JP3817893B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a communication sign (SIG. (Abbreviation of signature)) function capable of displaying information of a transmission source for a received recorded image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When sending or exchanging photos taken with a camera, the location and name of the shooting are written on the back side by hand. In addition, a so-called photo booth (trade name: abbreviation of “print club”) prints an image taken with a photographer alone or with a friend on a sticker and exchanges it with the friend.
In addition, image data obtained by an image processing device such as a digital camera can be processed, printed out, reproduced / displayed, transmitted to an external device to be processed or printed out on the receiving side, or temporarily recorded in a database. Search / output.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent years, some image processing devices such as digital cameras can send and receive captured images and information to and from external devices using infrared input / output devices. It is desirable to easily identify the origin (source) of the selected image.
[0004]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and adds / accumulates information about a transmission source every time a photographed, received, or processed image is transmitted, and the image and / or the transmission source is transmitted at a desired timing. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus having a communication sign function capable of informing information and the like.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to a first invention is an image processing apparatus having an image transmission / reception function for transmitting / receiving a target image designated as a transmission / reception target to / from a plurality of image processing apparatuses. A signature image that is unique to each of the plurality of image processing apparatuses including the image processing apparatus and is smaller in size than the target image is registered in association with the image processing apparatus. A signature image registration means, and a self-signature image that is a signature image registered in advance corresponding to the image processing apparatus by the signature image registration means when transmitting the target image to another image processing apparatus, When the target image is received from another image processing apparatus and the transmission unit that transmits the target image to the other image processing apparatus, the signature image is both If it is signal, and synthesizing / displaying means for displaying by synthesizing the received signature image in a part of the target image thus received,Storage control means for storing the received target image and the received signature image in association with each other when the target image is received when the target image is received from another image processing apparatus; And the transmission means, when instructed to transmit the target image stored by the storage control means to another image processing apparatus, the signature stored by the storage control means corresponding to the target image An image and the self-signature image are transmitted together with the target image to another image processing apparatus..
[0006]
  An image processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus having an image transmission / reception function for transmitting / receiving a target image designated as a transmission / reception target to / from a plurality of image processing apparatuses, and includes the image processing apparatus. Signature image registration means for registering a signature image that is unique to each of the plurality of image processing devices and is smaller in size than the target image in association with the image processing device; and the target When transmitting an image to another image processing apparatus, the signature image registration unit registers a self-signature image, which is a signature image registered in advance corresponding to the image processing apparatus, together with the target image. When the signature image is received together with the transmission unit that transmits the image and the target image from another image processing apparatus, the received image is received. Synthesizing / displaying means for synthesizing and displaying the received signature image on a part of an elephant image, and the synthesizing / displaying means receives the target image from another image processing device, and When a plurality of signature images are received, the received signature images are combined with a part of the received target image and displayed..
[0007]
  A third invention is the image processing apparatus of the first or second invention,The signature image registration unit registers an arbitrary partial image extracted from an arbitrary image as a signature image based on designation by a user.
[0008]
  The fourth invention isIn the image processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the photographing means for photographing a subject to obtain a photographed image, and the signature image registering means extract an arbitrary partial image extracted from the photographed image photographed by the photographing means, It is registered as a signature image based on the user's specification.
[0009]
  The fifth invention is the above1st to 4thIn the image processing apparatus of the invention, when the storage control means receives a plurality of signature images when receiving the target image from another image processing apparatus, the storage control means and the received plurality of signature images And when the transmission unit is instructed to transmit the target image stored by the storage control unit to another image processing apparatus, the transmission unit corresponds to the target image. A plurality of signature images and the self-signature image stored by the storage control unit are transmitted together with the target image to another image processing apparatus.
[0010]
  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the storage control unit receives history information indicating an order in which each of the plurality of signature images is added together with the target image and the plurality of signature images. In this case, the received target image, the received plurality of signature images, and the history information are stored in association with each other, and the transmission unit stores the target image stored by the storage control unit in another image processing apparatus. The history information is transmitted by adding information indicating that the self-signature image has been added next to the plurality of signature images. To do.
[0011]
  The seventh invention is the aboveSecondIn the image processing apparatus of the invention, when the synthesis / display unit receives the target image from another image processing apparatus, history information indicating the order in which each of the plurality of signature images is added is received together. In this case, a plurality of the received signature images are arranged in the order indicated by the history information and combined and displayed on a part of the received target image.
[0012]
  The eighth invention is the aboveFirstIn the image processing device of the invention, the signature image registration unit further registers attribute information relating to the image processing device in association with the signature image, and the transmission unit is registered in correspondence with the self-signature image. If the attribute information is received together when the storage control means receives the target image from another image processing apparatus, the attribute information is further transmitted to the other image processing apparatus together with the target image. The received target image, the received signature image, and the received attribute information are stored in association with each other.
[0013]
  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the invention, the attribute image stored in association with the designated signature image by designating the signature image synthesized and displayed by the synthesis / display means. An attribute information display means for displaying information is further provided.
  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the invention, the signature image registering unit registers a person image that has been copied in an identifiable state as the signature image.
  An eleventh aspect of the invention is the image processing apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the invention, wherein the signature image registration unit registers personal information corresponding to the person image as the attribute information.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
<Circuit configuration example>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a digital camera as an embodiment of the image processing apparatus of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a digital camera 100 includes an optical system 11, a signal converter 12, a signal processor 13, a DRAM (dynamic memory) 14, an infrared input / output unit 15, a serial interface (I / O) 19, a control unit 20, an operation. Section 30, display section 40, character recognition dictionary ROM 45, recording section 50, and power supply 90. Further, an audio memory and an audio input / output device may be provided.
[0015]
The optical system 11 includes an imaging lens 111, an automatic aperture mechanism 112, and the like, and forms a light beam of a subject image collected through the imaging lens 111 on a subsequent imaging element (CCD).
[0016]
The signal conversion unit 12 includes a CCD, a signal conversion circuit, and the like, converts an image formed on the CCD through the preceding optical system 11 into an electrical signal, converts the image into digital data, and outputs the digital data at a constant cycle.
[0017]
The signal processing unit 13 processes the output from the signal conversion unit 12 to obtain signal components such as digital luminance and color difference multiplex signal (YUV data), and transfers the YUV data to the DRAM 14 for development. Further, the YUV data written in the DRAM 14 at the time of recording and saving is read out and subjected to JPEG compression processing, and the image data stored and recorded in the recording medium (flash memory) 51 at the time of reproduction is subjected to expansion processing to obtain YUV data. Play.
[0018]
The infrared input / output unit 15 includes an infrared light receiving / emitting element, and at the time of reception, an infrared signal received from the outside is demodulated into an electric signal and sent to the control unit 20, and at the time of transmission (or reception response), a response signal from the control unit 20 or The transmission data is modulated to infrared and sent to the outside.
[0019]
The control unit 20 has a microprocessor configuration including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a timer, and the like. The CPU is connected to the above-described circuits and a power supply switch (not shown) via a bus line and stored in the ROM. The overall control of the digital camera 100 is controlled by the control program being executed, and the execution control of each function of the digital camera is performed in response to the status signal from the operation unit 30, for example, the infrared communication control means stored in the ROM Thus, execution control for realizing data transmission / reception processing via the infrared input / output unit 15 and data transmission / reception processing via the serial interface 19 is performed. Further, the communication sig function by the communication sig means 110 of the present invention is realized.
[0020]
The operation unit 30 includes switches and buttons such as a processing mode switching switch, a main switch, a SIG function selection button 36, a confirmation button 37, a shutter button, and a recording / playback mode switching switch, and these switches or buttons are operated. Then, a status signal is sent to the control unit 20.
[0021]
The display unit 40 is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and displays a subject image (through image) at the time of imaging, a reproduced image at the time of reproduction, a composite image, and an extracted image, as well as a signature image and image information. In addition, a menu for selection at the time of processing selection is displayed.
Further, a touch panel made of a transparent thin film for touch input (for example, a transparent synthetic resin thin panel on which touch electrodes and the like are provided) is provided on the liquid crystal screen of the display unit 40, and the screen is touched with a finger or a touch pen. Characters hand-drawn with a touch pen, etc. that can be pointed at image parts and signature images (extracted partial images, graphics, or images that consist of specific designs such as icons for display), or menus, etc. May be configured to be inputable.
[0022]
In the ROM 45, a display guide for selection, menus, templates, characters, fixed values, names of digital cameras (mainly product names), models, model numbers, and the like are registered. In addition, when the display unit 40 is configured to be able to input characters handwritten with a touch pen or the like, it is handwritten from the features of candidate characters and the character codes for comparison with the features extracted from the character data input by handwriting. A character recognition dictionary may be registered.
[0023]
The recording unit 50 includes a recorded image (a flash memory in the embodiment) from a recorded image in addition to a captured image obtained by the signal processing unit 13 and an image received via the infrared input / output unit 15 or the serial interface 19. Image portions such as extracted persons, landscapes, vehicles, figures, illustrations, etc., and partial images (hereinafter referred to as signature images) composed of camera data, shooting date and time, comments, and the like are recorded.
The recording unit 50 also associates the image number with the image to be recorded in the image information registration list 60 on the flash memory 51, the image recording position, the shooting date and time, the shooting condition, the signature image number, and the image number. Register the recording position of unique information.
When recording the signature image, the recording unit 50 associates the signature image with the signature image registration list 70 on the flash memory 51 in association with the signature image, the recording position of the signature image, the image number of the pasting image, The number of the subsequent signature image, the transmission source information, the recording position of the unique information of the signature image, and the like are registered.
[0024]
On the flash memory 51, in addition to the image and signature image recording areas, the recording areas of the image information registration list 60 and the signature image information registration list 70 are secured.
[0025]
<Image information registration list>
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of the image information registration list. The image information registration list 60 includes an image number field 61 for recording an image number for identifying an image, a head address where the image is recorded, A recording position field 62 for recording the image size, a shooting date / time field 63 for recording the shooting date / time, a shooting condition field 64 for recording shooting conditions such as shutter speed, aperture value, and strobe intensity, and a signature that is superimposed and displayed on the image. If there is an image, the signature image number field 65 for recording the signature image number on the signature image information list 70 of the first signature image, and the source camera of the image shooting location, shot image, image type, image, etc. A unique information recording column 66 for recording unique information such as information is provided.
[0026]
In FIG. 2, symbols 64-1 to 64-p mean columns for recording individual shooting conditions, for example, shutter speed column 64-1, aperture value column 64-2, strobe strength column 64-4,.・ Recording fields for individual shooting conditions are specified.
Symbols 66-1 to 66 -q mean fields for recording unique information about images. For example, a shooting location field 66-1, an image type field 66 for recording a received image, a captured image, a composite image, and the like. A recording field for specific information of each image is defined as -2, transmission camera model field 66-3, machine number 66-4, and so on.
[0027]
<Signature image information registration list>
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of the signature image information registration list. The signature image information registration list 70 includes a signature image number column 71 for recording a signature image number for identifying a signature image, and recording of the signature image. A recording position field 72 for recording the head address that has been recorded, a pasting destination image number field 73 for recording the image number of the pasting destination image on the image information registration list 60, and a subsequent signature image to be pasted at the next position of the signature image. Subsequent signature image field 74 for recording the signature image number, transmission source field 75 for recording the name, model, machine number, etc. of the transmission source apparatus that has transmitted the image and the signature image, and a portion that has been converted into a signature image Record information specific to the signature image, such as the image, camera data, shooting date, and comments. And a unique information recording section 76.
[0028]
Symbols 76-1 to 76 -r mean columns for recording signature image history information. For example, a name (name) column 76-1 and a location (address) column 76 of a part (person) used as the signature image. -2, feature (if the signature image is a person image, telephone number, age, place of work (or school name), special skill, charm point, etc.) column 76-3, ..., comment column 76-r In addition, a record field for history information of each signature image is defined.
[0029]
In the first and second embodiments, the image information registration list 60 and the signature image information registration list 70 are separate lists, but the image information and the signature image information may be registered on one list. Further, when the signature image is directly pasted and synthesized as in the third embodiment, the signature image information registration list 70 may not be provided.
[0030]
<DRAM memory configuration example>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the memory layout of the DRAM 14. The DRAM 14 is an image buffer 14-1 used for image capture at the time of imaging and temporary storage at the time of transmission / reception, and a signature image used for temporary storage of a signature image. , 14-2-n, signature image information buffers 14-3-1,..., 14-3-n used for temporary storage of signature image information, and images and signature images It has a buffer area such as a composite image buffer 14-4 used for temporary storage of composite images and the like. A symbol 14-5 is a work area and is used as a work area for image composition and the like. In the embodiment, the number of signature image buffers and signature image information buffers is 28 (n = 28), but is not limited thereto.
[0031]
<Example 1>
[Configuration example of communication sig means]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the communication sig means. The communication sig means 110 includes a signature image registration unit 111, an image transmission unit 112, an image reception unit 113, and a sig notification unit 114. .
[0032]
The signature image registration unit 111 includes an image selection unit 1111, a signature image extraction unit 1112, and a registration unit 1113, and a desired extraction image 80 (FIG. 6A) displayed on the display unit 40 is selected. An image is selected, a desired image portion is extracted from the image, and a signature image is formed and registered in the flash memory 51. At this time, necessary information and history information are recorded in the signature image information list 70 in association with the signature image to be registered.
[0033]
The image selection means 1111 reproduces the image stored in the flash memory 51 and displays a fast forward guide 82, a fast reverse guide 83, etc. as shown in FIG. The user can select a desired image and signature image extraction template by performing operations such as fast-forward / fast-rewind, stop, confirmation (depressing the button 37) of the displayed image, and a template selection operation.
[0034]
Examples of the shape of the template include a circle 85, an ellipse 86, a square 87, a rectangle 88, 89, etc. as shown in FIG. 6A. The circle 85 or the ellipse 86 is used when a person image is a signature image. The square 87 and the rectangles 88 and 89 are mainly used when a landscape, a building, a vehicle, a sentence, a symbol, or the like is used as a signature image. The size of the template can be enlarged / reduced by the signature image extraction means 1112.
[0035]
The signature image extraction unit 1112 displays the selected elliptical template 86 (FIG. 9B), extracts a portion surrounded by the template 86, and takes it into the signature image image buffer 14-2. In this case, as shown in the example of FIG. 6B, when the size of the template displayed first is set to 1, it can be enlarged to 3/2, and 3/4, 1/2, 1/3. , 1/4. When a touch panel is provided on the display unit 40, a template image is not displayed, and a pointed image is extracted by enclosing the image part on the screen with a finger or a touch pen, and an image buffer for signature image is extracted. The signature image extraction unit 1112 may be configured to capture in 14-2.
[0036]
The registration unit 1113 displays the input character table 90, the cursor 91, and the input result display field 92 on the history registration screen as shown in FIG. 6C, and prompts input of history information. The user can input history information by pointing a necessary character on the input character table with the cursor 91. The example of FIG. 6C shows a state where the input of the name and blood type is completed and the constellation is being input.
[0037]
When a touch panel is provided on the display unit 40 so that handwritten characters can be input, the history information can be input by handwritten character input without the need to display the screen of FIG. The point or input history information is temporarily stored in the history information storage position of the history buffer 14-3.
[0038]
In the case where the digital camera 100 is configured to include an audio memory and an audio input / output device, the history information may be input by audio input, converted into audio data, and stored in the audio memory.
[0039]
The registration unit 1113 also records the signature image in the signature image recording area of the flash memory 51 after confirming the input of the history information (or no input). Then, the pasting destination image number column 73 of the signature image information list 71 is checked. If no image number is registered in the pasting destination image number column 73, the first signature image information record (that is, the signature image number column 71). The recording position of the signature image is registered in the recording position column 72 of the signature image number 1), and the corresponding history information is registered in each of the subdivision columns 76-1 to 76-r of the history information column 76. At this time, the signature image number is registered in the signature image number column 65 of the image information registration list 60.
[0040]
The image transmission means 112 includes a transmission image selection means 1121, a signature image composition / display stage 1122, and a transmission means 1123. When a desired image is transmitted to a desired partner, the image and the registered signature image correspond to the image. And sent.
[0041]
The transmission image selection means 1121 reproduces the stored image and displays a fast forward guide 95, a fast reverse guide 96, and a stop guide 97 as shown in FIG. The user can select a desired transmission image by performing operations such as fast-forward / fast-reverse and confirmation of the displayed image. When an image is selected, the image data stored in the image buffer 14-1 of the DRAM 14 is copied to the composition image buffer 14-4.
[0042]
When the transmission image is selected, the transmission image selection unit 1121 searches the signature image report registration list 70 to extract a signature image information record in which the image number is not registered in the paste destination image number column 73. The signature image storage position is taken out from the signature image recording position field 72, the signature image data is read out based on the signature image storage position 72, the signature image is stored in the signature image buffer 14-2-1 of the DRAM 14, and the signature image information is stored in the history buffer 14. -3-1.
[0043]
The signature image combining / display unit 1122 combines the signature image with the image data of the combining image buffer 14-4 (in the embodiment, displays the combined image on the display device 40) and is stored in the image buffer 14-1. The image number of the image is registered as the paste destination image number.
[0044]
In the embodiment, the first signature image is positioned at the lower left corner, and each time transmission is repeated, a new signature image is rotated counterclockwise from the lower left corner as shown in FIGS. 9 (d) to (f) and (h). However, they may be arranged clockwise from the upper left corner, and are not limited to these arrangements. In other words, any arrangement may be used as long as the arrangement order of the signature images can be understood.
[0045]
The transmission unit 1123 includes the paste destination image number and the history information among the image data of the image buffer 14-1, the signature image data of the signature image buffer 14-2, and the signature image information of the signature image information buffer 14-3. Then, the name, model, machine number, etc. of the current device recorded in the ROM 45 are converted into an infrared signal and transmitted to the outside from the infrared input / output device 15 (or transmitted to the external device via the interface 19). .
[0046]
The image receiving unit 113 includes a receiving unit 1131, an image recording unit 1132, and a registration unit 1133, and synthesizes / displays the received image and signature image and records them in the flash memory 51.
[0047]
The receiving unit 1131 restores the received data, extracts image data, image information, signature image data, and i (i = 1 to n) signature image information, and respectively receives an image buffer 14-1 and a signature image buffer 14-. ,..., 14-2-i and signature image information buffers 14-3..., 14-3-i.
[0048]
The image recording means 1132 records the image data of the image buffer 14-1 in the image recording area of the flash memory 51 and registers the image number and image information in the image information registration list 60.
[0049]
The registration unit 1133 records the signature image data of the signature image buffer 14-2 in the signature image recording area of the flash memory 51, and stores the signature image data recording position and the signature image information in the signature image information registration list 70. Register predetermined information.
[0050]
At the time of registration, the signature image information registration list 70 is checked, and the recording position column 72 (signature image number = signature image information record having the smallest signature image number among signature image information records in which no signature image information is registered). The recording position of the signature image is registered in j). In addition, the image number of the image just registered in the image information registration list 60 (that is, the image transmitted and received as the pasted image of the signature image) is registered in the pasting destination image number column 73.
[0051]
When there are a plurality of signature images to be pasted (synthesized) on the same image (that is, when images are sequentially transmitted from the digital camera 100 to the next digital camera and from the digital camera to the next digital camera one after another). If the number of signature images is i, the signature image data in the signature image buffers 142-1-2 to 142-1-i and the signature image information in the signature image information buffers 142-2 to 42-1-i At the time of registration, the same image number is registered in the paste destination image number field 72. In this case, the signature image number of each signature image is j to j + (i−1). In the subsequent signature image number column 74, j + 1 is registered for the first signature image (signature image number j), j + 2 to j + (− 1) is registered from the next signature image, and the last signature image (signature image number i) is registered. 0) is registered for -2.
[0052]
The sig notifying unit 114 includes a composite image display unit 1141, a search unit 1142, and a sig information notification unit 1143, and synthesizes / displays composite images as shown in FIGS. 9 (d) to 9 (f), (h). Also, each signature image information is displayed according to the designation of the user, or a pasting destination image is displayed.
It is also possible to display an image obtained by deleting all or part of the combined / displayed signature image. In this case, the paste destination image number may be erased for the signature image to be displayed and erased on the signature image information registration list 70, or simply the signature image buffer 14-3-1 to 14-3-n. The signature image buffer storing the signature image to be erased may be replaced with a meaningless value for image synthesis.
[0053]
When the user presses the sig function selection button 36 in the reproduction mode, the composite image display unit 1141 reads out and reproduces the paste destination image data based on the registration data in the image information registration list 60 and the signature image information registration list, and reproduces the image. The data is stored in the buffer 14-1 and the composition image buffer 14-3. Further, the signature image data is read and reproduced, and stored in the signature image buffer 14-2-1. When there are a plurality (k) of signature images to be pasted (synthesized) on the pasting destination image, the signature images are sequentially reproduced in the signature image buffers 14-2-1 to 14-2-k. Remember.
[0054]
Then, the first signature image is synthesized / displayed. When there are a plurality of pasting destination images, first, as shown in FIGS. 9 (d) to 9 (f) and (h), first a fixed rule (in the example shown, counterclockwise from the lower left corner to the right) Are arranged in order from the signature images of these and synthesized / displayed.
[0055]
The search unit 1142 displays a cursor on the pasting destination image to which the signature image is pasted, and when the user points a desired signature image among the displayed signature images with the cursor, as shown in FIG. The signature image information registration list 70 is searched to extract the signature image information of the signature image.
[0056]
The sig information notifying means 1143 extracts the history information from the extracted signature image information, and edits and displays it on the display unit 40 (FIG. 9 (g)). In the case where the digital camera is configured to include an audio memory and an audio input / output device, history information stored in the audio memory may be reproduced and output as audio.
[0057]
[Operation example of digital camera when communication sig function is selected]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the digital camera when the communication sig function is selected. The signature image of the digital camera is transmitted to the other party's digital camera together with the photographed image. An example will be described in which a transmission operation of making a signature image and transmitting it to another person together with a captured image is repeated (FIG. 9).
[0058]
(1) Signature image registration
First, in the playback mode (S0), the fast-forward guide 82 and the fast-rewind guide 83 are pointed by the cursor operation to repeat the playback of the recorded image, and when a desired image including a partial image to be converted into a signature image is displayed, the stop guide An image is selected by pointing at 84 (FIG. 9A) (S1).
Next, a template having an appropriate shape is selected from the displayed extraction templates 85 to 89 as a signature image, and the template (the elliptical template 86 in the embodiment) is displayed on the image. When the user operates a cursor movement button (not shown) of the operation unit 30 and points the desired self-portrait position with the cursor, the template 86 is displayed. If the size of the template does not completely surround the face portion of the self-portrait, the size of the template 86 displayed by operating the button 36 is enlarged or reduced to a size that can surround the face portion of the self-portrait, and the cursor position is The template 86 is adjusted and positioned so as to surround the self-portrait (FIG. 9B) (S2).
After the positioning of the template 86 is completed, when the user presses the confirmation button 37, the portion surrounded by the template 86 is extracted / displayed (FIG. 9C). At this time, since the frame color sample 86 ′ of the extracted image displayed as the signature image is displayed, if the frame color is selected by pointing to the desired color sample, the partial image is extracted, and the frame color is changed by changing the YUV data ratio. It is given and temporarily stored in the signature image buffer 14-2-1 (S3).
When the signature image is extracted, a character input table 90 as shown in FIG. 7C is displayed to prompt the user to input history information. When the user inputs each history data, the history buffer 14-3-1 is displayed. Is temporarily stored in the history information storage position (S4).
When the history information is input, the signature image data of the signature image buffer 14-2-1 is recorded in the signature image recording area of the flash memory 51, and the recording position and history information of the signature image are recorded. At this time, the signature image number of the signature image is registered in the signature image number column 65 of the image information registration list 60 (S5).
[0059]
(2) Image transmission
When the signature image is registered (T0), the image recorded in the flash memory 51 is reproduced and the transmission image is selected (T1).
When the image of the transmission image is selected, the signature image information registration list 70 is searched to extract the recording position of the registered signature image, and based on that, the signature image data is extracted (T2). The signature image is synthesized / displayed (FIG. 9D), and predetermined information such as an image number is registered in the signature image information registration list (T3).
When the user presses the transmission button, transmission image data, registered image information, signature image data, registered signature image information, and the like are converted into infrared signals and transmitted to the outside as infrared signals via the infrared input / output unit 15 ( T4).
[0060]
(3) Receiving images
When the infrared input / output unit 15 receives an infrared signal from an external device, the received data is restored (U1), and if it is transmission data by the communication sig function (U2), image data, image information, signature Image data and i (i = 1 to n) signature image information are extracted (U3), and the image data and signature image information are recorded in the flash memory 51 (U4), and predetermined image information and signature image information are respectively stored. It registers in the image information registration list 60 and the signature image information registration list 70 (U5).
[0061]
(4) Search / history information display
In the playback mode (V0), when the user presses the sig function selection button 36 (V1), the paste destination image data is read based on the registration data of the image information registration list 60 and the signature image information registration list 70, and the image buffer 14 is read. -1 and the composition image buffer 14-3. Further, the signature image data is read out and stored in the signature image buffer 14-2-1. When there are a plurality (k) of signature images to be pasted (synthesized) on the pasting destination image, the signature images are sequentially reproduced in the signature image buffers 14-2-1 to 14-2-k. Remember. Then, the first signature image is synthesized / displayed. When there are a plurality of pasting destination images, first, as shown in FIGS. 9 (d) to 9 (f) and (h), first a fixed rule (in the example shown, counterclockwise from the lower left corner to the right) The signature images are sequentially arranged and synthesized / displayed (V2).
When the cursor is displayed on the composite image to which the signature image is pasted and the user points to the desired signature image with the cursor (V3) as shown in FIG. 9F, the signature image information registration list 70 is searched. The signature image information of the signature image is extracted (V4).
The sig information notifying means 1143 extracts the source information and the history information of the signature image from the extracted signature image information, and edits and displays them on the display unit 40 (FIG. 9 (g)) (V5).
[0062]
FIG. 9 is an example of an image, a signature image, and a composite image displayed at each operation stage. (A) is an example of an image selected as an image from which a signature image is extracted, and (b) is a template. An example of determining the position of an image to be extracted as a signature image by adjusting the position of the template 86 with a cursor, (c) is an example of the extracted signature image 94 and a color sample 86 ′, and (d) is a composite display (transmission) This is an example of an image in which a signature image is pasted on the image, and a combined signature image 94 is displayed in the lower left corner.
Further, (e) is an example of a transmission image in which transmission is repeated to another person one after another, and is an example in which nine signature images are pasted (that is, an example in which transmission is repeated nine times). In this example, the signature images 94-1 to 94-9 are pasted counterclockwise.
Further, (f) is an example in which the third signature image 94-3 is pointed on the composite image in (e), and (g) is an example of the sig information displayed as a result of the point. In this example, the model “XXXXYY” is displayed as transmission source information, and the name, shooting date, blood type, constellation, and mobile phone number of the person in the photo club image are displayed as history information. Further, (h) is an example of the maximum number of signature images that can be combined as a whole image. In the embodiment, 28 signature images can be combined and displayed.
[0063]
<Example 2>
In the first embodiment, the signature image is attached to the reproduced image, that is, registered in the signature image image information list 70, and the signature image image information list 70 is transmitted together with the image and the signature image at the time of transmission. Although a composite image obtained by pasting and combining the signature image is displayed, a predetermined signature image may be automatically attached to the imaging data when the shutter button is pressed during imaging.
[0064]
In this case, when a transmission image is selected, the transmission image selection unit 1121 of the image transmission unit 112 searches the signature image report registration list 70 to extract a signature image information record corresponding to the transmission image, and the signature image The storage location of the signature image is taken out from the recording position column 72, and the signature image data is read out based on the signature image storage location 72. The signature image is stored in the signature image buffer 14-2-1 of the DRAM 14, and the signature image information is stored in the history buffer 14-3. -1 can be stored.
As a result, an image intended to be a transmission image with a signature image attached at the time of imaging can be transmitted.
[0065]
<Example 3>
In the first and second embodiments, a signature image is attached at the time of reproduction (first embodiment) or at the time of imaging (second embodiment), and at the time of transmission, the signature image image information list 70 is transmitted together with the image and the signature image. And a composite image obtained by pasting and combining the signature image is displayed, but without attaching the signature image, simply select the desired signature image from the registered signature images and combine it with the desired playback image or captured image. (Paste) may be used.
In this case, the image on which the signature image is pasted (synthesized image) is transmitted in the same transmission mode as when the normal image is transmitted. Further, the transmission destination that has received the image with the signature image pasted can display the pasted image and know the progress (who sent the image, etc.). Further, the user of the destination camera can further synthesize another signature image (for example, his / her face) with the image and send it to another destination.
[0066]
Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the first invention, when transmitting a target image to be transmitted / received to another apparatus, the self-signed image registered in advance is transmitted and transmitted / received. When a target image to be processed is received, a signature image added by another device is combined with a part of the target image and displayed, so that the user of the device that has received the target image You can know the senderFurthermore, in addition to the signature image associated with the received image, the signature image registered in the receiving device can be attached and transmitted to the external device, so that it corresponds to the case where images are transmitted to others one after another. Can do.
[0068]
  Also,According to the second invention, when the target image to be transmitted / received is transmitted to another device, the self-signed image registered in advance is transmitted and the target image to be transmitted / received is transmitted. When received, the signature image added by another device is combined with a part of the target image and displayed, so that the user of the device receiving the target image can know the transmission source of the target image. And more than oneSince the signature image can be synthesized and displayed on a part of the received image, it can be seen at a glance how it has been sent. Further, for example, image exchange can be performed with data without printing.
[0069]
  Also,Eighth inventionAccording to the information of the image transmission source device and the signature imageAttribute informationI.e.Information about the source deviceTherefore, the user can associate the signature image on the image with the communication history. It can also be used as a means of sending or exchanging a kind of photo letter.
[0070]
  Also,12th inventionAccording to the above, it is possible to easily exchange images without printing by infrared communication.
[0071]
  According to the sixth invention,On the receiving side, multiple images combined with the imageIt is possible to know the progress of the image sent by looking at the signature image.
[0072]
Further, according to the thirteenth to seventeenth inventions, a signature image can be attached to or combined with a captured image and transmitted.The receiving device took a pictureAn image obtained by combining a signature image with an image can be displayed, and can be used like a so-called “printer”.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of a digital camera as an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of an image information registration list.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of a signature image information registration list.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a memory configuration of a DRAM.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of communication sig means.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen for selection when a signature image is registered.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen for selection when an image or the like is transmitted.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera when a communication sig function is selected.
FIG. 9 is an example of an image, a signature image, and a composite image displayed at each operation stage when the communication sig function is selected.
[Explanation of symbols]
15 Infrared input / output device (image transmission / reception means)
40 Display section (image display means)
70 Signature image information registration list (signature image registration means)
100 Digital camera (image processing device)
111 Signature image registration means
112 Image transmission means (transmission means)
113 Image receiving means (receiving means)
1141 Composite image display means (composition / display means)
1143 Sig information notification means

Claims (17)

An image processing apparatus having an image transmission / reception function for transmitting / receiving a target image designated as a transmission / reception target to / from a plurality of image processing apparatuses,
A signature image for registering a signature image that is unique to each of the plurality of image processing devices including the image processing device and is smaller in size than the target image in association with the image processing device Registration means;
When the target image is transmitted to another image processing apparatus, a self-signature image that is a signature image registered in advance corresponding to the image processing apparatus by the signature image registration unit is combined with the target image. Transmitting means for transmitting to the processing device;
When the target image is received from another image processing apparatus, if the signature image is received together, the composition / display is performed by combining the received signature image with a part of the received target image. Means,
A storage control means for storing the received target image and the received signature image in association with each other when the target image is received when the target image is received from another image processing apparatus;
With
When the transmission unit is instructed to transmit the target image stored by the storage control unit to another image processing apparatus, the transmission unit and the signature image stored by the storage control unit corresponding to the target image The self-signature image is transmitted to another image processing apparatus together with the target image.
An image processing apparatus having an image transmission / reception function for transmitting / receiving a target image designated as a transmission / reception target to / from a plurality of image processing apparatuses,
A signature image for registering a signature image that is unique to each of the plurality of image processing devices including the image processing device and is smaller in size than the target image in association with the image processing device Registration means;
When the target image is transmitted to another image processing device, the signature image registration unit registers a self-signature image that is a signature image registered in advance corresponding to the image processing device together with the target image. Transmitting means for transmitting to the processing device;
When the target image is received from another image processing apparatus, if the signature image is received together, the combined / display is performed by combining the received signature image with a part of the received target image. Means,
With
When the plurality of signature images are received when the synthesis / display unit receives the target image from another image processing device, the plurality of signature images received as part of the received target image An image processing apparatus characterized by combining and displaying.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signature image registration unit registers an arbitrary partial image extracted from an arbitrary image as a signature image based on a user designation. Photographing means for photographing a subject and obtaining a photographed image;
4. The image processing according to claim 3, wherein the signature image registration unit registers an arbitrary partial image extracted from the captured image captured by the imaging unit as a signature image based on a user designation. apparatus. When the storage control unit receives a plurality of signature images when receiving the target image from another image processing device, the storage control unit associates the received target image with the plurality of received signature images. Remember,
When the transmission means is instructed to transmit the target image stored by the storage control means to another image processing apparatus, a plurality of signatures stored by the storage control means corresponding to the target image The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image and the self-signature image are transmitted together with the target image to another image processing apparatus. When the storage control unit receives history information indicating the order in which each of the plurality of signature images is added together with the target image and the plurality of signature images, the storage control unit receives the received target image and the plurality of received signatures. Storing the image and the history information in association with each other;
When the transmission means is instructed to transmit the target image stored by the storage control means to another image processing apparatus, the transmission means confirms that the self-signature image is added next to the plurality of signature images. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the history information is transmitted by adding information to be indicated. The combining / displaying unit receives the target object when history information indicating the order in which each of the plurality of signature images is added is received together when the target image is received from another image processing apparatus. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of received signature images are combined and displayed in a part of the image in the order indicated by the history information. The signature image registration means further registers attribute information relating to the image processing apparatus of the self in association with the signature image;
The transmission means further transmits the attribute information registered corresponding to the self-signature image to another image processing apparatus together with the target image,
When the attribute information is received together with the target image from another image processing device, the storage control unit is configured to receive the received target image, the received signature image, and the received attribute information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   It further comprises attribute information display means for displaying the attribute information stored in association with the designated signature image by designating the signature image synthesized and displayed by the synthesis / display means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the signature image registration unit registers a person image that is copied in a state where an individual can be identified as the signature image.   11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the signature image registration unit registers personal information corresponding to the person image as the attribute information. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image transmission / reception means is an infrared transmission / reception apparatus. It further comprises a photographing means for photographing a subject to obtain a photographed image,
  The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit is capable of transmitting the captured image captured by the imaging unit as the target image.    The transmission means transmits the captured image and the self-signature image separately when transmitting the self-signature image together with the captured image to the other image processing device, and the captured image and the self-signature image 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein correspondence information for associating is transmitted.   When transmitting the self-signature image together with the captured image to another image processing apparatus, the transmitting unit combines the self-signature image with a part of the captured image, and the captured image obtained by combining the self-signature image The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein:   16. The image processing according to claim 15, wherein the signature image registering unit registers an arbitrary partial image extracted from the photographed image photographed by the photographing function as a signature image based on designation by a user. apparatus.   The signature image registration unit includes an image selection unit that selects the captured image, a shape selection unit that selects a shape of a partial image, a position selection unit that selects an extraction position in the captured image, and the image selection unit. The partial image of the shape selected by the shape selection unit is extracted from the position selected by the position selection unit in the selected photographed image, and the partial image is registered as the signature image. 16. The image processing device according to 16.

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