JP2948974B2 - Imaging system, electronic camera, computer system for controlling electronic camera, and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an imaging system, an electronic camera, a computer system for controlling the electronic camera, and a control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Electronic cameras for photographing a subject and outputting an analog video signal or digital image data representing the photographed subject image include a video camera, a still video camera (electronic still camera), and a digital still camera. There are video cameras (digital electronic still cameras) and the like.

In these electronic cameras, setting of so-called camera control parameters for photographing and image processing such as exposure amount (aperture value and shutter speed), white balance, etc. (in the case of automatic setting) as well as shutter release. Has been performed on the electronic camera side using switches and buttons provided on the electronic camera.

[0004] Electronic cameras, especially digital-type electronic cameras that provide digital image data, have recently attracted attention because of the potential for developing applications coupled with computer systems. For example, it is possible to create a new medium by storing image data representing an object image obtained from an electronic camera on a recording medium such as an optical disk or a magnetic disk provided in a computer system, or by editing these. it can. This new media is a public relations, advertisement, presentation of materials,
It can be used for providing information.

In order to create such new media, image data obtained by photographing with an electronic camera must be transmitted to a computer system. In general, image data has a large capacity and therefore takes a long time for transmission.

[0006] Before storing image data representing an image of a subject taken by an electronic camera in a recording medium, it is important to check whether or not the subject is properly taken. If the shooting is not appropriate, it is necessary to redo the shooting.

In order to visually check whether or not a subject is properly photographed, it is necessary to display a subject image represented by digital image data obtained from an electronic camera on a display device. In order to display a subject image on the screen of a display device provided in a computer system, it is necessary to transmit all image data from the electronic camera to the computer system. is not.

As described above, the setting of camera control parameters for photographing is performed in the electronic camera. It is complicated for the operator of the computer system to go to the installation location of the electronic camera and make adjustments every time the imaging conditions are changed.

Further, it is not always preferable to always store the entire subject image photographed by an electronic camera in a recording medium. In some cases, only a part of the captured subject image is required. If only necessary image data is cut out and stored in a recording medium, the capacity can be saved. It is also required that the image stored in the recording medium be enlarged or reduced as necessary.

[0010] From such a viewpoint, in an imaging system configured by combining an electronic camera and a computer system, operations for photographing, operations for image data communication, and storage of image data on a recording medium are performed. It is desired to be able to perform all operations and the like in a computer system.

[0011]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION A main object of the present invention is to enable quick and short transmission of image data from an electronic camera to a computer system for confirmation of a photographed image and for storage in a recording medium. Is to do so.

It is another object of the present invention to enable image data processed so as to be suitable for storage on a recording medium to be obtained from an electronic camera.

It is still another object of the present invention to enable a computer system to perform photographing by an electronic camera and to set conditions for photographing.

An imaging system according to the present invention includes an electronic camera having electronic imaging processing means for photographing a subject and generating image data representing the photographed subject image, and a display device and an input device. It is composed of computer systems connected by a communication path.

The electronic camera generates an image memory for storing the image data generated by the electronic image processing means, and generates reduced image data representing a reduced image of the image represented by the image data stored in the image memory. A reduced image data generating means, and a first instruction for generating reduced image data by the reduced image data generating means when a preview instruction is given from the computer system, and transmitting the reduced image data to the computer system. Response means.

The computer system may further comprise: first command means for transmitting the preview command to the electronic camera when a preview input is given through the input device; When receiving the reduced image data transmitted from the first response means, the first display control means causes the display device to display a preview reduced image represented by the reduced image data, and the first display control means Under the display control, the main image cutout area specifying means for specifying the area where the main image is to be cut out on the preview reduced image displayed on the display device, and the main image cutout area specifying means. Means for providing a get input for capturing image data representing the main image corresponding to the area

The present invention also provides a method for controlling the above-mentioned imaging system, an electronic camera and a computer system constituting the above-mentioned imaging system, and a method for controlling them.

According to the present invention, when a preview instruction is given from a computer system to an electronic camera, reduced image data representing a reduced image of a subject image captured by the electronic camera is generated. The generated reduced image data is transmitted to the computer. The reduced image is displayed on the display device. Since the data amount of the image data is small, the transmission time can be reduced. By looking at the displayed preview reduced image, it can be determined whether or not a good image has been obtained. Further, in the computer system, it is possible to specify an area where the main image is to be cut out on the displayed preview reduced image. The electronic camera can be configured so that the main image data of the specified area is transmitted from the electronic camera to the computer system in accordance with the specification of the area. The main image data of a desired area can be displayed on a display device of a computer system or stored in a recording medium.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
The electronic camera, when a get command including data specifying a magnification of the main image and an area from which the main image is to be cut out is given from the computer system, a magnification specified for the image data of the specified area. A second image data which is generated and transmitted to the computer system.
Response means.

The computer system, when given the magnification of the main image, the designation of the area from which the main image is to be cut out, and the get input of the main image through the input device, receives the magnification and the given magnification. Second command means for transmitting the get command including data specifying an area to the electronic camera, and main image data transmitted from the second response means of the electronic camera in response to the get command. A second display control means for displaying the main image represented by the main image data on the display device when received is further provided.

[0021]

Also, since the main image data transmitted from the electronic camera to the computer system is only in the designated area, the data amount is generally smaller than the image data of the entire area, and the transmission time is reduced. Also helps.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the computer system transmits a photographing command to the electronic camera prior to the preview command. The electronic camera controls the electronic imaging processing unit to start capturing a subject image in response to the capturing command.

Thus, the shutter release of the electronic camera can be performed in the computer system.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention,
The computer system includes a control parameter instructing unit that sets a control parameter for photographing a subject image by the electronic imaging processing unit of the electronic camera in the input device and transmits the set control parameter to the electronic camera. In addition. The electronic imaging processing means of the electronic camera executes an imaging process according to the control parameter given by the control parameter command means.

In the computer system, since control parameters representing the photographing conditions of the electronic camera can be set, all photographing operations for the electronic camera can be performed by the computer system.

[0027]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the configuration of an imaging system.

The imaging system includes an electronic camera 10 for photographing the object OB and generating image data representing the image of the object, and a host computer 30 connected to the electronic camera 10 via a communication path. The electronic camera 10 is, for example, a digital electronic still camera.

A monitor display device 25 for displaying a subject image is connected to the electronic camera 10. Monitor display device
25 may be a viewfinder integrated with the electronic camera 10.

A display device 40 is connected to the host computer 30. The display device 40 displays a subject image photographed using the electronic camera 10, camera control parameters, capture commands, and the like, which will be described in detail later. . A keyboard 36 and a mouse 37 as input devices and an optical disk device 38 for recording image data are connected to the host computer 30.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the imaging system shown in FIG.

The photographing operation of the electronic camera 10, image data processing, transmission processing, and the like are controlled by a CPU 17 that operates based on commands transmitted from a host computer 30. The electronic camera 10 includes a communication interface 22 for receiving commands transmitted from the host computer 30 and transmitting image data to the host computer 30.

An electronic camera 10 is provided with an imaging optical system 11 including a stop for forming a subject image, a zoom / lens mechanism, and the like, and is arranged at a position where the subject image is formed, and outputs a video signal representing the taken subject image. And a process circuit 13 that performs color separation, white balance adjustment, black balance adjustment, and the like on the video signal output from the CCD 12 to obtain an RGB signal. Aperture control and zoom amount adjustment in the imaging optical system 11, so-called electronic shutter control (shot timing and shutter speed control) in the CCD 12, and white balance and black balance adjustment in the process circuit 13 are output from the camera control register 16. This is performed based on the control signal.

The electronic camera 10 further includes a process circuit 13
Analog / digital (A / D) conversion circuits 14, A for converting RGB signals output from
An image memory 15 for storing digital image data converted by the / D conversion circuit 14, a thinning circuit 21 for thinning out image data of one pixel at an appropriate ratio for reducing an image, and a main memory 20 are included. . In the main memory 20, a transfer buffer 20A for temporarily storing image data to be transmitted to the host computer 30, and a camera for storing camera control parameters for adjusting the zoom amount, controlling the shutter, and adjusting the white balance and the black balance. A control parameter storage unit 20B is provided. The image memory 15 has a capacity capable of storing at least one frame of image data.

Further, the electronic camera 10 includes a digital / analog (D / A) conversion circuit 23 for converting digital image data into an analog video signal in order to display the photographed subject image on the monitor display device 25.

The host computer 30 includes a CPU 31, and the CPU 31 controls the host computer 30.
Is controlled. The CPU 31 creates various data, commands, and the like, which will be described later, based on input signals provided to the CPU 31 from a keyboard 36 and a mouse 37 connected to the host computer 30.

The host computer 30 includes a communication interface 33 for transmitting data and commands created by the CPU 31 to the electronic camera 10 and receiving image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10. Done through 33.

Further, the host computer 30 includes a main memory 32 and a display memory 34. The main memory 32 includes a transfer buffer 32A for storing image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10, a keyboard 36 or a mouse 37.
And a camera control parameter storage unit 32B for storing camera control parameters such as an exposure amount, a black balance, and a white balance set on the screen of the display device 40.
The display memory 34 stores data representing images, characters, and symbols displayed on the display device 40.

An optical disk device 38 is connected to the host computer 30, and the optical disk device 38 records image data on an optical disk.

As indicated by the chain line, the host computer 30
With a monitor display device 25A.
The electronic camera 10 may be directly connected to the electronic camera 10 such that the subject image captured by the electronic camera 10 is displayed on the monitor display device 25A and can be viewed while operating the host computer 30.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing processing procedures such as imaging, transmission, display, and recording in the imaging system. FIG. 3 shows the processing procedure in the host computer 30, and FIG. Are respectively shown. FIG. 5 shows various areas set on the screen of the display device 40. FIG. 6 shows a display example of a partial area among various areas set on the screen of the display device 40, and mainly shows a display example of a setup area. 7 to 21 show examples of screens displayed on the display device 40. FIG.

When the power of the host computer 30 is turned on, an initial screen is displayed on the display device 40 (step in FIG. 3).
61).

As shown in FIG. 5, the screen of the display device 40 has a menu display area 106, a setup area 100, a capture command input area 102, and a preview image display area.
101, a camera control parameter display area 104, a parameter setting area 105, and a main image display area 103 are displayed as necessary. Although not shown in FIG. 5, when a preview image is displayed in the preview image display area 101, a histogram window for displaying the pixel level histogram of the preview image is displayed on the screen of the display device 40 as described later. Is displayed. On the initial screen, a menu display area 106, a setup area 100, a capture command input area 102, a preview image display area 101, and a camera control parameter display area 104 are displayed.

In the menu display area 106, "file",
Menus such as "Edit" and "Setup" are displayed. “File” is clicked using the mouse 37 when performing a process of transferring data recorded on the optical disc to the main memory 32, a process of transferring data stored in the main memory 32 to the optical disc, or the like. "Edit" is clicked using the mouse 37 when reading data recorded on the optical disk and displaying an image represented by the data in a specific area. “Setup” is clicked when setting camera control parameters.

The setup process of the camera control data (step 62 in FIG. 3) which is started by clicking “setup” will be described below with reference to FIGS. The setup of the camera control parameters is performed while the host computer 30 and the electronic camera 10 communicate with each other.

The setup items are roughly classified into select and adjust as shown in FIG. The select includes items of input, flash, exposure, positive / negative, and LUT (lookup table).
The adjustment includes exposure, black balance, and white balance. When "Setup" is clicked, these items are displayed in the setup area.

The "input" is clicked when selecting the source, mode, etc. of the input image data. When "input" is clicked, items representing the source, mode, and the like are displayed. FIG. 6 shows a “camera” (meaning the electronic camera 10) as an example of a source of image data. When capturing image data from the electronic camera 10, this "camera" is clicked.

"Flash" is for setting whether or not to emit a flash. When "Flash" is clicked, "On" and "Off" are displayed, and the mouse 37
Can be used to select either one.

Regarding the adjustment of the exposure amount, an auto (AE) function for automatically adjusting the exposure in the electronic camera 10, a remote function for the operator to set the exposure in the host computer 30, and an exposure for the operator in the electronic camera 10 There are three types of manual functions for setting "Exposure" is clicked when any one of the above three functions is selected. When the "exposure" of the select is clicked,
“AE”, “remote”, and “manual” are displayed, and the operator can select any of these functions using the mouse 37.

"Positive / Negative" sets whether to perform positive photographing (normal photographing) or negative photographing (white and black levels are inverted and suitable for photographing a negative film). When "positive / negative" is clicked, "positive" and "negative" are displayed, and either one can be selected.

"LUT" is for setting gradation characteristics. "Default" and "L"
UT1 ”to“ LUT5 ”. “Default” is a predetermined most common gradation characteristic, and “LU”
“T1” to “LUT5” indicate types of gradation characteristics that can be arbitrarily determined by the user of this imaging system. "LU
When "T" is clicked, "Default" and "LU"
"T1" to "LUT5" are displayed, and one of them is selected.

The "exposure" adjustment is clicked in the "remote" mode, that is, when the exposure amount is set in the host computer 30. When "exposure" is clicked, the content suitable for setting the exposure amount is displayed in the parameter setting area 105 of the display screen of the display device 40, and the setting of the exposure can be performed in the host computer 30.

The "black balance" is for adjusting the black balance. When "black balance" is clicked, a screen suitable for adjusting the black balance is displayed in the parameter setting area 105 of the display screen of the display device 40, and the black balance can be adjusted.

"White balance" is for adjusting the white balance. When “white balance” is clicked, the parameter setting area 105 on the display screen of the display device 40 is displayed.
Then, a screen suitable for white balance adjustment is displayed, and white balance adjustment can be performed.

FIG. 7 shows that “camera” is selected for “input” among the above-mentioned set item selections.
The display example shows a state in which “off” is set for “flash”, “positive” is set for “positive / negative”, and “LUT1” is set for “LUT”. Parameter display area 104
Will be displayed. The five items of “select” may be set in any order, but here, “exposure” is set last.

To set any one of “AE”, “remote”, and “manual” modes for adjusting the exposure amount, click “exposure” in the select area displayed in the setup area 100. ","remote"
And "Manual" are displayed. One of the modes is selected using the mouse 37.

For example, if "remote" is clicked, "remote" is displayed in "exposure" of the camera control parameter display area 104 as shown in FIG.

As described above, “remote” is a mode in which the operator adjusts the exposure amount in the host computer 30. Therefore, the operator clicks “exposure” of “adjust” as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the parameter setting area 105 of the display screen of the display device 40 is displayed.
Then, a screen suitable for adjusting the exposure amount is displayed.

The exposure amount is adjusted by the aperture value in this embodiment. The shutter speed is fixed. Needless to say, the shutter speed may be settable.

In the parameter setting area 105 shown in FIG. 10, the range of the aperture value (open aperture value: open F and fully closed aperture value: closed F) and the current aperture value (current value F) are displayed. The current value F is the current aperture value of the aperture in the electronic camera 10, and the value transmitted from the electronic camera 10 to the host computer 30 is displayed.

The operator can set a desired aperture value by changing the length of the scroll bar 105A using the mouse 37. The aperture value represented by the length of the scroll bar 105A is displayed numerically as the current value. When the operator clicks "OK", the aperture value is set to the aperture value represented by the length of the scroll bar 105A at that time. The set aperture value is displayed in the camera control parameter display area 104 as shown in FIG. The set-up data for the set aperture value is transmitted to the electronic camera 10, stored in the camera control parameter storage area 20B, and the aperture is adjusted to the set aperture value (steps 81 and 82 in FIG. 4).

In the parameter setting area 105, there is also a display of "cancel", and by clicking this, the set aperture value can be canceled.

Next, the black balance adjustment will be described.

When "black balance" displayed in the setup area 100 is clicked as shown in FIG. 12, contents suitable for black balance adjustment are displayed in the parameter setting area 105 as shown in FIG.

As described above, "AE", "REMOTE", and "MANUAL" could be selected in the "select" item for "exposure", but the "select" item for black balance. Not included. Therefore, the parameter setting area 105 includes an indication of "auto" so that automatic adjustment can be selected also for black balance adjustment. When the operator clicks “Auto”,
The fact is transmitted from the host computer 30 to the electronic camera 10, and the electronic camera 10 automatically performs black balance adjustment (steps 81 and 82 in FIG. 4).

The black balance adjustment is performed for red and blue. Similarly to the setting of the aperture value, the black balance is adjusted by operating the mouse 37 to adjust the length of the scroll bars 105R and 105B to a desired value. The setting values for red and blue represented by the lengths of the scroll bars 105R and 105B are displayed by numbers.

When the display of “OK” is clicked, these set values are transmitted to the electronic camera 10. Electronic camera 10
Receives the black balance set value, and performs black balance adjustment according to the set value (step 8 in FIG. 4).
1, 82). "Cancel" is also displayed in the parameter setting area 105.

The black balance set value is displayed in the camera control parameter display area 104 as shown in FIG. The white balance adjustment is performed in the same manner as the black balance adjustment.

When "white balance" displayed in the setup area 100 is clicked as shown in FIG. 15, contents suitable for white balance adjustment are displayed in the parameter setting area 105 as shown in FIG.

As for the white balance adjustment, "auto" is included in the parameter setting area 105 so that the automatic adjustment can be selected in the same manner as the black balance adjustment. When the operator clicks "Auto", the fact is transmitted from the host computer 30 to the electronic camera 10, and the electronic camera 10 automatically performs black balance adjustment (steps 81 and 82 in FIG. 4).

The white balance adjustment is also performed for red and blue. The white balance is also adjusted by operating the mouse 37 so that the length of the scroll bars 105R and 105B becomes a desired value. Scroll bar 105 R, 105 B
The set values for red and blue represented by the lengths of are represented by numbers, respectively.

When the display of “OK” is clicked, these set values are transmitted to the electronic camera 10. Electronic camera 10
When the white balance set value is received in step (1), white balance adjustment is performed according to the set value (steps 81 and 82 in FIG. 4).

All the camera control data set in the setup mode in this way are displayed in the camera control data display area 104 as shown in FIG. 17, and the camera control parameters in the main memory 30 of the host computer 30 are displayed. Main memory of storage unit 32B and electronic camera 10
The 20 camera control parameter storage units 20B are stored. In the electronic camera 10, a camera control parameter storage unit 20B
The adjustment is performed based on the camera control data stored in the.

Further, a lens position for focusing, a zoom magnification, and the like are also stored in the camera control parameter storage section 32B.
May be stored.

Subsequently, the capture command input area 102
Will be described.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the capture command input area 102, “input”, “frame”, “shot”, “get”, “window”, “file”, “X”, “Y”, "W", "H", "remaining capacity",
The “data amount” and the “magnification” are displayed, and a subject image captured by the electronic camera 10 is displayed in the preview image display area 101.

The “input” and the “frame” are used to select a source from which a video signal representing an image to be displayed on the monitor display device 25 is obtained. In the “input” mode, a video signal obtained from the CCD 12 is directly supplied to the monitor display device 25 via the process circuit 13 without passing through the image memory 15. The CCD 12 is capable of selectively switching between normal NTSC driving (640 × 480 pixels) and high-vision driving (1280 × 960 pixels). Since the monitor display device 25 operates at the NTSC rate, in the "input" mode, the CCD 12
It is driven by TSC. On the other hand, in the “frame” mode, the image data stored in the image memory 15 is stored in the D / A
The data is supplied to the monitor display device 25 via the conversion circuit 23, and an image represented by the image data is displayed.
A switching circuit controlled by the CPU 17 to switch between a through video signal (“input” mode) output from the process circuit 13 and a video signal (“frame” mode) output from the D / A conversion circuit 23 26 are provided.

In FIG. 18, a black circle is added to “frame”, indicating that the “frame” mode is set. The processing of steps 83 to 90 shown in FIG. 4 also shows the operation in the “frame” mode.

The "shot" is a command for causing the electronic camera 10 to photograph a subject and for thinning out image data obtained by the photographing and transmitting the data to the host computer. Image data obtained by photographing with the electronic camera 10 in response to the click of the "shot" is temporarily stored in the image memory 15, reduced to 1/8 as described later, and transmitted to the host computer 30, The preview image is displayed in the preview image display area 101 as a preview image.
The shooting of the subject image is performed by driving the CCD 12 with high vision. When a “shot” command is given, the mode automatically switches to the “frame” mode, and an image represented by the image data stored in the image memory 15 is displayed on the monitor display device 25.

When the "shot" is clicked, a histogram window 107 for displaying the pixel level histogram of the preview image is displayed on the screen of the display device 40. Since the color level distribution of the preview image is displayed in the histogram window 107, it can be used for setting the optimum shooting conditions.

“Get” is a command for instructing the host computer 30 to finally capture image data obtained by photographing with the electronic camera 10 and “Frame”.
Meaningful in mode. Generally, as will be described later, a "shot" is displayed in the preview image display area 101 by clicking, and "get" is clicked after designating an area and a magnification (resolution).

The "window" and the "file" specify the destination of the image data to be taken in by the "get" command. When "window" is clicked,
The image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is stored in the transfer buffer 32A of the main memory 32, and the image represented by the image data is displayed in the main image display area 103 of the display device 40. When "File" is clicked,
The image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is stored in the transfer buffer 32A of the main memory 32, and then, if necessary, stored in the optical disk by the optical disk device 38 while being processed.

“X”, “Y”, “W”, and “H” are used to specify an image area to be captured by a “get” command on the preview image. As shown in FIG. 19, “X” and “Y” represent the X and Y coordinates of a corner of the designated area, “W” represents the width of the designated area, and “H” represents the width of the designated area.
Represents the height of the designated area. By inputting these "X", "Y", "W" and "H" values by operating the mouse 37, a desired area can be designated.

The magnification is used to select the resolution of an image to be captured in accordance with a “get” command. In this embodiment, one of 1 ×, 0.5 ×, 0.25 ×, and 0.125 × is selected by the mouse 37. be able to. Imaging optical system 11
If the enlargement ratio of the zoom mechanism included in the camera can be set in the host computer 30, the photographing magnification can be set to a value exceeding 1 ×. In this embodiment, a value exceeding 1 is set as the magnification only when the operator manually operates the zoom mechanism of the electronic camera 10 to enlarge the image.

The “remaining capacity” indicates the remaining capacity of the transfer buffer 32A of the main memory 32 of the host computer 30.

The "data amount" indicates the amount of image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 in response to the "get" command.

Referring again to FIG. 3 and FIG.
In response to input of various commands from the capture command input area 102 of the computer 30, the electronic camera 10 captures an image of a subject, transmits image data obtained by the imaging to the host computer 30, and transmits the image data to the display device 40. The display process will be described in a unified manner.

The above-described setup processing (step in FIG. 3)
62), the host computer 30 waits for the “shot” click (step 63) or specifies the area,
The process waits for the designation of the magnification and the destination of the taken image data (step 68).

When "shot" is clicked (step 63), a shot command is created by the CPU 31 (step 64). The created shot command is transmitted to the electronic camera 10.

Subsequently, a preview command is created (step 65 in FIG. 3). This preview command
This is a command to reduce the image data obtained by imaging (in this embodiment, uniformly 1/8) and transmit the image data.

When the electronic camera 10 receives the shot command (step 83 in FIG. 4), the photographing of the object OB and necessary image data processing are performed under the conditions of the camera control parameters which have been set.

The image data obtained by imaging and processing is stored in the image memory 15 (step 84 in FIG. 4).

Subsequently, when the preview command is received by the electronic camera 10 (step 85 in FIG. 4), the frame mode is set in the input mode, and the image data stored in the image memory 15 is read. Pull circuit
Given to 21. In the thinning circuit 21, 160
The image data is uniformly thinned out to 1/8 so that the image data becomes 120 pixels in the vertical direction. The thinned image data is provided from the thinning circuit 21 to the transfer buffer 20A and is temporarily stored (step 86 in FIG. 4). The image data temporarily stored in the transfer buffer 20A is transferred to the host computer 30.
Sent to.

When the host computer 30 receives the 1/8 reduced image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10, the preview image data is transferred to the transfer buffer.
It is temporarily stored in 32A (step 66 in FIG. 3). The image data stored in the transfer buffer 32A is stored in the transfer buffer 32A.
The preview image represented by the image data is displayed in the preview image display area 101 (step 67 in FIG. 3). One example of the preview image displayed in the preview image display area 101 is shown in FIG.

The operator can check the preview image to confirm whether an image having a desired angle, size, image quality, or the like has been obtained. If necessary, the camera control parameters may be reset (step 62 in FIG. 3).

In order to check whether desired image data has been obtained on the host computer 30, it is necessary to use an electronic camera.
It is necessary to transmit the captured image data from 10 to the host computer 30. One frame of image data is 12
Since the data amount is as large as 80 × 960 pixels (1228 Kbytes for one byte per pixel, three times that for color), data transmission takes a long time. As described above, the preview image data is reduced to 1/8 and transmitted from the electronic camera 10 to the host computer 30, so that the transmission time can be shortened.

When the operator confirms that a good image has been obtained by looking at the preview image, it is necessary to finally capture the captured image data. Entire frame (1280 x 960)
May be fetched, but in general, only a part is often required. Therefore, the operator specifies the area of the image to be captured, the magnification, and the capture destination on the preview image as shown in FIG. 19 (YES in step 68 in FIG. 3). Subsequently, the operator clicks “Get” (FIG. 3, step 69)
And YES). Then, a get command including the specified area and magnification is created and transmitted to the electronic camera 10 (step 70 in FIG. 3).

As described above, when an enlarged image is desired, the operator can manually operate the zoom mechanism of the electronic camera 10 to set a desired magnification. In this case, the operator clicks “shot” again to repeat shooting and preview of the subject.

When the electronic camera 10 receives the get command (step 88 in FIG. 4), the image data of the designated area is read from the image memory 15.

When the magnification is smaller than 1, the image memory 15
The image data read out from is supplied to a thinning circuit 21, and thinning is performed according to the set magnification. The image data is temporarily stored in the transfer buffer 20A (step 89 in FIG. 4) and then transmitted to the host computer 30 (step 90 in FIG. 4).

As described above, since only the image data of the area that is truly required is transmitted from the electronic camera 10, the transmission time of the image data can be reduced.

The image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is received by the host computer 30 (step 71 in FIG. 3). When the image data is received, the image data is transferred to the previously specified destination. That is, when the capture destination is a “window” (main memory), the received image data is transferred to the transfer buffer 32 of the main memory 32.
A and the image represented by the image data is displayed in the main image display area 103 of the display device 40 as shown in FIG. 20 (step 73 in FIG. 3). If the destination is a "file", the received image data is temporarily stored in the main memory 32, then processed as necessary, transferred to the optical disk device 38, and recorded on the optical disk (step 75 in FIG. 3). ). At this time, the main image display area 103
Does not display an image (see FIG. 21), but it may be displayed.

The operator may set the capture destination to "window" and click on "file" after seeing the subject image displayed in the main image display area 103. In response, the image data stored in the main memory 32 is recorded on the optical disk (YES in step 74 of FIG. 3, step 7
Five). Of course, you can start over from the "shot" command again without clicking "file".

In the capture command input area 102, the remaining capacity of the main memory 32 and the data amount of the transmitted image data are displayed. Can be entered. When the remaining capacity of the main memory 32 is smaller than the data amount of the image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10, it is preferable to prohibit the input of the "get" command.

FIG. 22 shows another embodiment, and is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of an imaging system. In this figure, the same components as those shown in FIG.

The imaging system shown in FIG. 22 differs from the imaging system shown in FIG. 2 in that a display device 40, a keyboard 36, and a mouse 37 are connected to the electronic camera 10A. The electronic camera 10A can communicate with the host computer 30A capable of recording image data on the magnetic disk 39A and the optical disk 39B via the communication interface 24.

In such an electronic camera 10, camera control parameters set using the display device 40, keyboard 36 or mouse 37 are directly stored in the camera control register 16. Image data obtained by imaging is provided to the display device 40 without being sent to the host computer 30A, and a preview image and a main image are displayed. Then, only the image data of the desired magnification in the necessary area is transmitted to the host computer 30A, and the magnetic disk
The data can be recorded on the optical disk 39A or the optical disk 39B or stored in the transfer buffer 18A of the main memory 18.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an imaging system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the imaging system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a host computer.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the electronic camera.

FIG. 5 shows a plurality of display areas displayed on the display device.

FIG. 6 shows contents displayed in a partial area of the display device.

FIG. 7 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 8 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 9 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 10 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 11 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 12 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 13 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 14 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 15 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 16 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 17 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 18 illustrates a display example on a display device.

FIG. 19 illustrates a display example on a display device.

FIG. 20 illustrates a display example on a display device.

FIG. 21 illustrates a display example on a display device.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing another embodiment and showing an electrical configuration of an imaging system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 10A Electronic camera 11 Imaging optical system 12 CCD 13 Process circuit 14 A / D conversion circuit 15 Image memory 17, 31 CPU 18, 20, 32 Main memory 21 Thinning circuit 22, 24, 33 Communication interface 30, 30A Host Computer 36 Keyboard 37 Mouse 40 Display

Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-4-4679 (JP, A) JP-A-63-69383 (JP, A) JP-A-1-185077 (JP, A) JP-A-4-887 (JP, A) , A) JP-A-1-114834 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) H04N 5/232 G06T 1/00 H04N 5/225

Claims (28)

(57) [Claims] An electronic camera having electronic image processing means for photographing a subject and generating image data representing the photographed subject image, and a display device and an input device connected to the electronic camera via a communication path. Table constructed from the computer system, the electronic camera, an image memory for storing image data generated by the electronic imaging processing unit, the image data stored in the image memory has
Reduced image data generating means for generating <br/> the reduced image data representing a reduced image of I the image to be, and when the preview command is given from the computer system, the reduced image data in the reduced image data generating means And generating first response means for transmitting the reduced image data to the computer system, wherein the computer system receives the preview when the preview input is given through the input device. First command means for transmitting a command to the electronic camera; when receiving the reduced image data transmitted from the first response means of the electronic camera in response to the preview command, the first command means is represented by the reduced image data; First display control means for displaying a reduced preview image to be displayed on the display device, wherein the first display control means The main image cut-out area specifying means for specifying a region to be cut out of the main image based on the display control in the display device in the displayed the preview on the reduced image that, and designated by the main image extraction area specifying means
An imaging system comprising: means for providing a get input for capturing image data representing the main image corresponding to the selected area . 2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein
The command means transmits a photographing command to the electronic camera prior to the preview command. The electronic camera controls the electronic image pickup processing means to start photographing a subject image in response to the photographing command. The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a photographing control unit that performs the operation. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein when a get command including data specifying a magnification of a main image and an area from which the main image is to be cut out is given from the computer system, image data of the specified area is obtained. And a second responding means for generating main image data having a magnification designated for the electronic camera and transmitting the main image data to the computer system, wherein the computer system responds to the get command by the second camera of the electronic camera. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second display control unit configured to display a main image represented by the main image data on the display device when the main image data transmitted from the response unit is received. system. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the designated magnification is 1 or less, the second response means reduces the image data stored in the image memory at the designated magnification by the image reduction means. The imaging system according to claim 3, wherein the imaging system creates data. 5. The electronic camera further comprises a zoom mechanism for enlarging and forming an image of a subject, and means for detecting a magnification by the zoom mechanism. 4. The imaging system according to claim 3, wherein a magnification greater than 1 can be specified in the input device of the computer system. 6. The image system according to claim 3, wherein the preview reduced image and the main image are displayed in separate display areas on the display device of the computer system. 7. The computer system further includes an internal main memory and an external storage device, and the input device further includes a selection unit that selects one of the internal main memory and the external storage device. 4. The imaging system according to claim 3, wherein the system includes storage control means for storing the received main image data in one of the internal main memory and the external storage device in accordance with the selection by the selection means. . 8. The computer system further comprises means for calculating the remaining capacity of the internal main memory and the capacity of the received main image data, and controlling the capacity to be displayed on the display device. The imaging system according to claim 7, wherein: 9. The computer system sets, in the input device, control parameters for photographing a subject image by electronic image processing means of the electronic camera, and transmits the set control parameters to the electronic camera. 2. The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a control parameter command unit, wherein the electronic imaging processing unit of the electronic camera executes an imaging process according to the control parameter given by the control parameter command unit. 3. 10. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera is provided with or connected to a monitor display device that displays a subject image captured by the electronic imaging processing unit. 11. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein a monitor display device for displaying a subject image picked up by said electronic image pickup processing means of said electronic camera is provided or connected to said computer system. . 12. The computer system, wherein the display device, the input device, the first command means and the first display control means are provided in the electronic camera, and a computer system connected to the electronic camera by a communication path has an internal main unit. The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a memory and an external storage device. 13. A computer system in which the display device, the input device, the first command means, and the first and second display control means are provided in the electronic camera, and are connected to the electronic camera by a communication path. The imaging system according to claim 3, wherein an internal main memory and an external storage device are provided. 14. An electronic imaging processing means capable of being connected to and communicating with a computer system, photographing a subject, and generating image data representing the photographed subject image, and an image generated by the electronic imaging processing means. Image memory for storing data , represented by image data stored in the image memory
Generates reduced image data representing a reduced image of the passed image
Reduced image data generating means for, when a preview instruction from the connected the computer system is given, in the reduced image data generating means to generate reduced image data, and transmits the reduced image data to the computer system First response means,
And when a get command including data specifying the magnification of the main image and the area from which the main image is to be cut out is given from the computer system, the main image data of the specified area is specified for the image data of the specified area. An electronic camera comprising: a second responding unit that creates and transmits to the computer system. 15. A photographing control means for controlling the electronic photographing processing means to start photographing a subject image in response to a photographing command given from the connected computer system. An electronic camera according to claim 1. 16. A display device, an input device for giving a preview input, and a preview command transmitted to the electronic camera when the preview input is given through the input device, the display command being connectable and communicable with the electronic camera. A first display means for displaying, on the display device, a preview reduced image represented by the reduced image data when receiving reduced image data transmitted from the electronic camera in response to the preview command; control means, said first display control means a main image cut-out area specifying means for specifying a region to be cut out of the main image on the original to be displayed on the display device the above preview reduced image display control by, and the Set by main image cutout area designating means
Means for providing a get input for capturing image data representing the main image corresponding to the selected area . 17. The computer system according to claim 16, wherein said first command means transmits a photographing command to said electronic camera prior to said preview command. 18. When a magnification of a main image, a region to be cut out of the main image, and a get input of the main image are given through the input device, the given magnification and region are designated. A second command means for transmitting a get command including the data to be transmitted to the electronic camera, and when the main image data transmitted from the electronic camera is received in response to the get command, the command is represented by the main image data. 17. The computer system according to claim 16, further comprising second display control means for displaying a main image on said display device. 19. An internal main memory and an external storage device are further provided. The input device further comprises a selection means for selecting one of the internal main memory and the external storage device. 17. The computer system according to claim 16, wherein the information is stored in one of the internal main memory and the external storage device in accordance with the selection by the selection unit. 20. A control parameter commanding means for setting a control parameter for photographing a subject image by the electronic camera in the input device and transmitting the set control parameter to the electronic camera. 16. The computer system according to item 16. 21. A method for controlling an electronic camera for photographing a subject and generating image data representing the photographed subject image, and an imaging system including a computer system connected to the electronic camera. However, when a photographing command is given from the computer system, an object is photographed, image data representing the photographed object image is generated, and the generated image data is stored in an image memory. When a preview command is given, a reduced image representing a reduced image of the image represented by the image data stored in the image memory
Image data is generated, and the reduced image data is controlled to be transmitted to the computer system. The computer system provides the electronic camera with the photographing command when a photographing input is given, and provides a preview input with the photographing command. And when the preview command is given to the electronic camera, when the reduced image data transferred from the electronic camera is received in response to the preview command, a preview reduced image represented by the reduced image data is displayed. Control to display the image on the previewed reduced image displayed on the display device.
Specifies an area to be cut out Oite main image, when the target input to the main image is given, a get command to capture the image data representing the specified territory <br/> region to the electronic camera The method of controlling the imaging system to transfer. 22. An imaging system in which the computer system further includes an internal main memory and an external storage device, wherein the computer system converts received main image data into the internal main memory in response to a selection input. 22. The control method of the imaging system according to claim 21, wherein the control is performed such that the data is stored in one of the external storage devices. 23. The computer system, wherein the electronic camera sets control parameters for photographing a subject image by electronic imaging processing means of the electronic camera, and transfers the set control parameters to the electronic camera. 22. The control method for an imaging system according to claim 21, wherein control is performed to execute an imaging process according to a control parameter provided by the computer system. 24. An electronic camera connectable to and communicable with a computer system, when a photographing command is given from the computer system, photographs an object, and generates image data representing the photographed image of the object. The generated image data is stored in an image memory, and when a preview command is given from the computer system, a reduced image representing a reduced image of the image represented by the image data stored in the image memory.
Image data is generated, the reduced image data is transferred to the computer system, and when a get command including data specifying an area from which the main image is to be cut is given from the computer system, the designated area is specified. A method for controlling an electronic camera, wherein main image data of a specified magnification is created for the image data of (1) and transferred to the computer system. 25. The control method for an electronic camera according to claim 24, wherein control is performed so as to start photographing a subject image in response to a photographing command given from the computer system. 26. A computer system connectable to and communicable with an electronic camera, sends a shooting command to the electronic camera when a shooting input is given, and sends the preview command to the electronic camera when a preview input is given. transferred to the camera, when receiving the reduced image data transferred from the electronic camera in response to the preview command, controls to display a preview thumbnail image represented by the reduced image data to the display device, the display On the preview reduced image displayed on the device,
When an area from which the main image is to be cut out is designated, and a get input of the main image is given, a get command for capturing image data representing the designated area is given to the electronic camera. Transmitting a main image data transmitted from the electronic camera in response to the get command, and controlling to display a main image represented by the main image data on a display device; Method. 27. In a computer system further provided with an internal main memory and an external storage device, received main image data is stored in one of the internal main memory and the external storage device in response to a selection input. 27. The control method of a computer system according to claim 26, wherein the control is performed so as to perform the control. 28. The control method of a computer system according to claim 26, wherein a control parameter for photographing a subject image by said electronic camera is set, and control is performed to transfer the set control parameter to said electronic camera.