JPH07146518A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically form a multi-image having appropriate arrangement balance based on information on the number of plural sheets of images. CONSTITUTION:The respective images on film 7 are automatically read by a CCD 231 and stored in an image memory 32, and the number of frames actually recorded on the film 7 is read by a frame number detecting device 24. A corresponding specified matrix format is automatically set based on the number of frames detected by a system controller 5, and the respective images stored in the image memory 32 are arranged and synthesized to be a specified arrangement pattern according to the matrix format by an image synthesis part 34, so that the multi-image data is generated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for arranging and combining a plurality of images into one image and outputting the same, and in particular, an image whose layout can be automatically set according to the number of images. The present invention relates to a processing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an album printing apparatus has been proposed which prints out a plurality of images shot on a film on one recording sheet and automatically creates an album (JP-A-3-274047). issue). This album printing apparatus stores a plurality of arrangement patterns in advance, reads the shooting direction information of each image of the film (longitudinal screen or horizontal screen information) from the developed film, and reads each recording paper from the shooting information. While determining the array pattern of
Image data to be printed is generated based on the arrangement pattern determined from the read film image, and this image data is printed out on each recording sheet.

[0003]

By the way, when several tens of images constitute an image group related to the same theme, the image groups are combined into one sheet together with the character information such as titles and comments, and the recording paper is recorded. When it is output (visualized) to a display device such as a CRT or a CRT, it is useful as index information when searching, organizing, comparing and referring to the above image groups, and the like.

In the conventional album printing apparatus described above, the print size of each image is a fixed size and the size of the recording paper is also constant, so that the number of images printed out on one recording paper is three. Limited to one to four. Also, the number of images printed on each recording paper may differ due to the difference in the shooting direction of each image.
The layout is not uniform and the margins are large and small, which is not necessarily preferable in terms of appearance.

Therefore, with the printing technique of the album printing apparatus, it is difficult to lay out several tens of images into one image in a well-balanced and easy-to-see manner.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and automatically sets a suitable matrix format according to the number of images to be combined into one image, and outputs a plurality of images in a suitable arrangement pattern. An object is to provide a possible image processing device.

[0007]

The invention according to claim 1 is
Image capturing means for capturing a plurality of images, storage means for storing the images captured by the image capturing means, and number information capturing means for capturing information regarding the number of images captured by the image capturing means. A format setting means for setting a matrix format for arranging the images from the number information captured by the number information capturing means; and a plurality of images read from the storage means according to the matrix format set by the format setting means. And an image data generation means for generating image data in which images are arranged.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, a printing means for outputting the image data generated by the image data generating means onto a recording sheet is provided.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of images are captured, the images are temporarily stored in the storage means. Further, the information on the number of images is fetched, and the matrix format to be arrayed and combined into one image is automatically set according to the information on the number of images. And
Based on the matrix format, the image is read from the storage means to generate image data.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the generated image data is printed on the recording paper.

[0011]

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first embodiment of an image processing system using an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The image processing system shown in the figure reads a plurality of images recorded on a recorded film, synthesizes these images into a multi-image formed by arranging them in a predetermined arrangement pattern, and then, for example, on a sheet of recording paper. It is a system to print out.

Incidentally, by replacing the printer unit 4 or separately from the printer unit 4, a display device 9 such as a CRT or LCD or a facsimile 10 is connected to reproduce and display the multi-image on the display device, or It is also possible to configure a system that transmits to another communication device shown in the figure, reproduces and displays it on a display device at a remote place through the communication device, and records on a recording sheet. Here, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described by taking as an example a system for printing out the multi-image on recording paper.

In FIG. 1, the image processing system 1 includes a film scanner section 2 for automatically reading each image of a film 7 (hereinafter referred to as a film image), and a film image read by the film scanner section 2 with a predetermined image. An image processing unit 3 that performs image processing and temporarily stores the image data in the image memory 32, and generates image data to be output from the image data stored in the image memory 32; and an image generated by the image processing unit 3. A printer unit 4 that prints out data on a recording paper 8, a system controller 5 that comprehensively controls the drive of the film scanner unit 2, the image processing unit 3, and the printer unit 4, the size of the recording paper 8, the recording direction, and the number of recorded sheets. And an input unit 6 for inputting various information such as the type of the film 7 and various commands such as print start.

The film scanner unit 2 illuminates the film 7 such that each film image of the film 7 made of a roll film or a strip film obtained by dividing the roll film is projected onto the image pickup surface of the image reading unit 23. A film feeding section 22 for automatically feeding each film image of the film 7 to a predetermined reading position, and an image reading section 23 for reading each film image of the film 7
And a frame number detection device 24 for detecting the number of frames actually photographed on the film 7.

The light source unit 21 has a lamp 211 and a light emission control circuit 212 for controlling the light emission amount of the lamp 211, and illuminates the film 7 with a predetermined light emission amount based on a control signal from the system controller 5. To do. The film feeding unit 22 includes a feeding roller 221 and the feeding roller 22.
Drive motor 222 for driving 1 and the drive motor 222
When the film image is read, the film image is fed to the reading position frame by frame based on a control signal from the system controller 5.

The image reading unit 23 reads the film image set at the reading position, for example, CC.
A solid-state image pickup device 231 including a D (Charge Coupled Device), a CCD driver 232 that controls the driving of the CCD 231, and an optical system 233 that projects the film image on the image pickup surface of the CCD 231. Then, the read image signal is output to the image processing unit 3.

The CCD 231 may be a monochrome image pickup device, but preferably a color image pickup device provided with three color filters of R, G and B. Alternatively, an R, G, B optical filter of three colors and a filter drive circuit for driving the optical filter are provided between the monochrome type CCD and the film, and the film image
You may make it image-separate into each color of G and B separately. The driving of the CCD driver 232 and the optical system 233 is controlled by the system controller 5.

The frame number detecting device 24 includes a DX code reading sensor for reading the DX code optically recorded corresponding to each frame in the non-photographing area of the film 7 where the perforation is provided, and each DX code reading sensor. A density sensor for reading the density of the frame photographing area is provided, and the number of frames is detected from the read DX code and the density information of each frame. The frame number detection device 24 determines the number of photographed frames of the film 7 from the DX code, and also determines from the density information of each frame whether or not a photograph is photographed in the frame, and the number of non-photographed frames is determined from the number of photographed frames. Is subtracted to detect the number of film images actually photographed, and the information on the number of photographed images is sent to the system controller 5.

In recent years, as shown in FIG. 2, a magnetic recording portion J1 is provided on one side of the film 7 so as to correspond to each frame F, and the magnetic recording portion J1 has a photographing date and time and photographing conditions (exposure, exposure,
There is known a film capable of magnetically recording information unique to each frame such as a photographing magnification). Further, as shown in FIG. 3, magnetic recording portions J0, J1 and J2 are provided on both sides of the film 7 so as to correspond to the leader portion 71 and each frame F.
In the magnetic recording section J0 provided in the above, information regarding the entire film 7, such as the actual number of frames to be photographed, title, and shooting location, is recorded in the magnetic recording sections J1 and J2 provided corresponding to each frame F. There is known a film capable of magnetically recording information unique to each frame.

When the film 7 having the magnetic recording portions J0, J1 and J2 is used, the magnetic recording portions J0 to J2 are used.
Since the number of frames actually photographed or the information as to whether or not a photograph has been photographed in each frame F is recorded from the information recorded in (1), instead of the frame number detecting device 24, or in detecting the frame number. A magnetic information reading device including a magnetic head and a magnetic head driver is provided separately from the device 24, and the number of film images actually taken is detected from the magnetic information read by the magnetic information reading device. Good.

The image processing unit 3 is an A / D converter 31 for converting an analog image signal input from the film scanner unit 2 into a digital image signal, and the A / D converter 31 converts it into a digital signal. From the image memory 32 including a RAM (Random Access Memory) for storing the data of the film image (hereinafter, referred to as image data) and the data for printing, a ROM (Read only Memory) in which character characters are stored in advance, and the like. The memory 33 and the character information such as a title input from the input unit 6 are converted into character characters, and the character characters and a plurality of image data stored in the image memory 32 are multi-coded according to a predetermined matrix format. Image combining unit 34 for combining image data, and the image combining unit 34
It has a D / A converter 35 for D / A converting the multi-image data generated in step 1 and outputting it to the printer unit 4.

The image memory 32 has a first recording section for recording the image data read by the film scanner section 2 and a second recording section for recording the generated print data. Has a memory for synthesis processing.

The image synthesizing section 34 converts the character information such as the title input from the system controller 5 into a character character based on the control signal from the system controller 5, and the character character is converted into the image memory 32.
The data is recorded in a predetermined area of the second recording section of. In addition, each image data is sequentially read from the first recording unit of the image memory 32, the image data is enlarged or reduced according to a predetermined matrix format, and then sequentially recorded in a predetermined area of the second recording unit of the image memory 32. As a result, multi-image data formed by arranging film images of each frame is generated.

Details of the matrix format and multi-image data generation processing will be described later.

The printer unit 4 includes the image processing unit 3
A buffer 41 for temporarily storing the output data,
The recording paper feeding unit 42 for feeding the recording paper 8, the ink ribbon feeding unit 43 for feeding the ink ribbon 434, and the thermal transfer type printer head 44 are provided, and an image is generated based on a control signal from the system controller 5. An image is formed on a recording sheet 8 such as a sheet or an OHP sheet based on the data output from the processing unit 3.

The printer head 44 has a dot printing portion for one line to several lines, and the recording paper 8
An image is formed in units of one line to several lines. Also,
The recording paper feeding unit 42 includes a paper feed drum 421 that feeds the recording paper 8, a drum motor 422 that rotationally drives the paper feed drum 421, and a motor control circuit 423 that controls the drive of the drum motor. There is.

The data generated by the image processing unit 3 is
The data is output to the printer unit 4 in units of one line to several lines, and this data is temporarily stored in the buffer 41.
The printer unit 4 reads data from the buffer 41, and at the same time as reading the data, the paper feed drum 42.
The recording sheet 8 of the roll sheet or the cut sheet loaded in 1 is fed and the ink ribbon 434 is fed, and the printer head 44 presses the ink ribbon 434 against the recording sheet 8 to form the above data. The image is transferred and formed on the recording paper 8. Then, the image formation for each line and the feeding of the recording paper 8 are alternately repeated to print out all the data on one recording paper 8.

The system controller 5 has a memory 51 including a ROM and the like, and the memory 51 stores a program of a multi-image data generation processing routine corresponding to each of the matrix formats.

Next, the image processing operation of the image processing system will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS.

FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of the image processing operation, in which the whole film image of the roll film is taken in,
6 is a flowchart showing control of an image processing operation when multi-image data is generated based on a predetermined matrix format according to the number of shots and the multi-image data is printed out on a recording paper.

When printing a film image, it is assumed that the character information such as the title and comment of the film image is input from the input unit 6.

When the roll film 7 is loaded in the film feeding unit 22 and a print start signal is input from the input unit 6, the frame number detector 24 detects the number N of frames of the film image recorded on the roll film 7. Is detected (# 1). Then, the film images actually recorded on the roll film 7 are sequentially read (# 2 to #
4). That is, the system controller 5 increments the frame number counter K by 1 each time, for example, the data of each film image is read from the image reading unit 23 (# 3), and the count value K matches the frame number N. It is determined whether or not (# 4), and the film image of the roll film 7 is read until the count value K matches the number of frames N.

When the number of frames N is read, the number of frames N is initialized to the number of frames counter K, and the number of frames counter K is read every time the data of the film image is read.
May be decremented and the film image may be read until K = 0.

When the reading of all the film images recorded on the roll film 7 is completed (YES in # 4), the matrix format corresponding to the number of frames N is set, and the multi-image data is stored in accordance with the matrix format. It is generated (# 5). The matrix format is an array format in which N film images are arrayed on one recording paper 8 in good balance as index information.

FIG. 5 shows the first multi-image data generation process.
It is a subroutine of the embodiment. The first embodiment generates multi-image data according to a matrix format in which N images are arranged in a square matrix of (n, n) matrix.

When the process moves to the subroutine of FIG. 3 in # 5,
First, the square root √ (N) of the number of frames N is calculated (# 1
0), and then the order n of the (n, n) matrix is calculated from this √ (N) (# 11). The order n is the order p when √ (N) is an integer p without a fraction, and the order n (p + 1) is a rounded up fraction if the order √ (N) is a fraction. It is calculated. For example N =
If 25, then √ (25) = 5.0 and n = 5,
If N = 28, then n = 6 from √ (28) = 5.29.

Subsequently, a matrix format corresponding to the calculated array pattern of the (n, n) matrix is set, and multi-image data is generated according to the matrix format (# 12).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a multi-image. In the figure, the film images are arranged in an arrangement pattern of n rows and m columns, and they are combined so that they can be printed out on the horizontally long recording paper 8. A memo area A1 in which character information such as a title and a comment is recorded is provided above the recording paper 8, and an image area A2 in which a plurality of film images are recorded is provided below the memo area A1.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of processing for generating a multi-image displayed in the image area A2 from a plurality of film images recorded in the first recording section of the image memory 32.

In this embodiment, a blank area having dimensions YT [mm] and YY (mm) is provided at the top, bottom, left and right of the image area A2, and a multi-image is displayed inside the blank area. It should be noted that the size of the blank area is the minimum size, and the size of the blank area on the top, bottom, left or right may be larger than the above size depending on the arrangement pattern.

Memo area A of the second recording section of the image memory 32
When the character character is recorded in the memory area corresponding to 1, the respective film images recorded in the first recording section of the image memory 32 correspond to the image area A2 while synthesizing the multiple images according to the flowchart of FIG. It is recorded in the memory area.

That is, first, the enlargement ratio (or reduction ratio) of the film image is set according to the matrix format (# 20).

For example, the size of the recording paper 8 is PT (vertical) × P
Y (horizontal) [mm], the image interval of the multi-image is S [mm], and the size of each image of the multi-image is OT (vertical) × OY (horizontal)
[Mm] (see FIG. 6), where m is the number of horizontal arrays and n is the vertical array, PT = n.OT + {2.YT + S. (N-1)} PY = m.OY + { 2 · YY + S · (m−1)} holds, the size of each image is OT = [PT− {2 · YT + S · (n−1)}] / n OY = [PY− {2 · YY + S · (m−1)}] / m ...

Therefore, the size of the film image (the size of the image shot on the film) is IT (vertical) × IY (horizontal)
When [mm] is set, the enlargement ratio (or reduction ratio) of the film image
Is as follows.

Vertical magnification KT = OT / IT = [PT- {2.YT + S. (N-1)}] / (n.IT) ... Horizontal magnification KY = OY / IY = [PY- {2. YY + S · (m−1)}] / (m · IY) ....

In the first embodiment, since the array pattern of the matrix format is the (n, n) matrix, the magnifications KT and KY are n =
It is calculated as m. Then, the vertical magnification KT and the horizontal magnification KY are compared, and the smaller magnification is set as the enlargement ratio (or reduction ratio) of the film image.

In the direction of large magnification, the size of the blank area is larger than the minimum size, so the size of the blank area is calculated when setting the enlargement ratio (or reduction ratio) of the film image. For example, when KT> KY, the actual size YY 'of the horizontal blank area is the same as the minimum size YY, but the actual size YT' of the vertical blank area is larger than the minimum size YT. . The actual dimension YT 'is
From the above equation, 2YT = PT-n.KT.IT-S (n-1) ... 2YT '= PT-n.KY.IT-S (n-1) .. YT '= YT + n.IT. (KT-KY) / 2 ... and calculated by the above formula.

On the other hand, when KY> KT, the actual size YT 'of the vertical blank area is the same as the minimum size YT, but the actual size YY' of the horizontal blank area is the minimum. The dimension YY becomes larger than the dimension YY, and the actual lateral dimension YY 'is calculated by the following equation derived in the same manner as above. YY '= YY + m.IT. (KY-KT) / 2 ....

Subsequently, the first film image recorded in the first recording section of the image memory 32 is read out to the composition processing memory of the image composition section 34 (# 21), and the set enlargement ratio (or reduction ratio) is set. ) Is performed (# 22). Then, the recording position of the first enlarged (or reduced) film image in the image area A2 is calculated based on the set margin area size (YT '× YY') and the image interval (S) (# 23). The first film image enlarged (or reduced) based on the calculation result is recorded in a predetermined area of the second recording section of the image memory 32 (# 24).

Then, returning to # 21, the enlargement (or reduction) process is performed on the second film image (# 2).
2) After the predetermined recording position is calculated (# 23), the second film image enlarged (or reduced) based on the calculation result is recorded in the predetermined area of the second recording section of the image memory 32. . Then, the same processing as described above is performed for each of the third and subsequent film images, and when the processing is completed for all the film images (YES in # 24), the generation of multi-image data is completed and the process returns.

Returning to FIG. 4, the generated multi-image data is sequentially output to the printer unit 4 in units of one line to several lines and printed out on the recording paper 8 (# 6).
Then, when the printing out of all the multi-image data is completed, the printing operation is ended.

FIG. 8 shows the second multi-image data generation process.
It is a subroutine of the embodiment. In the first embodiment, since the array pattern of the image is the (n, n) matrix, when the number of frames N increases, the difference (N−n ² ) between the number of frames N and the number of arrays n ² increases, and many Blank spaces are likely to occur. For example, N = 2
In the case of 8, the array pattern is a (6, 6) matrix, but 5
Eight blank spaces are generated from the fourth line to the sixth line of the line. In this case, since there is no film image on the 6th line,
It becomes the same as the margin, and the margin area at the bottom of the recording paper 8 becomes large.

In the second embodiment, even if (n-1) ² <N <n ² , if N <n · (n-1), (n, n-1)
The matrix is arranged in a horizontally long matrix so that the blank area at the bottom of the recording paper does not become unnecessarily large.
For example, when the number of frames N is 28, 25 (5 × 5) <N
(= 28) <36 (= 6 × 6), but 25 <N <6
Since x5 = 30, they are arranged in the arrangement pattern of the (6, 5) matrix. In this arrangement pattern, only two blanks are generated in the sixth line, and the arrangement balance is improved as compared with the first embodiment.

When the process proceeds to the subroutine of FIG. 8 in # 5 of FIG. 4, first, the square root √ (N) of the number of frames N is calculated (#
30), and then the order n of the (n, n) matrix is calculated from this √ (N) by the same method as in the first embodiment (# 3).
1). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of frames N exceeds n · (n−1) (# 32), and if n · (n−1) <N, the array pattern of the image is (n, n). ) Matrix (# 33), and if N ≦ n · (n−1), the image array pattern is set to (n, n−1) matrix (# 3).
4).

For example, when the number of frames N = 21, √ (21)
= 4.58, so n = 5, and 5 × 4
= 20 <21, the image array pattern is (5,
5) It becomes a matrix. On the other hand, when the number of frames N = 19, √ (1
9) = 4.35, and n = the same as when the number of frames N = 21.
However, since 19 <5 × 4 = 20, the image array pattern is a (5,4) matrix.

Then, based on the matrix format corresponding to the set array pattern, multi-image data is generated according to the above-mentioned flowchart of FIG.
The multi-image data is printed out (# 3).
5).

FIG. 9 shows the third multi-image data generation process.
It is a figure which shows the subroutine of an Example.

In the third embodiment, a routine for generating multi-image data corresponding to the number of frames N is set in advance and the RO
When it is stored in M51 and the number of frames N is read,
A corresponding multi-image data generation processing routine is directly called from the ROM 51, and the processing routine is executed to generate multi-image data.

In the third embodiment as well, multi-image data is generated by the same method as in the first and second embodiments, but the enlargement rate (or reduction rate) of the film image corresponds to the matrix format in advance. It is set. For example, when six types of matrix formats of format 1 to format 6 are prepared, each magnification of format 1, format 2, ...
Double, 0.7, ..., 1.5 are set so that the magnification increases in 0.2 steps.

Therefore, when the matrix format is set from the number of frames N, each film image recorded in the first recording section of the image memory 32 is enlarged (or reduced) at a magnification corresponding to the matrix format. . For example, when the matrix format of format 2 is set, each film image is reduced at a magnification of 0.7.

FIG. 10 to FIG. 15 show an example in which a plurality of film images are printed out in a two-dimensionally long manner on a horizontally long recording paper, and six film images and nine film images are printed, respectively.
The sheet images 12, 12, 20, 28 and 32 are printed out on one recording sheet 8.

A plurality of images G are displayed in the image area A2 (n,
n) to (n, n-1) matrices are arranged and recorded. The memo area A1 and the image area A2
Is set to a fixed size, and the size of each image G decreases as the number of frames increases.

Also, the aspect ratio (Y: X) of each image G is not the same as the aspect ratio of the film image (for example, 4: 3), and is set to a relatively natural and easy-to-see ratio by the arrangement pattern. In the examples of FIGS. 10 to 15, each image G is slightly longer than the film image because of the relationship with the image area A2. As shown in the figure, when the aspect ratio (Y: X) of the image G is different from the aspect ratio of the film image, the data of each image G is stored in the image memory 32.
An image in a region corresponding to the aspect ratio (Y: X) is extracted, and the image is generated by enlarging or reducing the image at a predetermined magnification.

For example, when the image G has a horizontally long size, an area having the above aspect ratio (Y: X) obtained by partially cutting the image data of the film image in the vertical direction is extracted, and the image data in the extracted area is extracted. Set predetermined magnification KT (or K
The image data of each image G is generated by enlarging or reducing in Y) and reading from the image memory 32. In this case, image G
Becomes a partial image of the film image, and the entire film image cannot be known from each image G printed out. However, when the print image is used as index information, as long as it is effective as index information,
Each image G is allowed to be a partial image of the film image.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the film image is edited in the arrangement pattern of the (n, n) matrix or the (n, n-1) matrix has been shown. However, in # 34 of FIG.
1, n) If it is set to the array pattern of the matrix,
It is also possible to edit the film image in an arrangement pattern of (n-1, n) matrix.

16 and 17, the film image is (n
FIG. 16 shows an example in which 40 film images (6, 7) are printed out in an array pattern of (-1, n) matrix.
FIG. 17 is a diagram in which 52 sheets of film images are (7, 8) printed out on one recording paper in a matrix arrangement pattern.
FIG. 6 is a diagram printed out on one recording paper 8 in a matrix arrangement pattern.

In the examples of FIGS. 10 to 17, each image is represented by (1,
1), (1, 2), ..., (2, 1), (2, 2), ...
Although they are arranged in the order of (n, m), the arrangement order is not limited to this, and for example, (1, 1), (2, 1),
, (1, 2), (2, 2), ..., (n, m) may be arranged in this order.

When the number of images is the same as the number of arrays in the array pattern, no blank space is generated in the array pattern, but when the number of images is less than the number of arrays in the array pattern, it is included in the array pattern. Arrangement positions are formed as margins, and the margin portions differ depending on the arrangement order of each image. In the examples of FIGS. 11 and 14 to 16, (1, 1), (1,
2), ... (n, m) Since the film images are arranged in this order, there is a marginal arrangement position in the bottom line.
When (1, 1), (2, 1), ..., (n, m) are arranged in the vertical direction in order, an arrangement position which becomes a margin occurs in the rightmost column.

Therefore, when the number of images is smaller than the number of arrangement patterns, the arrangement order of the images may be selectable in consideration of the generation position of the arrangement position which becomes a margin.
In this case, as described above, the respective images may be packed and arranged in order, and as shown in FIG. 17, a part of the arrangement positions may be skipped to form an arrangement position that becomes a blank in the middle of the arrangement. Good. In the example of FIG. 17, the 39th and subsequent images are arranged in the 7th row so that the arrangement positions of (6, 7) and (6, 8) become the margins. Blanks are formed.

When the number of images becomes smaller than the number of arrangements of the arrangement pattern, it is preferable to prepare a plurality of matrix formats having different arrangement orders and allow the input section 6 to select the matrix format. By doing so, it is possible to more appropriately set the balance of the blank space due to the relationship between the number of frames N and the array pattern.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the number of frames N
When the number of images increases, the size of each image G becomes too small, which may reduce the usability as index information. In such a case, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the film image may be printed out by dividing the recording paper 8 into two sheets. Also in this case, it is preferable that the number of recording papers 8 to be printed is selectable and the matrix format is automatically set according to the number of recording papers 8 designated by the input unit 6.

In the example of the arrangement pattern, the horizontally long images are arranged on the horizontally long recording paper, but the vertically long images may be arranged. Further, a horizontally long or vertically long image may be arranged on a vertically long recording paper.

FIG. 19 shows the second embodiment of the image processing operation, and is a flow chart showing the print operation control when the film image of the strip film is taken in and printed out (visualized) on the recording paper.

When the film image of the strip film is taken in, basically the same processing as when the film image of the roll film is taken in is performed. In the case of a strip film, the number N'of frames included in the strip film 7 is not recorded on the film 7, and the total number N of frames varies depending on the number of strip films 7. N cannot be read automatically.

Therefore, in the case of strip film,
The number of frames N is incremented each time each film image on the strip film 7 is read (# 40, # 41), and the number of frames N to be processed is input by the operator inputting an instruction to finish reading from the input unit 6. It has been decided (# 42). Then, a matrix format corresponding to the number of frames N determined in # 42 is set, and based on the matrix format, multi-image data is generated by the method described above (# 43).

In the above embodiment, a plurality of images recorded on the film 7 are read by the image reading section 23, combined in a predetermined matrix format according to the number of frames, and printed out on the recording paper 8 (visualization). However, depending on the number of images, for example, multiple images created by a computer, multiple images captured by an image scanner, or multiple still images captured by a video camera or a still video camera may be used. It is also possible to combine them in a predetermined matrix format and print them out on the recording paper 8.

FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of the second embodiment of the image processing system using the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

In the figure, instead of the film scanner section 2 in FIG. 1, an image generating apparatus 12 is connected to an image processing section 3 via an interface 11. The image generating device 12 includes an image generating device such as a computer, an image reading device such as an image scanner, a still image capturing device such as a still video camera, and a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk in which image data is recorded. A recording medium driver (information reading device) for reading the image data from a recording medium such as a disk is also included.

In the second embodiment, a predetermined number of images such as graphs and figures created by the image generating device 12, a plurality of images read by an image scanner, or a plurality of still images shot by a still video camera are predetermined. It is synthesized into a multi-image formed by arranging in the arrangement pattern of No. 1 and visualized on a display device such as recording paper or CRT.

In the second embodiment, since a plurality of image data collected from various sources can be edited into one image data, not only the visualized image is used as index information but also for presentation, for example. It can also be used as a reference material or filing material.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the image processing operation of the image processing system according to the second embodiment.

The basic structure of the processing steps shown in the figure is the same as the basic structure of the processing steps shown in FIG. The flow of FIG. 4 reads the number N of frames recorded on the film 7,
While the film image reading is controlled by the frame number N, the flow of FIG. 21 receives the data of the frame number N sent from the image generating device 12, and uses the data of the frame number N to generate the image generating device. The difference is that the reception of the image transmitted from 12 is controlled.

Therefore, the processes of # 54 and # 55 are the same as # 5.
And the processing of # 6 are the same, so here, from # 50 to
The processing of # 53 will be described.

First, the data of the number of frames N transmitted from the image generating apparatus 12 is received (# 50). Then, the image data transmitted from the image generation device 12 is sequentially read (# 51 to # 53). That is, the system controller 5 increments the frame number counter K by 1 each time image data is received (# 52), and determines whether or not the count value K matches the frame number N (# 52). 53), image data is received until the count value K matches the number of frames N (loop of # 51 to # 53). When the count value K matches the number of frames N, the process proceeds to # 54 and predetermined multi-image data is generated.

In # 52, the frame number counter K in which the frame number N is initially set may be decremented every time image data is received, and the number of received image data may be counted. .

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing another image processing operation of the image processing system according to the second embodiment.

The basic structure of the processing steps shown in the figure is the same as the basic structure of the processing steps shown in FIG. Figure 1
The flow of 9 counts the number of film images each time a film image is read, and the reading end instruction from the input unit 6 determines the number of film images to be combined, whereas the flow of FIG. Each time the image data transmitted from the image generating device 12 is received, the number of the image data is counted, and the number of film images to be combined is determined by receiving the end signal of the image data. ing.

Therefore, the processes of # 63 and # 64 are the same as # 4.
Since it is the same as the processing of 3 and # 44, here, # 6
The processing of 0 to # 62 will be described.

When the image data transmitted from the image generating device 12 is received (# 60), the number N of frames is counted up (# 61), and it is judged whether or not the end signal of the image data is received (# 60). # 62). If the end signal is not received (NO in # 62), the process returns to # 60, the next image data is received, and if the end signal is received (# 6).
2 is YES), it is determined that the reception of the image data to be combined is completed, multi-image data is generated according to the matrix format corresponding to the number of counted image data (# 63), and the multi-image data is recorded on the recording paper 8 , Is output (visualized) to the display device 10 or the like (# 64).

Although the image processing section 3 is described as an independent component in the image processing system 1 in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 12 such as the film scanner section 2 and the computer, the printer section 4, the CRT, or the like. An image generating device or an image outputting device having a multi-image generating function can be built in the image outputting device such as the display device 9 and the facsimile 10.

[0091]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A plurality of images and information regarding the number of images are fetched, a predetermined matrix format is automatically set on the basis of the information regarding the number of images, and a plurality of images are arranged in a matrix according to the matrix format. Since the image data is generated, it is possible to easily generate a multi-image in which a group of images having a relevance such as the same theme are collected in a well-balanced manner.

Since the multi-image is printed out on the recording paper, for example, index information,
You can easily obtain useful materials such as filing materials and presentation materials.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first embodiment of an image processing system using an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a film having a magnetic recording portion.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of a film having a magnetic recording portion.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of the image processing operation of the image processing system using the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a subroutine of a first embodiment of multi-image data generation processing.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a multi-image.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing for generating a multi-image from a plurality of film images recorded in an image memory.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a subroutine of a second embodiment of multi-image data generation processing.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a subroutine of a third embodiment of multi-image data generation processing.

FIG. 10 is a diagram in which six film images are printed out on a recording paper in an array pattern of (3,2) matrix.

FIG. 11 is a diagram in which eight film images are printed out on a recording paper in an array pattern of a (3,3) matrix.

FIG. 12 is a diagram in which 12 film images are printed out on a recording paper in an array pattern of (4,3) matrix.

FIG. 13 is a diagram in which 20 film images are printed out on a recording paper in an array pattern of (5,4) matrix.

FIG. 14 is a diagram in which 28 film images are printed out on a recording paper in an array pattern of a (6, 5) matrix.

FIG. 15 is a diagram in which 32 film images are printed out on a recording paper in an array pattern of (6, 6) matrix.

FIG. 16 is a diagram in which 40 film images are printed out on a recording paper in an array pattern of (6, 7) matrix.

FIG. 17 is a diagram in which 52 film image (7, 8) matrix printing patterns are printed out on recording paper.

FIG. 18 is a diagram in which 40 film images are printed out on two recording papers in an array pattern of a (5, 4) matrix, (a) shows the first recording paper, and (b) shows It is a figure which shows the 2nd recording paper.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the image processing operation of the image processing system using the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram of a second embodiment of an image processing system using the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an image processing operation of the image processing system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing another image processing operation of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 image processing system 2 film scanner section 21 light source section 211 lamp 22 film feeding section 23 image reading section 231 CCD 24 frame number detection device 3 image processing section 31 A / D converter 32 image memory 33 memory 34 image composition section 35 D / A converter 4 printer unit 41 buffer 44 printer head 5 system controller 51 memory 6 input unit 7 film 8 recording paper 9 display device 10 facsimile 11 interface 12 image generation device

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image capturing means for capturing a plurality of images, a storage means for storing the images captured by the image capturing means, and a number of sheets for capturing information on the number of images captured by the image capturing means. Information capturing means, format setting means for setting a matrix format for arranging the images from the number information captured by the number information capturing means, and the storage means for storing the matrix format according to the matrix format set by the format setting means. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image data generation unit that reads out an image and generates image data in which a plurality of images are arranged. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
An image processing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that outputs the image data generated by the image data generating unit onto a recording sheet.