JP2003018509A - Cd automatic writer device for digital camera (2) - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device with which a user, who cannot operate a personal computer, can transfer an image of a digital camera to a CD, copy the image after subjecting the image to an optimizing process, and make the CD operate automatically to generate a digital album enabling the inspection of the images. SOLUTION: A series of processes include the image transfer from a digital camera, the selection of the image, the image processing, input of title letters, the automatic control of the whole flow of image signals, and the high speed recording of the image signals in a CD. The processes are carried out according to the guidance given by voice or displayed sentences without using a keyboard. This CD automatic writer device for a digital camera is a standalone device constituted by software practicing the series of processes and hardware mainly comprising a CPU.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an unattended automatic digital automatic recording capable of transferring and recording an image from a video reproducing device or a video camera provided from a memory card of a master digital camera or an optical disk. It is an album creator. In recent years, digital cameras have become popular at a tremendous speed. Personal computer users can enjoy the images taken with digital cameras by editing and printing them on their own. However, it may be expected to become a problem as the number of vehicles increases in the future.
For one thing, when these images are stored and used semipermanently, it is visible that the hard disk in the personal computer overflows. It is necessary to save it on some recording medium.
Second, considering the current number of digital cameras shipped, we have to consider what to do with the image processing and display environment for the layers that cannot (or cannot) use a personal computer. That is, when a person who does not have a personal computer or who cannot use a personal computer buys and uses a digital camera, the image is not transferred to the personal computer, and the memory of the camera immediately overflows with images. Also, because memory cards are expensive, buying more than one adds to the financial burden and is unlikely to do so. In addition, the burden increases when purchasing a personal computer and its peripherals. In view of the above points, the present invention provides a social infrastructure to support so that an ordinary person prepares a recording and viewing environment when using a digital camera, and works for recording, editing, correcting, writing, etc. A device for automating the above is provided.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a current digital camera, a transfer kit designated by a camera maker and a CD writer device are required by an individual in order to transfer the image to a personal computer, perform image processing, and write it on an optical disk. Specialized software and its operation must be performed for each image.
In order to realize and operate such an environment on a personal computer, it is necessary to be knowledgeable as it has become a personal computer. It is considered impossible for the majority of conventional camera users to perform such a series of operations. It is difficult for the current camera user to print at the same time by using a digital camera unless the environment for viewing the captured image is easy. In addition, it is an alienation factor for the spread of digital cameras in the future. The present invention can provide an automated digital image transfer recording environment with improved convenience by adding a function to the recording apparatus of Japanese Patent Application No. 8-359682 previously filed by the present inventor.

[0003]

The first object of the present invention is to install a device having the above-mentioned function in a store in a town,
By providing a recording device that allows camera users to easily record images on a CD disk and automatically display them in a playback device connected to a home PC or TV, the digital photograph We will provide equipment that promotes the social improvement of the computerized environment. Further, particularly in this apparatus, a CD-ROM of a recording medium capable of recording by making a plurality of conventional image correction processing for printing on silver halide paper, print correction for ink jet, digitized signals for CRT display, etc. , Recordable media such as CDV, DVD, etc. are added with a compatible recording function.
It provides a digital device that can be easily and rapidly recorded and can be recorded on a digital medium with the same feeling as a conventional copying machine, and can be easily viewed on each person's personal computer or television.

It can be said that the optimum use of this apparatus is a digital printing apparatus of a digital camera installed in a photo shop, a convenience store, a game center, etc. The user can select a recording means (medium) in the same manner as a conventional copy. This is done by one key operation at each stage of operation, you can select options for digital processing and recorded image type, and then you can easily perform digital recording by operating the bar code like normal copying.

[0005]

The digital printing environment provided by the apparatus of the present invention is a control system consisting of a software group for realizing an automatic printer apparatus for digital photo image copying centering on an automation and high-speed processing environment. And the CD
-The hardware of the recording device such as R is housed in a single housing, and it is composed of hardware that can be integrated and operated. In particular, record and write on a disk as if using a conventional copy printer. Therefore, the processing of the read image of the digital camera and the processing relating to the recording format provide a recording means at high speed.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The most simple overall structure of the present invention is shown in FIG. The present invention is a digital recording device which comprises a CPU board and a card reader device and a CD-R recording device, and which performs integrated software control of these devices and functions from signals of an image processing and an operation unit. Is. Figure 1 shows the overall overview.

Next, the CD disk used in this apparatus will be described. This device performs a series of processing on the image read from the commercially available digital photo camera image and writes it on the optical disk, and the integrated operation of these makes it much faster and more automated than an individual can handle. In addition, various types of processing and image optimization will be realized. To use the CD, the user first inserts the CD-ROM into the machine. This CD-R
The OM is sold by a CD-ROM vending machine installed on the side of the main body. (Fig. 1) If you purchase this, this device will be automatically activated. Further, since the present apparatus can additionally write to the already written CD disk, the carry-in disk may be set. In that case, a separate fee will be charged with the brought-in disk set. In this case, inserting a coin activates the main body. After that, the user operates the bar code reader according to the instructions on the screen to perform the intended work. This processing flow is shown in FIG. (This apparatus uses the bar code input means, but the touch panel type input means can also be used.

The information input by the user includes a camera used, selection of an image to be recorded, recording size, type of format, presence / absence of image compression, and the like. Make these choices according to your guide. Figure 4 shows the selection screen (bar code table).
Proceed with the above procedure. Finally, a CD disk with image display function is completed, and if it is set in a home PC or CD-ROM playback environment, the software written at the same time will start and image playback will start automatically. To be done. This disk forms a photo book and becomes a photo album. The electronic photo book created by creating with this device is not just a recording of images, it also writes the function software that automatically displays the recorded image by self-playing, so it is a personal computer by itself. Since it is configured so that it can be automatically displayed without any operation, it is different from the service that only records images on the disk.

The function of the apparatus will be described according to the operating procedure. The operator first inserts a coin into the device. Next, insert the PC card from your camera into the machine, and insert the CD disk for writing into the machine. Next, enter the start bar code according to the instructions on the screen. Next, CD disks are created by operating the selection screens of image selection, image processing, image compression, and printing image creation. (Fig. 3, 4
The image selection displays a series of contents in the memory card as a small image. From among these, an image to be recorded or an image not to be recorded (switchable) is designated by a bar code with a number given below the image on the display screen.

In the selection of image processing, corrections of lightness, saturation and sharpness are processed according to the type of each digital camera. The correction coefficient for optimization is stored in advance according to the type of camera, and based on this value, the correction coefficient is selected according to the type of the user's camera previously input. In addition to gradation processing, various types of image correction can be specified for the processing of the image part. The correction amount for image data taken by a certain digital camera is shown in FIG. When the correction amount of the original image is 1, each coefficient is
Contrast is the coefficient magnification of the solid portion, contrast is the coefficient magnification of saturation, and saturation is the coefficient magnification by which the position coordinates of the original image in the LAB color space are multiplied. Other image decoration, tone correction, color correction, image file format conversion, and correction conditions for the image size can be selected first from the selection items of the image processing. Both are processed according to the value specified in bar code. Next, it is selected whether or not the camera image, which has been image-processed and newly created as an image having a different image size, is compressed. When compressed, it can be played back with the software written at the same time in this system, but the decompression process takes longer than non-compressed. In this embodiment, C
Although the case of recording on the D disk is shown, the same recording can be performed when another recording medium such as a reusable CD disk or DVD is used.

After the image is stored, this apparatus has a function of creating a title image to be attached to the surface of the disk just created at the end of creation. This title is the label creation of this disk. This is the function to select a favorite image from the images recorded right now, the function to select from the images stored in the device in advance, these images selected images It is possible to create a label for this disk with a pattern in which the characters input with this device are combined or a character is used alone. The flow of this creation is shown in FIG. For inputting characters, this work flow proceeds when the label creation mode is selected from the screen. As for the method of inputting characters, 51 hiragana sounds are displayed on the screen, and the cursor can be moved up, down, left or right from this.
The title word string is selected by repeating the selection key operation. After inputting all the character strings, select the character called "End" and it will be automatically converted into Kanji and displayed. Follow the same procedure for alphabet letters. Next, regarding image selection, whether to attach a background image or not is selected, and if so, it is decided whether to select from the photograph image just recorded or the internal organ design. If it is a photographic image background, the thumbnail image list just recorded will be displayed, enter the desired image number, and if you want to select a visceral design image, select from the visceral images displayed with the visceral image selection key. However, after selection, the label image of the entire composition is displayed. If this is all right, select end and start printing.

Next, the user selects where to use the title image. The options are a circular label attached to the desk, a rectangular design for the desk case, a simple rectangular case, and a title when displaying the photo book. The title image may be inserted at the beginning of the page, the four selections may be made, all may be selected, or not. In this device, the print function can be optionally connected, but if the printer is connected, the label designed in this way can be printed by selecting the print mode. Further, such a label image may be recorded on this disk and printed by the consumer at home. The processing flow of these parts is shown in the latter half of FIG. If a print record is selected, it will be printed by the printer provided in this apparatus. The image itself may be printed if a printer is provided.

In addition, it takes a long time to transfer and record an image from a digital camera in this apparatus, but as a method of shortening this, a predetermined file is recorded in advance. In other words, if necessary files are recorded in advance on the disk vending machine or the disk in the disk transport tray that is installed, and this file is provided, it is possible to shorten the creation time related to this disk. Another advantage of doing this is that the peripheral services related to this disk such as guidance and announcements can be enhanced. In addition, it is possible to provide consumers with new conveniences such as guidance of the installation location of this device and advertisement of digital cameras without increasing the recording time. It will be even more convenient if you record software such as or postcard creation software. If you attach a photo such as a New Year's card or a summer greeting card, you can do it immediately. It will be convenient if you create this by operating this on your home computer.

With this device, it is possible to develop a service that further pursues the economic convenience of the consumer. This device is connected to the outside through a telephone line and records the latest data from pre-contracted announcement media etc. on the disk of this photo book, so that you can obtain information about digital photos, advertisements etc. By providing a service function that allows you to discount the fees associated with creating a disc, you can reduce consumer costs as much as possible. These processes are performed after label production. This flow is also shown in FIG. The discount rate can be 20% to 30%, but depending on the announcement media, it may be possible to provide a period during which it can be provided free of charge only for campaign opportunities. The connection between this device and the network is shown in FIG.

Next, the function when the disk created by this apparatus is set in a personal computer will be described.
With the software written at the same time, two modes can be selected: an image automatic display mode and a photo book editing mode. In the automatic display mode, the images are reproduced and displayed in the order in which the images were written. In the case of the edit mode, unlike the order of the recorded images, it is possible to rearrange them so that necessary pictures are selected and displayed in a new order. When newly reassembled in order, the file information is stored and recorded in the hard disk in the main body. Therefore, if you select "New Photo Book", go to the hard disk to refer to the photo book file, and if the photo book file does not exist there, display "Create New Photo Book". Enter the edit mode. If an existing photo book file exists, it is called to enter the display mode. This flow is shown in FIG.

Photobook CD-R created in this system
The OM can be saved as a sequential collection. Since hundreds of images can be stored on this medium when compressed, it is convenient for recording as a preservation version and can function and be used as a substitute for a conventional paper photo book. In addition, if you use a portable display, you can watch it anywhere and create an environment where it can be fully played back even on a device such as a DVD connected to a TV. Also, if a printer is connected in such an environment, prints can also be obtained with optimally corrected images. In addition, this apparatus has an option to print the created photo book layout page as it is, and can print it. FIG. 7 shows a screen for reproducing a disc created by this apparatus and browsing a digital image. It is displayed like a photo book. Also, the cover image designed with the above label is inlaid on the top of the cover.

The creation of this information disk can be used, for example, for the purpose of archiving documents in a library for another purpose.
If a digital camera is used as a recording medium in place of the conventional microfilm, disk recording can be performed by the same operation as making a normal copy with this apparatus. Document classification can be recorded and saved for each group with some intention.

As another image input means of this apparatus, an image can be captured from a video disk and recorded as a time-series still image filing apparatus. This is to record images recorded in advance as video images from video discs, video tapes, etc., and provide a record button so that the images at that timing can be sequentially stored in memory so that the images can be captured at the user's desired image timing. It is possible to create these images by a means of recording them as a photo book on the recording disk. The handling of images after the stills have been captured is handled as in the camera.

As an input method for photographing a person on the spot, it is possible to perform photographing with a video camera and insert the portrait image of oneself as the author or photographer at the end of the created photo book. The device is equipped with a video camera at the top, which allows the captured image to be recorded as a single image as well. This allows portraits to be taken at the end of the process and images can be added.

[0020]

As described above, the present device is a device for producing a recording disk of digital data at a high speed and at a low cost, and particularly for recording an image from a digital camera, even a computer beginner can handle it. In addition, the created disk can be used as it is as a photo book, image and document filing medium, contributing to labor saving of storage space and providing a recording and storage environment for digital recording media from the culture based on conventional paper. Realize a resource-saving photography environment.

[Brief description of drawings]

[Figure 1] Overall overview

[Figure 2] Hardware configuration processing block configuration diagram

FIG. 3 Operation and image signal processing flow

FIG. 4 Input means and various condition setting screens

[Figure 5] Process flow of photo book creation mode

FIG. 6 is an explanation of correction coefficients for digital image data.

[Figure 7] Illustration of the display screen laid out in the form of a photo book

[Figure 8] Title creation processing flow

[Figure 9] Notification download connection diagram

[Explanation of symbols]

1 body, 2 bar code table 3 PC memory card slot 4 CD (DVD) disk slot 5 CD (CDR, CDE) vending machines 6, 10 coin slot 7 CD disk outlet 8 CRT display screen 9 Explanation display panel 11 Bar Code Reader 12 video cameras 13 Video Disc Set Tray

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A device for reading a memory card, which is an image recording and holding medium of a digital camera, and transferring images from the card, displaying various image data, ordering, selecting images, and decorating images. An integrated automatic recording device that performs processing and can automatically record the processed image on a recording medium such as an optical disk.The user can select at each work stage by using a touch panel or bar code with guidance on the screen and voice. In a stand-alone device with an automated system that records the camera image on the desk by proceeding with the input means such as, and easily and automatically performing the image data of the digital camera on the optical recording disk without operating the keyboard. Along with the optical disc recorded by the above device, it is adhered or printed on the surface of this disc. It has the function of processing the image of the content to be displayed as a title. This label image is composed by combining one image transferred and selected from the digital camera and the characters selectively input according to the chidance of this device. It has a function to selectively print the obtained image or a previously stored image with the input character and to design the character alone, and to print this on the paper as the title of the disk just created. A standalone optical disk recorder that allows you to print on multiple or any of the following, by selecting attached paper for circular titles, cover for square cases, simple bag-like cases, etc. 2. The title image created as described above is automatically inserted at the beginning of the image recorded from the digital camera so that the title can be displayed first when viewing the photograph. A stand-alone optical disc recorder that creates a disc that can be viewed. 3. A part of a title is printed in advance on the surface of an optical disk of an optical disk vending machine or an automatic carry-in device installed in this stand-alone type optical disk recording device, and part of this is printed. Stand-alone optical disk recording device, which is created by fitting a part of the title created by the above method to the appearance of the disk as a photo book in a blank state. 4. An optical disc of an optical disc vending machine or an automatic loading device provided in a stand-alone optical disc recording device, which has a part of display software and has a large file size, such as a photo book display. The background image, music files, automatic display software options, image files for announcements, part of the explanation guidance, etc. can be recorded in advance inside the disk to shorten the time taken to create a digital photo book. In addition to the above, the background image list, guidance, announcement images, and other related software that uses digital camera images, such as postcard creation software, are recorded in advance so that the convenience of this disk is improved. Stand-alone optical disk recorder. 5. This device is connected to the Internet through a telephone line, and automatically downloads and records the latest information, the latest display software, the latest postcard creation software, etc. from a specific contract announcement medium, etc. A standalone optical disk recording device that has the function of adding a discounted fee service, including the option of not wanting to download announcements and the like, and the fee related to photo book creation will be free if downloaded.