JP2002112103A - Digital still camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital still camera that enables a user to immediately confirm the contents of images photographed which have been consecutive photographed for image compositing, immediately after photographing processing. SOLUTION: When photographing is instructed from an operation section 107 in a fog adjustment mode, an entire control section 108 changes a focal position to expose a CCD 102 twice consecutively, thereby capturing two photographed images in different focussed states. After a signal processing section 103 applies a prescribed processing to the photographed images, an image memory 103f respectively temporarily stores the processed images. A display control section 108d adjusts the size of the photographed image, having the widest focal range among the images stored in the image memory 103f and transfers the resulting image to a VRAM 106d, which displays the image on EVF 106d. When the photographing processing is finished and the image memory 103f stores the image data, EVF 106d displays the one photographed image, so as to enable a user to immediately confirm the photographed contents, after the end of photographing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention improves image quality by performing continuous photographing at least twice on the same subject and combining a plurality of photographed images obtained by the continuous photographing by a predetermined image combining process. The present invention relates to a digital still camera capable of obtaining an image with enhanced video effects.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in the technical field of digital still cameras, a plurality of consecutively photographed images are subjected to predetermined image processing and then synthesized, so that the image quality and the image effect are better than each of the photographed images. A digital still camera capable of obtaining an image with an improved image quality has been commercialized.

[0003] For example, a digital still camera "GC-X1" PIXSTER "manufactured by Victor Co., Ltd. performs continuous shooting twice while slightly displacing an image pickup device, and combines both shot images to obtain a high-resolution shot image. It has a function that can obtain In addition, this digital still camera sets two types of exposure control values in accordance with a bright part and a dark part of a subject, performs two consecutive shootings with these exposure control values, and combines both captured images. In this way, a function of obtaining a photographed image having an appropriate density from a dark portion to a bright portion is also provided.

[0004]

In recent years, the number of pixels of an image sensor applied to a digital still camera has been increased, and
Although an image sensor using an image sensor having 10,000 to 3 million pixels has been commercialized, when a digital still camera using such a high-density image sensor is provided with the above-described image synthesizing function, the image quality and the image effect can be reduced. The superior value of obtaining high images can be added to digital still cameras.

[0005] However, when the number of data of the photographed image increases, the time required for the image synthesizing process becomes longer, resulting in an inconvenience that it is difficult to obtain a synthesized result. In the case of a digital still camera, it is desirable that the captured image be displayed on the display unit immediately after the image is captured so that the captured image can be checked. When displaying on the display unit, it takes a long time for the image combining process, and it is difficult to display the combined image on the display unit immediately after shooting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a digital still camera capable of immediately confirming the contents of a plurality of images photographed for image synthesis after photographing.

[0007]

The present invention has a special photographing mode for acquiring a plurality of photographed images used for a predetermined image synthesizing process, and when the special photographing mode is set, the same photographing mode is set. In a digital still camera that performs an exposure operation at least twice consecutively on the subject and obtains at least two captured images, a display unit that displays an image; and
Display control means for displaying the one photographed image on the display means (claim 1).

According to this configuration, any one of the plurality of captured images captured in the special capturing mode is displayed on the display means without performing image combining processing. Immediately afterwards, you can check the shooting content.

In the case where the predetermined image synthesizing process is a blur adjusting process of synthesizing a plurality of photographed images having different degrees of out-of-focus to create one image in which the degree of out-of-focus is adjusted. Preferably, of the captured images, the captured image having the widest in-focus range is displayed on the display means.

[0010] In this case, it is preferable that, of a plurality of images with different degrees of out-of-focus, the image with the widest in-focus area is taken first (claim 3).

[0011] Since a plurality of shot images shot for the blur adjustment process have different blurring conditions, displaying any one of the shot images may result in the display of a shot image whose shooting content is unclear. However, such an inconvenience can be avoided by displaying a captured image having a wide range in focus.

In the photographing process for the blur adjustment process,
The exposure operation needs to be performed by adjusting the focus at a predetermined object distance, respectively. However, by first taking a photographed image with the widest focus range (that is, the focus required for the first photographing). By making the adjustment period shorter than the focus adjustment period required for each subsequent shot)
It is possible to effectively utilize the focus adjustment period generated for each shooting after the first time. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time for the entire photographing process, and to shorten the time from the start of photographing to the display of the image for confirming the photographed contents.

Further, the predetermined image synthesizing process synthesizes a plurality of photographed images to obtain a higher resolution image than the photographed image.
In the case of the super-resolution processing for creating the image of (1), among the captured images, the first captured image may be reproduced and displayed on the display means (claim 4).

In the super-resolution processing, a plurality of photographed images having slightly different photographing positions with respect to a subject are obtained by utilizing a change in a camera angle which occurs slightly during continuous photographing, and these photographed images are synthesized. This is to obtain a super-resolution image. Since the continuous shooting is basically performed without changing the shooting conditions in the shooting for the super-resolution processing, the content of each shot image is almost the same. Accordingly, by displaying the first captured image, it is possible to display the captured image closest to the subject on which the photographer has operated the shutter (that is, the image that the photographer attempted to photograph).

Further, the display for confirming the photographed images is performed after the end of the continuous exposure operation and for a predetermined process (for example, an image synthesizing process of these photographed images, a photographed image or a synthesized image). This is preferably performed before the recording process on the recording medium is performed (claims 5, 6, 7).

After a plurality of photographed images are captured, one photographed image is displayed for confirmation before the image synthesizing process of these photographed images or the recording process on the recording medium. You can check the shooting content.

According to the present invention, there is provided a digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of photographed images are respectively recorded on a recording medium, and said special photographing image recorded on said recording medium in a reproduction mode. When the reproduction of the photographed image in the mode is instructed, a reproduction control means for reproducing and displaying one photographed image on the display means among a plurality of continuously photographed images (claim) Item 8). The first photographed image may be the first photographed image (claim 9).

According to the above arrangement, when an image shot in the special shooting mode is played back in the playback mode to check the shooting content, only one shot image of a plurality of continuously shot images is played back. For example, when playing back each captured image by frame-by-frame advancement, the captured images of the same content are played back continuously, and whether the captured image is an image captured in the normal shooting mode or in the special mode There is no confusion as to whether the image was taken with.

When reproducing an image shot in the special shooting mode, the first shot image (ie, the shot image closest to the timing at which the photographer operated the shutter at the time of shooting) is displayed. The photographing content desired by the photographer can be displayed.

Further, the present invention has a special photographing mode for acquiring a plurality of photographed images used for a predetermined image synthesizing process, and when this special photographing mode is set,
In a digital still camera that performs an exposure operation on the same subject at least twice consecutively and obtains at least two captured images, a display means for displaying images and a plurality of the continuously captured images are used. Display image creating means for creating an image for display by performing image combining processing similar to the predetermined image combining processing, and display control means for displaying the image created by the display image creating means on the display means. (Claim 10).

The predetermined image synthesizing process is, for example, a tone adjusting process of synthesizing a plurality of photographed images having different gradations and creating one image in which the gradation of the photographed image is adjusted. Item 11). Further, it is preferable that an image file is created for the display image separately from each photographed image, and the image file is recorded on a recording medium together with the image file of each photographed image.

According to the above configuration, a plurality of captured images captured in the special capturing mode are used for display created by performing an image synthesis process similar to a predetermined image synthesis process using these captured images. The image is displayed on the display. For example, in the case of the gradation adjustment processing, after a plurality of photographed images are aligned with each other, data of a corresponding image position is calculated for each corresponding pixel position of each photographed image to create data of a composite image. However, an image for display is created by a simple approximation operation such as an average value operation, and the display image is displayed on the display means.

Since each photographed image for gradation adjustment is not photographed at an appropriate gradation, they are not suitable for confirming photographed contents. However, they are not suitable for confirming photographed contents. Since an image suitable for confirmation is created, an image for confirming photographed contents can be displayed in a relatively short time after photographing.

Further, since the display image is recorded on the recording medium in an image file different from each photographed image, in the reproduction processing in the reproduction mode, the image file is opened and the display image is reproduced and displayed. Thus, reproduction and display can be performed quickly.

Preferably, the display image is displayed on the display means before image files of a plurality of photographed images are recorded on the recording medium.

In this configuration, after capturing a plurality of captured images, an image for display is displayed before the image synthesizing process of these captured images and the recording process on the recording medium, so that the images are displayed as soon as possible. The user can confirm the contents of shooting.

Further, according to the present invention, in the digital still camera according to the twelfth aspect, when the reproduction of the photographed image in the special photographing mode recorded on the recording medium in the reproduction mode is designated, the designated photographing is performed. The image processing apparatus further includes reproduction control means for reproducing and displaying a display image corresponding to the image on the display means.

In the digital still camera, when the image file of the image to be displayed does not exist, the reproduction control means may change the first captured image among the captured images in the designated special photography mode. It is preferable that the information is reproduced and displayed on the display means.

According to the above configuration, in the reproduction mode,
When the reproduction of the captured image in the special photography mode recorded on the recording medium is instructed, an image for display corresponding to the instructed captured image is displayed on the display unit. This makes it possible to quickly reproduce and display the captured image. If the display image is broken, the first captured image among the captured images in the specified special photography mode is displayed, so that the inconvenience that the captured image cannot be reproduced is avoided. .

Further, the present invention has a special photographing mode for acquiring a plurality of photographed images used for a predetermined image synthesizing process, and when this special photographing mode is set,
In a digital still camera that performs at least two consecutive exposure operations on the same subject and obtains at least two captured images, a display image is created using the plurality of continuously captured images. Display image creating means, recording means for creating an image file for each of the plurality of captured images, creating an image file for an image for display, and recording each image file on a recording medium, And display means for displaying, in the reproduction mode, reproduction of a photographed image in the special photographing mode recorded on the recording medium, the display image corresponding to the designated photographed image being displayed on the display means. And a playback control means for performing playback display.

According to this configuration, when a plurality of images are shot in the special shooting mode, an image for display is created using these shot images, and an image file is created for each of the plurality of shot images. In addition to the creation, an image file is created for an image for display, and each image file is recorded on a recording medium. Then, in the reproduction mode, when the reproduction of the photographed image in the special photographing mode recorded on the recording medium is instructed, the image file of the display image corresponding to the instructed photographed image is opened and the image is displayed on the display means. Will be displayed.

Further, the present invention has a special photographing mode for acquiring a plurality of photographed images used for a predetermined image synthesizing process, and when this special photographing mode is set,
In a digital still camera that performs at least two consecutive exposure operations on the same subject and obtains at least two captured images, a display image is created using the plurality of continuously captured images. Display image creating means, recording means for creating an image file for each of the plurality of captured images, creating an image file for an image for display, and recording each image file on a recording medium, And display means for displaying, in the reproduction mode, when reproduction of the captured image in the special photography mode recorded on the recording medium is instructed, an image for display corresponding to the instructed captured image and this image are displayed. And reproduction control means for reproducing and displaying the information indicating the content of the corresponding image synthesizing process on the display means.

According to this configuration, when a plurality of images are shot in the special shooting mode, an image for display is created using these shot images, and an image file is created for each of the plurality of shot images. In addition to the creation, an image file is created for an image for display, and each image file is recorded on a recording medium. Then, in the reproduction mode, when the reproduction of the photographed image in the special photographing mode recorded on the recording medium is instructed, the image file of the display image corresponding to the instructed photographed image is opened and the image is displayed on the display means. And information indicating the content of the image processing corresponding to this image is reproduced and displayed on the display means. For example, in the case of the gradation adjustment process, a display image (for example, an image created by an approximate synthesis process) created using a plurality of captured images having different gradations and a character display of the “gradation adjustment process” are displayed. It is displayed on the display means.

According to the present invention, there is provided a digital still camera according to the present invention, wherein the special photographing mode has a plurality of types of modes, and the reproduction control means is configured to select one of the special photographing modes in the reproducing mode. When selected, the display means reproduces and displays a display image corresponding to the designated photographed image from the photographed images in the special photographing mode (claim 18).

According to this configuration, in the reproduction mode,
When an instruction to reproduce a shot image in one special shooting mode among the shot images in a plurality of special shooting modes recorded on the recording medium is given, the shooting specified in the shot image included in the special shooting mode is performed. The image file of the display image is opened corresponding to the image, and the image is reproduced and displayed on the display means.
For example, when the special shooting mode includes a blur adjustment mode, a gradation adjustment mode, and a super-resolution mode, when reproduction in the blur adjustment mode is instructed, the image is reproduced in an image captured in the blur adjustment mode. The image for display corresponding to the captured image for which is indicated is reproduced. The operability is improved when the photographer wants to reproduce only the photographed images on which the same image synthesis processing is performed.

[0036]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a camera body of a digital still camera according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a top view showing an arrangement of main components incorporated in the digital still camera, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a right side view showing an arrangement of main members incorporated in the still camera, and FIG. 4 is a rear view of the digital still camera.

The digital still camera 1 includes a camera body 2
A single-lens reflex camera comprising an interchangeable lens 3 comprising a zoom lens which is detachably mounted substantially at the center of the front of the camera body 2. The camera body 2
Mount part 20 to which interchangeable lens 3 is mounted substantially at the center of the front
1 is provided, and a grip portion 202 is provided at the left end of the front.

The battery compartment 2 is provided inside the grip 202.
03 and a card storage room 204 are provided.
03 stores four AA batteries E1 to E4 (power supply batteries of the camera), and a card storage room 204 detachably stores a memory card MC for recording image data of a captured image. It has become.

A plurality of contacts ST for making an electrical connection with the mounted interchangeable lens 3 and a plurality of couplers CP for making a mechanical connection are provided below the mount portion 201.
Are provided. The electrical contact ST stores information unique to the lens from the lens ROM 301 (see FIG. 3) incorporated in the interchangeable lens 3 (information such as the open F-number and focal length) in the overall control unit (see FIG. 6) and outputs information on the position of the zoom lens and the position of the focus lens in the interchangeable lens 3 to the overall control unit. The coupler CP includes a driving force of a zoom lens driving motor ZM (see FIG. 3) provided in the camera body 2 and a focusing lens driving motor FM.
This is for transmitting the driving force (see FIG. 3) to the interchangeable lens 3 side.

When the interchangeable lens 3 is mounted on the mount section 201, a color image pickup element 205 is disposed at an appropriate position in the camera body 2 on the optical axis L of the lens 3.
Color imaging device 205 (hereinafter, referred to as CCD 205)
Is a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) as shown in FIG.
e) on the surface of each pixel of the area sensor 205A comprising
R (red), G (green), B (blue) color filters 205
B is a so-called Bayer type single-plate type color area sensor which is pasted in a checkered pattern, and has, for example, 1600 × 1200 = 1.92 million pixels.

Note that, as shown in FIG.
The pixel position of the row j column is (i, j) (i = 1, 2,... N,
j = 1, 2,... m), n = 1600, m = 1200
Then, R, G, and B color filters are: R; (2h + 1, 2k + 1) G; (2h + 2, 2k + 1), (2h + 1, 2k + 2) B; (2h + 2, 2k + 2) where h = 0, 1, 2 , ... n / 2 (= 800), k =
, M / 2 (= 600) pixel positions.

A shutter button 206 is provided on the upper surface of the grip portion 202 of the camera body 2. The half-press operation and the full-press operation of the shutter button 206 are detected by switches S1 and S2 described later. When the switch S1 is turned on (when the shutter button 206 is half-pressed), a preparatory operation for photographing a still image of a subject (a preparatory operation such as setting of an exposure control value and a focus adjustment) is performed, and the switch S2 is turned on. When the shutter button 206 is turned on (when the shutter button 206 is fully pressed), a shooting operation (a series of operations of exposing the CCD 205, performing predetermined image processing on an image signal obtained by the exposure, and recording the image signal on the memory card MC) is performed. Done.

An electronic view finder (EVF) (Electronic View Finder) 4 and a pop-up type flash 5 are provided substantially at the center of the upper surface of the camera body 2. The electronic viewfinder 4 displays a monitor image of the subject photographed by the CCD 205 (the CCD 2 in a photographing standby state).
A display unit 401 (hereinafter, referred to as L) composed of a color liquid crystal display device for displaying an image of a subject photographed as a moving image according to
This is called a CD display unit 401. ) And an eyepiece 402 for guiding the monitor image displayed on the color liquid crystal display device to the outside of the finder window 403.

In the photographing standby state, the electronic viewfinder 4
Since the monitor image (moving image) of the subject is displayed on the screen, the photographer can visually recognize the subject from the monitor image by looking through the finder window 403.

A display unit 207 (hereinafter, referred to as an LCD display unit 207) composed of a color liquid crystal display device is provided substantially at the center of the rear surface of the camera body 2. The LCD display unit 207 displays a menu screen for setting a photographing mode, photographing conditions, and the like in the recording mode, and reproduces and displays a photographed image recorded on the memory card MC in the reproduction mode.

In this embodiment, the image is displayed on the LCD display unit 2.
07, but may be performed by the electronic viewfinder 4. Further, an image may be displayed on one or both of them.

The photographing mode includes an AE mode and a mode relating to a control method of the exposure operation. The AE mode includes at least a program mode, a shutter priority mode, and an aperture priority mode. The exposure control value is set using one of a plurality of preset program charts. In the program mode, the exposure control value is set using a standard program chart, and the exposure control value is set. In the priority mode, the exposure control value is set using a program diagram that gives priority to the shutter speed (exposure time) over the aperture value. In the aperture priority mode, the exposure control value is set using a program diagram that gives priority to the aperture value over the shutter speed. The exposure control value is set.

The modes related to the control method of the exposure operation are as follows.
One exposure operation is performed by one shutter operation, and a photographing condition is changed by a single shutter operation and a mode in which a photographed image obtained by the photographing is recorded on the memory card MC (hereinafter, referred to as a normal photographing mode). In this mode, two consecutive shots are performed without changing the shooting conditions, and two shot images obtained by the shooting are respectively recorded on the memory card MC (hereinafter, referred to as a special shooting mode). Two photographed images consecutively photographed in the special photographing mode are subjected to predetermined image processing by an image processing device including a computer or the like, which will be described later, and are combined to provide an image having higher image quality and video effect than the original photographed image. Is used to obtain

In the present embodiment, the image combining process is not performed by the camera body. However, the image combining process is performed by the camera body, and the combined image is stored in the memory card MC.
May be recorded. Further, in the present embodiment, the number of continuous shootings in the special shooting mode is two, but the number of shootings is not limited to this, and may be three or more.

The special shooting mode includes at least a "blur taste adjustment mode", a "gradation adjustment mode", and a "super-resolution mode". The blur adjustment mode is a desired blur condition by combining a photographed image A focused on a main subject (for example, a person or the like) and a photographed image B focused on the background of the main subject in image processing. To obtain an image with
The focus position is changed by one shutter operation and 2
This is a mode in which the photographing operation is performed twice and a photographed image A and a photographed image B are obtained.

The gradation adjustment mode is a mode in which a photographed image A whose exposure is adjusted to the main subject in image processing and a photographed image B whose exposure is adjusted to the background of the main subject are combined so that, for example, the entire screen is properly adjusted. In order to intentionally increase the contrast between an image having a high density distribution or the main subject and the background, and obtain a highly creative image, two consecutive shots with the exposure condition changed by one shutter operation Performing the operation, the photographed image A
And a captured image B.

The super-resolution mode is used to obtain an image having a higher resolution than the original photographed image by synthesizing the photographed image A and the photographed image B whose photographing positions with respect to the main subject have slightly changed from each other. Two consecutive shooting operations without changing the focus and exposure conditions by two shutter operations, and the position of the main subject in the screen due to a slightly different camera angle between the first and second shootings Is a mode for obtaining a photographed image A and a photographed image B with slight changes.

A power switch 208 is provided on the left side of the LCD display unit 207. The power switch 208 also functions as a mode setting switch for switching between a recording mode (a mode for performing a photographing function) and a reproduction mode (a mode for reproducing a recorded image on the LCD display unit 207).
That is, the power switch 208 is formed of a three-point slide switch, and when the contact is set to the central “OFF” position,
When the power is turned off and the contacts are set to the upper “REC” position, the power is turned on and the recording mode is set. When the contacts are set to the lower “PLAY” position, the power is turned on and the playback mode is set. Is set.

At the upper right position of the LCD display unit 207, 4
A continuous switch 209 is provided. Quad switch 20
Reference numeral 9 denotes a circular operation button, and the operation of pressing the operation button in four directions of up, down, left, and right is detected. The quad switch 209 is multifunctional, and functions as, for example, an operation switch for changing an item selected on a menu screen displayed on the LCD display unit 207 or changing a playback target frame selected on the index screen. In addition, the switch in the left-right direction also functions as a switch for changing the zoom ratio of the interchangeable lens 3.

A switch group 210 is provided below the four-way switch 209 for performing operations related to the display and display contents of the LCD display unit 207. The switch group 210 includes a cancel switch 210a and a decision switch 21.
0b, a menu display switch 210c, and a display switch 210d.

The cancel switch 210a is a switch for canceling the contents selected on the menu screen. The confirmation switch 210b is a switch for confirming the content selected on the menu screen. Menu display switch 21
Reference numeral 0c denotes a switch for displaying a menu screen on the LCD display unit 207 or switching the contents of the menu screen. Each time the menu display switch 210c is pressed, the menu screen is switched. Display switch 210d
Is a switch for displaying on the LCD display unit 207 or for turning off the display. Power batteries E1 to E4
In order to save power, the LCD display unit 207
Is not displayed. Each time the display switch 210d is pressed, the display and non-display of the LCD display unit 207 are alternately performed.

On the menu screen, for example, a plurality of items are arranged and displayed, and a display (for example, a cursor or an inverted display) indicating a selected state is performed on the currently selected item. For example, when the photographing mode related to the control method of the exposure operation is selected, the LCD display unit 207 displays a menu screen as shown in FIG. The item of “normal shooting” on this menu screen is a normal shooting mode, which is a mode for performing normal shooting similar to the shooting operation of the silver halide camera. “Bokeh adjustment shooting”, “gradation adjustment shooting”, and “super-resolution shooting” refer to the blur adjustment mode, the gradation adjustment mode, and the super-resolution mode in the special shooting modes, respectively.

When the upward switch of the quad switch 209 is pressed on the menu screen shown in FIG. 6, the display position of the cursor K indicated by the black triangle (ie, the item indicated by the cursor K) cyclically moves upward. , 4 switches 2
When the down switch 09 is pressed, the item display position indicated by the cursor K moves cyclically downward. When the confirmation switch 210b of the switch group 210 is pressed, the item (the gradation adjustment mode in FIG. 6) indicated by the cursor K at that time is set as the shooting mode.

Accordingly, the photographer selects a desired photographing mode by operating the four-way switch 209 in the vertical direction on the photographing mode selection menu screen, and presses the enter switch 210.
By operating d, the shooting mode can be set. It should be noted that a desired photographing mode can be set in the same manner for the mode relating to the method of determining the exposure control value.

On the index screen, nine thumbnail images from all the images recorded on the memory card MC are displayed in an array, and the display selected for the currently selected frame (for example, blinking display or frame display) Etc.) are performed. When one of the up, down, left and right direction switches of the quad switch 209 is pressed, the display indicating the selected state of the menu screen or the index screen moves to the item or frame in that direction. For example, when the upward switch is pressed, the display indicating the selected state of the menu screen or the index screen moves to the upward item or frame. Then, when the confirmation switch 210d is operated in a state where any one of the thumbnail images is selected, the frame of the thumbnail image is reproduced.

In the zoom operation of the interchangeable lens 3, when the right switch of the quadruple switch 209 is pressed, the interchangeable lens 3 continuously moves to the wide side, and when the leftward switch of the quadruple switch 209 is pressed, the interchangeable lens 3 is pressed. The zoom lens 3 continuously moves to the telephoto side.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the digital still camera 1.

The digital still camera 1 mainly includes a lens 1
01, imaging unit 102, signal processing unit 103, light emission control unit 1
04, lens control unit 105, display unit 106, operation unit 10
7 and the overall control unit 108.

The lens 101 corresponds to the interchangeable lens 3. The lens 101 is a focusing lens 101a
And a lens 101b for adjusting the amount of transmitted light.

The image pickup section 102 photoelectrically converts a light image of a subject incident through the lens 101 into an image signal (electric image) and takes it in. The imaging unit 102 includes a CCD 102a corresponding to the CCD 205, a timing generator 102b for controlling an imaging operation of the CCD 102a, and a timing control circuit 102c for controlling driving of the timing generator 102b.

The CCD 102a receives a drive control signal (integration start signal /
Based on the integration end signal), the subject light image is received for a predetermined time (exposure time) and converted into an image signal (charge accumulation signal), and the image signal is read out by a read control signal (horizontal synchronization) input from the timing generator 102b. (A signal, a vertical synchronization signal, a transfer signal, etc.). At this time, the image signal is separated into R, G, and B color components and output to the signal processing unit 103. That is, the image signals of the R color component are output by sequentially reading the image signals received by the pixels at the pixel positions (2h + 1, 2k + 1), and the pixel positions (2h + 2, 2k + 1), (2h + 1,
By sequentially reading out the image signals received by each pixel at 2k + 2), an image signal of the G color component is output. By reading out the image signals received at each pixel at the pixel position (2h + 2, 2k + 2), the B signal is read out. An image signal of a color component is output.

The timing generator 102b generates a drive control signal based on a control signal input from the timing control circuit 102c, generates a read control signal based on a reference clock, and outputs the read control signal to the CCD 102a. The timing control circuit 102c controls the photographing operation of the imaging unit 102. Timing control circuit 102
c generates a shooting control signal based on a control signal input from the overall control unit 108. The photographing control signal includes a photographing control signal for displaying a moving image of a subject (hereinafter, referred to as a live view image) on the electronic viewfinder 4 during monitor standby in the recording mode, and the shutter button 6 is operated to operate the subject. Control signal, reference clock, and CC for capturing a still image (hereinafter, referred to as a recorded image)
D102a outputs the image signal to the signal processing unit 103
Signal (synchronous clock) for signal processing by
And so on. This timing signal is transmitted to the signal processing unit 10.
3 signal processing circuit 103a and A / D conversion circuit 103
b.

The signal processing unit 103 performs predetermined analog signal processing and digital signal processing on the image signal output from the CCD 102a. The signal processing of the image signal is performed for each light receiving signal of each pixel constituting the image data. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, in order to distinguish a light receiving signal of each pixel from an image signal forming a captured image based on a set of these signals, the light receiving signal of each pixel is converted to a pixel signal (analog signal) or pixel data (digital) as necessary. Signal).

The signal processing section 103 includes an analog signal processing circuit 103a, an A / D conversion circuit 103b, a black level correction circuit 103c, a WB circuit 103d, a γ correction circuit 103e, and an image memory 103f. The black level correction circuit 103c, the WB circuit 103d, and the γ correction circuit 103
"e" constitutes a circuit for performing digital signal processing.

The analog signal processing circuit 103a is mainly composed of a CD.
The CCD 102a includes an S circuit (correlated double sampling) circuit and an AGC (auto gain control) circuit.
To reduce the sampling noise and adjust the signal level of the pixel signal output from. The gain control in the AGC circuit includes the aperture value of the aperture 101 c and the CCD 102.
This also includes a case where insufficient level of a captured image is compensated for when an appropriate exposure cannot be obtained with the exposure time a (for example, when a very low-luminance subject is captured).

The A / D conversion circuit 102b converts each pixel signal output from the analog signal processing circuit 103a into digital pixel data. A / D conversion circuit 10
2b converts each pixel signal into, for example, 10-bit pixel data.

The black level correction circuit 103c corrects the black level of each A / D converted pixel data to a reference black level. The WB circuit 103d adjusts the white balance of the captured image. The WB circuit 103 d adjusts the white balance of the captured image by converting the levels of the pixel data of the R, G, and B color components using the level conversion table input from the overall control unit 108. The conversion coefficient of each color component in the level conversion table is set by the overall control unit 108 for each captured image. γ correction circuit 1
03e corrects the γ characteristic of the pixel data. γ
The correction circuit 103e corrects the level of each pixel data using a preset correction table.

The image memory 103f is a memory for temporarily storing image data for which signal processing has been completed. Image memory 1
03f has a capacity capable of storing image data of at least two frames. This is because two consecutive exposures are performed in the imaging in the blur adjustment mode or the like and two frames of image data are captured, so that these can be stored. The storage capacity capable of storing one frame of image data is, for example, the CCD 102
Assuming that the number of pixels of a is 1600 × 1200 = 1.92 million,
This is a capacity capable of storing 1.92 million pixel data.

The light emission control unit 104 controls light emission of the flash 5 based on a light emission control signal input from the overall control unit 108. The light emission control signal includes a light emission preparation instruction, light emission timing, and light emission amount. Upon receiving an instruction to prepare for light emission from the overall control unit 108, the light emission control unit 104 charges the main capacitor to enable light emission, and discharges the accumulated charge in the main capacitor in synchronization with the light emission timing signal to emit the flash 5. Let it. Then, based on the light emission stop signal input from the overall control unit 108, the discharge of the accumulated charge in the main capacitor is stopped. Thus, the flash 5 emits light with a required light emission amount.

The lens control unit 105 controls the driving of the focusing lens 101a, the zoom lens 101b, and the diaphragm 101c in the lens 101.
The lens control unit 105 includes an aperture control circuit 105a for controlling the aperture value of the aperture 101c, a focus control circuit 105b for controlling the drive of the focus motor FM, and a zoom control circuit 105c for controlling the drive of the zoom motor ZM.

The aperture control circuit 105a is a general control unit 108
The aperture 101a is driven on the basis of the aperture value input from, and the aperture amount is set to the aperture value. The focus control circuit 105b controls the AF input from the overall control unit 108.
The drive amount of the focus motor FM is driven based on a control signal (for example, a control value such as the number of drive pulses) to set the focus lens 101b at the focal position. The zoom control circuit 105c drives the zoom motor ZM based on a zoom control signal (operation information of the quadruple switch 209) input from the overall control unit 108, and moves the zoom lens 101b in the direction specified by the quadruple switch 209. Move. That is, the zoom control circuit 105c outputs the
When the operation information of the right switch 209 is input,
The zoom lens 1 is driven by driving the zoom motor ZM in the forward direction.
01b is moved to the wide side, and when the left operation information of the quad switch 209 is input, the zoom motor ZM is driven in the reverse direction to move the zoom lens 101b to the tele side.

The display unit 106 performs display on the LCD display unit 207 and display on the electronic viewfinder 4. The display unit 106 includes a display 106a and a VRAM 106b corresponding to the LCD display unit 207, and a display 106c and a VRAM 106d corresponding to the LCD display unit 401 in the electronic viewfinder 4. The display 106a has, for example, 640 × 480 = 307.
The display 106c has, for example, 400 × 300 = 120,000 pixels. Therefore, the VRAM 106b is connected to the display 106a.
370,000 pixel data can be stored corresponding to the number of pixels of VRAM 106d.
Approximately 120,000 pixel data can be stored corresponding to the number of pixels of c.

During the photographing standby, the data of each frame image of the moving image which is photographed by the CCD 102a and stored in the image memory 103f after predetermined signal processing is sequentially read out to the overall control unit 108, and the data size is displayed on the display 10
The display size is adjusted to 6c (that is, the image data of 1.92 million pixels is adjusted to image data of approximately 120,000 pixels) and transferred to the VRAM 106d. As a result, a preview image of the subject is displayed on the display 106c (display surface of the LCD display unit 401) on the monitor. When display of the LCD display unit 207 is instructed by operating the display switch 210d, the data of each frame image read to the overall display unit 108 is adjusted to the display size of the display 106a (that is, 1.92 million pixels). VRA is adjusted to image data of approximately 307000 pixels)
The preview image of the subject is also displayed on the display 106a (display surface of the LCD display unit 207) on the monitor.

Further, when the menu display is instructed by operating the menu switch 210c, the image data of the menu screen stored in the R0M 108a in the overall control unit 108 is read out to the VRAM 106b, and the display contents of the display 106a are changed to the menu. You can switch to the screen.

In the reproduction mode, thumbnail images of the shot images are read from the frame image files recorded on the memory card MC by the overall control unit 108, arranged in accordance with a predetermined format, and image data for index display is created. The image data is read out to the VRAM 106b. As a result, a list of captured images recorded on the memory card MC is displayed on the display 106a. When the frame to be reproduced is designated by operating the quad switch 209, the image data of the photographed image recorded in the image file corresponding to the frame recorded on the memory card MC is read, and the image data of the display 106a is read. The image is adjusted to the display size and transferred to the VRAM 106b.
As a result, the captured image is reproduced and displayed on the display 106a (the display surface of the LCD display unit 207).

The operation unit 107 transmits operation information of operation members related to photographing and reproduction provided in the camera body 2 to the overall control unit 1.
08. Operation information input from the operation unit 107 includes a shutter button 206, a power switch 2
08, four-switch 209, switch group 210, and other operation members.

The overall control unit 108 centrally controls the photographing function and the reproduction function of the digital still camera 1. The overall control unit 108 has a card interface 1
09 is connected to a memory card MC. Also, a personal computer PC is externally connected via the communication interface 110.

The overall control unit 108 is composed of a microcomputer, and includes a processing program for performing various specific processes in the photographing function and the reproduction function, and the above-described imaging unit 102, signal processing unit 103, light emission control unit 104, lens The control unit 105 includes a ROM 108a in which a control program for controlling driving of the display unit 106 and the like is stored, and a RAM 108b for performing various arithmetic operations in accordance with a processing program and a control program.

The specific processing performed by the overall control unit 108 includes an exposure control value (an exposure time Tv [E
v) and the aperture value Av [APEX value] of the aperture 101c (exposure control value calculation processing), and the electronic viewfinder 4 displays a live view image taken from the CCD 102a into the image memory 103f in the recording mode. In the reproduction mode, the recorded image read from the memory card MC to the image memory 103f is displayed on the LCD display unit 20.
7 (image display process), a process of recording a captured image taken from the CCD 102a into the image memory 103f from the CCD 102a in the recording mode in the card memory MC (recording process), and a reproduction from the memory card MC in the reproduction mode. The processing includes a process of reading a captured image to the image memory 103f (reproduction process), a process of continuously performing an exposure operation in a special shooting mode such as a blur adjustment mode (special exposure control process), and the like.

A method of displaying a monitor image on a preview image and a reproduction display of a captured image recorded on the memory card MC will be described later.

Exposure value calculator 108c, display controller 108
d, a recording control unit 108e, a reproduction control unit 108f, and a special exposure control unit 108g represent the above-described processes in the overall control unit 108 by functional blocks.

The exposure value determination unit 108c performs an exposure value calculation process, determines the brightness of the subject using the image data of the G color component of the live view image, and calculates the exposure control value based on the determination result. I do.

The display control unit 108d performs an image display process. The display operation of the display unit 106, that is,
After reading out the image data temporarily stored in the image memory 103f and adjusting the image size to the image size of the display destination as necessary, the VRAM 106c or the VRAM 10
6d.

The recording control unit 108e performs a recording process. In the normal shooting mode, when shooting is instructed by the shutter button 206 in the normal shooting mode, the recording control unit 108e reads out the image data (still image data) temporarily stored in the image memory 103f after the shooting instruction to the RAM 108b. A predetermined compression process by the JPEG method such as DCT conversion and Huffman coding is performed to create image data for recording. Also, pixel data is stored in the image memory 103f every 8 pixels in both the vertical and horizontal directions.
By reading it out to 108b, a thumbnail image having 200 × 150 pixels is created. Further, tag information relating to a captured image to be recorded accompanying these image data for recording is created. This tag information includes the lens name, frame number,
The information includes a focal length at the time of photographing, an F-number at the time of photographing, a focal position, a subject brightness, a white balance adjustment value, a photographing mode, a compression ratio, a photographing date, and whether or not a flash is emitted.

The recording control unit 108e attaches tag information to the compressed image data of the photographed image and the thumbnail image, and adds EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format)
A format image file is created, and this image file is recorded on the memory card MC.

In the photographing modes of the bokeh adjustment mode, the gradation adjustment mode, and the super-resolution mode, the photographed image is A / D
After the conversion, an image file is created and recorded on the memory card MC.

In these photographing modes, two photographed images A and B are generated by one shutter operation, so that the uncompressed TIFF (Tag Image File For
mat) format image files are created and recorded on the memory card MC. Further, since the photographed images A and B are used to generate an image having excellent blur, gradation, resolution, and the like, the tag information of both image files includes information that can be recognized as a photographed image for image synthesis. Is included.
Further, since the photographed images A and B are for improving the image quality by image synthesis, all the pixel data are recorded as they are without performing compression processing which causes a decrease in image quality.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration of an image file recorded on the memory card MC.

In the figure, “P000001.TI”
“F”, “P000002.TIF” and the like indicate image file names. In the present embodiment, the image file name is "P
X. Y ”,“ X ”of“ PX.Y ”is a 6-digit number indicating the order in which the image files were created,
“Y” is a symbol indicating the format of the image data. The symbol "TIF" in "Y" indicates that the data is in a format for recording the pixel data output from the CCD as it is, and the symbol "JPG" indicates that the data is compressed in the JPEG format.

In the bokeh adjustment mode, the gradation adjustment mode, and the super-resolution mode, two captured images are taken in continuously, and an image file is created for each of these image data. Both image files are combined into one holder and recorded on the memory card MC. Therefore, “1b”, “2b”, “1”
“t”, “2h”, etc. indicate the holder names of the image files shot in the blur adjustment mode, the gradation adjustment mode, and the super-resolution mode, respectively.

In this embodiment, the holder name is “Ni”.
Where “i” of “Ni” is a symbol (b, t, h) indicating a shooting mode, and “N” is a number indicating a shooting order in each shooting mode. For example, “1b” indicates that the image data of the first image captured in the blur adjustment mode is stored in the holder, and “2b” indicates that the image data of the second image captured in the blur adjustment mode is stored. Indicates that it is a stored holder.

Accordingly, FIG. 8 shows two holders 1b, 2b photographed and produced in the blur adjustment mode, and holders 1t, 1h photographed and produced in the gradation adjustment mode and the super-resolution mode, respectively. This shows that the two image files 1n and 2n that have been photographed and created in the normal photographing mode are collected in the holder P and stored in the memory card MC.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a method of recording an image file on the memory card MC.

An index area for storing holder information and information of image files belonging to each holder is provided in the head storage area of the memory card MC, and the image files are stored in the subsequent area in the order of the file number X. I have.

The recording area of each image file in the memory card MC is composed of three areas, and tag information data, photographed image data, and thumbnail image data are stored in each area from the top. The data size of the tag information data and the thumbnail image data does not change depending on the image file, but the data size of the shot image changes depending on the compression ratio and the shooting mode. Therefore, the number of files that can be stored in the image file storage area of the memory card MC changes depending on the data size of the captured image data of each image file.

The reproduction control unit 108f performs a process of reproducing the captured image recorded on the memory card MC on the LCD display unit 207. When the reproduction mode is set by the power switch 208, the reproduction control unit 108f reads out the thumbnail images from each image file recorded on the memory card MC, and sequentially stores the thumbnail images in the VRAM 106b according to a predetermined index format. For example, nine thumbnail images are stored in the VRAM 106b so as to be arranged in a 3 × 3 secondary array per page. Accordingly, nine two-dimensionally arranged thumbnail images are index-displayed on the LCD display unit 207.

It should be noted that the same thumbnail image is stored in both image files for the related image files in which the shooting mode is the blur adjustment mode, the gradation adjustment mode, and the super-resolution mode. A thumbnail image is read from only the file.

When the thumbnail image of a frame to be reproduced with respect to the index-displayed thumbnail image is designated by the four-way switch 209 and the switch group 210, the reproduction processing unit 108f reads the photographed image from the image file corresponding to the frame. Is read out, and when the frame is in the normal shooting mode, since the data is compressed, a predetermined decompression process is performed, and the data is stored in the image memory 103f.
If the frame is not in the normal shooting mode, the data is not compressed and is stored in the image memory 103f as it is. The data read out to the image memory 103f is adjusted in data size by the display control unit 108d and transferred to the VRAM 106b as described above, and is thereby reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 207.

If the frame to be reproduced is a frame shot in the bokeh adjustment mode, an image of a focused shot image (an image shot second time as described later in this embodiment). If the captured image data is read from the file and the frame is captured in the gradation adjustment mode and the super-resolution mode, the captured image data is read from one of the corresponding image files. It is.

Next, monitor display (after-view display) of a photographed image in the special photographing mode of the digital still camera 1 according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for photographing a still image in the blur adjustment mode.

In the blur adjustment mode, when the shutter button 206 is half-pressed (YES in # 1), preparations for photographing a still image are performed. That is, the diaphragm 101c
Is set to an open aperture value (for example, F = 2.8) (# 3), and the focal point of the lens 101 is adjusted to the ∞ position (# 5). Further, the exposure time of the CCD 102a is set, and white balance adjustment is performed (# 7).

When the shutter button 206 is fully pressed in this state (YES in # 9), the CCD 102a is exposed for the exposure time set in step # 7, and a still image of the subject is captured (# 11). After exposure, the CCD 102
The image signal output from a is subjected to predetermined analog signal processing, A / D conversion, and predetermined digital signal processing in the signal processing unit 103, and is stored in the image memory 103f (#
13). Since the focus of the lens 101 is adjusted to the position ∞ in this photographed image, the image is in focus over a wide range of the screen.

Subsequently, the display control unit 1 of the overall control unit 108
08d, the image data is read from the image memory 103f to the RAM 108b, and the data size is adjusted.
(# 15). This display processing is for monitoring a captured image immediately after capturing, and the first captured image is displayed for a predetermined time (for example, two seconds).

The first photographed image is displayed on the monitor because the after-view display satisfies the desire of the photographer to confirm the contents of the photographed image immediately after photographing and to judge whether or not to retake the photographed image. This is because, for the purpose of after-view display, it is considered that displaying the first photographed image that is photographed at the timing closest to the shutter operation of the photographer and that is photographed with the widest focus range is performed. Therefore, in consideration of such a relationship with the after-view display, in the first photographing, the aperture value of the aperture 101c is set to the open aperture value so that the depth of field becomes the shallowest.

Subsequently, the focus of the lens 101 is adjusted to, for example, a focal position corresponding to a subject distance of 3 m (# 1).
7) Further, the exposure time of the CCD 102a is set, and the white balance is adjusted (# 19).

Then, the CCD 102a is moved to step # 19.
The still image of the subject is captured by exposing for the exposure time set in (# 21). After the exposure, the image signal output from the CCD 102a is subjected to predetermined analog signal processing, A / D conversion, and predetermined digital signal processing in the signal processing unit 103, and is stored in the image memory 103f (# 2).
3). In this captured image, the focus of the lens 101 is adjusted to a focal position corresponding to a subject distance of 3 m, so that the main subject in the screen is almost in focus.

Subsequently, the recording control unit 1 of the overall control unit 108
08e, tag information data is created for the first captured image stored in the image memory 103f, and image data of a thumbnail image is created using the image data of the first captured image. An image file is created from the image data of the captured image.
In addition, a holder for a captured image in the blur adjustment mode is created in the memory card MC, and an image file of the first captured image is stored in the holder (# 25, see FIG. 8).

Note that the tag information photographing mode for the photographed image includes “blur taste adjustment mode 1/2” (see FIG. 8).
As described above, information indicating that the image has been shot for the first time in the blur adjustment mode is added.

Subsequently, the recording control unit 1 of the overall control unit 108
08e, tag information data is created for the second captured image stored in the image memory 103f, and thumbnail image data is created using the second captured image image data. And an image file of the second captured image. This image file is stored in the holder of the memory card MC where the first captured image is stored (# 2).
7). Thus, the photographing process ends, and the process returns to the photographing standby state (the display state of the live view image).

[0116] Even if the second captured image captured in the blur adjustment mode is attached, the tag information is shot in the blur adjustment mode, such as "blur adjustment mode 2/2", as in the "bokeh adjustment mode 2/2". Information indicating that the information has been transmitted. The reason why the information regarding the shooting mode is included in the tag information is that the image information is distinguished from the shot image in the normal shooting mode, and when this image file is selected by the image processing apparatus as described later, the blur is automatically determined. This is because the processing program for the adjustment process is started so that the blur adjustment process can be performed immediately.

In this embodiment, the focus is first set on the distant view side, and then the focus is set on the near view side for the second time. However, even if the focus position is changed in the reverse order. Good. In addition, when shooting is performed in the blur adjustment mode after the camera is started, when the camera is started, the focusing lens 10 is used.
Since 1a is initially set to the ∞ position, it is more reasonable to focus on the distant view side in the first shooting without wasteful focus control.

In the second photographing, the in-focus position is fixed at a position of 3 m from the camera. However, since the combined image in an arbitrary focused state is created by the blur adjustment processing, the photographing before combining is performed. Considering that the need to accurately determine the focus position of the image is low and that the processing time for focus control is as short as possible so that continuous shooting can be performed quickly, The distance from the camera may be fixed to another distance, or AF processing may be performed to accurately set the distance to the main subject.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for photographing a still image in the gradation adjustment mode.

In the gradation adjustment mode, when the shutter button 206 is half-pressed (YES in # 31), preparations for photographing a still image are performed. That is, the lens 101
Is adjusted to the main subject, an exposure control value (Tv, Av) is calculated using the live view image, and a white balance adjustment value is set (# 33).

If the shutter button 206 is fully pressed in this state (YES in # 35), a shutter speed (Tv-2) two steps lower than the shutter speed Tv (EV value) set in step # 33 is set. (# 3
7), the exposure time corresponding to this shutter speed is C
The still image of the subject is captured by exposing the CD 102a (# 39). After the exposure, the image signal output from the CCD 102a is subjected to predetermined analog signal processing, A / D conversion, and predetermined digital signal processing in the signal processing unit 103, and is stored in the image memory 103f (# 41). Since the exposure time of the CCD 102 is shorter than an appropriate value, the captured image is a dark image as a whole.

Subsequently, a shutter speed (Tv + 2) that is two steps over the shutter speed Tv (EV value) set in step # 33 is set (# 43), and the CCD 102a is exposed for an exposure time corresponding to this shutter speed.
And a still image of the subject is captured (# 4).
5). After the exposure, the image signal output from the CCD 102a is subjected to a predetermined analog signal
D conversion and predetermined digital signal processing are performed and stored in the image memory 103f (# 47). Since the exposure time of the CCD 102 is longer than an appropriate value, the captured image is a bright image as a whole.

Subsequently, the display control unit 1 of the overall control unit 108
08d, the image data of the first shot image A and the image data of the second shot image B are read out from the image memory 103f into the RAM 108b, and an image C having an average density of both the shot images (hereinafter referred to as an average density image C) Is created (# 49). That is, photographed image A
Ga (i, j) (i = 1, 2,... N,
j = 1, 2,... m) and gb (i, j) as pixel data constituting the captured image B, gc (i, j) = {ga (i, j) + gb (i, j)}.
By calculating / 2, image data of the average density image C is created.

After adjusting the data size, this image data is transferred to the VRAM 106b and
7 is displayed (# 51). This display processing is for enabling the captured image to be monitored immediately after the image capturing, and the display of the average density image C is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds).

In the gradation adjustment mode, the average density image C is used as the monitor image because the densities of the first and second shot images are shifted from the appropriate densities to the minus side and the plus side, respectively. This is because neither is suitable for monitor display. In addition, by creating a processed image similar to a normal image combining process by a simple calculation called an average value calculation and performing after-view display, an image having a relatively appropriate density can be promptly displayed on a monitor after shooting is completed. I can do it.

In this embodiment, the average value calculation is performed as a process similar to the image synthesizing process. However, other simple calculations, for example, according to the balance of exposure between the first and second shot images. A weighted average calculation with weight added may be performed.

Subsequently, the recording control unit 1 of the overall control unit 108
08e, tag information data is created for the first captured image stored in the image memory 103f, and image data of a thumbnail image is created using the image data of the first captured image. An image file is created from the image data of the captured image.
Further, a holder for the captured image in the gradation adjustment mode is created in the memory card MC, and an image file of the first captured image is stored in the holder (# 53, see FIG. 8).

It should be noted that information indicating that the image has been photographed for the first time in the gradation adjustment mode, such as "gradation adjustment mode 1/2", is added to the photographing mode of the tag information for the photographed image. You.

Subsequently, the recording control unit 1 of the overall control unit 108
08e, tag information data is created for the second captured image stored in the image memory 103f, and thumbnail image data is created using the second captured image image data. And an image file of the second captured image. This image file is stored in the holder of the memory card MC where the first captured image is stored (# 5).
5). Thus, the photographing process ends, and the process returns to the photographing standby state (the display state of the live view image).

[0130] Note that even if the second photographed image photographed in the gradation adjustment mode is taken, the photographing mode of the tag information is photographed in the gradation adjustment mode such as "gradation adjustment mode 2/2". Information indicating that the information has been transmitted.

In this embodiment, two images are continuously photographed with an exposure value shifted by ± 2 steps with respect to the appropriate exposure control. It is not limited. Further, the positive / negative shift amount may be different, and the photographer may be able to set the shift amount.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for photographing a still image in the super-resolution mode.

In the super-resolution mode, the shutter button 2
When 06 is half-pressed (YES in # 61), preparation for still image shooting is performed. That is, the focus of the lens 101 is adjusted to the main subject, the exposure control value (Tv, Av) is calculated using the live view image, and the white balance adjustment value is set (# 63).

If the shutter button 206 is fully pressed in this state (YES in # 65), the exposure time CC corresponding to the shutter speed Tv set in step # 63 is used.
D102a is exposed to capture a still image of the subject (# 67). After the exposure, the image signal output from the CCD 102a is subjected to predetermined analog signal processing, A / D conversion, and predetermined digital signal processing in the signal processing unit 103, and is stored in the image memory 103f (# 69).

Subsequently, the CCD 102 has an exposure time corresponding to the shutter speed Tv set in step # 63.
After exposing a, a still image of the subject is captured again (# 71). After the exposure, the image signal output from the CCD 102a is subjected to predetermined analog signal processing, A / D conversion, and predetermined digital signal processing in the signal processing unit 103, and is stored in the image memory 103f (# 73). This photographed image has the same photographing conditions as the first photographed image,
Since the photographing timing is different, the photographing angle is slightly different from that of the first photographed image.

Subsequently, the display control unit 1 of the overall control unit 108
08d, the first photographed image is read from the image memory 103f to the RAM 108b, and the data size is adjusted.
7 is displayed (# 75). This display processing is to enable monitoring of a captured image immediately after shooting, and the monitor display of the first captured image is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds).
Only done. In addition, processing time is required to create a high-resolution image by combining two images, and the image is not suitable for display on a monitor. Therefore, in step # 75, the captured image before processing is directly displayed. .

By performing the second photographing (# 71) before the after-view display (# 75), there is an effect of preventing the difference between the first and second camera angles from becoming too large.

Subsequently, the recording control unit 1 of the overall control unit 108
08e, tag information data is created for the first captured image stored in the image memory 103f, and image data of a thumbnail image is created using the image data of the first captured image. An image file is created from the image data of the captured image.
In addition, a holder for a captured image in the super-resolution mode is created in the memory card MC, and an image file of the first captured image is stored in the holder (# 77, see FIG. 8).

It should be noted that information indicating that this is the first shot in the super-resolution mode, such as “super-resolution mode 1/2”, is added to the shooting mode of the tag information for the shot image. You.

Subsequently, the recording control unit 1 of the overall control unit 108
08e, tag information data is created for the second captured image stored in the image memory 103f, and thumbnail image data is created using the second captured image image data. And an image file of the second captured image. This image file is stored in the holder of the memory card MC where the first captured image is stored (# 7).
9). Thus, the photographing process ends, and the process returns to the photographing standby state (the display state of the live view image).

Next, display processing in the reproduction mode of the digital still camera 1 according to the present invention will be described.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the camera side does not perform the image combining process, and the two captured images captured for the image combining are collected in the holder and recorded on the memory card MC. When the captured image of each frame is reproduced on the display unit 207 in the reproduction mode, an image having the same contents as the after-view display is displayed.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing a first embodiment of the display processing in the reproduction mode.

The playback / display processing according to the first embodiment enables frame advance in the order of recording of frames shot in the set shooting mode (the image file or folder of each frame has a time at the time of recording. The frames are recorded on a recording medium, and the frames can be advanced in the order of the recording time), and the reproduced images are reproduced in the set recording mode in the recording order. That is, in the digital still camera 1, any one of the normal shooting mode, the blur adjustment mode, the gradation adjustment mode, and the super-resolution mode is set. For example, when the normal shooting mode is set, the reproduction mode is set. In, an image designated from among the images shot in the normal shooting mode is reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 207, and when the blur adjustment mode is set, the image is shot in the blur adjustment mode in the playback mode. An image of a specified frame in the image is reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 207.

This playback processing takes into consideration the operability when a desired frame is searched for and played back from the frames shot in the shooting mode when the shooting mode is known. After the photographer sets the photographing mode to a desired photographing mode (for example, the blur adjustment mode) in the recording mode, and then switches to the reproduction mode, a comparison is made from among the images photographed in the photographing mode (the blur adjustment mode). A desired frame can be quickly searched and reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 207.

In the reproduction display processing according to the first embodiment,
When the reproduction mode is set, first, the set shooting mode is determined (# 81, # 93, # 105), and if the blur adjustment mode is set (YES in # 81),
From among the frames shot in the blur adjustment mode, the folder of the frame shot first in the blur adjustment mode is searched (# 83). Then, the thumbnail image data included in the image file of the first captured image stored in the folder is read out to the RAM 108b, the data size is adjusted, and then transferred to the VRAM 106b to be reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 207. Is performed (# 85).

Thereafter, when a frame feed operation is performed in the forward or reverse direction by the quad switch 209 (# 87).
YES), the frames are sequentially transmitted from among the frames shot in the blur adjustment mode in response to the operation, and the first shot image included in each folder is reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 207 ( # 85, # 87, # 89 loop). 4
When the frame feed operation is not performed in the forward or reverse direction by the continuous switch 209 and another operation (for example, deletion of image data) that is possible in the reproduction mode is instructed (N in # 87)
O), a process corresponding to the operation is performed (# 87,
# 91 loop).

When the gradation adjustment mode is set (# 8)
1 is NO, # 93 is YES), the frame shot first in the gradation adjustment mode is searched from among the frames shot in the gradation adjustment mode (# 95), and the frame 1 stored in the folder of the frame is searched. The data of the thumbnail image included in the image file of the second captured image and the data of the thumbnail image included in the image file of the second captured image are read out to the RAM 108b, and an average density image is created by averaging the data of both thumbnail images. You. After adjusting the data size, the average density image is transferred to the VRAM 106b and reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 207 (# 97).

Thereafter, when the frame feed operation is performed in the forward or reverse direction by the quad switch 209 (# 87).
YES), the frames are sequentially transmitted from the frames photographed in the gradation adjustment mode in accordance with the operation, and the average density image created by the thumbnail image of each frame is reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 207. (Loop of # 97, # 99, # 101). If the frame advance operation is not performed in the forward direction or the reverse direction by the quadruple switch 209 and another operation (for example, deletion of image data) that is possible in the reproduction mode is instructed (NO in # 99), the operation is supported. Is performed (loop of # 99 and # 103).

When the super-resolution mode is set (# 8)
1, NO in # 93, YES in # 105), the frame shot first in the super-resolution mode is searched from the frames shot in the super-resolution mode (# 107), and stored in the folder of the frame. The thumbnail image data included in the image file of the first captured image thus read is read out to the RAM 108b, the data size is adjusted, then transferred to the VRAM 106b, and reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 207 (# 1).
09).

Thereafter, when the frame feed operation is performed by the four-way switch 209 in the forward or reverse direction (# 11).
1 and YES), the frames are sequentially transmitted from the frames shot in the super-resolution mode in accordance with the operation, and the first shot image included in the folder of each frame is reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 207. (# 109, # 111, # 113 loop). When the frame advance operation is not performed in the forward or reverse direction by the quadruple switch 209 and another operation (for example, deletion of image data) that is possible in the reproduction mode is instructed (#
If NO in step 111, a process corresponding to the operation is performed (loop of # 111 and # 115).

When the normal photographing mode is set (# 8)
(No in 1, # 93, # 105), the image file shot in the normal shooting mode is searched first from the image files shot in the normal shooting mode (# 117), and the thumbnail image included in the image file is searched. Data is RAM
108b, and after the data size is adjusted,
The data is transferred to the VRAM 106b and reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 207 (# 119).

Thereafter, when the frame feed operation is performed in the forward or reverse direction by the quad switch 209 (# 12).
(YES in Step 1), frames are sequentially transmitted from the image files shot in the normal shooting mode in response to the operation, and the thumbnail images are reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 207 (# 119, # 121, and # 121). # 123 loop). When the frame advance operation is not performed in the forward direction or the reverse direction by the quadruple switch 209 and another operation (for example, deletion of image data) that is possible in the reproduction mode is instructed (N in # 121).
O), a process corresponding to the operation is performed (# 12)
1, # 125 loop).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the display processing in the reproduction mode.

The reproduction display processing according to the second embodiment enables frame advance in the order recorded on the recording medium regardless of the shooting mode, and reproduces and displays image files or folders in the recording order. In this embodiment, the first
There is an advantage that all frames can be searched without switching the photographing mode as in the embodiment.

In the reproduction display processing according to the second embodiment,
When the reproduction mode is set, first, the frame recorded first on the recording medium is searched from all the frames (# 13).
1). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the frame is a folder (whether or not it is a frame shot in the special shooting mode) (# 133), and if the first frame is a folder (# 13)
(YES in 3), tag information is read from the image file of the first captured image included in the folder (# 13)
5) If the first frame is an image file (NO in # 133), tag information is read from the image file (# 137).

Subsequently, the photographing mode is determined from the read tag information (# 139, # 143, # 147). If the photographing mode of the frame is the blur adjustment mode (# 13)
9), the thumbnail image data included in the image file of the first captured image stored in the folder is read out to the RAM 108b, the data size is adjusted, and the data is transferred to the VRAM 106b to be transferred to the VRAM 106b and the LCD display unit 2
07 is reproduced and displayed (# 141).

If the shooting mode of the frame is the gradation adjustment mode (NO in # 139, YES in # 143),
The data of the thumbnail image included in the image file of the first captured image and the data of the thumbnail image included in the image file of the second captured image stored in the folder are stored in the RAM.
108b, and an average density image is created by averaging the data of both thumbnail images. After the data size of the average density image is adjusted, the VRAM
The data is transferred to 106b and reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 207 (# 145).

If the shooting mode of the frame is the super-resolution mode (NO in # 139 and # 143, Y in # 147)
ES), the data of the thumbnail image included in the image file of the first captured image stored in the folder is RA
After being read by the M108b and the data size is adjusted, the data is transferred to the VRAM 106b and
(# 149).

If the shooting mode of the frame is the normal shooting mode (N in # 139, # 143, and # 147)
O), the thumbnail image data included in the image file is read out to the RAM 108b, the data size is adjusted, and then transferred to the VRAM 106b and reproduced and displayed on the LCD display unit 207 (# 151).

Thereafter, when a frame advance operation is performed in the forward or reverse direction by the four-way switch 209 (YES in # 153), the flow returns to step # 131, and the previous frame in the recording order is returned according to the operation. Alternatively, the frame after the recording order is searched, and the shooting mode is determined for the frame based on the tag information (# 135 to # 139, # 143, # 14).
7) and the reproduction process (# 141, # 145, # 149, # 151) corresponding to the photographing mode based on the determination result is performed.

On the other hand, if the frame forward operation is not performed in the forward or reverse direction by the four-way switch 209, and another operation (for example, deletion of image data) that is possible in the reproduction mode is instructed (NO in # 153). Then, processing corresponding to the operation is performed (loop of # 153 and # 155).

As described above, in the digital still camera 1 according to this embodiment, in the blur adjustment mode, when the first captured image is stored in the image memory 103f,
Further, in the super-resolution mode, when two captured images are stored in the image memory 103f, the first captured image is
Since the monitor is displayed on the D display unit 207, the captured image can be displayed on the monitor relatively quickly after the end of the exposure operation.

In particular, since the first photographed image is displayed on the monitor, the photographer can check the image closest to the photographed image as a photo opportunity. Also, in the bokeh shooting mode, the depth of field is the deepest in the first shooting, and the image with the widest focusing range is shot, so the out-of-focus image is displayed on the monitor and the after-view display is displayed. It does not reduce the effect.

In the gradation adjustment mode, when two photographed images are stored in the image memory 103f, an image having an average density of both photographed images is created by an average calculation, and the average density image is displayed on the LCD. Since the monitor is displayed on the unit 207, a captured image having appropriate gradation characteristics can be displayed on the monitor relatively quickly after the end of the exposure operation.

In the reproduction mode, the image of the photographed frame is displayed in each photographing mode. If the photographing mode is known in advance, the desired photographing frame can be quickly searched by designating the photographing mode. Can be played. As in the case of the after-view display, reproduction of a frame shot in the special shooting mode is performed by one of two shot images.
Is reproduced, that is, one image is displayed for each frame irrespective of the shooting mode. There is no difference.

By the way, in the above embodiment, the reproduction and display of the image photographed in the special photographing mode is performed by displaying the thumbnail image included in one image file among the two image files stored in the holder. Although a composite image obtained by a simple composite operation of two thumbnail images included in both image files is displayed on the LCD display unit 207, an image file of a frame image captured in the special shooting mode is used. At the time of creation, an image file for display is separately created as shown in FIG. 16 and both image files are recorded on a recording medium, and in the playback mode, the image file for display of the designated frame is opened and the image file is opened. May be reproduced.

In FIG. 16, the image file name “1b.THM” indicates an image file of a display image for the first frame shot in the blur adjustment mode.
The image file name “2b.THM” indicates an image file of a display image for the second frame shot in the blur adjustment mode. In addition, the image file name "TH
"M" indicates that the content of the file is a thumbnail image. The image file “1b.THM” stores the same image data as the image data of the thumbnail image included in the image file “P000001.TIF” of the first captured image included in the holder “1b”.

Similarly, the image file name “1t.THM”
Indicates an image file of a display image for the first frame shot in the gradation adjustment mode. The image file “1t.THM” includes two image files “P000005.TIF” and “P00000” in the holder “1t”.
5. The same image data as the display composite image created by a simple composite operation using the two thumbnail images respectively included in the “TIF” is stored.

In the present embodiment, in the super-resolution mode and the normal photographing mode, since the thumbnail images included in the file itself are displayed, no image file of the display image is provided.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart in which an image file of an image for display is created in the photographing process in the blur adjustment mode.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing performed in the flowchart of FIG. 10 between the thumbnail images included in the image file “PX.TIF” of the first captured image stored in the holder “Nb” between step # 25 and step # 27. For the same thumbnail image, another image file “Nb.TH
M ”is created, and a process of storing the image file“ Nb. THM ”in the holder“ Nb ”is inserted. The processing contents of the other steps in this flowchart are as follows:
The description is omitted here because it is the same as the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart in which an image file of an image for display is created by the photographing process in the gradation adjustment mode.

In the flowchart of FIG. 11, after the step # 55, another image file "Nt.THM" is created for the thumbnail image having the average density created in the step # 49, and this image file "Nt.
t. THM ”is inserted into a folder“ Nt ”in which image files of two captured images captured in the gradation adjustment mode are stored. Step # 57
May be inserted between step # 53 and step # 55. The processing contents of the other steps in this flowchart are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG.
Here, the description is omitted.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are flow charts showing a first embodiment of the reproducing process in the reproducing mode when an image file for display is created for a frame photographed in the special photographing mode.

In the flowchart of FIGS. 13 and 14, it is determined whether or not there is an image file of an image for display (hereinafter, this image file is referred to as a thumbnail file) between step # 83 and step # 87. Processing step # 84-1 and if a thumbnail file exists, the thumbnail file is opened and the image for display is LC
Processing step # 84-2 to be displayed on D display unit 207
And a processing step # 96 for determining the presence or absence of a thumbnail file between step # 95 and step # 97.
If the thumbnail file exists, the thumbnail file is opened and an image for display is displayed on the LCD display unit 20.
7, a processing step # 96-2 to be displayed is inserted.

In this flowchart, it is determined whether or not a thumbnail file exists in the holder for a frame instructed to be reproduced in the blur adjustment mode (including a frame initially set when the reproduction mode is set) (# 84). -1) If a thumbnail file exists (YES in # 84-1), the thumbnail file is opened and an image for display (thumbnail image) is displayed on the LCD display unit 207 (# 84-
2) If no thumbnail file exists (# 84-
(1; NO), the thumbnail image included in the image file of the first captured image in the holder is displayed on the LCD display unit 207 (# 85).

Further, it is determined whether or not a thumbnail file exists in the holder for a frame (including a frame initially set at the time of setting the reproduction mode) for which reproduction is instructed in the gradation adjustment mode (# 96-1). ), If a thumbnail file exists (YES in # 96-1), the thumbnail file is opened and the image for display (the thumbnail image of the first captured image and the thumbnail image of the second captured image are synthesized and created) Is displayed on the LCD display unit 207 (# 96-2), and if there is no thumbnail file (NO in # 96-1), the thumbnail image of the first captured image in the holder is displayed. And a thumbnail image of the second shot image are synthesized to create a thumbnail image having an average density for display, and the thumbnail image is displayed on an LCD.
It is displayed on the display unit 207 (# 94).

FIGS. 21 and 22 are flow charts showing a second embodiment of the reproducing process in the reproducing mode when a display image file is created for a frame shot in the special shooting mode.

FIG. 28 is a processing step # 140 for judging the presence or absence of a thumbnail file between step # 139 and step # 153 in the flowchart of FIG.
If the thumbnail file exists, the thumbnail file is opened and an image for display is displayed on the LCD display unit 20.
7 and a processing step # 144-1 for determining the presence or absence of a thumbnail file between step # 143 and step # 153, and when there is a thumbnail file, the thumbnail file is deleted. Processing step # 144-2 for opening and displaying an image for display on the LCD display unit 207 is inserted.

In this flowchart, when reproduction of a frame shot in the blur adjustment mode is instructed (YES in # 139), it is determined whether or not a thumbnail file exists in the holder (# 140-1). ), If a thumbnail file exists (YES in # 140-1), the thumbnail file is opened and an image for display (thumbnail image) is displayed on the LCD display unit 207 (# 140-
2) If no thumbnail file exists (# 140)
(No at -1), the thumbnail image included in the image file of the first captured image in the holder is displayed on LCD display unit 207 (# 141).

When the reproduction of the frame shot in the gradation adjustment mode is instructed (YES in # 143), it is determined whether or not a thumbnail file exists in the holder (# 144-1). If there is a thumbnail file (YES in # 144-1), the thumbnail file is opened to create an image for display (a thumbnail image of the first captured image and a thumbnail image of the second captured image). The thumbnail image having the average density) is displayed on the LCD display unit 207 (# 144-2), and if there is no thumbnail file (NO in # 144-1), the thumbnail image of the first captured image in the holder and 2 A thumbnail image having an average density for display is created by combining the thumbnail image of the second shot image with the thumbnail image of the second shot image.
It is displayed on the CD display unit 207 (# 145).

In this embodiment, since the image file of the thumbnail image for display is created separately from the thumbnail image included in the image file of each photographed image, the reproduction process in the reproduction mode can be performed quickly. . Further, even when the image file of the display image is lost due to an operation error, there is an advantage that the reproduction process in the reproduction mode can be performed using the thumbnail images included in the image file.

Next, an image processing apparatus for synthesizing an image using two photographed images photographed in the special photographing mode will be briefly described.

FIG. 23 is a view showing the state of the second photographed image in the special photographing mode.
FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus that performs an image combining process according to a special shooting mode on a single shot image.

The image processing device 6 shown in the figure comprises a personal computer 7 and a printer 8 as its output device.

A personal computer 7 (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer 7) has a computer main body 701 (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer 7) provided with an FD driver 701a, a memory card reader 701b, and a CD-ROM driver 701c.
01. ), A display 702 comprising a CRT or LCD, a keyboard 703 and a mouse 704.

The personal computer 7 is a processing program for combining two photographed images photographed in the blur adjustment mode to create a photographed image having a desired degree of blur (hereinafter, referred to as a bokeh adjustment processing program). A processing program for synthesizing two photographed images photographed in the gradation adjustment mode to create a photographed image having a desired gradation (hereinafter, referred to as a gradation adjustment processing program) and a super-resolution mode. CD-ROM 9 in which a processing program for image synthesis such as a processing program (hereinafter, referred to as a super-resolution processing program) for synthesizing two shot images and creating a high-resolution shot image is recorded. To the CD-ROM driver 70
1c, and functions as an image processing apparatus by installing a processing program for image synthesis on a hard disk (main storage device) in the PC main body 701.

In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus is configured by installing the processing program recorded on the CD-ROM 9 into the computer 7. However, the processing program is stored in the main memory of the apparatus in advance. The stored dedicated image processing device may be used.

The processing procedure for synthesizing the two captured images by the processing program for image synthesis and the synthesized image (image in which the degree of blur or gradation is adjusted or a high-resolution image) are displayed on the display 702. Further, a hard copy can be created by the printer 8 for the image after the composition.

Next, the image synthesizing process in the image processing device 6 will be described.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for starting a processing program for image composition.

In each of the processing programs of the blur adjustment processing program, the gradation adjustment processing program, and the super-resolution processing program, a folder having an image file of an image photographed in the photographing mode corresponding to each processing program is designated. And it is started in conjunction with it.

For example, by operating the keyboard 703 or the mouse 704, access to the memory card MC after shooting in each of the above-described shooting modes is instructed, and a folder in which images shot in each of the above-described shooting modes are stored, or When the cursor is moved to the icon indicating the image file in the folder and an instruction to open the image file of the icon is input, the tag information is read from the image file stored in the memory card MC into the personal computer main body 7 ( (# 161), the contents of the shooting mode in the tag information are determined (# 163, # 167, # 171).

If the shooting mode is the blur adjustment mode (YES in # 163), the blur adjustment processing program is started (# 165), and if the shooting mode is the gradation adjustment mode (YES in # 167), The gradation adjustment processing program is started (# 169), and if the shooting mode is the super-resolution mode (YES in # 171), the super-resolution processing program is started (# 173), and the shooting mode is set to the normal shooting mode. If there is any (NO in # 171), a predetermined processing program other than the above-described processing program for a normal captured image, for example, a processing program for image correction is started (# 17).
5).

Next, an outline of the blur adjustment processing, gradation adjustment processing, and super-resolution processing performed by the image processing apparatus 6 will be briefly described.

The two photographed images continuously photographed in the blur adjustment mode, the gradation adjustment mode, and the super-resolution mode are subjected to registration processing (positioning processing).
For a portion where the two captured images overlap, a predetermined calculation process is performed using the data of the two captured images for each pixel position and the two images are combined.

In the registration processing, the positions of two images to be synthesized are aligned in order to accurately synthesize the same symbol in the screen in the image synthesizing processing.
In the registration process, for example, one captured image A
, The two captured images A and B are collated while the other captured image B is being translated, and the translation amount of the captured image B in which the captured images A and B match is calculated. One shot image A
The degree of coincidence of the other photographed image B with respect to the amount of parallel movement that minimizes the sum of the absolute values of the level differences between the data of both photographed images A and B (correlation function) with the amount of parallel movement of photographed image B as an argument Is calculated as the amount of movement (that is, the amount of displacement) for matching the captured image B with the captured image A.

In the blur adjustment processing and the gradation adjustment processing, the pixel data D _A (k, h) of the photographed image A for each pixel position (k, h) for a portion where both photographed images A and B overlap after the registration processing. ) And the pixel data D _B (k, h) of the photographed image B, and a predetermined calculation process is performed to calculate D _C (k, h) of the pixel data of the image whose blur and gradation have been adjusted. You. In the blur adjustment processing, various known calculation methods such as a segment method, an iterative method, and an inverse filter can be applied. In the gradation adjustment process, for example, a calculation method such as a weighted average calculation is applied.

In the super-resolution processing, data interpolation processing is performed on captured images A and B, respectively, and then registration processing is performed. Thereafter, a pixel position is determined for a portion where both captured images A and B overlap. (k, h) the pixel data D _a (k, h) of the captured image a for each pixel data D _B (k, h) of the captured image B and a predetermined arithmetic processing (e.g., an average calculation or a weighted average calculation using the , Etc.) to calculate D _C (k, h) of the pixel data of the super-resolution image.

In the above embodiment, the digital still camera 1 does not perform the above-described image synthesizing process.
In the reproduction mode, the image after the synthesis processing is displayed on the LCD
07 may be displayed.

In this case, an image for display (thumbnail image) is created by performing thinning-out processing on the synthesized image, and this thumbnail image is displayed separately from the image file of the photographed image. To be stored. In the reproduction mode, according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, if a thumbnail file exists, a thumbnail image of an image synthesized from the thumbnail file is displayed on the LCD display unit 207. At this time,
As shown in FIG. 25, it is preferable to display information indicating the content of the synthesizing process so as to be superimposed on the display of the thumbnail image. In the example shown in the figure, a captured image of the sunrise that has undergone the super-resolution processing is displayed on the LCD display unit 207, and the text “super-resolution” is displayed at the lower left of the display screen. LCD display 2
Since the number of pixels of the pixel 07 is much smaller than the number of pixels of the photographed image, it is difficult to recognize the effect of the composition processing based on the image quality of the reproduced and displayed image. It is possible to confirm whether the image has been shot in such a shooting mode.

[0203]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A special photographing mode for acquiring a plurality of photographed images used for a predetermined image synthesizing process is provided. When the special photographing mode is set, the same subject is exposed at least twice continuously. In a digital still camera for performing at least two photographed images, any one of the plurality of photographed images photographed in the special photographing mode is displayed on the display means without performing image combining processing. As a result, the photographer can confirm the photographed content immediately after photographing.

In particular, when a plurality of shot images shot in the special shooting mode are shot for blur adjustment,
Since the captured image having the widest focus range is displayed, a captured image with unclear captured content is rarely displayed.

When a plurality of images shot in the special shooting mode are shot for super-resolution, the first shot image among the shot images is displayed. The display process can be performed quickly.

In the digital still camera, a plurality of captured images are respectively recorded on a recording medium, and in a reproduction mode, when reproducing a captured image in the special photography mode recorded on the recording medium, continuous photographing is performed. One of the plurality of photographed images is reproduced and displayed on the display means. For example, when reproducing each photographed image by frame advance, the photographed images having the same content are continuously reproduced. Therefore, there is no confusion as to whether the photographed image is an image photographed in the normal photographing mode or an image photographed in the special mode.

In this case, the first shot image is displayed, so that the shot image closest to the shutter chance required by the photographer can be displayed.

Further, according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, an image for display is created by performing image synthesis processing similar to a predetermined image synthesis processing using a plurality of continuously shot images. Since the image is displayed on the display means, even when each photographed image is not appropriate as a display image, for example, in a gradation adjustment process, a more appropriate image can be displayed as a display image in a relatively short time. It does not impair the purpose of display.

[0209] Further, since the display image is recorded on the recording medium in an image file different from each photographed image, in the reproduction processing in the reproduction mode, this image file is opened and the display image is reproduced and displayed. By doing so, reproduction and display can be performed quickly.

[0210] In the digital still camera, in the reproduction mode, when the reproduction of the photographed image in the special photographing mode recorded on the recording medium is instructed,
Since the display image corresponding to the instructed photographed image is reproduced and displayed on the display means, it is possible to quickly reproduce and display the photographed image. If the image for display is broken, the first shot image among the shot images in the specified special shooting mode is displayed, so that the shot image cannot be reproduced. Disappears.

Further, according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, an image for display is created by using a plurality of continuously shot images, and an image file is created for each shot image. When an image file is created for an image for display and these image files are recorded on a recording medium, in a reproduction mode, reproduction of a photographed image in a special photographing mode recorded on the recording medium is instructed. Since the display image corresponding to the instructed photographed image is reproduced and displayed on the display means, an image suitable for the content of the image synthesizing process can be displayed at the time of reproduction.

[0212] Further, the display means displays the display image corresponding to the photographed image instructed to be reproduced and the information indicating the content of the image synthesizing process corresponding to this image. It is possible to easily confirm whether the image has been subjected to an appropriate image synthesis process.

When there are a plurality of types of special photographing modes, if any one of the special photographing modes is selected in the reproduction mode, the designated photographed image is selected from the photographed images in the special photographing mode. Is displayed on the display means corresponding to the above, so when it is desired to narrow down and reproduce the captured images on which the same image synthesis processing has been performed,
The operability of selecting a playback frame is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a camera body of a digital still camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an arrangement of main members of the digital still camera.

FIG. 3 is a right side view showing an arrangement of main members built in the digital still camera.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the digital still camera.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging surface of a color imaging device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of selecting a shooting mode.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital still camera.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image file recorded on a memory card.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a method of recording an image file on a memory card.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a shooting procedure in the blur adjustment mode.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a shooting procedure in a gradation adjustment mode.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a shooting procedure in a super-resolution mode.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a display process in a reproduction mode.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a display process in a reproduction mode.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the display processing in the reproduction mode.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of an image file recorded on a memory card.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart in which an image file of an image for display is created in a shooting process in the blur adjustment mode.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart in which an image file of an image for display is created in a photographing process in a gradation adjustment mode.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a reproducing process in a reproducing mode in a case where an image file for display is created in a frame photographed in the special photographing mode.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a reproducing process in a reproducing mode in a case where an image file for display is created in a frame photographed in the special photographing mode.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the reproduction process in the reproduction mode when an image file for display is created for a frame shot in the special shooting mode.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the reproduction process in the reproduction mode when an image file for display is created for a frame shot in the special shooting mode.

FIG. 23 is an external view illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for activating a processing program for image composition.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an image after the combination processing and the content of the combination processing are reproduced and displayed in an overlapping manner.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 digital still camera 101 lens 102 imaging unit 103 signal processing unit 104 light emission control unit 105 lens control unit 106 display unit 107 operation unit 108 card I / F 108 overall control unit 108a ROM 108b RAM 108c exposure value calculation unit 108d display control unit ( 108e Recording control unit (recording unit) 108f Reproduction control unit (reproduction control unit) 108g Special exposure control unit 109 Card interface 110 Communication interface 2 Camera body 205 Color image sensor 206 Shutter button 207 LCD Display unit (display means) 208 Power switch 209 Quad switch 210 Switch group 3 Interchangeable lens 4 Electronic viewfinder (Display means) 5 Flash MC memory card

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/387 H04N 1/387 5C076 5/225 5/225 F 5/235 5/235 5/91 7 / 18V 7/18 101: 00 // H04N 101: 00 5/91 JF term (reference) 2H054 AA01 5B057 BA02 CA01 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB01 CB08 CB12 CB16 CE03 CE04 CE08 CE11 5C022 AA13 AB01 AB17 AB22 AB68 AC01 AC69 5C053 FA08 FA14 FA27 HA33 KA04 LA01 5C054 AA01 AA05 CA04 CC03 CH02 EA01 EA05 EA07 FA00 FE11 GB02 GD03 GD09 5C076 AA19 AA21 AA27 BA01 BA06 CA02 CB04

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A special photographing mode for acquiring a plurality of photographed images used for a predetermined image synthesizing process. When the special photographing mode is set, the same subject is continuously photographed at least twice. A digital still camera for performing an exposure operation and acquiring at least two captured images, a display means for displaying images, and a display means for displaying one captured image among the plurality of continuously captured images. A digital still camera, comprising: display control means for displaying the image on a digital still camera. 2. The predetermined image synthesizing process is a blur adjusting process of synthesizing a plurality of photographed images having different degrees of out-of-focus to create one image in which the degree of out-of-focus is adjusted. 2. The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein the control means displays a photographed image having the widest focus range among the photographed images on the display means. 3. The digital still camera according to claim 2, wherein, out of a plurality of shot images having different degrees of out-of-focus, a shot image having the widest in-focus range is shot first. 4. The predetermined image synthesizing process is a super-resolution process of synthesizing a plurality of photographed images to create one image having a higher resolution than the photographed images. 2. The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein the first captured image among the images is reproduced and displayed on the display unit. 5. The display control means displays one photographed image on the display means after a continuous exposure operation is completed and before a predetermined process is performed on a plurality of photographed images. The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein 6. The digital still camera according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined process is a process of recording each captured image on a recording medium. 7. The digital still camera according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined processing is a composite calculation processing of a plurality of captured images. 8. The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein said recording means records each of said plurality of photographed images on a recording medium, and photographing in said special photographing mode recorded on said recording medium in a reproduction mode. A digital still camera, further comprising: a reproduction control means for reproducing and displaying one photographed image among a plurality of continuously photographed images when the reproduction of an image is instructed on the display means. 9. The digital still camera according to claim 8, wherein the one photographed image is a photographed image photographed first. 10. A special photographing mode for acquiring a plurality of photographed images used for a predetermined image synthesizing process,
When the special shooting mode is set, a display means for displaying an image is provided in a digital still camera that performs an exposure operation on the same subject at least twice consecutively and obtains at least two shot images, Display image creating means for creating an image for display by performing image combining processing similar to the predetermined image combining processing using a plurality of continuously captured images, and an image created by the display image creating means And a display control means for displaying on the display means. 11. The predetermined image synthesizing process is a tone adjusting process of synthesizing a plurality of photographed images having different gradations and creating one image in which the gradation of the photographed image is adjusted. The digital still camera according to claim 10, wherein 12. A recording means for creating an image file for each of the plurality of photographed images, creating an image file for an image for display, and recording each image file on a recording medium. Claim 1 characterized by the following:
Digital still camera according to item 0. 13. The digital display according to claim 12, wherein the display image is displayed on the display means before image files of a plurality of photographed images are recorded on the recording medium. Still camera. 14. The digital still camera according to claim 12, wherein in the reproduction mode, when an instruction to reproduce a captured image in the special photography mode recorded on the recording medium is given, the digital camera corresponds to the designated captured image. A digital still camera, further comprising a reproduction control means for reproducing and displaying an image for display on the display means. 15. The reproduction control means, when there is no image file of an image to be displayed, reproduces and displays on the display means the first photographed image among the photographed images in the designated special photographing mode. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein
4. The digital still camera according to 4. 16. A special photographing mode for acquiring a plurality of photographed images used for a predetermined image synthesizing process,
When the special shooting mode is set, the digital still camera that performs the exposure operation at least twice consecutively on the same subject and obtains at least two shot images has a plurality of shots that have been shot continuously. A display image creating means for creating an image for display using an image, and an image file for each of the plurality of captured images, and an image file for the image for display, Recording means for recording on a recording medium,
Display means for displaying an image; and in a reproduction mode, when reproduction of a photographed image in the special photographing mode recorded on the recording medium is instructed, an image for display corresponding to the instructed photographed image is displayed. A digital still camera, comprising: means for reproducing and displaying on the means. 17. A camera has a plurality of special photographing modes for acquiring a plurality of photographed images used for a predetermined image synthesizing process. When the special photographing mode is set, at least two special photographing modes are set for the same subject. In a digital still camera that performs an exposure operation successively and obtains at least two captured images, an image for display according to the content of the special photography mode is used by using the plurality of continuously captured images. A display image creating means for creating, and a recording means for creating an image file for each of the plurality of captured images, creating an image file for an image for display, and recording each image file on a recording medium. A display means for displaying an image, and in a reproduction mode, when reproduction of a photographed image in the special photographing mode recorded on the recording medium is instructed, the instruction is given. A digital still camera comprising: a display image corresponding to the captured image; and information indicating the content of the image synthesis processing corresponding to the image. 18. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of types of special photographing modes, wherein said reproduction control means, when any one of the special photographing modes is selected in the reproducing mode, selects a photographed image in the special photographing mode. 17. The digital still camera according to claim 16, wherein an image for display corresponding to a photographed image designated from the inside is reproduced and displayed on said display means.