U.S. patent application number 10/293495 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-10 for printing method and system for making print from photo picture frame and graphic image written by user.
This patent application is currently assigned to FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Kinjo, Naoto.
Application Number | 20030067631 10/293495 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27464334 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030067631 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kinjo, Naoto |
April 10, 2003 |
Printing method and system for making print from photo picture
frame and graphic image written by user
Abstract
An image of a picture frame photographed on a photo film is
displayed on a screen of an image input device, or is printed out
as a hard copy. A graphic image is written by a user in the image
of the picture frame, and graphic data of the graphic image is
detected from the image of the picture frame having the graphic
image written therein. The graphic data is associated with the
picture frame, and is transferred from the user to a photofinisher
through electronic transmission, or is recorded on a data recording
medium which is forwarded to the photofinisher along with the photo
film. A synthetic print containing the picture frame and the
graphic image is made from the picture frame and the graphic
data.
Inventors: |
Kinjo, Naoto; (Kanagawa,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington
DC
20037-3213
US
|
Assignee: |
FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
|
Family ID: |
27464334 |
Appl. No.: |
10/293495 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10293495 |
Nov 14, 2002 |
|
|
|
09035872 |
Mar 6, 1998 |
|
|
|
6519046 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.18 ;
358/1.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00161 20130101;
H04N 1/32133 20130101; H04N 2201/3245 20130101; H04N 2201/3271
20130101; H04N 1/00267 20130101; H04N 1/00392 20130101; H04N
1/00132 20130101; H04N 2201/3273 20130101; H04N 1/3871 20130101;
H04N 1/00167 20130101; H04N 1/0027 20130101; H04N 2201/3278
20130101; H04N 2201/3242 20130101; H04N 1/00145 20130101; H04N
1/00135 20130101; G03D 15/001 20130101; H04N 1/00164 20130101; H04N
1/00188 20130101; H04N 1/00137 20130101; H04N 1/3872 20130101; H04N
2201/3226 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.18 ;
358/1.15 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/00; G06K
015/12; G06F 003/13 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 17, 1997 |
JP |
9-63537 |
Mar 21, 1997 |
JP |
9-68438 |
Mar 24, 1997 |
JP |
9-69367 |
Mar 26, 1997 |
JP |
9-73033 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A printing method for making a print from a picture frame
photographed on a photo film and a graphic image written by a user,
the method comprising the steps of: A. picking up image data of the
picture frame after the photo film is developed; B. making an image
sample of the picture frame based on the image data of the picture
frame; C. writing the graphic image in the image sample at an
appropriate position; D. detecting graphic data of the graphic
image from the image sample having the graphic image written
therein, the graphic data including a position of the graphic image
relative to the picture frame; and E. making a print based on the
picture frame and the graphic data, the print containing the
graphic image at the position designated by the graphic data.
2. A printing method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step E
comprises the steps of synthesizing the graphic data with the image
data of the picture frame to provide synthetic image data, and
making a print based on the synthetic image data.
3. A printing method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the
steps of: sending, after the step B, the image sample from a
photofinisher to the user through electronic transmission; and
sending, after the step C, the image sample having the graphic
image written therein from the user back to the photofinisher
through electronic transmission.
4. A printing method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the
steps of: sending, after the step B, the image sample from a
photofinisher to the user through electronic transmission; and
sending, after the step D, the graphic data from the user back to
the photofinisher through electronic transmission.
5. A printing system for making a print from a picture frame
photographed on a photo film and a graphic image written by a user,
the system comprising: imaging means for picking image data of the
picture frame after the photo film is developed; image sample
making means for making an image sample of the picture frame based
on the image data of the picture frame, the image sample making
means installed in a photofinisher; electronic transmission means
for sending the image sample from the photofinisher to the user and
for sending the image sample having the graphic image written
therein from the user back to the photofinisher; detection means
for detecting graphic data of the graphic image from the image
sample having the graphic image written therein, the graphic data
including a position of the graphic image relative to the picture
frame, the detection means being installed in the photofinisher;
and printing means for making a print based on the picture frame
and the graphic data, the print containing the graphic image at the
position designated by the graphic data.
6. A printing system as claimed in claim 5, wherein facsimile is
used as the electronic transmission means, and the graphic image is
written by hand on a hard copy printed out through the
facsimile.
7. A printing system as claimed in claim 5, wherein comprises
personal computers are used as the electronic transmission means,
and the graphic image is written in the image sample displayed on a
screen of the personal computer.
8. A printing system of making a print from an image photographed
on a photo film, and a graphic image written by a user, the system
comprising: imaging means for picking up image data of the picture
frame after the photo film is developed; image sample making means
for making an image sample of the picture frame based on the image
data of the picture frame, the image sample making means installed
in a photofinisher; electronic transmission means for sending the
image sample from the photofinisher to the user; data input means
having a screen for displaying the image sample thereon, the data
input means allowing the user to write the graphic image in the
image sample displayed on the screen; detection means for detecting
graphic data of the graphic image written in the image sample from
data output from the data input means, the graphic data including a
position of the graphic image relative to the picture frame, the
detection means being installed in the user; electronic
transmission means for sending the graphic data from the user to
the photofinisher; and printing means for making a print based on
the picture frame and the graphic data, the print containing the
graphic image at the position designated by the graphic data.
9. A printing system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electronic
transmission means is constituted of personal computers installed
in the photofinisher and in the user, and the data input means and
the detection means are incorporated into or connected to the
personal computer of the user.
10. A printing method for making a print from a picture frame
photographed on a photo film and an image added by a user, the
method comprising the steps of: inputting ID data of the picture
frame in a data communication terminal; inputting image data of the
image to add in the data communication terminal; storing the input
image data of the image in association with the ID data of the
picture frame as a data file in the data communication terminal;
transferring the data file from the data communication terminal to
a data processing device installed in a photofinisher, as the photo
film is forwarded to the photofinisher for printing; and making a
print containing the added image and the picture frame based on the
picture frame and the data file.
11. A printing method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the ID data
of the picture frame is read from the photo film or a cartridge
thereof by a camera, and is sent from the camera to the data
communication terminal.
12. A printing method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the ID data
of the picture frame is read from the photo film by a photographic
image reproduction device which picks up image data of the picture
frame from the photo film after being developed, and displays an
image of the picture frame.
13. A printing method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the image to
add is input as a drawing in the data communication terminal
through a digitizer.
14. A printing method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the image to
add is input as characters in the data communication terminal
through character recognition.
15. A printing method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the image to
add is input as characters in the data communication terminal
through voice recognition.
16. A printing method for making a print from a picture frame
photographed on a photo film, and an image added by a user, the
method comprising the steps of: inputting image data of the image
to add in a data communication terminal; transferring the input
image data from the data communication terminal to a data recording
device; recording the input image data on a data recording medium
by the data recording device in association with the picture frame;
and making a print containing the picture frame and the added image
from the picture frame and the input image data read out from the
data recording medium.
17. A printing method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the data
recording medium is a magnetic recording layer of the photo film,
and a magnetic recording device incorporated into a camera is used
as the data recording device.
18. A printing method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the data
recording medium is a magnetic recording layer of the photo film,
whereas a magnetic recording device incorporated into a
photographic image reproduction device is used as the data
recording device, the photographic image reproduction device
picking up image data of the picture frame from the photo film
after being developed, to display an image of the picture
frame.
19. A printing method for making a print from a picture frame of a
photo film, and an image added by a user, the method comprising the
steps of: inputting image data of the image to add and ID code data
of the image in a data communication terminal; storing the input
image data and the ID code data in the data communication terminal;
transferring the ID code data to a data recording device; recording
the ID code data on a data recording medium by the data recording
device in association with the picture frame; forwarding the data
recording medium together with the photo film to a photofinisher
for printing; transferring the input image data and the ID code
data from the data communication terminal to a data processing
device installed in a photofinisher; correlating the input image
data with the picture frame with reference to the ID code data; and
making a print containing the picture frame and the added image
from the picture frame and the input image data.
20. A printing method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the data
recording medium is a magnetic recording layer of the photo film,
and the data recording device is a magnetic recording device
incorporated into a camera.
21. A printing method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the data
recording medium is a magnetic recording layer of the photo film,
and the data recording device is a magnetic recording device
incorporated into a photographic image reproduction device which
picks up image data of the picture frame from the photo film after
being developed, and displays an image of the picture frame.
22. A printing method for making a print from a picture frame
photographed on a photo film and an image added by a user, the
method comprising the steps of: recording date and time of
photography of the picture frame on the photo film along with each
picture frame by a camera; inputting image data of the image to add
in a data communication terminal; recording the input image data
along with date and time of inputting the image data as a data file
in the data communication terminal; transferring the data file from
the data communication terminal to a data processing device of a
photofinisher, as the photo film is forwarded to the photofinisher
for printing; correlating the input image data with the picture
frame by comparing the date and time of inputting the image data
with the date and time of photography; and making a print
containing the picture frame and the added image based on the
picture frame and the input image data.
23. A printing method for making a print from a picture frame
photographed on a photo film and a graphic image written by a user,
the method comprising the steps of: A. inputting graphic data of
the graphic image through an image input device; B. inputting edit
command data for designating printing style of the graphic image on
the print; C. recording the graphic data and the edit command data
on a data recording medium in association with the picture frame;
D. reading the graphic data and the edit command data from the data
recording medium; E. modifying the graphic data with the edit
command data; and F. making a print containing the picture frame
and the graphic image in the designated printing style, based on
the picture frame and the modified graphic data.
24. A printing method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the step F
comprises the steps of: picking up image data of the picture frame
from the photo film; synthesizing the modified graphic data with
the image data of the picture frame to provide synthetic image
data; and making a print based on the synthetic image data.
25. A printing method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the step F
comprises the steps of: printing the picture frame on photographic
paper; and superimposing the graphic image on the printed picture
frame based the modified graphic data.
26. A printing method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the step F
comprises the steps of: printing the picture frame on photographic
paper; and printing the graphic image on backside of the printed
picture frame based the modified graphic data.
27. A printing method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the edit
command data comprises data for designating an ornamental pattern
for converting pixels constituting the graphic image.
28. A printing method as claimed in claim 27, wherein a variety of
optional ornamental patterns are prepared for the user.
29. A printing method as claimed in claim 27, wherein a part of the
picture frame or an image produced by the user is used as an
ornamental pattern.
30. A printing method as claimed in claim 26, wherein a magnetic
recording layer of the photo film is used as the data recording
medium.
31. A method of editing photo picture frames on a screen comprising
the steps of: A. picking up image data of the picture frames from a
photo film; B. defining a pasteboard area on the screen; C.
selecting one of the picture frames; D. designating a display
position and a display style of the picture frame within the
pasteboard area; E. displaying the selected picture frame based on
the image data in the pasteboard area at the designated display
position in the designated display style in a real time fashion; F.
storing the designated display position and style along with a
serial number of the selected picture frame as edit data of the
selected picture frame; G. repeating the steps C to F; and H.
displaying, after the step G, a plurality of selected picture
frames in the pasteboard area at designated display positions in
designated display styles in the same sequence as in the steps C
and D, based on the edit data of the selected picture frames.
32. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the step C comprising
the steps of: displaying the picture frames in rows on the screen
beside the pasteboard area based on the image data; and selecting
one of the displayed picture frames on the screen.
33. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the edit data further
comprises data indicating movement of the picture frame on the
screen during edition process.
34. A method as claimed in claim 31, further comprising the steps
of recording the edit data of a plurality of selected picture
frames time-sequentially on a data recording medium before the step
H, so the step H is conducted while reading the edit data of the
selected picture frames from the data recording medium.
35. A method as claimed in claim 31, further comprising the steps
of: freezing the pasteboard area at an appropriate time during the
step H; and making a hard copy of the freezed pasteboard area based
on the image data and the edit data.
36. An apparatus for editing photo picture frames on a screen
comprising: imaging means for picking up image data of the picture
frames from a photo film; memory means for storing the image data;
operation means for selecting one of the picture frames, and
designating a display position and a display style of the selected
picture frame within a pasteboard area on the screen; memory means
for storing the designated display position and style along with a
serial number of the selected picture frame as edit data of the
selected picture frame; recording means for recording the edit data
of a plurality of selected picture frames in a time sequential
fashion on a data recording medium; and display means for
displaying the selected picture frame based on the image data in
the pasteboard area at the designated display position in the
designated style in cooperation with the operation means, and for
displaying the plurality of selected picture frames in the
pasteboard area at designated display positions in designated
display styles in the time sequential fashion based on the edit
data of the plurality of picture frames recorded on the data
recording medium.
37. An apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein the display means
displays based on the image data the picture frames in rows on the
screen beside the pasteboard area; and one of the displayed picture
frames is selected by a pointer of the operation means.
38. An apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein the recording
means is a magnetic recording device for recording the edit data on
a magnetic recording layer of the photo film.
39. An apparatus as claimed in claim 36, further comprising an
operation means for freezing the pasteboard area at an appropriate
time while the picture frames are time sequentially displayed in
the pasteboard area, and an output for sending the image data and
the edit data to a printer for making a hard copy of the freezed
pasteboard area.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a printing method and
system for making print from a photo picture frame and a graphic
image written by a user, such as characters and drawings written by
hand or a tough pen or the like, or input through a keyboard, an
image input terminal, a character recognition device, or the like.
The present invention relates also to a method of editing photo
picture frames on a screen, and an apparatus therefor.
[0003] 2. Background Arts
[0004] A new type photo film, called IX 240 type, has been
developed and brought into market. The IX 240 type photo film has a
transparent magnetic recording layer thereon, so it is possible to
record data on or read data from the magnetic recording layer by a
magnetic recording device or a magnetic reading device, which may
be incorporated into a camera, a film scanner, a photo printer, or
a photographic image reproduction device called photo player.
[0005] The data recorded for each picture frame by the camera may
include the frame serial number, the date and time of photography,
the exposure value used for the picture frame, the kind of light
source, the requisite number of prints, the print format like
panoramic size, high-vision size or conventional 35 mm film frame
size. The printer controls the print-exposure value, the number of
prints made from each picture frame, the print format based on the
data read from the magnetic recording layer.
[0006] It has also been suggested to record data of titles,
messages, notes, or greetings, which are given by the photographer
to selected picture frames, on the magnetic recording layer in
association with the selected picture frame, so the printer prints
the title, note or message in combination with the picture
frame.
[0007] However, it has been difficult to input and record data of
appropriate words through a camera. Therefore, the photographer is
only allowed to choose one of options prepared in the camera, like
"A Happy New Year", "Graduation Ceremony", and the chosen title or
message is recorded in the form of a code. Besides, the
photographer cannot freely choose the position of the words
relative to the picture frame, but is allowed to choose among
several predetermined locations inside, outside and backside the
printed picture frame.
[0008] In the conventional cameras, the photographer cannot design
the font or style of the merge-printed or superimposed characters.
It is also impossible for the photographer to enter data of
handwritten characters or drawings to synthesize them with the
photographed picture frame.
[0009] Even through IX 240 photo film has the magnetic recording
layer, cheap compact cameras and lens-fitted photographic film
units are not provided with the magnetic recording device for the
magnetic recording layer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention
is to provide a printing method and system which allows making a
print from a photo picture frame and a graphic image written by the
user, including characters and drawings, without the need for
recording data on the magnetic recording layer of the photo film or
other data recording medium by the camera.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
printing method which allows the user to add any image, including
characters, drawings, and a still video image, to an image of a
photo picture frame at an appropriate position in an appropriate
style.
[0012] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides
a printing method for making a print from a picture frame
photographed on a photo film and a graphic image written by a user,
the method is comprised of the following steps: picking up image
data of the picture frame after the photo film is developed; making
an image sample of the picture frame based on the image data of the
picture frame; writing the graphic image in the image sample at an
appropriate position; detecting graphic data of the graphic image
from the image sample having the graphic image written therein, the
graphic data including a position of the graphic image relative to
the picture frame; and making a print based on the picture frame
and the graphic data, the print containing the graphic image at the
position designated by the graphic data.
[0013] According to the present invention, a printing system for
making a print from a picture frame photographed on a photo film
and a graphic image written by a user, is comprised of imaging
means for picking image data of the picture frame after the photo
film is developed; image sample making means for making an image
sample of the picture frame based on the image data of the picture
frame, the image sample making means installed in a photofinisher;
electronic transmission means for sending the image sample from the
photofinisher to the user and for sending the image sample having
the graphic image written therein from the user back to the
photofinisher; detection means for detecting graphic data of the
graphic image from the image sample having the graphic image
written therein, the graphic data including a position of the
graphic image relative to the picture frame, the detection means
being installed in the photofinisher; and printing means for making
a print based on the picture frame and the graphic data, the print
containing the graphic image at the position designated by the
graphic data.
[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic
transmission means is facsimile, and the graphic image is written
by hand on a hard copy printed out through the facsimile.
[0015] The present invention also provides a printing method for
making a print from a picture frame photographed on a photo film
and an image added by a user, the method is comprised of the
following steps: inputting ID data of the picture frame in a data
communication terminal; inputting image data of the image to add in
the data communication terminal; storing the input image data of
the image in association with the ID data of the picture frame as a
data file in the data communication terminal; transferring the data
file from the data communication terminal to a data processing
device installed in a photofinisher, as the photo film is forwarded
to the photofinisher for printing; and making a print containing
the added image and the picture frame based on the picture frame
and the data file.
[0016] Another printing method of the present invention for making
a print from a picture frame photographed on a photo film and an
image added by a user, is comprised of the following steps:
inputting image data of the image to add in a data communication
terminal; transferring the input image data from the data
communication terminal to a data recording device; recording the
input image data on a data recording medium by the data recording
device in association with the picture frame; and making a print
containing the picture frame and the added image from the picture
frame and the input image data read out from the data recording
medium.
[0017] The data recording medium is preferably a magnetic recording
layer of the photo film, while the data recording device is a
magnetic recording device which is incorporated into a camera or
into a photographic image reproduction device. The photographic
image reproduction device picks up image data of the picture frame
from the photo film after being developed, and displays an image of
the picture frame.
[0018] Another printing method of the present invention for making
a print from a picture frame photographed on a photo film and a
graphic image written by a user is comprised of the following
steps: inputting graphic data of the graphic image through an image
input device; inputting edit command data for designating printing
style of the graphic image on the print; recording the graphic data
and the edit command data on a data recording medium in association
with the picture frame; reading the graphic data and the edit
command data from the data recording medium; modifying the graphic
data with the edit command data; and making a print containing the
picture frame and the graphic image in the designated printing
style, based on the picture frame and the modified graphic
data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The above and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments when read in connection
with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of
illustration only and thus are not limitative of the present
invention, wherein like reference numerals designate like or
corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a synthetic printing
system according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIGS. 2A and 2B are plan views illustrating an example of
synthetic-print ordering form used in the synthetic printing system
of FIG. 1, before and after being filled with words to
synthesize;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of ordering and
making synthetic prints that uses the synthetic printing system of
FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating another example of
synthetic-print ordering form used in the synthetic printing system
of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating another method of
ordering and making synthetic prints that uses personal computers
instead of facsimile apparatuses;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating another method of
ordering and making synthetic prints;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data input
system for inputting data of a graphic image to synthesize with a
photographic image, according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of inputting
and synthesizing words as a graphic image with a photographic image
using the data input system of FIG. 7;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data input
system using a photo player according to another embodiment of the
invention;
[0029] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of
writing words on a data communication terminal apparatus;
[0030] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view illustrating another example
of writing words on the data communication terminal apparatus;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating essential
features of a data input system according to another embodiment of
the invention;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram illustrating essential
features of a data input system according to a further embodiment
of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram illustrating essential
features of a data input system according to still another
embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a camera with a
data input device for inputting data of a graphic image to
synthesize with a photographic image;
[0035] FIG. 16 is an explanatory view illustrating an IX 240 type
filmstrip;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a printer for use with the
camera of FIG. 15;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an operation sequence
of the camera of FIG. 15;
[0038] FIGS. 19A and 19B are explanatory views illustrating one
pixel of the graphic image and an ornamental pattern corresponding
to the one pixel;
[0039] FIGS. 20A and 20B are explanatory views illustrating a
portion of a graphic image and a corresponding portion of a
modified image obtained by converting each pixel into the
ornamental pattern of FIG. 19B;
[0040] FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating an operation sequence
of the printer of FIG. 17;
[0041] FIGS. 22A and 22B are explanatory views illustrating a
portion of a graphic image and a corresponding portion of a
modified image obtained by converting each pixel into another
ornamental pattern;
[0042] FIGS. 23A and 23B are explanatory views illustrating an
example of producing an ornamental pattern from a part of a
photographic image;
[0043] FIGS. 24A and 24B are explanatory views illustrating portion
of a graphic image and a corresponding portion of a modified image
obtained by converting each pixel into the ornamental pattern of
FIG. 23B;
[0044] FIGS. 25A and 25B are explanatory views illustrating an
example of producing an ornamental pattern from a drawing;
[0045] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of a printer for making a
synthetic print, wherein a graphic image is printed by a digital
printing section after a picture frame is printed at one exposure
onto color photographic paper;
[0046] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of a printer for making a
synthetic print, wherein a graphic image is printed in the same
exposure station as used for printing a picture frame on color
photographic paper;
[0047] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image editing
monitoring apparatus according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0048] FIG. 29 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of
display on a monitor screen of the image editing monitoring
apparatus of FIG. 28 in an edition mode;
[0049] FIG. 30 is an explanatory view illustrating a frame shape
selection table available on the monitor screen in the edition
mode;
[0050] FIG. 31 is a table diagram illustrating an example of edit
data stored in an edit memory of the image editing monitoring
apparatus of FIG. 28;
[0051] FIG. 32 is an explanatory view illustrating a display time
duration set up table available on the monitor screen in the
edition mode;
[0052] FIG. 33 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of
time-sequential display of several edition processes on a
pasteboard area in a monitor mode; and
[0053] FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating a
printer-processor applicable to making a hard copy of an image of
the pasteboard area.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0054] FIG. 1 shows a synthetic printing system 10 constituted of a
film scanner 11 and a digital printer 12, which are installed in a
photo-lab of a photofinisher, and of a facsimile device (FAX) 13
installed in a user that orders printing to the photofinisher. The
film scanner 11 is constituted of a film carrier 15, an imaging
section 16, an input image memory 17, a process controller 18, an
image processor 20, a work memory 21, a data memory, and a fax
modem 23.
[0055] The film carrier 15 consists of several pairs of film feed
rollers 30 and a motor 31 for rotating the feed rollers 30. The
motor 31 is driven by a process controller 18 through a driver 31a
to feed a developed photo film 32 successively to an imaging stage
33. The imaging section 16 is disposed above the imaging stage 33,
whereas a light source section 34 is disposed below the imaging
stage 33. The light source section 34 consists of a fluorescent
light tube 35 emitting light with a suitable properties for the
photo film 32, a reflector 36 and a diffusion plate 37. The imaging
section 16 consists of a lens and a line image sensor. The imaging
section 16 scans the image of each picture frame on the photo film
32 synchronously with the film feeding, and detects three color
separated image data. The image data is written in the input image
memory 17.
[0056] The image processor 20 extracts those image data pieces
belonging to the individual picture frame from the image data
written in the input image memory 17. Specifically, the image
processor 20 detects an edge of one picture frame and determines
one image area based on the detected edge and a predetermined film
feeding length for one picture frame. Then, the image processor 20
sorts out the image data pieces contained in the image area.
Thereafter, the image processor 20 processes the image data pieces
to correct gradation, density and color balance. If the photo film
32 is a negative film, the image processor 20 conducts a
negative-to-positive conversion.
[0057] The image processor 20 also produces image samples to be
made from the picture frames on the photo film 32. The process
controller 18 sends data of the image samples through the fax modem
23 to the FAX 13, so the FAX 13 prints out a hard copy P1 of the
image samples F. As shown for example in FIG. 2A, the image samples
F of six picture frames are printed as black-and-white half-tone
images on a A4-size sheet 40. When the photo film 32 is a
24-exposure filmstrip, four sheets 40 containing six image samples
F each are printed out in series from the FAX 13.
[0058] The fax number of the user is written on a designated
envelope when the photo film 32 is received from the user to the
photofinisher or the photofinisher's agency, and is input through a
keyboard 26 into the film scanner 11 prior to scanning the photo
film 32 of that user. It is alternatively possible to input the fax
number into a reception processing device at the photofinisher or
the photofinisher's agency, to send the fax number from the
reception processing device to the film scanner 11.
[0059] Under each image sample F are provided a frame number N and
a frame ID bar code B. The frame ID bar code B is composed of a
reception number and the frame number of each picture frame. The
reception number is given to each individual photo film 32 upon
receipt of the photo film 32 to the photofinisher or the
photofinisher's agency. The reception number and its bar code are
printed on a label, and the label is put on a not-shown designated
envelope for the photo film 32 as well as on the photo film 32.
Below the six image samples F are printed a user ID number 41 and
its bar code 42 as well as a reception number 43 and its bar code
44, wherein the reception number 43 is identical to the reception
number of the photo film 32. The user uses each sheet 40 containing
the image samples F and their related data as a synthetic-print
ordering form P1.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 2B, the user can handwrite words M1 to M4
directly in the image samples F of desired picture frames on the
synthetic-print ordering form P1 in appropriate styles. A
synthetic-print ordering form filled with the words M1 to M4 will
be hereinafter referred to as the synthetic-print ordering paper
P2. Thereafter, the user sends the synthetic-print ordering paper
P2 back to the photofinisher through the FAX 13. The content of the
synthetic-print ordering paper P2 is converted into image data
through a fax 1o modem 23, and is sent to the image processor
20.
[0061] The image processor 20 compares the content of the
synthetic-print ordering paper 2 with the content of the
corresponding synthetic-print ordering form P1, to extract data of
the words M1 to M4 written by the user, including the position
within the picture frame and the density of pixels constituting the
words M1 to M4. Thereafter, the image processor 20 treats the data
of the words M1 to M4 with necessary processing steps for
compounding or synthesizing it with the image data, such as
resolution matching, noise reduction, smoothing, color conversion
into designated colors. Character image data obtained through these
processes is then synthesized with the image data of the designated
picture frames. The synthetic image data is sent to the digital
printer 12.
[0062] The process controller 18 is a microcomputer which controls
the respective elements of the film scanner 11 in a sequential
fashion, to execute the above described operations of the film
scanner 11. For this purpose, a mouse 27 and a monitor 28 are also
connected to the process controller 18.
[0063] Based on the synthetic image data, the digital printer 12
scans a photographic material with a printing light beam to record
a synthetic image on the photographic material. The photographic
material is heat developed, and the recorded image is transferred
to an image receptive sheet, producing a hard copy 45 of the
picture frame synthesized with the words. The digital printer 12 is
not to be limited to the heat developed transfer printer, but may
be a silver-salt photographic printer, an ink-jet printer, an ink
transfer thermal printer, a direct thermosensitive printer.
[0064] Now the operation sequence of the synthetic printing system
10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.
[0065] First, the user orders the photofinisher to develop a photo
film and synthesize words with photographic images. If the user is
not registered with the photofinisher, the photofinisher gives a
user ID number to the user, and registers the user's name, address,
telephone number, fax number and other user data. Thereafter, a
reception number is given to the individual photo film by putting a
label with the reception number and its bar code onto the photo
film 32 and the designated envelope enclosing the photo film.
Instead of using the reception number, it is possible to use a
serial number in combination with each user ID number, or an ID
number that is previously printed on the designated envelope.
[0066] The exposed photo film is developed in a conventional
manner, and the developed photo film 32 is set in the film scanner
11. The film scanner 11 feeds the photo film 32 continuously
through the film carrier 15, and scans the photo film through the
imaging section 16 synchronously with the film feeding. The three
color image data detected through the imaging section 16 is written
for each color in the input image memory 17. The image processor 20
extracts those image data pieces which belong to each picture frame
from the three color image data written in the input image memory
17. The image processor 20 produces a black-and-white half-tone
image as an image sample from the image data of each picture frame,
and composes data of the synthetic-print ordering form P1
containing six image samples F in one sheet. The data of the
synthetic-print ordering form P1 is sent to the FAX 13 of the user.
If the photo film 32 is 24-exposure type, four sheets of
synthetic-print ordering form P1 are printed out through the FAX 13
on A4 size sheets 40.
[0067] The user observes the image samples F on the synthetic-print
ordering form P1, and writes appropriate words M1 to M4 in the
image samples F of desired picture frames. Thus, the
synthetic-print ordering paper P2 filled with the words M1 to M4 is
sent back to the photofinisher through the FAX 13. The fax modem 23
converts the content of the synthetic-print ordering paper P2 into
image data, and sends it to the work memory 21 and the image
processor 20.
[0068] The image processor 20 extracts the content of the words M1
to M4 as image data by comparing the synthetic-print ordering form
P1 with the synthetic-print ordering paper P2. The image processor
20 then determines the position of the words M1 to M4 in the
synthetic-print ordering paper P2, and synthesizes the character
image data of each unit of the words M1 to M4 with the pictorial
image data of the associated picture frame based on the determined
position.
[0069] The synthetic image data is sent to the digital printer 12,
which prints out a hard copy 45 containing the image of the picture
frame synthesized with the words Ml. A simulation image of the hard
copy of the picture frame synthesized with the words Ml may be
displayed on the monitor 28 for visual confirmation.
[0070] Due to the sending and receiving process through the FAX 13,
i.e. the image printing on the sheet 40 and the image reading from
the sheet 40, the image quality of the synthetic-print ordering
paper P2 gets worse than that of the synthetic-print ordering
format P1 at the photofinisher side. Therefore it is desirable to
cope with the quality deterioration by use of a density reference
chart, by limiting the density range, and/or by taking an edge
imaging method or the like.
[0071] FIG. 4 shows an example of using a density reference chart,
wherein a gray scale 46 is sent as a density reference chart
together with a synthetic-print ordering form P3. The gray scale 46
consists of 256 tonal levels ranging from 0 to 255. The
photofinisher compares the gray scale 46 on a synthetic-print
ordering paper corresponding the synthetic-print ordering form P3
as received from the user, with the original gray scale 46, to
determine the quality deterioration characteristics. The
photofinisher then determines correction amounts for compensating
for the deterioration. Thereby, the deterioration is mostly
corrected.
[0072] Limiting the density range is to limit the maximum density
level of the sending images to be lower than the maximum density
given by the density resolution power of the FAX 13 on the user
side. In that case, the user is required to write the words in the
received ordering form by use of black ink. As the words written by
the black ink constitute the maximum density portions on the
ordering paper, it is easy to extract the words from the image data
received from the user through the FAX 13 and the fax modem 23.
[0073] According to the edge imaging method, the sending images are
subjected to an edge extraction process, binarizing and thinning.
Thereby, the edges or the contour of the images are provided as
image samples of the respective picture frames. The user can write
the words into the image samples even if the image samples only
schematically show the scenes of the respective picture frames. The
photofinisher receives binarized image data consisting of the
synthesized words and the contour of the scene from the user, and
extracts the synthesized words based on the difference between the
received image data and the sent image data. If some characters of
the synthesized words overlap or cross the scene contour, pixels of
the overlapped part are subjected to a dilation and erosion process
to recover the continuity of the synthesized words.
[0074] When the density resolution power of the FAX 13 is large
enough, it is unnecessary to binarize the image data. Furthermore,
it is possible to select appropriate one or more of the above
compensation methods according to the density resolution power of
the FAX 13. For example, the photofinisher initially checks the
density resolution power of the FAX 13 of one user by use of the
synthetic-print ordering form P3 with the density reference chart
46, and memorizes the density resolution power with the user's
address, name, fax number, and other user-related data in the form
of a data base. Thereafter, based on the density resolution power
retrieved from the data base, an optimum method is selected for
each FAX 13.
[0075] In a case where the FAX 13 can only print out a hard copy on
a sheet of a different size, e.g. B5 or B4, from the original size,
i.e. A4 size, the subsequent synthetic-print ordering paper will be
sent back to the photofinisher in the different size from the
original. In order to ensure extracting the synthesized words even
on the different size sheets, it is necessary to correlate the
respective picture frames by use of the frame number bar codes B,
and adjust the positions of the picture frames by use of frame
marks. The frame borders bounding the respective picture frames are
printed in different sizes, so it is possible to determine the
print magnification rate with reference to the frame borders. Based
on the determined print magnification rate, each received image
sample is enlarged or reduced to adjust to the size of the
originally sent image samples.
[0076] It is possible to provide a blank in the synthetic-print
ordering form for writing other orders therein. For example, the
blank includes a reprinting order cell, a trimming order cell, a
main subject designating cell, and so forth. In the reprinting
order cell, the user can write the numbers of the picture frames to
reprint, the requisite number of prints to be made from the
individual picture frame. The trimming order cell is for writing a
trimming order. In addition, a trimming frame is written on the
image sample of the picture frame to trim. The main subject
designating cell is for designating the main subject within a
scene. A main subject is designated by circling it on the image
sample of the picture frame concerned. Thereby, the photofinisher
can finish the print so as to make the designated main subject
optimum. It is possible to designate color and line width of
characters of the synthetic-print.
[0077] According to the above embodiment, the synthetic-print
ordering form P1 and the synthetic-print ordering paper P2 are
faxed through the FAX 13 between the photofinisher and the user.
But it is also possible to send the synthetic-print ordering form
and paper through personal computers (PC), as shown in FIG. 5. In
that case, the synthetic-print ordering form P1 is displayed on the
display device of the personal computer, and the words to
synthesize are written on the displayed image through a keyboard, a
mouse, a light pen, or the like. Data of the written words are
transferred to the photofinisher along with data of the frame
borders and the bar code of each image sample. In this case, the
photofinisher does not need to extract the words from the image
data based on the difference between the data sent to the user and
the data received from the user, so that data communication for the
synthetic-printing between the user and the photofinisher will be
more simplified.
[0078] It is possible to make a hard copy of the synthetic-print
ordering form through a printer that is connected to the personal
computer, and write the words on the hard copy of the ordering
form. In that case, the hard copy of the ordering form filled with
the words, i.e. the synthetic-print ordering paper, is scanned
through an image scanner that is connected to the personal
computer, so the scanned data of the synthetic-print ordering paper
is transferred to the photofinisher. The photofinisher extracts
data of the words from the received data based on the difference
between the originally sent data and the received data.
[0079] Instead of extracting the data of the words, it is possible
to send only the data of the words to the photofinisher. In that
case, the frame number and frame borderlines of each picture frame
are displayed on the display device of the personal computer, to
permit writing the words inside the frame borderlines. It is also
possible to write the words in a particular color different from
black, scan the ordering paper by a color scanner, and extract data
of the words by designating the particular color. Thereafter, the
extracted data of the words is sent to the photofinisher along with
data of the frame borderlines and the frame number bar code of the
associated picture frame.
[0080] The user can write in the words to synthesize on the
synthetic-print ordering form that is printed out through a printer
installed in the photofinisher or the photofinisher's agency, as
shown in FIG. 6. The user can also enter the words on the personal
computer at the photofinisher by use of a mouse, a light pen, or
the like.
[0081] When writing in the words on the synthetic-print ordering
form, the image samples on the ordering form are preferably
constituted of line drawings produced through edge extraction of
the images. In that case, it is desirable to prepare an index print
containing reduced images of all picture frames taken on one
filmstrip so the user may refer to the index print when writing the
words in the image samples consisting of line drawings.
[0082] In the above embodiment, each synthetic-print ordering form
is printed out on a A4 size sheet, and contains six image samples.
But the size of the ordering form and the number of image samples
may vary appropriately.
[0083] The photo film 32 can be ISO 135 type or IX 240 type, or any
other type. Since the IX 240 type photo filmstrip is previously
provided with a film ID number each, it is unnecessary to give a
new one to the filmstrip at the time of reception. In addition, it
is possible to record the data of the words to synthesize on the
magnetic recording layer of the IX 240 type photo filmstrip. The
data on the magnetic recording layer can be used for reproducing
the image synthesized with the words at the reprinting or on a
photo player that displays the image based on image data picked up
from the photo filmstrip.
[0084] Although the above embodiment has been described with
respect to those cases where words are synthesized with
photographic images, the synthetic printing system of the present
invention is applicable to synthesizing any graphic image written
by the user, illustrations and drawings, with the photographic
image in the same way as for the words.
[0085] Although the above embodiment uses the digital printer 12
alone, it is possible, for those picture frames having no
additional image, to synthesize to use a conventional photo printer
which records a picture frame at one exposure.
[0086] FIG. 7 shows a data input system for inputting data of a
graphic image to synthesize with a photographic image photographed
by a camera, according to an embodiment of the invention. The
graphic image may be characters, illustrations, or drawings. The
data input system consists of the camera 50 and a data
communication terminal apparatus 51. Hereinafter, the data
communication terminal apparatus 51 will be simply called the data
terminal. In this embodiment, the camera 50 is designed for use
with an IX 240 type photo film cartridge 52. The camera 50 has a
device for recording photo data on the transparent magnetic
recording layer 53a of a photo filmstrip 53 of IX 240 type through
a magnetic head 54. The camera 50 also has a device for sending
data of a film ID number of the loaded filmstrip 53 and a frame
serial number of each picture frame as soon as it is photographed
to an external apparatus through a connector 55 and a connection
cord 56. In this embodiment, the film ID number is a cartridge ID
number recorded on a label on the film cartridge 52, which is read
by a reading device provided in the camera 50.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, the data terminal 51 is an electronic
pocketbook with an LCD 60 and a touch pen 61. The data terminal 51
functions as a calendar, a memo book, and an address book like a
conventional electronic pocketbook. The data terminal 51 also
functions as a data communication device for communicating data
with other data terminals such as other electronic pocketbooks and
personal computers, and with the camera 50 of the present invention
as well. However, the data terminal 51 is not limited to the
electronic pocketbook, but may be any other apparatus having a data
input device such as a touch pen, a touch panel sensor, a light
pen, a keyboard or the like.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 8, each time a picture frame is
photographed by the camera 50, data of the photography date and
time, data for improving the quality of print, data of the
requisite number of prints, data of print type, and other various
data is recorded on the magnetic recording layer 53a. Concurrently,
the number of photographed picture frames is stored in a memory of
the camera 50, and is displayed on a display device of the camera
50. It is possible to display the number of still available picture
frames in place of the number of photographed picture frames.
[0089] Thereafter, the camera 50 is connected to the data terminal
51 through the connection cord 56. Thereby, the film ID number and
the frame serial number of the just photographed picture frame are
sent as film ID data and frame ID data to the data terminal 51.
[0090] When the photographer wishes to synthesize words with the
image of the picture frame, the words are written in a handwriting
area on the LCD 60 by use of the touch pen 61. The user may choose
whether to synthesize the handwritten characters of the words
directly as they are or after converting into printing types of an
appropriate font. When the user chooses the handwritten characters,
the words are stored as handwriting data in a memory 62. When the
printing types are chosen, character data obtained through a
character recognition process is stored in the memory 62.
[0091] In the data terminal 51, a data file is prepared for one
picture frame. The data file consists of a header section and a
data section. The header section consists of file name data, the
film ID data and the frame ID data. The file name data is used for
identifying each individual data file within the data terminal 51.
The data section consists of the handwriting data or the character
data. For brevity sake, the handwriting data and the character data
will commonly be referred to as word data. If the photographer
wishes to synthesize the same words with a plurality of picture
frames, frame serial numbers of these picture frames are registered
as the frame ID data in the data file.
[0092] When the filmstrip 53 is forwarded to a photofinisher for
development and printing, the data files are transferred to a
memory device installed in the photofinisher. The photofinisher
reads out the data files from the memory device, synthesizes the
word data with image data of the assigned picture frame to print
the picture frame with the words, and makes a synthetic print
containing the image of the picture frame combined with the words.
Instead of merge-printing the words in the image of the picture
frame, it is possible to print the words on the back side of the
photo prints. In that case, back-print designation data is recorded
in the header section of the corresponding data file. It is
alternatively possible to transfer the data file through telephone
lines to a photofinisher's data base.
[0093] Data communication between the camera 50 and the data
terminal 51 may be a cordless type. For example, an infrared
transmission, an electronic wave transmission or the like is
available.
[0094] To apply the data input system to a lens-fitted photo film
unit or a cheap camera that has no magnetic recording device, the
photographer inputs the word data through the data terminal 51 in
association with the frame serial number alone. Thereafter when the
exposed film unit or the photo filmstrip exposed in the cheap
camera is forwarded to the photofinisher, the film ID data of the
concerned filmstrip is added to the data files, and the data files
are transferred to the memory device of the photofinisher.
[0095] As a cartridge ID number is not readable from the film unit
during the photography, a previously registered user ID number may
be registered in the data file as a film ID number, or a reception
number given at the time of print order reception may be used as a
film ID number. The user ID number or the reception may be kept
being used as the film ID number throughout the printing, or may be
rewritten with the cartridge ID number before the printing as the
photo film cartridge is removed from the unit body.
[0096] Since the camera 50 records the date and time of photography
on the magnetic recording layer of the filmstrip at each
photography, it is preferable to record the time when the words are
written on the data terminal 51 along with the word data. Thereby,
it becomes unnecessary to transfer the film ID data and the frame
ID data from the camera 50 to the data terminal 51. The
photographer has only to forward the data files together with the
photo film cartridge to the photofinisher on the print ordering.
The photofinisher correlates each picture frame with the word data
whose writing time is later than and nearest to the photography
time of the picture frame, when making a synthetic-print.
[0097] According to another method of the present invention, the
data file is transferred from the data terminal 51 to the camera
50, and the word data is recorded on the magnetic recording layer
53a of the filmstrip 53 through the magnetic head 54 in association
with the respective picture frames. Word data may be input in the
data terminal 51 and transferred to the camera 50 prior to the
photography. In that case, the word data is recorded on the
magnetic recording layer 53a while the filmstrip 53 is advanced by
one frame after the photography of one picture frame. It is
alternatively possible to record the word data for the respective
designated picture frames while the filmstrip 53 is rewound into
the cartridge 52 after the completion of all available exposures.
In that case, the data terminal 51 prepares the word data in
association with each designated picture frame, and transfers it to
the camera 50.
[0098] Word data may also be input after the development of photo
films. FIG. 9 shows a data input system for developed photographic
images, wherein a photo film cartridge 52 containing a developed
photo filmstrip 53 is set in a conventional photo player 63. The
photo player 63 displays each picture frame of the filmstrip 53 on
a monitor 68, so the user can input words in the data terminal 51
by writing the words on the LCD 60 by use of the touch pen 61,
while observing the monitor 68. The photo player 63 is provided
with a scanning section 64 for imaging the respective picture
frames of the filmstrip 53, and an image processing section 65 for
processing image data from the scanning section 64 to display the
individual picture frame on the monitor 68 based on the image data.
The photo player 63 is further provided with a magnetic read-write
head 66 and a read-write section 67, so the photo player 63 can
read the film ID number and the frame serial number from the
magnetic recording layer 53a of the filmstrip 53. The read-write
section 67 sends data of the film ID number and the frame serial
number to the data terminal 51 through a connection cord 68. The
data terminal 51 produces a data file for one picture frame in the
same way as described above. The data files are transferred from
the data terminal 51 to the memory device of the photofinisher, so
that the photofinisher makes prints synthesized with the words.
[0099] Instead of transferring the data files from the data
terminal 51 to the memory device of the photofinisher, it is
possible to transfer the data files to the photo player 63. Then,
the photo player 63 records the word data on the magnetic recording
layer 53a in association with the designated picture frames through
the read-write section 67 and the magnetic read-write head 56. In
this case, it is unnecessary to bring the data terminal 51 to the
photofinisher.
[0100] As a data communication terminal for inputting word data in
combination with the photo player 63, a personal computer may be
used in place of the data terminal 51. It is also possible to use a
film scanner in combination with a personal computer for
reproducing images of the picture frames on the developed filmstrip
53, without using the photo player 63. In that case, the user input
word data in the personal computer by use of a mouse, a touch pen
or the like, while the concerned picture frame is displayed on the
personal computer. The word data is recorded on the magnetic
recording layer 53a of the filmstrip 53 if the film scanner has a
magnetic recording device. If not, data files are prepared in the
personal computer, and are written in a data recording medium such
as a floppy disc. Then, the data recording medium is forwarded to
the photofinisher.
[0101] According to another embodiment, ID code data is stored in
the memory 62 of the data terminal 51 along with each word data
assigned to one picture frame. The ID code data has a very shorter
length than the word data. Only the ID code data is transferred to
the camera 50 or the photo player 63, and is written on the
magnetic recording layer 53a of the filmstrip 53. Thereafter, the
word data and the ID code data is transferred from the data
terminal 51 to the memory device of the photofinisher. According to
this method, a larger number of words can be synthesized with the
photo print compared with the above embodiments where the word data
itself is written on the magnetic recording layer 53a of the
filmstrip 53 through the camera 50 or the photo player 63.
[0102] In order to designate the merge position of the words in the
picture frame, the user may display frame borderlines FL on the LCD
60 of the data terminal 51, draw a balloon Al at an appropriate
position inside the borderlines FL, and write the words M5 in the
balloon Al by hand, as shown for example in FIG. 10. The words M5
may be synthesized as handwritten characters with the photographed
image, or if desired, as printing types of an appropriate font. It
is possible to display the words M5 in the designated font. It is
also possible to write in words M6 on the LCD 60 at an appropriate
position inside the borderlines FL, without drawing a balloon, as
shown for example in FIG. 11.
[0103] It is possible to use a voice recognition device as the data
terminal for synthesizing words with the photographic image of the
picture frame. In that case, the voice recognition device 70
converts the voice into electronic data representative of the
meanings expressed by the voice, and the electronic data is
converted into character data through a word and graphic character
processor 71, as shown in FIG. 12. Thus, the words of the voice are
synthesized as graphic characters with the photographic image on a
print.
[0104] It is also possible to synthesize a pictorial image with the
photographic image of the picture frame. Image data of the
pictorial image to synthesize may be obtained from still image data
or movie image data, and the image data is compressed or encoded
before being stored in a recording medium or memory, as shown in
FIG. 13. The original image data of the pictorial image is
reproduced from the compressed image data through an synthetic
image processor 72, and the original image data is synthesized with
the image data of the picture frame, making a synthetic image
print.
[0105] According to another embodiment shown in FIG. 14, a data
terminal provided with a mapping device 73, which refers to a map
database 74 to retrieve map data of a location designated by
location data. The location data contains numerical data such as a
latitude and a longitude of the location, and/or other data such as
the name of the location. The map data is synthesized with image
data of a picture frame, so that a map of an area around the
designated location is merge-printed with the picture frame. The
location data may be obtained through a Global Positioning System
(GPS) that allows to determine the present location based on
satellite communication signals.
[0106] The data input system of the present invention is not
limited to the use with IX 240 type filmstrips, but also applicable
to ISO 135 type filmstrips or other type photo film having no
magnetic recording layer. In that case, the data to synthesize with
the image data of the picture frame is written with the frame ID
data on a recording medium, and the recording medium is forwarded
to the photofinisher, together with the exposed photo film for
printing.
[0107] FIG. 15 shows a camera with a data input device for
inputting data of a graphic image that the photographer wishes to
synthesize with a image photographed by the camera. The graphic
image may be characters, illustrations, drawings, or the like. The
camera has a camera body 80 for loading an IX 240 type photo film
cartridge 81. A photo filmstrip 82 is withdrawn from the photo film
cartridge 81 one frame after another, and is wound up onto a
take-up spool 83. An exposure aperture 84 is formed between the
photo film cartridge 81 and the take-up spool 83.
[0108] A shutter 85 opens for a time determined by the subject
brightness in response to a shutter release operation. While the
shutter 85 opens, light traveling through a taking lens 86 and a
half mirror 87 falls onto a film surface of the filmstrip 82
positioned behind the exposure aperture 84. The half mirror 87 may
be replaced with a full-reflection mirror that is retracted from a
light path of the taking lens 86.
[0109] The light reflected from the half mirror 87 is projected
through a lens 89 onto a CCD 90, so that a movie image of the
photographic field of the taking lens 86 is displayed on a display
device 101, e.g. an LCD panel, based on image data obtained through
the CCD 90. That is, the display device 101 serves as a viewfinder
of the camera during the photography. As soon as the shutter 85 is
released, image data from the CCD 90 is written in an image memory
91. Thus, the image data stored in the image memory 91 represents
the same image as the latest picture frame on the filmstrip 82.
[0110] A magnetic head 92 is provided behind the exposure aperture
84 to record data on a transparent magnetic recording layer that is
formed on a back side surface of the filmstrip 82. The data may
include data relating to an image to synthesize with the image data
of the photographed image, print option data designating a print
format and the requisite number of prints, and date data indicating
the date of photography. A controller 95 controls the shutter 85,
the CCD 90, the magnetic head 92, a not-shown film feeding device
including a motor, and other elements of the camera 80 in
accordance with a program stored in a memory 96.
[0111] A lid member 100 is hinged to the camera body 80, and the
display device 101 is mounted to the lid member 100. The display
device 101 is connected to the controller 95. A power source is
automatically turned on when the lid member 100 opens. Not shown
transparent electrodes are bonded to the surface of the display
device 101, which are used as a tablet digitizer. A touch pen 102
for inputting data through the tablet digitizer, and a keyboard 103
are provided on the lid member 100. By use of the touch pen 102,
the photographer can add a graphic image, including handwritten
words, illustrations and drawings, onto a photographic image of the
picture frame as displayed on the display device 101. Then, data of
the graphic image is stored in the memory 96, and is recorded on
the magnetic recording layer of the filmstrip 82 in association
with the related picture frame. The keyboard 103 includes
alphanumeric keys, an enter key, a delete key, an escape key and so
forth, and is used for inputting command data.
[0112] It is possible to display the operation menus on the display
device 101 so the photographer can select a menu to execute the
photography or the data input operation in a predetermined sequence
by the touch pen 102. It is alternatively possible to provide the
display device 101 with a touch panel sensor for allowing data
input by touching the display device 101 by the finger.
[0113] FIG. 16 shows an example of developed filmstrip 82. The
filmstrip 82 has perforations 82a and 82b which are arranged in
pairs at regular intervals. The camera controls feeding the
filmstrip 82 by one frame amount with reference to the second
perforation 82b of each pair, so a picture frame 105 is recorded in
an area between the perforation pairs. The magnetic recording layer
is provided on the whole back side surface of the filmstrip 82, and
a magnetic track 106a is used for the photofinisher to record print
order data, print-exposure correction data and so forth. A magnetic
track 106b is used for recording the print option data, the date
data, and graphic data. The graphic data represents a graphic image
input through the display device 101 by use of the touch pen 102.
The positions of the magnetic tracks 106a and 106b are not to be
limited to those shown in FIG. 16.
[0114] FIG. 17 shows a printer according to an embodiment of the
present invention. When the photo film cartridge 81 is set in the
printer, the developed filmstrip 82 is withdrawn from the photo
film cartridge 81 toward a scanner 108. The scanner 108 scans the
respective picture frames on the filmstrip 82 to pick up image data
of the picture frames. The image data is sent to a controller 109.
The scanner 108 may have an area image sensor or a line image
sensor. In case of the area image sensor, the filmstrip 82 is
transported intermittently, and the scanner 108 scans one picture
frame at each intermittence. In case of the line image sensor, the
scanner 108 scans the picture frames line by line while the
filmstrip 82 is continuously transported.
[0115] As the filmstrip 82 is transported, a magnetic head 110
reads the data from the magnetic tracks 106a, and sends the data to
the controller 109. Simultaneously, a magnetic head 111 reads the
data from the magnetic tracks 106b, and sends the data to the
controller 109. The controller 109 reproduces the graphic image
from the graphic data and the command data as being read from one
magnetic track 106b, and synthesizes the graphic image with the
photographic image of the associated picture frame. Subsequent
synthetic image data is sent to a digital printing section 112, so
the synthetic image is printed on color photographic paper 113. The
digital printing section 112 may be a Laser line printer, a frame
exposure type printer using a CRT or a LCD, or the like.
[0116] A back-printing section 114 is provided for printing a frame
serial number within the filmstrip 82, the print-exposure
correction data, a print order number, a photo-lab ID number, and
so forth on the back side of the color photographic paper 113. The
back-printing section 114 consists of an ink ribbon cassette and a
wire dot printing head. An ornamental data table 115 stores a
plurality of predetermined ornamental patterns, each of which may
be addressed by a table number. The printer of FIG. 17 and the
camera of FIG. 15 constitute a synthetic printing system.
[0117] Now, the operation of the synthetic printing system of FIGS.
15 and 17 will be described.
[0118] To take a photograph, the photographer opens the lid member
100 to turn the power source on. Then, image data is sent from the
CCD 90 to the display device 101, displaying a movie image of the
photographic field. The photographer may operate the keyboard 103
to designate a print format, the number of prints and other print
commands, which are stored as the print option data in the memory
96.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 18, after framing the photographic field,
the photographer releases the shutter 15 to make an exposure.
Synchronously with the shutter release operation, the controller 95
writes the image data of one frame in the image memory 91. If the
photographer does not wish to add any image or word to the
photographed image, the photographer operates the keyboard 103 to
request feeding the filmstrip 82 by one frame. Then, the controller
95 drives the not-shown motor to rotate the take-up spool 83 and
wind the filmstrip 82 on the take-up spool 83 by one frame amount.
Thereby, the next unexposed portion of the filmstrip 82 is
positioned behind the exposure aperture 84. During this one frame
advancing, the print option data and the like is read from the
memory 96, and is written by the magnetic head 92 on the magnetic
recording track 106b.
[0120] When the photographer wishes to add a graphic image, the
photographer operates the keyboard 103 to enter a command therefor.
Then, the image data is read from the image memory 91, and is sent
to the display device 101. The display device 101 displays the same
image as just photographed on the filmstrip 82. By drawing an
appropriate graphic image on the display device 101 by the touch
pen 102, the graphic image is resolved into dots corresponding to
pixels on the tablet digitizer. Hereinafter, the dots will be
referred to as graphic pixels. Thus, the graphic image is
represented by a dot pattern, or called bit map pattern, or time
sequential handwriting data, and is stored as graphic data in the
memory 96. As the graphic pixels have a lower resolution than the
image data of the photographed image, it is preferable to adapt the
resolution of the graphic pixels to the resolution of the image
data by interpolation.
[0121] The graphic data written in the memory 96 is sent to the
display device 101, and is synthesized with the image data from the
image memory 91, so that a synthesized image having the graphic
image merged in the photographed image is displayed on the display
device 101. When a command to terminate the graphic data entrance
is input through the keyboard 103, a menu for assigning edit
command data to the graphic data is displayed on a bottom portion
of the display device 101 in front of the synthesized image. It is
alternatively possible to display the menu only on the display
device 101 in place of the synthesized image.
[0122] The edit command data is for designating the style of the
graphic image, including the line width, the color, the method for
smoothing the graphic image, and the ornamental pattern assigned to
the graphic image. The ornamental pattern is used for modifying the
graphic image. For example, ornamental patterns for a pencil style
font, a marker style font, a crayon style font, as well as various
printing type fonts, are stored in the ornamental data table 115 in
association with a table number each. The photographer can enter
the edit command data by choosing on the display device 101 with
the touch pen 102. If, for example, the pencil style font is
chosen, the graphic image written by the touch pen 102 is modified
such that it looks like drawn by the pencil on the printed image.
In this embodiment, the individual ornamental pattern is addressed
by the table number, but it is preferable to display icons of the
respective ornamental patterns on the display device 101.
[0123] The pixel density of the tablet digitizer on the display 101
is very rough in comparison with the pixel density of the digital
printer 112. For example, one graphic pixel corresponds to
30.times.30 pixels on the printed image. Therefore, one graphic
pixel is converted into a plurality of pixels arranged in a
particular ornamental pattern, such that the graphic image is
printed in a desired font. For example, one graphic pixel shown in
FIG. 19A is converted into an ornamental pattern shown in FIG. 19B.
In FIG. 19B, one square consists of 10.times.10 pixels. FIGS. 20A
and 20B show an example of graphic pixel conversion, wherein each
graphic pixel of FIG. 20A are converted into the ornamental pattern
shown in FIG. 19B, resulting a modified graphic image as shown in
FIG. 20B.
[0124] When the edit command is input, the display device 101 may
preferably display the graphic image modified according to the edit
command, to allow the photographer to visually check the modified
conditions. Thereafter when the photographer enters a command to
terminate the edit command entrance, the controller 95 rotates the
take-up spool 83 to wind the filmstrip 82 thereon by one frame
amount. During this one frame advancing, the graphic data, the edit
command data, the print option data and other data is read from the
memory 96, so the magnetic head 92 writes the data read from the
memory 96 on the magnetic recording track 106b.
[0125] In this way, each picture frame is photographed and, if
desired, a graphic image to be merge-printed is input as graphic
data. After an available number of picture frames are recorded on
the filmstrip 82, the filmstrip 82 is rewound into the cartridge
81. The cartridge 81 is removed from the camera and is forwarded to
a photofinisher. The photofinisher withdraws the exposed filmstrip
82 from the cartridge 81, and rewind the filmstrip 82 into a
not-shown intermediate cartridge. The intermediate cartridge is set
in a photographic processor for developing the exposed filmstrip
82. The developed filmstrip 82 is rewound back into the cartridge
81, and is set in the printer shown in FIG. 17.
[0126] As shown in FIG. 21, the printer rotates a spool of the
cartridge 81 in an unwinding direction to advance the filmstrip 82
to the outside. While the first picture frame is fed to the scanner
108, the magnetic head 111 reads the data from the magnetic track
106b of the first picture frame, and sends the data to the
controller 109. The scanner 108 scans the first picture frame to
pick up image data thereof, and sends the image data to the
controller 109.
[0127] The controller 109 modifies the graphic data in accordance
with the edit command data with reference to the ornamental data
table 115. Specifically, the controller 109 selects an ornamental
pattern from the ornamental data table 115 in accordance with a
table number indicated by the edit command data. Since the
positions of the graphic pixels within the frame is already
determined, the graphic pixels are converted in the selected
ornamental pattern, providing a modified graphic image, as shown in
FIGS. 20A and 20B.
[0128] Instead of converting each graphic pixel into an ornamental
pattern, it is possible to trace the graphic image with an
ornamental pattern. FIGS. 22A and 22B show an example of tracing
the graphic image, wherein an ornamental pattern consisting of a
circled "A" is used. First, each ornamental pattern is enlarged or
reduced in size in accordance with the line width of the graphic
image. Next, the graphic pixels are replaced with the ornamental
patterns while being centered with each other. At that time, the
replacement of the graphic pixels may be skipped at appropriate
intervals to thin out the ornamental patterns so as the ornamental
pattern may not overlap. However, it is possible to overlap the
ornamental patterns by intention.
[0129] As a result of the above graphic pixel conversion or
replacement, the resolution of the modified graphic image is
adjusted to that of the photographed image, and the modified
graphic image is positioned properly in the photographed image. The
controller 109 synthesizes the modified graphic image with the
photographed image read by the scanner 108 by substituting pixels
of the modified graphic image for corresponding pixels of the
photographed image. It is also possible to take a weighted average
of each color data of each pixel between the modified graphic image
and the photographed image, to provide a synthetic image where the
modified graphic image is overlapped as a transparent image on the
photographed image.
[0130] Image data of the synthetic image is sent to the digital
printing section 112, which then prints the synthetic image on the
color photographic paper 113. In addition, the frame serial number,
the print order number, the photo-lab ID number and other numerical
data are printed on the back side of the photographic paper
113.
[0131] When the first picture frame has been printed, the
controller 109 withdraws the filmstrip 82 by one frame, so the
scanner 108 scans the second picture frame. If there is a graphic
image assigned to the second picture frame, the magnetic head 111
reads out the graphic data. The graphic data is converted into
modified graphic image, and is synthesized with the image of the
second picture frame, in the same way as described with respect to
the first frame. Thus, the digital printing section 112 prints a
synthetic image of the second picture frame on the color
photographic paper 113. In the same way, the following picture
frames are sequentially printed on the color photographic paper
113. When all of the picture frames on the filmstrip 82 are printed
out, the spool of the cartridge 81 is rotated to wind up the
filmstrip 82 into the cartridge 81.
[0132] The color photographic paper 113 having the images recorded
thereon is developed through a paper processor, and is cut into
individual photo-prints. For instance, a photo-print corresponding
to the first picture frame contains the same synthetic image as
displayed on the display device 101 in FIG. 15, though the graphic
image is modified with an ornamental pattern designated by the
photographer.
[0133] Although it is omitted from the drawings, a film inspection
process is provided between the film development and the printing,
for checking exposure conditions of the picture frames on the
filmstrip 82 and determining exposure correction amounts for those
picture frames whose exposure conditions are not proper. The
exposure correction amounts are recorded as print-exposure
correction data on the magnetic track 106a of the filmstrip 82.
Then, the digital printing section 112 controls the exposure amount
for each pixel in accordance with the print-exposure correction
data read from the magnetic track 106a.
[0134] It is preferable to connect a color monitor and a keyboard
to the controller 109. The color monitor displays an image
simulating a synthetic image printed at an exposure amount. If it
is determined based on the simulation image that the printed image
would not be optimum, the photofinisher enters correction amounts
through the keyboard. Then, the color monitor displays an
exposure-corrected synthetic image. If the synthetic image is
printed at the manually corrected exposure amount, the manual
correction amounts are recorded as print-exposure correction data
on the magnetic track 106a through the magnetic head 110, so the
manual correction amounts may be utilized for reprinting.
[0135] Instead of choosing one of the ornamental patterns
previously stored in the ornamental data table 115, the
photographer may create an ornamental pattern. In order to give a
marker-like texture or a pencil-like texture to the graphic image,
an ornamental pattern may be produced by use of the well-known
computer graphic (CG) technic, or based on image data obtained by
scanning a drawing written by markers or pencils.
[0136] FIGS. 23A and 23B shows an example of producing an
ornamental pattern from a part of the photographed image. For this
operation, the photographer operates the keyboard 103 to set the
camera in an ornamental pattern registration mode. Then, the
controller 95 displays the latest photographed image on the display
device 101. It is alternatively possible to display an image of an
appropriate picture frames on the display device 101 by designating
the frame serial number, on the assumption that the image memory 91
has a capacity enough to store image data of all picture frames,
e.g. 40 picture frames, of the filmstrip 82. It is also possible to
change the magnification of the image displayed on the display
device 101.
[0137] As shown for example in FIG. 23A, the photographer traces an
outline of an area or part 120 of the displayed image by the touch
pen 102, to designate the part 120 as an ornamental pattern. Then,
a boundary line 121 is displayed to show the course traced by the
touch pen 102. Thus, the part 120 of the displayed image is
registered as an ornamental pattern as shown for example in FIG.
23B. It is possible to designate a part of the displayed image as
an ornamental pattern through the keyboard 103, by entering a
center position and a size of the part. Then, a circular,
rectangular or polygonal boundary line is displayed around the
designated center position in the designated size.
[0138] Although it is possible to record image data of the
designated part as ornamental pattern data on the magnetic track
106b of the filmstrip 82, a certain recording area is necessary for
the image data. Therefore, registration data locating the part
designated as an ornamental pattern is stored in the memory 96 and
is recorded on the magnetic recording layer of the filmstrip 82.
The registration data includes a film ID number, a frame serial
number, data defining the boundary of the part registered as an
ornamental pattern, and a new table number given to the newly
registered ornamental pattern.
[0139] Once the part of the photographed image is registered as the
ornamental pattern, the photographer can utilize the ornamental
pattern for any other graphic images added to other picture frames
by assigning the new table number. The new table number is recorded
as edit command data along with graphic data of a graphic image on
the magnetic track 106b in association with the picture frame to
synthesize with the graphic image.
[0140] The printer reads out the registration data from the
filmstrip 82, and picks up image data from the picture frame
designated by the registration data. The image data of the part
registered as the ornamental pattern is extracted from the image
data of the designated picture frame. The image data of the
registered ornamental pattern is stored along with the new table
number in the ornamental data table 115. If necessary the size of
the ornamental pattern is reduced or enlarged before stored in the
ornamental data table 115. Thereafter when the new table number is
assigned as edit command for a graphic image to a picture frame,
the printer reads out the registered ornamental pattern from the
ornamental data table 115, and converts graphic pixels of the
graphic image in accordance with the registered ornamental pattern,
as shown for example, in FIGS. 24A and 24B.
[0141] It is also possible to register a handwritten pattern,
including characters, symbols and illustrations, as an ornamental
pattern. For this operation, the camera of FIG. 15 is set in the
ornamental pattern registration mode, and then in a handwriting
mode. Then, the display device 101 displays a blank over the whole
screen area, so the user can draw an appropriate pattern 122 on the
blank screen, as shown for example in FIG. 25A. The handwritten
pattern 122 is stored as bit map data in the memory 96. Thereafter,
a boundary line 123 is written by the touch pen 102 around the
pattern 122. Thereby, image data of an area bounded by the boundary
line 123 is stored as ornamental pattern data, as is implied in
FIG. 25B. It is possible to use a plurality of colors within an
ornamental pattern. To designate a color of each line or pixel of
the ornamental pattern, color designation data is added to the
ornamental pattern data.
[0142] A table number is also given to the handwritten pattern for
registration as an ornamental pattern. The ornamental pattern data
and the table number are recorded on the magnetic recording layer
of the filmstrip 82. The printer reads out the ornamental pattern
data from the filmstrip 82, and writes it with the table number in
the ornamental data table 115. If necessary the size of the
handwritten pattern is reduced or enlarged before stored in the
ornamental data table 115. Thereafter when the table number of the
handwritten pattern is assigned as an edit command, the handwritten
pattern is used as the ornamental pattern for modifying a graphic
image.
[0143] In the printer shown in FIG. 17, the photographed image and
the manually input graphic image are electrically synthesized. As
an alternative, it is possible to provide a frame exposure type
printing section in addition to a digital printing section, for
optically synthesize the graphic image with the photographed image.
FIG. 26 shows an embodiment for the optical image synthesizing. The
frame exposure type printing section consists of a light source
130, an LCD panel 131 that is put into contact with the developed
filmstrip 82, and a printing lens 133 for forming an image of the
picture frame on color photographic paper 113. The light source is
constituted of a white lamp and a diffusion box.
[0144] For a picture frame with a manually input graphic image to
synthesize, a controller 134 drives those pixels of the LCD panel
131 opaque, which correspond to pixels of the graphic image as
modified. Other pixels of the LCD panel 131 are set in the
transparent state at an identical transparency rate, e.g. 100%.
Light from the light source 130 travels through the transparent
pixels of the LCD panel 131 and the picture frame of the filmstrip
82, and is projected through the printing lens 113 onto the color
photographic paper 113. After an image of the picture frame is
printed in this way, the color photographic paper 113 is fed to a
digital printing section 136. The digital printing section 136
prints the graphic image on the color photographic paper 113 in an
appropriate position within the previously printed picture frame.
In this way, the graphic image is superimposed on the photographed
image. Designated by 137 is a back-printing section.
[0145] FIG. 27 shows a printer which has merely a frame exposure
type printing section only, according to another embodiment of the
present invention. In FIG. 27, those elements which are
equivalently used in the frame exposure type printing section are
designated by the same reference number as used in FIG. 26. In this
embodiment, however, an LCD panel 131 should be a color LCD panel
which consists of three color pixels arranged in a predetermined
matrix pattern, and is able to change the transparency rate of its
pixels each individually, so the gradation of printed three color
pixels may be changed each individually.
[0146] When to print a picture frame with a graphic image to
synthesize, those pixels of the LCD panel 131 which correspond to
the graphic image are set in the opaque state, while other pixels
are set in the transparent state of the constant transparency rate.
Light from a light source travels through the transparent pixels of
the LCD panel 131 and the picture frame on the filmstrip 82, and is
projected onto color photographic paper 113 through a half mirror
140 and a printing lens 133.
[0147] Thereafter, only those pixels of the LCD panel 131 which
correspond to the graphic image are set in the transparent state,
so that the graphic image is optically projected onto the
photographic paper 113. As the light for printing the graphic image
travels through the picture frame of the filmstrip 82, color
balance and intensity of the printing light is influenced by colors
and densities of the corresponding pixels of the picture frame.
Therefore, in order to print the graphic image in a designated
color at an appropriate density, it is necessary to control
exposure for each pixel of the graphic image so as to cancel the
effect of the corresponding pixels of picture frame.
[0148] For this purpose, a half mirror 140 and a CCD 141 are
provided. The light travels through the LCD panel 131 and the
filmstrip 82 is reflected by the half mirror 140, and is directed
to the CCD 141. The CCD 141 has the same size pixels as those of
the LCD panel 131, so that the amount of incident light on each
pixel of the CCD 141 corresponds to the amount of light traveling
through each pixel of the LCD panel 131 and the filmstrip 82.
[0149] Supposing that E(i, j) represents a desired print-exposure
amount for a particular pixel which is located at a coordinate
point (i, j) within the LCD panel 131, I(i, j) represents an amount
of light per unit time that passes through the corresponding pixel
of the LCD panel 131 and the filmstrip 82, and T(i, j) represents
an exposure time of the photographic paper 113, the print-exposure
amount E(i, j) may be obtained by controlling the transparent light
amount I(i, j) and/or the exposure time T(i, j).
[0150] To control the transparent light amount I(i, j), each of
those LCD pixels which are set in the transparent state for
recording the graphic image is set at a different transparency
rate. First, all of those LCD pixels corresponding to the graphic
image are set at an equal transparency rate, and an exposure time
T(i, j) necessary for obtaining the desired print-exposure amount
E(i, j) is calculated for each pixel based on the amount of
incident light on the corresponding pixel of the CCD 141. Among the
calculated exposure times, the longest exposure time is determined
to be used for all pixels of the graphic image. Thereafter, the
transparency rates of the LCD pixels are each individually changed
to provide the desired print-exposure amount E(i, j). The
calculation is done at the beginning of printing. Of course, it is
possible to provide a shutter in front of the photographic paper
113, and open the shutter after determining the transparency rates
of the concerned LCD pixels. It is to be noted that the
print-exposure amount is determined for each color, as the LCD
panel 131 consists of three color pixels arranged in matrix.
[0151] When to control the exposure time T(i, j) while maintaining
the transparency rate unchanged between the LCD pixels for the
graphic image, it is necessary to control the ON-OFF timing of the
concerned LCD pixels with high accuracy. In this case, the exposure
time may be calculated for each pixel based on the photometric
value from the CCD 141 during the printing. As a method of
controlling both the exposure time and the transparent light
amount, it is possible to change the exposure time stepwise, while
controlling the transparency rate within each step of exposure
time.
[0152] Since ISO 135 type photo filmstrips are not provided with a
magnetic recording layer, a data recording medium such as an IC
memory card and a floppy disc, may be used for recording the
graphic data and the edit command data. It is possible to
incorporate an IC memory into a photo film cartridge, for recording
the graphic data and the edit command data therein. In that case,
data for correlating the graphic data with the concerned picture
frames is stored in addition to the graphic data.
[0153] It is possible to store image data of all picture frames on
one filmstrip in the image memory 91, and display the respective
picture frames one after another on the display device 101, thereby
to permit entering and recording graphic data. The graphic data may
be recorded in the following ways.
[0154] The graphic data may be recorded on the individual magnetic
tracks of the assigned picture frames. In that case, the filmstrip
82 is once rewound back into the cartridge 81, and is advanced
again from the cartridge 81 to record the graphic data on the
magnetic tracks. If the graphic data is entered and recorded in
this way before the filmstrip 82 is completely exposed, a next
unexposed portion of the filmstrip 82 should be positioned again
behind the exposure aperture 84. But it is unnecessary to record
data for correlating the graphic data with the concerned picture
frames.
[0155] Alternatively, the graphic data may be recorded all on a
common magnetic recording area within the filmstrip. For example,
the common magnetic recording area is located in a trailing end of
the filmstrip 82, so that all of the graphic data is recorded on
that area immediately before the start of rewinding the completely
exposed filmstrip 82 back into the cartridge 81. The common
magnetic recording area may be located in a leading end of the
filmstrip 82, so that all of the graphic data is recorded on that
area at the end of the film rewinding operation. In these cases, it
is necessary to add data for correlating the graphic data with the
concerned picture frames.
[0156] In the above embodiment, a graphic image to be synthesized
with a picture frame is written on the display device of the camera
after the photography of the picture frame. But it is possible to
enter the graphic image immediately before the photography of the
concerned picture frame. It is also possible to enter the graphic
image through a separate graphic image input device. In order to
make it possible to enter the graphic image through the separate
graphic image input device before the photo film is developed,
image data of the picture frames must be written in a recording
medium concurrently with each exposure. Once the photo film is
developed, the image data of the picture frames may be detected by
an image scanner. Based on the image data, the picture frames are
displayed on a monitor screen of the separate graphic image input
device. It is also possible to display a blank frame corresponding
to the concerned picture frame on the monitor screen of the graphic
image input device, and define a handwriting area within the blank
frame. The graphic image is written in the handwriting area, and
then position data of the handwriting area is added to the graphic
data of the graphic image. Thus, the graphic image is merge-printed
in the designated position within the picture frame.
[0157] It is possible to use a graphic image input device that uses
a light pen or another device instead of the touch pen.
[0158] As an image source for producing an ornamental pattern, not
only an image photographed by the user, but also an image detected
by an image scanner, an image produced by a personal computer, a
video image and so forth are available. It is possible to provide
the camera of FIG. 15 with a mode for converting handwritten
characters into printing type characters. It is also possible to
provide a mode for laying out the ornamental patterns within the
graphic image. For example, when the ornamental patterns are
overlapped each other within the graphic image, the user may
determine whether data values of the two pixels overlapping each
other should be added to each other, or whether one of the two
overlapping pixels are replaced with the other. When the ornamental
patterns are spaced each other within the graphic image, the user
may select the spacing between the ornamental patterns.
[0159] By entering a graphic image as time sequential data, it is
possible to determine direction and speed of drawing a line per
unit length. The ornamental patterns may be deformed based on the
drawing direction and/or the drawing speed. For example, it is
possible to turn the ornamental pattern in accordance with the
drawing direction, or change the size of the ornamental pattern in
accordance with the drawing speed, for instance, such that the
width of the line decreases as the drawing speed goes up. For
changing the line width of the ornamental pattern, conventional
thinning/boldfacing process is useful. For smoothing the line,
conventional smoothing process is useful. The ornamental pattern
may be fringed by boldfacing the lines and then coloring edge
pixels of the lines.
[0160] FIG. 28 shows an image editing monitoring apparatus for
editing a virtual photo album by screen editing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The image editing monitoring
apparatus 150 is constituted of a film feeding section 151, a frame
imaging section 152, an input image memory 153, a process
controller 154, a magnetic read-write section 155, an image
processor 156, a work memory 157, an edit data memory 158, and a
display controller 159.
[0161] The film feeding section 151 consists of a cartridge holder
161 for holding a photo film cartridge 160, a spool drive shaft
162, a guide roller pair 163, a feed roller pair 164, and a
cylindrical film accepting portion 165. The cartridge holder 161
has a cavity and a lid for closing an open end of the cavity. When
the photo film cartridge 160 is set in the cavity of the cartridge
holder 161, the spool drive shaft 162 is engaged with a spool of
the cartridge 160. The spool drive shaft 162 is driven by a motor
166 to rotate the spool in a winding direction or an unwinding
direction. The motor 166 is also used for rotating the feed roller
pair 164.
[0162] The cartridge 160 has a device for advancing a leader of a
filmstrip 167 to the outside upon the spool being rotated in the
unwinding direction. When the leader comes to squeeze into between
the feed roller pair 164, the filmstrip 167 is transported by the
rotational movement of the feed roller pair 164, and the spool
drive shaft 162 is disconnected from the motor 166. The film
accepting portion 165 accept the filmstrip 167 in the form of a
coil.
[0163] The frame imaging section 152 and the magnetic read-write
section 155 are disposed between the guide roller pair 163 and the
feed roller pair 164. The frame imaging section 152 consists of a
light source 168 and an imaging device 169. The light source 168
consists of a fluorescent lamp 170 whose light emission properties
are suitable for the photo film, and a reflector 171 and a
diffusion plate 172. The imaging device 169 is constituted of an
image scanner having a line image sensor, which scans the picture
frames synchronously with the film feeding, detecting image data
from the picture frames. The image data is stored in the input
image memory 153.
[0164] The magnetic read-write section 155 reads photographic data
from a transparent magnetic recording layer of the filmstrip 167
through a magnetic head 174, and sends the photographic data to the
process controller 154. In this embodiment, the photographic data
includes frame serial numbers which are used for identifying
individual picture frames. If the filmstrip 167 has already been
subjected to an edition process as set force in detail below, edit
data is recorded on the transparent magnetic recording layer of the
filmstrip 167. Then, the magnetic read-write section 155 reads the
edit data as well as the photographic data, and sends the data to
the process controller 154.
[0165] The process controller 154 is constituted of a
microcomputer, and sequentially controls the respective elements of
the image editing monitoring apparatus 150. A keyboard 175 and a
mouse 176 are connected to the process controller 154, so the image
editing monitoring apparatus 150 may be switched over between an
imaging mode, an edition mode, and a monitor mode by operating the
keyboard 175 and the mouse 176. The process controller 154 is
installed with a program for editing the image data, which is
activated when the edition mode is selected. Conventional
photography processing software may be used as the program for
editing the image data. It is, of course, possible to program
specific software to the edition mode of this embodiment.
[0166] If the edit data is not read out from the filmstrip 167, the
process controller 154 automatically sets the image editing
monitoring apparatus 150 in the edition mode. If the edit data is
read out from the filmstrip 167, the process controller 154
determines that the filmstrip 167 has been through the edition
process, and automatically sets the image editing monitoring
apparatus 150 in the monitor mode. In addition, it is possible to
manually select either the edition mode or the monitor mode.
[0167] In the edition mode, a pasteboard area or a virtual
photograph album page 182 and a frame display area 183 are
displayed side by side on a screen 181 of a color monitor 180, as
shown for example in FIG. 29. The imaging device 169 picks up image
data from the respective picture frames on the filmstrip 167. The
image processor 156 processes the image data for
negative-to-positive conversion and for density and color balance
correction, and then compresses the image data. Based on the
compressed image data, a plurality of picture frames, e.g. six
picture frames at one time, are sequentially displayed in the frame
display area 183 on the monitor screen 181. It is possible to
display all picture frames of one filmstrip 167 at once in the
frame display area 183. It is also possible to magnify a desired
one of the plurality picture frames or a part of one picture frame
on the monitor screen 181, for visual confirmation of the image
detail.
[0168] The user can edit an appropriate picture frame by
designating the frame serial number, the location to paste the
picture frame in the pasteboard area 182, and the size and shape of
the picture frame on the pasteboard area 182. The edition process
is carried out one picture frame after another. Specifically, the
user selects a picture frame 185 to edit among a plurality of
picture frames 185 displayed on the frame display area 183 by
clicking a designated push switch of the mouse 176 once while
placing a pointer 184 at that picture frame 185 by use of the mouse
176. Thereby the process controller 154 reads in the frame serial
number of that picture frame 185. Thereafter, the user drags the
mouse 176 to move the pointer 184 from the selected picture frame
on the frame display area 183 to an appropriate position of the
pasteboard area 182. When the user drops the mouse 176 at the
appropriate position, the selected picture frame is pasted into
that position on the pasteboard area 182. It is possible to omit
the click step, and designate the picture frame and its pasting
position just by the drag and drop step.
[0169] Thereafter, the user rolls out a frame shape selection table
W1 on the screen 181, as shown in FIG. 30, and designates the shape
of the selected picture frame by setting the pointer 184 at one of
table areas W1A1, W1A2, . . . W1A6, and W1A7, and clicking the
mouse 176 at that position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 30, the
table areas W1A1 to W1A7 respectively represent a rectangular
frame, a square frame, a round frame, a pentagonal frame, a
hexagonal frame, a heart-shaped frame, and a rhombic frame. For
instance, the user clicks the mouse 176 while pointing at the table
area W1A1, so the rectangular frame is assigned to the selected
picture frame 185. If is, of course, possible to prepare other
shapes as frame shape options than those listed in the present
embodiment. It is also possible to customize and register a special
frame shape.
[0170] In this way, an appropriate number of picture frames, e.g.
frames No.1 to No.3, are selected from the frame display area 183,
and are pasted in desired frame shapes onto appropriate positions
of the pasteboard area 182, one frame after another, as implied by
dragging lines S1, S2 and S3 in FIG. 29. Each picture frame pasted
on the pasteboard area 182 may also be partly or wholly magnified
for visual confirmation of the image detail.
[0171] It is also possible to relocate the pasting position of the
picture frame within the pasteboard area 182 by the same drag and
drop operation as above, as shown for example by a drag line S4 in
FIG. 29. The movement of the pointer 184 from the initial position
to the final position, e.g. the course of the drag line S4, is
sampled at regular intervals, and is stored as course data in the
edit data memory 158.
[0172] Not only the course data, but all of the edition process is
stored as edit data in the edit data memory 158, in a time
sequential fashion as shown for example in FIG. 31. In FIG. 31, a
command set number is a serial number given to each edition process
such as pasting, relation etc. in a time-sequential fashion. For
the sake of easy understanding, the same numbers S1 to S4 that are
used for designating the drag lines are used as command set numbers
for the corresponding edition processes. As edit data items,
content of command, an image source, a process result, supplemental
data, and a display time duration are stored for each edition
process.
[0173] As will be described later, the image editing monitoring
apparatus 150 reproduces based on the edit data the edition
processes of the respective picture frames time-sequentially on the
color monitor 180 in the monitor mode. The display time duration
for displaying each edition process in the monitor mode may be
given by the user during the individual edition process in the
edition mode.
[0174] According to the present embodiment, the user may roll out a
display time duration table W2 on the screen 181, as shown in FIG.
32, and assign a time duration to the present edition process by
clicking one of table areas W2A1, W2A2 . . . W2A5 of the display
time duration table W2. For example, by clicking the table area
W2A2, the display time duration is set at 3 seconds. By clicking
the table area W2A5, the user can set up an appropriate display
time duration other than predetermined options, including 1 second,
3, 5 and 10 seconds in the embodiment shown in FIG. 32.
[0175] As the content of command, there are "paste" and "relocate".
As the image source, the frame number of the picture frame selected
to paste is stored for each pasting process, or an initial position
in the pasteboard area 182 is stored for each relocation process.
As the process result, a pasting position in the pasteboard area
182 is stored in either case. As the supplemental data, an area
data file is stored for each pasting process, or a course data file
is stored for each relation process.
[0176] As the content of command, there may be "delete frame",
"magnify frame", "reduce frame" and "rotate frame" in addition to
"paste" and "relocate". For instance, in response to the command
"frame delete", a designated picture frame is displayed for a given
time and then deleted. Each picture frame may be magnified or
reduced or rotated about a reference point. To delete the picture
frame, it is possible to reduce the size of the picture frame to
zero while shifting the position of the picture frame. It is also
possible to magnify or reduce or rotate the picture frame while
shifting the picture frame along a given course.
[0177] The user enters a reference point, a magnification or
reduction rate, or a rotational angle of the selected picture frame
by use of the mouse 176 and the keyboard 175, while rolling out
tables therefore, though they are not shown in the drawings.
[0178] The area data file includes a file name, an area number, a
frame shape, a reference position, a magnification or reduction
rate, and/or a rotational angle of the picture frame. FA1, FA2, FA3
. . . are used as the file names for identifying the individual
area data files. The area number represents a location of the
pasteboard area that is selected as the final pasting position. The
frame shape represents one of the frame shapes selected from the
frame shape selection table W1.
[0179] The course data file includes a file name, a command set
number, and course data. FB1, FB2, . . . are used as the file names
for identifying the individual course data files. As the command
set number, a command set number given for that relocation process,
i.e. S4 in this instance, is stored. As the course data, positions
of the reference point of the picture frame are sampled at regular
intervals, i.e. at every 1/10 seconds, during the relocation
process, and are stored as coordinate values along with the
relative times.
[0180] When a decision key of the keyboard 175 is operated to
terminate the edition mode after the edit data of the respective
edition processes are time-sequentially stored in the edit data
memory 158, the filmstrip 167 is rewound back into the cartridge
160, and edit data is written on the magnetic recording layer of
the filmstrip 167 through the magnetic head 174 of the magnetic
read-write section 155.
[0181] In the monitor mode, the edit data read from the filmstrip
167 is sent to the process controller 154. The process controller
154 controls the imaging device 169 to pick up image data of only
those picture frames which are designated by the edit data. The
image data is stored in the input image memory 153, and the image
processor 156 processes the image data for negative-to-positive
conversion and for density and color balance correction.
Thereafter, the image data is stored in the work memory 157. The
process controller 154 edits the image data stored in the work
memory 157 in accordance with the edit data. The color monitor 180
displays only the pasteboard area 182 in the monitor mode, and
edited picture frames are displayed in the pasteboard area 182 in a
time sequential fashion, as shown for example in FIG. 33.
[0182] First, a first picture frame is displayed in a designated
location of the pasteboard area 182 in the form of a rectangular
frame for a designated time duration t1, e.g. 3 seconds, showing
the first edition process S1. Next, the second picture frame is
displayed in the form of a circular frame in addition to the first
picture frame, showing the second edition process S2. The second
edition process S2 is shown for a designated time duration t2.
Then, a third picture frame is displayed in the form of a hexagonal
frame in addition to the first and second frames, showing the third
edition process S3. The third edition process S3 is shown for a
designated time duration t3. Thereafter, the second picture frame
moves along the same course that the second picture frame was moved
within the pasteboard area 182 in the edition mode, as implied by a
line L1 in FIG. 33, showing the fourth edition process or
relocation process S4.
[0183] In this way, the user can review the edition processes of
the respective picture frames in the time sequential fashion. By
operating a freeze key of the keyboard 175 at any stage in the
monitor mode, the image of the pasteboard area 182 is freezed, and
data of the freezed image is sent to a color printer 187, so the
color printer 187 makes a hard copy of the image of the pasteboard
area 182. The hard copy may be filed in a photo album.
[0184] The image editing monitoring apparatus 150 of the present
invention may be installed in a house, and a home TV may be used as
the color monitor 180. The color printer 187 may be an ink jet
printer, a thermal printer, or the like. It is also possible to
make a hard copy of the image of the pasteboard area 182 through a
photo-printer. For this purpose, the film with the edit data is
forwarded to a photofinisher. FIG. 34 shows a printer-processor 190
for this embodiment. The printer-processor 190 is provided with an
index printing section 192, a main printing section 193, and a
paper processing section 194 which are arranged along a path of
color photographic paper 191. The index printing section 192 is
constituted of a digital printer, which picks up image data of all
picture frames of one filmstrip, and makes an index print that
contains all picture frames of one filmstrip. An image editing
section 195 having a similar construction to the image editing
monitoring apparatus 150 is connected to the index printing section
192, so the index printing section 192 may print out a hard copy of
the edited picture frames, in the same way as described with
respect to the image editing monitoring apparatus 150.
[0185] If the data read from the magnetic recording layer of the
filmstrip 167 includes the date of photography or the title given
by the photographer on the camera side, the date of photography or
the title may be displayed besides the picture frame on the color
monitor 180. It is also possible to enter title or message as a
graphic image and synthesize it with a photographed image in the
edition mode of the image editing monitoring apparatus 150. The
graphic image may be input by use of a mouse, a touch pen, or a
light pen, and may be processed as words, or as drawings. In any
case, the process of entering the graphic image is also stored as
an edition process in the edit data memory 158 in association with
a command set number. It is possible to store and reproduce the
course of movement of the mouse or the pen in the monitor mode,
displaying the graphic image entering processes in more interesting
way.
[0186] As described so far, the image editing monitoring apparatus
of the present invention facilitates pasting and relocating picture
frames on a pasteboard of a virtual photo album, and provides a
wider room for modifying the image quality and the frame shape or
size. Since only the edit data is recorded in a recording medium in
the edition mode, and is read out from the recording medium in the
monitor mode for use in processing image data of the concerned
picture frame that is picked up through the image scanner, it is
unnecessary to record the edited image data. Accordingly, a small
capacity recording medium, e.g. a magnetic recording layer on IX
240 filmstrip, may be used for recording the edit data.
[0187] In the above embodiment, each edition process such as
pasting, relocating or deleting the picture frame, or changing the
magnification of the picture frame, is displayed time-sequentially
in the monitor mode. It is also possible to display other image
processing steps in the monitor mode. For example, when the user
wishes to make the image enhancement, the user may define a range
of those parameters which determine the degree of enhancement.
Then, a picture frame is displayed while varying the enhancement
parameters with the time within the range, so the user can observe
the degree of enhancement that varies with the change of the
parameters. In the same way, it is possible to display the change
of parameters for the smoothing, unsharpening, density correction,
color balance correction, or soft-focusing in the time sequential
fashion. Furthermore, it is possible to display the process of
giving special effect or texture, like watercolor texture or oil
painting texture, to the image.
[0188] Although the image editing monitoring apparatus 150
automatically prepares edit data files during the edition processes
and stores them in the form as shown in FIG. 31, it is possible to
prepare edit data files by use of a text editor or the like. It is
also possible to modify the edit data prepared during the edition
processes by use of the text editor or the like. For example,
another edit command may be added to the edit data, or the sequence
of deletion may be changed. The edit data of each edition process
itself may also be modified.
[0189] The image editing monitoring apparatus of the present
invention is applicable not only to editing images photographed on
photo film, but also to editing the photographed image in
combination with image data stored in other recording media, e.g.
image data obtained from a TV broad casted signal, a video image
signal, image data or word data from a personal computer.
[0190] Thus, the present invention is not to be limited to the
above embodiments but, on the contrary, various modifications may
be possible to those skilled in the art without departing from the
scope of claims attached hereto.
* * * * *