JP2002238013A - Electronic camera and electronic camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera system that can accurately reflect the photographing intension of a user onto a visual image at its forming state, without imposing a burden on the user. SOLUTION: When photographing is conducted, the electronic camera uses a photographing mode selection table to select a correction mode (processing with respect to correction at generation of a visual image conducted by a printer), where the photographing intension by the user is reflected most accurately on the visual image at its forming based on a photographing mode set by the user and conditions with respect to the photographing at its photographing. A memory card records the correction mode as an image file with image data, and when the printer prints out the image based on the image file, the printer conducts processings related to the correction at forming of the visual image, based on the correction mode 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.

Therefore, various techniques for preventing such a problem have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-200671 discloses a technique for obtaining finishing information for each image data to be printed, performing image processing based on the finishing information, and printing the image data subjected to the image processing. Proposed. The finishing information is obtained by acquiring the information input by the operator at the time of printing, or, in the case of a camera of a new photo system, a code (finishing information) input by the user at the time of shooting and recorded on a magnetic track of the film. ) Is obtained by reading.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-239269 discloses that scene information is acquired for each image data to be printed, image processing is performed based on the scene information, and the image data subjected to the image processing is printed. A technology to do this has been proposed. For example, in the case of a camera of a new photo system, the scene information is input by a user through a magnetic information input unit provided in the camera, and is obtained by reading information magnetically recorded on a magnetic recording medium of each frame of the film. Is what you do.

In each of the above proposals, image processing is performed in consideration of not only analysis results of image data but also finishing information and scene information input by a user or an operator.
This is an effective proposal to prevent the above problem.

[0008]

However, in each of the above proposals, it is necessary to input finishing information, scene information, and the like each time photographing or printing, which increases the burden on the user. That is, the user needs to input a code indicating finishing information or scene information for each photographing, or memorize the finishing information or scene information for each photographing frame, and instruct the operator together with the photographing frame at the time of printing. Yes, a cumbersome operation of inputting finish information, scene information, and the like from photographing to printing is required. Further, there has not been proposed a technique for accurately reflecting a user's photographing intention at the time of printing without such work.

In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera and an electronic camera system that can accurately reflect a user's photographing intention at the time of forming a visible image without burdening the user. .

[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 in a format, setting means for setting imaging conditions for imaging the subject, and storage means for storing a plurality of image formation instruction information when forming a visible image based on the image data Selecting means for selecting predetermined image forming instruction information from a plurality of image forming instruction information stored in the storage means based on the imaging conditions set by the setting means; and an image selected by the selecting means. And output means for outputting the formation instruction information in association with the image data.

According to the above arrangement, the image formation instruction information for forming a visible image based on the image data is selected based on the imaging conditions for imaging the subject. There is no need for a special input operation, instruction, or the like for reflecting the image, and the photographing intention can be accurately reflected at the time of forming a visible image simply by performing a normal photographing operation (camera operation). Note that the imaging conditions are, for example,
A shooting mode (including a moving image mode, a scene mode, a filter, a strobe mode, an image quality mode, etc.) set by a user at the time of shooting, and imaging conditions at the time of shooting (scene brightness, subject distance, shutter speed, aperture, strobe, angle of view, etc.) Etc.). Further, the image formation instruction information is information for specifying a process for forming a visible image,
For example, a correction mode (standard, person, landscape, sports, sunset, night view, backlight,
Macro, sepia, monochrome, no correction, etc.).

An electronic camera according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises:
An imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs an image signal; an image processing unit that obtains image data of a predetermined format based on the image signal captured by the imaging unit; and a mode to be used for shooting from a plurality of shooting modes. A photographing mode selecting unit, a plurality of image forming instruction modes for forming a visible image based on the image data are stored, and a photographing mode selected by the photographing mode selecting unit. An image forming instruction mode selecting means for selecting a predetermined image forming instruction mode from a plurality of image forming instruction modes stored in the storage means, and an image forming instruction mode selected by the image forming instruction mode selecting means as the image data. And output means for outputting the data in association therewith.

According to the above configuration, the image forming instruction mode for forming a visible image based on image data is selected based on the mode used for photographing (photographing mode). No special input operation or instruction to reflect the photographing intention is required, and simply performing a normal photographing operation (camera operation), such as selecting a photographing mode, accurately reflects the photographing intention when forming a visible image. be able to. The mode used for shooting includes, for example, a shooting mode (including a moving image mode, a scene mode, a filter, a strobe mode, an image quality mode, etc.) set by the user at the time of shooting. The image formation instruction mode is a mode for designating a process for forming a visible image, for example, a correction mode (standard, person, landscape, sports, sunset, night view, (Including backlight, macro, sepia, monochrome, no correction, etc.).

An electronic camera according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises:
An imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs an image signal; an image processing unit that obtains image data of a predetermined format based on the image signal captured by the imaging unit; and an image processing unit that obtains image data based on a situation of the subject. Imaging condition setting means for setting conditions relating to the imaging, storage means for storing a plurality of image formation instruction modes when forming a visible image based on the image data, and imaging condition setting means. An image forming instruction mode selecting means for selecting a predetermined image forming instruction mode from a plurality of image forming instruction modes stored in the storage means based on a condition relating to imaging, and an image forming instruction mode selecting means selected by the image forming instruction mode selecting means. Output means for outputting the image forming instruction mode in association with the image data.

According to the above arrangement, the image formation instruction mode for forming a visible image based on image data is selected based on the conditions related to imaging, so that the user reflects the photographing intention. There is no need for a special input operation, instruction, or the like for performing the operation, and the photographing intention can be accurately reflected at the time of forming a visible image simply by performing a normal photographing operation (camera operation). Note that the conditions relating to imaging include scene brightness,
This includes the subject distance, shutter speed, aperture, strobe, angle of view, and the like. The image forming instruction mode is
This mode specifies the processing when forming a visible image,
For example, a correction mode (standard, person, landscape, sports, sunset, night view, backlight,
Macro, sepia, monochrome, no correction, etc.).

An electronic camera according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises:
An imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs an image signal; an image processing unit that obtains image data of a predetermined format based on the image signal captured by the imaging unit; and a mode to be used for shooting from a plurality of shooting modes. A photographing mode selecting unit, an imaging condition setting unit for setting a condition relating to imaging by the imaging unit based on a situation of the subject, and a plurality of image forming instructions for forming a visible image based on the image data. A plurality of image forming instructions stored in the storage unit based on a storage unit storing a mode, and a shooting mode selected by the shooting mode selection unit and an imaging condition set by the imaging condition setting unit. An image forming instruction mode selecting means for selecting a predetermined image forming instruction mode from the modes, and an image forming finger selected by the image forming instruction mode selecting means. Configured mode to and output means for outputting by accompanying the image data.

According to the above arrangement, the image forming instruction mode (such as a correction mode indicating a correction process for forming a visible image) for forming a visible image based on image data is set to a mode (photographing). Mode, etc.) and imaging conditions (aperture, shutter speed, etc.), so that the user does not need any special input operation or instruction to reflect the photographing intention, and simply selects the photographing mode. By simply performing a normal photographing operation (camera operation) such as selecting an image, the photographing intention can be accurately reflected at the time of forming a visible image.

An electronic camera according to a fifth aspect of the present invention comprises:
Image capturing means for capturing an image of a subject and outputting an image signal; image processing means for obtaining image data of a predetermined format based on the image signal captured by the image capturing means; and a plurality of image capturing conditions given priorities A setting unit that sets an imaging condition for imaging the subject from among the above; a storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of image forming instruction information when forming a visible image based on the image data; Selecting means for selecting predetermined image forming instruction information from a plurality of pieces of image forming instruction information stored in the storage means based on the priority given to the image capturing condition; and image forming means selected by the selecting means. Output means for outputting the instruction information in association with the image data.

According to the above arrangement, the image formation instruction information (such as a correction mode indicating a correction process for forming a visible image) for forming a visible image based on image data is based on the imaging conditions (for example, for imaging a subject). Since the selection is made based on the priorities of the shooting modes and the conditions relating to the shooting, if a high priority is given to the shooting conditions in which the user's shooting intention is to be reflected, the user's shooting intention during visible image formation can be determined. It can be reflected more accurately.

In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of image pickup conditions include at least a mode used for image pickup and a condition relating to image pickup. You may comprise so that a high priority may be provided. According to this configuration, as the imaging condition for selecting the image formation instruction information, the mode used for imaging is prioritized over the condition related to imaging, so that
It is possible to more clearly reflect the user's photographing intention when forming a visible image.

An electronic camera system according to a sixth 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 captured by the imaging means; setting means for setting imaging conditions for imaging the subject; and forming a visible image based on the image data Storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of image forming instruction information when the image forming instruction is to be performed, and predetermined image forming instruction information from the plurality of pieces of image forming instruction information stored in the storage means based on the imaging conditions set by the setting means. And an output unit that outputs the image formation instruction information selected by the selection unit in association with the image data, wherein the image forming apparatus includes: Reading means for reading image data to be image-formed and image forming instruction information associated with the image data, and image forming instruction information read by the reading means from a plurality of image forming modes for performing image forming processing under different conditions Image forming mode selecting means for selecting an image forming mode corresponding to the image forming mode, image forming processing means for performing image quality forming processing in accordance with the image forming mode selected by the image forming mode selecting means, and image forming processing by the image forming processing means. Image output means for outputting the processed image data.

According to the above arrangement, when the image forming apparatus reads out the image data output from the electronic camera and the image forming instruction information accompanying the image data, the image forming mode corresponding to the image forming instruction information is selected. Then, the image data is subjected to an image forming process according to the image forming mode. Accordingly, the user does not need any special input operation or instruction to reflect the photographing intention, and simply performs a normal photographing operation (camera operation) to accurately reflect the photographing intention when forming a visible image. Can be. Note that the image forming mode includes, for example, a correction mode (a standard, a person, a landscape, a sport, a sunset, a night view, a backlight, a macro, a sepia, a monochrome, no correction, etc.) indicating a correction process when a visible image is formed. Is included.

[0023]

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 configurations 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 Integrator)
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 unit 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 unit 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.

Referring to FIG. 1, a system controller (system controller) 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), controls each unit 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.

An 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 work 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 includes the system controller 3
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 as one image file in the memory card. 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. 5A, the conditions relating to the shooting mode (moving image mode, scene mode, filter, strobe mode, image quality mode) and imaging conditions (scene luminance, 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 imaging 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 imaging conditions. 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 compensation, 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 way, 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. 5A, 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. When this bit 3 is 0, the image data is converted to the image data based on the correction amount for the white balance correction calculated in the processing of S606. 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 process 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 process 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 processing 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 processing 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 in 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).

As a result, the printer device executes a correction process (a process related to correction at the time of visible image formation) 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).

Although 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.

[0070]

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

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5C022 AA13 AB15 AB40 AB66 AC03 AC31 AC41 AC69 AC74 5C052 AA12 DD02 FA02 FA03 FB01 FB05 FC06 FE01 FE07 FE08 GA02 GA05 GB06 GE08 5C053 FA04 FA08 GA11 GB36 JA30 KA05 LA01 LA03

Claims (7)

[Claims] An imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs an image signal; an image processing unit that obtains image data of a predetermined format based on the image signal captured by the imaging unit; Setting means for setting conditions; storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of image formation instruction information for forming a visible image based on the image data; and storing the information based on the imaging conditions set by the setting means. Selecting means for selecting predetermined image forming instruction information from a plurality of image forming instruction information stored in the means; output means for outputting the image forming instruction information selected by the selecting means in association with the image data; An electronic camera comprising: 2. 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 mode selecting means for selecting a mode to be used for the image processing; a storing means storing a plurality of image forming instruction modes for forming a visible image based on the image data; and a photographing mode selected by the photographing mode selecting means. Image forming instruction mode selecting means for selecting a predetermined image forming instruction mode from the plurality of image forming instruction modes stored in the storage means based on the image forming instruction mode selected by the image forming instruction mode selecting means Output means for outputting the image data in association with the image data. 3. An image capturing means for capturing 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 captured by the image capturing means; Imaging condition setting means for setting conditions relating to imaging by the imaging means, and storage means for storing a plurality of image formation instruction modes when forming a visible image based on the image data; Image forming instruction mode selecting means for selecting a predetermined image forming instruction mode from a plurality of image forming instruction modes stored in the storage means, based on the imaging conditions set by the means; Output means for outputting the image formation instruction mode selected by the means in association with the image data. 4. Image capturing means for capturing an image of a subject and outputting an image signal; image processing means for obtaining image data of a predetermined format based on the image signal captured by the image capturing means; A photographing mode selecting unit for selecting a mode to be used for photographing; an imaging condition setting unit for setting a condition relating to imaging by the imaging unit based on a situation of the subject; and a method for forming a visible image based on the image data. A storage unit in which a plurality of image formation instruction modes are stored; and a storage mode stored in the storage unit based on a shooting mode selected by the shooting mode selection unit and an imaging condition set by the imaging condition setting unit. Image forming instruction mode selecting means for selecting a predetermined image forming instruction mode from a plurality of image forming instruction modes; And an output unit for outputting the image forming instruction mode associated with the image data. 5. 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; Setting means for setting an imaging condition for imaging the subject from among a plurality of imaging conditions that are present; storage means for storing a plurality of image formation instruction information when forming a visible image based on the image data; A selection unit that selects predetermined image formation instruction information from a plurality of image formation instruction information stored in the storage unit based on the priority order given to the imaging condition set by the setting unit; Output means for outputting the selected image formation instruction information in association with the image data. 6. The image capturing condition includes at least a mode used for image capturing and a condition relating to image capturing, and the mode used for image capturing is given a higher priority than the condition relating to the image capturing. The electronic camera according to claim 5, wherein 7. 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 image capturing unit. Image processing means for obtaining image data of a predetermined format, setting means for setting an imaging condition for imaging the subject, and a plurality of image formation instruction information for forming a visible image based on the image data. Storage means, a selection means for selecting predetermined image formation instruction information from a plurality of image formation instruction information stored in the storage means, based on the imaging conditions set by the setting means, Output means for outputting the generated image formation instruction information in association with the image data, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises: Reading means for reading image forming instruction information attached to data; and an image for selecting an image forming mode corresponding to the image forming instruction information read by the reading means from a plurality of image forming modes for performing image forming processing under different conditions. Formation mode selection means, image formation processing means for performing image quality formation processing in accordance with the image formation mode selected by the image formation mode selection means, and image output for outputting image data processed by the image formation processing means Means, and an electronic camera system comprising: