JP2008182350A - Imaging apparatus and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To easily obtain a good image quality by performing noise removal processing in accordance with the brightness of the entire screen and the brightness of a main subject.
An average value is calculated from the luminance value of each pixel of the entire screen, and the average value is compared with a resolution priority threshold a. If the average luminance value is a or more, it is determined that the image is bright and the noise part is not concerned, and image processing with priority on resolution is performed. On the contrary, when the average value of luminance is less than a, it is determined that the image is dark and there are many noise portions, and image processing with priority to noise removal is performed.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and method, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus and method that leaves a sense of resolution while removing noise in an image.

  The amount of noise generated in the image sensor when taking an image does not depend on the luminance of the subject, so even if the subject is the same noise, it is inconspicuous when the subject has high luminance, but becomes noticeable at low luminance. In high-sensitivity shooting, image quality deterioration due to random noise in the imaging system becomes more noticeable than in low-sensitivity shooting.

As image processing that leaves a sense of resolution while removing noise during high-sensitivity shooting, conventionally, noise reduction processing is performed according to the brightness of the screen. In Patent Document 1, gradation correction is performed by determining the degree of backlight and over-order light. However, when the gain in the AGC (automatic gain control circuit) increases, the gradation correction in the low luminance part is suppressed. However, a technique for preventing noise from becoming noticeable is disclosed.
JP-A-8-107519

  However, when performing noise reduction processing, the brightness of the entire screen and the brightness of the main subject are important, and even if the luminance-dependent noise reduction processing as in Patent Document 1 is performed, the image quality may not be seen. was there. In addition, the partial processing of the image has a demerit that the continuity in the screen is lost and the image becomes unnatural.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, the brightness of the entire image or the brightness of the main subject is examined, and when the image is dark, it is determined that there are many noise portions, and the image quality is given priority to noise removal. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus and method that can easily obtain a good image quality by determining that the noise part is not a concern when the image is bright and setting the image quality with priority on resolution.

  In order to achieve the object, an imaging apparatus according to claim 1 includes an imaging unit that converts a subject image received through an imaging lens into image data, and a brightness calculation unit that calculates the brightness of the image from the image data. A determination means for determining whether the image is bright by comparing the brightness of the image calculated by the brightness calculation means with a predetermined threshold, and image processing including noise removal for the image data Image processing means for performing image processing that prioritizes resolution over noise removal if the determination means determines that the image is bright, and if the image is determined to be dark, And image processing means for performing image processing giving priority to noise removal.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal according to the calculated brightness of the screen.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a luminance calculation unit that calculates luminance data of each pixel of the entire screen of the image data, and the brightness calculation unit An average value of luminance data of pixels is calculated.

  Thus, the brightness of the screen can be easily determined by using the average value of the luminance data of each pixel of the entire screen as the brightness of the screen.

  An imaging apparatus according to a third aspect includes an imaging unit that converts a subject image received through an imaging lens into image data, a luminance calculation unit that calculates luminance data of each pixel of the entire screen of the image data, and the luminance By comparing the number of pixels whose data is less than or equal to a predetermined first threshold with the number of pixels counted by the counting means and a predetermined second threshold, the dark area of the image is wide. Determining means for determining whether or not the image processing means performs image processing including noise removal on the image data, and if the determination means determines that the dark area is narrow, the noise removal And image processing means for performing image processing giving priority to resolution and performing image processing giving priority to noise removal over resolution when the dark area is determined to be wide.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal depending on the dark area of the screen.

  An imaging apparatus according to a fourth aspect includes an imaging unit that converts a subject image received through an imaging lens into image data, a luminance calculation unit that calculates luminance data of each pixel of the entire screen of the image data, and the luminance Determining means for determining whether the median or mode of the histogram is large by comparing the median or mode of the data histogram with a predetermined threshold, and noise removal for the image data If the determination means determines that the median or mode of the histogram is large, it performs image processing giving priority to resolution over noise removal, When it is determined that the median value or the mode value is small, an image processing unit that performs image processing that prioritizes noise removal over resolution is provided.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal based on the median or mode value of the histogram.

  An imaging apparatus according to a fifth aspect includes an imaging unit that converts a subject image received through an imaging lens into image data, a face detection unit that detects a human face area from the image data, and the detected face area. It is determined whether or not the face image is bright by comparing brightness detection means for calculating the brightness of the face area from image data and the brightness of the face area detected by the brightness detection means with a predetermined threshold value. An image processing unit that performs image processing including noise removal on the image data, and when the determination unit determines that the face area is bright, an image that gives priority to resolution over noise removal When the face area is determined to be dark after processing, the image processing means performs image processing that prioritizes noise removal over resolution.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal depending on the brightness of the face area.

  The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising luminance calculation means for calculating luminance data of each pixel of the face area of the image data, wherein the brightness calculation means An average value of luminance data of pixels is calculated.

  Thus, the brightness of the screen can be easily determined by using the average value of the luminance data of each pixel in the face area as the brightness of the face area.

  An image pickup apparatus according to claim 7 includes an image pickup unit that converts a subject image received through an image pickup lens into image data, a face detection unit that detects a human face area from the image data, and a face area of the image data. Brightness calculating means for calculating the brightness data of each pixel, counting means for counting the number of pixels for which the brightness data is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold, and the number of pixels counted by the counting means and a predetermined first number A determination unit that determines whether or not the dark area of the face region is wide by comparing the threshold value of 2, and an image processing unit that performs image processing including noise removal on the image data, When the determination unit determines that the dark area is narrow, image processing is performed with priority on resolution over noise removal. When the dark area is determined to be wide, noise removal is prioritized over resolution. Perform image processing Imaging apparatus characterized by comprising an image processing unit.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal depending on the dark area of the face region.

  An imaging apparatus according to claim 8 includes an imaging unit that converts a subject image received through an imaging lens into image data, a face detection unit that detects a human face area from the image data, and a face area of the image data. The luminance calculation means for calculating the luminance data of each pixel of the pixel, and the histogram median value or mode value of the luminance data calculated by the luminance calculation means are compared with a predetermined threshold value to obtain the median value of the histogram or A determination unit that determines whether or not the mode value is large; and an image processing unit that performs image processing including noise removal on the image data, wherein the determination unit determines a median or mode value of the histogram. If it is determined to be large, image processing prioritizing resolution is performed over noise removal.If it is determined that the median or mode of the histogram is small, noise removal is performed rather than resolution. Characterized by comprising an image processing means for performing a previous image processing.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal based on the median or mode value of the histogram of the luminance of the face. .

  The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8, further comprising imaging sensitivity setting means for setting imaging sensitivity, wherein the determination means includes the imaging sensitivity. The threshold value is changed so that the predetermined threshold value increases as the sensitivity increases according to the sensitivity set by the setting means.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging device according to the third or seventh aspect, the imaging apparatus includes a photographing sensitivity setting unit that sets a photographing sensitivity, and the determination unit is configured according to the sensitivity set by the photographing sensitivity setting unit. As the sensitivity is higher, at least one of the predetermined first threshold or the predetermined second threshold is set so that the predetermined first threshold becomes higher or the predetermined second threshold becomes lower. It is characterized by changing.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by changing the brightness determination threshold according to the photographing sensitivity.

  The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the image processing unit changes the value of a noise removal parameter to perform image processing giving priority to resolution or noise removal. It is characterized in that image processing is performed with priority.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging device according to the eleventh aspect, the imaging apparatus includes a photographing sensitivity setting unit that sets photographing sensitivity, and the image processing unit has the sensitivity according to the sensitivity set by the photographing sensitivity setting unit. The value is changed so that the value of the noise removal parameter increases as the value increases.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by increasing the value of the noise removal parameter as the photographing sensitivity is higher.

  In the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, as described in claim 13, an imaging sensitivity setting unit that sets imaging sensitivity, and a high sensitivity detection unit that detects whether or not the imaging sensitivity is high sensitivity. The image processing means performs image processing according to a determination result of the determination means when the high sensitivity detection means detects that the photographing sensitivity is high sensitivity.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal at the time of high-sensitivity imaging in which noise removal is effective. In addition, it is possible to reduce processing at the time of low-sensitivity shooting where noise is not noticeable.

The imaging method according to claim 14 includes an imaging step of converting a subject image received through an imaging lens into image data, a brightness calculation step of calculating image brightness from the image data, and the brightness calculation step. A determination step for determining whether or not the image is bright by comparing the brightness of the calculated image with a predetermined threshold, and an image processing step for performing image processing including noise removal on the image data. If the determination step determines that the image is bright, image processing that prioritizes resolution over noise removal is performed. If the image is determined to be dark, image processing prioritizes noise removal over resolution. Image processing steps for processing;
It is provided with.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal according to the calculated brightness of the screen.

  An imaging method according to claim 15 includes an imaging step of converting a subject image received through an imaging lens into image data, a luminance calculation step of calculating luminance data of each pixel of the entire screen of the image data, and the luminance The counting step for counting the number of pixels whose data is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold value and the number of pixels counted by the counting step are compared with a predetermined second threshold value, thereby increasing the dark area of the image. A determination step for determining whether or not, and an image processing step for performing image processing including noise removal on the image data, wherein the determination step determines that the dark area is narrow, Image processing that prioritizes resolution, and if the dark area is determined to be large, an image processing step that performs image processing prioritizing noise removal over resolution is provided. Characterized in that was.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal depending on the dark area of the screen.

  An imaging method according to claim 16 includes an imaging step of converting a subject image received through an imaging lens into image data, a luminance calculation step of calculating luminance data of each pixel of the entire screen of the image data, and the luminance A determination step for determining whether the median value or mode value of the histogram is large by comparing the median value or mode value of the data histogram with a predetermined threshold, and noise removal for the image data Image processing step including image processing, and when the determination step determines that the median or mode of the histogram is large, image processing is performed with priority on resolution over noise removal, and An image processing step for performing image processing that prioritizes noise removal over resolution when it is determined that the median or mode is small. To.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal based on the median or mode value of the histogram.

  An imaging method according to claim 17 includes an imaging step of converting a subject image received through an imaging lens into image data, a face detection step of detecting a human face area from the image data, and the detected face area. The brightness detection step for calculating the brightness of the face area from the image data and the brightness of the face area detected by the brightness detection step are compared with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether or not the face image is bright. An image processing step for performing image processing including noise removal on the image data, wherein the determination step determines that the face area is bright; And an image processing step for performing image processing that prioritizes noise removal over resolution when the face area is determined to be dark.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal depending on the brightness of the face area.

  An imaging method according to claim 18, wherein an imaging step for converting a subject image received through an imaging lens into image data, a face detection step for detecting a human face area from the image data, and a face area of the image data A luminance calculating step for calculating luminance data of each pixel, a counting step for counting the number of pixels for which the luminance data is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold, a number of pixels counted by the counting step and a predetermined first number A determination step of determining whether a dark area of a face region is wide by comparing the threshold value of 2, and an image processing step of performing image processing including noise removal on the image data, If it is determined in the determination step that the dark area is narrow, image processing prioritizing resolution is performed over noise removal, and if the dark area is determined to be wide, Characterized by comprising an image processing step of performing image processing with priority noise removal.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal depending on the dark area of the face region.

  An imaging method according to claim 19 includes an imaging step of converting a subject image received through an imaging lens into image data, a face detection step of detecting a human face area from the image data, and a face area of the image data The luminance calculation step for calculating the luminance data of each pixel of the pixel, the central value or the mode value of the histogram of the luminance data calculated by the luminance calculation step, and the predetermined threshold value are compared with each other. A determination step for determining whether or not the mode value is large, and an image processing step for performing image processing including noise removal on the image data, wherein the determination step determines whether the median or mode value of the histogram is If it is determined to be large, image processing is performed prioritizing resolution over noise removal, and it is determined that the median or mode of the histogram is small. When, characterized in that an image processing step of performing image processing with priority noise removal than sense of resolution.

  As described above, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing by determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal based on the median or mode value of the histogram of the luminance of the face. .

  According to the present invention, either the image processing with priority for resolution or the image processing with priority for noise removal is performed according to the brightness or dark area of the entire image or the face area, or the median or mode of the histogram. A good image can be easily obtained by determining whether or not to perform the image processing suitable for the image or the face area. Further, since image processing is performed on the entire image, the continuity of the screen is not lost.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an imaging device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. 1A shows the lens barrel 12 retracted into the camera housing and the lens cover 14 closed. The figure (B) has shown the state by which the lens barrel 12 is extended | stretched. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the digital camera 10 as viewed obliquely from the rear.

  The digital camera 10 has a function of recording and reproducing still images and moving images, and a power button 20, a shutter button 22, and a mode lever 24 are provided on the upper surface. By rotating the mode lever 24, it is possible to set any one of a scene position in which an auto shooting mode, a manual shooting mode, a portrait mode, a landscape mode, a night view mode, and the like can be selected, and a moving image shooting mode. ing.

  A shutter button 22 provided in the center of the mode lever 24 is turned on when the shutter button 22 is half-pressed to perform shooting preparation such as focus lock, photometry, and the like. S2.

  On the back of the digital camera 10, as shown in FIG. 2, a zoom key 26, a playback button 28, a photo mode button 30 for displaying a menu screen for setting the number of pixels, sensitivity, and the like, and a multi-function cross key composed of up / down / left / right keys 32, a menu / OK button 34, a display / return button 36, and a liquid crystal monitor 38 are provided.

  The liquid crystal monitor 38 displays a moving image (through image) and can be used as an electronic viewfinder, and also displays a photographed image before recording (preview image), a reproduced image read from the memory card 72 loaded in the camera, and the like. be able to. The liquid crystal monitor 38 displays various menu screens for manually setting the camera operation mode, white balance, the number of pixels of the image, sensitivity, and the like according to the operation of the menu / OK button 34 or the photo mode button 30. Then, a screen for a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of setting manual setting items in accordance with the operation of the cross key 32 and the menu / OK button 34 is displayed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the digital camera 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  In the figure, the CPU 50 includes the power button 20, shutter button 22, mode lever 24, zoom key 26, playback button 28, photo mode button 30, cross key 32, menu / OK button 34, and display / return button 36 described above. An input of the operation switch 64 is input via the operation switch interface 63, and controls each circuit in the digital camera 10 based on this input, and executes processing according to the camera control program.

  Control of each circuit of the CPU 50 is performed via the BUS 51. The CPU 50 exchanges necessary data with the RAM 68 and the ROM 69 via the memory interface 67.

  The ROM 69 stores a camera control program, an opening image at start-up, an ending image at stop, a GUI image such as a menu image used for operating the digital camera 10, an image for a screen saver, and a progress display during processing. Audio data indicating an image (such as an hourglass image whose scale changes), a key operation sound (such as a shutter sound), a warning sound, and an error sound are recorded.

  First, when the power button 20 is operated, the CPU 50 detects this, turns on the power in the camera, displays the opening image stored in the ROM 69 for a certain period, and then enters the shooting standby state in the shooting mode. In this photographing standby state, the CPU 50 extends the retractable lens barrel 12 via the motor drive unit 42 (see FIG. 1A), and normally displays a moving image (through image) on the liquid crystal monitor 38.

  A user (photographer) performs framing while viewing a through image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38, confirms a subject to be photographed, confirms an image after photographing, and sets photographing conditions.

  When the shutter button 22 is pressed in the shooting standby state, the CPU 50 detects this, performs focus control, photometry, and exposure control, drives the focus lens and diaphragm in the optical unit 41 via the motor drive unit 42, and A subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 43 via the optical unit 41. At this time, if necessary, the flash 62 is caused to emit light with the electric charge boosted and charged by the charging unit 61 and used as auxiliary photographing light.

  The CCD 43 converts the subject image formed on the light receiving surface into a signal charge having an amount corresponding to the amount of light. The signal charges converted in this way are read to the shift register by the read gate pulse applied from the timing generator 44, and sequentially read as a voltage signal corresponding to the signal charge by the register transfer pulse.

  The voltage signal output from the CCD 43 is subjected to analog processing such as correlated double sampling and amplification by the analog signal processing unit 45, and then added to the A / D converter 46 as R, G, and B signals for each pixel. It is done. The A / D converter 46 converts the analog R, G, and B signals sequentially added from the analog signal processing unit 45 into digital R, G, and B signals, respectively. These R, G, and B signals are temporarily stored in the RAM 68.

  The digital signal processing unit 47 reads the R, G, and B raw data stored in the RAM 68 and applies a digital gain corresponding to the light source type to the white data to adjust the white balance, and also performs gamma (gradation characteristics). Processing, sharpness processing, etc. are performed to generate R, G, B signals. Further, YC signal processing is performed to generate a luminance signal Y and chroma signals Cr and Cb (YC signal), and then the Y signal is used to perform noise removal processing by coring processing and median filter operation, and finally processed YC. The signal is stored in the RAM 68 again.

  During the digital signal processing, the screen brightness determination unit 52 determines the screen brightness, and performs noise removal processing according to the screen brightness as described later.

  The YC signal stored in the RAM 68 as described above is compressed into a predetermined format by the compression / decompression processing circuit 70 and then recorded on the memory card 72 detachably attached to the digital camera 10 via the external memory interface 71. .

  When the menu / OK button 34 is pressed while the through image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38, a menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38. While the menu screen is displayed, the cross key 32 is operated to select desired items such as shooting conditions and image sizes, or by pressing the menu / OK button 34 again to confirm the selection items. Execution of processing can be instructed. The display / return button 36 is used to switch the display on the liquid crystal monitor 38 or to return to the previous operation state.

  On the other hand, when the playback mode is selected by operating the playback button 28, the image file of the last frame recorded on the memory card 78 is read out via the external memory interface 71. The compressed data of the read image file is expanded into an uncompressed YC signal via the compression / expansion processing circuit 70.

  The expanded YC signal is converted into a signal format for display by the LCD interface 65 and output to the liquid crystal monitor 38. As a result, the last frame image recorded on the memory card 72 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38.

  Thereafter, when the forward frame advance switch (the right key of the cross key 32) is pressed, the frame is advanced in the forward direction, and when the reverse frame advance switch (the left key of the cross key 32) is pressed, the frame is advanced in the reverse direction. . Then, the image file at the frame position where the frame is advanced is read from the memory card 72, and the image is reproduced on the liquid crystal monitor 38 in the same manner as described above.

  Next, a method for determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal at the time of digital signal processing of the digital camera 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention determines whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal according to the average value of the luminance of the entire screen.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation for determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal.

  As described above, when photographing is performed, the voltage signal output from the CCD 43 is subjected to predetermined processing, digitized, and stored in the RAM 68. Here, first, data is read from the RAM 68 (step S41), and an average value of the screen brightness is calculated by the screen brightness determination unit 52 (step S42).

  Here, an internal circuit of the screen brightness determination unit 52 (not shown) includes an adder, a divider, and the like. By inputting the brightness value of each pixel, an average value of the brightness values of the input pixels is output. It is configured. The CPU 50 compares the average luminance of the entire screen obtained by the screen luminance determining unit 52 with the resolution priority threshold a (step S43).

  If the average value of the brightness of the entire screen is larger than the resolution priority threshold value a, the CPU 50 determines that this image is a bright image, and performs image processing settings for resolution priority (step S44). . Conversely, if the average brightness of the entire screen is smaller than the resolution priority threshold value a, the CPU 50 determines that this image is a dark image and performs image processing settings with noise removal priority (step). S45).

  The image processing prioritizing resolution and the image processing prioritizing noise are different in noise removal processing such as weighting coefficient (filter matrix) of low-pass filter processing, presence / absence of median filter processing, coring level of coring processing, etc. The image processing with priority to noise removal is processing with a strong noise removing action. For example, the filter matrix of the low-pass filter processing is as shown in FIG. 5A when the resolution priority is given, and FIG. 5B when the noise removal priority is given. The filter matrix is not limited to this embodiment, and the low-pass filter process does not have to be performed when priority is given to resolution.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 6A when the coring level of the coring process is prioritized for resolution, as shown in FIG. It is high. In addition, when priority is given to resolution, the coring process need not be performed.

  The digital signal processing unit 47 performs digital signal processing according to the image processing setting of resolution priority or noise removal priority set in this way (step S46).

  In this way, the brightness of the image is determined based on the average value of the luminance of the entire screen, and a bright image is subjected to image processing prioritizing resolution, and a dark image is subjected to image processing prioritizing noise removal. Image quality can be obtained.

<Second Embodiment>
A method of determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal in digital signal processing in the digital camera 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The digital camera 10 according to the second embodiment determines whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal according to the dark area of the entire screen.

  As in the first embodiment, first, data is read from the RAM 68 (step S71), and the screen brightness determination unit 52 calculates the dark area of the screen (step S72). The internal circuit of the screen brightness determination unit 52 of the second embodiment (not shown) is composed of a comparison circuit, a counting circuit, and the like. Area).

The CPU 50 compares the dark area obtained by the screen brightness determination unit 52 with the resolution priority threshold b ₁ (step S73).

If more sharpness priority threshold b ₁ smaller for dark part area, CPU 50 performs the image processing setting of sharpness priority (step S74). Conversely, if the larger dark portion area than sharpness priority threshold b ₁ is CPU 50 performs the image processing setting of the noise removal priority (step S75).

  The digital signal processing unit 47 performs digital signal processing according to the image processing setting of resolution priority or noise removal priority set in this way (step S76).

<Third Embodiment>
A method for determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal in digital signal processing in the digital camera 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The digital camera 10 according to the third embodiment determines whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal according to the median value of the luminance histogram in the entire screen.

  As in the first embodiment, first, data is read from the RAM 68 (step S81), the screen brightness determination unit 52 creates a brightness histogram of the entire screen, and calculates a median value (step S82). An internal circuit of the screen brightness determination unit 52 of the third embodiment (not shown) is composed of a comparison circuit, a memory for the number of pixels, and the like, and by inputting the brightness of each pixel, the median of the histogram of the input pixels Is configured to output.

CPU50 includes a central value of the histogram obtained in the screen brightness determining unit 52, a comparison of the sharpness priority threshold _{c 1} (step S83).

If more sharpness priority threshold _{c 1} is smaller median histogram, CPU 50 performs the image processing setting of the noise removal Priority _{M 1} (step S87).

If more sharpness priority threshold c ₁ is larger median histogram further performs the median of the histogram is compared with sharpness priority threshold c ₂ in the relation of c 1 _{<c 2} (step S84).

If more sharpness priority threshold c ₂ is larger median histogram, CPU 50 is the image processing setting of the sharpness priority (step S85). Conversely, if more sharpness priority threshold _{c 2} is smaller median histogram, CPU 50 is the image processing setting of the noise removal Priority _{M 2} (step S86).

As described above, in the image processing of the image processing and noise removal priority sharpness priority is coring level of the filter matrix and coring of the low-pass filter process is different, the noise removal Priority M ₁ set and noise removal Even in the priority M ₂ setting, these parameters are different, and M _{1 is} a process having a stronger noise removing action than M ₂ .

  The digital signal processing unit 47 performs digital signal processing according to the image processing setting of resolution priority or noise removal priority set in this way (step S88).

  As in the present embodiment, the correction amount of the noise removal process may be set stepwise using a plurality of threshold values.

  In this embodiment, it is determined whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal using the median value of the histogram. However, the mode value of the histogram may be used.

<Fourth embodiment>
A method for determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal in digital signal processing in the digital camera 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. To do. The digital camera 10 according to the fourth embodiment performs face detection from image data using a main subject as a face, and when a person's face is detected, an average value of luminance of the face is used to detect resolution. Whether to perform priority or noise removal priority image processing is determined.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the digital camera 10 according to the fourth embodiment, which is different from the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment in that a face detection unit 80 is provided.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera 10 according to the fourth embodiment.

  First, data is read from the RAM 68 as before (step S101). Next, from the read data, the face detection unit 80 detects a face in the image (step S102). The face detection unit 80 includes an image matching circuit and a face image template, detects a human face included in the image data read from the RAM 68, and outputs information on the position and size of the face to the CPU 50. That is, the image verification circuit of the face detection unit 80 checks the correlation with the face image template while moving the largest target area for detecting a preset face area little by little on the screen. When the correlation score exceeds a preset threshold, the target area is recognized as a face area. Subsequently, the target area is reduced slightly, and the correlation with the face image template is examined again. This is repeated until the smallest detection area to be detected to obtain a face area. The face information thus obtained (information indicating the size and position of the face) is output to the CPU 50.

  If a face is detected here, the screen brightness determination unit 52 calculates the average brightness value of the face (step S103). Here, when only the luminance value of the face pixel is input, the screen luminance determination unit 52 (not shown) is configured to output the average value of the input luminance values of the face pixel.

  The CPU 50 compares the average brightness value of the face determined by the screen brightness determination unit 52 with the resolution priority threshold a (step S104).

  If the average brightness value of the face is greater than the resolution priority threshold a, the CPU 50 determines that the image is a bright image of the face, and sets image processing with priority on resolution (step S105). On the other hand, if the average brightness value of the face is smaller than the resolution priority threshold a, the CPU 50 determines that the image is a dark image of the face and sets the image processing setting with priority to noise removal (step S106). ).

  If no face is detected, the screen brightness determination unit 52 calculates the average brightness value of the entire screen (step S107). The CPU 50 compares the average luminance value of the entire screen obtained by the screen luminance determining unit 52 with the resolution priority threshold a (step S108).

  When the average luminance value of the entire screen is larger than the resolution priority threshold a, the CPU 50 determines that this image is a bright image and sets the image processing setting with priority on resolution (step S105). Conversely, if the average luminance value of the entire screen is smaller than the resolution priority threshold a, the CPU 50 determines that this image is a dark image and sets the image processing setting with noise removal priority (step S106). ).

  The digital signal processing unit 47 performs digital signal processing in accordance with the image processing setting of resolution priority or noise removal priority set in this way (step S109).

  When a plurality of faces are detected in the face detection, it is determined that the largest face is the main subject and the average value of luminance is calculated for the largest face area. Alternatively, the face closest to the center of the screen may be determined as the main subject, and the average luminance value may be calculated for the face closest to the center of the screen.

<Fifth embodiment>
A method for determining whether to perform image processing prioritizing resolution or noise removal prior to digital signal processing in the digital camera 10 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The digital camera 10 according to the fifth embodiment performs face detection from image data using a main subject as a face, and when a person's face is detected, the dark area of the face is used to prioritize resolution or It is determined which of the image processing with priority to noise removal is performed.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera 10 according to the fifth embodiment.

  As before, data is read from the RAM 68 (step S111). Next, from this read data, the face detection unit 80 detects a face in the image as in the fourth embodiment (step S112).

  When a face is detected here, the screen brightness determination unit 52 calculates the dark area of the face (step S113). Here, the screen brightness determination unit 52 has the same configuration as that of the second embodiment, and can calculate the dark area of the face.

CPU50 includes a dark portion area of the face portion obtained in screen brightness determining unit 52, a comparison of the sharpness priority threshold _{b 2} (step S114).

If more sharpness priority threshold b ₂ smaller for dark part area of the face portion, CPU 50 is an image processing setting of the sharpness priority (step S115). Conversely, when the direction of the dark part area of the face portion from the sharpness priority threshold b ₂ is large, CPU 50 is an image processing setting of the noise removal priority (step S116).

  If no face is detected, the screen brightness determination unit 52 calculates the dark area of the entire screen (step S117).

CPU50 includes a dark portion area of the entire screen determined by the screen brightness determining unit 52, a comparison of the sharpness priority threshold _{b 1} (step S118).

When the dark area of the entire screen is smaller than the resolution priority threshold b ₁ , the CPU 50 sets the resolution priority image processing setting (step S 115). Conversely, if the larger dark portion area of the entire screen from the sharpness priority threshold b ₁ is CPU 50, the image processing setting of the noise removal priority (step S116).

  The digital signal processing unit 47 performs digital signal processing in accordance with the image processing setting of resolution priority or noise removal priority set in this way (step S119).

  Thus, different resolution priority thresholds may be used depending on whether or not a face is detected.

  The ratio of the dark area of the face to the area of the face may be calculated. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately determine the brightness of the face that is the main subject without depending on the area of the face occupied in the captured image.

<Sixth Embodiment>
With reference to FIG. 12, a description will be given of a method for determining whether to perform image processing prioritizing resolution or noise removal prior to digital signal processing in the digital camera 10 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera 10 according to the sixth embodiment performs face detection from image data using a main subject as a face. If a human face is detected, the digital camera 10 uses a median value of the luminance histogram of the face to solve the problem. It is determined whether to perform image processing with image priority or noise removal priority.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera 10 according to the sixth embodiment.

  As before, data is read from the RAM 68 (step S121). Next, from the read data, the face detection unit 80 detects a face in the image (step S122).

  If a face is detected here, the screen brightness determination unit 52 creates a histogram of the brightness of each pixel of the face and calculates the median value (step S123). Here, the screen brightness determination unit 52 has the same configuration as that of the third embodiment, and it is possible to create a histogram for the brightness of each pixel in the face and calculate the median value of the histogram.

CPU50 includes a central value of the luminance histogram of the face portion obtained in screen brightness determining unit 52, a comparison of the sharpness priority threshold _{c 2} (step S124).

If more sharpness priority threshold c ₂ is larger in the central value of the luminance histogram of the face portion, CPU 50 is an image processing setting of the sharpness priority (step S125). Conversely, in the case towards the center value of the histogram of the luminance of the face portion from the sharpness priority threshold c ₂ is small, CPU 50 is an image processing setting of the noise removal priority (step S126).

  If no face is detected, the screen brightness determination unit 52 creates a histogram of the brightness of the entire screen and calculates the median value (step S127).

CPU50 includes a central value of the histogram of the luminance of the entire screen determined by the screen brightness determining unit 52, a comparison of the sharpness priority threshold _{c 1} (step S128).

If the larger median of luminance histogram of the entire screen from the sharpness priority threshold c ₁ is CPU 50, the image processing setting of sharpness priority (step S125). Conversely, when the direction of the median of the luminance histogram of the entire screen from the sharpness priority threshold c ₁ is small, CPU 50 is an image processing setting of the noise removal priority (step S126).

  The digital signal processing unit 47 performs digital signal processing according to the image processing with the resolution priority or the noise removal priority set in this way (step S109).

  In this embodiment, it is determined whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal using the median value of the histogram. However, the mode value of the histogram may be used.

In the fourth to sixth embodiments, it is determined whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal using the same parameter when a face is detected or not. Different parameters may be used. That is, when a face is detected, the average value of the brightness of the face is compared with the resolution priority threshold a, and when the face is not detected, the dark area of the entire screen is compared with the resolution priority threshold b _1. This combination is possible in a matrix form.

<Seventh embodiment>
A method of determining whether to perform image processing prioritizing resolution or noise removal prior to digital signal processing in the digital camera 10 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The digital camera 10 according to the seventh embodiment determines whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal according to the brightness of the screen as in the first embodiment. Depending on the set photographing sensitivity, the amount of noise removal correction and the resolution priority threshold are changed.

  As before, data is first read from the RAM 68 (step S1301), and the screen brightness determination unit 52 calculates the average value of the brightness values of the entire screen (step S1302).

  Similar to the digital camera 10 of the first embodiment, the digital camera 10 can manually set the shooting sensitivity by operating the photo mode button 30, the cross key 32, the menu / OK button 34, and the like. Is possible. In the case of the auto mode, the CPU 50 automatically sets the sensitivity according to the amount of light input from the CCD.

  Here, with respect to the data that has been shot now, determination of the shooting sensitivity set manually or automatically is performed (steps S1303 and S1304).

If the ISO sensitivity is 200, 100 or less and, CPU 50 has a mean value of the overall brightness screen obtained by screen brightness determining unit 52, a comparison of the sharpness priority threshold _{a 3} (step S1305).

If more sharpness priority threshold a ₃ is larger the average value of the luminance of the entire screen, CPU 50 determines the image to be bright image, the image processing setting of the sharpness priority (step S1306 ). Conversely, if the person from sharpness priority threshold a ₃ of the average value of the luminance of the entire screen is small, CPU 50 determines the image to be dark image, the image processing setting of the noise removal Priority ( Step S1307).

Even if ISO sensitivity is 400, 800, CPU 50 has a mean value of the overall brightness screen obtained by screen brightness determining unit 52, a comparison of the sharpness priority threshold _{a 3} (step S1308).

When people than sharpness priority threshold a ₃ of the average value of the luminance of the entire screen is large, CPU 50 is to determine the image to be bright image, for sensitive imaging, noise removal of priority N ₂ Image processing settings are set (step S1307). Conversely, when the direction of the average value of the luminance of the entire screen from the sharpness priority threshold a ₃ is small, CPU 50 determines the image to be dark image, the image processing setting of the noise removal priority N ₁ and (Step S1309).

As in the third embodiment, the noise removal priority N ₁ setting and the noise removal priority N ₂ setting have different noise removal processing parameters, and N ₁ has a stronger noise removal action than N _2. Become.

If the ISO sensitivity is 1600,3200 or more, the CPU 50 is the average value of the entire luminance screen obtained by screen brightness determining unit 52, a comparison of the sharpness priority threshold _{a 4} (step S1310).

If more sharpness priority threshold a ₄ is larger the average value of the luminance of the entire screen, CPU 50 is to determine the image to be bright image, for ultrasensitive imaging, noise removal priority N ₂ Image processing setting (step S1307). Conversely, when the direction of the average value of the luminance of the entire screen from the sharpness priority threshold a ₄ is small, CPU 50 determines the image to be dark image, the image processing setting of the noise removal priority N ₁ and (Step S1309).

  The digital signal processing unit 47 performs digital signal processing in accordance with the image processing setting of resolution priority or noise removal priority set in this way (step S1311).

Thus, in the case of the case of ISO100 ISO400, although perceived resolution priority threshold _{a 3} are the same, processing after the determination is different. Further, the resolution priority threshold is different between ISO400 and ISO1600. Here, the resolution priority thresholds a ₃ and a ₄ are preferably a ₃ <a ₄ . This is because the higher the sensitivity, the greater the need for noise removal.

  In addition, the parameters used to determine whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal are not limited to the average value of the luminance of the entire screen, but the dark area of the entire screen and the median value of the histogram of luminance values, The mode may be used.

  The determination may be made according to the brightness of the main subject, not the entire screen. In other words, processing and resolution after determination are performed according to the set shooting sensitivity according to the determination based on the average value of the brightness of the face, the dark area of the face, the median value of the histogram of the brightness of the face, and the mode value. The feeling priority threshold may be changed.

<Eighth Embodiment>
A method of determining whether to perform image processing prioritizing resolution or noise removal prior to digital signal processing in the digital camera 10 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The digital camera 10 according to the eighth embodiment performs image processing with resolution priority or noise removal priority according to the average luminance value of the entire screen only when the shooting sensitivity is high.

  First, data is read from the RAM 68 (step S141), and then the set photographing sensitivity is determined (step S142). Here, if the ISO sensitivity is less than 800, the image processing setting is given priority to resolution (step S145).

  When the ISO sensitivity is 800 or more, the screen brightness determination unit 52 calculates the average value of the brightness values of the entire screen (step S143).

  The CPU 50 compares the average luminance of the entire screen obtained by the screen luminance determination unit 52 with the resolution priority threshold a (step S144).

  When the average value of the luminance of the entire screen is larger than the resolution priority threshold a, the CPU 50 sets the image processing setting with priority on resolution (step S145). On the other hand, when the average value of the luminance of the entire screen is smaller than the resolution priority threshold a, the CPU 50 sets the image processing setting with priority to noise removal (step S146).

  The digital signal processing unit 47 performs digital signal processing in accordance with the image processing setting of resolution priority or noise removal priority set in this way (step S147).

  In this way, processing can be reduced by determining image processing settings that prioritize resolution or noise removal according to the brightness of the screen only when the sensitivity is high, and image quality degradation during high-sensitivity shooting Can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal when the ISO sensitivity is 800 or more. However, other values may be used as the ISO sensitivity as the threshold.

  In addition, the parameters used to determine whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal are not limited to the average value of the luminance of the entire screen, but the dark area of the entire screen and the median value of the histogram of luminance values, Needless to say, the mode value, the average value of the brightness of the face, the dark area of the face, the median value of the histogram of the brightness of the face, the mode, etc. may be used.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a digital camera according to the present invention as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the digital camera 10 as viewed obliquely from the rear. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the digital camera 10. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera 10 according to the first embodiment to determine whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a filter matrix of low-pass filter processing when (a) resolution is prioritized and (b) noise removal is prioritized. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the coring level of the coring process when (a) priority is given to resolution and (b) priority is given to noise removal. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the digital camera 10 according to the second embodiment that determines whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera 10 according to the third embodiment to determine whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the digital camera 10 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the digital camera 10 according to the fourth embodiment for determining whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the digital camera 10 according to the fifth embodiment that determines whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the digital camera 10 according to the sixth embodiment that determines whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the digital camera 10 according to the seventh embodiment to determine whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera 10 according to the eighth embodiment to determine whether to perform image processing with priority on resolution or noise removal.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 22 ... Shutter button, 32 ... Cross key, 34 ... Menu / OK button, 38 ... Liquid crystal monitor, 41 ... Optical unit, 43 ... CCD, 45 ... Analog signal processing part, 46 ... A / D converter, 47 ... Digital signal processing unit, 50 ... CPU, 52 ... Screen brightness determination unit, 67 ... Memory interface, 68 ... RAM, 69 ... ROM, 80 ... Face detection unit

Claims (19)

Imaging means for converting a subject image received through the imaging lens into image data;
Brightness calculation means for calculating the brightness of the image from the image data;
A determination unit that determines whether the image is bright by comparing the brightness of the image calculated by the brightness calculation unit with a predetermined threshold;
An image processing unit that performs image processing including noise removal on the image data, and when the determination unit determines that the image is bright, performs image processing that prioritizes resolution over noise removal, When it is determined that the image is dark, image processing means for performing image processing that prioritizes noise removal over resolution,
An imaging apparatus comprising: Luminance calculation means for calculating luminance data of each pixel of the entire screen of the image data,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the brightness calculation unit calculates an average value of luminance data of each pixel of the entire screen. Imaging means for converting a subject image received through the imaging lens into image data;
Luminance calculation means for calculating luminance data of each pixel of the entire screen of the image data;
Counting means for counting the number of pixels whose luminance data is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold;
A determination unit that determines whether the dark area of the image is wide by comparing the number of pixels counted by the counting unit with a predetermined second threshold;
Image processing means for performing image processing including noise removal on the image data, and when the determination means determines that the dark area is narrow, image processing prioritizing resolution over noise removal is performed. And when it is determined that the dark area is wide, image processing means for performing image processing that prioritizes noise removal over resolution,
An imaging apparatus comprising: Imaging means for converting a subject image received through the imaging lens into image data;
Luminance calculation means for calculating luminance data of each pixel of the entire screen of the image data;
A determination means for determining whether the median or mode of the histogram is large by comparing the median or mode of the histogram of the luminance data with a predetermined threshold;
An image processing unit that performs image processing including noise removal on the image data, and when the determination unit determines that the median or mode of the histogram is large, the image data has a higher resolution than noise removal. Image processing means for performing image processing with priority on noise removal over a sense of resolution when performing priority image processing and determining that the median or mode of the histogram is small;
An imaging apparatus comprising: Imaging means for converting a subject image received through the imaging lens into image data;
Face detection means for detecting a human face region from the image data;
Brightness detection means for calculating brightness of the face area from the image data of the detected face area;
A determination unit that determines whether the face image is bright by comparing the brightness of the face area detected by the brightness detection unit with a predetermined threshold;
An image processing unit that performs image processing including noise removal on the image data, and when the determination unit determines that the face area is bright, performs image processing that prioritizes resolution over noise removal, When it is determined that the face area is dark, image processing means for performing image processing that prioritizes noise removal over resolution,
An imaging apparatus comprising: Luminance calculation means for calculating luminance data of each pixel of the face area of the image data,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the brightness calculation unit calculates an average value of luminance data of each pixel of the face area. Imaging means for converting a subject image received through the imaging lens into image data;
Face detection means for detecting a human face region from the image data;
Luminance calculation means for calculating luminance data of each pixel of the face area of the image data;
Counting means for counting the number of pixels whose luminance data is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold;
A determination unit that determines whether the dark area of the face region is wide by comparing the number of pixels counted by the counting unit with a predetermined second threshold;
Image processing means for performing image processing including noise removal on the image data, and when the determination means determines that the dark area is narrow, image processing prioritizing resolution over noise removal is performed. And when it is determined that the dark area is wide, image processing means for performing image processing that prioritizes noise removal over resolution,
An imaging apparatus comprising: Imaging means for converting a subject image received through the imaging lens into image data;
Face detection means for detecting a human face region from the image data;
Luminance calculation means for calculating luminance data of each pixel of the face area of the image data;
Determining means for determining whether or not the median or mode of the histogram is large by comparing the median or mode of the histogram of the brightness data calculated by the brightness calculating unit with a predetermined threshold; ,
An image processing unit that performs image processing including noise removal on the image data, and when the determination unit determines that the median or mode of the histogram is large, the image data has a higher resolution than noise removal. Image processing means for performing image processing with priority on noise removal rather than resolution when performing priority image processing and determining that the median or mode of the histogram is small;
An imaging apparatus comprising: It is equipped with shooting sensitivity setting means to set shooting sensitivity,
The said determination means changes the said threshold value so that the said predetermined threshold value becomes high, so that the said sensitivity is high according to the sensitivity set by the said imaging sensitivity setting means, The said threshold value is characterized by the above-mentioned. The imaging device according to any one of 5, 6, and 8. It is equipped with shooting sensitivity setting means to set shooting sensitivity,
The determination unit is configured to increase the predetermined first threshold or decrease the predetermined second threshold as the sensitivity increases according to the sensitivity set by the imaging sensitivity setting unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3 or 7, wherein at least one of the first threshold value or the predetermined second threshold value is changed.   11. The image processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit performs image processing giving priority to resolution or image processing giving priority to noise removal by changing a value of a noise removal parameter. Imaging device. It is equipped with shooting sensitivity setting means to set shooting sensitivity,
12. The image processing unit according to claim 11, wherein the image processing unit changes the value so that the value of the noise removal parameter increases as the sensitivity increases according to the sensitivity set by the imaging sensitivity setting unit. Imaging device. Shooting sensitivity setting means for setting shooting sensitivity;
A high-sensitivity detection means for detecting whether or not the photographing sensitivity is high sensitivity,
13. The image processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit performs image processing based on a determination result of the determination unit when the high sensitivity detection unit detects that the photographing sensitivity is high. Such an imaging apparatus. An imaging step of converting a subject image received through the imaging lens into image data;
A brightness calculation step of calculating the brightness of the image from the image data;
A determination step of determining whether the image is bright by comparing the brightness of the image calculated by the brightness calculation step with a predetermined threshold;
An image processing step for performing image processing including noise removal on the image data, and when the determination step determines that the image is bright, performing image processing giving priority to resolution over noise removal, When it is determined that the image is dark, an image processing step for performing image processing that prioritizes noise removal over resolution,
An imaging method comprising: An imaging step of converting a subject image received through the imaging lens into image data;
A luminance calculation step of calculating luminance data of each pixel of the entire screen of the image data;
A counting step for counting the number of pixels in which the luminance data is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold;
A determination step of determining whether the dark area of the image is wide by comparing the number of pixels counted in the counting step with a predetermined second threshold;
An image processing step for performing image processing including noise removal on the image data, and when the determination step determines that the dark area is narrow, image processing prioritizing resolution over noise removal is performed. And when it is determined that the dark area is wide, an image processing step for performing image processing prioritizing noise removal over resolution,
An imaging method comprising: An imaging step of converting a subject image received through the imaging lens into image data;
A luminance calculation step of calculating luminance data of each pixel of the entire screen of the image data;
A determination step of determining whether the median or mode of the histogram is large by comparing the median or mode of the histogram of the luminance data with a predetermined threshold;
An image processing step for performing image processing including noise removal on the image data, and when the determination step determines that the median or mode value of the histogram is large, the sense of resolution is better than noise removal. Image processing step for performing image processing prioritizing and performing image processing prioritizing noise removal over a sense of resolution when it is determined that the median or mode of the histogram is small;
An imaging method comprising: An imaging step of converting a subject image received through the imaging lens into image data;
A face detection step of detecting a human face region from the image data;
A brightness detection step of calculating brightness of the face area from the image data of the detected face area;
A determination step of determining whether or not the face image is bright by comparing the brightness of the face area detected by the brightness detection step with a predetermined threshold;
An image processing step that performs image processing including noise removal on the image data, and when the determination step determines that the face area is bright, performs image processing giving priority to resolution over noise removal, An image processing method comprising: an image processing step of performing image processing in which noise removal is prioritized over resolution when it is determined that a face area is dark. An imaging step of converting a subject image received through the imaging lens into image data;
A face detection step of detecting a human face region from the image data;
A luminance calculation step of calculating luminance data of each pixel of the face area of the image data;
A counting step for counting the number of pixels in which the luminance data is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold;
A determination step of determining whether the dark area of the face region is wide by comparing the number of pixels counted in the counting step with a predetermined second threshold;
An image processing step for performing image processing including noise removal on the image data, and when the determination step determines that the dark area is narrow, image processing prioritizing resolution over noise removal is performed. And when it is determined that the dark area is wide, an image processing step for performing image processing prioritizing noise removal over resolution,
An imaging method comprising: An imaging step of converting a subject image received through the imaging lens into image data;
A face detection step of detecting a human face area from the image data;
A luminance calculation step of calculating luminance data of each pixel of the face area of the image data;
A determination step of determining whether the median value or mode value of the histogram is large by comparing the median value or mode value of the histogram of the brightness data calculated by the brightness calculating step with a predetermined threshold value; ,
An image processing step for performing image processing including noise removal on the image data, and when the determination step determines that the median or mode value of the histogram is large, the sense of resolution is better than noise removal. Image processing step for performing image processing prioritizing and performing image processing prioritizing noise removal over a sense of resolution when it is determined that the median or mode of the histogram is small;
An imaging method comprising:

Images