Digital Camera Patent Abstract
The present invention is directed to identifying photographs to
be handed to attendants at a wedding reception, for example. In
front of a seat in which the attendant at the wedding reception
sits, an Ir light emitting device which transmits a seat code for
identifying the attendant is placed. The seat code is received,
to record data representing the seat code, and the attendant is
photographed, to record image data representing an image of the
attendant in correlation with the seat code on a memory card of
a digital camera. An attendant file including the seat code and
the name of the attendant is previously created. The image of the
attendant which is obtained by the photographing, the name of the
attendant and so forth are related to each other using the seat
code. A print is obtained from a composite image in which the image
of the attendant and the name of the attendant is synthesized with
a template image. The attendant to which the print is to be handed
can be confirmed by seeing the name. Digital Camera Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image synthesizer comprising: a first reading device for
reading, from an image file storing image data of a plurality of
frames respectively representing subject images which are obtained
by photographing the subjects in correlation with identification
codes respectively specifying the plurality of subjects, the image
data and the identification codes; a second reading device for reading,
from a subject identification file storing subject identification
information including the identification codes for the plurality
of subjects, the subject identification information; an output device
for synthesizing to output the image data and the subject identification
information which are related to each other by the identification
code, among the image data obtained by the first reading device
and the subject identification information obtained by the second
reading device; an input device for inputting template image data
representing a template image in which a plurality of synthesis
areas are defined, and the output device synthesizing the image
data and data representing the subject identification information
with the template image data fetched by the input device such that
the subject image and the subject identification information are
placed in the synthesis areas.
2. The image synthesizer according to claim 1, wherein the output
device outputs a signal representing the image data and a signal
representing the subject identification information.
3. The image synthesizer according to claim 1, wherein the output
device performs image synthesis of the image data representing the
subject and image data representing the subject identification information
to output.
4. The image synthesizer according to claim 1, wherein the output
device synthesizes the subject image represented by the image data
and the subject identification information with a template image
to output.
5. The image synthesizer according to claim 4, wherein the output
device includes a printer printing the synthesized composite image.
6. The image synthesizer according to claim 1, wherein the first
reading means reads the image data from a memory card which is loadable
on and unloadable from a digital camera.
7. A method of controlling the operation of a digital camera, comprising
the steps of: inputting identification data determined in correspondence
with a subject; photographing the subject, to obtain image data
representing an image of the subject; recording the image data obtained
by the photographing and the inputted identification data on a recording
medium in correlation with each other; registering identification
codes of identification data for which image data have not been
input; and receiving an identification code corresponding to a respective
segment of the identification data when photographing the subject;
wherein said recording step correlates the respective segment of
the identification data with the image data based on the received
identification code; and wherein the respective segment comprises
name information associated with the identification code.
8. An image synthesizer according to claim 1 wherein the identification
information and the image data are individually and uniquely correlated.
9. The image synthesizer of claim 1, wherein the image file storing
image data is stored to a first storage device which is read by
the first reading device, and the subject identification file is
stored to a second storage device which is read by the second reading
device, wherein the first and second storage devices comprise separate
media.
Digital Camera Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image synthesizer and an image
synthesizing method, a digital camera and a method of controlling
the operation of the digital camera, and a printer controller and
a method of operating the printer controller.
2. Description of the Background Art
When photographs of a lot of attendants at a wedding ceremony or
a wedding reception, for example, are taken with a camera, and the
photographs are distributed to the attendants, a person in each
of the photographs is confirmed by seeing the photograph. The photograph
is handed to the attendant which is the confirmed person.
In this case, if the person in the photograph is not known, the
photograph cannot be handed to the attendant. When a lot of subjects
are photographed, a photographer may forget to photograph some of
the subjects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to make it possible to confirm
a person to whom a photograph obtained by photographing a subject
is to be handed.
Another object of the present invention is to make it possible
to remember to photograph all subjects.
An image synthesizer according to the first invention comprises
a first reading device for reading, from an image file storing image
data of a plurality of frames respectively representing subject
images which are obtained by photographing the subjects in correlation
with identification codes respectively specifying the plurality
of subjects, the image data and the identification codes, a second
reading device for reading, from a subject identification file storing
subject identification information including the identification
codes for the plurality of subjects, the subject identification
information, and an output device for synthesizing to output the
image data and the subject identification information which are
related to each other by the identification code, among the image
data obtained by the first reading device and the subject identification
information obtained by the second reading device.
An image synthesizing method according to the first invention comprising
the steps of inputting, from an image file storing image data of
a plurality of frames respectively representing subject images which
are obtained by photographing the subjects in correlation with identification
codes respectively specifying the plurality of subjects, the image
data and the identification codes, inputting, from a subject identification
file storing subject identification information including the identification
codes for the plurality of subjects, the subject identification
information, and synthesizing to output the image data and the subject
identification information which are related to each other by the
identification code, among the inputted image data and the inputted
subject identification information.
The image file storing the image data and the identification code
in correlation with each other is generally obtained from a digital
camera. Such digital camera will be explained later. The first reading
device may be implemented by a reading device for an image recording
medium (e.g., a memory card) of the digital camera.
The subject identification file holding the subject identification
information may be provided on a recording medium in a personal
computer such as a hard disc, a floppy disc or the like. The image
synthesizer may be the personal computer. Accordingly, the second
reading device may be realized by a HD drive, a FD drive or the
like.
In one embodiment, the output device outputs a signal representing
the image data and a signal representing the subject identification
information. When these signals are fed to a printer, a print (photograph)
of a subject on which the subject identification information appears
can be obtained.
In another embodiment, the output device performs image synthesis
of the image data representing the subject and image data representing
the subject identification information to output. The composite
image data produced by the images synthesis is fed to a printer.
A print of the composite image having the subject identification
information expressed thereon can be obtained.
According to still another embodiment, the output device synthesizes
the subject image represented by the image data and the subject
identification information with a template image to output. A print
of the composite image of the subject on which the subject identification
information appears is obtained by a printer using the synthesized
composite image data.
Preferably, the output device includes a printer printing the synthesized
composite image.
In accordance with a desirable embodiment, the image synthesizer
further comprises an input device (inclusive of a FD drive, a HD
drive or the like) for inputting template image data representing
a template image in which a plurality of synthesis areas are defined.
The output device synthesizes the image data and data representing
the subject identification information with the template image data
fetched by the input device such that the subject image and the
subject identification information are placed in the synthesis areas.
When the synthesized composite image is fed to a printer, a print
(photograph) including the subject identification information and
the subject image synthesized with the template image appearing
thereon can be obtained.
A print obtained by printing the image is assigned the subject
identification information for a person to whom the print is to
be handed. Accordingly, the person to whom the print is to be handed
is found only by seeing the identification information. Even if
a person on the printed image is not known, the person to whom the
print is to be handed is found.
If the subject photographed as the subject image is a person, for
example, the subject identification information is the name of the
person or the destination of distribution of the print.
The subject identification information may include the date on
which the subject is photographed, the place where the subject is
photographed, and a message, and further various messages corresponding
to the person to whom the print is to be handed.
A digital camera according to the second invention comprises an
imaging device for photographing an image of a subject, a receiving
device for receiving an identification code (inclusive of an input
device for the identification code), a first storage device for
storing digital image data representing the subject image obtained
from the imaging device in correlation with the identification code
received by the receiving device. The image file used in the image
synthesizer is produced.
In a preferred embodiment, the digital camera further comprises
a display device for displaying the identification code received
by the receiving device. In a case where the identification code
is carried by a medium (e.g., an infrared ray) which is propagated
through space, the receiving device or a device emitting the medium
preferably has high directivity.
In another embodiment, the digital camera further comprises a second
storage device for storing a plurality of items of subject identification
information respectively including identification codes. The first
storage device compares the identification code received by the
receiving device with the identification codes stored in the second
storage device and stores the subject identification information
which includes the identification code matching with the received
identification code and the digital image data obtained from the
imaging device in correlation with each other. The image data and
the subject identification information stored in the first storage
device may be synthesized with each other.
According to still another embodiment, the digital camera further
provided with a display device for displaying a part of the subject
identification information which includes the identification code
matching with the received identification code.
In accordance with a desirable embodiment, the digital camera further
comprises a device for performing image synthesis of the digital
image data and the data representing the subject identification
information which are stored in the first storage device in mutually
correlated manner.
More preferably, the digital camera is provided with a printer
for printing the composite image produced by the image synthesis
device. A print of the composite image including the subject identification
information is obtained through the digital camera.
A digital camera according to the third invention is characterized
by comprising number-of-photographs-to-betaken file input device
for inputting a file in which the number of photographs to be taken
is previously determined for each category, first report control
device for reporting for each category the number of photographs
to be taken, recording control device for recording image data representing
an image of the subject obtained by photographing the subject for
each category on a recording medium, decrement means for decrementing
the number of photographs to be taken for the corresponding category
in response to the recording of the image data on the recording
medium by the recording control device, and second report control
device for reporting for each category the number of photographs
to be taken after the decrement by the decrement means.
The third invention also provides a method of controlling the digital
camera. That is, the method comprises the steps of inputting a file
in which the number of photographs to be taken is previously determined
for each category, reporting for each category the number of photographs
to be taken, photographing a subject in accordance with the category
and recording image data representing an image of the subject on
a recording device, decrementing the number of photographs to be
taken for the corresponding category in response to the recording
of the image data on the recording medium, and reporting for each
category the number of photographs to be taken after the decrement.
According to the third invention, the number of photographs to
be taken is displayed for each category. A photographer photographs
for each category subjects whose number corresponds to the displayed
number of photographs to be taken. When the subjects whose number
corresponds to the number of photographs to be taken have been photographed,
it is considered that the photographing is terminated without forgetting
to photograph any of the subjects. It is possible to prevent the
photographer from forgetting to photograph some of the subjects.
A printer controller according to the fourth invention is characterized
by comprising an input device for inputting image data obtained
by photographing a subject for each category and number data representing
the number of photographs which have already been taken or which
is to be taken, a number-of-prints setting device for setting for
each subject the number of prints to be made from an image of the
subject which is represented by the image data obtained by the photographing,
calculation means for calculating for each category the number of
prints to be made which is set by the number-of-prints setting device,
a warning device for providing warning when the number of prints
to be made for each category which is calculated by the calculation
means is more than the number data, and an output device for outputting
data representing the number of prints to be made which is set by
the number-of-prints setting device and the corresponding image
data when the number of prints to be made for each category which
is calculated by the calculation means is not more than the number
data.
The fourth invention also provides a method of operating the printer
controller. That is, the method comprises the steps of inputting
image data obtained by photographing a subject for each category
and number data representing the number of photographs which have
already been taken or which is to be taken, setting for each subject
the number of prints to be made from an image of the subject which
is represented by the image data obtained by the photographing,
calculating for each category the set number of prints to be made,
providing warning when the calculated number of prints to be made
for each category is more than the number data, and outputting data
representing the set number of prints to be made and the corresponding
image data when the calculated number of prints to be made for each
category is not more than the number data.
When the subject images are printed, the number of prints to be
made is set for each of the subject images. The set number of prints
to be made is calculated for each category.
When the calculated number of prints to be made for each category
is more than the number of photographs to be taken or having been
taken, the number of prints to be made is more than the number of
prints to be distributed. The prints remain in excess, so that warning
is provided. When the calculated number of prints to be made for
each category is not more than the number of photographs to be taken
or having been taken, data representing the set number of prints
to be made and the corresponding image data are outputted. The outputted
data are fed to a printer, for example, so that the subject image
is printed to make prints whose number has been set.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages
of the present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates an arrangement of tables and seats in a wedding
reception hall;
FIG. 2 shows how data is fed to a image synthesizer from an image
storage file, an attendant file and a template file;
FIG. 3, illustrates the image storage file format;
FIG. 4 illustrates the contents of the attendant file;
FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a template image format;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration
of a digital camera;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration
of an image synthesizer;
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the procedure for image synthesis
processing;
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate examples of prints from composite images;
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the procedure for photographing
processing;
FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a display screen of a liquid
crystal display device in a digital camera;
FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the contents of the image storage
file;
FIG. 14 illustrates an example of the contents of the image storage
file;
FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the template image format;
FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a print from a composite image;
FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the procedure for image synthesis
processing;
FIG. 18 illustrates whole construction of an image printing system;
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration
of a printer controller;
FIG. 20a is a front view of the digital camera, FIG. 20b is a plan
view of the digital camera, and FIG. 20c illustrates an example
of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device in the
digital camera;
FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the procedure for processing of
setting a number of photographs to be taken;
FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a display screen of a monitor
display device;
FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a table recorded on a memory
card;
FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing the procedure for processing of
printing in the print controller;
FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate examples of the display screen of the
monitor display device; and
FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the procedure for printing processing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(1) First Embodiment
A combination of a digital camera and an image synthesizer according
to a first embodiment is one so adapted that when a photograph of
a subject is taken, the photograph is printed, and the printed photograph
is handed to a person which is the subject, the person to whom the
photograph is to be handed is not mistaken for another person. In
the first embodiment, a photograph of each attendant at a wedding
reception is taken, and the photograph is handed to the attendant
who appears on the photograph.
An image of the attendant which is obtained by the photographing
and the name of the attendant appear on the photograph. By seeing
the name of the attendant which appears on the photograph, the photograph
is handed to the attendant having the name appearing on the photograph
(see FIGS. 9 and 10). The photograph can be handed to a person who
appears on the photograph even if the name of the attendant is not
recognized by seeing the face image of the attendant appearing on
the photograph.
FIG. 1 illustrates a part of a wedding reception hall.
A lot of tables 2 are arranged in the wedding reception hall. Attendants
4 at the wedding reception are sitting around the table 2. At the
wedding reception, the table 2 around which the attendants sit and
their seats at the table 2 are predetermined.
The seats at which the attendants should sit are previously assigned
seat codes (codes inherent in the attendants). Seat codes "001"
to "005" are assigned to the table 2 having a table number
1, and seat codes "006" to "010" are assigned
to the table 2 having a table number 2. Seats for five persons are
predetermined around the table 2 having the table number 1. The
seat assigned the seat code "001" is for "Taro Yamada",
so that "Taro Yamada" has the code "001". The
seat assigned the seat code "002" is for "Saburo
Tanaka" (the code of "Saburo Tanaka" is "002").
The seat assigned the seat code "003" is for "Ichiro
Suzuki" (the code of "Ichiro Suzuki" is "003").
The attendants who should sit in the other seats around the table
1 having the table number 1 and the seats around the table 2 having
the table number 2 are similarly predetermined.
On the table 2, an Ir light emitting device 3 is arranged in front
of each of the attendants. The Ir light emitting device 3 outputs
an infrared ray representing the seat code continuously or periodically
at very short intervals.
A digital camera 1 used at the wedding reception receives the infrared
ray outputted from the IR light emitting device 3, to detect the
seat code represented by the infrared ray. The detected seat code
and image data representing an image of the photographed attendant
are related to each other, and are recorded on a memory card loaded
on the digital camera 1.
FIG. 2 shows how a composite image as shown in FIG. 9 or 10 is
produced on the basis of the image of the attendant photographed
with the digital camera 1. FIG. 3 illustrates a format of an image
storage file, and FIG. 4 illustrates a format of an attendant file.
FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a template image.
In FIG. 3, the image storage file includes a header recording area
and a data recording area. The header recording area stores management
data for the image storage file. The data recording area includes
a seat code recording area and an image data recording area. The
seat code recording area stores the seat codes respectively assigned
to the attendants at the wedding reception. The image data recording
area stores the image data respectively representing the images
of the attendants photographed with the digital camera 1 in the
form of linking the image data of each image to the seat code in
the seat code recording area. The image data representing the images
of the attendant who is sitting in the seat which is assigned the
seat code can be specified using the seat code. The image storage
file is created in a memory card 5 by the digital camera 1.
In FIG. 4, the attendant file (a subject identification file) stores
attendant related information for each attendant. The attendant
related information included in the attendant file includes a seat
code, the name of the attendant, the name of the wedding reception
(banquet) hall, the names of the bride and bridegroom, the date,
and a message (e.g. the message to the attendant from the bride
and bridegroom). The attendant file is provided in an attendant
file storage FD 6.
In FIG. 5, defined in the template image are an area A1 where the
name included in the attendant related information is synthesized
(located or positioned), an area A2 where the message included in
the attendant related information is synthesized, an area A3 where
the image of the attendant which is obtained by the photographing
is synthesized, an area A4 where the date included in the attendant
related information is synthesized, an area A5 where the name of
the wedding reception hall included in the attendant related information
is synthesized, and an area A6 where the names of the bride and
bridegroom are synthesized. A template file includes a plurality
of items of image data each representing the template image, and
is provided in a template file storage FD 7.
As shown in FIG. 2, the memory card 5 storing the image storage
file, the attendant file storage FD 6 having the attendant file,
and the template file storage FD 7 having the template file are
mounted (loaded) on an image synthesizer 9. Items of the attendant
related information are synthesized on the areas A1, A2, A4-A6 in
the template image, and the image of the attendant having the name
included in the attendant related information is synthesized in
the area A3 in the template image, to produce composite image data
representing a composite image, as described later. Produced composite
image data representing the composite image is fed to a printer,
so that a photograph of the composite image having the name of the
attendant appearing thereon is printed. The attendant file and the
template file may be provided on one common FD.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration
of the digital camera 1.
The overall operation of the digital camera 1 is supervised by
a main CPU 30.
The digital camera 1 includes an Ir light receiving element 31.
The Ir light receiving element 31 receives an infrared ray emitted
from the Ir light emitting device 3 to output code data represented
by the received infrared ray. The code data is inputted to the main
CPU 30, so that a seat code is recognized by the main CPU 30. The
code data is stored in the seat code recording area of a memory
card 5.
The digital camera 1 includes a battery 33, and power is supplied
to each of circuits from the battery 33. An external power supply
can be connected to the digital camera 1. A terminal 32 for connecting
the external power supply is provided.
The digital camera 1 is provided with a camera bottom switch 41
for detecting that the camera 1 is placed, a finder ocular switch
42 for detecting that the eyes of a photographer comes near a finder,
a lens cover switch 43 for detecting that a lens cover is mounted,
a power switch 44 pushed when the power of the camera 1 is turned
on, a grip switch 45 turned on when the photographer gets a grip
on the camera 1, and a shutter release switch 46. A detection signal
from the switch, a signal representing the pushdown of the switch
or the like is inputted to the main CPU 30. The camera 1 comprises
various types of operation keys 47 which are used to input a fact
that the photographing was continued without one or some attendants
or other matters, and a signal representing the set data or other
signals inputted by the operation key 47 is inputted to the main
CPU 30.
The digital camera 1 includes a strobe device 21 serving as an
auxiliary light source. The charge and the emission of the strobe
device 21 are controlled by a charge and emission control circuit
22.
A focusing lens 11 and a diaphragm 12 are controlled by an AE (Automatic
Exposure) and AF (Automatic Focusing) CPU 23. The quantity of incident
light representing a subject image is limited by the diaphragm 12,
and the subject image is formed on a light receiving surface of
a CCD 13 by the focusing lens 11. An image signal representing the
subject image is outputted from the CCD 13, and is inputted to an
imaging circuit 14. In the imaging circuit 14, imaging processing
such as white balance adjustment, gamma correction and so on of
the image signal is performed. The image signal outputted from the
imaging circuit 14 is converted into digital image data in an analog-to-digital
conversion circuit 15. The digital image data is inputted to a buffer
memory 16, and is temporarily stored therein. A clock signal is
fed from a clock generator 24 to the CCD 13, the imaging circuit
14 and the analog-to-digital conversion circuit 15. The CCD 13,
the imaging circuit 14, and the analog-to-digital conversion circuit
15 are operated on the basis of the clock signal.
The image data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 16 is fed
to a YC processing circuit 25, where luminance data Y and color
difference data C are produced. The produced luminance data and
the produced color difference data C are fed to a compression and
expansion circuit 17, where they are subjected to data compression.
The luminance data Y and the color difference data C which have
been subjected to the data compression are fed to the memory card
5 connected to the compression and expansion circuit 17 through
a card interface 18, and are recorded in the image data recording
area of the memory card 5 in correlation with the seat code (code
data).
The digital camera 1 further includes a liquid crystal display
device 29. The luminance data Y and the color difference data C
are processed to produce R, G and B image data, which are also fed
to the liquid crystal display device 29 through the main CPU 30.
The subject image obtained by the imaging is displayed on a display
screen of the liquid crystal display device 29.
Furthermore, the digital camera 1 can perform continuous photographing.
The digital camera 1 includes a continuous photographing CPU 28
for the continuous photographing. The continuous photographing is
controlled by the continuous photographing CPU 28. In the continuous
photographing, image data obtained by the continuous photographing
are successively stored in a continuous photographing memory 27.
When the continuous photographing is terminated, the image data
representing to frames which are obtained by the continuous photographing
are successively read out of the continuous photographing memory
27, and are recorded on the memory card 5 upon being subjected to
YC processing data compression processing, and so forth.
Furthermore, the digital camera 1 comprises a timer 26 for measuring
time.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration
of the image synthesizer 9. The image synthesizer 9 can be realized
(implemented) by a personal computer (PC).
The overall operation of the image synthesizer 9 is supervised
by a CPU 55.
The image synthesizer 9 includes a memory card reading circuit
(a memory card reader) 51 for reading data recorded on the memory
card 5, an operation control circuit 52 for inputting an operation
command, an attendant file reading circuit (an FD driver) 53 for
reading an attendant file stored in the attendant file storage FD
6, and a template file input circuit (an FD driver) 54 for reading
a template file stored in the template file storage file FD 7. One
FD driver may be provided in a place of the FD drivers 53 and 54
to be commonly used for the FDs 6 and 7.
The image synthesizer 9 includes a memory 56 for temporarily storing
data, and an SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) controller 57
for controlling printers 61 to 64 which are connected to the image
synthesizer 9.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the procedure for image synthesis
processing by the image synthesizer 9. FIGS. 9 and 10 respectively
illustrate examples of a composite image produced using the image
synthesizer 9.
Attendants at the wedding reception are photographed using the
digital camera 1, as described later. The seat code and the image
data representing the image of attendant to whom the seat code is
assigned is recorded on the memory card 5 in correlation with each
other.
The attendant file is previously created to be stored in the attendant
file storage FD 6 by a personal computer, for example.
Furthermore, the template file storage FD 7 storing image data
representing a plurality of template images is prepared in advance,
with use of a personal computer, for example.
The template file storage FD 7 is first mounted or loaded on the
image synthesizer 9. The template file stored in the template file
storage FD 7 is inputted by the template file input circuit 54,
and is temporarily stored in the memory 56 (step 71). The memory
card 5 is mounted on or connected to the memory card reading circuit
51. The image storage file stored in the memory card 5 is inputted
by the memory card reading circuit 51. The image storage file is
temporarily stored in the memory 56 (step 72). Further, the attendant
file storage FD 6 is mounted on the attendant file reading circuit
53 in the image synthesizer 9. The attendant file stored in the
attendant file storage FD 6 is read by the attendant file reading
circuit 53, and is temporarily stored in the memory 56 (step 73).
The image storage file, the attendant file, and the template file
which are temporarily stored in the memory 56 are inputted to the
CPU 55. In the CPU 55, using the seat code stored in the image storage
file, the image data linked to the seat code and attendant related
information specified by the seat code and stored in the attendant
file are read out. The image of the attendant which is represented
by the image data and corresponding attendant related information
are synthesized with the template image previously determined or
selected in the template file such that the image of the attendant
is synthesized with the image display area A3 of the template image,
and the attendant related information are respectively synthesized
in the other areas A1, A2, A4, A5, and A6 (step 74).
Image data representing a composite image is fed to the SCSI controller
57 from the CPU 55, and is inputted to the printer 61 (step 75).
In the printer 61 (or the printers 62 to 64), the composite image
is subjected to printing processing, so that the composite image
is printed as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 (step 76). The processing
at the steps 72 to 76 is repeated until the printing processing
is terminated with respect to all the attendants (step 77).
On the composite image printed as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10,
the name of the attendant, together with the image of the attendant
appears. Accordingly, the attendant to whom a print obtained by
printing the composite image is to be handed is immediately found.
A message which differs from attendant to attendant can be synthesized
with the composite image, so that the message inherent in the attendant
can be also displayed on the print.
An image synthesizing technique is disclosed in JP-A-9269999 (U.S.
application Ser. No. 08/736,727) where an object image is synthesized
with a template image at a predetermined position using a mask image.
Further a synthesizing of a character (a letter) on an image can
be realized by superimposing a bit map image (dot image) representing
a character on a template image or synthesizing the character image
with a template image using a mask image.
Identification data (ID) inherent in the digital camera used in
photographing may be recorded on the image storage file, to print
the identification data on the composite image. It is possible to
know which digital camera is used to photograph the attendant by
seeing the identification data printed on the composite image. When
all printed composite images are handed to particular persons (the
bridegroom, the bride, and others), the identification data is referred
to, to find the person to whom each of the composite images is to
be handed.
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the procedure of processing for
photographing the attendant using the digital camera 1. FIG. 12
illustrates an example of a display screen of the liquid crystal
display device 29 provided in the digital camera 1.
The memory card 5 is mounted on the digital camera 1 (step 81).
A photographer direct the digital camera 1 to the attendant to be
photographed. The infrared ray emitted from the Ir light emitting
device 3 which is located in front of the attendant to be photographed
is received by the Ir light receiving element 31 (Since at least
one of the Ir light emitting device 3 and the Ir light receiving
element 31 is of a structure having high directivity, the Ir light
receiving element 31 can receive only the infrared ray emitted from
the Ir light emitting device 3 to which the digital camera 1 is
directed) (step 82). In a case where the digital camera has a function
of zooming, the area or angle of receiving the infrared ray in the
Ir light receiving element 31 may be varied (defined) in accordance
with the zoom ratio.
The seat code assigned to the attendant and represented by the
infrared ray received by the Ir light receiving element 31 of the
digital camera 1 is displayed on an area A7 of the display screen
of the liquid crystal display device 29 in the digital camera 1
(see FIG. 12) (step 83). A photographer confirms an attendant who
is sitting in a seat designated by the seat code displayed on the
display screen of the liquid crystal display device 29 (step 84),
to photograph the attendant (step 85).
Image data obtained by the photographing is stored in the image
data recording area of the image storage file in the memory card
5 (step 86). The seat code of the attendant represented by the received
infrared ray is stored in the seat code recording area of the image
storage file in the memory card 5 such that the seat code is linked
to the corresponding image data representing the attendant.
In a case where the attendant is not in the seat when an attempt
to photograph the attendant is made, the photographing will be continued
without the attendant. Data indicating that the attendant has not
been photographed yet is inputted by the operation key 47. The seat
code of the attendant who has not been photographed is recorded
in the image data recording area of the image storage file on the
basis of the received infrared ray in response to the input from
the operation key 47. The seat code is read out from the image data
recording area to be displayed when the operation key 47 is operated,
the attendant having the read seat code is photographed.
Furthermore, although in the above-mentioned embodiment, the seat
code assigned to the attendant is displayed on the liquid crystal
display device 29, not the seat code but the name of the attendant
may be displayed. In this case, the data representing the name of
the attendant is previously stored in the memory card 5 in correlation
to the seat code of the attendant. when the infrared ray is received
and the seat code represented by the infrared ray is recognized,
the name data corresponding to the recognized seat code is read
out from the memory card to be displayed. The image data obtained
by photographing the attendance is stored in the memory card 5 in
correlation with the seat code and the name data.
The attendant related information other than the name data may
be previously stored in the memory card 5. That is, the attendant
file may be stored in the memory card 5. Further the template images
may also be stored in the memory card 5 in advance. In such a case,
it is sufficient to connect (load or mount) only the memory card
5 to (on) the image synthesizer 8. All the data necessary to synthesize
images and characters (message, name, data and so on) are read out
from the memory card 5. In a case where the digital camera 1 has
a function of image synthesizing and a printer provided thereon,
the image synthesizing processing can be performed in the digital
camera 1 using the image data (inclusive of the template image data)
and the character data (attendant related information) which are
read out of the memory card 5 and the synthesized image is printed
in the digital camera 1.
According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the Ir light emitting
device 3 is placed in front of the seat for the attendant, and the
seat code represented by the infrared ray outputted from the Ir
light emitting device 3 is used in order to relate the image obtained
by the photographing and the attendant related information stored
in the attendant file to each other. Even if the Ir light emitting
device 3 is not used, however, the image obtained by the photographing
and the attendant related information can be related to each other.
For example, the seat codes are previously stored in the memory
card 5. A plate indicating the seat code (seat number) is placed
or stood on the table 2 in front of the attendant. The seat code
is read out from the memory card for each photographing automatically
or in response to an input from the operation key 47 to be displayed
on the display device 29 of the digital camera 1. The photographer
shoots the attendant corresponding to the plate upon confirming
the coincidence between the displayed seat code (number) and the
seat code (number) indicated by the plate. The image data representing
the image of the attendant which is obtained by the shooting is
stored in the memory card 5 in correlation with the seat code. If
the photographer memorized the seat code of the table in his or
her head, the plate is not needed. Attendants are photographed in
accordance with the order in which the seat codes are stored and
read out from the memory card 5.
In recent years, a system for transmitting an image file to a laboratory
from a user through a network and printing an image represented
by the received image file in the laboratory has been constructed.
Even in the system, identification data for identifying an image
(for example, the name of a user that is an orderer) may be stored
in the image file to be transmitted to the laboratory and printed
on the image. By seeing the printed identification data, the laboratory
can immediately confirm the orderer who has come for prints because
it recognizes the orderer at a glance.
(2) Second Embodiment
A second embodiment is to produce one composite image using a plurality
of frames of images. In the present embodiment, a composite image
representing a story or summary of a wedding reception is produced
using respective one images in scenes such as a scene of entrance
of the bride and bridegroom, a scene of cake cutting, and a scene
of the bride's change of dresses.
FIGS. 13 and 14 respectively illustrate a format of an image storage
file. FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a template image, and FIG.
16 illustrates an example of a produced composite image.
In FIG. 13, by photographing the bride and bridegroom using a digital
camera 1, image data representing a lot of frames of images of the
bride and bridegroom are stored in an image data storage area of
the image storage file in a memory card 5. A plurality of frames
of images of the bride and bridegroom are picked up for each of
the scenes. For example, in the scene of entrance, three frames
of images are picked up, and image data representing the images
having IDs of DSC0001.jpg to DSC0003.jpg are stored in the image
storage file. Also in the scene of cake cutting and the scene of
the bride's change of dresses, three frames of images are picked
up, and image data representing the images having IDs of DSC0004.jpg
to DSC0006.jpg and the images DSC0007.jpg to DSC0009.jpg are stored
in the image storage file.
A header area of the image storage file includes information indicating
a vertical attitude or a horizontal attitude which is related to
each of frames of images recorded in the image data recording area
(the information indicating a vertical attitude or a horizontal
attitude shows the attitude of the digital camera picking up a subject,
which is inputted from the operation key 47 or set on the basis
of an attitude detection output from an attitude detector (not shown)).
One frame of an image which is used for a synthesizing a composite
image is determined for each of the scenes while each frame of an
image is sequentially displayed on the display device 29 of the
digital camera 1. Image data of images which are not used for synthesizing
the composite image are deleted from the image storage file in response
to an inputted delete command. FIG. 14 illustrates the image storage
file from which the image data of the images which are not used
for the composite image have been deleted. The image data DSC0001.jpg
in the scene of entrance, the image data DSC0005.jpg in the scene
of cake cutting and the image data DSC0008.jpg in the scene of the
bride's change of dresses remain without being deleted as representatives
of respective scenes in order to be used for synthesizing the composite
image. The other image data are deleted from the image storage file.
FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a template image used for producing
the composite image.
In the template image, a first synthesis area A7, a second synthesis
area A8 and a third synthesis area A9 are predetermined. Images
represented by image data stored in the image storage file are respectively
synthesized with the first synthesis area A7, the second synthesis
area A8 and the third synthesis area A9 in this order. The representative
image in the scene of entrance is synthesized with the first synthesis
area A7, the representative image in the scene of cake cutting is
synthesized with the second synthesis area A8, and the representative
image in the scene of the bride's change of dresses is synthesized
with the third synthesis area A9.
FIG. 16 illustrates a composite image obtained by respectively
synthesizing the images with the synthesis areas.
The image to be synthesized for each frame has already been determined
in each of the scenes. The representative images of the scenes are
synthesized with the synthesis areas of the template image in accordance
with the order in which they are stored in the image storage file.
The image DSC0001.jpg representing the scene of entrance is synthesized
with the first synthesis area A7, the image DSC0005.jpg representing
the scene of cake cutting is synthesized with the second synthesis
area A8, and the image DSC0008.jpg representing the scene of the
bride's change of dresses is synthesized with the third synthesis
area A9. As explained in the first embodiment, a name of a person
whom the composite image print is to be handed to may be synthesized
in the composite image.
FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the procedure for composite image
production processing. It is possible to use as an image synthesizer
one shown in FIG. 7.
A template storage file FD 7 is mounted on an image synthesizer
9, so that a template file stored in the template file storage FD
7 is read (step 90). Image data representing a template image including
a plurality of synthesis areas as shown in FIG. 15 is temporarily
stored in a memory 56. A synthesis area number N representing the
order in which images are synthesized with the synthesis areas is
reset (step 91).
A memory card 5 having representative image data for respective
scene recorded thereon is mounted on the image synthesizer 9, so
that an image storage file stored in the memory card 5 is read (step
92). The read image storage file is temporarily stored in the memory
56. In the image storage file temporarily stored in the memory 56,
images which are to be synthesized with the template image have
already been selected (step 93), and image data representing unnecessary
images have been deleted. Of course, when the memory card 5 has
image data of images including images which are not used for image
synthesizing, the image to be synthesized with the template image
may be selected by transferring the image data of all the images
in the image storage file to the memory 56 to store therein, then
reading out the image data representing the images from the memory
56, and displaying the images on a monitor display device sequentially
(or reduced images in lump) (step 93).
The template image data temporarily stored in the memory 56 is
read out, and is inputted to the CPU 55. Thereafter, image data
which is to be synthesized in the synthesis area of a synthesis
area number N is read out of the memory 56, and is inputted to the
CPU 55 (step 94). An image represented by the image data corresponding
to the synthesis area number N is synthesized with the N-th synthesis
area in the template image (step 95). As described above, the image
storage file has information indicating a vertical or horizontal
attitude of each of the images included in its header. It goes without
saying that referring to this information, the images are respectively
synthesized with the synthesis areas such that the arrangement is
easy to see (the attitudes of images in the synthesis areas are
the same as the attitudes of the digital camera when the images
are picked up).
The synthesis area number N is incremented (step 96), and the processing
at the steps 94 to 96 is repeated until the synthesis area number
N reaches its final value (step 97). When the synthesis area number
N reaches its final value (3 in FIG. 15) (YES at step 97), image
data representing a composite image is fed to a printer 61 through
an SCSI controller 57 from a CPU 55 (step 98). In the printer 61,
processing for printing the composite image is performed (step 99).
The composite image representing a story or summary of the wedding
reception is obtained.
(3) Third Embodiment
FIG. 18 illustrates a third embodiment, which illustrates the configuration
of an image printing system. The image printing system has functions
of setting a number of photographs to be taken in a digital camera,
setting a number of prints to be made and making prints of set number.
At a wedding reception, for example, the number of persons who
sit for each table is previously determined. In the third embodiment,
the number of photographs to be taken corresponding to the number
of persons is previously determined for each table, and the number
of photographs to be taken is displayed on the digital camera. The
photographer judges that all attendants have not been photographed
yet if the photographs whose number is previously determined have
not been taken. It is possible to prevent the photographer from
forgetting to photograph some of the attendants.
A monitor display device 132 and a printer 133 are connected to
a printer controller 100. A memory card mounting port 113 is formed
in the printer controller 100. A memory card 131 can be mounted
on the memory card mounting port 113 to be connected. It is possible
to display on the monitor display device 132 an image represented
by image data recorded on the memory card 131 or print the image
using the printer 133.
Provided on an operation surface (a surface shown in FIG. 18) of
the printer controller 100 are a print setting button 101, a setting
change button 102, a print image button 103, a card setting button
104, a ten-key pad 105, a clear button 106, a ".uparw. (upward
arrow)" button 107, a ".arrow-down dbl. (downward arrow)"
button 108, a ".rarw. (leftward arrow)" button 109, a
".fwdarw. (rightward arrow)" button 110, a determination
button 111, and a print button 112.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration
of the printer controller 100.
The overall operation of the printer controller 100 is supervised
by a CPU 120.
The image data and the other data recorded on the memory card 131
mounted on and connected to the printer controller 100 are fetched
into the printer controller 100 through a card interface 114. Input
signals (setting signals) of various buttons which are provided
on the operation surface, as described above, are fetched into the
printer controller 100 through an operation interface 115.
The printer controller 100 comprises an image data expansion circuit
116, and compressed image data (e.g., compressed image data read
out of the memory card 131) is expanded in the image data expansion
circuit 116. The expanded image data is stored in a frame memory
117 under control of a memory controller 118. The image data temporarily
stored in the frame memory 117 is read out of the frame memory 117
under control of the memory controller 118, and is fed to a monitor
display device 132 through a 75-ohm driver 121. An image represented
by the image data recorded on the memory card 131 is displayed on
a display screen of the monitor display device 132.
The printer controller 100 also comprises an OSD (On Screen Device)
circuit 119. Data representing characters to be displayed upon being
superimposed on or synthesized with an image is outputted from the
OSD circuit 119, and is fed to the monitor display device 132 through
the 75-ohm driver 121. The image on which the characters have been
superimposed is displayed on the display screen of the monitor display
device 132.
The printer controller 100 comprises a printer interface 123, and
a printer 133 is connected thereto through the printer interface
123.
Furthermore, the printer controller 100 comprises a program storage
memory 124 storing an execution program, a working DRAM 125, a working
SRAM 126, and a non-volatile memory 127.
FIG. 20a is a front view of a digital camera, FIG. 20b is a plan
view of the digital camera, and FIG. 20c illustrates an example
of a screen of a liquid crystal display device provided in the digital
camera.
An imaging lens 143 is arranged near the center of a front surface
of a digital camera 140. A viewfinder 141 is formed at the upper
left of the imaging lens 143 as viewed from the front. A strobe
light emission device 142 is provided at the upper right of the
imaging lens 143 as viewed from the front.
In FIG. 20b, a shutter release switch 146 and a first dial 144
and a second dial 145 are provided at the right of a plane of the
digital camera 140. The first dial 144 is an imaging mode setting
dial (for setting an imaging mode and so on), and the second dial
145 is a dial for incrementing or decrementing a table number or
the like, as described later.
A liquid crystal display device 147 is provided near the center
of the plane of the digital camera 140. An up-key 148 and a down-key
149 are arranged at the left of the liquid crystal display device
147.
A table number and the number of photographs to be taken are displayed
on a display screen of the liquid crystal display device 147.
Further the digital camera 140 is provided on the back surface
thereof with an image display device for displaying a picked-up
subject image and a display device for displaying a number of photographs
which have been taken and a remaining number of photographs to be
taken in the same table.
FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the procedure for processing of
setting the number of photographs to be taken in the printer controller
100. FIG. 22 illustrates an example of the display screen of the
monitor display device 132. FIG. 23 illustrates a table of the number
of photographs to be taken which are recorded on a memory card.
Also in the present embodiment, description is made of a case where
attendants are photographed at a wedding reception.
Recorded in correlation with the table number in the table of the
number of photographs to be taken are the number of photographs
to be taken of the attendants who sit around the table and the remaining
number of photographs which is calculated by subtracting the number
of photographs having been actually taken from the number of photographs
to be taken.
First, processing for setting the number of photographs to be taken
is performed in the printer controller 100 (step 151). In the processing
for setting the number of photographs to be taken, the number of
photographs to be taken for each table is set. In the processing
for setting the number of photographs to be taken, a screen for
setting the number of photographs to be taken, shown in FIG. 22,
appears on the display screen of the monitor display device 132.
The number of photographs to be taken for each table is set while
seeing the screen for setting in the following manner. A table number
and the number of photographs to be taken are entered using the
ten-key pad 105. The table number is displayed in an area A11. The
number of photographs to be taken is displayed in an area A12. Table
numbers each corresponding to the number of photographs to be taken
which has already been set are displayed in an area A13. The number
of photographs to be taken which has already been set is displayed
for each of the table numbers in an area A14. The display areas
A13 and A14 where the table numbers and the numbers of photographs
to be taken for the table numbers are respectively displayed are
scrolled by pushing the ".uparw." button 107 or the ".arrow-down
dbl." button 110.
A table number is first set. A table number to be set is entered
using the ten-key pad 105. The entered table number is displayed
by italics. Entry of a desired figure is set using the ".rarw."
button 108 or the ".fwdarw." button 109. When the table
number is entered, the determination button 111 is pushed.
The number of photographs to be taken at the table having the set
table number is then entered. The number of photographs to be taken
is set to the same number as the number of attendants who sit at
the table specified by the table number. When the number of photographs
to be taken is entered, the determination button 111 is pushed.
When the number of photographs to be taken is set, the memory card
131 is mounted on (connected to) the printer controller 100 (the
memory card may be mounted in advance), and data including the set
number of photographs to be taken is recorded on the memory card
131 (step 152).
The memory card 131 is taken out of the printer controller 100,
and is mounted on (connected to) the digital camera 140. The number
of photographs to be taken for each table number which are recorded
on the memory card 131 is read out of the memory card 131. A pair
of the table number and the number of photographs to be taken is
displayed on the liquid crystal display device 147 in the digital
camera 140. A photographer can know the number of photographs to
be taken at each table by seeing the table number and the number
of photographs to be taken at the table having the table number
which are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 147. The
attendants are photographed while the photographer sees the number
of photographs to be taken for each table which is displayed on
the liquid crystal display device 147. It is possible to prevent
the photographer from forgetting to photograph some of the attendants.
The image data obtained by the photographing is stored in the memory
card 131 in correlation with the table number.
Specifically, the dial 144 provided in the digital camera 140 is
turned by the photographer, so that an imaging mode is first set.
Thereafter, when the dial 145 is turned by the photographer, the
data representing the number of photographs to be taken for each
table number which is recorded on the memory card 131 is read out,
and the table number and the number of photographs to be taken at
the table having the table number are displayed on the liquid crystal
display device 147 in the digital camera 140.
A desired pair of the table number and the number of photographs
to be taken can be displayed by incrementing or decrementing the
table number displayed on the display device 147 by the dial 145.
The number of photographs which have been taken for each table is
displayed on the display device provided on the back surface of
the digital camera 140. When the photographer moves from one table
to another table to take photographs, the number of photographs
which have been taken is reset by pressing a reset switch (not shown)
or when the dial 145 is rotated.
In the digital camera 140, the number of photographs to be taken
can be changed. The table number corresponding to the number of
photographs to be taken which should be changed is displayed on
the liquid crystal display device 147. When the number of photographs
to be taken is increased, the up-key 148 is pushed. The number of
photographs to be taken is increased by pushing the up-key 148.
The increased number of photographs to be taken is displayed on
the liquid crystal display device 147, and the number of photographs
to be taken which is recorded on the memory card 131 is changed.
When the number of photographs to be taken is decreased, the down-key
149 is depressed. The number of photographs to be taken is decreased
and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 147, and the
number of photographs to be taken which is recorded on the memory
card 131 is changed.
The number of photographs to be taken is increased when the number
of attendants who sit at the table is increased, while being decreased
when the number of attendants who sit at the table is decreased.
Generally, each of the attendants is photographed alone at each
of the tables. The plurality of attendants may be photographed at
a time. In the case, the number of photographs to be taken is decreased.
When the attendant is photographed, the number of photographs which
have been taken is subtracted from the number of photographs to
be taken, and the remaining number of photographs to be taken is
calculated for each table number. Data representing the calculated
remaining number of photographs to be taken is recorded on the memory
card 131 (see FIG. 23). The remaining number of photographs to be
taken is displayed on the display device provided on the back surface
of the digital camera.
When all the attendants have been photographed, the memory card
131 is taken out of the digital camera 140. Processing moves to
a print processing in the print controller 100.
FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing a print processing in the print
controller. FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate examples of display screens
of the monitor display device.
The memory card 131 is mounted on the printer controller 100 (step
154). Image data representing an image of the attendant which is
recorded on the memory card 131 is read out, and is fed to the image
data expansion circuit 116, where the image data is expanded. The
expanded image data is inputted to the CPU 120, where the image
of the attendant is reduced (data representing a reduced image which
has been previously produced and recorded in the memory card 131
may be used). Image data representing the reduced image is outputted
from the CPU 120, and is fed to the monitor display device 132 through
the frame memory controller 118 and the 75-ohm driver 121. A list
of reduced images (reduced images t1 to t9) of the images of the
attendants is displayed, as shown in FIG. 25, on the display screen
of the monitor display device 132.
Data representing the table number and data representing the number
of photographs to be taken (and the number of photographs which
have been taken) for the table number which are recorded on the
memory card 131 are also read out, and are inputted to the monitor
display device 132. The table number for the attendant is displayed
on the reduced image which is displayed on the monitor display device
132. The number of prints to be made from the image of the attendant
is also displayed on the reduced image. "1" is first displayed
as the number of prints to be made. A user of the printer controller
100 sets the number of prints to be made from the image of the attendant
using the ten-key pad 105 (step 155). When the attendants are separately
photographed, the number of prints to be made will be set such that
one print is made from each of the images of all the attendants.
When the plurality of attendants are photographed at a time, the
number of prints to be made will be set such that the prints whose
number corresponds to the number of photographed attendants are
made.
A mark 161 indicating that the number of prints to be made is being
set is displayed on the reduced image which is subjected to the
number-of-print setting. The table number and the number of prints
to be made on the reduced image on which the mark 161 is displayed
are displayed by italics. The reduced image on which the number
of prints to be made is set is designated using the ten-key pad
105. When the number of prints to be made is set on the reduced
image t1, "1" is entered using the ten-key pad 105. When
the number of prints to be made is set on each of the other reduced
images t2 to t9, a numerical value (2-9) (which may be a number
corresponding to the table number) corresponding to the reduced
image is also entered using the ten-key pad 105.
A figure for setting the number of prints to be made is moved rightward
by pushing the ".fwdarw." button 109, while being moved
leftward by pushing the ".rarw." button 108. When the
entered number of prints to be made is confirmed, the determination
button 111 is pushed by the user. The reduced image is scrolled
upward by pushing the ".uparw." button 107, while being
scrolled downward by pushing the ".arrow-down dbl." button
110.
It is checked whether the number of prints set for each table (sum
of the number of prints set on the reduced images of attendants
who sit at the same table) is more (exclusive of equal) than the
number of photographs to be taken (or number of photographs which
have been taken) previously set for each table number (step 156).
If the number of prints is more than the number of photographs (YES
at step 156), excessive prints may be made, so that a warning is
displayed on the monitor display device 132 (step 157). When the
number of prints is equal to or less than the number of photographs
to be taken (or having been taken) (NO at 156), the processing of
step 157 is skipped. The warning may be displayed even when the
set number of prints is less than the number of photographs to be
taken (or having been taken).
When the setting of the number of prints has been completed, the
image data representing the image of the attendant which is recorded
on the memory card 131 is transmitted to the printer 133. Consequently,
the printing processing of the image of the attendant is started
(step 158). Data representing the set number of prints to be made
is also transmitted to the printer 133, so that prints whose number
corresponds to the number of prints to be made are made from the
image of the attendant (step 159).
Conditions for printing in the printer 133 are displayed on the
monitor display device 132. FIG. 26 shows a printing condition screen.
The printing condition screen includes an area A31 where the number
of all prints to be made is displayed and an area A32 where the
number of prints which have been made is displayed. Further, it
includes an area A32 where a table number is displayed, an area
A33 where the number of prints to be made for each table is displayed,
and an area A34 where the number of prints which have been made
for each table is displayed. The number of prints to be made and
the number of prints which have been made are displayed for each
table number.
The display in the areas A33 to A35 is scrolled by pushing the
".uparw." button 107 and the ".arrow-down dbl."
button 110.
Unless all the prints (of all the number of prints to be made)
have been made irrespective of the termination of the printing processing
by the printer 133 (for example, in a case where the printing processing
is interrupted) (step 160), data representing the conditions for
printing is recorded on the memory card 131 (step 161). The memory
card 131 is taken out of the printer controller 100, and the attendant
is photographed using the digital camera 140. When the photographing
is terminated, a printing operation of the image of the attendant
will be continued again. When all the prints have been made (step
160), the processing of step 161 is skipped.
FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the procedure for the printing
processing (processing of step 159 in FIG. 24).
Compressed image data recorded on the memory card 131 is read out
(step 171). The image data read out is expanded to luminance data
Y and color difference data C in the data expansion circuit 116,
as described above, and the luminance data Y and the color difference
data C are temporarily stored in the frame memory 117 (step 172).
The luminance data Y and the color difference data C are converted
into RGB image data in the CPU 120, and the RGB image data is temporarily
stored in the working DRAM 125 (step 173). The RGB image data is
read out of the working DRAM 125, and is fed to the printer 133
through the printer interface 123 (step 174).
A printing command is given to the printer 133 (step 175), and
printing processing is performed by the printer 133.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated
in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration
and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the
spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by
the terms of the appended claims. |