JP3709408B2 - How to take an electronic camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing method of an electronic camera that records image data on a recording means such as an IC card.

  In recent years, an electronic camera as an imaging device has been proposed that uses an IC card as recording means for recording image data.

  In such a camera, you can usually take a relatively good picture by pressing the shutter button as it is, but in addition to that, manual shooting, that is, various camera settings such as shutter speed and white balance May be taken after the photographer performs.

  Examples of when you need information about camera settings at the time of shooting later include when you want to play back images recorded after shooting, or when you want to view the played back images and shoot again under the same camera setting conditions. Can be mentioned.

  However, with a conventional electronic camera, when re-shooting as described above, it relies on memory and feeling, or the photographer himself wrote down the camera setting conditions on a piece of paper and written on this paper. We had to re-shoot while looking at the information, which was troublesome and cumbersome.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and after easily obtaining the camera setting conditions at the time of shooting a photographed image, the new camera setting conditions corrected by skillfully diverting the setting conditions can be simplified. It is an object of the present invention to provide a photographing method for an electronic camera that can be set as follows.

The electronic camera photographing method of the present invention includes a step of selecting a desired image by an image selection switch and whether or not it is desired to set the same camera setting as when the reproduced image of the selected image is viewed. A step of operating a setting switch when it is determined to make the same camera setting, a step of displaying a camera setting condition set by the camera setting switch, and a correction operation switch for correcting the contents of the displayed camera setting condition A step of displaying the camera setting condition after correction corresponding to the correction amount operated by the correction operation switch, and the camera setting condition after correction by pressing a release button. And a step of actually photographing and recording in a state where various corresponding cameras are set.

According to the present invention, the camera setting data at the time of shooting of already recorded image data can be skillfully diverted by simple operation, and further corrected to be set as camera setting data at the time of new shooting.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an electronic camera.

  This electronic camera uses an IC card 15 as a recording means for recording an image, and an insertion slot for inserting the IC card 15 is provided on the front surface of FIG. 1 of the electronic camera. Is provided.

  An electronic viewfinder (hereinafter abbreviated as EVF in the figure and below) 8 is an image display means and an information display means for observing a subject at the upper right portion of the insertion slot of the IC card 15 of the electronic camera. However, on the left side is a full auto / manual changeover switch 28 for switching the camera setting between auto and manual, and further on the left side whether the electronic camera is set to the recording mode or the playback mode. A mode switch 23 for switching is provided.

  Further, on the upper surface of the electronic camera, an LCD 27 which is information display means for displaying the setting state of the camera, a release button 26 serving as a trigger for instructing operation start at the time of recording is provided on the right front side thereof. On the left side, there is provided an image selection switch 24 comprising a plurality of switches for selecting an image to be read out when reproducing the image data recorded on the IC card 15, and the release button 26 and the image selection are selected. Between the switches 24, a camera setting key 25 for setting the camera when the camera is a manual, and a correction operation key 29 for performing a correction operation such as exposure when the camera is a manual. A two-screen operation key 30 for displaying a two-screen to be described later, an operation key 31 for moving image data to be described later, and an image erasing And the erase key 32 for performing is provided.

  Furthermore, a video signal output terminal 33 is provided on the side surface of the electronic camera, so that an image can be observed by connecting to an external monitor or the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part mainly related to the electrical configuration of the electronic camera.
The subject light image incident through the optical lens 1 is formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 3 through an optical low-pass filter (abbreviated as optical LPF in the drawing) 2 for obtaining a predetermined frequency characteristic. It has become.

  The subject light image is photoelectrically converted by the CCD 3 and output as a video signal, which is input to the imaging process circuit 4 and electrically processed.

  The video signal output from the imaging process circuit 4 is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 5 and then output to the compression / expansion circuit 13 (described later) via the frame memory control circuit 6. On the other hand, the signal is again converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion circuit 7.

  The output signal of the D / A conversion circuit 7 is output as a video signal from the video signal output terminal 33. By connecting a monitor to the video signal output terminal 33, an image can be observed on the monitor. ing.

  On the other hand, the video signal output from the D / A conversion circuit 7 is also supplied to the EVF 8, and an image is displayed on a liquid crystal or the like built in the EVF 8.

  The output of the frame memory control circuit 6 is input to the compression / decompression circuit 13 and compressed to an appropriate amount of data, and then recorded on the IC card 15 as recording means via the card interface 14. ing.

  On the other hand, when reproducing the image data, the image data input from the IC card 15 via the card interface 14 is expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 13, and the frame memory control circuit 6 and the D / A conversion circuit 7 from the video signal output terminal 33.

  The card interface 14 is controlled by a system microcomputer 16 which is a control means for controlling various controls of the camera. The system microcomputer 16 is also electrically connected to a sub-microcomputer 21 which also constitutes the control means. ing.

  An operation button 22 is electrically connected to the sub-microcomputer 21. The operation button 22 includes the above-described mode change switch 23, image selection switch 24, camera setting key 25, release button 26, full auto manual. The switch 28 includes a correction switch 29, a correction operation key 29, a two-screen operation key 30, an operation key 31, and an erase key 32.

  The switch outputs from these are input to the sub-microcomputer 21 and a command is issued to a desired circuit system via the system microcomputer 16.

  An LCD 27 is connected to the sub-microcomputer 21, and each operation status of the operation button 22 is displayed.

  Further, a power source 20 is electrically connected to the sub-microcomputer 21, and a command from the operation button 22 is sent to the power source 20 via the sub-microcomputer 21.

  A lens microcomputer 12 for controlling the lens system is electrically connected to the system microcomputer 16. When a command is input from the operation button 22, the lens microcomputer 12 connects the sub microcomputer 21 and the system microcomputer 16. The command is received via this, the AF / zoom motor 9 is driven, and the zoom operation or AF operation of the lens 1 is performed.

  The lens microcomputer 12 is electrically connected to an AF / photometry gate array (hereinafter abbreviated as AF / photometry G / A) 10 and an electronic volume 11 in the figure, and these AF / photometry G / A 10 and the electronic volume 11 are further electrically connected to the imaging process circuit 4.

  That is, the lens microcomputer 12 takes in a video signal from the imaging process circuit 4 to the AF / photometry G / A 10 to perform an AF operation, and reads a desired AF data value.

  The command input from the camera setting key 25 is sent to the lens microcomputer 12 via the sub microcomputer 21 and the system microcomputer 16, and desired adjustment of the imaging process circuit 4 from the lens microcomputer 12 via the electronic volume 11. A command is sent to the location.

  The lens microcomputer 12 is electrically connected to a photometric sensor 17 for measuring the brightness of the subject via a photometric circuit 18, and the output of the photometric sensor 17 is processed by the lens microcomputer 12. Yes.

  Further, a strobe 19 is electrically connected to the lens microcomputer 12, and when a command is received from the lens microcomputer 12, the strobe 19 emits light and irradiates the subject.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for showing a logical structure of stored data in one IC card 15 as recording means.

  The IC card 15 is configured so as to be able to store a plurality of images in the form of a file in, for example, a DOS (disc operating system) format, and all information regarding each image is denoted by reference signs A1 and A2. , A3, A4... Etc. are recorded in the respective areas.

  The areas for recording information related to one image indicated by these symbols A1, A2, A3, A4,... Are roughly divided into a header section 41 for recording header information, and a digital image that is actually captured from the subject. And an image data recording unit 44 for recording the image data of the subject image converted and recorded.

  The header section 41 includes a standard information header section 42 for recording standard information related to the IC card 15 as header information, and a writing information section for freely recording camera setting conditions and dates as header information. It is further divided into two parts, the header part 43.

  In this way, the IC card 15 stores each image information divided into a plurality of areas.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart showing a procedure related to the operation of the electronic camera.

  When the operation starts after shooting and recording, it is first determined whether or not there is an input for switching the mode from the mode switch 23 (step S1), that is, the camera mode or the playback mode for shooting and recording. Determine whether. If the camera mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S8 described later.

  When the playback mode is entered in step S1, the electronic camera is instructed to perform playback, so playback is performed from the image information recorded in the IC card 15 (step S2).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the currently reproduced image is the desired one of the plurality of image information recorded on the IC card 15 (step S3). Go to step S4.

  On the other hand, if the desired image is not obtained in step S3, the image selection switch 24 can be operated to select an image that suits the user's preference (step S5).

  Then, by looking at the playback image of the selected image, it is determined whether or not the camera setting is to be exactly the same as when the image was shot (step S4). If the camera setting is not performed, no operation is performed. Return to step S1.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the camera setting on the playback side is to be executed, various camera settings (to be described later) are set by operating the camera setting key 25 (step S6).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the mode changeover switch 23 has been operated (step S7), and if the playback mode remains, the process returns to step S1.

  In addition, when the camera mode is switched in step S7, shooting and recording are actually performed by the camera setting performed in step S6.

  When the camera mode is entered, the camera enters the storage mode and the camera through image is displayed by the EVF 8 (step S8).

  Here, it is determined whether or not shooting is to be performed (step S9). If shooting is desired, the release button 26 is pressed (step S10) to start the recording operation (step S11). Return to.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that shooting is not to be performed, the process is terminated simply by displaying a camera-through image.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing in more detail the processing related to the operation of the electronic camera shown in FIG.

  After shooting and recording, the mode is switched (step S21). When the camera mode is entered here, the sub-microcomputer 21 switches to the camera mode (step S36) and goes to step S32 described later, while entering the playback mode. If so, the sub-microcomputer 21 switches to the reproduction mode (step S22).

  The image data of frame number 1 is called from the IC card 15 and reproduced (step S23).

  Here, the operator determines image selection (step S24). If the image is not desired, the image selection switch 24 is continuously operated (step S37). By performing this operation, the image selection switch from the IC card 15 is operated. The image data selected by 24 is reproduced (step S38).

  Thereafter, or if the image selected in step S24 is OK, it is determined whether or not camera setting is to be executed (step S25). If camera setting is not to be executed, the process returns to step S21.

  If it is determined in step S25 that camera setting is to be executed, the camera setting key 25 is operated (step S26), and the operation of storing the header information of the image in the system microcomputer 16 is performed (step S27).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the recording / reproducing mode changeover switch 23 has been operated (step S28). If it is in the reproducing mode, the process returns to step S21.

  If the camera mode is in step S28, the sub-microcomputer 21 performs an operation for switching to the camera mode (step S29).

  Thereafter, the header information of the image is sent from the system microcomputer 16 to the lens microcomputer 12 and the card interface 14, that is, information related to the camera setting instruction included in the header information is sent (step S30).

  Next, an operation for executing camera setting of each unit is started (step S31), a camera through image is displayed (step S32), and it is determined whether the operator executes camera setting (step S33).

  If it is desired to take a picture according to the settings of the camera, the release button 26 is operated (step S34), and the camera performs a recording process (step S35).

  After performing the recording process, the process returns to step S32 again to display a camera-through image. In step S33, it is determined whether or not to shoot. If not, the process ends.

  The camera setting conditions to be recorded in the header information include, for example, camera shutter speed, camera gain, camera white balance correction, camera color correction, strobe setting, compression mode for recording on an IC card, For example, the zoom value of the lens.

  According to the first embodiment as described above, it is possible to easily set the camera based on the camera setting conditions recorded in the header portion of the already shot image and take a picture.

  6 to 10 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different points will be mainly described.

  The external appearance of the electronic camera in the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 and the electrical configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 2 and is stored in the IC card 15. The breakdown of the data is the same as that shown in FIG.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the operation in the second embodiment will be schematically described first.
After the subject is imaged and recorded, it is determined whether or not the mode switch 23 has been operated by the operator (step S41). If the camera mode is entered, the process proceeds to step S53 described later.

  On the other hand, when the playback mode is entered, the playback operation is actually performed (step S42), and then image selection is determined (step S43).

  If the image is not desired, the image selection switch 24 is operated to select the desired image (step S44). If the selected image is okay, it is determined whether or not the camera setting is executed as it is (step S45). ).

  When camera setting is not executed, the process returns to step S41. When camera setting is executed, the camera setting key 25 is operated (step S46).

  Then, the camera determines whether the camera setting information in the header section read from the camera setting playback image is full-auto or manual (step S47). If the camera setting information is full-auto, camera setting is impossible. The camera displays that effect (step S48), and returns to step S41.

  On the other hand, if it is manual at step S47, the camera setting conditions read from the playback image are displayed on the LCD 27 or EVF 8 (step S49).

  The operator determines whether or not to execute the camera setting by looking at this display (step S50). If not, the process returns to step S41. If the displayed setting is OK, the camera setting key 25 is pressed. Operate (step S51).

  Next, the mode changeover switch 23 is operated (step S52). If the playback mode is selected, the process returns to step S41. If the camera mode is selected, a camera through image is displayed (step S53).

  Then, the operator determines whether or not to execute photographing (step S54). When the photographing is to be performed, the release button 26 is pressed (step S55), and the camera that has received the instruction from the release button 26 enters a recording operation (step S54). S56).

  When this recording operation is completed, the process returns to step S53 to display a camera-through image. In step S54, it is determined whether or not shooting is to be performed again.

  Next, FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the process of FIG. 6 in more detail. 7 and 8 are originally one drawing, but are divided into two for convenience.

  After shooting and recording, it is determined by the mode changeover switch 23 whether the playback mode or the camera mode is set (step S61).

  If it is in the camera mode, the sub-microcomputer 21 switches to the camera mode (step S84) and goes to step S80 described later.

  On the other hand, if the playback mode is set, the sub-microcomputer 21 switches to the playback mode (step S62).

  In the playback mode, the image data of frame number 1 is read from the IC card 15 and played back (step S63).

  The operator side determines whether or not the reproduced image is a desired one (step S64). If the reproduced image is not a desired one, the image selection switch 24 is operated (step S65), and the image selection switch is selected from the IC card 15. The image data selected by 24 is reproduced (step S66), and the process proceeds to step S67 described later.

  Thereafter, or when the reproduced image is a desired one in step S64, it is determined whether or not to execute camera setting (step S67).

  When camera setting is not executed, the process returns to step S61. On the other hand, when it is determined that camera setting is executed by viewing the reproduced image, the camera setting key 25 is operated (step S68), and the image of the reproduced image is displayed. Data and header information are sent to the system microcomputer 16 (step S69).

  Here, the camera determines whether the header information is full auto or manual (step S70). If the header information is full auto, it displays that the camera setting is impossible (step S71), and Return to step S61.

  On the other hand, if it is manual at step S70, the camera setting condition is displayed on at least one of the LCD 27 or EVF 8 (step S72).

  Next, the operator determines whether or not to perform camera setting (step S73). If the setting is not performed, the process returns to step S61. If the setting is performed, the camera setting key 25 is operated (step S74). ).

  By performing the operation in step S74, the camera records the header information of the image in the system microcomputer 16 (step S75).

  Thereafter, the mode changeover switch 23 is operated on the operator side (step S76). If the playback mode is selected, the process returns to step S61. If the camera mode is selected, the sub-microcomputer 21 switches to the camera mode (step S77). ).

  Then, the system microcomputer 16 sends header information to the lens microcomputer 12 and the card interface 14, that is, sends a camera setting instruction included in the header information (step S78).

  Next, the camera setting of each part is executed (step S79), the camera through image newly set by the camera is displayed (step S80), and it is determined whether or not the operator side performs shooting (step S81).

  When photographing is performed here, the release button 26 is operated (step S82), and the release signal is received to perform recording processing on the IC card 15 (step S83).

  When the recording is completed, the process returns to step S80 to display the camera-through image again. In step S81, it is determined whether or not shooting is to be performed.

  The camera settings are displayed on at least one of the EVF 8 and the LCD 27, or both. This camera setting can also be confirmed on an external monitor or the like by the output from the video signal output terminal 33.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state when the camera settings are displayed by the EVF 8.
As shown by reference numerals 91 and 92 in the figure, the camera settings are displayed, that is, in this case, the shutter speed is 1/500 second, the white balance is 0, the color correction is 0, and the hue is +1. Something is displayed. Note that ME indicates manual exposure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state when camera settings are displayed on the LCD 27.
In the illustrated example, as shown by reference numeral 93, information about whether or not the recording data is compressed is displayed, and when it is not compressed, the normal mode can be easily visually recognized as indicated by reference numeral N. As shown. Further, as indicated by reference numeral 94, information indicating whether or not the strobe is charged is also displayed.

  According to the second embodiment as described above, substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and it can be determined by determining whether it is fully automatic or manual from the information recorded in the header portion, and can be set. When this is not possible, a warning is given and the camera setting conditions can be easily confirmed visually.

  FIGS. 11 and 12 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the description of the same parts as those of the first and second embodiments is omitted, and is mainly different. Only the point will be described.

  The external appearance of the electronic camera in the third embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 and the electrical configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 2 and is stored in the IC card 15. The breakdown of the data is the same as that shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 are originally one drawing, but are divided into two for convenience.

  After shooting and recording, the operator operates the mode switch 23 (step S91). If the camera mode is selected, the sub-microcomputer 21 switches to the camera mode (step S117), and the process goes to step S113 described later.

  If the playback mode is in step S91, the sub-microcomputer 21 actually switches to the playback mode (step S92), reads out the image data of frame number 1 from the IC card 15 and plays it back (step S93).

  The operator determines whether or not the reproduced image is a desired one (step S94). If not, the operator operates the image selection switch 24 (step S95) to select an image from the IC card 15. The image selected by the switch 24 is reproduced (step S96).

  After that, or when the image selection is OK in step S94, it is determined whether or not the camera setting is executed while confirming the reproduced image (step S97). If the setting is not performed, the process proceeds to step S91. Return.

  When performing camera setting, the camera setting key 25 is operated (step S98), and image data and header information are sent to the system microcomputer 16 (step S99).

  Thereafter, the camera setting condition is displayed on the EVF 8 and the LCD 27 as a video signal character (step S100).

  By looking at the displayed contents, the operator determines whether or not to correct the camera settings (step S101). If not corrected, the process goes to step S105 described later.

  On the other hand, when the camera setting is corrected, the correction operation key 29 is operated (step S102), and the image data and header information are calculated by the system microcomputer 16 based on the correction amount from the correction operation key 29 (step S102). Step S103).

  Thereafter, the corrected image data subjected to the calculation process is reproduced, and the camera setting conditions after the correction are displayed (step S104).

  With reference to the image data reproduced in step S104 and the setting conditions of the camera, the operator determines whether the image correction is OK (step S105). If not, the process returns to step S102.

  On the other hand, if the image correction is OK, it is determined whether or not the camera setting is to be executed (step S106). If not, the process returns to step S91.

  When performing camera settings, the operator operates the camera setting key 25 (step S107) and stores the header information of the corrected image in the system microcomputer 16 (step S108).

  Then, the mode changeover switch 23 is operated (step S109). If the playback mode is selected, the process returns to step S91. If the camera mode is selected, the sub-microcomputer 21 switches to the camera mode (step S110).

  Next, the header information of the corrected image is sent from the system microcomputer 16 to the lens microcomputer 12 and the card interface 14, that is, a camera setting instruction included in the header information is sent (step S111).

  Thereafter, camera settings for each unit are executed (step S112), and a camera-through image is displayed (step S113).

  While confirming this through image, the operator determines whether or not to shoot (step S114). When shooting, the release button 26 is operated (step S115) and recording processing is performed (step S116). After the recording process, the process returns to step S113 to display a camera-through image. In step S114, it is determined whether or not shooting is to be performed.

  The camera setting conditions are displayed on the EVF 8 and the LCD 27 in the same manner as in FIGS.

  According to the third embodiment as described above, it is possible to simulate the image state after correction by correcting the setting conditions of the camera while having the same effects as the first and second embodiments described above.

  FIGS. 13 to 15 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this fourth embodiment, the description of the same parts as those of the first to third embodiments is omitted, and mainly different. Only the point will be described.

  The external appearance of the electronic camera in the fourth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 and the electrical configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 2 and is stored in the IC card 15. The breakdown of the data is the same as that shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 are originally one drawing, but are divided into two for convenience.

  After shooting and recording, it is determined by the mode switch 23 whether the camera mode or the playback mode is set (step S121).

  If the camera mode is set, the camera is switched to the camera mode by the sub-microcomputer 21 (step S148), and the process proceeds to step S144 described later.

  If the playback mode is in step S121, the camera switches to the playback mode by the sub-microcomputer 21 (step S122), calls up the image data of frame number 1 from the IC card 15 and displays the playback image (step S123).

  Next, the operator determines image selection (step S124). If the reproduced image is not a desired one, the operator operates the image selection switch 24 (step S125), and the image selection switch 24 from the IC card 16 is operated. Then, the image is selected, and the camera reproduces the image data (step S126).

  Thereafter, or in step S124, if the reproduced image is a desired one, it is determined whether or not camera setting is to be executed (step S127). If not, the process returns to step S121.

  On the other hand, when it is desired to execute the camera setting, the camera setting key 25 is operated (step S128), and the image data and header information of the reproduced image are read on the camera side and sent to the system microcomputer 16 (step S129).

  Then, the camera setting conditions are displayed on the EVF 8 and LCD 27 as video signal characters (step S130).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the camera setting is to be corrected (step S131). If the setting is unnecessary, the process proceeds to step S135 described later. If the setting is necessary, the correction operation key 29 is operated (step S135). S132).

  Based on the correction amount of the correction operation, in the camera, the system microcomputer 16 performs a calculation process of header information that matches the correction amount (step S133).

  The corrected image data is reproduced, the camera setting conditions at that time are displayed (step S134), and it is determined whether or not to compare the uncorrected image with the corrected image (step S135).

  Here, if it is not necessary to compare, the process goes to step S138 to be described later, and if it is necessary to compare, the two-screen operation key 30 is pressed (step S136), and the camera displays the image before correction and the image after correction as 2. The image is displayed as a playback image on the screen (step S137).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the image correction is OK (step S138). If correction is necessary, the process returns to step S132. If OK, the header information of the image is stored in the system microcomputer 16 (step S139).

  Then, the mode changeover switch 23 is operated (step S140). When the playback mode is entered, the process returns to step S121. When the camera mode is entered, the sub-microcomputer 21 switches to the camera mode (step S141). .

  Thereafter, the system microcomputer 16 sends the header information to the lens microcomputer 12 and the card interface 14, that is, sends a camera setting instruction included in the header information (step S142).

  Next, camera settings for each unit are executed (step S143), and the camera displays a camera-through image with the newly set camera settings (step S144).

  The operator determines whether or not to shoot while checking the image (step S145), and when shooting, presses the release button 26 (step S146), performs a recording process (step S147), and the above step S144. Return to and display the camera-through image again.

  Thereafter, in step S145, it is determined whether or not a new image is to be taken. If no image is taken, the process is terminated.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a screen that is actually displayed.

  The camera setting conditions before the two-screen display are displayed as shown in FIG. 15A, that is, the actual camera settings such as the shutter speed and white balance indicated by reference numeral 58 are displayed together with the captured subject image. Display as.

  Next, as described in step S137, when the correction operation is performed and the two images before and after the correction are reproduced, the result is as shown in FIG. 15B, that is, the camera setting before correction indicated by reference numeral 58. The conditions and the camera setting conditions after correction indicated by reference numeral 59 are displayed side by side with the image of the subject under the setting conditions.

  Further, when the mode is switched in step S140 to enter the camera mode and the corrected image reproduction is displayed on one screen, it is as shown in FIG. 15C, that is, the camera setting condition after correction indicated by reference numeral 59. Is displayed.

  According to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments described above can be obtained, and images before and after correction can be simultaneously viewed and compared.

  FIGS. 16 to 19 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this fifth embodiment, the description of the same parts as those of the first to fourth embodiments is omitted, and mainly different. Only the point will be described.

  The appearance of the electronic camera in the fifth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and the electrical configuration thereof is the same as that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for showing a logical structure of stored data in one IC card 15 as recording means.

  The IC card 15 is configured so that a plurality of images can be filed, and all the information regarding each image for each image is stored in each area indicated by reference numerals a1, a2, a3, a4. It is recorded.

  Each area for recording information relating to one image indicated by these symbols a1, a2, a3, a4... Is roughly divided into a header portion 51 for recording header information, and a digital image that is actually captured from the subject. And an image data recording unit 56 for recording the image data of the subject image converted and recorded.

  The header section 51 includes a standard information header section 52 for recording standard information related to recording of the IC card 15 as header information, and a write information header section 53 for recording other header information. The write information header portion 53 is further classified into an area 54 for storing information on the frame number of the copy source of the camera settings, and an area 55 for freely recording camera setting conditions, dates, etc. as header information. It is divided into two.

  In this way, the IC card 15 stores each image information divided into a plurality of areas.

Next, the operation of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
After shooting and recording, the mode changeover switch 23 is operated (step S151). When the camera mode is set, the camera is switched to the camera mode by the sub-microcomputer 21 (step S165), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the playback mode is set in step S151, the camera is switched to the playback mode by the sub-microcomputer 21 (step S152), the image data of frame number 1 is read from the IC card 15 and the playback image is displayed (step S153). ).

  The operator determines whether or not the reproduced image is a desired one (step S154). If the reproduced image is not a desired one, the operator operates the image selection switch 24 (step S155) and uses the image selection switch 24 from the IC card 15. The selected image data is reproduced (step S156).

  After that, or when the reproduced image is the desired one in step S154, it is determined whether or not to display two screens (step S157).

  When displaying two screens in step S157, the two-screen operation key 30 is operated (step S158), and the image data having the original data of the camera setting is searched from the IC card 15 (step S159).

  Based on the search result, it is determined whether or not the original data of the camera setting exists in the IC card 15 (step S160). If the original data exists, the image data and the image possessed by the original data are selected. Each camera setting condition with the image data is displayed and reproduced (step S161).

  On the other hand, if there is no original data, the two-screen display cannot be performed, so the two-screen display is prohibited (step S162), and the fact that the two-screen display cannot be performed is displayed (step S163).

  When step S161 or step S163 is completed, the two-screen operation key 30 is operated (step S164), reproduction is performed on the two-screen display (step S166), and the process ends.

Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the explanation about FIG. 17 will be supplemented.
As for the original data in step S159 in FIG. 17, it is assumed that only data related to a newly photographed image is written in the area indicated by reference numeral a1 in FIG.

  In this case, since the image of the area a1 is newly taken, the frame number information of the copy source in the area 54, that is, the camera setting written in the area 55 of the code a1 No frame number information indicating whether the data is copied is written.

  Next, assuming that the second picture was taken under the same conditions as the camera settings when the first picture was taken, the camera settings recorded in the area 55 indicated by the reference a1 are copied to the area 55 indicated by the reference a2. Written.

  At the same time, the frame number information of the copy source, that is, the frame number information relating to which frame data is copied in the camera setting written in the area 55 of the code a2 is written in the area 54 of the code a2.

  In this case, frame number information indicating that camera setting information is copied from the area indicated by reference numeral a1 is written in the area indicated by reference numeral a2. That is, “1”.

  Furthermore, when shooting the third image, for example, if you want to shoot under conditions similar to those when shooting the first image, shoot with the camera settings processed instead of the first camera settings. You can also.

  Also in this case, the frame number information indicating that the camera setting information is copied from the area indicated by reference numeral a1 is written in the area indicated by reference numeral a3.

  For example, when the image of the area a2 is to be reproduced after the sequential shooting is performed in this manner, when the image of the area a2 is to be captured and the original image that refers to the camera setting is to be viewed at the same time, The original image is searched based on the frame number information written in the area 55 of the area a2 (see steps S159 and S160), and two-screen display is performed as shown in FIG.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 18, an original image 61 reproduced from the area a1 in the IC card 15 and an image 62 reproduced from the area a2 in the IC card 15 newly taken based on the camera settings are obtained. Display two screens side by side at the same time.

  In these images 61 and 62, camera setting conditions 63 and 64 and image frame numbers 65 and 66 are displayed, respectively.

  As described above, when certain image data and its original image data are recorded on the same IC card, two-screen display can be performed, but these are recorded on different IC cards, for example. In some cases, for example, the two-screen display is prohibited (see step S162), a display indicating that the two-screen display cannot be performed is performed, and the process is terminated (see step S163).

  In the fourth embodiment described above, the image data that has already been recorded and the corrected image data are displayed on two screens, whereas in the fifth embodiment, certain image data and its image data are displayed. In order to compare, etc., a plurality of images different from the original image data referring to the camera settings when shooting the image, two screens are simultaneously displayed.

  In the above description, the case of performing the two-screen display has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, three screens may be displayed simultaneously as shown in FIG.

  That is, when there are a plurality of images 71 and 72 that are newly taken based on the image 70 that is the reference for the camera setting condition, these are displayed at the same time, and each camera setting condition is displayed. Is displayed in the area 73 as indicated by reference numerals 74, 75 and 76.

  According to the fifth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first to fourth embodiments can be obtained, and the original data can be easily searched based on the information of the header portion.

  20 to 22 show a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this sixth embodiment, the description of the same parts as those of the first to fifth embodiments is omitted and mainly different. Only the point will be described.

  The sixth embodiment is a further application of the fifth embodiment described above, and the external appearance of the electronic camera is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and the electrical configuration thereof is that shown in FIG. Further, the breakdown of data stored in the IC card 15 is the same as that shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21 are originally one drawing, but are divided into two for convenience.

  After shooting and recording, the mode changeover switch 23 is operated (step S171). When the camera mode is set, the process is terminated. When the playback mode is set, a command is sent from the sub-microcomputer 21 to switch to the playback mode (step S171). S172).

  Next, the image data of frame number 1 is read from the IC card 15 and reproduced (step S173), and it is determined whether or not the reproduced image is a desired image (step S174).

  If it is not a desired image, the image selection switch 24 is operated (step S175), a desired image is selected from the IC card 15 and the image data is reproduced (step S176).

  Thereafter, or if the image is a desired image in step S174, it is determined whether or not to perform two-screen display (step S177).

  If it is not necessary to display two screens, the process ends as it is, and if it is displayed, the two-screen operation key 30 is operated (step S178).

  As a result, the frame number information of the copy source image that has become the standard for camera setting is obtained from the IC card 15 by referring to the header portion of the playback image selected by the image selection switch 24 in step S174 (step S174). Step S179).

  The camera searches whether there is an image that is the copy source in the IC card 15 (step S180), and if there is no original image, it is determined that the two-screen display is not possible and the two-screen display is prohibited ( In step S181), the sub-microcomputer 21 displays that the two-screen display is impossible (step S182), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S180 that there is a copy source image in the IC card 15, the image selected by the system microcomputer 16 in step S174 and the image set as the camera setting copy source are reproduced on two screens. At the same time, the sub-microcomputer 21 displays and sets each image (step S183).

  Thereby, a two-screen display as shown in FIG. That is, a copy source image as indicated by reference numeral 81 and an image as indicated by reference numeral 82 newly taken based on the camera settings of this image are displayed side by side simultaneously.

  In the images indicated by reference numerals 81 and 82, camera setting conditions 83 and 84 and image frame numbers 85 and 86 are displayed, respectively.

  Next, it is determined whether or not to erase one of the two screens displayed in this way (step S184).

  If it is not necessary to erase, the process is terminated as it is. If the erase process is necessary, the image selection switch 24 is operated (step S185).

  By operating the image selection switch 24, it is determined whether the image to be erased is the image selected in step S174 or the copy source image searched in step S179 (step S186).

  Here, when erasing the image that is not the copy source selected in step S174, the fact that the image has been selected for erasure is displayed on the screen by the sub-microcomputer 21 (step S187), and the erase key 32 is operated ( In step S188), the fact that the erasure has been completed by the sub-microcomputer 21 is displayed on the screen by an erasure display 87 called ERASE as shown in FIG. 22B (step S189).

  The operator enters an erasing operation for confirmation, operates the release button 26 (step S190), and instructs the IC card 15 to erase the image data and the header portion from the system microcomputer 16 (step S191). .

  Two-screen display is performed by the system microcomputer 16, but the selected non-copy image data is processed to be reproduced as dark where no image is displayed, while the copy source image remains as it is. The state is displayed, that is, as shown in FIG. 22C, and no image is displayed in the region 88 (step S192).

  The two-screen operation key 30 is operated to return to the display of one screen (step S193), the frame number is displayed by the sub-microcomputer 21, and the dark image is displayed by the system microcomputer 16 (step S194).

  If the copy source image is to be deleted in step S186, the sub-microcomputer 21 identifies and displays that the copy source image is to be deleted (step S195).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the selected image that is not the copy source is moved to a portion that becomes blank when the copy source image is deleted (step S196).

  Here, when transferring a newly photographed image that is not the copy source, the erase key 32 and the operation key 31 are operated simultaneously (step S197), and the sub-microcomputer 21 performs erase display (step S198).

  The release button 26 is operated for erasure (step S199), and the camera instructs the system microcomputer 16 to erase the copy source image data and header information from the system microcomputer 16 (step S200).

  Thereafter, the system microcomputer 16 calls the selected image data and header portion which are not the copy source (step S201), issues a command from the system microcomputer 16 to the IC card 15, and calls the copy to the portion where the copy source image is erased. The original image data and the header part are moved (step S202).

  Then, the system microcomputer 16 displays a two-screen image. In the area where the copy source image is displayed, the image which is not the copy source selected in step S174 is displayed, and the place where the image was originally displayed is displayed. Dark reproduction is performed, that is, the display is performed as shown in FIG. 22D (step S203).

  Next, the two-screen operation key 30 is operated to return to the single-screen display (step S209), the sub-microcomputer 21 displays the number of frames, and the system microcomputer 16 reproduces the image selected and moved in step S174. (Step S210).

  On the other hand, in step S196, if the blank space after deleting the copy source image is left as it is and the image selected in step S174 is also left as it is, the delete key 32 is operated (step S196). In step S204, the sub-microcomputer 21 performs erasure display (step S205).

  When the release button 26 is operated (step S206), a command is sent from the system microcomputer 16 to the IC card 15 to delete the copy source image and executed (step S207). The portion where the copy source image is displayed is darkly reproduced, that is, displayed as shown in FIG. 22E (step S208). Then, the above steps S209 and S210 are performed and the process is terminated.

  According to the sixth embodiment, the same effect as the first to fifth embodiments described above can be obtained and the desired image displayed can be erased. Since it can be used effectively and the order of images can be changed, the data can be arranged in order.

1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an electronic camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the part mainly concerning an electrical structure of the electronic camera of the said 1st Example. The figure which shows the logical structure of the preservation | save data in the IC card of the said 1st Example. 3 is a schematic flowchart showing a procedure related to the operation of the electronic camera of the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing in more detail processing related to the operation of the electronic camera shown in FIG. 9 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow related to operation of the electronic camera of the second embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a part of a flowchart showing in more detail the processing related to the operation of the electronic camera shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is another part of the flowchart showing the processing related to the operation of the electronic camera shown in FIG. 6 in more detail. The figure which shows the display state of the camera setting in the electronic viewfinder of the said 2nd Example. The figure which shows the display state of the camera setting in LCD of the said 2nd Example. The flowchart part which showed the process regarding operation of the electronic camera of 3rd Example of this invention. The other part of the flowchart which showed the process regarding the operation of the electronic camera of the said 3rd Example. The flowchart part which showed the process regarding operation of the electronic camera of 4th Example of this invention. The other part of the flowchart which showed the process regarding the operation of the electronic camera of the said 4th Example. In the said 4th Example, (A) The image before correction, (B) The image before and behind correction displayed on 2 screens, (C) The figure which shows the image after correction, respectively. The figure which shows the logical structure of the preservation | save data in the IC card of 5th Example of this invention. The flowchart which showed the process regarding operation of the electronic camera of the said 5th Example. The figure which shows the image of the 2 screen display in the said 5th Example. The figure which shows the state which is displaying the image simultaneously on 3 screens in the said 5th Example. A part of flowchart which showed the process regarding operation of the electronic camera of 6th Example of this invention. The other part of the flowchart which showed the process regarding the operation of the electronic camera of the said 6th Example. In the sixth embodiment, (A) a state in which two screens are displayed, (B) a state in which a display for deleting the selected image is displayed, (C) a state in which the selected image is deleted, (D) a copy The figure which each shows the state which erased the original image and is displaying the selected image there, (E) the state which erase | eliminated the image of the copy origin.

Explanation of symbols

8. Electronic viewfinder (EVF)
15 ... IC card (recording means)
16 ... System microcomputer (control means)
21 ... Sub-microcomputer (control means)
24 ... Image selection switch 25 ... Camera setting key 27 ... LCD
29 ... Correction operation key 30 ... 2 screen operation key 31 ... Operation key 32 ... Erase key 41, 51 ... Header part 44, 56 ... Image data recording part Agent Patent attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (3)

  Selecting a desired image with an image selection switch;
  Viewing the playback image of the selected image, determining whether or not to set the same camera setting as when the image was shot, and operating the setting switch when it is desired to set the same camera setting;
  Displaying camera setting conditions set by the camera setting switch;
  Operating a correction operation switch to correct the contents of the displayed camera setting conditions;
  Displaying camera setting conditions after correction corresponding to the correction amount operated by the correction operation switch;
  Actually shooting and recording in a state where various camera settings corresponding to the corrected camera setting conditions are performed by pressing the release button;
  An electronic camera photographing method characterized by comprising: 2. The photographing by the electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a step of calculating the image data corresponding to the correction amount operated by the correction operation switch, and reproducing and displaying the corrected image data subjected to the calculation processing. Method. The image data after arithmetic processing of the image data corresponding to the correction amount operated by the correction operation switch and the image data before the arithmetic processing are displayed simultaneously as two-screen playback images. Shooting method of electronic camera.

Images