JP2000209483A - Electronic camera with picture selection function and storage medium recording its program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain excellent image data independently of a background by setting an evaluation area to each of a plurality of pictures picked up continuously, selecting image data with high evaluation and recording the data. SOLUTION: The electronic camera 10 is set to a quality selection mode to set a prescribed evaluation area to each picture on the basis of a measured value and a focus or the like. After a consecutive shot, when a stop flag is set, quality of image data is decided, and when there are no image data better than a prescribed permissible value, the consecutive shot is retried. When there are any data better than the permissible value, a display section 25 displays thumbnail display of image data and ranking of quality evaluation that overlap with each other. An operator manually selects an excellent picture while observing a display screen. Or in the case of automatic selection, image data with a ranking first of the quality evaluation are selected and stored in a memory card 20. Data in the evaluation area are extracted, a weight of a spatial frequency is added to a DC transform coefficient as a weight to each pixel block resulting from dividing the data by a picture compression section 17 for the evaluation and then an overall evaluation is executed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an electronic camera for selectively storing image data having good photographing conditions and image quality, and a recording medium on which a program is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a case where a camera is photographed by hand, camera shake often occurs. When such a camera shake occurs, the object scene flows and is exposed, so that a blurred image is captured as a whole. In such a blurred image, fine details of the entire screen are lost, and an edge portion to be clearly photographed is blurred. Therefore, an image with a very poor impression is obtained.

Conventionally, a camera equipped with a camera shake correction mechanism has been known as a solution to such a problem caused by camera shake. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing this type of camera with a camera shake correction mechanism. In FIG. 18, a photographing lens 92 is attached to the front of a camera 91. Shooting lens 9
A shake correction optical system 93 is rotatably arranged in the second lens barrel.

The shake correcting optical system 93 receives the rotation of the two-axis coreless motors 94 and 95 and vibrates vertically and horizontally. On the camera 91 side, on the other hand, a shake amount detection sensor 96 for detecting the shake amount in the left-right direction and a shake amount detection sensor 97 for detecting the shake amount in the vertical direction are arranged. In the camera 91 having such a configuration, the shake amount detection sensor 9
The vibration of the main body of the camera 91 is detected using the signals 6,97.
The camera 91 drives the coreless motors 94 and 95 in the direction opposite to the detected vibration to vibrate the optical axis of the shake correction optical system 93. As a result, the vibration of the photographing optical axis is canceled, and a good photograph in which camera shake is corrected can be taken.

[0005]

By the way, in the conventional example described above, since the blur correction optical system 93 is arranged,
There is a problem that the taking lens 92 becomes large and heavy. Also, in the conventional example, since only the camera shake is corrected,
There is also a problem that image quality deterioration due to subject blurring or defocusing cannot be fundamentally solved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera which solves the above-mentioned problems and reliably obtains good image data with little camera shake. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of selecting image data according to the quality of a subject image without being influenced by blurring of a background image or the like. .

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of further improving the accuracy of quality evaluation. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera capable of appropriately performing a pass / fail evaluation in a situation where a plurality of subjects exist in a shooting screen.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of changing the setting of an evaluation area (described later). In the invention according to claims 5 and 6,
It is an object to provide an electronic camera that automatically determines an appropriate evaluation area from within a screen. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera that can simplify the configuration by using the function of setting an evaluation area also as another mechanism in the camera. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera that cancels the setting of an evaluation area at an appropriate timing. An object of the invention described in claim 10 is to realize the invention described in claims 1 to 9 using a computer.

[0009]

In the following, an embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 1) will be described.
While associating the code or step number of FIG. 17),
Means for solving the problem will be described for each claim. Note that this association is for reference, and does not limit the configuration of the present invention.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup means (14, 21) for continuously taking an image of a subject, and image data taken from the image pickup means or from the outside, and the quality of the image data is evaluated. Evaluation means (17, 18) for performing evaluation, and good / bad selection means (18, 18) for selecting and recording image data having a high evaluation from image data evaluated for good or bad by the evaluation means.
19), wherein the evaluation means performs quality evaluation of the image data in an evaluation area partially provided on the screen (S60, S61, S111).

In the above configuration, the image pickup means continuously picks up image data of a plurality of frames in one photographing. The evaluation means evaluates the quality of the shooting state or the quality of the image quality for each of the image data.
The good / bad selection means selectively stores the good image data with high evaluation. According to the first aspect of the present invention, by such an operation, it is possible to selectively obtain good image data in a shooting state.

In particular, in the above configuration, the quality evaluation by the evaluation means is executed only in an evaluation area partially provided on the screen. Therefore, there is no fear that blurring of the background image outside the area affects the quality evaluation, and the quality evaluation of the image data can be performed more accurately. In addition, since the evaluation area is limited, the time required for the quality evaluation can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, the evaluation means (17,
18) is characterized in that the weight of the evaluation on the peripheral side of the evaluation area is lower than the weight of the evaluation on the central part of the evaluation area (S62). In general, when camera shake or subject blur occurs, there is a possibility that the surrounding image may temporarily jump into the periphery of the evaluation area (hereinafter, the image jumping into the evaluation area is referred to as a “jump image”).

If such a jump image occurs in some image data, the quality of all the image data cannot be evaluated under the same condition, and the comparison and selection of the image data by the quality selection means becomes slightly inaccurate. . However, in the above configuration, the evaluation means sets the evaluation weight around the evaluation area to be lower than the evaluation weight at the center. Therefore, the influence of the jump image as described above on the value of the pass / fail evaluation is remarkably small, and it is possible to perform the comparison / selection of the image data by the pass / fail selection means more accurately.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first or second aspect, the evaluation area is set at a plurality of positions on the screen. , 18) is characterized by comprehensively evaluating the quality of image data based on the individual evaluations in these evaluation areas (S64).

In general, when there are a plurality of subjects in a photographing screen, it is preferable to perform comprehensive quality evaluation on all of the plurality of subjects in order to perform more appropriate image evaluation. Therefore, in the above configuration, a plurality of evaluation areas are arranged in the screen, and the evaluations of the plurality of evaluation areas are comprehensively evaluated to evaluate the quality of the image data. Therefore, it is possible to perform accurate pass / fail evaluation corresponding to a situation where a plurality of subjects are present in the shooting screen.

Examples of such an operation for comprehensive evaluation include weighted addition, majority operation, maximum value operation, and minimum value operation. Further, by combining these operations simply or conditionally, it is also possible to perform a more complex and precise overall evaluation. In the following, individual effects of some of these calculation examples will be described.

[Case where comprehensive evaluation is performed by weighted addition of each evaluation] For example, by increasing the evaluation weight of the evaluation area in the center of the screen and lowering the evaluation weight of the evaluation area around the screen, the center of the screen is emphasized. It will be possible to make a comprehensive evaluation.
As described above, in the weighted addition, it is possible to adjust the evaluation balance of each evaluation area flexibly and easily.

In the case where the comprehensive evaluation is performed by the majority operation of each evaluation In the majority operation, for example, the evaluation of each evaluation area is evaluated at a plurality of levels (for example, “extra”, “above”, “medium”,
Level such as "below"). As a result of such classification, the level at which the evaluation is concentrated is determined as the evaluation value by majority decision of the image data. In such a majority operation, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the effect of partial or accidental minority evaluation, and to obtain an accurate overall evaluation.

[When the Comprehensive Evaluation is Performed by Calculation of the Maximum Value of Each Evaluation] In the calculation of the maximum value, the highest evaluation among the evaluations of each evaluation area is regarded as the comprehensive evaluation of the image data. In general, under a situation where intentional blur occupies most of the screen and a subject image is located in some evaluation area, it is difficult to perform appropriate quality evaluation. However, in such a situation, by performing the above-described maximum value calculation, an unduly low evaluation such as background blur can be reliably and easily eliminated. Furthermore, a relatively high evaluation of a subject image located somewhere in the evaluation area can be automatically extracted.

[Case where Comprehensive Evaluation is Performed by Minimum Value Calculation of Each Evaluation] In the minimum value calculation, the lowest evaluation among the evaluations of each evaluation area is extracted as the comprehensive evaluation of the image data. For this reason, the pass / fail selection means selects the image data based on the comparison of these lowest evaluations. As a result, the pass / fail selecting means can select and store the image data having the lowest evaluation as high as possible. Therefore, the above minimum value calculation is performed, for example, when taking a group photo or a landscape photo.
This is a suitable calculation in a situation where it is desired to photograph the entire screen as well as possible rather than a specific subject.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to any one of the first to third aspects, an area setting means for setting and changing the area selection or weighting of the evaluation area. (18). In the above configuration, by newly adding the area setting means, the area selection or weighting of the evaluation area is not fixed, and the setting can be changed. In addition,
Specific operation means for such a setting change include, in addition to the semi-automatic changing means described in claims 5 to 8, a known line-of-sight input mechanism, a command dial, a mouse, and the like.
An input device such as a cross button may be used.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the fourth aspect, the area setting means (18) removes a bright area or a dark area from the screen (or a bright area). Alternatively, the evaluation area is set (S23, S2) by setting the evaluation weight of the dark area relatively low.
4, S210).

In general, depending on the exposure conditions of an electronic camera, the brightness level is reduced in a bright area or a dark area on the screen. The evaluation means inherent in the present invention can detect such collapse of the luminance level sharply, for example, as a decrease in the high frequency spatial frequency component. As a result, it is possible to selectively save image data that is less crushed in the luminance level and is rich in gradation over the entire luminance range as good image data.

However, on the other hand, there is also a photographing situation in which collapse of the brightness level in a bright region or a dark region is inevitable, such as photographing under the hot summer sun. In such a shooting situation, there is a problem in that the image data is evaluated to be unduly low due to the collapse of the luminance level. Therefore, in the invention of claim 5, the area setting means sets the evaluation area so as to reduce the influence of the bright area or the dark area in the screen. As a result, it is possible to avoid the above-described unwarranted evaluation due to luminance collapse. Also, in a general shooting environment, the subject image to be shot is very likely to be located in a middle luminance area in the screen. Therefore, the possibility that the subject image is located in the evaluation area set as described above is inevitably high, and the quality of the subject image can be evaluated with a high probability.

(Claim 6) According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the fourth aspect, the area setting means (18, 31) selects an area in the in-focus authorized state from the screen. Setting the evaluation area (or increasing the evaluation weight of the area in the in-focus recognition state relatively) (S
25, S26). Generally, there is a very high possibility that a subject image to be photographed is located in an area in the in-focus recognition state. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the area in the in-focus recognition state is mainly set as the evaluation area, it is possible to evaluate the quality of the subject image with a high probability.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the fourth aspect, the area setting means (18, 23) is also means for selecting a photometric area of the electronic camera. The other area is determined in association with one of the photometry area / evaluation area determined earlier (S21).

In general, there is a very high possibility that a subject image to be photographed is located in an area selected manually or automatically as a photometric area. Therefore, by associating the photometric area with the evaluation area, it is possible to determine the other area from one area rationally and quickly. In addition, since the setting means for both areas is shared by one area setting means, the configuration of the electronic camera for setting both areas can be further simplified.

(Claim 8) The invention according to claim 8 is the electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein the area setting means (18, 31) is also means for selecting a focus detection area of the electronic camera. Yes, the other area is determined in association with one of the focus detection area / evaluation area determined earlier (S22).

Generally, there is a very high possibility that a subject image to be photographed is located in an area manually or automatically selected as a focus detection area. Therefore, by associating the focus detection area with the evaluation area, it is possible to determine the other area from one area rationally and quickly. In addition, since the setting means for both areas is shared by one area setting means, the configuration of the electronic camera for setting both areas can be further simplified.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the seventh or eighth aspect, the lock means (18, 27) for fixing the focus adjustment or the exposure adjustment according to an external operation. ), Wherein the area setting means cancels or redoes the setting of the evaluation area when focus adjustment or exposure adjustment is fixed in the lock means (S30 to S34).

In general, when the photographer fixes the focus adjustment or the exposure adjustment via the lock means, there is a high possibility that the orientation of the camera is changed and the screen layout is changed before photographing. When the screen layout is changed in this way,
There is a high possibility that the subject does not exist in the previously set evaluation area, and the reliability of the quality evaluation result decreases. Therefore, in the electronic camera according to the ninth aspect, when the focus adjustment or the exposure adjustment is fixed, the setting of the evaluation area is canceled or redone, thereby avoiding the above-described decrease in reliability in a timely manner.

(Claim 10) The recording medium (74, 81) according to claim 10 includes a computer as the "evaluation means and pass / fail selection means according to any one of claims 1 to 9". A program for functioning is recorded. Recently, there are many cases where an electronic camera is configured as a system including an imaging unit and a computer (including an electronic organizer). Therefore, an electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is instantly configured by realizing an evaluation unit and a pass / fail selection unit using the recording medium according to claim 10 on a computer having such a system configuration. It becomes possible.

In particular, each of the evaluation means and the good / bad selection means according to the first to fifth aspects can be realized without using functions unique to the camera. Therefore, it is also possible to realize the evaluation means and the pass / fail judgment means according to any one of claims 1 to 5 on a single computer. In this case, an electronic camera, a communication medium, a recording medium,
It is possible to realize a system that fetches image data from a scanner, another program, or the like, and performs pass / fail selection of the image data.

[0035]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> The first embodiment is an embodiment of an electronic camera that performs pass / fail evaluation and image selection after continuous imaging is completed. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the electronic camera 10. In FIG. 1, a photographing lens 12 is attached to the front of an electronic camera 10.
A mirror box 1 is provided on the image space side of the taking lens 12.
The light receiving surface of the image pickup device 14 is arranged via 3. on the other hand,
A finder optical system 13a is arranged in the reflection direction of the mirror box 13.

The image output of the image pickup device 14 is stored in an image memory 16 via an image processing section 15 which performs color signal processing, A / D conversion, γ correction and the like. In addition, an image compression unit 17 and an image display circuit 24 are connected to the data bus of the image memory 16, respectively. This image compression unit 17
Is connected to the microprocessor 18. A memory card 20 is detachably connected to the microprocessor 18 via a card interface 19.

The microprocessor 18 includes a CCD drive circuit 21 for controlling the image pickup device 14, a display unit 22 for displaying images in the viewfinder, a photometric unit 23 for measuring the brightness of the object, and an image display circuit. 24, a flash part 26 and the like are connected. The image output of the image display circuit 24 is supplied to a monitor display unit 25 arranged on the back of the housing of the electronic camera 10.

In the housing of the electronic camera 10, operation members such as an operation button group 27 and a release button 30 are arranged.
Outputs of these operation members are supplied to the microprocessor 18 respectively. Further, a focus detection unit 31 is arranged below the mirror box 13. This focus detection unit 3
The data for focus detection output from 1 is supplied to the microprocessor 18. Also, the microprocessor 1
A lens drive mechanism 32 that drives the focus lens group of the photographing lens 12 back and forth, and an encoder 33 that detects the position of the focus lens group of the photographing lens 12 are connected to 8.

(Schematic Description of Main Routine) The electronic camera 10 is provided with a mode (hereinafter, referred to as a "pass / fail selection mode") for selecting and recording image data as one of photographing modes. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main routine executed by the microprocessor 18 when setting the pass / fail selection mode. Hereinafter, before describing the detailed operation, the flow of the main routine will be schematically described.

First, the microprocessor 18 executes various settings of a photometric mode, a focus detection mode, and a pass / fail selection mode in accordance with a switch operation of the operation button group 27 (step S1). Next, the microprocessor 18 executes an evaluation area setting routine (described later) to set an evaluation area (step S2).

The microprocessor 18 repeats these operations until the release button 30 is pressed (NO in step S3). In this state, when the release button 30 is pressed by the operator (YES side of step S3), the microprocessor 18 drives the image pickup device 14 via the CCD drive circuit 21 to execute one frame of image pickup ( Step S4).

Next, the microprocessor 18 executes an imaging stop condition determination routine (described later) to determine whether or not to stop continuous imaging (step S5). As a result of such a determination routine, when the stop flag is in the reset state (NO in step S6), the microprocessor 18
Returns the operation to step S4, and repeats the continuous imaging.

On the other hand, when the stop flag is set (YES in step S6), the microprocessor 18
A pass / fail evaluation routine (to be described later) is executed, and pass / fail evaluation of continuously captured image data is collectively executed (step S).
7). Next, the microprocessor 18 determines whether at least one of the pass / fail evaluation results exceeds a predetermined allowable value (step S8).

If there is no pass / fail evaluation equal to or larger than the allowable value (NO in step S8), the microprocessor 18 returns the operation to step S4 and repeats the continuous imaging. On the other hand, if there is a pass / fail evaluation equal to or greater than the allowable value (YES in step S8), the microprocessor 18
It is determined that good image data has been captured, and the process proceeds to the next image selection operation.

In this image selection operation, the microprocessor 18 first determines the operating conditions of the pass / fail selection mode, and determines whether or not to select a screen for a good image (step S9). Here, when an operation condition for selecting an image on a screen has been previously selected by the operator (step S9).
The microprocessor 18 executes a selection screen display routine (described later). As a result, “thumbnail display of continuously captured image data” and “order of good / bad evaluation” are overlap-displayed on the display unit 25 (step S10).

The operator manually selects one of the image data on the display unit 25 as a good image by operating the operation button group 27 (step S11). Microprocessor 1
In step S8, after accepting the manual selection of good images, the operation proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the operation condition for automatically selecting images has been selected in step S9 (NO in step S9), the microprocessor 18
Selects the image data of the first rank in the quality evaluation as a good image (step S12).

As described above, the good image selected in step S 11 or S 12 is compressed and recorded on the memory card 20 via the card interface 19. The shooting operation in the pass / fail selection mode is completed by a series of operations as described above. Next, the contents of the various subroutines described above will be individually described.

(Evaluation Area Setting Routine) FIGS. 3 and 4 show some examples of evaluation area setting routines. Hereinafter, these examples will be described in order.

<< In the case of the setting routine shown in FIG. 3 (a) >>
First, the microprocessor 18 sets the photometry area as follows according to the type of photometry mode set by the photographer (step S20).

In the case of spot metering mode: FIG.
The area a shown in FIG.

In the case of center-weighted metering mode: FIG.
Areas a and b shown in (a) are photometric areas (however,
The weight of the area a is made larger than the weight of the area b).

In the case of the multi-photometry mode: FIG.
Except for a bright area (EV11 or more) and a dark area (EV3 or less) in which the reproducibility of gradation is reduced from the areas a to f shown in FIG. continue,
The microprocessor 18 determines an evaluation area by directly using the photometry area thus set and its evaluation weight (step S21).

<< In the case of the setting routine shown in FIG. 3 (b) >>
As shown in FIG. 5B, five areas g to k in which focus can be detected are provided in advance in the shooting screen of the electronic camera 10. The photographer operates the operation button group 27 to set the area g to
A desired focus detection area can be selected from k. Also, the microprocessor 18 can determine the area where the closest subject is located based on the focus detection data of each area, and automatically select that area as the focus detection area. Furthermore, the focus detection area can be changed by following the movement of the moving subject by a known focus detection technique. The microprocessor 18 sets an evaluation area at the current position of the focus detection area thus selected (Step S22).

<< In the case of the setting routine shown in FIG. 3 (c) >>
First, the microprocessor 18 captures photometric values at several points in the screen from the photometric unit 23. Microprocessor 18
Creates a proper exposure area by removing the bright area and the dark area from the photographing screen based on these photometric values (step S23). The microprocessor 18 sets the proper exposure area created in this way as an evaluation area (step S24).

<< In the case of the setting routine shown in FIG. 3 (d) >>
First, the microprocessor 18 performs focus determination at several points on the screen via the focus detection unit 31, and creates a focus recognition area (step S25). Microprocessor 18
Sets the focus recognition area thus created as an evaluation area (step S26). It should be noted that such setting of the evaluation area is not limited to the execution of the automatic focus control, but may be executed at the time of manual focus adjustment or at the time of focus aid.

<< In the case of the setting routine shown in FIG. 4 >>
The microprocessor 18 acquires the switch state of the operation button group 27 and determines whether or not the photographer has performed an operation of locking focus adjustment (so-called AF lock) (step S30). Here, when the AF lock is not performed,
The microprocessor 18 sets the area selected as the focus detection area as the evaluation area (Step S31).

On the other hand, if the AF lock has been performed, the photographer is likely to change the framing in order to change the screen layout. Then, the microprocessor 18 cancels the setting of the evaluation area at this point (step S32). Next, the microprocessor 18
Acquires the switch state of the operation button group 27, and determines whether or not the photographer has performed an operation of locking the exposure adjustment (so-called AE lock) (step S33).

Here, if the AE lock has been performed,
The photographer is likely to change the framing to change the screen layout. Therefore, the microprocessor 18 gives up the setting of the range of the evaluation area and resets the entire screen to the evaluation area (step S34). On the other hand, when the AE lock is not performed, the microprocessor 18 sets the area selected as the photometry area as the evaluation area (Steps S35 to S39).

(Routine for Determining Imaging Stop Condition) Next, a routine for determining the imaging stop condition will be described. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a determination routine of an imaging stop condition. First, when this determination routine is started from the main routine, the microprocessor 18 determines the mode setting of the number of frames to be captured (step S41).

If the photographer has selected the fixed frame number mode, the microprocessor 18 determines whether the photographer has intentionally selected the pass / fail selection mode (step S42). If the pass / fail selection mode is intentionally selected, the photographer does not feel uncomfortable even with a large number of frames. Therefore, the microprocessor 18
Sets the number of imaging frames to be relatively large (here, 10 frames) (step S43).

On the other hand, when the pass / fail selection mode is automatically selected (for example, when the microprocessor 18 automatically selects the pass / fail selection mode in a state where camera shake is likely to occur, such as a macro shooting mode), the number of frames to be imaged is large. The photographer tends to feel uncomfortable. Therefore, in such a case, the microprocessor 18 sets the number of imaging frames to be small (here, three frames) (step S44). The setting of the fixed number of frames may be completed at the time of the setting operation before the release (step S1).

Next, the microprocessor 18 determines whether or not this number of frames has been reached (step S4).
5). If the number of frames has not been reached, the microprocessor 18 returns to the main routine while keeping the stop flag in the reset state. On the other hand, when the number of frames has been reached, the microprocessor 18
Determines that the imaging stop condition is satisfied, sets the stop flag (step S46), and returns the operation to the main routine.

If it is determined in step S41 that the shooting mode is the free shooting mode, the microprocessor 18
Determines whether the release button 30 is released from being pressed (step S47). Here, when the release button 30 is continuously pressed, the microprocessor 18 returns the operation to the main routine while keeping the stop flag in the reset state.

On the other hand, if the release button 30 has not been pressed, it is determined that the imaging stop condition has been satisfied, a stop flag is set (step S48), and the operation returns to the main routine. If the stop determination mode is determined in step S41, the microprocessor 18
Detects a change in framing based on a difference between frames of image data or the like (step S49).

If no change in framing is detected, the microprocessor 18 returns to the main routine. On the other hand, when a change in framing is detected, it is determined that the imaging stop condition is satisfied, a stop flag is set (step S48), and the operation returns to the main routine. Through a series of operations as described above, an imaging stop condition determination routine is executed.

(Explanation of Pass / Fail Evaluation Routine) Next, the pass / fail evaluation routine will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a pass / fail evaluation routine executed by the microprocessor 18.
First, when the pass / fail evaluation routine is started from the main routine, the microprocessor 18 selects one unevaluated image data, and extracts data in the evaluation area from the image data (step S60). Microprocessor 1
8 processes the data in the evaluation area extracted in this manner using the image compression unit 17 in the following procedure (Step S).
61).

(1) The image compression section 17 divides the data in the evaluation area into 8 × 8 pixel blocks.

(2) The image compression section 17 performs DCT (discrete cosine transform) for each pixel block.

(3) The image compression unit 17 performs weighted addition of DCT transform coefficients for each pixel block. At this time, D
By assigning weights in the zigzag scan order (in order of higher spatial frequencies) to the CT transform coefficients, an evaluation value indicating how much high-frequency components of spatial frequencies are included is obtained. The evaluation value of each pixel block obtained in this way is further weighted and added to obtain an evaluation value of the entire evaluation area (step S62). At this time, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the evaluation area is divided into three areas of a peripheral part C1, an intermediate part C2, and a central part C3. Is set large.

[Evaluation weight of C1] = 0.3 [Evaluation weight of C2] = 0.6 [Evaluation weight of C3] = 1.0 Here, the microprocessor 18 determines whether or not there are a plurality of evaluation areas. (Step S63).

If there is only one evaluation area, the microprocessor 18 determines that the calculation of the evaluation value has been completed, ends the pass / fail evaluation routine, and returns to the main routine. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of evaluation areas, the microprocessor 18 calculates (1)
Weighted addition (2) majority operation (3) maximum value operation (4) minimum value operation and the like are executed to obtain a comprehensive evaluation value (step S64). Such a series of processing is performed for all of the imaged image data (step S65).

(Selection Screen Display Routine) The selection screen display routine will be described below. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a selection screen display routine executed by the microprocessor 18. First, when the display routine for image selection is started from the main routine, the microprocessor 18 determines the mode setting of the screen display (step S71).

If the photographer has selected the photographing order display mode, the microprocessor 18 displays thumbnails of the image data on the display unit 25 via the image display circuit 24 in the photographing order (step S72). ). On the other hand, when the evaluation order display mode is selected by the photographer, the microprocessor 18 displays the image data on the display unit 25 via the image display circuit 24 as thumbnails in the order of evaluation (step S73).

The microprocessor 18 overlaps and displays the frame number and the evaluation order on the thumbnail-displayed reduced image via the image display circuit 24 (step S74). FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a selection screen displayed in such a shooting order display mode. In this selection screen, the image data of the first frame is
Although the evaluation ranking is the highest, the shutter chance is inappropriate,
The subject is very small. In this case, the photographer can accurately select, for example, the image data of the fourth frame as a good image in consideration of both the shutter chance and the evaluation order.

FIG. 9B shows a selection screen displayed in the evaluation order display mode. On this selection screen, the image data with the highest evaluation order has an inappropriate shutter chance and the subject is in a half-eye state. In such a case, the photographer can accurately select, for example, the image data of the third evaluation rank as a good image in consideration of both the shutter chance and the evaluation rank.

(Effects of the First Embodiment) According to the operation described above, in the first embodiment, image data having a high spatial frequency component rich in high-frequency components is selected from continuously captured image data. Recording. Therefore, it is possible to selectively obtain image data in which camera shake, subject shake, out-of-focus, and the like are relatively small.

In the first embodiment, the quality of image data is evaluated within a partial evaluation area. Therefore, the quality of image data is accurately evaluated without being affected by blurring of the background image as much as possible. be able to. In addition, since the quality of the entire screen is not evaluated, the processing time of the quality evaluation can be reduced. Further, in the first embodiment, since the evaluation weight on the peripheral side of the evaluation area is set lower than the evaluation weight on the central part, the value of the pass / fail evaluation does not largely change due to an image accidentally jumping into the evaluation area. .

Further, in the first embodiment, since a plurality of evaluation areas can be comprehensively evaluated, appropriate pass / fail evaluation is executed even in a situation where a plurality of subjects exist on the screen. be able to. Further, in the first embodiment, it is possible to set an evaluation area excluding a bright area and a dark area in the screen. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid an unduly low evaluation due to luminance collapse or the like, and to perform an appropriate quality evaluation focused on the subject.

Further, in the first embodiment, since the focus recognition area can be set as the evaluation area, it is possible to appropriately execute the quality evaluation of the subject image existing at the position within the screen of the focus recognition area. it can. Further, in the first embodiment, the evaluation area can be determined from the photometry area and the focus detection area. Therefore, the setting means for both areas can also be used, and the configuration of the electronic camera 10 for setting these areas can be further simplified.

Further, in the first embodiment, when the photographer fixes the focus adjustment or the exposure adjustment, the setting of the evaluation area can be automatically released, so that the reliability of the quality evaluation is lowered by changing the screen layout. Can be avoided quickly. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, it is possible to flexibly change the number of frames for continuous imaging in the determination routine of the imaging stop condition.

Further, in the first embodiment, continuous imaging can be immediately stopped by detecting a change in framing, so that it is possible to prevent problems such as continuous useless continuous imaging after the framing change. Further, in the first embodiment, when the evaluation of the image data does not reach the allowable value, the continuous imaging is restarted. Therefore, there is no possibility that the pass / fail selection is performed in a state where the allowable value is not reached, and the storage of the image data having at least the allowable value is guaranteed.

Further, in the first embodiment, the photographer can appropriately select and save image data in a good photographing state via the selection screen. In this case, the photographer can select the image data while referring to the result of the pass / fail evaluation and subjectivity such as a photo opportunity. Next, another embodiment will be described.

<Second Embodiment> The second embodiment is an embodiment of an electronic camera that performs continuous imaging and quality evaluation simultaneously and in parallel. In addition, about the structure of 2nd Embodiment,
Except for the operation program of the microprocessor 18, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), and the description of the configuration here is omitted.

(Schematic Description of Main Routine) FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a main routine executed by a microprocessor 18 when a pass / fail selection mode is set. Hereinafter, before describing the detailed operation, the flow of the main routine will be schematically described. First, the microprocessor 18 controls the operation button group 2
According to the switch operation of No. 7, various settings such as a photometry mode, a focus detection mode, and a pass / fail selection mode are executed (step S100).

Next, similarly to the first embodiment, the microprocessor 18 executes an evaluation area setting routine (step S2). The microprocessor 18 repeats these setting operations until the release button 30 is pressed. Execute (Step S
NO side of 101). In this state, when the release button 30 is pressed by the operator (YES in step S101)
Side), the microprocessor 18 includes a CCD driving circuit 21
Unnecessary charges on the image sensor 14 are swept out through the, and the exposure operation of the first frame is started (step S102).

The microprocessor 18 waits for the elapse of the exposure set time (shutter time), and
And reads image data from the image sensor 14 (step S103). From the point of time when the image data is read, the image pickup device 14 starts the exposure operation of the next frame (step S104).

The microprocessor 18 executes a pass / fail evaluation image compression routine (to be described later), and executes pass / fail evaluation of the image data whose imaging has been completed previously (step S10).
5). Here, if the change in the pass / fail evaluation result from the previous time is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the microprocessor 18 determines that there is a framing change (YES in step S106).
side). In this case, since the picture itself of the image data changes, the microprocessor 18 determines that it is no longer possible to evaluate the quality under the same conditions, stops the continuous imaging, and returns to step S100.

On the other hand, when the change in the pass / fail evaluation result from the previous time is less than the threshold value, the microprocessor 18 determines that there is no framing change (NO in step S106). In this case, the microprocessor 18 shifts the operation to step S107 and continues the continuous imaging.
By the way, in such a framing change, the area where the picture changes greatly (for example, the peripheral side of the shooting screen)
Is preferably a framing change detection region.
In such a detection area, the microprocessor 1
The monitor 8 can detect a framing change sharply by monitoring a difference between frames of image data and a change in the result of the quality evaluation.

Subsequently, the microprocessor 18 executes a finder display routine (to be described later), and displays the result of the pass / fail evaluation on the finder display unit 22 (step S1).
07). Here, the microprocessor 18 determines whether or not the result of the quality evaluation regarding the latest image data is the current maximum evaluation (step S108). If it is the maximum evaluation (YES side of step S108), the microprocessor 18 executes an image overwrite recording routine (described later) and rewrites the recorded image on the memory card 20 with the latest image data (step S109). ).

On the other hand, if it is not the maximum evaluation (step S1
08 NO side), the overwrite recording of the image is not executed, and the recorded image on the memory card 20 is not updated. Next, the microprocessor 18 determines whether or not the result of the pass / fail evaluation has exceeded the maximum point (step S110). Here, when the result of the pass / fail evaluation does not exceed the maximum point (step S11)
(NO side of 0), it can be determined that there is a high possibility that the quality evaluation of the image data is further improved. Therefore, the microprocessor 18 returns the operation to step S103 and continues the continuous imaging.

On the other hand, if the result of the pass / fail evaluation clearly exceeds the maximum point (YES side of step S109), it can be determined that the possibility of further improving the pass / fail evaluation of the image data is low. Then, the microprocessor 18 determines in step S
The operation returns to 100, and the imaging operation in the pass / fail selection mode is once completed. The imaging operation in the pass / fail selection mode is completed by a series of operations as described above. Next, the contents of the various subroutines described above will be individually described.

(Image Compression Routine for Pass / Fail Evaluation) FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image compression routine for pass / fail evaluation. First, when the image compression routine is started from the main routine, the microprocessor 18 instructs the image compression section 17 to perform image compression for quality evaluation. The image compression unit 17
In response to this command, image data in the evaluation area is extracted from the latest image data. The image compression unit 17 compresses the extracted image data using compression parameters for quality evaluation (here, a scale factor or a quantization table with a compression ratio of about 1/10) (step S111). next,
The microprocessor 18 obtains the compression code amount of the image data that has been image-compressed in this manner, and sets it as the evaluation value of the latest image data (step S112). As described above, after obtaining the evaluation value, the microprocessor 18 returns the operation to the main routine.

(Display Routine in Viewfinder) FIG.
It is a figure which shows the display routine in a finder. First, when the finder display routine is started from the main routine, the microprocessor 18 determines whether or not the evaluation value of the image data at the present time is the maximum evaluation (step S11).
5).

If the evaluation is the maximum evaluation (YES in step S115), the microprocessor 18 sets the maximum evaluation value Emax stored in the internal memory area in advance.
Is updated with the current evaluation value E (step S11).
6). On the other hand, if it is not the maximum evaluation (step S11
(NO side of No. 5), the microprocessor 18 maintains the value of the maximum evaluation value Emax as it is. Next, the microprocessor 18 determines the maximum evaluation value Emax and the current evaluation value Emax.
Is displayed as a bar on the display unit 22 in the finder (step S117). By such a finder display routine, the finder display as shown in FIG. 13 is executed.

(Image Overwrite Recording Routine) FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an image overwrite recording routine. First, when the image overwrite recording routine is started from the main routine, the microprocessor 18 determines whether or not the evaluation area has been set for the entire screen (step S12).
0).

If the setting of the evaluation area is a part of the screen (NO in step S120), the microprocessor 18 shifts the operation to step S123 in order to recompress the image on the entire screen. On the other hand, when the setting of the evaluation area is the entire screen (step S1)
(YES side of 20), the microprocessor 18 determines whether the compression code amount at the time of the pass / fail evaluation is within an allowable range of the target compression code amount for recording (step S121).

In step S121, if the compression code amount at the time of the pass / fail evaluation is within the allowable range of the target compression code amount for recording, it can be determined that it is not necessary to perform image compression again. Then, the microprocessor 18 overwrites and records the compressed data at the time of the pass / fail evaluation on the memory card 20 as it is (step S122). After completing such overwrite recording, the microprocessor 18 ends the overwrite recording routine and returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, in step S121, if the compression code amount at the time of the pass / fail evaluation is out of the allowable range of the target compression code amount for recording, the microprocessor 18
When it is determined that image compression needs to be performed again, step S
The operation is shifted to 123. In this step S123,
The result of image compression at the time of pass / fail evaluation is regarded as the result of the first trial compression, and a known compression parameter estimation method (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-220879, US Pat. No. 5,594,554) or the like, Using the method described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-284531, a compression parameter for recording (here, a scale factor or a quantization table) is estimated.

Next, the microprocessor 18 recompresses the current image data using the estimated compression parameter (step S124). The microprocessor 18 determines whether or not the obtained compression code amount is within the allowable range of the target compression code amount for recording (step S125). If the target compression ratio for recording is out of the allowable range (NO in step S125),
The microprocessor 18 re-estimates the compression parameter (step S126), and then proceeds to step S124.
Return to operation.

On the other hand, when the compression code amount falls within the allowable range of the target compression rate for recording (step S125).
(YES side), the microprocessor 18 overwrites and records the compressed data compressed here on the memory card 20 (step S127). After completing the overwrite recording by such a series of operations, the microprocessor 18
Return operation to main routine.

(Effects of Second Embodiment) According to the operation described above, also in the second embodiment, image data with high spatial frequency components rich in spatial frequency components is selected from continuously captured image data. Can be recorded. Therefore, it is possible to reliably obtain image data in which camera shake, subject shake, defocus, and the like are relatively small.

In particular, in the second embodiment, the pass / fail evaluation is performed in parallel with the continuous imaging, so that it is possible to determine whether to stop the continuous imaging according to the result of the pass / fail evaluation. Become. Therefore, automatic adjustment of the number of frames becomes accurate,
It is possible to efficiently avoid such a problem that the number of frames is insufficient and only low-rated images can be captured, or the number of frames is excessive and the photographing time is unnecessarily long.

Further, in the second embodiment, the image compression unit 17 is also used to execute the image compression for quality evaluation and the image compression for recording, so it is necessary to separately provide a processing mechanism for quality evaluation. Therefore, the configuration of the electronic camera 10 can be simplified. In the second embodiment, image compression for pass / fail evaluation is performed using a dedicated compression parameter independent of recording. Therefore, regardless of the setting of the compression ratio for recording, it is possible to perform compression at a medium compression ratio suitable for quality evaluation, and it is possible to perform quality evaluation accurately.

Further, in the second embodiment, when the code amount of the compressed data at the time of the pass / fail evaluation is suitable for recording,
The compressed data is stored as it is. Therefore,
The recompression processing for recording can be omitted, and the processing time can be shortened efficiently. In the second embodiment, the compression result at the time of the pass / fail evaluation is regarded as the trial compression, so that the number of trial compressions at the time of recording can be efficiently reduced.

Further, in the second embodiment, the result of the pass / fail evaluation is displayed in the viewfinder, so that the photographer can refer to the display in the viewfinder to improve the shooting condition in the subsequent shooting. It is possible to guide. Further, in the second embodiment, since the maximum evaluation and the latest evaluation at the present time are displayed on the monitor, the photographer can guide the shooting state to a better one with the goal of the maximum evaluation in the subsequent shooting. Becomes Next, another embodiment will be described.

<Third Embodiment> A third embodiment is an embodiment in which an image selection system is configured on a computer using a program in a recording medium. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image selection system using a computer 71.

In FIG. 15, a microprocessor 72 is provided inside a computer 71. The microprocessor 72 includes an input device 73 including a keyboard and a mouse, a hard disk 74, a memory 75,
Image processing board 76 and interface board 7
8 is connected. A monitor 77 is connected to an image output terminal of the image processing board 76. On the other hand, an image input device 79 such as a scanner or an electronic camera is connected to the interface board 78.

On the other hand, the microprocessor 72 has C
The D-ROM drive device 80 is connected. This CD-
The ROM drive 80 has a CD-RO recording an image processing program and an installation program for the image processing program.
M81 is inserted. With the installation program in the CD-ROM 81, the microprocessor 72
The image processing program in the CD-ROM 81 is developed and stored in the hard disk 74 in an executable state.

(Operation of Third Embodiment) FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a main routine of the image processing program. First, on the computer 71, a plurality of image data are taken in via the image input device 79 or another program and stored in the hard disk 74 in advance. When the image processing program shown in FIG. 16 is executed in such a state, the microprocessor 72 executes an evaluation area setting routine (step S201).

An electronic camera or the like is connected to the computer 71 to acquire information at the time of imaging (information such as a photometry area, a focus detection area, the presence or absence of an AE lock, the presence or absence of an AF lock, a photometry value, and a focus recognition area). Figure 3 if possible
Each of the setting routines shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D and FIG. 4 can be executed. On the other hand, in a situation where the information at the time of imaging cannot be obtained, the operator may accept the setting of the evaluation area range by the input device 73 such as a mouse.

By executing the setting routine shown in FIG. 17, the evaluation area can be automatically determined. In FIG. 17, first, the microprocessor 72
Captures luminance information of image data. Based on the luminance information, the microprocessor 72 creates a proper exposure area except for an extremely bright area and a dark area from within the screen (step S210).

Subsequently, the microprocessor 72 sets this proper exposure area as an evaluation area (step S).
211). After any of such setting routines is executed, the microprocessor 72 executes the pass / fail evaluation routine (FIG. 7) described in the first embodiment, and sequentially executes pass / fail evaluation of a plurality of image data (FIG. 7). Step S7).

Next, the microprocessor 18 judges the setting conditions by the operator, and judges whether or not to select a good image screen (step S203). Here,
If the operation condition for selecting an image on the screen has been selected by the operator (YES in step S203), the microprocessor 18 executes the selection screen display routine (FIG. 8) described in the first embodiment. Then, the “thumbnail display of continuously captured image data” and the “order of good / bad evaluation” are overlap-displayed on the monitor 77 (step S1).
0).

The operator manually selects one of the image data on the monitor 77 as a good image by operating the input device 73 (step S205). After accepting the manual selection of the good image, the microprocessor 18 shifts the operation to Step S207. On the other hand, step S203
In step (2), if the setting condition for automatically selecting images has been selected (NO in step S203), the microprocessor 18 selects the image data having the first rank in the pass / fail evaluation as a good image (step S206).

As described above, the good image selected in step S205 or S206 is stored on the hard disk 74 by the microprocessor 72 (step S207). The series of operations as described above completes the operation of the image processing program by the computer 71.

(Effects of Third Embodiment) By the operation described above, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained by the computer 7 in the third embodiment.
1 can be realized.

<Supplementary Items of Embodiment> In each of the above-described embodiments, the spatial frequency component is accurately evaluated by using the orthogonal transform such as the DCT transform. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, although the accuracy of the pass / fail evaluation is reduced, a high frequency component of the spatial frequency is extracted from the image data in the evaluation area through a known spatial frequency filter or the like, and the pass / fail evaluation of the image data is performed based on the amount of the high frequency component. It is also possible.

In each of the embodiments described above, the case where the pass / fail evaluation is performed based on the spatial frequency component has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, although the setting range of the evaluation area becomes unclear, a camera shake detection unit such as an acceleration sensor may be provided in the camera unit, and the camera shake amount detected by the camera shake detection unit may be used as an evaluation item. In addition, the detail component amount of image data, contrast amount,
The quality of the image data may be evaluated using the noise amount, the gradation reproducibility, the degree of focusing at the time of imaging, the degree of proper exposure, the color reproducibility, the saturation, and the like as evaluation items.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which the evaluation area is determined in association with the photometry area or the focus detection area which has been previously set, but the present invention is not limited to this. Conversely, set the evaluation area first,
A photometric area or a focus detection area may be determined from the evaluation area. In each of the above-described embodiments, the shape and size of the area are matched between the evaluation area and the other areas, but the present invention is not limited to this. In general, a sufficient effect can be obtained if only the position in the screen is associated between these areas, so that it is not particularly necessary to match the shapes and sizes of the areas.

Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, the embodiment constituted by the electronic camera 10 alone has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the electronic camera 10 in these embodiments can be configured as a system including an imaging unit and a computer (including an electronic organizer). In such a case, a program for executing the above-described flowchart may be recorded on a recording medium (a memory, a CD-ROM, a hard disk, or the like), and the computer may execute the program.

In the above-described second embodiment, continuous imaging is stopped when the evaluation value exceeds the maximum point (step S110). However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, when the evaluation value exceeds a predetermined upper limit, continuous imaging may be stopped by determining that a sufficiently good image has been captured. Further, the continuous imaging may be stopped when the evaluation value becomes equal to or less than the predetermined lower limit and it is determined that continuation of the continuous imaging is meaningless. Further, the continuous imaging may be stopped when the number of imaging frames exceeds a predetermined number of frames.

In the first embodiment, since the image selection is performed after the completion of the continuous imaging, there is an advantage that the continuous imaging can be performed at a high speed. On the other hand, in the second embodiment,
Since image selection and overwriting are performed in parallel with continuous imaging, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to temporarily store all image data. Therefore, operation switching means is provided,
It is determined whether or not there is room in the temporary storage capacity. If there is room, high-speed continuous imaging is performed according to the first embodiment. On the other hand, if there is no room, the second embodiment may be implemented so that the temporary storage capacity does not run short. By the operation of the operation switching means, it is possible to flexibly switch and execute the pass / fail selection mode according to the number of remaining frames of the electronic camera.

[0124]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image data is sorted and stored based on the quality evaluation of the image data. Therefore, good image data can be selectively stored. In addition, since the pass / fail evaluation is performed in the evaluation area partially provided on the photographing screen, it is possible to perform the pass / fail evaluation accurately without being affected by the background blur outside the evaluation area. Therefore, good image data can be more accurately selected. In addition, since the pass / fail evaluation only needs to be performed within the evaluation area, the time required for pass / fail evaluation can be reduced as compared with the case where the pass / fail evaluation is performed over the entire area of the shooting screen.

(Claim 2) In the invention according to claim 2,
The evaluation weight on the peripheral side of the evaluation area is set lower than the evaluation weight on the central part. Therefore, there is no possibility that the value of the pass / fail evaluation is largely changed by an image that accidentally jumps into the periphery of the evaluation area, and the pass / fail of image data can be more accurately selected.

(Claim 3) In the invention according to claim 3,
The evaluation of the image data is evaluated by comprehensively evaluating the evaluations of the plurality of evaluation areas. Therefore, it is possible to perform a favorable quality evaluation under a situation where a plurality of subjects are photographed.

(Claim 4) In the invention according to claim 4,
Since the area setting means is provided, it is possible to change the area selection or the weighting of the evaluation area.

(Claim 5) In the invention according to claim 5,
The evaluation area is set so as to reduce the influence of the bright area or the dark area in the screen on the evaluation. As a result, it is possible to accurately evaluate the quality of image data while avoiding an unduly low evaluation due to luminance collapse. In addition, since there is a high possibility that the subject image is located in the evaluation area (medium luminance area), the quality of the subject image can be evaluated with a high probability.

(Claim 6) In the invention according to claim 6,
Since the area in the in-focus state is mainly set as the evaluation area, it is possible to evaluate the quality of the subject image to be photographed with a high probability.

(Claim 7) In the invention according to claim 7,
By associating the photometry area with the evaluation area, it is possible to determine the other area from one area rationally and quickly. Further, since the setting means for both areas is shared by one area setting means, the configuration of the electronic camera for setting both areas can be further simplified.

(Claim 8) In the invention according to claim 8,
By associating the focus detection area with the evaluation area, it is possible to determine the other area from one area rationally and quickly. Further, since the setting means for both areas is shared by one area setting means, the configuration of the electronic camera for setting both areas can be further simplified.

(Claim 9) When the photographer fixes the focus adjustment or the exposure adjustment, there is a high possibility that the screen layout is changed prior to photographing. In this case, at the time of imaging, there is a high possibility that the subject does not exist in the evaluation area,
The reliability of the quality evaluation result decreases. However, according to the ninth aspect of the invention, such a situation is detected, and the setting of the evaluation area is canceled or redone, so that it is possible to avoid a decrease in the reliability of the quality evaluation result in a timely manner.

(Claim 10) By using the recording medium according to claim 10, a computer configured with an image pickup means and a system is referred to as “an evaluation means and a pass / fail evaluation according to any one of claims 1 to 9”. By functioning as a "selection means", the electronic camera according to the first to ninth aspects can be configured immediately.

In particular, none of the evaluation means and the pass / fail selection means described in claims 1 to 5 necessarily have functions unique to the camera. Therefore, when the evaluation unit and the pass / fail selection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5 are realized on a computer, it is possible to realize a system for passing / failing image data from outside by a single computer. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic camera 10. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main routine of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an evaluation area setting routine.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an evaluation area setting routine.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of each area.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a routine for determining an imaging stop condition.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a pass / fail evaluation routine;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display routine of a selection screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of a selection screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a main routine of the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an image compression routine for quality evaluation.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a finder display routine.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example in a finder.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an image overwrite recording routine.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image selection system using a computer 71.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a main routine of a program.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an evaluation area setting routine.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a conventional camera with a camera shake correction mechanism.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 electronic camera 14 image pickup device 15 image processing unit 16 image memory 17 image compression unit 18, 72 microprocessor 19 card interface 20 memory card 21 CCD drive circuit 22 display unit in finder 23 photometric unit 24 image display circuit 25 display unit 26 flash unit 27 operation button group 30 release button 71 computer 73 input device 74 hard disk 75 memory 76 image processing board 77 monitor 78 interface board 79 image input device 80 CD-ROM drive device 81 CD-ROM

Claims (10)

[Claims] An imaging unit that continuously captures an image of an object; an evaluation unit that captures image data from the imaging unit or an external device and evaluates the quality of the image data; and image data that is evaluated by the evaluation unit. From among
Quality evaluation means for selecting and recording image data having a high evaluation, wherein the evaluation means performs quality evaluation of the image data in an evaluation area partially provided on the screen. An electronic camera with a sorting function. 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit sets the weight of the evaluation on the peripheral side of the evaluation area to be lower than the weight of the evaluation on the center of the evaluation area. Electronic camera with an image sorting function. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation area is set at a plurality of positions in a screen, and the evaluation unit is configured to perform evaluation based on individual evaluations in the evaluation areas. An electronic camera having an image selection function characterized by comprehensively evaluating the quality of image data. 4. The image selection function according to claim 1, further comprising an area setting means for setting and changing the area selection or weighting of the evaluation area. Electronic camera having a camera. 5. The electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein the area setting unit removes a bright area or a dark area from within the screen, or relatively lowers an evaluation weight of the bright area or the dark area, An electronic camera having an image sorting function, wherein an evaluation area is set. 6. The electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein the area setting means selects an area in the authorized state from the screen or sets an evaluation weight of the area in the authorized state relatively. An electronic camera having an image selection function, wherein an evaluation area is set high. 7. The electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein the area setting unit is also a unit for selecting a photometry area of the electronic camera, and the area setting unit may select one of the photometry area / the evaluation area determined in advance. An electronic camera having an image selection function, wherein the other area is determined in association with the image. 8. The electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein said area setting means is also means for selecting a focus detection area of the electronic camera, and wherein said focus detection area / the evaluation area is determined in advance. An electronic camera having an image selection function, wherein one of the areas is determined in association with one of the areas. 9. The electronic camera according to claim 7, further comprising: a lock unit for fixing a focus adjustment or an exposure adjustment according to an external operation, wherein the area setting unit includes a focus adjustment unit. Alternatively, an electronic camera having an image selection function, wherein the setting of the evaluation area is canceled or redone when the exposure adjustment is fixed. 10. A machine-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as “evaluating means and good / bad selecting means according to any one of claims 1 to 9” is recorded.