JPH08123658A - Icon pattern or icon registration method and registration device, and icon display method and display device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To provide an icon registration device that can easily generate an icon pattern that makes it easy to understand the meaning. The video signal thus obtained is digitized by the video image capturing section 20 and sent to the image processing section 30. The CPU 32 cuts out a predetermined portion of the given image data, reduces it, and edits it into a size that can be registered as an icon pattern. Both image data are combined in a state of being superposed in a predetermined positional relationship to generate one icon pattern. Since this pattern is based on an actual photograph, its meaning can be easily understood, and since it is only taken by a camera, a pattern can be generated without any skilled technique. The generated icon pattern is registered in the main memory 31 or the like together with the function indicated by the icon, and is displayed at a predetermined position on the monitor TV 44 as needed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an icon pattern or icon registration method and registration device, and an icon display method and display device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art To register a conventional icon, n ×
Each dot in the dot matrix of m is instructed to specify a color or the like one by one, an icon pattern made of a predetermined graphic is created, and the icon pattern is fitted in a predetermined place.

In addition, when a character or logo is registered as an icon, a predetermined instruction is given dot by dot to create it as a kind of graphic and set it in a predetermined place. When using the characters represented by the fonts provided in the computer, it is possible to register the icon by inserting the code entered using the keyboard etc. into the specified location. Is the same as the file name, and there is little point in making it an icon.

When an icon is to be registered in a state where the figure and the character (logo etc.) are superposed on each other, a predetermined instruction is given dot by dot while superposing the superposed pattern and they are superposed. The design in the open state is created at once, and it is fitted into a predetermined place.

In any case, the function of an application or the like activated by clicking the icon pattern is registered as a pair with the icon pattern.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional icon registration processing, the symbol to be registered is 1
It has to be created by designating each dot, and the creation of the design is complicated and requires skill. In addition, it becomes difficult to generate a beautiful pattern without a heart. Further, when trying to combine with a character, the above-mentioned problem becomes more remarkable because the instruction is given to each dot while considering the overlapping portion of the character and the figure.

The conventional icon pattern is designed in an abstract manner, and it is easier to predict the processing (application to be started) performed by clicking the icon than the conventional classification display using only characters. Since it is abstracted, it is difficult for an operator who sees it to intuitively understand the instruction content of the icon. Then, it is difficult to differentiate icons that perform similar processing such as switching of a plurality of monitors installed in a certain facility, and it is difficult to instantly determine which icon is pointing to which place.

The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to obtain desired figures and / or characters even for a beginner who is not experienced. You can easily register a predetermined pattern consisting of etc. as an icon, you can also easily combine figures and characters, and intuitively understand the instruction contents (system to start and contents of processing) indicated by the icon An object of the present invention is to provide an icon pattern or an icon registration method and a registration device, and an icon display method and a display device that can be easily grasped.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, in the icon pattern registration method according to the present invention, predetermined image processing is performed on image data based on an actual image obtained by imaging. The icon pattern is generated by extracting the entire image data or a predetermined area in the image data into a size that can be fitted into an area to be registered. Then, the generated icon pattern is set in the area and registered.

Then, preferably, predetermined image processing is performed on a plurality of image data based on an actual image obtained by imaging, and the whole of the image data or a predetermined area in the image data is cut out to a predetermined size. An icon pattern element is generated, and the generated icon pattern elements are combined to generate an icon pattern. Then, the generated icon pattern is inserted into a predetermined area and registered.

Further, if at least one of the plurality of icon pattern elements is a character pattern, and in such a case, the character pattern is binarized and then combined with the image data based on the actual image. Even better.
Then, as the icon pattern element composed of the character pattern to be combined, a pattern given as text data may be used instead of an imaged one.

Further, the predetermined image processing to be performed prior to the cutting and combining of the patterns includes a processing of cutting out the area registered as the icon pattern in the image data and reducing the area at a predetermined magnification.

In the icon pattern registration apparatus according to the present invention, which is suitable for carrying out the above pattern registration method, an image pickup apparatus (10) capable of picking up an actual photograph (actual image) and the image pickup apparatus directly or indirectly received. For image data,
An icon pattern generation means (CPU 32) for extracting the entire image data or a predetermined area to a predetermined size and generating an icon pattern, and a storage means (31, 42, 43) for storing the generated icon pattern, It comprises an input means (41) for inputting a command for operating the pattern generation means, and a display means (44) for displaying the image data and the generated icon pattern.

As another solution, an image pickup device (10) capable of picking up an actual image, and a plurality of image data received directly or indirectly from the image pickup device, the whole image data or a predetermined area is set. Icon pattern generating means (CPU 32 ') provided with an extracting means for extracting the image into a predetermined size and an image synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of extracted image data in a state of being superposed in a predetermined positional relationship.
Storage means (31, 42, 43) for storing the icon pattern generated by combining the image combining means,
You may comprise from the input means (41) which inputs the command for operating the said pattern production | generation means, and the display means (44) which displays the said image data and the produced | generated icon pattern.

As another means for solving the problems, an image pickup device (10) capable of picking up an actual image, a character input means (41) for inputting a text of a character pattern to be synthesized, and a direct or indirect reception from the image pickup device. Extraction means for extracting the entire image data or a predetermined area into a predetermined size with respect to a predetermined number of image data, and combining the extracted image data and the character pattern in a state of being superposed in a predetermined positional relationship. Icon pattern generating means (CPU 32 ') having image synthesizing means, storage means (31, 42, 43) for storing the icon pattern synthesized by the image synthesizing means, and the pattern generating means. An input means (41) for inputting a command for performing the operation, and a display means (44) for displaying the image data and the generated icon pattern. It is to al configuration.

Then, the icon is registered by pairing and registering the icon pattern generated by any one of the above methods and the function processed by the selection of the icon pattern. In addition to the icon registration method having any one of the above configurations, a function registration means (CPU 32, 32 ') for registering a function executed by the generated icon pattern, and The icon registration device according to the present invention is configured by including a storage unit (31, 42, 43) that stores the function registered by the function registration unit and the icon pattern in association with each other.

Further, in the icon display method according to the present invention, an icon composed of a pattern including image data based on a predetermined actual image is associated with a predetermined function at a predetermined position on the display means (the icon is displayed). If you specify it, the associated function will start).

Further, in the icon display device suitable for carrying out the above method, the display means (44), the storage means (31, 42, 43) for storing the previously generated icon,
Image processing means (30 (particularly 32, 3) for outputting the icon stored in the storage means to a predetermined position on the display means.
2 ', 33, 34)), and the pattern forming the displayed icon includes image data based on a predetermined actual image.

[0019]

A predetermined object to be registered as an icon pattern is imaged by using an image pickup device (video camera (takes a moving image), digital still camera (takes a still image), etc.). As a result, the image data based on the actual image is generated. This image data is subjected to a predetermined process (in the case of a video camera (analog), it is converted into digital that can be processed by a computer), and a pattern is registered in the image data by the icon pattern generating means. A region (the entire image data or a predetermined region of a part thereof) may be cut out. This clipping is performed according to a control command given by the operator via the input device. If necessary, predetermined image processing (enlargement / reduction, etc.) is performed to match the size of the icon registration area. The icon pattern is registered by storing the pattern thus generated in a predetermined storage means. During the above processing, the image data and the generated icon pattern are displayed on the display means. Since the icon pattern registered in this way is an image based on an actual photograph, the contents of the process can be intuitively understood.

In order to actually function as an icon, in addition to the registration of the pattern, a predetermined function such as an application started by designating the icon is set by using the function registration means and associated with the icon pattern. The icon is registered by storing it in the storage means.

Further, when a plurality of image data are combined, the extracting means is executed for each of the plurality of images obtained by the image pickup device to perform processing such as extraction of a predetermined area. Then, the synthesizing means is activated to superimpose a plurality of images (icon pattern elements) on each other and synthesize them. As a result, one icon pattern is generated. After that, the icon pattern or the icon is registered by the same processing as described above. In addition, in compositing, images are superimposed on each other, but a complicated meaning can be easily expressed by, for example, dividing an area for displaying an icon into a predetermined number and fitting each area.

When synthesizing an image based on a character and a live-action image, the character pattern may be a handwritten character or a printed character obtained as image data by using an image pickup device as in the case of the live-action image, or It may be acquired by text input using a character input means such as a keyboard. When the imaging device is used, even a designed character pattern can be easily acquired as image data.
Further, in such a case, there is no noise if the combination is performed after the binarization process, and the combination process can be performed by a simple calculation process by the MAX / MIN calculation. In the case of text input, the input character is displayed on the display means as a character pattern after being converted into a predetermined font. Further, since the binarization process is unnecessary, a more beautiful character pattern can be synthesized.

Further, in the icon display method and the display device according to the present invention, an icon associated with a predetermined function is displayed on a display means such as a computer, a workstation or the like. The displayed icon is It contains image data based on a predetermined live action. As described above, since the image is based on a real image, the contents of the process can be intuitively understood, and erroneous recognition is less likely to occur.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an icon pattern or icon registration method and registration device, and an icon display method and display device according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the icon will be described. The pattern is used for a personal computer, a workstation, a computer, and other processing devices, and is composed of an image symbolizing an operation such as a command or an object to be operated (referred to as an "icon pattern" in the present invention). And a command or the like executed by selecting / clicking (operating) the pattern (icon) are registered in association with each other. Then, the icon pattern is displayed on the display (display device),
It has a function of making it easier for the user to associate the contents of the command to be activated by visually selecting the icon, and simplifying the command input for performing necessary processing. However, since it is generally visualized, there is also a disadvantage that different people may assume different meanings (commands, etc.). In the present invention, the advantages of the icon are improved as much as possible while eliminating the drawbacks.

FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration diagram of a first embodiment of a registration device and an icon display device according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, an output of a video camera 10 which is an image pickup device for picking up a predetermined object to be registered as an icon pattern is connected to a video image capturing section 20,
Predetermined image data based on an actual photograph is stored. And
The predetermined image data captured by the video image capturing section 20 is sent to the image processing section 30, where predetermined processing is executed in accordance with an instruction given from the input device 41 to generate an icon pattern, which is incorporated. HDD connected to the main memory 31 and the image processing unit 30
42 and FDD 43 are registered in a storage medium in an external storage device. Further, the registered icon is displayed in a predetermined area on the monitor TV 44, which is a display unit connected to the image processing unit 30.

Next, each part will be described in detail. The video camera 10 is not limited to its name, and may be any device as long as it can capture a real image. Although the video camera 10 capable of picking up a moving image is used in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and data that can be processed by a computer such as a digital still camera (which can be processed by a conversion process thereafter). It may be an imaging device that captures a still image. Further, an image scanner can be used when the surface to be imaged is a flat surface (it is enough if it is a substantially flat surface such as a palm draping on a character).

In the video image capturing unit 20, the video signal (actual image) sent from the video camera 10 is received by the video input unit 21, separated into horizontal / vertical synchronizing signals, sampled, and then converted by the A / D converter 22. The brightness level is digitized and sequentially stored in the video memory 23 according to the X and Y addresses. Then, the video memory 2
In 3, the digitized image data to be processed that is registered as an icon pattern is stored.

The monitor TV 44 uses a color liquid crystal display in this example, and has a touch sensor mounted on its surface. The lower end of the display screen 44a is the icon display area 44b. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the liquid crystal display described above, and other display devices such as a CRT may of course be used.

As the input device 41, various devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball and the like can be used,
An instruction for setting a region to be cut out for the image to be processed displayed on the display screen 44a of the monitor TV 44 is given, or the processing content is instructed based on the processing menu displayed on the display screen 44a. Has become.

The image processing section 30 includes the video memory 23.
The CPU 32, which is a built-in icon pattern generation unit, performs image editing such as image cutout, enlargement / reduction, and image combination on the photographed image data (digital image) stored in (1) to generate an icon pattern for icon registration. The image data to be processed and the generated icon pattern are displayed in the graphic memory (frame memory) 33.
Is temporarily stored in, and is displayed on the monitor TV 44 after being converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 34. In addition, each of the external devices 41 to 43 is an I / O built in the image processing unit 30.
It is configured to be connected to the O control 35 and to send and receive information via the I / O control 35.

Here, the function of the CPU 32, which is the main part of the present invention, will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the given image to be processed is output to the monitor TV 44 (ST1).
The image data to be output is an image in which the processing (instruction) content can be intuitively understood when registered as an icon, and the data captured by the video camera 10 is used.

The image data may be predetermined image data sent in real time from the video camera 10 directly connected to the apparatus, or the video image taken by taking the video camera to a predetermined site or the like may be taken. An image may be input by connecting to the image capturing unit 20 (in that case, a video camera may be used instead of a video camera as a video deck). Furthermore, the imaged image data (digital) of the captured image may be stored in the FD or the like, and the stored image data may be given to the image processing unit 30 via the FDD 43, and data has been transmitted via a communication line or the like. If it is image data based on a live-action image, its image capturing method (apparatus) and capturing step (method)
Is optional.

Next, based on the area information registered as the icon pattern in the image data received from the input device 41, the image data of the area portion is cut out (trimmed). This area designation is easy by, for example, using the input device 41 such as a mouse, by designating the four corners of the image displayed on the display screen 44a of the monitor TV44 (two vertices on the diagonal when cutting out in a rectangle). You can do it. The area to be cut out may be a predetermined area in the image data obtained by imaging (trimming), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the entire image data may be processed and cut out. Good (same below).

Then, the size of the cut-out area is compared with the sizes of the display area 44b for actually registering an icon and the size of one area 44b ', and the cut-out area is enlarged / reduced so that they coincide with each other. . Note that this enlarging / reducing process may be automatically performed by the CPU 32 judging the size of both, or the operator may instruct using the input device 41 (enlarging / reducing and instructing the magnification at that time). ) May be performed. When enlarging the image according to an instruction from the operator, the CPU 32 will perform the enlarging / reducing process at the designated magnification. After performing this process, if the pattern is registered in a predetermined storage means, the icon pattern registration device according to the present invention is obtained.

Further, in this example, when the icon pattern to be registered is generated in this way, the icon area 44b 'to be registered by dragging the icon pattern is generated.
Move to the area 44 as an icon pattern.
b'is selected (ST3, ST4). Although the area to be registered is actually moved by dragging in this example, the area 44b 'to be registered may be simply specified. Then, the pattern is applied to the area 4
It is stored in the storage means such as the main memory 31 together with the number 4b '. As a result, the generated icon pattern is displayed in the area 44b '.

The registration of the function (function) activated by clicking (operating) the icon is basically performed in the same manner as the conventional function registration for the icon generated by the dot designation. Then, the function is paired with the icon pattern and stored in a predetermined storage means. In addition,
Each function may be registered before the icon pattern is registered in step 4, or when only the pattern is registered once, the registered pattern is designated (the cursor is clicked in the area 44b '(operation)).
Alternatively, the area 44b 'of the monitor TV 44 is directly touched) and the function registration mode is activated to give a desired function. If the processing function is predetermined, the function is registered in a hierarchical manner, and the function is displayed on the monitor TV 44 in the menu system (see FIG. 3), and the predetermined function is selected from the menu. You may make it input an instruction. Such processing is performed by the CPU 32, and its CP
U32 constitutes the function registration means in the present invention.

On the other hand, when the icon (pattern, function) is registered as described above, the icon (pattern) is displayed at a predetermined position on the monitor TV 44 for actual use. Specifically, the CPU 32 is used as a specific hand to read out a pattern stored in a predetermined storage means and display it at a predetermined position (icon display area 44b) on the monitor TV 44. And
The pattern displayed at this time is such that at least part of the pattern includes an image based on an actual photograph. The device (method) described above does not necessarily have to be used to generate the pattern to be displayed, and any pattern may be used as long as the pattern includes image data based on an actual image obtained by an arbitrary method (all may be used).

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the registration device according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, unlike the above-described embodiments, a plurality of patterns can be combined to generate a new icon pattern, which can be registered. The patterns may be combined with each other, or may be combinations of figures and characters. Also,
The number of patterns to be combined is not limited to two and may be three or more. Since the basic hardware configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted. The difference from the first embodiment is the icon pattern generation function executed by the CPU 32 '. The function of the CPU 32 'for combining with frequently used characters will be described below. In this example, since the character pattern is also the image data captured by the video camera 10, the figures can be basically combined in the same manner.

First, as in the case of registering the icon pattern described above, as shown in FIG.
Predetermined cutout and enlargement / reduction are performed to generate an icon pattern element (ST11). This generation process is similar to steps 1 and 2 shown in FIG. Then, the generated image data is displayed on the monitor TV 44 (ST1
2). Further, it may be registered in a predetermined storage means at this time.

Then, the character pattern to be synthesized is received (ST14). Similarly to the processing for the figure, this character pattern also captures an image of a handwritten character or a printed character using the video camera 10, and the image capturing unit 2
The image data (character pattern) digitized at 0 is loaded.

As with the image data based on the above-mentioned actual, predetermined image processing such as cutting out and enlarging / reducing a predetermined area is performed on the imaged character pattern. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to eliminate image noise and make the characters easier to see,
The value conversion process is also performed. Further, inversion processing is also performed if necessary (ST15). The clipping process is executed by an operator's instruction, and the enlargement / reduction is executed automatically or by an operator's instruction, as in the case of the above-described real image data. Further, whether or not to invert the image is also instructed by the operator. However, if the combined photographed image data is whitish (bright) as a whole, it is made black (the background is white), and If it is dark (dark), make it white (background is black). The character pattern after such image processing becomes an icon pattern element to be combined. The processing function of step 15 corresponds to the extraction means of the present invention.

Next, the icon pattern element consisting of the character pattern is combined with the icon pattern element based on the photographed image data (ST16). That is, both pattern elements are appropriately moved and overlapped, and set in a desired relative positional relationship. Then, the two images are combined to generate one icon pattern.
The values are binarized, and on the other hand, since the photographed image data side is multivalued, it cannot be simply combined as it is. Therefore, in this example, for example, black is “0” and white is “255 (256
It is the maximum value of gradation, and the numerical value increases as it approaches full color (maximum value of each gradation). "If the character pattern is black (background is white), MIN calculation is performed between both image data. When the character pattern is white (the background is black), the MAX operation is performed to combine the two image data to generate one icon pattern. The processing function of step 16 corresponds to the combining means in the present invention.

In this example, the images are combined after being reduced to a predetermined size, but the combining process is performed first to reduce / enlarge the combined pattern to generate an icon pattern having a predetermined size. You may

The icon pattern generated in this way is a graphic based on an actual image, which makes it easy to intuitively understand the processing content, and the content is further clarified by adding a character. Moreover, since the character is binarized, the character part becomes clear. This is further clarified by selectively using inverted / non-inverted characters according to the brightness of image data based on a real image to be combined. Furthermore, MAX operation / M
By performing the IN operation, all the parts other than the character (including the space part formed between the line segments that form the character) are displayed as the other image data to be combined, so that the graphic part is almost hidden. Since it is not there, the legibility is not compromised.

After that, when the pattern is registered and the processing is completed, the icon pattern registration device according to the present invention is obtained. Further, in this example, thereafter, similarly to the above-described icon registration of only the photographed image data, the icon pattern and a predetermined function are paired and stored in the main memory 31 and other storage means 42 and 43 (this processing is also performed. Therefore, it becomes an icon registration device).

Although the character patterns are binarized and then combined in this embodiment, they may be combined without being binarized (multivalued information remains). Furthermore, since the character pattern in the case of the present example is auxiliary and the contents need to be clearly understood, a predetermined character (character string) is sent as text information from the input device 41 such as a keyboard to the CPU 32, The CPU 32 extracts a character pattern represented by a predetermined font held by itself corresponding to the received character code and displays it on the monitor TV 41. Then, the character pattern may be used as it is, or may be used after being subjected to predetermined editing processing such as enlargement, reduction, and inversion. In such a case, since the character pattern is usually already binarized, the binarization process is unnecessary. In addition, the input device 41 in this case
Serves as both the input means and the character input means in the present invention.

In any of the above cases, if the function registration is not performed, only the pattern is registered so that it can be used thereafter. In this case, the icon pattern registration device is used.

Further, although two video cameras 10 are installed in the example of FIG. 4, this is at least 2 in this example.
Since it is necessary to capture a single image (site image and character image), it is shown conceptually. It may be captured by the same video camera physically, or by different cameras. good. Furthermore, when text data is input as text, a video camera for capturing the text image is not required.

Next, a preferred embodiment of the method of registering and displaying the icon (icon pattern) according to the present invention, which is the operation of the above embodiment, will be described. In this example, A
An example of registering an icon for the function of monitoring the TM is shown. First, for example, when monitoring processing is performed, an image of the site of the monitoring target is obtained. Therefore, the scene including the ATM to be monitored is taken by the video camera 10 at the site to be monitored. Then, the image capturing unit 20 converts the image data into digital image data, and the converted image data is transferred to the graphic memory 33 in the image processing unit 30. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, image data based on an actual image obtained by capturing a site image is displayed on the main display screen 44a of the monitor TV 44.

As it is, it is too large to input in the icon registration area 44b formed at the lower end. Therefore, predetermined image editing is performed (reduction in this example). As a result, the icon pattern element PY1 as shown in FIG. 7 is generated, and this pattern element PY1 is temporarily registered in the main memory 31.

Next, the process proceeds to the process of generating a character pattern to be combined. First, the character "ATM monitoring" to be registered is imaged by the video camera 10, the image processing unit 30 receives the image data digitized by the image capturing unit 20, and the image data is displayed on the monitor TV 44 (FIG. 8). And
Since it is large as it is, it is reduced and binarized. Furthermore, in this example, the photographed image data to be combined is
Since it is dark, it is reversed to make it white. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, a character pattern (icon pattern element) PY2 consisting of white characters edited to a predetermined size is generated, and this pattern element PY2 is also temporarily registered in the main memory 31 as needed. To do.

Then, the two pattern elements PY1,
In order to synthesize PY2, each of them is displayed in the display area 44a of the monitor TV 44, and they are overlapped by dragging so as to have a predetermined positional relationship. At this time, 2
The relative positional relationship is lost when one of the pattern elements is moved by simply displaying the images on one another.
Then, both pattern elements are combined. That is, the character pattern side sets "255" for the character portion and "0" for the background portion, compares the gradations located at the same address, and performs the MAX operation. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, one image (icon pattern) in which a white character pattern (ATM monitoring) is clearly displayed is generated, and the pattern is registered in the main memory 31 or the like as necessary.

Next, the icon pattern P thus generated is registered as an icon in a predetermined area 44b 'in the icon display area 44b. By this registration, the icon pattern P generated in the area 44b 'is generated.
Is displayed (see FIG. 11).

Further, the function (function) which is activated by clicking (operating) the registered icon is registered. That is, the function registration mode is activated, and the menu M for function allocation as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.
The operator moves the pointer (arrow in the figure) using a mouse or the like, and clicks (operates) with the pointer placed at a desired function in the menu. The CPU stores the clicked (operated) function in the main memory 31 as a pair with the pattern as the function of the icon to be processed.

In this way, the necessary icons are sequentially generated and registered (in the illustrated example, only one icon is displayed for convenience). In actual use, the icon display device according to the present invention is used to monitor the monitor T.
The generated icon is displayed at a predetermined position on V44. When the operator touches a predetermined icon displayed on the monitor TV 44, the CPU executes a predetermined process indicated by the icon. In this example, since the ATM is monitored, a predetermined AT is displayed in the display area 44a of the monitor TV44.
The current status of the site is displayed based on the video signal from the surveillance camera installed at the site of M.

In the above example, an example in which the character pattern and the image data of the photographed image are combined has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to register an icon from only one image data based on the photographed image. If you do
If the processing of FIG. 7 is performed, it can be dealt with by performing the processing of FIG.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example in which a special image processing device is used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a personal computer having an image capturing function, a work station and various other processes. It can be applied to devices.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the display portions of the icons are displayed side by side at the lower end of the monitor TV, but the display position is arbitrary and can be displayed at a place where processing is easy.

[0059]

As described above, in the icon pattern or icon registration method and registration device according to the present invention, the icon pattern is generated using the image data based on the actual image picked up by the image pickup device such as the video camera. can do. As a result, it is not necessary to create by designating each dot with a graphic editor or the like, and even a beginner who has no experience can easily create a predetermined pattern composed of desired figures and / or characters, and You can register.

Since the icon pattern includes the photographed image data, it is possible to intuitively and easily grasp the instruction contents (system to be activated and contents of processing) indicated by the icon. In addition, since image data obtained by capturing characters can be used, it is possible to easily create an appropriately designed one by handwriting, and it is possible to capture beautiful characters by capturing an image of a printed matter or the like.

When the figure and the character are combined, the character pattern is binarized so that a clear character can be displayed. Further, when the character pattern is generated based on the text input by the character code or the like, the noise removal and the binarization process are not necessary, and the synthesized icon pattern can be easily formed.

On the other hand, in the icon display method and display device, when the icon associated with the predetermined function is displayed on the display means such as the display such as the computer, the workstation, etc., the displayed icon is reproduced in the predetermined real image. Since it is configured to include image data based on the image, the design is concrete and the content of the command command to be performed next is concrete and easy to understand, and it is difficult to misrecognize,
It's hard to forget.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a registration device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing functions of a CPU used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an icon function registration process.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the registration device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing functions of a CPU used in the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen of a monitor TV displayed in each step of the embodiment of the icon registration method.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display screen of a monitor TV displayed in each step of the embodiment of the icon registration method.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display screen of a monitor TV displayed in each step of the embodiment of the icon registration method.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display screen of a monitor TV displayed in each step of the embodiment of the icon registration method.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen of a monitor TV displayed in each step of the embodiment of the icon registration method.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display screen of the monitor TV displayed in each step of the embodiment of the icon registration method.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display screen of the monitor TV displayed in each step of the embodiment of the icon registration method.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of the monitor TV activated by clicking (operating) a registered icon.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 video camera (imaging device) 20 video image capturing unit 30 image processing unit 31 main memory (storage unit) 32, 32 'CPU (icon pattern generating unit) 33 graphic memory 34 D / A converter 41 input device (input unit, Character input means) 42 HDD (storage means) 43 FDD (storage means) 44 monitor TV (display means) 44a display area 44b icon display area 44b 'area

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A size which can be fitted into an area in which predetermined image processing is performed on image data based on an actual image obtained by picking up an image and a predetermined area in the image data or a predetermined area in the image data is registered. A method for registering an icon pattern, wherein the icon pattern is extracted by extracting the icon pattern into a pattern, and the generated icon pattern is inserted into the area and registered. 2. An icon pattern in which predetermined image processing is performed on a plurality of image data based on an actual image obtained by imaging, and the entire image data or a predetermined region in the image data is cut out to a predetermined size. A method of registering an icon pattern, wherein an element is generated, a plurality of the generated icon pattern elements are combined to generate an icon pattern, and the generated icon pattern is inserted into a predetermined area and registered. 3. The icon pattern registration method according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of icon pattern elements is a character pattern. 4. After binarizing the character pattern,
The method of registering an icon pattern according to claim 3, wherein the icon pattern is combined with the image data based on the actual photograph. 5. The icon according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined image processing includes processing of cutting out an area registered as an icon pattern in image data and reducing the area at a predetermined magnification. How to register the pattern. 6. Instead of the character pattern obtained by the imaging,
The icon pattern registration method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein an icon pattern element including a character pattern registered as text data is used, and the icon pattern element and image data based on an actual image are combined. . 7. A method of registering an icon, wherein an icon pattern generated by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a function processed by selecting the icon pattern are registered as a pair. 8. An image pickup device capable of picking up a live-action image, and image data received directly or indirectly from the image pickup device, the whole image data or a predetermined area is extracted to a predetermined size to generate an icon pattern. Icon pattern generating means, storage means for storing the generated icon pattern, input means for inputting a command for operating the pattern generating means, display means for displaying the image data and the generated icon pattern An icon pattern registration device including and. 9. An image pickup device capable of picking up an actual photograph, and an extracting means for extracting the entire image data or a predetermined area into a predetermined size from a plurality of image data received directly or indirectly from the image pickup device. , An icon pattern generating means having an image synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of extracted image data in a state of being superposed in a predetermined positional relationship, and an icon pattern generated by synthesizing by the image synthesizing means is stored. An icon pattern registration device comprising: storage means; input means for inputting a command for operating the icon pattern generation means; and display means for displaying the image data and the generated icon pattern. 10. An image pickup device capable of picking up an actual photograph, a character input means for inputting text of a character pattern to be combined, and a predetermined number of image data received directly or indirectly from the image pickup device, and the entire image data thereof. Alternatively, the icon pattern generating means includes an extracting means for extracting a predetermined area into a predetermined size, and an image synthesizing means for synthesizing the extracted image data and the character pattern in a state of being superposed in a predetermined positional relationship. A storage unit that stores an icon pattern generated by combining the image combining unit; an input unit that inputs a command to operate the pattern generating unit; and the image data and the generated icon pattern. An icon pattern registration device comprising a display means. 11. The icon pattern registration device according to claim 8, further comprising a function registration means for registering a function executed by the generated icon pattern, and registration by the function registration means. The icon registration device further including a storage unit that stores the associated function and the icon pattern in association with each other. 12. A display method for displaying an icon associated with a predetermined function at a predetermined position on a display means, wherein the icon comprises a pattern including image data based on a predetermined live-action. . 13. A display means, a storage means for storing an icon generated in advance, and an image processing means for outputting the icon stored in the storage means to a predetermined position on the display means. An icon display device in which a pattern forming an icon includes image data based on a predetermined actual image.