JP2003298907A - Digital camera and image display apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera and an image display apparatus for easily printing out only a focused image even when an object is moving or a photographer changes a field angle between a state when the photographer half-depresses a shutter button and a state the photographer fully depresses the shutter button after the half-depression. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing section reads a frequency spectrum of a focused part of a photographed image recorded on a memory card together with photographing image data photographed by the digital camera, analyzes the photographed image data as to whether the frequency spectrum having a frequency component equal or similar to the frequency component of the frequency spectrum at the read focused part exists in the image data of the recorded photographed image, decides that the focuses part exists in the image data when existing and furthermore specifies the focused part. A display section displays the focused part specified by the image processing section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera for capturing still images and moving images, and an image display device for displaying and printing captured still images and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional printing apparatus, when image data taken by a digital camera is selected and printed, even image data that is out of focus may be printed out. Was becoming.

In order to eliminate such useless printing,
In order to confirm whether the image is in focus, it is necessary to enlarge the print target image, check whether the subject is in focus, and select print. However, this makes the operation complicated. Further, when there are a large number of photographed images, it takes a huge amount of time just to select the image to be printed. Therefore, printing only the image focused on the subject places a burden on the user.

Japanese Patent No. 25 is given as an example of displaying an image that cannot be focused.
No. 90898 exists, but it is determined whether or not focusing is possible on the microfilm by using an optical focus adjusting means, and an unfocusable display is performed.

In order to easily print only the focused image,
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-128044 discloses that focus data of a captured image is recorded as position information together with image data, and a focus position is displayed based on the focus position information when an image is displayed. However, in this publication, when the subject is moving, or when the photographer changes the angle of view between the state where the shutter button is half-pressed to compose the image and the state where the shutter button is fully pressed to take the image, the focus is adjusted. It was difficult to match the positional information with the recorded image data.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention sets the angle of view when the subject is moving or when the photographer half-presses the shutter button and then fully presses it. It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera and an image display device for easily printing only a focused image even when changed.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera capable of recording image data of a picked-up image, wherein a focusing operation is performed by performing an operation of focusing on a predetermined portion within a photographing screen during photographing. From a digital camera, which comprises: a focusing point obtaining means for obtaining information of the information; a calculating means for calculating a frequency spectrum of the focusing point; and a recording means for recording the calculated frequency spectrum together with the image data of the photographed image. Become.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the in-focus point obtaining means obtains information on the in-focus point by performing an operation of focusing on a predetermined point in the photographic screen at the time of photographing. The frequency spectrum of the in-focus (focused) portion is calculated by the calculating means. The recording means records the calculated frequency spectrum together with the image data of the captured image. Therefore, in the digital camera of the present invention, the frequency spectrum of the in-focus portion is recorded together with the captured image data. Therefore, when printing the image data, the image data is analyzed and the frequency spectrum component of the in-focus portion is identified. If it is confirmed that a similar frequency spectrum exists in the image data, it is determined that the image data has a focused portion, and the focused portion can be specified.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reading unit for reading a frequency spectrum of a focused portion of a recorded image recorded together with image data of the recorded photographed image, and a focused portion read by the reading unit. Based on the frequency spectrum, an analysis unit that analyzes the image data to see if a frequency spectrum that is equal to or similar to the frequency component of the frequency spectrum of the focusing point exists in the recorded image data and specifies the focusing point And an image display device including a display unit that displays a focused portion specified by the analysis unit.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the reading unit reads the frequency spectrum of the focused portion of the captured image recorded together with the captured image data in the memory, the recording medium, the Internet server or the like. If there is a frequency spectrum in the recorded image data that is equal to or similar to the frequency component of the frequency spectrum of the focused portion read by the reading unit in the analysis unit, the image data is analyzed, and if it exists, It is determined that the image data has a focused portion, and the focused portion is further specified. The display unit displays the in-focus portion specified by the analysis unit.

According to the present invention of claim 3, the analyzing section can determine the focus level of the focus portion.

According to the present invention of claim 4, the display section can display an enlarged image of the focused portion.

According to the present invention of claim 5, when the analysis by the analysis unit does not include the frequency spectrum of the in-focus portion of the recorded image recorded in the image data, or the high frequency component of a predetermined threshold value or more is detected. When it is determined that the frequency spectrum does not exist, a warning is displayed when the image is selected. If the image data does not have a frequency spectrum at the in-focus portion of the recorded image, or if it is determined that there is no frequency spectrum of high-frequency components above a predetermined threshold value, the level above the level desired for the image data Since there is no in-focus portion, a warning is displayed when the photographed image is selected to be printed, and confirmation is made as to whether or not the image can be printed. Examples of the warning display include a warning sound and a warning sign displayed on the display unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, based on the step of reading the frequency spectrum of the focused portion of the recorded image recorded together with the image data of the recorded image, and the frequency spectrum of the read focused portion, Whether or not there is a frequency spectrum that is equal to or similar to the frequency component of the frequency spectrum of the focused portion in the recorded image data, the image data is analyzed to determine whether or not the focused portion exists, and the focused portion is If it exists, the computer program comprises a step of identifying a focused portion and a step of displaying the identified focused portion.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, first, the frequency spectrum of the focused portion of the captured image recorded together with the captured image data in the memory, the recording medium, the Internet server, etc. is read. Next, it is determined whether or not there is a focused portion by analyzing the image data whether a frequency spectrum equal to or similar to the frequency component of the frequency spectrum of the read focused portion exists in the recorded image data, If it exists, it is determined that the image data has a focused portion, and if it exists, the focused portion is specified, and the specified focused portion is displayed.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the digital camera 2 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view thereof.

The camera 2 is a digital camera capable of recording / reproducing still images / moving images, and is provided with a taking lens 112, which is a retractable zoom lens, an optical finder 105, and a strobe unit 102 on the front surface of the camera. There is. Behind the taking lens 112 is a C as an image sensor.
A CD image sensor (not shown in FIG. 1, hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) is arranged.

A release button 103 is provided on the upper surface of the camera 2.
Is provided. The release button 103 is a means for instructing acquisition of a focused portion or start of image recording. Press the release button 103 halfway to switch S
Reference numeral 1 is an operation member that is turned on (preparation for photographing such as focusing), and the switch S2 is turned on (release) when fully pressed.

A memory card insertion slot 110 is provided on one side surface of the camera 2. Memory card slot 1
Reference numeral 10 denotes a slit-shaped insertion opening for inserting the memory card 22 (recording medium) into the camera 2.

An optical viewfinder 10 is provided on the rear surface of the camera 2.
5, power and mode switch 107, L as a display unit
A CD panel 10 is provided. The power and mode switch 107 is a power ON / OFF unit and a unit for selecting each of continuous shooting mode, manual shooting mode, automatic shooting mode, scene position mode, and moving image mode when a shooting system mode is selected. . In the scene position mode, portrait (portrait) mode, landscape mode, night view mode, and monochrome mode can be selected by menu operation. By using these modes according to the shooting situation, the settings suitable for the shooting scene are automatically performed.

The LCD panel 10 is composed of a color liquid crystal display, and displays an image captured through the CCD and a reproduced image read from the memory card 22, and also displays mode information, a battery remaining amount warning, a photographing date and time, Various information such as the standard number of shots and playback frame number is also displayed. Display of various menus, selection of menus, setting of various setting items in each menu, and the like are also performed using the display screen of the LCD panel 10.

The power and mode switch 107 is means for selectively switching between the photographing system mode and the reproduction system mode.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 2 of this embodiment. In FIG. 4, the image pickup unit 4, the ROM 6, the CPU 8, the display unit 10, the operation unit 14, the image processing unit 16, the decompression / compression unit 18, the memory 20, and the memory card 22 are connected via the bus 12.

As shown in FIG. 4, the digital camera 2 is
In the imaging unit 4, when the release button 103 is pressed, the light that has passed through the taking lens 112 enters the CCD. The release button 103 is pressed halfway during shooting to operate the operation unit 14.
The inner switch S1 is turned on to instruct calculation of the frequency spectrum of the in-focus portion, and the switch S2 in the operation unit 14 is turned on to instruct exposure by fully pressing during photographing.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the photographing sequence.

When the release button 103 is half pressed, the focusing process starts and the CPU 8 sets the focus area (step 42). For example, the photographing screen is divided into 64 blocks of 8 × 8 having the same area, and a predetermined plurality of blocks in the central portion are set as the focus area for frequency spectrum calculation. In the case of auto focus (AF), the taking lens 112 moves back and forth along the optical axis to search the focus position, the auto focus adjustment process is performed on the focus area, and the focus position is obtained. The taking lens 112 is moved to (step 44). The focus area at the focus position is the focus point.

When the in-focus position is determined, light defining the in-focus position is incident on the CCD via the taking lens 112, converted into signal charges, read out as a voltage signal, and converted into a digital signal. The image signal converted into the digital signal is input to the image processing unit 16. The image processing unit 16 has a circuit for calculating the frequency spectrum of the focused portion, calculates the frequency spectrum from the input image signal of the focused portion (step 46), and is temporarily stored in the memory 20. This means that the frequency spectrum of the in-focus portion is captured in the digital camera 2. Release button 10
The taking lens 112 is held at the in-focus position until the half-pushed state of 3 is released. At the same time, the image processing unit 1
The focusing operation in 6 is stopped, and the shooting and recording is permitted.

When the state in which the photographing and recording is permitted is obtained, the CPU
The operation state of the release button 103 is confirmed by 8, and the subject is imaged at the current zoom position and the focused focus position in response to the full depression of the release button 103 (step 48).

When the release button 103 is fully pressed and the light passing through the taking lens 112 enters the CCD, the CCD
Since the photosensors are two-dimensionally arrayed on the light receiving surface of, the subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD through the taking lens 112 becomes a signal charge of an amount corresponding to the incident light amount by each photosensor. To be converted. The signal charge accumulated in each photosensor is sequentially read as a voltage signal (image signal), and the image signal output from the CCD is subjected to analog processing to perform correlated double sampling processing and R, G, and B color signals. Color separation processing is performed, the signal level of each color signal is adjusted, and then the signal is converted into a digital signal and sent to the image processing unit 16.

The image signal sent to the image processing unit 16 is subjected to compression processing such as JPEG in the decompression / compression unit 18, and is sent to the image processing unit 16 again.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the structure of an image file recorded on the recording medium 22. The focusing frequency spectrum data calculated as described above and temporarily stored in the memory 20 is written in the sub-information area of the image file, and one image file is created together with the compressed image data sent to the image processing unit 16. It is formed and recorded on the memory card 22 (step 50). As a recording mode, when the image file is Exif, the frequency spectrum data is written in the tag of the image file.

This completes photographing (step 52).

FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a form of focusing frequency spectrum data and a diagram in which a focused portion is marked, and FIG. 7B shows a frequency spectrum for each area by dividing a photographed image into nine areas. Fig.

The frequency spectrum data of the in-focus portion is data consisting of frequency and level, and has data of which frequency exists at what level. The place where the high frequency exists at a high level, the more it becomes the focus point. Since the frequency spectrum data is for the in-focus portion, information indicating the in-focus portion is also included. In the example of FIG. 7B, the frequency spectrum data includes information about which area of the 9-divided areas is most focused and the spectrum content of the focused area.

Next, the printer 24 for printing an image taken by the digital camera 2 will be described. 2 is an external view of the printer 24 according to the present embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of the upper surface of the controller 116 of FIG.

The printer 24 has a controller 116.
And a print unit 40 connected to the controller 116. The controller 116 is for performing various settings, selection, display, execution instruction, etc. when printing, and an enlarged display button 118, a focus confirmation button 124, a selection button 120, a decision button 122, a display unit 32, a front side surface. A memory card insertion slot 126 is provided in the. The focus confirmation button 124 is a button for displaying a focused portion on the image selection screen. The selection button 120 is moved vertically and horizontally to select an image. The enlarged display button 118 is a button for enlarging and displaying the image selected by the selection button 120. The enter button 122 is a button for printing the selected image. The display unit 32 is a color liquid crystal display surface and displays an image. A memory card is inserted into the memory card insertion slot 126.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 24 of this embodiment. In FIG. 5, the operation unit 26,
ROM 28, CPU 30, display unit 32, image processing unit 3
6, expansion unit 38, printing unit 40, memory card 22
Are connected via a bus 34.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the print sequence.

First, the memory card 22 in which the image file storing the compressed image data and the focusing frequency spectrum data is recorded is inserted into the memory card insertion slot 126 (step 54). The image files of the 9 most recently recorded images in the memory card 22 are automatically specified,
The decompression unit 38 takes in image data from an automatically designated 9-frame image file, decompresses the compressed image data, and sends it to the image processing unit 36 (step 56). The image processing unit 36 has nine designated image data. In the image processing unit 36, the nine image data are index images generated for index display. The generated index image is displayed as an index on the display unit 32 as shown in FIG. 8A (step 58). Figure 8
Is a diagram showing (a) a normal index display screen,
It is a figure which shows the index display screen in which (b) expanded and displayed the focus.

On the other hand, the image processing unit 36 reads the sub information area from the above nine image files, and obtains the frequency spectrum data about the in-focus portion of each image captured when the release button 103 of the digital camera 2 is half pressed. Read (step 60).

The image processing unit 36 analyzes the frequency spectrum data of the image data of each image currently displayed.
That is, the image processing unit 36 searches the frequency spectrum data of each of the image data for a frequency spectrum that is equal to or similar to the frequency component of the read focus frequency spectrum based on the read frequency spectrum data of the sub-information area. Then, (step 62), if there is a similar frequency spectrum, the state of the spectrum of the likely portion of each image data is confirmed, and as a result, the presence or absence of the in-focus portion in the image of each image data is confirmed and focused. The location is specified (step 64).

Here, when it is desired to confirm the in-focus portion in the nine images displayed in the index, the in-focus confirmation button 12
Press 4 (step 66). The focus confirmation button 124 is
This corresponds to the operation unit 26 in FIG. A display instruction signal is sent from the operation unit 26 to the image processing unit 36. Then, as shown in FIG.
As in (b), a display in which the in-focus portion is enlarged to the same size as the actual print on the index screen is displayed on the display unit 3.
It goes to 2 (step 68). However, the enlarged display here can be enlarged to an arbitrary size. As a result, it is possible to confirm where the focused portion is and the image state of the focused portion (whether a desired focus is obtained). The display here may be in the form of marking the in-focus portion on the normal index screen as shown in FIG.

When it is desired to change the display on the display unit 32 from the index screen to the single image screen, the enlarge display button 118 is pressed at the screen surrounded by the frame on the index screen. Then, the enlarged screen is displayed on the display unit 32 as a single image. The selection of the framed screen on the index screen is performed by moving the selection button 120 vertically and horizontally. If you want to print a single image when it is displayed, use the controller 1
The operation button on 16 is pressed to select the number of sheets (step 70). Since the selected image and the number of prints are displayed on the display unit 32, the user looks at the display and confirms whether or not the selected state is good (step 72). If the selected state is not good, the process returns to step 70. If you want to check the focused area on the single image screen, click the focus confirmation button 1
When 24 is pressed, a display in which the focused portion is enlarged on the single image screen appears on the display unit 32.

If the selected state is good, the decision button 122 is pressed to execute printing (step 74). In FIG. 5, when the enter button 122 corresponding to the operation unit 26 is pressed, a print instruction signal is sent to the image processing unit 36, image data of an image designated for printing by the image processing unit 36 is sent to the printing unit 40, Printing is performed in the printing unit 40 (step 76). This completes printing (step 78).

As a result, since the image is printed after confirming the in-focus portion, only the focused image can be printed, and unnecessary printing is not required. Further, by notifying the user of an image in focus at the time of print selection, the print selection work time can be shortened. Moreover, since the frequency spectrum data of the image data of the captured image is analyzed, when the frame image changes between the state of the release button S1 and the state of S2, that is,
Even if the subject is moving or the photographer changes the subject between S1 state and S2 state, it is very convenient because the presence or absence of the in-focus portion and the in-focus portion can be specified.

When the focused portion is not confirmed in step 66, the image is displayed on the normal index screen (step 80), and the print image can be selected. Here, when the image to be printed is selected by the selection button 120 or the number of prints is selected by the operation button (step 82), a confirmation signal is sent from the operation unit 26 to the image processing unit 36 in FIG. Data on the presence / absence of the focused portion is read (step 84). When the focused portion exists, it is confirmed whether or not the selection is completed (step 86). If the selection is completed, the routine proceeds to step 74. When the selection is not completed (when it is desired to select the next image or when the image is selected again), the process returns to step 82.

If there is no in-focus portion in step 84, the in-focus NG display or warning sound is made in the selected image on the index screen as shown in FIG. 9 (step 88), and confirmation is prompted. Whether or not there is a focused portion in step 84 is determined by the result of the search in step 62 when the spectrum of the image data does not include a high-frequency component spectrum equal to or higher than a certain threshold, or the frequency spectrum data recorded in the sub-information area. When there is no spectrum that is equal to or similar to, it is determined that "the focus point does not exist". FIG. 9 is a diagram of a display surface on which an in-focus NG is displayed on the index screen. Then, the process proceeds to step 86.

When confirming the in-focus portion in step 66,
In order to simplify the operation of the user, the focus confirmation button 124
The configuration may be such that the in-focus portion is automatically displayed without pressing.

If there are a plurality of in-focus points in step 64, the one with the higher level of the high frequency spectrum may be selected as the in-focus point.

In this embodiment, the index screen is set to 9
Although the number of images can be displayed, the number of index screens is not limited to nine, and for example, 16 or 25 images may be displayed.

[0052]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to generate a factor at the time of photographing, which is used to determine the existence of the in-focus portion at the time of printing and to identify the in-focus portion. An image can be easily selected for printing, and only an in-focus image can be printed, thereby avoiding wasteful printing.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when printing an image photographed by a digital camera or the like, the focused portion can be displayed and the focused image can be easily selected for printing. Therefore, it is possible to print only the focused image and prevent unnecessary printing. further,
Even if the subject is moving, or if the photographer changes the angle of view between half-pressing the shutter button and fully pressing the shutter button, the captured image data is analyzed, so it is easy to determine whether there is a focused area. Can judge and identify. In addition, by notifying the user of the in-focus image before the selection, the print selection work time can be shortened.

According to the present invention of claim 3, it is possible to judge the degree of focusing at the focused portion of the image data.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since it is immediately known whether or not there is a focused portion in the photographed image, it is possible to easily determine the print selection.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a photographed image that is out of focus can be made clear at the time of print selection, and erroneous printing can be prevented.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when printing an image taken by a digital camera or the like, the in-focus portion can be displayed and the in-focus image can be easily selected for printing, and only the in-focus image is printed. It is possible to avoid unnecessary printing. In addition, even if the subject is moving, or if the photographer changes the angle of view between half-pressing the shutter button and fully pressing the shutter button, the captured image data is analyzed, making it easy to focus on the area. It is possible to determine the existence of and identify. In addition, by notifying the user of the in-focus image before the selection, the print selection work time can be shortened.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a digital camera according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view thereof.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the printer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of the upper surface of the controller of the printer.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera according to this embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the structure of an image file recorded on a recording medium.

FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a form of focusing frequency spectrum data and a diagram in which a focused portion is marked, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a frequency spectrum for each area by dividing a captured image into nine areas.

FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a normal index display screen, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a focus-enlarged index display screen.

FIG. 9 is a view of a display surface on which an in-focus NG is displayed on the index screen.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a shooting sequence.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a print sequence.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Digital camera, 4 ... Imaging unit, 6 ... ROM, 8 ... C
PU, 10 ... Display unit, 12 ... Bus, 14 ... Operation unit, 16
... image processing unit, 18 ... decompression / compression unit, 20 ... memory, 2
2 ... Memory card (recording medium), 24 ... Printer, 26
... operation section, 28 ... ROM, 30 ... CPU, 32 ... display section, 34 ... bus, 36 ... image processing section, 38 ... decompression section, 4
0 ... Printing section, 103 ... Release button, 110 ... Memory card insertion slot, 112 ... Shooting lens, 116 ... Controller, 118 ... Enlargement display button, 120 ... Select button, 122 ... Enter button, 124 ... Focus confirmation button, 1
26 ... Memory card slot

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/76 H04N 5/91 J 5/91 G02B 7/11 Z // H04N 101: 00 G03B 3/00 AF term (reference) 2H011 BA31 DA05 2H051 BA47 CE14 DA03 DA04 DA08 DA22 GA03 GA17 5C022 AA13 AB21 5C052 FA02 FA03 FB01 FC06 FD06 FE01 5C053 FA04 FA08 FA14 HA40 KA04 KA24 LA02 LA03

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A digital camera capable of recording image data of a picked-up image, and a focusing point obtaining means for obtaining information on a focusing point by performing an operation of focusing on a predetermined portion in a photographing screen at the time of photographing, A digital camera comprising: a calculating unit that calculates a frequency spectrum of a focused portion; and a recording unit that records the calculated frequency spectrum together with image data of the captured image. 2. A reading unit for reading a frequency spectrum of a focused portion of a photographed image recorded together with image data of a recorded photographed image, and a reading unit for reading the frequency spectrum of the focused portion read by the reading unit. An analysis unit that analyzes the image data to determine whether there is a frequency spectrum that is equal to or similar to the frequency component of the frequency spectrum of the focus point in the recorded image data, and that specifies the focus point, and in the analysis unit An image display device comprising: a display unit that displays the identified focused portion. 3. The image display device according to claim 2, wherein the analysis unit can determine a focus level of the focus portion. 4. The image display device according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays an image in which a focused portion is enlarged. 5. When the analysis unit tries to analyze whether the recorded image data has a frequency spectrum equal to or similar to the frequency component of the frequency spectrum of the focused portion, If the frequency spectrum of the in-focus portion of the recorded image that is recorded does not exist or if the frequency spectrum of the high frequency component equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold does not exist, a warning display is displayed when the image is selected. 2. Image display device. 6. A step of reading a frequency spectrum of a focused portion of a captured image recorded together with image data of the recorded captured image, and a frequency of the focused portion based on the frequency spectrum of the read focused portion. Whether there is a frequency spectrum equal to or similar to the frequency component of the spectrum in the recorded image data, the image data is analyzed to determine the presence or absence of the in-focus portion, and if the in-focus portion exists, the A computer program comprising: a step of identifying a focused portion; and a step of displaying the identified focused portion.