JP2004096624A - Imaging device, control method therefor, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of setting an arbitrary exposure section of an EVF image and a histogram of a captured image in an image pickup apparatus, and displaying a pixel value distribution corresponding to the set luminance section to set a designated section of the histogram to an appropriate exposure. suggest.
The apparatus includes a display unit for calculating a histogram from a captured image and displaying the histogram, a histogram luminance range, and a proper exposure setting unit for setting a luminance value set by the luminance range setting unit to a proper exposure. It is characterized by the following.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging system that captures, stores, communicates, records, and reproduces still images and moving images, a control method thereof, and a storage medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, imaging devices such as electronic cameras for recording, reproducing, and communicating still images and moving images using a memory card having a solid-state memory element as a recording medium are already on the market, and images before and after shooting can be checked on a liquid crystal monitor. There is also provided an imaging device that displays a histogram of an EVF image and a still image by making use of a feature that can be used.
[0003]
There is provided means for performing overexposure display of an image together with the histogram display, and visually presenting to the user the exposure condition of the image before and after photographing.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In such a conventional image pickup apparatus, it is possible to check the luminance distribution and the overexposed area of the entire image, but to select an appropriate exposure based on the display, it is necessary for the user to use an empirical experience. Judgment was necessary.
[0005]
Further, no means has been provided for visually confirming which position in the image corresponds to an arbitrary position in the histogram. For this reason, there has been a problem in that a means for designating when the user wants to appropriately adjust the exposure centering on the designated portion in the image has not been provided.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that the image pickup apparatus includes a photographing unit, a histogram calculating unit that calculates a histogram from a captured image, and a histogram that displays the histogram calculated by the histogram calculating unit. Display means, histogram luminance range designating means for designating an arbitrary luminance range of the histogram, histogram luminance range moving means for moving the luminance range designated by the histogram luminance range designating means, the histogram luminance range designating means, A brightness range setting means for setting a brightness range using a histogram brightness range moving means; and a brightness range pixel value display means for identifying and displaying a pixel value of a captured image corresponding to the brightness range set by the brightness range setting means. And an appropriate exposure for setting the brightness value set by the brightness range setting means to an appropriate exposure. And having to have a setting means.
[0007]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the image pickup apparatus has a photographing means, a histogram calculating means for calculating a histogram from an EVF image, and a histogram display means for displaying the histogram calculated by the histogram calculating means. A histogram luminance range designating means for designating an arbitrary luminance range of the histogram; a histogram luminance range moving means for moving the luminance range designated by the histogram luminance range designating means; the histogram luminance range designating means; and the histogram luminance A brightness range setting means for setting a brightness range using a range moving means, and a brightness range pixel value display means for identifying and displaying a pixel value of a captured image corresponding to the brightness range set by the brightness range setting means, A proper exposure setting for setting the brightness value set by the brightness range setting means to a proper exposure. Characterized in that it has a means.
[0008]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 3 is a control method for an imaging apparatus, wherein the imaging apparatus includes: a photographing unit; a histogram calculation step of calculating a histogram from a captured image; A histogram display step of displaying the histogram calculated by the calculation means; a histogram brightness range specification step of specifying an arbitrary brightness range of the histogram; and a histogram brightness range moving step of moving the brightness range specified by the histogram brightness range specification means. A brightness range setting step of setting a brightness range using the histogram brightness range designating means and the histogram brightness range moving means; and identifying a pixel value of a captured image corresponding to the brightness range set by the brightness range setting means. A luminance range pixel value displaying step for displaying the luminance value by the luminance range setting means. And having a proper exposure setting step of setting the brightness value to the proper exposure.
[0009]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 4 is a control method of an imaging apparatus, wherein the imaging apparatus includes a photographing unit, a histogram calculation step of calculating a histogram from an EVF image, and the histogram calculation. A histogram display step of displaying the histogram calculated by the means, a histogram brightness range specifying step of specifying an arbitrary brightness range of the histogram, and a histogram brightness range moving step of moving the brightness range specified by the histogram brightness range specifying means. A brightness range setting step of setting a brightness range using the histogram brightness range designating means and the histogram brightness range moving means, and identifying a pixel value of a captured image corresponding to the brightness range set by the brightness range setting means. Brightness range pixel value display step of displaying by the brightness range setting means And having a proper exposure setting step of setting the luminance value in the proper exposure.
[0010]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 5 is a storage medium storing a control program for controlling an imaging device, wherein the control program is configured to include a photographing unit, a photographed image, and a photographed image in the imaging device. A histogram calculation step of calculating a histogram from the histogram calculation step; a histogram display step of displaying the histogram calculated by the histogram calculation means; a histogram brightness range specification step of specifying an arbitrary brightness range of the histogram; A histogram luminance range moving step of moving a designated luminance range; a luminance range setting step of setting a luminance range using the histogram luminance range specifying means and the histogram luminance range moving means; and a luminance range setting means. Identify and display the pixel values of the captured image corresponding to the luminance range A luminance range pixel value display step, characterized by comprising a code appropriate exposure setting step of setting the optimum exposure intensity value set by the luminance range setting means.
[0011]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 6 is a storage medium storing a control program for controlling an imaging device, wherein the control program stores, in the imaging device, a photographing unit and an EVF image. A histogram calculation step of calculating a histogram, a histogram display step of displaying the histogram calculated by the histogram calculation means, a histogram brightness range specification step of specifying an arbitrary brightness range of the histogram, and a specification by the histogram brightness range specification means. A histogram brightness range moving step of moving the set brightness range, a brightness range setting step of setting a brightness range using the histogram brightness range designating means and the histogram brightness range moving means, and a brightness set by the brightness range setting means. Identify and display the pixel values of the captured image corresponding to the range And degree range pixel value display step, characterized by comprising a code appropriate exposure setting step of setting the optimum exposure intensity value set by the luminance range setting means.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
<Description of Configuration of Imaging Apparatus 100>
Next, the above-described imaging device 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
Reference numeral 10 denotes a photographing lens, 12 denotes a shutter having an aperture function, 14 denotes an image sensor that converts an optical image into an electric signal, and 16 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output of the image sensor 14 into a digital signal.
[0014]
Reference numeral 18 denotes a timing generation circuit that supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.
[0015]
Reference numeral 20 denotes an image processing circuit which performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on data from the A / D converter 16 or data from the memory control circuit 22.
[0016]
In the image processing circuit 20, predetermined arithmetic processing is performed using the captured image data, and the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement control means 42 based on the obtained arithmetic results. TTL (through-the-lens) type AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing.
[0017]
Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.
[0018]
A memory control circuit 22 controls the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32.
[0019]
The data of the A / D converter 16 is written to the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, or the data of the A / D converter 16 is directly written via the memory control circuit 22. It is.
[0020]
Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory, 26 denotes a D / A converter, and 28 denotes an image display unit composed of a TFT LCD or the like. Image data for display written in the image display memory 24 is transmitted through the D / A converter 26. The image is displayed by the image display unit 28.
[0021]
The electronic viewfinder function can be realized by sequentially displaying captured image data using the image display unit 28.
[0022]
In addition, the image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the imaging device 100 can be significantly reduced. I can do it.
[0023]
Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing captured still images and moving images, and has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images and moving images for a predetermined time.
[0024]
Accordingly, even in the case of continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, it is possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed.
[0025]
The memory 30 can also be used as a work area of the system control circuit 50.
[0026]
Reference numeral 32 denotes a compression / decompression circuit for compressing / decompressing image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT), wavelet transform, or the like. Is written to the memory 30.
[0027]
Numeral 34 denotes an encryption / decryption circuit which performs an encryption process on image data which has been photographed and stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30 as necessary, and performs an encryption process and stores the image data in a predetermined area of the memory 30. The decoding process is performed when the image data is reproduced and displayed. 1
The encrypted image data can also be decrypted by the encryption / decryption means 422 provided in the image information management device (image gateway) 400.
[0028]
These encryption / decryption processing operations are executed in cooperation with billing database information in a billing management unit 420 included in an image information management device (image gateway) 400 described later.
[0029]
36 is a billing management unit, which bills according to execution of a photographing process and / or transmission of image data to the image information management device (image gateway) 400 and / or reception of image data from the image information management device (image gateway) 400. Update management of information can be performed as needed.
[0030]
An exposure control unit 40 controls the shutter 12 having an aperture function, and also has a flash dimming function in cooperation with the flash 48.
[0031]
42 is a distance measurement control unit that controls focusing of the photographing lens 10, 44 is a zoom control unit that controls zooming of the photographing lens 10, and 46 is a barrier control unit that controls the operation of the protection unit 102 that is a barrier.
[0032]
Reference numeral 48 denotes a flash, which also has a function of projecting AF auxiliary light and a function of flash light control.
[0033]
The exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement control means 42 are controlled using the TTL method, and the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement The control unit 42 is controlled.
[0034]
Reference numeral 50 denotes a system control circuit that controls the entire imaging apparatus 100, and reference numeral 52 denotes a memory that stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for operation of the system control circuit 50.
[0035]
Reference numeral 54 denotes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device or a speaker that displays an operating state or a message using characters, images, sounds, or the like in response to execution of a program in the system control circuit 50. A single or a plurality of them are installed at easily visible positions in the vicinity, and are configured by, for example, a combination of LCDs, LEDs, sound elements, and the like.
[0036]
The display unit 54 has a part of its functions installed in the optical viewfinder 104.
[0037]
Among the display contents of the display unit 54, those displayed on the LCD or the like include, for example, a single shot / continuous shooting display, a self-timer display, a compression ratio display, a recording pixel number display, a recording number display, and a remaining number of images displayable. , Shutter speed display, Aperture value display, Exposure compensation display, Flash display, Red-eye reduction display, Macro shooting display, Buzzer setting display, Clock battery remaining display, Battery remaining display, Error display, Multi-digit information display , Display of the attachment / detachment state of the recording media 200 and 210, communication I / F operation display, date / time display, display indicating the connection state with an external computer, and the like.
[0038]
In addition, among the display contents of the display unit 54, those displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 include, for example, an in-focus display, a shooting ready display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charging display, a flash charging completed display, a shutter speed display, There are an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, a recording medium writing operation display, and the like.
[0039]
Further, among the display contents of the display unit 54, those displayed on the LED or the like include, for example, an in-focus display, a shooting ready display, a camera shake warning display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a flash charge completion display, and a recording medium. There are a writing operation display, a macro shooting setting notification display, a secondary battery charge state display, and the like.
[0040]
Among the display contents of the display unit 54, the one displayed on a lamp or the like includes, for example, a self-timer notification lamp. This self-timer notification lamp may be used in common with the AF auxiliary light.
[0041]
Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable and recordable nonvolatile memory, for example, an EEPROM, a flash memory, or the like.
[0042]
Reference numeral 58 denotes identification information for performing authentication when communicating with the image information management device (image gateway) 400 via the communication unit 110, the antenna 112, the packet network 700, and the network 702, and / or storing / retrieving captured image data. In this case, various kinds of identification information for performing charge management are stored.
[0043]
These pieces of identification information are used when the image information management device (image gateway) 400 updates the charging information database when various services are provided to the imaging device 100.
[0044]
Reference numerals 60, 62, 64, 70, and 72 denote operating means for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50, and include one or more switches, dials, touch panels, pointing by gaze detection, voice recognition devices, and the like. Composed of combinations.
[0045]
Here, these operation means will be specifically described.
[0046]
Reference numeral 60 denotes a power switch (main switch) which can switch and set the power-on and power-off modes of the image processing apparatus 100. In addition, power-on and power-off settings of various attached devices connected to the image processing apparatus 100 can also be switched and set.
[0047]
Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch SW1, which is turned on during operation of a shutter button (not shown) to perform AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, and the like. Instruct operation start.
[0048]
Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch SW2 which is turned on when the operation of a shutter button (not shown) is completed, and writes a signal read from the image sensor 12 into the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22 in an exposure process. A recording process of reading image data from the memory 30, compressing the image data by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and writing the image data to the recording medium 200. Instructs the start of processing operation.
[0049]
Reference numeral 70 denotes an operation unit including various buttons, a touch panel, and the like. A menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a single-shot / continuous-shot / self-timer switching button, and a menu shift + (plus) Button, menu move-(minus) button, playback image move + (plus) button, playback image-(minus) button, shooting image quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button, image display ON / OFF button, compression A mode switch, a quick review switch for setting a quick review function for automatically reproducing and displaying image data taken immediately after image capturing using the image display unit 28, and selection and switching of various functions when performing image capturing and / or playback and / or communication Select / Change switch to set the shooting and or There are live and or determined / execution switch for determining and executing various functions in executing communication.
[0050]
The compression mode switch is a switch for selecting a compression rate of JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) compression, or for selecting a CCD RAW mode for digitizing a signal of an image pickup device as it is and recording it on a recording medium.
[0051]
As the JPEG compression mode, for example, a normal mode and a fine mode are prepared.
[0052]
The user of the imaging apparatus 100 can select the normal mode when emphasizing the data size of the captured image and select the fine mode when emphasizing the image quality of the captured image, and perform shooting.
[0053]
In the JPEG compression mode, image data read from the image sensor 14 and written to the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22 is read and compressed / compressed. After the data is compressed to the compression ratio set by the decompression circuit 32 and a predetermined encryption process is performed by the encryption / decryption circuit 34 as necessary, the data is recorded on the recording medium 200.
[0054]
In the CCD RAW mode, image data is read out line by line in accordance with the pixel arrangement of the color filter of the image sensor 14, and the image data written into the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. Is read out, and a predetermined encryption process is performed by the encryption / decryption circuit 34 as necessary, and then the data is recorded on the recording medium 200.
[0055]
Reference numeral 72 denotes a mode dial switch, which can switch and set various function modes such as an automatic shooting mode, a shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, a playback mode, a multi-screen playback / erase mode, and a PC connection mode.
[0056]
In the description of the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus 100 is particularly configured to include a shooting mode, a reproduction mode, and a print service mode.
[0057]
Reference numeral 80 denotes a power control unit, which includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like. The DC-DC converter is controlled based on an instruction from the system control circuit 50, and a required voltage is supplied to each unit including a recording medium for a required period.
[0058]
Reference numeral 82 denotes a connector, 84 denotes a connector, and 86 denotes a power supply unit including a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li-ion battery, and an AC adapter.
[0059]
Reference numeral 90 denotes an interface with a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, and reference numeral 92 denotes a connector that connects to a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk.
[0060]
Reference numeral 102 denotes a protection unit that is a barrier that covers the imaging unit including the lens 10 of the imaging device 100 to prevent the imaging unit from being stained or damaged.
[0061]
Reference numeral 104 denotes an optical finder, which can perform photographing using only the optical finder without using the electronic finder function of the image display unit 28. In the optical viewfinder 104, some functions of the display unit 54, for example, an in-focus display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, and the like are provided.
[0062]
Reference numeral 110 denotes a communication unit, which includes a TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) system, a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) system, a W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division, a Multiple Access System, a Mobile Phone System, and a PHSS). Have.
[0063]
An antenna (or connector) 112 connects the imaging device 100 to the image information management device (image gateway) 400 via the packet network 700 and the network 702 by the communication unit 110, and further connects the image device 100 via the network 602 and the Internet 600. An antenna for connecting to other devices or a connector for wired communication.
[0064]
A communication unit 114 has a wireless communication function such as Bluetooth.
[0065]
In addition, the communication means 114 includes RS232C, USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394, P1284, SCSI (Small Computer, Local Computer, etc.) A configuration having various communication functions such as infrared communication such as IrDA (Infrared Data Association) and optical communication may be employed.
[0066]
Reference numeral 116 denotes an antenna (or connector), which is an antenna for connecting the imaging apparatus 100 to another apparatus such as a printing apparatus (print service) 800 by the communication unit 114, or a connector for wired communication.
[0067]
Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk.
[0068]
The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 including a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk, an interface 204 with the imaging device 100, and a connector 206 for connecting to the imaging device 100.
[0069]
In this embodiment, the recording medium 200 is described as a configuration built in the imaging apparatus 100.
[0070]
<Description of Operation of Imaging Apparatus 100>
The operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0071]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a main routine of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the operation screen.
[0072]
The operation of the imaging device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0073]
Upon power-on such as battery replacement, the system control circuit 50 initializes flags, control variables, and the like, and performs initialization processing of each unit of the imaging device 100 (step S1001).
The system control circuit 50 determines the setting position of the power switch 60, and if the power switch 60 is set to the power OFF state (step S1002), changes the display of each display unit to the end state, and sets the flag and control variable. Predetermined termination processing such as recording necessary parameters including parameter values, setting values, and setting modes in the non-volatile memory 56, and shutting off unnecessary power of each unit of the image processing apparatus 100 including the image display unit 28 by the power control unit 80. Is performed (step S1003), and the process returns to step S1002.
[0074]
If the power switch 60 has been set to power ON (step S1002), the process proceeds to step S1004.
[0075]
The system control circuit 50 determines whether the remaining capacity of the power supply 86 composed of a battery or the like or the operating condition has a problem in the operation of the imaging apparatus 100 by the power control means 80 (step S1004). For example, after a predetermined warning is displayed by an image or sound using the display unit 54 and / or the image display unit 28 (step S1005), the process returns to step S1002.
[0076]
If there is no problem with the power supply 86 (step S1004), the process proceeds to step S1006.
[0077]
The system control circuit 50 uses the display unit 54 to display various setting states of the imaging device 100 using images and sounds. If the image display of the image display unit 28 is ON, the various setting states of the imaging device 100 are displayed by the image and the sound using the image display unit 28 (step S1010).
[0078]
The system control circuit 50 determines the setting position of the mode dial 72. If the mode dial 72 has not been set to the photographing mode (step S1011), the process proceeds to step S1013.
[0079]
If the mode dial 72 is set to the photographing mode (step S1011), the system control circuit 50 executes the photographing mode processing (step S1012), and returns to step S1002 when the processing is completed.
[0080]
The system control circuit 50 determines the setting position of the mode dial 72. If the mode dial 72 has not been set to the reproduction mode (step S1013), the process proceeds to step S1015.
[0081]
If the mode dial 72 has been set to the reproduction mode (step S1013), the reproduction mode processing for displaying the outline image data of the photographed image data is executed (step S1014), and when the processing is completed, the process returns to step S1002. .
[0082]
Details of the reproduction mode process (step S1014) will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0083]
As described above, the user of the imaging apparatus 100 can carry out imaging, reproduction, and communication at any time while carrying the imaging apparatus 100. The captured image data is stored in the information processing apparatus 500, and the stored image data is stored. The data can be transferred to an image information management device (image gateway) and stored, and transferred to a printing device (print service) 800 to print a photograph.
[0084]
FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 are detailed flowcharts of the photographing mode processing in step S1012 in FIG.
[0085]
When various settings related to shooting are changed by the user by operating various switches included in the operation unit 70 (step S1101), the system control circuit 50 changes the operation settings related to shooting according to the changed contents. (Step S1102).
[0086]
If the shutter switch SW1 has not been pressed (step S1103), the system control circuit 50 ends the shooting mode processing routine (step S1012).
[0087]
If the shutter switch SW1 is pressed (step S1103), the system control circuit 50 performs a distance measurement process to focus the photographing lens 10 on the subject, and performs a photometry process to determine an aperture value and a shutter time (step S1103). Step S1104). In the photometry processing, the flash setting is also performed if necessary.
[0088]
The details of the distance measurement / photometry processing (step S1104) will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0089]
If the shutter switch SW2 is not pressed (step S1105) and the shutter switch SW1 is also released (step S1106), the photographing mode processing routine (step S1012 in FIG. 2) ends.
[0090]
If the shutter switch SW2 is pressed (step S1105), the system control circuit 50 transmits the image data via the image sensor 12, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or the A / D converter. And an exposure process for writing the captured image data in the memory 30 directly through the memory control circuit 22, and the image data written in the memory 30 using the memory control circuit 22 and the image processing circuit 20 as necessary. A photographing process including a developing process for reading and performing various processes is executed (step S1107).
[0091]
Details of the photographing process (step S1107) will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0092]
When the photographing process S1107 is completed, the system control circuit 50 reads out the photographed image data written in the memory 30, and uses the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20 to perform a predetermined pixel interpolation process or the like. A development process such as a color conversion process is performed, and the image data subjected to the development process is stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30 (step S1108), and the process proceeds to step S1109.
[0093]
The system control circuit 50 reads out the image data stored in the predetermined area of the memory 30, performs a compression process for performing an image compression process according to the set mode using the compression / decompression circuit 32, and then performs the compression process. The performed image data is stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30 (step S1109), and the process proceeds to step S1110.
[0094]
The system control circuit 50 reads out the compressed image data stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30 and performs a predetermined encryption process using the encryption / decryption circuit 34 (step S1110). The data is stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30, and the process proceeds to step S1111.
[0095]
FIG. 4 shows a detailed flowchart of the distance measurement and photometry processing in S1104 of FIG.
[0096]
The system control circuit 50 reads out the charge signal from the image sensor 14 and sequentially reads the captured image data into the image processing circuit 20 via the A / D converter 16 (step S1201). Using the sequentially read image data, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined TTL (through-the-lens) AE (auto exposure) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, and AF (auto focus) processing. Is calculated.
[0097]
In each process, a specific portion of the total number of captured pixels, which is necessary, is cut out and extracted for a necessary portion, and is used for calculation. Thus, in each of the TTL-based AE, EF, AWB, and AF processes, it is possible to perform optimal calculations for different modes such as the center-weighted mode, the average mode, and the evaluation mode.
[0098]
Using the calculation result in the image processing circuit 20, the system control circuit 50 performs AE control using the exposure control means 40 (step S1203) until the exposure (AE) is determined to be appropriate (step S1202).
[0099]
Using the measurement data obtained by the AE control, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not a flash is necessary (step S1204), and if necessary, sets a flash flag and charges the flash 48 (step S1205). ).
[0100]
If it is determined that the exposure (AE) is appropriate (step S1202), the measurement data and / or setting parameters are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.
[0101]
Using the calculation result in the image processing circuit 20 and the measurement data obtained by the AE control, the system control circuit 50 uses the image processing circuit 20 until the white balance (AWB) is determined to be appropriate (step S1206). AWB control is performed by adjusting the parameters of the color processing (step S1207).
[0102]
If it is determined that the white balance (AWB) is appropriate (step S1206), the measurement data and / or the setting parameters are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.
[0103]
Using the measurement data obtained by the AE control and the AWB control, the system control circuit 50 performs the AF control using the distance measurement control unit 42 until it is determined that the distance measurement (AF) is in focus (step S1208). (Step S1209).
[0104]
If it is determined that the distance measurement (AF) is in focus (step S1208), the measurement data and / or setting parameters are stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50, and the distance measurement / photometry processing routine (FIG. Step S1104) ends.
[0105]
FIG. 5 shows a detailed flowchart of the photographing process in S1107 of FIG.
[0106]
The system control circuit 50 exposes the image pickup device 10 by opening the shutter 12 having the aperture function according to the aperture value by the exposure control means 40 in accordance with the photometric data stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. (Steps S1301, S1302).
[0107]
It is determined whether or not the flash 48 is necessary based on the flash flag (step S1303), and if necessary, the flash is fired (step S1304).
[0108]
The system control circuit 50 waits for the end of exposure of the image sensor 12 in accordance with the photometric data (step S1305), closes the shutter 12 (step S1306), reads out a charge signal from the image sensor 14, reads the charge signal from the A / D converter 16, and performs image processing. The captured image data is written to the memory 30 via the circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or directly from the A / D converter 16 via the memory control circuit 22 (step S1307).
[0109]
It is determined whether confirmation after photographing is necessary based on the photographing confirmation / flag (step S1308). If necessary, the process proceeds to the reproduction mode processing (step S1309).
[0110]
When a series of processes is completed, the photographing process routine (step S1107 in FIG. 5) ends.
[0111]
FIG. 6 shows a detailed flowchart of the reproduction mode processing in S1014 of FIG.
[0112]
The system control circuit 50 stores the selected general image data in a predetermined area of the memory 30 or from the recording medium 200 in a predetermined area of the memory 30 and reads it (step S1401). (Step S1402), and after performing a predetermined decompression process by the compression / decompression circuit 32 (Step S1403), the processed rough image data is converted into an image by the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26. The information is displayed on the display unit 28 (step S1404), and the process proceeds to step S1405.
[0113]
If the setting to display the detailed image data corresponding to the general image data displayed in step S1404 has not been made by the operation unit 70 (step S1405), the system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S1414.
[0114]
If the setting for displaying the detailed image data corresponding to the schematic image data displayed in step S1404 has been made (step S1405), the process advances to step S1413.
[0115]
The system control circuit 50 reads out the image data stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30, performs predetermined decryption processing by the encryption / decryption circuit 34 (step S1411), and performs predetermined expansion processing by the compression / decompression circuit 32. (Step S1412) Predetermined image processing is performed using the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20, and reproduced by the image display unit 28 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26. Display is performed (step S1413), and the process proceeds to step S1414.
[0116]
If the next image is to be displayed (step S1414), the process returns to step S1401, and a series of processes is repeated.
[0117]
If the next image is not to be displayed (step S1414), the reproduction mode processing routine (step S1014 in FIG. 2) ends.
[0118]
FIG. 7 shows a detailed flowchart of the detailed image data display processing in S1014 of FIG.
[0119]
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an operation screen when the histogram mode is selected.
[0120]
When the setting for displaying the detailed image data corresponding to the outline image data is made, the user selects whether to perform the histogram display of the image data (step S1501). If the user selects not to perform the histogram display, the series of processing ends.
[0121]
If the histogram display is selected, a histogram luminance range is designated (step S1502), and the process is repeated until the histogram luminance range is determined (step S1503).
[0122]
The determined histogram luminance range is secured in a predetermined area of the memory 30. By doing so, it becomes possible to register a histogram luminance range that is frequently used for each user as an initial value, and once a setting is made, it can be easily specified only by checking and setting the next time.
[0123]
The designated histogram luminance range is set to an arbitrary histogram area (step S1508). When set, the pixel value of the image data corresponding to an arbitrary histogram area is blinked and displayed (step S1509). This is repeated until the range of the histogram is determined (step S1510).
[0124]
The image processing circuit 20 calculates and determines an appropriate exposure suitable for a pixel value in a designated arbitrary histogram range (step S1509).
[0125]
As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the histogram is displayed in the shooting confirmation or reproduction mode using the imaging device 100, and the histogram range selection width and an arbitrary histogram position are selected and selected. By blinking the pixel value of the image data corresponding to the histogram, it is possible to easily confirm the correspondence between the image data and the pixel value distribution, and it is possible to determine an appropriate exposure based on an arbitrary pixel value distribution. Become.
[0126]
(Second embodiment)
<Description of Configuration of Imaging Apparatus 100>
Since the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description is omitted.
[0127]
<Description of Operation of Imaging Apparatus 100>
The operation of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS.
[0128]
2 to 7 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0129]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating details of the shooting mode processing in the imaging apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment.
[0130]
When various settings related to shooting are changed by the user by operating various switches included in the operation unit 70 (step S1601), the system control circuit 50 changes the operation settings related to shooting according to the changed contents. (Step S1602).
[0131]
If the user selects the histogram mode by operating various switches provided in the operation unit 70 (step S1603), the system control circuit 50 proceeds to the detailed image data display mode (step S1604). Show.
[0132]
If the shutter switch SW1 has not been pressed (step S1605), the system control circuit 50 ends the shooting mode processing routine (step S1012).
[0133]
If the shutter switch SW1 is pressed (step S1605), the system control circuit 50 performs a distance measurement process to focus the photographing lens 10 on the subject, and performs a photometry process to determine an aperture value and a shutter time (step S1605). Step S1606). In the photometry processing, the flash setting is also performed if necessary.
[0134]
Details of the distance measurement / photometry processing (step S1606) will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0135]
If the shutter switch SW2 is not pressed (step S1607) and the shutter switch SW1 is also released (step S1608), the photographing mode processing routine (step S1012 in FIG. 2) ends.
[0136]
If the shutter switch SW2 is pressed (step S1607), the system control circuit 50 transmits the signal via the image sensor 12, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or the A / D converter. And an exposure process for writing the captured image data in the memory 30 directly through the memory control circuit 22, and the image data written in the memory 30 using the memory control circuit 22 and the image processing circuit 20 as necessary. A photographing process including a developing process for reading and performing various processes is executed (step S1609).
[0137]
Details of the photographing process (step S1609) will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0138]
When the photographing process S1609 is completed, the system control circuit 50 reads out the photographed image data written in the memory 30, and uses the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20 to perform predetermined pixel interpolation processing or the like. A development process such as a color conversion process is performed, and the developed image data is stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30 (step S1610), and the process proceeds to step S1611.
[0139]
The system control circuit 50 reads out the image data stored in the predetermined area of the memory 30, performs a compression process for performing an image compression process according to the set mode using the compression / decompression circuit 32, and then performs the compression process. The performed image data is stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30 (step S1611), and the process proceeds to step S1612.
[0140]
The system control circuit 50 reads out the compressed image data stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30 and performs a predetermined encryption process using the encryption / decryption circuit 34 (step S1612). The data is stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30, and the flow advances to step S1613.
[0141]
As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the histogram display is performed during the EVF display in the shooting mode using the imaging apparatus 100, and the histogram range selection width and an arbitrary histogram position are selected and selected. By blinking the pixel value of the image data corresponding to the histogram, it is possible to easily confirm the correspondence between the image data and the pixel value distribution, and it is possible to determine an appropriate exposure based on an arbitrary pixel value distribution. It becomes.
[0142]
(Other embodiments)
Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus to store the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the program.
[0143]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0144]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (R) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like is used. Can be done.
[0145]
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.
[0146]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is executed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a main routine of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a shooting mode processing routine of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a ranging photometry processing routine of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a shooting processing routine of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a reproduction processing routine of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a histogram display routine of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an example of an operation screen in the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a shooting mode processing routine of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Shooting lens
12 Shutter
14 Image sensor
16 A / D converter
18 Timing generation circuit
20 Image processing circuit
22 Memory control circuit
24 Image display memory
26 D / A converter
28 Image display section
30 memories
32 Image compression / decompression circuit
34 Cryptographic / Composite Circuit
36 Charge management means
40 Exposure control means
42 Distance measurement control means
44 Zoom control means
46 Barrier control means
48 Flash
50 System control circuit
52 memory
54 Display
56 Non-volatile memory
58 Identification information
60 Power switch (main switch)
62 Shutter switch SW1
64 Shutter switch SW2
70 Operation unit
72 mode dial switch
80 Power control means
82 Connector
84 Connector
86 Power supply means
90 Interface
92 connector
100 Imaging device
102 Protection measures
104 Optical Finder
110 communication means
112 antenna
114 communication means
116 antenna
200 recording medium
202 Recorder
204 interface
206 Connector

Claims (6)

The imaging device is
Shooting means,
Histogram calculation means for calculating a histogram from the captured image;
Histogram display means for displaying the histogram calculated by the histogram calculation means,
Histogram luminance range specifying means for specifying an arbitrary luminance range of the histogram,
Histogram luminance range moving means for moving the luminance range specified by the histogram luminance range specifying means,
Brightness range setting means for setting a brightness range using the histogram brightness range designating means and the histogram brightness range moving means,
A brightness range pixel value display means for identifying and displaying the pixel value of the captured image corresponding to the brightness range set by the brightness range setting means,
An imaging apparatus comprising: a proper exposure setting unit that sets a luminance value set by the luminance range setting unit to a proper exposure. The imaging device is
Shooting means,
Histogram calculating means for calculating a histogram from the EVF image;
Histogram display means for displaying the histogram calculated by the histogram calculation means,
Histogram luminance range specifying means for specifying an arbitrary luminance range of the histogram,
Histogram luminance range moving means for moving the luminance range specified by the histogram luminance range specifying means,
Brightness range setting means for setting a brightness range using the histogram brightness range designating means and the histogram brightness range moving means,
A brightness range pixel value display means for identifying and displaying the pixel value of the captured image corresponding to the brightness range set by the brightness range setting means,
An imaging apparatus comprising: a proper exposure setting unit that sets a luminance value set by the luminance range setting unit to a proper exposure. A method for controlling an imaging device, wherein in the imaging device,
Shooting means,
A histogram calculation step of calculating a histogram from the captured image;
A histogram display step of displaying the histogram calculated by the histogram calculation means,
A histogram luminance range specifying step of specifying an arbitrary luminance range of the histogram,
A histogram luminance range moving step of moving the luminance range specified by the histogram luminance range specifying means;
A luminance range setting step of setting a luminance range using the histogram luminance range designating means and the histogram luminance range moving means,
A luminance range pixel value display step of identifying and displaying a pixel value of a captured image corresponding to the luminance range set by the luminance range setting means,
A proper exposure setting step of setting a luminance value set by the luminance range setting means to a proper exposure. A method for controlling an imaging device, wherein in the imaging device,
Shooting means,
A histogram calculation step of calculating a histogram from the EVF image;
A histogram display step of displaying the histogram calculated by the histogram calculation means,
A histogram luminance range specifying step of specifying an arbitrary luminance range of the histogram,
A histogram luminance range moving step of moving the luminance range specified by the histogram luminance range specifying means;
A luminance range setting step of setting a luminance range using the histogram luminance range designating means and the histogram luminance range moving means,
A luminance range pixel value display step of identifying and displaying a pixel value of a captured image corresponding to the luminance range set by the luminance range setting means,
A proper exposure setting step of setting a luminance value set by the luminance range setting means to a proper exposure. A storage medium storing a control program for controlling an imaging device, wherein the control program includes:
In the imaging device,
Shooting means,
A histogram calculation step of calculating a histogram from the captured image;
A histogram display step of displaying the histogram calculated by the histogram calculation means,
A histogram luminance range specifying step of specifying an arbitrary luminance range of the histogram,
A histogram luminance range moving step of moving the luminance range specified by the histogram luminance range specifying means;
A luminance range setting step of setting a luminance range using the histogram luminance range designating means and the histogram luminance range moving means,
A luminance range pixel value display step of identifying and displaying a pixel value of a captured image corresponding to the luminance range set by the luminance range setting means,
A storage medium comprising: a code for an appropriate exposure setting step of setting the brightness value set by the brightness range setting means to an appropriate exposure. A storage medium storing a control program for controlling an imaging device, wherein the control program includes:
In the imaging device,
Shooting means,
A histogram calculation step of calculating a histogram from the EVF image;
A histogram display step of displaying the histogram calculated by the histogram calculation means,
A histogram luminance range specifying step of specifying an arbitrary luminance range of the histogram,
A histogram luminance range moving step of moving the luminance range specified by the histogram luminance range specifying means;
A luminance range setting step of setting a luminance range using the histogram luminance range designating means and the histogram luminance range moving means,
A luminance range pixel value display step of identifying and displaying a pixel value of a captured image corresponding to the luminance range set by the luminance range setting means,
A storage medium comprising: a code for an appropriate exposure setting step of setting the brightness value set by the brightness range setting means to an appropriate exposure.

Images