JP2000350060A - Image pickup device, image reproducing device, image reproduction system, image reproduction method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device with which a photographer can point out a plurality of desired photographing positions of an image, while observing the photographed image. SOLUTION: A photographer designates a reproduction desired area and records a photographed picture and area information as an image file in the case of photographing. At reproduction, a data discrimination section 52 divides the image file into image data required for reproduction and area information required for image processing, an image processing section 53 collects histograms for lightness and colors or the like from the entire image and can reproduce the required image by conducting image data characteristic conversion, in response to an output state on the basis of the area information. That it, at recording, when an are B in designated areas A, B is not included in an output available range at the reproduction, the image is corrected so as to include the area B within the output available range by, e.g. changing a gamma curve or conducting high-frequency component compression. Thus, the area B is changed into an area B' to attain reproduction of the image.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus for recording a photographed image on a recording medium. Also, the present invention
The present invention relates to an image reproducing device for reproducing an image recorded on a recording medium. Further, the present invention relates to an image reproducing system, an image reproducing method, and a storage medium for recording a captured image on a recording medium and reproducing the recorded image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the performance of cameras has been improved by automating exposure control and focus adjustment.
You can now get prints.

Further, an image is read by a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD and converted into a digital signal to obtain image data. This image data is subjected to image processing and stored in a memory, which is stored in the memory. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an image reproducing system that reads image data by an image output device, processes the image again, and reproduces the image data on a recording material such as color paper.

In this image reproducing system, even if a recorded image is photographed under inappropriate photographing conditions such as underexposure or overexposure, after reading the image, the image data is read. By performing image processing, an image having a desired color and gradation can be reproduced. Further, if desired, the image can be reproduced as an image having different colors and gradations.

[0005] In reproducing an image, as a method of utilizing information recorded on the camera side, photometric area information of a subject is read, a subject and a background are discriminated, and printing is performed so that the subject density becomes appropriate. (Patent No. 2)
No. 728995) or a method of storing a conversion table for each photographing information, and determining a printing exposure amount based on photographing data and photometric data of each frame during printing (Japanese Patent No. 2613311). A method has been proposed in which the shooting information is recorded together with the image and used during reproduction.

[0006]

However, the above-mentioned conventional image reproducing system has the following problems.
The improvement was requested. In other words, if the subject required by the photographer is known in advance, even if the subject is photographed under inappropriate photographing conditions, by reading the image and performing image processing on the image data, Can be reproduced as an image having a desired color and gradation, but when performing image processing without knowing the subject required by the photographer, the operator who outputs the image is required to confirm the image one by one while checking the image. I had to do the process of searching for images by work.

When reproducing (printing) an image,
Japanese Patent No. 2728995 mentioned above discloses a method of using information recorded on the camera side to read the photometric area information of a subject, determine the subject and the background, and perform printing so that the subject density is appropriate. However, the image information that the photographer wants to photograph with the camera is 1
Since the density of the subject is determined as the subject and other backgrounds, there is a problem that important information of the photographer cannot be reproduced.

Further, as disclosed in the aforementioned Japanese Patent No. 2613311, a conversion table is stored for each photographing information, and a printing exposure amount is determined at the time of printing based on the photographing data and the photometry data of each frame of the film. Similarly, the print system also has a problem in that the photographer cannot know the image information desired to be photographed by the camera at the time of reproduction, and cannot reproduce important information of the photographer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image pickup apparatus capable of designating a plurality of images to be shot by a camera while viewing the shot images.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an image reproducing apparatus, an image reproducing system, an image reproducing method, and a storage medium which can reproduce an image which a photographer wants to photograph at the time of printing. I do.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus for recording a captured image on a recording medium, comprising: a display unit for displaying the captured image; A designating means for designating a plurality of areas for the displayed image; and a recording means for recording information on the designated areas on the recording medium together with the images.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus for recording a captured image on a recording medium, a display means for displaying an image to be captured and a plurality of areas for the displayed image are provided. Designating means for designating, luminance detecting means for detecting luminance for each of the plurality of designated areas, and recording an image taken based on the detected luminance on the recording medium together with information on the plurality of areas. Recording means for performing the recording.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image reproducing apparatus for reproducing an image recorded on a recording medium,
A reading unit that is recorded on the recording medium together with the image and reads information about a plurality of regions specified for the image, and a reproducing unit that reproduces the image based on the information about the read plurality of regions. It is characterized by having.

An image reproducing system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an image reproducing system for recording a captured image on a recording medium and reproducing the recorded image, wherein the display means displays the captured image. Designation means for designating a plurality of areas for a displayed image; recording means for recording information on the designated plurality of areas together with the image on the recording medium; and a plurality of areas recorded on the recording medium Reading means for reading information on the plurality of areas, and reproducing means for reproducing the image based on the read information on the plurality of areas.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reproducing system for recording a captured image on a recording medium and displaying the image to be captured in the image reproducing system for reproducing the recorded image. Designation means for designating a plurality of regions for the displayed image, luminance detection means for detecting luminance for each of the designated regions, and an image photographed based on the detected luminance, Recording means for recording on the recording medium together with the information on the plurality of areas; reading means for reading information on the plurality of areas recorded on the recording medium; and And reproducing means for reproducing the data.

In the image reproducing system according to the sixth aspect,
5. The image reproducing system according to claim 4, wherein the information on the plurality of areas is position, size, and luminance information on the areas.

[0017] In the image reproducing system according to claim 7,
The image reproduction system according to claim 5, wherein the information on the plurality of areas is position, size, and exposure information in the areas.

[0018] In the image pickup apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the second aspect is provided.
In the imaging device according to the above, the recording medium is a film on which a magnetic recording layer is formed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reproducing method for recording a photographed image on a recording medium and reproducing the recorded image. Specifying a plurality of areas for the specified image, recording the information about the specified plurality of areas together with the image on the recording medium, and information about the plurality of areas recorded on the recording medium. The method includes a step of reading, and a step of reproducing the image based on the information on the plurality of read areas.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image reproducing method for recording a captured image on a recording medium and reproducing the recorded image, an image to be captured is displayed. Specifying a plurality of regions for the displayed image; detecting luminance for each of the plurality of specified regions; and converting an image captured based on the detected luminance to the plurality of regions. Recording the information on the recording medium together with the information about, reading the information about the plurality of areas recorded on the recording medium, and reproducing the image based on the information about the read plurality of areas, It is characterized by having.

[0021] The storage medium according to claim 11 is a storage medium storing a program to be executed by a computer for recording a photographed image on a recording medium and reproducing the recorded image. ,
A step of displaying the captured image, a step of specifying a plurality of areas for the displayed image, a step of recording information on the specified plurality of areas together with the image on the recording medium, The method includes a step of reading information on a plurality of areas recorded on a recording medium, and a step of reproducing the image based on the read information on the plurality of areas.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a program executed by a computer for recording a photographed image on a recording medium and reproducing the recorded image. ,
A procedure for displaying an image to be captured, a procedure for specifying a plurality of areas for the displayed image, a procedure for detecting luminance for each of the plurality of designated areas, A step of recording an image photographed based on the plurality of areas on the recording medium together with information on the plurality of areas; a step of reading information on the plurality of areas recorded on the recording medium; Reproducing the image based on the information.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of an image pickup apparatus, an image reproducing apparatus, an image reproducing system, an image reproducing method, and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera according to the first embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a lens unit necessary for photographing. The lens unit 1 may be a detachable lens block.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a CCD unit for converting an image formed as an optical image by the lens unit 1 into an electric image signal. CC
The D section 2 has an A / D conversion section, and can be freely converted into digital data. Note that a photoelectric conversion element such as a C-MOS may be used instead of the CCD.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a camera signal processing unit for performing image processing on digital data, and is controlled by the first CPU 6.
The camera signal processing unit 3 performs image processing such as focus, photometry, white balance, or dimming when the flash unit 4 emits light, and generates control data.

Reference numeral 5 denotes an area selection unit. Area selector 5
When the photographer selects and determines an area required as a subject from the image, the first CPU 6 sends the area to the camera signal processing unit 3 and extracts the position, size, and luminance information of the area. As the area selection unit 5,
Selection by well-known external operation keys, selection by gaze detection, and the like can be used.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a display processing unit which can display a captured image, area selection information, confirmation of a captured image effect, and the like on the display unit 9 using the first memory 8.

Compression / expansion processing unit 10 and second memory 1
1 is controlled by the second CPU 12. The compression / expansion processing unit 10 compresses the captured image at the time of recording, generates a compressed captured image as an image file together with the area information selected by the area selection unit 5, and records the image file in the second memory 11.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a data output unit that transfers filed information to the outside. The data output unit 13 records and outputs the data to a memory card that can be freely attached, outputs the data using a cable physically connected to the output destination, and outputs data to the outside in a non-contact state using infrared communication or the like. Is output, the filed data can be recorded in the third memory 14.

In the present embodiment, the first CPU 6 and the second CPU 12 are ROM, RA
It is configured as a microcomputer including M, I / O interface and the like. In the present embodiment,
Although the first CPU 6 and the second CPU 12 are configured separately,
It may be realized by one microcomputer. further,
The image file may be generated together with the selected photographing area information without compressing the photographed image by the compression / expansion processing unit 10.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the photographing operation. This processing program is executed by the R in the first CPU 6.
OM and is executed by the first CPU 6.

First, when the photographing operation is started by the photographer and the release button is pressed (step S1), the camera performs a distance measuring operation on the photographing object (subject) (step S2), and focuses on the photographed image. To match. If the camera does not have a focus adjustment function, this operation need not be performed.

Subsequently, photometry and exposure control are performed (step S3), and the photographed image is recorded in the first memory 8 (step S4). The recorded image is displayed as a freeze image in the viewfinder, and the photographer can check the photographed image by superimposing it on the selected area (see FIG. 5).

An area designated by the photographer as photographing information is selected (step S5). The selection is completed, and if it is good, the area is determined (step S6). It is determined whether there is another area to be selected (step S7). If there is another area to be selected, the area is repeatedly determined.

When all the areas to be selected are determined, information on the areas determined in step S6 (in this embodiment, position, size, and luminance information) is recorded in the third memory 14 as an image file together with the captured image ( Step S
8). Thereafter, the process ends.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display state of the display unit 9 when an area is selected and determined with respect to the angle of view. The angle of view to be photographed is divided into a plurality of parts to select and determine an area. At this time, it is also possible to display the captured image and a plurality of divided areas in a superimposed manner. In the figure, 31, 3
2, 33 and 34 are areas selected and determined. 35
Is the currently selected area. In this embodiment, one by one
Although the case where one area is selected and determined is shown, it is also possible to select all areas and determine them collectively.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a reproducing apparatus (printer). In the figure, reference numeral 51 denotes a data input unit for inputting an image file recorded in the third memory 14. Reference numeral 52 denotes a data discriminating unit, which divides the image data input from the data input unit 51 into image data necessary for reproduction and area information (area data) necessary for image processing, and associates the image data with the area data.

Reference numeral 53 denotes an image processing unit which collects histograms such as brightness and color from the entire image, and performs characteristic conversion of image data according to an output state based on area information (position, size, luminance information). Do. 54 is an image processing unit 53
An image output unit which converts the R, G, B characteristics of the additive color system into the Y, M, C characteristics of the subtractive color system and outputs the converted data to the printer unit in consideration of the output form and size of the data.

Reference numeral 55 denotes an operation unit which can be operated freely while checking the state on an image monitor 56. The image monitor 56
In addition to the processing state, it is possible to check an image, a data histogram, area information, a reproduced image effect, and the like.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a photographed image and area information displayed on the display unit 9. As shown in FIG. 6 and 7 are diagrams showing what effect the area information gives to the reproduced image. Consider the case of recording and reproducing the image shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a situation where a person is taking an image to commemorate the arrival at the mountain. The composition is people,
Although it is a mountain, the sun is in the direction of the angle of view, so it is a strong backlight in the photograph. When recording and playing back an image by conventional photometry and exposure control, if the exposure is adjusted to a person, the image can be played back only in a state in which the peaks are white during playback. Conversely, if the exposure is adjusted to the mountain, the person can be reproduced only in a state where the person is blackened.

If a strong strobe light emitting portion is provided in the camera and light is emitted in accordance with the exposure in accordance with the mountain, the collapse of a person can be saved in some cases. However, in actuality, when the exposure is adjusted in the mountain, the mountain is bright. Therefore, the aperture of the camera is narrowed, and the amount of light for making the person appropriate is not radiated to the person, which often results in the person being crushed. This is because the output range during reproduction is narrower than the input range of the camera.
That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the area B out of the areas A and B designated by the camera at the time of recording is not within the output available range at the time of reproduction.

Therefore, at the time of photographing, as shown in areas A and B in FIG. 5, the photographer specifies an area to be reproduced, and records the photographed image and the area information selected by the area selecting section 5 as an image file. At the time of reproduction, the data discriminating unit 52 divides image data necessary for reproduction from the image file into area information necessary for image processing, and the image processing unit 53 collects a histogram of brightness, color, etc. from the entire image, By performing image data characteristic conversion according to the output state based on the area information, it is possible to reproduce the image required by the photographer.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the area B out of the areas A and B specified by the camera at the time of recording is not within the output possible range at the time of reproduction, the area B becomes the output possible range at the time of reproduction. For example, the image is corrected by changing the gamma curve or performing high-frequency compression, and is reproduced as B ′ in FIG. 7, thereby enabling reproduction of the image required by the photographer. .

As described above, it is possible to designate a plurality of images to be photographed by the camera while watching the photographed images, thereby performing photographing intended by the photographer. In addition, since printing is performed based on images specified at a plurality of locations, necessary images can be reproduced, and good brightness can be obtained during printing.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera according to a second embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 91 denotes a lens unit necessary for photographing. Lens part 9
1 may be a detachable lens block.

Reference numeral 92 denotes a well-known aperture mechanism. 93 is a shutter mechanism. Reference numeral 94 denotes an exposure detection unit that measures the luminance of a subject in a 5 × 3 photometry area for each photometry area. In the second embodiment, the photometric area divided into 5 × 3 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of divisions may be increased or decreased.

Reference numeral 95 denotes a finder necessary for photographing, in which a photometric area by the exposure detecting section 94 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the photographed image. Reference numeral 96 denotes a film for recording a photographed image. On the surface of the film 96, a transparent magnetic recording layer is applied. The film 96 is a photographic film capable of recording digital data together with an image, and records light adjusted by the lens unit 91, the aperture 92, and the shutter 93.

Reference numeral 97 denotes an information writing unit,
Information is recorded as digital data on the magnetic recording layer No. 6. A CPU 98 controls the entire camera, calculates a light value LV based on the luminance information and the film sensitivity obtained by the exposure detection unit 94, and controls the aperture 92 and the shutter 93. The CPU 98 includes a ROM, an RA,
M, a microcomputer including an I / O interface and the like.

Reference numeral 99 denotes an operation key (operation key). The area information (position, size, exposure information) specified by the operation key 99 is displayed on the finder 95, and the information writing section 97 writes the area information (position, size, exposure information) on the magnetic recording layer of the film. .

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a photographing operation process according to the second embodiment. This processing program is stored in the ROM in the CPU 98,
8 is performed.

First, when the photographing operation is started by the photographer, the camera performs a distance measuring operation on the photographing object (subject) (step S11), and focuses the photographed image. If the camera does not have a focus adjustment function, this operation need not be performed.

The photographer selects a photometric area to be designated as photographing information (step S12). If the selection is completed, a photometric area is determined (step S13). It is determined whether or not there is another photometry area to be selected (step S14). If there is another photometry area to be selected, the processes of steps S12 and S13 are repeated to determine the photometry area.

When the desired photometry area is determined and the release button is pressed (step S15), actual photographing is started, photometry and exposure control is performed (step S16), and a photographed image is recorded (step S17). Then, information (position, size, exposure information) of the photometric area determined in step S13 is recorded as area information on the magnetic recording layer of the same frame as the captured image.

FIG. 10 is a viewfinder 95 for selecting and determining a photometric area divided into 5 × 3 with respect to the angle of view.
It is a figure showing the display state of. Although not shown, the captured image is displayed so as to overlap the photometric area. In the figure, 1
01, 102, 103, and 104 are photometry areas selected and determined. Reference numeral 105 denotes a selected photometry area.

In the second embodiment, each photometric area is selected and determined. However, the photometric areas may be selected and determined collectively.

As described above, it is possible to specify a plurality of images to be shot by the camera while viewing the shot images, so that intended shooting can be performed.

When reproducing an image recorded on the film 96, the same reproducing apparatus as in the first embodiment can be used. That is, by performing image data characteristic conversion based on the area information of the selected photometry area, it is possible to reproduce an image required by the photographer.

It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading out a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into a system or an apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a memory map of a ROM as a storage medium. FIG. 5A shows the first CPU 6.
2 stores a shooting operation processing program module shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 9B shows the state of FIG. 9 stored in the ROM in the CPU 98.
The photographing operation processing program module shown in the flowchart of FIG. Also, a reproduction processing program module for reproducing the photographed image is stored in the same storage medium, and a CPU that executes the photographing operation processing program module in the first and second embodiments, or another CPU that is different from the CPU. It may be possible to process with.

The storage medium for supplying such a program module is not limited to a ROM, but may be a floppy disk, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like.

[0063]

According to the present invention, it is possible to designate a plurality of images to be photographed by the camera while viewing the photographed images, and perform photographing intended by the photographer.

Further, since printing is performed based on images designated at a plurality of locations, necessary images can be reproduced and good brightness can be obtained during printing. Further, the system can be constructed at low cost.

As described above, an image desired by the photographer to be photographed can be satisfactorily reproduced at the time of printing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a shooting operation processing procedure;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display state of a display unit 9 when an area is selected and determined with respect to an angle of view.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a reproducing apparatus (printer).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a captured image and area information displayed on a display unit 9;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing what effect the area information gives to a reproduced image together with FIG. 7;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing, together with FIG. 6, what effect area information gives to a reproduced image;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a shooting operation processing procedure according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display state of a finder 95 in which a photometric area divided into 5 × 3 with respect to the angle of view is selected and determined.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a memory map of a ROM as a storage medium.

[Explanation of symbols]

 5 Area Selector 6 First CPU 9 Display 52 Data Discriminator 53 Image Processor 94 Exposure Detector 95 Viewfinder 96 Film 98 CPU

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An imaging apparatus for recording a captured image on a recording medium, comprising: display means for displaying the captured image; designating means for designating a plurality of areas for the displayed image; Recording means for recording information on a plurality of areas together with the images on the recording medium. 2. An imaging apparatus for recording a photographed image on a recording medium, a display unit for displaying an image to be photographed, a designation unit for designating a plurality of areas for the displayed image, and the designation Brightness detecting means for detecting the brightness for each of the plurality of regions, and recording means for recording an image photographed based on the detected brightness on the recording medium together with information on the plurality of regions. An imaging device characterized by the above-mentioned. 3. An image reproducing apparatus for reproducing an image recorded on a recording medium, comprising: a reading unit which is recorded on the recording medium together with the image, and reads information relating to a plurality of areas designated for the image; An image reproducing apparatus, comprising: reproducing means for reproducing the image based on the read information on the plurality of areas. 4. An image reproducing system for recording a photographed image on a recording medium and reproducing the recorded image, comprising: a display unit for displaying the photographed image; Designation means for designating an area; recording means for recording information on the designated plurality of areas together with the image on the recording medium; reading means for reading information on the plurality of areas recorded on the recording medium; An image reproducing system, comprising: reproducing means for reproducing the image based on the read information on the plurality of areas. 5. An image reproducing system for recording a photographed image on a recording medium and reproducing the recorded image, comprising: display means for displaying an image to be photographed; Designating means for designating an area; luminance detecting means for detecting luminance for each of the plurality of designated areas; and recording the image taken based on the detected luminance together with information on the plurality of areas. Recording means for recording on a medium; reading means for reading information on a plurality of areas recorded on the recording medium; and reproducing means for reproducing the image based on the information on the read plurality of areas. An image reproduction system, characterized in that: 6. The image reproducing system according to claim 4, wherein the information on the plurality of areas is position, size, and luminance information in the areas. 7. The image reproducing system according to claim 5, wherein the information on the plurality of areas is position, size, and exposure information in the areas. 8. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the recording medium is a film on which a magnetic recording layer is formed. 9. An image reproducing method for recording a photographed image on a recording medium and reproducing the recorded image, comprising: displaying the photographed image; and displaying a plurality of areas on the displayed image. Specifying the information, the step of recording information on the plurality of designated areas together with the image on the recording medium, the step of reading information on the plurality of areas recorded on the recording medium, Reproducing the image based on information on a plurality of areas. 10. An image reproducing method for recording a photographed image on a recording medium and reproducing the recorded image, comprising: displaying an image to be photographed; A step of designating an area; a step of detecting luminance for each of the plurality of designated areas; and recording an image photographed based on the detected luminance together with information on the plurality of areas on the recording medium. And a step of reading information on a plurality of areas recorded on the recording medium; and a step of reproducing the image based on the read information on the plurality of areas. . 11. A storage medium storing a program to be executed by a computer for recording a captured image on a recording medium and reproducing the recorded image, wherein the program displays the captured image. A step of specifying a plurality of areas for the displayed image; a step of recording information on the specified plurality of areas together with the image on the recording medium; and a step of recording information on the recording medium. A storage medium comprising: a step of reading information on a plurality of areas; and a step of reproducing the image based on the read information on the plurality of areas. 12. A storage medium storing a program to be executed by a computer for recording a captured image on a recording medium and reproducing the recorded image, wherein the program displays an image to be captured. A procedure for specifying a plurality of areas for the displayed image; a procedure for detecting the luminance for each of the plurality of designated areas; and an image captured based on the detected luminance. A step of recording information on the recording medium together with information on the plurality of areas; a step of reading information on the plurality of areas recorded on the recording medium; and a step of reading the image based on the information on the read plurality of areas. And a reproducing method.