not performed. Therefore, when automatically printing an image when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, it is preferable to print only an image corresponding to the image signal newly transferred to the printing device 3.

As described above, if only the image corresponding to the image signal newly transferred to the printing apparatus 3 is printed, useless printing can be avoided. That is, an image that is automatically printed when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 is stored in the camera image memory unit 23 before the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, and is stored outside the main body. Only the image corresponding to the image signal that has not been stored in the storage unit 33 can be avoided, and the inconvenience of repeatedly printing the same image can be avoided.

[0268] 7. Seventh Embodiment FIG. 19 shows a seventh configuration example of an image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
Shown in

An image processing apparatus 1G shown in FIG. 19 is provided with a main body display section 38 and a main body operation section 39 on the side of the printing apparatus 3, and the other parts are the image processing apparatus 1E shown in FIG.
The configuration is almost the same.

The main body display section 38 provided in the printing device 3 of the image processing apparatus 1G is a display means for displaying an image corresponding to an image signal. Then, the main body display section 38
When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3,
An image corresponding to the image signal read from the camera image memory unit 23 by the main body control unit 36 is displayed.

Here, examples of a display device used for the main body display section 38 include a CRT monitor, a TFT liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), and a plasma video display (PD).
P) and other direct-view display devices, TFT-LCDs and DMs
Examples include a projection display device using D (Digital Micro-mirror Device) and the like, and a virtual image display device such as a head-up display and a head-mounted display.

The main body display section 38 may include not only a display device for displaying images but also, for example, an audio output device for D / A converting audio data sampled at a certain frequency and outputting the data. Good. When a voice output device is provided, for example, it is possible to prompt the user to input an instruction by voice.

The main body operation section 39 provided in the printing apparatus 3 of the image processing apparatus 1G is for accepting an input from the user to the printing apparatus 3 and the image signal stored in the main body external storage section 33 is provided. Input means for receiving an input of an instruction signal or the like for instructing the user. Here, examples of the input device used for the main body operation unit 39 include various input devices such as a push button, a numeric keypad, a lever, a joystick, a rotary volume, a slide volume, a trackball, a mouse, and a tablet.

The image processing apparatus 1G displays an image corresponding to the image signal read from the camera image memory section 23 by the main body control section 36 on the main body display section 38 when the imaging apparatus 2 is attached to the printing apparatus 3. indicate.

In the image processing apparatus 1 G, an instruction signal for instructing that an image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 be stored in the main body external storage section 33 is input to the main body operation section 39. In this case, the image signal is stored in the external storage unit 33. On the other hand, when an instruction signal instructing not to store the image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 in the main body external storage section 33 is input to the main body operation section 39, the image signal is transmitted to the external main body section. Storage unit 33
Not stored in

That is, the main controller 36 of the printing apparatus 3
When the image signal is read from the camera image memory unit 23 and stored in the external storage unit 33, only the image signal indicated by the instruction signal input to the main unit operation unit 39 is read from the camera image memory unit 23. It is stored in the main unit external storage unit 33.

Further, since the image processing apparatus 1G has the main body display section 38, for example, it is possible to inform the user of the progress of the processing performed in the image processing apparatus 1G. Furthermore, since the main body operation unit 39 is provided, for example, the user can manually operate the image processing apparatus 1G, or the processing performed by the image signal processing apparatus 1G can be emergency stopped by an instruction from the user. You can do it.

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 1G as described above will be described with reference to four specific examples. First
In the operation example of (1), the image signal is transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 for each image, and each time the image signal is stored in the main unit external storage unit 33, the main unit operation unit 39 determines.
Based on the input to. In the second operation example, the transfer of image signals from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is performed collectively, and after the transfer of all image signals is completed, whether or not to store the image signals in the main body external storage unit 33 is determined. The main unit operation unit 39
Based on the input to. In the third operation example, the image signal is transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 for each image, and each time, whether or not the image signal is stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 is determined. Whether or not to print an image corresponding to the signal is determined based on an input to the main body operation unit 39. In the fourth operation example, the image signals are transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 in a lump, and after the transfer of all the image signals is completed, the image signals are stored in the main unit external storage unit 33. Whether or not to print an image corresponding to the image signal is determined based on an input to the main body operation unit 39. Hereinafter, each of these operation examples will be described in detail.

<First Operation Example> A first operation example of the image processing apparatus 1G will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 20A, FIG. 21A, FIG. 22A and FIG. 23A show the processing flow on the imaging device 2 side, and FIG. 20B and FIG. ), FIG. 22B and FIG. 23B show the processing flow on the printing device 3 side.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the initial state,
The imaging device 2 is in an idle state. At this time, as shown in step S30-1, the imaging device 2 monitors whether or not the detachable portion of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected. This monitoring is performed by the camera attaching / detaching unit 26.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and when they are connected, step S
Proceed to 30-2. That is, when the camera attachment / detachment unit 26 detects that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S30-2. At this time, the camera attaching / detaching unit 26 notifies the camera control unit 24 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. With this as a trigger, the camera control unit 24 executes the processing of step S30-2 and thereafter.

On the other hand, the printing device 3 is also idle in the initial state. At this time, the printing device 3 determines in step S3
As shown in 1-1, it is monitored whether or not the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected. This monitoring is performed by the main body attaching / detaching unit 31.

Then, when the detachable portions of the image pickup device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected and they are connected, step S
Go to 31-2. That is, when the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 detects that the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S31-2. At this time, the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 notifies the main body control unit 36 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. This triggered
The main body control unit 36 executes the processing after step S31-2.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the imaging device 2 determines whether or not to automatically transfer an image in step S30-2. Note that automatically transferring an image means that an image signal of an image captured by the imaging device 2 is output to the printing device when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 without any special instruction input from the user. 3 is transferred. Note that whether or not to automatically transfer an image is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

If the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 returns to the idle state again. That is, in a case where the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even if the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3. On the other hand, when the image is automatically transferred, the process proceeds to step S30-3, where the comparison of the image signal
Processing such as display, recording, and erasing is performed. Step S3
These processes performed in 0-3 are collectively referred to as image signal communication comparison display operation record deletion process. This image signal communication comparison display operation record erasing process is described in FIGS.
3 will be described in detail later.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the printing device 3 determines in step S31-2 whether to automatically transfer an image. And
If the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. That is, when the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even when the imaging device 2 is attached. On the other hand, if the image is to be automatically transferred, step S
The process proceeds to 31-3, where processing such as comparison, display, recording, and erasing of image signals is performed. Note that these processes performed in step S31-3 are collectively referred to as an image signal communication comparison display operation record erasing process. The image signal communication comparison display operation record erasing process will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0287] After the image signal transmission / reception processing between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 is completed by the processing in steps S30-3 and S31-3,
The imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 return to the idle state again.

Next, the image signal communication comparison display operation record erasing process performed in steps S30-3 and S31-3 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

The image signal communication comparison display operation record erasing process is performed for each image. That is, the processing of steps S32-1 to S32-2 in FIG.
The processing of steps S33-1 to S33-2 of 1 (b)
The processing is performed for each image signal corresponding to one image, and is repeatedly performed until the processing of all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed.

In the image signal communication comparison display operation record erasure process, the image pickup apparatus 2 first stores the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 and the main unit external storage unit 33 in step S32-1. A process for comparing the image signal with the image signal, a process for transferring the image signal from the camera image memory unit 23 to the printing device 3, and the like are performed. These processes performed in step S32-1 are collectively referred to as an image comparison transfer process. This image comparison transfer process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Similarly, the printing apparatus 3 first executes step S3
In 3-1, a process of comparing the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 with the image signal stored in the external storage unit 33,
For transferring an image signal from the printer to the printing apparatus 3.
Note that these processes performed in step S33-1 are collectively referred to as an image comparison transfer process. This image comparison transfer process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Next, the image pickup apparatus 2 executes the step S32-2.
In, processing of erasing the image signal transferred to the printing apparatus 3 from the imaging apparatus 2 is performed. Step S32
The process performed in -2 is referred to as an image signal display instruction record erasure process. This image signal display instruction record erasure processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Similarly, the printing apparatus 3 determines in step S33-
2, a process of displaying the image signal transferred to the printing device 3 and a process of deleting the image signal transferred to the printing device 3 from the imaging device 2 are performed. Step S33
These processes performed in -2 are collectively referred to as an image signal display instruction record erasure process. This image signal display instruction record erasure processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

The above processing (steps S32-1 to S32-1)
-2 and the processing of steps S33-1 to S33-2), the transfer processing from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 for the image signal corresponding to one image is completed. Then, the above processing is repeated until the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed. That is, in step S32-3,
It is determined whether or not processing has been completed for all image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23, and the above processing is repeated until processing for all image signals has been completed.

When the processing has been completed for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23, the flow advances to steps S32-4 and S33-3.

In step S32-4, the imaging device 2
Performs image signal transmission end processing. More specifically, an end notification signal indicating that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is transmitted to the printing apparatus 3, and it is confirmed that the end notification signal has been received. From the printing device 3 to confirm the completion. With the above processing, the imaging device 2 ends the image signal communication comparison display operation record deletion processing.

On the other hand, in step S33-3, the printing device 3 performs an image signal reception termination process. In particular,
An end notification indicating that the processing for all image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is received from the imaging device 2, and an end confirmation signal for confirming that the end notification signal has been received is transmitted. Imaging device 2
To send to.

Then, the printing apparatus 3 proceeds to step S33-
At 4, it is determined whether an end notification signal has been received. If the end notification signal has not been received yet, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has not been completed yet, and thus the above-described processing is repeated. On the other hand, when the end notification signal is received, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed. The signal communication comparison display operation record erasing process ends.

Next, step S32- shown in FIG.
1 and the image comparison transfer processing performed in step S33-1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In the image comparison and transfer processing, the image pickup device 2
First, as shown in step S34-1, the printing device 3
The image identification information. On the other hand, the printing device 3 receives the image identification information from the imaging device 2 as shown in step S35-1. At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal to the imaging device 2 for confirming that the image identification information has been transferred. Here, the image identification information transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is imaging time information and imaging position information added to the image signal. In addition,
Also in the present embodiment, a unique number may be added to the image identification information as in the case of the sixth embodiment.

Next, the printing apparatus 3 executes step S35-2.
In step S35-1, the image identification information received in step S35-1 is compared with the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the external storage unit 33.

Then, the printing apparatus 3 determines in step S35-
In step S3, the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main body external storage unit 33 includes step S
It is determined whether or not there is any matching image identification information received in 35-1. If there is no match, the process proceeds to step S35-4. If there is a match, the process proceeds to step S35-6.

[0303] In step S35-4, the printer 3
Transmits a transmission request signal requesting transmission of the image signal to which the image identification information received in step S35-1 is added, to the imaging device 2. In response to this, in step S34-2, the imaging device 2 performs an image signal transmission confirmation process, and returns a request confirmation signal for confirming that the image signal transmission request has been received to the printing device 3.

Next, in step S34-3, the imaging device 2 transmits an image signal requested by the printing device 3 to the printing device 3. In response to this, the printing device 3 performs an image signal receiving process as shown in step S35-5. At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal for confirming that the image signal has been transferred to the imaging device 2.

Steps S34-3 and S35-
When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed by the processing in 5, the imaging device 2 proceeds to step S3
At 4-4, an image signal transmission completion process is performed. More specifically, a process of transmitting a completion notification signal indicating that the transmission of the image signal for one image has been completed to the printing apparatus 3 and a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal for one image has been completed. And the like from the printing apparatus 3. When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed, the printing device 3 performs an image signal reception completion process in step S35-6. Specifically, a process of receiving a completion notification signal indicating that transmission of the image signal for one image is completed from the imaging device 2 and a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal for one image is completed are performed. For example, processing for sending the image data to the imaging device 2 is performed.

In step S35-3, among the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main unit external storage unit 33, the one that matches the image identification information received in step S35-1. If there is, the image signal to which the image identification information received in step S35-1 is added is determined to be already stored in the main unit external storage unit 33, and the image signal is determined by the camera image memory unit. The process of reading from the storage device 23 and transferring it to the printing device 3 is not performed. In that case, steps S34-2 and S34
-3 and the processing in steps S35-4 and S35-5 are skipped, and the image signal transmission / reception completion processing in steps S34-4 and S35-6 is immediately performed.
At this time, the printing device 3 sends a completion confirmation signal to the imaging device 2 to confirm that the reception of the image signal has already been completed in Step S35-6.

With the above processing, the transfer processing from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 for the image signal corresponding to one image is completed, and the image comparison transfer processing is completed. Note that FIG.
As shown by, this image comparison transfer processing is repeatedly performed until the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed.

Next, step S32- shown in FIG.
2 and the image signal display instruction recording / erasing process performed in step S33-2 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In the image signal display instruction record erasing process,
First, in step S37-1, the printing device 3 determines whether to automatically display an image. Note that automatically displaying an image means that when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, an image corresponding to an image signal transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is transmitted from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3.
At the stage when the image signal is transferred to the main body display section 38. Whether to display images automatically or not
The printing apparatus 3 is operated using the main body operation unit 39 and is set in the printing apparatus 3 in advance.

If the image is not automatically displayed, the printing apparatus 3 terminates the image signal display instruction record erasure processing without performing any particular processing. On the other hand, if the image is to be displayed automatically, the process proceeds to step S37-2, and the process proceeds to step S37.
In step S-2, predetermined image display preparation processing such as performing predetermined signal processing on the image signal transferred from the imaging device 2 is performed, and then, in step S37-3, the image signal transferred from the imaging device 2 Is displayed on the main body display unit 38.

Next, in step S37-4, the printing apparatus 3 accepts an instruction input from the user. At this time, the user operates the main body operation unit 39 of the printing apparatus 3 to specify whether an image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display unit 38 is stored in the main body external storage unit 33 or not. And an instruction signal for instructing whether to delete an image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 from the camera image memory section 23 of the imaging apparatus 2 by the printing apparatus 3.
To enter.

[0312] Next, in step S37-5, the printing apparatus 3 outputs an image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 to the main body external storage section 33 based on the instruction input in step S37-4. It is determined whether or not to be stored in the. If the image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 is not stored in the main body external storage section 33, the image signal is not stored in the main body external storage section 33, and the process proceeds to step S37-7. move on. On the other hand, the main body display 3
When the image signal corresponding to the image displayed in 8 is stored in the external storage unit 33, the process proceeds to step S37-6, and in step S37-6, the image signal is stored in the external storage unit 33. .

[0313] Next, in step S37-7, the printing apparatus 3 sends an image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 to the camera image memory section 23 based on the instruction input in step S37-4. It is determined whether to delete from. When the image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 is not deleted from the camera image memory section 23, the image signal is stored in the camera image memory section 23.
The image signal display instruction recording / erasing process is ended without erasing the image signal. On the other hand, when the image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display unit 38 is deleted from the camera image memory unit 23, the process proceeds to step S37-8, and the process proceeds to step S37-8.
At 37-8, an image signal erasure request process is performed.

In the image signal erasure request processing in step S37-8, the printing apparatus 3 stores the image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 into the camera image memory section 2
An erasure request signal requesting erasure from the device 3 is transmitted to the imaging device 2. In response to this, the imaging device 2 performs an image signal deletion confirmation process in step S36-1.
An erasure confirmation signal for confirming that the image signal erasure request has been received is returned to the printing apparatus 3.

[0315] Thereafter, the imaging device 2 determines in step S36-
In 2, it is determined whether or not the image signal transferred to the printing device 3 is to be deleted. This determination is made based on whether or not there has been a deletion request from the printing device 3. That is, when the erasure request signal is received from the printing apparatus 3 in step S36-1, it is determined that the image signal is to be erased.

If the image signal transferred to the printing apparatus 3 is not to be deleted, the image signal display instruction recording / erasing process ends while the image signal remains in the camera image memory unit 23. On the other hand, if the image signal transferred to the printing apparatus 3 is to be erased, the image signal is erased from the camera image memory unit 23 in step S36-3, and then the image signal display instruction recording / erasing process ends.

With the above processing, the image signal display instruction recording / erasing processing is completed for the image signal corresponding to one image. Note that, as shown in FIG. 21, this image signal display instruction recording / erasing processing is repeatedly performed until the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed.

In the image processing apparatus 1G as described above, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is read out, and the image signal Is transferred from the imaging apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 3 via the camera attaching / detaching section 26 and the main body attaching / detaching section 31, and is stored in the main body external storage section 33 of the printing apparatus 3. This eliminates the need for the user to save and transfer the image signal, and the imaging device 2 is connected to the printing device 3.
The image signal is automatically transferred, copied, and stored in the printing device 3 automatically and simply by attaching it to the printer 3.

In the image processing apparatus 1G, when an image signal is read from the camera image memory unit 23 and transferred to the external storage unit 33, the image signal is stored in the external storage unit 33 using the image identification information. It is determined whether or not it is already stored. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1 </ b> G, the inconvenience of repeatedly storing the same image signal in the main body external storage unit 33 can be avoided.

Further, in the image processing apparatus 1G, since an image corresponding to the image signal transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 can be displayed on the main body display section 38, the image is transmitted from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3. When transferring a signal, an image corresponding to the image signal can be visually confirmed.

In the image processing apparatus 1 G, when transferring an image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, the main body operation unit 39 determines whether or not to store the image signal in the main body external storage unit 33. Instructions can be given by operating. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1G, it is possible to avoid a disadvantage that unnecessary image signals are stored in the main body external storage unit 33.

In the image processing apparatus 1 G, when transferring an image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, the main body operation unit 39 determines whether or not to delete the image signal from the camera image memory unit 23. Instructions can be given by operating. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1G, it is possible to avoid a disadvantage that an unnecessary image signal remains in the camera image memory unit 23.

<Second Operation Example> A second operation example of the image processing apparatus 1G will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 24A and 25A show a processing flow on the imaging device 2 side, and FIGS. 24B and 25B show a processing flow on the printing device 3 side. Is shown.

As shown in FIG. 24, in the initial state,
The imaging device 2 is in an idle state. At this time, the imaging device 2 monitors whether or not the attachment / detachment portion of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 have been connected as shown in step S40-1. This monitoring is performed by the camera attaching / detaching unit 26.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are connected, step S
Proceed to 40-2. That is, when the camera attachment / detachment unit 26 detects that the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S40-2. At this time, the camera attaching / detaching unit 26 notifies the camera control unit 24 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. With this as a trigger, the camera control unit 24 executes the processing from step S40-2.

On the other hand, the printing apparatus 3 is also idle in the initial state. At this time, the printing device 3 determines in step S4
As shown in 1-1, it is monitored whether or not the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected. This monitoring is performed by the main body attaching / detaching unit 31.

[0327] Then, when the detachable parts of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are connected, step S
Proceed to 41-2. That is, when the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 detects that the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S41-2. At this time, the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 notifies the main body control unit 36 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. This triggered
The main body control unit 36 executes the processing after step S41-2.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, in step S40-2, the imaging device 2 determines whether to automatically transfer an image. Note that automatically transferring an image means that an image signal of an image captured by the imaging device 2 is output to the printing device when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 without any special instruction input from the user. 3 is transferred. Note that whether or not to automatically transfer an image is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

When the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 returns to the idle state again. That is, in a case where the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even if the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3. On the other hand, when the image is automatically transferred, the process proceeds to step S40-3, where the comparison of the image signal
Processing such as display, recording, and erasing is performed. Step S4
These processes performed in 0-3 are collectively referred to as image signal communication comparison display operation record deletion process. This image signal communication comparison display operation record erasing process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the printing device 3 determines whether or not to automatically transfer an image in step S41-2. And
If the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. That is, when the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even when the imaging device 2 is attached. On the other hand, if the image is to be automatically transferred, step S
Proceeding to 41-3, processing such as comparison, display, recording, and erasing of image signals is performed. Note that these processes performed in step S41-3 are collectively referred to as image signal communication comparison display operation record deletion process. This image signal communication comparison display operation record erasing process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

After the transmission and reception of the image signal between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are completed by the processes in steps S40-3 and S41-3,
The imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 return to the idle state again.

Next, the image signal communication comparison display operation record erasing process performed in steps S40-3 and S41-3 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In the image signal communication comparison display operation record erasing process, first, a process of transferring an image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is performed for each image. That is, FIG.
FIG. 25A shows the processing in step S42-1 and FIG.
The processing in step S43-1 of (b) is performed for each image signal corresponding to one image, and is repeatedly performed until the processing of all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed.

Thereafter, a process of displaying the image signal transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 or deleting the image signal from the imaging device 2 is performed for each image. That is, the processing in step S42-4 in FIG. 25A and the processing in step S43-4 in FIG. 25B are performed for each image signal corresponding to one image. Are repeatedly performed until the processing of all the image signals transferred to is completed.

In the image signal communication comparison display operation record erasure process, the image pickup apparatus 2 first performs an image comparison transfer process in step S42-1. This image comparison / transfer processing is the image comparison / transfer processing (FIG. 22) in the first operation example.
Is performed in the same manner. Similarly, the printing device 3
First, in step S43-1, image comparison transfer processing is performed. This image comparison and transfer process is performed in the same manner as the image comparison and transfer process (the process shown in FIG. 22) in the first operation example.

Then, the image comparison and transfer processing (step S4)
The processing of 2-1 and the processing of step S43-1) are repeated until the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed. That is, in step S42-2, it is determined whether or not processing has been completed for all image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23, and the above-described image comparison is performed until processing for all image signals has been completed. Repeat the transfer process. When the image comparison and transfer process is completed for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23, the process proceeds to step S42-3 and step S43-2.

[0337] In step S42-3, the imaging device 2
Performs image signal transmission end processing. More specifically, an end notification signal indicating that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is transmitted to the printing apparatus 3, and it is confirmed that the end notification signal has been received. From the printing device 3 to confirm the completion.

On the other hand, in step S43-2, the printing device 3 performs an image signal reception termination process. In particular,
An end notification indicating that the processing for all image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is received from the imaging device 2, and an end confirmation signal for confirming that the end notification signal has been received is transmitted. Imaging device 2
To send to.

[0339] Then, the printing apparatus 3 determines in step S43-
At 3, it is determined whether or not an end notification signal has been received. If the end notification signal has not been received yet, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has not been completed yet, so the above-described image comparison and transfer processing is repeated. On the other hand, if the end notification signal has been received, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed, and the process proceeds to the next step.

Next, the image pickup apparatus 2 executes the step S42-4.
, An image signal display instruction recording / erasing process is performed. This image signal display instruction recording / erasing process is performed in the same manner as the image signal display instruction recording / erasing process (the process shown in FIG. 23) in the first operation example. Similarly, in step S43-4, the printing device 3 performs an image signal display instruction record erasure process. This image signal display instruction recording / erasing process is the image signal display instruction recording / erasing process in the first operation example (FIG.
Is performed in the same manner.

Then, the image signal display instruction record erasing process (the process of step S42-4 and the process of step S43-4)
Is repeated until the processing for all the image signals transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed. That is, in step S43-5, it is determined whether or not the processing has been completed for all the image signals transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, and the above-described image processing has been performed until the processing for all of the image signals has been completed. The signal display instruction record erasure process is repeated. Then, the camera image memory unit 2
When the image signal display instruction recording and erasing process is completed for all the image signals stored in No. 3 in step S42-5.
Then, the process proceeds to step S43-6.

In step S43-6, the printing device 3
Performs an image signal erasing end process. Specifically, an end notification signal indicating that the image signal display instruction recording / erasing process has been completed for all the image signals transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is sent to the imaging device 2, and the end notification signal Is received from the imaging device 2 for confirming the reception of the command. With the above processing, the printing apparatus 3 ends the image signal communication comparison display operation record deletion processing.

On the other hand, in step S42-5, the imaging device 2 performs an image signal erasure end process. In particular,
It receives from the printing device 3 an end notification signal indicating that the image signal display instruction recording / erasing process has been completed for all the image signals transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, and confirms that the end notification signal has been received. An end confirmation signal for performing the operation is sent to the printing apparatus 3.

[0344] Then, the image pickup apparatus 2 executes step S42-
At 6, it is determined whether or not an end notification signal has been received. If the end notification signal has not been received yet, it means that the processing for all the image signals transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 has not been completed yet, so the image signal display instruction record erasure process is repeated. . On the other hand, when the end notification signal is received, it means that the processing for all the image signals transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 has been completed. The image signal communication comparison display operation record erasing process ends.

In the image processing apparatus 1G as described above, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is read out, and the image signal Is transferred from the imaging apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 3 via the camera attaching / detaching section 26 and the main body attaching / detaching section 31, and is stored in the main body external storage section 33 of the printing apparatus 3. This eliminates the need for the user to save and transfer the image signal, and the imaging device 2 is connected to the printing device 3.
The image signal is automatically transferred, copied, and stored in the printing device 3 automatically and simply by attaching it to the printer 3.

In this image processing apparatus 1G, when the image signal is read from the camera image memory unit 23 and transferred to the main unit external storage unit 33, the image signal is stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 using the image identification information. It is determined whether or not it is already stored. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1 </ b> G, the inconvenience of repeatedly storing the same image signal in the main body external storage unit 33 can be avoided.

In the image processing apparatus 1G, since an image corresponding to the image signal transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 can be displayed on the main body display section 38, the image is transmitted from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3. When transferring a signal, an image corresponding to the image signal can be visually confirmed.

In the image processing apparatus 1 G, when transferring an image signal from the image pickup apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 3, the main body operation section 39 determines whether or not to store the image signal in the main body external storage section 33. Instructions can be given by operating. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1G, it is possible to avoid a disadvantage that unnecessary image signals are stored in the main body external storage unit 33.

In the image processing apparatus 1G, when the image signal is transferred from the image pickup apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 3, whether or not the image signal is to be deleted from the camera image memory section 23 is determined by the main body operation section 39. Instructions can be given by operating. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1G, it is possible to avoid a disadvantage that an unnecessary image signal remains in the camera image memory unit 23.

<Third Operation Example> A third operation example of the image processing apparatus 1G will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 26A, FIG. 27A, FIG. 28A and FIG. 29A show the processing flow on the imaging device 2 side, and FIG. 26B and FIG. ), FIG. 28 (b) and FIG. 29 (b) show the processing flow on the printing device 3 side.

As shown in FIG. 26, in the initial state,
The imaging device 2 is in an idle state. At this time, the imaging device 2 monitors whether or not the attachment / detachment portion of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 have been connected as shown in step S50-1. This monitoring is performed by the camera attaching / detaching unit 26.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and when they are connected, step S
Proceed to 50-2. That is, when the camera attachment / detachment unit 26 detects that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S50-2. At this time, the camera attaching / detaching unit 26 notifies the camera control unit 24 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. With this as a trigger, the camera control unit 24 executes the processing from step S50-2.

On the other hand, the printing apparatus 3 is also in the idle state in the initial state. At this time, the printing device 3 determines in step S5
As shown in 1-1, it is monitored whether or not the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected. This monitoring is performed by the main body attaching / detaching unit 31.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are connected, step S
Proceed to 51-2. That is, when the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 detects that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S51-2. At this time, the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 notifies the main body control unit 36 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. This triggered
The main body control unit 36 executes the processing from step S51-2.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the imaging device 2 determines in step S50-2 whether or not to automatically transfer an image. Note that automatically transferring an image means that an image signal of an image captured by the imaging device 2 is output to the printing device when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 without any special instruction input from the user. 3 is transferred. Note that whether or not to automatically transfer an image is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

If the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 returns to the idle state again. That is, in a case where the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even if the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3. On the other hand, when the image is automatically transferred, the process proceeds to step S50-3, where the comparison of the image signal
Processing such as display, recording, printing, and erasing is performed. Note that these processes performed in step S50-3 are collectively referred to as image signal communication comparison display operation record print erase process. Regarding the image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasing process,
This will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the printing device 3 determines whether or not to automatically transfer an image in step S51-2. And
If the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. That is, when the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even when the imaging device 2 is attached. On the other hand, if the image is to be automatically transferred, step S
Proceed to 51-3 to compare, display, record, print, and
Perform processing such as erasure. Note that these processes performed in step S51-3 are collectively referred to as image signal communication comparison display operation record print erase process. The image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasure process will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0358] After the image signal transmission / reception processing between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 is completed by the processing in steps S50-3 and S51-3,
The imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 return to the idle state again.

Next, the image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasure processing performed in steps S50-3 and S51-3 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

The image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasure process is performed for each image. That is, FIG.
The processing of steps S52-1 to S52-2 and the processing of steps S53-1 to S53-2 of FIG. 27B are performed for each image signal corresponding to one image. The processing is repeated until the processing of all the stored image signals is completed.

In the image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasure process, the image pickup apparatus 2 first stores the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 and the image signal stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 in step S52-1. It performs a process of comparing the image signal with the existing image signal, a process of transferring the image signal from the camera image memory unit 23 to the printing device 3, and the like. Note that these processes performed in step S52-1 are collectively referred to as an image comparison transfer process. This image comparison transfer processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Similarly, the printing apparatus 3 firstly proceeds to step S5
In 3-1, a process of comparing the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 with the image signal stored in the external storage unit 33,
For transferring an image signal from the printer to the printing apparatus 3.
Note that these processes performed in step S53-1 are collectively referred to as an image comparison transfer process. This image comparison transfer processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Next, the image pickup apparatus 2 executes step S52-2.
In, processing of erasing the image signal transferred to the printing apparatus 3 from the imaging apparatus 2 is performed. Step S52
The processing performed in -2 is referred to as image signal display instruction record print erasure processing. This image signal display instruction record print erasure process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Similarly, the printing apparatus 3 determines in step S53-
2, a process of displaying the image signal transferred to the printing device 3 and a process of deleting the image signal transferred to the printing device 3 from the imaging device 2 are performed. Step S53
These processes performed in -2 are collectively referred to as image signal display instruction record print erasure process. This image signal display instruction record print erasure process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

The above processing (steps S52-1 to S52)
-2 and the processing of steps S53-1 to S53-2), the transfer processing from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 for the image signal corresponding to one image is completed. Then, the above processing is repeated until the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed. That is, in step S52-3,
It is determined whether or not processing has been completed for all image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23, and the above processing is repeated until processing for all image signals has been completed.

[0366] When the processing has been completed for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23, the flow advances to steps S52-4 and S53-3.

[0367] In step S52-4, the imaging device 2
Performs image signal transmission end processing. More specifically, an end notification signal indicating that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is transmitted to the printing apparatus 3, and it is confirmed that the end notification signal has been received. From the printing device 3 to confirm the completion. With the above processing, the imaging device 2 ends the image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasure processing.

On the other hand, in step S53-3, the printing device 3 performs image signal reception termination processing. In particular,
An end notification indicating that the processing for all image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is received from the imaging device 2, and an end confirmation signal for confirming that the end notification signal has been received is transmitted. Imaging device 2
To send to.

[0369] Then, the printing apparatus 3 determines in step S53-
At 4, it is determined whether an end notification signal has been received. If the end notification signal has not been received yet, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has not been completed yet, and thus the above-described processing is repeated. On the other hand, when the end notification signal is received, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed. The signal communication comparison display operation record print erasure process ends.

Next, at step S52- shown in FIG.
1 and the image comparison transfer processing performed in step S53-1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In the image comparison and transfer processing, the image pickup device 2
First, as shown in step S54-1, the printing device 3
The image identification information. On the other hand, the printing device 3 receives the image identification information from the imaging device 2 as shown in step S55-1. At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal to the imaging device 2 for confirming that the image identification information has been transferred. Here, the image identification information transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is imaging time information and imaging position information added to the image signal. In addition,
Also in the present embodiment, a unique number may be added to the image identification information as in the case of the sixth embodiment.

Next, the printing device 3 proceeds to step S55-2.
In step S55-1, the image identification information received in step S55-1 is compared with the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the external storage unit 33.

Then, the printing apparatus 3 proceeds to step S55-
In step S3, the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main body external storage unit 33 includes step S
It is determined whether there is any image matching information received in 55-1. If there is no match, the process proceeds to step S55-4. If there is a match, the process proceeds to step S55-6.

In step S55-4, the printer 3
Transmits to the imaging device 2 a transmission request signal requesting transmission of the image signal to which the image identification information received in step S55-1 is added. In response to this, in step S54-2, the imaging device 2 performs image signal transmission confirmation processing, and returns a request confirmation signal to the printing device 3 for confirming that the image signal transmission request has been accepted.

Next, in step S54-3, the imaging device 2 transmits an image signal requested by the printing device 3 to the printing device 3. In response to this, the printing device 3 performs an image signal receiving process as shown in step S55-5. At this time, the printing device 3 returns a transfer confirmation signal for confirming that the image signal has been transferred to the imaging device 2.

Step S54-3 and step S55-
When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed by the processing in 5, the imaging device 2 proceeds to step S5
At 4-4, an image signal transmission completion process is performed. More specifically, a process of transmitting a completion notification signal indicating that the transmission of the image signal for one image has been completed to the printing apparatus 3 and a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal for one image has been completed. And the like from the printing apparatus 3. When the transfer of the image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed, the printing device 3 performs an image signal reception completion process in step S55-6. Specifically, a process of receiving a completion notification signal indicating that transmission of the image signal for one image is completed from the imaging device 2 and a completion confirmation signal for confirming that the reception of the image signal for one image is completed are performed. For example, processing for sending the image data to the imaging device 2 is performed.

In step S55-3, if the image identification information added to the image signal stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 matches the image identification information received in step S55-1, If there is, the image signal to which the image identification information received in step S55-1 is added is determined to be already stored in the main unit external storage unit 33, and the image signal is determined by the camera image memory unit. The process of reading from the storage device 23 and transferring it to the printing device 3 is not performed. In that case, steps S54-2 and S54
-3 and the processing in steps S55-4 and S55-5 are skipped, and the image signal transmission / reception completion processing in steps S54-4 and S55-6 is immediately performed.
At this time, in step S55-6, the printing device 3 sends a completion confirmation signal to the imaging device 2 for confirming that the reception of the image signal has already been completed.

With the above processing, the transfer processing from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 for the image signal corresponding to one image is completed, and the image comparison transfer processing is completed. FIG. 27
As shown by, this image comparison transfer processing is repeatedly performed until the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed.

Next, at step S52- shown in FIG.
2 and the image signal display instruction record print erasing process performed in step S53-2 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0380] In the image signal display instruction record print erasure process, the printing apparatus 3 first determines in step S57-1
It is determined whether an image is to be displayed automatically. Note that automatically displaying an image means that the imaging device 2 is
When the image signal is transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, the image corresponding to the image signal transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is displayed on the main body display unit 38 when the image signal is transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3. is there. Whether or not to automatically display an image is set in the printing device 3 in advance by operating the printing device 3 using the main body operation unit 39.

If the image is not automatically displayed, the printing apparatus 3 terminates the image signal display instruction record print erasure processing without performing any particular processing. On the other hand, if the image is to be displayed automatically, the process proceeds to step S57-2, and the process proceeds to step S57-2.
In step 57-2, predetermined image display preparation processing is performed, such as performing predetermined signal processing on the image signal transferred from the imaging device 2, and then, in step S57-3,
An image corresponding to the image signal transferred from the imaging device 2 is displayed on the main body display unit 38.

Next, in step S57-4, the printing device 3 accepts an instruction input from the user. At this time, the user operates the main body operation unit 39 of the printing apparatus 3 to specify whether an image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display unit 38 is stored in the main body external storage unit 33 or not. And an instruction signal for instructing whether to print the image displayed on the main body display section 38 and whether to delete an image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 from the camera image memory section 23 of the imaging device 2. An instruction signal for instructing whether or not to input the instruction is input to the printing apparatus 3.

Next, in step S57-5, based on the instruction input in step S57-4, the printing apparatus 3 transmits an image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 to the main body external storage section 33. It is determined whether or not to be stored in the. If the image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 is not stored in the main body external storage section 33, the process proceeds to step S57-7 without storing the image signal in the main body external storage section 33. move on. On the other hand, the main body display 3
When the image signal corresponding to the image displayed in 8 is stored in the external storage unit 33, the process proceeds to step S57-6, and in step S57-6, the image signal is stored in the external storage unit 33. .

Next, in step S57-7, the printing device 3 determines whether or not to print the image displayed on the main body display unit 38 based on the instruction input in step S57-4. If the image displayed on the main body display section 38 is not to be printed, the process proceeds to step S57-10 without printing the image signal. On the other hand, when printing the image displayed on the main body display unit 38, the process proceeds to step S57-8.

In step S57-8, the printing device 3
Performs predetermined image printing preparation processing such as performing predetermined signal processing on the image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display unit 38 by the main body print signal processing unit 34, and then performs step S57-9. , The image corresponding to the image signal (that is, the image displayed on the main body display section 38) is printed by the main body printing section 35.

[0386] Next, in step S57-10, the printing apparatus 3 transmits an image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 to the camera image memory section 23 based on the instruction input in step S57-4. It is determined whether to delete from. When the image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 is not deleted from the camera image memory section 23, the image signal is stored in the camera image memory section 23.
Then, the image signal display instruction record print erasure process is terminated without erasing the image signal. On the other hand, when the image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display unit 38 is deleted from the camera image memory unit 23, the process proceeds to step S57-11, and in step S57-11, an image signal deletion request process is performed. .

In the image signal erasure request processing in step S57-11, the printing apparatus 3 requests the image data corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 to be erased from the camera image memory section 23. A request signal is transmitted to the imaging device 2. In response to this, in step S56-1, the imaging device 2 performs an image signal erasure confirmation process, and returns to the printing device 3 an erasure confirmation signal for confirming that the image signal erasure request has been accepted.

[0388] Thereafter, the imaging device 2 proceeds to step S56-
In 2, it is determined whether or not the image signal transferred to the printing device 3 is to be deleted. This determination is made based on whether or not there has been a deletion request from the printing device 3. That is, when the erasure request signal is received from the printing apparatus 3 in step S56-1, it is determined that the image signal is to be erased.

If the image signal transferred to the printing apparatus 3 is not to be erased, the image signal display instruction recording / printing / erasing process ends while the image signal remains in the camera image memory unit 23. On the other hand, when erasing the image signal transferred to the printing device 3, the image signal is erased from the camera image memory unit 23 in step S56-3, and then the image signal display instruction record print erasure process ends.

[0390] With the above processing, the image signal display instruction record print erasure processing is completed for the image signal corresponding to one image. Note that, as shown in FIG. 27, this image signal display instruction recording print erasure processing is repeatedly performed until the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed.

In the image processing apparatus 1G as described above, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is read out, and the image signal Is transferred from the imaging apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 3 via the camera attaching / detaching section 26 and the main body attaching / detaching section 31, and is stored in the main body external storage section 33 of the printing apparatus 3. This eliminates the need for the user to save and transfer the image signal, and the imaging device 2 is connected to the printing device 3.
The image signal is automatically transferred, copied, and stored in the printing device 3 automatically and simply by attaching it to the printer 3.

In this image processing apparatus 1G, when an image signal is read from the camera image memory unit 23 and transferred to the main unit external storage unit 33, the image signal is stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 using the image identification information. It is determined whether or not it is already stored. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1 </ b> G, the inconvenience of repeatedly storing the same image signal in the main body external storage unit 33 can be avoided.

In the image processing apparatus 1G, an image corresponding to the image signal transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 can be displayed on the main body display section 38. When transferring a signal, an image corresponding to the image signal can be visually confirmed.

In the image processing apparatus 1 G, when transferring an image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, the main body operation unit 39 determines whether or not to store the image signal in the main body external storage unit 33. Instructions can be given by operating. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1G, it is possible to avoid a disadvantage that unnecessary image signals are stored in the main body external storage unit 33.

In the image processing apparatus 1 G, when transferring an image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, the main body operation unit 39 determines whether or not to delete the image signal from the camera image memory unit 23. Instructions can be given by operating. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1G, it is possible to avoid a disadvantage that an unnecessary image signal remains in the camera image memory unit 23.

In the image processing device 1G, when transferring an image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, the main body operation section 39 is operated to determine whether or not to print an image corresponding to the image signal. You can give instructions by doing.
Therefore, in the image processing device 1G, when an image signal is transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, any desired image can be printed out of them.

In the above example, when an instruction signal instructing to print the image displayed on the main body display section 38 is input, the image displayed on the main body display section 38 is printed by the main body printing section 35. Was like that. However, the image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 is stored in the main body external storage section 33 without inputting an instruction signal for instructing whether to print the image displayed on the main body display section 38. May be printed by the main body printing unit 35 when the instruction signal is input.

In this case, the main unit external storage unit 33
The image corresponding to the image signal stored in the printer is automatically and reliably printed. This is equivalent to simultaneous printing of silver halide photographs. That is, at least one image corresponding to the image signal stored in the external storage unit 33 is always printed, and the image captured by the imaging device 2 is obtained by converting the image signal corresponding to the image into the external storage unit. 33
Is stored and stored at the user's hand.

<Fourth Operation Example> A fourth operation example of the image processing apparatus 1G will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 30 (a) and 31 (a) show a processing flow on the imaging device 2 side, and FIGS. 30 (b) and 31 (b) show a processing flow on the printing device 3 side. Is shown.

As shown in FIG. 30, in the initial state,
The imaging device 2 is in an idle state. At this time, the imaging device 2 monitors whether or not the attachment / detachment portion of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 have been connected as shown in step S60-1. This monitoring is performed by the camera attaching / detaching unit 26.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are connected, step S
Proceed to 60-2. That is, when the camera attachment / detachment unit 26 detects that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S60-2. At this time, the camera attaching / detaching unit 26 notifies the camera control unit 24 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. With this as a trigger, the camera control unit 24 executes the processing from step S60-2.

On the other hand, the printing device 3 is also idle in the initial state. At this time, the printing device 3 executes step S6.
As shown in 1-1, it is monitored whether or not the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected. This monitoring is performed by the main body attaching / detaching unit 31.

Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are connected, step S
Go to 61-2. That is, when the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 detects that the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S61-2. At this time, the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 notifies the main body control unit 36 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. This triggered
The main body control unit 36 executes the processing of step S61-2 and thereafter.

[0404] When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the imaging device 2 determines whether or not to automatically transfer an image in step S60-2. Note that automatically transferring an image means that an image signal of an image captured by the imaging device 2 is output to the printing device when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 without any special instruction input from the user. 3 is transferred. Note that whether or not to automatically transfer an image is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

If the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 returns to the idle state again. That is, in a case where the image is not automatically transferred, the imaging device 2 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even if the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3. On the other hand, when the image is automatically transferred, the process proceeds to step S60-3, where the comparison of the image signal
Processing such as display, recording, printing, and erasing is performed. Note that these processes performed in step S60-3 are collectively referred to as image signal communication comparison display operation record print erase process. Regarding the image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasing process,
This will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

[0406] When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the printing device 3 determines whether or not to automatically transfer an image in step S61-2. And
If the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 returns to the idle state again. That is, when the image is not automatically transferred, the printing device 3 enters the idle state again without performing the image signal transfer process even when the imaging device 2 is attached. On the other hand, if the image is to be automatically transferred, step S
Go to 61-3, compare, display, record, print,
Perform processing such as erasure. Note that these processes performed in step S61-3 are collectively referred to as image signal communication comparison display operation record print erase process. The image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasure process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

[0407] After the image signal transmission / reception processing between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 is completed by the processing in steps S60-3 and S61-3,
The imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 return to the idle state again.

Next, the image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasure process performed in steps S60-3 and S61-3 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In the image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasing process, first, a process of transferring an image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is performed for each image. That is, the processing in step S62-1 in FIG.
The processing of step S63-1 of 1 (b) is performed for each image signal corresponding to one image, and is repeatedly performed until the processing of all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed.

[0410] Thereafter, a process of displaying the image signal transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 or deleting the image signal from the imaging device 2 is performed for each image. That is, the process of step S62-4 in FIG. 31A and the process of step S63-4 in FIG. 31B are performed for each image signal corresponding to one image, and Are repeatedly performed until the processing of all the image signals transferred to is completed.

[0411] In this image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasure process, the image pickup apparatus 2 first executes step S62-
In step 1, an image comparison transfer process is performed. This image comparison and transfer process is performed in the same manner as the image comparison and transfer process (the process shown in FIG. 28) in the third operation example. Similarly, the printing apparatus 3 first performs an image comparison transfer process in step S63-1. This image comparison and transfer processing is also performed in the same manner as the image comparison and transfer processing (the processing shown in FIG. 28) in the third operation example.

Then, the image comparison and transfer processing (step S6)
The processing of 2-1 and the processing of step S63-1) are repeated until the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is completed. That is, in step S62-2, it is determined whether or not processing has been completed for all image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23, and the above-described image comparison is performed until processing for all image signals is completed. Repeat the transfer process. When the image comparison and transfer process is completed for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23, the process proceeds to step S62-3 and step S63-2.

[0413] In step S62-3, the imaging device 2
Performs image signal transmission end processing. More specifically, an end notification signal indicating that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is transmitted to the printing apparatus 3, and it is confirmed that the end notification signal has been received. From the printing device 3 to confirm the completion.

[0414] On the other hand, in step S63-2, the printing device 3 performs an image signal reception termination process. In particular,
An end notification indicating that the processing for all image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed is received from the imaging device 2, and an end confirmation signal for confirming that the end notification signal has been received is transmitted. Imaging device 2
To send to.

[0415] Then, the printing apparatus 3 determines in step S63-
At 3, it is determined whether or not an end notification signal has been received. If the end notification signal has not been received yet, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has not been completed yet, so the above-described image comparison and transfer processing is repeated. On the other hand, if the end notification signal has been received, it means that the processing for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23 has been completed, and the process proceeds to the next step.

[0416] Next, the image pickup apparatus 2 executes the step S62-4.
, An image signal display instruction record print erasing process is performed.
This image signal display instruction recording print erasing process is the image signal display instruction recording print erasing process (FIG. 29) in the third operation example.
Is performed in the same manner. Similarly, the printing device 3
Performs an image signal display instruction record print erasure process in step S63-4. This image signal display instruction recording print erasure processing is performed in the same manner as the image signal display instruction recording print erasure processing (the processing shown in FIG. 29) in the third operation example.

Then, the image signal display instruction record print erasing process (the process of step S62-4 and the process of step S63-
4) is repeated until the processing for all the image signals transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is completed. That is, in step S63-5, it is determined whether or not processing has been completed for all image signals transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, and the above-described image processing has been performed until processing for all image signals has been completed. The signal display instruction record print erase process is repeated. Then, when the image signal display instruction recording print erasing process is completed for all the image signals stored in the camera image memory unit 23, the process proceeds to step S62-5 and step S63-6.

[0418] In step S63-6, the printing apparatus 3
Performs an image signal erasing end process. More specifically, a termination notification signal indicating that the image signal display instruction recording / printing erasure processing has been completed for all the image signals transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 is sent to the imaging device 2 and the termination notification An end confirmation signal for confirming that the signal has been received is received from the imaging device 2. With the above processing, the printing apparatus 3 ends the image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasure processing.

[0419] On the other hand, in step S62-5, the imaging device 2 performs an image signal erasure end process. In particular,
It receives from the printing device 3 an end notification signal indicating that the image signal display instruction recording and printing erasure process has been completed for all the image signals transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, and that the end notification signal has been received. An end confirmation signal for confirmation is sent to the printing device 3.

[0420] Then, the image pickup apparatus 2 executes step S62-
At 6, it is determined whether or not an end notification signal has been received. If the end notification signal has not been received yet, it means that the processing for all the image signals transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 has not been completed yet. repeat. On the other hand, when the end notification signal is received, it means that the processing for all the image signals transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 has been completed. The image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasure process ends.

In the image processing apparatus 1G as described above, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is read, and the image signal Is transferred from the imaging apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 3 via the camera attaching / detaching section 26 and the main body attaching / detaching section 31, and is stored in the main body external storage section 33 of the printing apparatus 3. This eliminates the need for the user to save and transfer the image signal, and the imaging device 2 is connected to the printing device 3.
The image signal is automatically transferred, copied, and stored in the printing device 3 automatically and simply by attaching it to the printer 3.

In the image processing apparatus 1G, when the image signal is read from the camera image memory unit 23 and transferred to the main unit external storage unit 33, the image signal is stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 using the image identification information. It is determined whether or not it is already stored. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1 </ b> G, the inconvenience of repeatedly storing the same image signal in the main body external storage unit 33 can be avoided.

Further, in the image processing apparatus 1G, since an image corresponding to the image signal transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3 can be displayed on the main body display section 38, the image is transmitted from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3. When transferring a signal, an image corresponding to the image signal can be visually confirmed.

In the image processing apparatus 1 G, when transferring an image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, it is determined whether or not the image signal is to be stored in the main body external storage unit 33 by the main body operation unit 39. Instructions can be given by operating. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1G, it is possible to avoid a disadvantage that unnecessary image signals are stored in the main body external storage unit 33.

In the image processing apparatus 1G, when transferring an image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, the main body operation unit 39 determines whether or not to delete the image signal from the camera image memory unit 23. Instructions can be given by operating. Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 1G, it is possible to avoid a disadvantage that an unnecessary image signal remains in the camera image memory unit 23.

In the image processing device 1G, when transferring an image signal from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, the image processing device 1G operates the main body operation section 39 to determine whether to print an image corresponding to the image signal. You can give instructions by doing.
Therefore, in the image processing device 1G, when an image signal is transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3, any desired image can be printed out of them.

In the above example, when an instruction signal for instructing to print the image displayed on the main body display section 38 is input, the image displayed on the main body display section 38 is printed by the main body printing section 35. Was like that. However, the image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the main body display section 38 is stored in the main body external storage section 33 without inputting an instruction signal for instructing whether to print the image displayed on the main body display section 38. May be printed by the main body printing unit 35 when the instruction signal is input.

In such a case, the main unit external storage unit 33
The image corresponding to the image signal stored in the printer is automatically and reliably printed. This is equivalent to simultaneous printing of silver halide photographs. That is, at least one image corresponding to the image signal stored in the external storage unit 33 is always printed, and the image captured by the imaging device 2 is obtained by converting the image signal corresponding to the image into the external storage unit. 33
Is stored and stored at the user's hand.

[0429] 8. Time Calibration of Clock As in the second to seventh embodiments, when using the imaging time information as the image identification information, it is desirable that the time indicated by the camera clock unit 27 be accurately adjusted. Therefore, it is desirable that the image processing apparatuses 1B to 1G include a unit for calibrating the time indicated by the camera clock unit 27.

[0430] Specifically, for example, the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 are provided with time calibration means for calibrating the time indicated by the camera clock unit 27 based on the standard time, and the time indicated by the camera clock unit 27 is adjusted to the standard time. Be able to calibrate based on time.

[0431] Here, the standard time refers to an international standard time (Coordinated Universal Time) or a time used in synchronization with the international standard time in countries, regions, organizations, organizations, and the like. As a method of detecting the standard time, for example, a method of receiving a time signal from a television broadcast or a radio broadcast, a method of receiving a time broadcast using a scanning line (vertical blanking period) not normally displayed on a screen, an international method, A method of receiving a standard time signal that provides standard time (Coordinated Universal Time), or GPS (Global Positioning)
System).

Regarding the standard radio waves, for example, the standard radio waves JJY and JG2AS, which are operated by the Frequency Measurement Section of the Standard Measurement Department of the Communications Research Laboratory, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Japan, are based on the time standard and Japan Universal Time (UTC). Standard time (JST)
To inform. Then, for example, by using the standard radio wave JJY, time calibration can be performed with an accuracy of about 1 ms. Not only the standard radio wave JJY of Japan but also the shortwave standard radio wave BPM (China), WWVH
(US), RID (Russia), BSF (Taiwan), HLA
(Korea), etc., and these may be used.

In the case of using GPS, examples of the time measuring device include Jupiter of SPA (System Producer Associates) Co., Ltd., and a time transfer GPS receiver "GT-74" for time synchronization of the company.

As described above, by calibrating the time indicated by the camera clock unit 27 based on the standard time, it is possible to cause the battery to run out as in a quartz oscillation type clock in which the time is manually adjusted. Incorrect time is not kept. Therefore, the correct imaging time can always be specified. as a result,
Each captured image can be uniquely and uniquely identified by the imaging time information.

In the fifth to seventh embodiments, the imaging device 2 includes the camera position detecting unit 28. However, when the camera position detecting unit 28 uses the standard time, the camera position detecting unit 28 The time of the camera clock unit 27 may be calibrated based on the standard time used at 28.

As described above, as a method of detecting the imaging position, there is a method of measuring the latitude and longitude using radio waves. Specifically, GPS (Global System) using radio waves from artificial satellites
Positioning System), Loran, Decca and Omega. In the position detection method using these radio waves, the arrival time of radio waves between a plurality of radio wave transmission sources and at least one radio wave reception source, or the time between at least one radio wave transmission source and a plurality of radio wave reception sources, Position detection is performed by comparing the arrival times of radio waves. Therefore, in many methods, the position is corrected based on the standard time and the time is compared. In other words, in order to perform such a position detecting method, it is necessary to hold the standard time internally. Therefore, the standard time used for the position detection is set to the camera clock 2
7 may be used for time calibration.

As a means for calibrating the time indicated by the camera clock section 27 provided in the imaging device 2, a main body clock portion is provided in the printing device 3, and when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image is captured. Camera clock unit 2 provided in device 2
7 is compared with the main body clock provided in the printing device 3,
These times may be adjusted.

Generally, a clock has a time error represented by a day difference or a month difference depending on the accuracy at the time of manufacture (for example, the frequency accuracy of a crystal oscillator or the like). In addition, a time error also occurs due to factors such as temperature change and vibration. Accordingly, the printing device 3 is also provided with a main body clock unit, and the imaging device 2
When is attached to the printing apparatus 3, the camera clock section 27 provided in the imaging apparatus 2 is compared with the main body clock section provided in the printing apparatus 3, and the times are adjusted. Thereby, the accuracy of the time indicated by the camera clock unit 27 can be improved.

As described above, an operation example in a case where the camera clock section 27 provided in the imaging apparatus 2 is compared with the main body clock section provided in the printing apparatus 3 and the times thereof are adjusted will be described. This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 32A shows a processing flow on the imaging device 2 side, and FIG.
Shows the processing flow on the side of.

In the initial state, the imaging device 2 is in an idle state. At this time, the imaging device 2 performs step S70.
As shown in -1, it is monitored whether or not the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected. This monitoring is performed by the camera attaching / detaching unit 26.

[0443] Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and when they are connected, step S
Proceed to 70-2. That is, when the camera attachment / detachment unit 26 detects that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S70-2. At this time, the camera attaching / detaching unit 26 notifies the camera control unit 24 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. With this as a trigger, the camera control unit 24 executes the processing of step S70-2 and thereafter.

On the other hand, the printing apparatus 3 is also idle in the initial state. At this time, the printing device 3 executes step S7.
As shown in 1-1, it is monitored whether or not the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected. This monitoring is performed by the main body attaching / detaching unit 31.

[0443] Then, when the detachable portions of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected, and they are in the connected state, step S is executed.
Go to 71-2. That is, when the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 detects that the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the process proceeds to step S71-2. At this time, the main body attaching / detaching unit 31 notifies the main body control unit 36 that the imaging device 2 has been attached to the printing device 3. This triggered
The main body control unit 36 executes the processing after step S71-2.

[0444] When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the imaging device 2 determines in step S70-2 the camera clock unit 27 provided in the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3
It is determined whether or not the time is to be adjusted with the main body clock provided in step S70-3.
Proceeds to step S70 if time adjustment is not performed.
Proceed to -6. Similarly, the printing apparatus 3 also performs step S71-
2, a camera clock unit 27 provided in the imaging device 2
It is determined whether or not the time is to be adjusted with the main body clock unit provided in the printing apparatus 3. If the time is to be adjusted, the process proceeds to step S71-3. If the time is not adjusted, the process proceeds to step S71-3.
Proceed to step S71-6. Note that whether or not the time is adjusted when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3 is set in the imaging device 2 and / or the printing device 3 in advance. It is desirable that this setting can be changed by the user.

Step S70-3 and step S71-
In 3, the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 perform a clock synchronous communication preparation process. More specifically, the printing device 3 sends a synchronization request signal to the imaging device 2 requesting synchronization of the camera clock unit 27 and the main unit clock unit. Then, the imaging device 2 that has received the synchronization request signal returns a synchronization confirmation signal to the printing device 3 for confirming that the synchronization request signal has been received.

[0446] When the clock synchronous communication preparation processing is completed, next, in steps S70-4 and S71-4,
The imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 perform a clock synchronous arbitration process. In the clock synchronous arbitration processing, a synchronous arbitration signal is exchanged between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 to cause the camera clock unit 2
7 and the main body clock section, and the camera clock section 2
7 is synchronized with the main unit clock.

[0447] When the clock synchronization arbitration processing is completed, the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 perform clock synchronization communication completion processing in steps S70-5 and S71-5. Specifically, the printing device 3 sends a completion confirmation signal to the imaging device 2 to confirm that the process of synchronizing the camera clock unit 27 and the main unit clock unit by completing the time synchronization is completed. Then, the imaging device 2 receiving the completion confirmation signal
Returns to the printing apparatus 3 a completion notification signal notifying that the processing for synchronizing the camera clock unit 27 and the main body clock unit by synchronizing the time is completed.

Thus, the process of synchronizing the time of the camera clock unit 27 with the time of the main unit clock unit is completed. Thereafter, in steps S70-6 and S71-6, processing such as image signal transmission and reception is performed. Here, as described in detail in each of the above embodiments, processing such as comparison, transfer, display, recording, printing, and erasing of image signals is performed. Then, when processing such as image signal transmission / reception in steps S70-6 and S71-6 is completed, the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 return to the idle state again.

As described above, the camera clock section 27 provided in the image pickup apparatus 2 is compared with the main body clock section provided in the printing apparatus 3 and the time is adjusted so that the image pickup apparatus 2 is provided. The accuracy of the camera clock section 27 provided in the printer 3 and the main body clock section provided in the printing apparatus 3 can be improved.

Also, by eliminating the inconsistency between the time indicated by the camera clock unit 27 provided in the imaging device 2 and the time indicated by the main body clock unit provided in the printing device 3, the time on the imaging device 2 side can be reduced. It is also possible to prevent confusion due to mismatch between the information and the time information on the printing device 3 side.

In the clock synchronization arbitration process in steps S70-4 and S71-4, the camera clock unit 27 provided in the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3
Are compared with the main body clock provided in the main body, and their times are adjusted. For example, the time is adjusted to the time indicated by the main body clock.

In general, the number of times the printing apparatus 3 is carried and moved is smaller than that of the imaging apparatus 2. Therefore, the main body clock provided in the printing device 3 has less time error due to factors such as temperature change and vibration than the camera clock 27 provided in the imaging device 2. Then, the camera clock unit 27 provided in the imaging device 2 is compared with the main unit clock unit provided in the printing device 3, and when the times are adjusted, the main unit clock unit provided in the printing device 3 is used. Based on the indicated time, the time of the camera clock unit 27 provided in the imaging device 2 is adjusted to that time. By doing so, the time can be adjusted relatively accurately.

When the time of the main body clock provided in the printing apparatus 3 and the time of the camera clock 27 provided in the image pickup apparatus 2 are adjusted, when the time is indicated by the main body clock, It is preferable that the printing device 3 be provided with a time calibration unit that calibrates the time indicated by the main body clock unit based on the standard time. That is, the printing apparatus 3 is provided with time calibration means for calibrating the time of the main body clock based on the standard time, and calibrates the time indicated by the main body clock based on the standard time. When the time is adjusted, the time of the camera clock unit 27 is adjusted based on the time indicated by the main unit clock unit calibrated based on the standard time.

As described above, by providing the time calibration means for calibrating the time indicated by the main body clock section based on the standard time in the printing apparatus 3, the time can be adjusted more accurately, and the main body clock section and The time accuracy of the camera clock unit 27 can be improved. Therefore, the accuracy of the imaging time information used as the image identification information can be further improved.

[0455] If the time of the main body clock unit and the camera clock unit 27 is adjusted based on the standard time, 2
Even when there are two or more image processing apparatuses, time information between the image processing apparatuses does not become out of order. Therefore, for example, even when there are two or more image processing devices and a certain imaging device is connected to a different printing device, it is possible to prevent confusion due to mismatch of time information of each device.

In the clock synchronization arbitration process in steps S70-4 and S71-4, the camera clock unit 27 provided in the imaging device 2 is compared with the main body clock unit provided in the printing device 3. These times are adjusted, and this time adjustment may be performed, for example, by averaging both times.

When the time is adjusted by averaging the two times, the two times may be simply averaged. However, more preferably, both the times are weighted in consideration of the accuracy and the average is calculated. To take.

That is, when the time of the main body clock provided in the printing apparatus 3 and the time of the camera clock 27 provided in the imaging device 2 are adjusted, the time indicated by the main body clock and the time indicated by the camera clock 27 are set. With respect to the time, a relative comparison with a predetermined weight is performed to calculate a reference time,
It is better to set each time to this reference time. The weighting here gives a change to the time accuracy at the time of production of each of the camera clock unit 27 and the main unit clock unit, and the time accuracy such as the movement amount of the device, temperature change, power supply output change, and aging change. Determined in consideration of factors.

As described above, by performing weighting in consideration of the accuracy of both times and taking an average, the accuracy of time adjustment between the camera clock unit 27 and the main unit clock unit can be improved. Therefore, the accuracy of the imaging time information used as the image identification information can be further improved.

[0460] As described above, the camera clock section 27 provided in the image pickup apparatus 2 is compared with the main body clock section provided in the printing apparatus 3, and the time is set as a reference. The delay or advance with respect to the time may be corrected by the temporal integration of the minute delay or advance of the time count.

For example, if the time of the camera clock unit 27 provided in the imaging device 2 is delayed by one second from the newly set reference time, the time of the camera clock unit 27 is set to 1
You have to go a second. At this time, the time of the camera clock unit 27 is not immediately advanced by one second, but is divided into 10 seconds, and the time counted by the camera clock unit 27 is counted down to 0.9 second and converted to 1 second and counted. Shall be. As a result, the time of the camera clock unit 27 is corrected by 0.1 second every second from the newly set time, and is synchronized with the newly set time 10 seconds later. Will be.

Also, for example, the time of the main body clock provided in the printing apparatus 3 is 2 with respect to the newly set reference time.
When the time is advanced by two seconds, the time of the main body clock must be delayed by two seconds. At this time, instead of immediately delaying the time of the main body clock section by 2 seconds, the frequency of the frequency oscillator of the main body clock section is lowered by 20% for 10 seconds. 1 at this time
The measurement for 0 seconds may be performed by the camera clock unit 27 or by converting the time of the main unit clock unit whose frequency is lowered. As a result, the time of the main body clock section is corrected by 0.2 seconds every second from the newly set time, and is synchronized with the newly set time after 10 seconds. become.

If the imaging device 2 or the printing device 3 uses time information for data processing performed internally or the like, a sudden change in time may cause inconvenience. However, as described above, the delay or advance with respect to the reference time,
Such inconvenience can be avoided if the correction is made by the temporal integration of the minute delay or advance of the time count.
In other words, the delay or advance relative to the reference time,
If the correction is performed by the temporal integration of the minute delay or advance of the time counting, even when the imaging device 2 or the printing device 3 is performing operations other than the time adjustment of the camera clock unit 27 and the main unit clock unit, The time can be corrected without hindering the operation.

When the time is adjusted as described above, the imaging time added to the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is determined based on the amount of delay or advance of the clock detected by the time adjustment. It is better to correct the information.

That is, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 of the imaging device 2 is read out and stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 of the printing device 3. Stored at this time,
When the time indicated by the camera clock unit 27 is corrected, the imaging time information read from the camera image memory unit 23 and added to the image signal stored in the main unit external storage unit 33 is also corrected according to the correction. It is desirable to do so.

For example, by calculating based on the amount of delay or advance of the camera clock unit 27, the time at which the time of the previous camera clock unit 27 was adjusted, and the current time of the camera clock unit 27, The time correction amount at an arbitrary time can be obtained between the correction time and the current time of the camera clock unit 27. Thus, by performing such a calculation, the imaging time information added to the image signal read from the camera image memory unit 23 and stored in the external storage unit 33 is corrected to an appropriate time.

In this way, even if a great deviation occurs between the time at which the time of the camera clock unit 27 was adjusted last time and the time this time is corrected, the time is added to the image signal. The imaging time information can be corrected to an appropriate time. Therefore, the accuracy of the imaging time information used as the image identification information can be further improved. The correction of the imaging time information added to the image signal is
The processing may be performed on the imaging device 2 side, or may be performed on the printing device 3 side after an image signal is transferred from the imaging device 2 to the printing device 3.

[0468] 9. More Specific Configuration Example of Image Processing Apparatus Finally, a more specific configuration example of the image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the image processing device 1H shown in FIG. 33 can be used in any of the above-described image processing devices 1A to 1G, and the operation and operation and effect thereof have been described in the above-described respective embodiments. It is on the street. Therefore, only the specific configuration will be described here, and the description of the operation and the effect thereof will be omitted.

The image processing apparatus 1H shown in FIG. 33 includes an imaging device 2 and a printing device 3 which are detachable from each other.
The imaging device 2 includes a camera imaging unit 21, a camera imaging signal processing unit 22, a camera image memory unit 23, a camera control unit 24,
Camera power supply section 25, camera attaching / detaching section 26, camera clock section 2
7 and a camera position detecting unit 28. Further, the printing apparatus 3 includes a main body attaching / detaching section 31, a main body image memory section 32, a main body external storage section 33, a main body print signal processing section 34, a main body printing section 3
5, body control unit 36, body power supply unit 37, body display unit 3
8, a main body operation section 39 and a main body clock section 40.

[0470] The camera imaging section 21 is imaging means for capturing an image, and includes a camera optical system having a predetermined optical system for capturing an image, a camera optical system control section for controlling the camera optical system, and a camera optical system. And a CCD image pickup device for picking up an image via the CCD.

[0471] The camera image pickup signal processing section 22 is a section that performs predetermined signal processing on the image signal of the image picked up by the camera image pickup section 21, and performs image pickup processing that receives the image signal and performs predetermined processing. It has a unit. The image capture processing unit performs image processing such as color signal conversion processing, gradation characteristic conversion processing, and contour correction processing.

[0472] The camera image memory unit 23 is image signal storage means for storing image signals of images picked up by the camera image pickup unit 21. More specifically, the camera imaging unit 2
A signal obtained by processing the image signal of the image captured by the camera 1 by the camera imaging signal processing unit 22 is stored in the camera image memory unit 23. This camera image memory unit 23
Comprises a memory that can be accessed randomly. This memory includes an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a D
RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), EEPROM
(Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memo
ry), flash memory (Flash Memory), and ferroelectric memory (FeRAM).

[0473] The camera control section 24 is a section that controls the entire image processing apparatus in cooperation with the printing apparatus 3 while controlling the entire image pickup apparatus. This camera control unit 24
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) for performing arithmetic processing;
A memory used as a storage area when performing arithmetic processing by the CPU, a cache memory used as a temporary storage area when performing arithmetic processing by the CPU,
The camera control unit 24 includes a system controller that controls the entire camera control unit 24 and a camera operation unit that receives input of an instruction from a user to the imaging device 2. This camera control unit 24
For example, control of image signal processing, control of power supply, control of attachment / detachment operation of each part of the imaging device 2, printing device 3
It controls communication with the server.

[0474] The camera power supply section 25 is a section for supplying power to each section constituting the imaging device 2, and includes a lithium ion secondary battery and a power supply control section for controlling the lithium ion secondary battery. Here, the power supply control unit controls, for example, power supply to each unit included in the imaging apparatus 2, control relating to detection and display of the remaining amount of the lithium ion secondary battery, and supply from the printing apparatus 3 and an external power supply. The control when charging the lithium ion secondary battery with the supplied electric power is performed.

[0475] The camera attaching / detaching section 26 is attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting the attachment / detachment state of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3, and detects the attachment / detachment state of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 by a mechanical or electromagnetic method. . As a method of detecting the attachment / detachment state of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3, a method using mechanical fitting,
Examples include a method using electrical terminal contact, a method using transmission and reception of light and radio waves, and a method using electromagnetic induction.

[0476] The camera attaching / detaching section 26 also serves as an interface for exchanging various signals and electric power between the image pickup apparatus 2 and the printing apparatus 3, and the IEEE1394.
A communication module, a communication terminal, and a charging power supply terminal are provided. That is, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the IEEE 139 of the camera attaching / detaching unit 26
4 The imaging device 2 via the communication module and the communication terminal unit
An image signal of an image captured by the imaging device 2 and a device status signal indicating an operation state of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 are exchanged between the printer and the printing device 3. When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, power is supplied from the printing device 3 to the imaging device 2 via the charging power supply terminal of the camera attachment / detachment unit 26.

The camera clock section 27 is a clock provided in the imaging device 2 and has a real time clock (RTC).
Then, when an image is captured by the camera imaging unit 21, the imaging device 2 measures the time at which the image was captured by the camera clock unit 27. Then, imaging time information, which is information on the time at which the image was captured, is added to the image signal, and the imaging time information is stored in the camera image memory unit 23 together with the image signal.

[0478] The camera position detection unit 28
1 is a position information detecting means for detecting an image pickup position of an image when the image is picked up, and includes a GPS module for detecting a position using GPS. In the imaging device 2, when an image is captured by the camera imaging unit 21, the position at which the image is captured is detected by the camera position detection unit 28. Then, imaging position information, which is information on the position where the image was captured, is also added to the image signal, and the imaging position information is stored in the camera image memory unit 23 together with the image signal.

The main body attaching / detaching section 31 is an attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting the attachment / detachment state of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3, and detects the attachment / detachment state of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 by a mechanical or electromagnetic method. . Methods for detecting the state of attachment and detachment of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 include a method using mechanical fitting, a method using contact between electric terminals, a method using transmission and reception of light and radio waves, and electromagnetic induction. Examples include the method used.

[0480] The main body detachable unit 31 also serves as an interface for exchanging various signals and power between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3, and includes an IEEE 1394 communication module, a communication terminal unit, and a charging terminal. Power supply terminal section. That is, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, an image is captured by the imaging device 2 between the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 via the IEEE1394 communication module and the communication terminal unit of the main body detachable unit 31. An exchange of an image signal of an image, a device state signal indicating an operation state of the imaging device 2 or the printing device 3, and the like are performed. Also, the imaging device 2
Is attached to the printing apparatus 3, the main body detachable section 3
Power for charging the lithium ion secondary battery of the camera power supply unit 25 is supplied from the printing device 3 to the imaging device 2 via the charging power supply terminal unit 1.

The main body image memory section 32 is storage means for temporarily storing image signals and the like.
If you want to temporarily hold the image signal sent from
When image signal processing is performed inside the printing device 3,
It is used when temporarily holding an image signal before printing. The main body image memory unit 32 includes a memory that can be randomly accessed. This memory is SRAM (Sta
tic Random Access Memory), DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
Access Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable
Programmable Read Only Memory), Flash memory
(Flash Memory) and semiconductor devices such as ferroelectric memory (FeRAM).

The main unit external storage section 33 is a non-volatile storage means having a non-volatile storage device that does not require power supply for holding information, and stores a recording medium for storing image signals and the like and a recording and reproducing operation for the recording medium. And a recording / reproducing processing unit for performing the recording / reproducing. The main unit external storage unit 33 stores an image signal sent from the imaging device 2 and various information added to the image signal. The main body external storage unit 33 also stores various setting information of the imaging device 2 and the printing device 3 as necessary.

The main body print signal processing unit 34
5 is a part for performing predetermined signal processing on an image signal of an image to be printed, and includes an image output processing unit that captures an image signal of an image to be printed and performs predetermined processing.
The image output processing unit performs image processing such as color signal conversion processing, gradation characteristic conversion processing, and contour correction processing.

The main body printing unit 35 is a printing unit that reads an image signal to be printed from the main body external storage unit 33 and prints an image corresponding to the image signal. A printing mechanism for printing an image, a printing mechanism And a printing mechanism control unit for controlling the printing mechanism. The printing method in the main body printing unit 35 includes, for example, an ink jet recording method, a fusion heat transfer method, a dye heat transfer method, an energizing heat transfer method, a thermal paper method, a toner direct recording method, an electrophotographic method, a silver halide photographic method, and a photosensitive micro-system. Examples include a capsule system and a pressure-sensitive microcapsule system.

[0485] The main body control section 36 is a section that controls the entire printing apparatus and also controls the entire image processing apparatus in cooperation with the imaging apparatus 2. The main body control unit 36 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for performing arithmetic processing,
A memory used as a storage area when performing arithmetic processing by U, a cache memory used as a temporary storage area when performing arithmetic processing by the CPU, and a system controller that controls the entire main body control unit 36 And The main body control unit 36 includes, for example, the printing device 3
Control of image signal processing, control of power supply, control of attachment / detachment operation, control of communication with the imaging device 2, etc.

When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the main body control section 36 reads out all or a part of the image signal stored in the camera image memory section 23 and reads out the main body external storage section 33. Is also a signal readout means for storing the data. That is, when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image processing device 1 </ b> H
Under the control of 6, all or a part of the image signal stored in the camera image memory unit 23 is read and stored in the main unit external storage unit 33.

[0487] The main body power supply section 37 supplies power to each section constituting the printing apparatus 3, and includes an AC / DC power supply section for receiving power supply from an external power supply, and a power supply section for supplying power to each section constituting the printing apparatus 3. And a power control unit for controlling the power to be supplied. The AC / DC power supply unit receives an alternating current (AC) from an external power supply, and the AC / DC power supply unit converts the alternating current into a direct current (DC). Then, under the control of the power supply control unit, the DC current
Are supplied to the respective components constituting.

[0488] The main body display section 38 is display means for displaying an image corresponding to an image signal, and includes an image display device for displaying an image, and audio for D / A-converting and outputting audio data sampled at a certain frequency. An output device. The image display device displays an image corresponding to the image signal read from the camera image memory unit 23 by the main body control unit 36 when the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, for example. The audio output device outputs, for example, audio that prompts the user to input an instruction.

[0489] The main body operation section 39 is for receiving an input from the user to the printing apparatus 3, and includes an input device for receiving an input of an instruction signal or the like for instructing an image signal to be stored in the main body external storage section 33. .

[0490] The main body clock section 40 is a clock provided in the printing apparatus 3, and has a real time clock (RTC). When the imaging device 2 is attached to the printing device 3, the image processing device 1 </ b> H determines the time indicated by the camera clock unit 27 provided in the imaging device 2 and the main body clock unit 40 provided in the printing device 3. Are compared with each other and the times are adjusted.

[0490]

As described above in detail, in the image processing apparatus and the image processing method according to the present invention, the exchange of the image signal between the imaging apparatus and the printing apparatus can be performed with almost no user's hand. Is done promptly. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly convenient image processing apparatus that does not bother the user with operations related to the exchange of image signals.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an image processing apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a processing flow on an imaging apparatus side; It is a figure showing a processing flow.

3 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 (a) is a view showing a processing flow on the imaging apparatus side; FIG. It is a figure showing a processing flow of the side.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second configuration example of an image processing apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a processing flow on the imaging apparatus side; FIG. 5B is a processing flow on the printing apparatus side; FIG.

6 is a flowchart of image signal transmission / reception processing in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a processing flow on the imaging apparatus side; FIG. It is a figure showing a processing flow of the side.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a third configuration example of an image processing apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 7; FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a processing flow on the imaging device side; FIG. 8B is a processing flow on the printing device side; FIG.

9 is a flowchart of an image signal transmission / reception process in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 9A is a view showing a processing flow on the imaging apparatus side; FIG. It is a figure showing a processing flow.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth configuration example of an image processing apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 10; FIG. 10 (a) is a diagram showing a processing flow on the imaging device side; FIG. 10 (b) is a processing flow on the printing device side; FIG.

12 is a flowchart of an image signal transmission / reception process in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 10, in which FIG. 12 (a) is a diagram showing a processing flow on the imaging device side, and FIG. 12 (b) is a flowchart on the printing device side; It is a figure showing a processing flow.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a fifth configuration example of the image processing apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 13; FIG. 14A illustrates a processing flow on the imaging apparatus side; FIG. 14B illustrates a processing flow on the printing apparatus side; FIG.

15 is a flowchart of image signal transmission / reception processing in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 13; FIG. 15A is a view showing a processing flow on the imaging apparatus side; FIG. 15B is a flowchart on the printing apparatus side; It is a figure showing a processing flow.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a sixth configuration example of the image processing apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 16; FIG. 17 (a) is a diagram showing a processing flow on the imaging device side; FIG. 17 (b) is a processing flow on the printing device side; FIG.

18 is a flowchart of image signal transmission / reception processing in the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 16; FIG. 18A is a flowchart showing a processing flow on the imaging apparatus side; FIG. 18B is a flowchart showing processing flow on the printing apparatus side; It is a figure showing a processing flow.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a seventh configuration example of an image processing apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

20 is a flowchart illustrating a first operation example of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 19, in which FIG. 20A illustrates a processing flow on the imaging apparatus side, and FIG. It is a figure showing a processing flow of the side.

21 is a flowchart of an image signal communication comparison display operation record erasing process in the first operation example of the image processing device shown in FIG. 19, and FIG. 21A is a diagram showing a processing flow on the imaging device side; FIG. 21B is a diagram illustrating a processing flow on the printing apparatus side.

FIG. 22 shows the first and second image processing apparatuses shown in FIG.
22A is a flowchart of an image comparison transfer process in the operation example of FIG. 22A, FIG. 22A is a diagram illustrating a processing flow on the imaging device side, and FIG. 22B is a diagram illustrating a processing flow on the printing device side.

FIG. 23 shows the first and second image processing apparatuses shown in FIG. 19;
23A is a flowchart of an image signal display instruction recording and erasing process in the operation example of FIG. 23A, FIG. 23A is a diagram showing a processing flow of the imaging device, and FIG. 23B is a diagram showing a processing flow of the printing device. is there.

24 is a flowchart illustrating a second operation example of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 19, in which FIG. 24A illustrates a processing flow on the imaging apparatus side, and FIG. It is a figure showing a processing flow of the side.

25 is a flowchart of an image signal communication comparison display operation record erasing process in the second operation example of the image processing device shown in FIG. 19, and FIG. 25A is a diagram showing a process flow on the imaging device side; FIG. 25B is a diagram illustrating a processing flow on the printing apparatus side.

26 is a flowchart illustrating a third operation example of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 19, in which FIG. 26A illustrates a processing flow on the imaging apparatus side, and FIG. 26B illustrates a processing flow of the printing apparatus; It is a figure showing a processing flow of the side.

27 is a flowchart of image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasure processing in a third operation example of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 19, and FIG. 27A is a view showing a processing flow on the imaging apparatus side; FIG. 27B is a diagram showing a processing flow on the printing apparatus side.

FIG. 28 is a view showing the third and fourth embodiments of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 19;
28A is a flowchart of an image comparison transfer process in the operation example of FIG. 28, FIG. 28A is a diagram showing a processing flow on the imaging device side, and FIG. 28B is a diagram showing a processing flow on the printing device side.

FIG. 29 is a view showing the third and fourth image processing apparatuses shown in FIG. 19;
29A is a flowchart of an image signal display instruction record print erasing process in the operation example of FIG. 29A, FIG. 29A is a diagram showing a processing flow on the imaging device side, and FIG. It is.

30 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth operation example of the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 19, in which FIG. 30A illustrates a processing flow on the imaging apparatus side, and FIG. It is a figure showing a processing flow of the side.

31 is a flowchart of image signal communication comparison display operation record print erasure processing in a fourth operation example of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 19, and FIG. 30A is a view showing a processing flow on the imaging apparatus side; FIG. 30B is a diagram showing a processing flow on the printing apparatus side.

FIG. 32 illustrates an example of an operation performed when an image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied compares a camera clock section provided in an imaging apparatus with a main body clock section provided in a printing apparatus and adjusts the times thereof. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing
FIG. 32A shows a processing flow on the imaging apparatus side, and FIG.
FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a processing flow on the printing apparatus side.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of an image processing apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H Image processing device, 2 imaging device, 3 printing device, 21
Camera imaging unit, 22 Camera imaging signal processing unit, 2
3 camera image memory unit, 24 camera control unit, 2
5 Camera power supply section, 26 Camera detachable section, 27 Camera clock section, 28 Camera position detecting section, 31 Main body detachable section, 32 Main body image memory section, 33 Main body external storage section, 34 Main body print signal processing section, 35 Main body print section, 36 Main unit control unit, 37 Main unit power supply unit, 38
Main unit display unit, 39 Main unit operation unit, 40 Main unit clock unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page F term (reference)

Claims (63)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a printing device and an image pickup device which are detachably attached to each other; an image pickup means for picking up an image; and an image signal for storing an image signal of an image picked up by the image pickup means. A non-volatile storage device having a non-volatile storage device that does not require power supply for holding information; and a storage device for storing the image signal when the imaging device is attached to the printing device. A signal readout unit that reads all or a part of the image signal stored in the unit and stores the readout image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit; and an image signal to be printed is read out from the nonvolatile storage unit and corresponds to the image signal. An image processing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints an image. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a detachment detecting unit configured to detect a detached state of the imaging device, wherein the signal reading unit detects that the imaging device is attached to the printing device by the detachment detecting unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the image processing is performed, a process of reading all or a part of the image signal stored in the image signal storage unit and storing the read image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit is performed. 3. The printing unit prints an image corresponding to an image signal read from the image signal storage unit by the signal reading unit when the imaging device is attached to the printing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 4. The signal reading means reads out the image signal stored in the image signal storage means and stores the read image signal in the nonvolatile storage means, wherein the content stored in the image signal storage means is: Comparing the contents stored in the non-volatile storage means to determine whether or not the image signal is already stored in the non-volatile storage means, and determining that the image signal is already stored in the non-volatile storage means 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing of reading the image signal from the image signal storage unit and storing the image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit is not performed for the image signal. 5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the signal reading unit is provided with imaging time information as information on a time at which the image was captured, imaging position information as information on a position at which the image was captured, and a signal uniquely attached to the imaging device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the determination is performed based on at least one of the unique information. 6. The image capturing apparatus includes a clock, and when an image is captured by the image capturing unit, the time at which the image was captured is measured by the clock, and image capturing time information that is information on the time at which the image was captured is provided. In addition to the image signal,
The imaging time information is also stored in the image signal storage means together with the image signal, and the signal readout means is added to the image signal when the image signal is read from the image signal storage means and stored in the nonvolatile storage means. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging time information is read out from the image signal storage means and stored in the nonvolatile storage means. 7. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the signal reading unit reads the image signal from the image signal storage unit and stores the image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit. Is compared with the imaging time information added to each of the image signals stored in the non-volatile storage means, and an image signal having a match is read out from the image signal storage means. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the processing for storing the data in the nonvolatile storage means is not performed. 8. The image capturing apparatus further comprises: position information detecting means for detecting an image capturing position of the image, wherein when the image is captured by the image capturing means, the image capturing position of the image is detected by the position information detecting means. Imaging position information, which is information relating to the position at which the image was captured, is added to the image signal, and the imaging position information is also stored in the image signal storage unit together with the image signal. The signal readout unit stores the image signal in the image signal storage unit 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, when reading from the image data and storing it in the nonvolatile storage means, the imaging position information added to the image signal is also read from the image signal storage means and stored in the nonvolatile storage means. Image processing device. 9. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the signal reading unit reads the image signal from the image signal storage unit and stores the image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit. The imaging time information and the imaging position information are compared with the imaging time information and the imaging position information respectively added to the image signals stored in the nonvolatile storage means. ,
9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a process of reading from said image signal storage means and storing it in said nonvolatile storage means is not performed. 10. The image capturing apparatus includes a unique information recording unit in which unique information uniquely attached to the image capturing device is recorded, and when the image is captured by the image capturing unit, the unique information recording unit is provided. The unique information recorded in the image signal is added to the image signal, and the unique information is also stored in the image signal storage unit together with the image signal. The signal reading unit reads the image signal from the image signal storage unit and reads the image signal from the nonvolatile memory. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the unique information added to the image signal is read out from the image signal storage unit and stored in the nonvolatile storage unit when storing the image signal in the storage unit. 11. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the signal readout unit reads out the image signal from the image signal storage unit and stores the image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit. The imaging time information and the unique information are compared with the imaging time information and the unique information respectively added to the image signals stored in the non-volatile storage means. 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a process of reading from the image signal storage unit and storing the readout in the nonvolatile storage unit is not performed. 12. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the signal reading unit reads the image signal from the image signal storage unit and stores the image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit. The imaging time information stored in the nonvolatile storage means is compared with the imaging time information added to the image signal stored in the nonvolatile storage means, and the unique information recorded in the unique information recording means is compared with the nonvolatile information. Comparing the image signal stored in the sex storage means with the unique information respectively added thereto, and reading out the image signal having the same information from the image signal storage means and storing it in the nonvolatile storage means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image processing is not performed. 13. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: position information detecting means for detecting an image capturing position of the image, wherein when the image is captured by the image capturing means, the image capturing position of the image is detected by the position information detecting means. The imaging position information, which is information on the position where the image was captured, is added to the image signal, and the imaging position information is also stored in the image signal storage means together with the image signal. The signal readout means stores the image signal in the image signal storage means. 11. The image according to claim 10, wherein, when read out from the image data and stored in the non-volatile storage means, the imaging position information added to the image signal is also read out from the image signal storage means and stored in the non-volatile storage means. Processing equipment. 14. The signal readout means, when reading out an image signal from the image signal storage means and storing the readout image signal in the nonvolatile storage means, respectively, is added to the image signal stored in the image signal storage means. The imaging time information, the unique information, and the imaging position information are compared with the imaging time information, the unique information, and the imaging position information respectively added to the image signals stored in the nonvolatile storage unit. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a process of reading out the matched image signal from the image signal storage unit and storing the same in the nonvolatile storage unit is not performed. 15. The signal reading means, when reading an image signal from the image signal storage means and storing the image signal in the non-volatile storage means, respectively, is added to the image signal stored in the image signal storage means. The imaging time information and the imaging position information are compared with the imaging time information and the imaging position information added to the image signal stored in the nonvolatile storage means, respectively, and recorded in the unique information recording means. The unique information thus obtained is compared with the unique information respectively added to the image signals stored in the non-volatile storage means, and the image signal having the same information is read out from the image signal storage means and read. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the processing for storing in the non-volatile storage unit is not performed. 16. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: position information detecting means for detecting an image capturing position of the image, wherein when the image is captured by the image capturing means, the image capturing position of the image is detected by the position information detecting means. Imaging position information, which is information relating to the position at which the image was captured, is added to the image signal, and the imaging position information is also stored in the image signal storage unit together with the image signal. The signal readout unit stores the image signal in the image signal storage unit 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the image data is read out and stored in the nonvolatile storage means, the imaging position information added to the image signal is also read out from the image signal storage means and stored in the nonvolatile storage means. Image processing device. 17. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the signal readout unit reads out the image signal from the image signal storage unit and stores the image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit. Is compared with the image position information added to the image signal stored in the non-volatile storage unit, and the image signal having the same position is read out from the image signal storage unit. 17. The image processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the processing for storing the data in the nonvolatile storage means is not performed. 18. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unique information recording unit that records unique information uniquely attached to the image capturing device. The unique information recorded in the image signal is added to the image signal, and the unique information is also stored in the image signal storage unit together with the image signal. The signal reading unit reads the image signal from the image signal storage unit and reads the image signal from the nonvolatile memory. 17. The image processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the unique information added to the image signal is read from the image signal storage means and stored in the non-volatile storage means when storing the image signal in the storage means. 19. The imaging device according to claim 19, wherein said signal readout unit reads out the image signal from the image signal storage unit and stores the image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit. The position information and the unique information are compared with the imaging position information and the unique information respectively added to the image signals stored in the non-volatile storage means. 19. The image processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein a process of reading data from the storage device and storing the data in the nonvolatile storage unit is not performed. 20. When reading out an image signal from the image signal storage means and storing the image signal in the nonvolatile storage means, the signal readout means is added to each of the image signals stored in the image signal storage means. The imaging position information stored in the non-volatile storage unit is compared with the imaging position information added to the image signal stored in the non-volatile storage unit. Comparing the image signal stored in the sex storage means with the unique information respectively added thereto, and reading out the image signal having the same information from the image signal storage means and storing it in the nonvolatile storage means. 19. The image processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the image processing is not performed. 21. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the imaging device and / or the printing device includes a time calibration unit configured to calibrate the clock based on a standard time. 22. The printing device includes a clock, and when the imaging device is attached to the printing device,
8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a clock provided in the imaging device is compared with a clock provided in the printing device, and the clocks are adjusted. 23. When performing the time adjustment, a relative weighting is performed by adding a predetermined weight to a time indicated by a clock provided in the imaging device and a time indicated by a clock provided in the printing device. Perform a comparison to calculate a reference time,
23. The image processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the time of each clock is adjusted to the reference time. 24. The imaging device or the printing device includes time calibration means for calibrating a clock based on a standard time. When performing the time adjustment, a time indicated by the clock calibrated based on the standard time is used as a reference. 23. The image processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the time of another clock is adjusted. 25. The image processing method according to claim 22, wherein, when performing the time adjustment, a delay or advance relative to a reference time is corrected by a temporal integration of a minute delay or advance of time counting. apparatus. 26. When the time adjustment is performed, based on the amount of delay or advance of the clock detected by the time adjustment, the time of imaging time information added to the image signal stored in the image signal storage means is set. 23. The image processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein correction is also performed. 27. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus includes a display unit that displays an image corresponding to the image signal. 28. The display device, wherein when the imaging device is attached to a printing device, the display device displays an image corresponding to an image signal read from the image signal storage device by the signal reading device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 27, wherein 29. The printing apparatus further comprises: input means for receiving an input of an instruction signal for instructing an image signal to be stored in the non-volatile storage means. When the imaging device is attached to the printing apparatus, the display means Displaying an image corresponding to the image signal read out from the image signal storage means by the signal readout means; and storing the image signal corresponding to the image displayed on the display means in the nonvolatile storage means. When an instruction signal for instructing storage is input to the input means, the image signal is stored in the nonvolatile storage means, and an image signal corresponding to an image displayed on the display means is stored in the nonvolatile storage means. When an instruction signal instructing not to store the image signal in the storage unit is input to the input unit, the image signal is not stored in the nonvolatile storage unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 27, wherein: 30. The printing apparatus according to claim 26, wherein, when an instruction signal instructing to store an image signal corresponding to the image displayed on said display means in said nonvolatile storage means is input to said input means, The image processing apparatus according to claim 29, wherein an image corresponding to an image signal is printed by the printing unit. 31. The printing apparatus further comprises input means for receiving an input of an instruction signal indicating an image signal to be stored in the nonvolatile storage means, and the signal reading means reads the image signal from the image signal storage means. When storing in the nonvolatile storage means, only the image signal indicated by the instruction signal input to the input means is read out from the image signal storage means and stored in the nonvolatile storage means. Claim 1
The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 32. The printing apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the image signal specified by the instruction signal input to the input unit is read from the image signal storage unit and stored in the nonvolatile storage unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the image is printed by the printing unit. 33. An image pickup apparatus provided with an image pickup means for picking up an image, and a printing apparatus provided with a print means for printing an image corresponding to an image signal are detachably attached to each other. An image signal storage unit that stores an image signal of a captured image; and the printing apparatus includes a nonvolatile storage unit that includes a nonvolatile storage device that does not require power supply for holding information. When the device is mounted on the printing device,
An image processing method, wherein all or a part of the image signal stored in the image signal storage unit is read and stored in the nonvolatile storage unit. 34. The printing apparatus, further comprising: attachment / detachment detection means for detecting the attachment / detachment state of the imaging apparatus, wherein when the attachment / detachment detection means detects that the imaging apparatus has been attached to the printing apparatus. 34. The image processing method according to claim 33, wherein a process of reading all or a part of the image signal stored in the image signal storage unit and storing the read image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit is performed. 35. An image processing apparatus according to claim 33, wherein when the imaging device is attached to a printing device, an image corresponding to the image signal read from the image signal storage device is printed by the printing device. The image processing method described in the above. 36. When reading out an image signal stored in said image signal storage means and storing it in said nonvolatile storage means, the contents stored in said image signal storage means and the contents stored in said nonvolatile storage means By comparing the stored image data with the stored contents, it is determined whether or not the image signal is already stored in the nonvolatile storage means. For the image signal determined to be already stored in the nonvolatile storage means, 34. The image processing method according to claim 33, wherein a process of reading an image signal from the image signal storage unit and storing the image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit is not performed. 37. The image processing apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the determination includes imaging time information that is information relating to a time at which the image was captured, imaging position information that is information relating to a position at which the image was captured, and unique information uniquely attached to the imaging device. 37. The image processing method according to claim 36, wherein the method is performed based on at least one of the following. 38. The image pickup apparatus is provided with a clock, and when an image is picked up by the image pickup means, the time when the image was picked up is measured by the clock, and the image pickup is information on the time when the image was picked up. The time information is added to the image signal, the imaging time information is also stored in the image signal storage means together with the image signal, and when the image signal is read out from the image signal storage means and stored in the nonvolatile storage means, The image processing method according to claim 33, wherein the imaging time information added to the signal is also read from the image signal storage means and stored in the nonvolatile storage means. 39. An image signal read out from the image signal storage means and stored in the non-volatile storage means, wherein imaging time information respectively added to the image signal stored in the image signal storage means are provided. Comparing the image signals stored in the non-volatile storage means with the imaging time information added thereto, and reading out the image signals having the same coincidence from the image signal storage means and reading out the non-volatile storage means 39. The image processing method according to claim 38, wherein the processing for storing the image data is not performed. 40. When an image is picked up by the image pickup means, an image pickup position of the image is detected, and image pickup position information, which is information on the position where the image was picked up, is added to the image signal. When the image signal is stored in the image signal storage means together with the signal, and the image signal is read from the image signal storage means and stored in the nonvolatile storage means, the imaging position information added to the image signal is also read from the image signal storage means. 39. The image processing method according to claim 38, wherein the image data is stored in the nonvolatile storage means. 41. When image signals are read from said image signal storage means and stored in said non-volatile storage means, imaging time information and image time information added to the image signals stored in said image signal storage means, respectively. The imaging position information is compared with the imaging time information and the imaging position information added to the image signal stored in the non-volatile storage means, respectively.
41. The image processing method according to claim 40, wherein a process of reading from said image signal storage means and storing it in said nonvolatile storage means is not performed. 42. When an image is taken by the image pickup means, unique information uniquely added to the image pickup device is added to the image signal, and the unique information is also stored in the image signal storage means together with the image signal. When storing and reading the image signal from the image signal storage unit and storing the image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit, the unique information added to the image signal is also read from the image signal storage unit and stored in the nonvolatile storage unit. 38. The method of claim 38, wherein
The image processing method described in the above. 43. When image signals are read from said image signal storage means and stored in said nonvolatile storage means, imaging time information and image time information added to the image signals stored in said image signal storage means, respectively. The unique information is compared with the imaging time information and the unique information respectively added to the image signals stored in the non-volatile storage means, and the image signals having the same information are read out from the image signal storage means. 43. The image processing method according to claim 42, wherein the processing of storing the data in the nonvolatile storage means is not performed. 44. An image signal read out from said image signal storage means and stored in said non-volatile storage means, wherein imaging time information respectively added to the image signal stored in said image signal storage means are provided. Comparing the image signal stored in the non-volatile storage means with the imaging time information respectively added to the image signal, and comparing the unique information uniquely assigned to the imaging device with the non-volatile storage means. The stored image signal is compared with the added unique information, and for the image signal having the same information, the process of reading from the image signal storage means and storing the same in the nonvolatile storage means is not performed. The image processing method according to claim 42, wherein: 45. When an image is picked up by the image pickup means, an image pickup position of the image is detected, and image pickup position information, which is information on the position at which the image was picked up, is added to the image signal. When the image signal is stored in the image signal storage means together with the signal, and the image signal is read from the image signal storage means and stored in the nonvolatile storage means, the imaging position information added to the image signal is also read from the image signal storage means. 43. A storage device for storing in a nonvolatile storage means.
The image processing method described in the above. 46. When image signals are read from the image signal storage means and stored in the nonvolatile storage means, imaging time information respectively added to the image signals stored in the image signal storage means, The unique information and the imaging position information are compared with the imaging time information, the unique information, and the imaging position information respectively added to the image signal stored in the nonvolatile storage unit. 46. The image processing method according to claim 45, wherein processing for reading out from said image signal storage means and storing it in said non-volatile storage means is not performed. 47. When image signals are read from said image signal storage means and stored in said nonvolatile storage means, imaging time information and image time information added to the image signals stored in said image signal storage means, respectively. The imaging position information is compared with the imaging time information and the imaging position information respectively added to the image signals stored in the nonvolatile storage means, and the unique information uniquely assigned to the imaging device is compared. And the unique information added to each of the image signals stored in the non-volatile storage means, and for the image signal in which they match, read out from the image signal storage means and read out the non-volatile storage means. 5. A process for storing data in a storage device is not performed.
5. The image processing method according to 5. 48. When an image is picked up by the image pickup means, an image pickup position of the image is detected, and image pickup position information, which is information on the position at which the image was picked up, is added to the image signal. When the image signal is stored in the image signal storage means together with the signal, and the image signal is read from the image signal storage means and stored in the nonvolatile storage means, the imaging position information added to the image signal is also read from the image signal storage means. The image processing method according to claim 33, wherein the image data is stored in the non-volatile storage means. 49. When an image signal is read from said image signal storage means and stored in said non-volatile storage means, imaging position information respectively added to the image signal stored in said image signal storage means. Comparing the image signals stored in the non-volatile storage means with the imaging position information respectively added thereto, and reading out the image signals having the same coincidence from the image signal storage means and reading out the non-volatile storage means 49. The image processing method according to claim 48, wherein the processing of storing the image data is not performed. 50. When an image is taken by the image pickup means, unique information uniquely added to the image pickup device is added to the image signal, and the unique information is also stored in the image signal storage means together with the image signal. When storing and reading the image signal from the image signal storage unit and storing the image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit, the unique information added to the image signal is also read from the image signal storage unit and stored in the nonvolatile storage unit. 49. The method according to claim 48, wherein
The image processing method described in the above. 51. When an image signal is read from an image signal storage means and stored in a non-volatile storage means, imaging position information and unique information respectively added to the image signal stored in the image signal storage means. Comparing the image signal stored in the non-volatile storage means with the imaging position information and the unique information respectively added thereto, and for the image signal in which they match, read out from the image signal storage means and read out the non-volatile 51. The image processing method according to claim 50, wherein processing for storing in the storage unit is not performed. 52. When an image signal is read out from said image signal storage means and stored in said nonvolatile storage means, imaging position information respectively added to the image signal stored in said image signal storage means. Comparing the image signal stored in the non-volatile storage means with the imaging position information respectively added to the image signal, and comparing the unique information uniquely assigned to the imaging device with the non-volatile storage means. The stored image signal is compared with the added unique information, and for the image signal having the same information, the process of reading from the image signal storage means and storing the same in the nonvolatile storage means is not performed. The image processing method according to claim 50, wherein: 53. The clock provided in the imaging device is calibrated based on a standard time.
The image processing method described in the above. 54. The printing device is also provided with a clock, and when the imaging device is attached to the printing device,
40. The image processing method according to claim 39, wherein a clock provided in the imaging device is compared with a clock provided in the printing device, and the times of the clocks are adjusted. 55. When performing the time adjustment, a relative weighting is performed by adding a predetermined weight to a time indicated by a clock provided in the imaging device and a time indicated by a clock provided in the printing device. Perform a comparison to calculate a reference time,
55. The image processing method according to claim 54, wherein the time of each clock is adjusted to the reference time. 56. A clock provided in the imaging device or the printing device is calibrated based on a standard time, and when the time is adjusted, a time indicated by the clock calibrated based on the standard time is used as a reference. 55. The image processing method according to claim 54, wherein the time of another clock is adjusted. 57. The image processing method according to claim 54, wherein when performing the time adjustment, a delay or advance relative to a reference time is corrected by a temporal integration of a minute delay or advance of time counting. Method. 58. When the time adjustment is performed, the imaging time information added to the image signal stored in the image signal storage means is determined based on the amount of delay or advance of the clock detected by the time adjustment. The image processing method according to claim 54, wherein correction is also performed. 59. The printing apparatus further comprises display means for displaying an image corresponding to an image signal, and when the image pickup apparatus is attached to the printing apparatus, the display means is read from the image signal storage means. 34. An image corresponding to the image signal is displayed on the display means.
The image processing method described in the above. 60. When the imaging device is attached to a printing device, the printing device outputs an instruction signal for instructing whether to store an image signal corresponding to an image displayed on the display means in the nonvolatile storage means. Reading only the specific image signal input to the device or the imaging device and instructed to be stored in the nonvolatile storage unit by the instruction signal from the image signal storage unit and storing the read image signal in the nonvolatile storage unit; The image processing method according to claim 59, wherein: 61. The image processing apparatus according to claim 60, wherein an image corresponding to a specific image signal instructed by said instruction signal to be stored in said nonvolatile storage means is printed by said printing means. Method. 62. When the image signal is read from the image signal storage means and stored in the nonvolatile storage means, an instruction signal for instructing which image signal is stored in the nonvolatile storage means is transmitted to the printing apparatus. 34. The image processing method according to claim 33, wherein only the specific image signal input to the imaging device and indicated by the instruction signal is read from the image signal storage unit and stored in the nonvolatile storage unit. . 63. When reading out a specific image signal indicated by the instruction signal from the image signal storage means and storing it in the non-volatile storage means, an image corresponding to the image signal is printed by the printing means. 63. The image processing method according to claim 62, wherein: