JP2006013759A - Electronic equipment for generating image file for stereoscopic vision, electronic equipment for generating three-dimensional image data, image file generating method, three-dimensional image data generating method, and file structure of image file - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electronic equipment for preventing stereoscopically visible image data from being unable to be reproduced. <P>SOLUTION: A file structure of an image file F1 is a file structure of the image file F1 including left image data DL and right image data DR required in the case of generating the stereoscopically visible image data. The image file F1 stores the left image data DL and right image data DR and is provided with an identifier D6 for distinguishing the left image data DL from the right image data DR. Further, the image file F1 is configured to be read by the electronic equipment when the electronic equipment such as a digital camera 100 or a printer generates the stereoscopically visible image data by using the left image data DL and right image data DR. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera or the like that generates an image file for stereoscopic viewing.

  An image processing apparatus that generates an image file for stereoscopic viewing is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. The prior art described in Patent Document 1 aims to eliminate the complexity of the user that occurs when the same processing is simultaneously performed on a plurality of images constituting a stereoscopic image.

  In order to achieve the object, a plurality of pieces of image data constituting a stereoscopic image are stored in separate image files, and attribute information of image files related to each other is stored in a header portion of each image file. It is said that.

  This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 shows a file structure of an image file in the prior art. The left image data DL and the right image data DR are stored in the data portions of the image files “P1000101.JPG” and “P1000102.JPG”, respectively. The left image data DL and the right image data DR are a pair and constitute one stereoscopic image. The header portion H stores a mutual image file name. Specifically, the image file name “P1000102.JPG” is stored in the header portion H of the image file “P1000101.JPG”, and the image file name “P1000101” is stored in the header portion H of the image file “P1000102.JPG”. .JPG "is stored.

By making the file structure of the image file as described above, when processing such as deleting one of the related image files, the same processing can be performed for the other image file. Processing can be automated.
JP 2000-99758 A

  However, in the conventional configuration, the left image data DL and the right image data DR necessary for generating stereoscopically viewable image data are stored in separate files, and thus may be dissipated. If one of the left image data DL and the right image data DR is lost, there is a problem that stereoscopically viewable image data cannot be reproduced.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a situation in which stereoscopically viewable image data cannot be reproduced.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention stores the first image data and the second image data necessary for generating stereoscopically viewable image data as the file structure of the image file. Information for distinguishing between the data and the second image data is provided, and when the electronic device generates stereoscopically viewable image data using the first image data and the second image data, the electronic data It was configured to be readable by the device.

  According to this configuration, two related image data, the first image data and the second image data, are stored in one image file, so that each can be prevented from being scattered.

(Embodiment 1)
(1-1) Outline of First Embodiment and File Structure of Image File F1 The digital camera 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is an electronic device that can generate a stereoscopic image file F1.

  The stereoscopic image file F1 has a file structure shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the image file F1 includes a data part D and a header part H, and the left image data DL and the right image data DR necessary for generating stereoscopically viewable image data are stored in the data part D. An identifier D6 for storing and distinguishing between the left image data DL and the right image data DR is provided between the left image data DL and the right image data DR. Here, the left image data DL and the right image data DR are image data necessary for stereoscopic viewing (stereo viewing). That is, the left image data DL and the right image data DR respectively indicate images from two viewpoints arranged in parallel on the left and right, and parallax is generated in these images. Using this parallax, the user can view a stereoscopic image by stereoscopic viewing. The identifier D6 is, for example, a code xFFD9 (EOI) indicating the end of the JPEG image.

  The header portion H stores a file name D1, a 3D identifier D2, a reduced image D3, 3D information D4, a file creation date D5, and the like. The 3D identifier D2 is an identifier indicating that the image file F1 is a stereoscopic image file. The reduced image D3 is also called a thumbnail image, and is small-sized image data created based on the left image data DL. The user can perform an image search or the like using the reduced image D3.

(1-2) Configuration of Digital Camera 100 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 100. The digital camera 100 has two imaging systems, a right lens 101 and a left lens 102. Both the optical signal through the right lens 101 and the optical signal through the left lens 102 are imaged on the CCD 103. The CCD 103 photoelectrically converts optical signals acquired from the right lens 101 and the left lens 102 to generate an electrical signal. The image processing unit 104 processes the electrical signal generated by the CCD 103 to generate right image data DR and left image data DL. Here, the right image data DR is image data generated based on an optical signal input via the right lens 101, and the left image data DL is based on an optical signal input via the left lens 102. Generated image data.

  The controller 105 controls the digital camera 100. The controller 105 receives the right image data DR and the left image data DL generated by the image processing means 104, adds a header portion H to the data portion D, and adds the left image data DL and the right image data DR to the data portion D. Is provided, and an identifier D6 for distinguishing between the left image data DL and the right image data DR is provided between the left image data DL and the right image data DR, and the stereoscopic image file F1 is generated. At this time, the header portion H stores necessary information such as the reduced image D2 and the 3D information D4 generated from the left image data DL.

  The distance measuring means 106 is a sensor for measuring the distance between the subject and the digital camera 100. The measurement result obtained by the distance measuring means 106 is output to the controller 105, and is stored in the header portion H as a part of the 3D information D4 by the controller 105.

  The storage unit 108 stores the image file F1 generated by the controller 105. The storage unit 108 may be a memory card that can be attached to and detached from the digital camera 100, or may be a built-in memory built in the digital camera 100. The storage unit 108 may be a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, or may be an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium.

  The display means 107 is a stereoscopic display. The display unit 107 may be a direct-viewing type three-dimensional display capable of stereoscopic viewing without glasses, or may be a display that switches between left and right images using liquid crystal shutter glasses. The display unit 107 is not limited to these, and may be a display that allows the user to stereoscopically view. For example, a display that displays left image data and right image data side by side may be used.

  Here, the left image data DL is an example of the first image data or the second image data of the present invention. The right image data DR is also an example of the first image data or the second image data of the present invention. When the left image data DL corresponds to the first image data, the right image data GR is the second image data GR. When the left image data DL corresponds to the image data and the left image data DL corresponds to the second image data, the right image data DR corresponds to the first image data. The configuration including the right lens 101, the left lens 102, the CCD 103, and the image processing means 104 is an example of the acquisition means of the present invention. The controller 105 is an example of an image file generation unit of the present invention. The identifier D6 is an example of information for distinguishing between the first image data and the second image data of the present invention.

  In the present invention, stereoscopically viewable image data broadly means image data that can be viewed stereoscopically by a user. For example, it is a concept that includes image data that is output to a liquid crystal display for three-dimensional display and displayed three-dimensionally, and also includes image data that is output to a printer and displayed side by side with images having different parallaxes. The stereoscopically viewable image data may be the left image data DL and the right image data DR as they are, or may be obtained by modifying these or adding other information. In short, what is necessary is just to be generated based on the left image data DL and the right image data DR.

(1-3) Image File F1 Creation Operation in Digital Camera 100 Next, the operation of the digital camera 100 when creating the image file F1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation at this time.

  An optical signal is imaged on the CCD 103 via the right lens 101 and the left lens 102. The CCD 103 photoelectrically converts the imaged optical signal to generate an electrical signal (S101).

  Next, the distance measuring means 106 measures the distance between the digital camera 100 and the subject and outputs the result to the controller 105. The controller 105 stores the distance measurement data acquired from the distance measurement means 106 and other information as 3D information (S102).

  Next, the image processing means 104 generates left image data DL and right image data DR based on the electrical signal generated by the CCD 103 (S103). Then, the image processing unit 104 outputs the left and right image data DL and DR to the controller 105.

  Next, the controller 105 creates a reduced image D3 based on the left image data DL acquired from the image processing means 104 (S104). Then, the controller 105 creates an image file F1 having a structure in which the header part H is added to the data part D. At this time, the left image data DL and the right image data DR are stored in the data portion D of the image file F1. An identifier D6 is provided between the left image data DL and the right image data DR. The header portion H stores the file name D1, 3D identifier D2, reduced image D3, 3D information D4, creation date D5, and the like (S105). Finally, the controller 105 stores the created image file F1 in the storage unit 108.

(1-4) Display of Image File F1 in Digital Camera 100 Next, the display operation of the image file F1 in the digital camera 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation at this time.

  First, an image file to be displayed is searched according to a user instruction (S201). This search may be performed by displaying thumbnail images and allowing the user to select, or displaying a list of file names of image files and allowing the user to select them. Alternatively, the image may be selected while being fed forward or backward.

  When the target image file F1 is selected, the controller 105 reads the image file F1 from the storage unit 108 and looks at the header portion H (S202). Then, the controller 105 confirms whether or not the 3D identifier D2 is stored in the header part H. As a result of the confirmation, if there is a 3D identifier D2, the process proceeds to step S204, and if not, the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S204, the controller 105 determines whether or not to output to a display device for three-dimensional display. Here, the display device for three-dimensional display refers to a display device that allows a user to perceive a stereoscopic image by displaying images with different viewpoints so that they can be seen by the left and right eyes. For example, using polarized light and color, a display device using dedicated glasses (vertical polarized light for the right eye, horizontal polarized light for the left eye), or a display device provided with a filter on the display surface (more specifically, And a display device that displays a different image depending on a viewing direction by providing a lenticular lens.

  Here, if the display unit 107 of the digital camera 100 is a display device for three-dimensional display, it is determined as “Yes”, and the process proceeds to step S206. Then, the controller 105 controls to display the image file F1 on the display unit 107. More specifically, the controller 105 reads the left image data DL and the right image data DR from the data part D of the image file F1 and outputs them to the image processing means 104. At this time, the controller 105 recognizes the read image data as the left image data DL from the data stored in the data part D until the identifier D6 is detected. After detecting the identifier D6, the controller 105 reads the read image data. The data is recognized as right image data DR. Next, the controller 105 reads the 3D information D4 and the like from the header portion H, and controls the image processing means 104 based on these information. The image processing unit 104 converts the left and right image data DL and DR into image data that can be displayed on the display unit 107 and outputs the image data to the display unit 107. Then, the display unit 107 displays the image data acquired from the image processing unit 104. More specifically, the display unit 107 causes an image generated based on the left image data DL to enter the user's left eye, and causes an image generated based on the right image data DR to enter the user's right eye. To display. The display method is not limited to the above-described method. For example, an image generated based on the left image data DL is made incident on the user's right eye, and an image generated based on the right image data DR is displayed by the user. You may display so that it may inject into the left eye.

  The state of the display means 107 at this time is shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the digital camera 100. The digital camera 100 has display means 107 on the back. Stereoscopic image data 301 is displayed on the display means 107. Further, when displaying the stereoscopic image data 301, the display unit 107 may display a display 302 for notifying that the image is a stereoscopic image. By displaying this display 302, the user can easily grasp that the image 301 is a three-dimensional image.

  Further, the stereoscopically viewable image data 301 has a vertical / horizontal ratio larger than that of the two-dimensional image data due to the relationship composed of the left and right two image data. When the entire image is displayed on the display means corresponding to the display of the three-dimensional image, the image is displayed small as shown in FIG. In order to solve this problem, as shown in FIG. 6, only the center part may be displayed without displaying the top and bottom of the image 301. By doing in this way, the user can see the part which he wants to see in the center part of an image with sufficient size.

  On the other hand, if the target image file does not include the 3D identifier D2 in the header portion H (that is, if it is a 2D image file) in step S203, the controller 105 detects this and proceeds to step S205. . In step S205, the controller 105 controls the display unit 107 to output the image file as a 2D image.

(1-5) Output by Printer The image file F1 created by the digital camera 100 can be printed out by the printer. Some printers have a function of processing a 3D image, and some do not have such a function. Hereinafter, the operation of the printer when the image file F1 is printed out will be described for the case where the printer has such a function and the case where the printer does not have such a function.

(1-5-1) When Printer has Function to Process 3D Image In this case, the printer operates according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the printer acquires the image file F1 from the digital camera 100 by communication or using a memory card. Then, an image file to be printed out is selected according to a user instruction or the like (S201). Here, it is assumed that the image file F1 is selected. Then, the controller built in the printer looks at the header portion H of the image file F1 (S202) and determines whether there is a 3D identifier D2 (S203). Since the image file F1 has the 3D identifier D2, the process proceeds to step S204. However, since the printer does not correspond to the display device for 3D display, the process proceeds to step S207, and the printer controller stores the image file F1. The left and right image data DL and DR are read out, and the images 202 and 203 generated from the left and right image data are controlled to be printed out on a recording sheet 201 as a recording medium. The result of the printout at this time is shown in FIG. The user can recognize a three-dimensional image by stereoscopically viewing the printout result.

  On the other hand, if the image file to be printed does not include the 3D identifier D2, the process proceeds from step S203 to step S205, and is printed out as a 2D image.

(1-5-2) When the printer does not have a function of processing a 3D image When the printer does not have a function of processing a 3D image, even if the image file F1 includes the 3D identifier D2, the 3D identifier Print out as a 2D image, ignoring D2. More specifically, the printer outputs the left image data DL stored in the data part D of the image file F1, and does not output the right image data DR after the identifier D6. The result of the printout at that time is shown in FIG. An image 202 created based on the left image data DL is printed on the recording paper 201.

  As described above, even when the printer does not have a function of processing a 3D image, the image file F1 including the 3D identifier D2 can be printed out because the file structure of the image file F1 can be stereoscopically viewed. This is because the identifier D6 is provided between the left image data DL and the right image data DR necessary for generating the image data. That is, when an image file represented by the EXIF standard is read out by the electronic device, the image data is read out until the code xFFD9 (EOI) that is an identifier indicating the end of the image data is detected. However, since the identifier D6 between the left image data DL and the right image data DR is the code xFFD9 (EOI), the right image data DR after the identifier D6 is not read, and a normal 2D image is read. There will be no change from the image file for. Therefore, even if the printer does not have a function for processing a 3D image, the right image data DR is ignored, and the image file F1 including the 3D identifier D2 can be printed out as a 2D image. Therefore, even when the printer does not have a function for processing a 3D image, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the 3D-compatible image file F1 cannot be printed out at all.

(1-6) Summary of Embodiment 1 The digital camera 100 includes the right lens 101 and the left lens as acquisition means for acquiring the left image data DL and the right image data DR necessary for generating stereoscopically viewable image data. 102, CCD 103, and image processing means 104. Further, the digital camera 100 stores the left image data DL and the right image data DR in the data portion D, and is provided with an identifier D6 for distinguishing the left image data DL and the right image data DR. A controller 105 is provided as image file generation means for generating the file F1. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain the image file F1 in which the left and right image data DL and DR necessary for generating stereoscopically viewable image data are not separately dissipated.

  The digital camera 100 is an electronic device that generates stereoscopically viewable image data using the left image data DL and the right image data DR. The digital camera 100 reads out the stereoscopic image file F1, the storage unit for storing the stereoscopic image file F1, the left image data DL and the right image data DR stored in the read image file F1, The electronic apparatus includes a controller that controls to generate stereoscopically viewable image data using these image data DL and DR. With this configuration, the digital camera 100 can display a 3D image based on the image file F1.

  Further, the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention outputs image data that can be stereoscopically viewed using the left image data DL and the right image data DR. The printer reads the image file F1 for stereoscopic viewing, the storage means for storing the image file F1 for stereoscopic viewing, reads the left image data DL and the right image data DR stored in the read image file F1, and these And a controller that controls the image data DL and DR to be arranged on the left and right and output to the recording paper 201 as stereoscopically viewable image data. With this configuration, the user can easily enjoy stereoscopic viewing simply by printing out on the recording paper 201 without a special device such as a display for 3D display.

  Further, the file structure of the image file F1 of the present invention is the file structure of the image file F1 including the left image data DL and the right image data DR that are necessary when generating stereoscopically viewable image data. The image file F1 stores the left image data DL and the right image data DR, and is provided with an identifier D6 for distinguishing the left image data DL from the right image data DR. The image file F1 is configured to be readable by the electronic device when the electronic device such as the digital camera 100 or the printer uses the left image data DL and the right image data DR to generate stereoscopic image data. ing. With this configuration, two pieces of related image data, that is, left and right image data DL and DR are stored in one image file F1, so that each can be prevented from being scattered.

  In the file structure of the image file F1 of the present invention, the left image data DL and the right image data DR may be stored in the data portion D, and an identifier D6 may be provided between the left image data DL and the right image data DR. .

  The identifier D6 is an electronic device that does not generate stereoscopically viewable image data using the left image data DL and the right image data DR (for example, a printer that does not have the 3D processing function described in 1-5-2 above). Is the same identifier as the identifier for determining the end of the image data when reading the image file. The identifier D6 may be the same as the code xFFD9 (EOI) stored in the JPEG file, for example. With this configuration, even if the electronic device does not have a function for processing a 3D image, the right image data DR is ignored and only the left image data DL is processed, so that a 3D-compatible image file cannot be processed at all. Can be avoided.

  Further, the image file F1 includes a reduced image generated based on the left image data DL in the header portion H, and does not include other reduced images (for example, reduced images generated based on the right image data DR). Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the user is confused due to the presence of a plurality of reduced images for one image file.

(Embodiment 2)
(2-1) File Structure of Image File F2 An image file F2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the structure shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the image file F <b> 2 includes a data part D and a header part H. Then, the left image data DL and the right image data DR necessary for generating stereoscopically viewable image data are stored in the data portion D. Further, the offset amount D7 of the left image data DL is stored in the header portion H. The image file F2 can be read by the digital camera 120 when the digital camera 120 according to the second embodiment of the present invention generates image data that can be stereoscopically viewed using the left image data DL and the right image data DR. It is configured.

  Here, the offset amount D7 is information indicating the data length from the head of the image file F2 to the last position of the left image data DL (or the head position of the right image data DR). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, information indicating the initial position of the left image data DL and information indicating the data length of the left image data DL may be stored in the header portion H. Further, information indicating the initial position of the right image data DR and information indicating the data length of the right image data DR may be stored in the header portion H. In short, information indicating the boundary between the left image data DL and the right image data DR may be stored in the header portion H.

  The offset amount D7 is an example of information for distinguishing between the first image data and the second image data of the present invention.

(2-2) Image File F2 Reading Operation The digital camera 120 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the configuration shown in FIG. The digital camera 120 differs from the digital camera 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the file structure of the image file and the method for reading the left and right image data DL and DR from the image file F2. The file structure has been described above.

  Therefore, a method in which the digital camera 120 reads the left and right image data DL and DR from the image file F2 will be described below. When displaying the 3D image on the display unit 107, the controller 125 reads the left image data DL and the right image data DR from the data part D of the image file F2, and outputs them to the image processing unit 104. At this time, the controller 125 recognizes the read image data as the left image data DL among the data stored in the data portion D until the offset amount D7 is reached, and the image data after the offset amount D7 is the right image data. Recognize as DR.

(2-3) Summary of Second Embodiment As described above, the image file F2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has, in the header portion H, information indicating the boundary between the left image data DL and the right image data DR. If the stored offset amount D7 is used, the right image data DR can be read without reading the left image data DL. Therefore, when it is not necessary to read the left image data DL, the reading speed of the right image data DR can be increased.

(Embodiment 3)
(3-1) File Structure of Image File F3 An image file F3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention has the structure shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the image file F <b> 3 includes a data part D and a header part H. Then, the left image data DL among the left image data DL and the right image data DR necessary for generating stereoscopically viewable image data is stored in the data portion D. Further, the right image data DR is stored in the header portion H. The image file F3 is read by the digital camera 130 when the digital camera 130 according to the third embodiment of the present invention generates stereoscopically viewable image data using the left image data DL and the right image data DR. It is configured to be possible.

  The header portion H includes information indicating that the right image data DR is included or a storage position thereof. The information included in the header portion H is an example of information for distinguishing between the first image data and the second image data of the present invention.

(3-2) Reading Operation of Image File F3 The digital camera 130 according to the third embodiment of the present invention has the configuration shown in FIG. The digital camera 130 differs from the digital camera 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the file structure of the image file and the method of reading the left and right image data DL and DR from the image file F3. The file structure has been described above.

  Therefore, a method in which the digital camera 130 reads the left and right image data DL and DR from the image file F3 will be described below. When displaying the 3D image on the display unit 107, the controller 135 reads the left image data DL from the data part D of the image file F3, reads the right image data DR from the header part H, and outputs it to the image processing unit 104. Then, the controller 135 reads the 3D information D4 and the like from the header portion H, and controls the image processing means 104 based on these information.

(3-3) Summary of Embodiment 3 As described above, the image file F3 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention stores the left image data DL in the data portion D and the right image data DR in the header portion H. Is stored in the image file F3, so that it is possible to prevent each of the image data from being dissipated.

  Moreover, since it has such a configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the image file F3, which is a 3D-compatible image file, cannot be processed at all even when the electronic device does not have a function of processing a 3D image. . That is, when an image file represented by the EXIF standard is processed by an electronic device, the image data stored in the data part D is a target of processing, but various information stored in the header part is not always processed. Although the right image data DR in the image file F3 is also stored in the header portion H, if it is ignored, there is no difference from an image file for a normal 2D image. . Therefore, even when the electronic device does not have a function of processing a 3D image, the image file F3 including the 3D identifier D2 can be processed as a 2D image by ignoring the right image data DR.

(Embodiment 4)
Other embodiments other than the above-described first to third embodiments will be collectively described below.

  Although the CCD image sensor 103 is used as the image sensor, the present invention is not limited to this, and a CMOS sensor or the like may be used.

  The digital camera 100 may generate a still image or a moving image as a three-dimensional image.

  In the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the digital cameras 100, 120, and 130 are exemplified as the electronic devices that generate the image files F1 to F3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the personal computer may have received the left image data DL and the right image data DR from the digital cameras 100, 120, and 130. In this case, the part of the personal computer that acquires the left image data DL and the right image data DR from the digital cameras 100, 120, and 130 corresponds to the acquisition means of the present invention, and the controller of the personal computer serves as the image file generation means. Equivalent to. The electronic device that generates the image files F1 to F3 may be a printer, a mobile phone terminal, or the like. In short, any electronic device that acquires the left image data DL and the right image data DR and creates one of the image files F1 to F3 is included in the electronic device of the present invention.

  In the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the digital cameras 100, 120, and 130 and the printer are exemplified as the electronic devices that generate stereoscopically viewable image data, but are not limited thereto. For example, a television receiver, a PDA or a mobile phone terminal may be used as long as it can output an image.

  In the third embodiment of the present invention, the image file F3 has a configuration in which the left image data DL is stored in the data portion D and the right image data DR is stored in the header portion H. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The right image data DR may be stored in the data part D, and the left image data DL may be stored in the header part H.

  In the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the reduced image D3 is created from the left image data DL, but may be created from the right image data DR. In the third embodiment, the reduced image D3 is created from the image data stored in the data part D. However, the reduced image D3 may be created from the image data stored in the header part H.

  In the first to third embodiments of the present invention, all of the image files F1 to F3 are image files conforming to the JPEG standard. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a file conforming to the MPEG standard or a bitmap. It may be compliant with the format.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, two related image data, the first image data and the second image data, are stored in one image file, so that each can be prevented from being dissipated. Therefore, it can be used for an electronic device that generates or processes three-dimensional image data. For example, in addition to a digital camera, it can be used for a printer, a mobile phone terminal, a television receiver, and the like.

Schematic diagram showing the file structure of an image file in Embodiment 1 of the present invention 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the image file creation operation | movement of the digital camera in Embodiment 1-3 of this invention. 7 is a flowchart showing an image file output operation of the digital camera or printer according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention. The rear view of the digital camera in other Embodiment 1-3 of this invention The rear view of the digital camera in other Embodiment 1-3 of this invention Plan view of recording paper printed out by the printer of the present invention Plan view of recording paper printed out by the printer of the present invention Schematic diagram showing the file structure of an image file in Embodiment 2 of the present invention Block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Schematic diagram showing the file structure of an image file in Embodiment 3 of the present invention Block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention Schematic diagram showing the file structure of a conventional image file

Explanation of symbols

100, 120, 130 Digital camera 101 Right lens 102 Left lens 103 CCD
104 Image processing means 105, 125, 135 Controller 107 Display means 108 Storage means D Data portion DL Left image data DR Right image data D1 File name D2 3D identifier D3 Reduced image D4 3D information D6 Identifier D7 Offset amount F1, F2, F3 image File H header

Claims (12)

Obtaining means for obtaining first image data and second image data necessary for generating stereoscopically viewable image data;
The first image data and the second image data are stored, information for distinguishing the first image data and the second image data is provided, and a stereoscopic image file is generated. Image file generating means;
Electronic equipment comprising. An electronic device that generates stereoscopically viewable image data using first image data and second image data,
The first image data and the second image data are stored, and an image file for stereoscopic viewing is stored which is provided with information for distinguishing the first image data from the second image data. Storage means;
Read the stereoscopic image file, read the first image data and the second image data stored in the read image file, and generate image data that can be viewed stereoscopically using these image data A controller that controls to
Electronic equipment comprising. Display means for displaying stereoscopically viewable image data using the first image data and the second image data;
The first image data and the second image data are stored, and an image file for stereoscopic viewing is stored which is provided with information for distinguishing the first image data from the second image data. Storage means;
Read the stereoscopic image file, read the first image data and the second image data stored in the read image file, and generate image data that can be viewed stereoscopically using these image data A controller for controlling the generated image data to be displayed on the display means;
Electronic equipment comprising. A printer for outputting stereoscopically viewable image data using first image data and second image data,
The first image data and the second image data are stored, and an image file for stereoscopic viewing is stored which is provided with information for distinguishing the first image data from the second image data. Storage means;
The stereoscopic image file is read, the first image data and the second image data stored in the read image file are read, and these image data are arranged side by side to enable stereoscopic viewing. A controller for controlling to output to a recording medium,
Printer with. An acquisition step of acquiring first image data and second image data necessary for generating stereoscopically viewable image data;
The first image data and the second image data are stored, information for distinguishing the first image data and the second image data is provided, and a stereoscopic image file is generated. An image file generation step;
An image file generation method comprising: A storage step of storing a first image data and a second image data, and storing an image file for stereoscopic viewing provided with an identifier for distinguishing between the first image data and the second image data. When,
An image file reading step for reading the stereoscopic image file;
An image data reading step of reading the first image data and the second image data stored in the read image file;
An image data generation step for generating stereoscopically viewable image data using these image data;
An image data generation method comprising: First image data and second image data required for generating stereoscopically viewable image data are stored, and information for distinguishing between the first image data and the second image data is provided. And
A file structure of an image file configured to be readable by the electronic device when the electronic device generates stereoscopically viewable image data using the first image data and the second image data. A file structure of an image file including a data part and a header part,
The data section stores first image data and second image data necessary for generating stereoscopically viewable image data, and the first image data and the second image data are stored between the first image data and the second image data. Providing an identifier for distinguishing between the first image data and the second image data;
A file structure of an image file configured to be readable by the electronic device when the electronic device generates stereoscopically viewable image data using the first image data and the second image data. The identifier is for determining that the end of the image data when an electronic device that does not generate stereoscopically viewable image data using the first image data and the second image data reads the image file. 9. The file structure of an image file according to claim 8, wherein the identifier is the same as the identifier. A file structure of an image file including a data part and a header part,
In the data portion, first image data and second image data necessary for generating stereoscopically viewable image data are stored,
In the header portion, information indicating a boundary between the first image data and the second image data is stored,
A file structure of an image file configured to be readable by the electronic device when the electronic device generates stereoscopically viewable image data using the first image data and the second image data. A file structure of an image file including first image data and second image data necessary for generating stereoscopically viewable image data,
Adding a header part to the data part, storing the first image data in the data part, and storing the second image data in the header part;
A file structure of an image file configured to be readable by the electronic device when the electronic device generates stereoscopically viewable image data using the first image data and the second image data. 12. The image file according to claim 7, wherein the header portion includes a reduced image generated based on one of the first image data and the second image data. File structure.

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