JP2006295706A - Image recording unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the more convenient use of an image generated together with an original image at the time of photographing or the like. <P>SOLUTION: When a "history playback mode" is selected, compressed data of a final image file (finally recorded file) recorded in a flash memory 19 are read out. The read-out compressed image data are expanded into a non-compressed YC signal via a compression/expansion processing circuit 144 so as to be preserved in a VRAM 132. The YC signal preserved in the VRAM 132 is added to a display controller 16. The display controller 16 generates an RGB color composite video signal of the NTSC system from the input YC signal so as to output it to a display section 17. Thus, a second image recorded in the flash memory 19 is displayed on the display section 17. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus, and more particularly to an image recording apparatus capable of reproducing a reduced image.

In a conventional image recording apparatus, there is a technique for creating and recording an image obtained by thinning out the number of pixels of a main image obtained by imaging. For example, according to Patent Document 1, the image sensor photoelectrically converts a subject image into an image signal. The image signal is processed by the imaging processing unit and then input to the A / D, and a captured image representing the subject image is output. The CPU causes the image processing unit to create a basic image from the captured image and record the basic image on the removable recording medium. On the other hand, the CPU causes the image processing unit to create a simple image having a smaller number of pixels than the basic image from the photographed image or the basic image, and records it in the image recording unit in the flash memory. At this time, the number of pixels of the simple image is determined based on the number of pixels of the image that can be displayed on the LCD display.
JP 2003-87720 A

  Incidentally, Patent Document 1 does not specifically disclose the reproduction of the simple image stored in the flash memory and associated with the main image, and there is little need to associate the main image with the simple image. Further, in the technology of Non-Patent Document 1, the present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to make it possible to more conveniently use an image created together with the main image at the time of shooting or the like. To do.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image recording apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that photoelectrically converts a subject image to obtain an image of the subject, a first image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on the image, A first recording unit that records an image subjected to image processing; a second image processing unit that creates a reduced image that is a reduced image; a second recording unit that records a reduced image; A reproduction mode setting unit for setting a normal reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying an image recorded in one recording unit or a history reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying a reduced image recorded in the second recording unit; and a normal reproduction mode or a history reproduction And a display control unit that reproduces and displays an image or a reduced image according to the mode setting.

  According to the present invention, the reduced image is recorded in the second recording unit, and the reduced image can be reproduced and displayed according to the setting of the history reproduction mode. Therefore, the image that has been taken so far can be clearly seen by reproducing and displaying the reduced image. I understand.

  The image recording apparatus may further include a transmission unit that transmits an image.

  The image recording apparatus may further include a receiving unit that receives an image, and the first recording unit may record an image received by the receiving unit.

  Images received from an external file server can also be played back and displayed by setting the normal playback mode.

  The first recording unit includes a removable recording medium, such as a smart media, a compact flash, a USB memory, and the like.

  The second recording unit includes a recording medium built in the image recording apparatus, for example, a flash memory.

  The first recording unit and the second recording unit may be sections provided on the same recording medium.

  According to the present invention, the reduced image is recorded in the second recording unit, and the reduced image can be reproduced and displayed according to the setting of the history reproduction mode. Therefore, the image that has been taken so far can be clearly seen by reproducing and displaying the reduced image. I understand.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a rear view of an image recording apparatus 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. On the rear side of the image recording apparatus, there are provided an operation unit 2 including a menu / execution button 2b, a cross key 2c, a zoom key 2W / 2T, a mode switch 2d, a display unit 17 for displaying various information such as images, and a viewfinder 50. The shutter button 2a included in the operation unit 2 is disposed on the upper surface. The image recording apparatus 1 is a digital camera, but may be a camera-equipped mobile phone.

  The photographer can adjust the angle of view by viewing the image displayed on the finder 50 or the display unit 17. Although the finder 50 is configured by an electronic view finder, an embodiment in which the finder 50 is replaced with an optical finder is also possible.

  The zoom key 2W / 2T is an operation unit that is also used for adjusting the focal length of the zoom lens and instructing enlargement / reduction by the electronic zoom function. When the T key 2T of the zoom key is pressed, zoom control is performed in the tele direction (enlargement direction), and when the W key 2W of the zoom key is pressed, zoom control is performed in the wide direction (reduction direction).

  The menu / execution button 2b is used when transitioning from the normal screen to the menu screen in each mode, or when confirming the selection contents or instructing the execution of processing.

  The cross key 2c is a multi-function key configured to input instructions in the corresponding four directions (up, down, left, and right) by pressing one of the upper, lower, left, and right edges. Used as an operation key for instructing selection or change of setting contents, focal length adjustment (tele / wide operation) of the imaging lens 11, electronic zoom magnification adjustment, zoom center movement instruction, playback frame return / return It is used as a means for instructing. The cross key 2c may be of a type in which one operating member tilts up, down, left and right, or four keys, up, down, left and right, may be provided separately.

  The mode switch 2d is a slide-type switch for setting the operation mode of the image recording apparatus 1, and the operation mode is any one of “still image shooting mode”, “moving image shooting mode”, “normal playback mode”, and “history playback mode”. Or one can be set. The mode switch 2d may be replaced with a button, a touch panel, or other operation means.

  The display unit 17 is a display unit that can be used as an electronic viewfinder for checking the angle of view at the time of shooting, and displays a preview image of the shot image, a reproduced image read from an external recording device such as a memory card, and the like. Further, menu selection using the cross key 2b and setting of various items in each menu are also performed using the display screen of the display unit 17. Further, the display unit 17 can display information such as the number of shootable images (number of frames) and playback frame number, macro mode display, recording image quality (quality) display, and pixel number display.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image recording apparatus 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The image recording apparatus 1 includes an imaging lens 11, a solid-state imaging device 12 such as a CCD, an analog front-end IC 13 for processing an analog image read by the driver 122 from the solid-state imaging device 12 into a digital signal, and a digital from the analog front-end IC 13. A first signal processing circuit 14 such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that processes image signals, a central processing unit (CPU) 10, a display controller 16 that controls display of the display unit 17, and the like are provided. The power supply to each circuit of the image recording apparatus 1 is supplied from a main power supply 164 including a battery mounted inside the housing of the image recording apparatus 1. An RTC (Real Time Clock) 15 is a chip dedicated to timekeeping, and operates by receiving power from a separate battery even when the main power supply 164 of the image recording apparatus 1 is turned off.

  The image recording apparatus 1 also stores a card connector 80 for reading data from the memory card 4 and recording data on the memory card 4, a built-in flash memory 19 capable of rewriting recorded contents, and various data and programs. A ROM 21 and a RAM 21 for storing various data necessary for processing of the CPU 10 are provided. Each of the above units is connected via a bus (BUS).

  The size of the flash memory 19 preferably has a capacity of 1 MB to 64 MB, but the actually mounted capacity is determined by the cost of the flash memory 19 and the size of the image recording apparatus 1.

  As the imaging lens 11, for example, an optical 2 × zoom lens is used, and the motor driver 140 moves the imaging lens 11 forward / backward to the telephoto (tele) side or the wide angle (wide) side according to the magnification change operation input from the operation unit 2. The optical zoom magnification is changed by driving. The magnification of the imaging lens 11 is not limited to the above. The imaging lens 11 is provided with a diaphragm 116, and an appropriate exposure amount is obtained by controlling the diaphragm 116 via the motor driver 140.

  When the “still image shooting mode” is set by the operation unit 2, the CPU 10 displays a moving image (through image) on the display unit 17 so that the shooting angle of view can be confirmed. That is, the solid-state imaging device 12 converts the subject light imaged on the light receiving surface of the imaging lens 11 into a signal charge in an amount corresponding to the light amount. The signal charge of each pixel accumulated in this way is sequentially read out individually by the driver 122 as a voltage signal (image signal) corresponding to the signal charge based on a drive pulse supplied from the timing generator 121 according to a command from the CPU 10. The analog front-end circuit 13 converts the signal into a digital signal and applies it to the first signal processing circuit 14. The signal converted into a digital signal by the analog front end circuit 13 is also applied to the second signal processing circuit 30.

  The first signal processing circuit 14 includes a gain adjustment circuit and an A / D converter, and performs luminance correction / color difference signal generation circuit, gamma correction circuit, sharpness correction circuit, contrast correction circuit, white balance correction circuit, and contour correction for the photographed image. The image processing means includes a contour processing unit that performs image processing, a noise reduction processing unit that performs image noise reduction processing, and the like, and processes an image signal in accordance with a command from the CPU 10.

  The image data input to the first signal processing circuit 14 is converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a color difference signal (Cr, Cl signal), and after undergoing predetermined processing such as gamma correction, the image data is stored in the VRAM 132. Stored.

  When the captured image is output to the display unit 17 as a monitor, the YC signal is read from the VRAM 132 and sent to the display controller 16. The display controller 16 converts the input YC signal into a predetermined display signal (for example, an NTSC color composite video signal) and outputs the converted signal to the display unit 17.

  The image data in the VRAM 132 is added from the first signal processing circuit 14 to the electronic zoom circuit 62 as necessary. The electronic zoom circuit 62 performs image enlargement / reduction processing. That is, a part of the image data is cut out, and the cutout range is enlarged / reduced to perform image enlargement / reduction processing. The enlarged / reduced image data is output to the VRAM 132. The cutout range can be moved to an arbitrary position on the image by operating the operation unit 2 such as the cross button 2c, whereby the desired range of the image data can be enlarged / reduced.

  The YC signal of each frame processed at a predetermined frame rate is alternately written in the A area and B area of the VRAM 132, and the Y area other than the area where the YC signal is written out of the A area and B area of the VRAM 132. The YC signal that has been written is read out from this area. In this way, the YC signal in the VRAM 132 is periodically rewritten, and the video signal generated from the YC signal is supplied to the display unit 17, so that the image being captured is displayed on the display unit 17 in real time. . The user can check the shooting angle of view from the video (through) displayed on the display unit 17.

  Here, when the shutter button 2a is pressed, a shooting operation for recording a still image starts. The image data acquired in response to the pressing of the shutter button 2a is converted into a luminance / color difference signal (Y / C signal) in the first signal processing circuit 14 and subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction, and then to the RAM 21. Stored in The first signal processing circuit 14 may appropriately perform processing such as white balance adjustment, sharpness adjustment, and red-eye correction as predetermined processing.

  The Y / C signal stored in the RAM 21 is compressed in accordance with a predetermined format by the compression / decompression processing circuit 144, and then passed through the card connector 80 to the memory card 4 which is an aspect of the first storage unit according to the present invention. It is recorded as an image file in a predetermined format such as an Exif file.

  On the other hand, the second signal processing circuit 30 according to the present invention generates reduced image data of the image data acquired in response to pressing of the photographing key. The second signal processing circuit 30 is a circuit that performs processing similar to that of the first signal processing circuit 14, but has a partially different configuration. That is, the second signal processing circuit 30 performs compression processing or thinning on the image data to generate reduced image data.

  The reduced image data is converted into a luminance / color difference signal (Y / C signal) by the second signal processing circuit 30, subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction, and then stored in the RAM 21. The Y / C signal stored in the RAM 21 is compressed in accordance with a predetermined format by the compression / decompression processing circuit 144 and then recorded as an image file in the flash memory 19 which is an aspect of the second recording unit according to the present invention. .

  In FIG. 2, the first signal processing circuit 14 and the second signal processing circuit 30 are separate circuits, but they may be configured integrally or the same circuit. The first signal processing circuit 14 and the second signal processing circuit 30 may be replaced with an arithmetic device that calculates software image processing. The second signal processing circuit 30 may input image data from the first signal processing circuit 14, but the raw data (RAW data) before image processing is directly input from the analog front end circuit 13 to reduce the image data. An image may be created.

  Hereinafter, the image file recorded on the memory card 4 serving as the first recording unit is referred to as a first image, and the image file stored in the flash memory 19 serving as the second recording unit is referred to as a second image. The first image and the second image may be associated with each other, or may be independent and independent from each other. The method of associating the first image and the second image is to assign a file name including the same identifier to each other, and store in a folder with the same name respectively created in the memory card 4 and the flash memory 19. For example, information specifying the first image may be attached to the part or the data part.

  The first recording unit and the second recording unit are not limited to the memory card 4 and the flash memory 19, and may be physically or logically distinguished, for example, managed by separate directories.

  The size of the second image recorded in the flash memory 19 is a size suitable for the display size of the display unit 17, for example, 128 × 96 dots (subQCIF), 160 × 120 dots (QSIF), 176 × 144 dots (QCIF ), 320 x 240 dots (QVGA), 352 x 288 dots (CIF), 640 x 480 dots (VGA), 96 x 64 dots, 96 x 72 dots, 120 x 90 dots, 192 x 128 dots (1 / 16BASE) 348 × 256 dots (1/4 BASE), 768 × 512 dots (BASE), and the like, which size is recorded is arbitrarily selected in advance from the operation unit 2 before the start of the still image recording operation. Of course, as the size of the second image is smaller, the storage capacity can be saved, and more second images can be stored in the flash memory 19. Preferably, the flash memory 19 has enough capacity to record at least reduced images exceeding the number recorded on the memory card 4, and the history of images recorded on the memory card 4 so far is followed. To help.

  The second image is a reduced image of the first image, but the size of the second image may be set to be the same as that of the first image. In this case, since the second image that is the same as the first image is recorded in the flash memory 19, the image in the flash memory 19 serves as a backup of the image in the memory card 4. For this reason, even if a temporary failure occurs in the memory card 4 and the image file cannot be read out, it is convenient that the image in the flash memory 19 can be read out and stored / reproduced. After the failure of the memory card 4 is recovered, the second image in the flash memory 19 may be copied to the memory card 4.

  When the “normal playback mode” is set by the mode switch 2d, the compressed data of the last image file (last recorded file) recorded on the memory card 4 is read. The read image compression data is decompressed into an uncompressed YC signal via the compression / decompression processing circuit 144 and stored in the VRAM 132. The YC signal stored in the VRAM 132 is applied to the display controller 16. The display controller 16 creates an NTSC RGB color composite video signal from the input YC signal and outputs it to the display unit 17. As a result, the frame image of the last frame recorded on the memory card 4 is displayed on the display unit 17.

  Thereafter, when the right key of the cross key 2c is pressed, the frame is advanced in the forward direction, and when the left key of the cross key 2c is pressed, the frame is advanced in the reverse direction. Then, the frame-positioned image file at the frame position is read from the memory card 4 and the frame image is reproduced on the display unit 17 in the same manner as described above. If the last frame image is displayed and the frame is advanced in the forward direction, the first frame image file recorded on the memory card 4 is read and the first frame image is displayed. Played back to the unit 17.

  Hereinafter, the flow of the still image recording operation will be described in detail based on the flowchart of FIG. This process is executed when the “still image shooting mode” is set.

  First, when the user presses the shutter button 2a, image data for recording a still image is stored in the RAM 21 accordingly (S1). The image once stored in the RAM 21 is output to the display unit 17 (S2). In this state, the photographed image can be confirmed.

  When recording of an image is instructed by pressing the menu / execution button 2b (“Y” in S3), the image data stored in the RAM 21 is subjected to predetermined processing by the first signal processing circuit 14, and then the first One image is recorded on the memory card 4 (S4). On the other hand, the image data stored in the RAM 21 is reduced by the second signal processing circuit 30 and recorded as a second image in the flash memory 19 (S5). There may be one or a plurality of images to be recorded as the second image, and in the case of a plurality of images, different sizes may be designated. When a button other than the menu / execution button 2b is operated (“N” in S3), the image data stored in the RAM 21 is deleted (S6).

  In the case of continuously capturing images, the first image and the second image may be recorded immediately without selecting whether or not to record each image in step S3.

  When the “moving image shooting mode” is set by the mode switch, the moving image recording operation starts in conjunction with the pressing operation of the shutter button 2a, and when it is pressed again, the moving image recording operation stops. The recording operation may be performed while the shooting key is continuously pressed, and the recording may be stopped by releasing the pressing. The moving image data is recorded on the memory card 4 in, for example, the motion JPEG (MPEG) format.

  When the “history reproduction mode” is selected, the compressed data of the last image file (last recorded file) recorded in the flash memory 19 is read. The read image compressed data is expanded into an uncompressed YC signal via the compression / decompression processing circuit 144 and stored in the VRAM 132. The YC signal stored in the VRAM 132 is applied to the display controller 16. The display controller 16 creates an NTSC RGB color composite video signal from the input YC signal and outputs it to the display unit 17. As a result, the second image recorded in the flash memory 19 is displayed on the display unit 17.

  If the plurality of second images are reduced, they may be displayed according to a predetermined arrangement. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of second images may be displayed in a list according to the order of recording date. If information specifying the first image is attached to the second image, this information may be displayed together with the second image.

  Among the second images displayed on the display unit 17, an image to be subjected to predetermined image processing (template composition, trimming, resizing, etc.) is selected with the cross key 2c, and the selected reduced image is further subjected to predetermined processing. Also good. Further, the second image to be copied to the memory card 4 or the second image to be deleted from the flash memory 19 is selected by the cross key 2c, and the selected second image is copied to the memory card 4 or deleted. Also good.

  Alternatively, the image in the flash memory 19 may be automatically deleted without depending on the user's selection operation.

  For example, the date / time information of the second image already stored in the flash memory 19 (information indicating various date / time recorded in the second image, such as a time stamp indicating the file creation date / update date / time, etc.) The second image having the old date and time indicated by the information is sequentially deleted until the necessary free space is secured. Normally, if the stored date / time information is old, it is considered that the possibility of handling the second image such as display / image processing / duplication is reduced. If necessary, the date and time information may be deleted sequentially from the new second image.

  Alternatively, when the CPU 10 calls the second image in the flash memory 19 in order to perform the second image display, reduction / enlargement display, list display, size conversion, template composition, etc., a management file that records the number of calls is stored. It is created in the flash memory 19 or the number of calls for each second image is updated and recorded for each call in the header portion of the image file of the second image. Then, the CPU 10 may refer to the number of calls in the header portion of the management file or the image file and delete it with priority from the second image with the few calls.

  Alternatively, the date and time information may be deleted preferentially from the second image that is old and has a small number of calls. Alternatively, the date / time information may be deleted preferentially from the second image whose date information is old and the number of calls is 0.

  An image that is not automatically deleted or a second image that is not deleted even if it is selected as an image to be deleted may be selected, and the selected image may be protected from deletion.

Second Embodiment
The first recording unit and the second recording unit may be sections provided on the same recording medium. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the memory card 4 is provided with a first storage area 4a and a second storage area 4b. The first storage area 4a and the second storage area 4b are physically distinguished (address etc.) or logically distinguished (partition etc.). If the first storage area 19a is the first recording section and the second storage area 19b is the second recording section, an image corresponding to the selection of the normal playback mode or the history playback mode, as in the first embodiment. Playback operation is possible.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the flash memory 19 is provided with a first storage area 19a and a second storage area 19b. The first storage area 19a and the second storage area 19b are physically or logically distinguished. Assuming that the first storage area 19a is the first recording section and the second storage area 19b is the second recording section, the image corresponding to the selection of the normal playback mode or the history playback mode as in the first embodiment. Playback operation is possible.

  Even if the first recording area 19a and the second recording area 19b are not distinguished from each other, the first image and the second image are separated from each other by some information such as a specific identifier given to the file name in the same storage area. May be separated. For example, the file name “xxxIMG1.jpg” with “IMG1” added to the file name of the first image and the file name “xxxIMG2.jpg” with “IMG2” added to the file name of the second image related to the first image. If it gives, CPU10 can identify that both are the 1st image and 2nd image which were related.

<Third Embodiment>
The first recording unit is not limited to a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the image recording apparatus 1, but may be a recording medium of an information device connected via a network.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, a communication unit 31 which is a communication interface provided in the image recording apparatus 1 and a communication apparatus (wireless LAN station, hub, router, etc.) provided outside the image recording apparatus 1. The image recording apparatus 1 and the file server 100 are connected via the communication unit 102. The hard disk unit (HDD) 101 provided in the file server 100 is used as the first recording unit, and the image recording apparatus 1 transmits the first image to the file server 100 and stores it in the HDD 101.

  The connection method between the communication unit 31 and the communication unit 102 is not particularly limited, and a method adopted in various types of communication between information terminals such as USB communication, the Internet, wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and infrared communication may be applied.

  On the other hand, the address of the file server 100 and the directory of the HDD 101, which are information indicating the storage destination of the first image, may be attached to the second image as information for specifying the first image.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the first image transmission operation from the image recording apparatus 1 to the file server 100.

  First, when the user presses the shutter button 2a, image data for still image recording is stored in the RAM 21 accordingly (S11). The image once stored in the RAM 21 is output to the display unit 17 (S12). In this state, the photographed image can be confirmed.

  When the start of image recording is instructed by pressing the menu / execution button 2b (“Y” in S13), the first signal processing circuit 14 performs predetermined image processing on the image data stored in the RAM 21, One image is transmitted to the file server 100 (S14). On the other hand, the image data in the RAM 21 is reduced by the second signal processing circuit 30 and recorded in the flash memory 19 as a second image (S15). When a button other than the menu / execution button 2b is operated (“N” in S13), the image data stored in the RAM 21 is deleted (S16).

  When the file server 100 receives the first image from the image recording apparatus 1, it stores it in the HDD 101. The file server 100 may notify the image recording apparatus 1 of information indicating the storage destination of the first image (storage destination information), and the image recording apparatus 1 may attach the notified storage destination information to the second image. .

  The timing at which the image recording apparatus 1 transmits the first image to the file server 100 is normally every time an image recording is instructed by pressing the shutter button 2a. However, the first image is temporarily buffered in the flash memory 19 or other storage means, and a certain timing (when communication between the image recording apparatus 1 and the file server 100 is established, or when the image recording apparatus 1 is in the wireless communication area) When the communication that has been moved outside and disconnected once moves into the wireless communication area and recovered, the buffered image data may be deleted after the transmission is completed.

  Further, the first image once transmitted to the file server 100 may be browsed by the image recording apparatus 1.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the first image transmission operation from the file server 100 to the image recording apparatus 1. First, the image recording apparatus 1 uses the cross key 2c to select a desired image (for example, the second image that the user wants to enlarge) of the second images in the flash memory 19 (S31), and when the second image is selected. The storage destination information of the file server 100 attached to the second image is acquired (S32). When the storage destination information is acquired, the file server 100 is requested to transmit the first image specified by the storage destination information (S33).

  Upon receiving the request, the file server 100 specifies the first image according to the storage location information (S34), and transmits the specified first image to the image recording apparatus 1 (S35).

  When receiving the first image from the file server 100, the image recording device 1 stores the first image in the flash memory 19. The flash memory is preferably provided with a first storage area for storing the received first image and a second storage area for storing the second image. Then, the first image is displayed on the display unit 17 in accordance with the selection of “normal playback mode”. If the second image selected in S31 and the first image received in S36 contain the same or similar contents, the brightness of the first image or the second image is reduced to distinguish them. It is preferable to distinguish the two by providing various display differences, such as adding a frame or marking.

  As described above, since the image recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment transmits the obtained first image to the file server 100, it is possible to take a large amount of images without worrying about the free space of the recording medium. There is no need to prepare a large capacity memory card 4.

  Hereinafter, a specific method of using the image recording system including the image recording apparatus 1 or the file server 100 according to the present invention will be described.

  This system is connected to each other by wireless communication, and is used in a limited area (facility) such as a theme park or a sightseeing spot. First, the image recording apparatus 1 is lent to a desired user, and an image is freely taken in the area. The captured images are transmitted to the file server 100 sequentially or collectively as long as the image recording apparatus 1 is in the communication area. Which image is to be transmitted is up to the user, and when an image recording operation (“Y” in S13) is performed, the image is transmitted and a reduced image is stored in the image recording apparatus 1. In order to specify which image is transmitted from which image recording apparatus 1, it is preferable that unique identification information is given to the image recording apparatus in advance, and the identification information is attached to the image to be transmitted.

  When shooting of the image is completed, the user returns the image recording apparatus to a predetermined location. Since only the reduced image is stored in the image recording apparatus 1, even if the user takes home the image recording apparatus 1 without permission, the reduced image cannot withstand printing or viewing. For this reason, it is expected that the user returns the image recording apparatus 1.

  Of course, if the memory card 4 is loaded in the image recording apparatus 1, an image may be recorded on the memory card. However, in order to prevent the image recording apparatus 1 from being taken home without permission, an anti-theft tag or the like is attached to the main body of the image recording apparatus 1 or an image print or image data is provided in exchange for returning the image recording apparatus 1 and the memory card 4 Good.

  The user pays a predetermined fee, specifies what he / she wants to print, and has the printer 200 connected to the file server 100 print it immediately.

  To designate an image to be printed, first, the image recording apparatus 1 and the file server 100 are connected, the mode switch 2d is set to “history reproduction mode” or “print mode” (not shown), and the image is recorded in the flash memory 19. After displaying the reduced image, the reduced image corresponding to the image to be printed is selected with the cross key 2c. Since the reduced image of the image transmitted to the server 100 in the past is stored in the image recording apparatus 1, it is easy to find out what kind of image has been recorded in the past, and it is easy to search and specify an image to be printed. The image recording apparatus 1 transmits the storage destination information attached to the selected reduced image to the server 100, so that the server 100 identifies the image that the user wants to print. When it is desired to take the image as data, the selected image may be recorded on various portable recording media such as a CD-R and then sold to the user.

  The reduced image stored in the returned image recording apparatus 1 is left without being deleted with the permission of the user, or a sample reduced image of a shooting spot is stored in the image recording apparatus 1 in advance. Then, the user who received the loan may be allowed to view the reduced image in the “history reproduction mode”. In this way, it is possible to give the user shooting spot information.

<Fourth embodiment>
The other party of communication by the communication unit 31 provided in the image recording apparatus 1 of the third embodiment is not limited to the file server 100, and may be another image recording apparatus 1 having an equivalent configuration.

  That is, as shown in the configuration diagram of the main part of FIG. 10, the first between the image recording apparatus 1-A including the communication unit 31-A and the image recording apparatus 1-B including the communication unit 31-B. The first image and the second image can be shared among the plurality of image recording apparatuses 1 by transmitting and receiving the image and the second image to each other.

  In this case, unlike the first embodiment, the first image received by one image recording apparatus 1-A from the other image recording apparatus 1-B is reduced by the second signal processing circuit 30-A and the second image is reduced. It is also possible to create it.

<Fifth Embodiment>
In the image recording apparatus 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments, the correspondence defining data for defining the correspondence between the first image and the second image obtained by reducing the first image is configured by a table, a file, a database, May be stored in the flash memory 19. When the history replay mode is being executed, when the operation unit 2 instructs the operation unit 2 to select a specific second image and to start predetermined image processing such as enlargement display for the second image, the corresponding specified data is stored. The first image corresponding to the selected second image may be read from the memory card 4, the flash memory 19, and the server 100 and displayed on the display unit 17. Since the image quality is better when the first image is displayed than when the second image is displayed electronically, it is convenient to enlarge the image during the history reproduction mode.

  If there is no data that defines the correspondence with respect to a certain second image, the second image in which the data that defines the correspondence exists, such as shading, luminance reduction, and frame surrounding, for example, during execution of the history reproduction mode. And visually distinguishable from each other.

  Note that if the storage destination of the first image is the server 100 as in the third embodiment, the storage destination information can be used as the correspondence defining data as it is.

1 is a rear view of an image recording apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment. Flow chart showing the flow of image recording processing Diagram showing a display example of a reduced image Block diagram of an image recording apparatus comprising a memory card provided with a first recording area and a second recording area Block diagram of an image recording apparatus comprising a flash memory provided with a first recording area and a second recording area Block diagram of an image recording apparatus according to the third embodiment Flow chart showing operation of first image transmission from image recording apparatus to file server Flowchart showing operation of first image transmission from file server to image recording apparatus Main part configuration diagram of image recording apparatuses communicating with each other

Explanation of symbols

4: Memory card, 10: CPU, 11: Imaging lens, 17: Display unit, 19: Flash memory

Claims (6)

An imaging unit that photoelectrically converts a subject image to obtain a subject image;
A first image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on the image;
A first recording unit for recording the image subjected to the predetermined image processing;
A second image processing unit for creating a reduced image that is an image obtained by reducing the image;
A second recording unit for recording the reduced image;
A reproduction mode setting unit for setting a normal reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying an image recorded in the first recording unit or a history reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying a reduced image recorded in the second recording unit;
A display control unit for reproducing and displaying the image or the reduced image according to the setting of the normal reproduction mode or the history reproduction mode;
An image recording apparatus comprising:   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit configured to transmit the image. A receiver for receiving images;
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first recording unit records an image received by the receiving unit.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first recording unit includes a removable recording medium.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second recording unit includes a recording medium built in the image recording apparatus.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first recording unit and the second recording unit are sections provided on the same recording medium.

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