JP2002237988A - Electronic camera and electronic camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately make the photographing intention of a user reflected when forming a visible image. SOLUTION: When photographing is made, the electronic camera uses a photographing conditions revising table to select a condition for correction (condition for correction in the processing relating to correction at forming of a visible image made by a printer), by which the photographing intention of a user is most accurately reflected at visible image forming corresponding to a camera mode set by the user. A memory card records the condition for correction, together with image data as an image file, and when the printer prints out an image on the basis of the image file, the printer conducts processings related to the correction at visible image forming, on the basis of the condition for correction attached to the image file.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an electronic camera and an electronic camera system including the electronic camera and an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image photographed by a camera is printed on a printer (image forming apparatus) or a television (TV).
(i.e., ision) or the like, and the image is viewed.

In view of such a background, for example, a printer device has various functions so that a more appropriate image is printed. One of them is an automatic correction function.
This is a function of analyzing image data to be printed and performing image processing for correction based on the analysis result.
Generally, in image processing related to correction, correction processing is performed so as to satisfy a uniform condition (standard image condition) preset in a printer device. Therefore, any type of image data is subjected to image processing for correction so as to satisfy the above-mentioned uniform condition, and a standard image generally considered appropriate is printed.

However, in this function, even if the user intentionally changes the various photographing conditions and the like so that the image becomes a non-standard image, the image related to the correction so as to satisfy the above-mentioned uniform condition can be obtained. As a result, the image is printed differently from the user's original photographing intention. For example, if the user intentionally prints an underexposed image at the time of shooting, image processing related to unnecessary exposure correction is performed under the above uniform conditions, and the print result is determined by the user's shooting intention. Has become different.

On the other hand, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-226139
The publication contains additional information (resolution information at the time of shooting, color mode information, aperture, shutter speed, etc.) of the image to be printed,
Print processing is determined based on camera specific information (camera model information, etc.), printer status and unique information (head type, ink type, etc.), and mode information (print speed, print quality, etc.) set by the user. A technique for printing an image by the determined printing process has been proposed.

[0006] The above proposal proposes that, regardless of the image information stored in a data format suitable for the host, an appropriate printing process is determined based on the supplementary information of the image information and the like. This is a proposal that can be printed.

[0007]

Although the above-mentioned proposal is intended to prevent erroneous printing processing from being performed due to a difference in the data format of the stored image information, the above-mentioned proposal is intended to prevent an image which is contrary to the photographing intention of the user at the time of printing. Does not prevent printing.

Therefore, when a user prints an image photographed with various photographing conditions changed so as to intentionally become a non-standard image, the photographing intention cannot be accurately reflected. Also, at the time of printing (at the time of image formation)
In addition, there is no method for accurately reflecting the user's photographing intention.

In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera and an electronic camera system that can accurately reflect a photographing intention of a user when forming a visible image.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera which captures a subject and outputs an image signal, and a predetermined image signal based on the image signal captured by the image capturing means. Image processing means for obtaining image data of a format, photographing condition correcting means for correcting photographing conditions relating to exposure or image quality during photographing, and visualizing from the image data based on the photographing conditions corrected by the photographing condition correcting means. Setting means for setting correction instruction information for instructing correction relating to processing when forming an image, and correction instruction for instructing correction relating to processing when forming a visible image set by the setting means Output means for outputting information in association with the image data.

According to the above arrangement, the correction instruction information for instructing the correction relating to the processing for forming the visible image from the image data is provided by the user under the photographing conditions (exposure or image quality related to the image quality) corrected by the user at the time of photographing. Since the setting is made based on the (condition), it is possible to more accurately reflect the photographing intention of the user when forming the visible image. Note that shooting conditions related to exposure or image quality include, for example, camera modes (exposure mode, photometry mode, exposure correction, contrast, saturation, white balance, sharpness, ISO sensitivity, and the like). The correction instruction information includes, for example, brightness,
Information indicating whether or not correction is performed for each processing related to contrast, white balance, saturation, sharpness, and the like.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the setting means includes at least a gradation when forming a visible image from the image data based on the photographing conditions corrected by the photographing condition correcting means. May be configured to set correction instruction information for instructing whether or not to perform correction for each of the processes including any one of the processes related to the above, the process related to the color, and the process related to the sharpness.

According to this configuration, as the correction instruction information,
An instruction as to whether or not to perform the correction can be set for each process including at least one of the processes related to gradation, color, and sharpness. Further, in the first aspect of the present invention described above, the setting unit is configured to combine a plurality of processes for forming a visible image from the image data based on the photographing condition corrected by the photographing condition correcting unit. The correction instruction information for instructing the correction relating to the processing may be set.

According to this configuration, as the correction instruction information,
It is possible to set an instruction for correction relating to a plurality of processes in which processes for forming a visible image are combined. For example, it is possible to simultaneously set correction instructions for a plurality of processes such as a process relating to gradation, a process relating to color, and a process relating to sharpness.

An electronic camera system according to a second aspect of the present invention is an electronic camera system including an electronic camera and an image forming apparatus, wherein the electronic camera includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs an image signal. Image processing means for obtaining image data of a predetermined format based on an image signal picked up by the image pickup means, photographic condition correction means for correcting photographic conditions relating to exposure or image quality at the time of shooting, and photographic condition correction means Setting means for setting correction instruction information for instructing correction relating to processing when forming a visible image from the image data, based on the imaging conditions corrected by the image data, and the visible image set by the setting means. Output means for outputting correction instruction information for instructing correction relating to processing when forming the image data in association with the image data, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises: Reading means for reading image data to be image-formed and correction instruction information attached to the image data; image forming processing means for performing image quality forming processing based on the correction instruction information read by the reading means; Output means for outputting image data subjected to image processing by the formation processing means.

According to the above arrangement, when the image forming apparatus reads out the image data output from the electronic camera and the correction instruction information accompanying the image data and forms a visible image from the image data, the image forming apparatus outputs the correction instruction. Correction relating to processing when forming a visible image is performed based on the information. Since the correction instruction information is set based on the photographing conditions corrected by the user at the time of photographing (photographing conditions relating to exposure or image quality), the user's photographing intention is more accurately reflected at the time of forming a visible image. Can be done.

In the above-mentioned second aspect of the present invention, the setting means includes at least a gradation when forming a visible image from the image data based on the photographing conditions corrected by the photographing condition correcting means. The correction instruction information for instructing whether or not to perform the correction may be set for each of the processes including any one of the processes related to the above, the process related to the color, and the process related to the sharpness.

According to this configuration, as the correction instruction information,
An instruction as to whether or not to perform the correction can be set for each process including at least one of the processes related to gradation, color, and sharpness. In the above-described second aspect of the present invention, the setting unit is configured to combine a plurality of processes for forming a visible image from the image data based on the photographing condition corrected by the photographing condition correcting unit. A configuration may be made in which correction instruction information for instructing correction relating to processing is set.

According to this configuration, as the correction instruction information,
It is possible to set an instruction for correction relating to a plurality of processes in which processes for forming a visible image are combined. For example, it is possible to simultaneously set a correction instruction for a plurality of processes such as a process for gradation, a process for color, and a process for sharpness.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, the shooting mode and the conditions relating to imaging indicate imaging conditions, and the correction mode indicates image formation instruction information or image formation instruction mode. The camera mode indicates shooting conditions related to exposure or image quality, and the correction conditions indicate correction instruction information.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are block diagrams showing the configuration of an electronic camera and a printer (image forming apparatus) included in an electronic camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 has a photographing mode set by a user (photographer) and a function for enabling photographing based on the camera mode. The printer shown in FIG. It has a function that enables printing based on the mode.

First, the configuration of the electronic camera will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, an imaging unit includes a zoom lens system 1, an imaging element 2, an imaging circuit 3, and an A / D (analog / digital) conversion circuit 4. In the imaging unit, the subject image formed by the zoom lens system 1 is photoelectrically converted by the imaging device 2, and an image signal as a conversion output is input to the A / D conversion circuit 4 via the imaging circuit 3. Image data which is digital data is obtained by analog-digital conversion. Here, a lens provided in the zoom lens system 1 is driven by a lens driving unit 6 controlled by a lens driving control circuit 5, and focus adjustment of a subject image is performed.

The system controller (system controller) 7
The electronic camera is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), controls various parts of the electronic camera, and performs various types of image processing for correcting brightness, saturation, hue, and the like of an image represented by image data. Further, as will be described later in detail, processing for selecting a correction mode based on a shooting mode or a condition relating to imaging, processing for selecting a correction condition based on a camera mode, and the like are performed.

ASIC (Application Specific Integra
ted Circuit) section 8 is a JPEG (Joint Photographic)
Experts Group) performs compression and decompression of image data. The ROM 9 includes a control program for causing a CPU provided in the system controller 7 to control each unit constituting the electronic camera, calculation data necessary for various processes, a correction mode selection table and correction conditions described later. Read-only file containing change tables
Memory. Note that FIG. 7 shows a print correction information determination table including a correction mode selection table and a correction condition change table.

The RAM 10 is a random access memory used not only as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data but also as a work storage area for various processes by the system controller 7. Memory I / F
The (interface) 11 provides an interface function for exchanging data with the memory card 13 inserted into the card slot 12, and includes a semiconductor memory capable of reading and writing data. Processing of writing an image file (including image data) to the memory card 13 or reading of an image file (including image data) from the memory card 13 is performed.

The external I / F (interface) 14
It provides an interface function for exchanging data with an external device connected to the external input / output terminal 15, for example, a personal computer, etc., and provides image files (including image data) to the external device and various data. Or input processing of an image file (including image data) and various data from an external device.

The video memory 16 is a memory for temporarily storing image data for display obtained by image processing in the system controller 7, and this image data is thereafter read from the video memory 16 and output to the video output. Circuit 17
And is converted into an image signal which is a video signal.
When this image signal is input to the image display LCD 18, an image is displayed. This image signal can also be transmitted to another device via the video-out terminal 19.

The strobe light emitting section 20 is for emitting a strobe light at the time of photographing using the strobe light.
The operation unit 21 includes various buttons (including a release button) and switches for receiving various instructions such as a photographing mode instruction, a camera mode instruction, and a photographing instruction from a user (photographer). To convey to

The power supply section 22 controls the voltage of the camera battery 23 or the voltage of the power input to the external power supply terminal 24 to supply power to each section of the electronic camera. Next, the configuration of the printer will be described with reference to FIG. The printer shown in FIG. 1 uses ink ribbons composed of, for example, Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan).
This is a sublimation type thermal transfer type printer device that prints on paper by a frame sequential method.

In FIG. 1, a system controller (system controller) 31 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), controls each part constituting the printer device, and controls the brightness and saturation of an image based on image data. Perform various image processing for correcting color tone and the like (automatic image quality correction processing).
The automatic image quality correction processing will be described later.

ASIC (Application Specific Integrator)
ted Circuit) section 32 is a JPEG (Joint Photograph).
ic Experts Group) to compress and expand image data. Memory I / F (interface)
A memory card 33 is provided with an interface function for exchanging data with a memory card 35 inserted into a card slot 34. The memory card 35 includes a semiconductor memory capable of reading and writing data. A process of writing an image file (including image data) into the memory card 35 or reading an image file (including image data) from the memory card 35 is performed.

The RAM 36 is a random access memory used not only as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data but also as a working storage area for various processes by the system controller 31. ROM37
Controls the components of the printer device with the system controller 31.
This is a read-only memory that stores a control program to be executed by a CPU provided in the CPU and arithmetic data necessary for various processes.

The thermal head control unit 38 is
The print image data obtained by various image processes such as the automatic image quality correction process in step 1 is read out for each line data, and the thermal head 39 is driven (heated) based on the read image data. 4
Printing is performed by sublimating and absorbing the dye No. 1.

The paper transport control circuit 42 controls the paper transport section 43 so that the inks are sequentially applied so that the Y, M, and C ink ribbons 41 are superimposed and printed. The paper 40 is transported from the paper cartridge 44. The operation unit 45 includes various buttons and switches for receiving various instructions such as an image selection instruction and a print (print) instruction from the user, and transmits the received various instructions to the system controller 31. For example, this includes a power switch, a print button, a cross key, and the like.

The power supply unit 46 controls the voltage of the electric power input to the external power supply terminal 47 to supply electric power to each unit constituting the printer. Next, an operation process of the electronic camera and the printer device having the above-described configuration will be described. Here, the operation until the image photographed by the electronic camera is printed by the printer device will be mainly described.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation processing of the electronic camera. This mainly shows processing related to photographing. This process is performed by the system controller 7 executing a control program stored in the ROM 9. In the processing shown in the figure, first, it is determined whether or not the user has changed the shooting mode via the operation unit 21 (step (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 301). If it is determined that there has been a change (Y in S301), the shooting mode is set to the shooting mode changed by the user (S30).
2) Return to the process of S301. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no change (N in S301), it is next determined whether or not the user has set the camera mode via the operation unit 21 (S303). If it is determined that the setting has been made (Y in S303), the camera mode is set to the camera mode set by the user (S304), and S301 is performed.
Return to the processing of On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no setting (N in S303), it is next determined whether or not the user has issued a shooting instruction via the operation unit 21, that is, whether or not the release button has been pressed (S305). When it is determined that the release button has not been pressed (N in S303), the process returns to S301, and the above-described change of the shooting mode and the setting of the camera mode by the user are accepted until it is determined that the release button has been pressed.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the release button has been pressed (Y in S305), the photographing mode and camera mode set at that time are checked (S306).
A photographing process is performed based on the photographing mode and the camera mode (S307). In this photographing process, a subject is imaged by the image sensor 2 based on the set photographing mode and camera mode, and an image signal based on the subject is output. At this time, the imaging conditions (aperture, shutter speed, etc.) are set as imaging conditions for determining and selecting a correction mode in the processing of S309 described below. When the change of the photographing mode or the setting of the camera mode is not performed at all, the photographing process is performed based on the default photographing mode or the default camera mode.

Subsequently, white balance processing, color correction processing, gradation correction processing, JPEG
Various image processing such as compression processing is performed to obtain image data of a predetermined format to be recorded on the memory card (S308). Subsequently, a correction mode is determined and selected based on the set imaging mode and imaging conditions (aperture, shutter speed, etc.) according to a correction mode selection table described later. Then, a correction condition is determined and selected based on the set camera mode, and the determined and selected correction mode and correction condition are obtained as print correction information (S309). The correction mode is for instructing (designating) a process related to correction at the time of forming a visible image performed by the printer device. Further, the correction condition indicates a correction condition in a process relating to correction at the time of forming a visible image performed by the printer device. More specifically, in a plurality of processes relating to correction at the time of forming a visible image, This is for instructing whether or not to perform correction every time.

Subsequently, the image data obtained in the processing of S308, the print correction information (correction mode and correction conditions) obtained in the processing of S309, and the print correction identifier are recorded on the memory card as one image file. That is,
The print correction information is recorded on the memory card in association with the image data. The print correction identifier is an identifier for executing a correction process (automatic image quality correction process) based on print correction information at the time of forming a visible image. When a print correction identifier is included in an image file at the time of forming a visible image, the automatic image quality correction is performed. The process is executed, and if not included, the automatic image quality correction process is not executed. The print correction identifier and the print correction information are recorded, for example, in a file header of an image file, or, for example, a DCF (Design rule for Camera).
a When recording in the file system) format, D
It is recorded in a format conforming to the CF format.

Next, the above-described correction mode selection table and correction condition change table will be described. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a correction mode selection table, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a correction condition change table.

First, the correction mode selection table will be described. The correction mode selection table selects a correction mode (processing related to correction during visible image formation) that most accurately reflects the user's shooting intention based on the shooting mode set by the user and the conditions related to shooting during shooting. It is a table to make it.

As shown by the circles in FIG. 3A, the shooting mode (moving image mode, scene mode, filter, strobe mode, image quality mode) and the imaging conditions (scene brightness, subject distance, shutter speed, aperture, etc.) , Strobe, angle of view, and the corresponding correction mode (one of standard, portrait, landscape, sports, evening scene, night scene, backlight, macro, sepia, monochrome, and no correction) are shown. However, SHQ, HQ, S
The correction modes corresponding to Q and TIFF are not shown.

Each photographing mode and each image pickup condition are given a priority in selecting a correction mode, and a plurality of correction modes are set based on the set photographing mode and image pickup condition. When selected, a shooting mode with the highest priority or a correction mode corresponding to a condition relating to imaging is selected. In particular, since the shooting mode reflects the user's shooting intention more accurately, the shooting mode is set to a higher priority than the conditions related to shooting. In FIG. 9A, priority 1 is a video mode, priority 2 is a scene mode, priority 3 is a filter, priority 4 is a strobe mode, priority 5 is an image quality mode,
Priority 6 is shown as scene brightness, subject distance, and shutter speed, and priority 7 is shown as aperture, strobe, and angle of view.

Thus, for example, as a shooting mode, a scene mode (snap) and a strobe mode (forced flash) are used.
Is set, the correction mode (person) corresponding to the scene mode (snap) having the higher priority is selected. However, in this case, it is not necessary to consider the conditions relating to imaging from the relationship of the priority order. When the image quality (HQ) is set as the shooting mode, there is no corresponding correction mode. In such a case, the correction mode is selected based on the other shooting modes and imaging conditions.
Further, when the photographing mode is changed to none and the photographing is performed in the default state, the correction mode is selected based on the conditions relating to the photographing.

Next, the correction condition change table will be described. The correction condition change table is a table for selecting a correction condition (correction condition in a process related to correction at the time of forming a visible image) for most accurately reflecting a user's shooting intention based on a camera mode set by the user. It is. Note that the selected correction condition instructs not to execute the correction process related to the correction condition in the process related to the correction at the time of forming a visible image performed by the printer device.

As shown by the crosses in FIG. 4B, the camera mode (exposure mode, photometry mode, exposure correction, contrast, saturation, white balance, sharpness, ISO
For each of the sensitivities, the corresponding correction conditions (brightness, contrast, white balance, saturation, and sharpness) are shown. However, in some camera modes, no correction condition is selected. For example, an exposure mode (auto), a photometry mode (center-weighted), and the like are the same.

A plurality of correction conditions may be selected depending on the camera mode. For example, when the exposure mode (manual) and the saturation (high) are set as the camera mode, the correction condition (brightness) corresponding to the exposure mode (manual) and the correction condition (brightness) corresponding to the saturation (high) are set. Saturation) is selected. In addition, when the camera mode is set to none and shooting is performed in the default state,
No correction condition is selected.

Next, a description will be given of a data structure when recording the print correction information, which is the correction mode and the correction condition selected in this manner, on a memory card. FIG.
(a) is a diagram illustrating a data structure of print correction information, and (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of print correction information.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the print correction information recorded on the memory card is composed of 9 bits, the upper 4 bits of which indicate the correction mode, and the remaining lower 5 bits.
Indicates a correction condition (correction condition change). Top 4bi
t is indicated by a bit string corresponding to the selected correction mode. For example, when the correction mode is standard, it is indicated by “0000”, when the person is a person, “0001”, and for other correction modes, This is as shown in FIG.

The lower 5 bits indicate each correction condition for each bit, and bit 5 (the highest bi in the lower 5 bits)
t) is the brightness, bit4 is the contrast, bit3
Is white balance, bit2 is saturation, bit1
(Minimum bit in the lower 5 bits) indicates the sharpness, and the bit corresponding to the correction condition selected based on the correction condition change table is indicated by “1”. Therefore, when no camera mode is set (default), the lower 5 bits are “00000”.

For example, in the case of the print correction information having the data structure shown in FIG.
0 "indicates that landscape is selected as the correction mode, and the lower 5 bits are" 10100 ", indicating that brightness and white balance are selected as correction conditions. Is
This indicates that an instruction is made to perform a correction process in a correction mode (landscape) when a visible image is formed, and that an instruction is made not to perform a correction relating to brightness and white balance in the correction process.

Next, the operation of the printer will be described. This process is a process performed by the system controller 31 executing the control program stored in the ROM 37. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation process of the printer device. The process shown in FIG. 7 is started when an instruction to print a predetermined image file recorded on a memory card inserted into the card slot 34 is received via the operation unit 45.

As shown in the figure, first, based on the instruction, the image file is read from the memory card (S
601). Subsequently, it is searched whether or not the read image file includes the print correction identifier (S60).
2). As a result of this search, if the image file does not include the print correction identifier, normal print processing is performed because the automatic image quality correction processing described below is not performed.
Note that the normal print processing is already a known technique, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

On the other hand, when the print correction identifier is included in the image file, the automatic image quality correction processing described below is started. The image file in this case is, for example, as shown in FIG.
And the image file recorded in S310. First,
The print correction information (correction mode and correction condition) included in the read image file is acquired (S603), and subsequently, image data is acquired (S604). It should be noted that the image data acquired here has already been subjected to expansion processing, resizing processing, and the like by the ASIC 32.

Subsequently, the brightness, contrast, saturation distribution, etc. of the image based on the acquired image data are analyzed (S6).
05). Subsequently, based on the analysis result and the correction mode indicated in the data of the upper 4 bits of the print correction information acquired in the processing of S603, the correction amount (image quality correction amount) in each of the subsequent correction processing shown in S607 to S611 is calculated. I do. That is, a correction amount for brightness correction, a correction amount for contrast correction, a correction amount for white balance correction, a correction amount for saturation correction, and a correction amount for sharpness correction are calculated.

Subsequently, based on the correction conditions indicated by the data of the lower 5 bits of the print correction information acquired in the processing of S603, the following correction processing of S607 to S611 is performed. In the process of S607, the lower 5 print correction information
Referring to the data of bit 5 in the bit, when this bit 5 is 0, the brightness correction processing is performed on the image data based on the correction amount related to the brightness correction calculated in the processing of S606, and when bit 5 is 1, The processing proceeds to the next processing without performing the brightness correction processing.

In the subsequent processing of S608, the data of bit 4 in the lower 5 bits of the print correction information is referred to. When this bit 4 is 0, the image data is corrected based on the correction amount for the contrast correction calculated in the processing of S606. Contrast correction processing is performed. When bit4 is 1, the processing proceeds to the next processing without performing the contrast correction processing.

In the subsequent processing of S609, the data of bit 3 in the lower 5 bits of the print correction information is referred to. On the other hand, white balance correction processing is performed, and when bit3 is 1, the processing proceeds to the next processing without performing the white balance correction processing.

In the subsequent processing of S610, the data of bit 2 in the lower 5 bits of the print correction information is referred to. When this bit 2 is 0, the image data is converted to the image data based on the correction amount for the saturation correction calculated in the processing of S606. On the other hand, saturation correction processing is performed, and when bit2 is 1, the processing proceeds to the next processing without performing this saturation correction processing.

In the subsequent process of S611, the data of bit 1 in the lower 5 bits of the print correction information is referred to. When this bit 1 is 0, the image data is corrected based on the correction amount related to the sharpness correction calculated in the process of S606. A sharpness correction process is performed, and when bit1 is 1, the process proceeds to the next process without performing the sharpness correction process.

Subsequently, the image data which has been subjected to the correction processing of S607 to S611 is transferred to the thermal head controller 38.
To the thermal head controller 38 (S612).
And Y on paper by the paper transport control unit 42 and the like.
The M and C ink ribbons 41 are used to perform overlay printing, and a printing process based on this image data is performed (S
613).

Thus, the printer device executes a correction process (a process related to the correction at the time of forming a visible image) that most accurately reflects the user's photographing intention based on the print correction information (correction mode and correction conditions). It becomes possible.
Further, since the print correction information is selected by a normal photographing operation (camera operation) by the user, the user needs to reflect the photographing intention accurately at the time of printing.
There is no need to perform any special input operation or instruction.

The electronic camera shown in this embodiment is provided with both a correction mode selection table and a correction condition change table. For example, any one of the correction mode selection table and the correction condition change table may be used. You may comprise so that only one may be provided. For example, when the electronic camera has only the correction mode selection table, none of the correction conditions are selected, so the lower 5 bits of the print correction information are “00000”, and S607 in FIG.
All the correction processes shown in steps S611 to S611 are performed.

Further, for example, when the electronic camera has only the correction condition change table, none of the correction modes is selected.
The bit may be set to “0000” (standard), and the correction amount (image quality correction amount) in each correction process of S606 in FIG. 6 may be calculated based on the correction mode (standard).

The printer device obtains an image file from a memory card. For example, an external I / F and an external input / output terminal are provided in the printer device, and the printer device is connected to a computer via a communication cable or a communication line. You may make it acquire from a camera. Further, in the electronic camera described in the present embodiment, the mode in which the image file (including the image data and the print correction information) is output (recorded) to the memory card has been described, but the external device connected to the external input / output terminal 15 For example, the information may be output to a display device, a personal computer, an external recording device, or the like. Further, when outputting to an external recording device, it may be output to a recording medium provided in the external recording device. Further, the electronic camera may be configured to be connectable to a communication line so that the image file can be output to the communication line.

In this embodiment, a printer is used as the image forming apparatus. However, any apparatus having a configuration for forming a visible image from image data can be used. For example, a display device or a personal computer that displays an image based on image data can be considered. In this case, the electronic camera may be configured to output image formation instruction information and correction instruction information such that the user's photographing intention is reflected in an image displayed by a display device, a personal computer, or the like.

[0067]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the user can perform a normal photographing operation (camera operation) without performing a special input operation or instruction for reflecting the photographing intention. , The photographing intention can be accurately reflected at the time of forming the visible image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic camera.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation process of the electronic camera.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a correction mode selection table,
(b) is a diagram showing a correction condition change table.

5A is a diagram illustrating a data structure of print correction information, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of print correction information.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation process of the printer device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Zoom lens system 2 Image sensor 3 Imaging circuit 4 A / D 5 Lens drive control circuit 6 Lens drive unit 7 Syscon 8 ASIC 9 ROM 10 RAM 11 Memory I / F 12 Card slot 13 Memory card 14 External I / F 15 External input Output Terminal 16 Video Memory 17 Video Output Circuit 18 Image Display LCD 19 Video Out 20 Strobe Light Unit 21 Operation Unit 22 Power Supply Unit 23 Camera Battery 24 External Power Input Terminal 31 Syscon 32 ASIC 33 Memory I / F 34 Card Slot 35 Memory Card 36 RAM 37 ROM 38 Thermal head controller 39 Thermal head 40 Paper 41 Ink ribbon 42 Paper transport controller 43 Paper transport unit 44 Paper cartridge 45 Operation unit 46 Power supply unit 47 External power input terminal

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/91 H04N 101: 00 // H04N 101: 00 5/91 J F term (Reference) 2H054 AA01 5C022 AA13 AB15 AB66 AC03 AC31 AC41 AC69 AC74 5C052 AA12 DD02 FA02 FA03 FB01 FB05 FC06 FE01 FE07 FE08 GA02 GA05 GB06 GB09 GC05 GE08 5C053 FA08 FA27 GA11 GB36 KA21 KA24 LA01

Claims (6)

[Claims] An image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject and outputting an image signal; an image processing means for obtaining image data of a predetermined format based on the image signal picked up by the image pickup means; A photographing condition correcting unit for correcting the photographing condition according to the above, and a correction instruction for instructing a correction relating to a process when forming a visible image from the image data based on the photographing condition corrected by the photographing condition correcting unit Setting means for setting information; and output means for outputting, along with the image data, correction instruction information for instructing a correction relating to a process for forming a visible image set by the setting means. An electronic camera characterized in that: 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit is configured to perform at least a gradation-related process, a color-related process, and a sharpness process when forming a visible image from the image data based on the photographing condition corrected by the photographing condition correcting unit. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein correction instruction information for instructing whether or not to perform correction is set for each processing including any of the processing according to (1). 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit is configured to instruct correction based on the photographing condition corrected by the photographing condition correcting unit, the correction being related to a plurality of processes combining processes for forming a visible image from the image data. The electronic camera according to claim 2, wherein the correction instruction information is set. 4. An electronic camera system including an electronic camera and an image forming apparatus, wherein the electronic camera captures an image of a subject and outputs an image signal, based on the image signal captured by the imaging unit. Image processing means for obtaining image data in a predetermined format, photographing condition correcting means for correcting photographing conditions relating to exposure or image quality at the time of photographing, and image processing based on the photographing conditions corrected by the photographing condition correcting means. Setting means for setting correction instruction information for instructing correction relating to processing when forming a visible image from data; and for instructing correction relating to processing when forming a visible image set by the setting means. Output means for outputting the correction instruction information of the image data in association with the image data, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises: Reading means for reading correction instruction information attached to data; image forming processing means for performing image quality forming processing based on the correction instruction information read by the reading means; image data image-processed by the image forming processing means An electronic camera system, comprising: an output unit configured to output: 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit is configured to perform processing on at least gradation, color, and sharpness when forming a visible image from the image data based on the photographing conditions corrected by the photographing condition correcting unit. 5. The electronic camera system according to claim 4, wherein correction instruction information for instructing whether or not to perform correction is set for each processing including any of the processings according to claim 4. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit is configured to instruct, based on the photographing condition corrected by the photographing condition correcting unit, a correction related to a plurality of processes that combine processes for forming a visible image from the image data. The electronic camera system according to claim 5, wherein the correction instruction information is set.