JP3993457B2 - Digital camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital camera, and more particularly, to a technique that allows various conveniences when a recorded image is planned to be trimmed and used later.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a system is configured by connecting a digital camera and a printer device, and images taken by the digital camera are printed in various forms. As an example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-108005 discloses a system in which a digital camera and a printer device can be connected to perform printing in various forms without using a personal computer. Yes. The following technique is also disclosed as an example. That is, image data for operating the printer device is stored in a memory provided in the printer device, the stored data is sent to the digital camera side, and the display means on the digital camera side has a plurality of format selection images. An image for operating the printer device is displayed. Then, while viewing the operation image, the selection means selects one format from a plurality of formats (image display manners), and further selects a photographic image by the digital camera. A photographic image is printed in a format according to the format image selected in this way.
[0003]
On the other hand, the present applicant has previously proposed a system comprising a digital camera and a printer for printing an image taken by the digital camera (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-200200). In this proposal, an image selected as a print target is displayed on a display unit of a digital camera so as to be confirmed, and data representing the confirmed image is transmitted to the printer side. According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily and reliably select and confirm the print target image and print the intended image.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the proposed system as described above, an image trimmed from the beginning can be imaged at the time of photographing, particularly when the recorded image is planned to be trimmed and used before photographing. There is no suggestion about the device or means for doing so. For example, when a photographer plans to use an image photographed with a digital camera as a CD-R label from the beginning, a disk shape similar to the shape of a CD-R on a liquid crystal monitor or finder of the camera. Therefore, it is necessary to devise a method for visually confirming the composition of the recorded image by applying a mask. If you shoot without taking these measures, and then trimmed it to the shape of the CD-R board surface, problems such as missing an essential part of the image as an accent occurred. At that time, there is no way to compensate for the missing part.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera in which various conveniences regarding shooting operations can be achieved in such shooting when a recorded image is planned to be trimmed later. There is to do.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention has the following characteristic configuration.
[0007]
That is, a digital camera according to the present invention is recorded with an imaging optical system for connecting an image of a subject, and an imaging device that generates an image signal corresponding to the light reflected on its imaging surface by the imaging optical system. Trimming form selection means for selectively setting a trimming form suitable for the purpose of use of the image, and a form according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selection means with respect to the output of the image sensor First signal processing means for performing signal processing so that an image is observed and supplying the applied electronic display means, and trimming by the first signal processing means based on the output of the image sensor A trim that represents a trimming mode related to the image that is set in a form that does not cause a partial lack of the image and is selectively set by the trimming form selection unit. A second signal processing means for obtaining a recorded signal suitable for recording on a recording medium as being accompanied by a recording form identification signal, and a process by the second signal processing means in response to an operation on the trigger means. Corresponding to a trimming form represented by a trimming form identification signal associated with the image signal, and a recording operation starting means for recording the recorded image signal on the applied recording medium, and the image signal recorded on the recording medium. And an image reproducing means for reproducing in a form.
[0008]
In the present invention, when the photographer selects and sets a desired trimming form from various trimming forms prepared in advance, the trimming form selected by the first signal processing means is displayed on the display means by the first signal processing means. When a shooting (recording) activation operation such as a release is performed after that, the image signal which is not trimmed by the second signal processing means is selected as the recording medium at that time. And an identification signal representing the trimming form. At the time of reproduction, the image signal recorded on the recording medium can be reproduced with a trimming form corresponding to the image signal applied.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the terms “mask” and “trimming” are used synonymously.
[0010]
In FIG. 1, a digital camera 10 includes an imaging optical system 11, an imaging device 12, an imaging circuit 13, an A / D converter 14, a RAM 15 as a frame buffer memory, a ROM 16 for storing trimming data, and an image. An ASIC 17 configured as a processing IC, a system controller 18, a lens drive control circuit 19, a lens drive unit 20, a disk drive controller 21, a disk drive 22 configured as a card slot, and a recording medium Interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F) 24, USB input / output terminal 25, and video signal from the external video device are input. Interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F) 26 and video input terminal 2 A video encoder 28 as a video output circuit, a video output terminal 29, an LCD driver 30, an image display liquid crystal panel (hereinafter referred to as LCD) 31 as an electronic display means, a system controller 18, and each digital circuit. The data bus 32, the strobe light emitting unit 33, the operation unit 34, the power supply unit 35, and the external power input terminal 36 are connected to each other. In the figure, the disk (or card) 23 is detachable from the camera 10.
[0011]
The imaging optical system 11 is for optically forming a subject image, and is configured as a zoom lens system, for example. The image sensor 12 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed on the imaging surface by the imaging optical system 11 to generate and output an electrical image signal (analog signal).
[0012]
The image pickup circuit 13 controls the image pickup element 12 and performs necessary processing on the analog signal output from the image pickup element 12 and outputs the analog signal. The A / D converter 14 converts the analog signal output from the imaging circuit 13 into a digital signal. The RAM 15 temporarily stores the image data converted by the A / D converter 14. Alternatively, the image data read from the disk 23 is temporarily stored, or the trimming data read from the ROM 16 is temporarily stored.
[0013]
The ROM 16 stores various trimming forms, which are one of the characteristic portions of the present invention, as trimming data in advance.
[0014]
The image processing ASIC 17 performs various kinds of image processing on the image data stored in the RAM 15 based on the control of the system controller 18 to be described later. JPEG compression for recording on the disk 23 to be described later and JPEG for reading. Stretching is also performed.
[0015]
The lens drive control circuit 19 controls a lens drive unit 20 to be described later in order to perform zoom and autofocus based on the control of the system controller 18. The lens driving unit 20 drives the zoom lens and the focus lens included in the imaging optical system 11 based on the control of the lens driving control circuit 19.
[0016]
Based on the control of the system controller 18, the drive controller 21 controls to record the image data compressed by JPEG by the ASIC 17 on a later-described disk 23, or controls to read the image data recorded on the disk 23. To do.
[0017]
The disk drive 22 can exchange signals with the drive controller 21 by electrically connecting the disk 23 to the disk drive 22. The disk 23 is a non-volatile recording medium having a card shape that is detachably connected to the disk drive 22.
[0018]
The I / F 24 is for exchanging signals with an external device compatible with USB based on the control of the system controller 18. The input / output terminal 25 is capable of transmitting / receiving a signal to / from the I / F 24 by being connected to a USB compatible external device via a connection cord or the like.
[0019]
The I / F 26 is used to input a video signal from an external video device having a video output terminal based on the control of the system controller 18. The input terminal 27 is connected to an external video device via a connection cord or the like, thereby enabling input of a video signal (Video IN) to the I / F 26.
[0020]
The video encoder 28 outputs an image for LCD display for each frame when determining the composition of the subject before shooting based on the image data stored in the RAM 15, and when reproducing the image after shooting, the video encoder 28 Output images for LCD display. The video encoder 28 can also output a video signal (Video OUT) to an external video device (not shown) connected to the video output terminal 29. The LCD driver 30 supplies an LCD display image for each frame from the video encoder 28 to the LCD 31 together with a display drive clock.
[0021]
The LCD 31 constitutes display means for receiving an output from the video encoder 28 and displaying an image, information relating to the camera, and the like.
[0022]
The strobe light emitting unit 33 emits illumination light based on the control of the system controller 18 when the subject brightness is low or the main subject is in backlight.
[0023]
The operation unit 34 is one of the features of the present invention in addition to a power on / off unit, an exposure activation unit (also referred to as a release unit or a trigger unit), a frame advance unit, a screen display on / off unit, and the like. Means for selecting a trimming form and editing (described later) are included.
[0024]
The power supply unit 35 is for supplying power to each unit in the camera 10. The external power supply input terminal 36 supplies power to the power supply unit 35 when an external power supply (not shown) is connected.
[0025]
The system controller 18 comprehensively controls the entire camera 10 including the circuits as described above. Upon receiving a command from the operation unit 34, the system controller 18 performs display processing for shooting and recording at the time of shooting. While performing control such as recording processing performed by the ASIC 17 or the like, control is performed such that image data recorded on the disk 23 in the camera 10 is read and displayed. Further, the system controller 18 has a trimming information processing program 18a, which is a feature of the present invention. The system controller 18 is in a trimming processing mode, and after one of the trimming modes is selected, various trimmings stored in the ROM 16 are stored. The trimming form selected from the forms is read out and superimposed on the image data being photographed and displayed as LCD display data, or the trimmed photographed image in the trimming process mode is used as image data and a trimming form identification signal. For example, the recording process is performed on the disc 23 in a divided state.
[0026]
The trimming information processing program 18a performs mask selection, mask display, image quality adjustment, and recording / reproduction of trimming information in accordance with the user's intention (operation).
[0027]
An image file taken by a digital camera has a tag structure, and information such as a shooting condition such as a file name, shooting date and time, aperture / shutter speed, etc. is written in the tag at the time of image recording.
[0028]
The trimming information processing program 18a selects “Mask No. ] Is written in the tag in the same manner as this information. Alternatively, separately from the image file (= not written in the tag), the mask No. May be recorded. What is necessary is just to record in the form which can respond | correspond with an image and a mask. The user can know the tag information of the image file (for example, the shooting date and time of the image) using application software or the like.
[0029]
In addition to the power switch, the frame advance switch, the display on / off switch, and the like, the operation unit 34 displays a release button for performing a shooting operation, a menu related to the setting of the camera 10, and the like on the image display LCD 31. A menu button for moving a selectable item in the displayed menu, a check button (OK button) for determining the selected item, and one of the features of the present invention. In other words, it includes a mask button or the like for trimming a photographed image at the time of photographing.
[0030]
FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the digital camera 10. There is a display surface of the LCD 31 on the back of the camera, and in the vicinity, a menu button 341 for displaying a menu screen, and a cursor is moved up, down, left and right on the menu screen to select a desired item from the menu screen. A cross button 342 for selecting, a check button (OK button) 343 for determining a selection item and adding a check mark, and a mask pattern (trimming form) selected after selecting a shooting mask from the menu screen A mask button 344 for placing the image is provided.
[0031]
Next, in the digital camera configured as described above, the function and operation of the characteristic part of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0032]
FIG. 3 shows the menu items displayed by pressing the menu button 341 shown in FIG. 2 that are characteristic portions of the present invention.
[0033]
The items of the menu 40 displayed on the menu screen are provided with “selection of imaging mask” 41 and “editing imaging mask” 42 according to the present invention. Of course, various other selectable items 43 are also prepared.
[0034]
First, when the menu item “selection of imaging mask” 41 is selected with the cross button 342 and determined with the check button 343, a list display 44 of a plurality (six in the figure) of imaging masks as a trimming mode and one of them is displayed. A frame display 44a as a movable cursor for selecting one, and a bar display (black display in the figure) 45 including a display of the currently selected trimming form name and a mark display of selectable operation buttons. Is displayed on the screen of the LCD 31.
[0035]
Examples of the photographing mask list display 44 include a square 411, a circle 412, a donut-shaped CD-R (CD-Recordable, a CD that can be written only once in the same location) 413, a rectangle 414, an ellipse 415, and an ID photo 416. A plurality of trimming forms (mask forms) are displayed.
[0036]
When shooting, if it is desired to select a square 411 as a trimming form as shown in FIG. 3, the frame display 44a as a cursor is set to move to the square 411 with the cross button 342, and this square 411 is selected. When the check button 343 is pressed, a check mark indicating that it has been selected is displayed in the upper left corner of the square 411 displayed with the frame display 44a.
[0037]
Next, when actually taking a picture with the selected photographing mask (for example, a square), with the square in FIG. 3 selected, the mask button 344 shown in FIG. ), The subject image with the selected mask is displayed on the screen of the LCD 31. That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, it is possible to take a picture so that the subject is placed at a desired position in the area limited (trimmed) by the square 411.
[0038]
When the mask button 344 is pressed, the masked image is displayed on the LCD screen only when the mask button 344 is pressed, and when the mask button 344 is released, a normal image with the mask removed is displayed. . Alternatively, when the mask button 344 is pressed once, the masked image is displayed on the LCD screen, and when the mask button 344 is pressed again, the normal image with the mask removed is displayed. The information processing program 18a can also be programmed.
[0039]
4 (a) to 4 (c) show LCD display examples at the time of photographing, and each of the photographing masks (that is, trimming forms), (a) is a square, (b) is a CD-R, and (c) is a certificate. The case of a photograph is shown.
[0040]
In FIG. 5, among the items on the menu screen displayed in FIG. 3, when “edit mask” 42 is selected with the cross button 342 and determined with the check button 343, a plurality of trimming forms (six in the figure) are displayed. A list display 44 of photographing masks, a frame display 44a as a movable cursor for selecting one of them, a display indicating that it is currently in an edit mode, and a mark display of selectable operation buttons. A bar display 46 (black display in the figure) 46 is displayed on the screen of the LCD 31.
[0041]
Now, when the list display 44 of FIG. 5A is made and the frame display 44a as the cursor is set to, for example, the square 411 in the trimming form, when the check button 343 is pressed, the square 411 of FIG. Shifts to a single frame display state indicating the mask form. This transition screen is a screen obtained by dividing the list display 44 into two, the screen 47 showing the mask form on the left side, and the number of pixels (number of pixels) of the image displayed on the square 411 on the right side. Is synonymous with size or resolution). Reference numeral 48a indicates a frame display as a cursor for selection, and a check mark on the left side indicates that the check button 343 has been selected. In FIG. 5B, the bar display 46 is a bar display 49 including only mark display as selectable operation buttons (up / down key of the cross button 342 and check button 343). The screen 48 that can variably set the number of pixels has four options of 480x480, 960x960, 1200x1200, 1680x1680, and JPEG and TIFF options for the number of pixels 1680x1680. Have. The figure shows a state where the cross button 342 is operated to set the cursor to the pixel number 480 × 480 and then the check button 343 is pressed to add a check mark to the pixel number 480 × 480 and select it. When the mask button 344 is pressed from the state shown in FIG. 5B, an image with a square mask is displayed, and when the image is taken in that state, the image is recorded with 640 × 480 pixels. A cropped image is an image having 480 × 480 pixels.
[0042]
Similarly, when the CD-R 413 is selected in FIG. 5A and then the check button 343 is pressed, the screen shifts to a single frame display state showing the mask form of the CD-R 413 in FIG. On the screen 48 showing options at this time, a CD-R having a diameter of 12 cm and a CD-R having a diameter of 8 cm can be selected. FIG. 5C shows a state in which a CD-R of 12 cm is selected and determined by the check button 343.
[0043]
Similarly, when the ID photo 416 is selected in FIG. 5A and the check button 343 is pressed, the screen shifts to a one-frame display state showing the mask form of the ID photo 416 in FIG. On the screen 48 showing options at this time, there are four photographic image sizes (unit: cm, corresponding to the size of the number of pixels) of 5.0 × 4.0, 4.5 × 3.5, 4.0 × 3.0, and 3.0 × 2.4. Have a choice. FIG. 5D shows a state in which 5.0 × 4.0 is selected and the check button 343 is selected.
[0044]
Each of the square, CD-R, and ID photo described above has a predetermined shape and can be edited to the extent that the number of pixels is changed. Although not shown in particular, even in the case of a circle, editing that changes the number of pixels is possible.
[0045]
On the other hand, when the mask form (trimming form) is a rectangle or an ellipse, not only the size of the pixel number but also the photographer can edit the aspect ratio by himself.
[0046]
FIG. 5 (e) is an editing screen displayed by selecting a rectangle in FIG. 5 (a) and pressing the check button 343. This editing screen is a screen divided into two, and is composed of a single frame display screen 50 showing a mask form of a rectangle 414 and a bar display screen 51 arranged therebelow. On the screen 50, a triangular display having a shape similar to the shape of the cross button is formed so as to sandwich the vertical and horizontal sides of the rectangle, and the vertical / horizontal ratio of the rectangle can be changed by operating the cross button 342. . On the bar display screen 51, the aspect ratio (16: 9 in the figure) calculated by the system controller 18 in the process of changing the aspect ratio of the rectangle on the screen 50 is displayed. 343 is displayed.
[0047]
When the check button 343 is pressed after the aspect ratio is determined in FIG. 5 (e), the screen shown in FIG. 5 (f) is displayed. This transition screen is also divided into two, a screen 52 that displays the aspect ratio determined in FIG. 5 (e) and displays options for setting the image quality (number of pixels), and is arranged below the screen 52. , A bar display screen 53 on which “image quality setting” is displayed and a cross button and a check button that can be operated are displayed. In FIG. 5 (f), a frame display 52 a is displayed as a cursor that can be moved by the cross button 342, “TIFF” is selected as the image quality, and a check mark after the check button 343 is operated is displayed. When the mask button 344 is operated from the state shown in FIG. 5F, a captured image trimmed into a rectangle (masked) is displayed on the LCD 31.
[0048]
Then, the photographer presses a release button (shutter button) (not shown) of the camera 10 while viewing the LCD image, whereby a photographed image signal accompanied by a trimming form identification signal as mask information is recorded on the disk 23, and at the same time, the mask. The captured image is displayed on the LCD.
[0049]
TIFF means non-compression and the number of pixels is, for example, 2240 × 1680, and JPEG-SHQ means low compression and high quality, and the number of pixels is, for example, 2240 × 1680. JPEG-HQ means standard compression ratio and the number of pixels is 1600 × 1200, for example, and JPEG-SQ means low compression ratio and the number of pixels is 1280 × 960, for example.
[0050]
FIG. 5G is an editing screen displayed by selecting an ellipse in FIG. 5A and pressing the check button 343. This editing screen is also divided into two screens as in FIG. 5 (e), and is a one-frame display screen 50 showing a mask form of an ellipse 415, and a bar display screen 51 arranged therebelow. It consists of and. On the screen 50, a triangular display having a shape similar to the shape of the cross button is formed so as to sandwich the vertical and horizontal portions of the ellipse, and the vertical and horizontal ratio of the ellipse can be changed by operating the cross button 342. ing. On the bar display screen 51, the aspect ratio (4: 3 in the figure) calculated by the system controller 18 in the process of changing the elliptical aspect ratio on the screen 50 is displayed. Button 343 is displayed.
[0051]
When the check button 343 is pressed, a screen shown in FIG. This transition screen is also divided into two as in FIG. 5 (f), and an option for displaying the aspect ratio determined in FIG. 5 (g) and setting the image quality (number of pixels) [FIG. ) And a bar display screen 53 which is arranged below and displays “image quality setting” and an operable cross button and check button. In FIG. 5 (h), TIFF is selected as the image quality, and a check mark after the check button 343 is operated is displayed. When the mask button 344 is operated from the state shown in FIG. 5 (h), a captured image trimmed into an ellipse (masked) is displayed on the LCD 31.
[0052]
Then, the photographer presses a release button (shutter button) (not shown) of the camera 10 while viewing the LCD image, whereby a photographed image signal accompanied by a trimming form identification signal as mask information is recorded on the disk 23, and at the same time, the mask. The captured image is displayed on the LCD.
[0053]
Next, in order to play back the captured image recorded on the disk 23, the menu button 341 is pressed to display the menu screen, and “divided display” or “single frame display” is selected from the menu items and the check button 343 is selected. It is possible to execute by deciding in “Split display” is a format in which a plurality of images recorded on the disk 23 are displayed in a divided manner so that they can be displayed as a list, and “single frame display” is a single frame display of a plurality of images recorded on the disk 23. This is a format in which frames are displayed frame by frame. In the single frame display, the left and right keys of the cross button 342 are used to advance the frame to the next frame.
[0054]
FIG. 6 shows an example of split display when “split display” is selected and determined from the menu items.
[0055]
FIG. 6 (a) shows a mask form (trimming form) together with a divided display image at the time of reproduction for an image photographed with a mask while displaying an image photographed with a mask and an image photographed without a mask. ) Is added and displayed as a mark in the upper right corner of the image. In FIG. 6B, an image shot with a mask and an image shot without a mask are displayed separately, but an image shot with a mask is displayed in a masked image state during playback. It is what I did. Note that when “divided display” is selected and determined from the menu items, only one of FIG. 6A or FIG. 6B may be displayed, or “divided display” may be displayed from the menu items. When "" is selected and determined, "Mark display" and "Solid display" are displayed as sub-menu items, and the user arbitrarily selects one of the display of FIG. 6 (a) or FIG. 6 (b). You may comprise so that it can do.
[0056]
FIG. 7 shows an example of one frame display when “one frame display” is selected and determined from the menu items.
[0057]
In FIG. 7 (a), some of the captured images are an image captured with a mask and an image captured without a mask. An image captured with a mask is masked together with the image at the time of playback ( (Trimming form) is added and displayed as a mark in the upper right corner of the image. FIG. 7B shows an image captured with a mask reproduced and displayed in a state where the mask portion is painted black and the mask is applied. FIG. 7C shows an image captured with the mask reproduced and displayed with the mask portion masked with monotone (semi-transparent). Although not shown, an image captured with a mask may be reproduced and displayed with the mask applied by painting the mask portion with an appropriate color (for example, blue). In addition, when “one frame display” is selected and determined from the menu items, only one of FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, and FIG. 7C may be displayed. Alternatively, when “Single frame display” is selected and determined from the menu items, “Mark display”, “Solid display”, and “Monotone display” are displayed as sub-menu items, and the user can display FIG. Alternatively, any one of the displays shown in FIG. 7B or FIG. 7C may be arbitrarily selected.
[0058]
In addition to the embodiment described above, a switching button is provided on the side of the main body of the digital camera 10 to prevent erroneous operation of the mask button 344, and the switch button is not pressed (when it is turned off). 3) When the mask button 344 does not function effectively and is pressed (turned on) to enable the mask button 344, and when the trimming mode is set by pressing the mask button 344 at this time, the LCD 31 is shown in FIG. A screen having a mask list display 44 may be directly displayed, and a desired mask may be selected from the list, and a mask button 344 may be pressed during shooting to display the masked image on the LCD.
[0059]
A series of operations of the trimming process (mask process) in the embodiment described above can be performed by the control process of the system controller 18.
[0060]
That is, the digital camera 10 has an imaging optical system for connecting an image of a subject, and an imaging device that generates an image signal corresponding to light reflected on its imaging surface by the imaging optical system. The image can be displayed on the LCD 31 under the control of the system controller 18, or the captured image can be JPEG compressed by the image processing ASIC 17 and recorded on the disk 23 under the control of the system controller 18. On the other hand, the image recorded on the disk 23 can be read out and subjected to JPEG decompression processing by the image processing ASIC 17 under the control of the system controller 18 and displayed on the LCD 31.
[0061]
The system controller 18 incorporates a trimming information processing program 18a for performing trimming processing (mask processing), and selects a desired trimming from various trimming forms stored in the ROM 16 based on a command from the operation unit 34. Data is read, and the captured image is masked with the read trimming data and displayed on the LCD, or the read trimming data is associated with the captured image and recorded on the disk 23. Further, when the image recorded on the disk 23 is reproduced, a control process is performed to reproduce the image captured with the mask as an image with the mask applied.
[0062]
Therefore, the system controller 18 has the following means necessary for performing the above control processing.
[0063]
That is, a trimming form selection means for selectively setting a trimming form suitable for the purpose of use of the recorded image, and a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selection means with respect to the output of the image sensor 12 The first signal processing means for performing signal processing such that an image is observed in a format according to the above and supplying the signal to the LCD 23 as an applied electronic display means, and the first based on the output of the image sensor 12 A recording medium having a trimming form identification signal representing a trimming form relating to the image that is selectively set by the trimming form selection unit in a form in which a partial lack of an image related to trimming by the signal processing unit does not occur A second signal processing means for obtaining a recorded signal suitable for recording on the disc 23, and a release button (FIG. Recording operation starting means for recording the image signal processed by the second signal processing means in response to an operation on the trigger means such as Image reproduction means for reproducing the image signal recorded on the disk 23 in a form corresponding to the trimming form represented by the trimming form identification signal accompanying the image signal.
[0064]
Further, the system controller 18 further includes mode switching means for effectively functioning the first signal processing means. This mode switching means functions in response to the mask button 344.
[0065]
The trimming form selection means includes trimming data holding means such as a ROM 16 for holding a plurality of types of trimming data for causing the first signal processing means to perform trimming processing corresponding to a plurality of preset trimming forms. And a selection operation means for selecting a specific one from a plurality of trimming forms corresponding to the trimming data held by the trimming data holding means.
[0066]
The first signal processing means has a mute signal for the data of the image portion to be excluded by the trimming with respect to the output of the image sensor 12 in a format according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. Or a process including a process of performing a data process that is effectively equivalent to this process.
[0067]
The first signal processing means is an operation mode (trimmed state) in which signal processing is performed such that an image is observed in a format according to a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. And an operation mode in which a signal is allowed to pass without performing the signal processing (observed in a normal state) may be switchable.
[0068]
More specifically, the first signal processing means performs signal processing such that an image is observed in a format according to a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means with respect to the output of the image sensor 12. The first signal transmission path (the path to be trimmed) for supplying the signal 31 having been subjected to the signal processing to the LCD 31 which is an electronic display device to which the signal has been applied, and the output of the image sensor 12 are performed as described above. The second signal transmission path (path for bypassing trimming) for supplying a signal not applied to the LCD 31 and the first signal transmission path and the second signal transmission path are switched at any timing of the operator. And trimming / normal switching means for enabling application. Here, each control process of the first signal transmission path, the second signal transmission path, and the trimming / normal switching means is a function executed by software in the system controller 18. It exists conceptually in
[0069]
In the trimming / normal switching means, the first signal transmission path is applied (observed in a trimmed state) during a period when the operator applies an operation to a predetermined operation unit (for example, the mask button 344). The second signal transmission path is applied (observed in a normal state) during a period when no operation is applied to the predetermined operation unit.
[0070]
The trimming form selection means is an electronic display means that applies a predetermined number of trimming forms corresponding to the trimming data held in the trimming data holding means as a single menu screen. Trimming menu display means for displaying on a certain LCD 31 is further provided, and the trimming form selection means allows the operator to select any of the trimming forms displayed on the LCD 31 by the trimming menu display means. It is configured to be able to. In other words, the trimming may be selected from the menu screen.
[0071]
The trimming form selection means corresponds to the trimming data to be generated based on a predetermined operation by the operator, in addition to a plurality of trimming forms corresponding to the trimming data previously held in the trimming data holding means. It may be configured to further include manual trimming means for selectively setting the trimming mode. That is, in addition to the trimming pattern prepared in advance, the operator can actively create a trimming pattern.
[0072]
The trimming / normal switching means is configured so that the first signal transmission path and the second signal transmission path can be switched and applied at an arbitrary timing of the operator in accordance with a switching operation to a predetermined switching switch. It has been done. This is because the first signal transmission path is applied to the trimming / normal switching means when the operator performs an operation on a predetermined operation unit (for example, the mask button 344) (observed in a trimmed state). The second signal transmission path may be applied (observed in a normal state) when the predetermined operation unit is operated again. The first and second signal transmission paths mean that the transmission paths conceptually formed as described above are included.
[0073]
The trimming / normal switching means has the first signal transmission path and the second signal in accordance with the degree of operation amount (for example, full stroke or half) to the operation unit used in common with the trigger means (for example, release button). The signal transmission path may be configured to be switched and applied at an arbitrary timing of the operator. For example, the first and second transmission paths may be switched depending on whether the release button is pressed halfway or halfway.
[0074]
The image reproduction means displays a pattern representing the trimming form set by the trimming form selection means at a relatively biased portion of the image where a partial lack of the image related to the trimming does not occur substantially. Configured as follows. This means that the image related to trimming is displayed almost fully in one area on the screen, and the trimming form is displayed symbolically on the right shoulder of the image.
[0075]
The image reproducing means may be configured to display a reproduced image in a form as a result of performing trimming set by the trimming form selecting means. This means that the image is reproduced and displayed in the trimmed form.
[0076]
An imaging condition automatic setting unit that automatically sets the imaging condition according to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit may be further provided. That is, the camera is automatically set according to the trimming mode set selectively.
[0077]
The automatic shooting condition setting unit automatically sets the shooting condition according to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, including the setting related to the number of pixels constituting the recorded image. It may be configured as follows.
[0078]
The automatic photographing condition setting unit automatically performs setting related to the photographing condition as including a compression rate setting of information relating to a recorded image according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selection unit. It may be configured as follows.
[0079]
The photographing condition automatic setting unit is configured to automatically perform setting related to the photographing condition as including a setting relating to the resolution of the recorded image according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit. It may be.
[0080]
The photographing condition automatic setting unit is configured to automatically perform setting related to the photographing condition as including a setting relating to a color tone of a recorded image according to a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit. It may be.
[0081]
The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform setting related to photographing conditions as including a setting relating to the size of an image according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be a thing.
[0082]
The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform setting related to photographing conditions as including a setting relating to an aperture according to a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. There may be.
[0083]
The photographing condition automatic setting unit is configured to automatically perform setting related to the photographing condition as including a setting relating to the depth of field according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit. It may be.
[0084]
The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform setting relating to photographing conditions as including a setting relating to a photometric method in accordance with a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be.
[0085]
The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform setting related to photographing conditions as including a setting relating to flash on / off according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be a thing.
[0086]
The automatic photographing condition setting unit automatically performs setting related to the photographing condition as including a setting relating to a flashing method of red-eye reduction according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selection unit. It may be configured as follows.
[0087]
The photographing condition automatic setting unit is configured to automatically perform setting related to the photographing condition as including a setting relating to a contrast of a recorded image according to a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit. It may be.
[0088]
The photographing condition automatic setting unit is configured to automatically perform setting related to the photographing condition as including a setting relating to the sharpness of the recorded image according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit. It may be.
[0089]
The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform setting related to photographing conditions as including a setting relating to gamma correction of a recorded image in accordance with a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be what was done.
[0090]
The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform setting related to photographing conditions as including a setting relating to brightness of a recorded image in accordance with a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be what was done.
[0091]
The photographing condition automatic setting unit is configured to automatically perform setting related to the photographing condition as including a setting related to an edge of a recorded image in accordance with a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit. It may be.
[0092]
The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform setting relating to photographing conditions as including a setting relating to the shutter speed in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be.
[0093]
The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform setting related to photographing conditions as including a setting relating to an EV value in accordance with a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be.
[0094]
The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform setting related to photographing conditions as including a setting relating to white balance in accordance with a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be.
[0095]
The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform setting relating to photographing conditions as including the ISO sensitivity setting according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be.
[0096]
The photographing condition automatic setting unit is configured to automatically perform setting related to the photographing condition as including a setting regarding the zoom magnification according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit. It may be.
[0097]
The photographing condition automatic setting unit is configured to automatically perform setting related to the photographing condition as including a setting related to the flash emission amount according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit. It may be a thing.
[0098]
The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform setting related to photographing conditions as including a setting relating to bracket photographing according to a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be.
[0099]
The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform setting related to photographing conditions as including a setting related to continuous shooting according to a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be a thing.
[0100]
The photographing condition automatic setting unit is configured to automatically perform setting related to the photographing condition as including a setting relating to a data format of image recording according to a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit. It may be what was done.
[0101]
The photographing condition automatic setting means includes the setting relating to DPOF (Digital Print Oder Format: format relating to print information of a digital camera) according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selection means. It may be configured to automatically perform such setting. Here, the DPOF includes, in addition to the designation information such as the image to be printed and the number of images, among the images taken by the digital camera, the designation of the image to be automatically transmitted, the information on the transmission destination, the designation information of the image to be automatically reproduced, etc. It means a format for recording together with a recording medium such as a memory card in which files are recorded.
[0102]
There is further provided switching means for switching whether to select an automatic mode for automatically setting the setting relating to the photographing condition or to select a manual mode arbitrarily set manually, and the photographing condition automatic setting means is the switching means. May be configured to function when the automatic mode is selected.
[0103]
The trimming data holding means of the trimming form selecting means is one of a plurality of types of trimming data in which the portion of the image selectively excluded by trimming is a black level, gray level or color mute screen. It may be configured so as to be included.
[0104]
The trimming data holding means of the trimming form selecting means has a mode in which a semi-transparent masking is applied to an image in which an image portion selectively excluded by trimming is ground. It may be configured to be included as one.
[0105]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when a recorded image is planned to be used after trimming, a desired form is selected from trimming forms prepared in advance for such shooting. The subject can be photographed in a state that is selected and suitable for the trimming mode, and desired trimming photographing can be performed without causing a problem that the subject is detached from the trimming frame. That is, it is possible to realize shooting suitable for a desired trimming mode with a simple operation simply by determining the camera angle.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a list of shooting masks when “selection of shooting mask”, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, is selected from items on a menu screen.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of LCD display during shooting.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating editing of a shooting mask when “Edit shooting mask” which is one of the characteristic portions of the present invention is selected from items on a menu screen.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of split display when “split display” is selected and determined from menu items;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a one-frame display example when “single-frame display” is selected and determined from menu items.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 ... Imaging optical system
12 ... Image sensor
16 ... ROM (trimming data holding means)
17 ... ASIC (image processing means)
18 ... System controller (means for controlling each part of the camera)
23. Disc (recording medium)
31 ... LCD (display means)
34. Operation unit

Claims (42)

An imaging optical system for connecting an image of a subject;
An image sensor for generating an image signal corresponding to the light reflected on the image pickup surface of the image pickup optical system;
A trimming form selection means for selectively setting a trimming form suitable for the purpose of use of the recorded image;
For performing signal processing such that an image is observed in a format according to a trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit with respect to the output of the imaging element, and supplying the applied electronic display unit to the applied electronic display unit First signal processing means;
Trimming representing a form of trimming related to the image that is selectively set by the trimming form selection means in a form in which a partial lack of the image related to trimming by the first signal processing means does not occur based on the output of the imaging device Second signal processing means for obtaining a recorded signal suitable for recording on a recording medium as accompanied by a form identification signal;
Recording operation starting means for recording the image signal subjected to the processing by the second signal processing means in response to the operation to the trigger means on the applied recording medium;
Image reproduction means for reproducing the image signal recorded on the recording medium in a form corresponding to a trimming form represented by a trimming form identification signal accompanying the image signal;
A digital camera characterized by comprising: 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising mode switching means for effectively functioning the first signal processing means. The trimming form selection means includes:
Trimming data holding means for holding a plurality of types of trimming data for causing the first signal processing means to perform trimming processing corresponding to a plurality of preset trimming modes;
A selection operation means for selecting a specific one from a plurality of trimming forms corresponding to the trimming data held by the trimming data holding means;
The digital camera according to claim 1, comprising: The first signal processing means includes:
Regarding the output of the image sensor in the format according to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection means, the processing of replacing the data of the image portion excluded by the trimming with a mute signal or this processing and effective 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera is configured to perform processing including a process of performing equivalent data processing. The first signal processing means includes:
Switching between an operation mode in which signal processing is performed in which an image is observed in a format according to a trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection means and an operation mode in which a signal is passed without performing the signal processing. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera is configured to be possible. The first signal processing means includes:
Signal processing was performed so that an image was observed in a format according to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection means with respect to the output of the imaging device, and the signal subjected to the signal processing was applied A first signal transmission path for supplying to the electronic display means;
A second signal transmission path for supplying a signal that is not subjected to the signal processing with respect to the output of the image sensor to the electronic display means;
Trimming / normal switching means for allowing the first signal transmission path and the second signal transmission path to be switched and applied at an arbitrary timing of the operator;
The digital camera according to claim 1, comprising: The trimming / normal switching means is
The first signal transmission path is applied during a period when the operator applies an operation to the predetermined operation unit, and the second signal transmission path is applied during a period when the operator does not operate the predetermined operation unit. The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein the digital camera is configured as described above. The trimming form selection means includes:
Trimming menu display for displaying a predetermined number of trimming forms corresponding to the trimming data held in the trimming data holding means on the electronic display means applied as one menu screen. Further comprising means,
The trimming form selection means is configured such that the operator can select any one of the trimming forms displayed on the electronic display means by the trimming menu display means. The digital camera according to claim 3. The trimming form selection means includes:
In addition to a plurality of trimming forms corresponding to trimming data held in advance in the trimming data holding means, a trimming form corresponding to trimming data is selectively generated so as to be generated based on a predetermined operation by an operator. 9. The digital camera according to claim 3, further comprising manual trimming means for setting. The trimming / normal switching means is
The first signal transmission path and the second signal transmission path can be switched and applied at an arbitrary timing of the operator according to a switching operation to a predetermined changeover switch. A digital camera according to claim 6. The trimming / normal switching means is
The first signal transmission path and the second signal transmission path can be switched and applied at an arbitrary timing of the operator according to the degree of operation amount to the operation unit common to the trigger means. The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein the digital camera is a camera. The image reproduction means includes
A pattern representing a trimming form set by the trimming form selecting means is displayed at a relatively biased part of the image where a partial lack of the image related to the trimming does not substantially occur. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein: The image reproduction means includes
2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera is configured to display a reproduced image in a form as a result of performing the trimming set by the trimming form selecting means. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising photographing condition automatic setting means for automatically setting the photographing condition in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. camera. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection means, the setting relating to the photographing condition is automatically performed as including the setting relating to the number of pixels constituting the recorded image. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection means, the setting relating to the photographing condition is automatically performed as including the setting of the compression rate of the information regarding the recorded image. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, the setting relating to the shooting condition is automatically performed as including the setting related to the resolution of the recorded image. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, the setting relating to the shooting condition is automatically performed as including the setting related to the color tone of the recorded image. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, the setting related to the photographing condition is automatically performed as including the setting related to the size of the image. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting relating to the photographing condition is automatically performed as including the setting relating to the aperture according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selection means. 14. The digital camera according to 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, the setting relating to the shooting condition is automatically performed as including the setting related to the depth of field. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, the setting relating to the photographing condition is automatically performed as including the setting relating to the photometry method. Item 15. The digital camera according to Item 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, the setting relating to the photographing condition is automatically performed as including the setting relating to the on / off of the flash. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection means, the setting related to the shooting conditions is automatically performed as including the setting relating to the flashing method of red-eye reduction. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, the setting related to the photographing condition is automatically performed as including the setting related to the contrast of the recorded image. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, the setting relating to the shooting condition is automatically performed as including the setting related to the sharpness of the recorded image. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, the setting relating to the shooting condition is automatically performed as including the setting related to the gamma correction of the recorded image. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, the setting relating to the shooting condition is automatically performed as including the setting related to the brightness of the recorded image. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, the setting relating to the photographing condition is automatically performed as including the setting related to the edge of the recorded image. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
The configuration is such that the setting relating to the photographing condition is automatically performed as including the setting relating to the shutter speed in accordance with the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection means. Item 15. The digital camera according to Item 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
The apparatus is configured to automatically perform setting related to photographing conditions as including a setting relating to an EV value in accordance with a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selection unit. Item 15. The digital camera according to Item 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
The image processing apparatus is configured to automatically perform setting related to shooting conditions as including settings relating to white balance in accordance with a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selection unit. Item 15. The digital camera according to Item 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, the setting related to the photographing condition is automatically performed as including the setting related to the ISO sensitivity. Item 15. The digital camera according to Item 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, the setting relating to the shooting condition is automatically performed as including the setting relating to the zoom magnification. Item 15. The digital camera according to Item 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection means, the setting related to the shooting condition is automatically performed as including the setting related to the flash emission amount. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
The configuration is such that the setting relating to the shooting condition is automatically performed in accordance with the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection means, including the setting related to bracket shooting. Item 15. The digital camera according to Item 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection unit, the setting related to the shooting conditions is automatically performed as including the setting related to continuous shooting. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
According to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection means, the setting relating to the shooting condition is automatically performed as including the setting related to the data format of the image recording. The digital camera according to claim 14. The photographing condition automatic setting means is
In accordance with the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selection means, settings relating to shooting conditions are automatically performed as including settings relating to DPOF (Digital Print Oder Format). The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured as follows. There is further provided switching means for switching whether to select an automatic mode for automatically setting the setting relating to the photographing condition or to select a manual mode arbitrarily set manually, and the photographing condition automatic setting means is the switching means. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured to function when the automatic mode is selected. The trimming data holding means of the trimming form selecting means is
The image portion selectively excluded by trimming is configured so as to include a black level, gray level or color mute screen as one of a plurality of types of trimming data. The digital camera according to claim 3. The trimming data holding means of the trimming form selecting means is
An image in which a part of an image selectively excluded by trimming is grounded is configured so as to include a mode in which translucent masking is applied as one of a plurality of types of trimming data. The digital camera according to claim 3.

Images