CN100440940C - Image capturing apparatus and image capturing method - Google Patents
Image capturing apparatus and image capturing method Download PDFInfo
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- CN100440940C CN100440940C CNB2006101285901A CN200610128590A CN100440940C CN 100440940 C CN100440940 C CN 100440940C CN B2006101285901 A CNB2006101285901 A CN B2006101285901A CN 200610128590 A CN200610128590 A CN 200610128590A CN 100440940 C CN100440940 C CN 100440940C
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Abstract
An image capturing apparatus keeping down an increase in the amount of processing at the time of exposure determination and at the same time enabling effective utilization of the improved photometry resolution for back light detection, having a luminance calculation unit dividing image data output from an image capturing device into a plurality of regions and measuring the luminance of each and an exposure control unit generating and grouping a plurality of intermediate regions from the object luminances output from the luminance calculation unit, generating an exposure evaluation value from the luminances of the intermediate regions, and suitably controlling the exposure for image capture in accordance with the measured luminances, and an image capturing method used for the same.
Description
Cross reference
The present invention comprises and is involved in the Japanese patent application 2005-257072 that submitted to Japan Patent office on September 5th, 2005 and the theme of 2005-257073, and its full content is incorporated in this as a reference.
Technical field
The present invention relates to a kind of image capture device and image-capturing method such as digital camera.
Background technology
For the technology of camera or the like, there is so-called multistage photometric system, for the grid that it is divided into target field in a plurality of zones is handled in photometry.For example the disclosed technology promotion of Japanese patent application (B2) 7-27151 is 15 zonules with screen divider, with they be grouped into the existing zone of main target together, with their zone line of periphery grouping, with other zone, and use the luminance difference of zone line to judge backlight state.
Summary of the invention
But, utilize in the disclosed method of Japanese patent application (B2) 7-27151, there is such shortcoming, when existing than the little target of photometry region or having with the approaching target of photometry region brightness, backlight state can not correctly be detected.
The technology that remedies this shortcoming is for example open in Japanese patent application (A) 3-240030, and known this technology is used focal length detected image transducer to obtain object brightness information and detected the backlight state of little target thus.
Disclosed method can come together to use with so-called phase difference detection AF system in Japanese patent application (A) 3-240030.But it can not be used in only uses so-called Contrast Detection AF system and does not use in the camera of focal length detected image transducer, but detects variation from the output image contrast of imager to detect focus.In addition, when another that side of gtoal setting major heading of having near brightness, can not detect backlight state sometimes.
This can come further to increase division numbers for photometry by division numbers that increases photometry apparatus and the photometry resolution that improves target.But, if increase division numbers, also increased in the treating capacity of exposure in determining, therefore measure is or not to detect the state of target at photometry resolution usually, but is used to improve the degree of freedom of the shape that is grouped in photometry region together.
Therefore, expectation the invention provides a kind of image capture device and image-capturing method, make exposure determine in the increase for the treatment of capacity be inhibited and can use the photometry resolution that improves for detection backlight effectively simultaneously.
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, a kind of image capture device is provided, have image capture apparatus; Light measurer is used for the brightness that the view data from image capture apparatus output is divided into a plurality of zones and measures each institute zoning; Apparatus for grouping is used for generating a plurality of zone lines according to the object brightness from light measurer output; The assessed value calculation element is used for generating exposure evaluation value according to the brightness of zone line; And control device, be used for the exposure that comes control chart suitably to look like to catch according to the brightness of measuring, wherein said apparatus for grouping also comprises such device, be used for scanning in the horizontal and vertical directions from the monochrome information of light measurer output from point of observation, confirm mean flow rate poor of the brightness of each little photometry region and target field as a whole, and the high-brightness region and the low brightness area of target field is grouped into first zone line.
According to a second embodiment of the present invention, provide a kind of image capture device, had image capture apparatus; Light measurer is used for the brightness that the view data from image capture apparatus output is divided into a plurality of zones and measures each institute zoning; Apparatus for grouping is used for generating a plurality of zone lines according to the object brightness from light measurer output; The assessed value calculation element is used for generating exposure evaluation value according to the brightness of zone line; And control device, be used for the exposure that comes control chart suitably to look like to catch according to the brightness of measuring, wherein apparatus for grouping comprises such device, be used for and be divided into a plurality of first zone lines from the object brightness information of light measurer output, scanning has one or more first zone lines of first zone line of particular value or bigger value and luminance difference overall average brightness or appointment in the horizontal and vertical directions luminance difference with overall average brightness for confirmation, and any group areas that will have a luminance difference of particular value or bigger value is second zone line.
A third embodiment in accordance with the invention, a kind of image-capturing method is provided, comprise step: first step, to be divided into a plurality of zones from the view data of image capture apparatus output, second step, measure the object brightness of each institute zoning, third step, generate a plurality of zone lines according to the object brightness of measuring, the 4th step, brightness according to zone line generates exposure evaluation value, with the 5th step, according to the exposure that the brightness of measuring comes control chart suitably to look like to catch, wherein said third step also comprises step: scan in the horizontal and vertical directions from the monochrome information of light measurer output from point of observation, confirm mean flow rate poor of the brightness of each little photometry region and target field as a whole, and the high-brightness region and the low brightness area of target field is grouped into first zone line.
A fourth embodiment in accordance with the invention, a kind of image-capturing method is provided, comprise step: first step, to be divided into a plurality of zones from the view data of image capture apparatus output, second step, measure the object brightness of each institute zoning, third step, generate a plurality of zone lines according to the object brightness of measuring, the 4th step, brightness according to zone line generates exposure evaluation value, with the 5th step, the exposure that comes control chart suitably to look like to catch according to the brightness of measuring, wherein third step also comprises step: will be divided into a plurality of first zone lines in the object brightness information of second step output, scanning has one or more first zone lines of first zone line of particular value or bigger value and luminance difference overall average brightness or appointment in the horizontal and vertical directions luminance difference with overall average brightness for confirmation, and any group areas that will have a luminance difference of particular value or bigger value is second zone line.
According to embodiments of the invention, in light measurer, the view data of exporting from image capture apparatus is divided into a plurality of zones.In addition, in light measurer, measure the brightness of each institute zoning and the brightness of measuring offered apparatus for grouping and control device.
In apparatus for grouping, generate a plurality of zone lines and provide it to the assessed value calculation element according to the object brightness of measuring.
In the assessed value calculation element, generate exposure evaluation value according to the brightness of zone line, and the control device exposure that comes control chart suitably to look like to catch according to the brightness of measuring.
Description of drawings
With reference to the accompanying drawings, by following description to the preferred embodiment that provides, it is clearer that these and other objects of the present invention and feature will become, wherein:
Fig. 1 is the integrally-built view according to the image capture device of the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is the flow chart of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1;
Fig. 3 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and the example of dividing captured images is shown;
Fig. 4 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and the example that is illustrated in portrait photo captured in the scene under the background backlight;
Fig. 5 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and the example that photometry that target is divided shown in Fig. 4 is shown;
Fig. 6 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and the scan operation that photometry region is shown;
Fig. 7 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and the example that the packet zone with big luminance difference is shown;
Fig. 8 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and the example that scans packet zone in vertical direction is shown;
Fig. 9 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and the example in zone that grouping in vertical direction has the luminance difference of particular value or littler value is shown;
Figure 10 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and the example of new surveyed area that grouping has the luminance difference of particular value or bigger value is shown;
Figure 11 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and is illustrated in the step S 50 that the repeats Fig. 2 photometry result after the processing of S90;
Figure 12 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and basic photometry region is shown;
Figure 13 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and illustrates by scanning the example of first zone line that peripheral brightness prepares;
Figure 14 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and the example of handling first zone line of preparing by the rectangle generation is shown;
Figure 15 is the example that second zone line is prepared in the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and the periphery that is illustrated in first zone line;
Figure 16 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and the example that first weighted value of determining each zone line is shown;
Figure 17 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 and the example that second weighted value of determining each zone line is shown;
Figure 18 is the integrally-built view of image capture device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 19 A and 19B are the flow charts of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180;
Figure 20 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the example of dividing captured images is shown;
Figure 21 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the example that is illustrated in portrait photo captured in the scene under the background backlight;
Figure 22 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the example that photometry that target is divided shown in Figure 21 is shown;
Figure 23 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the example of preparing first zone line is shown;
Figure 24 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the example that the targeted packets shown in Figure 21 is become zone line is shown;
Figure 25 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and another example of preparing first zone line is shown;
Figure 26 is the example that the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and illustrating has the zone of particular value or bigger value and luminance difference mean flow rate;
Figure 27 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the scan operation that photometry region is shown;
Figure 28 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the merging adjacent domain is shown to expand the example of first zone line;
Figure 29 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and merging two row peripheral cell territories is shown to expand the example of first zone line;
Figure 30 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the example that grouping has the zone of big luminance difference is shown;
Figure 31 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the example that scans packet zone in vertical direction is shown;
Figure 32 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the example of new surveyed area that grouping has the luminance difference of particular value or bigger value is shown;
Figure 33 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the example that basic photometry region is shown;
Figure 34 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the example that is illustrated in basic photometry region under the situation that has a plurality of zones with big luminance difference;
Figure 35 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the example that second zone line is shown;
Figure 36 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and illustrates by scanning the example of second zone line that peripheral brightness prepares;
Figure 37 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the example of handling second zone line of preparing by the rectangle generation is shown;
Figure 38 is the example that the 3rd zone line is prepared in the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the periphery that is illustrated in second zone line;
Figure 39 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the example of determining first weighted value in each first zone line is shown;
Figure 40 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and is illustrated in each zone line in as a whole the target field; With
Figure 41 is the view of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 180 and the example of determining second weighted value in each first zone line is shown.
Embodiment
Below, image capture device according to an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is the integrally-built view according to the image capture device of the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Figure 1, image capture device 1 for example has camera model 10, brightness calculation unit 20, exposure control unit 30, operating unit 40, flash light emission unit 50, control unit 60, graphics processing unit 70, image storage unit 80 and memory 90.Notice that in this image capture device 1, exposure control unit 30, control unit 60 and graphics processing unit 70 can be realized by electronic circuit, perhaps can realize by the processor of working procedure.
The noise component(s) of the picture signal (signal of telecommunication) that for example provides by relevant double sampling from image capture device 14 is provided sample circuit 15, and the result is offered A/D change-over circuit 16.This A/D change-over circuit 16 will be a number format from analog-converted from the picture signal of sample circuit 15 input, promptly be, sample and quantize it.After this, A/D change-over circuit 16 output image signals are given brightness calculation unit 20 and graphics processing unit 70.
Based on exposure control mode and metering mode from control unit 60 appointments, exposure control unit 30 calculates suitable exposure value according to the integrated brightness value of the zonule of 20 inputs from the brightness calculation unit, and control aperture 12, shutter 13, image capture device 14, sample circuit 15 and A/D change-over circuit 16 are so that catch image by this suitable exposure value.The method of calculating the correct exposure value will be explained below.
In addition, exposure control unit 30 judges whether based on the correct exposure value of calculating above, launches flash of light by the exposure control mode of control unit 60 appointments with by the user by the configuration information that operating unit 40 is provided with.When the emission flash of light, the exposure information that has obtained is used to calculate the light quantity of not enough light quantity and definite flash of light of being launched, and it is assigned to flash light emission unit 50.In addition, also may catch and tentatively launch flash of light, and use and determine the flash light emission amount and it is assigned to flash light emission unit 50 based on the exposure information that the result obtained of this operation with the image of regulation.Above specified image to catch for example be to half or just all before the shutter release button of push unit 40 and begin master image execution when catching operation at the shutter release button of user's push unit 40.
As the exposure control unit 30 of back with the present embodiment that describes in detail, have according to the object brightnesses of 20 outputs from the brightness calculation unit produce a plurality of zone lines block functions, produce the assessed value computing function of exposure evaluation value and come suitable control chart to look like to catch the controlled function of exposure according to the brightness of zone line according to the brightness of being calculated.Block functions scans from the brightness calculation unit 20 outputs in the horizontal and vertical directions from point of observation object brightness information are poor with the mean flow rate of the brightness of confirming little photometry region and target field as a whole, and the high-brightness region and the low brightness area of target field is grouped into first zone line.When swept brilliance value in the horizontal and vertical directions, block functions can be arranged on point of observation screen center place, measurement point, facial measured zone place or by another other point of user's appointment, a plurality of points of observation that made up a plurality of above points of observation can be set perhaps.The group areas that the brightness of the periphery of first zone line that the block functions search is generated also will be satisfied predetermined condition is second zone line.
In addition, the assessed value computing function of exposure control unit 30 is come the weighting zone line according to the luminance difference between first zone line that is generated and second zone line.In addition, the assessed value computing function is come the weighting zone line according to the position of first zone line that is generated and second zone line and the area of first zone line.In addition, the assessed value computing function is calculated the weighting object brightness that the object brightness measured by the photometry unit by weighting obtains according to weight.
Operating unit 40
Operating unit 40 for example is by shutter release button, is used to be provided with button is set, is used to be provided with the button that is provided with of flash light emission etc. of exposure control mode and metering mode, or the like dispose.
Flash light emission unit 50
Flash light emission unit 50 is the emission flash of light when the flash light emission signal that receives from exposure control unit 30.Flash light emission unit 50 is provided with so that glisten towards the image capture direction emission of camera model 10.
To Figure 17, the processing that concentrates on the control unit 30 that exposes illustrates that the example of the operation of image capture device shown in Figure 1, Fig. 2 are the flow charts of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1 below with reference to Fig. 2.
Step S10
Based on the exposure control mode or the metering mode that are provided with at exposure control unit 30 places by operating unit 40, the image division that brightness calculation unit 20 will be caught by camera model 10 is the integrated brightness value in a plurality of zonules 101 and calculation plot territory 101, and described image of being caught by camera model 10 is the photometry frame area 100 that forms predetermined rectangle for example shown in Figure 3.In Fig. 3, reference numerals 102 illustrates measurement point.In the present embodiment, consider the convenience of explanation, show the example of the zonule that is divided into 16 * 16 or 256 photometries, but this division numbers only is an example.The invention is not restricted to 256 zones.For example, when taking pictures as shown in Figure 4, target field is divided into photometry zonule 101 as shown in Figure 5.The integrated brightness value of each zonule 101 that obtains by photometry is exported to exposure control unit 30.
Step S20
As shown in Figure 6, (VSCN, point of observation 103 HSCN) scans the integrated brightness value of zonule to exposure control unit 30 in the horizontal and vertical directions, and compares the brightness of each zonule and the mean flow rate of target field as a whole from target field.For example as point of observation 103, the center of screen can be used as point of observation.Replacedly, can use the measurement point 102 that is chosen as focus by focal length detecting unit (not shown).In addition, point of observation 103 can be waited to determine by the face detection, as middle explanations such as disclosure.Replacedly, can use by the specified any point of operating unit 40.In the present embodiment, use is shown and is positioned at the example of the measurement point 102 at center as point of observation 103.
Step S30
Step S40
Step S50
As shown in Figure 7, the grouping of exposure control unit 30 has the zone of scanning the big luminance difference that photometry region detects by step S30 in the horizontal and vertical directions.
Step S60
Step S70
Step S80
As shown in Figure 8, exposure control unit 30 is judged as at step S60 place on the vertical direction of the packet zone that is not present in the photometry region intersection and scans photometry region, and as shown in Figure 9, grouping has zone particular value or bigger value and poor (for example, 2EV or bigger luminance difference) overall average brightness.
Step S90
Step S100
Step S110
Step S120
Step S130
30 pairs of control units of exposure are judged as first zone line of high brightness and carry out the high-brightness region processing at step S120 place.Here " the high-brightness region processing " of indication meaning is for reducing the processing of regional luminance to the influence of exposure value, and for example is to prevent that the sun or other light source from making exposure value be displaced to the processing of following direction.Handle for this, the particular value that for example average brightness value of zone line can be scheduled is replaced, and the particular value that perhaps weighted value of zone line can be scheduled is replaced.In addition, also may provide weighted value, maybe may carry out the processing that removes zone line the scope that is used for the photometry operation determined from exposing according to zone line distance of point of observation in the target field.After above-mentioned processing finished, process proceeded to step S190.
Step S140
Step S150
Step S160
Step S170
For example as shown in figure 17, exposure control unit 30 is determined second weighted value according to first zone line 105 that is calculated at step S150 and the position of second zone line 107.This can be for example by utilizing in target field zone line to finish (for example increase and reduce weight) away from its zone near the weight in the zone of point of observation apart from the distance of point of observation, or when point of observation and zone line when being known apart from the distance of major heading, utilization apart from point of observation to major heading distance and the difference of zone line range-to-go (for example be weighted, when this distance is identical with the point of observation range-to-go basically, increase weight, and when this distance is far away, reduce weight).In addition, in a plurality of zone line overlapping areas, second weighted value in the mean value accessible region territory of second weighted value of zone line obtains.
Step S180
The brightness value of exposure control unit 30 bases in step S160 and determined first and second weighted values of step S170 and each zonule calculates the zonule brightness value of weighting.
Step S190
The mean value that exposure control unit 30 calculates at the weighting brightness value of all zonules that step S180 is calculated, and calculate final assessed value.Use the final assessed value of aforementioned calculation, exposure control unit 30 control apertures 12, shutter 13 and A/D change-over circuit 16 are caught image, and the image of being caught is outputed to graphics processing unit 70.This graphics processing unit 70 for example carries out white balance and other processing of view data is proofreaied and correct and generated to gamma curve, and outputs it to image storage unit 80.This image storage unit 80 will be written to memory 90 from the view data IM of image assembled unit 60 inputs.
By with upper type, image capture device 1 is as shown in Figure 5 divided in order to photometry and is caught the target field of image.At this moment, it has confirmed that brightness on level and the vertical direction changes confirming the state of target, even therefore for example when major heading is in backlight state, and the possibility that becomes of the target acquisition with correct exposure.In addition, even when target field comprises light source or other high luminance targets, possible surveyed area also changes weighting etc., thereby reduces the possibility of taking pictures with not enough exposure.
Then, with explanation image capture device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 18 is the overall structure of image capture device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.Be the processing of exposure control unit 30A according to the image capture device 1A of second embodiment with difference according to the image capture device 1 of first embodiment.
With the exposure control unit 30A of second embodiment that is described in detail later have according to the object brightnesses of 20 outputs from the brightness calculation unit produce a plurality of zone lines block functions, produce the assessed value computing function of exposure evaluation value and the controlled function of coming the correct exposure image to catch according to the brightness of zone line according to the brightness of being calculated.
In this embodiment, block functions will the 20 object brightness information of exporting be divided into a plurality of first zone lines from the brightness calculation unit, scanning has particular value or bigger value and first zone line of luminance difference overall average brightness or for confirmation by one or more first zone lines of appointments such as image capture mode, user are provided with in the horizontal and vertical directions and luminance difference overall average brightness, and the group areas that will have a luminance difference of particular value or bigger value is second zone line.In addition, the brightness at the place, periphery of second zone line that generated of block functions search and the group areas that will satisfy predetermined condition are the 3rd zone line.
In addition, the assessed value computing function of exposure control unit 30A comes to give first weighted value for each photometry region according to the luminance difference of second zone line that is generated and the 3rd zone line.In addition, the assessed value computing function is distributed second weighted value to first zone line that each generated.This second weighted value systematic function can be according to from the distance of screen center, the distance from measurement point, the target range in each zone, facial surveyed area, from determining weighted value by the distance of first zone line of user's appointment or the combination of a plurality of modes.In addition, the assessed value computing function is calculated the weighting object brightness that the object brightness measured by the photometry unit by weighting obtains according to weighted value.
To Figure 41, concentrate on the example that the control unit 30A that exposes illustrates the operation of image capture device shown in Figure 180 below with reference to Figure 19 A, Figure 19 A and 19B are the flow charts of explanation image capture device operational instances shown in Figure 1.
Step S210
Based on the exposure control mode or the metering mode that are provided with by operating unit 40 places of user in exposure control unit 30A, the image division that brightness calculation unit 20 will be caught by camera model 10 is a plurality of zonules 201 and calculates the integrated brightness value of each zonule 201 that described image of being caught by camera model 10 is by the photometry frame area 200 that forms predetermined rectangle for example shown in Figure 20.In the present embodiment, consider the convenience of explanation, show the example of the zonule that is divided into 32 * 32 or 1024 photometries, but this division numbers only is an example.The invention is not restricted to 1024 zones.For example, when taking pictures like that as shown in figure 21, target field is divided into the zonule that is used for measuring light as shown in figure 22.The integrated brightness value of each zonule 201 that obtains by photometry is exported to exposure control unit 30A.
Step S220
For example as shown in figure 23, exposure control unit 30A will be grouped into a plurality of first zone line 202-1 to 202-16 in 20 zonules of exporting from the brightness calculation unit, and calculate the average brightness value of each first zone line 202.If for example as shown in figure 21 photo has been carried out such processing, target field is divided into zone line 202 as shown in figure 24 so, and calculates their mean value.Note, in the present embodiment, consider the convenience of explanation, show the field is divided into the example of 4 * 4 or 16 zone lines 202 with calculating brightness, but this division numbers only is an example.The invention is not restricted to 16 zones.In addition, the present invention also is not limited to the shape or the arrangement of first zone line.For example, when as shown in figure 25, can arrange difform zone line 203 overlappingly.May arrange identical zone line at the target field place of part only in addition, for example only in the center.
Step S230
The average brightness value of each first zone line 202 that exposure control unit 30A relatively calculates at step S220 place and the average brightness value of target field as a whole, and judge whether that existence has any first zone line of the luminance difference of particular value or bigger value (for example 2EV or more).When there is luminance difference in judgement is any when zone of particular value or bigger value, and process proceeds to step S250, and does not exist like this when regional when judgement, and process proceeds to step S240.In addition, even when when the difference of the average brightness value on whole surface is in particular value, for example specify when being used in advance with exposure control mode or from the user of operating unit 40 first zone line that scans being set when existing, process proceeds to step S250.
Step S240
Exposure control unit 30A judges whether target is in backlight or big luminance difference state, and metering mode is changed into known center weighting photometry or overall average photometry or other metering mode, and the decision exposure.
Step S250
Exposure control unit 30A carries out processing from step S260 to step S420 with the output of scanning at step S230 continuously to each first zone line 202.Carry out this processing for all first zone lines 202 that will scan.For example, if to as shown in figure 21 photo execution in step S230, so as shown in figure 26, the target that partly is judged as this processing such as hi-lite and the low-light level of the first zone line 202-4,202-7,202-11 and 202-15.
Below, in this embodiment, the first zone line 202-4 and 202-7 are illustrated as an example to hi-lite and low-light level processing partly.
Step S260
As shown in figure 27, exposure control unit 30A target field (VSCN, the integrated brightness value of scanning zonule on the level of point of observation HSCN) and the vertical direction, and in them each with the mean flow rate of as a whole target field relatively.
Step S270
Exposure control unit 30A judges whether the comparative result that is obtained from step S260 comprises that the difference with overall average brightness is the zone of particular value or bigger value (for example 2EV or more).When judgement when to have luminance difference be particular value or bigger value regional, process proceeds to step S210, and judges that when not being such, process proceeds to step S280.
Step S280
Do not exist when having luminance difference like this regional when exposure control unit 30A judges by step S270, its judges whether first zone line 202 that is scanned is the full-size that can prepare in the target field.When this size was maximum, process proceeded to step S290, and when it still was not maximum, process proceeded to step S300.
Step S290
The weight of first zone line 202 that exposure control unit 30A is scanned is set to 1, and then process proceeds to step S430.
Step S300
Step S310
As shown in figure 30, exposure control unit 30A grouping has the zone of scanning the big luminance difference that photometry region detects by step S270 in the horizontal and vertical directions.
Step S320
Exposure control unit 30A judges that all packet zone that produce at step S310 all are present on the intersection in level and vertical scan direction zone.When all packet zone were present in the intersection, process proceeded to step S360, and when not having, process proceeds to step S330.
Step S330
Exposure control unit 30A judges whether the photometry region number of scans of carrying out at step S270 place has surpassed specified quantity.When having carried out when surpassing the number of scans of regulation, process proceeds to step S360, and when not having, process proceeds to step S340.
Step S340
Exposure control unit 30A is judged as at step S330 place on the vertical direction of any packet zone that is not present in the photometry region intersection and scans photometry region, and the approaching zone of the zone of this grouping of dividing into groups and brightness value (for example, 2EV or littler luminance difference).For example carry out this processing as shown in figure 31 like that, to detect any a plurality of hi-lites or the low-light level part that in first zone line, exists.
Step S350
Exposure control unit 30A judges except the photometry region scanning of carrying out by step S340 place and the zone that step S340 divides into groups, existence has any zone of the difference of particular value or the bigger value mean flow rate with target field as a whole (for example, 2EV or bigger).When judgement when to have luminance difference be particular value or bigger value regional, process proceeds to step S310, and wherein shown in figure 32, the zone is grouped, and then repeats identical process.When there was not the new region of the luminance difference with particular value or bigger value in judgement, process proceeded to step S360.
Step S360
Exposure control unit 30A merges the zone of intersecting mutually between the packet zone that obtains to the execution result of step S350 as step S260, with preparation basic photometry region 204 as shown in figure 33.Example as shown in figure 31 is such, when existence has a plurality of target of big luminance difference in the first intermediate luminance zone, for example as shown in figure 34, prepares a plurality of basic photometry regions 205.
Step S370
Exposure control unit 30A checks the brightness of the photometry region around the basic photometry region of preparing at basic step S360 place and adds basic photometry region 205 to prepare second zone line 206, as shown in Figure 35 with having near the zone of brightness.The photometry region that is added for example can selected conduct as shown in figure 36 have a particular value or littler value zone with luminance difference basic photometry region (for example 1EV or littler), or as the rectangular area that comprises basic photometry region to simplify processing as shown in figure 37.
Step S380
Exposure control unit 30A judges whether the average brightness value of each second zone line 206 of preparing at step S370 place is higher than the overall average brightness value.When second zone line 206 is judged as being high-brightness region, the zone that is judged as high brightness so processed like that shown in step S390.When second zone line 206 is judged as being low brightness area, the zone that is judged as low-light level processed like that shown in step S400.
Step S390
Exposure control unit 30A carries out high-brightness region to first zone line that is judged as high brightness at step S380 place and handles.Here " the high-brightness region processing " of indication meaning is for reducing the processing of regional luminance to the influence of exposure value, and for example is to prevent that the sun or other light source from making exposure value be displaced to the processing of following direction.Handle for this, the particular value that for example average brightness value of zone line can be scheduled is replaced, and the particular value that perhaps weighted value of zone line can be scheduled is replaced.In addition, also may carry out the processing that the photometry target that is used for determining from exposing removes zone line.In the present embodiment, comprising the zone of the sun, promptly is that the first zone line 202-4 is covered by this processing.When above-mentioned processing finished, process proceeded to step S430.
Step S400
As shown in figure 38, exposure control unit 30A is grouped in second zone line 306 photometry region on every side that step S380 is judged as low-light level, to prepare the 3rd zone line 207.For this preparation method, for example might cover the zone in particular value (for example 2EV) of second zone line, perhaps cover the photometry region of the second zone line particular peripheral (for example two row zonules 1).
Step S410
Exposure control unit 30A calculates each second zone line 206 prepared at step S370 place and the mean flow rate value difference that is in peripheral each the 3rd zone line 207 of preparing at step S400.
Step S420
Exposure control unit 30A for example determines first weighted value of first zone line as shown in Figure 39 according to the mean luminance differences of each second zone line 206 that calculates at step S410 place and each the 3rd zone line 207.For example, when the mean luminance differences of second zone line and the 3rd zone line is big, is to be in strong backlight state with regard to the target of judging zone line, and increases the weight of second zone line 206.In addition, also may use by second zone line 206 occupied area and adding the area ratio of second zone line 206 and the 3rd zone line 207 temporary in target field.
Step S430
Exposure control unit 30A confirms whether all first zone lines 202 that detect at S230 have been carried out the processing from S250 to S420.If there is first zone line of also not handling 202, it turns back to step S240 and the processing above the execution.After the processing of all first zone lines 202 had finished, process was carried out step S440.Under the situation of second embodiment, if all first zone lines 202 are carried out above-mentioned processing, so as shown in figure 40, determine the second and the 3rd zone line and high brightness processing region 208, and determine their first weighted value (low brightness area), brightness value, the weighted value of replacement or the zone (high-brightness region) that removes by exposure calculating of replacing.
Step S440
For example as shown in figure 41, exposure control unit 30A determines second weighted value of each first zone line 202 according to the position of first zone line 202.For example, may use first zone line to come weighting (for example increase weight and the zone away from it is reduced weight), or use distance to come weighting by the distance of first zone line of user's appointment for zone near the center apart from the distance of the point of observation at target field center.In addition, under the situation of autofocus device, also may use apart from the distance of the measurement point that is used for focusing on and come weighting in target field.In addition, exist under the situation of a plurality of measurement points, also may use the distance of the target that the measurement point that comprises detects and come weighting (for example in each first zone line to the distance of major heading, when the measurement point at the detection distance of the target that focuses on and each first zone line place is substantially the same, increase weight, when this distance not simultaneously, reduce weight).In addition, in a plurality of zone line overlapping areas, also may generate second weighted value in this zone with the mean value of second weighted value of zone line.
Step S450
Exposure control unit 30A calculates the zonule brightness value of weighting according to first and second weighted values and each zonule brightness value determined at step S420 and step S440 place, and with them on average to calculate the final assessed value that target field is exposed.Use the final assessed value of aforementioned calculation, exposure control unit 30A control aperture 12, shutter 13 and A/D change-over circuit 16 are caught image, and the image of being caught is outputed to graphics processing unit 70.This graphics processing unit 70 for example carries out white balance and gamma curve is proofreaied and correct and other processing of generation view data, and this view data is exported to image storage unit 80.This image storage unit 80 will be written to memory 90 from the view data IM of image assembled unit 60 inputs.
By with upper type, according to image capture device 1A, for photometry is divided target field as shown in figure 22 like that and then caught image.At this moment, because target field is divided into a plurality of zone lines, and determine the variation of brightness on the level and vertical direction in each zone, to confirm the state of target, even for example the target of a plurality of different sizes is in backlight state, catch the possibility that becomes by the image of correct exposure.In addition, comprise light source or other high luminance targets even work as target field, surveyed area also changes weighting etc., so that the probability of taking under-exposed photo can be reduced.
Note, in the present embodiment, understand that for example the image of target under the backlight state is caught, but same method may be implemented in when the flash of light operation.In the flash of light operation, before image is caught, in routine techniques, carry out pre-flash and operate to determine suitable exposure, but use above-mentioned light measuring method during by the photometry during pre-flash, even for example when near major heading, having metal or other high reflectance target, also make reduction catch the major heading possibility that becomes from the influence of the light that this object reflected and by suitable exposure value.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that and depend on designing requirement and other factors, can carry out various modifications, combination, sub-portfolio and replacement, as long as they are in claims or its equivalent scope.
Various modifications, combination, sub-portfolio and replacement are as long as they are in claims or its equivalent scope.
Claims (15)
1. image capture device comprises:
Image capture apparatus,
Light measurer, the brightness that the view data that is used for exporting from image capture apparatus is divided into a plurality of zones and measures each institute zoning,
Apparatus for grouping is used for generating a plurality of zone lines according to the object brightness from described light measurer output,
The assessed value calculation element is used for generating exposure evaluation value according to the brightness of described zone line; With
Control device is used for the exposure that brightness according to described measurement comes control chart suitably to look like to catch, wherein
Described apparatus for grouping also comprises such device, be used for scanning in the horizontal and vertical directions from the monochrome information of light measurer output from point of observation, confirm mean flow rate poor of the brightness of each little photometry region and target field as a whole, and the high-brightness region and the low brightness area of target field is grouped into first zone line.
2. image capture device as claimed in claim 1, wherein when on the superincumbent vertical and horizontal direction during swept brilliance value, described apparatus for grouping can be provided with one or more points of observation, and these one or more points of observation comprise screen center, measurement point, facial surveyed area, as any other specified point or their combination of point of observation.
3. image capture device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus for grouping also comprises such device, being used to search for the brightness at periphery place of first zone line that is generated and the group areas that will satisfy predetermined condition is second zone line.
4. image capture device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said assessed value calculation element comprises such device, is used for to assign weight for each zone line according to the luminance difference of first zone line that is generated and second zone line.
5. image capture device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said assessed value calculation element comprises such device, is used for to assign weight for each zone line according to the position of first zone line that is generated and second zone line.
6. image capture device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said assessed value calculation element comprises such device, the brightness that is used for being measured by light measurer according to the weight weighting is to calculate the object brightness of institute's weighting.
7. image capture device comprises:
Image capture apparatus;
Light measurer is used for the brightness that the view data from described image capture apparatus output is divided into a plurality of zones and measures each institute zoning;
Apparatus for grouping is used for generating a plurality of zone lines according to the object brightness from described light measurer output;
The assessed value calculation element is used for generating exposure evaluation value according to the brightness of described zone line; With
Control device is used for the exposure that brightness according to described measurement comes control chart suitably to look like to catch, wherein
Described apparatus for grouping comprises such device, be used for and be divided into a plurality of first zone lines from the object brightness information of light measurer output, scanning has one or more first zone lines of first zone line of particular value or bigger value and luminance difference overall average brightness or appointment in the horizontal and vertical directions luminance difference with overall average brightness for confirmation, and any area dividing that will have a luminance difference of particular value or bigger value is second zone line.
8. image capture device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said apparatus for grouping also comprises such device, being used to search for the brightness at periphery place of second zone line that is generated and any group areas that will satisfy predetermined condition is the 3rd zone line.
9. image capture device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said assessed value calculation element has such device, is used for to be each region allocation first weighted value according to the luminance difference of second zone line that is generated and the 3rd zone line.
10. image capture device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said assessed value calculation element comprises the second weighted value generating apparatus, first zone line that is used for generating to each distributes second weighted value.
11. image capture device as claimed in claim 10, the wherein said second weighted value generating apparatus can be according to from the distance of screen center, the distance from measurement point, the target range in each zone, facial surveyed area, determine weighted value from the distance or their combination of first zone line of appointment.
12. image capture device as claimed in claim 10, wherein said assessed value calculation element comprises such device, is used for coming brightness that weighting measured by light measurer to calculate the object brightness of institute's weighting according to weighted value.
13. an image-capturing method comprises step:
First step will be divided into a plurality of zones from the view data of image capture apparatus output,
Second step is measured the object brightness of each institute zoning,
Third step generates a plurality of zone lines according to the object brightness of measuring,
The 4th step, according to the brightness of described zone line generate exposure evaluation value and
The 5th step, the exposure that comes control chart suitably to look like to catch according to the brightness of described measurement, wherein
Described third step also comprises step: scan in the horizontal and vertical directions from the monochrome information of light measurer output from point of observation, confirm mean flow rate poor of the brightness of each little photometry region and target field as a whole, and the high-brightness region and the low brightness area of target field is grouped into first zone line.
14. an image-capturing method comprises step:
First step will be divided into a plurality of zones from the view data of image capture apparatus output,
Second step is measured the object brightness of each institute zoning,
Third step generates a plurality of zone lines according to the object brightness of measuring,
The 4th step, according to the brightness of described zone line generate exposure evaluation value and
The 5th step, the exposure that comes control chart suitably to look like to catch according to the brightness of described measurement, wherein
Described third step also comprises step: will be divided into a plurality of first zone lines in the object brightness information of second step output, scanning has one or more first zone lines of first zone line of particular value or bigger value and luminance difference overall average brightness or appointment in the horizontal and vertical directions luminance difference with overall average brightness for confirmation, and any group areas that will have a luminance difference of particular value or bigger value is second zone line.
15. image-capturing method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said third step also comprises step: any group areas that the brightness at the place, periphery of second zone line that search is generated also will be satisfied predetermined condition is the 3rd zone line.
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