JP2004165780A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera capable of simply obtaining an image at a desired field angle in matching with the purpose of use. <P>SOLUTION: The digital camera has a trimming photographing mode wherein a trimming operation is performed simultaneously with a photographing operation to record a trimmed image to a memory card. A trimming frame 140 and its application information 142 are displayed on a screen of a liquid crystal monitor 38 simultaneously at photographing, when user decides a layout so that a desired object comes within the trimming frame 140 and photographs the object, an image part in the frame is segmented and recorded in the memory card. The camera prepares in advance trimming frame data depending on applications such as icon data, transmission image data to a mobile phone or panorama data, and the user can select the trimming frame 140 in accordance with the purpose of use of the image. Further, the user can extend / reduce the trimming frame by manual operations. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic camera, and more particularly to an electronic camera equipped with a trimming function for cutting out and recording a desired partial area from digital image data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An image taken with a digital camera is converted into digital image data and recorded in a memory inside the camera or a recording medium (removable medium) such as a removable IC card. The image thus recorded can be displayed on a liquid crystal monitor attached to the camera and can be printed and viewed with a home personal printer or the like. Recently, a digital photo print service has been implemented in which a recording medium on which image data is recorded is received from a customer, and an image recorded on the recording medium is printed out and provided to the customer.
[0003]
Patent Document 1 discloses a method for obtaining a desired image by designating finishing conditions and the like while checking the finished quality on a monitor when ordering photo prints of digital image data.
[0004]
In recent years, it has become possible to send image data by e-mail using the Internet or to order photo prints via a print service site.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-88672
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 employs a method of repeatedly setting print finish conditions and confirming an image reflecting the settings, when comparing image quality, I have to remember all of the settings and their reproductions.
[0007]
In addition, when image data is transmitted using a communication line network such as the Internet, if an image having a large data size is transmitted, the communication cost increases. For the purpose of reducing the amount of data or changing the composition to make the main subject stand out, there is a case where trimming processing is performed to cut out a partial area of the image. In the conventional trimming operation, it is necessary to check the trimming result each time while adjusting the cutout region, and the operation is complicated.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera that can easily obtain an image having a desired angle of view in accordance with a purpose of use.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, an electronic camera according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that converts an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal, and a signal conversion that converts image data acquired via the imaging unit into a display signal. Means, an image display means for displaying an image based on the signal generated by the signal conversion means, a trimming range presentation means for displaying information indicating a trimming range on a display screen of the image display means, and the trimming range presentation At least one of the information indicating the use of the image generated from the trimming range indicated by the means and the information indicating the capacity of the image data generated from the trimming range together with the information on the trimming range. Display control means to be displayed on the screen, shooting instruction input means for inputting a shooting execution instruction, and the shooting instruction input means. In accordance with an instruction, a trimming processing unit that generates a trimmed image by extracting an image portion within the trimming range from the image data acquired through the imaging unit, and the trimmed image generated by the trimming unit on a recording medium And a recording means for recording.
[0010]
According to the electronic camera of the present invention, the image data picked up by the image pickup means is converted into a display output signal by the signal conversion means and output to the image display means. Thereby, the image (through image) being imaged is displayed on the display screen of the image display means. At this time, the area information indicating the trimming range is superimposed and displayed on the through image on the display screen of the image display means by the function of the trimming range presenting means.
[0011]
As a method for clearly specifying the trimming range, for example, a mode in which a frame line indicating the trimming range is displayed, a mode in which bracket marks indicating the four corners of the trimming range are displayed, or the brightness of the video in the trimming range and in other areas. There may be various special display (highlight display) modes that emphasize the trimming range, such as a mode of changing the image.
[0012]
In addition to information on the trimming range, information on the use and / or data size of the image generated from the trimming range is displayed on the screen of the image display means. If the trimming range can be variably operated, the usage information and size information are also updated in conjunction with the change operation.
[0013]
As a result, the user can easily grasp the image range cut out from the entire shooting angle of view, and know in advance the approximate number of applications and data sizes suitable for the image generated by the trimming. This is convenient for determining the trimming range.
[0014]
The user who is the photographer determines the composition so that a desired subject is within the trimming range while viewing the through image displayed on the image display means, and then inputs a shooting execution instruction from the shooting instruction input means. In response to this instruction, a recording photographing operation is executed, and after performing a trimming process for cutting out an image portion within the trimming range from the acquired image data, the image is stored in a recording medium.
[0015]
As described above, since the photographing is performed by designating the trimming range at the time of photographing and only the image portion within the designated range is trimmed and recorded, the labor of performing the trimming processing after the recording can be saved.
[0016]
According to the electronic camera of one aspect of the present invention, the area specifying operation unit is also used as a zoom operation unit for changing a photographing magnification. By adopting a common operation means having both a function as a zoom operation means and a function as a trimming area designation operation means, simplification of the operation system provided in the camera can be achieved.
[0017]
When the trimming range enlargement / reduction operation is performed using the area specifying operation unit having such a mode, information indicating the capacity of the image data in the trimming range is displayed on the image display unit in conjunction with the change operation. Therefore, it is possible to determine the trimming range while comparing the data capacities after trimming.
[0018]
According to an aspect of the present invention, the trimming range presentation unit includes a data storage unit that stores at least one trimming range data for causing the image display unit to display information indicating a trimming range prepared in advance. It is characterized by including. It is preferable that a plurality of trimming range data is prepared in advance in the camera corresponding to a plurality of uses (image uses). In this case, an operation means is added that allows the user to select a desired trimming range from a plurality of trimming range data.
[0019]
An electronic camera according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to the above-described configuration, a trimming range specifying operation unit that allows a user to specify the trimming range is provided.
[0020]
It is more preferable that the trimming range can be variably set by the user manually as well as a mode in which a trimming range prepared in advance in the camera is used.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of an electronic camera according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. The camera 10 is a digital camera that converts an optical image of a subject into digital image data and records it. A retractable photographing lens 12, a finder window 14, a flash light control sensor 16, and a self-timer lamp 18 are provided on the front surface of the main body 11. And a microphone unit 20 are provided. A CCD image sensor (not shown in FIG. 1; described as reference numeral 68 in FIG. 3; hereinafter referred to as a CCD) is disposed behind the photographic lens 12, and an image signal read from the CCD 68 is a predetermined signal. It is converted into digital image data through the signal processing.
[0023]
A speaker 21, a digital (USB) terminal 22, an audio / video output terminal (VIDEO OUT) 23, and a power input terminal (for example, a terminal for DC IN 3V) 24 are provided on the side surface of the camera 10. Reference numeral 25 in FIG. 1 denotes a memory card slot cover (card cover).
[0024]
On the upper surface of the camera 10, a shutter button 30, a mode dial 32, and a pop-up strobe light emitting device 34 are provided. Reference numeral 35 provided on the side surface of the main body 11 is a strobe pop-up button.
[0025]
The mode dial 32 is an operation means for selecting operation modes such as continuous shooting, manual shooting, auto shooting, scene position, moving image recording, and voice recorder. On the upper surface of the mode dial 32, symbol marks (pictograms and symbols representing the modes or combinations thereof) representing the respective modes are attached. By aligning the mark of the desired mode with the position of an index (not shown), Set to mode.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the camera 10. As shown in the figure, on the back of the camera 10, a viewfinder 36, a liquid crystal monitor 38, a power switch 40, a mode selection lever 42, a cross key 44, a status display unit 46, a display button 50, a menu / OK button 52, A BACK button 54 and the like are provided.
[0027]
The liquid crystal monitor 38 is composed of a color liquid crystal display, and displays an image captured via the CCD 68 and a reproduced image read from a memory card (denoted by reference numeral 94 in FIG. 3), mode information, and remaining battery level. Various information such as warnings, shooting date / time, number of standard shots, and playback frame number are also displayed. The liquid crystal monitor 38 is also used as a user interface display screen, and displays information such as menu information, selection items, and setting contents as necessary. Instead of the liquid crystal display, other types of display devices (display means) such as an organic EL can be used.
[0028]
The mode selection lever 42 is an operation means for selectively switching between the photographing mode and the reproduction mode. The mode selection lever 42 is rotatably supported on the outer periphery of the power switch 40, and is configured by a lever switch that can be stopped at two positions, a photographing mode position (upper stop position) and a reproduction mode position (lower stop position). ing.
[0029]
The cross key 44 is composed of four push switches, an up key 44U, a down key 44D, a left key 44L, and a right key 44R, and is an operation unit for inputting instructions in four directions, up, down, left, and right. The cross key 44 functions as a button (cursor moving operation means) for selecting an item from the menu screen or instructing selection of various setting items from each menu, and also specifies a trimming center position and a trimming range at the time of trimming operation. It functions as an operation means for performing an enlargement / reduction operation. Further, the up key 44U and the down key 44D of the cross key 44 function as a zoom key at the time of shooting or a playback zoom key at the time of playback, and the right key 44R and the left key 44L advance frame by frame in the playback mode (forward / reverse feed). Functions as a button.
[0030]
A circular window 56 is formed inside these four keys, and a status display 46 is provided in the window 56. The status display unit 46 is composed of a dot matrix liquid crystal, on which information indicating the functions and mode states of the upper, lower, left, and right keys 44U, 44D, 44L, and 44R is displayed.
[0031]
The display button 50 is used to turn on / off the liquid crystal monitor 38 and to switch display / non-display of an OSD (on-screen display) display such as a playback method (single frame playback / multi-screen playback) and a frame number during playback. It is an operation means. A viewfinder lamp 58 is provided on the side of the viewfinder 36, and represents the operation status and state of the camera 10 by a combination of the lighting color of the lamp and the lighting state (lighting / flashing).
[0032]
The menu / OK button 52 is an operation having both a function as a menu button for instructing to display a menu on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 38 and a function as an OK button for instructing confirmation and execution of selection contents. Key.
[0033]
For example, the setup menu includes various setting items such as recording image quality (quality), the number of pixels, ON / OFF selection of the liquid crystal monitor 38 at startup, auto power off time, opening screen display setting, date setting, and the like. The photographer operates the upper key 44U or the lower key 44D of the cross key 44, selects an item to be changed from the setup screen, changes the setting contents with the left key 44L or the right key 44R, and then presses the menu / OK button 52. Confirm.
[0034]
In the quality setting items, three types of image quality (recording compression rate) are selected according to the purpose of shooting: “FINE” for high image quality (low compression rate), “NORMAL” for standard image quality, and “BASIC” for high compression rate. You can choose. In the setting of pixels (number of pixels), any number of recording pixels of 2832 × 2128 (6M), 2048 × 1536 (3M), 1280 × 960 (1M), and 640 × 480 (VGA) can be selected. In setting the auto power off time, either 5 minutes, 2 minutes, or canceling the auto power off function can be selected.
[0035]
The BACK button 54 is used when canceling (cancelling) an item selected from the menu or returning to the previous operation state (undo). In FIG. 2, reference numeral 61 denotes a grip portion, and reference numeral 62 denotes a battery chamber cover (battery cover).
[0036]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the camera 10. The photographing lens 12 is a zoom lens, but a single focus lens may be used. The light that has passed through the photographing lens 12 is incident on the CCD 68 after the amount of light is adjusted by the diaphragm 66. A large number of photosensors (light-receiving elements) are two-dimensionally arranged on the light-receiving surface of the CCD 68, and red (R), green (G), and blue (B) primary color filters corresponding to each photosensor. Are arranged in a predetermined arrangement structure (Bayer, G stripe, etc.). The CCD 68 has an electronic shutter function for controlling the charge accumulation time (shutter speed) of each photosensor. Instead of the CCD 68, an image pickup device of another type such as a MOS type may be used.
[0037]
The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 68 via the photographing lens 12 is converted into signal charges of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each photosensor. The signal charge accumulated in each photosensor is sequentially read out as a voltage signal (image signal) corresponding to the signal charge based on a pulse supplied from the CCD driver 70. The image signal output from the CCD 68 is sent to the analog processing unit 72. The analog processing unit 72 includes signal processing circuits such as a sampling hold circuit, a color separation circuit, and a gain adjustment circuit. In this analog processing unit 72, the correlated double sampling (CDS) processing and the R, G, B color signals are processed. Color separation processing is performed, and signal level adjustment (pre-white balance processing) of each color signal is performed.
[0038]
The signal output from the analog processing unit 72 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 74 and then stored in the RAM 78 via the built-in buffer 76. The CCD driver 70, the analog processing unit 72, and the A / D converter 74 are supplied with timing signals from a timing generator 77, and the circuits are synchronized with each other by the timing signals.
[0039]
The image data stored in the RAM 78 is sent to the signal processing unit 80. The signal processing unit 80 includes an image signal processing circuit such as a synchronization circuit, a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, a gamma correction circuit, a sharpness correction circuit, a contrast correction circuit, a white balance correction circuit, an electronic zoom processing circuit, a trimming processing circuit, and a sound. This is a signal processing means constituted by a digital signal processor (DSP) including a signal processing circuit, and processes image signals and audio signals while utilizing the RAM 78 in accordance with commands from the CPU 82. The image data input to the signal processing unit 80 is converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a color difference signal (Cr, Cb signal) and subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction and then stored in the RAM 78. The
[0040]
In the case of displaying and outputting a captured image, the luminance / color difference signal (abbreviated as YC signal) stored in the RAM 78 is sent to the VRAM 86 via the bus 84. The data stored in the VRAM 86 is sent to the encoder 87, where it is converted into a predetermined display signal (for example, an NTSC color composite video signal) together with character and symbol data supplied from the character generator 88. .
[0041]
The output of the encoder 87 is converted to an analog signal via the D / A converter 89 and then output to the liquid crystal monitor 38. In this way, the image content of the image data is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 38.
[0042]
The image data in the RAM 78 is periodically rewritten by the image signal output from the CCD 68, and the video signal generated from the image data is supplied to the liquid crystal monitor 38, so that the image input via the CCD 68 is real-time. It is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38. The photographer can confirm the shooting angle of view by using the photographic image ((through image) displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38 or the viewfinder 36.
[0043]
When the shooting mode is selected by the mode selection lever 42 and the shutter button 30 is pressed, a shooting start instruction (release ON) signal is issued. In response to the reception of this instruction signal, the CPU 82 starts taking in image data for recording. Further, the CPU 82 sends a command to the compression / decompression circuit 90, whereby the compression / decompression circuit 90 compresses the image data on the RAM 78 in accordance with JPEG or another predetermined format.
[0044]
The compressed image data is recorded on the memory card 94 via the card interface 92. In the camera 10 of this example, for example, smart media (Solid-State Floppy Disk Card) is applied as means for storing image data and audio data. The form of the recording medium is not limited to this, and it may be a PC card, a compact flash, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a memory stick, etc., and read / write according to an electronic, magnetic, optical, or a combination thereof. Various possible media can be used. A signal processing means and an interface corresponding to the medium to be used are applied. A configuration in which a plurality of media can be mounted regardless of different types or the same type of recording media may be adopted. The means for storing data is not limited to a removable medium that can be attached to and detached from the camera body, but may be a recording medium (internal memory) built in the camera 10.
[0045]
When the playback mode is selected by the mode selection lever 42, the last file (last recorded file) recorded on the memory card 94 is read. Image data of the image file read from the memory card 94 (first frame image data in the case of a moving image) is decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit 90, and the VRAM 86, encoder 87, and D / A converter 89 are To the liquid crystal monitor 38. Data generated by the character generator 88 is superimposed on the image signal and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38.
[0046]
By operating the left / right keys 44L and 44R of the cross key 44 during single-frame playback in the playback mode, the frame can be forwarded (file-forwarded) in the forward direction or the reverse direction. It is read from the card 94 and an image is reproduced in the same manner as described above.
[0047]
The CPU 82 functions as a control unit that controls the camera system according to a predetermined program, and also performs a calculation unit such as an automatic exposure (AE) calculation, an automatic focus adjustment (AF) calculation, and a data size calculation of a trimming range. Function as. The CPU 82 controls the operation of the corresponding circuit based on input signals received from the power switch 40, the shutter button 30, and other operation units 105.
[0048]
For example, the CPU 82 performs various calculations such as a focus evaluation calculation and an AE calculation based on the image data input via the CCD 68, and controls the lens driving unit 106 based on the calculation result to focus the photographing lens 12. While moving to a position, the iris drive unit (not shown) is controlled to set the diaphragm 66 to an appropriate diaphragm value and to control the charge accumulation time of the CCD 68.
[0049]
Further, the CPU 82 performs strobe light emission control, image signal processing control, image data recording / reproduction control, display control on the liquid crystal monitor 38, and the like in addition to lens driving control and photographing operation control.
[0050]
The ROM 108 connected to the CPU 82 via the bus 84 stores programs executed by the CPU 82 and various data necessary for control. The RAM 78 is used as a program development area and a calculation work area for the CPU 82, and is also used as a temporary storage area for image data and audio data. The EEPROM (non-volatile memory) 110 connected to the CPU 82 includes data necessary for displaying a trimming frame on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 38 in the trimming shooting mode (hereinafter referred to as trimming frame data). Data necessary for control, various setting information, and the like are stored. The trimming frame data preferably stores a plurality of data corresponding to a plurality of trimming frame patterns. In this example, it is assumed that data necessary for displaying a trimming frame for icons, a trimming frame for transmission images to a mobile phone, and a trimming frame for panoramic angle of view is stored in the EEPROM 110.
[0051]
As the power source of the camera 10, an external power source such as an AC power adapter (not shown) connected to the battery 126 or the power input terminal 24 can be used. The power supplied from the battery 126 or the like is converted into a required voltage by a power supply circuit 128 including a DC / DC converter, and then supplied to each circuit block.
[0052]
Next, the trimming shooting function of the camera 10 configured as described above will be described.
[0053]
The camera 10 includes a trimming shooting mode in which an image of a region cut out by executing a trimming operation simultaneously with the shooting operation is recorded and saved in the memory card 94. When the shooting mode is selected with the mode selection lever 42, a through image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38 and the camera is ready for shooting. At this time, if the shooting menu screen is displayed by pressing the menu / OK button 52, the menu screen is displayed. The item “Trimming shooting mode” is displayed.
[0054]
When the user operates the cross key 44 to select “trimming shooting mode” and confirms the selection with the menu / OK button 52, the camera 10 shifts to the trimming shooting mode. Of course, instead of the user interface using the menu screen, an operation switch (such as a trimming key) for shifting to the trimming shooting mode may be provided.
[0055]
4 to 6 show examples of the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 38 in the trimming shooting mode. As shown in these drawings, in the trimming shooting mode, a trimming frame 140 is displayed at the center of the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 38, and character information indicating the use of the image (hereinafter referred to as use information) is displayed at the upper right of the screen. 142 is displayed.
[0056]
FIG. 4 shows a display example of an icon trimming frame 140 that provides an angle of view suitable for icon generation, and FIG. 5 shows a trimming for a mobile phone that provides an angle of view suitable for viewing on the display of the mobile phone. A display example of the frame 140 is shown. FIG. 6 shows a display example of a trimming frame 140 that provides a panoramic angle of view.
[0057]
These application-specific trimming frames 140 are displayed based on trimming frame data stored in the EEPROM 110 in the camera 10 in advance. The user can select a desired trimming frame 140 according to the purpose of use of the image to be photographed. When shooting is performed with the subject to be recorded within the frame of the selected trimming frame 140, only the image within the frame is recorded on the memory card 94.
[0058]
The trimming frame 140 can be selected by changing the display of the frame by operating the upper key 44U and the lower key 44D of the cross key 44, which is also used as a zoom key, selecting an application from the menu screen, a display button 50, and the like. There is a mode in which the display of the trimming frame 140 is switched every time the operation button is pressed. Furthermore, an aspect including a display mode in which a plurality of trimming frames 140 and a plurality of usage information 142 corresponding to these trimming frames 140 can be simultaneously displayed and compared is also preferable.
[0059]
In the present embodiment, not only a mode (FIGS. 4 to 6) using the trimming frame 140 built in the camera 10, but also an operation mode in which the user can freely change the trimming frame 140 manually is added. Yes.
[0060]
FIG. 7 shows an example in which the trimming frame 140 is manually enlarged or reduced. When the operation mode for manually scaling the trimming frame 140 is selected, the size of the trimming frame 140 can be changed by operating the upper key 44U and the lower key 44D of the cross key 44 that also serves as a zoom key. For example, the size of the trimming frame 140 is enlarged or reduced by operating the upper key 44U or the lower key 44D while pressing the trimming key (also used as the display button 50).
[0061]
Further, data size information (hereinafter referred to as size information) 144 within the frame is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38 in conjunction with the changing operation of the trimming frame 140. The application information 142 described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 may be displayed instead of or in combination with the size information 144.
[0062]
The CPU 82 that has received the enlargement / reduction operation of the trimming frame 140 performs an operation for predicting the data size when a new image file is generated for the designated image range to be trimmed (trimming range), and displays the trimming range on the monitor screen. And a process for simultaneously displaying the size information 144 of the partial image cut out by the trimming frame 154.
[0063]
The data size of the image (trimmed image) generated by the trimming process can be evaluated (estimated) from the number of pixels in the image range defined by the trimming frame 154 and the compression rate condition set. Regarding the recording image quality (compression rate) at the time of trimming recording, the same setting as the recording image quality of the original image may be maintained, or a fixed compression rate (for example, “NORMAL”) that is uniformly determined in advance may be used. Also, it is possible to change the compression rate according to the size of the trimming frame 140 (for example, a mode in which the compression rate is lowered as the cutout range is smaller), and non-compression is selected for small images such as for icons. May be.
[0064]
Since the usage information 142 and the size information 144 are displayed in real time with the change operation of the trimming frame 140, it can be used as a judgment material when determining the trimming range.
[0065]
The user designates the size of the trimming frame 140 according to the purpose of use of the image to be photographed, and then photographs the subject to be recorded within the trimming frame 140. As a result, only the image portion in the trimming frame 140 is cut out and recorded on the memory card 94.
[0066]
According to the camera 10 of this example, a range wider than the actually recorded range (trimming range) is displayed on the monitor screen, and the angle of view can be determined so that a desired subject is placed in the trimming frame 140. Anyone can easily perform trimming photography. In addition, since a series of operations from the shooting operation to the trimming process and the subsequent recording operation are executed in accordance with a predetermined sequence, operations such as trimming according to the purpose of use after shooting and redoing the compression process are performed. Save time and effort.
[0067]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera 10.
[0068]
The CPU 82 of the camera 10 first determines the mode (step S210), and determines whether or not the “shooting mode” is selected by the mode switching lever 42. When the “shooting mode” is not selected, that is, when the “reproduction mode” is selected, internal processing for enabling the camera 10 to be used in the “reproduction mode” is performed (step S212). Image data is read from the card 94 and image reproduction processing is performed.
[0069]
On the other hand, when “shooting mode” is selected in step S210, power is supplied to the imaging system circuit including the CCD 68 (step S214), and a through image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38 (step S216).
[0070]
Thereafter, the camera 10 receives a trimming shooting mode selection operation, and determines whether or not the trimming shooting mode has been selected (step S218). When the user performs an operation of shifting to the trimming shooting mode according to a predetermined operation, a YES determination is made in step S218, and the process proceeds to step S220.
[0071]
In step S220, the trimming frame 140 (for example, the icon trimming frame 140 described with reference to FIG. 4) and its usage information 142 are simultaneously displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38 in accordance with the internal settings of the camera 10. Immediately after the transition to the trimming shooting mode, the same frame as the trimming frame 140 used in the previous trimming shooting mode is first displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38. Information on the trimming frame 140 related to the previous use is stored in the EEPROM 110 in the camera 10, and the information is referred to when shifting to the trimming shooting mode. When the camera 10 is used for the first time, a predetermined trimming frame 140 is displayed according to the default setting.
[0072]
While the trimming frame 140 and the usage information 142 (or size information 144) are displayed, the camera 10 accepts an operation for changing the trimming frame 140 and determines whether or not an operation for changing the trimming frame 140 has been input (step S222). ). When the user performs an operation for changing the trimming frame 140, processing for updating the display of the trimming frame 140 and the usage information 142 is performed in accordance with the operation (step S224).
[0073]
Subsequent to step S224, the process proceeds to step S226, and it is determined whether or not a trimming shooting mode cancel operation has been performed. Note that if the trimming frame 140 is not changed in step S222, step S224 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S226.
[0074]
In step S <b> 226, the CPU 82 of the camera 10 determines whether or not the trimming shooting mode is canceled based on the signal from the BACK button 54. When the BACK button 54 is pressed, the trimming shooting mode is canceled (step S228), and the display of the trimming frame 140 and the usage information 142 is turned off. Then, the process returns to step S216 to enter a through image display state.
[0075]
On the other hand, when the BACK button 54 is not pressed in step S226, that is, when the trimming shooting mode state is maintained, the process proceeds to step S230 to determine whether or not the S1 switch of the shutter button 30 is turned on. . Note that if the trimming shooting mode is not selected in step S218 (NO in step S218), the process also proceeds to step S230.
[0076]
When the command of S1 = ON is not input in step S230, the process returns to step S218 and waits for the input of the shooting instruction from the user.
[0077]
When the shutter button 30 is pressed by the user and S1 is turned on in step S230, AE and AF processes are performed (step S232), and the input of S2 = ON is determined (step S234). If it is determined in step S234 that the S2 switch of the shutter button 30 has not been turned on, it is determined whether or not S1 has been released (step S236).
[0078]
If S1 has been canceled in step S236, the process returns to step S216 to enter an imaging instruction input acceptance state. If S1 is not canceled in step S236, the process returns to step S234 and waits for the input of S2 = ON. When the input of S2 = ON is detected in step S234, the photographing operation is executed (step S238). That is, exposure and readout processing of the CCD 68 is performed, and processing of the acquired image signal is performed (step S240).
[0079]
In the process of signal processing, it is determined whether or not shooting is performed in the trimming shooting mode (step S242). When shooting is performed in the trimming shooting mode, an image portion in the specified trimming range is cut out from the shot image data. Processing (trimming processing) is executed (step S244). The image trimmed in step S244 is compressed as necessary and then recorded on the memory card 94 (step S246).
[0080]
When NO is determined in step S242, that is, when shooting is performed without using the trimming shooting mode, the trimming process in step S244 is omitted, and the entire effective shooting range is imaged according to the normal signal processing algorithm. Signal processing is performed, and the generated image data is recorded in the memory card 94 (step S246).
[0081]
After step S246, the process proceeds to step S248, where it is determined whether or not a shooting mode cancel operation has been performed. In step S248, if the shooting mode release operation is not performed, the shooting mode state is maintained, and the process returns to step S216. If a shooting mode release operation is performed in step S248, the shooting mode is terminated.
[0082]
According to the above-described embodiment, the trimming frame 140 for designating the trimming range and the usage information 142 indicating the usage of the image cut out from the frame are simultaneously displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38, and the trimming range by the user is displayed. Since the trimming frame 140 and the usage information 142 are updated in real time in conjunction with the change operation, the user can easily perform the trimming operation.
[0083]
Also, when the subject to be recorded is shot in the trimming frame 140 designated at the time of shooting, the trimming process is executed simultaneously with the shooting operation so that only the image portion within the frame is recorded on the memory card 94. There is an advantage that a subsequent trimming operation can be omitted.
[0084]
Therefore, in a situation where the image size required in advance is determined, such as when an image is transmitted to a mobile phone or when a captured image is used as an icon, recording is performed by performing trimming shooting with the camera 10 of this example. The image can be used immediately.
[0085]
In the above embodiment, the trimming frame 154 having a preset fixed aspect ratio is used. However, in implementing the present invention, the trimming shape is not limited to this, and the user can specify any trimming shape. May be.
[0086]
In the above-described embodiment, the digital camera that converts captured still image data into an electronic file and records the data on the memory card 94 has been described. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to other information devices having an electronic imaging function, such as an attached PDA and a mobile personal computer with a camera. In this case, the imaging unit may be a detachable (external type) that is separable from a main body such as a mobile phone.
[0087]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, information indicating the trimming range at the time of shooting is displayed on the image display means, and a desired subject is shot within the range, thereby shooting an image portion within the trimming range. Since it is cut out and recorded on the recording medium, an image that matches the purpose of use can be easily acquired simultaneously with photographing.
[0088]
In addition to the information indicating the trimming range, information on the purpose and data size of the image generated from the trimming range is displayed so that the user can easily grasp how much range is cut out from the original image. Therefore, a trimming range suitable for the purpose of use can be easily specified.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the camera shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the camera in this example.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a trimming frame for icons is displayed.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a trimming frame for a transmission image to a mobile phone is displayed.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a trimming frame for a panoramic angle of view is displayed.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode screen in which the size of the trimming frame is manually changed.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera of this example.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Camera, 12 ... Shooting lens, 38 ... Liquid crystal monitor, 44 ... Cross key, 44U ... Up key, 44D ... Down key, 52 ... Menu / OK button, 80 ... Signal processing part, 82 ... CPU, 87 ... Encoder, 89 ... D / A converter, 140 ... trimming frame, 142 ... use information, 144 ... size information

Claims (3)

Imaging means for converting an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal;
Signal conversion means for converting image data acquired via the imaging means into a display signal;
Image display means for displaying an image based on the signal generated by the signal conversion means;
Trimming range presenting means for displaying information indicating the trimming range on the display screen of the image display means;
At least one of the information indicating the use of the image generated from the trimming range indicated by the trimming range presenting unit and the information indicating the capacity of the image data generated from the trimming range together with the information on the trimming range Display control means for displaying on the image display means;
A shooting instruction input means for inputting a shooting execution instruction;
In accordance with an instruction from the imaging instruction input unit, a trimming processing unit that generates a trimmed image by extracting an image portion within the trimming range from image data acquired through the imaging unit;
Recording means for recording the trimmed image generated by the trimming processing means on a recording medium;
An electronic camera characterized by comprising: 2. The trimming range presenting means includes data storage means for storing at least one trimming range data for displaying information indicating a trimming range prepared in advance on the image display means. The electronic camera described. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a trimming range designation operation unit that allows a user to designate the trimming range.

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