JP2006287365A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology which can create smaller image data whose image scale factors are smaller than minimum scale factors of image data after photographing. <P>SOLUTION: A user changes a region of a user setting image im_us in the maximum user setting image im_maxus which corresponds to the minimum scale factor image data by a zoom button 153. When an image photographing mode which can adjust a framing frame is selected, a digital camera 100 photographs an expanded image im_ex which is combined with the maximum user setting image im_maxus and an image for framing frame adjustment im_fr shown by a slant line. The user changes an image scale factor of the user setting image im_us in the extended image im_ex at an editing mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera.

  Many digital cameras have a zoom function. In the electronic zoom which is one of the zoom functions, the image magnification of the subject is changed to the image magnification desired by the user by electronically processing the image data. Various zooming means using electronic zoom have been proposed. For example, the minimum magnification image data when the image magnification is the minimum magnification, the user-specified image magnification, and the user-specified image area are stored at the time of shooting, and the minimum after shooting Means has been proposed for scaling the image of a user-specified image area, which is a part of the magnification image data, based on the user-specified image magnification and generating image data after scaling (Patent Document 1). However, conventionally, it has not been possible to generate image data having a smaller image magnification than the minimum magnification image data after shooting. If image data having a smaller image magnification than the minimum magnification image data is generated, there is a problem in that a blank image is generated in the frame.

JP 2002-182299 A JP 2004-72206 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of generating image data having a smaller image magnification than the minimum magnification image data after photographing. To do.

In order to solve at least a part of the above problems, a digital camera according to the present invention provides:
An image data acquisition unit that acquires image data using an image sensor;
A display unit functioning as a viewfinder of the digital camera;
A magnification adjustment unit for adjusting the electronic zoom magnification;
A shooting mode designating unit for designating one shooting mode from a plurality of shooting modes;
An image file creation unit that creates an image file including image data of an image shot in the designated mode and records the image file in a memory;
With
The electronic zoom magnification is a user setting image that is an area of an image displayed on the entire display unit, with the size of the maximum user setting image area on the imaging element being the maximum area that can be set as an imaging target by the user. Divided by the dimensions of the area,
In the plurality of shooting modes, a framing frame adjustment image area is provided on an outer periphery of the maximum user setting image area, and an image of an extended image area including the maximum user setting image area and the framing frame adjustment image area is captured. Including framing frame adjustable image capture mode
The image file creation unit displays framing information representing a framing frame indicating the user-set image area variably set based on the electronic zoom magnification when shooting is performed in the framing frame adjustable image shooting mode. It is registered in the image file together with data.

  According to the present invention, in the framing frame adjustable image capturing mode, the image data of the extended image area wider than the image data of the maximum user setting image area corresponding to the minimum magnification image data is recorded in the memory. After shooting, it is possible to adjust the framing frame within the extended image area and generate image data having an image magnification smaller than the minimum magnification image data.

The plurality of shooting modes further include a normal shooting mode for shooting an image of the maximum user setting image area,
The framing frame adjustment image area may be set as an area wider than an additional image area set on the outer periphery of the maximum user setting image area in the normal shooting mode.

  The image processing apparatus may further include a trimming execution unit that creates framing image data representing an image in the user setting image area by performing trimming on the image data based on the framing information.

  According to this, trimming can be executed with a digital camera to create framing image data.

  The display unit is configured to remove the framing frame adjustment image area from the image of the extended image area captured by the image sensor of the digital camera when the framing frame adjustable image capturing mode is selected. A framing image display mode for displaying an image of the user-set image area based on the image area and the electronic zoom magnification adjusted by the magnification adjustment unit may be provided.

  According to this, the user can confirm the image of the user setting image area before photographing.

  The display unit may have an extended image display mode for reading an image file recorded in the memory in the framing frame adjustable image capturing mode and displaying an image of the extended image area.

  According to this, the user can confirm the image of the extended image area after shooting.

  Furthermore, a framing frame adjustment unit may be provided for adjusting the framing frame within the extended image area when an image is displayed on the display unit in the extended image display mode.

  According to this, the user can adjust the framing frame within the extended image area.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, forms of a framing frame adjustment method, a computer program for realizing at least a part of the functions of these methods or apparatuses, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded. It is feasible.

  FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image processing system including a digital camera 100 as an embodiment. The digital camera 100 can realize electronic zoom, and includes a photographing unit 110, a recording unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a trimming execution unit 140. The imaging unit 110 captures an image and acquires image data. The recording unit 120 records image data in the storage unit 130. The storage unit 130 is a memory card. The trimming execution unit 140 performs trimming based on the framing information. The framing information will be described later. The photographing unit 110 corresponds to the image data acquisition unit of the present invention, and the recording unit 120 corresponds to the image file creation unit of the present invention.

  FIG. 1B is a rear view of the digital camera 100. The digital camera 100 includes a framing frame adjustable image shooting mode button 151, an edit mode button 152, a zoom button 153, a move button 154, and a cancel button 155 as operation buttons. The digital camera 100 also includes a display unit 150. The framing frame adjustable image capturing mode button 151 is a button for switching selection / non-selection of the framing frame adjustable image capturing mode. The framing frame adjustable image shooting mode is a framing frame adjustment image area provided on the outer periphery of the maximum user setting image area, which is the maximum image area among the areas that can be set as an imaging target by the user. In this mode, an image in the extended image area combined with the image area for framing frame adjustment is captured. The maximum user setting image area corresponds to the area indicated by the framing frame when the electronic zoom is at the minimum magnification. Details will be described later. The framing frame adjustable image shooting mode button 151 corresponds to the shooting mode designation section of the present invention.

  The user setting image area set as the imaging target by the user and the maximum user setting image area are similar, and the zoom button 153 is a similarity ratio of the user setting image area to the maximum user setting image area (hereinafter referred to as area magnification). It is a button for adjusting. This area magnification corresponds to the reciprocal of the so-called electronic zoom magnification (digital zoom magnification). The zoom button 153 includes a wide-angle button 153a and a telephoto button 153b, and changes the region magnification according to the time and the number of times the wide-angle button 153a or the telephoto button 153b is pressed. The zoom button 153 corresponds to the magnification adjustment unit of the present invention.

  The edit mode button 152 is a button for switching selection / non-selection of the edit mode. The edit mode is a mode for editing a framing frame indicating a user setting image area. The zoom button 153 realizes a function of changing the area magnification of the framing frame with respect to the maximum user setting image area in the extended image area in the edit mode. Details will be described later. The move button 154 is a button for moving the framing frame within the extended image area. The move button 154 functions in the edit mode. The cancel button 155 is a button for canceling the framing frame change operation in the edit mode. The display unit 150 displays an image captured by the CCD panel of the digital camera 100 and an image based on image data after shooting.

  FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram showing shooting in the framing frame adjustable image shooting mode. The CCD panel (image sensor) of the digital camera captures the image im_ex in the framing frame adjustable image capturing mode. This entire image im_ex is composed of an image im_maxus of the maximum user setting image area and an image im_fr of a framing frame adjustment image area having a predetermined width indicated by a hatched line added to the outer periphery thereof. Hereinafter, the image im_maxus is referred to as a “maximum user setting image”, the image im_fr added to the outer periphery thereof is referred to as a “framing frame adjustment image”, and the entire image im_ex is referred to as an “extended image”. Also, the image area of the maximum user setting image im_maxus is called “maximum user setting image area”, the image area of the framing frame adjustment image im_fr is called “framing frame adjustment image area”, and the image area of the extended image im_ex is “ This is called an “extended image area”.

  When the user presses the framing frame adjustable image capturing mode button 151 and the framing frame adjustable image capturing mode is selected, the capturing unit 110 captures the extended image im_ex captured by the CCD panel, and the image of the extended image im_ex. Data (hereinafter referred to as extended image data) is acquired.

  On the other hand, FIG. 2B shows a shooting range in the normal shooting mode when the framing frame adjustable image shooting mode is not selected. In the normal shooting mode, the digital camera captures the maximum user setting image im_maxus. Depending on the camera, as in this example, even when not in the framing frame adjustable image capturing mode, an image of a region obtained by adding a small region to the outer periphery of the maximum user setting image im_maxus may be acquired. However, in this case as well, it can be understood that the area added to the outer periphery of the user setting image im_us is narrower in the normal shooting mode than in the framing frame adjustable image shooting mode.

  When the framing frame adjustable image shooting mode is selected, the user presses the wide-angle button 153a or the telephoto button 153b of the zoom button 153, and the user setting image area to be set as the imaging target is set to the maximum user setting image area. The area magnification can be specified in the range from 0 to 1 inclusive.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a user setting image im_us that is an image of the user setting image region. The display unit 150 displays the user setting image area based on the maximum user setting image im_maxus obtained by removing the framing frame adjustment image im_fr having a predetermined width from the extended image im_ex captured by the CCD panel and the area magnification specified by the zoom button 153. decide. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3A, the display unit 150 determines the user setting image im_us so that the user setting image im_us that is an image of the user setting image area is centered on the center of the maximum user setting image im_maxus. To do. Specifically, the distance L from the center O to the apex of the maximum user setting image area is multiplied by the area magnification to determine the distance l from the center O to the apex of the user setting image area, thereby determining the user setting image area. Then, the display unit 150 displays the user setting image im_us. 3B and 3C show the back of the digital camera 100 at the time of shooting. The display unit 150 in FIG. 3B displays the user setting image im_us when the area magnification is smaller than 1, and the display unit 150 in FIG. 3C displays the user setting image when the area magnification is 1. im_us, that is, the maximum user setting image im_maxus is displayed. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the display unit 150 displays the user setting image im_us on the entire display unit 150 by electronically scaling the image data of the user setting image im_us.

  In the framing frame adjustable image capturing mode, the user setting image area is set as a framing frame. The recording unit 120 records, in the storage unit 130, an image data file in which framing information for representing a framing frame indicating the user setting image area determined by the display unit 150 is added to the extended image data. Here, the recording unit 120 adds the framing information based on the user setting image area determined by the display unit 150, but the recording unit 120 determines the user setting image area in the same manner as the display unit 150, and the framing information May be added to the extended image data.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the format of the image data file idf. The image data file idf includes framing information fr and extended image data id_ex. The framing information fr represents a framing frame that indicates the user setting image area with the upper left coordinates (x1, y1) and the lower right coordinates (x2, y2) of the user setting image im_us shown in FIG.

  For example, image trimming and printing are performed as follows. When the user connects the digital camera 100 to the personal computer 200 and designates a command for transmitting the image data file idf to the personal computer 200, the trimming execution unit 140 (FIG. 1) performs framing on the extended image data id_ex. Trimming is performed based on the information fr. Specifically, only the image data within the framing frame specified by the framing information fr is left, and the other image data is deleted. The digital camera 100 transmits image data after trimming (hereinafter referred to as framing image data) to the personal computer 200. This framing image data represents the user setting image im_us.

  In the personal computer 200, when the user designates a paper size on which an image is to be printed and designates a command for instructing printing, the personal computer 200 transmits framing image data to the printer 300. An input unit 310 of the printer 300 inputs framing image data and a paper size. The scaling unit 320 scales an image (user setting image im_us) based on the framing image data by electronically processing the framing image data according to the paper size. Hereinafter, this process is referred to as an electronic scaling process. The printing unit 330 performs printing based on the framing image data after the electronic scaling process, and prints the user setting image im_us.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a user setting image im_us printed on L-size paper. FIG. 5B is a diagram when the user setting image im_us is printed when the area magnification is smaller than 1, and FIG. 5C is the user setting image im_us when the area magnification is 1, that is, the maximum user. It is a figure at the time of printing setting image im_maxus. 5B and 5C, it can be seen that images with different image magnifications can be obtained according to the region magnification. Note that, when the number of recording pixels of the digital camera 100 is sufficiently large, the extended image data can acquire image data that can represent the user setting image im_us with a resolution sufficient for displaying or printing the user setting image im_us.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an editing operation when the digital camera 100 is in the editing mode. By selecting the edit mode, the user can edit the framing frame and change the user-set image area before executing the printing process described above. When the user presses the edit mode button 152 of the digital camera 100 and the edit mode is selected, the display unit 150 displays the extended image im_ex based on the extended image data id_ex in the storage unit 130. The display unit 150 further displays the framing frame ff with a one-dot chain line. The user can change the area magnification of the framing frame ff relative to the maximum user setting image im_maxus with the expanded image im_ex by pressing the zoom button 153. As described below, in the edit mode after shooting, the area magnification can be set to a value larger than 1.

  FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the region magnification of the framing frame ff is changed in the extended image im_ex. When the user enlarges the area magnification by 1 with the zoom button 153, expands the framing frame ff to the framing frame ff1 indicated by the alternate long and short dash line, and presses the OK button at the center of the movement button 154, the recording unit 120 displays the framing information fr. Is changed to the coordinates indicating the framing frame ff1 after the change. When transmitting the image data file idf to the personal computer 200, the trimming execution unit 140 performs trimming on the extended image data id_ex based on the changed framing information fr. FIG. 7B shows the user setting image im_us when printing is performed by default without enlarging the framing frame ff, and FIG. 7C shows the user setting image im_us1 printed after enlarging the framing frame ff. is there. FIG. 7D shows a maximum user setting image im_maxus. FIG. 7 (c) shows that the image magnification is small even when compared with FIG. 7 (d). That is, by editing with the zoom button 153, an image with an image magnification smaller than the maximum user setting image im_maxus can be obtained. The zoom button 153 corresponds to the framing frame adjustment unit of the present invention.

  Note that the user can edit the zoom button 153 to reduce the area magnification and change the framing frame ff to the framing frame ff2 shown in FIG. Further, the user can cancel the change of the framing frame ff by pressing the cancel button 155 of FIG. At this time, the recording unit 120 changes the framing information fr to the original coordinates (x1, y1), (x2, y2). The user can also move the framing frame ff up, down, left, and right by using the arrow buttons of the move button 154. Furthermore, the shape of the framing frame ff may be changed.

  According to the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment, in the framing frame adjustable image capturing mode, image data in a wider extended image area than the image data in the maximum user setting image area corresponding to the minimum magnification image data is recorded in the memory. Therefore, in the edit mode, the user can adjust the framing frame ff in the extended image area with the zoom button 153 to generate image data having an image magnification smaller than the minimum magnification image data. That is, the user can change the user setting image im_us more flexibly. Furthermore, the framing frame ff can be moved within the range of the extended image im_ex by the move button 154, and the degree of freedom of composition change can be increased.

  In addition, since the trimming execution unit 140 that performs trimming on the extended image data id_ex based on the framing information fr is provided, the digital camera 100 can perform trimming. Furthermore, when the framing frame adjustable image capturing mode is selected, the display unit 150 includes a maximum user setting image im_maxus obtained by removing the framing frame adjustment image im_fr having a predetermined width from the extended image im_ex of the digital camera 100, and a magnification. Since the framing image display mode for displaying the user setting image im_us based on the magnification adjusted by the adjustment unit is provided, the user can check the user setting image im_us before and after shooting.

Other examples:
(1) In the above embodiment, the electronic variable magnification unit 320 of the printer 300 executes the electronic variable magnification process and prints. However, the variable magnification unit 320 is not limited to the printer 300, and software (viewer) in the personal computer 200 is used. In preparation for this, electronic scaling processing may be executed by a viewer. Further, the digital camera 100 capable of selecting the size of paper on which an image is to be printed (L version, A4) and photographing can be provided, and the digital camera 100 can execute electronic scaling processing. .

(2) In the above embodiment, the electronic scaling process is executed according to the printing paper size. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the framing image data may be scaled based on the area magnification. For example, if the area magnification is 1/2, a scaling process for electronically doubling an image may be executed. As a result, the number of pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions of the image is doubled. At this time, it is preferable to interpolate pixel values using interpolation processing. In this case, the scaling process may be executed by the digital camera 100, or the framing image data and the area magnification may be output together and the scaling process may be executed by the personal computer 200 or the printer 300.

(3) In the above embodiment, the width of the framing frame adjustment image area at the time of shooting is a fixed value, but it may be variable. For example, it is possible to select a paper size (L plate, A4) for printing an image and change the width of the framing frame adjustment image area in accordance with the selected paper size in the digital camera 100 for photographing.

(4) In the above embodiment, the framing frame adjustable image shooting mode button 151 and the edit mode button 152 are provided, and it is possible to select whether or not to enter the framing frame adjustable image shooting mode or edit mode by turning the button ON / OFF. However, the selection method of the framing frame adjustable image shooting mode and the edit mode is not limited to this, and for example, a setting screen may be displayed and ON / OFF may be switched in the setting screen. Note that the digital camera 100 is configured so that an extended image can be confirmed before shooting (before creating an image data file) by pressing both the framing frame adjustable image shooting mode button 151 and the edit mode button 152 during shooting. Also good.

(5) In the above embodiment, the framing information fr is the upper left coordinate and the lower right coordinate of the user setting image area. However, the framing information fr is not limited to this, and the framing information fr is information indicating the user setting image area. If it is good. For example, the framing information fr may be information indicating an area to be trimmed and deleted from the extended image im_ex. In the above embodiment, the framing information fr is added in the framing frame adjustable image shooting mode. However, the framing information fr may be added in the normal shooting mode. However, in the normal shooting mode, it is preferable that the image magnification cannot be smaller than the maximum user setting image im_maxus.

(6) In the above embodiment, the digital camera 100 includes the trimming execution unit 140 and transmits the trimming image data idf to the personal computer 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the personal computer 200 or the printer 300 performs the trimming execution unit. The personal computer 200 or the printer 300 may input the image data file idf and execute trimming. The change of the framing frame ff may be executed by the personal computer 200 or the printer 300.

(7) In the above embodiment, the framing image data of the digital camera 100 is transmitted to the printer 300 via the personal computer 200. However, it may be transmitted directly from the digital camera 100 to the printer 300. There are standards for directly connecting the digital camera 100 and the printer 300 to execute data transmission / reception. Among them, trimming may be specified when image data is transmitted from the digital camera 100 to the printer 300. Some are possible. The digital camera 100 may transmit the framing information fr as the trimming designation, and the printer 300 may execute the trimming by inputting the extended image data id_ex and the framing information fr.

(8) In the above embodiment, the user setting image im_us is printed by the printer 300. However, the user setting image im_us is not necessary to be printed, and electronic scaling processing is performed on the display unit 150 or the monitor of the personal computer 200 based on the area magnification. Only the user setting image im_us may be displayed.

  As described above, the digital camera and the framing frame adjustment method according to the present invention have been described based on the embodiments. However, the embodiments of the present invention described above are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention. It is not limited. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image processing system including a digital camera 100 as an embodiment. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows imaging | photography in the framing frame adjustable image imaging | photography mode. Explanatory drawing which shows user setting image im_us which is an image of a user setting image area | region. Explanatory drawing which shows the format of the image data file idf. Explanatory drawing which shows the user setting image im_us printed on the L-size paper. Explanatory drawing which shows the digital camera 100 at the time of edit mode. Explanatory drawing which shows the example which changes the area | region magnification of the framing frame ff within the expansion image im_ex.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Digital camera 110 ... Image pick-up part 120 ... Recording part 130 ... Memory | storage part 140 ... Trimming execution part 150 ... Display part 151 ... Frame | frame_frame_adjustable image photographing mode button 152 ... Edit mode button 153 ... Zoom button 153a ... Wide-angle button 153b ... Telephoto button 154 ... Move button 155 ... Cancel button 200 ... Personal computer 300 ... Printer 310 .. Input unit 320 ... Scaling unit 330 ... Printing unit id_ex ... Extended image data idf ... Image data file im_us ... User setting image im_maxus ... Maximum user setting image im_ex ... Extension Image im_fr ... Framing frame adjustment image fr ... Framing information ff, ff1, ff2 ... Framing frame

Claims (7)

A digital camera,
An image data acquisition unit that acquires image data using an image sensor;
A display unit functioning as a viewfinder of the digital camera;
A magnification adjustment unit for adjusting the electronic zoom magnification;
A shooting mode designating unit for designating one shooting mode from a plurality of shooting modes;
An image file creation unit that creates an image file including image data of an image shot in the designated mode and records the image file in a memory;
With
The electronic zoom magnification is a user setting image, which is an area of an image displayed on the entire display unit, with a dimension of a maximum user setting image area that is a maximum area on the image sensor that can be set as an imaging target by a user. Divided by the dimensions of the area,
In the plurality of shooting modes, a framing frame adjustment image area is provided on an outer periphery of the maximum user setting image area, and an image of an extended image area including the maximum user setting image area and the framing frame adjustment image area is captured. Including framing frame adjustable image capture mode
The image file creation unit displays framing information representing a framing frame indicating the user-set image area variably set based on the electronic zoom magnification when shooting is performed in the framing frame adjustable image shooting mode. Register in the image file along with the data,
Digital camera. The digital camera according to claim 1,
The plurality of shooting modes further include a normal shooting mode for shooting an image of the maximum user setting image area,
The framing frame adjustment image area is set as an area wider than an additional image area set on the outer periphery of the maximum user setting image area in the normal shooting mode.
Digital camera. The digital camera according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:
A trimming execution unit that creates framing image data representing an image of the user-set image area by performing trimming on the image data based on the framing information;
Digital camera equipped with. The digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The display unit is configured to remove the framing frame adjustment image area from an image of the extended image area captured by an image sensor of the digital camera when the framing frame adjustable image capturing mode is selected. A framing image display mode for displaying an image of the user setting image area based on the image area and the electronic zoom magnification adjusted by the magnification adjustment unit;
Digital camera. The digital camera according to claim 4,
The display unit has an extended image display mode for reading an image file recorded in the memory in the framing frame adjustable image capturing mode and displaying an image of the extended image area.
Digital camera. The digital camera according to claim 5, further comprising:
A framing frame adjustment unit for adjusting the framing frame within the extended image area when an image is displayed on the display unit in the extended image display mode;
Digital camera. A framing frame adjustment method,
Acquiring image data using an image sensor;
Displaying images on the viewfinder of the digital camera;
Adjusting the electronic zoom magnification;
Designating one shooting mode from a plurality of shooting modes;
Creating an image file including image data of an image taken in the designated mode and recording it in a memory;
With
The electronic zoom magnification is a user-set image area that is an area of an image displayed on the entire viewfinder, with the size of the maximum user-set image area that is the maximum area on the image sensor that can be set as an imaging target by the user. Divided by the dimensions of
In the plurality of shooting modes, a framing frame adjustment image area is provided on an outer periphery of the maximum user setting image area, and an image of an extended image area including the maximum user setting image area and the framing frame adjustment image area is captured. Including framing frame adjustable image capture mode
In the step of creating the image file and recording it in the memory, the user-set image area that is variably set based on the electronic zoom magnification when shooting is performed in the framing frame adjustable image shooting mode. Registering framing information representing a framing frame in the image file together with image data;
Framing frame adjustment method.

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