JP4461732B2 - Camera device, photographing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera apparatus such as a digital camera having a focus position adjustment function and a photographing method.

Conventionally, in photography with a camera, for example, a method of intentionally blurring other parts than the main subject by focusing on the subject while setting the aperture to the open side to reduce the depth of field is known. Such a photographing technique is also described in the following Patent Document 1 (in the following description, for the sake of convenience, the main subject and other parts are referred to as a subject and a background).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-197269

  However, even if the depth of field is reduced at the time of shooting as described above, for example, when the subject and the background are at substantially the same distance from the camera, not only the subject but also the background is in focus. It will be in a state. Therefore, in this case, there is a problem that a desired image with a blurred background cannot be obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and a camera device and a photographing method capable of obtaining an image in which only the background is blurred without being restricted by the distance relationship between the subject and the background. The purpose is to provide a program.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the invention of claim 1, the image of the subject imaged by the imaging means is recorded, and in the camera device having the focus adjustment function, the difference from the focus position suitable for the subject is respectively A control unit that causes the imaging unit to image a subject at a plurality of different focus positions, and a focused image of a subject area including the main subject is extracted from an image captured at the first focus position in accordance with the control of the control unit. In accordance with the control of the control means, a non-focused image of the background area in contact with the subject area in order from a plurality of other images picked up at a plurality of second and subsequent focus positions different from the first focus position, respectively. extraction means for extracting, by combining a plurality of unfocused images focusing image and the background region of the subject region extracted by the extraction means Generating means for generating a new image, and to that a storage means for storing the image generated by the generating means.

In such a configuration, there are subject areas in different focus states and a background area in contact therewith, and an image in which the main subject in the subject area is in focus can always be acquired and recorded.

In the invention of claim 2 , the degree of out-of-focus is increased in order from the plurality of other images picked up at the plurality of second and subsequent focus positions of the extraction means in the order of contact with the subject area. comprising a plurality of non-focused image of the background region respectively extracted, the generation unit is synthesized to the unfocused image of the focused image of the subject region extracted by the extraction means and the plurality of background regions A new image is generated.

  In such a configuration, there are a plurality of background regions that are in contact with the subject region in order, the main subject in the subject region is focused, and an image that constantly increases the degree of blur in the plurality of background regions as the subject moves away is always acquired. Can be recorded.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the control means sets the subject area as a focus area, controls the image in the focus area to a focus position at which the image becomes a focused image, and An image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject, and the extraction means is configured to detect a subject area including a main subject from an image picked up at a focus position at which an image in the focus area becomes an in-focus image under the control of the control means. The focused image was extracted.

  In such a configuration, the focus state in one or a plurality of background regions, that is, the degree of blur can always be set accurately.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means controls the focus position determined based on a focus position at which an image in the focus area becomes an in-focus image, and the imaging means at the focus position. Means for capturing an image of a subject is included.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the control means sets the background area as a focus area, controls the image in the focus area to a focus position at which an image is out of focus, and controls the focus position at the focus position. The image pickup means includes means for picking up an image of the subject, and the extraction means includes the background region from other images picked up at a focus position at which an image in the focus area becomes an out-of-focus image under the control of the control means. The out-of-focus image was extracted.

  In the invention of claim 6, the control means acquires an appropriate focus position in each focus area before the first imaging, and sets the plurality of focus positions acquired before the first imaging. Based on this, the focus position was controlled before each imaging.

  In such a configuration, it is possible to minimize the time required for imaging when acquiring an image in which a background area exists.

  Further, in the invention of claim 7, the extraction means extracts the focused image from an image selected based on a focus state of the subject area from a plurality of images taken under the control of the control means. It was supposed to be extracted.

  In such a configuration, an operation of searching for an appropriate focus position with respect to the subject or the background is not required while capturing a plurality of images including the original images of the subject region and the background region.

  In the invention according to claim 8, the extraction means is configured to extract the out-of-focus image from an image selected based on a focus state of the background area from a plurality of images picked up under the control of the control means. Was to be extracted.

  Even in such a configuration, the focus state, that is, the degree of blurring in one or a plurality of background regions can always be set accurately.

  Further, in the invention of claim 9, there is provided designation means for allowing the user to designate the subject area.

  In such a configuration, the main subject at the time of shooting can be arranged at a desired position within the angle of view.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing method in a camera device that records an image of a subject imaged by an imaging means and has a focus adjustment function, and there is a difference from a focus position suitable for the subject. An imaging process for imaging a subject at a plurality of different focus positions, and a plurality of images respectively extracted from images captured at each focus position, the subject including the main subject in the image captured at the first focus position The in-focus image of the area and the unfocused image of the background area in contact with the subject area in order in a plurality of other images captured at a plurality of second and subsequent focus positions different from the first focus position. Thus, the method includes a generation step of generating a new image and a recording step of recording the generated image.

According to such a method, it is possible to always obtain and record an image in which there are subject areas in different focus states and a background area in contact with the subject areas, and an image in which the main subject in the subject area is in focus.

In the invention of claim 11, the image of the subject imaged by the imaging means is recorded, and the computer of the camera device having the focus adjustment function is different from the focus position suitable for the subject. A control unit that causes the imaging unit to image a subject at a plurality of focus positions, and an in-focus image of a subject area including the main subject are extracted from an image captured at the first focus position in accordance with the control of the control unit; extracting unfocused image of sequentially contacting the background region in the subject area and with the first focus position control from a plurality of other images captured by the plurality of focus positions of the different second and subsequent of said control means, respectively extracting means for, by combining the out-of-focus image of the focused image and the plurality of background region of the subject region extracted by the extraction means And a program for functioning as a generating means for generating a new image.

  According to the first and tenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to always acquire and record an image in which a subject area in a different focus state and a background area in contact with the subject area exist and an image in which the main subject in the subject area is in focus. I did it. Therefore, an image in which only the background is blurred can be obtained without being restricted by the distance relationship between the subject and the background.

  In the invention of claim 2, there are a plurality of background areas that are in contact with the subject area in order, the main subject in the subject area is in focus, and the degree of blur in the plurality of background areas increases as the distance from the subject increases. Images can always be acquired and recorded. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an image that has been shot using the depth of field without being restricted by the distance relationship between the subject and the background.

  In the third, fourth, and fifth aspects of the invention, the focus state in one or a plurality of background regions, that is, the degree of blur can always be set accurately. Therefore, it is possible to reliably obtain an image in which only the background is blurred, and in an image having a plurality of background areas, it is possible to reliably change the degree of blur of each background area.

  Further, in the invention of claim 6, it is possible to minimize the time required for imaging when acquiring an image having a background area. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the possibility of image misalignment between the original image of the subject area and the original image of the background area or between the original images of the multiple background areas due to camera shake, etc. It is possible to acquire and record a good image.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, an operation for searching for an appropriate focus position with respect to the subject and the background is not required while capturing a plurality of images including the original images of the subject region and the background region. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the total shooting time required for capturing the original image for extracting the focused image of the subject area and the original image for extracting the non-focused image of the background area.

  In the invention of claim 8, the focus state in one or a plurality of background regions, that is, the degree of blur can always be set accurately. Therefore, it is possible to reliably obtain an image in which only the background is blurred, and in an image having a plurality of background areas, it is possible to reliably change the degree of blur of each background area. In addition, since the original image for extracting the out-of-focus image in the background area is selected based on the focus state of the background area, it is possible to accurately control the degree of blur in the background area.

  In the invention of claim 9, the main subject can be arranged at a desired position within the angle of view at the time of shooting. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

  In the invention of claim 11, the invention of claims 1 and 10 can be implemented even in an existing camera device by using the program.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera 1 according to the present invention.

  The digital camera 1 photoelectrically converts an optical image of a subject imaged by an optical system 2 including a photographing lens and a focus lens by a CCD 3 and displays a captured subject image on an LCD (liquid crystal display device) 5. The captured subject image is converted into image data in accordance with a shooting operation and recorded in the image memory 6. The image memory 6 is a storage unit according to the present invention, and more specifically, is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that is built in or removable from the camera body.

  The analog imaging signal output from the CCD 3 is converted into a digital image signal for each of R, G, and B in the signal processing unit 4 and subjected to various signal processing, and finally a luminance signal (Y Signal) and color difference signals (Cb signal, Cr signal), that is, output as a digital image signal. The image signal output from the signal processing unit 4 is sent to the LCD 5 and displayed as a through image when in the photographing standby state. The image signal is compressed by the CPU 7 in accordance with a predetermined format such as JPEG and recorded in the image memory 6 in accordance with the shooting operation. The compressed image data recorded in the image memory 6 is read out by the CPU 7 as necessary, and once decompressed, it is reproduced and displayed on the LCD 5 as a still image or a moving image.

  The digital camera 1 also includes a ROM 8, a RAM 9 that is a working buffer memory for the CPU 7, a key input unit 10, and a lens driving unit 11. The ROM 8 stores various control programs for causing the CPU 7 to compress and expand the image data and to control the entire apparatus such as AE and AF. By operating according to the control program, the CPU 7 It functions as the control means, extraction means, generation means, and designation means of the present invention.

  The key input unit 10 includes a shutter key, a mode switching key used for switching operation modes, and the like, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the key operation to the CPU 7. The operation modes provided in the digital camera 1 are a recording mode for photographing, a playback mode for displaying a recorded image on the LCD 5, and a plurality of modes positioned below the both modes. Is provided with a special portrait mode mainly provided for portrait photography.

  The lens driving unit 11 includes a motor that drives the focus lens of the optical system 2 in the optical axis direction, a driver for controlling the motor, and the like. The lens driving unit 11 controls the focus lens based on a command from the CPU 7 during AF control. To drive. Note that the AF control in the present embodiment is a well-known contrast AF.

  Next, an operation according to the present invention of the digital camera 1 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the CPU 7 when the above-described special portrait mode is set by the user. In the following description, it is assumed that the subject is a person and the distance from the digital camera 1 is substantially the same between the subject and the background.

  When the special portrait mode is set, the CPU 7 immediately starts an imaging operation by the CCD 3 and displays a through image on the LCD 5 (step SA1). If the user presses the shutter key while repeating the image pickup by the CCD 3 and the display of the through image (YES in step SA2), the focus area is set at the center of the screen and AF control is executed to focus on the center of the screen. Are combined (step SA3), the first image is taken and stored in the buffer (RAM 9) (step SA4).

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3, the focus position is determined based on the focus position F1 from the focus position F1 controlled in step SA3, that is, the just pin position with respect to the subject A (and other portions). While moving to the focus position three times, imaging is performed at each focus position F2 to F4, and the second to fourth images are stored in the buffer (NO in steps SA5 and SA6 and step SA7). That is, imaging is performed while increasing the degree of out-of-focus, and three images having the same composition as the first image but different in out-of-focus are stored. The focus positions F2 to F4 set at the time of shooting the second to fourth images are, for example, three focus positions (F2 to F4) corresponding to any adjustable focus position (Jaspin position) F1. A correspondence table is prepared and determined based on the correspondence table, or a deviation amount with respect to an arbitrary focus position F1 is individually determined for each of the focus positions F2 to F4. Determine by adding to position F1.

  When imaging and storage of the fourth image are completed (YES in step SA7), the central area g1 of the first image G1 is cut out as shown in FIG. The inner peripheral area g2 outside the central area g1 is cut out from the third image G3, the outer peripheral area g3 further outside, and the outermost peripheral area g4 (all remaining areas) is cut out from the fourth image G4 (step) SA8), the partial images of all the cut out areas g1 to g4 are combined into one image (step SA9), and the combined image, that is, the center of the screen is focused, and the periphery is focused toward the outside. The composite image G5 with the degree of blur increasing in steps is recorded in the image memory 6 (step SA10). This completes one shooting operation in the special portrait mode.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the distance from the digital camera 1 to the subject and the distance to the background are substantially the same, the framing is performed so that the subject is placed at the center of the screen, and the shutter is pressed. It is possible to shoot only an image that is blurred, and an image whose degree of blur increases as the distance from the subject increases, that is, an image taken using the depth of field.

  Furthermore, there is no other restriction when shooting an image with only the background blurred using the depth of field. In other words, the depth of field depends on the focal length of the photographic lens, the distance to the subject to be focused on, and the aperture with the aperture in a configuration having an aperture. The longer the photographic lens is a wide-angle lens with a shorter focal length, the more the distance to the subject is. The farther the distance is, the deeper the depth of field becomes, as the aperture is set to the open side. Therefore, for example, when you want to shoot a portrait with a greatly blurred background, if the photographic lens has a wide angle, select a background that is farther from the person, shoot from a position closer to the subject, It is necessary to set to the open side. On the other hand, in the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to photograph a portrait with a largely blurred background without being subjected to the above-described various restrictions during photographing.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to an image in which the subject is in focus, three images with different focus degrees by changing the focus position three times are captured, and one image is obtained using these four images. The image (synthesized image G5) has been described, but only one or two out-of-focus images are taken and one recorded image is synthesized from two or three images. It is also possible to shoot four or more images that are out of focus and synthesize one recorded image with partial images of different areas in five or more images. In particular, by increasing the number of out-of-focus images, the degree of background blur can be changed smoothly.

  Further, the shape of the central region g1 (subject region of the present invention) cut out from the first image, that is, the focused region is an ellipse, and the shapes of the other regions g2 to g4 (background region of the present invention) are The shape surrounding the periphery in order, but the shape of the central region g1 is a shape other than an ellipse, or the shape selected by the user in advance from a plurality of types of shapes prepared in advance It is good. Further, without recognizing the shape of the central region g1 as a specific shape, an edge recognition process or the like is performed on the first image to once confirm the region corresponding to the main subject, and the outer shape of the confirmed region is set as another region. You may make it make the shape of g2-g4 into the shape according to it. In other words, the focused area (subject area) and the other plural areas (background area) may be in contact with each other in order.

  Also, when taking the first image, the focus area is set to the center of the screen and the subject in that area is focused, but any other predetermined position, for example, one of the four corners or one of the four sides of the screen You may make it focus on the subject of the position close to.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the above-described digital camera 1 is provided with a special portrait mode for performing a photographing operation, which will be described later, below the recording mode. Hereinafter, the operation according to the present invention of the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5 showing the control procedure of the CPU 7 when the special portrait mode is set by the user.

  When the special portrait mode is set, the CPU 7 immediately starts an imaging operation by the CCD 3 and displays a through image on the LCD 5 (step SB1). Then, if the user presses the shutter key while repeating the imaging by the CCD 3 and the display of the through image (YES in step SB2), four areas set in advance in the imaging screen, that is, the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the same central area as that shown in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, the outer peripheral area, the outer peripheral area, and the outermost peripheral area are sequentially set as focus areas. The first to fourth focus positions corresponding to the area are sequentially searched by AF control and stored in the buffer (step SB3).

  Next, the focus position is set to the first focus position with the previously stored central area as the focus area, and the first image is captured and stored in the buffer (step SB4). Subsequently, the second to fourth focus positions with other previously stored areas as the focus area are sequentially called, and based on this, the focus positions to be set are changed in order (step SB5), and three images are taken in order. Is stored in the buffer (step SB6). At that time, when the second image is captured, a focus position is set by shifting the second focus position called by one step, and when the third image is picked up, the third focus position called is shifted by two steps. The position is set, and when the fourth image is captured, a focus position is set by shifting the called fourth focus position by three steps. The direction in which the focus position is shifted is the front side, and the distance (deviation amount) of one step is a predetermined distance determined in advance according to the characteristics of the optical system 2. Thus, the focused image (first image) and three images (second to fourth images) in which the degree of out-of-focus is gradually increased are acquired. It should be noted that the focus positions F2 to F4 that are shifted when the second to fourth images are captured are the second to second positions corresponding to the first focus positions that can be set, as already described in the first embodiment. A correspondence table indicating the fourth focus position may be prepared and determined based on the correspondence table.

  After completing the imaging and storage of the fourth image (YES in step SB7), the central region g1 is extracted from the first image G1 in the same manner as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 4 below). The inner peripheral area g2 is cut out from the second image G2, the outer peripheral area g3 is cut out from the third image G3, and the outermost peripheral area g4 is cut out from the fourth image G4 (step SB8). The partial images g1 to g4 are combined into one image (step SB9), and the combined image (combined image G5) is recorded in the image memory 6 (step SB10). This completes one shooting operation in the special portrait mode.

  Therefore, even in this embodiment, it is possible to shoot an image in which only the background is blurred and the degree of blur increases with distance from the subject simply by framing the subject at the center of the screen and pressing the shutter. it can. In addition, it is possible to take a portrait or the like in which the background is greatly blurred without being subjected to restrictions imposed when shooting using the depth of field.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the focus positions for capturing the second to fourth images G2 to G4 are focused on areas (inner peripheral area g2, outer peripheral area g3, and outermost peripheral area g4) to be cut out later. The position is shifted by a predetermined distance (1 to 3 steps) from the focus position acquired in advance by AF control as an area. Therefore, not only when the distance from the digital camera 1 to the subject and the distance to the background are almost the same, but even if the distance to the subject and the distance to the background are significantly different, An image can be obtained in which the degree of blur increases as the distance from the subject increases. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain a background image that always has a certain degree of blur even if the difference between the distance to the subject and the distance to the background changes.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, four normal focus positions by AF control when the areas to be cut out and used (the inner peripheral area g2, the outer peripheral area g3, and the outermost peripheral area g4) are set to the focus area are four sheets. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the normal focus position is acquired (searched) at each time point when the second to fourth images G2 to G4 are captured. May be. However, if the image is acquired in advance, the drive control of the optical system 2 is not wasted and the acquisition time of the normal focus position can be shortened. Therefore, the imaging interval of the second to fourth images G2 to G4, that is, Total imaging time can be shortened. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the possibility of image misalignment between the images G2 to G4 due to camera shake or the like, and to obtain a high-quality composite image G5.

  Other than this, the number of out-of-focus images used for image composition, the area cut out from each image, and the shape thereof are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the above-described digital camera 1 is provided with a special portrait mode for performing a photographing operation, which will be described later, below the recording mode. Hereinafter, the operation according to the present invention of the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6 showing the control procedure of the CPU 7 when the special portrait mode is set by the user.

  When the special portrait mode is set, the CPU 7 immediately starts an imaging operation by the CCD 3 and displays a through image on the LCD 5 (step SC1). If the user presses the shutter key while repeating the imaging by the CCD 3 and the display of the through image (YES in step SC2), the focus position is set to a predetermined position on the shortest shooting distance side (or infinity side) ( Step SC3) An image is taken and stored in the buffer (step SC4). Thereafter, until the number of times of imaging reaches a predetermined number N corresponding to a preset focus movement range, the imaging of the image and storage in the buffer are repeated while changing the focus position by a predetermined distance (step SC6) ( NO in step SC5).

  Eventually, when the number of times of imaging reaches the predetermined number N (YES in step SC5), the image stored in the buffer is displayed on the LCD 5, and the user is allowed to designate an area where the main subject exists in the image (step SC7). ). Note that the image displayed on the LCD 5 in such processing may be an image that can specify an area where the subject is present, and is captured at a predetermined image, for example, a focus position that is set at the time of shooting a general portrait. Or an image selected by the user. In addition, a specific method for designating a region where the main subject exists is arbitrary. For example, a designated frame having an arbitrary shape is displayed on the screen and moved according to a predetermined key operation by the user, It is conceivable that the designated frame having an arbitrary shape and size is generated and displayed semi-automatically by detecting the edge around the designated location. Here, it is assumed that the user designates an area where the main subject exists by moving the oval designation frame displayed on the screen according to a key operation or changing the size.

  Subsequently, after waiting for the user to specify the area, the reference image (G1 in FIG. 7) that is most in focus on the user-specified area is searched from the plurality of images stored in the buffer. The focus state of the designated area (g1 in the figure) in the image is set as the focus reference (step SC8). The focus state is determined using a predetermined determination value based on the luminance component, color component, and the like of each image. Further, out of the images stored in the buffer, the inner peripheral region g2 surrounding the outside of the designated region g1 is blurred by one step from the focus reference (G2 in the figure), and the inner peripheral region g2 The focus state of the outer peripheral region g3 that surrounds the outside of the image is blurred in two steps from the focus reference (G3 in the figure), and the focus state of the outermost peripheral region g4 that surrounds the outside of the outer peripheral region g3 is three steps from the focus reference Three blurred images of the blurred image (G4 in the figure) are searched (step SC9).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the designated area g1 is blurred from the reference image G1 described above, the inner peripheral area g2 surrounding the outside of the designated area g1 from the blurred image G2 in which the focus is blurred by one stage, and the focus is blurred by two stages. The outer peripheral region g3 surrounding the outer side of the inner peripheral region g2 is cut out from the blurred image G3, and the outermost peripheral region g4 surrounding the outer side of the outer peripheral region g3 is cut out from the blurred image G4 that is out of focus by three stages (step SC10). The partial images in the regions g1 to g4 are combined into one image (step SC11), and the combined image (combined image G5) is recorded in the image memory 6 (step SC12). This completes one shooting operation in the special portrait mode.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to shoot an image in which only the background is blurred and the degree of blur increases as the distance from the subject increases without performing the AF operation on the subject. Therefore, by eliminating the AF operation, the total imaging time required for imaging the reference image G1 and the blurred images G2 to G4 can be shortened.

  In addition, in order to determine the image from which the inner peripheral area g2, the outer peripheral area g3, and the outermost peripheral area g4 constituting the background are cut out by confirming the degree of blur of each area, as in the second embodiment described above, digital The distance from the camera 1 to the subject and the distance to the background are almost the same, and even if the distance to the subject and the distance to the background are significantly different, the degree of background blur is surely It is possible to obtain an image that becomes stronger as the distance from the subject increases, and it is possible to obtain a background image that always has a certain degree of blur even if the difference between the distance to the subject and the distance to the background changes. In addition, since an image from which each of the regions g2 to g4 constituting the background is cut out is determined by directly confirming the degree of blur of each of the regions g2 to g4, a more accurate degree of blur is ensured by the background region in the composite image G5. Can do.

  Furthermore, it is possible to shoot an image where only the background is blurred and the degree of blur increases as the distance from the subject increases, regardless of where the subject is placed on the screen during shooting.

  In addition, as in the first and second embodiments, it is possible to shoot a portrait or the like with a largely blurred background without being subjected to restrictions imposed when shooting using the depth of field.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of images with different focus states are captured first, and then the user is allowed to specify an area where the main subject exists using any of the captured images. The area (designated area) may be first selected by the user at a stage prior to capturing the plurality of images. Also, a predetermined area (for example, a central area) determined in advance without specifying the area where the main subject exists can be fixedly set as the subject area.

  In the present embodiment, in steps SC4 to SC6, multiple times of imaging while changing the focus position are performed by the same process as the normal still image shooting process. You may make it perform by the same process. That is, the image to be recorded in the buffer may be moving image data.

  In addition, as described in the first and second embodiments, the number of out-of-focus images used for image composition, the area cut out from each image, and the shape thereof are arbitrary.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the present invention is applied to a digital camera. However, the present invention can be applied to other camera devices such as a digital video camera. Can be applied. In addition, the present invention can be implemented without adding special hardware resources to a general digital camera or the like having an AF function. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented only by adding a predetermined program even in an existing digital camera or the like.

It is a block diagram of a digital camera common to each embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of CPU in the special portrait mode in 1st Embodiment. It is the model which showed the relationship of each focus position set at the time of imaging | photography operation | movement in the special portrait mode. In 1st and 2nd embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the image recorded in a special portrait mode. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of CPU in the special portrait mode in 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of a CPU in a special portrait mode according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the contents of an image recorded in a special portrait mode in the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital Camera 2 Optical System 3 CCD
4 Signal processor 5 LCD
6 Image memory 7 CPU
8 ROM
9 RAM
10 Key input unit 11 Lens drive unit

Claims (11)

In a camera device that records an image of a subject imaged by an imaging means and has a focus adjustment function,
Control means for causing the imaging means to image the subject at a plurality of focus positions different from each other in a focus position suitable for the subject;
Along with the control of the control means, a focused image of the subject area including the main subject is extracted from the image picked up at the first focus position, and at a plurality of second and subsequent focus positions different from the first focus position. extracting means for extracting a non-focused image of the sequentially adjacent background region in the subject region from a plurality of other images captured respectively,
Generating means for generating a new image by combining the focused image of the subject area extracted by the extracting means and a plurality of unfocused images of the background area;
And a storage means for storing the image generated by the generating means. From the plurality of other images captured at the second and subsequent focus positions of the extraction means ,
The in-focus images of the plurality of background regions that increase the degree of out- of-focus are extracted in order of contact with the subject region, and the generation unit extracts the in-focus image of the subject region and the plurality of in-focus images extracted by the extraction unit. The camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a new image is generated by combining the unfocused image of the background area. The control means includes means for setting the subject area as a focus area, controlling the focus area where an image in the focus area becomes a focused image, and causing the imaging means to image the subject at the focus position,
The extraction unit extracts a focused image of a subject area including a main subject from an image captured at a focus position at which an image in the focus area becomes a focused image under the control of the control unit. The camera device according to claim 1.   The control means includes means for controlling a focus position determined based on a focus position at which an image in the focus area becomes a focused image, and causing the imaging means to image a subject at the focus position. The camera device according to claim 3. The control means includes a means for setting the background area as a focus area, controlling the focus area where an image in the focus area becomes an out-of-focus image, and causing the imaging means to image a subject at the focus position,
The extracting means extracts an out-of-focus image of the background region from another image captured at a focus position at which an image in the focus area becomes an out-of-focus image under the control of the control means. The camera device according to claim 3.   The control means acquires an appropriate focus position in each focus area before the first imaging, and controls the focus position before each imaging based on the plurality of focus positions acquired before the first imaging. The camera device according to claim 5.   The extraction unit extracts the in-focus image from an image selected based on a focus state of the subject area from a plurality of images captured under the control of the control unit. The camera device described.   The said extraction means extracts the said out-of-focus image from the image selected based on the focus state of the said background area | region from the several image imaged according to control of the said control means. Camera device.   The camera apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising designation means for causing a user to designate the subject area. A method of recording in a camera device that records an image of a subject imaged by an imaging means and has a focus adjustment function,
An imaging process for imaging the subject at a plurality of focus positions, each of which has a different difference from the focus position suitable for the subject;
A plurality of images respectively extracted from images picked up at each focus position, the focused image of the subject area including the main subject in the image picked up at the first focus position, and the first focus position A generating step of generating a new image by combining a plurality of non-focused images of a plurality of background regions that are in contact with the subject region in sequence in a plurality of other images captured at a plurality of different second and subsequent focus positions;
And a recording step of recording the generated image. A computer having a camera device that records an image of a subject imaged by an imaging unit and has a focus adjustment function;
Control means for causing the imaging means to image the subject at a plurality of focus positions different from each other in a focus position suitable for the subject;
A focused image of the subject area including the main subject is extracted from an image captured at the first focus position with the control of the control means, and a different image from the first focus position with the control of the control means. Extraction means for respectively extracting out-of-focus images of a background area that touches the subject area sequentially from a plurality of other images captured at a plurality of focus positions after 2;
A program for functioning as a generation unit that generates a new image by combining a focused image of a subject area extracted by the extraction unit and a non-focused image of a plurality of background areas.

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