JP2003304441A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera that is constituted to offer various operational conveniences to a photographer when the photographer takes pictures with an intention of using recorded pictures by trimming the pictures in future, and so on. <P>SOLUTION: When the photographer sets a desired trimming form by selecting the form from among various previously prepared trimming forms, the photographer can display a picture to be photographed on a displaying means 31 in a state where the picture is trimmed in the selected trimming form by means of a first signal processing means provided in a system controller 18. In addition, when the photographer makes photographing (recording) actuating operation, such as the release, etc., thereafter, the photographer can record untrimmed image signals and an identification signal indicating the then selected trimming form on a recording medium 23, by means of a second signal processing means also provided in the system controller 18. At the time of reproduction, the photographer can reproduce the image signals recorded on the recording medium 23 in a state where the signals are trimmed in the selected trimming form. <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, and more particularly, to a technique which allows various conveniences when a recorded image is to be trimmed later for use.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, it is becoming more common to connect a digital camera and a printer device to form a system and print images taken by the digital camera in various forms. As an example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 1
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 0-108005 discloses a system in which a digital camera and a printer device can be connected to perform printing in various forms without interposing a personal computer. The following technology is also disclosed as an example. That is, the data of the printer device operation image is stored in the memory provided in the printer device, the stored data is sent to the digital camera side, and the display means of the digital camera side has a plurality of format selection images. Displays an image for operating the printer device. Then, while observing the operation image, the selecting means selects one format from a plurality of formats (a mode of displaying the image), and further selects a photographic image by the digital camera. The photographic image is printed in the format according to the format image selected in this way.

On the other hand, the present applicant has previously proposed a system including a digital camera and a printer for printing an image taken by the digital camera (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-200850). According to this proposal, an image selected as a print target is displayed on a display unit of a digital camera so that the image can be confirmed, and data representing the confirmed image is sent to a printer. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily and surely select and confirm the image to be printed and print the intended image.

[0004]

However, in the already proposed system as described above, in particular, prior to photographing,
If you plan to use the recorded image after trimming, no suggestion can be made regarding the measures and means to make it possible to image the trimmed image from the beginning during shooting. .
For example, when the photographer plans to use an image taken by a digital camera as a label for a CD-R from the beginning, the image is displayed on the LCD monitor or viewfinder of the camera by C
It is necessary to devise such that a composition of an image to be recorded can be visually confirmed by, for example, applying a disc-shaped mask that resembles a D-R shape. If I took a picture without taking these measures and later tried to trim it to the shape of the CD-R board, problems such as the loss of essential parts of the image as accents occurred. Sometimes
At that time, there is already no way to fill the missing part.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide various conveniences for shooting operations in such shooting when it is planned to trim a recorded image for later use. To provide a camera.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following characteristic structure.

That is, the digital camera according to the present invention is
An image pickup optical system for forming an image of a subject, an image pickup element that produces an image signal corresponding to the light projected on its own image pickup surface by this image pickup optical system, and a trimming suitable for the purpose of using the recorded image. Trimming form selecting means for selectively setting the form, and signal processing for observing an image in a format according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means with respect to the output of the image sensor A first signal processing means for supplying the applied electronic display means to the electronic display means, and a mode in which a partial lack of an image related to trimming by the first signal processing means does not occur based on the output of the image sensor And with a trimming form identification signal representing a trimming form for the image selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. Second signal processing means for obtaining a recorded signal suitable for recording on a medium, and an image signal applied with the image signal processed by the second signal processing means in response to an operation on the trigger means. Recording operation starting means for recording the image signal on the recording medium, and image reproducing means for reproducing the image signal recorded on the recording medium in a form corresponding to the trimming form represented by the trimming form identification signal accompanying the image signal. It is characterized by having.

According to the present invention, when the photographer selects and sets a desired trimming form from various trimming forms prepared in advance, the first signal processing unit causes the display unit to select the desired trimming form. It is possible to display the image in a trimmed form, and when a photographing (recording) start operation such as a release is subsequently performed, an image signal which has not been trimmed by the second signal processing means on the recording medium and the time An identification signal indicating the selected trimming form can be recorded. Then, at the time of reproduction, the image signal recorded on the recording medium can be reproduced in a state in which a trimming form corresponding thereto is applied.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the terms “mask” and “trimming” are used synonymously.

In FIG. 1, the digital camera 10 is
An image pickup optical system 11, an image pickup element 12, an image pickup circuit 13,
A / D converter 14, RAM 15 as frame buffer memory, ROM 16 for storing trimming data
And an ASIC 17 configured as an image processing IC,
System controller 18 and lens drive control circuit 19
Exchange of video signals with a lens drive unit 20, a drive controller 21 for a disc, a disc drive 22 configured as a card slot, a disc (or card) 23 as a recording medium, and an external device compatible with USB. Interface (hereinafter, I / F) 24
, A USB input / output terminal 25, and an interface for inputting a video signal from an external video device (hereinafter, I
/ F) 26, a video input terminal 27, a video encoder 28 as a video output circuit, and a video output terminal 29.
An LCD driver 30, an image display liquid crystal panel (hereinafter, LCD) 31 as an electronic display unit, a data bus 32 connecting the system controller 18 and each digital circuit, a strobe light emitting unit 33, and an operation. Part 34,
The power supply unit 35 and the external power supply input terminal 36 are provided. In the figure, the disk (or card) 2
3 is attachable to and detachable from the camera 10.

The image pickup optical system 11 is for optically forming a subject image, and is constructed as, for example, a zoom lens system. The image pickup device 12 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the image pickup optical system 11 on the image pickup surface to generate and output as an electric image signal (analog signal).

The image pickup circuit 13 controls the image pickup device 12 and performs necessary processing on the analog signal output from the image pickup device 12 and outputs the analog signal. The A / D converter 14 converts the analog signal output from the image pickup circuit 13 into a digital signal. The RAM 15 temporarily stores the image data converted by the A / D converter 14. Alternatively, the image data read from the disk 23 may be temporarily stored,
The trimming data read from the ROM 16 is temporarily stored.

The ROM 16 stores various trimming forms, which are one of the characteristic parts of the present invention, as trimming data in advance.

The ASIC 17 for image processing has the RAM 15 under the control of a system controller 18 described later.
Various kinds of image processing are performed on the image data stored in, and JPEG compression when recording on the disk 23 described later and JPEG expansion when reading are also performed.

The lens drive control circuit 19 controls a lens drive unit 20 which will be described later in order to perform zooming and autofocusing under the control of the system controller 18. The lens drive unit 20 uses the lens drive control circuit 19
The zoom lens and the focus lens included in the imaging optical system 11 are driven based on the control of 1.

The drive controller 21 controls the system controller 18 to control the image data JPEG-compressed by the ASIC 17 under the control of the disk 2 described later.
No. 3 is recorded, or image data recorded on the disk 23 is read.

The disk drive 22 can exchange signals with the drive controller 21 by electrically connecting the disk 23 to the disk drive 22. The disk 23 is a card-shaped non-volatile recording medium that is detachably connected to the disk drive 22.

The I / F 24 is for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a USB-compatible external device under the control of the system controller 18. The input / output terminal 25 is capable of exchanging signals with the I / F 24 by being connected to a USB-compatible external device via a connection cord or the like.

The I / F 26 is for inputting a video signal from an external video device having a video output terminal under the control of the system controller 18.
The input terminal 27 is connected to an external video device via a connection cord or the like, so that the video signal (Vi
deo IN) can be input.

The video encoder 28 is the RAM 15 described above.
An image for LCD display is output for each frame when the composition of a subject is determined before shooting based on the image data stored in, or an LC of one frame is used when the image is reproduced after shooting.
Outputs a D display image. Video encoder 28
It is also possible to output a video signal (Video OUT) to an external video device (not shown) connected to the video output terminal 29. The LCD driver 30 supplies the LCD display image for each frame from the video encoder 28 to the LCD 31 together with the display drive clock.

The LCD 31 has the video encoder 28.
Is configured to display an image, information relating to this camera, and the like in response to the output of.

Under the control of the system controller 18, the strobe light emitting section 33 emits illumination light when the brightness of the subject is low or when the main subject is backlit.

The operation unit 34 is a feature of the present invention in addition to a power-on / off unit, an exposure starting unit (also referred to as a release unit or a trigger unit), a frame advance unit, a screen display on / off unit, etc., by a user. It includes means for performing one operation of selecting and editing a trimming form (described later), which is one.

The power supply unit 35 is for supplying power to each unit in the camera 10. The external power supply input terminal 36 supplies power to the power supply unit 35 when an external power supply (not shown) is connected.

The system controller 18 controls the entire camera 10 including the circuits as described above, and receives a command from the operation unit 34 to perform display processing for shooting and recording during shooting. ASI with doing
Control such as recording processing performed by C17 or the like is performed, while image data recorded on the disk 23 in the camera 10 is read out and displayed. further,
The system controller 18 has a trimming information processing program 18a, which is a feature of the present invention, is set to a trimming processing mode, and after one of the trimming modes is selected, various trimming modes stored in the ROM 16 are stored. The trimming form selected from the inside is read out and superimposed on the image data being photographed for display processing as LCD display data, or the trimming photographed in the trimming processing mode is divided into image data and a trimming form identification signal. In this state, the recording process on the disc 23 is performed.

The trimming information processing program 18a is
Mask selection, mask display, image quality adjustment, and recording / playback of trimming information are performed according to the user's intention (operation).

An image file taken by a digital camera has a tag structure, and at the time of image recording, information such as a file name, shooting date and time, shooting conditions such as aperture and shutter speed, etc. is written in the tag.

The trimming information processing program 18a is
“Mask No. selected by the user. ] Is written in the tag as well as these pieces of information. Alternatively, separately from the image file (= not written in the tag), the mask No. is associated with the file name and the shooting date and time. May be recorded. The image and the mask may be recorded in a compatible form. The user can know the tag information of the image file (for example, the shooting date and time of the image) by using application software or the like.

The operating section 34 includes a power switch,
In addition to the frame advance switch, display on / off switch, etc., the release button for performing shooting operations, the camera 10
, A menu button for displaying a menu related to the setting, etc. on the image display LCD 31, a cross button for moving a selectable item in the displayed menu, and a check button for deciding the selected item ( (OK button), and further includes a mask button for trimming a photographed image at the time of photographing, which is one of the features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the digital camera 10. On the back side of the camera, there is a display surface of the LCD 31, and in the vicinity thereof, a menu button 341 for displaying a menu screen, a cursor is moved up, down, left and right on the menu screen to select a desired item from the menu screen. A cross button 342 for selecting, a check button (OK button) 343 for deciding a selected item and adding a check mark, and photographing a selected mask pattern (trimming form) after selecting a photographing mask from the menu screen. Mask button 344 to apply to the image
Is provided.

Next, in the digital camera constructed as described above, the function and operation of the characteristic part of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

FIG. 3 shows the menu button 341 shown in FIG.
Among the menu items displayed by pressing, the menu items that are characteristic of the present invention are shown.

The item of the menu 40 displayed on the menu screen is "selection of photographing mask" according to the present invention.
41 and “editing of photographing mask” 42. Of course, various other selectable items 43 are also prepared.

First, the menu item "selection of photographing mask"
41 with the cross button 342 and check button 343
Then, a plurality of trimming modes (6 in the figure) are determined.
List 44 of photographing masks and a frame display 44a as a movable cursor for selecting one of them.
And a bar display (black display in the figure) 45 including a display of the currently selected trimming form name and a mark display of selectable operation buttons are displayed on the screen of the LCD 31.

The photographing mask list display 44 includes, for example, a square 411, a circle 412, and a donut-shaped CD-R (CD
-Recordable, C that can be written to the same location only once
D) A plurality of trimming forms (mask forms) such as 413, rectangle 414, oval 415, and ID photo 416 are displayed.

When it is desired to select the square 411 as the trimming mode as shown in FIG. 3 when photographing, the frame display 44a as the cursor is displayed on the cross button 342.
When the check mark 343 is pressed to move the square 411 to the square 411 and the square 411 is selected, a check mark indicating that the square 411 is displayed is displayed at the upper left corner of the square 411 having the frame display 44a.

Next, when actually photographing with the selected photographing mask (for example, a square), while the square of FIG. 3 is selected, the mask button 344 shown in FIG. If you turn to (eg flower), LCD
On the screen of 31, the subject image on which the selected mask is applied is displayed. That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, it is possible to take an image such that the subject is placed at a desired position within the area limited (trimmed) by the square 411.

When the mask button 344 is pressed,
The masked image is displayed on the LCD screen only when the mask button 344 is pressed, and the normal image with the mask removed is displayed when the mask button 344 is released.
Alternatively, once the mask button 344 is pressed, the masked image is displayed on the LCD screen, and when the mask button 344 is pressed again, the normal image with the mask removed is displayed. The information processing program 18a can also be programmed.

FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (c) show examples of LCD display at the time of photographing, respectively, and photographing masks (that is, trimming form).
However, (a) is a square, (b) is a CD-R, and (c) is a certification photograph.

In FIG. 5, of the items on the menu screen displayed in FIG. 3, "Edit photomask" 42 is clicked on the cross button 34.
When selected in 2 and confirmed with the check button 343, a list display 44 of plural (six in the figure) photographing masks as a trimming form and a frame display 44a as a movable cursor for selecting one of them And a bar display (black display in the figure) 46 including a display indicating that the edit mode is currently set and a mark display of selectable operation buttons are displayed on the LCD.
31 is displayed on the screen.

Now, when the list display 44 of FIG. 5A is made and the frame display 44a as the cursor is set to, for example, the square 411 in the trimming form, the check button 3
Pressing 43 shows the mask morphology of the square 411 in Figure 5 (b) 1
Transition to the frame display state. This transition screen is a screen obtained by dividing the list display 44 into two, the left side is a screen 47 showing the mask form, and the right side is the number of pixels (the number of pixels) of the image displayed in the area of the square 411. Is synonymous with size or resolution) screen 4 with the option to variably set
8 Reference numeral 48a indicates a frame display as a cursor for selection, and a check mark on the left side thereof indicates that the check button 343 has been selected. Also,
In FIG. 5B, the bar display 4 includes only the mark display as the selectable operation button (up / down key of the cross button 342 and the mark of the check button 343).
It is 9. The screen 48 on which the number of pixels can be variably set is
Number of pixels 480 x 480, 960 x 960, 1200 x 1200, 1680 x 1680
There are 4 options, and JP for 1680 x 1680 pixels.
It has EG and TIFF options. In the figure, operate the arrow pad 342 to set the cursor to 480 x 480 pixels and then press the check button 343 to display 480 pixels.
A check mark is added to × 480 to indicate the selected state. When the mask button 344 is pressed from the state of FIG. 5 (b),
An image with a mask on a square is displayed, and if you shoot in that state, it will be recorded with 640 x 480 pixels. The image trimmed is an image with 480 × 480 pixels.

Similarly, when the check button 343 is pressed after selecting the CD-R413 in FIG. 5 (a), the CD-R413 in FIG. 5 (c) is selected.
The state shifts to the one-frame display state showing the mask form. On the screen 48 showing the options at this time, a CD with a diameter of 12 cm is displayed.
It can be selected from -R and 8 cm CD-R.
FIG. 5C shows a state in which the CD-R of 12 cm is selected and the check button 343 is selected.

Similarly, when the check button 343 is pressed after selecting the certification photograph 416 in FIG. 5 (a), the certification photograph in FIG. 5 (d) is displayed.
A transition is made to the single frame display state showing the mask form of 416. On the screen 48 showing the options at this time, the size of the photographic image (corresponding to the unit of cm and the number of pixels) is 5.0 ×.
It has four options: 4.0, 4.5 × 3.5, 4.0 × 3.0, 3.0 × 2.4. FIG. 5D shows a state in which 5.0 × 4.0 is selected and the check button 343 is selected.

The shapes of the square, the CD-R, and the ID photograph described above are fixed, and editing is possible to the extent that the number of pixels is changed. Although not particularly shown, even in the case of a circular shape, editing is possible to the extent that the number of pixels is changed.

On the other hand, when the mask form (trimming form) is rectangular or elliptical, not only the number of pixels but also the aspect ratio can be edited by the photographer.

FIG. 5E is an edit screen displayed by selecting the rectangle in FIG. 5A and pressing the check button 343. This edit screen is a screen divided into two, and a single frame display screen 5 showing the mask form of the rectangle 414.
0 and a bar display screen 51 arranged below the screen 0. On the screen 50, a triangular display similar to the shape of a cross button is provided so as to sandwich the vertical and horizontal sides of the rectangle, and the vertical and horizontal ratios of the rectangle can be changed by operating the cross button 342. . Then, on the bar display screen 51, the aspect ratio (16: 9 in the figure) calculated by the system controller 18 while the aspect ratio of the rectangle is being changed on the screen 50 is displayed. 343 is displayed.

When the check button 343 is pressed after the aspect ratio is determined in FIG. 5 (e), the screen shown in FIG. 5 (f) is displayed. This transition screen is also divided into two, and a screen 52 for displaying the aspect ratio determined in FIG. 5 (e) and displaying options for setting the image quality (number of pixels), and below the screen 52 are displayed. ,
It is composed of a bar display screen 53 on which "image quality setting" is displayed and operable cross buttons and check buttons are displayed. In FIG. 5F, a frame display 52a as a cursor that can be moved by the cross button 342 is displayed, "TIFF" is selected as the image quality, and a check mark after the operation of the check button 343 is displayed. This Figure 5 (f)
When the mask button 344 is operated from the state of
1 shows a photographed image trimmed (masked) into a rectangle.

Then, the photographer presses a release button (shutter button) (not shown) of the camera 10 while looking at the LCD image, whereby a photographed image signal accompanied by a trimming form identification signal as mask information is recorded on the disc 23, At the same time, the captured image with the mask is displayed on the LCD.

TIFF means non-compression and the number of pixels is, for example, 2240 × 1680, and JPEG-SHQ means a low compression rate and high quality, and the number of pixels is, for example, 2240 ×.
It is 1680. JPEG-HQ means that the compression rate is standard and the number of pixels is, for example, 1600 × 1200.
Means that the compression rate is low and the number of pixels is 1280
× 960.

Further, FIG. 5 (g) is an edit screen displayed by selecting the elliptical shape in FIG. 5 (a) and pressing the check button 343. This editing screen is also divided into two screens as in FIG. 5 (e). The one frame display screen 50 showing the elliptical shape 415 of the mask form and the bar display screen 51 arranged below the one screen. It consists of and. On the screen 50, a triangular display similar to the shape of a cross button is displayed so as to sandwich each vertical and horizontal portion of the ellipse, and by operating the cross button 342, the vertical and horizontal ratio of the ellipse can be changed. ing. Then, in the bar display screen 51, the screen 5
While the aspect ratio of the ellipse is being changed at 0, the aspect ratio (4: 3 in the figure) calculated by the system controller 18 is displayed, while the operable check button 343 is displayed.

When the check button 343 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 5 (h) is displayed. This transition screen is also 2 as in Fig. 5 (f).
Options for displaying the aspect ratio determined in FIG. 5 (g) and setting the image quality (number of pixels) [FIG.
The same as (f)] is displayed on the screen 52, and a bar display screen 53 is provided below the screen 52 and displays "image quality setting" and operable cross buttons and check buttons. . In FIG. 5 (h), TIFF is selected as the image quality, and a check mark after operating the check button 343 is displayed. When the mask button 344 is operated in the state of FIG. 5 (h), an oval-trimmed (masked) photographed image is displayed on the LCD 31.

Then, the photographer presses a release button (shutter button) (not shown) of the camera 10 while looking at the LCD image, whereby a photographed image signal accompanied by a trimming form identification signal as mask information is recorded on the disc 23, At the same time, the captured image with the mask is displayed on the LCD.

Next, in order to reproduce the photographed image recorded on the disc 23, the menu button 341 is pressed to display the menu screen, and "split display" is selected from the menu items.
Alternatively, it can be executed by selecting “one-frame display” and confirming with the check button 343. "Split display" is a format in which a plurality of images recorded on the disc 23 are displayed in a split screen so that a list can be displayed, and "1 frame display" is a format in which a plurality of images recorded on the disc 23 are displayed in one frame. It is a format in which each frame is advanced and displayed. In the one-frame display, the left and right keys of the cross button 342 are used to advance to the next frame.

FIG. 6 shows the "divided display" from the menu items.
9 shows an example of divided display when is selected and determined.

FIG. 6 (a) shows an image photographed with a mask and an image photographed without a mask in a divided manner. The (trimming form) is added and displayed as a mark in the upper right corner of the image. In FIG. 6B, an image photographed with a mask and an image photographed without a mask are displayed separately, but an image photographed with a mask is displayed in a masked image state during reproduction. It was done like this. In addition, when "divided display" is selected and selected from the menu items, only one of FIG. 6 (a) or 6 (b) may be displayed, or "divided display" is selected from the menu items. "
When is selected and decided, "mark display" and "solid display" are displayed as sub-menu items, and the user can arbitrarily select either the display of FIG. 6 (a) or FIG. 6 (b). It may be configured as follows.

FIG. 7 shows an example of one-frame display when "one-frame display" is selected and determined from the menu items.

In FIG. 7A, the photographed image includes an image photographed with a mask and an image photographed without a mask. However, the image photographed with a mask is displayed together with the image during reproduction. The mask form (trimming form) is added and displayed as a mark in the upper right corner of the image. FIG. 7 (b) shows an image shot with a mask reproduced and displayed with the mask part filled in black. FIG. 7 (c) shows an image photographed with a mask reproduced and displayed with the mask portion being masked in monotone (semi-transparent). Although not shown in the figure, for an image photographed by wearing a mask, the mask portion is appropriately colored (for example, blue).
It is also possible to reproduce and display the masked state by filling in with. In addition, when "1 frame display" is selected and selected from the menu items, the display shown in FIG.
Only one of (b) and FIG. 7 (c) may be displayed, or when "1 frame display" is selected from the menu items and determined, "mark display" is displayed as a sub menu item. "Solid display" and "Monotone display" are displayed so that the user can arbitrarily select one of the displays shown in Fig. 7 (a), Fig. 7 (b), or Fig. 7 (c). You may comprise.

In addition to the above embodiment, a mask button 344 is provided on the side surface of the main body of the digital camera 10 or the like.
In order to prevent erroneous operation of the mask button 344, the mask button 344 does not function effectively when the switch button is not pressed (when it is turned off), and when the switch button is pressed (turned on), the mask button 344 is pressed. When the trimming mode is activated by pressing the mask button 344 at this time, a screen having a mask list display 44 as shown in FIG. 3 is directly displayed on the LCD 31, and a desired mask is selected from the list. May be selected and the mask button 344 may be pressed at the time of shooting to display the masked shot image on the LCD.

The series of operations of the trimming process (masking process) in the above-described embodiment can be performed by the control process of the system controller 18.

That is, the digital camera 10 has an image pickup optical system for forming an image of a subject, and an image pickup element for producing an image signal corresponding to the light reflected by the image pickup optical system on its own image pickup surface. , The photographed image is displayed on the LCD 31 under the control of the system controller 18, and the photographed image is JPEG-compressed by the image processing ASIC 17 under the control of the system controller 18 and recorded on the disk 23. On the contrary, the image recorded on the disk 23 is read out under the control of the system controller 18, and the image processing ASIC 17 reads JPEG.
It is also possible to perform an expansion process and display an image on the LCD 31.

The system controller 18 incorporates a trimming information processing program 18a for performing trimming processing (mask processing), and selects from among various trimming modes stored in the ROM 16 based on a command from the operation unit 34. A control process is performed in which desired trimming data is read out, the photographed image is masked with the read trimming data and is displayed on the LCD, and the read trimming data is recorded in the disc 23 in association with the photographed image. Further, when the image recorded on the disc 23 is reproduced, a control process of reproducing an image captured with a mask as an image in a masked form is performed.

Therefore, the system controller 18 has the following means necessary for performing the above control processing.

That is, the trimming form selecting means for selectively setting the trimming form suitable for the purpose of use of the image to be recorded, and the output of the image pickup device 12 are selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. An LCD as an electronic display means applied with signal processing such that an image is observed in a format according to a trimming form.
23 is selected by the trimming mode selecting means in a form in which a partial lack of an image relating to the trimming by the first signal processing means does not occur based on the output of the image pickup device 12 A disc 2 which is a recording medium with a trimming form identification signal representing a trimming form relating to the image that has been set manually.
The second signal processing means for obtaining the recorded signal suitable for recording in No. 3 and the processing by the second signal processing means in response to the operation of the trigger means such as the release button (not shown) Recording operation starting means for recording the image signal on the disc 23 which is the applied recording medium, and a trimming form represented by the trimming form identification signal accompanying the image signal recorded on the disc 23. And an image reproducing means for reproducing in a form corresponding to.

Further, the system controller 18 is further provided with a mode switching means for effectively functioning the first signal processing means. This mode switching means functions in response to the mask button 344.

The trimming form selecting means has a trimming function such as the ROM 16 which holds a plurality of types of trimming data for causing the first signal processing means to perform the trimming process corresponding to a plurality of preset trimming forms. The data holding means and the selection operation means for selecting a specific one of a plurality of trimming modes corresponding to the trimming data held by the trimming data holding means are configured.

The first signal processing means, with respect to the output of the image pickup device 12 in the format according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means, with respect to the data of the image portion excluded by the trimming. It is configured to perform a process of replacing the mute signal with a mute signal or a process of performing data processing which is effectively equivalent to this process.

Further, the first signal processing means carries out an operation mode (trimming operation is carried out such that an image is observed in a format according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be configured such that it is possible to switch between an operation mode (observed in a normal state) and an operation mode in which a signal is passed without performing the signal processing.

More specifically, the first signal processing means allows the image to be observed in the format according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means with respect to the output of the image pickup device 12. With respect to the output of the image sensor 12, the first signal transmission path (trimming path) for performing the signal processing and supplying the signal subjected to the signal processing to the applied LCD 31 which is the electronic display means is described above. The above-mentioned LCD displays signals that have not been processed.
A second signal transmission path (a path that bypasses trimming) for supplying to the reference numeral 31, and the first signal transmission path and the second signal transmission path can be switched and applied at any timing of the operator. Trimming for
The normal switching means is included. Here, each control processing of the above-mentioned first signal transmission path, second signal transmission path, and trimming / normal switching means is a function executed by software in the system controller 18, and It exists conceptually in.

The trimming / normal switching means is operated by the operator through a predetermined operation section (eg, mask button 344).
The first signal transmission path is applied during the period when the operation is being performed (observed in a trimmed state), and the second signal transmission path is provided during the period when the predetermined operation unit is not operated.
The signal transmission path of is applied (observed in a normal state).

The trimming form selection means is an electronic application of a predetermined number of trimming forms corresponding to the trimming data held in the trimming data holding means as a single menu screen. Trimming menu display means for displaying on the LCD 31 which is a display means is further provided, and the trimming mode selection means is selected by the operator from the trimming modes displayed on the LCD 31 by the trimming menu display means. It is configured to be able to. In other words, the trimming may be selected from the menu screen.

The trimming form selecting means has a plurality of trimming forms corresponding to the trimming data held in advance in the trimming data holding means, and the trimming data to be generated based on a predetermined operation by the operator. It may be configured to further include a manual trimming means for selectively setting a trimming form corresponding to. That is, in addition to the trimming pattern prepared in advance, the operator can actively create the trimming pattern.

The trimming / normal switching means can be applied by switching between the first signal transmission path and the second signal transmission path at the operator's discretionary timing in response to a switching operation to a predetermined changeover switch. It is configured as follows. This is because the trimming / normal switching means applies the first signal transmission path when the operator operates a predetermined operation unit (for example, the mask button 344) (observed in a trimmed state). The second signal transmission path may be applied (observed in a normal state) when the predetermined operation unit is operated again.
The first and second signal transmission paths are also meant to include the transmission paths conceptually formed as described above.

The trimming / normal switching means is connected to the first signal transmission path according to the degree of the operation amount (eg, full stroke or half) to the operation section commonly used with the trigger means (eg, release button). The second signal transmission path may be configured so that it can be switched and applied at a timing arbitrarily specified by the operator. For example, the first and second transmission paths may be switched by pressing the release button deeply or halfway.

The image reproducing means is a pattern representing a trimming form set by the trimming form selecting means in a portion relatively biased to the periphery of the image where the partial lack of the image related to the trimming does not substantially occur. Is configured to display. This means that the image related to trimming is displayed almost completely in one area on the screen, and the trimming form is displayed symbolically on the right shoulder of the image.

The image reproducing means may be configured to display the reproduced image in a mode resulting from the trimming set by the trimming mode selecting means. This means that the image is reproduced and displayed as it is trimmed.

It is also possible to further include a photographing condition automatic setting means for automatically setting a photographing condition according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. That is, the camera setting is automatically performed according to the trimming mode that is selectively set.

The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically determines the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the number of pixels constituting the recorded image according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. May be configured to do so.

The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically sets the photographing condition setting including the setting of the compression ratio of the information regarding the recorded image according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. May be configured to do so.

The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically sets the photographing condition on the assumption that the setting relating to the resolution of the recorded image is included in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be configured as.

The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically sets the photographing condition on the assumption that the setting relating to the color tone of the recorded image is included in accordance with the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selecting means. It may be configured as.

The above-mentioned photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the image size according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be configured.

The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting related to the diaphragm according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be

The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting regarding the depth of field in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be configured as.

The above-mentioned photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the photometric method in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may have been done.

The above-mentioned photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting related to the turning on / off of the flash in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be configured.

The above-mentioned photographing condition automatic setting means automatically sets the photographing condition setting as including the setting relating to the flashing method of the red-eye reduction flash according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. May be configured to do so.

The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically sets the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the contrast of the recorded image according to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selecting means. It may be configured as.

The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically sets the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the sharpness of the recorded image in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be configured as.

The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the gamma correction of the recorded image according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be configured as described above.

The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically sets the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the brightness of the recorded image in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be configured as described above.

The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the edge of the recorded image according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be configured as.

The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the shutter speed according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may have been done.

The photographing condition automatic setting means is constructed so as to automatically perform the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the EV value setting in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may have been done.

The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting related to the white balance in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may have been done.

The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to ISO sensitivity in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may have been done.

The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the zoom magnification according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may have been done.

The above-mentioned photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the flash emission amount according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be configured.

The photographing condition automatic setting means is configured to automatically perform the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the bracket photographing in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may have been done.

The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the continuous photographing according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be configured.

The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting regarding the data format of the image recording according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It may be configured as described above.

The photographing condition automatic setting means selects a DPOF (Digital Print Oder Forma) according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means.
(t: format related to print information of digital camera) may be configured to automatically perform setting related to shooting conditions. Here, in addition to the designation information such as the image to be printed and the number of images to be printed from the images taken by the digital camera, the DPOF is used to designate the image to be automatically transmitted, the destination information, and the designation information of the image to be automatically reproduced. It means a format to be recorded together with a recording medium such as a memory card in which a file is recorded.

Switching means for switching between selecting an automatic mode for automatically setting the above-mentioned photographing conditions or manually selecting an arbitrary manual mode is further provided, and the photographing condition automatic setting means is It may be configured to function when the automatic mode is selected by the switching means.

The trimming data holding means of the trimming mode selecting means has a mode in which the portion of the image selectively excluded by trimming is a black level, gray level or color mute screen of a plurality of types of trimming data. It may be configured to be included as one of them.

The trimming data holding means of the trimming mode selecting means has a plurality of types of trimming data in which the image in which the portion of the image selectively removed by trimming is the background is semi-transparently masked. May be configured to be included as one of the above.

[0105]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the case where the recorded image is to be trimmed later and used, the trimming form prepared in advance at the time of such photographing. It is possible to select a desired form from the above and shoot the subject in a state suitable for the trimming form, and it is possible to perform the desired trimming shooting without causing a problem such that the subject comes off the trimming frame. That is, it is possible to realize the shooting suitable for the desired trimming form by a simple operation only by determining the camera angle.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a list of photographing masks when “selecting a photographing mask” which is a characteristic part of the present invention is selected from the items on the menu screen.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an LCD display example at the time of shooting.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing editing of an imaging mask when “editing an imaging mask”, which is one of the features of the present invention, is selected from the items on the menu screen.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of divided display when “divided display” is selected and decided from the menu items.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of one-frame display when “one-frame display” is selected and determined from the menu items.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... Imaging optical system 12 ... Imaging device 16 ... ROM (trimming data holding means) 17 ... ASIC (image processing means) 18 ... System controller (means for performing control processing of each part of camera) 23 ... Disk (recording medium) 31 ... LCD (Display means) 34 ... Operation unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/91 H04N 9/04 B 5/92 101: 00 9/04 5/91 J // H04N 101: 00 5/92 HF term (reference) 5C022 AB15 AB17 AB22 AB40 AB66 AC03 AC13 AC32 AC42 AC73 AC74 5C053 FA08 FA14 FA23 GB06 GB36 JA16 KA24 LA01 LA14 5C065 AA03 BB02 BB11 BB12 BB41 CC01 CC08 DD01 FF02 FF05 FF10 HH02

Claims (42)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup optical system for forming an image of a subject, an image pickup element for producing an image signal corresponding to the light reflected on its own image pickup surface by the image pickup optical system, and a purpose of utilizing the recorded image. Trimming form selecting means for selectively setting a trimming form suitable for the image pickup device, and an image is observed in a format according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means with respect to the output of the image sensor. First signal processing means for performing signal processing as described above and supplying the applied electronic display means to the applied electronic display means, and a partial image of the image to be trimmed by the first signal processing means based on the output of the image pickup device. A trimming form identification signal representing a trimming form relating to the image selectively set by the trimming form selecting means is included in a form that does not cause a defect. A second signal processing means for obtaining a recorded signal suitable for recording on a recording medium, and an image signal processed by the second signal processing means in response to an operation on the trigger means. And an image reproduction for reproducing the image signal recorded in the recording medium in a form corresponding to the trimming form represented by the trimming form identification signal accompanying the image signal. A digital camera comprising means and. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising mode switching means for effectively operating the first signal processing means. 3. The trimming form selecting means holds a plurality of types of trimming data for causing the first signal processing means to respectively perform a trimming process corresponding to a plurality of preset trimming forms. Holding means, and a selection operation means for selecting a specific one of a plurality of trimming forms corresponding to the trimming data held by the trimming data holding means. The digital camera according to claim 1. 4. The data of the image portion to be excluded by the trimming with respect to the output of the image pickup device in the format according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera is configured to perform a process including a process of replacing the mute signal with a process of performing a data process that is effectively equivalent to this process. 5. The operation mode and the signal in which the first signal processing means performs signal processing such that an image is observed in a format according to a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera is configured to be switchable between an operation mode for passing a signal without performing processing. 6. The first signal processing means performs signal processing for observing an image in a format according to a trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means with respect to an output of the image pickup device. A first signal transmission path for supplying the signal subjected to the signal processing to the applied electronic display means, and a signal not subjected to the signal processing with respect to the output of the image sensor, the electronic display means Trimming / normal switching so that the first signal transmission path and the second signal transmission path can be applied by switching at a timing arbitrarily specified by the operator. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera is configured by including: 7. The trimming / normal switching means applies the first signal transmission path during a period in which an operator is operating a predetermined operation section, and applies the operation to the predetermined operation section. 7. The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein the second signal transmission path is configured to be applied during a non-use period. 8. The trimming form selection means is applied as a single menu screen by collecting a predetermined number of trimming forms corresponding to the trimming data held in the trimming data holding means. Trimming menu display means for displaying on the electronic display means is further provided, and the trimming mode selection means selects any one of the trimming modes displayed on the electronic display means by the trimming menu display means by an operator. 4. The digital camera according to claim 3, wherein the digital camera is configured to be selectable. 9. The trimming form selection means is generated based on a predetermined operation by an operator in addition to a plurality of trimming forms corresponding to the trimming data held in advance in the trimming data holding means. 9. The digital camera according to claim 3, further comprising a manual trimming means for selectively setting a trimming form corresponding to the trimming data. 10. The trimming / normal switching means is adapted to perform the first switching operation in response to a switching operation to a predetermined switching switch.
7. The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein the signal transmission path and the second signal transmission path are configured so that they can be switched and applied at a timing arbitrarily set by an operator. 11. The trimming / normal switching means is such that the first signal transmission path and the second signal transmission path are arbitrarily set by an operator in accordance with the degree of operation to the operation section common to the trigger means. 7. It is configured so that it can be switched and applied at a timing according to 6.
The digital camera described in. 12. The image reproduction means has a trimming form set by the trimming form selecting means in a portion relatively biased to the periphery of the image in which a partial lack of the image related to the trimming does not substantially occur. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera is configured to display a pattern to represent. 13. The image reproducing means is configured to display a reproduced image in a mode resulting from the trimming set by the trimming form selecting means. 1
The digital camera described in. 14. A photographing condition automatic setting unit for automatically setting a photographing condition according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit is further provided. 1. The digital camera described in 1. 15. The photographing condition automatic setting means sets the photographing condition as including a setting relating to the number of pixels forming a recorded image in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured to perform automatically. 16. The photographing condition automatic setting means sets the photographing condition as including the setting of the compression rate of the information regarding the recorded image according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured to perform automatically. 17. The photographing condition automatic setting unit automatically sets the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the resolution of the recorded image according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured to perform. 18. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically sets the photographing condition setting as including the setting relating to the color tone of the recorded image in accordance with the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selecting means. 5. The method of claim 1 configured to perform.
4. The digital camera described in 4. 19. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs setting relating to the photographing condition as including a setting relating to an image size according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. 15. It is configured as follows.
The digital camera described in. 20. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the aperture according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured. 21. The shooting condition automatic setting means automatically sets the settings related to the shooting conditions as including the setting related to the depth of field according to the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selecting means. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured to perform. 22. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting related to the photometric method according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. 15. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured as described above. 23. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting for turning on and off the flash according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. 15. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured as described above. 24. The photographing condition automatic setting means sets the photographing condition as including a setting regarding how to strike a flash for red-eye reduction according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured to perform automatically. 25. The photographing condition automatic setting unit automatically sets the photographing condition setting as including the setting relating to the contrast of a recorded image in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured to perform. 26. The shooting condition automatic setting means automatically sets the shooting condition-related settings including the setting relating to the sharpness of a recorded image in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured to perform. 27. The photographing condition automatic setting unit automatically sets the photographing condition setting as including the setting related to the gamma correction of the recorded image according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit. 15. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured to perform. 28. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically sets the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the brightness of the recorded image in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. 15. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured to perform. 29. The photographing condition automatic setting unit automatically sets the photographing condition setting as including the setting relating to the edge of the recorded image in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting unit. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured to perform. 30. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically sets the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the shutter speed in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. 15. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured as described above. 31. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the EV value setting in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. 15. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured as described above. 32. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting regarding the white balance according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. 15. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured as described above. 33. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically sets the photographing condition as including the ISO sensitivity setting in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. 15. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured as described above. 34. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically sets the photographing condition as a setting including the zoom magnification according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. 15. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured as described above. 35. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the flash emission amount in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. 15. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured as described above. 36. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to bracket photographing in accordance with the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. It is constituted by 1.
4. The digital camera described in 4. 37. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically performs the setting relating to the photographing condition as including the setting relating to the continuous photographing according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means. 15. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured as described above. 38. The photographing condition automatic setting means automatically sets the photographing condition setting as including the setting relating to the image recording data format in accordance with the trimming mode selectively set by the trimming mode selecting means. 15. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured to perform. 39. The photographing condition automatic setting means is a DPOF (Digital Print) according to the trimming form selectively set by the trimming form selecting means.
15. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the digital camera is configured to automatically perform a setting relating to a photographing condition as including an Oder Format: a format relating to print information of the digital camera. 40. A switching means is further provided for switching between selecting an automatic mode for automatically setting the setting relating to the photographing condition or manually selecting a manual mode arbitrarily set, and the photographing condition automatic setting. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the means is configured to function when the automatic mode is selected by the switching means. 41. The trimming data holding means of the trimming mode selecting means has a plurality of types of trimming data in which the portion of the image selectively removed by trimming is a black level, gray level or color mute screen. 4. The digital camera according to claim 3, wherein the digital camera is configured to be included as one of the above. 42. The trimming data holding means of the trimming mode selecting means has a plurality of types of trimming in which a semitransparent masking is applied to an image in which a portion of an image selectively removed by trimming is a background. 4. The digital camera according to claim 3, wherein the digital camera is configured to be included as one of the data.