JP2003283920A - Image processing apparatus, image processing system, image processing method, storage medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide an image processing apparatus capable of always displaying an image in a good state with reduced noise. A function 111 having a recording mode and a reproduction mode of an image (captured image) as an operation mode, and displaying an image when operating in the recording mode or the reproduction mode.
In the image processing apparatus 100 having the
10 is an image display function 11 when operating in the recording mode.
1 (setting of the cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter and the gain of the contour emphasis) are different from the settings at the time of the reproduction mode operation.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

The present invention relates to image information (moving image or still image information) obtained by a solid-state image sensor, for example.
The present invention relates to an image processing device, an image processing system, an image processing method, a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the same, which is used in a device or a system for displaying on a display unit such as a liquid crystal, and the program. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in a photographing apparatus which images a subject with a solid-state image sensor and records and reproduces image information (photographed image information) of the subject obtained thereby, various processing menus are displayed. Is equipped with a liquid crystal display unit.

Thus, for example, in the case of still image shooting,
In order to confirm the composition or the like of the subject to be photographed, it can be confirmed in a so-called finder mode in which the subject currently imaged by the lens on the solid-state imaging device is displayed as an image on the liquid crystal display unit. In addition, in the case of movie shooting, in addition to the above confirmation in the viewfinder mode,
The moving image information can be confirmed on the liquid crystal display unit even while the moving image information is being recorded. Further, the liquid crystal display unit allows not only confirmation at the time of recording described above but also reproduction and confirmation of the recorded still image or moving image.

[0004]

However, in the conventional photographing apparatus as described above, the route of the information (signal) to be processed is naturally different between the recording operation and the reproducing operation.
The situation of noise included in the signal component also naturally differs.

The kind of the above noise does not appear in a recorded image, that is, it does not appear in the case of reproducing a recorded still image, but it appears only in the finder mode when the liquid crystal display section confirms it. Also exists.

Further, for example, in the conventional image pickup apparatus 900 as shown in FIG. 10, when the signal subjected to the correlated double sampling in the CDS circuit 901 is amplified by the amplifying unit 902, the gain setting value of the amplifying unit 902 is used. However, the magnitude of noise included in the sampled signal changes. In particular, depending on the signal, the larger the gain setting value, the larger the noise in the signal.

For example, since the brightness of image information obtained in a dark room or at night is insufficient and the gain setting value becomes large, a small gain for processing the image information obtained in a bright room is obtained. Noise will be more noticeable than with the set value.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in order to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, and an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, an image processing method, and an image processing method capable of always displaying an image in a good state with reduced noise. An object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a program to be executed and the program.

Specifically, for example, when recording photographed image information, it is possible to reduce noise when the photographed image is displayed on the liquid crystal display in the finder mode.

[0010]

[Means for Solving the Problems] Under such a purpose,
The present invention is an image processing apparatus which has an image recording mode and an image reproducing mode as operation modes and has a function of displaying an image when operating in the recording mode or the reproducing mode. It is characterized by further comprising setting control means for setting the setting relating to the image display function to a setting different from the setting at the time of the reproduction mode operation.

Further, the present invention is an image processing apparatus having an image recording mode and an image reproducing mode as operation modes and a function of displaying an image when operating in the recording mode or the reproducing mode. Noise removing means for removing noise from an image signal to be recorded and outputting the same, gain setting means for setting an amplification factor of the output signal of the noise removing means, and the gain setting means for operating in the recording mode. And a setting control means for changing and controlling the setting relating to the image display function based on the setting.

Further, the present invention is an image processing method for displaying an image when operating in an image recording mode or a reproducing mode, wherein the setting relating to the image display is reproduced in the reproducing mode when operating in the recording mode. It is characterized in that it includes a setting control step for setting the setting different from the setting when operating in the mode.

Further, the present invention is an image processing method for displaying an image when operating in an image recording mode or a reproduction mode, wherein noise is removed from an image signal to be recorded in the recording mode and output. Noise removal step, a gain setting step for setting the amplification factor of the output signal by the noise removal step, and when operating in the recording mode, the settings related to the image display function are changed based on the settings by the gain setting step. And a setting control step for controlling.

According to the present invention, an image pickup step for obtaining and outputting an image signal of a subject by an image pickup means, a correlated double sampling step for removing noise from the image signal obtained by the image pickup step, and the above correlation two A signal processing step of processing the image signal processed by the multiple sampling step to generate a displayable image signal, a display step of displaying the image signal obtained by the signal processing step, and an image display in the display step. Setting step for setting at least one of the filter characteristic and the edge enhancement characteristic, a setting control step for controlling the setting by the setting step, and a recording mode or a reproduction mode of the image signal as an operation mode. An image processing method including a mode selection step of selecting, wherein Step, if the selected recording mode by the mode selecting step, the setting by the setting step, characterized in that it comprises a step of a different configuration from that during the playback mode selection.

According to the present invention, an image pickup step of obtaining and outputting an image signal of a subject by the image pickup means, and a correlated double sampling step of removing noise from the image signal obtained by the image pickup step and outputting the image signal. A gain setting step that makes the amplification factor of the output signal variable by the correlated double sampling step; a signal processing step that processes the output signal by the correlated double sampling step to generate a displayable image signal; A display step for displaying the image signal obtained by the signal processing step, a setting step for setting at least one of filter characteristics and contour enhancement characteristics for image display in the display step, and setting by the setting step The setting control step for controlling the A recording mode or image processing method comprising a mode selection step of selecting a reproduction mode,
When the recording mode is selected in the mode selecting step, the setting control step includes a step of changing the setting in the setting step based on the setting in the gain setting step.

Further, the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a predetermined means, wherein the predetermined means has an image recording mode and an image reproduction mode as operation modes, and the recording mode or the reproduction mode. In the case of operating in the recording mode, the apparatus or system having the function of displaying an image during the operation in the step 1 includes means for setting the setting related to the image display function different from the setting during the operation in the reproduction mode. It is characterized by

Further, the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a predetermined means, wherein the predetermined means has an image recording mode and an image reproducing mode as operation modes, and the recording mode or the reproducing mode. As a means included in the device or system having the function of displaying an image during the operation in step S1, the noise removing means for removing noise from the image signal to be recorded in the recording mode and outputting the noise, and the amplification of the output signal of the noise removing means A gain setting means for setting a rate and a setting control means for changing and controlling the setting relating to the image display function based on the setting by the gain setting means when operating in the recording mode are provided.

Further, the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a predetermined step, wherein the predetermined step includes an image pickup step of obtaining and outputting an image signal of a subject by an image pickup means, and the image pickup step. A correlated double sampling step of removing noise from the image signal obtained by, a signal processing step of processing the image signal processed by the correlated double sampling step to generate a displayable image signal, and the signal A display step for displaying the image signal obtained by the processing step; a setting step for setting at least one of filter characteristics and contour enhancement characteristics for image display in the display step; and setting by the setting step. The setting control step to control and the operation mode,
And a mode selection step of selecting a recording mode or a reproduction mode of the image signal, the setting control step,
When the recording mode is selected in the mode selecting step, the step of setting the setting in the setting step is different from the setting in selecting the reproduction mode.

Further, the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a predetermined step, wherein the predetermined step includes an image pickup step of obtaining and outputting an image signal of a subject by an image pickup means, and the image pickup step. The correlated double sampling step of removing noise from the image signal obtained by the above, and the gain setting step of making the amplification factor of the output signal variable by the correlated double sampling step, and the correlated double sampling step A signal processing step of processing the output signal to generate a displayable image signal, a display step of displaying the image signal obtained by the signal processing step, and a filter characteristic and a contour for displaying an image in the display step. A setting step for setting at least one of the emphasis characteristics, The setting control step includes a setting control step for controlling the setting by the setting step, and a mode selection step for selecting the recording mode or the reproduction mode of the image signal as an operation mode, and the setting control step includes the recording mode by the mode selection step. When selected, the method includes the step of changing the setting in the setting step based on the setting in the gain setting step.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the program according to any one of claims 10 to 13 is recorded in a computer-readable storage medium.

Specifically, for example, in a solid-state image pickup device or the like in which a recording mode or a reproduction mode can be selected by a switch or the like as an operation mode, and the gain of an image signal after correlated double sampling can be changed, The change of the set value of the display unit such as a liquid crystal is controlled based on the size of the.

In particular, when the recording mode is selected, for example, the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter of the display unit is set to a frequency lower than that in the reproduction mode.
Also, at least one of setting the gain of the contour emphasis to be smaller than that in the reproduction mode is performed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the feeling of noise in the display unit.

Further, when the recording mode is selected, for example, when the gain after correlated double sampling becomes large, the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter of the display unit is set to a frequency lower than that when the gain is small. And at least one of setting the gain of the edge enhancement to be smaller than that in the reproduction mode.
As a result, it is possible to reduce the feeling of noise in the display unit.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] The present invention is applied to, for example, a photographing apparatus 100 as shown in FIG.

<Structure of the photographing device 100> The photographing device 100
Is a lens 101, a diaphragm / shutter 102, a solid-state image sensor 103, a CDS unit 104,
A configuration including a clamp circuit unit 105, an A / D conversion unit 106, a signal processing unit 107, a timing pulse generation unit 108, an optical system drive unit 109, a system control unit 110, a display unit 111, a recording medium 112, and a mode selection unit 113. I am trying.

The lens 101 squeezes an optical image of a subject.
An image is formed on the solid-state image sensor 103 via the shutter 102. The diaphragm / shutter 102 has a shutter function as well as a diaphragm for controlling the amount of light of a subject through the lens 101. The solid-state image sensor 103 takes in and outputs the subject light imaged by the lens 101 as an electric signal.

The CDS section 104 removes the clock of the output signal of the solid-state image sensor 103 and performs correlated double sampling for reducing noise, and at the same time, a predetermined gain from the system control section 110 is obtained. Set according to control. The clamp circuit unit 105 clamps the output signal of the CDS unit 104 to a predetermined reference voltage according to the timing of the clamp pulse supplied from the timing generation unit 108.

The A / D conversion unit 106 includes the clamp circuit unit 1
The output signal (analog signal) of 05 is digitized and output. The signal processing unit 107 is, for example, the A / D conversion unit 1
When the output data of 06 is displayed or recorded, various signal processing and conversion processing are performed so that the data becomes data of an appropriate format.

The timing pulse generator 108 includes a solid-state image sensor 103, a CDS unit 104, and a clamp circuit unit 10.
5, the necessary pulses are generated for the A / D converter 106. The optical system driving unit 109 drives the lens 101 and the diaphragm / shutter 102.

The system control unit 110 includes the photographing device 100.
It controls the overall operation and performs various calculations. Display unit 111
Displays the data processed by the signal processing unit 107 on the LCD or the like. The recording medium 112 is composed of a semiconductor memory or the like capable of recording and reading image data. The mode selection unit 113 includes a switch, a dial, and the like for selectively setting the state of the photographing apparatus 100 to a recording mode (hereinafter, also referred to as “photographing mode”) or a reproduction mode.

<Operation of Photographing Apparatus 100> FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the photographing apparatus 100.

Step 301: The user turns on the main switch of the photographing apparatus 100 by operating the mode selection unit 113 or the like. Thereby, in the image capturing apparatus 100,
The main power supply and control system power are turned on.

Step 302: System control unit 110
Detects the state of the mode selection unit 113 to determine whether the camera mode of the image capturing apparatus 100 is shooting or playback. As a result of this determination, in the case of the shooting mode, the process proceeds to the shooting sequence from step S303,
If it is in the reproduction mode, the process proceeds to the reproduction sequence from step S317.

Step 317, step S400, step S319: As a result of the determination in step S302, in the reproduction mode, the system control unit 110 causes the recording medium 1
The 12 pieces of recorded image data are once taken into the signal processing unit 107 (step S317), and a display sequence for displaying the image data is executed (step S40).
0). As a result, the image data is displayed on the display unit 111, which will be described in detail later. After that, the system control unit 110 maintains the image display state until the main switch of the image capturing apparatus 100 is turned off, and when the main switch is turned off (step S319), stops the image display,
The power of the photographing apparatus 100 is turned off.

Step S303: If the result of determination in step S302 is shooting mode, the system controller 11
0 controls the lens 10 by controlling the optical drive unit 109.
The lens position of 1 (AF lens) is driven to the reset position, and the solid-state imaging device 103 and the timing pulse generator 10 are driven.
The power supply of the image pickup system including 7 etc. is turned on.

Step S304: System control unit 110
Sets a predetermined gain for the CDS unit 104 and controls the optical system driving unit 109 to open the aperture / shutter 102.

Step S305: By the processing of the system control unit 110 in Steps S303 and S304, the CDS unit 104 performs correlated double sampling on the output signal of the solid-state image sensor 103. Clamp circuit section 105
The A / D conversion unit 106 clamps the output signal of the CDS unit 104 to a predetermined reference voltage in accordance with the timing of the clamp pulse supplied from the timing generation unit 108.
Is an output signal (analog signal) of the clamp circuit unit 105.
Is digitized and output. The signal processing unit 107
When displaying or recording the output data of the / D conversion unit 106, various signal processing and conversion processing are performed so that the data becomes data in an appropriate format.

The system control section 110 includes a signal processing section 10
Based on the data (image data) after the processing by 7, the processing of photometry 1 for calculating the exposure control value from the photometry value is executed.

Step S306: System control unit 110
Is the aperture and shutter speed in the aperture / shutter 102, and the CDS unit 10 according to the program diagram based on the result of the processing of photometry 1 in step S305.
The gain of 4 is determined and controlled.

Steps S307 and S400: The system control section 110 confirms the display mode of the display section 111 (step S307), and as a result of this confirmation, the display is turned on.
If it is the mode of step S400, details will be described later in step S400.
After executing the processing of the display sequence of step S30
If the display is off, the process proceeds to step S308.

Steps S308 and S500: The system controller 110 determines whether or not the first switch (not shown) of the release switches is turned on (step S308). As a result of this determination, the first switch ON
If it is, the EVF of step S500 described later in detail.
After executing the sequence processing, step S308 is performed again.
If the first switch is OFF, the process proceeds to step S30 as it is.
Proceed to 9. Therefore, when the first switch of the release switches is turned on, the processing from step S309 is executed.

Steps S309 and S310: When the first switch of the release switch is turned on, the system control section 110 causes the system control section 110 to perform the above-mentioned steps S305 and S310.
In the same manner as 306, photometry and arithmetic processing are executed (step S309), and according to the result, the aperture, shutter speed, and CDS unit 1 are again read according to the program diagram.
The gain of 04 is determined and the operation is controlled again (step S310).

Step S311: System control unit 110
Is a high-frequency component extracted by the signal processing unit 107 from the image data obtained through the solid-state image sensor 103, the CDS unit 104, the clamp unit 105, and the A / D conversion unit 106, and the high-frequency component is used to capture the subject. The calculation process for obtaining the distance to is executed.

Step S312: System control unit 110
Controls the drive of the lens 101 based on the result of the calculation process (distance to the subject) in step S311, and determines whether or not the lens is in focus. If the result of this determination is that it is not in focus, the system control unit 110 returns to step S311 again, and performs drive control of the lens 101 and distance measurement. On the other hand, if it is in focus, the next step S31
Go to 3.

Steps S313 and S314: The system control section 110 waits until the second switch of the release switch (not shown) is turned on, and when the second switch is turned on (step S312), the current Image data (still image or moving image data) obtained by shooting operation
To start recording on the recording medium 112 (step S314). As a result, the solid-state image sensor 103, the CDS
Unit 104, clamp unit 105, and A / D conversion unit 106
The image data obtained through the above is subjected to predetermined signal processing by the signal processing unit 107 and recorded in the recording medium 112 such as a semiconductor memory under the control of the system control 110.

Steps S315, S400: The system controller 110 determines whether or not the second switch of the release switch (not shown) is kept ON.
If the result of this determination is that the second switch is in the ON state, the system control unit 110 executes the processing of the display sequence of step S400, which will be described in detail later, and then executes the determination processing of step S315 again. As a result, the image is displayed until the second switch is turned off. When the second switch is turned off, or when the second switch is turned off from the beginning, the image display is not performed and the process proceeds to step S316.

Step S316: System control unit 110
Judges whether or not the main switch of the photographing apparatus 100 is turned off. As a result of the judgment, if the main switch is not turned off, the process returns to step S303, and the first switch of the release switch (not shown) is turned on. When the main switch is turned off, operation control for returning each component of the optical system of the photographing apparatus 100 to a predetermined position is performed, and the main power source of the photographing apparatus 100 is turned off.

FIG. 3 shows step S50 shown in FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing an EVF sequence of 0.

Step S501: During EVF, the scene captured by the photographing apparatus 100 (camera) may change. Therefore, the system control unit 110 first performs distance measurement.

Step S502: System control unit 110
Determines whether the focal length has changed due to a scene change or the like based on the distance measurement result in step S501. If the result of this determination is that the focal length has changed, step S501
After the processing of 503, the process proceeds to step S504, and if the focal length is not changed, the process proceeds to step S504 as it is.

Step S503: In case of changing the focal length,
The system control unit 110 controls the drive of the lens 101 to focus.

Steps S504 and S505: The system control section 110 performs photometry (step S50).
4) It is determined whether or not the exposure has been changed (step S505). If the result of this determination is that the exposure has been changed, this processing ends after the processing of step S506. On the other hand, if the exposure has not been changed, the process ends.

Step S506: When the exposure is changed, the system control unit 110 resets the aperture, the shutter speed, and the gain for the CDS unit 104.

FIG. 4 shows the step S40 shown in FIG.
The display sequence of 0 is shown by a flowchart.

Here, the display sequence (step S40
Before the description of 0), the signal processing unit 107, the system control unit 110, and the display unit 111 will be specifically described.

First, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 111 includes a block 201 including a driver unit 201 (a) and a timing generation unit 201 (b), a liquid crystal 202,
And a backlight 203.

The driver unit 201 (a) converts the image data from the signal processing unit 107 into a data form that can be displayed on the liquid crystal 202, and under the control of the system control unit 110, cutoff frequency and contour of the low-pass filter. Various processes such as an emphasis process and a process of changing various characteristics such as frequency and gain are executed. Timing generator 2
01 (b) generates a timing clock necessary for a display operation on the liquid crystal 202. The backlight 203 is controlled to be turned on, turned off, and changed in brightness by the system control unit 110.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the driver unit 2
FIG. 15 shows an example of characteristics of a low-pass filter and contour enhancement processed in 01 (a).

The display sequence (step S400) will be specifically described below with reference to FIGS.

Steps S401 and S402: The system control section 110 acquires the camera mode (operation mode) of the photographing apparatus 100 (step S401) and determines whether the camera mode is the photographing mode or the reproduction mode. (Step S402). As a result of this determination, if the shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to step S404, and if the playback mode is set, the process proceeds to step S403.

Step S403: In the reproduction mode, the system control section 110 sets a predetermined value in the reproduction mode to the liquid crystal driver section 201 (a). Then, it progresses to step S405.

Step S404: In the photographing mode, the system control section 110 sets a predetermined value in the photographing mode for the liquid crystal driver section 201 (a). Then, it progresses to step S405.

Here, regarding the processing in the photographing mode in step S404, in the present embodiment, the predetermined value at this time, that is, the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter,
It is possible to reduce the appearance of noise by setting the values for the frequency and the gain, etc. for contour enhancement different from those in the reproduction mode.

Specifically, for example, in the shooting mode, the processing of blocks from the solid-state image sensor 103 to the A / D conversion unit 106 is increased as compared with the playback mode, and the shooting mode is higher than the playback mode. A lot of noise may be mixed in the signal line. In such a case, if the setting of the display unit 111 is the same as that in the shooting mode, noise in the shooting mode may be noticeable.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), the cutoff frequency fc of the low-pass filter is set to be lower than the set value fc1 in the reproduction mode.
It is set to fc2 or fc3 on the low frequency side. This allows
Noise of high frequency components can be reduced.

Also, regarding the setting of the contour emphasis, which has a great effect when the characters and the like are displayed clearly, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), the gain is set to be smaller than the set value G1 in the reproduction mode, that is, G2, and G2 is set to be smaller than G2. This makes it possible to reduce the roughness of noise.

Although the appearance of noise can be improved by changing the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter and the gain of the contour enhancement as described above, the quality of the original image and the character quality at the time of displaying the menu are not impaired. It is important to make a well-balanced setting. Further, the change of the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter and the change of the edge enhancement gain may be effected at the same time or only any of them may be effective, and there is no problem. Furthermore, such a setting change in the display unit 111 can be realized without changing hardware such as an electric circuit, which is also advantageous in terms of cost.

Step S405: System control unit 110
Controls the backlight unit 203 such that the backlight unit 203 is turned on, turned off, and changed in brightness according to need.

[Second Embodiment] In the present embodiment, in the photographing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, the display sequence of step S400 shown in FIG. 2 is a flowchart shown in FIG. 7, for example. According to the processing.

Here, only the configuration and operation different from those of the first embodiment will be specifically described. Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 7 described above, the same reference numerals are given to the steps for performing the same processing as in the flowchart of FIG. 4, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Steps S401 to S403: The system control section 110 obtains the camera mode of the photographing apparatus 100 (step S401) and determines whether the camera mode is the photographing mode or the reproduction mode (step S402). As a result of this determination, if the reproduction mode is set, the predetermined value in the reproduction mode is set to the liquid crystal driver unit 201.
The setting is made for (a) (step S403), and the process proceeds to step S405. On the other hand, in the shooting mode, the system control unit 110 executes the processing from the next step S601, and then proceeds to step S405.

Steps S601 and S602: When in the photographing mode, the system control section 110 causes the CDS
The gain setting value of the unit 104 is acquired (step S60
1) It is determined whether or not the gain setting value is equal to or larger than a predetermined value "1" (step S602). Step S602
As a result of the determination, if the gain setting value is equal to or larger than the predetermined value “1”, the process proceeds to step S604, and if the gain setting value is not equal to or larger than the predetermined value “1”, step S60.
Proceed to processing from 3.

Step S603: If the result of determination in step S602 is that the gain setting value of the CDS unit 104 is smaller than the predetermined value "1", the system control unit 110 cuts off the low-pass filter for the setting value for the display unit 111. The frequency setting value is set to fc1 as shown in FIG. 6A, and the edge emphasis gain is set to the value shown in FIG.
It is set to G1 as shown in (b). Then, it progresses to step S404.

Step S604: As a result of the determination in step S602, when the gain setting value of the CDS unit 104 is the predetermined value "1" or more, the system control unit 110 determines that the gain setting value is the predetermined value "2" or more. Or not. As a result of this determination, if the gain setting value is equal to or larger than the predetermined value "2", the process proceeds to step S606, and if the gain setting value is not equal to or larger than the predetermined value "2", the process proceeds to step S605.

Step S605: As a result of the determination in step S604, if the gain setting value of the CDS unit 104 is smaller than the predetermined value “2”, the system control unit 110 cuts off the low-pass filter with respect to the setting value for the display unit 111. As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the frequency setting value is set to fc 2 on the lower frequency side than fc 1, and the edge emphasis gain is set to be larger than G 1 as shown in FIG. 6 (b). Set to G2, which has less Then, it progresses to step S404.

Step S606: If the result of the determination in step S604 is that the gain setting value of the CDS unit 104 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value "2", the system control unit 110 cuts off the low-pass filter for the setting value for the display unit 111. As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the frequency setting value is set to fc 3 on the lower frequency side than fc 2, and the edge enhancement gain is G 2 as shown in FIG. 6 (b).
The gain is set to G3, which has a smaller gain. Then, it progresses to step S404.

Step S404: System control unit 110
Sets the predetermined value in step S603, step S605, or step S606 for the liquid crystal driver unit 201 (a).

Step S405: System control unit 110
Controls the backlight unit 203 such that the backlight unit 203 is turned on, turned off, and changed in brightness according to need.

As described above, the predetermined value in the photographing mode differs depending on the gain value of the CDS unit 104.
In the shooting mode, since there is processing of blocks from the solid-state image sensor 103 to the A / D conversion unit 106, more noise may be mixed into the signal line than in the playback mode. The noise tends to stand out as the gain value of the CDS unit 104 increases.

Therefore, since the noise is small when the gain of the CDS unit 104 is relatively small, the noise is not noticeable even if the liquid crystal display characteristic of the display unit 111 is set to the same as in the reproducing mode.

However, noise becomes more noticeable as the gain of the CDS unit 104 increases, so that the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter is fc2 or fc3 on the lower frequency side than fc1, as shown in FIG. 6 (a).
Set to. As a result, noise of high frequency components can be reduced.

Further, as to the setting of the contour emphasis, which has a great effect when the characters and the like are clearly displayed, as shown in FIG. 6B, the contour is set to G2 rather than G1 and G1 rather than G2. Set a smaller emphasis value. This allows
It is possible to reduce the roughness of noise.

As described above, the setting of the liquid crystal display in the display unit 111 is finely changed according to the gain of the CDS unit 104, so that the noise is less noticeable and the original image or the character in the menu display is displayed. It becomes possible to express the quality of the liquid crystal display in a good balance.

Further, the change of the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter and the change of the gain of the contour emphasis may be effected at the same time or only one of them may be effective, and there is no problem. Furthermore, such a setting change in the display unit 111 can be realized without changing hardware such as an electric circuit, which is also advantageous in terms of cost.

FIG. 8 shows the structure of the above-described FIG.
7 is a flowchart showing the EVF sequence of step S500 shown in FIG.

In the flow chart of FIG. 8 above,
The same reference numerals are given to the steps for performing the same processes as those in the flowchart of FIG. 3, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Steps S501 to 506: EV
At the time of F, the scene captured by the image capturing apparatus 100 (camera) may change, so the system control unit 110
First, distance measurement is performed (step S501). Next, the system control unit 110 determines from the distance measurement result in step S501 whether the focal length has changed due to a scene change or the like (step S502). As a result of this determination, the focal length change In the case of, the process proceeds to step S504 after the process of step S503, and if the focal length is not changed, the process directly proceeds to step S504.

As a result of the determination in step S502, if the focal length is changed, the system control unit 110 controls the driving of the lens 101 to adjust the focus (step S).
503).

The system control unit 110 performs photometry (step S504) and determines whether or not the exposure has been changed (step S505). As a result of this determination, if the exposure is changed, the process ends after the process of step S506. age,
On the other hand, if the exposure has not been changed, this process ends.

If the result of determination in step S505 is that exposure has been changed, system control unit 110 resets the aperture, shutter speed, and gain for CDS unit 104 (step S506).

Step S701: System control unit 110
Is the CDS unit 10 in the setting in step S506.
It is determined whether the gain of 4 has been changed. If the result of this determination is that there is no gain change, this processing ends. On the other hand, when there is a gain change, the system control unit 110 executes the processing of the display sequence shown in FIG. 7 described above, so that the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter and the gain of the contour emphasis according to the gain of the CDS unit 104. The setting process of the display unit 111 is performed, and then this process ends.

The object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the host and the terminal of the first and second embodiments to a system or apparatus, and to supply the storage medium to the system or apparatus. By the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the device reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium,
It goes without saying that it will be achieved. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium is the first and second program codes.
The functions of the embodiment are realized, and the storage medium storing the program code and the program code constitute the present invention. A ROM, flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, or the like can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program code. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the first and second embodiments are realized, but also the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that this also includes the case where the above-mentioned processes perform some or all of the actual processing and the functions of the first and second embodiments are realized by the processing. Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the extended function board inserted in the computer or the extended function unit connected to the computer, the extended function is executed based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, this also includes the case where the CPU provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows the function 1000 of the computer.
Is shown. The computer function 1000 includes a CPU 1001 and a ROM 100, as shown in FIG.
2, RAM 1003, keyboard (KB) 1009
Keyboard controller (KBC) 1005 and C of CRT display (CRT) 1010 as a display unit
RT controller (CRTC) 1006, hard disk (HD) 1011 and flexible disk (F
D) 1012 disk controller (DKC) 100
7 and a network interface controller (NIC) 1008 for connection with the network 1020.
Are configured to be communicatively connected to each other via the system bus 1004.

The CPU 1001 is the software stored in the ROM 1002 or HD 1011 or the FD1.
By executing the software supplied from 012,
It comprehensively controls each component connected to the system bus 1004. That is, the CPU 1001 loads the processing program according to the predetermined processing sequence into the ROM 1002,
Alternatively, the control for realizing the operation in the first and second embodiments is performed by reading out from the HD 1011 or the FD 1012 and executing it.

The RAM 1003 functions as a main memory or a work area of the CPU 1001. KBC10
Reference numeral 05 controls an instruction input from the KB 1009 or a pointing device (not shown). CRTC100
6 controls the display of the CRT 1010. DKC100
Reference numeral 7 controls access to the HD 1011 and the FD 1012 that store a boot program, various applications, edit files, user files, a network management program, a predetermined processing program according to the present embodiment, and the like. The NIC 1008 is the network 102.
Data is exchanged bi-directionally with the device or system above.

[0097]

As described above, according to the present invention, for example, the characteristics of the display by the liquid crystal or the like in the recording mode (shooting mode) and the reproduction mode are changed, and particularly, the characteristics of the low-pass filter and the gain of the edge enhancement are Since it is possible to change and further change various display characteristics according to the gain setting value of the image pickup unit, noise that appears during EVF such as shooting in a dark room or at night is compared with the original display image quality. It can be effectively controlled while maintaining a balance. Further, the configuration for switching the various display characteristics can be realized without making a circuit-like change, and is therefore cost effective.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image capturing apparatus to which the present invention has been applied in a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining a basic operation of the image capturing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an EVF sequence in the basic operation of the above-described image capturing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a display sequence in the basic operation of the image capturing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display unit of the photographing device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining characteristics of a low-pass filter and contour enhancement on the display unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the display sequence according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the EVF sequence according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer that reads a program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the image capturing apparatus from a computer-readable storage medium and executes the program.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a conventional imaging device.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 photographic device 101 lens 102 Aperture / Shutter 103 Solid-state image sensor 104 CDS Department 105 Clamp circuit section 106 A / D converter 107 signal processing unit 108 Timing generator 109 Optical system drive 110 System control unit 111 display 112 recording medium 113 Camera mode selection section

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5B057 BA02 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB08                       CB12 CB16 CC01 CE02 CE06                       CH08                 5C021 PA34 PA85 RB03 XB00 YA01                 5C022 AA13 AC42 AC69                 5C053 FA08 GB21 HA06 KA01 KA24                       KA25 LA01                 5C077 LL02 MP01 MP08 PP01 PP02                       PQ03 PQ08 SS07 TT02

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus having an image recording mode and an image reproducing mode as operation modes and having a function of displaying an image when operating in the recording mode or the reproducing mode, wherein the image processing apparatus operates in the recording mode. An image processing apparatus, comprising: setting control means for setting the setting relating to the image display function to a setting different from the setting during the reproduction mode operation. 2. An image processing apparatus having an image recording mode and an image reproducing mode as operation modes and having a function of displaying an image when operating in the recording mode or the reproducing mode, which is an object to be recorded in the recording mode. Noise removing means for removing noise from the image signal and outputting it, gain setting means for setting the amplification factor of the output signal of the noise removing means, and when operating in the recording mode, based on the setting by the gain setting means An image processing apparatus, comprising: setting control means for changing and controlling the setting relating to the image display function. 3. The image according to claim 1, wherein the setting relating to the image display function includes setting of at least one of a cutoff frequency of a low pass filter and a gain of contour enhancement in the image display function. Processing equipment. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image includes a captured image. 5. An image processing system comprising a plurality of devices communicably connected to each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is an image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. An image processing system having the function of. 6. An image processing method for displaying an image when operating in an image recording mode or a reproducing mode, wherein the setting relating to the image display is performed in the reproducing mode when operating in the recording mode. An image processing method, comprising: a setting control step of setting different from a time setting. 7. An image processing method for displaying an image when operating in an image recording mode or a reproduction mode, the noise removing step of removing noise from an image signal to be recorded in the recording mode and outputting the image signal. And a gain setting step for setting the amplification factor of the output signal in the noise removal step, and a setting control for changing and controlling the settings related to the image display function based on the setting in the gain setting step when operating in the recording mode. An image processing method comprising: 8. An image pickup step of obtaining and outputting an image signal of a subject by an image pickup means, a correlated double sampling step of removing noise from the image signal obtained by the image pickup step, and a correlated double sampling step. A signal processing step of processing the processed image signal to generate a displayable image signal, a display step of displaying the image signal obtained by the signal processing step, and a filter for displaying an image in the display step. A setting step for setting at least one of the characteristics and contour enhancement characteristics, a setting control step for controlling the setting by the setting step, and a mode selection for selecting the recording mode or the reproduction mode of the image signal as an operation mode. An image processing method comprising the steps of: When the selected recording mode by the mode selecting step, the image processing method characterized by comprising the step of setting by the setting step, a setting different from the time of the reproduction mode selected. 9. An image pickup step of obtaining and outputting an image signal of a subject by an image pickup means, a correlated double sampling step of removing noise from the image signal obtained by the image pickup step and outputting the same, The gain setting step that makes the amplification factor of the output signal variable by the sampling step, the signal processing step that processes the output signal by the correlated double sampling step to generate a displayable image signal, and the signal processing step A display step of displaying the obtained image signal, a setting step of setting at least one of a filter characteristic and an edge enhancement characteristic for displaying an image in the display step, and a setting of controlling the setting in the setting step. The control step and the operation mode, the image signal recording mode And an image processing method including a mode selection step of selecting a reproduction mode, wherein the setting control step, based on the setting by the gain setting step, when the recording mode is selected by the mode selection step. An image processing method comprising the step of changing settings by steps. 10. A program for causing a computer to function as a predetermined means, wherein the predetermined means has an image recording mode and an image reproduction mode as operation modes, and when operating in the recording mode or the reproduction mode. As means included in a device or system having a function of displaying an image, when operating in the recording mode, it includes means for setting the setting related to the image display function different from the setting during the reproduction mode operation. Program to do. 11. A program for causing a computer to function as a predetermined means, wherein the predetermined means has an image recording mode and an image reproduction mode as an operation mode, and when operating in the recording mode or the reproduction mode. As a means included in the device or system having the function of displaying an image, a noise removing means for removing noise from an image signal to be recorded in the recording mode and outputting it, and an amplification factor of an output signal of the noise removing means are set. A program comprising: a gain setting means; and a setting control means for changing and controlling the setting relating to the image display function based on the setting by the gain setting means when operating in the recording mode. 12. A program for causing a computer to execute a predetermined step, wherein the predetermined step is obtained by an image capturing step of acquiring and outputting an image signal of a subject by an image capturing means, and the image capturing step. The correlated double sampling step of removing noise from the image signal, the signal processing step of processing the image signal processed by the correlated double sampling step to generate a displayable image signal, and the signal processing step A display step for displaying the generated image signal, a setting step for setting at least one of a filter characteristic and an edge enhancement characteristic for displaying an image in the display step, and a setting control for controlling the setting by the setting step. Step, and the operation mode, the recording mode of the image signal or A mode selection step of selecting a reproduction mode, the setting control step, when the recording mode is selected in the mode selection step, a step of setting the setting in the setting step different from that in the reproduction mode selection. A program characterized by including. 13. A program for causing a computer to execute a predetermined step, wherein the predetermined step is obtained by an image pickup step of acquiring and outputting an image signal of a subject by an image pickup means, and the image pickup step. Correlated double sampling step for removing noise from the image signal and outputting, gain setting step for making variable the amplification factor of the output signal by the correlated double sampling step, and processing the output signal by the correlated double sampling step Then, a signal processing step of generating a displayable image signal, a display step of displaying the image signal obtained by the signal processing step, and at least a filter characteristic and an edge enhancement characteristic for displaying an image in the display step. Setting step for setting any of the characteristics, and the above setting A setting control step for controlling the setting by the step and a mode selection step for selecting the recording mode or the reproduction mode of the image signal as the operation mode, wherein the setting control step selects the recording mode by the mode selection step. In this case, the program includes a step of changing the setting in the setting step based on the setting in the gain setting step. 14. A computer-readable storage medium having the program according to any one of claims 10 to 13 recorded therein.