JP2001078090A - Wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing device capable of correcting a density at the time of reproduction or printing by using image data recorded by a dynamic range wider than that required at the time of reproducing or printing an object. SOLUTION: This wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing device is provided with a reading means for reading the digital value D (digit) of first image data recorded by a wide dynamic range and information on a function related with the wide dynamic range recording, a signal processing means for generating second image data expressed by an object reflectance R(%) of a dynamic range required for monitor reproduction or printing from the digital value D (digit) of the first image data recorded by the wide dynamic range based on the information on the function related with the wide dynamic range, and at least one of a reproducing means and a printing means with the second image data as a visible image. Thus, it is possible to prepare an image given automatic density control or density correction to a user's favorite density at the time of monitor reproduction or printing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus, and more particularly, to a method of recording photographed image data in a dynamic range wider than a dynamic range necessary for monitor reproduction or printing, and reproducing or printing the monitored image data. The present invention relates to a wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus capable of changing or correcting density at times.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Image data in a range wider than the dynamic range of an image reproducing apparatus is obtained, an optimum density range is obtained as a reproduced image, set as setup information, and an image file recorded on an image information recording medium together with the image data is made visible. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-69179 discloses a reproduction method in which a user confirms display of a reproduced image based on each set-up information using dedicated software, selects one set-up information, and monitors and reproduces an image. I have.

[0003]

However, in the image reproducing method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-69179, the density range of photographed image information that is actually reproduced in a photographic print or the like is determined in advance. In this case, it is necessary to store these as candidates for the density range in the image file, and there is a problem that the photographing operation becomes complicated. Furthermore, at the time of image reproduction, density information can be selected only from the predetermined density range, so that printing cannot always be performed at an optimum density.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and records an image with a dynamic range larger than the dynamic range required for monitor reproduction or printing, and automatically performs automatic density reproduction for monitor reproduction or printing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus capable of creating an image whose density is controlled or corrected to a density desired by a user.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a first image data in which a subject is recorded in a wide dynamic range wider than the dynamic range at the time of monitor reproduction or printing is reproduced or displayed as a visible image. Reading means for reading first image data recorded in the wide dynamic range and at least information relating to the wide dynamic range; and information relating to the wide dynamic range. Signal processing means for generating second image data of a dynamic range required for monitor reproduction or printing from the first image data recorded in the wide dynamic range based on the second image data, and the second image data as a visible image Reproduction means for monitor reproduction or print means for printing It is characterized in that it comprises at least either.

According to the present invention, reading means for reading first image data recorded in a wide dynamic range, and at least information relating to the wide dynamic range, and based on the information relating to the wide dynamic range, Signal processing means for generating, from the first image data recorded in the wide dynamic range, second image data having a dynamic range necessary for monitor reproduction or printing;
Since there is provided at least one of a reproducing unit for monitoring and reproducing the second image data as a visible image and a printing unit for printing, the density is automatically adjusted during monitor reproduction or printing or the density is corrected to a user's desired density. Images can be created.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus.

According to FIG. 1, the imaging unit of the electronic camera 10
A lens group 16 for forming an image of the subject 12 on a CCD (solid-state imaging device) 14, an aperture 18 for adjusting the amount of light reaching the CCD 14, and an aperture driving unit 2 for adjusting the opening of the aperture 18
0, a lens driving unit 22 for adjusting the position where the image of the subject 12 is formed on the CCD 14, and control of the lens driving unit 22;
Control of the aperture drive unit 20, setting of an imaging timing signal, etc.
A CPU 24 for overall control of the electronic camera 10, such as control of the electronic camera 10, a CDS 26 for amplifying the CCD 14 and the imaging signal and performing correlated double sampling to extract voltages corresponding to the amounts of light of R, G, B, and G; An A / D converter 28 for converting an analog image signal into a digital signal;
14, a CDS 26 and an A / D converter 28, and a timing generator 30 for transmitting a timing signal for controlling a thinning rate, a frame rate and the number of pixels of image data, a normal recording mode and a wide dynamic range recording. And a recording mode switching means 31 for switching the mode.

The integrating circuit 32 calculates the obtained R, G, B, G
A luminance component of the image is extracted from the digital signal value of the image of each color, and the luminance level of the subject is obtained by integrating the luminance component in a predetermined area. TTL-type AE function for calculating exposure power (photographing aperture and shutter speed), and G in image signals
It has a contrast AF function of moving the lens group 16 so that the high-frequency component of the signal is maximized.

Further, since the photographed image data digitally converted into R, G, B, and G colors is output in real time, the image data is temporarily stored during a time required for image signal processing in a subsequent stage. A memory 40, a gamma correction unit 34 for performing gamma correction, optical black correction, and white balance correction of captured image data, and creating R, G, and B image data from adjacent R, G, B, and G captured image data A YC converter for converting the R, G, B image data into luminance information and a color difference signal
The conversion unit 38 is provided in the signal processing unit of the electronic camera 10.

The YC-converted image data is converted to NTSC
When displaying on the format display means 42, use YC
An NTSC video signal is generated and displayed through an NTSC encoder 44 for converting the converted image data into an NTSC display format.

A compression / decompression unit 48 for performing a compression process for reducing the amount of the image data when the YC-converted image data is recorded in the recording unit 46 and a decompression process when reading the image data are provided. .

The electronic camera 10 according to the present invention has a gradation conversion means 50 for performing gradation conversion such as logarithmic conversion of image luminance when performing wide dynamic range recording, and further compresses the gradation-converted image data. Compression means 52 for reducing the amount of data, and decompressing the compressed data or image data read from the recording means 46 and performing inverse grayscale conversion to generate second image data. YC
Signal processing unit 5 that performs conversion to create a visible image for display
4 are provided. The signal processing unit 54 includes a density adjusting unit that can automatically or manually adjust the density of the visible image.

In order to print the image data acquired at the time of photographing by the printer 56, the printer 56 is controlled and the image data to be printed is compressed and expanded
8 or a printer I / F (printer interface) 58 for receiving the signal from the signal processing unit 54 and transmitting it to the printer 56.

A normal photographing operation without recording in a wide dynamic range using the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described below.

When the photographer operates the recording mode switching means 31 of the electronic camera 10 to set a normal photographing / recording mode, the subject image formed on the CCD 14 via the lens group 16 is converted into a photoelectric conversion signal provided on the CCD 14. It is converted into electric charge by the action of the element. The stored electric charge is transferred to the CC at regular intervals based on a command from the timing generator 30.
Output from D14.

The electric charge output from the CCD 14 is CDS2
In step 6, the color signals R, G, B,
It is converted to G and output. A memory 40 that converts the R, G, B, and G analog signals into digital signals, performs A / D conversion in the A / D converter 28, and temporarily stores image data.
, And sequentially read out them for gamma correction, optical black correction, white balance correction, synchronization, YC
After the conversion, it is displayed on the display means 42.

Then, the photographer turns the electronic camera 10 toward the subject 12 to be photographed, and looks at the photographed image displayed on the display means 42 and adjusts the angle, focus,
After the exposure state is determined by manual or automatic AE, a release button (not shown) is pressed to take an image.

Then, the image of the subject 12 displayed on the display means 42 is recorded on the recording means 46 at a preset recording frame rate and number of pixels.

The gradation conversion recording operation in the case where wide dynamic range recording according to the present invention is performed will be described below.

When the photographer operates the recording mode switching means 31 of the electronic camera 10 to set a wide dynamic range photographing / recording mode and presses the release button while watching the photographed image displayed on the display means 42, The R, G, B, and G digital luminance signals output from the A / D converter 28 are stored in a memory 40 for temporarily storing the image signals, sequentially read out, and transmitted to a gradation conversion unit 50.
In general, a printer performs printing based on the R, G, and B signals, and thus generates first image data by performing gradation conversion without performing gamma correction, synchronization, and YC conversion processing. By recording the first image data in 46, it is possible to obtain a print of good image quality.
Regarding the gradation conversion processing method in the gradation conversion means 50,
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the object reflectance R (%) and the digital value D (digit) of the first image data to be recorded.

As shown in FIG.
(%) Was taken as the maximum digital value. That is, when a storage method having 12-bit gradation is used, A is set so that the light amount (luminance) at a subject reflectance of 200 (%) becomes 4095 (12 bits).
E was adjusted and recorded. However, in the case where the subject reflectance is significantly different in one image, A
Adjustment of E is ± 1.5 with respect to AE value desired by photographer
(EV) is frequently shifted, so that, for example, a subject that was halftone at the time of photographing jumps to the white side or black side when printing a photographed image, and the halftone cannot be expressed. Had occurred.

Therefore, for example, the object reflectance 700
In order to make the CCD output voltage corresponding to (%) the maximum digital value, recording is performed with a dynamic range far exceeding the dynamic range at the time of printing. That is, when a storage method having a 12-bit gradation is used, recording is performed such that the light amount at a subject reflectance of 700 (%) becomes 4095 (12 bits).

The correction amount at the time of reproduction is ensured by setting the luminance information corresponding to the object reflectance R (%) to at least twice the dynamic range at the time of monitor reproduction or printing. Further, according to the accuracy of the AE, since there is no deviation of ± 2.5 EV or more and the dynamic range of the CCD is a finite value, the dynamic range at the time of recording is 6 times the dynamic range at the time of monitor reproduction or printing.
About twice is sufficient. Therefore, it is sufficient that the density of the visible image can be adjusted within the range of ± 2.5 EV.

FIG. 3 shows the object reflectance R in the image data.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating luminance correction when (%) and a digital value D (digit) to be recorded have a relationship represented by a linear function.

FIG. 3 shows straight lines that can be recorded in 12 bits up to an object reflectance R of 700 (%) when photographing is performed with normal exposure. When the image data captured and recorded in this manner is actually displayed on a monitor for playback, if the AE photometry is inappropriate and the image is displayed 1 (EV) darker than the desired subject image, A desired subject image can be obtained by changing the gain (the slope of the straight line in the example of FIG. 3) and performing a positive correction of +1 (EV) during monitor reproduction or printing. But,
When the correction of +1 (EV) is performed in this manner, the subject image originally recorded up to the subject reflectance R of 700 (%) is reduced by half to 35%.
Reproduction is performed only up to 0 (%), but this does not cause any trouble for the following reason.

The dynamic range at the time of printing is described in, for example, "Television Society Journal Vol. 47, No. 10, pp. 1395-139" as an example of a reversal film.
7 (1993) ". According to the example of the photo CD of this document, the reflectance is designed to be able to handle up to 200% white, and the dynamic range at the time of actual monitor reproduction and printing is also generally compatible with the reflectance up to 200 (%). .

As described above, even if the correction of +1 (EV) is performed at the time of monitor reproduction or printing, the object reflectance R is still obtained.
Is 350 (%), and there is no problem because the expression is expressed in a much wider range than the reflectance 200 (%) which is a dynamic range at the time of printing. Furthermore, +2 (E
Even if the correction of V) is performed, the subject reflectance R is 175
(%), The subject reflectance R is 70%.
By recording to 0 (%), it is possible to completely correct the AE photometric failure during monitor reproduction or printing. Further, when the object reflectance R is corrected in the negative direction, the dynamic range does not decrease, so that it is possible to completely correct the AE photometric defect.

According to the method of performing gradation conversion in which the object reflectance R (%) and the digital value to be recorded are represented by a linear function, the calculation of gradation conversion is easy in recording, monitor reproduction, or printing. And there is an advantage that the processing speed is hardly affected.

The first image data generated by the gradation conversion as described above is subjected to a compression process as necessary and recorded in the recording means 46.

By providing both the means for displaying by the conventional method and the means for recording with a wide dynamic range as described above, the subject image is displayed on the display means at the place of photographing like a conventional electronic camera. It is possible.

FIG. 4 shows the object reflectance R in the image data.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating luminance correction when (%) and a digital value D (digit) to be recorded have a relationship represented by a logarithmic function.

FIG. 3 shows lines which can be logarithmically recorded in 12 bits up to an object reflectance R of 700 (%) when photographing is performed with normal exposure. The following equations (1) and (2) show the equations for logarithmic conversion when photographing is performed with the normal exposure. In the following example, the logarithm base is set to 10, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0036]

D0 = 1500 × log ₁₀ R-172 (when 2.805 ≦ R) (1)

[0037]

D0 = R × 500 / 2.805 (when 2.805 ≧ R) (2) where D0 is a logarithmic recording value when photographing is performed with normal exposure.
(Digit) R: object reflectance (%) In the above logarithmic recording embodiment, the resolution at the time of low reflectance is maintained large, and the digital value D is also made zero when the object reflectance R is zero. For this reason, when the object reflectance R is 500 (digit) or less (when 2.805 ≧ R), recording is performed in a straight line without performing logarithmic conversion.

By recording the object reflectance R as a logarithm as described above, it is possible to perform recording in a wide dynamic range while maintaining the resolution at the time of the low reflectance actually used. Also, if the gradation is recorded so as to be linear with the logarithm of the subject luminance, the gradation conversion calculation processing in the electronic camera becomes more complicated than the former recording method using the linear function, When performing exposure correction at the time of printing, it is only necessary to shift (difference) data, so that density correction becomes easy.

Equations (3) and (4) when the exposure correction of +1 EV is performed by the camera are shown in equations (3) and (4), and equations (5) and (6) when the exposure correction of +2 EV is performed are -1 EV. Expressions (7) and (8) are used when performing the exposure correction of (1).

[0040]

D1 = 1500 × log ₁₀ R + 280 (when 1.401 ≦ R) (3)

[0041]

D1 = R × 500 / 1.401 (When 1.401 ≧ R) (4)

[0042]

D2 = 1500 × log ₁₀ R + 732 (when 0.7 ≦ R) (5)

[0043]

D2 = R × 500 / 0.7 (when 0.7 ≧ R) (6)

[0044]

D3 = 1500 × log ₁₀ R−624 (when 5.615 ≦ R) (7)

[0045]

D3 = R × 500 / 5.615 (when 5.615 ≧ R) (8) However, D1: logarithmic recording value when performing exposure correction of +1 EV (digit) D2: exposure correction of +2 EV Log value when performing
(Digit) D3: Logarithmic record value when performing exposure correction of -1 EV
(Digit) The first image data generated by performing the gradation conversion as described above is subjected to a compression process as necessary and recorded in the recording unit 46. If the data of the recorded image file is read out and displayed or printed by a conventional method, the gradation will be different from the image at the time of photographing.
In order to avoid this problem, a tag including luminance information indicating that the image file is a gradation-converted image file is recorded together with the image file. Tone conversion is performed to generate second image data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image file including luminance information of gradation conversion according to the present invention.

According to the figure, the image file 70 includes wide dynamic range recording information 72 indicating whether the image data is an image recorded with a wide dynamic range, and maximum reflectance information actually set by the camera. The dynamic range information 74, the conversion formula of gradation conversion, the state 76 of the recording gradation in which the first-order and zero-order constants, base numbers, and formats are recorded, and the data compression for reducing the data amount of image data. Compression form 78 which is information indicating the presence or absence and form
And tag information of an image file including a filter array form 80 which is information indicating a filter structure for separating the output from the CCD 14 into three primary colors of R, G, and B, and image data. And an image data area 82.

By recording the tag information of the gradation recording method in the header of the image file 70 as described above, it is possible to faithfully reproduce the image at the time of photographing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for reading and printing an image file recorded in the recording means 46.

When the reading of the image file 70 to be printed from the recording means 46 is completed and the process of developing the image data of the image file 70 into a print image is started, the processing program proceeds to step S100 of FIG. (Hereinafter abbreviated as S100).

In S100, the wide dynamic range record information 72 recorded in the header portion of the image file 70 is read, and it is determined whether or not the image data has been recorded in the wide dynamic range. In the case of an image, the data of the image file read by the signal processing unit 54 shown in FIG. 1 is processed according to the wide dynamic range processing of FIG. If the data is recorded image data, the compression / decompression means 48 shown in FIG.

In S102 "determination of recording gradation method", the recording gradation state 76 in the tag information is read, and a conversion formula for gradation conversion, a constant, and a method of developing image data according to the format are set.

S104 "Recording dynamic range judgment"
Then, the dynamic range information 74, which is the maximum reflectance information actually set in the camera, is read from the tag information and set as a constant for gradation conversion.

In S106 "compression method determination", the compression mode 78 in the tag information is read, and image compression is performed based on the information indicating the presence / absence of data compression for reducing the amount of image data and the compression mode. Set a constant to expand the data.

In S108 "Filter arrangement determination", the setting is made such that the form 80 of the filter arrangement in the tag information is read and the synchronization processing according to the filter arrangement of the photographed CCD 14 is performed.

In S110 “compression / decompression”, the compression mode 7
8, the image data recorded in the image data area 82 is decompressed.

In S112 “Simultaneous processing”, the captured C
A synchronization process according to the filter arrangement of the CD 14 is performed, and a process of separating image data into three primary colors of R, G, and B is performed.

In S114 "exposure correction", exposure correction (density correction) is automatically performed from image data separated into three primary colors.

In step S116 "color correction", the white balance is automatically corrected from the image data subjected to the automatic exposure correction, and the corrected image data is YC-converted.
Display means 42 via an NTSC encoder 44 shown in FIG.
Will be displayed.

In S118 “exposure correction” and S120 “color correction”, the user determines whether or not exposure correction and color correction are necessary while watching the monitor reproduction image displayed on the display means 42. When the exposure correction and the color correction are necessary, the instruction of the correction magnification is performed to perform the exposure correction and the color correction. Here, the correction width of the exposure correction and the color correction is determined according to the dynamic range information 74 described in the tag information. The image data is corrected by the determined correction amounts, and the image whose gradation has been inversely converted is displayed on the display unit 42.

At the time of printing, gamma correction suitable for printing is performed in S122 "gamma correction" as necessary.

In S124 "enlargement / reduction of the number of pixels", the number of pixels is converted according to the resolution and size to be printed, and in the next S126 "sharpness processing", the sharpness processing of each edge of the image is performed. The image data having undergone the various corrections is output to the printer I / F in S128 “Print”.
The data is transmitted to the printer 56 via the printer 58 and printed.

By reproducing or printing the image data recorded in the wide dynamic range as described above on the monitor, it is possible to obtain a print image whose density has been appropriately corrected even if the image data has an inappropriate AE at the time of photographing. Becomes possible.

For the photographer, it is easier to take a picture when the aperture 18 is almost closed and the image pickup timing corresponding to the shutter speed is earlier (that is, the exposure amount is smaller). -2
Take a picture about EV dark, and + 1EV ~ +
It is also possible to correct the density of 2 EV. The normal recording mode is 200% imaging, the wide dynamic range recording mode is 700% imaging, and the exposure value of the normal recording mode is 1
In the case of 2 EV, the correction value is log ₁₀ (700/200) / lo
g ₁₀ (2) = Under shooting of 1.8 EV, and the exposure value becomes 13.8 EV.

In the case of imaging with a wide dynamic range,
Images taken at the same time may be recorded simultaneously in a normal imaging mode. When performing both the normal imaging mode and the imaging in the wide dynamic range imaging mode at the same time, the exposure value is imaged with the value in the wide dynamic range imaging mode,
For the data of the normal imaging mode, the gain is increased by a gain control means (not shown) provided before the gamma correction unit 34, and the image data converted to the value of the normal imaging mode is recorded.

FIG. 7 shows the relationship between photographing, gradation conversion, gradation reverse conversion, and data during reproduction or printing.

The gradation conversion for photographing and printing a subject will be described below.

When the AE of the electronic camera 10 matches the exposure desired by the photographer with respect to the object having the object reflectance R1 in the fourth quadrant, the image of the object reflectance R1 becomes a logarithmic gradation of the normal exposure. The data is converted into a recording digital value K2 via a point K1 on the conversion curve and recorded in the recording means 46.

When reproducing the recorded image data, the recorded digital value of K2 passes through the K3 point on the logarithmic inverse gradation conversion curve of the normal exposure described in the third quadrant. Then, it is converted into a reproduction or print digital value K4. Then, it is converted to a reproduction or print density K6 via a point K5 on the reproduction or print characteristic curve described in the second quadrant.

However, if the AE of the electronic camera 10 is set to be smaller than the desired exposure by 1 EV, the aperture 18 is opened by 1 EV to take a picture. Value K1
2 will be recorded. The digital value of K12 is obtained through the K13 point on the logarithmic inverse gradation conversion curve of normal exposure.
It is converted to 14 print digital values. When this image data is reproduced, a K16 point on a logarithmic inverse gradation conversion curve of a normal exposure described in the third quadrant is obtained.
Is converted to a digital value or a print digital value, so that the density is lower by 1 EV than the original density of the subject and the image is reproduced brightly.

Therefore, in order to perform +1 EV correction while viewing an image reproduced brighter than the original subject image, the user needs to perform logarithmic reciprocal of +1 EV correction exposure described in the third quadrant when reproducing image data. Select the gradation conversion curve and select K on the logarithmic inverse gradation conversion curve of the +1 EV correction exposure.
The data is converted into a reproduction or print digital value via 17 points. Then, the density is converted to the reproduction or print density corresponding to the K5 point on the reproduction or print characteristic curve described in the second quadrant.

Further, if the AE of the electronic camera 10 is set to be 1 EV larger than the desired exposure, the aperture 18 is closed by 1 EV and the photograph is taken. Value K22
Will be recorded. The digital value of K22 is obtained via the K23 point on the logarithmic inverse gradation conversion curve of the normal exposure to K2.
4 is converted to a print digital value. When this image data is reproduced, it is converted to a K26 reproduction or print digital value via the K25 point on the logarithmic inverse gradation conversion curve of the normal exposure described in the third quadrant, so that the original image of the subject is reproduced. The density is higher by 1 EV than the density, and the image is reproduced dark.

Therefore, contrary to the correction of the image reproduced brightly, the user reproduces the image data in order to perform the correction of -1 EV. Select the logarithmic inverse gradation conversion curve of the exposure, and select K2 on the logarithmic gradation conversion curve of the -1 EV correction exposure.
The data is converted into a reproduction or print digital value via seven points. Then, the density is converted to the reproduction or print density corresponding to the K5 point on the reproduction or print characteristic curve described in the second quadrant.

In the above description, the density correction at the time of reproduction has been described as an example in which the operator manually corrects the density while looking at the reproduced image. However, the density of the image may be automatically determined and corrected.

Note that the processing in the second to fourth quadrants described above is collectively described as a conversion curve shown in the first quadrant in FIG. That is, the subject having the subject reflectance R1 in the first quadrant is printed on the recording means 46 at the print density K6 via the K7 point of the subject reflectance-print density characteristic curve of the electronic camera 10.

FIG. 8 shows a directory structure for recording a photographed image file in the recording means 46.

According to the figure, a directory “Wide” for storing image files recorded with a wide dynamic range is stored in a hierarchy below a directory named “DCIM”.
"Range" and a directory "NomalRang" for storing image files recorded in the normal recording mode.
e ".

Then, the directory "Widerang
e), the image files “Dscw0001.tif” and “Dscw00” recorded in the wide dynamic range are recorded.
02. tif ",... are stored. Here, "Dscw" at the beginning of the image file name indicates that the file is a file recorded with a wide dynamic range. “0001” in the latter half of the image file name indicates the order or type of shooting. In addition, the extension “ti
“f” indicates the structure of the compressed file.

Then, the directory "NomalRan
“ge” includes image files “Dscn0001.jpg” and “Dscn000” recorded in the normal recording mode.
2. .jpg ",... are stored. Here, "Dscn" at the beginning of the image file name indicates that the file is recorded in the normal recording mode. “0001” in the latter half of the image file name indicates the order or type of shooting, and the extension “jpg” of the image file name indicates the structure of the compressed file.

By classifying the image file recorded in the wide dynamic range and the image file recorded in the normal recording mode by the directory and the file name as described above, the monitor reproduction after photographing, printing, and image data reproduction are performed. Organization, classification, and search can be easily performed.

[0081]

As described above, according to the wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the first image data recorded in the wide dynamic range and at least the information related to the wide dynamic range are stored. Reading means for reading, and signal processing for generating second image data of a dynamic range necessary for monitor reproduction or printing from first image data recorded in the wide dynamic range based on information relating to the wide dynamic range Means, and at least one of a reproducing means for monitoring and reproducing the second image data as a visible image, and / or a printing means for printing. A corrected image can be created.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wide dynamic range recording electronic camera.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a relationship between a subject reflectance R (%) and a digital value D (digit) to be recorded;

FIG. 3 shows a reflectance R (%) of a subject and a digital value D to be recorded.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating luminance correction when (digit) has a relationship represented by a linear function.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a reflectance R (%) of a subject and a digital value D to be recorded.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating luminance correction when (digit) has a relationship represented by a logarithmic function.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image file including luminance information of gradation conversion according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of reading and printing an image file recorded in a recording unit 46;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relationship among data during photographing, gradation conversion, gradation reverse conversion, and monitor reproduction or printing.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a directory structure when recording a captured image file in a recording unit 46;

[Explanation of symbols]

10: electronic camera, 12: subject, 14: CCD, 16
... Lens group, 18 ... Aperture, 24 ... CPU, 31 ... Recording mode switching means, 34 ... Gamma correction section, 36 ... Synchronization section, 38 ... YC conversion section, 40 ... Memory, 42 ... Display means, 46 ... Recording means 48, compression / expansion means, 50, gradation conversion means, 52, compression means, 54, signal processing unit, 56,
Printer 58: Printer I / F 70: Image file 72: Wide dynamic range recording information 74: Dynamic range information 76: Recording gradation state 78: Compression form 80: Filter arrangement form 82 … Image data area

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus for reproducing or printing a first image data in which a subject is recorded in a wide dynamic range wider than a dynamic range at the time of monitor reproduction or printing as a visible image. Reading means for reading first image data recorded in a wide range and at least information related to the wide dynamic range; and a first means recorded in the wide dynamic range based on the information related to the wide dynamic range. Signal processing means for generating second image data of a dynamic range necessary for monitor reproduction or printing from the image data; and reproduction means for monitor reproduction of the second image data as a visible image or print means for printing. And one of them Wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing device. 2. The wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said signal processing means includes density adjusting means capable of automatically or manually adjusting the density of a visible image. . 3. The wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said density adjusting means adjusts the density during monitor reproduction or printing in a range of ± 2.5 EV. 4. The density adjusting means corrects the first image data recorded with an exposure value lower than a normal exposure value at which a desired reproduction or print is obtained, and adjusts the first image data which is a normal exposure. 4. The wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image data is converted into two image data. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first image data in a form in which a relationship between the image data and the recorded first image data is represented by a linear function is shifted to the wide dynamic range. The wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second image data is generated based on at least a first-order coefficient of the linear function read as related information. 6. The signal processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the relationship between the image data and the recorded first image data is represented by a logarithmic function from the first image data to the wide dynamic range. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second image data is generated based on at least one of a base number, a first-order coefficient, and a zero-order coefficient of the logarithmic function read as related information. A wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus according to any one of the above. 7. The signal processing means divides a relationship between the image data and the recorded first image data into an area expressed by a logarithmic function and an area expressed by a linear function. Of the logarithmic function, first-order coefficients, zero-order coefficients, and first-order coefficients of the linear function read from the first image data in the form represented as information relating to the wide dynamic range. The wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second image data is generated based on at least one coefficient. 8. The signal processing unit reads information related to the wide dynamic range recorded in the same image file as the first image data as supplementary information of the first image data, The wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second image data is generated. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal processing unit outputs the output voltage value of the photoelectric conversion element having the R, G, and B filter arrangement formed in the imaging element from the first image data recorded in a wide dynamic range to the second image data. The wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the image data is generated. 10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said reading means reads image files which are classified and recorded by providing directories or folders for each of the wide dynamic range recording modes. Dynamic range recorded image reproducing device. 11. The reading means reads image data in which the image data is recorded in the same range as the dynamic range at the time of monitor reproduction or print, and reads the image data at a range wider than the dynamic range at the time of monitor reproduction or print. The wide dynamic range recorded image reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first image data recorded in the wide dynamic range recorded in (1) is read.