JPH11127409A - Electronic still camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To incorporate a printer in an electronic still camera without losing portability. SOLUTION: An instant film 30 is used as a storage medium. Picture data obtained by image-pickup are preserved in a flash memory. The picture data read by each line from the flash memory are inputted to a linear print head 32 in printing pictures. The linear print head 32 is scanned by a moving mechanism 24 along the carrying direction of the instant film 30, and the instant film 31 is exposed by each line. The exposed instant film 30 is carried to a spreading roller 21 by the operation of a driving mechanism 22. When the instant film 30 passes through the spreading roller 21, a pod 30a is torn, and the development processing liquid is spread out so that the hard copy of a picture can be obtained on the instant film 30.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic still camera that captures an image of a subject with an image sensor and stores electrical image data in a flash memory. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic still camera. The present invention relates to an electronic still camera with a built-in printer capable of easily obtaining a hard copy.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is a portable electronic still camera which converts an optical subject image into an electric image pickup signal by a CCD image sensor or the like and further stores the image data obtained by digital conversion in a memory. Widespread. The image data stored in the memory is read out as appropriate, and a scene image is reproduced using an external device such as a CRT monitor or a personal computer in addition to a liquid crystal (LCD) display panel incorporated in the camera body. Can be.

A built-in memory used for storing image data uses a DRAM which is generally called a flash memory and can be accessed at high speed, and can erase and rewrite image data. Therefore, it is possible to easily delete unnecessary image data or update to new image data, and the electronic still camera has a feature that is not available in a photographic camera that a storage medium can be repeatedly used. ing. For storing image data, not only a built-in memory such as the flash memory or the hard disk but also a removable memory card or a flexible magnetic sheet can be used.

On the other hand, by using a video printer, a hard copy of a subject image can be obtained based on image data stored in a flash memory or the like. Video printers include laser printers, thermal transfer printers, and inkjet printers. All of these traditional video printers are stationary, and when making hard copies,
Image data read from the flash memory of the electronic still camera is transferred to these printers, or image data is transferred from a storage medium such as a memory card or a magnetic sheet to the printer for printing.

[0005]

An electronic still camera can store several tens of frames of image data in a memory that can be used repeatedly, and it is difficult to read out the image data appropriately and reproduce the image easily. Although possible, there is a drawback that a hard copy is difficult to obtain on the spot when an image is taken on the go because the printer is of a stationary type. This is because the conventional printer consumes a large amount of heat energy and thus requires a large power source, and the structure of the printer itself cannot be reduced to a size that is easily portable.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a small printer which does not require a large power supply is built in a camera body, and image data obtained by imaging is read from a memory to easily create a hard copy. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic still camera capable of performing such operations.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic still camera according to the present invention comprises: an image sensor which captures an image of a subject and outputs an image signal; and an image sensor which digitally converts the image signal. A memory for storing, an optical printer for exposing an instant film containing a developing solution based on image data for one screen read from the memory, and an exposed instant film while transporting the exposed instant film out of the camera body. And a developing roller for developing the developing solution built in the instant film. As the memory, not only a built-in memory such as a flash memory or a hard disk but also a removable memory can be used.

The optical printer comprises a linear print head elongated in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the instant film, and a head moving mechanism for moving the linear print head along the feed direction of the instant film. Exposure based on the image data read out line by line from the memory while moving the head is advantageous in miniaturizing the structure.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an external appearance of a front side of an electronic still camera using the present invention. A camera lens 3 and a strobe light emission window 4 are provided above the front of the camera body 2. A shutter button 6 is provided above the grip 5,
When the shutter button 6 is pressed, one image is taken through the camera lens 3. Reference numerals 7 and 8 denote a light projecting window and a light receiving window for an auto-focusing device for measuring a subject distance by a triangulation method. Is automatically adjusted.

A slit-shaped outlet 10 is formed on the upper surface of the camera body 2, and the exposed instant film is discharged from the outlet 10 when a printing operation is performed. A pair of developing rollers are provided at the back of the discharge port 10, and when the exposed instant film is transported between the pair of developing rollers, the developing solution is developed. A positive image is obtained on the instant film in about a minute.

As described above, in this electronic still camera, a known mono-sheet type instant film is used to obtain a hard copy of an image. The mono-sheet type instant film has already become widespread due to commercialization by the present applicant and the like, and basically includes a photosensitive sheet, an image receiving sheet, and a pod containing a developing solution. Then, after the photosensitive sheet is exposed to light to form a latent image photochemically, the photosensitive sheet and the image receiving sheet are overlapped, and the image receiving image is formed by pressing the two sheets while a developing solution is spread between them. A positive image is transferred to the sheet. Such instant films are stored in a stack of 10 pieces in a plastic case called a film pack.
Therefore, this film pack is mounted on the camera body 2 of the electronic still camera.

FIG. 2 shows the back side of the electronic still camera.
At its center, a pack loading lid 12 is provided, which is pivotally mounted on a hinge 11 so as to be openable and closable. Pack loading lid 1
2 is normally locked in the closed position, and is opened by operating the knob 13 when loading or unloading the film pack. The counter window 14 displays the number of used instant films. A liquid crystal (LCD) panel 15 is incorporated in the pack loading lid 12. The LCD panel 15 displays a subject image captured through the camera lens 3 in real time, and constitutes a so-called electronic viewfinder.

An operation panel 16 is provided below the pack loading lid 12.
Is provided. The operation panel 16 includes an imaging / playback mode switching key, a frame selection key, a print start key, a button for deleting image data, a connection terminal for inputting / outputting image data to / from an external device, and a switching key therefor. Is provided.

FIG. 3 shows a layout of each mechanism incorporated in the camera body 2 as viewed from the front side. An imaging circuit unit 18 including a CCD image sensor is provided so as to be located behind the camera lens 3. An unfolding roller 21, a driving mechanism 22 of the unfolding roller 21, and an operation panel 1 surround the loading chamber of the film pack 20.
6, a circuit board 23 and a head moving mechanism 24 are incorporated. Reference numeral 25 denotes a deployment motor serving as a power source of the drive mechanism 22, reference numeral 26 denotes a power supply battery such as a lithium ion battery which can be repeatedly used by charging, and reference numeral 27 denotes a throat device.

Among the above mechanisms, the developing roller 21 and its driving mechanism 22 may be the same as those used in a conventional instant camera, as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-194832. The functions are exactly the same. That is, they are used for sending out the exposed instant film 30 from the film pack 20 and developing the developing solution while sending it out.

As is well known, the drive mechanism 22 includes a claw and its moving mechanism. The claw claw is operated by the drive of the unfolding motor 25 to operate the exposed instant film 3.
0, extrude the lower end of the instant film 30
Is fed between the pair of developing rollers 21. Since the developing roller 21 is rotating at this time, the instant film 30 is conveyed upward by the developing roller 21 thereafter. A pod 30a containing a developing solution is provided at the upper end portion of the instant film 30, and the pair of developing rollers 21 are urged by springs in a direction approaching each other, so that the developing film 21 conveys the instant film 30. In the meantime, the pod 30a is broken and the developing solution is spread between the photosensitive sheet and the image receiving sheet.

FIG. 4 shows the appearance of the head moving mechanism 24 and the linear print head 32 which constitute the optical printer.
The longitudinal direction of the linear print head 32 is orthogonal to the transport direction of the instant film 32, and the length thereof is greater than the width of the instant film 39. The head driving movement 24 moves the linear print head 32 in the arrow X direction parallel to the transport direction of the instant film 30 by driving the scan motor 24a. A pair of guide pins are provided at both ends of the linear print head 32 to engage with the guide grooves so that the linear print head 32 does not tilt while moving. Note that reference numeral 20a in FIG.
Indicates a notch into which the claw enters when the exposed instant film 30 is sent out of the film pack 20.

FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the linear print head 32. An elongated fluorescent lamp 35 is incorporated in the light-shielded case 33 along its longitudinal direction. The illumination light from the fluorescent lamp 35 includes red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors, and if these colors are included, other types of light sources can be used. .

A color filter 36 is provided in the illumination light path from the fluorescent lamp 35. Color filter 36
Is configured by arranging an R transmission filter section, a G transmission filter section, and a B transmission filter section in a band shape, and one of the three color filter sections is located in the illumination light path of the fluorescent lamp 35. Then, the color filter 36 is moved in the direction of the arrow Y by the input of the filter switching signal, and the filter section is switched.

By passing through the color filter 36, the illumination light from the fluorescent lamp 35 becomes one of R, G, and B print light. The printing light is applied to the liquid crystal array
7, the light exits from the opening 33a through the mirror 38, the SELFOC lens array 39, and the mirror 40, and reaches the instant film 30. The liquid crystal array 37 is made by arranging minute liquid crystal segments in a line, and one liquid crystal segment corresponds to one pixel when printing is performed. The liquid crystal array 37 can control the density of each liquid crystal segment.
The print light is blocked and the amount of transmitted light is controlled. The selfoc lens array 39 prevents the print light for each pixel from spreading to other pixel positions. The case 33
An appropriate light blocking member is incorporated therein so that only the printing light is emitted from the opening 33a.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the electrical configuration of an electronic still camera using the present invention. CC behind camera lens 3
The D image sensor 45 is located and the camera lens 3
The subject image is formed on the photoelectric surface of the CCD image sensor 45 by focusing. By driving the CCD driver 46, the CCD image sensor 45 converts an optical subject image into an electric image signal and outputs it. CCD
Micro color filters of R, G, and B are arranged in a matrix on the photoelectric surface of the image sensor 45, and an image signal output serially for each color is amplified by an amplifier 47 to an appropriate level. The digital conversion is performed by the / D converter 48. As is well known, the driving of the CCD driver 46 and the sampling timing of the A / D converter 48 are synchronized.

The A / D converter 48 converts image signals into digital data to generate image data, and sequentially inputs the image data to an image data processing circuit 50. Image data processing circuit 50
Performs signal processing such as white balance adjustment and gamma correction on input image data. The image data processing circuit 50 further performs processing based on the processed image data.
A video signal corresponding to the NTSC composite signal is generated and output to a video signal output terminal 53 via a D / A converter 51 and an amplifier 52.

Therefore, if a home television is connected to the output terminal 53, a continuous image picked up by the CCD image sensor 45 can be observed. The video signal from the amplifier 52 is also input to the LCD driver 54. Since the LCD driver 54 drives the LCD panel 15 incorporated in the pack loading lid 12, the LCD panel 1
5, the subject image is continuously displayed, and L
The CD panel 15 is used as an electronic viewfinder.

The system controller 55 manages the electric operation of the electronic still camera as a whole, including the image data processing circuit 50. The system controller 55 monitors signals from the key operation input unit 57 of the operation panel 16 and the external connection terminal group 58 through the I / O port 56, and performs signal processing according to the input signals.

The flash memory 60 is constituted by a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) which can be accessed at a high speed, and stores the image data obtained from the image data processing circuit 50 for each screen. With a storage capacity that can store Decoration data memory 61
Is written in advance with decoration data for changing the shape and pattern of the screen frame surrounding the subject image into various forms. It should be noted that the decoration data memory 61 may be prepared with data that allows characters, marks, characters, messages, and the like to be combined with a part of the subject image. In the reproduction mode, by transferring the data read from the flash memory 60 and the decoration data memory 61 to the image processing circuit 50, these images can be combined and displayed on the LC panel 15.

The head driver 63 drives the linear print head 32 according to a command from the system controller 55. Image data is further sent from the line memory 64 to the linear print head 32.
This image data is used for controlling the individual transmittance of the liquid crystal segments constituting the liquid crystal array 37. EEPR
The OM 66 includes a system controller 5 when the electronic still camera is operated according to a predetermined sequence.
Various adjustment data referred to by reference numeral 5 is stored in advance.

These adjustment data are adjusted one by one in an inspection process after the assembly of the electronic still camera is completed.
Such adjustment data includes, for example, data on focusing of the camera lens 3 and correction data for each color when printing is performed. The motor driver 65 controls the driving of the expansion motor 25 and the scan motor 24a under the control of the system controller 55.

Next, the operation of the electronic still camera having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the main switch provided on the operation panel 16 is turned on, the power switch is turned on. The mode is confirmed, and the operation branches to one of the imaging mode and the reproduction mode depending on the set position of the mode switching key in the operation panel 16. In the imaging mode, the CCD image sensor 45 continuously captures an image of a subject, as in the conventional electronic still camera, and the image is displayed on the LCD panel 15 functioning as an electronic viewfinder.

When framing is performed and the shutter button 6 is released, the image data of the subject image displayed on the LCD panel 15 at that time is written into the flash memory 60. By repeating use in the imaging mode, the flash memory 60 can store image data on still images for up to 50 screens. Note that, according to the storage capacity of the flash memory 60,
The number of screens that can be stored can be increased or decreased.

Even after the imaging of the number of screens that can be stored in the flash memory 60 has been performed, it is possible to store the image data obtained by the new imaging by erasing the image data of an appropriate frame. These processes can be performed by key input from the operation panel 16, and the external connection terminal group 5
If another storage medium is connected to the output terminal of No. 8, image data obtained by new imaging can be stored in the external storage medium,
It is also possible to transfer and store the image data read from the flash memory 60.

In the reproduction mode, if any image data is selected from the flash memory 60 by key input from the operation panel 16, the image data is processed by the image data processing circuit 50, the D / A converter 51, and the amplifier 52. Is supplied to the LCD driver 54 via the LCD panel 54, and an image is displayed on the LCD panel 15. When a decoration frame selection operation is performed by a key input from the operation panel 16, the decoration frame data read from the decoration data memory 61 in addition to the image data read from the flash memory 60. The image data is transferred to the image data processing circuit 50, and the LCD panel 15 synthesizes and displays the decorative frame in addition to the subject image.

When the print key is operated after selecting a subject image and, if necessary, a decoration frame, the system controller 55
And sequentially reads out image data corresponding to red in the first one line of the image data related to the image currently displayed on the LCD panel 15 at that time, and transfers this to the line memory 64. . When a decoration frame is selected, the decoration data memory 6
Similarly, the image data corresponding to one line of red is transferred to the line memory 64 from the flash memory 60.
The image data from the decoration data memory 61 is preferentially used in a portion overlapping with the image data from. As a result, image data corresponding to one line of red density is written to the line memory 64. Then, the system controller 55 turns on the fluorescent lamp 35 after confirming that the R filter portion of the color filter 36 is inserted in the print optical path and that each liquid crystal segment of the liquid crystal array 37 is in a light shielding state. .

The linear print head 32 is located at an initial position facing the lowermost end of the instant film 30 shown in FIG. 4, and this position is a recording position for the first one line. When the system controller 55 confirms that the linear print head 32 is at the first recording position by a photo sensor or the like (not shown), one line of image data stored in the line memory 64 is sequentially stored in the liquid crystal array 37. The transmission density of each liquid crystal segment is sequentially switched from the light blocking state to the transmission density according to the image data, and returns to the light blocking state again after a certain time.

When the R print light transmitted through the R filter portion of the color filter 36 passes through each liquid crystal segment, the R print light has a light amount corresponding to the transmission density of the liquid crystal segment, and the instant film 30 is exposed to red light. give. It should be noted that the image data stored in the line memory 64 can be simultaneously transferred to each of the liquid crystal segments constituting the liquid crystal array 37, and each of them is simultaneously switched from a light-shielded state to a transmission density corresponding to the image data. By doing so, the printing time for one line can be shortened.

When the exposure with the R print light for one line is completed, the scan motor 24a, which is a stepping motor, rotates by a fixed angle to move the linear print head 32 to the next line position. Subsequently, image data corresponding to the red density of the second line is transferred from the flash memory 60 to the line memory 64, and exposure is performed in the same manner with the R print light of the second line. Continued
Exposure with the R print light is performed for each line while the linear print head 32 is stepped to the developing roller 21 side, and the exposure with the R print light ends when the printing of the last line is completed.

Next, the system controller 55 sends a filter switching signal to the head driver 63, whereby the color filters 36 are pitch-fed in the arrow Y direction.
The G filter is positioned in the print optical path. The system controller 55 accesses the flash memory 60 and sequentially reads out the image data corresponding to the green color in the last line from the image data related to the image to be printed and transfers the image data to the line memory 64.

Thereafter, similarly, exposure with G print light is performed from the last line position toward the first one line position. After the exposure with the G print light is completed, B
The filter unit is inserted into the print optical path, and image data corresponding to blue is read from the flash memory 60 line by line, and exposure with B print light is performed in the same manner. When the exposure by the R, G, and B printing lights is completed, the linear print head 32 moves to the retracted position closer to the developing roller 21 than the initial position, as shown in FIG.

After the linear print head 32 moves to the retracted position, the developing motor 25 starts to be driven by a signal from the system controller 55. The drive mechanism 22 starts operating, and the claw is inserted into the notch 2 of the film pack 20.
0a, the instant film 30 exposed by the optical printer is scraped out of the film pack 20.
At this time, the linear print head 32 has moved to the retracted position, and does not hinder the movement of the claw claws.

The upper end of the instant film 30 extruded by the claw enters between the pair of developing rollers 21,
Thereafter, the instant film 30 is transported by the rotation of the developing roller 21, and at the same time, the pod 30a is broken and the developing solution is developed. When the claw moves to the end of its movement stroke, it returns to its original position and stops.
When the claw returns to the original position, the scan motor 24a is driven, and the linear print head 32 returns to the initial position.

The instant film 30 conveyed by the developing roller 21 is discharged from the discharge port 10 on the upper surface of the camera body. After a lapse of one minute to several minutes, the subject image is fixed on the image receiving sheet as a positive image, and the subject image displayed on the LCD panel 15 when the print key is operated can be obtained as a hard copy. Of course, when a decorative frame is selected, the subject image is printed inside the frame surrounded by the decorative frame.

As described above, the instant film 30
Is used as a recording medium, and a hard copy of an image can be created by an optical printer, so that color printing can be performed with low power without requiring heat energy, and a power battery that can be accommodated in the camera body 2 But it can be used sufficiently. Therefore, a hard copy of an image can be easily obtained on the spot where the image is taken. Further, since image data can be input from an external connection terminal and printed, it can be used as a portable printer at the same time.

In practicing the present invention, the configuration of the linear print head 32 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, as a light source of the linear print head 32,
If three types of minute light emitting diodes (LEDs) for emitting R, G, and B colors are arranged in a line, and the LEDs are turned on in a plane-sequential manner and exposed through a liquid crystal array, linear printing can be performed. It is not necessary to provide the color filter 36 in the head 32. Further, by associating the liquid crystal segments constituting the liquid crystal array 37 with the LEDs of each color, the LEDs of each color are simultaneously turned on, and the instant print 30 is scanned by the linear print head 32. Printing can be performed by a single scan exposure instead of a sequential method.

Also, a light source which contains each color light of R, G and B and whose light amount can be controlled, for example, a fluorescent light in which minute light emitting elements utilizing the light emitting principle of a fluorescent display tube are arranged in a line for each pixel. If a light source array is used, the liquid crystal array 37 can be omitted by controlling the amount of light emitted for each pixel by image data, and color printing can be performed in the same manner by sequential exposure on three color planes.

[0044]

As described above, the electronic still camera of the present invention incorporates an optical printer, uses an instant film as a recording medium and prints an image using a developing roller. A hard copy of an image can be easily obtained on the spot where an image is taken even with a battery that can be built into the camera body, and the portability of the electronic still camera is not impaired. Also, compared to the conventional instant camera, the instant film is consumed as it is even in the case of a failed photograph so far, whereas in the present invention, the image data obtained by imaging is stored in the memory, so that The necessity of printing can be determined after confirming the quality of the image based on the image data, and there is an advantage that the instant film is not wasted.

Further, a line scan type linear print head is used as an optical printer built in the camera body, and printing is performed while reading out image data one line at a time from a memory. The complicated configuration does not need to be complicated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an electronic still camera using the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of the electronic still camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a layout of each mechanism in the camera body.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a linear print head and a moving mechanism thereof.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the linear print head.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the electronic still camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a basic processing flow of the electronic still camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Camera Body 3 Camera Lens 15 LCD Panel 20 Film Pack 21 Deployment Roller 22 Deployment Roller Driving Mechanism 24 Linear Print Head Moving Mechanism 30 Instant Film 32 Linear Print Head 45 CCD Image Sensor 60 Flash Memory 64 Line Memory

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image sensor that captures a subject image and outputs an image signal, a memory that stores image data obtained by digitally converting the image signal, and one image data read from the memory based on one screen. An optical printer for exposing an instant film containing a developing solution, and a developing roller for developing the developing solution contained in the instant film while transporting the exposed instant film out of the camera body. An electronic still camera, characterized in that: 2. The optical printer according to claim 1, wherein the optical printer comprises a linear print head elongated in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the instant film, and a head moving mechanism for moving the linear print head in the transport direction of the instant film. 2. The electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein exposure is performed based on image data read line by line from the memory while moving the camera.