Abstract:
An apparatus for displaying an image captured by a video camera displays a window of the captured image, buttons displayed about the window for scrolling the image, and a sizing button displayed adjacent the window for enlarging/reducing the size of the window. If an operator wishes to pan, tilt or zoom the video camera, the operator manipulates the scroll buttons and sizing button for scrolling the image horizontally or vertically and sizing the window. The apparatus causes the camera to tilt or pan in accordance with the scrolling of the window by the scrolling operation and causes the camera to zoom in or out in accordance with the sizing operation. The apparatus is adapted to display an icon which is a miniature image of the image captured by the video camera. When this icon is selected, the application using the video camera is started. The icon is not displayed if the video camera is operating abnormally.

Description:
This application is a division of application Ser. No. 08/503,421 filed Jul. 17, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,757,418. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method for processing an image entered using a video camera or the like. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In a video processing system using a video camera, such as a television conference system, one&#39;s own image (local image) and the image of another party (remote image) are displayed respectively in a window  81  for display of the local image and a window  82  for display of the remote image, as illustrated in FIG.  8 . By operating a camera control window  83  using a pointing device such as a mouse, the operator performs control (panning, tilting and zooming) of the local and remote cameras. Alternatively, the operator may control these cameras using a separately provided keyboard or special-purpose keys. 
     Further, information processing systems such as personal computers and work stations are known having a plurality of applications that use a photographic device such as a small television camera. An example of such an application is a TV telephone. The programs for these applications are displayed in the form of icons stored in advance as dot images or the like. The operator starts the desired application by clicking the corresponding icon using a mouse or the like. 
     In the conventional television conference system mentioned above, the windows for displaying the local and remote images cannot be adjusted freely to a size desired by the operator. If it were attempted to change the sizes of these windows so as to conform to the preferences of the operator, the camera control window would overlap the window for the local image or the window for the remote image, thus making control difficult to perform. 
     Furthermore, in a case where camera control is performed by providing a keyboard or special-purpose controller, an inconvenience encountered is that control must be performed while observing both the controller and a monitor. 
     In an arrangement in which the operator starts an application by using a mouse or the like to click a displayed icon that has been stored beforehand in correspondence with the application, it is necessary to set an easily understandable icon for each and every application. 
     Further, when the application for a TV telephone using a photographic device such as a small television camera is started in the example of the related art described above, the program will start even if the photographic device is incapable of operating because its power supply has not been turned on or for some other reason. However, no image will be displayed. Accordingly, it is necessary to make sure that the photographic device is placed in an operable state such as by turning on its power supply before running the application. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and method in which such operations as the scrolling and enlargement of the image of a window can be performed with ease and an operating application can be ascertained with facility. 
     A second object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and method whereby an operator is capable of readily ascertaining the operating status of photographic means. 
     In order to attain the foregoing objects, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus having a plurality of photographic means for photographing subjects, in which output images from the plurality of photographic means are displayed as a plurality of windows corresponding thereto, the apparatus comprising first display means for displaying, at positions adjacent each window, images for designating scrolling of the window up or down and left and right, second display means for displaying, at a positions adjacent each window, an image for designating enlargement/reduction of the window, designating means for designating scrolling and enlargement/reduction with regard to the displays presented by the first and second display means, and control means for performing control, which is based upon the designation made by the designating means, so as to move the photographic means corresponding to the designated window. 
     Further, there is provided an image processing apparatus in which there are executed a plurality of applications which include a first application for displaying an output image, which is obtained from photographic means that photographs a subject, on a monitor screen, the apparatus comprising means for displaying the output image on the monitor screen as an icon corresponding to the first application, designating means for designating the icon, and means for starting the first application based upon the designation made by the designating means. 
     Further, there is provided an image processing apparatus in which there are executed a plurality of applications which include a first application for displaying an output image, which is obtained from photographic means that photographs a subject, on a monitor screen, the apparatus comprising discriminating means for discriminating the status of the photographic means, and means for displaying an icon corresponding to the first application on the monitor screen based upon results of discrimination performed by the discriminating means. 
     Further, there is provided an image processing apparatus in which there are executed a plurality of applications which include a first application for displaying an output image, which is obtained from photographic means that photographs a subject, on a monitor screen, the apparatus comprising means for displaying a first icon, which corresponds to the first application, on the monitor screen, designating means for designating the first icon, discriminating means for discriminating the status of the photographic means in a case where the icon has been designated by the designating means, and means which, when the photographic means has been discriminated by the discriminating means as being abnormal, is for displaying a second icon, which differs from the first icon, instead of the first icon. 
     Further, the present invention is provides an image processing method having a plurality of cameras for photographing subjects, in which output images from the plurality of cameras are displayed as a plurality of windows corresponding thereto, the method comprising a first display step of displaying, at positions adjacent each window, images for designating scrolling of the window up or down and left and right, a second display step of displaying, at positions adjacent each window, an image for designating enlargement/reduction of the window, a designating step of designating scrolling and enlargement/reduction with regard to the displays presented by the first and second display steps, and a control step of performing control, which is based upon the designation made by the designating step, so as to move the camera corresponding to the designated window. 
     Further, there is provided an image processing method in which there are executed a plurality of applications which include a first application for displaying an output image, which is obtained from a camera that photographs a subject, on a monitor screen, the method comprising a step of displaying the output image on the monitor screen as an icon corresponding to the first application, a designating step of designating the icon, and a step of starting the first application based upon the designation made by the designating step. 
     Further, there is provided an image processing method in which there are executed a plurality of applications which include a first application for displaying an output image, which is obtained from a camera that photographs a subject, on a monitor screen, the method comprising a discriminating step of discriminating the status of the camera, and a step of displaying an icon corresponding to the first application on the monitor screen based upon results of discrimination performed by the discriminating step. 
     Further, there is provided an image processing method in which there are executed a plurality of applications which include a first application for displaying an output image, which is obtained from a camera that photographs a subject, on a monitor screen, the method comprising a step of displaying a first icon, which corresponds to the first application, on the monitor screen, a designating step of designating the first icon, a discriminating step of discriminating the status of the camera in a case where the icon has been designated by the designating step, and a step of displaying a second icon, which differs from the first icon, instead of the first icon when the camera is discriminated by the discriminating step as being abnormal. 
     According to the image processing apparatus and method of the invention constructed as described above, displays for scrolling and enlarging/reducing a window are provided adjacent the window. As a result, the operation for scrolling and enlarging/reducing the window is linked with motion of the window, thereby facilitating operation. In addition, it is possible to provide a more effective display of the window. 
     Furthermore, the apparatus and method described above facilitate the operation performed by the operator. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a still-picture television conference system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor screen in the television conference system according to the first embodiment; 
     FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system according to the first embodiment; 
     FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the details of a step S 309  in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart of local-image window manipulation processing of a step S 402  in FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of remote-image window manipulation processing of a step S 404  in FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 7 is a flowchart for describing command processing shown at a step S 311  in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 8 is a diagram representing a monitor screen in a television conference system according to the prior art; 
     FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an information processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor screen in the system according to the second embodiment; 
     FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system according to the second embodiment; 
     FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a third embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a monitor screen according to the third embodiment of the invention; and 
     FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     First Embodiment 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a still-picture television conference system (hereinafter referred to simply as the “system”) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the system includes a CPU  1  for overall control of the system, a monitor  2  for displaying images stored in an image memory  3  for monitor display, a video camera  4 , which is equipped with a zooming mechanism, for picking up the local image of the system operator (namely the operator&#39;s own image), a pan head  5  for panning and tilting the video camera  4 , and a camera-image memory  6  for storing images from the video camera  4 . Images stored in the memory  6  are capable of being read out at any magnification. The system further includes a camera controller  7  for controlling zooming of the video camera  4  as well as panning and tilting of the pan head  5 . 
     The system has a communication controller  8  for controlling communication between the system and a remote location via a line such as an ISDN, LAN, etc., and a reception image memory  9  for storing the image of a party received via the communication controller  8 . Images stored in the memory  9  are capable of being read out at any magnification. Also included in the system are a controller  10  constituted by a keyboard, mouse or the like, a ROM  11  for storing the operating program of the CPU  1 , and a RAM  12  for temporarily storing data necessary for the operation of the CPU  1 . These components are interconnected by a system bus  13 . 
     FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the monitor screen in the system of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, a window  21  for displaying a local image and a window  22  for displaying a remote image appear on the monitor screen  20 . Each window is manipulated by a scroll-up button  23 , a scroll-down button  24 , a scroll-right button  25 , a scroll-left button  26  and a window enlargement/reduction area  27 . 
     In order to scroll either window, the operator clicks the scroll buttons  23 ˜ 26  using the mouse constituting the controller  10 . To size the window, the operator uses the mouse to drag the window enlargement/reduction area  27 . The windows may be manipulated also by a command received from the system of the other party. 
     The operation of the system according to this embodiment will now be described. 
     FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system (television conference system) according to this embodiment. When the system is started, the CPU  1  creates window-image data for the display of the local image at step S 301  and transfers this data to the image memory  3  for the monitor display. Next, at step S 302 , the CPU  1  transfers the data in the camera-image memory  6 , which stores the local-image data from the video camera  4 , to the monitor-display image memory  3  so as to be displayed in the window  21  for the display of the local image. The local image is displayed on the monitor  2  as a result. 
     Next, at step S 303 , the CPU  1  connects the line to the party with which a conversation is desired to be carried out. When the line connection has been achieved, the CPU  1  reads the local-image data out of the camera-image memory  6  and sends this data to the party via the communication controller  8  at step S 304 . The CPU  1  then creates window-image data for display of the remote image at step S 305  and transfers this data to the monitor-display image memory  3 . The CPU  1  then requests the image of the other party via the communication controller  8  and waits for reception of image data from the other party. 
     If image data is received from the other party at step S 306 , the image data representing the image of the party is transferred to the monitor-display image memory  3  at step S 307  in order to display this image in the remote-image display window  22 . As a result, the image of the party appears on the monitor  2 . The CPU  1  then performs monitoring at step S 308  to determine whether a window has been manipulated (e.g., scrolled or enlarged/reduced in size). If it is determined that the window has been manipulated, the CPU  1  executes the corresponding window manipulation processing at step S 309 . 
     The CPU  1  monitors also the reception of a camera-control command from the communicating party at step S 310 . If the command has been received from the party, the CPU  1  executes the corresponding processing at step S 311 . The processing of steps S 308  and S 310  is executed until the conversation using this system is found to have ended at step S 312 . When the conversation ends, the CPU  1  disconnects the line at step S 313 . The CPU  1  causes the window  22  for the display of the other party&#39;s image to vanish at step S 314  and then determines whether manipulation of the system has ended at step S 315 . If end of system manipulation is detected, the window  21  for display of the local image also is caused to vanish and system operation is terminated. If the end of system manipulation is not detected, then the program returns to step S 303  and a connection is made to the next party to a conversation. 
     FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the operation of window manipulation processing performed at step S 309  in FIG.  3 . 
     When a window is manipulated, the CPU  1  determines which one at steps S 401  and S 403  and executes the corresponding processing. For example, if the manipulated window is the local-image display window  21 , the CPU  1  executes window manipulation processing for display of the local image at step S 402 . If the manipulated window is the remote-image display window  22 , on the other hand, the CPU  1  executes window manipulation processing for display of the remote image at step S 404 . 
     The operation of step S 402 , namely the window manipulation processing for the local image, will now be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.  5 . 
     As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU  1  determines at step S 501  whether manipulation of the local-image display window  21  is scrolling or not. If the answer is YES, then the camera is tilted or panned, depending upon the scrolling direction. If manipulation of the window is found to be scroll-up at a decision step S 502 , then the camera controller  7  is instructed to tilt the pan head  5  upward at step S 503 , thereby moving the camera  4  in the upward direction. When movement of the camera ends, the CPU  1  reads the local-image data out of the camera-image memory  6  at step S 504  and transfers this data to the monitor-display image memory  3  at step S 305  to display the local image on the monitor  2 . 
     If the scrolling operation is found to be scroll-down at step S 506 , then the camera controller  7  is instructed to tilt the pan head  5  downward at step S 507 , thereby moving the camera  4  in the downward direction. If scrolling is instructed to be scroll-right at step S 508 , the camera controller  7  is instructed to pan the pan head  5  rightward at step S 509 , thereby moving the camera  4  in the rightward direction. If scrolling is instructed to be scroll-left at step S 510 , the camera controller  7  is instructed to pan the pan head  5  leftward at step S 511 , thereby moving the camera  4  in the leftward direction. When movement of the camera ends, steps S 504  and S 505  are performed to display the data in memory  6  on the monitor  2  in the same manner as executed at the time of the scroll-up operation. 
     If it is determined at step S 512  that the window manipulation is enlargement of the window, the CPU  1  enlarges the local-image display window  21  at step S 513  and instructs the camera controller  7  to zoom out the video camera  4 , whereby the camera  4  is caused to zoom out. When zoom-out ends, the CPU  1  sets the magnification of readout from the camera-image memory  6  at step S 515  so as to agree with the size of the enlarged local-image display window  21 . 
     If the readout magnification has been set, steps S 504  and S 505  are performed to display the data in memory  6  on the monitor  2  in the same manner as executed at the time of the scroll-up operation. 
     If it is determined at step S 516  that the window manipulation is reduction of the window size, the CPU  1  reduces the size of the local-image display window  21  at step S 517  and instructs the camera controller  7  to zoom in the video camera  4 , whereby the camera  4  is caused to zoom in. When zoom-in ends, the CPU  1  sets the magnification of readout from the camera-image memory  6  at step S 515  so as to agree with the size of the reduced local-image display window  21 . After the readout magnification has been set, steps S 504  and S 505  are performed to display the data in memory  6  on the monitor  2  in the same manner as executed at the time of the scroll-up operation. 
     The operation of step S 404  of FIG. 4, namely the window manipulation processing for the remote image, will now be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.  6 . 
     As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU  1  determines at step S 601  whether manipulation of the remote-image display window  22  is scrolling or not. If the answer is YES, then a command is transmitted to the other party to command tilting or panning of the camera on the side of the other party, depending upon the scrolling direction. More specifically, if manipulation of the window is judged to be scroll-up at a step S 602 , then a command instructing upward tilting of the camera on the other party&#39;s side is transmitted via the communication controller  8  at step S 603 , after which the CPU  1  waits for reception of the image data from the other party. When this image data is received at step S 604 , the image data of the other party stored in the reception image memory  9  is read out of this memory at step S 605  and the data is transferred to the monitor-display image memory  3  at step S 606  to display the image of the other party on the monitor  2 . 
     If the scrolling operation is found to be scroll-down at step S 607 , then a command instructing downward tilting of the camera on the other party&#39;s side is transmitted via the communication controller  8  at step S 608 . If scrolling to the right is judged at step S 609 , then a command instructing rightward panning of the camera on the other party&#39;s side is transmitted via the communication controller  8  at step S 610 . If scrolling to the left is judged at step S 611 , then a command instructing leftward panning of the camera on the other party&#39;s side is transmitted via the communication controller  8  at step S 612 , after which the CPU  1  waits for reception of the image data from the other party. When image data representing the other party is received after transmission of these commands, the processing of steps S 604 ˜S 606  is executed to display the data in memory  9  on the monitor  2  in the same manner as executed at the time of the scroll-up operation. 
     If it is judged at step S 613  that the window manipulation is enlargement of the window, the CPU  1  enlarges the remote-image display window  22  at step S 614 , transmits a command instructing zoom-out of the camera on the other party&#39;s side via the communication controller  8  at step S 615  and sets magnification of readout from the reception image memory  9  at step S 616  so as to agree with the size of the enlarged remote-image display window  22 . After the readout magnification has been set, the processing of steps S 604 ˜S 606  is performed to receive the image of the other party and display this image on the monitor  2  in the same manner as executed at the time of the scroll-up operation. 
     If it is judged at step S 617  that the window manipulation is reduction of the window size, the CPU  1  reduces the size of the remote-image display window  22  at step S 618 , transmits a command instructing zoom-in of the camera on the other party&#39;s side via the communication controller  8  at step S 619  and sets magnification of readout from the reception image memory  9  at step S 616  so as to agree with the size of the reduced remote-image display window  22 . After the readout magnification has been set, the processing of steps S 604 ˜S 606  is performed to receive the image of the other party and display this image on the monitor  2  in the same manner as executed at the time of the scroll-up operation. 
     FIG. 7 is a flowchart for describing the command processing shown at a step S 311  in FIG.  3 . 
     As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU  1  determines at step S 701  whether a command received from the communicating party is a command designating zoom. Further, the CPU  1  determines whether the command is for zoom-out or zoom-in at steps S 702  and S 709 , respectively. If the command is a zoom-out command, the CPU  1  enlarges the window  21  for display of the local image at step S 703  and commands the camera controller  7  to zoom out the video camera  4  at step S 704 , thereby causing the video camera  4  to zoom out. If zoom-out is concluded, the CPU  1  sets magnification of readout from the camera-image memory  6  at step S 705  so as to agree with the size of the enlarged local-image display window. 
     Next, at step S 706 , the CPU  1  reads the local-image data out of the camera-image memory  6  and transfers this data to the monitor-display image memory  3  at step S 707 , whereby this image is displayed on the monitor  2 . The CPU  1  then reads the local-image data out of the camera-image memory  6  and transmits this data to the side of the other party via the communication controller  8  at step S 708 . 
     If the command received from the other party is a zoom-in command, the CPU  1  reduces the size of the window  21  for display of the local image at step S 710  and commands the camera controller  7  to zoom in the video camera  4  at step S 711 , thereby causing the video camera  4  to zoom in. If zoom-in is concluded, the CPU  1  sets magnification of readout from the camera-image memory  6  at step S 705  so as to agree with the size of the reduced local-image display window. When the readout magnification has been set, the processing of steps S 706 ˜S 708  is performed to transmit the local-image data to the other party in the same manner as executed at the time of the zoom-out operation. 
     If the command received from the communicating party is found to be a tilt-up command at step S 712 , the CPU  1  commands the camera controller  7  to tilt the pan head  5  upward, whereby the pan head  5  is tilted in the upward direction. When tilt-up ends, the CPU  1  executes steps S 706 ˜S 708  to transmit the local-image data to the other party in the same manner as executed at the time of the zoom-out operation. If the command received from the communicating party is found to be a tilt-down command at step S 714 , the CPU  1  commands the camera controller  7  to tilt the pan head  5  downward, whereby the pan head  5  is tilted in the downward direction. When tilt-down ends, the CPU  1  executes steps S 706 ˜S 708  to transmit the local-image data to the other party in the same manner as executed at the time of the zoom-out operation. 
     If the command received from the communicating party is found to be a pan-right command at step S 716 , the CPU  1  commands the camera controller  7  to pan the video camera  4  to the right, whereby the pan head  5  is panned in the rightward direction. When pan-right ends, the CPU  1  executes steps S 706 ˜S 708  to transmit the local-image data to the other party in the same manner as executed at the time of the zoom-out operation. If the command received from the communicating party is found to be a pan-left command at step S 718 , the CPU  1  commands the camera controller  7  to pan the video camera  4  to the left, whereby the pan head  5  is panned in the leftward direction. When pan-left ends, the CPU  1  executes steps S 706 ˜S 708  to transmit the local-image data to the other party in the same manner as executed at the time of the zoom-out operation. 
     Thus, in accordance with the television conference system of the embodiment described above, the manipulations for scrolling, enlarging and reducing an image-display window and camera control for panning, tilting and zooming are linked, thereby making actual camera control coincide with the presentation of an image display on a monitor. As a result, the system can be manipulated with ease while the operator observes the monitor screen. 
     Further, by providing a camera-control window in close proximity to a window for image display, it is possible to prevent the effective display area of the monitor screen from being made too small by camera-control window. 
     Second Embodiment 
     A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. 
     FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an information processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, a CPU  201  controls the overall system. An output-signal processor  204  outputs the image from a monitor-display image memory  203  to a monitor  202 , where the image is displayed. A video camera  205  is a photographic device for entering a photographed image to the system. A camera-image memory  206  stores the image from the video camera  205 . 
     An input-signal processor  207  senses whether there is an input signal from the video camera  205  and stores the image from the video camera  205  in the camera-image memory  206 . A memory control circuit  208  reads the data of the camera-image memory  206  out to the monitor-display image memory  203  in any size. A ROM  209  stores the operating program of the CPU  201 , etc. A RAM  210  temporarily stores data necessary for the operation of the CPU  201 . A controller  211  is constituted by a keyboard, mouse or the like. 
     FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor screen in the system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, an icon  221  for a TV-telephone application program, an icon  222  for a word-processor application program and an icon  223  for a calculator application program are displayed on a monitor screen  220 . In this embodiment, each application is started by clicking its icon using the mouse constituting the controller  211  shown in FIG.  9 . 
     The operation of the system according to this embodiment will now be described. 
     FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the system according to this embodiment. When the power supply of the system is turned on at step S 301 ′ in the flowchart of FIG. 11, the CPU  201  determines at step S 302 ′ whether there is an input signal to the input-signal processor  207  from the video camera  205 . If the decision rendered at step S 302 ′ is YES, the image from the video camera  205  is stored in the camera-image memory  206  via the input-signal processor  207  at step S 303 ′. 
     Next, at step S 304 ′, the CPU  201  commands that the image data stored at step S 303 ′ be read out of the camera-image memory  206  and transferred to the monitor-display image memory  203  as an icon in such a manner that the size of the image will become the size of an icon. When the transfer of the image data has taken place, the output-signal processor  204  executes processing at step S 305 ′ for outputting this image data to the monitor  202 . This image is displayed on the monitor  202  at step S 306 . 
     If it is found at step S 302 ′ that there is no input signal from the video camera  205  after the power supply of the camera  205  has been turned on, then the CPU  201  reads already stored icon data out of the RAM  210  at step S 307 ′ and transfers this data to the monitor-display image memory  203  as an icon. This is followed by steps S 305 ′ and S 3306 ′, at which CPU executes processing identical with that performed when there was an input signal from the video camera  205 . 
     Thus, in this embodiment as described above, input video is displayed in the form of an icon for a TV conversation application in an information processing system capable of running a plurality of applications. As a result, the icon display of a TV-telephone application program is made easier to understand. 
     In a case where there is no image input to the information processing system, an icon prepared in advance is displayed. This makes it possible for the operator to verify whether there is an input image merely by observing the icon display without starting the program. 
     In the embodiment described above, an arrangement may be adopted in which it is constantly sensed whether there is an input signal from the video camera  205 , image data is read out of the camera-image memory  206  at fixed time intervals, the image data is transferred to the monitor-display image memory  203  and the icon data for the TV-telephone application is displayed upon being rewritten. 
     Third Embodiment 
     A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described. 
     FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing system equipped with a TV telephone according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU  201  controls the overall system. The output-signal processor  204  outputs the image from the monitor-display image memory  203  to the monitor  202 , where the image is displayed. The video camera  205  is a photographic device for entering a photographed image to the system. The camera-image memory  206  stores the image from the video camera  205 . 
     The input-signal processor  207  senses whether there is an input signal from the video camera  205  and stores the image from the video camera  205  in the camera-image memory  206 . The memory control circuit  208  reads the data of the camera-image memory  206  out to the monitor-display image memory  203  in any size. The ROM  209  stores the operating program of the CPU  201 , etc. The RAM  210  temporarily stores data necessary for the operation of the CPU  201 . The controller  211  is constituted by a keyboard, mouse or the like. A power supply  212  supplies the video camera  205  with power. A switch  213  is for delivering the supplied power to the video camera  205 . 
     The operation of the system according to this embodiment will now be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.  14 . The power source of the information processing system is turned on at step S 141 . This is followed by step S 142 , at which the CPU  201  waits for reception of information from the video camera  205  indicating the operating status of the video camera. When the power supplying switch  213  is closed to supply the video camera  205  with power from the power supply  21 , an initial setting operation is performed and the information indicating the operating status of the camera is transmitted to the CPU  201 . Next, if the information indicative of the operating status is received from the video camera  205  at step S 142 , the status of the camera  205  is checked at step S 143  based upon the received information. If the camera is found to be in an operable state, already stored icon data for a TV-conference application program is read out of the RAM  210  by the CPU  201  at step S 144 , and the CPU  201  transfers this data to the monitor-display image memory  203  as the image of the icon for the TV-conference application program. This image is displayed on the monitor  202 . Thereafter, termination of the system is awaited at step S 145 . Processing is ended at system termination. If the system does not terminate, processing is repeated from step S 142 . 
     If it is found at step S 143  that the camera is not in an operable state, then the CPU  201  transfers data for erasing the icon data for the TV-conference application program to the monitor-display image memory  203  at step S 146 , whereby the icon for the TV conference is caused to vanish from the monitor  202 . 
     Step S 145  is executed if the information indicating the operating status of the video camera  205  is not received from the video camera at step S 142 . 
     It should be noted that the CPU  201  may execute steps S 142 ˜S 146  while a variety of processing is being performed by the system of this embodiment. Further, an appropriate time may be measured by a timer (not shown) and the CPU  201  may execute steps S 142 ˜S 146  at this time interval. 
     FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the screen of the monitor  202  according to this embodiment. An icon  224  for a TV-telephone application program, the icon  222  for a word-processor application program and the icon  223  for a calculator application program are displayed on a monitor screen  220 . Each application is started by clicking its icon using the mouse constituting the controller  211 . 
     Thus, in accordance with this embodiment as described above, status notification means for notifying of the status of an image sensing device is provided in an information processing system capable of running a plurality of application programs inclusive of a TV-telephone application program that employs the image sensing device. When the status notification means has given notification of the fact that the image sensing device is in an operable state, the icon for the TV-telephone application is displayed. When notification is given of the fact that the image sensing device is not in an operable state, the icon for the TV-telephone application is caused to vanish. Thus, the operator is capable of verifying the status of the image sensing device by observing the icon of the TV-telephone application, and the operator can start the TV-telephone application upon confirming that the sensing device is operable. This makes it easier for the operator to operate the system. 
     The states of the image sensing device include a state in which its power supply has not been turned on, as well as a state in which an output of a correct level is not obtained even though the power supply has been turned on. 
     In the embodiment described above, the arrangement is such that the icon for the TV telephone is not displayed if the video camera  205  is not being supplied with power. However, it may be arranged so that the icon is displayed even in such case. Specifically, an arrangement may be adopted in which the operating state of the television camera is detected when the TV-telephone application has been selected, and a display indicating an abnormality is presented if the operating state is abnormal. 
     The present invention can be applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices or to an apparatus comprising a single device. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the invention is applicable also to a case where the object of the invention is attained by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. 
     The video camera in this embodiments is shown as an example of image pick up means. 
     As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.