JP2001024928A - Electronic camera and method for recording its image - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To record a plurality of image data being different in size and image quality by means of one-time photographing by respectively processing one image obtained by means of one-time photographing operation based on a plurality of processing condition, generating a plurality of images being different in the processing condition and recording them. SOLUTION: Image data are processed in accordance with the processing conditions set by a user or the storage condition of image data in addition to the storage of normal image data. That is, when a plurality of images are generated, non-processed image data stored in a temporary storage memory 24 are processed by the processing condition set through the use of the user by an image processing means 34 as the first kind of image data and recorded in a recording medium 36 after conversion into a state to be recorded. Then the non-processed image is read from the temporary storage memory again or recorded image data are read from the recording medium 36 and, then, recorded in the recording medium 36 as the second kind of image data after the execution of the processing by the processing condition set by the user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera and an image recording method thereof, and more particularly, to an electronic camera capable of processing and recording an image in accordance with processing contents set by a photographer and an image recording method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the resolution of imaging devices has been improved, so that high-resolution printing has become possible.
When displaying an image on a part of the display or pasting it on a display document, it is not possible to display all pixels due to the limitation of the resolution of the display screen. Therefore, reducing the image size or changing the image quality according to these applications Processing is required.

Conventionally, in operations such as changing the size of a photographed image or changing the image quality, photographing data is transferred to a personal computer after photographing is completed, and the image data is converted on the personal computer.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-18104 discloses an electronic still camera that outputs a photographed image in a predetermined size and obtains an image having more favorable viewing characteristics. According to the invention, in an electronic still camera having an operation switch capable of setting a photographed image size before photographing, a plurality of frequency characteristic control units are provided in a band correction unit, and a plurality of gradation characteristic control units are provided in a gamma correction unit. There is known an apparatus that provides predetermined control means in the band correction unit and the gamma correction unit in accordance with a photographed image size set before photographing.

There is also known an electronic still camera capable of simultaneously recording a search thumbnail image in addition to a photographed image.

[0006]

However, when performing conversion processing of photographed image data on a personal computer,
There has been a problem that it takes a long time to search because time has elapsed since the photographing, and that the operation of converting the image data is complicated and time-consuming.

In the electronic still camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-18104, the size of a recorded image can be changed by setting before shooting, but it is not possible to record a plurality of image data in one shot. Can not. Further, in a conventional electronic still camera capable of recording a thumbnail image, only one file is recorded as a thumbnail image and only a predetermined size is set. Was unsuitable for use in

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of recording a plurality of pieces of image data having different sizes and image qualities in a single photographing and a method of recording the image. And

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an image picked up using an image pickup device is subjected to image processing in accordance with processing conditions set by a photographer, and an electronic device for recording the image processed image is recorded. A setting unit that can arbitrarily set a plurality of processing conditions for performing image processing with different processing conditions on one image in the camera, and a setting unit that sets one image obtained by one imaging operation Image processing means for respectively performing image processing based on the plurality of processing conditions set by the image processing apparatus to create a plurality of images having different processing conditions, and recording means for recording the plurality of images processed by the image processing means. It is characterized by that.

According to the present invention, setting means for arbitrarily setting a plurality of processing conditions for performing image processing having different processing conditions on one image and one image obtained by one imaging operation are provided. Image processing means for respectively processing one image based on a plurality of processing conditions set by the setting means to create a plurality of images having different processing conditions; and recording a plurality of images processed by the image processing means Recording means for recording a plurality of pieces of image data having different sizes and image qualities in a single photographing operation.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a camera and an image recording method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an electronic still camera to which an image recording method according to the present invention is applied.

The optical system of the electronic still camera 8 includes a photographing lens 10 capable of adjusting a focus, an aperture 12 for adjusting the amount of light, and a solid-state image sensor (C) for converting an image into an electric signal.
CD) 14. An imaging signal obtained by the CCD 14 is converted into an analog processing circuit 18 and an A / D converter 20.
, Digital R, G, B signals are obtained. The CCD 14 is driven by a CCD driving circuit 22, and the analog processing circuit 18 and the A / D converter 20 are driven synchronously by a timing signal supplied from a timing generation circuit (not shown).

R output from the A / D converter 20;
The G and B signals are temporarily stored in the temporary storage memory 24.

The control unit 26 extracts a luminance component in the image from the digital signal value of the obtained image, and acquires the luminance level of the subject by integrating the luminance component in a predetermined area. To determine the exposure power (aperture aperture and shutter speed) required for photography from the brightness level of the subject
An LAE function can be installed.

In the control unit 26, a RAM, which is a readable and writable storage unit (not shown), and a ROM for storing programs and constants for controlling the operation of the control unit 26 are provided. Then, the control unit 26 controls the CCD driving circuit 2
2. It is possible to control the analog processing circuit 18, the temporary storage memory 24, the image processing means 34, the setting storage memory 28, the operation unit 30, and the display unit 32.

The non-volatile setting storage memory 28 stores various settings relating to the processing and storage form of the photographed image data set by the user.

The operation unit 30 (setting means) of the electronic still camera 8 is provided with a release button, a function switch, a cursor key, an enter switch, and the like (not shown). The set operation information is sent to the control unit 26. . The display unit 32 is used for displaying photographed images and for confirming settings and conditions relating to photographing by a user.

The image processing means 34 compresses data for storing the data of the photographed image with as small a capacity as possible, changes image size, sharpness correction, gamma correction, contrast correction, white balance correction, color / color Black and white / sepia conversion, trimming, aspect conversion,
Processing such as gain correction can be performed. Recording medium 36
Is storage means capable of recording or reading out captured image data and a control program for the electronic still camera 8. The controller 26 is connected to a motor drive circuit (not shown) that controls a motor for adjusting the focus of the lens 10 and adjusting the opening of the aperture 12.
Movement of focus and CC by command from control unit 26
The amount of light reaching D can be adjusted.

The photographing process of the electronic still camera 8 configured as described above will be described.

An image to be photographed includes a photographing lens 10 and an aperture 1.
An image is formed on a light receiving surface of a solid-state imaging device (CCD) 14 through the light-receiving device 2. This subject image is photoelectrically converted by each sensor in the CCD into a charge signal of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light. CCD driving circuit 2 based on the signal output from control unit 26
2 outputs a timing pulse.
The charge signals stored in D14 are sequentially output and transferred to the analog processing circuit 18. The analog processing circuit 18 performs amplification of the R, G, and B signals of the image data and noise reduction processing. Next, it is applied to the A / D converter 20, sampled and held, converted into digital R, G, B signals and output.

R output from the A / D converter 20;
The G and B signals are temporarily stored in the temporary storage memory 24, and at the same time, the other is transmitted to a high-frequency component extraction circuit (not shown) and used to determine the focus when performing autofocus. The control unit 26 includes a temporary storage memory 24
Is extracted as necessary and sequentially displayed on the display unit 32. When the release button provided on the operation unit 30 is pressed, the control unit 26 performs a process of recording the image data stored in the temporary storage memory 24 on a recording medium.

At this time, the image data stored in the temporary storage memory 24 is subjected to processing such as synchronization, frequency conversion, gamma conversion, and color correction by the image processing means 34, and the recording medium 3
6 is recorded.

According to the present invention, in addition to the above-described normal image data storage, image data is processed according to image processing conditions and image data storage conditions set by a user as described below. It is possible to record a plurality of types of imaging data in one photographing.

When a plurality of images are created, unprocessed image data stored in the temporary storage memory 24 is first processed as image data under the processing conditions set by the user in the image processing means 34. Then, the data is converted into a recording form and then recorded on the recording medium 36. Next, the temporary storage memory 2
4 or reads out the recorded image data from the recording medium 36 and processes it as second image data under the processing conditions set by the user, and then records it on the recording medium 36. At this time, the data as it is obtained from the CCD 14 may be recorded as the first image data.

FIGS. 2 to 10 show a method of setting image processing conditions when a plurality of types of image data are stored in one shot.

When a mode for inputting image data processing / recording conditions provided as one of the image processing setup modes is set from the operation unit 30 (setting means) of the electronic still camera 8, the mode shown in FIG. An initial screen of the mode is displayed on the display unit 32. The right half of each drawing shown in FIGS. 2 to 10 shows each cursor switch (also referred to as a cross key) provided on the operation unit 30 and an “SOK” switch indicating a determination intention. The cursor switch includes an “SU” switch for specifying an upward direction, an “SD” switch for specifying a downward direction, and an “S” switch for specifying a right direction.
It is composed of an "R" switch and an "SL" switch for specifying the left direction.

According to FIG. 2, "SAVE 1 I" for specifying that only one image data is recorded in one photographing operation
“MAGE” menu box and “SAVE 2 IMAGE” for specifying recording of two image data
A menu box of “S” and a menu box of “SAVE 3 IMAGES” for specifying recording of three image data are displayed. Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 permits recording of up to three image data in one photographing operation, the present invention is not limited to this, and four or more image data can be recorded. Data may be recordable.

In the initial state, the cursor is "SAVE"
1 IMAGE ”. Here, a switch "SO" provided to the operation unit 30 for instructing determination is provided.
When "K" is pressed, only the image data of one default processing / storage condition is recorded. However, in the following description, the default image size condition is 1800 × 1200, and the sharpness condition, compression ratio condition, gamma condition, etc. All "NORM
In the setting of "AL", the image size of the first image data is reduced to 640.times.480 for recording, and the second image is set for recording the compression ratio at "FINE". .

When the "SD" switch provided on the operation unit 30 is pressed in the state of the initial screen shown in FIG. 2, the cursor moves to the menu box "SAVE 2 IMAGES" as shown in FIG. Here, when the "SR" switch for designating the right direction provided on the operation unit 30 is pressed, recording of two image data is designated,
As shown in FIG. 4, a setting screen for processing / storage conditions of the first image data appears on the display unit 32.

In the display screen shown in FIG. 4, when changing the setting of the processing / storage condition of the first image data, press the "SD" switch for designating the downward direction to the box of the item to be changed. Move the cursor. In this description, since the screen size is changed in the processing condition of the first image data, the downward direction provided on the operation unit is designated by “S
Press the "D" switch once to move the cursor to "Screen size 1".
800 × 1200 ”. Then, the display on the display unit 32 becomes the display shown in FIG.

When changing the setting of the image size on the display screen shown in FIG. 5, the "SR" switch for designating the right direction is pressed. Then, the image size defaults to “1”.
Every time the “SR” switch is pressed from “800 × 1200”, “1280 × 1024” → “640 × 480” → “32
0x240 "→" 1800x1200 "... rotate cyclically. In this case, since “640 × 480” is set, when “640 × 480” is set, the “SU” switch for specifying the upward direction is pressed, and the cursor is set to the “1st IMAGE” portion. Then, the display on the display unit 32 changes from the display shown in FIG. 6 to the display shown in FIG.

When the processing condition setting for the first image data is completed in the setting state shown on the display screen of FIG. 7, the rightward direction is set in order to set the processing condition for the second image data. Press the designated "SR" switch. Then, FIG.
A screen for setting the processing conditions of the second image data shown in FIG. The processing condition for the second image data is to change the compression ratio to “FINE”, so the “SD” switch for specifying the downward direction is pressed three times, and the cursor is moved to the position of “compression ratio NORMAL”. . Then, FIG. 9
Enter the mode to select the compression ratio shown in (1).

To change the compression ratio in the display state shown in FIG. 9, press the "SR" switch for designating the right direction.
Then, every time the “SR” switch is pressed, the compression ratio becomes “NORM”.
AL ”→“ BASIC ”→“ FINE ”→“ NORMA
Since the rotation is cyclic as shown by "L", the operation is stopped at the position of "FINE" set this time. With this setting, the processing conditions for the second and first image data have all been set, so the “SOK” switch provided on the operation unit 30 and indicating the confirmation is pressed. Then, the setting of the processing conditions of the image data is completed, the set conditions are stored in the setting storage memory 28, and the display of the display unit 32 returns to the initial setting screen shown in FIG.

In the above description, only the size of the image and the compression conditions of the image have been described. However, the sharpness condition for changing the intensity of the edge processing in the portion where the color or luminance of the image changes, and the gradation characteristic of the gamma correction are changed. Gamma conditions,
Contrast conditions for changing the contrast strength, white balance conditions for correcting the color temperature of daylight and tungsten light, expression color conditions for selecting color, black-and-white, and sepia images, A plurality of image data in which trimming conditions for performing an operation of cutting out a part or aspect ratio conditions for changing the aspect ratio of a captured image may be recorded.

As another method for processing and recording image data different from the above, for example, after processing and recording first image data having a large image size, the first image data is read out and converted to, for example, a small image size. Then, the second image data may be processed and recorded, and the first image data and the second image data may be recorded. Further, the data obtained from the CCD is stored as it is in the temporary storage memory 24, and after the first image data is processed and recorded under the first processing condition based on the temporary storage data, the temporary storage data is stored again. Based on the second processing condition, the second image data may be processed and recorded.

When filing and classification of image data becomes complicated due to recording of a large number of images having different processing conditions, directories and folders are created in accordance with the processing conditions. It is also possible to easily search by filing in the same area or sorting by using a hierarchical structure or the like. If there are multiple recording media,
A plurality of image data files created according to the application may be collectively recorded on one recording medium.

Further, it is conceivable that not only the image data is classified into directories and folders, but also the file names are names associated with the processing conditions. For example, if the file name of the large image data is "DSCL0001.JP
In the case of "G", if the file name of the small image data is expressed as "DSCS0001.JPG", the classification becomes easy.

In the above classification method, a method of identifying processing conditions as dependent conditions has been described. As an identification method of associating image data having different processing conditions with one shot,
Information indicating that the image is a related image obtained by the same photographing may be added together with the image data. For the information indicating this related image, a special tag is provided in the header section or comment column of the image data file, and another file name, directory name, folder name, etc. generated by the same shooting is recorded in the tag. It is good to keep. When browsing or searching for image data, it is preferable that the tag information is read out by a browsing / searching program, and the related image data is displayed as a group and displayed adjacently. Then, there is an advantage that the relation between the images obtained by the same photographing becomes clearer.

If information relating to the processing conditions of each of these related images or information regarding which processing conditions are different is also included in a dedicated tag in the header section, it is possible to confirm the information later. It is convenient.

Further, by providing the function of storing the processing conditions set by the user in the main body of the electronic still camera 8, the user does not need to newly set the processing conditions each time shooting is performed. This is convenient for shooting.

[0042]

As described above, according to the electronic camera and the image recording method thereof according to the present invention, it is possible to arbitrarily set a plurality of processing conditions for executing image processing having different processing conditions on one image. Setting means capable of setting, and image processing for performing image processing on one image obtained by one imaging operation based on a plurality of processing conditions set by the setting means to create a plurality of images having different processing conditions Means and recording means for recording a plurality of images processed by the image processing means, so that a plurality of image data having different sizes and image qualities can be recorded by one shot.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an electronic camera to which an image recording method according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a method of setting image processing conditions when a plurality of types of image data are stored in one shot;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a method of setting image processing conditions when a plurality of types of image data are stored in one shot;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a method of setting image processing conditions when a plurality of types of image data are stored in one shot;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a method for setting image processing conditions when a plurality of types of image data are stored in one shot;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method of setting image processing conditions when a plurality of types of image data are stored in one shot;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method of setting image processing conditions when a plurality of types of image data are stored in one shot;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a method for setting image processing conditions when a plurality of types of image data are stored in one shot;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a method for setting image processing conditions when a plurality of types of image data are stored in one shot;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method of setting image processing conditions when a plurality of types of image data are stored in one shot.

[Explanation of symbols]

8 electronic still camera, 10 lens, 14 CCD
(Solid-state image sensor), 24: temporary storage memory, 26: control unit, 28: setting storage memory, 30: operation unit, 32: display unit, 34: image processing means, 36: recording medium

Claims (10)

[Claims] An electronic camera that processes an image captured using an image sensor in accordance with processing conditions set by a photographer and records the image-processed image. Setting means for arbitrarily setting a plurality of processing conditions for performing different image processing, and one image obtained by one imaging operation based on the plurality of processing conditions set by the setting means. An electronic camera comprising: an image processing unit that performs image processing to create a plurality of images having different processing conditions; and a recording unit that records a plurality of images processed by the image processing unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit changes an image size condition for changing an image size, a sharpness condition for changing the strength of a contour portion of the image, a gamma condition for changing a correction amount of gamma correction of the image, and a contrast of the image. Contrast conditions to change the compression ratio when recording an image, white balance conditions to change the white balance of the image, expression color conditions to change the image to color or black and white, trimming conditions to cut out a part of the image, At least one processing condition is set among an aspect ratio condition for changing an aspect ratio of an image and a gain condition for changing a gain for an image luminance signal or each of R, G, and B signals. 1 electronic camera. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit records the plurality of images having different processing conditions on different layers or different recording media. 4. The recording means, when recording a plurality of images having different processing conditions, includes a common part indicating that the images are obtained by the same photographing, and a classification part according to the processing conditions. 4. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera is recorded with a file name. 5. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit records, together with the plurality of images having different processing conditions, shooting information indicating that the images are obtained by the same shooting, and processing information regarding the processing conditions. The electronic camera according to claim 1. 6. An image recording method for an electronic camera which performs image processing on an image captured using an image sensor according to processing conditions set by a photographer, and records the image-processed image. A plurality of processing conditions for performing image processing having different processing conditions, and performing image processing on one image obtained by one imaging based on the set plurality of processing conditions. An image recording method for an electronic camera, comprising: creating a plurality of different images; and recording the created plurality of images. 7. The processing conditions to be set include an image size condition for changing an image size, a sharpness condition for changing the strength of a contour portion of an image, a gamma condition for changing a correction amount of gamma correction of an image, Contrast conditions for changing contrast, compression conditions for changing the compression ratio when recording an image, white balance conditions for changing the white balance of an image, expression color conditions for changing an image to color or black and white, and cutting out a part of the image 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein at least one of a trimming condition, an aspect ratio condition for changing an aspect ratio of the image, and a gain condition for changing a gain for an image luminance signal or each of R, G, and B signals is used. Electronic camera image recording method. 8. The image recording method for an electronic camera according to claim 6, wherein when recording the plurality of images having different processing conditions, the images are classified and recorded on different layers or different recording media. 9. When recording a plurality of images having different processing conditions, a file name including a common portion indicating that the images are obtained by the same shooting and a classification portion according to the processing conditions is added. 8. The recording according to claim 6, wherein
Or an image recording method for an electronic camera according to item 8. 10. When recording a plurality of images having different processing conditions, shooting information indicating that the images are obtained by the same shooting together with the plurality of images, and processing information relating to processing conditions are recorded. An image recording method for an electronic camera according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: