JP5233727B2 - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic camera with a built-in monitor.

  Conventionally, when taking a group photo or taking a commemorative photo at a sightseeing spot, it is often done to ask a photographer to take an electronic camera. Therefore, an electronic camera equipped with a shooting mode for facilitating shooting by a shooting agent has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  According to the electronic camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228707, an image outline and an arbitrary image portion are extracted from an image (pre-image) acquired by performing temporary shooting prior to shooting and displayed on a display monitor. To do. The photographer, when holding the electronic camera, composes so that the contour of the pre-image and the contour of the image in the current composition overlap while looking at the monitor, and then presses the release to shoot .

  Further, according to the electronic camera disclosed in Patent Document 2, the through image displayed on the monitor at the time of provisional photographing is temporarily stored as a reference image for composition adjustment. The reference image is made translucent to the image and is displayed on the monitor. The photographer performs composition while looking at the composite image, and then presses the release to shoot.

  According to the techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, an image having a composition intended by the user can be easily obtained, but has the following problems.

  In the electronic camera of Patent Document 1, an arrow is displayed on the monitor to inform the photographing agent of the direction of composition adjustment. In this case, although the arrow is displayed smaller as the composition is matched, it is not clear how much the arrow becomes smaller when the electronic camera is moved. For this reason, there is a problem that it is not always convenient for a photographic agent.

  Further, in the electronic camera disclosed in Patent Document 2, if the contour of the image becomes complicated, it takes time to superimpose the contour and the contour of the actual subject, which may be confusing for the imaging agent.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera that allows a photographing agent to easily photograph a composition intended by a user when taking a commemorative photograph.

  An electronic camera according to a first invention includes an imaging unit, a display unit, a shooting mode switching unit, and a composition matching shooting unit. The imaging unit captures a subject and generates an image. The display unit displays an image on the display screen. The shooting mode switching unit switches to any shooting mode from a plurality of shooting modes including a composition shooting mode having a shooting guide function for matching the composition at the first shooting and the composition of the through image at the second shooting. The composition adjustment photographing unit causes the imaging unit to perform the first photographing and the second photographing in the composition adjustment photographing mode.

  Furthermore, the composition adjustment photographing unit includes a first extraction unit, a first mark setting unit, a second extraction unit, and a mark display control unit. The first extraction unit extracts the contour of the subject from the first captured image data. The first mark setting unit sets a first mark that clearly indicates the position of the feature portion representing the feature of the contour. The second extraction unit extracts a feature portion from the through image data and generates a second mark that clearly indicates the position of the feature portion. The mark display control unit superimposes and displays the first mark and the second mark on the through image displayed by the display unit.

  A second invention further comprises a memory for storing a plurality of templates representing the contour of the subject in the first invention, and the first extraction unit extracts the contour by pattern matching based on the template.

  In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the first mark setting unit sets the first mark by user input.

  In a fourth aspect based on the first aspect, the imaging unit performs the first photographing under photographing conditions including the exposure value detected by the automatic exposure control, and at the time of the second photographing, the first photographing except the exposure value is performed. The second shooting is performed using the shooting conditions and the exposure value detected again by the automatic exposure control.

  According to a fifth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, further includes a coincidence determination unit that determines the coincidence between the first mark and the second mark.

  According to a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the information processing apparatus further includes a voice guide unit that notifies the user of shooting information representing the degree of matching by voice, and the voice guide unit sets the shooting information according to the determination result of the matching level determination unit. Notify the user by voice.

  In a seventh aspect based on the fifth or sixth aspect, the composition adjustment photographing unit causes the imaging unit to perform the second photographing when the degree of coincidence is within a predetermined threshold.

  In an eighth aspect based on the fifth or sixth aspect, the composition adjustment photographing unit causes the imaging unit to perform the second photographing when the degree of coincidence is greater than a predetermined threshold even after a predetermined time has elapsed. .

  According to a ninth aspect, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the composition adjustment photographing unit cancels the composition adjustment photographing mode when the degree of coincidence is greater than a predetermined threshold even after a predetermined time has elapsed. A release unit is further provided.

  According to the electronic camera of the present invention, when taking a commemorative photo or the like, the photo taking agent can easily take the composition intended by the user.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic camera 1 according to a first embodiment. Rear view of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG. A flowchart showing an example of an operation when a user performs provisional shooting with the electronic camera 1. The figure explaining the commemorative photography mode of 1st Embodiment The figure explaining the commemorative photography mode of 1st Embodiment A flowchart showing an example of an operation when a photographing agent performs main photographing with the electronic camera 1 The figure explaining the commemorative photography mode of 1st Embodiment Diagram illustrating template The figure explaining the commemorative photography mode in the modification of 1st Embodiment The figure explaining commemorative photography mode in the 2nd modification A flowchart showing an example of an operation when a photographing agent performs main photographing with the electronic camera 1 The figure explaining the commemorative photography mode of 2nd Embodiment

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic camera 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic camera 1 includes a photographing lens 10, an imaging unit 11, an image processing unit 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 14, a display driver 15, and a liquid crystal. A display monitor 16, an operation unit 17, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 18, a recording interface (recording I / F) 19, a bus 20, a recording medium 21, and a speaker 22 are provided.

  Among these, the image processing unit 12, the RAM 13, the ROM 14, the display driver 15, the CPU 18, and the recording interface (recording I / F) 19 are connected to each other via a bus 20. The operation unit 22 is connected to the CPU 18.

  The photographing lens 10 includes a plurality of lens groups including a zoom lens and a focus lens. For the sake of simplicity, FIG. 1 shows the photographic lens 10 as a single lens.

  The imaging unit 11 includes a lens driving mechanism, a diaphragm, a shutter mechanism, a CCD imaging device, an A / D conversion unit, and the like. The imaging unit 11 generates image data of the subject image formed by the photographing lens 11 and sends it to the image processing unit 12.

  The image generated by the imaging unit 11 includes a through image for composition confirmation, in addition to the temporary image and the actual image. The image for storage is a one-frame image with a large amount of data. The through image is an image of a plurality of continuous frames with a small amount of data, and is an image for displaying the current subject of the electronic camera 1 in real time.

  The image processing unit 12 temporarily stores the image data output from the imaging unit 11 in the frame memory of the RAM 13. The image processing unit 12 performs image processing such as white balance correction processing and gain control processing on the image data stored in the frame memory.

  The ROM 14 stores a plurality of templates representing the contour to be extracted. This template will be described later.

  The display driver 15 converts the image data into a format suitable for the liquid crystal display monitor 16.

  A connector for connecting the recording medium 21 is formed in the recording interface (recording I / F) 19. The recording interface (recording I / F) 19 accesses the recording medium 21 connected to the connector according to an instruction from the CPU 18 and performs image recording processing.

  The CPU 18 is a processor that performs overall control of the electronic camera 1. The CPU 18 also functions as a first extraction unit 18a, a feature outline setting unit 18b, a second extraction unit 18c, a landmark display control unit 18d, a coincidence degree determination unit 18e, a voice guide unit 18f, and a shooting mode release unit 18g.

  The first extraction unit 18a extracts the contour of the subject from the pre-image data obtained by provisional photographing prior to the main photographing. For example, the first extraction unit 18a extracts the contour of the subject by a contour extraction process described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-222690.

  The feature outline setting unit 18b sets a feature outline that clearly indicates the position of the feature portion representing the outline feature as the first mark. The second extraction unit 18c, after provisional shooting, extracts a feature portion from the through image data and generates a corresponding contour line (second mark) that clearly indicates the position of the feature portion. Note that the number of first marks is not limited to one and may be plural.

  The mark display control unit 18d superimposes and displays the characteristic contour line (first mark) and the corresponding contour line (second mark) on the through image displayed on the liquid crystal display monitor 16. The coincidence determination unit 18e determines the coincidence between the feature outline displayed on the through image and the corresponding outline.

  The voice guide unit 18f notifies the user of shooting information by voice according to the determination result of the coincidence degree determination unit 18e (details will be described later).

  If the degree of coincidence between the feature contour line and the corresponding contour line is greater than a predetermined threshold even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the photographing mode canceling unit 18g cancels the commemorative photographing mode described later.

  FIG. 2 is a rear view of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, a release button 17 a is provided on the top of the electronic camera 1. On the back of the electronic camera 1, a wide-angle zoom key 17b, a telephoto zoom key 17c, a power button 17d, a mode switch 17e, a menu switching / execution key 17f, a speaker 22, and a liquid crystal display monitor 16 are provided.

  The liquid crystal display monitor 16 displays a still image, a through image, an operation menu of the electronic camera 1, and the like. The wide-angle zoom key 17b is an operation button for changing the focal length to the wide-angle side. The telephoto zoom key 17c is an operation button for changing the focal length to the telephoto side. The power button 17d is a button for turning the electronic camera 1 on and off. The mode switch 17e is a button for switching between still image reproduction and still image shooting. The menu switching / execution key 17f is an operation button for freely switching menus used in the electronic camera 1 to select or execute setting conditions.

  The operation unit 17 includes operation buttons (release button 17a, wide-angle zoom key 17b, telephoto zoom key 17c, power button 17d, mode switch 17e, menu switching / execution provided on the back and top surfaces of the electronic camera 1 described in FIG. The operation of the key 17f) is accepted and a processing command is issued to the CPU 18.

  In the present embodiment, as a shooting mode, an auto mode capable of shooting as soon as the electronic camera 1 is turned on, a landscape mode suitable for taking a landscape, a portrait mode suitable for taking a person, and a memorial for selfie Shooting modes such as a commemorative shooting mode (composition shooting mode) suitable for shooting and the like are prepared in advance. These shooting modes are selected by the user via the operation unit 17.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, in the menu of the electronic camera 1, an item “commemorative photography mode” is registered in advance. The user can set the electronic camera 1 to “commemorative photography mode” by operating the menu switching / execution key 17f and selecting the “commemorative photography mode” item. Details of this commemorative photographing mode will be described later.

  Next, an example of the operation of the electronic camera 1 in the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when the user performs provisional shooting with the electronic camera 1. 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining the commemorative photographing mode of the first embodiment. Here, in the following description, a case where the commemorative shooting mode is set will be described. In this commemorative photographing mode, first, the user performs provisional photographing with the electronic camera 1, and then the user hands over the electronic camera 1 to the photographing agent, and the photographing agent takes the photographing. Therefore, in the first embodiment, a description will be given by dividing into a flowchart (FIG. 3) in which a user performs provisional shooting with the electronic camera 1 and a flowchart (FIG. 6) in which a shooting agent performs actual shooting with the electronic camera 1.

  First, a flowchart when the user performs provisional shooting with the electronic camera 1 will be described. FIG. 4 (a) shows a composition for taking a commemorative photo. In FIG. 4A, it is assumed that three persons (P1, P2, P3) take a commemorative photo with the building 100 in the background. It is assumed that the person P2 performs provisional shooting.

  Step S101: The CPU 18 starts acquiring a through image by driving the imaging unit 11. This through image is displayed on the liquid crystal display monitor 16.

  Step S102: The CPU 18 monitors whether or not the release button 17a shown in FIG. When the release button 17a is half-pressed (step S102: Yes), the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the CPU 18 does not detect half-press (step S102: No), step S102 is repeated until the release button 17a is half-pressed.

  Step S103: The CPU 18 performs AF (automatic focus control), AE (automatic exposure control), etc., and sets shooting conditions necessary for temporary shooting.

  Step S104: The CPU 18 monitors whether or not the release button 17a has been fully pressed. When the release button 17a is fully pressed (step S104: Yes), the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if the CPU 18 does not detect a full press even after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S104: No), the temporarily set shooting conditions for temporary shooting are canceled, and the process returns to step S102.

  Step S105: The CPU 18 drives the imaging unit 11 to receive a full press operation and acquire a pre-image. An image signal (digital signal) output from the imaging unit 11 is input to the image processing unit 12. The image processing unit 12 temporarily stores the pre-image data output from the imaging unit 11 in the frame memory of the RAM 13. Further, a pre-image is displayed on the liquid crystal display monitor 16 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 4B, the person P2 is represented by a dotted line, but this explicitly indicates that the person P2 is temporarily shooting, and actually the person P2 It is not in the pre-image.

  When the CPU 18 receives a signal indicating that the pre-image is used as a composition for the main photographing by user input, the CPU 18 proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, when a signal indicating that the pre-image is taken again is received by the user input, the process returns to step S102.

  Step S106: The CPU 18 displays, on the pre-image, contour line extraction frames 30a and 30b for extracting a portion where a feature contour line is set, as shown in FIG. 4C. When the user sets the contour extraction frames 30a and 30b on the liquid crystal display monitor 16, the user operates the menu switching / execution key 17f to set the contour extraction frames 30a and 30b on the liquid crystal display monitor 16. It can be moved freely. Here, the position of the outline extraction frames 30a and 30b is specified by the user operating the menu switching / execution key 17f, but may be specified by, for example, a touch panel.

  Moreover, the outline extraction frames 30a and 30b are not limited to two, and may be one or two or more. Furthermore, the size (including the shape) of the outline extraction frames 30a and 30b can be arbitrarily changed by user input.

  When the setting of the outline extraction frames 30a and 30b is completed by the user input (step S106: Yes), the CPU 18 proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, Step S106 is repeated until the setting of the contour extraction frames 30a and 30b is completed by the user input (Step S106: No).

  Step S107: As described above, the first extraction unit 18a of the CPU 18 extracts the contour of the subject by the contour extraction process described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-222690 as an example. Next, the feature outline setting unit 18b displays the feature outlines 31a and 31b as first marks on the liquid crystal display monitor 16 in the outline extraction frames 30a and 30b, as shown in FIG.

  Step S108: As shown in FIG. 5E, the CPU 18 displays on the liquid crystal display monitor 16 a menu screen such as “Do you want to set a feature outline?” As an example. When the CPU 18 receives a signal indicating “setting a feature outline” by user input (step S108: Yes), the CPU 18 proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, when the CPU 18 receives a signal indicating “no feature outline is set” by the user input (step S108: No), the CPU 18 returns to step S106.

  Step S109: The CPU 18 erases the outline extraction frames 30a and 30b displayed on the liquid crystal display monitor 16. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5F, the feature outlines 31a and 31b are superimposed and displayed on the pre-image.

  Thus, the processing routine of the flowchart when the user performs provisional shooting with the electronic camera 1 ends. Next, a flowchart when the photographing agent performs the main photographing with the electronic camera 1 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when the photographing agent performs the main photographing with the electronic camera 1. Here, it is assumed that the user passes the electronic camera 1 to the imaging agent in the state shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a commemorative photographing mode according to the first embodiment.

  Step S201: The CPU 18 monitors whether or not the release button 17a is half-pressed. When the release button 17a is half-pressed (step S201: Yes), the process proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if the CPU 18 does not detect half-press (step S201: No), step S201 is repeated until the release button 17a is half-pressed.

  Step S202: When detecting that the release button 17a is half-pressed, the CPU 18 switches the pre-image display on the liquid crystal display monitor 16 to the through image display via the display driver 15. Thereby, the feature outlines 31a and 31b are superimposed and displayed on the through image. Here, the feature outlines 31a and 31b are fixed on the liquid crystal display monitor 16 even if the through image changes, and the corresponding outline described later moves with the change of the through image.

  Step S203: The second extraction unit 18c of the CPU 18 extracts, in real time, the position coordinates of the current feature portion from the through image data by contour extraction processing described in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-222690. Thereby, the second extraction unit 18c generates a corresponding contour line (second mark) that clearly indicates the position of the current feature portion. Note that the second extraction unit 18c may generate a corresponding contour line by a contour line extraction process after a predetermined time has elapsed. This is because it is assumed that it takes time for the imaging agent to adjust the composition within a certain error range, and if the contour line extraction process is performed thereafter, the calculation load is reduced.

  Subsequently, the mark display control unit 18d of the CPU 18 superimposes characteristic outlines (first marks) 31a and 31b and corresponding outlines (second marks) 32a and 32b on the through image as shown in FIG. Display. In addition, although the picture protrudes outside the frame of the liquid crystal display monitor 16, this represents that the composition is shifted for easy understanding of the explanation.

  Step S204: The coincidence degree determination unit 18e of the CPU 18 determines the degree of coincidence between the feature outline 31a and the corresponding outline 32a displayed on the through image, and the degree of coincidence between the feature outline 31b and the corresponding outline 32b. . If the determination result of the coincidence degree determination unit 18e indicates that the feature outline 31a and the corresponding outline 32a overlap and the feature outline 31b and the corresponding outline 32b overlap (step S204: Yes), step The process proceeds to S205. On the other hand, when it does not overlap (step S204: No), it transfers to step S211 (it mentions later for details).

  Step S205: The CPU 18 reads out the shooting conditions at the time of temporary shooting temporarily stored in the RAM 13.

  Step S206: The CPU 18 detects the current exposure value again by automatic exposure control.

  Step S207: The voice guide unit 18f of the CPU 18 uses the determination result indicating that the feature outlines (first marks) 31a and 31b and the corresponding outlines (second marks) 32a and 32b coincide with each other as a voice signal, and The user is notified via 22. In this case, for example, a voice message such as “Ready for shooting, please fully press” is issued from the speaker 22.

  Step S208: The CPU 18 monitors whether or not the release button 17a is fully pressed. When the release button 17a is fully pressed (step S208: Yes), the process proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, if the CPU 18 does not detect full press (step S208: No), step S208 is repeated until the release button 17a is fully pressed.

  Step S209: The CPU 18 drives the imaging unit 11 to acquire the main image in response to the full press operation. An image signal (digital signal) output from the imaging unit 11 is input to the image processing unit 12. The image processing unit 12 temporarily stores the pre-image data output from the imaging unit 11 in the frame memory of the RAM 13. The image processing unit 12 performs image processing such as white balance correction processing and gain control processing on the image data stored in the frame memory.

  Step S210: The CPU 18 displays the image after the image processing on the liquid crystal display monitor 16, compresses the image data after the image processing, and stores it in the recording medium 21. Then, this processing routine ends.

  Next, a process when the determination result of the coincidence degree determination unit 18e does not match in step S204 (step S204: No) will be described. In this case, the process proceeds to step S211.

  Step S211: The CPU 18 starts counting time when the half-press operation is performed. Then, the CPU 18 monitors whether or not a preset α time has elapsed. If α time has not elapsed (step S211: No), the process returns to step S204. When the α time has elapsed (step S211: Yes), the process proceeds to step S212.

  Step S212: The CPU 18 determines whether or not a warning sound has been emitted once. If no warning sound has been emitted (step S212: No), the process proceeds to step S214. In this case, in step S214, a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 22 in accordance with an instruction from the voice guide unit 18f of the CPU 18. Then, the process returns to step S204.

  On the other hand, when the warning sound has already been emitted once (step S212: Yes), the process proceeds to step S213.

  Step S213: The CPU 18 monitors whether or not a preset β time (β> α) has elapsed. If β time has not elapsed (step S213: No), the process returns to step S204. When β time has elapsed (step S213: Yes), this processing routine ends, and the photographing mode canceling unit 18g cancels the commemorative photographing mode currently specified. Note that the CPU 18 may execute a forced release.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when taking a commemorative photo or the like, the imaging agent simply performs a simple operation of changing the composition so that the corresponding contour line overlaps the feature contour line. It becomes easy to photograph the composition intended by the user. Even if the imaging agent takes time to operate, the processing in that case is also considered, and the burden on the imaging agent can be reduced.

  According to the first embodiment, the user can designate a feature outline extraction region from a pre-image. Thereby, for example, it is possible to easily specify a characteristic edge portion of the building in the back that does not hide even when the subject person (P1, P2, P3) stands. Further, since the feature outline extraction region that facilitates the composition adjustment can be designated, the composition of the photographing agent is facilitated.

In the first embodiment, the exposure value is detected again at the time of actual shooting. This is because the exposure condition is different because a certain amount of time is required from when the user performs temporary shooting until the shooting agent performs actual shooting. Is assumed. Thereby, it is possible to perform photographing under appropriate exposure conditions even in the main photographing. In the first embodiment, the operability of composition adjustment is improved by providing the coincidence degree determination unit 18e. Further, by providing the voice guide unit 18f, the photographing agent can easily know that the composition is correct.
(First modification)
Next, a first modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, when extracting the contour line, the contour of the subject is extracted by the contour line extraction process described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-222690. Here, as a method of extracting the contour, for example, a template matching unit which is another known example or a pattern recognition unit described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-2013896 filed earlier by the present inventor is used. Also good. This improves the accuracy of the contour line extraction process.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a template. The user can arbitrarily select a template figure displayed on the liquid crystal display monitor 16. For example, when the user selects an upwardly convex graphic, the first extraction unit 18a extracts an upwardly convex contour from the subject. When the user selects a square figure, the first extraction unit 18a extracts the contour of the L-shaped edge portion. When the user selects a triangular figure, the first extraction unit 18a extracts, for example, the outline of the edge portion having an acute angle of 60 degrees or less.

  Thus, based on the figure (template) selected by the user, the first extraction unit 18a can extract the contour of the subject. The user may select one type of template or a plurality of templates. Note that the template is stored in the ROM 14 in advance. Further, the template is not limited to the graphic shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a commemorative photographing mode in a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 9A shows a composition on the liquid crystal display monitor 16 when the user (person P2) performs provisional photographing, as in FIG. 4B. In this state, for example, when the user operates the menu switching / execution key 17f to turn it ON, the first extraction unit 18a extracts the contour by pattern matching based on the template representing the contour of the subject. FIG. 9B shows the extraction result, and a plurality of feature contour lines are displayed on the liquid crystal display monitor 16. In this state, when the user selects an arbitrary feature outline by operating the menu switching / execution key 17f, the feature outlines 31a and 31b are selected as in FIGS. 9C and 5D. . Subsequent processing is executed according to the procedure described in the first embodiment.
(Second modification)
Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the second modification, the operability is improved by displaying the feature outline, the corresponding outline, and the display frame in color.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a commemorative photographing mode in the second modified example. In FIG. 10A, the outline extraction frames 30a and 30b are displayed in yellow green, and the feature outlines 31a and 31b are displayed in red. On the other hand, in FIG. 10B, in addition to the feature outlines 31a and 31b, the corresponding outlines 32a and 32b are displayed in yellow. In this case, when the feature outline 31a and the corresponding outline 32a overlap, and the feature outline 31b and the corresponding outline 32b overlap, the display is red. This makes it easier for the user and the imaging agent to visually understand the operation.
(Third Modification)
Next, a third modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the third modified example, when the determination result of the coincidence degree determination unit 18e determines that the feature outline matches the corresponding outline, the imaging unit 11 is caused to perform main imaging. Specifically, the process of step S208 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is replaced with the process described below. That is, the CPU 18 issues a shooting instruction to the imaging unit 11 after a predetermined time has elapsed. In this way, the imaging agent can concentrate solely on the composition adjustment.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment of the present invention and the second embodiment of the present invention, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the criteria for determining the alignment between the feature outline and the corresponding outline are different from those in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the flowchart (FIG. 3) when the user performs provisional shooting is the same, and the description thereof is omitted. In the first embodiment, the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is executed when the imaging agent performs the main shooting. In the second embodiment, the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is executed.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when the photographing agent performs the main photographing with the electronic camera 1. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a commemorative photographing mode according to the second embodiment.

  Step S301: Similar to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the CPU 18 monitors whether or not the release button 17a is half-pressed. When the release button 17a is half-pressed (step S301: Yes), the process proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, if the CPU 18 does not detect half-press (step S301: No), step S301 is repeated until the release button 17a is half-pressed.

  Step S302: The CPU 18 switches the pre-image display on the liquid crystal display monitor 16 to the live view display via the display driver 15 when detecting that the release button 17a is half-pressed, as in the flowchart of FIG. Thereby, the feature outlines 31a and 31b are superimposed and displayed on the through image.

  Step S303: The second extraction unit 18c of the CPU 18 extracts the position coordinates of the current feature portion from the through image data by the above-described outline extraction process, and generates a corresponding outline (second mark). Subsequently, the mark display control unit 18d of the CPU 18 superimposes and displays the characteristic outlines (first marks) 31a and 31b and the corresponding outlines 32a and 32b on the through image.

  Step S304: The CPU 18 detects a relative position between the feature outline and the corresponding outline. For detection of the relative position, the CPU 18 calculates, for example, the distance (interval) between one side of the feature outline 31a shown in FIG. 12A and one side of the corresponding outline 32a facing the one side. If this distance is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, it is considered that the feature outline 31a and the corresponding outline 32a substantially coincide.

  As another example in the detection of the relative position, the CPU 18 determines whether the end points (between AA ′, BB ′, and CC ′) of the feature outline 31b and the corresponding outline 32b shown in FIG. Calculate the distance. If these distances are less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, it is considered that the feature outline 31a and the corresponding outline 32a substantially coincide.

  Further, the CPU 18 may obtain the center-of-gravity distance by obtaining each center-of-gravity position in the figure of the feature outline or the corresponding outline.

  Step S305: The CPU 18 starts counting time when a half-press operation is performed, and monitors whether or not a preset time has elapsed. When the set time has not elapsed (step S305: No), the process proceeds to step S306. When the set time has elapsed (step S305: Yes), this processing routine ends, and the shooting mode cancel unit 18g cancels the commemorative shooting mode currently specified.

  Step S306: The coincidence degree determination unit 18e of the CPU 18 determines whether or not the distance obtained in step S304 is equal to or less than a preset threshold value. When the distance is equal to or smaller than the threshold value (step S306: Yes), the process proceeds to step S307.

  Step S307: The CPU 18 reads out the shooting conditions at the time of temporary shooting temporarily stored in the RAM 13.

  Step S308: The CPU 18 detects the current exposure value again by automatic exposure control.

  Step S309: The voice guide unit 18f of the CPU 18 notifies the shooting agent via the speaker 22 of a voice message such as “Shooting is OK. Press the shutter fully”.

  Step S310: The CPU 18 monitors whether or not the release button 17a has been fully pressed. When the release button 17a is fully pressed (step S310: Yes), the process proceeds to step S311. On the other hand, if the CPU 18 does not detect full press (step S310: No), step S310 is repeated until the release button 17a is fully pressed.

  Step S311: The CPU 18 receives the full-press operation and acquires the main image as in the first embodiment.

  Step S312: The CPU 18 displays the image after the image processing on the liquid crystal display monitor 16, compresses the image data after the image processing, and stores it in the recording medium 21. Then, this processing routine ends. Thereby, the imaging agent can perform imaging of a composition desired by the user.

  Next, the case where the distance is larger than the threshold in the determination process in step S306 (step S306: No) will be described. In this case, the process proceeds to step S313.

  Step S313: The coincidence degree determination unit 18e of the CPU 18 determines whether the corresponding outline is inside or outside the feature outline. If the corresponding contour line is inside or outside the feature contour line (step S313: Yes), the process proceeds to step S314. For example, as shown in FIG. 12B, the corresponding contour lines 32a and 32b exist inside the characteristic contour lines 31a and 31b. In this case, the process proceeds to step S314.

  On the other hand, when the corresponding contour line is not inside or outside the feature contour line (step S313: No), the process returns to step S305.

  Step S314: The CPU 18 calculates the amount of movement of the electronic camera 1 before and after based on the positional relationship between the corresponding contour lines 32a and 32b and the feature contour lines 31a and 31b. Subsequently, the voice guide unit 18 f instructs the photographing agent via the speaker 22 to “camera forward about γcm” or “camera backward about γcm”. Then, the process returns to step S305.

  Thereby, the imaging agent can obtain information for matching the corresponding contour lines 32a and 32b with the characteristic contour lines 31a and 31b by moving the electronic camera 1 back and forth. The voice guide unit 18f may give an instruction such as “please go ahead” or “go down a little later” to the subject via the speaker 22.

  Thereafter, if the distance is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, the processing after step S307 is executed, and the imaging agent can perform imaging of the composition desired by the user. On the other hand, if the photographing agent takes too much time for alignment, the processing times out in step S305, and the photographing mode canceling unit 18g cancels the commemorative photographing mode currently specified.

  Note that if a time-out occurs in the process of step S305, the CPU 18 may execute a forced release.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when taking a commemorative photo or the like, the imaging agent simply performs a simple operation of changing the composition so that the corresponding contour line overlaps the feature contour line. Thus, it becomes easy to capture a composition intended by the user of the electronic camera 1.
<Supplementary items of the embodiment>
(1) In the said embodiment, the 1st extraction part 18a extracted the outline as a characteristic outline. Instead of the contour line, a small characteristic area (pattern or the like) may be selected. In this case, the feature contour line has a simple shape (circular or rectangular shape), so that the distance between the centers may be adjusted to the threshold value or less instead of the contour distance.

  (2) In the above embodiment, if the first extraction unit 18a designates a certain region for the pre-image in order to shorten the feature outline or feature region (pattern) extraction time, instead of the entire pre-image, Although the contour line extraction process is performed only for the designated region, as an example, all the contours of the subject may be extracted by the contour line extraction process described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-222690.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the user designates an area for extracting the feature outline from the pre-image, but the CPU 18 of the electronic camera 1 may designate an area for extracting the feature outline. In this case, it is preferable to specify two or more ridge lines of the subject (feature) in order to improve accuracy.

  (4) In the embodiment described above, the user handed the electronic camera 1 to the photographing agent while the pre-image is displayed. When the photographing agent is half-pressed, the display is switched to the through image. However, the electronic camera 1 may be handed over to the photographing agent in a state where the characteristic outline is displayed on the through image.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic camera, 18a ... 1st extraction part, 18b ... Feature outline setting part, 18c ... 2nd extraction part, 18d ... Mark display control part, 18e ... Matching degree Judgment part, 18f ... Voice guide part

JP 2006-222690 A JP 2003-333379 A

Claims (9)

An imaging unit that images a subject and generates an image;
A display unit for displaying the image on a display screen;
A shooting mode switching unit for switching to any shooting mode from a plurality of shooting modes including a composition shooting mode having a shooting guide function for combining the composition at the time of the first shooting and the composition of the through image at the time of the second shooting;
A composition adjustment photographing unit that causes the imaging unit to perform first photographing and second photographing in the composition adjustment photographing mode;
The composition adjustment photographing unit
A first extraction unit for extracting an outline of the subject from first captured image data;
A first mark setting unit for setting a first mark that clearly indicates the position of a feature portion representing the feature of the contour;
A second extraction unit that extracts the feature portion from through image data and generates a second mark that clearly indicates the position of the feature portion;
A mark display control unit that superimposes and displays the first mark and the second mark on the through image displayed by the display unit;
An electronic camera comprising: The electronic camera according to claim 1,
A memory for storing a plurality of templates representing the contour of the subject;
The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the first extraction unit extracts the contour by pattern matching based on the template. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
The electronic camera, wherein the first mark setting unit sets the first mark by a user input. The electronic camera according to claim 1.
The imaging unit performs the first shooting under shooting conditions including an exposure value detected by automatic exposure control, and at the time of the second shooting, the shooting conditions of the first shooting excluding the exposure value, and the automatic exposure. An electronic camera characterized in that the second photographing is performed using an exposure value detected again by control. The electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An electronic camera, further comprising a coincidence determination unit that determines the coincidence between the first mark and the second mark. The electronic camera according to claim 5,
A voice guide unit for notifying the user of shooting information representing the degree of coincidence by voice;
The electronic camera characterized in that the voice guide unit notifies the user of the shooting information by voice according to the determination result of the matching degree determination unit. The electronic camera according to claim 5 or 6,
The composition adjustment photographing unit causes the imaging unit to perform the second photographing when the degree of coincidence is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. The electronic camera according to claim 5 or 6,
The composition adjustment photographing unit causes the image capturing unit to perform the second photographing when the degree of coincidence is greater than a predetermined threshold even after a predetermined time has elapsed. The electronic camera according to claim 5 or 6,
2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the composition adjustment photographing unit further includes a photographing mode canceling unit that cancels the composition combination photographing mode when the degree of coincidence is greater than a predetermined threshold even after a predetermined time has elapsed.