JP2002330388A - Electronic camera, image processing unit, and electronic camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera that obtains an image subjected to image processing under the setting of different image processing parameters from photographing processing after the photographing processing. SOLUTION: In the case of photographing processing where a RAW mode is set, an image file resulting from attaching incidental information to image data (RAW data) before image processing is recorded. However, the incidental information includes 4 sets of parameter groups each comprising a plurality of image processing parameters required to perform the image processing of one image processing item by each image processing item. Thus, when a printer or the like conducts image processing on the basis of the image file, the printer can conduct image processing similar to that conducted by the electronic camera on the basis of the image processing parameters included in the incidental information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera for recording image data and supplementary information obtained by photographing as one image file, an image processing apparatus for performing image processing based on this image file, and Electronic camera system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a photographing process of an electronic camera, a white balance process or a color conversion (color conversion) is performed after a captured image is subjected to A / D conversion so that a better image (captured image) can be obtained. Various image processing such as degree) processing is performed.

For example, in the white balance process, a predetermined value is selected from image processing parameters optimized for each light source such as sunlight, a fluorescent lamp, a light bulb, etc., based on the light source (illumination light) of the captured scene. Are selected and set, and processing is performed using the image processing parameters. Alternatively, when a predetermined image processing parameter is designated (instructed) from the image processing parameters according to the user's preference at the time of shooting, processing is performed using the specified image processing parameter.

Similarly, among other image processing, image processing parameters selected and set according to a captured scene from among a plurality of image processing parameters and set according to a user's instruction at the time of photographing. Processing is performed using the set image processing parameters, and an image to be finally recorded on a recording medium is created.

In practice, this image is subjected to a compression process,
The image data is recorded on the recording medium (such as a memory card) as one image file together with the supplementary information (information on the photographing date, photographing conditions, etc.), and the photographing process ends.

[0006]

By the way, conventionally,
After the photographing process is completed, there is no means for obtaining an image when the photographing process is performed with different image processing parameters set in the photographing process. Therefore, for example, after the image processing parameters of the fluorescent lamp are set and the shooting processing is performed in the white balance processing, the user sets the image processing parameters of the light bulb and performs the white balance processing in the shooting processing. In such a case, when a request was made as to what kind of image could be obtained, the request could not be answered.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-282446 discloses an image processing method such as gradation processing and compression processing based on assumed output characteristics (output characteristics of a monitor, a printer, etc.) from a photographed image. There is proposed an image processing method characterized by creating and recording a plurality of images different from each other. According to this proposal, it is possible to obtain a plurality of images having different image processing methods after photographing, but for that purpose, a plurality of images must be recorded, and the processing time becomes longer, However, there is a disadvantage that the recording capacity required for the recording is enormous. Therefore, it is not a proposal that can be applied to an electronic camera, and it has not been possible to answer the above-mentioned user's request.

In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera and an image processing apparatus capable of obtaining an image when image processing is performed after different image processing parameters are set in the image processing after the image processing. And an electronic camera system.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
An electronic camera for recording image data obtained by shooting an object scene with additional information attached to a recording medium as one image file, wherein the additional information executes image processing of at least one image processing item. An electronic camera configured to include a plurality of parameter groups each including a plurality of parameters necessary for each of the image processing items.

According to the above configuration, for example, an image processing apparatus or the like that performs image processing based on an image file performs a shooting process based on parameters (image processing parameters) included in supplementary information of the image file. The same image processing as the image processing to be performed can be executed.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of parameters necessary for executing image processing of one image processing item in accordance with a captured scene are selected. This configuration further includes a first setting unit that sets one parameter. According to this configuration, the parameters for each image processing item can be automatically set according to the photographed (imaged) scene.

[0012] A third aspect of the present invention is the configuration according to the second aspect, wherein the supplementary information further includes a parameter set by the first setting means.
According to this configuration, the additional information can include a parameter set according to the captured scene, that is, a parameter automatically set by the electronic camera at the time of shooting.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, one of a plurality of parameters necessary for executing image processing of one image processing item in response to an instruction from a user. This configuration further includes a second setting unit that sets a parameter. According to this configuration, the user can set parameters for each image processing item.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the supplementary information further includes a parameter set by the second setting means.
According to this configuration, the additional information can include a parameter set in accordance with an instruction from the user, that is, a parameter set by the user at the time of shooting.

[0015] The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1, 2,
The invention according to 3, 4, or 5, wherein the image processing item includes at least one of gradation, white balance, sharpness, and saturation. According to this configuration, the image processing items include, for example, gradation, white balance, sharpness, saturation, and the like.

[0016] The invention according to claim 7 is the first or second invention.
7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein image processing means for executing image processing of the image processing item, and first image data for recording image data before the image processing is executed by the image processing means.
Recording mode setting means for setting any one of a recording mode and a second recording mode for recording image data after image processing has been executed by the image processing means, wherein the first mode is set by the recording mode setting means. When a recording mode is set, the additional information includes a plurality of parameter groups each including a plurality of parameters necessary for executing image processing of at least one image processing item. .

According to this configuration, when the first recording mode (for example, RAW mode) is set, the image data (for example, RAW data) before the execution of the image processing is recorded on the recording medium as one image file together with the supplementary information. Then, for example, an image processing apparatus or the like that performs image processing based on an image file can execute the same image processing as the image processing performed in the photographing processing based on the parameters included in the supplementary information. Therefore, after the photographing process, an image can be obtained when image processing is performed with different parameters set in the photographing process.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the second recording mode is set by the recording mode setting means,
The image processing is performed using the parameters set by the first setting means or the second setting means.

According to this configuration, when the second recording mode is set, the electronic camera sets the parameters set in accordance with the photographed scene or the parameters set in accordance with an instruction from the user. Can be used for image processing. The ninth aspect of the present invention provides the first and second aspects.
In the invention described in 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, the supplementary information further includes a plurality of parameters necessary for executing image processing for printing.

According to this configuration, for example, a plurality of printers or the like that perform a printing process based on an image file and are required to execute the image processing for printing included in the supplementary information of the image file. The printing process can be executed based on the above parameters.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of parameters necessary for executing the image processing for printing are set based on a set photographing mode and photographing conditions. The configuration includes one or more obtained print correction information, standard print correction information, and print correction information without correction.

According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to cause a printer or the like that performs a printing process based on the image file to execute the printing process based on the print correction information included in the supplementary information of the image file. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the image processing apparatus performs image processing based on image data obtained by photographing and an image file including additional information, wherein the additional information includes at least one image processing item. When a plurality of parameter groups including a plurality of parameters necessary for executing the image processing items are included for each of the image processing items, a plurality of reduced processing images are formed from the image data based on the plurality of parameter groups. Processing image generating means for generating, reduced image display means for collectively displaying the plurality of reduced processing images generated by the processed image generating means, and collectively displayed by the reduced image display means in response to an instruction from a user An image selecting unit for selecting one reduced processing image from the plurality of reduced processing images.

According to the above arrangement, it is possible to create a plurality of reduced processing images corresponding to a plurality of parameters for each image processing item and to display them collectively based on a plurality of sets of parameters included in the supplementary information. That is, the user can select a desired reduced processing image from the images. As a result, the parameter corresponding to the reduced image is selected. Note that a plurality of parameter groups included in the supplementary information are parameters used in image processing performed in photographing processing of the electronic camera.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the processing of generating the plurality of reduced processing images by the processed image generating means and the plurality of reduced processing images by the reduced image display means are collectively performed. The process of displaying and the process of selecting one reduced processing image by the image selecting means are performed for each of the image processing items.

According to this configuration, the user can select a desired reduced processing image for each image processing item. Thereby, the parameter corresponding to the reduced processing image selected for each image processing item is selected. Claim 1
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, image processing is performed on the image data using a parameter corresponding to the reduced processing image selected by the image selection unit, and an image based on the execution result is obtained. Is displayed.

According to this configuration, an image that has been subjected to image processing using parameters corresponding to the reduced processing image selected by the user is displayed. Therefore, after the photographing process, an image in a case where image processing is performed with different parameters set in the photographing process can be displayed.

According to a fourteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect, a printing means for printing an image based on the execution result is further provided. According to this configuration,
After the photographing process, an image in a case where image processing is performed with different parameters set in the photographing process can be printed.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera for recording image data obtained by photographing an object scene with additional information and recording the image data as a single image file on a recording medium, and the electronic camera recorded on the recording medium. An electronic camera system including an image processing device that performs image processing based on an image file, wherein the supplementary information includes at least one image processing device.
A plurality of parameter groups each including a plurality of parameters required to execute image processing of one image processing item are included for each of the image processing items, and the image processing apparatus includes at least the plurality of parameter groups in the supplementary information. And a reduced image display means for collectively displaying the plurality of reduced processing images generated by the processed image generating means, and a reduced image display means for generating a plurality of reduced processing images from the image data. An image selecting means for selecting one reduced processing image from among the plurality of reduced processing images collectively displayed by the reduced image display means in response to an instruction from a user, An electronic camera system that performs image processing on the image data using parameters corresponding to the reduced processed image.

According to the above configuration, the image processing apparatus creates a plurality of reduced processing images corresponding to a plurality of parameters for each image processing item based on the image file recorded by photographing with the electronic camera, and displays the reduced processing images collectively. Becomes possible,
The image processing similar to the image processing performed in the photographing processing can be performed using the parameters corresponding to the reduced processing image selected by the user from among them. Therefore, after the photographing process, an image can be obtained when image processing is performed with different parameters set in the photographing process.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera included in an electronic camera system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a zoom lens system 1, an image pickup device 2, an image pickup circuit 3, and an A / D (analog / digital)
The conversion unit 4 constitutes an imaging unit. In the imaging unit, a subject image (field) formed by the zoom lens system 1
Is photoelectrically converted (imaged) by the image sensor 2, and an image signal as the conversion output is A / D-converted through the image pickup circuit 3.
When the data is input to the (analog-digital) conversion circuit 4, it is subjected to A / D conversion to obtain digital image data. Here, the lens provided in the zoom lens system 1 is driven by a lens drive unit 6 controlled by a lens drive control circuit 5, and focus adjustment of a subject image is performed.

The system controller (system controller) 7
It is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls each part constituting the electronic camera and performs various image processing such as white balance processing and color conversion processing on the A / D converted image data. . In addition, a process of determining print correction information based on a shooting mode and shooting conditions is also performed. The print correction information is a parameter necessary for executing image processing for printing.

ASIC (Application Specific Integrator)
ted Circuit) section 8 is a JPEG (Joint Photographic)
It performs image data compression / expansion processing by the Experts Group) method, image data resizing processing, and the like. ROM 9
Is a control program for causing a CPU provided in the system controller 7 to control each part of the electronic camera, image processing parameters for each image processing item performed by the electronic camera (described later with reference to FIG. 2), print correction This is a read-only memory that stores an information determination table (to be described later with reference to FIG. 3) and operation data necessary for various other processes.

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 and supplementary information) to the memory card 13 or reading of the image file 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, an image processing device, or a printer device, and provides an image file to the external device. , Or input processing of an image file or the like from an external device.

The video memory 16 is a memory for temporarily storing image data for display obtained by the image processing in the system controller 7, and this image data is thereafter read out from the video memory 16 and read out from the video memory 16. 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. Further, this image signal can 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 keys, buttons, switches, and the like for transmitting various instructions received from the user to the system controller 7. For example, the user inputs a photographing mode instruction, a photographing condition instruction, a RAW mode instruction, a photographing start instruction (release). Button, etc.). Note that the RAW mode is a mode in which image data is recorded without performing various image processing in the photographing processing.

The power supply section 22 controls the voltage of the camera battery 23 or the voltage of the power input to the external power supply terminal 24 to supply power to each section of the electronic camera. It should be noted that the electronic camera having the above-described configuration may be configured to be connectable to a communication line, and may transmit and receive image files and the like via the communication line.

Next, stored in the above-mentioned ROM 9,
The image processing parameters and the print correction information determination table for each image processing item will be described. FIG.
7 is a table showing image processing parameters for each image processing item stored in the table. Note that these image processing items are also a shooting mode.

As shown in the figure, each image processing item has a plurality of settings, and has an image processing parameter composed of a data length and the number of data corresponding to each setting. For example, the image processing item / contrast has three settings of low, standard, and high. When the standard is set in the photographing process, the image processing parameter corresponding to the standard is:
The gradation table 2 having a data length of 8 bits and the number of data of 1024 is selected.
Is used to perform a contrast (tone conversion) process.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the print correction information judgment tables stored in the ROM 9. FIG. FIG. 6A shows a correction mode selection table, and FIG.
Indicates a correction condition change table. The correction mode selection table shown in FIG. 7A includes a correction mode (print correction information) based on the set shooting mode and shooting conditions.
Is a table for designating As shown by the circles in FIG. 7A, each shooting mode (moving picture mode, scene mode, filter, strobe mode) and each shooting condition (scene brightness, subject distance, shutter speed, aperture, strobe, angle of view). Indicates one correction mode (one of standard, portrait, landscape, sports, evening scene, night scene, backlit, macro, sepia, monochrome, and no correction) for each setting. Each shooting mode and each shooting condition are given a priority.

In the present embodiment, based on the priority of the set photographing mode and photographing condition, one correction mode based on the highest priority of the photographing mode or the higher priority of the photographing condition or the higher priority of the photographing condition is selected from the correction mode selection table. Two correction modes based on the two are specified. For example, in the photographing process, scene mode / sport (priority: 1), filter / skin color (priority: 2), shutter speed /
When high speed (priority: 5) is set, one of the correction modes / sports specified based on the scene mode / sport having the highest priority, or one of the correction modes / sports, and the next High priority filter / correction mode specified based on skin color /
Two correction modes for the person are specified.

The correction condition change table shown in FIG. 4B is a table for designating items (correction condition change, print correction information) that are not corrected based on the set photographing mode. In each shooting mode (exposure mode, metering mode, exposure correction, contrast, saturation, white balance, sharpness, ISO sensitivity), one correction is made for each setting, as indicated by the crosses in FIG. Items not to be performed (one of brightness, contrast, white balance, saturation, and sharpness) are specified. However, for items not marked with a cross, none of the items are designated.

In the present embodiment, items that are not to be corrected are specified from the correction condition change table based on the set photographing mode. For example, when the exposure correction / + 1 step, contrast / high, and white balance / sunlight are set in the photographing process, the items (correction) for which the brightness, contrast, and white balance are not corrected based on the settings are set. Condition change).

Next, the configuration of an image processing apparatus with a printing function (hereinafter simply referred to as a printer) included in the electronic camera system will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the printer. The printer shown in the figure is a sublimation-type thermal transfer printer that prints on paper in a face-sequential manner using an ink ribbon composed of, for example, Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan). is there.

Referring to FIG. 1, a system controller (system controller) 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), controls various parts of the printer device, and performs white balance processing and color conversion processing on image data. And various other image processing. This image processing is the same as the image processing performed in the photographing processing of the electronic camera. Further, at the time of printing, various image quality correction processes for correcting the brightness, saturation, hue, etc. of the image based on the image data are performed (automatic image quality correction process).

ASIC (Application Specific Integrator)
ted Circuit) section 32 is a JPEG (Joint Photograph).
ic Experts Group), compression / expansion processing of image data, resizing processing of image data, and the like. Memory I
/ F (interface) 33 is a card slot 34
To provide an interface function for exchanging data with the memory card 35 inserted in the memory card, and to write an image file to the memory card 35 including a semiconductor memory capable of reading and writing data. Alternatively, a process of reading an image file 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 external I / F (interface) 38
It provides an interface function for exchanging data with a personal computer connected to the PC connection terminal 39, and outputs an image file or the like to the personal computer or inputs an image file or the like from the personal computer. Processing is performed.

The video memory 50 is a memory for temporarily storing image data for display obtained by the image processing in the system controller 31, and this image data is thereafter read from the video memory 50 and Output circuit 5
1 and is converted into an image signal which is a video signal. When this image signal is input to the image display LCD 52, an image is displayed. This image signal can be transmitted to another device via the video-out terminal 53.

The thermal head control unit 40 includes a system controller 3
The image data for printing obtained by various kinds of image processing such as the automatic image quality correction processing in step 1 is read out for each line data, and the thermal head 41 is driven (heated) based on the read-out data. 4
The dye 3 is sublimated and absorbed to perform printing.

The paper transport control circuit 44 controls the paper transport unit 45 so that the inks are sequentially applied so that the Y, M, and C ink ribbons 43 are superimposed and printed. The paper 42 is transported from the paper cartridge 46. The operation unit 47 is various keys, buttons, switches, and the like for transmitting various instructions received from the user to the system controller 31, and includes, for example, an image selection instruction (using a cross key or the like), an image processing instruction, and a print instruction (print) from the user. Button, etc.).

The power supply unit 48 controls the voltage of the electric power input to the external power supply terminal 49 to supply electric power to each unit constituting the printer. In the printer having the above-described configuration, an image file or the like may be directly exchanged with an external device such as an electronic camera via a cable or the like. Further, it may be configured to be connectable to a communication line, and image files and the like may be exchanged via the communication line.

Next, the electronic camera system includes:
The operation processing of the electronic camera and the printer device having the above-described configurations will be described. Here, a description will be given focusing on processing performed to obtain an image when image processing is performed by setting different image processing parameters in the imaging processing after the imaging processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the photographing process performed by the electronic camera. It should be noted that the process shown in the figure is a process performed by the system controller 7 executing a control program stored in the ROM 9. As shown in the figure, a shooting mode instruction (step S (hereinafter, simply referred to as S) 507) from the user is first received until a shooting instruction (release button ON) from the user is received via the operation unit 21 (N). S501), shooting condition instruction (S50)
3), accept a RAW mode instruction (S505). When a photographing mode instruction (Y in S501), a photographing condition instruction (Y in S503), and a RAW mode instruction (Y in S505) are received from the user, the photographing mode (S502) and the photographing condition (S504) according to the instruction are received. , RAW mode (S506).

When a photographing instruction (release button on) from the user is received (Y in S507), the photographing mode and the photographing mode set in accordance with the above-mentioned instruction from the user and the scene to be photographed. An imaging process is performed based on the conditions (S508). In this imaging process, a subject image (object field) formed by the zoom lens system 1 is photoelectrically converted (imaged) by the imaging element 2, and an image signal that is a conversion output is converted into an A / A signal via the imaging circuit 3. Processing such as storing image data (RAW data) of digital data input to the D conversion circuit 4 and obtained by A / D conversion in the RAM 10 is performed.

Subsequently, a process of creating print correction information is performed based on the set photographing mode and photographing conditions (S5).
09). This processing is based on the correction mode selection table (see FIG. 3A) and the correction condition change table (FIG. 3B).
), Print correction information is determined and created based on the set shooting mode and shooting conditions. However, when the RAW mode is set, two pieces of print correction information of the first candidate (mode 1) and the second candidate (mode 2) are created, and when the RAW mode is not set, the first candidate (mode 1) is created. ) Create print correction information only. This print correction information is described in FIG.
This will be described later using (a) and (b).

Subsequently, an image (a photographed scene image) based on the image data (RAW data) stored in the RAM 10 is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, an image processing parameter for each image processing item at the time of photographing is obtained. Is set (S510).
However, if a predetermined setting has already been made in response to a shooting mode instruction from the user, an image processing parameter corresponding to the setting is set. For example, when the user sets the saturation as one of the shooting modes to the standard, the color conversion matrix 2 corresponding to the standard is set.
Is set as a saturation image processing parameter. As described above, the image processing parameters for each image processing item at the time of shooting are set according to the shot scene and an instruction from the user.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the RAW mode has been set (S511). If the RAW mode has been set (Y in S511), the image processing in S513 to S516 and the compression processing in S517 are not performed. Then, additional information is added to the image data (RAW data) and recorded as one image file on the memory card (S512). However, the supplementary information at this time includes a plurality of parameter groups each consisting of a plurality of parameters necessary for executing image processing of one image processing item for each image processing item, and includes four pieces of print correction information and the like. Is included. The file structure of the image file recorded at this time will be described later with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, if the RAW mode has not been set (N in S511), the image processing in S513 to S516 is performed using the image processing parameters for each image processing item during shooting set in the processing in S510. Perform processing. That is, AWB (auto white balance) processing is performed on the image data (RAW data) using the set gain (S513), and then color conversion (saturation) processing is performed using the set color conversion matrix. (S514), then perform gradation conversion (contrast) processing using the set gradation table (S515), and then perform edge enhancement (sharpness) processing using the set intensity (S515). S
516).

Subsequently, JPEG compression processing is performed by the ASIC unit 8 on the image data on which the image processing has been performed (S517), and additional information is added to the compressed image data to form a memory card as one image file. (S512). The file structure of the image file recorded at this time will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the RAW mode is set and a photograph is taken by such a photographing process, the image data (RAW data) before the image processing is performed is subjected to the image processing of at least one image processing item. Ancillary information including a plurality of sets of necessary parameters for each image processing item is added to the image processing item, and recorded as one image file on the memory card.

Next, the print correction information created in the process of S507 will be described. FIG. 6A is a table showing data (print correction information) corresponding to each correction mode and an item for which correction is not performed (correction condition change), and FIG. 6B is a table showing the created print correction. It is an example of information.

The print correction information includes the set photographing mode and the correction mode designated based on the photographing conditions (FIG. 3).
Upper 4bi indicating the correction mode selection table in (a))
It is composed of data of t and lower 5 bits of data indicating an item for which the specified correction is not performed based on the set photographing mode (see the correction condition change table in FIG. 3B).

That is, the upper 4bi of the print correction information
t is composed of the data shown in FIG. 6A corresponding to the specified correction mode, and the lower 5 bits are the data of the data shown in FIG. 6A corresponding to the item for which the specified correction is not performed. It is composed of logical sum.

For example, print correction information created when landscape is specified as a correction mode and brightness and white balance are specified as items not to be corrected is:
According to the table shown in FIG. 9A, the upper four bits are composed of 0010 in correspondence with the designated correction mode being landscape, and the items for which the designated correction is not performed are brightness and white balance. Corresponding lower 5 bits are 1000
It is composed of 10100 which is a logical sum of 0 (brightness) and 00100 (white balance).
9-bit print correction information of 1010100 is created.

However, the first candidate print correction information (mode 1) described in the processing of S507 in FIG.
This is print correction information when the correction mode indicated by bit is a correction mode designated based on the highest priority among the set shooting mode and shooting conditions. Also, the second candidate print correction information (mode 2)
Is print correction information in the correction mode designated based on the second priority in the set shooting mode and shooting conditions.

Next, the file structure of the image file recorded on the memory card in the processing of S512 in FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 7A shows an example of a file structure (RAW file format) of an image file recorded when the RAW mode is set, and FIG. 7B shows a case where the RAW mode is not set. 5 is an example of a file structure (other than a RAW file format) of an image file recorded in the image file.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the file structure of an image file recorded when the RAW mode is set includes a file identifier, an image size, 13 types of image processing parameters, Image processing parameters,
It consists of print correction identifiers, additional information including four types of print correction information, and image data.

The file identifier indicates that the image file is
This indicates that the image file is recorded when the RAW mode is set (RAW file format), and is represented by a fixed value of 2 bytes. The image size indicates the width and height of the image, and is represented by 2 bytes.

The thirteen types of image processing parameters indicate all the image processing parameters for each image processing item performed in the photographing process, and include a plurality of image processing parameters required to execute the image processing of one image processing item. A parameter group including four parameters is included for each image processing item. Further, each image processing parameter is represented by gradation table 1,
2, 3 are each 1024 bytes, color conversion matrices 1, 2, 3 are each 18 bytes, gains 1, 2,.
3 and 4 are each represented by 4 bytes, and the intensities 1, 2 and 3 are each represented by 2 bytes.

The image processing parameters set at the time of shooting are shown in FIG.
Indicates the data name of the image processing parameter for each image processing item set in the processing of S510 of FIG.
It is represented by Actually, the data name of the image processing parameter of each image processing item is shown for each 2 bits from the top of 1 byte (8 bits). For example, 2b from the top
It data is the data name of the contrast image processing parameter, the next two bits are the data name of the saturation image processing parameter, the next two bits are the data name of the white balance image processing parameter, and the last two bits
Is the data name of the image processing parameter of sharpness.

The print correction identifier indicates that the image file is an image file including four pieces of print correction information, and is represented by a fixed value of 2 bytes. 4
The types of print correction information include the first candidate print correction information (mode 1), the second candidate print correction information (mode 2), and the standard print correction information (standard:
0) and print correction information with no correction mode (no correction: 320).
yte. The print correction information is
These are a plurality of parameters necessary for executing image processing for printing.

The image data is RAW data (RGB R
AW data), width x height x 3 bytes
It is represented by In addition, the supplementary information may include a photographing condition and a photographing date set at the time of photographing.

As shown in FIG. 7B, when the RAW mode is not set, the file structure of the image file recorded includes a file identifier, an image size,
The image data includes auxiliary information including a type of image processing parameter, a print correction identifier, and print correction information, and image data.

The file identifier indicates that the image file is
This is an image file recorded when the RAW mode is not set (the file is not in the RAW file format)
This is represented by a fixed value of 2 bytes. The image size indicates the width and height of the image, and is represented by 2 bytes.

The four types of image processing parameters are represented by S in FIG.
FIG. 7B shows image processing parameters set at the time of shooting set in the process of 510. In FIG. 7B, as image processing parameters set at the time of shooting, a gradation table 2, a color conversion matrix 1, a gain 1, The example when intensity 3 is set is shown.

The print correction identifier indicates that the image file is an image file including one piece of print correction information, and is represented by a fixed value of 2 bytes. The print correction information indicates the first candidate print correction information (mode 1) and is represented by 2 bytes.

The image data is stored in a JPEG format in S517 of FIG.
This indicates image data that has been subjected to compression processing, and is represented by a data size depending on the image data. In addition, the additional information may include the set shooting condition, shooting date, and the like.

Next, image processing and print processing based on an image file performed by the printer will be described. These processes are performed by the system controller 31 executing a control program stored in the ROM 37. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image processing performed by the printer device. However, the flow shown in the figure is performed in a state where a memory card on which an image file in the RAW file format is recorded is inserted into the card slot 34.
This processing is executed when an image processing instruction for an image based on the image file in the RAW file format is issued according to an instruction from the user. Therefore, when an image processing instruction for an image based on an image file other than the RAW file format is issued, this flow is not executed. Note that, for example, after the image processing by the electronic camera, the image processing instruction is requested by the user to determine what image would have been obtained when image processing was performed with different image processing parameters set in the image processing. This is performed when the user has done so.

As shown in the figure, first, an image file in the RAW file format for which an image processing instruction has been issued by the user is read from the memory card, and the file is opened (S801). Subsequently, additional information (header information) and image data (RAW data) are read from the image file, the image data is resized, and a 160 × 12
A reduced image of 0 pixels is created (S802, S803).

Subsequently, a process of allowing the user to select an image processing parameter (image processing parameter for each image processing item) used in the image processing of S814 to S817 (S804 to 811). Note that S814 to S81
The image processing of No. 7 is the same processing as the image processing (S513 to S516 in FIG. 5) performed in the photographing processing.
By allowing the user to select the image processing parameters to be used in each of the image processing in steps 4 to S817 as desired, it is possible to respond to the user's request described above.

Specifically, first, the white balance (W
B) Each of the four image processing parameters (gains 1, 2, 3, and 4) of the white balance processing included in the accompanying information is added to the reduced image so that the user can select the image processing parameters of the processing. To generate four reduced images that have been subjected to white balance processing (S80).
4).

Subsequently, color conversion (saturation) processing (S80) is performed on each of the four reduced processing images based on the image processing parameters set at the time of shooting included in the supplementary information.
6), a gradation conversion (contrast) process (S807), and an edge enhancement (sharpness) process (S808) are performed.
The information is collectively displayed on the CD 52 (S808).

Subsequently, an image selection instruction from the user is received via the operation unit 47 (S809), and when a predetermined reduced processing image is selected from the four reduced processing images displayed collectively (S809). Y), the image processing parameters of the white balance processing corresponding to the selected reduced processing image are selected (set) as the image processing parameters used in the white balance processing in S814.

That is, the four reduced processing images displayed collectively have different image processing parameters for white balance processing, and the same image processing parameters for other color conversion processing, gradation processing, and edge enhancement processing. The image processing is performed using parameters (image processing parameters set at the time of shooting). Accordingly, when the user selects a desired reduced processing image from the four reduced processing images, the image processing parameter of the white balance processing corresponding to the selected reduced processing image is selected.

At this point, there are still image processing items (saturation, contrast, sharpness) for which no image processing parameters have been selected (N in S810). The processing item is changed to saturation (S811), and the process returns to S804.

However, since the image processing parameters for the white balance processing have already been selected at this time, in the processing of S804, the white balance processing is performed on the reduced image obtained in the processing of S803 by using the selected image processing parameters. To generate one reduced image.

Subsequently, the reduced image is subjected to color conversion using each of the three image processing parameters (color conversion matrices 1, 2, and 3) of the color conversion (saturation) process included in the accompanying information. Three processed reduced images are created (S805). Subsequently, a gradation conversion process (S80) is performed on each of the three reduced processing images based on the image processing parameters set at the time of shooting included in the supplementary information.
6), edge enhancement processing (S807) is performed, and the three reduced processing images subjected to these processings are displayed on the image display LCD 52.
Are displayed collectively (S808).

Subsequently, an image selection instruction from the user is received via the operation unit 47 (S809), and when a predetermined reduced processing image is selected from the three reduced processing images displayed together (S809). Y), the image processing parameters of the color conversion processing corresponding to the selected reduced processing image are represented by S
It is selected (set) as an image processing parameter used in the color conversion processing of 815.

At this time, since image processing items (contrast and sharpness) for which no image processing parameters have been selected still remain (N in S810), the image processing items of the image processing parameters to be selected by the user are next set. The contrast is changed (S811), and the process returns to S804.

However, at this time, since the image processing parameters for the white balance processing and the color conversion processing have already been selected, in the processing in S804 and S805, the selected image processing parameters are added to the reduced image obtained in the processing in S803. To perform a white balance process and a color conversion process to create one reduced processed image.

Subsequently, the reduced image is processed by using each of the three image processing parameters (gradation tables 1, 2, and 3) of the gradation conversion (contrast) process included in the supplementary information. Three reduced images subjected to the conversion processing are created (S806). Subsequently, edge enhancement processing (S) is performed on each of the three reduced processing images based on image processing parameters set at the time of shooting included in the supplementary information.
807), and the three reduced images subjected to this processing are displayed on the image display LCD 52 in a lump (S808).

Subsequently, an image selection instruction from the user is received via the operation unit 47 (S809), and when a predetermined reduced processing image is selected from the three reduced processing images displayed collectively (S809). Y), the image processing parameters of the gradation conversion processing corresponding to the selected reduced processing image are
It is selected (set) as an image processing parameter used in the gradation conversion processing of S816.

At this time, since image processing items (sharpness) for which image processing parameters have not been selected still remain (N in S810), the image processing item of the image processing parameter to be selected by the user is changed to sharpness. It changes (S811) and returns to the processing of S804 again.

However, at this time, since the respective image processing parameters of the white balance processing, the color conversion processing, and the gradation conversion processing have already been selected, the processing of S804 to S806 is performed at S8.
The reduced image obtained in the process 03 is subjected to white balance processing, color conversion processing, and gradation conversion processing using the selected image processing parameters, thereby creating one reduced processing image.

Subsequently, an edge enhancement process is performed on the reduced image by using each of the three image processing parameters (intensity 1, 2, 3) of the edge enhancement (sharpness) process included in the accompanying information. The three reduced processed images are created (S807), and these are collectively displayed on the image display LCD 52 (S808).

Subsequently, an image selection instruction from the user is received via the operation unit 47 (S809), and when a predetermined reduced processing image is selected from the three reduced processing images displayed collectively (S809). Y), the image processing parameters of the edge enhancement processing corresponding to the selected reduced processing image are selected (set) as the image processing parameters used in the edge enhancement processing of S817.

When all the image processing parameters for each image processing item are selected (Y in S810), the image data (RAW data) of the image file is read again (S812), and the file is closed. (S81
3). Next, read image data (full size)
Then, using the image processing parameters for each image processing item selected by the user, white balance (AW) processing (S814), color conversion (saturation) processing (S815), and gradation conversion (contrast) processing (S816) ) And edge enhancement (sharpness) processing (S817), and displays an image based on the image data on which these processings have been performed on an image display LCD.
52 is displayed (S818). The image data at this time may be recorded on a memory card in accordance with an instruction from the user.

By such processing, an image can be obtained in which, after the photographing processing, image processing is performed with different image processing parameters set in the photographing processing. Therefore, it is possible to answer the above-mentioned user's request. Subsequently, a print instruction from the user is received via the operation unit 47 (S819). When there is a print instruction (Y in S819), the process proceeds to a print process described later with reference to FIG.

In this flow, the display of the reduced image (S 808) and the display of the image (S 818) may be displayed on the display of the PC via the PC connection terminal 39, or the video out may be performed. You may make it display on another display device via the terminal 53. Also, the order of the image processing parameters to be selected by the user is
The order is not limited to white balance, saturation, contrast, and sharpness.

FIG. 9 shows an image display LCD in the processing of S808.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a reduced processing image collectively displayed on a display 52; FIG. 1 shows a display screen displayed when the user selects an image processing parameter of contrast (gradation conversion processing) as an example.

As shown in the figure, the upper left is the gradation table 1
, The upper right is a reduced image based on the gradation table 2, and the lower left is a reduced image based on the gradation table 3. In this way, the reduced processed images displayed collectively are arranged in order in order to make it easy for the user to confirm the difference due to the difference in the image processing parameters.

As a reference for the user to select an image, an asterisk is displayed below the reduced processing image based on the same image processing parameter as the image processing parameter set at the time of shooting. In the figure, the lower left image is such. That is, it can be seen that the gradation table 3 was set as the image processing parameter of the contrast at the time of shooting. The selection frame in the figure indicates a selection target when the user selects an image, and is moved by the cross key.

Although display examples of other image processing items are not shown, similar to the above-described display examples, the reduced processing images to be collectively displayed are regularly arranged in order.
An asterisk is displayed below the reduced processing image based on the same image processing parameter as the image processing parameter set at the time of shooting.

Next, the printing process performed by the printer will be described. In the print processing, when the supplementary information of the image file to be printed includes a plurality of pieces of print correction information, the user selects a desired image from among the plurality of images processed based on the respective pieces of print correction information. And the selected image is printed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of this print processing. As shown in the figure, when a print instruction is given to an image of a predetermined image file, a print correction identifier is read from the supplementary information of the image file, and how many pieces of print correction information are included is determined. The print correction information is read (S10
01). However, here, the image of the image file to be printed is described as the image displayed in the process of S818 in FIG. Therefore, in the process of S1001, it is determined that the number of print correction information is four, and the four pieces of print correction information are the first candidate print correction information (mode 1) and the second candidate print correction information (mode 2). , Standard print correction information (: 0), and print correction information without correction (: 320).

Subsequently, image analysis of the image (image data) displayed in the process of S818 in FIG. 8 is performed (S100).
2) Based on the analysis result and the read four pieces of print correction information, a process of allowing a user to select a favorite image from among four images processed based on each piece of print correction information is performed (S1003 to SS1012). .

More specifically, first, an image quality correction amount is calculated based on the first candidate print correction information and the above-described image analysis result (S1003). Specifically, based on the correction mode and the image analysis result indicated in the first candidate print correction information, the image quality correction amount in the subsequent contrast correction process, the image quality correction amount in the brightness correction process, and the image quality correction amount in the white balance correction process The image quality correction amount, the image quality correction amount in the saturation correction process, and the image quality correction amount in the sharpness correction process are calculated.

Subsequently, based on the calculated image quality correction amounts, contrast correction processing (S1004), brightness correction processing (S1005), and white balance correction processing (S1).
006), a saturation correction process (S1007), and a sharpness correction process (S1008). However, if the first candidate print correction information indicates an item not to be corrected (correction change condition), the correction process for that item is skipped.

When an image processed based on the first candidate print correction information is created in this way, it is displayed on the image display LCD 52 (S1009). Such processing is similarly performed for the second candidate print correction information (mode 2), the standard print correction information, and the print correction information without correction, and the processing is performed based on each print correction information. Image display L
When the image is displayed on the CD 52 (Y in S1010), an image selection instruction is received from the user via the operation unit 47 (S1012), and a predetermined image is selected from the four images displayed on the image display LCD 52. (S1012)
(Y), a process of actually printing the selected image on paper is performed (S1013), and the flow ends.

By such a process, it becomes possible to print an image according to the user's preference. In the present embodiment, the processing up to S818 of the image processing shown in FIG. 8 may be performed by the electronic camera.

[0113]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an image in a case where different image processing parameters are set and the image processing is performed in the imaging processing after the imaging processing. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera included in an electronic camera system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a table showing image processing parameters for each image processing item stored in a ROM.

3A is a correction mode selection table, and FIG. 3B is a correction condition change table.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus (printer) with a print function included in the electronic camera system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a photographing process performed by the electronic camera.

FIG. 6A is a table showing data (print correction information) corresponding to each correction mode and an item not performing correction (correction condition change), and FIG. 6B is an example of created print correction information. is there.

FIG. 7A is an example of a file structure (RAW file format) of an image file recorded when the RAW mode is set, and FIG. 7B is recorded when the RAW mode is not set. File structure of image file (R
(Other than the AW file format).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image processing performed by the printer device.

FIG. 9 is a display example of a reduced image displayed collectively on the image display LCD 52;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print processing performed by 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 terminal 20 Strobe light emitting 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 External I / F 39 PC connection terminal 40 Thermal head control unit 41 Thermal head 42 Paper 43 Ink ribbon 44 Paper transport control unit 45 Paper transport unit 46 Paper cartridge 47 Operation unit 4 8 Power supply unit 49 External power supply input terminal 50 Video memory 51 Video output circuit 52 Image display LCD 53 Video out terminal

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/91 HF term (Reference) 5B050 AA09 BA10 BA15 DA04 EA09 EA10 EA14 FA02 FA03 FA12 FA19 GA08 5C022 AA13 AB00 5C052 FA03 FB01 FB05 FC08 FD01 FD07 FD13 5C053 FA04 FA05 GA20 KA24 LA03 LA11

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An electronic camera for recording image data obtained by photographing an object scene with additional information attached to a recording medium as one image file, wherein the additional information includes at least one image processing item. An electronic camera, wherein a plurality of parameter groups each including a plurality of parameters necessary for executing image processing are included for each image processing item. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first setting unit configured to set one parameter from a plurality of parameters necessary for executing image processing of one image processing item in accordance with a captured scene. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. The electronic camera according to claim 2, wherein the additional information further includes a parameter set by the first setting unit. 4. A second setting means for setting one parameter from among a plurality of parameters necessary for executing image processing of one image processing item in response to an instruction from a user. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein said additional information further includes a parameter set by said second setting means. 6. The image processing item according to claim 1, wherein at least one of gradation, white balance, sharpness, and saturation is included. Electronic camera as described. 7. An image processing unit for executing image processing of the image processing item, a first recording mode for recording image data before execution of image processing by the image processing unit, or execution of image processing by the image processing unit Recording mode setting means for setting any one of a second recording mode for recording the subsequent image data, and when the first recording mode is set by the recording mode setting means, A plurality of parameter groups each including a plurality of parameters necessary for executing image processing of at least one image processing item are included for each image processing item. 7. The electronic camera according to 5 or 6. 8. The image processing means uses a parameter set by the first setting means or the second setting means when the second recording mode is set by the recording mode setting means. The electronic camera according to claim 7, wherein the electronic camera performs image processing. 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supplementary information further includes a plurality of parameters necessary for executing image processing for printing. , 7,
Or the electronic camera according to 8. 10. A plurality of parameters necessary for executing image processing for printing include one or more print correction information obtained based on a set shooting mode and shooting conditions, The electronic camera according to claim 9, further comprising print correction information and print correction information without correction. 11. An image processing apparatus for performing image processing based on image data obtained by photographing and an image file including incidental information, wherein the incidental information executes image processing of at least one image processing item. A process of generating a plurality of reduced processing images from the image data based on the plurality of parameter groups when a plurality of parameter groups including a plurality of parameters required for Image generating means; reduced image display means for collectively displaying the plurality of reduced processing images generated by the processed image generating means; and the plurality of reduced images displayed by the reduced image display means in response to an instruction from a user. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image selection unit that selects one reduced processing image from among the reduced processing images. 12. A process for generating the plurality of reduced images by the processed image generating unit, a process for displaying the plurality of reduced images by the reduced image display unit at a time, and one reducing process by the image selecting unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a process of selecting an image is performed for each of the image processing items. 13. An image processing is performed on the image data using a parameter corresponding to the reduced processing image selected by the image selecting means, and an image based on the execution result is displayed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: printing means for printing an image based on the execution result. 15. An electronic camera for recording image data obtained by shooting an object scene with additional information on a recording medium as one image file, and an image based on the image file recorded on the recording medium. An electronic camera system including an image processing device for performing processing, wherein the additional information includes a parameter group including a plurality of parameters necessary for causing the image processing device to execute image processing of one image processing item. A plurality of sets are included for each image processing item, and the image processing apparatus is configured to generate a plurality of reduced processing images from the image data when the supplementary information includes at least the plurality of sets of parameter groups. Means, a reduced image display means for collectively displaying the plurality of reduced processing images generated by the processed image generating means, And an image selecting means for selecting one reduced processing image from the plurality of reduced processing images displayed collectively by the reduced image display means, the image processing apparatus corresponding to the reduced processing image selected by the image selecting means. Performing image processing on the image data using a parameter to perform the processing.