JP2004054201A - Controller for photographing device, photographing device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve an operability in photography using a photographing device. <P>SOLUTION: After a request to print a photograph of an image photographed by using a digital camera is received from a customer through a DPE reception store 12, a computer 26 at a processing laboratory 14 analyzes the best photographic mode for a scene in the photographed image, the best lighting mode of an electronic flash, etc., and they are stored as a photographed scene information (information showing trends of scenes photographed by the customer) in a photograph-related information DB28 in a storage device 38. A computer 42 of the camera maker 18 generates control information for changing settings of the digital camera used by the customer for photography to match a scene of high frequency photographed by the customer. This control information is provided for the customer, whose does a specified operation to automatically change settings of the digital camera. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【００７０】
ステップ１１６で最適撮影モードを判定すると、次のステップ１１８では、最適撮影モードの判定結果を表す情報を顧客番号及びＤＳＣ５０の機種を表す情報と共にデータセンタ１６のコンピュータ３６へ送信することで、写真関連情報ＤＢ４０に記憶されている、対応する撮影シーン情報のうち判定した最適撮影モードのカウント値の更新をコンピュータ３６へ依頼する。これにより、コンピュータ３６では、受信した顧客番号及びＤＳＣ５０の機種を表す情報をキーにして、写真関連情報ＤＢ４０に記憶されている多数の撮影シーン情報の中から、対応する撮影シーン情報を検索する。そして、検索によって抽出された撮影シーン情報に対し、受信した情報が表す最適撮影モードのカウント値を１だけインクリメントする。
【００７１】
なお、検索によって対応する撮影シーン情報が抽出されなかった場合、コンピュータ３６は、ＤＳＣ５０の機種を表す情報に基づき当該ＤＳＣ５０の仕様情報を参照することで、ＤＳＣ５０が備えている撮影モードの種類やストロボの発光モードの種類、デフォルトで設定されている最優先撮影モード、最優先発光モード、露出レベル目標値等を認識し、認識結果に基づいて対応する撮影シーン情報を新規に生成し、顧客番号及びＤＳＣ５０の機種を設定すると共に各種情報の初期設定を行った後に、前述のように最適撮影モードのカウント値のインクリメントを行う。
【００７２】
次のステップ１２０では、ステップ１０８におけるシーン解析の結果と、処理対象の撮影画像の画像ファイルのデータ（撮影条件を表すデータ）に基づいて、処理対象の撮影画像に写し込まれているシーンが、ストロボを用いて撮影すべきシーンであるか否か判定する。例えば、撮影条件を表すデータに基づき、処理対象の撮影画像の撮影時にストロボが使用されていないことが認識され、処理対象の撮影画像の撮影時の露出が適切であることがシーン解析によって検知された場合には、ステップ１２０の判定が否定されることでステップ１２６へ移行する。また、例えばシーン解析の結果に基づき先のステップ１１６で遠方に存在する被写体を撮影するための撮影モード（例えば「風景モード」等）が最適撮影モードであると判定された場合には、ストロボ光の届かない遠方に主要被写体が存在していると判断できるので、このような場合にも、ステップ１２０の判定が否定されてステップ１２６へ移行する。
【００７３】
一方、例えば、撮影条件を表すデータに基づき、処理対象の撮影画像の撮影時にストロボが使用されていると認識され、処理対象の撮影画像の撮影時の露出が適切であることがシーン解析によって検知された場合には、ステップ１２０の判定が肯定されてステップ１２２へ移行する。また、例えば撮影条件を表すデータに基づき、処理対象の撮影画像の撮影時にストロボが使用されていないことが認識され、シーン解析の結果、撮影画像に写し込まれているシーンが逆光シーンであると判定された場合には、ステップ１２０の判定が肯定されてステップ１２２へ移行する。
【００７４】
ステップ１２２では、ステップ１０８におけるシーン解析の結果等に基づいて、顧客が撮影に用いたＤＳＣ５０に設けられているストロボの全ての発光モードのうち、処理対象の撮影画像に写し込まれているシーンの撮影に最適な発光モードを判定する。例えば処理対象の撮影画像がストロボを使用して撮影された画像であり、撮影画像に特段の画質不良が生じていない場合には、ステップ１２２において、撮影時に使用されたストロボ発光モードを最適発光モードと判定する。
【００７５】
また、例として赤目や金目等の色調不良が生じている眼部領域が撮影画像中に存在していることがシーン解析によって検知され、顧客が撮影に用いたＤＳＣ５０に赤目等の発生を軽減するためのストロボ発光モード（赤目軽減モード）が設けられており、かつ処理対象の撮影画像の画像ファイルのデータを参照することで認識された撮影時のストロボ発光モードが赤目軽減モード以外であった場合、眼部領域の色調不良は撮影時のストロボ発光モードの誤選択に起因していると判断できる。このため、ステップ１２２では上記のような場合に赤目軽減モードを最適発光モードと判定する。
【００７６】
そして、次のステップ１２４では、最適発光モードの判定結果を表す情報を顧客番号及びＤＳＣ５０の機種を表す情報と共にデータセンタ１６のコンピュータ３６へ送信することで、対応する撮影シーン情報のうち、判定した最適発光モードのカウント値の更新をコンピュータ３６へ依頼する。これにより、コンピュータ３６では、受信した顧客番号及びＤＳＣ５０の機種を表す情報をキーにして、写真関連情報ＤＢ４０から対応する撮影シーン情報を検索し、検索によって抽出された撮影シーン情報に対し、受信した情報が表す最適発光モードのカウント値を１だけインクリメントする。
【００７７】
また、ステップ１２６では、ステップ１０８におけるシーン解析結果等に基づいて撮影画像の露出レベルを認識し、次のステップ１２８では、撮影画像の露出レベルの認識結果を表す情報を、顧客番号及びＤＳＣ５０の機種を表す情報と共にデータセンタ１６のコンピュータ３６へ送信することで、対応する撮影シーン情報のうち、認識した露出レベルが属する露出レベル範囲のカウント値の更新をコンピュータ３６へ依頼する。これにより、コンピュータ３６では、受信した顧客番号及びＤＳＣ５０の機種を表す情報をキーにして、写真関連情報ＤＢ４０から対応する撮影シーン情報を検索し、検索によって抽出された撮影シーン情報に対し、受信した情報が表す撮影画像の露出レベルが属する露出レベル範囲のカウント値を１だけインクリメントする。
【００７８】
更に、ステップ１３０では、撮影シーン情報のうち撮影画像数累計の更新を依頼する情報を、顧客番号及びＤＳＣ５０の機種を表す情報と共にデータセンタ１６のコンピュータ３６へ送信することで、対応する撮影シーン情報のうち撮影画像数累計のカウント値の更新をコンピュータ３６へ依頼する。これにより、コンピュータ３６では、受信した顧客番号及びＤＳＣ５０の機種を表す情報をキーにして、写真関連情報ＤＢ４０から対応する撮影シーン情報を検索し、検索によって抽出された撮影シーン情報に対し、撮影画像数累計のカウント値を１だけインクリメントする。なお、上述したステップ１１６〜ステップ１３０は本発明に係る解析手段に対応している。
【００７９】
次のステップ１３２では、単一の顧客から写真プリントの作成が同時に依頼された一連の撮影画像の全てに対して上記処理（ステップ１０６〜ステップ１３２の処理）を行ったか否か判定する。判定が否定された場合にはステップ１０６に戻る。これにより、前記一連の撮影画像の全てに対してステップ１０６以降の処理が各々行われ、顧客から写真プリントの作成等の写真処理が依頼される毎に、対応する撮影シーン情報が、個々の処理対象の撮影画像（写真処理が依頼された個々の撮影画像）に写し込まれているシーン（顧客により撮影されるシーンの傾向）に応じて適宜更新されることで、撮影シーン情報が顧客により撮影されるシーンの傾向が反映された情報となる。
【００８０】
一連の撮影画像の全てに対してステップ１０６〜ステップ１３２の処理が行われると、ステップ１３２の判定が肯定されてステップ１３４へ移行し、ＤＳＣ５０の機種に基づいて当該ＤＳＣ５０を製造したカメラメーカ１８を判断し、判断したカメラメーカ１８のコンピュータ４２に対して顧客番号及びＤＳＣ５０の機種を表す情報を送信することで、対応する撮影シーン情報を更新したことを通知し、セットアップ／撮影シーン解析処理を終了する。
【００８１】
カメラメーカ１８のコンピュータ４２では、上記の顧客番号及びＤＳＣ５０の機種を表す情報を現像所１４のコンピュータ２６から受信すると、制御情報生成処理が実行される。この制御情報生成処理は、コンピュータ４２のＣＰＵが制御情報生成プログラムを実行することで実現される処理であり、以下、図３のフローチャートを参照して説明する。なお、制御情報生成処理は本発明に係る生成手段に対応している。
【００８２】
ステップ１４０では、現像所１４のコンピュータ２６から受信した顧客番号及びＤＳＣ５０の機種を表す情報をデータセンタ１６のコンピュータ３６へ送信することで、対応する撮影シーン情報の読み出し及び転送をコンピュータ３６へ依頼する。これにより、コンピュータ３６では顧客番号及びＤＳＣ５０の機種を表す情報をキーにして、写真関連情報ＤＢ４０から対応する撮影シーン情報を検索し、検索によって抽出された撮影シーン情報を、依頼元のカメラメーカ１８のコンピュータ４２へ転送する。
【００８３】
次のステップ１４２では、転送された撮影シーン情報のうちの「撮影画像数累計」から「設定更新時撮影画像数」を減算した値が所定値以上か否か判定する。「設定更新時撮影画像数」は制御情報生成処理によって更新される情報であり、初期値は０とされているので、当初は「撮影画像数累計」が所定値以上になった場合にステップ１４２の判定が肯定される。
【００８４】
ステップ１４２の判定が否定された場合には何ら処理を行うことなく制御情報生成処理を終了するが、ステップ１４２の判定が肯定された場合にはステップ１４４へ移行し、撮影シーン情報の「設定更新時画像数」に「撮影画像数累計」と同一の値を設定することで「設定更新時画像数」を更新する。従って、「撮影画像数累計」が所定値の整数倍に相当する数値になる毎にステップ１４２の判定が肯定され、次のステップ１４６以降の処理が行われることになる。
【００８５】
次のステップ１４６では、転送された撮影シーン情報を参照し、度数（シーン数）が最大の撮影モードを判定する。次のステップ１４８では、ステップ１４６で判定した度数が最大の撮影モードが、「現在の最優先撮影モード」（顧客が撮影に使用したＤＳＣ５０に現在設定されている最優先の撮影モード：例えばＤＳＣ５０の電源が投入された際にデフォルトとして設定される撮影モード）に一致しているか否か判定する。判定が肯定された場合には、何ら処理を行うことなくステップ１５４へ移行するが、判定が否定された場合にはステップ１５０へ移行する。
【００８６】
ステップ１５０では転送された撮影シーン情報を参照することで、顧客が撮影に使用したＤＳＣ５０の機種を認識し、顧客が撮影に使用したＤＳＣ５０における最優先の撮影モードを、ステップ１４６で判定した度数最大の撮影モードに変更設定するための制御情報を生成する。なお、この制御情報は、ＤＳＣ５０に内蔵されているＣＰＵが実行するためのプログラム（内蔵ＣＰＵによって該プログラムが実行されることで最優先の撮影モードが自動的に変更設定される）であってもよいし、最優先の撮影モードを変更設定するプログラムがＤＳＣ５０に内蔵されている場合には、該プログラムの実行及び変更設定する撮影モードを内蔵ＣＰＵに指示するデータ（或いはコマンド）であってもよい。
【００８７】
また、ステップ１５２では、度数最大の撮影モードをデータセンタ１６のコンピュータ３６へ最優先撮影モードとして送信することで、対応する撮影シーン情報のうちの「現在の最優先撮影モード」を更新するよう依頼する。これにより、対応する撮影シーン情報のうちの「現在の最優先撮影モード」の更新がコンピュータ３６によって行われることになる。
【００８８】
ステップ１５４では、転送された撮影シーン情報を参照し、度数（シーン数）が最大の発光モードを判定する。次のステップ１５６では、ステップ１５４で判定した度数が最大の発光モードが、「現在の最優先発光モード」（顧客が撮影に使用したＤＳＣ５０に現在設定されている最優先の発光モード：例えばＤＳＣ５０の電源が投入された際にデフォルトとして設定される発光モード）に一致しているか否か判定する。判定が肯定された場合には、何ら処理を行うことなくステップ１６２へ移行するが、判定が否定された場合にはステップ１５８へ移行する。
【００８９】
ステップ１５８では顧客が撮影に使用したＤＳＣ５０の機種を認識し、顧客が撮影に使用したＤＳＣ５０における最優先の発光モードを、ステップ１５４で判定した度数最大の発光モードに変更設定するための制御情報を生成する。なお、前述のように、この制御情報もプログラムであってもデータ（或いはコマンド）であってもよい。また、ステップ１６０では、度数最大の発光モードをデータセンタ１６のコンピュータ３６へ最優先発光モードとして送信し、対応する撮影シーン情報のうちの「現在の最優先発光モード」を更新するよう依頼することで、対応する撮影シーン情報のうちの「現在の最優先撮影モード」をコンピュータ３６によって更新させる。
【００９０】
ステップ１６２では、転送された撮影シーン情報を参照し、度数（シーン数）が最大の露出レベル範囲を判定する。次のステップ１６４では、「現在の露出レベル目標値」（顧客が撮影に使用したＤＳＣ５０に現在設定されている露出レベル目標値：例えばＤＳＣ５０の電源が投入された際にデフォルトとして設定される露出レベル目標値）が、ステップ１５４で判定した度数が最大の露出レベル範囲に対応しているか否か判定する。判定が肯定された場合には、何ら処理を行うことなくステップ１７０へ移行するが、判定が否定された場合にはステップ１６６へ移行する。
【００９１】
ステップ１６６では顧客が撮影に使用したＤＳＣ５０の機種を認識し、顧客が撮影に使用したＤＳＣ５０におけるデフォルトの露出レベル目標値を、ステップ１６２で判定した度数最大の露出レベル範囲に対応する目標値（例えば度数最大の露出レベル範囲の中央値：表１も参照）に変更設定するための制御情報を生成する。なお、前述のように、この制御情報もプログラムであってもデータ（或いはコマンド）であってもよい。また、ステップ１６０では、度数最大の露出レベル範囲に対応する目標値をデータセンタ１６のコンピュータ３６へ露出レベル目標値として送信し、対応する撮影シーン情報のうちの「現在の露出レベル目標値」を更新するよう依頼することで、対応する撮影シーン情報のうちの「現在の露出レベル目標値」をコンピュータ３６によって更新させる。
【００９２】
次のステップ１７０では、上述した処理で制御情報の生成を行ったか（ステップ１５０，１５８，１６６の少なくとも１つを実行したか）否か判定する。判定が否定された場合は何ら処理を行うことなく制御情報生成処理を終了するが、判定が肯定された場合はステップ１７２へ移行し、生成した制御情報を、先に顧客番号及びＤＳＣ５０の機種を表す情報を送信した現像所１４のコンピュータ２６へ送信し、制御情報生成処理を終了する。
【００９３】
なお、撮影シーン情報は上述した制御情報生成処理に利用されることに限られるものではなく、例えば個々のカメラメーカ１８が撮影シーン情報のうちの「ＤＳＣ機種」や「撮影画像数累計」等の情報を参照することで、自社が製造したＤＳＣを使用している顧客の数や個々の顧客による撮影画像数（撮影回数）や撮影頻度等を、ＤＳＣの個々の機種毎に把握することも可能となり、今後のＤＳＣの製品開発に役立てたり、ＤＳＣの定期交換部品の保管年月や定期交換部品の製造計画を策定することができる。また、撮影画像数の累計が設計値に達しているＤＳＣを所持している顧客が存在していた場合には、例えばＤＰＥ受付店１２を通じてＤＳＣの部品交換や買い換えを勧めることも可能となる。
【００９４】
第１の依頼形態で写真処理の依頼を受け付けた場合、現像所１４のコンピュータ２６で生成された制御情報は、写真プリンタ／プロセッサ３２によって作成された写真プリントが現像所１４からＤＰＥ受付店１２へ発送される際に、ＤＰＥ受付店１２のコンピュータ２０へ送信される。そして、ＤＰＥ受付店１２では、第１の依頼形態での依頼に基づいて作成された写真プリント及び顧客から預かっていたメモリカード５２を顧客に受け渡す際に、図４（Ａ）に示す制御情報書込処理がコンピュータ２０によって実行される。
【００９５】
この制御情報書込処理では、ステップ１８０において、写真プリント及びメモリカード５２を受け渡す顧客に対応する制御情報が有るか（現像所１４から受信しているか）否か判定する。判定が否定された場合には、何ら処理を行うことなく制御情報書込処理を終了する。
【００９６】
一方、ステップ１８０の判定が肯定された場合にはステップ１８２へ移行し、オペレータに対し、顧客から預かっているメモリカード５２をメディアドライブ２２に挿入するよう要請し、メモリカード５２がメディアドライブ２２に挿入されたことを検知すると、メディアドライブ２２によりメモリカード５２への制御情報の書き込みを行う。このように、ステップ１８２は、実際にメモリカード５２への制御情報の書き込みを行うメディアドライブ２２と共に、請求項６に記載の書込制御手段に対応している。
【００９７】
また、次のステップ１８４では、メモリカード５２に書き込んだ制御情報によってＤＳＣ５０の設定を変更する手順を顧客に案内するための案内書（一例を図４（Ｂ）に示す）をプリンタ３４によってプリントアウトし、制御情報書込処理を終了する。この制御情報書込処理によって制御情報が書き込まれたメモリカード５２及びプリンタ３４によりプリントアウトされた案内書は、ＤＰＥ受付店１２の店頭で写真プリントが顧客へ渡される際に、同時に顧客へ渡される。
【００９８】
ＤＰＥ受付店１２の店頭で写真プリント、制御情報が書き込まれたメモリカード５２及び案内書を渡された顧客は、渡された案内書を参照することで、メモリカード５２に書き込まれた制御情報によってＤＳＣ５０の設定を変更するための操作手順を認識し、認識した操作手順に従って操作を行う。
【００９９】
ＤＳＣは通常、最優先撮影モード、最優先発光モード及び露出レベルの目標値等の設定情報を、内蔵している不揮発性のメモリ（例えばＥＥＰＲＯＭ等）に記憶しており、該設定情報に従って動作するが、顧客によって上記操作が行われると、ＤＳＣ５０は、メモリカード５２に書き込まれている制御情報を読み出し、読み出した制御情報に基づいて不揮発性メモリに記憶されている設定情報を自動的に変更する。なお、上述した設定情報の変更は請求項８に記載の情報変更手段に対応しており、ＤＳＣ５０は請求項８に記載の撮影装置に対応している。
【０１００】
これにより、ＤＳＣ５０の設定のうち、最優先撮影モード、最優先発光モード及び露出レベルの目標値の少なくとも１つが、顧客がＤＳＣ５０を用いて撮影するシーンの傾向に応じて（顧客がＤＳＣ５０を用いて撮影する頻度の高いシーンに合致するように）自動的に変更設定されることになり、例えばＤＳＣ５０の電源投入時に設定されるデフォルトの撮影モードが、顧客がＤＳＣ５０を用いて頻繁に撮影するシーンの撮影に適した撮影モードに変更設定される等により、顧客が撮影モード等の設定を手動で変更する頻度を減少させることができるので、顧客にとってのＤＳＣ５０の操作性を向上させることができる。
【０１０１】
なお、第２の依頼形態で写真処理の依頼を受け付けた場合、作成した写真プリントは、例えば顧客の自宅へ配送されたり、顧客の自宅の最寄りのコンビニエンス・ストア等で顧客に受け渡されることになるが、この態様においては、制御情報は、例えばフロッピー（Ｒ）ディスク等の記録媒体に書き込んでおいて写真プリントと共に顧客へ渡すか、或いは顧客が所持しているＰＣへ送信する電子メールに添付する等の形態で顧客へ渡すことができる（案内書は写真プリントと共に顧客に渡せばよい）。
【０１０２】
顧客がＰＣを所持している場合、制御情報はＰＣで実行可能なプログラムであることが好ましく、例えばＰＣがＵＳＢ等の通信ケーブルを介してＤＳＣ５０と接続されている状態で、ＰＣが制御情報（プログラム）を実行することで、ＤＳＣ５０の設定がＰＣによって自動的に変更されるように構成することができる。
【０１０３】
なお、上記では撮影モードやストロボの発光モードが撮影時に適切に選択されない可能性があることを考慮し、撮影時に選択された撮影モードやストロボの発光モードと無関係に、撮影画像に写し込まれているシーンに適した撮影モードや発光モードを判断して撮影シーン情報を更新する例を説明したが、これに限定されるものではなく、撮影時に選択された撮影モードや発光モードに応じて撮影シーン情報を更新するようにしてもよい。
【０１０４】
また、上記ではＤＳＣ５０の設定変更の一例として、ＤＳＣ５０の最優先の撮影モードや発光モードを、撮影シーン情報上での度数（シーン数）が最大の撮影モードや発光モードに変更する場合を説明したが、これに限定されるものではなく、例えばＤＳＣ５０が、撮影モードや発光モードを変更するためのボタン等が押される毎に、撮影モードや発光モードが順に切り替わる構成である場合には、前記ボタン等が押される毎に切り替わる撮影モードや発光モードを、撮影シーン情報上での度数（シーン数）順に並べ替えるようにしてもよい。
【０１０５】
また、上記では変更対象のＤＳＣ５０の設定の一例として、撮影モード、ストロボの発光モード、露出レベルの目標値を例に説明したが、任意の他の項目を変更対象とすることも可能であることは言うまでもなく、例えば撮影時のＥｖ値の頻度に応じてＤＳＣの電源投入時にデフォルトとして設定される感度を設定したり、画像の自己相関や周波数特性を利用して撮影画像を解析することで検知した撮影時の手振れ発生の頻度に応じてＤＳＣの電源投入時にデフォルトとして設定されるシャッター速度を設定したり、撮影時のズーム倍率の頻度に応じてＤＳＣの電源投入時にデフォルトとして設定されるズーム倍率を設定したり、撮影時のオートホワイトバランス（ＡＷＢ）の各モード（例えば光源種指定又は完全オート）の選択頻度に応じてＤＳＣの電源投入時にデフォルトとして設定されるＡＷＢのモードを設定したり、撮影時のシャープネスの設定値の頻度に応じてＤＳＣの電源投入時にデフォルトとして設定されるシャープネスの設定値を設定するようにしてもよい。
【０１０６】
更に、上記ではコンピュータ２６、スキャナ２８、画像処理装置３０及び写真プリンタ／プロセッサ３２が現像所１４に設置されている態様を説明したが、これに限定されるものではなく、これらの機器がＤＰＥ受付店１２に設置されていてもよい。また、上記では第２の依頼形態による写真処理依頼をＤＰＥ受付店１２で受け付ける例を説明したが、これに限定されるものではなく、第２の依頼形態による写真処理依頼を現像所１４で直接受け付けるようにしてもよい。
【０１０７】
また、上記では写真処理（写真プリントの作成）が依頼された撮影画像が、顧客がＤＳＣを用いて撮影した画像（第１の又は第２の依頼形態によって写真処理が依頼された画像）であった場合にのみ制御情報を生成する態様を説明したが、これに限定されるものではない。例えばカメラによって写真フィルムに露光記録された画像（第３の依頼形態によって写真処理が依頼される画像）であっても、例えば写真フィルムがＡＰＳフィルムであれば、ＡＰＳフィルムの磁気層にカメラの機種や撮影条件に相当する情報が記録され、高機能の一眼レフカメラの中には撮影条件等の情報を別の記録媒体に記録する機能を備えているものも存在している。このため、これらの情報を用いて撮影シーンの解析や制御情報の生成を行うことも可能である。
【０１０８】
また、銀塩フィルムカメラのうち、高機能の一眼レフタイプのカメラの中には、内蔵メモリに撮影情報を記録する機能を搭載しているものも存在している。この種のカメラは、写真フィルムの撮影画像領域外に光学的に書き込んだＩＤにより、内蔵メモリに記録した撮影情報と撮影画像（写真フィルム）とを対応付ける構成を採用しており、この種のカメラを用いて撮影された撮影画像については、内蔵メモリに記録された撮影情報を利用することで、撮影シーンの解析や制御情報の生成を行うことも可能である。
【０１０９】
更に、最近のデジタルビデオカメラの中には、動画像以外に静止画像の撮影も可能なものも存在しており、この種のデジタルビデオカメラは、静止画像をＪＰＥＧフォーマットで記録すると共に、ＥＸＩＦ形式の画像ファイルと同様の撮影情報も付加する構成であるので、この撮影情報を利用することで撮影シーンの解析や制御情報の生成を行うことも可能である。
【０１１０】
また、上記では写真プリントの作成が依頼された画像に対し、現像所１４のコンピュータ２６によって撮影シーンを解析し、カメラメーカ１８のコンピュータ４２によって制御情報の生成を行う態様を説明したが、これに限定されるものではなく、例えば撮影シーンの解析及び制御情報の生成を、ＤＰＥ受付店１２のコンピュータ２０、現像所１４のコンピュータ２６、カメラメーカ１８のコンピュータ４２のうちの単一のコンピュータで実行するようにしてもよいし、顧客が所持しているコンピュータ、或いは顧客が撮影に用いるＤＳＣ５０において、請求項１０記載の発明に係るプログラムを実行させることで、顧客が所持しているコンピュータ又はＤＳＣ５０によって撮影シーンの解析及び制御情報の生成等を行わせることも可能である。
【０１１１】
〔第２実施形態〕
次に本発明の第２実施形態について説明する。なお、第１実施形態と同一の部分には同一の符号を付し、説明を省略する。図５には本第２実施形態に係るＤＳＣ５６の電気系の構成が示されている。ＤＳＣ５６には、オートフォーカス（ＡＦ）機構を備えたズームレンズ（焦点距離可変レンズ）から成るレンズ５８が設けられており、レンズ５８のＡＦ機構及びズーム機構は駆動回路６０によって駆動される。なおズームレンズに代えて、ＡＦ機構のみを備えた焦点距離固定レンズをレンズ５８として用いてもよい。
【０１１２】
本体１２内部のレンズ５８の焦点位置に相当する位置には、エリアＣＣＤセンサ等で構成される撮像デバイス６２が配置されており、被写体を反射してレンズ５８に入射された光は撮像デバイス６２の受光面に結像される。撮像デバイス６２は、駆動回路６０が内蔵しているタイミング発生回路（図示省略）によって発生されたタイミング信号に同期したタイミングで駆動され、画像信号（受光面上にマトリクス状に配列された多数個の光電変換セルの各々における受光量を表す信号）を出力する。
【０１１３】
レンズ５８と撮像デバイス６２との間にはシャッタ／絞り６４が配置されている。シャッタ及び絞りは駆動回路６０によって駆動される。シャッタは撮像デバイス６２から画像信号が出力されるときに、撮像デバイス６２の受光面に光が入射することでスミアが発生することを防止するためのものであり、撮像デバイス６２の構成によっては省略可能である。また絞りは、絞り量を連続的に変更可能な単一の絞りで構成してもよいし、絞り量が異なる複数の絞りを切替える構成であってもよい。駆動回路６０にはストロボ６６も接続されている。ストロボ６６は、低照度であることが検出された場合や、撮影者によって発光が指示された場合に、駆動回路６０によって発光される。
【０１１４】
撮像デバイス６２の信号出力端には、アナログ信号処理部６８、Ａ／Ｄ変換器７０、デジタル信号処理部７２、メモリ７４が順に接続されている。アナログ信号処理部６８は、撮像デバイス６２から出力された画像信号を増幅すると共に、増幅した画像信号に対してホワイトバランス等の補正を行う。アナログ信号処理部６８から出力された画像信号は、Ａ／Ｄ変換器７０によってデジタルの画像データに変換されてデジタル信号処理部７２へ入力される。デジタル信号処理部７２では、入力された画像データに対して色補正・γ補正・Ｙ／Ｃ変換等の各種処理を行う。デジタル信号処理部７２から出力された画像データは、ＲＡＭ等で構成されたメモリ７４に一時記憶される。
【０１１５】
駆動回路６０、アナログ信号処理部６８、Ａ／Ｄ変換器７０、デジタル信号処理部７２、メモリ７４及び圧縮／伸張部７６（後述）はバス７８に接続されており、このバス７８には、ＣＰＵ８０が接続されていると共に、電源スイッチ・シャッタスイッチ、メニュースイッチ等のスイッチ類から成る操作スイッチ８２が各々接続されている。なお、図示は省略するが、ＣＰＵ８０はＲＯＭ、ＲＡＭ、不揮発性メモリ（不揮発性で記憶内容を書替え可能なメモリ：例えばＥＥＰＲＯＭ等）、入出力ポート等の周辺回路を含んで構成されており、ＲＯＭには、後述する設定更新処理を行うための設定更新プログラムが予め書き込まれている。
【０１１６】
なお、この設定更新プログラムは請求項１１に記載のプログラムに対応しており、ＣＰＵ８０が設定更新プログラムを実行することで、ＤＳＣ５６は請求項９に記載の撮影装置として機能する。
【０１１７】
またメモリ７４には、ＬＣＤ等から成るディスプレイ８４及び圧縮／伸張部７６が各々接続されている。ディスプレイ８４に画像を表示する場合、ＣＰＵ８０は、メモリ７４に一時記憶されている画像データに対し、ディスプレイ８４への表示用の画像データへ変換する画像表示処理を行った後にディスプレイ８４へ転送する。これにより、メモリ７４に一時記憶されている画像データが表す画像がディスプレイ８４に表示される。
【０１１８】
また、圧縮／伸張部７６には、不揮発性の内蔵メモリ８６が接続されていると共に、ＤＳＣ５６のスロットに装填されたメモリカード８８も接続される。シャッタボタン２２が操作されてシャッタスイッチ５６がオンされた等により、内蔵メモリ８６又はスロットに装填されたメモリカード８８への画像データの書き込みが指示された場合、ＣＰＵ８０はメモリ７４に一時記憶されている画像データを読み出して圧縮／伸張部７６へ転送する。これにより、画像データは圧縮／伸張部７６で圧縮された後に所定の情報が付加され、所定の形式（例えばＥＸＩＦ形式）の画像ファイルとして内蔵メモリ８６又はメモリカード８８に書き込まれる。
【０１１９】
また、スロットに装填されたメモリカード８８に格納されている画像データが表す画像の再生（表示）が指示された場合には、メモリカードから画像データが読み出され、読み出された画像データが圧縮されて格納されていた場合には、該被圧縮画像データが圧縮／伸張部７６で伸張（解凍）された後にメモリ７４に一時記憶される。そして、メモリ７４に一時記憶された画像データを用いてディスプレイ８４への画像の表示（再生）が行われる。
【０１２０】
次に本第２実施形態の作用について、第１実施形態と異なる部分についてのみ説明する。先に説明した第１実施形態では、撮影シーン情報がデータセンタ１６の写真関連情報ＤＢ４０に記憶されている態様を説明したが、本第２実施形態では、個々のＤＳＣ５６の不揮発性メモリに撮影シーン情報が記憶されている。また、第１実施形態では現像所１４のコンピュータ２６において、シーン解析・最適撮影モード等の判定、最優先撮影モード等を設定する制御情報の生成等の処理が行われる態様を説明したが、本第２実施形態に係るコンピュータ２６では、上記で列挙した各処理のうちシーン解析のみが行われる。
【０１２１】
そして、シーン解析の結果は、現像所１４のコンピュータ２６からＤＰＥ受付店１２のコンピュータ２０へ送信され、顧客へ返却されるメモリカード５２へコンピュータ２０によって書き込まれる。このように、本第２実施形態において、現像所１４のコンピュータ２６は請求項９，１１に記載の解析装置として機能する。
【０１２２】
続いて、シーン解析の結果が書き込まれたメモリカード５２がＤＳＣ５６のスロットに装填された等のタイミングで、ＤＳＣ５６のＣＰＵ８０が設定更新プログラムを実行することで実現される設定更新処理について、図６のフローチャートを参照して説明する。
【０１２３】
ステップ２００では、スロットに装填されたメモリカード５２から、処理対象の画像についてのシーン解析結果を読み出す。次のステップ２０２〜ステップ２１６では、ステップ２００で読み出したシーン解析結果に基づき、第１実施形態で説明したセットアップ／撮影シーン解析処理（図２）のステップ１１６〜１３０と同様の処理が行われる。すなわち、まずシーン解析結果に基づいて最適撮影モードを判定し（ステップ２０２）、ＤＳＣ５６の不揮発性メモリに記憶されている撮影シーン情報のうち、判定した最適撮影モードのカウント値を更新する（ステップ２０４）。
【０１２４】
次に、セットアップ／撮影シーン解析処理（図２）のステップ１２０と同様にして、処理対象の画像に写し込まれているシーンが、ストロボを用いて撮影すべきシーンであるか否か判定し（ステップ２０６）、判定が肯定された場合は処理対象の画像に写し込まれているシーンの撮影に最適な発光モードを判定し（ステップ２０８）、ＤＳＣ５６の不揮発性メモリに記憶されている撮影シーン情報のうち、判定した最適発光モードのカウント値を更新する（ステップ２１０）。
【０１２５】
続いて、処理対象の画像の露出レベルを認識し（ステップ２１２）、ＤＳＣ５６の不揮発性メモリに記憶されている撮影シーン情報のうち、認識した露出レベルが属する露出レベル範囲のカウント値を更新し（ステップ２１４）、更に、ＤＳＣ５６の不揮発性メモリに記憶されている撮影シーン情報のうち、撮影画像数累計のカウント値を更新する（ステップ２１６）。なお、上述したステップ２００〜ステップ２１６は請求項９、１１に記載の取得手段に対応している。
【０１２６】
次のステップ２１８では、第１実施形態で説明した制御情報生成処理（図３）のステップ１４２と同様に、撮影シーン情報のうちの「撮影画像数累計」から「設定更新時撮影画像数」を減算した値が所定値以上か否か判定する。「設定更新時撮影画像数」は設定更新処理によって更新される情報であり、初期値は０とされているので、当初は「撮影画像数累計」が所定値以上になる迄の間はステップ２１８の判定が否定され、ステップ２２０へ移行する。
【０１２７】
ステップ２２０では、メモリカード５２にシーン解析結果が書き込まれている全ての画像について、上記の処理を行ったか否か判定する。判定が否定された場合はステップ２００に戻り、ステップ２００以降の処理を繰り返す。これにより、メモリカード５２にシーン解析結果が書き込まれている全ての画像を対象として、ステップ２００〜２２０の処理が繰り返されることになる。
【０１２８】
また、ステップ２００〜２２０の処理が繰り返されている間にステップ２１８の判定が肯定されるとステップ２２２へ移行し、撮影シーン情報の「設定更新時画像数」に「撮影画像数累計」と同一の値を設定することで「設定更新時画像数」を更新する。従って、「撮影画像数累計」が所定値の整数倍に相当する数値になる毎にステップ２１８の判定が肯定され、次のステップ２２４以降の処理が行われる。
【０１２９】
次のステップ２２４〜２４０では、ＤＳＣ５６の不揮発性メモリに記憶されている撮影シーン情報に基づきＤＳＣ５６の設定を更新する。すなわち、まずＤＳＣ５６の不揮発性メモリに記憶されている撮影シーン情報を参照することで、度数（シーン数）が最大の撮影モードを判定し（ステップ２２４）、度数が最大の撮影モードが、ＤＳＣ５６における現在の最優先撮影モードに一致しているか否かを判定する（ステップ２２６）。判定が肯定された場合は何ら処理を行うことなくステップ２３０へ移行するが、判定が否定された場合には、ＤＳＣ５６における最優先の撮影モードを度数最大の撮影モードに変更設定する（ステップ２２８）。
【０１３０】
次に、ＤＳＣ５６の不揮発性メモリに記憶されている撮影シーン情報を参照することで、度数（シーン数）が最大の発光モードを判定し（ステップ２３０）、度数が最大の発光モードが、ＤＳＣ５６における現在の最優先発光モードに一致しているか否かを判定する（ステップ２３２）。判定が肯定された場合は何ら処理を行うことなくステップ２３６へ移行するが、判定が否定された場合には、ＤＳＣ５６における最優先の発光モードを度数最大の発光モードに変更設定する（ステップ２３４）。
【０１３１】
続いて、ＤＳＣ５６の不揮発性メモリに記憶されている撮影シーン情報を参照することで、度数（シーン数）が最大の露出レベル範囲を判定し（ステップ２３６）、ＤＳＣ５６における現在の露出レベル目標値が、度数最大の露出レベル範囲に対応しているか否か判定する（ステップ２３８）。判定が肯定された場合は何ら処理を行うことなくステップ２２０へ移行するが、判定が否定された場合には、ＤＳＣ５６におけるデフォルトの露出レベル目標値を、度数最大の露出レベル範囲に対応する目標値に変更設定（ステップ２４０）した後に、ステップ２２０へ移行する。なお、上述したステップ２２２〜２４０は請求項９，１１に記載の制御手段に対応している。
【０１３２】
上述したステップ２２２〜２４０の処理により、ＤＳＣ５６の設定のうち、最優先撮影モード、最優先発光モード及び露出レベルの目標値の少なくとも１つが、顧客がＤＳＣ５６を用いて撮影するシーンの傾向に応じて（顧客がＤＳＣ５６を用いて撮影する頻度の高いシーンに合致するように）自動的に変更設定されることになるので、第１実施形態と同様に、顧客にとってのＤＳＣ５６の操作性を向上させることができる。
【０１３３】
なお、第２実施形態ではシーン解析の結果がメモリカード５２に書き込まれ、当該メモリカード５２がＤＳＣ５６のスロットに装填されることで、ＤＳＣ５６によってシーン解析結果が取得される態様を例に説明したが、これに限定されるものではなく、ＤＳＣ５６に無線通信を行う機能を搭載し、例えば顧客の自宅に設置されると共に通信回線を介して現像所１４のコンピュータ２６と通信可能とされた無線ＬＡＮ（ローカル・エリア・ネットワーク）を介し、ＤＳＣ５６が無線によりシーン解析結果を取得するように構成してもよい。
【０１３４】
また、第２実施形態では請求項９記載の発明に係る撮影装置としてＤＳＣ５６を例に説明したが、これに限定されるものではなく、銀塩フィルムカメラ、デジタルビデオカメラ、携帯電話機やＰＤＡ等の携帯機器に付属するＤＳＣを請求項９記載の発明に係る撮影装置として機能させることも可能である。
【０１３５】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように請求項１記載の発明に係る撮影装置の制御装置は、顧客により撮影されるシーンの傾向を解析し、撮影装置の設定を顧客により撮影される頻度の高いシーンに合致するように変更するための制御情報を生成するので、撮影装置を用いた撮影における操作性の向上を実現できる、という優れた効果を有する。
【０１３６】
請求項３記載の発明は、請求項１記載の発明において、顧客により撮影されるシーンの傾向として、顧客により撮影される頻度の高いシーンに適した撮影モードを解析し、顧客により撮影される頻度の高いシーンに適した撮影モードの優先順位が高くなるように撮影装置の設定を変更するための制御情報を生成するので、上記効果に加え、撮影モードの設定に関する撮影装置の操作性を向上させることができる、という効果を有する。
【０１３７】
請求項４記載の発明は、請求項１記載の発明において、顧客により撮影されるシーンの傾向として、顧客により撮影される頻度の高いシーンに適したストロボの発光モードを解析し、顧客により撮影される頻度の高いシーンに適した発光モードの優先順位が高くなるように撮影装置の設定を変更するための制御情報を生成するので、上記効果に加え、ストロボの発光モードの設定に関する撮影装置の操作性を向上させることができる、という効果を有する。
【０１３８】
請求項５記載の発明は、請求項１記載の発明において、顧客により撮影されるシーンの傾向として、顧客により撮影される頻度の高いシーンの明るさを解析し、撮影装置により撮影時に決定される露出レベルの目標値又は補正値が、顧客により撮影される頻度の高いシーンの明るさに応じた値となるように撮影装置の設定を変更するための制御情報を生成するので、上記効果に加え、露出レベルの目標値又は補正値の設定に関する撮影装置の操作性を向上させることができる、という効果を有する。
【０１３９】
請求項６記載の発明は、請求項１記載の発明において、生成された制御情報を、撮影装置に挿入可能で、撮影装置を用いて撮影された画像の画像データを記録するための記録媒体に書き込むので、上記効果に加え、撮影装置の設定を変更することを容易に実現できる、という効果を有する。
【０１４０】
請求項８記載の発明に係る撮影装置は、記憶手段に記憶されている設定情報に従って動作すると共に、請求項１乃至請求項７の何れか１項記載の撮影装置の制御装置の生成手段によって生成された制御情報が入力された場合に、記憶手段に記憶されている設定情報を入力された制御情報に応じて変更するので、撮影装置を用いた撮影における操作性の向上を容易に実現できる、という優れた効果を有する。
【０１４１】
請求項９記載の発明に係る撮影装置は、解析装置が撮影画像に写し込まれているシーンを解析した結果を取得して記憶手段に記憶させ、複数の撮影画像のシーン解析結果に基づいて、顧客により撮影されるシーンの傾向を解析し、撮影装置の設定を顧客により撮影される頻度の高いシーンに合致するように変更するので、撮影装置を用いた撮影における操作性の向上を容易に実現できる、という優れた効果を有する。
【０１４２】
請求項１０記載の発明に係るプログラムは、顧客により撮影されるシーンの傾向を解析する第１のステップ、撮影装置の設定を顧客により撮影される頻度の高いシーンに合致するように変更するための制御情報を生成する第２のステップを含む処理をコンピュータに実行させるためのプログラムであるので、撮影装置を用いた撮影における操作性の向上を実現することができる、という優れた効果を有する。
【０１４３】
請求項１１記載の発明に係るプログラムは、撮影装置に内蔵されたコンピュータを、解析装置が撮影画像に写し込まれているシーンを解析した結果を取得して記憶手段に記憶させる取得手段、記憶手段に記憶された複数の撮影画像のシーン解析結果に基づいて、顧客により撮影されるシーンの傾向を解析し、撮影装置の設定を顧客により撮影される頻度の高いシーンに合致するように変更する制御手段として機能させるためのプログラムであるので、撮影装置を用いた撮影における操作性の向上を実現することができる、という優れた効果を有する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本実施形態に係る写真処理システムの概略構成を示すブロック図である。
【図２】セットアップ／撮影シーン解析処理の内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図３】制御情報生成処理の内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図４】（Ａ）は制御情報書込処理の内容を示すフローチャート、（Ｂ）は案内書の一例を示すイメージ図である。
【図５】第２実施形態に係るＤＳＣの電気系の概略構成を示すブロック図である。
【図６】第２実施形態に係るＤＳＣで実行される設定更新処理の内容を示すフローチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１０　　写真処理システム
２０　　コンピュータ
２２　　メディアドライブ
２６　　コンピュータ
３８　　記憶装置
４２　　コンピュータ
５０　　ＤＳＣ
５２　　メモリカード[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging device control device, an imaging device, and a program, and more particularly to an imaging device used for imaging an object, an imaging device control device for controlling the operation of the imaging device, and a computer controlling the imaging device. The present invention relates to a program for causing a device to function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A digital still camera (hereinafter referred to as a digital still camera) configured to photograph a subject with an image pickup device such as a CCD, convert an analog image signal obtained by the photographing into digital image data, and store the digital image data in a memory card such as SmartMedia (R). , DSC) has a feature that it is possible to confirm on the spot whether the shooting has succeeded or failed by reproducing and displaying the shot image on the LCD on the spot. Images taken by DSC can be stored as high-quality photographic prints, for example, when a customer brings the image data to a DPE reception store and requests photographic processing such as creation of a photographic print, or the image data represents It is also possible to simply record an image on paper or the like by a printer owned by the customer.
[0003]
By the way, recent DSCs have become more sophisticated and multifunctional so that various scenes (subjects) can be photographed with high image quality. For example, in the photographing mode, a large number of photographing is performed corresponding to various scenes (subjects). A mode has been provided (see Non-Patent Document 1, for example).
[0004]
[Non-Patent Document 1]
Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., “FinePix6700Z spec.”, [Online], [Hiraira
Searched September 20, 2014], Internet <URL: http: // www. fi
nepix. com / fx6900z / spec. html>
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, recent DSCs have become more sophisticated and multifunctional so that various scenes (subjects) can be photographed with high image quality. For example, in the photographing mode, a large number of photographing is performed corresponding to various scenes (subjects). Modes are being provided. Accordingly, for example, when shooting a specific scene, the operation of changing the setting of the DSC to a setting suitable for the scene to be shot in order to effectively use the functions of the DSC has become very complicated. Therefore, improvement in the operability of the DSC is required.
[0006]
In addition, as described above, the problem that the operation for performing shooting that effectively uses the functions of the shooting device is complicated is that the shooting device is a DSC (specifically, a DSC designed specifically for shooting). For example, when the photographing apparatus is a normal camera, a digital video camera, or a DSC attached to a portable device such as a mobile phone or a PDA, the problem is common.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described facts, and an object of the present invention is to obtain a control device, a photographing device, and a program for a photographing device that can improve the operability in photographing using the photographing device.
[0008]
As described above, imaging devices are becoming more sophisticated and multifunctional for the purpose of enabling shooting of various scenes with high image quality, but each customer who owns the imaging device has various It is extremely rare to shoot scenes universally, and scenes shot by customers are mostly biased to specific types of scenes (subjects) for each individual customer. The inventor of the present application pays attention to the above fact, and if the setting of the photographing apparatus is changed so as to match a scene frequently photographed by the customer, the frequency at which the setting of the photographing apparatus needs to be changed for photographing. The present invention has been achieved by conceiving that the operability of the photographing apparatus can be improved.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Based on the above, the control device of the photographing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is based on the data of a plurality of photographed images obtained by the customer using the photographing device and the scene photographed by the customer. Analyzing means for analyzing the trend, and control information for changing the setting of the photographing device to match a scene frequently taken by the customer based on the tendency of the scene analyzed by the analyzing means Generating means for generating.
[0010]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the trend of scenes photographed by the customer is analyzed by the analyzing means based on the data of a plurality of photographed images obtained by the customer photographing with the photographing device. In the first aspect of the present invention, as a photographing apparatus used for photographing by a customer, for example, an analog image signal obtained by photographing a subject with an image pickup device is converted into digital image data, and is stored in a memory card. Examples include a photographing device (DSC designed exclusively for photographing) configured to be memorized, but a normal camera for exposing and recording a subject on a recording material such as a silver halide photographic film, a portable device such as a digital video camera, a cellular phone, and a PDA. It may be a DSC attached to the device. When the photographing apparatus is other than a normal camera, the photographed image is converted into data simultaneously with photographing. However, when the photographing apparatus is a normal camera, the photographed image is a process for visualizing an image recorded by exposure on a recording material. After the above, the visualized image is converted into data by being read by a reading device such as a scanner.
[0011]
Further, as the photographed image data used for analysis by the analyzing means, for example, as described in claim 2, at least one of the image data of the photographed image and the data representing the photographing condition at the time of photographing of the photographed image is applied. it can. For example, if the photographing apparatus is a DSC, the photographed image data is provided as an image file in the EXIF format or other formats. This type of image file includes data representing photographing conditions at the time of photographing. In addition, data representing shooting conditions at the time of shooting is also recorded at the time of shooting on an APS film which is a kind of silver halide photographic film. For this reason, in addition to applying only the image data representing the photographed image itself, only the data representing the photographing condition at the time of photographing as described above is applied, or the image data representing the photographed image and the data representing the photographing condition are used in combination. Then, the analysis by the analyzing means may be performed.
[0012]
Further, the analysis by the analyzing means (analysis of the tendency of the scene photographed by the customer) is specifically based on, for example, data of a plurality of photographed images obtained by the customer photographing using the photographing device. Each photographed image is classified into one of a plurality of groups according to the characteristics of the scene captured in each photographed image, the number of photographed images belonging to each group is obtained, and a group with a large number of photographed images ( This can be done by determining a group having a high appearance frequency. As the grouping standard (scene characteristics described above), for example, the type of scene, the brightness of the scene, and the like can be used.
[0013]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the control information for changing the setting of the photographing apparatus so as to match the scene frequently photographed by the customer based on the tendency of the scene analyzed by the analyzing means is generated. Generated by. Thereby, by using the generated control information, the setting of the photographing device (for example, the default setting when the photographing device is turned on, etc.) is changed to match the scene that is frequently photographed by the customer. Thus, the frequency at which the setting of the photographing apparatus needs to be changed for photographing can be reduced.
[0014]
Thus, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the setting of the photographing apparatus can be changed (customized) according to the tendency of the scene photographed by the customer, the operability of the photographing apparatus can be improved. it can.
[0015]
In the first aspect of the present invention, the setting of the photographing device to be changed by the control information includes, for example, the setting of the photographing mode of the photographing device. In this case, for example, as described in claim 3, the analyzing unit determines a shooting mode suitable for shooting a scene that is copied in the shot image, for a plurality of shot images shot by the same customer. By performing each, as a tendency of the scene photographed by the customer, the photographing mode suitable for the scene frequently photographed by the customer is analyzed, and the generation unit is provided with a plurality of photographing modes provided in the photographing apparatus. Of these, it is possible to configure to generate control information for changing the setting of the photographing apparatus so that the priority of the photographing mode suitable for the scene frequently photographed by the customer is high.
[0016]
Thus, by using the generated control information, it is possible to increase the priority of the shooting mode suitable for a scene frequently shot by a customer among a plurality of types of shooting modes provided in the shooting apparatus. Therefore, the operability of the photographing apparatus regarding the setting of the photographing mode can be improved by reducing the frequency with which the setting of the photographing mode needs to be reduced.
[0017]
In the first aspect of the present invention, the setting of the photographing device to be changed based on the control information may be the setting of the flash emission mode. In this case, for example, as described in claim 4, the analyzing means determines a flash emission mode suitable for photographing a scene that is photographed in a photographed image, and a plurality of photographings photographed by the same customer. By performing each of the images, as a tendency of the scene photographed by the customer, the light emission mode suitable for the scene frequently photographed by the customer is analyzed, and the generation means includes a plurality of types of strobes provided in the photographing apparatus. The control information for changing the setting of the photographing apparatus can be generated so that the priority order of the light emitting mode suitable for the scene frequently photographed by the customer is higher.
[0018]
Thus, by using the generated control information, among the plurality of types of light emission modes of the strobe provided in the photographing apparatus, the priority order of the light emission mode suitable for the scene that is frequently photographed by the customer is increased. Therefore, the frequency with which it is necessary to change the setting of the flash mode of the strobe is reduced, so that the operability of the photographing apparatus regarding the setting of the flash mode of the strobe can be improved.
[0019]
In the first aspect of the present invention, the setting of the imaging device to be changed based on the control information may be a target value or a correction value for an exposure level determined at the time of imaging by the imaging device. In this case, for example, as described in claim 5, the analysis unit determines the brightness of the scene that is captured in the captured image by performing each of the captured images captured by the same customer. Analyzing the brightness of scenes frequently photographed by the customer as the tendency of the scenes photographed by the customer, and the generating means has the target value or correction value of the exposure level determined at the time of photographing by the photographing device The control information for changing the setting of the photographing device is generated so as to be a value corresponding to the brightness of a scene frequently photographed by the above.
[0020]
Thus, by using the generated control information, the target value or correction value of the exposure level determined at the time of shooting by the shooting device is changed to a value according to the brightness of the scene that is frequently shot by the customer. Therefore, the frequency with which it is necessary to change the setting of the target value or correction value of the exposure level is reduced, so that the operability of the photographing apparatus relating to the setting of the target value or correction value of the exposure level can be improved. .
[0021]
Further, in the first aspect of the present invention, for example, as described in the sixth aspect, the control information generated by the generation unit can be inserted into the photographing apparatus, and image data of an image photographed using the photographing apparatus is obtained. It is preferable to provide a writing control means for writing to a recording medium for recording. Accordingly, by inserting the recording medium in which the control information is written by the writing control unit into the photographing apparatus, the photographing apparatus can read the control information from the recording medium, and the setting of the photographing apparatus can be changed by the control information. It can be easily realized.
[0022]
Further, the setting change of the photographing apparatus based on the control information is not limited to using the recording medium as described above. For example, the photographing apparatus is connected to another device (for example, controlling the photographing apparatus according to the present invention via a communication line). If it is possible to communicate with the apparatus, it is possible to change the setting of the imaging apparatus by the control information by transmitting the control information to the imaging apparatus via the communication line.
[0023]
Further, in the first aspect of the present invention, when the photographed image is an image requested by a customer to create a photographic print via the DPE reception store, the control information generated by the generating means is, for example, the seventh aspect. As described above, when the created photographic print is delivered to the customer at the DPE reception store, it can be delivered to the customer at the same time. Specifically, the control information according to the seventh aspect of the invention can be delivered to the customer in a state where it is written on the recording medium as described above, for example.
[0024]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing apparatus comprising photographing means for photographing a subject and converting it into image data, and storage means for storing setting information, and operates according to the setting information stored in the storage means. The setting information stored in the storage unit when the control information generated by the generation unit of the control unit of the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is input. It is further characterized by further comprising an information changing means for changing according to the inputted control information.
[0025]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the photographing apparatus includes photographing means for photographing a subject and converting it into image data, and operates according to setting information stored in the storage means. Here, in the invention described in claim 8, when the control information generated by the generating means of the control device of the photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is input, the information is stored in the storage means. Information changing means is provided for changing the set information in accordance with the input control information. When the setting information is changed by the information changing means, the photographing apparatus operates according to the changed setting information. It will be.
[0026]
As described above, the control information generated by the generation unit of the control device of the photographing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is based on a tendency of a scene photographed by a customer. Since it is control information for changing the setting of the apparatus so as to match a scene that is frequently photographed by the customer, by inputting the control information to the imaging apparatus according to the invention of claim 8, The setting is automatically changed by the information changing means so as to match the scene frequently shot by the customer. Therefore, according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily improve the operability in photographing using the photographing apparatus.
[0027]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing apparatus having a function of photographing a subject, wherein the analyzing apparatus is based on data of a photographed image obtained by photographing by a customer using the photographing apparatus. Based on the result of analyzing the scene captured in the photographed image from the analysis device and stored in the storage means, and the scene analysis results of a plurality of photographed images stored in the storage means Analyzing the tendency of the scene shot by the customer, and changing the setting of the shooting device to match the scene frequently shot by the customer based on the analyzed trend of the scene; It is characterized by having prepared.
[0028]
In the invention described in claim 8, the analysis of the tendency of scenes photographed by the customer and the generation of control information for changing the setting of the photographing device are performed by the control device of the photographing device. In the described invention, the analysis device analyzes the scene captured in the photographed image based on the photographed image data obtained by the customer photographing with the photographing device. The scene analysis result is acquired by the acquisition unit of the imaging device according to the described invention, the tendency of the scene captured by the customer is analyzed in the same manner as the control device of the imaging device according to the present invention, and the setting of the imaging device is The scene is changed so as to match a scene frequently taken by a customer. Thereby, the improvement of the operativity in imaging | photography using an imaging device is easily realizable.
[0029]
In addition, in the invention according to claim 9, the acquisition of the analysis result by the acquisition unit is performed when the recording medium on which the result of the scene analysis by the analysis unit is recorded is set in the photographing apparatus, for example, from the set recording medium. You may make it acquire by reading the result of an analysis, and you may make it acquire by receiving the result of a scene analysis from an analysis apparatus by radio | wireless communication with an analysis apparatus.
[0030]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for analyzing a tendency of a scene photographed by a customer based on data of a plurality of photographed images obtained by the customer using a photographing device. Generating second control information for changing the setting of the photographing device so as to match a scene frequently photographed by the customer based on the tendency of the scene analyzed in the first step; Causes a computer to execute processing including steps.
[0031]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute the processing including the first and second steps, that is, the computer functions as a control device for the photographing apparatus according to the first aspect. Therefore, when the computer reads and executes the program, the operability in photographing using the photographing device can be improved as in the first aspect of the invention.
[0032]
The program according to the invention of claim 11 is based on data of a photographed image obtained by a customer photographing a computer incorporated in a photographing apparatus having a function of photographing a subject using the photographing apparatus. Based on the scene analysis results of a plurality of photographed images stored in the storage means, an acquisition means for acquiring a result obtained by analyzing the scene imprinted in the photographed image by the analysis apparatus from the analysis apparatus and storing the result in the storage means And functioning as control means for analyzing the tendency of the scene photographed by the customer and changing the setting of the photographing device to match the scene frequently photographed by the customer based on the analyzed trend of the scene Let
[0033]
Since the program according to the invention described in claim 11 is a program for causing a computer built in the photographing apparatus to function as the acquisition means and the control means, the computer incorporated in the photographing apparatus is described in claim 11. By executing the program according to the invention, the photographing apparatus functions as the photographing apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the invention, and the operability in photographing using the photographing apparatus as in the ninth aspect of the invention. Improvement can be realized.
[0034]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0035]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a photographic processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. The photo processing system 10 according to the first embodiment includes a DPE reception store 12 that receives a photo processing request from a customer such as photo print creation, and a development that performs photo processing requested by the customer via the DPE reception store 12 A data center 16 that centrally manages various types of information related to photo processing, and a plurality of camera manufacturers 18 that manufacture cameras used for photographing by customers are involved.
[0036]
The DPE reception store 12 is provided with a computer 20, a media drive 22, and a hyper terminal 24, respectively. Although not shown, the computer 20 is configured such that a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an input / output port are connected to each other via a bus, and various peripheral devices including an HDD (hard disk drive) are connected to the input / output port. . A control information writing program for executing a control information writing process described later is installed (stored in the HDD) in the HDD of the computer 20. This program is read from the HDD as needed and executed by the CPU.
[0037]
Incidentally, there are three types of request forms for customer photo processing requests. The first request form is a digital still camera, a digital video camera, a digital still camera attached to a portable device such as a mobile phone or a PDA designed for photographing by a customer (hereinafter collectively referred to as DSC: an example of DSC). Image data is recorded on a memory card 52 (for example, smart media (R), compact flash (R), memory stick (R), etc.) by photographing a subject using “50” in FIG. Is recorded (usually recorded as an image file in the EXIF format or other format), and when the memory card 52 is brought in, photo processing is requested.
[0038]
The media drive 22 has a function of reading and writing information with respect to various memory cards 52. The media drive 22 is connected to a computer 20, and the computer 20 is connected to a developing station 14 (a computer 26: described later) via a communication line (not shown). When the photo processing is requested in the first request form, the DPE reception store 12 receives the photo processing request by receiving the memory card 52 brought in by the customer, and the captured image is received from the received memory card 52 by the media drive 22. The image data (image file) is read out, and the read image data is transmitted to the developing station 14 by the computer 20, thereby requesting the developing station 14 to perform the photo processing in response to the request from the customer.
[0039]
Further, in the second request form, image data (EXIF format or other format image file) obtained by the customer photographing the subject using the DSC 50 is received by the DPE via a computer network such as the Internet. Photo processing is requested by being transmitted to the store 12. The computer 20 has a function of transmitting and receiving information via the Internet or the like. When the photo processing is requested in the second request form, the DPE reception store 12 takes a photograph transmitted from the customer via the Internet or the like. A photo processing request is received by receiving the image data of the image by the computer 20, and the received image data is transmitted to the developing station 14 by the computer 20, thereby requesting the developing station 14 to perform the photo processing requested by the customer. To do.
[0040]
Furthermore, in the third request form, the customer photographs the subject using the camera, and the photographic film on which the image is exposed and recorded is brought to the DPE reception store 12 to request the photographic processing. When photographic processing is requested in the third request form, the DPE reception store 12 receives the photographic processing request by receiving the photographic film brought in by the customer, and sends the received photographic film to the developing station 14. Then, the photo processing station 14 is requested to carry out the photo processing requested by the customer.
[0041]
The computer 20 is connected to a printer 34 for recording characters and the like on a recording medium such as paper. The hyper terminal 24 installed in the DPE reception store 12 is composed of a personal computer (PC) or the like, and is connected to a display for displaying images and the like, a keyboard and a mouse (all not shown). The hyper terminal 24 can be freely operated by the customer.
[0042]
In the developing station 14, a computer 26, a scanner 28, an image processing device 30, and a photographic printer / processor 32 are installed. Although not shown, the computer 26 is configured such that a CPU, ROM, RAM, and input / output ports are connected to each other via a bus, and various peripheral devices are connected to the input / output ports. Note that examples of peripheral devices connected to the input / output port include a keyboard, a display, a mouse, and an HDD. The computer 26 receives the image data of the photographed image transmitted from the DPE reception store 12 when the photo processing is requested in the first request form or the second request form, and outputs it to the image processing apparatus 30.
[0043]
The scanner 28 is set with a photographic film that is sent from the DPE reception store 12 when photographic processing is requested in the third request form, and visualized images that have been exposed and recorded through processing such as development. . The scanner 28 reads an image (image visualized through processing such as development) recorded on the set photographic film, and outputs image data obtained by the reading to the image processing device 30.
[0044]
The image processing apparatus 30 performs predetermined image processing on the image data input from the scanner 28 or the computer 26, and the photographic printer / processor 32 uses the image data that has undergone image processing by the image processing apparatus 30 to perform photographic printing. Creation (exposure recording of the image on the photographic paper by developing a laser beam modulated according to the image to be recorded on the photographic paper, development of the photographic paper on which the image is exposed and recorded, etc.) is performed. Note that the type and processing conditions of image processing performed by the image processing apparatus 30 are determined by the computer 26 as described later.
[0045]
The computer 26 installed in the developing station 14 is connected to the hyper terminal 24 of the DPE reception store 12 and the computer 36 (described later) of the data center 16 via a communication line. The computer 26 is installed (stored in the HDD) with a setup / photographing scene analysis program for executing a setup / photographing scene analysis process described later. This program is read from the HDD as needed and executed by the CPU.
[0046]
On the other hand, the data center 16 is provided with a computer 36 and a large-capacity storage device 38 composed of an HDD or the like. As described above, the computer 36 is connected to the computer 26 of the developing station 14 via the communication line, and is also owned by the computer 20 installed in the DPE reception store 12 and the plurality of camera manufacturers 18. Each is connected to the computer 42 via a communication line. In addition, the storage device 38 is provided with a photo related information DB (database) 40 for storing various information related to the photo processing. The storage device 38 is connected to the computer 36, and writing and reading of information with respect to the photograph related information DB 40 is performed by the computer 36.
[0047]
Although not shown, the computer 42 of each camera maker 18 is also configured by connecting CPU, ROM, RAM, and input / output ports to each other via a bus, and connecting various peripheral devices including HDDs to the input / output ports. ing. The computer 42 is installed (stored in the HDD) with a control information generation program for executing a control information generation process to be described later. This program is read from the HDD as needed and executed by the CPU.
[0048]
The control information generation program corresponds to the program according to the invention of claim 10 together with the setup / photographing scene analysis program described above, and the CPU of the computer 26 executes the setup / photographing scene analysis processing. When the CPU 42 executes the control information generation program, the computer 26 and the computer 42 function as a control device of the photographing apparatus according to the present invention.
[0049]
Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. In the photo processing system 10, each customer is identified and managed by a customer number. At the DPE reception store 12, each time a photo process is requested by the customer, the request date, the content and quantity of the requested photo process, etc. By inputting the information to the computer 20, the above information is associated with the customer number and stored in the HDD of the computer 20 as customer information. The customer number can be obtained by, for example, recording it on a card-like recording medium (for example, a magnetic card or an IC card) possessed by the customer and presented at the time of requesting photo processing, and reading out from this recording medium. desirable.
[0050]
In addition, when a photo processing request is received from the customer in the first request form or the second request form, the photographed image is delivered from the customer as an image file in the EXIF format or another format. For each captured image, in addition to the image data, various information (for example, shutter speed, aperture value) indicating the file name, the DSC 50 model used for shooting, the shooting date and time, and shooting conditions (DSC 50 settings) at the time of shooting. , Image quality mode (compression ratio of image data), Sensitivity, Exposure program mode, Metering method, White balance mode, Focus mode, Sharpness mode, Focal length, Exposure compensation value, Strobe on / off, Strobe compensation value, Macro Information such as mode on / off).
[0051]
For this reason, when a photo processing request is received from the customer in the first request form or the second request form, the DPE reception store 12 requests the development shop 14 to perform the photo processing that has received the request from the customer. At this time, the image file itself delivered from the customer is transmitted by the computer 20 to the computer 26 of the developing station 14, and information such as the model of the DSC 50 used for photographing is read out from the image file in the EXIF format. Are stored and stored as customer information. This customer information is used for customer management at the DPE reception store 12.
[0052]
Next, a setup / photographing scene analysis process executed by the computer 26 of the developing station 14 when a photo print is created at the developing station 14 in accordance with the request from the customer in the first request form or the second request form. Will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This setup / photographing scene analysis process is a process realized by the CPU of the computer 26 executing the setup / photographing scene analysis program, and a series of requests from a single customer to simultaneously create a photo print. It is executed in units of captured images.
[0053]
In step 100, the model of the camera (DSC 50) used by the customer is recognized by referring to data of an image file (EXIF format) corresponding to an arbitrary captured image in the series of captured images.
[0054]
By the way, in the photo related information DB 40 of the storage device 38, specification information indicating specifications of various DSCs currently on the market (possibly used by customers) (this specification information includes DSCs). Types of shooting modes (for example, AUTO, portrait, sports, landscape, macro, night view, manual, continuous shooting, movie, etc.) and information indicating the type of flash firing mode are included for each model. Has been. Each time the camera manufacturer 18 releases a new DSC model, the specification information is transmitted to the data center 16 via the computer 42, and the specification information received by the computer 36 is stored in the storage device. It is registered by storing it in 38 photo related information DBs 40.
[0055]
In the next step 102, information indicating the model of the DSC 50 recognized in step 100 is transmitted to the computer 36 of the data center 16, thereby requesting transmission of the specification information of the DSC 50, and from the photo related information DB 40 of the storage device 38. The specification information of the DSC 50 is acquired from the data center 16 by receiving the specification information of the DSC 50 read and transmitted by the computer 36. Further, in step 104, by referring to the specification information acquired from the data center 16, all the photographing modes provided in the DSC 50 used for photographing by the customer are recognized, and the photographed image is based on the recognition result of the photographing mode. The optimum shooting mode is determined for each typical scene type (subject type) that may be captured as.
[0056]
In step 106, an unprocessed captured image of the series of captured images is set as a processing target, and image data of the processing target captured image is read into a RAM work area or the like. In the next step 108 to step 114, the type and processing conditions of the image processing to be executed by the image processing apparatus 30 for the captured image to be processed are determined. That is, first, in step 108, the scene (subject) captured as the photographed image is analyzed based on the image data of the photographed image to be processed read in step 106.
[0057]
In scene analysis, various processes such as detection of the density range and color balance of a captured image, evaluation of sharpness and saturation, and the like are performed. Among these various processes, the captured image is based on image data of the captured image. A face area search process for searching whether or not a face image area corresponding to a human face exists is included. Based on the result of this face area search process (whether or not a face image area exists), it is possible to roughly determine the type of scene (subject type) captured as a captured image. In addition, when the face area search process detects that a face image area exists in the captured image, the detected face image area is subjected to density range detection, color balance detection, and the like. There is also a red-eye detection process for extracting an eye region corresponding to a human eye existing in the detected face image region and detecting whether or not a color tone defect such as red eye or gold eye has occurred in the extracted eye region. Done. Step 108 constitutes a part of the analyzing means according to the present invention.
[0058]
In step 110, based on the result of the scene analysis in step 108, processing conditions for image processing (hereinafter referred to as standard image processing) to be executed for all images are determined for the captured image to be processed. Standard image processing includes, for example, density conversion processing for reproducing an image on a photographic paper with an appropriate density, color conversion processing for reproducing an image on an photographic paper with an appropriate color balance, and the number of pixels of image data (pixel Pixel density conversion processing for converting (density).
[0059]
For example, if it is determined as a result of the scene analysis that the captured image to be processed is shot with underexposure or overexposure, the processing conditions for the density conversion process are determined so that the underexposure or overexposure is corrected. When it is determined that the captured image to be processed is captured by a different light source, the processing conditions for the color conversion process are determined so that the color balance deviation due to the different light source is corrected. The processing conditions for the pixel density conversion processing are determined based on the number of pixels of the image data to be processed and the size of the photo print to be created. The standard image processing conditions determined as described above are written into the HDD as setup information.
[0060]
Further, in step 112, based on the result of the scene analysis in step 108, image processing executed only for an image in which it is expected that a photographic print with appropriate image quality cannot be obtained only by performing standard image processing ( Hereinafter, it is determined whether or not to execute non-standard image processing. Non-standard image processing includes, for example, hypertone processing (also referred to as backlight scene correction / high-contrast scene correction) that obtains an effect equivalent to dodging by compressing the gradation of the ultra-low frequency luminance component of the image, granularity Hyper-sharpness processing (also called sharpness correction) that enhances image sharpness while suppressing image quality, red-eye correction processing that corrects poor color tone in the eye area existing in the image, and reduces image sharpness Soft focus processing to obtain a portrait-like finish, cross-filter processing to obtain an image equivalent to an image that was intentionally changed by shooting using a cross filter, and increased image saturation By doing so, there is an RP tone finishing correction process for obtaining a finish like a reversal print.
[0061]
For example, as a result of scene analysis, the face area search process detects that a face image area exists in the photographed image, and the exposure of the face image area is detected to be underneath compared to the background area. In such a case, it is determined that hypertone processing should be executed as non-standard image processing. Further, when it is determined that the sharpness of the captured image is insufficient as a result of the scene analysis, it is determined that the hyper sharpness process should be executed as the non-standard image process. In addition, when a poor color tone of the eye region is detected by the red eye detection process in the scene analysis, it is determined that the red eye correction process should be executed as the non-standard image process, and as a result of the scene analysis, the captured image If it is determined that the saturation of the image is insufficient, it is determined that the RP tone finishing correction processing should be executed as the non-standard image processing.
[0062]
If it is determined that it is not necessary to perform non-standard image processing on the captured image to be processed, the determination in step 112 is denied, and the process proceeds to step 116 without performing any processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the specific non-standard image processing should be executed on the captured image to be processed, the determination in step 112 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 114 and it is determined that it should be executed. Processing conditions for non-standard image processing are determined based on the result of scene analysis.
[0063]
The above steps 108 to 114 are executed for all the photographed images that make up the photographic print, so that the setup information is stored in the HDD for all the photographed images that make up the photographic print. Become.
[0064]
The image processing apparatus 30 of the developing station 14 refers to the setup information corresponding to each captured image when executing image processing on the image data of each captured image, and the standard image set in the setup information. When standard image processing is performed according to the processing conditions of the processing, and execution of specific non-standard image processing is specified by the setup information, according to the processing conditions of the specific non-standard image processing set in the setup information, The specific non-standard image processing is performed. The image data that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing apparatus 30 is output to the photographic printer / processor 32 and used to create a photographic print in the photographic printer / processor 32.
[0065]
On the other hand, in the next step 116, based on the result of the scene analysis in step 108 described above, the type of scene (subject type) captured in the captured image to be processed is recognized, and the DSC 50 used by the customer for shooting. Among the all shooting modes provided in the above, the optimum shooting mode corresponding to the recognized scene type (the shooting mode optimal for shooting the scene captured in the shot image) is determined.
[0066]
For example, when it is detected by scene analysis that a face image area having an area ratio equal to or greater than a predetermined value is present in a substantially central portion of the captured image, the type of the scene captured in the captured image is “portrait” (The subject type of the main subject is a human face). A general DSC is provided with a “portrait mode” as a shooting mode for appropriately shooting the above-mentioned scene, and when it is determined that the scene type is “portrait”, it is optimal in step 116. It is determined that the shooting mode is “portrait mode”.
[0067]
By the way, in the photo related information DB 40 of the data center 16, shooting scene information as shown in Table 1 below is stored as an example, with each customer and each DSC used by the customer as a unit. Yes. In this shooting scene information, various information for analyzing the tendency of a scene shot by a specific customer using a specific DSC is associated with information indicating the customer number of the specific customer and the model of the specific DSC. It is configured.
[0068]
In the shooting scene information according to the present embodiment, as examples of various kinds of information for analyzing the tendency of the scene to be shot, the total number of shot images, the number of scenes for each shooting mode provided in a specific DSC, and a specific DSC Exposure levels when the number of scenes and the brightness of the captured image are divided into a plurality of exposure level ranges (D1 to D2, D2 to D3,... In the example of Table 1). The number of scenes for each range is used, and information indicating the current DSC setting (current highest priority shooting mode, current highest priority emission mode, and current exposure level target value) is also registered.
[0069]
[Table 1]

[0070]
When the optimum shooting mode is determined in step 116, in the next step 118, information indicating the determination result of the optimum shooting mode is transmitted to the computer 36 of the data center 16 together with information indicating the customer number and the model of the DSC 50, so The computer 36 is requested to update the count value of the determined optimum shooting mode among the corresponding shooting scene information stored in the information DB 40. As a result, the computer 36 retrieves corresponding shooting scene information from a large number of shooting scene information stored in the photo-related information DB 40 using the received customer number and information indicating the model of the DSC 50 as keys. Then, the count value of the optimum shooting mode represented by the received information is incremented by 1 with respect to the shooting scene information extracted by the search.
[0071]
If the corresponding shooting scene information is not extracted by the search, the computer 36 refers to the specification information of the DSC 50 based on the information indicating the model of the DSC 50, so that the type of shooting mode provided in the DSC 50 and the flash Recognize the type of flash mode, the highest priority shooting mode set by default, the highest priority flash mode, the exposure level target value, etc., and newly generate corresponding shooting scene information based on the recognition result. After setting the model of the DSC 50 and initializing various information, the count value of the optimum shooting mode is incremented as described above.
[0072]
In the next step 120, based on the result of the scene analysis in step 108 and the data of the image file of the processing target captured image (data indicating the shooting conditions), the scene copied to the processing target captured image is It is determined whether or not the scene is to be photographed using a strobe. For example, based on the data representing the shooting conditions, it is recognized that the strobe is not used when shooting the shot image to be processed, and scene analysis detects that the exposure at the time of shooting the shot image to be processed is appropriate. If the result is negative, the determination at step 120 is negative, and the routine proceeds to step 126. For example, when it is determined that the shooting mode (for example, “landscape mode”) for shooting a subject that exists far away is the optimal shooting mode based on the result of the scene analysis, the strobe light is used. Since it can be determined that the main subject is present in a distant place where the distance does not reach, the determination in step 120 is denied and the process proceeds to step 126 even in such a case.
[0073]
On the other hand, for example, based on data representing shooting conditions, it is recognized that a strobe is being used when shooting a shot image to be processed, and scene analysis detects that the exposure at the time of shooting the shot image to be processed is appropriate. If so, the determination at step 120 is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 122. Further, for example, based on data representing shooting conditions, it is recognized that a strobe is not used when shooting a shot image to be processed, and a scene that is captured in the shot image as a result of scene analysis is a backlight scene. If so, the determination at step 120 is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 122.
[0074]
In step 122, based on the result of the scene analysis in step 108, etc., of all the flash modes of the strobe provided in the DSC 50 used for shooting by the customer, the scene that is captured in the captured image to be processed. Determine the best flash mode for shooting. For example, if the photographed image to be processed is an image photographed using a strobe and the photographed image has no particular image quality defect, in step 122, the strobe light emission mode used at the time of photographing is set to the optimum light emission mode. Is determined.
[0075]
Further, as an example, it is detected by scene analysis that an eye region having a poor color tone such as red eye or gold eye is present in the photographed image, and the occurrence of red eyes or the like is reduced in the DSC 50 used for photographing by the customer. The flash firing mode (red-eye reduction mode) is provided, and the flash firing mode at the time of shooting recognized by referring to the image file data of the captured image to be processed is other than the red-eye reduction mode Therefore, it can be determined that the color tone defect in the eye region is caused by erroneous selection of the strobe emission mode at the time of shooting. Therefore, in step 122, the red-eye reduction mode is determined as the optimum light emission mode in the above case.
[0076]
Then, in the next step 124, the information indicating the determination result of the optimum light emission mode is transmitted to the computer 36 of the data center 16 together with the information indicating the customer number and the model of the DSC 50, thereby determining the corresponding shooting scene information. The computer 36 is requested to update the count value of the optimum light emission mode. As a result, the computer 36 searches the corresponding photograph scene information from the photograph related information DB 40 using the received customer number and information indicating the model of the DSC 50 as a key, and receives the photograph scene information extracted by the search. The count value of the optimum light emission mode represented by the information is incremented by 1.
[0077]
In step 126, the exposure level of the photographed image is recognized based on the scene analysis result in step 108, and in the next step 128, information indicating the recognition result of the exposure level of the photographed image is used as the customer number and the model of the DSC 50. Is transmitted to the computer 36 of the data center 16 together with the information indicating that the computer 36 is requested to update the count value of the exposure level range to which the recognized exposure level belongs in the corresponding shooting scene information. As a result, the computer 36 searches the corresponding photograph scene information from the photograph related information DB 40 using the received customer number and information indicating the model of the DSC 50 as a key, and receives the photograph scene information extracted by the search. The count value of the exposure level range to which the exposure level of the captured image represented by the information belongs is incremented by one.
[0078]
Further, in step 130, the information for requesting the update of the total number of photographed images among the photographed scene information is transmitted to the computer 36 of the data center 16 together with the customer number and the information indicating the model of the DSC 50, thereby corresponding photographed scene information. Among them, the computer 36 is requested to update the count value of the total number of photographed images. As a result, the computer 36 uses the received customer number and information indicating the model of the DSC 50 as keys to search for corresponding shooting scene information from the photo related information DB 40, and to the shooting scene information extracted by the search, The count value of the total number is incremented by 1. Steps 116 to 130 described above correspond to the analyzing means according to the present invention.
[0079]
In the next step 132, it is determined whether or not the above-described processing (steps 106 to 132) has been performed on all of the series of photographed images requested to be simultaneously created by a single customer. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 106. As a result, the processing from step 106 onward is performed for all of the series of photographed images, and each time a photograph process such as creation of a photograph print is requested by the customer, the corresponding photographed scene information is displayed as an individual process. The shooting scene information is shot by the customer by updating it appropriately according to the scene (the tendency of the scene shot by the customer) in the target shot image (the individual shot image requested to be processed). The information reflects the tendency of the scene to be played.
[0080]
When the processing from step 106 to step 132 is performed on all of the series of captured images, the determination at step 132 is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 134 where the camera manufacturer 18 that manufactured the DSC 50 based on the model of the DSC 50 is selected. The information indicating the customer number and the model of the DSC 50 is transmitted to the computer 42 of the determined camera maker 18 to notify that the corresponding shooting scene information has been updated, and the setup / shooting scene analysis process ends. To do.
[0081]
When the computer 42 of the camera manufacturer 18 receives the information indicating the customer number and the model of the DSC 50 from the computer 26 of the developing station 14, the control information generation process is executed. This control information generation process is a process realized by the CPU of the computer 42 executing the control information generation program, and will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The control information generation process corresponds to the generation unit according to the present invention.
[0082]
In step 140, the customer number received from the computer 26 of the developing station 14 and the information indicating the model of the DSC 50 are transmitted to the computer 36 of the data center 16, thereby requesting the computer 36 to read out and transfer the corresponding shooting scene information. . As a result, the computer 36 uses the information representing the customer number and the model of the DSC 50 as a key to search the corresponding shooting scene information from the photo related information DB 40, and the shooting scene information extracted by the search is used as the requesting camera manufacturer 18. To the computer 42.
[0083]
In the next step 142, it is determined whether or not the value obtained by subtracting “the number of captured images at the time of setting update” from the “total number of captured images” in the transferred captured scene information is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The “number of captured images at the time of setting update” is information updated by the control information generation process, and the initial value is set to 0. Therefore, when “cumulative number of captured images” initially exceeds a predetermined value, step 142 is performed. This determination is affirmed.
[0084]
If the determination in step 142 is negative, the control information generation process is terminated without performing any process. If the determination in step 142 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 144 and “setting update” of the shooting scene information is performed. The “number of images at the time of setting update” is updated by setting the same value as the “total number of captured images” to the “number of images at the time”. Accordingly, each time “cumulative number of photographed images” becomes a numerical value corresponding to an integral multiple of a predetermined value, the determination at step 142 is affirmed, and the processing after the next step 146 is performed.
[0085]
In the next step 146, the transferred shooting scene information is referred to, and the shooting mode with the maximum frequency (number of scenes) is determined. In the next step 148, the shooting mode with the highest frequency determined in step 146 is “current highest priority shooting mode” (the highest priority shooting mode currently set in the DSC 50 used for shooting by the customer: for example, the DSC 50 It is determined whether or not it matches the shooting mode set as a default when the power is turned on. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 154 without performing any processing, but if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 150.
[0086]
In step 150, by referring to the transferred shooting scene information, the model of the DSC 50 used for shooting by the customer is recognized, and the highest priority shooting mode in the DSC 50 used for shooting by the customer is determined in step 146. The control information for changing the shooting mode is generated. Note that this control information may be a program to be executed by the CPU built in the DSC 50 (the highest priority shooting mode is automatically changed and set when the program is executed by the built-in CPU). If the DSC 50 has a built-in program for changing and setting the highest-priority shooting mode, it may be data (or a command) that instructs the built-in CPU to execute and change the shooting mode. .
[0087]
Further, in step 152, a request is made to update the “current highest priority shooting mode” in the corresponding shooting scene information by transmitting the highest shooting mode to the computer 36 of the data center 16 as the highest priority shooting mode. To do. As a result, the computer 36 updates the “current highest priority shooting mode” in the corresponding shooting scene information.
[0088]
In step 154, the transferred shooting scene information is referred to, and the light emission mode having the maximum frequency (scene number) is determined. In the next step 156, the light emission mode having the maximum frequency determined in step 154 is “current highest priority light emission mode” (the highest priority light emission mode currently set in the DSC 50 used for photographing by the customer: for example, the DSC 50 It is determined whether or not it matches a light emission mode set as a default when the power is turned on. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 162 without performing any processing. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 158.
[0089]
In step 158, control information for recognizing the model of the DSC 50 used for photographing by the customer and changing and setting the highest priority light emitting mode in the DSC 50 used for photographing by the customer to the light emitting mode having the maximum frequency determined in step 154 is obtained. Generate. As described above, this control information may be a program or data (or command). Also, in step 160, the flash mode with the maximum frequency is transmitted to the computer 36 of the data center 16 as the highest priority flash mode, and a request is made to update the “current highest priority flash mode” in the corresponding shooting scene information. Then, the “current highest priority shooting mode” in the corresponding shooting scene information is updated by the computer 36.
[0090]
In step 162, the transferred shooting scene information is referred to, and the exposure level range having the maximum frequency (number of scenes) is determined. In the next step 164, “current exposure level target value” (exposure level target value currently set in the DSC 50 used by the customer for shooting: exposure level set as a default when the DSC 50 is turned on, for example. It is determined whether or not the target value) corresponds to the maximum exposure level range determined in step 154. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 170 without performing any processing, but if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 166.
[0091]
In step 166, the model of the DSC 50 used for photographing by the customer is recognized, and the default exposure level target value in the DSC 50 used for photographing by the customer is set to a target value corresponding to the maximum exposure level range determined in step 162 (for example, Control information for changing to the median value of the maximum exposure level range (see also Table 1) is generated. As described above, this control information may be a program or data (or command). In step 160, the target value corresponding to the maximum exposure level range is transmitted to the computer 36 of the data center 16 as the exposure level target value, and the “current exposure level target value” in the corresponding shooting scene information is sent. By requesting the update, the computer 36 updates the “current exposure level target value” in the corresponding shooting scene information.
[0092]
In the next step 170, it is determined whether or not control information has been generated by the above-described processing (whether at least one of steps 150, 158, and 166 has been executed). If the determination is negative, the control information generation process is terminated without performing any process. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 172, where the generated control information is changed to the customer number and the DSC 50 model. The information to be transmitted is transmitted to the computer 26 of the developing station 14, and the control information generation process is terminated.
[0093]
Note that the shooting scene information is not limited to being used for the above-described control information generation process. For example, each camera maker 18 may select “DSC model” or “cumulative number of shot images” in the shooting scene information. By referring to the information, it is also possible to grasp the number of customers using DSC manufactured by the company, the number of images taken by each customer (number of images taken), the frequency of shooting, etc. for each DSC model. Therefore, it can be used for future product development of DSC, and the storage date of DSC periodic replacement parts and the production plan of periodic replacement parts can be formulated. In addition, when there is a customer who has a DSC in which the total number of photographed images has reached the design value, it is possible to recommend replacement of parts or replacement of DSC through the DPE reception store 12, for example.
[0094]
When a photo processing request is received in the first request form, the control information generated by the computer 26 of the developing station 14 indicates that the photo print created by the photo printer / processor 32 is sent from the developing station 14 to the DPE receiving store 12. When shipped, it is transmitted to the computer 20 of the DPE reception store 12. When the DPE reception store 12 delivers the photo print created based on the request in the first request form and the memory card 52 stored from the customer to the customer, the control information shown in FIG. The writing process is executed by the computer 20.
[0095]
In this control information writing process, in step 180, it is determined whether or not there is control information corresponding to the customer who delivers the photo print and the memory card 52 (received from the developing station 14). If the determination is negative, the control information writing process is terminated without performing any process.
[0096]
On the other hand, if the determination in step 180 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 182 where the operator is requested to insert the memory card 52 stored by the customer into the media drive 22, and the memory card 52 is sent to the media drive 22. When the insertion is detected, control information is written to the memory card 52 by the media drive 22. As described above, step 182 corresponds to the write control means according to claim 6 together with the media drive 22 that actually writes the control information to the memory card 52.
[0097]
In the next step 184, the printer 34 prints out a guide (an example shown in FIG. 4B) for guiding the customer about the procedure for changing the setting of the DSC 50 according to the control information written in the memory card 52. Then, the control information writing process ends. The memory card 52 in which the control information is written by the control information writing process and the guide printed out by the printer 34 are simultaneously delivered to the customer when the photo print is delivered to the customer at the store of the DPE reception store 12. .
[0098]
The customer who has received the memory card 52 and the guidebook in which the photo print and the control information are written at the store of the DPE reception store 12 refers to the handed over guidebook so that the control information written in the memory card 52 An operation procedure for changing the setting of the DSC 50 is recognized, and an operation is performed according to the recognized operation procedure.
[0099]
The DSC normally stores setting information such as the highest priority shooting mode, highest priority emission mode, and exposure level target value in a built-in nonvolatile memory (such as an EEPROM), and operates according to the setting information. However, when the above operation is performed by the customer, the DSC 50 reads the control information written in the memory card 52, and automatically changes the setting information stored in the nonvolatile memory based on the read control information. . The setting information change described above corresponds to the information changing means described in claim 8, and the DSC 50 corresponds to the photographing apparatus described in claim 8.
[0100]
Accordingly, at least one of the highest priority shooting mode, the highest priority emission mode, and the exposure level target value among the settings of the DSC 50 is set according to the tendency of the scene where the customer uses the DSC 50 (the customer uses the DSC 50). For example, the default shooting mode set when the DSC 50 is turned on is a scene frequently shot by the customer using the DSC 50 (to match a scene frequently shot). Since the frequency at which the customer manually changes the setting of the shooting mode or the like can be reduced by changing the shooting mode suitable for shooting or the like, the operability of the DSC 50 for the customer can be improved.
[0101]
When a photo processing request is received in the second request form, the created photo print is delivered to the customer's home, for example, or delivered to the customer at a convenience store nearest to the customer's home. However, in this mode, the control information is written on a recording medium such as a floppy (R) disk and delivered to the customer together with the photo print, or attached to an e-mail transmitted to the PC owned by the customer. It can be delivered to the customer in the form of, for example, (the guide may be delivered to the customer together with the photo print).
[0102]
When the customer has a PC, the control information is preferably a program that can be executed by the PC. For example, when the PC is connected to the DSC 50 via a communication cable such as a USB, the control information ( By executing the program, the setting of the DSC 50 can be automatically changed by the PC.
[0103]
In the above, taking into account the possibility that the shooting mode and flash firing mode may not be selected properly during shooting, they will be captured in the shot image regardless of the shooting mode or flash firing mode selected during shooting. Although the example of updating the shooting scene information by determining the shooting mode and flash mode suitable for the scene is described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shooting scene is selected according to the shooting mode and flash mode selected at the time of shooting. Information may be updated.
[0104]
Further, in the above description, as an example of changing the setting of the DSC 50, the case has been described in which the highest priority shooting mode or flash mode of the DSC 50 is changed to the shooting mode or flash mode with the highest frequency (number of scenes) on the shooting scene information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the DSC 50 has a configuration in which the shooting mode and the light emission mode are sequentially switched each time a button for changing the shooting mode and the light emission mode is pressed, the button The shooting mode and the light emission mode that are switched each time the button is pressed may be rearranged in the order of the frequency (number of scenes) on the shooting scene information.
[0105]
In the above description, as an example of the setting of the DSC 50 to be changed, the shooting mode, the flash mode of the strobe, and the target value of the exposure level have been described as examples. However, any other item can be changed. Needless to say, for example, the sensitivity set as the default when the DSC is turned on according to the frequency of the Ev value at the time of shooting is detected, or the captured image is analyzed by utilizing the autocorrelation and frequency characteristics of the image. The shutter speed set as a default when the DSC power is turned on according to the frequency of camera shake during shooting, or the zoom magnification set as the default when the DSC is turned on according to the zoom magnification frequency during shooting Depending on the selection frequency of each mode of auto white balance (AWB) at the time of shooting (for example, light source type designation or complete auto) Set the AWB mode that is set as the default when the DSC is turned on, or set the sharpness setting value that is set as the default when the DSC is turned on according to the frequency of the sharpness setting value at the time of shooting. Also good.
[0106]
Further, in the above description, the computer 26, the scanner 28, the image processing apparatus 30, and the photographic printer / processor 32 are installed in the developing station 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be installed in the store 12. In the above description, an example in which the DPE reception store 12 receives a photo processing request in the second request form has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a photo processing request in the second request form is directly received at the developing station 14. You may make it accept.
[0107]
In the above description, the photographed image for which photo processing (photo print creation) has been requested is an image photographed by the customer using DSC (an image for which photo processing has been requested in the first or second request form). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if an image is exposure recorded on a photographic film by a camera (an image for which photographic processing is requested according to the third request form), for example, if the photographic film is an APS film, the model of the camera on the magnetic layer of the APS film And information corresponding to shooting conditions are recorded, and some high-performance single-lens reflex cameras have a function of recording information such as shooting conditions on another recording medium. For this reason, it is also possible to analyze the shooting scene and generate control information using these pieces of information.
[0108]
Among the silver salt film cameras, some high-performance single-lens reflex cameras have a function of recording shooting information in a built-in memory. This type of camera employs a configuration in which shooting information recorded in a built-in memory is associated with a shot image (photographic film) by an ID optically written outside the shot image area of the photographic film. With respect to a photographed image photographed using the, it is possible to analyze a photographing scene and generate control information by using photographing information recorded in a built-in memory.
[0109]
Furthermore, some recent digital video cameras are capable of capturing still images in addition to moving images. This type of digital video camera records still images in JPEG format and also uses EXIF format. Since the same shooting information as the image file is added, it is also possible to analyze the shooting scene and generate control information by using this shooting information.
[0110]
Further, in the above description, a mode has been described in which a shooting scene is analyzed by the computer 26 of the development laboratory 14 and control information is generated by the computer 42 of the camera manufacturer 18 with respect to the image requested to be created as a photo print. For example, the analysis of the shooting scene and the generation of the control information are executed by a single computer among the computer 20 of the DPE reception store 12, the computer 26 of the developing station 14, and the computer 42 of the camera manufacturer 18 for example. Alternatively, in the computer possessed by the customer, or in the DSC 50 used by the customer for photographing, the program according to the invention of claim 10 is executed, so that the photographing by the computer or DSC 50 possessed by the customer is performed. It is also possible to perform scene analysis and control information generation, etc. .
[0111]
[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the electrical system of the DSC 56 according to the second embodiment. The DSC 56 is provided with a lens 58 including a zoom lens (focal length variable lens) having an autofocus (AF) mechanism. The AF mechanism and the zoom mechanism of the lens 58 are driven by a drive circuit 60. Instead of the zoom lens, a fixed focal length lens having only an AF mechanism may be used as the lens 58.
[0112]
An imaging device 62 composed of an area CCD sensor or the like is disposed at a position corresponding to the focal position of the lens 58 inside the main body 12, and light incident on the lens 58 after reflecting the subject is reflected by the imaging device 62. An image is formed on the light receiving surface. The imaging device 62 is driven at a timing synchronized with a timing signal generated by a timing generation circuit (not shown) built in the drive circuit 60, and has a large number of image signals (a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix on the light receiving surface). A signal indicating the amount of received light in each photoelectric conversion cell) is output.
[0113]
A shutter / aperture 64 is disposed between the lens 58 and the imaging device 62. The shutter and the diaphragm are driven by a drive circuit 60. The shutter is for preventing smear from being generated by light entering the light receiving surface of the imaging device 62 when an image signal is output from the imaging device 62, and may be omitted depending on the configuration of the imaging device 62. Is possible. The diaphragm may be configured with a single diaphragm whose aperture amount can be continuously changed, or may be configured to switch a plurality of apertures with different aperture amounts. A strobe 66 is also connected to the drive circuit 60. The strobe 66 is emitted by the drive circuit 60 when it is detected that the illumination is low or when the photographer instructs to emit light.
[0114]
An analog signal processing unit 68, an A / D converter 70, a digital signal processing unit 72, and a memory 74 are connected in order to the signal output terminal of the imaging device 62. The analog signal processing unit 68 amplifies the image signal output from the imaging device 62 and corrects white balance and the like for the amplified image signal. The image signal output from the analog signal processing unit 68 is converted into digital image data by the A / D converter 70 and input to the digital signal processing unit 72. The digital signal processing unit 72 performs various processes such as color correction, γ correction, and Y / C conversion on the input image data. The image data output from the digital signal processing unit 72 is temporarily stored in a memory 74 configured by a RAM or the like.
[0115]
A drive circuit 60, an analog signal processing unit 68, an A / D converter 70, a digital signal processing unit 72, a memory 74, and a compression / decompression unit 76 (described later) are connected to a bus 78. Are connected to each other, and operation switches 82 including switches such as a power switch, a shutter switch, and a menu switch are connected. Although not shown, the CPU 80 is configured to include a ROM, a RAM, a non-volatile memory (a non-volatile memory whose memory contents can be rewritten: for example, an EEPROM), and peripheral circuits such as an input / output port. A setting update program for performing setting update processing to be described later is written in advance.
[0116]
This setting update program corresponds to the program described in claim 11, and the DSC 56 functions as the photographing apparatus described in claim 9 when the CPU 80 executes the setting update program.
[0117]
The memory 74 is connected to a display 84 and a compression / decompression unit 76 each composed of an LCD or the like. When displaying an image on the display 84, the CPU 80 performs image display processing for converting the image data temporarily stored in the memory 74 into image data for display on the display 84, and then transfers the image data to the display 84. As a result, an image represented by the image data temporarily stored in the memory 74 is displayed on the display 84.
[0118]
In addition, a nonvolatile internal memory 86 is connected to the compression / decompression unit 76, and a memory card 88 loaded in a slot of the DSC 56 is also connected. When writing of image data to the internal memory 86 or the memory card 88 loaded in the slot is instructed, for example, when the shutter button 22 is operated and the shutter switch 56 is turned on, the CPU 80 is temporarily stored in the memory 74. The read image data is read out and transferred to the compression / decompression unit 76. As a result, the image data is compressed by the compression / expansion unit 76, and then given information is added, and the image data is written to the built-in memory 86 or the memory card 88 as an image file in a prescribed format (for example, EXIF format).
[0119]
When an instruction to reproduce (display) the image represented by the image data stored in the memory card 88 loaded in the slot is given, the image data is read from the memory card, and the read image data is In the case where the compressed image data is stored, the compressed image data is decompressed (decompressed) by the compression / expansion unit 76 and then temporarily stored in the memory 74. Then, using the image data temporarily stored in the memory 74, an image is displayed (reproduced) on the display 84.
[0120]
Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described only for parts different from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment described above, the mode in which the shooting scene information is stored in the photograph related information DB 40 of the data center 16 has been described. However, in the second embodiment, the shooting scene information is stored in the nonvolatile memory of each DSC 56. Information is stored. In the first embodiment, the computer 26 of the developing station 14 has been described as being subjected to processing such as determination of scene analysis / optimum shooting mode, etc., generation of control information for setting the highest priority shooting mode, etc. In the computer 26 according to the second embodiment, only scene analysis is performed among the processes listed above.
[0121]
Then, the result of the scene analysis is transmitted from the computer 26 of the developing station 14 to the computer 20 of the DPE reception store 12 and written into the memory card 52 returned to the customer by the computer 20. As described above, in the second embodiment, the computer 26 of the developing station 14 functions as an analysis apparatus according to claims 9 and 11.
[0122]
Subsequently, the setting update processing realized by the CPU 80 of the DSC 56 executing the setting update program at the timing when the memory card 52 in which the result of the scene analysis is written is loaded into the slot of the DSC 56, etc., is shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to a flowchart.
[0123]
In step 200, the scene analysis result for the image to be processed is read from the memory card 52 loaded in the slot. In the next step 202 to step 216, based on the scene analysis result read out in step 200, processing similar to that in steps 116 to 130 of the setup / photographing scene analysis processing (FIG. 2) described in the first embodiment is performed. That is, first, the optimum shooting mode is determined based on the scene analysis result (step 202), and the count value of the determined optimum shooting mode is updated from the shooting scene information stored in the nonvolatile memory of the DSC 56 (step 204). ).
[0124]
Next, in the same manner as in step 120 of the setup / photographing scene analysis process (FIG. 2), it is determined whether or not the scene captured in the image to be processed is a scene to be photographed using a strobe ( Step 206) If the determination is affirmative, the optimum flash mode for shooting the scene imprinted in the image to be processed is determined (Step 208), and the shooting scene information stored in the nonvolatile memory of the DSC 56 Of these, the count value of the determined optimum light emission mode is updated (step 210).
[0125]
Subsequently, the exposure level of the image to be processed is recognized (step 212), and the count value of the exposure level range to which the recognized exposure level belongs is updated in the shooting scene information stored in the nonvolatile memory of the DSC 56 ( Step 214) Furthermore, the count value of the total number of photographed images is updated in the photographed scene information stored in the nonvolatile memory of the DSC 56 (Step 216). Steps 200 to 216 described above correspond to the acquisition means described in claims 9 and 11.
[0126]
In the next step 218, as in step 142 of the control information generation process (FIG. 3) described in the first embodiment, the “number of photographed images at the time of setting update” is calculated from “cumulative number of photographed images” in the photographed scene information. It is determined whether the subtracted value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. “Number of photographed images at the time of setting update” is information updated by the setting update process, and the initial value is set to 0. Therefore, until “cumulative number of photographed images” reaches a predetermined value or more at the beginning, step 218 is performed. This determination is negative, and the routine proceeds to step 220.
[0127]
In step 220, it is determined whether or not the above processing has been performed for all images in which the scene analysis results are written in the memory card 52. When determination is denied, it returns to step 200 and repeats the process after step 200. FIG. As a result, the processing in steps 200 to 220 is repeated for all images in which the scene analysis results are written in the memory card 52.
[0128]
If the determination in step 218 is affirmed while the processing in steps 200 to 220 is repeated, the process proceeds to step 222, and the “number of images at the time of setting update” in the shooting scene information is the same as “cumulative number of shot images”. "Number of images at setting update" is updated by setting the value of. Accordingly, every time “cumulative number of photographed images” becomes a numerical value corresponding to an integral multiple of a predetermined value, the determination at step 218 is affirmed, and the processing after the next step 224 is performed.
[0129]
In the next steps 224 to 240, the setting of the DSC 56 is updated based on the shooting scene information stored in the nonvolatile memory of the DSC 56. That is, by first referring to the shooting scene information stored in the non-volatile memory of the DSC 56, the shooting mode with the maximum frequency (number of scenes) is determined (step 224), and the shooting mode with the maximum frequency is determined by the DSC 56. It is determined whether or not it matches the current highest priority shooting mode (step 226). If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 230 without performing any processing. If the determination is negative, the highest-priority shooting mode in the DSC 56 is changed to the shooting mode with the highest frequency (step 228). .
[0130]
Next, by referring to the shooting scene information stored in the nonvolatile memory of the DSC 56, the light emission mode with the maximum frequency (number of scenes) is determined (step 230), and the light emission mode with the maximum frequency is determined by the DSC 56. It is determined whether or not it matches the current highest priority light emission mode (step 232). If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 236 without performing any processing. If the determination is negative, the highest-priority emission mode in the DSC 56 is changed to the maximum emission mode (step 234). .
[0131]
Subsequently, by referring to the shooting scene information stored in the non-volatile memory of the DSC 56, the exposure level range having the maximum frequency (number of scenes) is determined (step 236), and the current exposure level target value in the DSC 56 is determined. Then, it is determined whether or not it corresponds to the maximum exposure level range (step 238). If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 220 without performing any processing. If the determination is negative, the default exposure level target value in the DSC 56 is set to a target value corresponding to the maximum exposure level range. After the change setting (step 240), the process proceeds to step 220. The steps 222 to 240 described above correspond to the control means described in claims 9 and 11.
[0132]
Through the processing of steps 222 to 240 described above, at least one of the highest priority shooting mode, the highest priority emission mode, and the exposure level target value among the settings of the DSC 56 depends on the tendency of the scene where the customer uses the DSC 56 to shoot. Since it is automatically changed and set (so as to match a scene frequently photographed by the customer using the DSC 56), the operability of the DSC 56 for the customer is improved as in the first embodiment. Can do.
[0133]
In the second embodiment, the scene analysis result is written in the memory card 52, and the scene analysis result is acquired by the DSC 56 when the memory card 52 is loaded into the slot of the DSC 56. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the DSC 56 is equipped with a function of performing wireless communication. For example, a wireless LAN (installed at the customer's home and capable of communicating with the computer 26 of the developing station 14 via a communication line). The DSC 56 may be configured to acquire the scene analysis result wirelessly via a local area network.
[0134]
Further, in the second embodiment, the DSC 56 is described as an example of the photographing apparatus according to the invention described in claim 9, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a silver salt film camera, a digital video camera, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc. The DSC attached to the portable device can be made to function as the photographing apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the invention.
[0135]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the control device of the photographing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention analyzes the tendency of the scene photographed by the customer so that the setting of the photographing apparatus matches the scene frequently photographed by the customer. Since the control information for changing to is generated, there is an excellent effect that improvement in operability in photographing using the photographing apparatus can be realized.
[0136]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, as a tendency of a scene photographed by the customer, a photographing mode suitable for a scene frequently photographed by the customer is analyzed, and the frequency of photographing by the customer is analyzed. Control information for changing the setting of the photographing apparatus so that the priority of the photographing mode suitable for a high-scene scene becomes high is generated, and in addition to the above effect, the operability of the photographing apparatus regarding the setting of the photographing mode is improved. Has the effect of being able to.
[0137]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, as a tendency of a scene photographed by the customer, a flash light emission mode suitable for a scene frequently photographed by the customer is analyzed and photographed by the customer. Control information for changing the settings of the shooting device so that the priority order of the flash mode suitable for high-frequency scenes is higher. In addition to the above effects, the operation of the shooting device related to the setting of the flash mode of the strobe It has the effect that it can improve property.
[0138]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the brightness of a scene frequently photographed by the customer is analyzed as a tendency of the scene photographed by the customer, and is determined at the time of photographing by the photographing device. In addition to the above effect, control information for changing the setting of the photographing device is generated so that the target value or correction value of the exposure level becomes a value according to the brightness of a scene frequently photographed by the customer. In addition, it is possible to improve the operability of the photographing apparatus regarding the setting of the exposure level target value or correction value.
[0139]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the generated control information can be inserted into a photographing apparatus, and the recording medium records image data of an image photographed using the photographing apparatus. Since writing is performed, in addition to the above effect, it is possible to easily change the setting of the photographing apparatus.
[0140]
An imaging device according to an eighth aspect of the invention operates according to the setting information stored in the storage means, and is generated by the generation means of the control device for the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. When the control information is input, the setting information stored in the storage unit is changed according to the input control information, so that improvement in operability in shooting using the shooting device can be easily realized. It has an excellent effect.
[0141]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the image capturing apparatus according to the present invention acquires the result of analyzing the scene captured by the analysis apparatus in the captured image and stores it in the storage means, and based on the scene analysis results of the plurality of captured images, Analyzing the trends of scenes photographed by the customer and changing the settings of the photographing device to match the scenes that are frequently photographed by the customer, making it easy to improve operability in photographing using the photographing device It has the excellent effect of being able to.
[0142]
A program according to the invention of claim 10 is a first step for analyzing a tendency of a scene photographed by a customer, for changing the setting of the photographing apparatus so as to match a scene frequently photographed by the customer. Since it is a program for causing a computer to execute processing including the second step of generating control information, it has an excellent effect that it is possible to improve operability in shooting using a shooting device.
[0143]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for acquiring a storage unit that acquires a result of analyzing a scene captured by a computer incorporated in a photographic device from a computer and storing the result in a storage unit. Control the trend of scenes photographed by the customer based on the scene analysis results of a plurality of photographed images stored in the camera, and change the setting of the photographing device so as to match the scene frequently photographed by the customer Since it is a program for functioning as a means, it has an excellent effect that it is possible to improve the operability in photographing using the photographing device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photographic processing system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the contents of a setup / photographing scene analysis process.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of control information generation processing.
FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing the contents of a control information writing process, and FIG. 4B is an image diagram showing an example of a guide book.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrical system of a DSC according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of a setting update process executed by the DSC according to the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Photo processing system
20 computers
22 Media drive
26 Computer
38 storage devices
42 computers
50 DSC
52 memory card

Claims (11)

Based on data of a plurality of photographed images obtained by photographing by a customer using a photographing device, analysis means for analyzing a tendency of a scene photographed by the customer;
Generating means for generating control information for changing the setting of the photographing device to match a scene frequently photographed by the customer, based on the tendency of the scene analyzed by the analyzing means;
A control device for a photographing apparatus including: The analyzing unit analyzes the tendency of the scene based on at least one of the image data of the captured image and the data representing the shooting condition at the time of shooting of the captured image as the captured image data. The control apparatus of the imaging device according to claim 1. The analysis means is photographed by the customer by determining each of a plurality of photographed images photographed by the same customer to determine a photographing mode suitable for photographing the scene imprinted in the photographed image. As a trend of the scene, analyze the shooting mode suitable for scenes frequently taken by the customer,
The generation unit sets the photographing apparatus so that a priority of a photographing mode suitable for a scene frequently photographed by the customer is higher among a plurality of kinds of photographing modes provided in the photographing apparatus. 2. The control apparatus for an imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control information for changing is generated. The analysis means performs the shooting by the customer by determining the flash mode suitable for shooting the scene imprinted in the shot image for each of a plurality of shot images shot by the same customer. As a tendency of the scene to be analyzed, analyze the lighting mode suitable for the scene that is frequently taken by the customer,
The generation unit includes a plurality of types of flash modes provided in the photographing apparatus, and the priority of the light emitting modes suitable for a scene that is frequently photographed by the customer is increased. 2. The control apparatus for an imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control information for changing the setting is generated. As the tendency of the scene photographed by the customer, the analyzing means determines the brightness of the scene imprinted on the photographed image for each of a plurality of photographed images photographed by the same customer. , Analyze the brightness of scenes frequently taken by the customer,
The generation unit sets the photographing apparatus so that a target value or a correction value of an exposure level determined at the time of photographing by the photographing apparatus becomes a value according to brightness of a scene frequently photographed by the customer. 2. The control apparatus for an imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control information for changing the image is generated. Control information generated by the generating means can be inserted into the photographing apparatus, and further comprises a writing control means for writing to a recording medium for recording image data of an image photographed using the photographing apparatus. The control device for a photographing apparatus according to claim 1. The photographed image is an image requested by a customer to create a photo print through a DPE reception store,
The control apparatus for a photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control information generated by the generation unit is delivered to the customer at the same time when the created photo print is delivered to the customer at the DPE reception store. An imaging device that includes an imaging unit that images a subject and converts it into image data, and a storage unit that stores setting information, and operates according to the setting information stored in the storage unit,
8. When the control information generated by the generating unit of the control device of the photographing apparatus according to claim 1 is input, the setting information stored in the storage unit is input. An imaging apparatus, further comprising information changing means for changing according to the control information. An imaging device having a function of photographing a subject,
Based on the data of the photographed image obtained by the customer photographing using the photographing device, the analysis device acquires the result of analyzing the scene imprinted on the photographed image from the analysis device, and stores it in the storage means. Acquisition means for storing;
Based on the scene analysis results of a plurality of photographed images stored in the storage means, the tendency of the scene photographed by the customer is analyzed, and the setting of the photographing device is photographed by the customer based on the analyzed scene tendency. Control means for changing to match a scene that is frequently performed,
An imaging apparatus comprising: A first step of analyzing a tendency of a scene photographed by the customer based on data of a plurality of photographed images obtained by photographing by a customer using a photographing device;
A second step of generating control information for changing the setting of the photographing device so as to match a scene frequently photographed by the customer based on the tendency of the scene analyzed in the first step; A program for causing a computer to execute processing including the above. A computer built into the photographic device with the function to shoot the subject,
Based on the data of the photographed image obtained by the customer photographing using the photographing device, the analysis device acquires the result of analyzing the scene imprinted on the photographed image from the analysis device, and stores it in the storage means. Acquisition means to memorize,
Based on the scene analysis results of a plurality of photographed images stored in the storage means, the tendency of the scene photographed by the customer is analyzed, and the setting of the photographing device is photographed by the customer based on the analyzed scene tendency. A program for functioning as a control means for changing to match a scene that is frequently performed.

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