JP2000196946A - Program photographing method and electronic image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program photographing method capable of performing the control including photographing condition such as color, sensitivity, and to provide an electronic image pickup device capable of executing the program photographing method. SOLUTION: On a table 300, registered variable values are registered in advance at every program photographing mode. In the registered variable column 320 of the table 300, preset registered variable values (zooming direction, emphasized colors, sensitivity, WB(white balance), the propriety of soft focusing processing, cross-filter processing, and contract emphasis in addition to the conventional stop and shutter speed) are registered at every program photographing mode. When a user selects a program photographing mode, the variable value corresponding to the selected program photographing mode is fetched from the column 320 and set and photographing is performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photographing technique of an electronic image pickup apparatus such as a digital camera, and sets a photographing control variable in correspondence with a photographing object and a photographing place, and selects a photographing object and a place. The present invention relates to a so-called program photographing technique for performing photographing with a photographing variable set as follows.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a photographing target or a photographing place is set (or selected) by a silver halide camera, a combination of an aperture, a shutter speed, and a focal length is set for each predetermined photographing scene, and exposure conditions are controlled. Some have a so-called program photographing function (program AE function). Examples of such a program AE include: a portrait mode (a shutter speed is determined by giving priority to an aperture in an opening direction); a landscape mode (a shutter speed is determined by giving priority to an aperture in a direction to be reduced); a night view mode (slow) (Shutter) ・ There is a coastal mode / ski resort mode (priority is given in the direction of narrowing the aperture to increase the shutter speed).

[0003]

In silver halide photography, the aperture, shutter speed, and focusing distance can be selectively controlled, but the color and sensitivity depend on the film.
Therefore, the camera can selectively control only the above-described shooting conditions, that is, the aperture, the shutter speed, and the focal length. When it is absolutely necessary to control the color and sensitivity, it is necessary to change the film or use an optical filter. Was. On the other hand, electronic imaging devices such as digital cameras, which have become widespread in recent years, convert a subject image into an electric signal and process it as digital data to obtain an image, so that control of color and sensitivity can be performed by the camera body. is there.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a program photographing method capable of performing control in addition to photographing conditions such as color and sensitivity, and an electronic photographing apparatus capable of performing such program photographing. For the purpose of providing.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic imaging apparatus for converting a subject image into an electric signal, capturing the image as an image, and displaying the image. When selected, a set of imaging control variables corresponding to the selected shooting mode is extracted from a set of imaging control variables including a color control variable and a sensitivity control variable registered for each of the plurality of imaging modes, and the extracted set is taken out. A subject image is captured and displayed based on each imaging control variable included in the set of imaging control variables, and imaging is performed based on the captured image control variable included in the extracted set of imaging control variables when an imaging instruction is issued. Perform.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the program imaging method according to the first aspect, at least one imaging control variable included in the set of the taken out imaging control variables is displayed based on a user input during display of the subject image. And a new subject image is captured and displayed based on each imaging control variable including the changed imaging control variable.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the program imaging method according to the second aspect, at least one imaging control variable included in the set of taken out imaging control variables is displayed based on a user input during display of the subject image. And change
A new imaging control variable is obtained from the changed imaging control variable and the registered imaging control variable corresponding to the changed imaging control variable, and is replaced with the registered imaging control variable.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic image pickup apparatus which converts a subject image into an electric signal, takes in the image as an image, and displays the image, the color control variable and the sensitivity set for each of a plurality of image pickup modes. An imaging control variable registration unit that registers a plurality of sets of imaging control variables including a control variable; a shooting mode selection unit that selects a shooting mode; and when the shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selection unit, the selected shooting mode is selected. An imaging control variable acquiring unit that acquires a set of imaging control variables corresponding to a mode from the imaging control variable registering unit, based on each imaging control variable included in the set of imaging control variables acquired by the imaging control variable acquiring unit. Display control means for capturing and displaying a subject image,
An imaging instruction unit, and an imaging unit that performs imaging based on each imaging control variable included in the set of imaging control variables acquired by the imaging control variable acquisition unit when an imaging instruction is issued by the imaging unit. It is characterized by the following.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging apparatus of the fourth aspect, the set of imaging control variables is an aperture control variable,
It is characterized by including any or all of the following (1) to (3) in addition to the shutter speed control variable, the color control variable, and the sensitivity control variable. (1) Soft focus control variable (2) Cross filter control variable (3) Zoom control variable In the electronic imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic imaging apparatus of the fourth aspect, the variable is obtained by the imaging control variable obtaining means during display. Imaging control variable change input means for changing at least one imaging control variable included in the set of imaging control variables, wherein the display control means changes the imaging control variable based on the input by the imaging control variable change input means. When this is done, a new subject image is fetched and displayed based on each imaging control variable including the changed imaging control variable.

According to a seventh aspect, in the electronic imaging apparatus according to the sixth aspect, when the imaging control variable is changed based on an input from the imaging control variable change input means, the imaging control variable is registered in the imaging control variable registration means. An imaging control variable learning unit for obtaining a new imaging control variable from the imaging control variable corresponding to the changed imaging control variable among the imaging control variables and replacing the registered imaging control variable with the registered imaging control variable. .

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Circuit Configuration Example] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a digital camera as one embodiment of an electronic imaging apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. , Bus 1, image input system 10, control unit 2
0, an operation unit 30, a display unit 40, and a flash memory 50. Note that the sound output device 60 may be provided so that operation guidance by voice is performed at the time of shooting a program.

The image input system 10 has an optical system 11, a signal conversion unit 12, a signal processing unit 13, a data compression / decompression unit 14, and a DRAM 15.

The optical system 11 includes an imaging lens and exposure control mechanism (AE) 111, an autofocus mechanism (AF) 1
An optical system mechanism such as 12 is provided, and the light from the subject is imaged on the CCD 121 of the signal conversion unit 12 at the subsequent stage.

The signal conversion unit 12 includes a CCD 121, a CCD
Driving timing signal generation circuit (TG) 122, CCD
Driving vertical driver 123, sample hold circuit 12
4 and the A / D converter 125, and the optical system 11
The image formed on the CCD 121 is converted into an electric signal, converted into digital data (hereinafter, image data), and output at a constant period.

The signal processing unit 13 includes a color processing circuit 1
31 and a DMA controller 132. The color process circuit 131 performs a color process on the output from the signal conversion unit 12 and writes it as a digital luminance signal and a color difference multiplex signal (YUV data) in a buffer of the DMA controller 132 (FIG. 2). DMA
The controller 132 transfers the YUV data written in the buffer to the designated area of the DRAM 14 by DMA (Direct Memory Access) and develops the data. Further, the DMA controller 132 reads out the YUV data written in the DRAM 15 at the time of storing and recording, and writes the read out YUV data in the data compression / expansion unit 14. Further, in order to display the subject image (through image display), the captured image data is thinned out and sent to the display unit 40. When a shutter operation is performed, the image data at that time is sent to the display unit 40 to display a still image.

The data compression / expansion unit 14 receives the YU from the DRAM 15
JPEG compression processing is performed on the V data. In the reproduction mode, the image data stored in the flash memory 50 is subjected to decompression processing to reproduce the YUV data.

The DRAM 15 is used as a work memory, and has an image buffer area for temporarily storing a picked-up image and a J buffer.
A work area for PEG compression / expansion and an area for storing set values and the like are secured.

The control unit 20 has a microprocessor configuration having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM for storing programs, a timer, and the like. The CPU communicates via the bus 1 to each of the above-mentioned circuits and a power switch (not shown). The digital camera 100 is controlled by the control program stored in the program storage ROM and connected to each mode stored in the program storage ROM in response to a status signal from the operation unit 30. The processing program is taken out to control the execution of each function of the digital camera 100, for example, to execute a function of capturing an image and a function of reproducing a recorded image.

An operation unit 30 includes a processing mode changeover switch,
Switches and keys such as a function selection button, a main switch, a shooting mode setting button 35, a shutter button 36, and a cursor movement key 37 are included as components, and when these switches or keys are operated, a state signal is sent to the control unit 20. Sent out.

By operating the shooting mode setting button 35, the user can select a desired program shooting mode (for example,
Portrait mode, landscape mode, etc.) (FIG. 3). In addition, the user operates the cursor movement keys 37.
By operating the control unit 20, the icon displayed on the liquid crystal screen (hereinafter, liquid crystal finder 40) of the display unit 40 can be designated by the control of the control unit 20.

The display unit 40 is a video encoder, a VRAM
And a liquid crystal screen (LCD), etc., and through display control of the control unit 20, a through image (subject image) at the time of imaging, a reproduced image at the time of reproduction, a selection menu or guide (or icon) at the time of processing selection. Is displayed.

The flash memory 50 stores and records the image data JPEG-compressed by the data compression / expansion unit 14. In the flash memory 50, in addition to an area for recording image data, an imaging control variable registration table 300 for program imaging (FIG. 5), an imaging mode, an imaging condition, an imaging time interval, and the like of the image when recording the image data. An image information registration list to be registered can also be recorded. Also,
Each program may be recorded in the flash memory 50 instead of the program ROM. Note that a removable IC card may be used instead of the flash memory.

When the sound output device 60 is provided, it is possible to output a voice registered as an operation guide for urging the user to perform a specific operation in the program imaging mode. The sound can be provided in the sound output device 60 with a sound memory or registered in the flash memory 50 or the like. [Color Process Circuit] The color process circuit 131 of the signal processing unit 13 separates and generates a luminance signal, a color component signal, and the like from the image data. FIG. 2 shows a color process circuit 1
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a first embodiment. In FIG. 2, a color process circuit 131 includes an R component integrator 1311, a G component integrator 1312, a B component integrator 1313, an integrator 1314 for AE (auto iris), a filter 1315 for AF (auto focus), and various counters 1316. AW
It has a B circuit 1317 and a signal synthesis circuit 1318.

The image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 121 is A / D-converted by an A / D converter of the signal converter 12 and input to the color process circuit 131. In the color process circuit 131, an auto iris (A
E), auto white balance (AWB) signal, auto focus (AF) signal, and Y, C
Processing for generating b and Cr signals is performed.

The AE integrator 1314 integrates the input signal and outputs the integrated value. The AF filter 1315 detects a high frequency for contrast autofocus from the input signal.
F), the integrated value of the output is output, and the AWB circuit 1317 outputs an R component integrator 1311 and a G component integrator 1
An integrated value of each component integrated by 312 and B component integrator 1313 is output. These integrated outputs are output to the control unit 2
0, the control unit 20 outputs a control signal for controlling the gain, the shutter speed, and the lens 11 to be given to the AGC of the signal conversion unit 12 based on these signals. Therefore, the color process circuit 131 can be used as one of the state detecting means.

[Embodiment of Method for Selecting Program Shooting] 3. Example of Selection by Shooting Mode Setting Button FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a method for selecting a program shooting mode. FIG. 3A shows a rotary button in which each shooting mode setting position is described with the shooting mode setting button 35 on the head. In the figure, for example, reference numerals 80 to 91,...
However, in practice, an abbreviation of each shooting mode or a figure meaning the same is written).

In FIG. 3A, for example, reference numeral 80 indicates a normal imaging mode without program imaging. Reference numeral 81
Reference numerals 81 to 89 denote program shooting modes. Reference numeral 81 denotes a portrait mode (outdoor shooting), reference numeral 82 denotes a portrait mode (indoor (fluorescent light)) shooting, and reference numeral 83 denotes a portrait mode (indoor (white light) outside). Reference numeral 84 denotes a landscape mode (photographing trees and forests), reference numeral 85 denotes a landscape mode (sky and sea photography), reference numeral 86 denotes a night view mode, and reference numeral 8 denotes a night view mode.
7 is assigned to each program shooting mode, such as a coast mode / ski resort mode, and 88 is assigned. Reference numeral 90 denotes a flash photography mode,.
Special shooting modes can be assigned as follows. Reference numeral 99 denotes a positioning arrow. When the user positions a desired imaging mode position on the positioning arrow 99, a code for the program imaging mode is output.

2. Example of Selection by Shooting Mode Setting Button and Icon Display In FIG. 3B, reference numeral 81 in FIG. 3A represents “program shooting mode” as a representative, and when the user selects this mode, selectable program shooting is performed. This is an example in which the mode is displayed as an icon on the liquid crystal finder 40.

In FIG. 3B, for example, the icon 81 'is for portrait mode (outdoor shooting), the icon 82' is for portrait mode (indoor (fluorescent light) shooting), and the icon 83 'is for portrait mode ( Icon 84 'is for landscape mode (for shooting trees and forests)
Icon 85 'for landscape mode (sky and sea shooting)
The icon 86 'is assigned to the night view mode, the icon 87' is assigned to the coast mode / ski resort mode, the icon 88 'is assigned to each program shooting mode, and so on. When the user selects a desired icon using the cursor movement keys 37, a code for the corresponding program imaging mode is output. .. May be provided in advance in the flash memory 50 by providing an icon registration area, or may be stored in an icon registration ROM.

3. Example of Selection by Conversational Response FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the selection of the program photography mode by the conversational response. In FIG. In this example, when the user selects this mode, response icons corresponding to the selected program shooting mode are sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal finder 40, and the user is allowed to make a selection (in this example, portrait mode). (In the case where (indoor (fluorescent light)) is selected).

In FIG. 4, first, a question screen (a) is displayed, a message 201 ("What do you want to take?") Prompting you to select a shooting target, and icons 211 to 213 indicating selectable shooting targets. Is displayed. The user clicks the icon 211
If you select “Picture object“ person ””, the next question screen (b)
Is displayed, and a message 20 prompting selection of a shooting location is displayed.
2 ("where?") And icons 221 and 222 indicating selectable shooting locations are displayed. The user clicks the icon 22
If you select 1 (shooting place "indoor"), the next question (c)
Is displayed, and a message 20 prompting selection of lighting conditions is displayed.
3 ("What is the lighting?") And icons 231 and 232 indicating selectable lighting are displayed. The user sets the icon 231
When (lighting "fluorescent light") is selected, a code corresponding to the portrait mode (indoor (fluorescent light)) among the program shooting modes is output. Further, in the above embodiment, the selected icon is discriminated (inverted display, blinking, highlighted display, etc.) so as to be easily seen by the user (the icons 211, 221, and 231 in the figure indicate the discriminated display. ). Each response screen (a question message and a response icon can be registered in advance by providing an icon registration area in the flash memory 50, or can be stored in an icon registration ROM. , Message 20 on the question screen in (a) and (b) above
1, 202 may be performed by outputting a voice message from the voice acoustic device 60.

[Imaging Control Variable Registration Table] FIG. 5 is an example of an imaging control variable registration table in which a set of imaging control variable values (hereinafter, registration variables) registered in advance according to each selected program imaging mode is registered. It is explanatory drawing of an Example (part). In FIG. 5, an imaging control variable registration table 300
The control variable values are registered in advance for each program shooting mode. In the imaging control variable registration table 300, the code of each program mode (for example, code “01” for portrait mode (outdoor shooting), code “02” for portrait mode (indoor (fluorescent light) shooting),...
In landscape mode (photographing trees and forests), code "04"
.), A program shooting mode registration field 310 in which
It comprises a registration variable column 320 for registering a registration variable value (control variable) preset for each program shooting mode.

The registered variable column 300 includes an aperture column 321 for registering an aperture value, a shutter speed column 322 for registering a shutter speed, a zoom column 323 for registering a zoom direction, etc., an emphasized color column 324 for registering an emphasized color, and a sensitivity. Field 325 for registering the height of the image, WB (white balance value)
, A soft focus field 327 for registering the possibility of soft focus processing, a cross filter field 328 for registering the possibility of cross filter processing, and a contrast field 329 for registering the possibility of contrast enhancement.

Note that, in the example of FIG.
1 indicates "open" or "stop down", but in the embodiment, the same aperture value as that of the conventional program shooting mode is registered according to each program shooting mode. For the sake of explanation, the shutter speed column 322 indicates "conventional value", "slow" or "high speed", but in the embodiment, the "standard value" portion is the value of the conventional program shooting mode. The same value is registered, the shutter speed value is the same as the conventional one for the "slow" and "high speed" parts (the slow shutter speed is registered for the "slow" part, and the fast shutter speed value for the "high speed" part) In addition, for explanation, the zoom column 323 is described.
Indicates "telephoto side" or "wide-angle side". In the embodiment, a zoom direction and a zoom magnification corresponding to each program shooting mode are registered. In the zoom field 323, a hatched portion means no zoom.

For the sake of explanation, the highlight color column 324 contains "
Although “Red”, “Green”, and “Blue” are described, in the embodiment, the R of the color process circuit 131 is set according to each shooting mode.
A ratio (or a predetermined value) of each component added to the output of the component integrator 1311, the output of the G component integrator 1312, or the output of the B component integrator 1313 is registered. That is, in the portrait mode, for example, a certain percentage (or a predetermined value) of the R component detection value is added to the R component detection value so that the person's face color becomes reddish. Also, taking landscape mode as an example, when photographing a tree or a forest, a ratio (or a predetermined value) of the G component detection value can be added to the R component detection value so that green can be emphasized. (Or
(Predetermined value). Further, when the sky or the sea is photographed in the landscape mode, a certain ratio (or a predetermined value) of the B component detection value is added to the B component detection value so as to emphasize blue so that the ratio (or a predetermined value) can be added. Value).

In the description, "(detection value)", "up" and "down" are described in the sensitivity column 325, but in the embodiment, the gain applied to the CCD 121 in accordance with each imaging mode is described. A value (0, a positive predetermined value (or a predetermined ratio) or a negative predetermined value (or a predetermined ratio) is registered.
Up is a registered positive predetermined value (or predetermined ratio)
Alternatively, this means adding a negative predetermined value (or a predetermined ratio). For the sake of explanation, the WB column 326 contains “WB for sunlight”, “WB for fluorescent light”, or “WB for incandescent light”.
B "is described, but in the embodiment, the ABW circuit 1 of the color process circuit is used in accordance with each program shooting mode.
The ratio of the white balance value to be added (or reduced) to the output of the output 317 or a predetermined location is registered. Also,
In the soft focus column 327, whether to perform the soft focus processing or not is registered by a code according to each program shooting mode. Similarly, in the cross filter column 328, whether to perform cross filter processing or not is registered by a code. Also, a contrast column 329
Is registered in accordance with each program shooting mode, whether contrast enhancement processing is performed or not. When the contrast enhancement processing is performed, the color process circuit 13 is used.
A predetermined ratio or a predetermined value to be added to one luminance output value is registered.

When the user selects a selectable program photographing mode in the photographing mode, a registration variable (= registered photographing condition variable) corresponding to the program photographing mode is set as shown in FIG. 6 (step S3). Is done.

In this embodiment, eight columns from the aperture column 321 to the contrast column 328 are provided in the registration variable column 320 of the imaging control variable registration table 300, but the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the types of variables to be registered are not limited to those described above. In the present embodiment, the variable automatic setting table 300 is registered in the flash memory 50, but may be stored in the program ROM.
Further, it may be an internal table of a program for photographing a program (in the case where the program is registered in the flash memory 50, the learning result is re-registered for a registered variable as shown in a modified example 2 (FIG. 8B) described later). <Embodiment 1> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the digital camera 100 when the program shooting mode of the present invention is selected, and a shooting mode setting button 35 (FIG. 3A).
(Alternatively, this is an example using the shooting mode setting button 35 and a program shooting mode selection icon (FIG. 3B).

Step S0: (Selection of shooting mode) The user operates the shooting mode setting button 35 to select a shooting mode. In this case, the user operates the shooting mode setting button 35 to set a desired program shooting mode (in the example of FIG. 3A, reference numerals 81 to 89 (portrait mode (outdoor) to coast mode / ski resort mode...). 3B, the program shooting mode 81 is selected by the shooting mode setting button 35 and the liquid crystal viewfinder 40 is selected.
Is displayed, the corresponding code is output.

Step S1: (Determining whether or not the program photographing mode has been selected) The control unit 20 checks the output signal from the operation unit 30, and if the photographing mode selection button 35 is pressed, the program photographing is further performed. Mode code (for example, "01"-"
09 ”) is output, and if the code for program shooting is output (= if the control unit 20 receives the code for program shooting mode), it is registered in the flash memory 50. Flash memory 5
The control unit 20 reads out the imaging control variable registration table 300 registered in 0, stores it in the RAM (or the DRAM 15) of the control unit 20, and shifts to S2.

Step S2: (Retrieval of Registered Variable) When the control unit 20 receives the code for the program photographing mode, the control unit 20 uses the code as a key in the RAM (or
The program shooting mode registration column 310 of the imaging control variable registration table 300 stored in the DRAM 15) is searched to extract the corresponding registration variable, and the process proceeds to S4.

Step S3: (Setting of Registered Variable) The control unit 20 sets the registered variable extracted in step S2 as a photographing condition variable for the selected program photographing mode, and shifts to S4.

Step S4: (Capture of Image and Control Based on Set Value) The subject image is captured by the image input system 10.
The control unit 20 controls the automatic exposure mechanism 111 by obtaining exposure conditions based on the light amount value from the AE integrator 1314, the distance data from the autofocus mechanism, and the set shooting conditions (aperture, shutter speed). The control (change) of the color, sensitivity, white balance (WB), etc. of the captured image data is performed by adding a shooting control variable or performing processing based on the set value set in the output or the like of the color process circuit 131. Further, according to the set value, soft focus processing, cross filter processing, or contrast enhancement processing is performed (FIG. 5).

Step S5: (Through image display) The control unit 20 stores the image obtained in step S4 in the DRAM 1
5, and a through image is displayed on the liquid crystal finder 40.

Step S6: (Imaging operation) When the user looks at the through image displayed on the liquid crystal finder 40 and operates (presses down) the shutter button 36 at a desired timing, an image is taken, and the process proceeds to S7. .

Step S7: (Storing and Recording Processing) The image control unit 20 uses the data compression / decompression unit 14 to perform JP / JP on the image captured when the shutter button 36 is depressed.
The EG compression processing is performed and the data is stored and recorded in the flash memory 50. By the above operation, the shooting conditions corresponding to the selected program shooting mode are stored in the shooting control variable registration table 300.
From the conventional exposure control,
Control of color, sensitivity, and color, sensitivity, and the like, which could not be achieved by installing a special optical filter or the like in a silver halide camera, can be realized by a simple selection operation. In the above flowchart, the program shooting mode was selected by operating the shooting mode setting button 35 (or by operating the shooting mode setting button 35 and then specifying an icon).
The present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a message and an icon may be sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal finder 40 so that the program photographing mode and the registered variables can be selected in a natural flow through a dialog with the user. It is good (in this case, steps S2 and S3 of the above-mentioned flowchart may be changed to a registration variable setting operation block by dialog).

[Modification 1] In the flowchart of FIG. 6, an image captured based on the set photographing conditions is displayed through (S5), and when the user views the through image and presses the shutter button at a desired angle, the image is captured. This is done (S6), however, the captured image is displayed through based on the set photographing conditions, and the user who sees it can correct (fine-adjust) the values such as the color and sensitivity of the image. You can also.

FIG. 7A is a flowchart showing an operation of a modification in which a variable can be modified in addition to the operation of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 shows (through image display) of a modification input screen of a set control variable. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one example of a screen. FIG.
The operations in steps S0 to S5 and the operation in step S7 are the same as the operations in FIG. 6 (Embodiment 1), except for the operation in step S6.

In the first modification, steps S0 to S4 in FIG.
After a through image based on the shooting conditions set in step S5 is displayed through step S5, in step S6, the following S6-1
7 to (S6-4) (FIG. 7A).

S6-1: (Determination of imaging operation) The user presses the shutter button 36 fully to view a through image and take an image of the through image. The button 36 is pressed halfway. The control unit 20 checks the status signal from the operation unit 30 and
If the shutter button 36 has been fully pressed, the flow shifts to S7 to perform a process of storing and recording the captured image. If the shutter button 36 is half-pressed, the flow shifts to S6-2 to perform a variable correction operation.

S6-2: (Superimposed Display of Registered Variable Correction Icon) The controller 20 superimposes an icon representing a registered variable that can be corrected on the through image on the liquid crystal finder 40 as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 8, in the landscape mode (tree, forest), a green adjustment icon 225, a sensitivity adjustment icon 226, and a contrast adjustment icon 229 are superimposed and displayed as correctable icons (+ displayed at the upper left corner of the icon). The symbol in this example means that pointing to the left side of the icon changes the variable value in the increasing direction, and the symbol shown at the upper right corner changes the variable value to the right side of the icon in the decreasing direction. That means). For these icons, the current color tone is displayed for variables related to color, and for icons represented by the sensitivity and the magnitude of equivalent values, numerical values are displayed on the icons. Further, the magnitude of the value may be represented by the density of the specific color, the magnitude of the color area displayed in the icon, or the like.

S6-3: (Correction Operation) The user points the left or right end of the icon whose variable is to be modified displayed on the through image with the movement cursor key 37.

S6-4: (Correction of Set Value) When the user points to a desired icon, the control unit 20 makes a correction value (increase / decrease value (± Δk)) to the set value in proportion to the number of points (or point time). The set value is corrected by the addition (that is, the set value is changed (corrected) as set value = set value ± Δk), and the process returns to S4.

According to the above configuration, when the user is dissatisfied with the image obtained based on the imaging control variables (registered variables) registered in the imaging control variable registration table 300, the user can easily change the color and sensitivity of the image by a simple operation. Etc. can be adjusted. In step S6-2, a correction icon related to color and sensitivity is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an icon that can be corrected in the selected program shooting mode may be displayed. Alternatively, the color of the image portion to be corrected may be changed by directly pointing to the image portion to be corrected instead of displaying the correction icon.

[Modification 2] Modification 1 above (FIG. 7 (a))
Then, the correction value will be cleared when the imaging mode ends,
For example, if the user has a different preference for color enhancement than the image representation based on the registered variables, the user must always perform a change operation, and the color may change gradually depending on the season. In any case (green in the mountains), it is always necessary to perform the change operation. In this modified example, in order to solve such a problem, a part (step S6-4) of the flowchart of FIG. 7A is changed so that the registration variables of the photographing condition variable registration table 300 are changed by the user. This is an example in which a change is made to approach a variable (so-called “learning function” is provided).

After the correction operation is performed in step S6-3 of FIG. 7A, the following step S6-4 is performed in step S6-4.
The operations of 6-4-1 to S6-4-3 (FIG. 7B) are performed. Further, after the image capturing, the RAM (or the DRAM 15) of the control unit 20 performs the captured image storing process in step S7.
Flash memory 50 in the imaging control variable registration table 300 (imaging control variables are updated) stored in
Replaces (rewrites) the imaging control variable registration table stored and recorded in.

Step S6-4-1: (Calculation of Average Value) The control unit 20 corrects the variable values of the selected program photographing mode and the corresponding control variables registered in the imaging control variable registration table 300 corresponding thereto. (For example, the green correction value in the landscape mode (tree, forest) and the registration variable column 320 of the imaging control variable registration table 300)
(Average value with the content of the emphasis color column 324 (green-emphasized control variable value)).

Step S6-4-2: (Updating of Registered Variable in Imaging Control Variable Registration Table) The control unit 20 uses the average obtained in step S6-4-1 to register the corresponding variable registered in the registered variable column 320. Replace the imaging control variable.

Step S6-4-3: (Correction of Set Value) The control unit 20 corrects the set value by adding the corrected value to the set value, and returns to S4. With the above configuration, the user learns the shooting condition variables (registered variables) registered in the shooting condition variable registration table 300 with the user's correction values and approaches the user's desired values. When the program shooting process is completed, the process is stored and recorded. Then, when the same program shooting mode is selected, the imaging control variables after learning can be used. It is possible to realize program shooting that approaches the shooting sensation of the user. In step S6-4-1, the average value of the correction value and the corresponding imaging control variable registered in the imaging condition variable registration table 300 is calculated, and learning is performed by updating the original imaging control variable. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and learning may be performed by a known method.

Although some embodiments and modified examples of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modified examples, and it can be said that various modified embodiments are possible. Not even.

[0061]

As described above, according to the program photographing method and the electronic image pickup apparatus of the first invention, in addition to the exposure control in the conventional silver halide camera, the control of the color component to be emphasized, the WB control and the contrast control are performed. Color control and sensitivity control can be realized by a simple selection operation.

According to the program photographing method and the electronic photographing apparatus of the second invention, in addition to the above-described effects, the result of the photographing control can be corrected by a simple operation, so that the desired image of the user can be easily obtained. Can be.

According to the program photographing method and the electronic photographing apparatus of the third invention, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, when the result of the photographing control is modified by a simple operation, the photographing control variable is changed by the modified result. Since learning is performed automatically, even if the user's preference or shooting environment and the imaging result obtained by the registered imaging control variable are different, it becomes possible to perform imaging close to the user's preference or shooting environment from the second time. Decrease.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of a digital camera as one embodiment of an electronic imaging apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a color process circuit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a program shooting mode setting button.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of selection by an interactive response.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a shooting condition variable registration table in which shooting condition variable values are registered.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera when the program shooting mode of the present invention is selected.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of a modified example.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a registration variable correction input screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image input system (imaging means) 20 Control part (imaging control variable acquisition means, display control means, imaging control variable learning means) 35 Imaging mode setting button (imaging mode selection means) 36 Shutter button (imaging instruction means) 37 Cursor movement Keys (shooting mode selection means, shooting control variable change input means) 81'-88 ', 211-213, 221, 222, 2
31, 232 Icon (Shooting Mode Selection Means) 100 Digital Camera (Electronic Imaging Device) 225, 226, 229 Icon (Shooting Control Variable Change Input Means) 300 Imaging Control Variable Registering Means 320 Registered Variable (Set of Imaging Control Variables) 324 Emphasis Color (color control variable) 325 Sensitivity (sensitivity control variable) 326 WB (color control variable) 329 Contrast (color control variable)

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An electronic imaging apparatus that converts a subject image into an electric signal, captures the image as an image, and displays the image. When an imaging mode is selected, a color control variable and a sensitivity control variable registered for each of the plurality of imaging modes are included. A set of imaging control variables corresponding to the selected shooting mode is extracted from the set of imaging control variables, and a subject image is captured and displayed based on each imaging control variable included in the extracted set of imaging control variables. A program photographing method, characterized in that when a photographing instruction is issued, photographing is performed based on a photographed image control variable included in the set of the taken out photographing control variables. 2. While displaying the subject image, at least one imaging control variable included in the extracted set of imaging control variables is changed based on a user input, and each imaging including the changed imaging control variable is changed. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a new subject image is fetched and displayed based on the control variable. 3. While displaying the subject image, at least one imaging control variable included in the extracted set of imaging control variables is changed based on a user input, and the changed imaging control variables and the changed 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein a new imaging control variable is obtained from a corresponding registered imaging control variable and replaced with the registered imaging control variable. 4. An electronic imaging apparatus which converts a subject image into an electric signal, captures the image as an image, and displays the image. A set of imaging control variables including a color control variable and a sensitivity control variable set for each of a plurality of imaging modes. A plurality of registered imaging control variable registration means, a shooting mode selection means for selecting a shooting mode, and a set of imaging control variables corresponding to the selected shooting mode when a shooting mode is selected by the shooting mode selection means. An imaging control variable acquisition unit acquired from the imaging control variable registration unit; and a display for acquiring and displaying a subject image based on each imaging control variable included in the set of imaging control variables acquired by the imaging control variable acquisition unit. A control unit, an imaging instruction unit, and an imaging control variable acquisition unit that acquires the imaging control variable acquisition unit when an imaging instruction is issued by the imaging unit. An electronic imaging apparatus comprising: imaging means for performing imaging based on each imaging control variable included in a set of imaging control variables. 5. The set of imaging control variables includes one or all of the following (1) to (3) in addition to an aperture control variable, a shutter speed control variable, a color control variable, and a sensitivity control variable. The electronic imaging device according to claim 4, wherein: (1) Soft focus control variable (2) Cross filter control variable (3) Zoom control variable 6. An imaging control variable change input unit for changing at least one imaging control variable included in a set of imaging control variables acquired by the imaging control variable acquisition unit during display of the subject image. The display control means, when the imaging control variable is changed based on the input by the imaging control variable change input means,
5. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a new subject image is fetched and displayed based on each imaging control variable including the changed imaging control variable. 7. When the imaging control variable is changed based on an input from the imaging control variable change input unit, the imaging control variable corresponds to the changed imaging control variable among the imaging control variables registered in the imaging control variable registration unit. 7. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an imaging control variable learning unit that obtains a new imaging control variable from the imaging control variables to be replaced and replaces the registered imaging control variable with the registered imaging control variable.