JPH1118033A - Digital camera, image-processing system and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow the display means of a digital camera to be used for confirming image data stored in or generated from an external device, in the case of receiving the image data from the external device. SOLUTION: A CPU 38 reads selected compressed image data which is a transmission object from an image memory 34, when an image data communication mode is designated by slide operation of a mode changeover switch, and an IrDA controller 40 sends the image data from an infrared-ray emitting device 41 to an infrared-ray port of a printer in a form of an IrDA signal. Upon the receipt of print image data sent from the printer by the infrared-ray receiver 42 and the IrDA controller 40, the data are not stored in the image memory 34 but are rather stored in a VRAM 26, a video signal generating section 27 generates a video signal and has it displayed on a color LCD 30.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a digital camera, an image processing system, and a storage medium having a data communication function of exchanging image data with an external device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional digital camera with a display function (hereinafter referred to as a digital camera) is a CCD (Charge Coupl).
ed Device), storage means such as a flash memory, processing means by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a color LCD (Liquid Crystal Displ.
ay) and IrDA (Infrared Data Asso)
c-iation) and infrared communication means for transmitting and receiving image data to and from an external device equipped with infrared communication means such as another digital camera, printer or personal computer. Some things can be done with each other.

In this digital camera, when image data is transmitted / received to / from an external device provided with an infrared communication means by the infrared communication means, only the image data stored in the internal flash memory is transferred. Was processed as a target. Therefore, when the digital camera receives the image data, the image data received from the external device is stored in the flash memory as it is.

[0004]

However, in a digital camera having such a conventional infrared communication means, when transmitting / receiving image data to / from an external device having the infrared communication means, However, only the image data stored in the internal flash memory is to be transferred, and when receiving the image data, the image data received from the external device is stored in the flash memory as it is. Therefore, there is a problem that one image memory is always consumed for one reception, and if there is no free space for one image, the image data cannot be received and the transmission / reception processing of the image data is interrupted. Was.

An object of the present invention is to display received image data only on display means without storing the received image data in the image memory so that the image data can be received regardless of the free space of the image memory when receiving the image data from an external device. Add a received image display function to make the display means of the digital camera available for confirmation of image data stored or generated by an external device,
Digital cameras that expand the application range of digital cameras,
An image processing system and a storage medium are provided.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
In a digital camera including: an image storage unit that stores image data captured by an imaging unit; and a display unit that displays image data stored in the image storage unit, data communication is performed with an external device. Communication means, display storage means for storing display data, and image data received from an external device by the communication means are stored in the display storage means, and the stored image data is displayed on the display means. And display control means.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image storage means for storing image data taken by the image pickup means, and a display means for displaying the image data stored in the image storage means. In a digital camera, image data received from an external device by a communication unit that performs data communication with the external device is stored in a display storage unit by a display control unit, and the stored image data is displayed on the display unit. I do.

Therefore, the display means of the digital camera can be used as a display device for confirming image data processed by the external device. As a result, even if there is no empty memory for storing image data in the image storage means in the digital camera, the image data communication processing can be continued without interruption.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera comprising: an image storage unit for storing image data captured by an imaging unit; and a display unit for displaying the image data stored in the image storage unit. Communication means for performing data communication with an external device, image transfer means for converting image data received from the external device by the communication means into a predetermined display signal format and transferring the display signal form to an external display device,
It is characterized by having.

According to the digital camera of the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image storage means for storing image data captured by the imaging means, a display means for displaying the image data stored in the image storage means, In the digital camera provided with, the image data received from the external device by the communication unit for performing data communication with the external device is converted into a predetermined display signal form by the image transfer unit and transferred to the external display device. .

Therefore, an information device such as a personal computer having no video signal output function and a serial I
Using a digital camera, image data stored in an information device can be played back on a home television or projector between a display device such as a television or a projector that does not have an / O function, and can be easily checked.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, image data is transmitted and received between a digital camera and a printing apparatus, and after the digital camera confirms a print image of the image data, the printing apparatus executes a printing process. An image processing system, wherein the digital camera stores image data captured by an imaging unit,
Display means for displaying image data stored in the image storage means, communication means for transmitting and receiving image data to and from a printing apparatus, and display means for displaying print image data received from the printing apparatus by the communication means. Display control means for displaying a print image displayed on the display means by the display control means, inputting a print instruction, and image data to be printed selected by the selection means. Reading from the storage means and transmitting to the printing apparatus by the communication means, receiving print image data transmitted from the printing apparatus by the communication means,
Communication control means for transmitting a print instruction signal input by the print instruction means to the printing apparatus by the communication means, wherein the printing apparatus transmits and receives image data to and from the digital camera. Means, a print image generating means for generating a print image based on image data received from the digital camera by the communication means, and image data to be printed transmitted from the digital camera, and a print instruction signal. Communication control means for receiving, by the communication means, the print image data generated by the print image generation means to the digital camera, and transmitting the print image data to the digital camera in response to a print instruction signal received by the communication means. And a printing unit for executing a printing process based on the printing process.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, image data is transmitted and received between the digital camera and the printing device,
An image processing system that executes a printing process in the printing device after confirming a print image of image data in the digital camera, wherein the digital camera includes an image storage unit that stores image data captured by an imaging unit. Display means for displaying image data stored in the image storage means, communication means for transmitting and receiving image data to and from a printing apparatus, and display means for displaying print image data received from the printing apparatus by the communication means. Display control means for displaying the print image, confirming the displayed print image, printing instruction means for inputting a print instruction, and reading the image data to be printed selected by the selection means from the image storage means, Transmitting the print image data transmitted from the printing device to the communication device by the communication means; Received by, also, and a communication control means for transmitting to the printing apparatus by the communication means a print instruction signal inputted by the print instruction unit,
A communication unit configured to transmit and receive image data to and from the digital camera; a print image generation unit configured to generate a print image based on image data received from the digital camera by the communication unit; Communication control means for receiving, by the communication means, image data to be printed and a print instruction signal transmitted from the camera, and transmitting the print image data generated by the print image generation means to the digital camera by the communication means; Printing means for executing a printing process based on the print image in response to a print instruction signal received by the communication means.

Therefore, the display means of the digital camera can be used as a display device for confirming the print contents in the printing apparatus. Even if there is no free memory for storing image data in the image storage means in the digital camera, The image data communication processing between the digital camera and the printing apparatus can be continued without interruption, and the reliability of the image processing system can be improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for realizing an image data communication function in a digital camera, wherein the program causes data communication with an external device. It stores a code and a program code for displaying image data received from an external device by the communication means on a display means.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for realizing an image data communication function in a digital camera, wherein data communication with an external device is performed. A program code to be executed and a program code for displaying image data received from an external device by the communication means on the display means are stored.

Therefore, by reading and executing the program stored in the storage medium by the computer, the display means of the digital camera can be used as a display device for confirming the image data processed by the external device. .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for realizing an image data transfer function in a digital camera, wherein the program causes data communication with an external device. It stores a code and a program code for converting image data received from an external device by the communication means into a predetermined display signal form and transferring the display signal form to an external display device.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for realizing an image data transfer function in a digital camera, wherein data communication with an external device is performed. A program code to be executed and a program code for converting image data received from an external device by the communication means into a predetermined display signal format and transferring the display signal format to an external display device are stored.

Therefore, by reading and executing a program stored in a storage medium by a computer, an information device such as a personal computer without a video signal output function, a television or a projector without a serial I / O function, etc. The image data stored in the information device can be played back with a home television or projector using a digital camera and easily checked with the display device.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 to 6 show a digital camera according to the present invention,
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image processing system to which an image processing system and a storage medium are applied.

First, the configuration will be described.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the digital camera 1 and the printer 15 in the image processing system according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, the digital camera 1 is
It comprises a camera body 2 and a lens unit 3. In the camera body 2, the operation mechanism is integrated on the upper surface and the rear surface (the front side in the figure). A viewfinder 4 composed of a color LCD is disposed on the back of the camera body 2, and a slide-type power switch 5 and a mode switch 6 are disposed near the viewfinder 4. On the upper surface of the camera body 2, a shutter button 9 and a "+" key 1 for sequentially retrieving and viewing captured and recorded images are provided.
1, and a "-" key 12 for returning to an image before the currently viewed image is provided, and a serial terminal 13 is provided near the key. A plug provided at one end of a communication cable (not shown) is inserted into the serial terminal 13. Also, on the right side of the camera body 2, IrDA
Is provided with an infrared port 14 for emitting / receiving infrared light when performing infrared communication according to.

The lens unit 3 is provided with a lens at an invisible position on the front side in the figure. The lens unit 3 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the camera body 2, rotates 90 ° in the direction of arrow A in the figure, and rotates 180 ° in the direction of arrow B in the figure to rotate the lens. When the camera is turned to the rear, the lens position is inverted. However, the posture of the lens is detected by an internal circuit, and the image being shot is automatically corrected to an erect image and displayed on the viewfinder 4.

In FIG. 1, a printer 15 has a paper insertion / ejection port serving as an insertion port for inserting the recording paper P and an exit for discharging the printed recording paper P on the front surface (front side in the figure) of the main body. 16 is provided. An operation panel 17 is formed in front of the upper surface of the printer 15 so as to be slightly inclined forward. On the operation panel 17, seven operation buttons of a push button type ("-" key 18a, "+" key 18b, " A "SET" key 18c, a "POWER" key 18d, an "EASY" key 18e, a "MENU" key 18f, a "BACK" key 18g), and an infrared port 20 for emitting / receiving infrared light when performing infrared communication by IrDA. Are arranged. A serial terminal 1 is provided on the right side of the printer 15.
A plug provided at one end of a communication cable (not shown) is inserted into the serial terminal 19.

Next, a circuit configuration in the digital camera 1 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG.

In the block diagram shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera 1 includes a CCD 21, a driver 22, a buffer 2
3, A / D converter 24, timing generator 25,
VRAM 26, video signal generator 27, D / A converter 2
8, buffer 29, color LCD 30, DRAM 31,
CG 32, compression / decompression unit 33, image memory 34, ROM
35, RAM 36, key input unit 37, CPU 38, I /
It comprises an O port 39, an IrDA controller 40, an infrared light emitter 41, an infrared light receiver 42 and the like.

The CCD 21 receives an image signal of a subject formed by a lens provided in the lens unit 3, and accumulates electric charge proportional to the amount of received light for each transfer electrode disposed on the light receiving surface. Then, in accordance with the drive signal supplied by the driver 22, the accumulated charge stored in each transfer electrode is converted into an electric signal (analog signal), one by one, sequentially.
The data is output to the A / D converter 24 via the buffer 23.
Note that an image for one screen captured on the light receiving surface of the CCD 21 is an image for one page or one sheet.

The driver 22 controls the CCD 2 based on the timing signal supplied from the timing generator 25.
The driving and control of the exposure and readout timings are performed.

A / D (Analog to Digital) converter 24
Converts an image signal input from the CCD 21 via the buffer 23 from an analog signal to a digital signal, and supplies the digital signal to the timing generator 25 and the VRAM 26.

The timing generator 25 includes a CPU 3
A timing signal for controlling the driver 22 is generated based on the video capture signal input from the control unit 8.

VRAM (Video Random Access Memory)
26 is image data input from the A / D converter 24,
Alternatively, it is a video memory for temporarily storing a video signal (image data) generated by the video signal generation unit 27.

The video signal generator 27 performs a color operation on the image pickup signal (digital signal) supplied via the timing generator 25, and is composed of a luminance signal (Y data) and a color signal (C data). The image data is generated and output to the DRAM 31.

The video signal generating section 27 has a CPU 3
8, a video signal (digital signal) is generated by adding a synchronization signal to the image data supplied from the DRAM 31, and temporarily stored in the VRAM 26.
The video signal stored in the LCD 26 is output to the color LCD 31 via the D / A converter 28 and the buffer 29.

D / A (Digital to Analog) converter 28
Converts the video signal (image data) supplied from the VRAM 26 from the digital signal into an analog signal by the video signal generation unit 27,
Output to D30.

The color LCD 30 displays a color image on a display screen based on a video signal (image data) input via the D / A converter 28 and the buffer 29.

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memor)
y) 31 is the captured image data supplied from the video signal generation unit 27 or the image memory 3
4 is a semiconductor memory for temporarily storing image data read out from the memory 4 and expanded by a compression / expansion unit 33 described later.

The CG (character generator) 32
The image data stored in the image memory 34 is stored in a color LCD.
When the data is displayed on the display 30, numerical data, cursor data, and the like to be displayed over the display image are generated.

The compression / decompression unit 33 compresses the image data stored in the DRAM 31 by encoding. Specifically, for example, JPEG (Joint Photogr-aphic Experts Group) according to a predetermined encoding method for image data, that is, a type of image to be handled (in this case, a still image).
DCT (Discrete C
sine transform: Discrete cosine transform), quantization, and Huffman coding to perform compression processing (encoding processing), and output the compressed image data to the image memory 34. Further, the compression / decompression circuit 33 decompresses (decodes) the compressed image data stored in the image memory 34 and outputs it to the DRAM 31.

The image memory 34 stores the image data compressed by JPEG by the compression / decompression unit 33 in the storage order. A plurality is stored in association with data.

A ROM (Read Only Memory) 35 stores various control programs executed in the digital camera 1, data used in the processing of the programs, and the like. An image data communication processing program for executing the image data communication processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, an image data transfer processing program for executing the image data transfer processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, and the like are stored. These various programs are stored in the form of program codes readable by the CPU 38.

The RAM (Random Access Memory) 36
When various control processes are executed by the CPU 38, a work area for temporarily storing various data to be processed is formed.

The key input section 37 includes a power switch 5, a mode changeover switch 6, a shutter button 9,
It includes a "+" key 11, a "-" key 12, and the like, and is used by an operator to designate various processes in the digital camera 1, and various operation signals corresponding to a pressing operation or a sliding operation of each key. Is output to the CPU 38.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) 38
Controls the various parts of the digital camera 1 based on various programs stored in the ROM 35, while using the work memory of the RAM 36 as a work area and executing processing corresponding to the operation of each key of the key input part 37. I do.

When the mode changeover switch 13 is slid and the image data communication mode is designated, the CPU 38 executes an image data communication process, and stores the selected compressed image data to be transmitted in the image memory 34. The IrDA controller 40 causes the infrared light emitter 41 to transmit image data in the form of an IrDA signal to the infrared port 20 of the printer 15 using an infrared communication method based on IrDA, and the selected image data to be transmitted is In the case of a combined image, transmission of image data in the IrDA signal form is repeatedly executed,
When the print image image data transmitted in the form of the rDA signal is received by the infrared receiver 42 and the IrDA controller 40, the print image image data is transmitted to the VRAM 2
6 and the stored print image image data is generated by the video signal generator 27 to generate a video signal and displayed on the color LCD 30. When the displayed print image image is confirmed by the user and a print instruction is input in the key input unit 37, a print instruction signal for printing the print image image is sent to the IrDA controller 40.
Further, the printer 15 transmits the IrDA signal form from the infrared light emitter 41 to the infrared port 20 of the printer 15 to execute the printing process.

Further, when the mode changeover switch 13 is slid and the image data transfer mode is designated, the CPU 38 executes the image data transfer process, and transfers the image to be transferred which is transmitted in the form of an IrDA signal from a personal computer or the like. When the data is received by the infrared receiver 42 and the IrDA controller 40, the video data is generated by the video signal generator 27 and transferred from the video output terminal to an external display device, and the image data is displayed on the display screen of the display device. Display the transferred image.

The I / O (Input / Output) port 39 is
An interface for inputting and outputting image data converted into a serial signal by the CPU 38, and an external device such as an FDD device or a personal computer can be connected.

The IrDA controller 40 controls the light emission of the infrared light emitter 41 by the infrared communication method based on IrDA, and converts the infrared signal received by the infrared light receiver 42 into a signal form that can be processed in the digital camera 1. And has a control function of outputting to the CPU 38. That is, the IrDA controller 40
In the image data communication process performed by the printer, the image data to be transmitted is converted into an infrared signal form and emitted by the infrared emitter 41, and the infrared signal emitted from the infrared port 20 of the printer 15 is transmitted by the infrared receiver 42. When light is received, the print image image data included in the infrared signal is converted into a signal form that can be processed in the digital camera 1 and output to the CPU 38.

The infrared light emitter 41 is driven and controlled by the IrDA controller 40 to emit image data to be transmitted in the form of an infrared signal. The infrared receiver 42 converts an infrared signal emitted from the infrared port 20 of the printer 15 into a predetermined signal format and outputs the signal to the IrDA controller 40.

Next, a circuit configuration in the printer 15 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG.

In the block diagram shown in FIG. 3, the printer 15 includes a CPU 50, an image memory 51, an expansion unit 52, a selection unit 53, a key input unit 54, an I / O port 55, and a ROM.
56, a color printing section 57, a RAM 58, an IrDA controller 59, an infrared light emitter 60, an infrared light receiver 61, and the like. Each part except the infrared light emitter 60 and the infrared light receiver 61 is connected to a bus 62.

The CPU 50 executes processing according to the operation of each key of the key input unit 54 based on the various programs stored in the ROM 56 while using the work memory of the RAM 58 as a work area. Control each part.

When the "MENU" key 18f is operated on the operation panel 17 and the image data communication print mode is designated, the CPU 50 executes the image data communication print processing, and the digital camera 1 sends the image data in the form of an IrDA signal. The transmitted image data is transmitted to the infrared receiver 61 and IrD
When received by the A controller 59, if the received image data is a combined image, the entire image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 51, and the received / stored image data is subjected to mask synthesis processing and special effects. The print image image data is generated by performing processing and the like, converted into an image format that can be processed by the digital camera 1, and the print image image data is transmitted from the IrDA controller 59 and the infrared light emitter 60 to the infrared port 14 of the digital camera 1. On the other hand, it is transmitted in the form of an IrDA signal. When the print image image transmitted to the digital camera 1 is confirmed by the user, and the print instruction signal transmitted from the digital camera 1 is received by the infrared ray receiver 61 and the IrDA controller 59, the print image image is transmitted by the color printing unit 57. Print out on paper P.

The image memory 51 is a memory for temporarily storing compressed image data read from the image memory 34 of the digital camera 1 and transmitted.

The decompression unit 52 has an image decompression function for decompressing (decoding) the JPEG-compressed image data. For example, background image data previously compressed and stored in the ROM 56 by JPEG or digital camera Decompression processing is performed on the image data transmitted from Step 1.

The selection section 53 is provided with a key operation signal ("") input from the key input section 54, such as an image data communication print mode and various print processing modes when performing image data communication print processing with the digital camera 1. The CPU 50 outputs a mode selection signal of the selected processing mode to the CPU 50 in response to the “MENU” key operation signal).

The key input unit 54 is provided with seven operation keys ("-" key 18) arranged on the operation panel 17 shown in FIG.
a, "+" key 18b, "SET" key 18c, "PO"
WER key 18d, EASY key 18e, ME
NU "key 18f," BACK "key 18g)
This is for the operator to give an instruction when selecting various processes in the printer 15, and outputs various operation signals to the CPU 50 in accordance with the pressing operation of each key.

The I / O port 55 is an interface for inputting and outputting image data and the like converted into a serial signal by the CPU 50, and is connectable to an external device such as a personal computer.

The ROM 56 stores various control programs executed in the printer 15 and data used in the processing of the programs. The various control programs include, for example, various print processing programs and FIG. An image data communication print processing program for executing the image data communication print processing shown in the flowchart is stored. These various programs are stored in the form of program codes readable by the CPU 50.

The color printing section 57 is a printer engine section, and a motor driver for driving a DC motor, a stepping motor, and the like, and three color inks of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) for color printing. The print head is composed of a ribbon, various sensors, and the like.
The sensors include an optical sensor, a mechanical contact sensor, and the like, and detect the positions of the ink ribbons of the three colors of the print head and the paper P. Then, the color printing unit 57
A color printing process is executed based on a print signal based on print image image data input from the CPU 50, and a print image image is printed out on a sheet P inserted into the sheet insertion / ejection port 16.

The RAM 58 forms a work area for temporarily storing various data to be processed when the CPU 50 executes various control processes.

The IrDA controller 59 drives and controls the emission of the infrared light emitter 60 by an infrared communication system based on IrDA, and converts an infrared signal received by the infrared light receiver 61 into a signal form that can be processed in the printer 15. And has a control function of outputting to the CPU 50. That is, when image data to be printed is received by the infrared receiver 61 during the image data communication printing process executed by the CPU 50, the IrDA controller 59 transmits the image data included in the infrared signal to the printer 1.
5 and outputs it to the CPU 50 while converting the print image data input from the CPU 50 into an infrared signal form.
Light is emitted by 0.

The infrared light emitter 60 is driven and controlled by the IrDA controller 59 to emit print image data to be printed in the form of an infrared signal. Infrared receiver 6
1 converts an infrared signal emitted from the infrared port 14 of the digital camera 1 into a predetermined signal form and outputs the signal to the IrDA controller 59.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 shows the CP in the digital camera 1 of FIG.
Image data communication processing executed under the control of U38;
5 is a flowchart for explaining image data communication printing processing executed under the control of the CPU 50 in the printer 15 of FIG. 5. Hereinafter, the image data communication processing and image data communication printing processing will be described with reference to FIG. 4. I do.

In FIG. 4, first, the CPU 38 of the digital camera 1 checks whether or not the user of the digital camera 1 has slid the mode changeover switch 6 to designate the image data communication mode (step S).
1) When the image data communication mode is designated, a display screen for prompting the selection of the image data to be transmitted is displayed on the viewfinder 4, that is, the color LCD 30, and the image data to be transmitted is selected (step S1). S2) reading the selected image data from the image memory 34,
The IrDA controller 40 causes the infrared light emitter 41 to transmit image data in the form of an infrared signal to the infrared port 20 of the printer 15 by an infrared communication method based on IrDA (step S3).

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the transmitted image data is a combined image composed of a plurality of pieces of image data (step S4). If not, the process proceeds to step S6, and the process proceeds to step S6. If so, it is confirmed whether or not the transmitted image data is the final image (step S5). If the image is not the final image, the process returns to step S3, and the image data transmission process of reading out the next image data constituting the combined image from the image memory 34 and transmitting the image data in the form of an infrared signal is completed. Repeat until you do.

When the transmission process of the image data of one sheet or the image data of a group to the printer 15 is completed, the image data transmitted earlier by the image data communication printing process executed by the printer 15 will be described later. It is checked whether or not the print image image data generated from the data and transmitted in the form of the infrared signal is received by the infrared receiver 42 and the IrDA controller 40 (Step S).
6). When the reception of the print image image data from the printer 15 is confirmed, the print image image data is transferred to the VRA.
After being stored in the M26, the stored print image data is converted into a video signal in the video signal generation unit 27 and displayed on the color LCD 30 via the buffer 28 (step S7).

At this time, in the digital camera 1, the print image image data received from the printer 15 is not stored in the image memory 34, but is stored in the VRAM 2 serving as a display storage means.
6, the video signal is converted to a video signal by the video signal generation unit 27 and displayed on the color LCD 30 to merely prompt the user to confirm the print image. Therefore, in the digital camera 1, the image memory 3
Even if there is no free memory for storing image data for one screen in the image data 4, the image data communication processing can be continued without interruption.

Next, the view finder 4 (color LC
When the print image displayed in D30) is confirmed by the user, and a print instruction indicating that print processing can be executed with the print image is specified by a key operation from the key input unit 37 (step S8), The print designation signal is transmitted from the infrared light emitter 41 to the infrared port 20 of the printer 15 in the form of an IrDA signal by the IrDA controller 40 in an infrared communication system based on IrDA (step S9), and the image data communication process is terminated. .

Next, the image data communication processing executed by the digital camera 1
The image data communication printing process executed by U50 will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 4, first, the CP of the printer 15 is
The U50 checks whether or not the infrared signal including the image data to be printed emitted from the infrared port 14 of the digital camera 1 is received by the infrared receiver 61 and the IrDA controller 59 (Step P1). When the reception of the image data from the digital camera 1 is confirmed, it is confirmed whether or not the received image data is a combined image (step P2). If it is not a combined image, the process proceeds to step P5, and if it is a combined image, the received image data is stored in the image memory 5.
1 (step P3), and confirms whether the received image data is the final image (step P4). If it is not the final image, the process returns to step P1 to receive the next image data constituting the combined image from the digital camera 1 and store it in the image memory 51. Repeat until you do.

Then, when the reception processing of the image data of one image or the storage processing of the image data of the group is completed,
After the received single image data or the stored image data of the group configuration is subjected to decompression processing (decoding processing) by the decompression unit 52, mask synthesis processing and special effect processing are performed on each of the image data. To generate print image data (step P5). Next, the generated print image image data is converted into an image format that can be processed in the digital camera 1 to generate print image image data, and the print image image data is converted by the IrDA controller 59 into an infrared communication method based on IrDA. From the light emitter 60 to the infrared port 1 of the digital camera 1
4 to transmit print image data in the form of an infrared signal (step P7).

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the print designation signal transmitted from the digital camera 1 with respect to the transmitted print image data is received by the infrared receiver 61 and the IrDA controller 59 (step P8). When confirming the reception of the print designation signal from the digital camera 1,
The print image data is printed in color on the paper P by the color printing section 57 (step P9), and the image data communication print processing ends.

As described above, the digital camera 1 and the printer 15 in the image processing system of the present embodiment
The image data can be mutually transmitted and received by infrared communication. The printer 15 generates print image image data from the image data to be printed received from the digital camera 1 and transmits the print image image data to the digital camera 1. Is stored in the VRAM 26 without storing it in the image memory 34, and the stored print image image data is stored in the video signal generator 2.
7, the image is converted into a video signal and displayed only on the viewfinder 4 (color LCD 30) to allow the user to confirm the print content. When the print designation signal based on the print content confirmation is transmitted to the printer 15, the printer 15 Since the print processing of the print image is executed according to the print designation signal received from the digital camera 1,
Connect the viewfinder 4 of the digital camera 1 to the printer 15
Can be used as a display device for confirming the print contents in the.

In the digital camera 1, the printer 1
5 is stored in the image memory 3
The image data for one screen is stored in the VRAM 26 (display storage means) and then displayed only on the viewfinder 4 (color LCD 30) without being stored in the image memory 34 in the digital camera 1. Even if there is no empty memory to store, the image data communication processing and the image data communication printing processing can be continued without interruption, and the reliability of the image processing system can be improved.

Next, image data transfer processing executed under the control of the CPU 38 in the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

In this image data transfer processing, in the image processing system constituted by the notebook personal computer 70, the digital camera 1 and the projector 80 as shown in FIG. A case will be described in which image data transmitted to the digital camera 1 by the communication method is transferred from the digital camera 1 to the projector 80 connected by the video cable 90 and displayed.

In FIG. 5, first, the CPU 38 of the digital camera 1 checks whether or not the user of the digital camera 1 has slid the mode changeover switch 6 to designate the image data transfer mode (step S2).
1) When the image data transfer mode is designated, it is determined whether or not the infrared light receiver 42 and the IrDA controller 40 have received the image data transmitted from the notebook personal computer 70 in FIG. Confirm (step S22).

Upon confirming that image data has been received from the notebook personal computer 70, the image data is transmitted to the NTSC (National T
elevision System Committee) or the like, and converts the video signal to a projector 80 connected to a video cable 90 connected to a video output terminal via a buffer 28 (step S2).
3) The image data is displayed by the projector 80 as shown in FIG.

Then, the CPU 38 sends the end instruction signal transmitted from the notebook personal computer 70 by the infrared communication system using rDA to the infrared light receiver 42 and Ir.
The DA controller 40 confirms whether or not the image data has been received (step S24). If the termination instruction signal has not been received, the process returns to step S22 to receive the image data transmitted from the notebook personal computer 70. The process of converting the received image data into a video signal and the process of transferring the image data to the projector 80 by the video signal are repeatedly executed. When the end instruction signal is received, the present image data transfer process ends.

As described above, in the video camera 1 of the present embodiment, the image data transfer processing function is added, and when the image data transmitted from the external notebook personal computer 70 or the like is received, the image data of the image data is transmitted. Memory 3
4 and the viewfinder 4 (color LCD 3
0) is not displayed, and transferred to an external projector 80 connected to the video output terminal for display. Can be used as a device that provides the conversion function and the transfer function of the digital camera 1, and the range of use of the digital camera 1 can be expanded.

Therefore, an information device such as a personal computer having no video signal output function and a serial I / O
By using the digital camera 1 having the image data conversion function and the transfer function according to the present embodiment with a display device such as a television or a projector having no / O function,
The image data stored in the information device can be easily confirmed by reproducing it with a home television or projector.

Note that, in the above embodiment, the transmission and reception of another image using the image between the digital camera 1 and the printer 15 is performed by IrDA.
Has been described using an infrared communication method by ASK (Amplitud).
e Shift Keying) or an infrared communication method using AFSK may be used.

In the above embodiment, the digital camera 1 uses the CCD as the image pickup means.
It may be a MOS image sensor.

The present invention also relates to a PCMCIA (Personal Co-mputer Memory Card) equipped with a CCD camera, for example.
The present invention can be applied to an electronic device such as a personal computer having an imaging function (image input function) when a PC camera card of International Association) standard is mounted.

In the digital camera 1 according to the above embodiment, various control programs are stored in the RO
M, but the storage medium is not limited to a semiconductor memory typified by a ROM.
An optical recording medium or the like may be used. Further, the storage medium may be a medium that can be detachably attached to the digital camera.

Further, the printing method of the printer 15 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 of the above embodiment is not particularly limited, and the present invention can be applied to a printer of all printing methods. Furthermore, in the printer 15, the case where the image data received from the digital camera 1 is subjected to the mask image combining process has been described.
For example, it is possible to target all processes in which an original image is converted in some form, such as sepia tone conversion, black and white conversion, and mosaic processing.

In the above embodiment, the notebook personal computer 70 is shown as an external information device for transmitting image data to the digital camera 1. However, the information device has an infrared communication function and does not have a video signal output function. If so, the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment can be applied as a source of image data.

[0092]

According to the digital camera of the first aspect of the present invention, the display means of the digital camera can be used as a display device for confirming image data processed by an external device. As a result, even if there is no free memory for storing image data in the image storage means in the digital camera,
The image data communication processing can be continued without interruption.

According to the digital camera of the second aspect, an information device such as a personal computer having no video signal output function and a display device such as a television or a projector having no serial I / O function are provided. By using a digital camera, image data stored in an information device can be played back on a home television or projector and easily checked.

According to the image processing system of the third aspect of the present invention, the display means of the digital camera can be used as a display device for confirming the print contents in the printing apparatus, and the image storage means in the digital camera can be used. Even if there is no free memory for storing image data, the image data communication processing between the digital camera and the printing apparatus can be continued without interruption, and the reliability of the image processing system can be improved.

According to the storage medium of the invention described in claim 4,
By reading and executing the program stored in the storage medium by the computer, the display unit of the digital camera can be used as a display device for confirming image data processed by the external device.

According to the storage medium of the invention described in claim 5,
By reading and executing a program stored in a storage medium by a computer, an information device such as a personal computer without a video signal output function and a display device such as a television or a projector without a serial I / O function can be used. In between, image data stored in an information device using a digital camera can be played back on a television or projector at home and easily checked.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a digital camera 1 and a printer 15 in an image processing system according to an embodiment to which a digital camera, an image processing system, and a storage medium of the present invention are applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in the digital camera 1 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in a printer 15 of FIG.

4 is a flowchart showing an image data communication process executed by the CPU 38 in the digital camera 1 in FIG. 2 and a flowchart showing an image data communication printing process executed by the CPU 50 in the printer 15 in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing image data transfer processing executed by a CPU 38 in the digital camera 1 of FIG.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing system including a notebook personal computer 70, a digital camera 1, and a projector 80 on which the image data transfer process of FIG. 5 is executed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Digital camera 2 Camera body 3 Lens unit 4 Viewfinder 5 Power switch 6 Mode switch 9 Shutter button 11 “+” key 12 “−” key 13 Serial terminal 14 Infrared port 15 Digital camera 16 Paper insertion / ejection port 17 Operation Panel 19 Serial terminal 20 Infrared port 21 CCD 22 Driver 23 Buffer 24 A / D converter 25 Timing generator 26 VRAM 27 Video signal generator 28 D / A converter 29 Buffer 30 Color LCD 31 DRAM 32 CG 33 Compression / expansion unit 34 Image memory 35 ROM 36 RAM 37 Key input unit 38 CPU 39 I / O port 40 IrDA controller 41 Infrared light emitter 42 Infrared light receiver 50 CPU 51 Image memory 52 Decompression unit 53 selection unit 54 key input unit 55 I / O port 56 ROM 57 color printing unit 58 RAM 59 IrDA controller 60 infrared light emitter 61 infrared receiver 70 notebook personal computer 80 projector 90 video cable

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 5/225 H04N 5/907 B 5/907 5/91 J 5/91 H

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A digital camera comprising: an image storage means for storing image data captured by an imaging means; and a display means for displaying image data stored in the image storage means. Communication means for performing data communication with the display means; display storage means for storing display data; image data received from an external device by the communication means is stored in the display storage means; and the stored image data is stored in the display storage means. A digital camera, comprising: display control means for displaying on a display means. 2. A digital camera comprising: an image storage means for storing image data captured by an imaging means; and a display means for displaying image data stored in the image storage means. Communication means for performing data communication in the, and image transfer means for converting image data received from an external device by the communication means into a predetermined display signal form and transferring the display signal form to an external display device, Digital camera. 3. An image processing system for transmitting and receiving image data between a digital camera and a printing apparatus, confirming a print image of the image data with the digital camera, and executing a printing process in the printing apparatus. The digital camera includes: an image storage unit that stores image data captured by an imaging unit; a display unit that displays the image data stored in the image storage unit; Communication means; display control means for displaying print image data received from the printing apparatus by the communication means on the display means; and confirming the print image displayed on the display means by the display control means; Read out from the image storage means the image data to be printed selected by the selection means. Transmitting to the printing apparatus by the communication means, receiving the print image data transmitted from the printing apparatus by the communication means, and transmitting a print instruction signal input by the print instruction means by the communication means. Communication control means for transmitting to the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus, communication means for transmitting and receiving image data with the digital camera, based on the image data received from the digital camera by the communication means A print image generating means for generating a print image, image data to be printed transmitted from the digital camera, and a print instruction signal received by the communication means, and the print image data generated by the print image generating means Communication control means for transmitting to the digital camera by communication means; Image processing system comprising: the printing means, a to execute the printing process based on the print image in accordance with the signal print instruction signal. 4. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for realizing an image data communication function in a digital camera, wherein the program code causes data communication with an external device. And a program code for causing the display means to display image data received from an external device. 5. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for realizing an image data transfer function in a digital camera, comprising: a program code for performing data communication with an external device; And a program code for converting image data received from an external device into a predetermined display signal format and transferring the display signal format to an external display device.