JP2004200818A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera capable of correcting an image for deleting a foreign material and properly storing a file relative to image correction. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic camera includes: an image pick up section located in an enclosure to generate a picked up image of an object; a light shield section located in the enclosure to set the inside of the enclosure to a dark box state; and an illumination light source placed in the enclosure, and also includes: a foreign material detection section for picking up a foreign material including image projected onto an imaging face of the image pick up part with light emitted from the illumination light source in the inside of the enclosure brought into the dark box state and generating correction data for correcting the image for deleting the foreign material on the basis of the foreign material including image; a foreign material correction section for applying image correction to the picked up image on the basis of the correction data; and a recording section for recording the correction data or a state of image correction to a recording medium in cross-reference with the picked up image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for holding correction data in an electronic camera for reducing an influence on image data after photographing due to a foreign substance or the like attached to an optical path of an image formed on an image sensor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an electronic camera using an image sensor, if a foreign substance exists in the optical path near the image plane of the image sensor, accurate image recognition or image reproduction in the vicinity cannot be performed. For this reason, it is desired to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the image plane optical path of the image sensor by cleaning or the like, but it is difficult to completely eliminate the foreign matter from being adhered. Further, when acquiring image data to which a foreign substance is attached, the size of the liquid crystal monitor attached to the camera is small, and it is difficult to display and confirm the entire image (for example, see Patent Document 1). 1). Even if the image is enlarged to a size at which the presence of a foreign substance can be confirmed by attaching a zoom function, it is troublesome and inconvenient to investigate the entire image in that state.
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-157087
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
If a foreign substance is present in the optical path near the image plane, a problem arises in that the foreign substance cannot provide correct image data. Accordingly, the present applicant has applied for a method of obtaining image data equivalent to a state in which no foreign matter exists by performing image processing even when foreign matter exists near the image plane of the image sensor. However, in image processing, there is a possibility of overcorrection. For this reason, some users may prefer to save original image data that is not subjected to image processing. Therefore, it is desirable to perform image processing and image storage according to the user's intention. However, conventionally, there has been no one that can select the means.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera capable of correcting an image for removing foreign matter and appropriately storing a file related to the image correction.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The electronic camera according to claim 1 is provided in a housing, an imaging unit that generates a captured image of a subject, a light shielding unit that is provided in the housing, and sets the inside of the housing in a dark box state, and is provided in the housing. The light source for illumination and the light emitted from the light source for illumination inside the housing in the dark box state captures the foreign matter inclusion image projected on the imaging surface of the imaging unit, and detects the foreign matter based on the foreign matter inclusion image. A foreign substance detection unit that generates correction data for image correction for erasure, a foreign substance correction unit that performs image correction on a captured image based on the correction data, and records the correction data or image correction status in association with the captured image A recording unit for recording on a medium.
[0006]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, the recording unit records, in a header of a file of the captured image, whether or not the image correction has been performed on the captured image.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, the recording unit records the correction data in a header of a file of the captured image, and records the image data after the image correction in an image data area of the file. It is characterized by.
[0007]
An electronic camera according to a fourth aspect is the electronic camera according to the first aspect, wherein the recording unit records the correction data in a header of a file of the captured image, and records an original image in an image data area of the file. I do.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, the recording unit separates the original image file having the image data of the original image in the image data area and the correction data file having the correction data into independent files. It is characterized by recording.
[0008]
In the electronic camera according to the sixth aspect, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, the recording unit records a reference symbol for identifying a correction data file to be referred to in a header of the original image file, so that the two files can be combined. It is characterized by associating.
An electronic camera according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the electronic camera according to the first aspect, further comprising means for selecting whether to create or modify the correction data used when correcting the image data.
[0009]
In the electronic camera according to the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, as a configuration of a file for recording an image, a first mode for recording whether or not image correction has been performed on the captured image in a header of the file of the captured image. And a second mode in which the correction data is recorded in the header of the file of the captured image, and the image data after the image correction is recorded in the image data area of the file, and the correction data is recorded in the header of the file of the captured image, A third mode for recording an original image in the image data area, and a fourth mode for recording an original image file having image data of the original image in the image data area and a correction data file having correction data as independent files. By recording reference symbols to identify the correction data file to be referenced in the header of the original image file, Kicking recording unit and a fifth mode, the means for selecting one of the first to fifth modes, characterized in that the electronic camera comprises.
[0010]
When the imaging surface of the image sensor is placed in the dark box state and light is radiated from the light source installed in the dark box toward the imaging surface, the area where foreign matter is present is recognized on the imaging plane in a different color from the area where there is no foreign matter. Is done. Therefore, when photographing is performed in the dark box state, image data showing only the foreign matter can be obtained as correction data. Then, by performing image processing using the correction data on the captured original image data, it is possible to obtain image data having no foreign matter in the vicinity of the imaging optical path in a pseudo manner. In addition, when performing image processing, information of a position, a correction color, and a reference symbol are inserted into a header portion of an image, so that the method of storing an image has a certain width. By doing so, the options of the user are increased, and the convenience of the user is improved.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment. In the figure, an electronic camera 1 is configured by attaching a photographing lens unit 4 to a camera body 2 and connecting a recording medium 6. The camera body 2 includes a light blocking plate 8, a shutter button 11, an image correction mode button 12, an image sensor 13, a CPU 14, a recording memory 36 capable of recording correction data (see FIG. 2 described later), and a memory for storing image data. It has a data recording unit 15 and a light source 16 for illumination.
[0012]
The CPU 14 controls the system of the electronic camera 1.
The illumination light source 16 is provided at a lower portion in the camera body 2 having a housing shape. The illumination light source 16 is composed of an LED that emits white light, is located immediately below the imaging optical axis, and is directed to the imaging device 13. The illumination light source 16 is always in an OFF state, and is turned on when trying to detect a foreign substance as described later, and can illuminate the entire imaging surface of the imaging element 13.
[0013]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the processing of the image data obtained by the image sensor 13. Hereinafter, the flow of processing from imaging to recording of image data will be briefly described.
First, the user selects in advance whether or not to perform image processing using the correction data with the image correction mode button 12.
Next, the image sensor 13 is exposed by a known operation.
[0014]
Next, the original image data obtained from the image sensor 13 is converted into digital data by the A / D converter 32, and then transferred to the image processing unit 35 as image data.
Next, the image processing unit 35 performs the image processing selected by the image correction mode button 12 on the image data. At this time, the image processing unit 35 uses correction data stored in the arithmetic unit 34 and the recording memory 36.
[0015]
Finally, the data recording unit 15 records the image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing unit 35 on the recording medium 6.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an image correction process that can be selected by the image correction mode button 12. In the present embodiment, a case will be described as an example in which there are five first to fifth image correction processing modes.
[0016]
FIG. 3A shows a first mode in which whether or not image processing has been performed is described in a header of one file, and image data according to the description is provided. When image correction is performed, the image processing unit 35 performs image correction processing on the original image data obtained from the image sensor 13 based on the correction image data in the correction data file stored in the recording memory 36. . Then, one file having information indicating that “image correction processing has been performed” in the header and having image data subjected to image correction processing is created. The original image described in the claims corresponds to, for example, original image data obtained from the image sensor 13.
[0017]
If image correction is not performed, one file is created that has information indicating that “image correction processing has not been performed” in the header and has image data that has not been subjected to the above-described image correction processing. Therefore, in this case, in addition to the normal image processing (known white balance adjustment, contour emphasis, gamma correction, etc .; description is omitted in this embodiment), it is sufficient to describe only that the image correction processing is not performed in the header. Good.
[0018]
FIG. 3B shows a second mode including one image data. In the second mode, the image data has been subjected to the above-described image correction processing. Further, in the second mode, information on the pixel position to be corrected and the correction color is added to the header of the file.
FIG. 3C shows a third mode including one image data. In the third mode, the image data is original image data before performing the above-described image correction processing. Further, in the third mode, information on the pixel position to be corrected and the correction color is added to the header of the file. In the second and third modes, the correction data described in the claims corresponds to, for example, information on a pixel position and a correction color added to the header of the file.
[0019]
FIG. 3D shows a fourth mode in which two files are used for each original image data. In the fourth mode, one file is used as an original image file and another file is used as a correction data file. The original image file stores original image data obtained by the image sensor 13. The correction data file is a file in which information of a pixel position to be corrected and a correction color is added to a header portion, and has correction image data used for correction. The correction image data is stored in the recording memory 36 in advance, for example. Then, the original image file and the correction data file are respectively created in parallel, and are recorded by the data recording unit 37 in, for example, one folder in the recording medium 6. In the fourth mode, the correction data described in the claims corresponds to, for example, information on a pixel position and a correction color added to a header portion of the correction data file, and correction image data.
[0020]
FIG. 3E shows the fifth mode. In the fifth mode, the image processing unit 35 adds, to the header of one original image file having the original image data, information on which corrected image data file is to be referred to and corrected. Also, a correction data file having correction image data to be referred to is created as another file. However, the symbol indicating the correction data file to be referred to can be any number, date, file name, folder name, or the like. In the fifth mode, the correction data file does not need to correspond one-to-one with the original image file. That is, a plurality of original image files may refer to the same one correction data file. When the original image file is recorded on the recording medium 6, if the correction data file indicated in the header of the original image file already exists on the recording medium 6, it is not necessary to record the correction data file again. Only when the correction data file does not exist in the recording medium 6, the correction data file is recorded.
[0021]
In the fifth mode, information indicating which original image file (or a plurality of original image files) the correction data file is used for image correction may be added to the header of the correction data file. In this case, image correction of a plurality of original image files can be collectively performed using one correction data file, and processing time can be reduced.
[0022]
In the fifth mode, the correction data described in the claims corresponds to, for example, information indicating which correction image data file is to be referred to and corrected, and a correction data file added to a header portion of the original image file. .
Further, the image correction mode button 12 can select a sixth mode for deleting a correction data file already stored in the recording memory 36 or creating a new correction data file. In the sixth mode, not only a new correction data file is created, but also the correction data file already stored in the recording memory 36 or the image data in the newly created correction data file is stored in the recording medium 15 by the data recording unit 15. 6 can be recorded.
[0023]
Further, the image correction mode button 12 can select a seventh mode for creating a correction data file or confirming at which position a foreign substance exists on the imaging surface. In the seventh mode, the correction data recorded in the recording memory 36 is handled as image data. Then, for example, the position of the foreign matter in the image data is displayed on a monitor (not shown) of the camera body 2. It is difficult for the monitor mounted on the electronic camera 1 to confirm even if the foreign substance itself is projected. The shape of the foreign matter itself does not matter, and it is only necessary to know the position on the imaging surface.
[0024]
Here, the method of creating the correction image data stored in the recording memory 36 will be described. First, the electronic camera 1 is set to the eighth mode by the image correction mode button 12. Next, the light shielding plate The image pickup surface of the image pickup device 13 is made equal to the state placed in the dark box by 8. Thereafter, the CPU 14 sets the first image recognition unit, the second image recognition unit, the foreign object detection unit Thus, correction image data is created as follows.
[0025]
The first image recognition means is a first image signal corresponding to the first image generated on the image sensor 13 by the diffused light emitted from the illumination light source 16 inside the camera body 2 in the dark box state. (Reference image signal).
The second image recognition means is a second image signal corresponding to the second image generated on the image sensor 13 by the diffused light emitted from the illumination light source 16 inside the camera body 2 in the dark box state. (Inspection image signal). Here, the second image is an image to be inspected and is obtained by adding a shadow of a foreign substance to the first image.
[0026]
The foreign object detection unit compares the waveform of the first image signal from the first image recognition unit with the waveform of the second image signal from the second image recognition unit, and determines that the second image signal is the first image signal. If a noise component having a higher density value (corresponding to a shadow of a foreign substance) is superimposed on the image signal, the foreign substance is detected.
[0027]
As described above, when the imaging surface of the imaging element 13 is placed in the dark box state and the light is emitted from the illumination light source 16 installed in the dark box toward the imaging surface, the area where the foreign matter does not exist is the area where the foreign matter does not exist. Is recognized on the imaging surface in a color different from. Therefore, when the image is taken in the dark box state, image data showing only the foreign matter can be obtained as the above-mentioned correction image data.
[0028]
Although the correction image data is created before shipment, the user can also create the correction image data later. The service may be performed by a service center requested by a user who has purchased the electronic camera 1.
As described above, in the electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment, image correction has already been performed at the time of image recording and saved, or saved so that the user can later perform image correction using an application or the like, according to the user's intention. An image correction method can be selected. In addition, when the captured image data is stored, the correction data can be stored in association with the captured image data, so that the convenience for the user is improved.
[0029]
In this embodiment, an example in which the electronic camera is a single-lens reflex electronic camera with interchangeable lenses has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a lens shutter type electronic camera or a lens-integrated single-lens reflex electronic camera may be used.
Further, the example has been described in which the image correction mode button 12 which is a mechanical switch is used to select an image correction method or a mode for creating a correction data file. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, instead of a mechanical switch, a parameter setting item may be provided by an application or the like, and an image correction method may be selected by a setting unit.
[0030]
In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the number of illumination light sources is one and the direction in which diffused light illuminates a foreign substance is one. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, by using a plurality of light sources and setting the irradiation direction of the diffused light to the foreign substance in a plurality of directions, a plurality of positions of the foreign substance projected on the image sensor 13 as viewed from the imaging optical axis can be accurately determined, and more accurate. May be corrected.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, an image correction method according to the user's intention is selected, such as performing image correction at the time of image recording and saving the image, or saving the image so that the user can use an application or the like to perform image correction later. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electronic camera of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating processing of image data obtained by an image sensor.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of an image file that can be selected by an image correction mode button.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 electronic camera 2 camera body 4 photographing lens unit 6 recording medium 8 light shielding plate 11 shutter button 12 image correction mode button 13 image sensor 14 CPU
Reference Signs List 15 data recording unit 16 illumination light source 32 A / D converter 34 arithmetic unit 35 image processing unit 36 recording memory

Claims (8)

An imaging unit that is provided in the housing and generates a captured image of the subject;
A light-shielding unit provided in the housing, for setting the inside of the housing to a dark box state,
An illumination light source provided in the housing,
With the light emitted from the light source for illumination inside the casing in the dark box state, an image of the foreign matter inclusion projected on the imaging surface of the imaging unit is taken, and based on the foreign matter inclusion image, foreign matter erasure is performed. A foreign matter detector that generates correction data for image correction;
A foreign matter correction unit that performs the image correction on the captured image based on the correction data,
A recording unit that records the correction data or the state of the image correction on a recording medium in association with the captured image. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit records, in a header of a file of the captured image, whether or not the image correction has been performed on the captured image. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit records the correction data in a header of the file of the captured image, and records the image data after the image correction in an image data area of the file. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit records the correction data in a header of a file of the captured image, and records an original image in an image data area of the file. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
An electronic camera, wherein the recording unit records an original image file having image data of an original image in an image data area and a correction data file having the correction data as independent files. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
An electronic camera, wherein the recording unit associates both files by recording a reference symbol for identifying a correction data file to be referenced in a header of an original image file. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
An electronic camera, comprising: means for selecting to create or modify correction data used when correcting image data. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
The recording unit has a configuration of a file for recording an image,
A first mode for recording in the header of the file of the captured image whether or not the image correction has been performed on the captured image;
A second mode in which the correction data is recorded in a header of a file of the captured image, and the image data after the image correction is recorded in an image data area of the file;
A third mode in which the correction data is recorded in a header of the file of the captured image, and an original image is recorded in an image data area of the file;
A fourth mode in which an original image file having image data of an original image in an image data area and a correction data file having the correction data are recorded as independent files;
A fifth mode for associating both files by recording a reference symbol for identifying the correction data file to be referenced in the header of the original image file,
An electronic camera, comprising: means for selecting one of the first to fifth modes.

Images