Method and apparatus for inputting and outputting images which outputs a normal frame under poor conditions including external vibrations

An image input method comprising:

• an imaging step of imaging an object to generate image data of the object as moving image, said object being mounted on a base;
• detecting a movement of the object by comparing image data of a first number of frames generated in said image pickup step:
• a storing step of delaying image data of the object generated in the imaging step by a time interval corresponding to a second number of frames, wherein the second number being larger than the first number, and storing the delayed image data into a memory as still image;
• and
• an output step of outputting the moving image data generated in the imaging step when it is decided that the object is replaced with another one by determining in said detecting step that the image data generated in the imaging step undergoes a change not less than a predetermined displacement in a predetermined direction, and
• outputting the still delayed image data stored in the memory if it is decided in said detecting step that the image data generated in the imaging step does not undergo a change not less than the predetermined displacement in the predetermined direction.

An image input apparatus comprising:

• image pickup means for imaging an object to generate image data of the object as moving image;
• detecting means for detecting a movement of the object by comparing the image data of a first number of frames generated by said image pickup means;
• support means for supporting said image pickup means so that said image pickup means images the object;
• storage means for delaying image data of the object generated by said image pickup means by a time interval corresponding to a second number of frames wherein the second number being larger than the first number, and storing the delayed image data as a still image;
• and
• output means for outputting the moving image data generated by said image pickup means when it is decided that the object is replaced with another one by said detecting means determining that the image data generated by said image pickup means undergoes a change not less than a predetermined displacement in a predetermined direction, and
• outputting the still delayed image data stored in said storage means if said detecting menas detects that the image data does not undergo a change not less than the predetermined displacement in the predetermined direction and not less than a second displacement.