JP2005191894A - Camera device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera device which can form an agreeable composite photograph. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 11 reads a recorded image 30 already photographed and stored from a data storage area 12b, and displays at least an end portion of the record image 30 on a finder screen 15. The CPU 11 further makes the finder screen display an input image 40, already inputted at that time, from a photographing portion 14. An operator can photograph the input image 40, while viewing both the input image 40 and the record image 30 at the same time, thereby enabling position, exposure and magnification to be kept appropriately and an aggreeable composite photograph to be prepared. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera device such as a digital camera.

There are cases where it is desired to shoot an object that does not fit in one frame by dividing it into a plurality of frames. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a photographing apparatus that combines images photographed on a plurality of frames.
JP 2001-45355 A

For example, when photographing a wide area such as a mountainous landscape or a seaside landscape, adjacent subjects are photographed continuously with approximate eye measurements, and post-processing is combined so that it appears as a single panoramic photo.
In this case, synthesis is possible if there is an appropriate overlapping portion between consecutively photographed images. However, if there is no overlapping portion, for example, synthesis becomes difficult. Therefore, the camera operator performs photographing while confirming the overlapping portion, but sometimes fails when performing eye measurement.
In addition, there may be a difference in angle between consecutively captured images. For example, when taking a picture of a beach landscape divided into a plurality of times in the horizontal direction, if the angle fluctuates in the vertical direction, not only will the amount of processing required for position correction during composition increase, but there will be many invalid parts, There was also a problem that there were few effective parts and a lot of waste.

  The present invention has been made in view of the current situation as described above, and an object thereof is to provide a camera device that can appropriately capture a plurality of images used for a composite photograph or the like.

In order to achieve the above object, a camera apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention has already been photographed with a finder screen for displaying an image, an image input means for inputting an input image obtained through a lens, and the like. Storage means for storing the recorded image, screen control means for simultaneously displaying at least a part of the recorded image and the input image on the finder screen, photographing means for capturing the input image as a photographed image,
It is characterized by providing.

  By adopting such a configuration, the input image obtained through the lens and the recorded image that has already been taken are displayed on the finder screen at the same time. Therefore, by referring to these images, it can be determined whether or not an appropriate overlapping portion is obtained. It can also be determined whether or not the angle is also appropriate. Therefore, a new image can be taken in an appropriate state.

Note that the image forming apparatus may further include a combining unit that combines the input image captured by the photographing unit and the recorded image, and stores the combined image in the storage unit.
Thereby, a composite photograph of the input image captured by the photographing unit and the recorded image is formed.

  Further, there may be provided means for arbitrarily changing the position and size of the input image and the recorded image displayed on the finder screen based on an instruction from an operator. In this way, for example, the magnification of the input image with respect to the recording screen can be arbitrarily changed. Therefore, convenience is improved when images are combined in various directions such as a horizontal direction and a vertical direction.

Further, there may be provided means for arbitrarily selecting the recorded image to be displayed on the finder screen from a plurality of recorded images stored in the storage means based on an instruction from an operator.
As a result, a recorded image selected from a plurality of recorded images is displayed on the finder screen, so that the photographing order can be arbitrarily set.

Further, it may be provided with means for comparing exposure values of the input image and the recorded image displayed on the finder screen and setting the exposure value of the input image based on the result.
In this way, the exposure value of the input image to be taken is automatically set.

The image processing apparatus may further comprise means for adjusting the exposure value of the input image based on an instruction from the operator, and means for notifying the operator when the exposure value of the recorded image matches the exposure value of the input image. Good.
In this way, the operator can set the exposure value of the input image to be newly photographed, and the operator is informed that the exposure value of the recorded image matches the exposure value of the input image. It becomes easier for the operator to operate.

Further, a means for adjusting the exposure value of the input image based on an instruction from the operator, a means for obtaining the exposure value of the recorded image and the exposure value of the input image subjected to the adjustment, and displayed on the finder screen. Means for interpolating the obtained exposure values to set the exposure values of the input image and the adjacent end portions of the recorded image.
In this way, even if a difference occurs between the exposure values of the recorded image and the input image when the operator adjusts the exposure value to capture the input image, it can be smoothed.

The input image displayed on the finder screen may be compared with an exposure value at an adjacent end portion of the recorded image, and a unit for setting the exposure value of the input image based on the result may be provided.
In this way, even when shooting continuously in a situation where, for example, the light changes from direct light to backlight, the exposure value of the input image is set by the exposure value of the adjacent edge of the input image and the recorded image. The value can be gradually changed between each image.

The input image displayed on the finder screen may be compared with a magnification at a close end of the recorded image, and a unit for adjusting the magnification of the input image based on the comparison result may be provided.
In this way, the magnification between the input image and the recorded image is automatically adjusted.

  Further, there may be provided means for adjusting the magnification of the input image based on an instruction from the operator, and means for notifying the operator that the magnification of the input image and the magnification of the recording image match.

  In this way, the photographer can arbitrarily set the magnification of the input image, and since the operator is informed that the magnification of the recorded image and the magnification of the input image match, the operator can easily operate. .

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the second aspect of the present invention is a finder screen for displaying an image, an image input means for inputting an input image obtained through a lens, and an image already taken. A process for displaying at least a part of the recorded image and the input image to be taken on the computer at the same time on the finder screen in a computer incorporated in a camera device having a storage unit for storing the recorded image;
As a result of displaying the recording screen and the input image, when an instruction to shoot is given, a process of taking the input image at that time as a photographic image is performed.

The computer is configured to synthesize the captured input image and the recorded image and store the synthesized image in the storage unit.
Further, it may be performed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the camera apparatus which can image | photograph the several image used for a composite photograph etc. appropriately can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a main part of the imaging unit 14 in FIG.

  The camera device includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a main storage unit 12, a RAM unit 13, an imaging unit 14, a finder screen 15, an input unit 16, and a communication unit 17, which are mutually connected. It is connected via a bus.

The main storage unit 12 includes a program storage area 12a for storing a program for operating the CPU 11, and a data storage area 12b for storing data such as a recorded image 30 that has been shot.
The RAM unit 13 is configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, and includes a program execution area 13a and a work area 13b. The program execution area 13a is a storage area used when the CPU 11 performs calculations and the like, and the work area 13b is a storage area used by the CPU 11 to process images.

  The imaging unit 14 is a mechanism that inputs and captures an input image 40. As shown in FIG. 2, a photoelectric conversion is performed on a lens 14a on which the input image 40 is incident and an optical input image 40 given through the lens. A CCD (Charged Coupled Device) 14b, a zoom adjustment mechanism 14c, a focus adjustment mechanism 14d, an exposure adjustment mechanism 14e, a flash photographing mechanism 14f, and the like.

The viewfinder screen 15 is composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and displays images and messages to the operator. On the finder screen 15, there are a case where one image is displayed by the processing of the CPU 11 and a case where a plurality of images are displayed simultaneously.
The input unit 16 is used to input an operator's instruction, and includes a button or the like disposed on the surface of the casing (not shown).
The communication unit 17 outputs data and the like to the outside.

Next, the operation of the camera apparatus of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
3 and 4 are flowcharts showing a procedure for capturing an input image.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a screen for selecting a recorded image.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the display position of the recorded image.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing how to determine the shooting position.
When the power is turned on, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the photographing mode is the comparative photographing mode as shown in FIG. 3 (step ST1). The comparative shooting mode is a mode in which the input image 40 and the recorded image 30 input via the lens 14a are simultaneously displayed on the finder screen 15 for shooting. This setting is set by a prior operation of the input unit 16.

  When it is determined that the mode is not the comparative shooting mode (step ST1: NO), the CPU 11 inputs the input image 40 incident from the lens 14a and photoelectrically converted by the CCD 14b, and the entire input image 40 is displayed on the viewfinder screen 15. (Step ST2). If the operator gives an instruction corresponding to pressing the shutter from the input unit 16 in this state, the input image 40 at that time is taken.

  If it is determined that the mode is the comparative shooting mode (step ST1: YES), the CPU 11 reads the recorded image 30 that has already been shot and stored in the data storage area 12b, reduces the size, and displays it on the viewfinder screen 15 (step ST3). ). When there are a plurality of recorded images 30, a plurality of recorded images 30 are displayed on the finder screen 15 as shown in FIG. This process prompts the operator to select an arbitrary recorded image 30.

  As a result of displaying the recorded image 30 on the finder screen 15 in step ST3, the operator selects the recorded image 30 using the input unit 16. Next, the CPU 11 displays a message or the like on the finder screen 15 and arbitrarily instructs the position and display size for displaying the recorded image 30 to the operator. By allowing the operator to arbitrarily select the recorded image 30 and arbitrarily specify the display position and size, the degree of freedom in the shooting order when shooting a plurality of images is increased.

  In accordance with the instruction, the operator inputs the display position and display size of the recorded image 30 using the input unit 16 (step ST4). As this instruction, the right end portion of the recorded image 30 may be displayed on the left side of the finder screen 15 as shown in FIG. 6A, or the lower end portion of the recording screen 30 is displayed as shown in FIG. It may be displayed on the upper side of the finder screen 15, or a large number of recording screens may be arranged in the peripheral area of the finder screen 15 by reducing the size as shown in FIG. An instruction to display the recorded image 30 in a pattern other than those shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C may be given.

  Next, the CPU 11 displays a message or the like on the finder screen 15 and causes the operator to select a method for synthesizing the edge of the recorded image 30 selected. This composition method is a method of processing a portion where the target recorded image 30 overlaps with other displayed images. For example, the recorded image 30 is preferentially displayed, hidden in the background, or mixed with other images. Let them choose what to do. The operator inputs a synthesis method according to the message (step ST5). The CPU 11 displays the recorded image 30 on the finder screen 15 in accordance with the operator's instruction (step ST6).

  The CPU 11 displays a message or the like on the finder screen 15 and allows the operator to input whether there is a recorded image 30 to be additionally displayed. When the operator inputs from the input unit 16 that there is a recorded image 30 to be additionally displayed (step ST7: YES), the CPU 11 returns the process to step ST3.

  When the operator uses the input unit 16 to indicate that there is no recorded image 30 to be additionally displayed (step ST7: NO), the CPU 11 displays a message or the like on the finder screen 15 and the input image 40 to be taken from now on. Prompts for input of display position and display size. The operator inputs the display position and display size of the input force image using the input unit 16 in accordance with a message or the like (step ST8).

  Next, the CPU 11 displays a message or the like on the finder screen 15 to select a method for combining the end portions of the input image 40. This composition method is a processing method of a portion where the input image 40 overlaps with another image to be displayed, and selects whether to display the input image 40 preferentially, hide it in the background, or mix it with other images. Let The operator inputs a synthesis method from the input unit 16 in accordance with a message or the like (step ST9).

  When the input of the instruction in step ST9 is completed, the CPU 11 acquires the input image 40 input from the CCD 14b (step ST10), and displays the input image 40 on the finder screen 15 according to the instruction of the operator (step ST10). ST11).

  The operator adjusts the direction in which the lens 14a of the camera device faces while looking at the viewfinder screen 15. That is, the angle is adjusted. Here, the angle is adjusted so that the end of the input image 40 and the end of the recorded image 30 overlap. For example, when a new image on the right side of the recorded image 30 is to be taken, the right end portion of the recorded image 30 is displayed on the left side of the finder screen 15 in the processes of steps ST4 to ST6, and input is performed in the processes of steps ST8 and ST9. The image 40 is displayed on the right side and the left side of the recorded image 30 is overlapped. Therefore, the angle is adjusted so that the image that becomes the mark at the right end portion in the recorded image 30 enters the left end portion of the input image 40. As a result, the input image 40 and the recorded image 30 have overlapping portions.

  CPU11 compares the brightness in the overlapping part of the recorded image 30 and the input image 40 (step ST12). That is, the exposure values are compared. The CPU 11 determines whether or not it is in an exposure automatic setting mode in which exposure adjustment is automatically set (step ST13). When the automatic exposure setting mode is set (step ST13: YES), the CPU 11 controls the exposure adjustment mechanism 14e of the imaging unit 14 and sets the exposure value of the input image 40 to be equal to the exposure value of the recorded image 30. (Step ST14). As described above, the exposure values of the recording image 30 and the input image 40 are set from the exposure values of the overlapping portions of the end portions of the recording image 30 and the input image 40. The exposure can be changed gently for each image.

  When the automatic exposure setting mode is not set (step ST13: NO), the operator adjusts the exposure of the input image 40. When the operator sets the exposure value, when the exposure value of the input image 40 matches the exposure value of the recorded image 30, the CPU 11 displays, for example, on the finder screen 15 that the exposure value matches. Then, the operator is notified (step ST15).

  Next, the CPU 11 extracts common objects at the end portions of the input image 40 and the recorded image 30, and compares the sizes (step ST16). Since the image recognition technique for extracting the same object from different images in this manner is a known technique, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The CPU 11 determines whether or not the automatic magnification setting mode for automatically setting the photographing magnification is set (step ST17). In the case of the automatic magnification setting mode (step ST17: YES), the CPU 11 adjusts the zoom adjustment mechanism of the imaging unit 14 to make the magnification of the input image 40 equal to the magnification of the recorded image 30 (step ST18).

If it is not the automatic magnification setting mode (step ST17: NO), the operator adjusts and sets the magnification. In this case, when the magnification adjusted by the operator matches the magnification of the recorded image 30, for example, the CPU 11 displays that the magnification matches on the finder screen 15 (step ST19). In this way, by displaying that the magnifications match, the magnification of the input image 40 can be accurately set to the magnification of the recorded image 30.
After the setting of the photographing magnification is completed, the operator operates the button of the input unit 16 and presses the shutter.

  CPU 11 determines whether or not the shutter has been pressed (step ST20). When the shutter is pressed (step ST20: YES), the CPU 11 captures the input image 40 at that time and writes it as a new recorded image 30 in the data storage area 12b of the main storage unit 12 (step ST21). That is, the shooting of the input image 40 is completed.

  For example, when the operator instructs via the input unit 16 that the shooting is to be canceled without pressing the shutter (step ST20: NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step ST10.

  By repeating step ST1 to step ST21 as described above, a plurality of recorded images 30 are written in the data storage area 12b. When these recorded images 30 are transmitted from the communication unit 17 to an external computer, a composite photograph is formed by the computer. Appropriate overlapping portions exist between the recorded images 30, the positions thereof are aligned, and exposure and magnification are appropriately maintained. Therefore, it is easy to form a composite photo and there is no sense of incongruity. Is formed.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible.
For example, a composite photograph may be formed by internal processing without being formed by a composite photograph with an external computer. In this case, in step ST21, the input image 40 and the recorded image 30 may be combined and written in the data storage area 12b. Then, by repeating Step ST1 to Step ST21, an image of the composite photograph is stored in the data storage area 12b. Therefore, the operator can take the next input image 40 while referring to the already recorded composite photograph.

  In the above embodiment, the exposure of the entire input image 40 is set. However, when the exposure values of the input image 40 and the recorded image 30 are different, for example, when the exposure mode is not the automatic exposure setting mode, the input image 40 and the recorded image 30 are displayed. The exposure values in the overlapping portion and the vicinity thereof may be set to values obtained by interpolating the exposure values of the input image 40 and the recorded image 30. Such an operation can be realized by manipulating electronic data representing the input image 40 and the recorded image 30, respectively.

It is a block diagram which shows the camera apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the imaging | photography part in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography procedure of an input image. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography procedure of an input image. It is explanatory drawing of the screen which selects a recording image. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display position of a recording image. It is a conceptual diagram which shows how to determine an imaging position.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... CPU, 12 ... Main storage part, 12a ... Program storage area, 12b ... Data storage area, 13 ... RAM part, 14 ... Imaging part, 14a ... Lens, 14b ... CCD, 14c ... zoom adjustment mechanism, 14e ... exposure adjustment mechanism, 15 ... finder screen, 16 .... input unit, 30 ... recorded image, 40 ... input image

Claims (12)

Viewfinder screen for displaying images,
Image input means for inputting an input image obtained through a lens;
Storage means for storing recorded images already taken;
Screen control means for simultaneously displaying at least a part of the recorded image and the input image on the finder screen;
Means for comparing the magnification or exposure of the recorded image already taken and the input image and notifying the user of the comparison result or adjusting the magnification or exposure in the input image equally based on the comparison result;
Photographing means for capturing the input image as a photographed image;
A camera apparatus comprising: A combining unit that combines the input image captured by the photographing unit and the recorded image, and stores the combined image in the storage unit;
The camera device according to claim 1, further comprising:   The camera apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that arbitrarily changes a position and a size of the input image and the recorded image displayed on the finder screen based on an instruction from an operator.   4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for arbitrarily selecting the recorded image to be displayed on the finder screen from a plurality of recorded images stored in the storage unit based on an instruction from an operator. Item 1. A camera device according to item 1.   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for comparing exposure values of the input image and the recorded image displayed on the viewfinder screen and setting an exposure value of the input image based on the result. Item 1. A camera device according to item 1. Means for adjusting an exposure value of the input image based on an instruction of the operator;
5. The camera device according to claim 1, further comprising means for notifying the operator that an exposure value of the recorded image matches an exposure value of the input image. 6. Means for adjusting an exposure value of the input image based on an instruction of the operator;
Means for obtaining an exposure value of the recorded image and an exposure value of the input image subjected to the adjustment;
Means for interpolating the obtained exposure value to set an exposure value of the input image displayed on the finder screen and an adjacent end portion of the recorded image;
The camera device according to claim 1, comprising:   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for comparing exposure values of adjacent edges of the input image displayed on the viewfinder screen and the recorded image and setting an exposure value of the input image based on the result. 5. The camera device according to any one of 1 to 4.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for comparing magnifications at adjacent ends of the input image displayed on the viewfinder screen and the recorded image and adjusting the magnification of the input image based on the comparison result. 9. The camera device according to any one of items 8. Means for adjusting the magnification of the input image based on an instruction from the operator;
9. The camera apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for notifying the operator that the magnification of the input image and the magnification of the recorded image are the same. In a computer incorporated in a camera device comprising a finder screen for displaying an image, an image input means for inputting an input image obtained via a lens, and a storage means for storing a recorded image that has already been taken,
A process for simultaneously displaying at least a part of the recorded image and the input image to be photographed on the finder screen;
As a result of displaying the recording screen and the input image, when an instruction to shoot is given, a process of taking the input image at that time as a photographic image;
A program that implements The computer combines the captured input image and the recorded image, and stores the combined image in the storage unit.
The program according to claim 13, further executed.

Images