Portable information terminal apparatus having image processing function

Claim 1

A portable information terminal apparatus having an image processing function, comprising: an optical system for forming an optical image of a surface of a subject; a two-dimensional photoelectric conversion element for performing photoelectric conversion of the formed optical image into a two-dimensional image signal; a signal conversion means for converting said two-dimensional image signal of said photoelectric conversion element into a digital image signal; a memory means for temporarily storing said digital image signal; a subject position detection means including a position sensor for transmitting an ultrasonic wave signal to the subject and for receiving a reflected signal reflected therefrom, said position sensor continuously measuring a distance between the subject and said optical system, the subject position detection means having stored therein a predetermined value corresponding to an image-formation distance of said optical system, said subject position detection means generating a detection signal when the distance measured by said position sensor corresponds to said predetermined value; an image inputting means including an image signal fetching means for receiving said detection signal, said image signal fetching means supplying instantaneously said digital image signal to said memory means upon receipt of said detection signal, said digital image signal being held in said memory means when said subject position detection means detects that the subject to be picked up as an image is located at a distance from said optical system corresponding to said predetermined value; and output means for reading out the digital image signal stored in said memory means, said output means editing the read-out digital image signal together with other information in a predetermined format, and outputting the result of said editing.