JP2002305675A - Electronic camera and camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera and a camera system that can print out an image of an object as the nature size or at a designated magnification. SOLUTION: In the setting of a designated magnification image photographing mode, the electronic camera calculates a print resolution for printout of a photographing range W at an object position by a set print magnification depending on a distance of the object L, a focal distance, the number N of pixels of a CCD 214, and a pixel pitch P. The imaged object image information can be printed out at the setting magnification by printing out the information with the calculated print resolution.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an electronic camera and a camera system capable of printing a photographed subject image at a specified magnification.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, after photographing with an electronic camera, photographed image data is generally taken into a personal computer via a recording medium such as a memory card or a communication cable. The image captured by the personal computer can be printed using a printer. In this case, for example, printing can be performed by designating a print size and a print resolution using application software for printing.

[0003]

However, even if printing can be performed at a desired print size and print resolution, if a photographed subject is to be printed at the same size (actual size) as the real one or at a specified magnification, There was no suitable method.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera and a camera system capable of printing a subject image at the same size as a real object or at a specified magnification.

[0005]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, 7, 8 and 10. (1) The electronic camera according to the first aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 7. The imaging unit 214 photoelectrically converts a subject image projected on an imaging area by the imaging optical system 2.
A distance measuring unit 439 for detecting a subject distance L; a photographing range calculating unit 439 for calculating a photographing range W obtained by projecting an image capturing area of the image capturing unit 214 to a position of the subject distance L by the photographing optical system 2; A print resolution calculation unit 439 for calculating a print resolution at which a subject image based on image information from the imaging unit 214 is printed to a size substantially equal to the imaging range W based on the imaging range W and the number N of pixels of the imaging unit 214; And a storage control unit 439 for storing the print resolution in the storage area 424 together with the image information to achieve the above object. (2) In the electronic camera according to the second aspect of the present invention, the imaging unit 214 that photoelectrically converts the subject image projected onto the imaging area by the imaging optical system 2 and the distance measurement unit 439 that detects the subject distance L
A photographing range calculation unit 439 for calculating a photographing range W obtained by projecting the image pickup area of the image pickup unit 214 to the position of the subject distance L by the photographing optical system 2, and magnification setting units 10 and 11a to set the print magnification. 11d, shooting range W, imaging unit 2
14 based on the number N of pixels and the print magnification.
A print resolution calculator 43 for calculating a print resolution at which the subject image based on the image information from No. 4 is printed to a size substantially equal to the size of the photographing range W multiplied by the print magnification.
9 and a storage control unit 439 for storing the print resolution in the storage area 424 together with the image information to achieve the above object. (3) When described in association with FIGS. 2, 7 and 10, the invention of claim 3 is the electronic camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the subject image and the storage area 424 taken by the imaging unit 214 are provided. A display monitor 3 for selectively displaying a subject image based on the image information stored in the
The display magnification HM, which is a ratio between the size of the display range of the display monitor 3 and the value obtained by dividing the number of pixels N by the print resolution, is displayed on the display monitor 3 together with the subject image. (4) The electronic camera according to any one of the first to third aspects will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 7, wherein the photographing optical system 2 includes a zoom optical system. It has an execution mode in which the calculation of the print resolution and storage of the print resolution in the storage area 424 are performed, and a non-execution mode in which the calculation and storage are not performed, and one of the execution mode and the non-execution mode is selectively performed. , A zoom changing unit 430 for changing the focal length of the zoom optical system 2, and a zoom position of the zoom optical system 2 when the execution mode is set by the mode setting means 12. And a zoom control unit 439 for controlling the zoom changing unit 430 so as to set the distance. (5) In the electronic camera according to the fourth aspect, when the execution mode is set by the mode setting means 12, the zoom control unit 439 controls the zoom optical system 2
Is for controlling the zoom changing unit 430 so as to be in the macro shooting state. (6) The invention according to claim 6 is the electronic camera according to claim 5, wherein the cancellation means 13 cancels the macro shooting state;
A mode control unit 439 for switching the execution mode to the non-execution mode when the macro shooting state is canceled by the cancellation unit 13 in the execution mode. (7) The electronic camera according to any one of the first to sixth aspects will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Is provided. (8) The camera system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The electronic camera 1 according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and the print resolution stored in the storage area 424 The above-described object is achieved by providing a printing apparatus 23 that prints a subject image based on image information. (9) To explain with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 7,
In the camera system according to the ninth aspect, the photographing optical system 2
Imaging unit 214 for photoelectrically converting the subject image projected on the imaging region by the above, and ranging unit 439 for detecting subject distance L
A photographing range calculating unit 20 for calculating a photographing range W obtained by projecting the photographing region of the photographing unit 214 to the position of the subject distance L by the photographing optical system 2;
A print resolution calculation unit 2 that calculates a print resolution at which a subject image based on the image information from the imaging unit 214 is printed to a size substantially equal to the shooting range W based on the number N of pixels of 14.
0 and a printing device 23 for printing a subject image based on print resolution and image information to achieve the above object. (10) In the camera system according to the eighth or ninth aspect, when the print resolution is not included in the predetermined print resolution range, the predetermined print resolution is included in the print resolution range. An image processing unit 433 for processing image information is provided, and the printing device 23 prints based on the image information processed by the image processing unit 433 and a predetermined print resolution.

In the section of the means for solving the above problems, the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention are used to make the present invention easier to understand, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of the present invention. Not something.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. -First Embodiment- FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an electronic camera according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a plan view of the electronic camera as viewed from above,
(B) is a rear view of the camera viewed from behind. FIG.
As shown in (a), on the upper surface of the electronic camera 1, a main switch 4 for turning on / off the power, a release button 5, a dial 6 for switching between a recording mode and a reproduction mode, and a camera A display panel 7 for displaying information is provided. Here, the recording mode is a mode in which a subject image can be photographed and the image data thereof can be recorded. The reproduction mode is a mode in which the recorded image data is read out and displayed on the display LCD 3 (FIG. ) Is a mode for reproducing and displaying.

As shown in FIG. 1B, on the back of the camera, in addition to a display LCD 3 for displaying images, a finder eyepiece window 8 and a zoom switching button 9 for zooming the photographing optical system 2 are provided. Various operation buttons are provided. When the zoom switch button 9 is pressed on the W side, the photographing optical system 2 is driven to the wide-angle side, and when the T side is pressed, it is driven to the telephoto side. In the recording mode, a CCD 21 described later is used.
The subject images picked up by 4 are sequentially displayed on the display LCD 3, and in the playback mode, the display LCD 3 performs thumbnail display of images stored in the memory card 424 described later and playback display of individual images.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a menu button for displaying a setting menu on the display LCD 3. When various settings are made, the setting menu is displayed and selection buttons 11a to 11d are displayed.
Select the item to be set with. When setting the print size, which will be described later, the user operates the buttons 10, 11a to 11d to display a print size setting menu on the display LCD 3, and operates the select buttons 11a to 11d to select a desired print size from a plurality of displayed print sizes. Choose a size. The electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment has a designated magnification shooting mode and a normal shooting mode corresponding to a recording mode of a conventional electronic camera, as described later. This mode switching is performed by the mode switching button 12. The details of each mode will be described later.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a focus mode button for switching the focus mode. In the present embodiment, a normal AF mode corresponding to shooting of a snapshot or a portrait, a macro mode corresponding to shooting of a very close subject, and a distant view mode corresponding to shooting of a distant scene such as a landscape or a building. It has three focus modes. Each time the focus mode button 13 is pressed, the above three focus modes are switched cyclically.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the electronic camera shown in FIG. The control program for the electronic camera 1 is stored in the ROM 443. When the main switch 4 is turned on, the power of the electronic camera 1 is turned on, and the control program is started by the CPU 439. When the recording mode is set by the dial 6, the electronic camera 1 can take a picture. On the other hand, when the reproduction mode is set by the dial 6, an image based on the image data recorded on the memory card 424 as the recording medium can be reproduced and displayed on the display LCD 3. In the recording mode, C
An image based on the imaging signal from the CD 214 is displayed on the LCD 3
Will be displayed.

The photographing optical system 2 includes a plurality of lenses 201 to 20.
4, and the focus adjustment operation is performed by the lens driving circuit 430.
It is performed by The focus adjustment operation by the lens drive circuit 430 is normally performed by a command from the CPU 439, but the focus adjustment operation can also be performed by an operation signal output when the distance ring 462 is manually operated.

The lens 203 and the lens 20 of the photographing optical system 2
4, a shutter plate 208 and a stop 215 are provided. The subject light incident on the photographing optical system 2 includes lenses 201 to 204, a shutter plate 208, and an aperture plate 2.
15 and is imaged on the imaging surface of the CCD 214.
The aperture plate 215 and the shutter plate 208 are formed in a disk shape, and are driven by step motors 415 and 408 provided at the rotation center of the disk, respectively. Aperture plate 21
5 is provided with a plurality of aperture openings (not shown) having different opening areas.
Is rotated to dispose one arbitrary aperture on the optical axis.

The shutter plate 208 is provided with a complete light blocking portion (not shown) for blocking all light beams passing through the lens 203, and an opening (not shown) for passing all light beams. At the time of exposure, the opening of the shutter plate 208 is set on the optical path, and at the end of the exposure, the complete light shielding section is set on the optical path. Step motor 4 for rotating aperture plate 215
15 is driven and controlled by a drive circuit 453. The drive of the step motor 408 that rotates the shutter plate 208 is controlled by a shutter drive circuit 454.

At the time of photographing, first, the electric charge stored in the CCD 214 is discharged, and a predetermined opening of the aperture plate 215 is set on the optical path. And CCD
When the 214 is exposed for a predetermined time, electric charges are accumulated again.
The time from the discharge of the electric charge until the light path is shielded again by the complete light shielding portion of the shutter plate 208 corresponds to the exposure time.

When a subject image is formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 214 by the photographing optical system 2, signal charges corresponding to the intensity of light of the subject image are accumulated. The CCD 214 is supplied with a horizontal drive signal from a digital signal processor (hereinafter referred to as DSP) 433 and a vertical drive signal from a CCD drive circuit 434 controlled by the DSP 433. That is, the timing of the CCD 214 is controlled by the DSP 433 and the CCD drive circuit 434,
The signal from the CD 214 is input to the image processing unit 431.

The image processing unit 431 has a noise removal circuit, a DC reproduction circuit, and the like, and performs analog processing such as noise removal and gain control on the image signal output from the CCD 214. The analog image signal output from the image processing unit 431 is converted into a digital signal by an analog / digital conversion circuit (hereinafter, referred to as an A / D conversion circuit) 432. The converted digital image data is input to the DSP 433 described above.

In the DSP 433, an A / D conversion circuit 432
Is subjected to image processing such as contour compensation, gamma correction, and white balance adjustment.
The DSP 433 controls the data bus connected to the buffer memory 436 and the memory card 424 to temporarily store the image data subjected to various image processings in the buffer memory 436, and then store the image data in the buffer memory 436.
Image data is read from a predetermined compression format (for example, J
The data is compressed by the PEG method and recorded on the memory card 424.

The DSP 433 stores in the frame memory 435 image data that has been picked up by the CCD 214 and has undergone the above-described image processing, and image data that has been read and expanded from the memory card 424, and stored in the frame memory 435. The image is displayed on the display LCD 3 provided in the electronic camera 1. Further, the DSP 433 is used for recording the above-described image data on the memory card 424 and recording the decompressed photographed image data on the buffer memory 436.
It also manages data input / output timing.

A buffer memory 436 in which image data based on the output of the CCD 214 is temporarily stored is used to alleviate a difference in input / output speed of image data with respect to the memory card 424 and a difference in processing speed between the CPU 439 and the DSP 433. Used for The timer 445 has a built-in clock circuit, and stores time data corresponding to the current time as C
It is output to the PU 439 and is also used as a timer for monitor on / off control described later. This time data is stored in the memory card 42 together with the image data described above.
4 recorded.

The colorimetric element 417 detects the color temperature of the main subject and its surroundings, and outputs data of the detected color temperature to the colorimetric circuit 452. The color measurement circuit 452 includes a color measurement element 417.
The analog signal output from the CPU is subjected to predetermined processing to be converted into a digital value, and the converted digital signal is converted into a digital signal by the CPU 439.
Output to The interface 448 is a predetermined external device.
(Not shown) to transmit and receive data between the CPU 439 and the connected external device. 440 is a display circuit for controlling the display panel 7,
The setting contents in the photographing operation are displayed on the display panel 7. Note that the display LCD 3 or the display panel 7 displays a print size described later.

Next, the operation of the electronic camera 1 will be described. As described above, in the electronic camera 1, the dial 6 can be used to switch between the recording mode and the reproduction mode. The recording modes include a normal photographing mode corresponding to a recording mode of a conventional electronic camera and a designated magnification photographing mode. When photographing is performed in the designated magnification photographing mode, a print resolution at which the photographed subject image is printed at the set magnification is automatically calculated, and the print resolution is recorded on the memory card 424 together with the image information. When printing is performed at the print resolution recorded on the memory card 424 at the time of printing, a subject image with a specified magnification is printed.

[Explanation of Normal Shooting Mode] First, a normal shooting mode which is the same operation as that of a conventional electronic camera will be described. Select dial 6 for recording mode and playback mode
Is performed by the operation described above. When shooting, dial 6
Is set to the recording mode and the main switch 4 is turned on, or the dial 6 is set to the recording mode after the main switch 4 is turned on. The image signal output from the CCD 214 is subjected to analog processing such as noise removal and gain control by an image processing unit 431, and then is converted to a digital signal by an A / D conversion circuit 432. The digitally converted signal is guided to the above-described DSP 433, where image pre-processing such as contour compensation and gamma correction is performed, and is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 436.

Thereafter, the CPU 439 and the buffer memory 4
The image data is exchanged with the image data 36 to obtain a white balance adjustment value from the image data, and the DSP 433 performs white balance adjustment based on the adjustment value. The image data after the white balance adjustment is stored in the buffer memory 436 again. The image data stored in the buffer memory 436 is displayed on the display
Is processed into image data to be displayed on the screen. The processed image data is written into the frame memory 435 and displayed on the display LCD 3 as a photographing monitor image called a through image. This through image is sequentially updated at predetermined intervals based on subject light incident on the imaging optical system 2 by repeating the above operation.

When a half-press switch (not shown) is turned on by half-pressing the release button 5, the focus adjustment state of the photographing optical system 2 is detected based on the contrast of the image data, and the in-focus subject image is captured by the CCD 214. The focus adjustment operation by the lens drive circuit 430 is performed so that an image is formed on the top. When the release button 5 is half-pressed,
The CPU 439 detects the brightness of the subject from the image data, and performs an exposure calculation based on the detected brightness.

The electronic camera 1 has a mode called a "continuous AF mode" and a mode called a "single AF mode" as focus adjustment operations. In the continuous AF mode, the focus adjustment operation is repeatedly performed regardless of the operation of the release button 5, and the focus is locked by pressing the release button 5 halfway. On the other hand, in the single AF mode, the focus adjustment operation is performed only when the release button 5 is half-pressed, and the focus is locked.

When the release button 5 is fully pressed following the half-press of the release button 5, a full-press switch (not shown) is turned on. As a result, after the signal charges accumulated in the CCD 214 are once discharged, the shutter plate 208 and the aperture plate 215 are driven based on the result of the exposure calculation, and the CCD 214 performs imaging.

The image signal output from the CCD 214 by this imaging is subjected to the series of processes described above and stored in the buffer memory 436. The image data stored in the buffer memory 436 is displayed on the display
After being processed into image data to be displayed on the LCD 3, the image data is written into the frame memory 435, and a captured image called a freeze image is displayed on the display LCD 3. The image data on which such image preprocessing has been performed is further processed by the DSP 433.
Is compressed by the CPU 439, a predetermined data name is given by the CPU 439, and time information from the timer 445 is recorded together with a recording medium such as a flash memory (PC card,
(A CF card or the like).

The CPU 439 receives a zoom signal by operating the zoom switching button 9 and a half-press operation signal and a full-press operation signal by operating the release button 5, respectively. When the zoom switching button 9 is operated to the telephoto side (T), the CPU 439 drives the lens driving circuit 430 to optically increase the zoom magnification. Conversely, when the zoom switching button 9 is operated to the wide side (W), the zoom magnification decreases.

[Explanation of the designated magnification photographing mode] Next, the designated magnification photographing mode will be described. In the electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of print magnifications M are set in advance in the ROM 44 of FIG.
The setting of the print magnification M of the subject image is performed by the menu button 10 and the selection button 11 described above.
This is performed using a to 11d. For example, as the print magnification M,
When 1 ×, 2 ×, and 3 × are stored, first, a print magnification setting menu is displayed on the display LCD 3 by the menu button 10. Each magnification is displayed in the print magnification setting menu. By selecting one of the magnifications using the selection buttons 11a to 11d, the print magnification M is set to the selected magnification.

Although the details will be described later, if the printing magnification M is, for example, 2
When set to double, a print resolution is calculated such that an image at the time of printing is printed twice as large as the actual one. Also, the ROM 44
A plurality of print sizes are stored in 3 and, for example, any one of the print sizes is selected in advance by using the menu button 10 and the selection buttons 11a to 11d.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a camera system that performs from photographing of a subject to printing of a 1: 1 image. Image data photographed by the electronic camera 1 is taken into the personal computer 20 via a memory card 424 detachable from the camera 1. Alternatively, the camera 1 via the communication cable 21
May be transferred to the personal computer 20, or the image data may be transferred to the personal computer 20 via a wireless or Internet line. A display monitor 22 and a printer 23 are connected to the personal computer 20. Driver software for driving the printer 23 is installed in the personal computer 20, and the resolution and print size when printing an image can be freely set. Note that a configuration in which image data is directly input to the printer 23 without using the personal computer 20 may be adopted.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a schematic procedure from photographing to printing of the camera system shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, steps S101 to S1 are performed.
Steps S03 to S03 are procedures for photographing performed by the camera 1, and steps S104 to S106 are procedures related to printing. In step S101, the mode switching button 12 is used to switch from the normal shooting mode to the designated magnification shooting mode. In this designated magnification shooting mode, the display LCD
The print magnification M may be displayed on the display panel 3 or the display panel 7. In step S102, camera photography is performed in the designated magnification photography mode. In step S103, header information including print resolution (to be described later) and image data are recorded on the memory card 424.

In step S104, for example, the memory card 424 is removed from the camera 1 and the personal computer 2 shown in FIG.
The header information and the image data are read from the camera 1 to the personal computer 20 by, for example, attaching the camera to the PC 20. In step S105, image processing is performed according to the print resolution included in the header information. In step S106, the printer 2
3, the image is printed M times.

It is assumed that all the print sizes stored in the ROM 443 are in the selected state in the initial state. The photographer can change the desired print size to the selected state as needed.
In the following description, it is assumed that the sizes A4, B5, A5, and B6 used in the paper size are stored in the ROM 443 in advance as the print sizes, and all the sizes are in the selected state.

Next, the procedure on the camera side shown in steps S101 to S103 of FIG. 4 will be described in more detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG.
And 6 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of a program executed by the CPU 439 of the camera 1. In step S201, it is determined whether or not the mode switching button 12 has been operated to switch to the designated magnification photographing mode.
If it is determined in step S201 that the camera is in the designated magnification shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the mode is not the designated magnification shooting mode, that is, if the normal shooting mode has been set, the process proceeds to step S206, and a series of processes relating to the normal shooting mode are performed.

In step S202, the aperture is opened to reduce the depth of field so that the subject distance can be measured more accurately. In step S203, the photographing optical system 2 is adjusted to a macro state. The designated magnification photographing mode is a mode in which the subject image is printed at the same magnification or enlarged at the time of printing, so that photographing is generally performed while approaching the subject.
Therefore, in step S203, control is performed such that the macro area is automatically set. In step S204, the photographing optical system 2 is adjusted to a predetermined recommended zoom position. As the recommended zoom position, for example,
The lens is moved to an intermediate position between the telephoto end and the zoom end so as to reduce the lens aberration.

In step S205, it is determined whether the macro mode has been canceled. If it is determined that the focus mode button 13 has not been released, the process proceeds to step S205.
Proceeding to step S206, processing in the normal shooting mode is performed. In step S207, it is determined whether or not the release button 5 has been half-pressed. If it is determined that the release button 5 has been half-pressed, the process proceeds to step S208. If it is determined that the release button 5 has not been half-pressed, the process returns to step S201.

In step S208, the selected print magnification is read from the ROM 443. In step S209, the focus adjustment operation of the photographing optical system 2 is performed by the lens driving circuit 430, and when the distance to the subject at that time is calculated, the process proceeds to step S10 to read the focal length.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the subject and the CCD 214. A subject image within the photographing range W is projected on the entire imaging area of the CCD 214. In FIG. 7, the symbol W indicating the shooting range is the longitudinal dimension of the shooting range at the subject position, that is, the horizontal dimension when the camera 1 of FIG. 1 is held upright, and N is the width of the imaging area of the CCD 214. The number of pixels in the direction. P is the pixel pitch of the CCD 214. The following equation (1) always holds between the focal length f, the distance f ′ between the imaging optical system 2 and the imaging surface, and the subject distance L.

(Equation 1)

Returning to FIG. 5, in step S211, it is determined whether the subject image in the photographing range W shown in FIG. 7 can be printed on A4 size paper at the set printing magnification M.
If “YES” is determined in the step S211, the process proceeds to a step S212. If “NO” is determined, a step S21 is performed.
Proceed to 7. If it is determined NO in step S211 and the process proceeds to step S217, a rectangular frame WA4 corresponding to the A4 size is displayed over the subject image 30 on the display LCD 3 as shown in FIG. 8B. At this time, the display LCD
In FIG. 3, the subject image 30 in the photographing range W is displayed, but since the image is printed at a magnification of M times, the print range becomes MW as shown in FIG. The rectangular frame WA4 in FIG. 8B corresponds to the rectangular frame indicating the A4 size in FIG. 8A. That is, the rectangular frame WA4 represents a range that can be printed on A4 size paper.

In the subsequent step S218, a warning is issued that the photographing range W cannot be printed on A4 size paper. As a warning method, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, a mark 31 indicating “A4” indicating the print size may be blinked on the display LCD 3, or a speaker may be mounted on the electronic camera to notify by voice. You may do it. By displaying the rectangular frame WA4, it is possible to roughly know how close the subject can be to be printed on A4 paper.

When the process proceeds from step S211 to step S212, the photographing range W is determined in step S212.
It is determined whether or not the subject image can be printed on B5 size paper at a print magnification M. YE in step S212
If determined to be S, the process proceeds to step S214, and if determined to be NO, the process proceeds to step S213. In step S214, a rectangular frame corresponding to the B5 size is displayed on the display LCD 3 together with the subject image. At this time, the display LCD 3 displays a subject image in the shooting range W which is smaller than A4 size and larger than B5 size.

On the other hand, from step S212 to step S2
When the process proceeds to step S13, it is determined in step S213 whether or not the subject image in the shooting range W can be printed on the A5 size paper at the printing magnification M. If YES is determined in the step S213, the process proceeds to a step S215 to display a rectangular frame corresponding to the B6 size together with the subject image L
Display on CD3. At this time, A5 is displayed on the display LCD3.
A subject image of a shooting range W smaller than the size is displayed.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in the step S213, the process advances to a step S216 to display a rectangular frame corresponding to the A5 size on the display LCD 3 together with the subject image. At this time, the display LCD 3 displays a subject image in the shooting range W which is smaller than B5 size and larger than A5 size. In step S219, it is determined whether or not the release button 5 has been fully pressed, and the process proceeds to step S220 in FIG. 6 where it is determined that the release button 5 has been fully pressed, and otherwise returns to step S209.

Before the release button 5 is fully pressed, the zooming operation may be performed automatically or manually so that the photographing range W becomes substantially equal to the displayed rectangular frame WA4. In the case of performing automatically, for example, zooming is performed if the state where the subject distance L is constant has continued for a predetermined time or more. When the subject distance L changes after zooming, the zoom position is returned to the recommended zoom position.

If the release button 5 is not fully pressed in step S219, steps S209 to S219
Is repeatedly executed. At this time, when the photographer approaches or moves away from the subject, the photographing range W changes, and accordingly, the size of the rectangular frame WA4 displayed on the display LCD 3 also changes continuously. For example, when approaching the subject from the state of FIG.
As shown in (a), the rectangular frame WA4 indicating the A4 size becomes large. Further, when the size of the photographing range W multiplied by M when approaching the subject becomes smaller than the print size A4 size,
The process proceeds from step S211 in FIG. 5 to step S212 and step 214 in this order. At this time, the display LCD 3
A B5 size rectangular frame WB5 as shown in FIG.
Mark 32 indicating that rectangular frame WB5 is B5 size.
Is displayed.

Note that steps S214 and S21 in FIG.
In steps S216 and S217, the largest of the print sizes smaller than the size obtained by multiplying the photographing range W by M is displayed LC
Displayed on D3. For example, step S214
Since the size obtained by multiplying the photographing range W by M is larger than the B5 size and equal to or smaller than the A4 size, rectangular frames of B5, A5 and B6 sizes can be displayed. In the present embodiment, the largest rectangular frame WB5 of B5 size is displayed. (See FIG. 9B)
reference). However, in addition to the largest rectangular frame, FIG.
As shown in (c), two rectangular frames WB5, WA5 in descending order.
May be displayed. At this time, the rectangular frame WB
5, marks “B5” and “A5” indicating the size of WA5 are displayed. Further, a center mark C indicating the center of the display LCD 3 may be displayed as shown in FIG. 9B so that the subject can be easily aligned with the center of the rectangular frame WB5.

Returning to FIG. 6, in step S220, CC
The image captured in D214 is captured. Step S22
In step 1, the print resolution k for printing the subject image in the shooting range W at the magnification M is calculated. The print range W shown in FIG. 7 is expressed by Expression (2) using the number of pixels N, the pitch P, the subject distance L, and the distance f ′ calculated by Expression (1). When printing a subject in the photographing range W at a printing magnification M, N pixels correspond to the size MW, so that the printing resolution k at the time of printing may be set as in equation (3).
By transforming equation (3) using equation (2), equation (4) is obtained.

W = N · P · L / f ′ (2) k = N / (M · W) (3) = f ′ / (P · L · M) (4) Actually, In consideration of the error of the lens constituting the photographing optical system 2, the printing resolution k is expressed by the following equation (5) using the error coefficient α.

K = α · f ′ / (P · L · M) (5)

Returning to FIG. 6, in step S222, the image data is compressed in a predetermined format. In step S223,
Along with the compressed image data, focal length f, subject distance L, number of pixels N, pixel pitch P, specified print magnification M,
The print resolution k and the like are recorded on the memory card 424 as tag information. In this way, a series of processes from photographing to recording performed on the electronic camera 1 side is completed. The image data to be recorded on the memory card 424 includes the CCD 21
4 or the display LC
In the rectangular frame corresponding to the print size displayed in D3,
Only the image data in the range surrounded by the largest rectangular frame may be cut out and stored.

When the print resolution k is recorded in the TIFF format, the unit of the image width resolution, the image height resolution, and the image width and height resolution specified by the tag numbers 282 to 284 is used. Will be recorded. When recording in Exif format, tag numbers 37386, 37382, 4
Information of subject distance, lens focal length, focal plane height resolution, focal plane width resolution, and focal plane resolution unit defined in 1486 to 41488 are recorded. In this case, since a free area is provided in which the user can freely write, the print magnification M may be written into this free area, these may be read by the printer, and the print resolution k may be calculated by application software.

In the case of a camera recording in another file format in the normal shooting mode, when the designated magnification shooting mode is selected, the above-mentioned TIFF format or Ex
You may switch to an if format.

When printing a subject image, the image data is taken into the personal computer 20 shown in FIG.
Printing is performed by the printer 23 connected to the personal computer 20. At this time, the printer 23 reads the print resolution k recorded as the tag information and sets it as the print resolution. That is, by printing at the print resolution k, the subject image is printed M times as desired. If the application software does not automatically read and set the print resolution k, it is sufficient to check the tag information and manually set the print resolution k.

[Modification 1] In the above-described embodiment, when the photographer changes the subject distance L, the size of the rectangular frame WA4 displayed on the display LCD 3 changes continuously as shown in FIG. Changed to In a first modified example described below, a rectangular frame R having a fixed size is displayed as shown in FIG. First, the display area of the display LCD 3 is divided into three areas S1, S2, S3. Area S1
Is a region inside the rectangular boundary 35. The region S2 is a region surrounded by a rectangular boundary 34 and a boundary 35. The area S3 is an area surrounded by the display frame of the display LCD 3 and the boundary 34. The rectangular frame R is displayed almost in the middle between the boundary 34 and the boundary 35.

As shown in FIG. 10 (b), when the above-described rectangular frame WA4 is included in the area S1, the rectangular frame R and the mark ">A4" are displayed. Such a display allows the photographer to recognize that the range indicated by the rectangular frame R is larger than the A4 size. Note that FIG.
In (b), a rectangular frame WA4 is displayed on the LCD 3 for explanation.
Although shown above, it is not actually displayed. When the object distance changes and the rectangular frame WA4 is included in the region S2 as shown in FIG. 11A, the range indicated by the rectangular frame R is A
Since the size is almost the same as the 4 size, the rectangular frame R and “= A
4 "is displayed. Further, FIG.
In the case where the rectangular frame WA4 is included in the area S3 as in (b), since the range indicated by the rectangular frame R is smaller than the A4 size, the rectangular frame R and the mark “<A4” 37
Display c.

When the photographing range W becomes smaller and the process proceeds from step S212 to step S214,
Instead of the 0 (b) mark 37a, a mark ">B5" corresponding to the B5 size is displayed. As described above, in the first modified example, the rectangular frame R having a fixed size is displayed even when the photographing range W changes, and the marks 37a to 37c indicating the size of the rectangular frame R compared with the print size. Indicates that the approximate size of the range indicated by the rectangular frame R with respect to the print size can be recognized. In particular, since the size of the rectangular frame R does not change, display control is greatly simplified as compared with a case where the size is continuously changed.

Further, as shown in FIG.
The display magnification HM, which is the ratio between the size of the subject image displayed on the display 3 and the size of the real object, may be displayed on the display LCD 3. Let the size of the display LCD 3 be Lw,
Using the equation (3), the display magnification HM is calculated by the following equation (6).

(Equation 4)

[Modification 2] In Modification 1, the size of the rectangular frame R is constant, but in Modification 2, the size of the rectangular frame R is changed in three stages of R1, R2, and R3. explain. As shown in FIG. 12A, the display LCD 3 can display three rectangular frames R1, R2, and R3 having different sizes. For example, in a case where the above-described rectangular frame WA4 has a size as shown in FIG.
The rectangular frame R1 closest to the size of the rectangular frame WA4 is displayed. At this time, as in the first modification, “> A4”, “= A4”, “= A4” according to the magnitude relationship between the rectangular frame R1 and the rectangular frame WA4.
Display marks 37a to 37c such as "<A4"

In a case where the rectangular frame WA4 has a size as shown in FIG.
The rectangular frame R2 is displayed. Going further away,
If the rectangular frame WA4 has a size as shown in FIG. 12D, a rectangular frame R3 is displayed. When the process proceeds from step S212 to step S214 in FIG. 5, the rectangular frames R1 to R3 correspond to the B5 size frame, and ">B5" instead of the A4 size marks 37a to 37c.
Marks such as “= B5” and “<B5” are displayed. In the case of the second modification, the size is changed in three stages as in the rectangular frames R1 to R3 and displayed, so that the photographing range can be recognized in more detail than in the first modification.

[Third Modification] FIG. 13 is a modification of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, in which step S202 in FIG. 5 is deleted and steps S301 and S302 are added. After moving the lens to the macro area in step S203, the zoom position is set to the telephoto end in step S302. When set at the tele end in this way,
There is an advantage that measurement accuracy of the subject distance L is increased.
In step S302, it is determined whether or not the zoom position has been moved. If there has been a movement, the processing in the normal shooting mode in step S206 is executed. If there has been no movement, the processing after step S207 in FIG. Execute the process.

In the above-described embodiment, the calculation is performed using the equations (4) and (5). However, the printing resolution k with the subject distance L and the focal length f as variables is stored in the ROM 443 in advance as a table. In addition, the print resolution k corresponding to the obtained subject distance L and focal length f may be derived from the table.

The calculation of the printing resolution k was performed on the electronic camera 1 side in FIG. 3, but the subject distance L, the focal length f, the number of pixels N, the pixel pitch P, and the printing magnification M recorded as tag information were changed. The printing resolution k may be calculated by the PC 20 or the printer 23 on the printing side based on the printing resolution k. If the print magnification M is not recorded as tag data, or if zero is recorded, the tag data is treated as having no print magnification specified, that is, is handled as equal-size printing.

In the first embodiment described above, the ratio of the “vertical size: horizontal size” of the print size is the same as the ratio of the “vertical size: horizontal size” of the CCD 214. However, the “vertical dimension: horizontal dimension” of the photographing range W and the print size
Are different from each other, for example, as shown in FIG. 14A, when the print size S is longer in the horizontal direction than in the image capture range W, the vertical dimensions are compared to determine the size of the capture range W and the print size S. To compare. On the other hand, when the print size S is longer than the shooting range W as shown in FIG.
The horizontal dimensions are compared to compare the photographing range W and the print size S. The same applies to the following description.

Further, when the printing resolution k is too large or too small, the preferred printing resolution range, the image is thinned out, or the resolution is increased by interpolation processing (for example, bicubic interpolation processing). Is also good. For example, a photographing range having a length of about 50 cm in the longitudinal direction is photographed by a CCD 214 having 2000 pixels in the longitudinal direction.
When the portion m) is printed at the same magnification, the printing resolution is reduced to about 40 (dots / cm). In such a case. The print resolution is increased to 80 (dots / cm) by interpolation processing so that jaggies are not noticeable. Conversely, when a photographing area having a length in the longitudinal direction of about 5 cm is photographed and printed at the same size, the printing resolution is 400 (dots / cm).
Therefore, the image is reduced by thinning out or interpolating the image to about 150 (dots / cm).

When a wide converter or a teleconverter is mounted on the front surface of the photographing optical system 2 of the electronic camera, information that the wide converter or the teleconverter is mounted is transmitted to the camera automatically or manually. In such a case, the focal length f is corrected. In such a case, the designated magnification photographing mode may be prohibited or the designated magnification photographing mode may be canceled.

The first embodiment described above has the following features. (A) Since a rectangular frame corresponding to the print size is displayed on the display LCD 3, it is possible to shoot while checking the print image. (B) If a desired print magnification M is set at the time of shooting, a print resolution k corresponding to M-times printing is automatically calculated, and printing at the calculated print resolution k facilitates M-times printing. be able to.

Second Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, the print resolution k is calculated by the equation (4) or the equation (5) including the error coefficient α.
However, since the error coefficient α differs for each camera, an error for each camera cannot be accurately corrected with a specific error coefficient α. Thus, in the second embodiment, a method of correcting an error for each camera by photographing the reference chart with the camera will be described. Hereinafter, such a correction mode is referred to as a calibration mode. For example, the electronic camera is set to the calibration mode by operating the dial 6 in FIG. 1, and calibration described later is performed. In the calibration mode, the print magnification M is automatically set to M = 1.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calibration relating to a lens error. When performing the calibration, a reference chart on which frames of a predetermined print size, for example, A4 size and B5 size are printed is prepared in advance. When the calibration mode is set, the processing in FIG. 15 starts. In step S501, the photographing optical system 2 is adjusted to the macro position and the tele end.

The photographer holds the electronic camera 1 toward the reference chart in the setting state of step S501. In the calibration mode, the focus is always set to the continuous AF state in which the focus adjustment operation is performed, so that the focus adjustment with respect to the reference chart is performed. In step 502, as shown in FIG. 16A, the rectangular frame W corresponding to the A4 size
A4 and the reference chart 40 are displayed on the display LCD3. A frame 41 of A4 size and a frame 42 of B5 size are drawn on the reference chart 40, and the frames 41 and 42 and the rectangular frame WA4 are displayed on the display LCD 3 in FIG.

If the error coefficient α representing the lens error described above is 1, the frame 41 and the rectangular frame W on the display LCD 3 are displayed.
A4 matches. However, since they do not match in FIG. 16A, the error coefficient α ≠ 1. Here, the photographer moves away from the reference chart 40 so that the frame 41 and the rectangular frame WA4 match, and presses the release button 5 fully when they match. When the release button 5 is fully pressed, the flow advances from step S503 to step S504 in FIG. 15 to execute a focusing operation.

In step S505, step S504
The correction value β is calculated based on the subject distance L2 and the focal length f2 at the time of the focusing operation. The theoretical printing resolution k1 with no lens error or the like can be obtained by equation (7). On the other hand, a print resolution k2 including an error calculated based on the focal length f2 obtained by the focusing operation and the subject distance L2 is expressed by Expression (8). Here, f2 ′ = L2 · f2 / (L2−f2). The correction value β is represented by the ratio between k1 and k2, and is calculated as in equation (9). Here, M = 1 and S are A4 size.

K1 = N / (print size S) (7) k2 = f2 '/ (P · L2 · M) (8) β = k1 / k2 = P · L2 · M / (f2 ′ · S) …… (9)

Next, in step S506, FIG.
A rectangular frame WB5 corresponding to the B5 size as shown in FIG.
And the reference chart 40 are displayed on the display LCD 3. The photographer moves away from the reference chart 40 so that the frame 42 matches the rectangular frame WB5, and presses the release button 5 fully when the frame 42 and the rectangular frame WB5 match. When the release button 5 is fully pressed, the process proceeds from step S507 to step S508 in FIG. 15, and the focusing operation is performed. Printing resolution k3 at this time
Is the focal length f3 obtained by the focusing operation in step S508.
And the subject distance L3, and is calculated by the following equation (10). Here, f3 ′ = L3 · f3 / (L3−f3). In step S509, a correction value γ, which is a ratio between k1 and k3, is calculated. The correction value γ is as shown in Expression (11). Step S
In 510, the average value α2 of the correction value β and the correction value γ is calculated by the equation (12), and the average value α2 is set as the correction coefficient of the first embodiment.

## EQU6 ## k3 = f3 '/ (P.L3.M) (10) γ = k1 / k3 = P.L3.M / (f3'.S) (11) α2 = (β + γ) / 2. (12)

In the electronic camera of the second embodiment, since the correction coefficient α2 is set for each electronic camera, it is more accurate than the case of correcting with a specific correction coefficient α as in the first embodiment. Lens errors and the like can be corrected.

In the correspondence between the embodiment described above and the elements of the claims, the memory card 424 indicates the storage area, the display LCD 3 indicates the display monitor, the focus mode button 13 indicates the release means, and the mark 31 indicates the warning means. A. The printer 23 is a printing device, the DSP 433 is an image processing unit, the lens driving circuit 430 is a zoom changing unit, and the CCD 2
Reference numeral 14 denotes an image pickup unit, mode switch button 12 denotes mode setting means, menu button 10 and select buttons 11a to 11a.
1d is a magnification setting unit, printer 23 is a printing device, CPU
439 is a distance measuring unit, a photographing range calculating unit, a printing resolution calculating unit,
A storage control unit, a zoom control unit, and a mode control unit,
0 constitutes the photographing range calculation unit and the print resolution calculation unit of claim 9 respectively.

[0075]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By printing the imaged subject image information at the print resolution calculated by the print resolution calculation unit, the subject image of the same magnification or the specified magnification is automatically printed. Further, by displaying the display magnification on the display monitor as in the third aspect of the present invention, the printed image can be easily recognized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an electronic camera according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a plan view of the electronic camera as viewed from above,
(B) is a rear view of the camera viewed from behind.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the electronic camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camera system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a procedure from shooting to printing in the camera system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows steps S101 to S103 of FIG.
It is a flowchart showing the procedure up to this point in detail.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure following FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relationship between a subject and a CCD 214.

8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining image display, wherein FIG. 8A shows a print range, and FIG. 8B shows a rectangular frame W displayed on the display LCD 3;
A4 is shown.

9A and 9B are diagrams showing a rectangular frame displayed on the display LCD 3, wherein FIG. 9A shows a change in the rectangular frame WA4, FIG. 9B shows a rectangular frame WB5, and FIG. 9C shows rectangular frames WA4 and WB5. Show.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a rectangular frame R according to a first modification;
(A) is a figure which shows the relationship between the rectangular frame R and area | region S1-S3, (b) is a figure which shows the case where the mark 37a is displayed.

11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a rectangular frame R, wherein FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a case where a mark 37b is displayed, and FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a case where a mark 37c is displayed.

12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating rectangular frames R1 to R3 of Modification Example 2, and FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the rectangular frames R1 to R3.
(B) is a diagram in which a rectangular frame R1 is displayed, and (c) is a rectangular frame R1.
FIG. 2D is a diagram in which a rectangular frame R3 is displayed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a modification 3 and shows a modification of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5;

14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating a relationship between a print size S and a photographing range W. FIG. 14A illustrates a case where the print size S is horizontally long, and FIG. 14B illustrates a case where the print size S is vertically long. Indicates when there is.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the second embodiment, and shows a flowchart of a calibration mode.

16A and 16B are diagrams showing a relationship between a reference chart displayed on a display LCD 3 and a rectangular frame, wherein FIG. 16A shows a frame 41 and a rectangular frame WA4, and FIG. 16B shows a relationship between a frame 42 and a rectangular frame WA4. Show the relationship.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 electronic camera 2 shooting optical system 3 display LCD 10 menu button 11a to 11d selection button 12 mode switching button 23 printer 40 reference chart 214 imaging unit 430 lens drive circuit 433 DSP 439 CPU 424 memory card L subject distance N number of pixels P pixel pitch W shooting range R, R1 to R3, WA4, WA5, WB5 rectangular frame

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/232 H04N 5/232 A 5/76 5/76 E // H04N 101: 00 101: 00 F term (Reference) 2H044 DA01 DA02 2H054 AA01 BB11 2H102 AA36 BB08 CA11 5C022 AA01 AA13 AB23 AC01 AC11 AC18 AC31 AC42 AC69 5C052 FA02 FA03 FA04 FA09 FB01 FC06 FC08 FE01

Claims (10)

[Claims] An imaging unit that photoelectrically converts a subject image projected onto an imaging region by a shooting optical system; a distance measurement unit that detects a subject distance; and an imaging region of the imaging unit that is moved by the shooting optical system to the subject distance. A photographing range calculation unit that calculates a photographing range projected on the position of the subject; and, based on the photographing range and the number of pixels of the imaging unit, a subject image based on image information from the imaging unit is substantially the same as the photographing range. An electronic camera, comprising: a print resolution calculation unit that calculates a print resolution for printing in the same size; and a storage control unit that stores the print resolution in a storage area together with the image information. 2. An imaging unit that photoelectrically converts a subject image projected onto an imaging area by a shooting optical system; a distance measuring unit that detects a subject distance; A photographing range calculation unit that calculates a photographing range that is projected at the position of; a magnification setting unit that sets a printing magnification; and the imaging unit based on the photographing range, the number of pixels of the imaging unit, and the printing magnification. A print resolution calculation unit that calculates a print resolution at which a subject image based on image information from the image is printed to a size substantially equal to the size of the shooting range multiplied by the print magnification; An electronic camera, comprising: a storage control unit that stores information in a storage area together with information. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a display monitor that selectively displays a subject image captured by the imaging unit and a subject image based on image information stored in the storage area. An electronic camera, wherein a display magnification, which is a ratio between a size of a display range of the display monitor and a value obtained by dividing the number of pixels by the printing resolution, is displayed on the display monitor together with the subject image. 4. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the photographing optical system includes a zoom optical system, and the calculation of the print resolution and the storage of the print resolution in the storage area are performed. A mode setting means having an execution mode to be performed and a non-execution mode in which the calculation and storage thereof are not performed; a mode setting means for selectively setting one of the execution mode and the non-execution mode; and a focus of the zoom optical system. A zoom change unit that changes a distance, and a zoom control unit that controls a zoom change unit such that when the execution mode is set by the mode setting unit, the zoom position of the zoom optical system has a predetermined focal length. An electronic camera comprising: 5. The electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein when the execution mode is set by the mode setting unit, the zoom control unit controls the zoom optical system to be in a macro shooting state. An electronic camera for controlling a change unit. 6. The electronic camera according to claim 5, wherein said macro photographing state is canceled by said canceling means, and said execution mode is reset by said canceling means during said execution mode. An electronic camera, comprising: a mode control means for switching to an execution mode. 7. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a warning unit that performs a warning operation when the subject distance is out of a predetermined range. 8. An electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: a printing device for printing a subject image based on print resolution and image information stored in said storage area. Camera system. 9. An imaging unit for photoelectrically converting a subject image projected on an imaging area by a shooting optical system; a distance measuring unit for detecting a subject distance; A photographing range calculation unit that calculates a photographing range that is projected at the position of; and a subject image based on image information from the imaging unit based on the photographing range and the number of pixels of the imaging unit. A camera system comprising: a print resolution calculation unit that calculates a print resolution for printing in the same size; and a printing device that prints a subject image based on the print resolution and the image information. 10. The camera system according to claim 8, wherein when the print resolution is not included in a predetermined print resolution range, the image is set to have a predetermined print resolution included in the print resolution range. A camera system comprising an image processing unit for processing information, wherein the printing device prints based on the image information processed by the image processing unit and the predetermined print resolution.