JP2006191343A - Image processing method and imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To process an image signal precisely and efficiently when obtaining desired image data. <P>SOLUTION: When a camera mode is set in a portable telephone, setting for the storage destination of image data is read, and image signal processing corresponding according to the setting of the storage destination is executed (steps 200, 202). When an image is photographed, image data for storage, where the image signal processing corresponding to the storage destination is performed, are generated for recording to the storage destination in which the image data have been set (steps 206-224). In this case, when the purpose of photographing is set as storage to a PC, or the like, photography information is generated for recording with the image data (steps 218-224). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that generates image data of a captured image using an imaging unit and outputs the image data to a recording medium or the like, and relates to an image processing method and an imaging apparatus for a captured image in the imaging apparatus.

  An imaging device that captures an image using an image sensor such as a CCD and generates image data corresponding to the captured image is in addition to the original functions in addition to the digital still camera and digital video camera whose main purpose is image capturing. There are many types such as personal computers with an image capturing function, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), and mobile phones (mobile phones with cameras).

  In digital still cameras and the like, recorded images are recorded on a storage medium such as a memory card, output to a personal computer via a data output interface, or output to a display device such as a monitor. .

  Also, in a digital still camera, a photographed image can be printed (printed out) by taking out a memory card in which image data is recorded and transferring the recorded image data to a personal computer, a printer, or the like. .

  On the other hand, in a camera-equipped mobile phone (hereinafter simply referred to as a mobile phone), a captured image can be used as a monitor wallpaper or the like, or transmitted as an e-mail attachment file. An image used for such a mobile phone has a low resolution and a small amount of image data.

  In recent years, along with the downsizing and higher resolution of image pickup devices, image pickup devices that enable high-resolution image capturing are also attached to mobile phones, and recording media such as memory cards can be mounted. In this way, images taken with a mobile phone can be stored in a memory built into the mobile phone and used on the mobile phone itself, sent as an e-mail attachment, or recorded on a recording medium. It can be taken out from a cellular phone and printed or stored in an image processing apparatus such as a personal computer.

  By the way, in an imaging device, various signal processing is performed on a signal corresponding to a captured image output from an imaging element to generate image data. The image data is used for display on a monitor or the like, or used for print output.

  From here, image processing for generating a video signal and signal processing means capable of image processing for PC data are provided, and image processing is performed when outputting image data as a video signal and when outputting to a personal computer or the like. There has been proposed a digital still camera that can be switched.

Although it is preferable to perform appropriate image processing according to the output destination of the image data in this way, for example, in a mobile phone, the image data recorded on the recording medium can be used in the own device or attached to an e-mail and transmitted. In addition, it may be stored in a personal computer or used for print processing. Even if the output destination of the image data is a recording medium, the subsequent use may be different. For this reason, even if image processing is simply performed according to the output destination, appropriate image processing may not always be performed.
Japanese Patent No. 3519527

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described facts, and provides an image processing method and an imaging apparatus that enable desired image data to be efficiently obtained by performing appropriate processing on a captured image. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, image data generated by performing predetermined image signal processing on an image signal output from an image sensor in accordance with a formed image is stored in any of a plurality of storage means. An image processing method for outputting and recording, wherein image signal processing means capable of changing the image data generated for each storage means is provided, and the storage means for recording image data is set, Image signal processing is performed by an image signal processing unit corresponding to the set storage unit, and image data generated thereby is recorded in the set storage unit.

  According to the present invention, when image data is recorded in any one of the two or more storage units, image signal processing set for each storage unit is performed to generate image data, and the generated image data is stored in the corresponding storage unit. To record.

  Thus, for example, by setting the purpose of use of the image for each storage unit and enabling the image signal processing unit to perform optimal image processing for each purpose, optimal image signal processing is performed according to the purpose. The generated image data can be efficiently generated and recorded in the storage means.

  In the present invention, the storage means includes an internal memory and a removable external memory, and at least when the image signal processing means records in the internal memory and in the external memory, It is characterized by changing the amount of data.

  According to the present invention, when image data is recorded in an internal memory having a limited storage capacity, the amount of data is reduced compared to when recording in an external memory. Thereby, it is possible to take an image using the internal memory and the external memory efficiently.

  An image pickup apparatus to which the present invention is applied is an image pickup apparatus that generates image data obtained by performing predetermined image signal processing on an image electrical signal output from an image pickup device in accordance with a formed captured image. A plurality of storage means capable of recording the image data; a setting means for setting the storage means for recording the captured image; and the image electrical signal so that the image data output for each storage means is changed. Based on image signal processing means for performing image signal processing to generate image data, setting means for setting the storage means for recording the image data output from the image signal processing means, and setting of the setting means And switching means for switching the processing of the image signal processing means and outputting the generated image data to the set storage means. The storage means includes an internal memory and a removable external memory, and at least the amount of data is changed when the image signal processing means records in the internal memory and when recording in the external memory. It ’s fine.

  The image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes image information adding means for generating shooting information at the time of image shooting and recording the image information together with the image data in the storage means, and the setting means sets the external memory as the recording destination of the image data. When is set, it is possible to select whether to add the shooting information.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when image data is recorded in a storage unit selected from a plurality of storage units, an image suitable for the purpose of use can be obtained by performing image signal processing according to the storage unit. An excellent effect is obtained that image data subjected to signal processing can be obtained efficiently.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show a schematic configuration of a mobile phone 10 applied as a photographing apparatus to the present embodiment. The casing 12 of the mobile phone 10 is divided into casings 12A and 12B, the casings 12A and 12B are connected via a rotating part 12C, and the casings 12A and 12B are mutually connected around the rotating part 12C. Relative rotation is possible in the contact / separation direction (arrow A direction).

  Thereby, the mobile phone 10 can be folded. The mobile phone 10 is not limited to this, and any conventionally known configuration can be applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone 10 is provided with a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as LCD 14) used for displaying various information such as various menu screens and messages in one housing 12A.

  In addition, an operation unit 16 is provided in the other housing 12B. The operation unit 16 includes a power button 18 for turning on / off the power, a phone button 20 used for making a call, a plurality of character keys 22, a mode button 24 for selecting various operation modes, and an operation mode. A mail button 26 for shifting to an electronic mail mode, a cross cursor button (hereinafter referred to as a cursor button 28), a cancel button 30 for canceling various operation states, and the like are provided.

  Numbers, hiragana, alphabets, symbols, and the like are assigned to the character keys 22, so that various characters and symbols can be input together with the input of the telephone number when making a call.

  The cursor button 28 includes an arrow key arranged in accordance with the moving direction of the selection area or the cursor up / down / left / right when a selection area or a cursor (not shown) is displayed in the display image of the LCD 14, and the center of the arrow key. This is a composite key formed by the determination key arranged in the section.

  In the mobile phone 10, the LCD 14 and the operation unit 16 are folded so as to face each other, thereby protecting the surface of the LCD 14 when not being operated and preventing an unintended key operation from being performed. I have to.

  In the cellular phone 10, the operation unit 16 can be operated while viewing the display on the LCD 14 by arranging the LCD 14 and the operation unit 16 on the same surface side. Further, in the housing 12B, a voice input microphone 32 is provided at the opposite end to the rotating portion 12C, and the rotating portion 12C is provided at the opposite end of the housing 12A for outputting sound. Thus, when the housings 12A and 12B are opened, a telephone call (speech input to the microphone 32 while listening to the sound of the speaker 34) can be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 10 is provided with a sub-display using a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as a sub-LCD 36) in the housing 12A. As shown in FIGS. Is provided. The antenna 38 is a telescopic type, and is used by being pulled out at the time of a telephone call or mail transmission / reception.

  The sub LCD 36 is provided on the surface opposite to the LCD 14, and the mobile phone 10 can display predetermined information on the sub LCD 36 with the housings 12 </ b> A and 12 </ b> B closed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile phone 10 is provided with a battery (battery) 42, a power supply circuit 44, and a clock generator 46, together with a CPU 40 that controls the operation of the mobile phone 10. The power is supplied as power for the operation of the CPU 40 and the like through the circuit 44.

  In addition, the mobile phone 10 is provided with an amplifier 48, an audio input processing unit 50, an audio output processing unit 52, a communication control unit 54, and a transceiver 56. The audio input processing unit 50, the audio output processing unit 52, and the communication The control unit 54 is connected to the CPU 40 via the bus 58. An operation unit 16 is connected to the CPU 40, and signals corresponding to various button operations are input from a character key 22 provided on the operation unit 16.

  The cellular phone 10 can perform data communication such as voice communication and packet exchange, and the communication control unit 54 performs communication control corresponding to each communication protocol. An antenna 38 (not shown in FIG. 3, see FIGS. 1 and 2) is connected to the transmitter / receiver 56, and the transmitter / receiver 56 receives a carrier wave according to voice data or packet data under the control of the communication control unit 54. The signal is modulated (digitally modulated) and transmitted from the antenna 38, and a signal received via the antenna 38 is demodulated to generate voice data or packet data.

  In the cellular phone 10, the audio signal input through the microphone 32 is converted into audio data by the amplifier 48 and the audio input processing unit 50 and input to the transmitter / receiver 56 through the communication control unit 54. The voice data input from 56 through the communication control unit 54 is converted into a voice signal by the voice output processing unit 52 and output from the speaker 34, thereby enabling a voice call. .

  Further, the mobile phone 10 is provided with a video / LCD encoder 60, and this video / LCD encoder 60 is connected to the CPU 40 via the bus 58. The video / LCD encoder 60 is connected to the LCD 14 and the sub LCD 36, whereby various images and information can be displayed on the LCD 14 and the sub LCD 36.

  By the way, the mobile phone 10 has a camera function, and can be used to capture an image by using it as a digital camera. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 12 </ b> A of the mobile phone 10 is provided with a lens unit 62 and a lamp 64 on the surface on the sub LCD 36 side.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile phone 10 is provided with an imaging unit 66 including a lens unit 62 and a light emission control unit 68 that controls light emission of the light 64.

  The imaging unit 66 includes a CCD sensor 70 that is an imaging device, a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS 72), an analog / digital converter (ADC 74) that converts an analog signal into a digital signal, and an output signal of the CCD sensor 70. A timing generator 76 is provided for controlling the output timing. As the CCD sensor 70, one having a resolution of 1.3 million pixels or more can be used, for example.

  The subject image transmitted through the lens unit 62 is formed on the CCD sensor 70. The CCD sensor 70 converts the subject image into an image of the formed subject image based on a signal from the timing generator 76 (CPU 40). A corresponding electrical signal is output to the CDS 72. The CDS 72 reduces noise (particularly thermal noise) included in the output signal of the CCD sensor 70 by performing correlated double sampling processing. At this time, for example, an accurate signal for each pixel can be obtained by taking the difference between the feedthrough level included in the output signal for each pixel of the CCD sensor 70 and the image signal level.

  The ADC 74 converts the analog signal output from the CDS 72 into a digital signal. As a result, digital image data (hereinafter referred to as image data) corresponding to the subject image can be obtained.

  The mobile phone 10 also includes a work memory 78A formed by an SDRAM used as a work area when various processes are executed, and a video memory formed by a VRAM (Video RAM) that stores image data obtained by photographing. 78B, a line buffer having a predetermined capacity, an image input controller 80 for storing image data input from the ADC 74 in the work memory 78A, and image signal processing for performing various image processing on the image data A compression / decompression processing circuit 84 that compresses the image data in a predetermined compression system format (for example, JPEG format) and decompresses the compressed image data in a format corresponding to the compression format. And are connected to each other via a bus 58.

  Further, the mobile phone 10 includes an AF detection circuit 86 that detects a physical quantity (for example, a contrast value of an image obtained by imaging) for operating an AF (Auto Focus) function, an AE (Auto Exposure) function, and an AWB (Automatic White Balance). ) An AE / AWB detection circuit 88 for detecting a physical quantity (brightness of an image obtained by imaging, photometric data) necessary for operating the function is provided.

  As the AF function, a so-called TTL (drive lens) that sets a lens position by driving and controlling a focus adjustment motor (not shown) provided in the imaging unit 66 so that the contrast of an image obtained by imaging by the CCD sensor 70 is maximized. Through The Lens) method can be used.

  On the other hand, when the mobile phone 10 is used in the camera mode, for example, the mobile phone 10 is set to the camera mode by operating the cursor button 28 from the menu screen displayed by operating the mode button 24.

  In the mobile phone 10, by setting the camera mode, an image is formed according to the subject image that is transmitted through the lens unit 62 and formed on the CCD sensor 70, and is formed on the CDS 72 and on the CCD sensor 70. An electrical signal corresponding to the image that has been input is input, and the CDS 72 performs correlated double sampling processing. Thus, analog image signals of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) are input to the ADC 74.

  The ADC 74 converts the analog image signal into, for example, 12-bit R, G, B digital image data (image data).

  The image input controller 80 sequentially accumulates the image data in the line buffer. For example, when image data for two images is accumulated, the image input controller 80 stores the image data in a predetermined area of the video memory 78B.

  The image signal processing circuit 82 reads out the image data stored in the video memory 78B, performs white balance adjustment by applying a digital gain corresponding to the physical quantity (for example, photometric data) detected by the AE / AWB detection circuit 88. Then, gamma processing and sharpness processing are performed to generate 8-bit image data. Further, the image signal processing circuit 82 performs YC signal processing on the image data to generate a luminance signal Y and macro signals Cr and Cb (YC signal), and this YC signal is stored in a predetermined area on the video memory 78B. (In an area different from the area where the image data is stored).

  The video / LCD encoder 60 displays an image on the LCD 14 using this YC signal. As a result, an image corresponding to the subject image formed on the CCD sensor 70 is displayed on the LCD 14.

  At the same time, in the cellular phone 10, automatic focusing is performed by the AF function, and the exposure state (shutter speed, aperture) is automatically set by the AE function, whereby the subject image corresponding to the setting is displayed on the LCD 14. Is done. In the mobile phone 10, for example, zoom-in and zoom-out can be performed by operating the arrow keys (up arrow and down arrow) of the cursor button 28 (digital zoom).

  In the mobile phone 10, for example, the determination button at the center of the cursor button 28 is a release button, and exposure (image shooting) is performed by pressing the cursor button 28 (decision button).

  That is, when the cursor button 28 is pressed, the YC signal stored in the video memory 78B at that time is read, and the compression / decompression processing unit 84 performs compression processing in a predetermined compression format. Thereby, image data of the photographed image is generated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cellular phone 10 is provided with a data memory 90 capable of storing various data such as addresses. The data memory 90 stores image data of a photographed image, that is, compression / decompression processing. The image data compressed by the circuit 84 can be recorded and saved.

  The cellular phone 10 can transmit the image data recorded in the data memory 90 as packet data, and can display an image corresponding to the image data on the LCD 14 or the like.

  On the other hand, the cellular phone 10 is provided with a media controller 92 for writing data to the recording medium and reading data from the recording medium, and the media controller 92 is connected to the bus 38. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a memory slot 94 is formed on the side surface side (the side surface when the operation unit 16 is directed forward) of the housing 12 </ b> B of the mobile phone 10. In addition, a memory card 96 used as a recording medium can be inserted.

  In the mobile phone 10, any recording medium can be used as the memory card 96, and a media controller 92 corresponding to the memory card 96 (recording medium) to be used may be provided.

  In the mobile phone 10, by inserting a memory card into the memory slot 94, the memory card 96 is attached to the media controller 92, and data can be written to and read from the memory card 96. ing.

  Thus, the cellular phone 10 can record image data of an image taken using the camera function in the memory card 96 instead of the data memory 90.

  In the cellular phone 10, it is possible to set whether to store image data of a captured image in the data memory 90 which is an internal memory or in a memory card 96 which is an external memory. When storing, the main purpose of use of the stored image data can be set. Further, the cellular phone 10 performs image processing and the like set in advance according to the storage destination of the image data and the main purpose of use after the storage.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the mobile phone 10 is provided with setting means 100 and switching means 102 and 104 formed by the CPU 40, and the switching means 104 outputs the image data output destination based on the setting of the setting means 100. Are switched to the data memory 90 or the memory card 96 (media controller 92).

  In the mobile phone 10, the image signal processing unit 106 mainly formed by the CPU 40 and the image signal processing circuit 82, the execution processing unit 106 A for executing image processing on the image data recorded on the memory card 96, and the data memory 90. A process execution unit 106B that executes image processing on the image data to be recorded on the image data. That is, the cellular phone 10 is configured to switch the processing for the image data in accordance with the image data storage destination.

  For example, when the memory card 96 is set as the image data storage destination, the switching unit 102 outputs the image data so that the execution processing unit 106A processes the image data, and the data memory 90 is set as the image data storage destination. If so, the image data is output so as to be processed by the execution processing unit 106B.

  Since the processing execution unit 106A records the image data on the memory card 96, it is stored at a high image quality and a high resolution as it is used for the purpose of taking out the image data from the mobile phone 10 and printing it or storing it in a personal computer. The image processing is executed as described.

  Further, since the process execution unit 106B records the image data in the data memory 90 in the mobile phone 10, the image data is mainly displayed on the LCD 14 or the sub LCD 36 for use or attached to an e-mail as packet data. As used for the purpose of transmission or the like, for example, it is converted into an image size and a resolution that match the screen size of the LCD 14.

  For example, when frequency conversion processing is performed in each of the processing execution units 106A and 106B, the processing execution unit 106A executes sharpness enhancement processing, and improves resolution when print processing is performed using the generated image data. On the other hand, the process execution unit 106B performs a false signal reduction process by thinning out pixels by a high frequency band limiting process to reduce the resolution.

  Further, when performing the color correction process, the process execution unit 106A weakens the saturation correction so that a natural feeling appears, whereas the process execution unit 106B enhances the saturation correction to enhance the appearance. I try to emphasize it.

  Further, when performing gradation correction, the processing execution unit 106A makes a natural feeling appear by performing the soft tone processing, whereas the processing execution unit 106B conversely performs the hard processing, Make sure that it is reproduced as a sharp image.

  By executing such processing, the data amount of the image data processed by the processing execution unit 106B is reduced compared to the image data processed by the processing execution unit 106A. That is, in the mobile phone 10, the amount of data to be stored is switched according to the storage destination of the image data.

  The CPU 40 provided in the mobile phone 10 is provided with information adding means 108. The information adding means 108 generates image information according to the output destination of the image data, and adds the generated image information to the image data.

  In the cellular phone 10, when recording image data of a photographed image on the memory card 96, for example, it is output as a photographic print using a printing unit such as a printer, or an image of a personal computer (PC) or the like from the memory card 96. It is possible to set whether to save the image data as a photo album or the like in the processing device.

  At this time, in the cellular phone 10, when the image data recorded in the memory card 96 is stored in a PC or the like, the information adding means 108 adds shooting information such as the shooting date and time when shooting the image. At this time, the information adding unit 108 adds the input character information to the shooting information, for example, by inputting the shooting location by operating the character key 22. As a result, shooting information is recorded in the memory card 96 together with image data of the shot image.

  Here, storage of image data in the mobile phone 10 will be described as an operation of the present embodiment.

  In the mobile phone 10, for example, the camera mode can be selected by operating the mode button 24 and displaying a mode selection menu on the LCD 14, whereby the mobile phone 10 can be selected as a digital camera (digital still camera). Can be used as

  In the mobile phone 10, a storage destination of image data is set in advance. The save destination setting is also effective when the camera mode is selected next, and the save destination setting may be executed when the save destination or save purpose is changed.

  When setting the storage destination of the image data, for example, a storage destination selection menu is displayed in the camera mode. FIG. 5A shows a storage destination selection menu 110 displayed on the LCD 14 as an example.

  The cellular phone 10 can select either the data memory 90 that is the internal memory or the memory card 96 that is the external memory as the storage destination of the image data. In the storage destination selection menu 110, the “data memory” and the “memory Card "is displayed. At this time, by operating the cursor button 28 (in the direction of the up arrow and the down arrow), “data memory” and “memory card” are switched and are selected by operating the determination key in the center of the cursor button 28. .

  Here, by selecting “data memory” and operating the determination key of the cursor button 28, the data memory 90 is set as a storage destination of the image data. Further, by selecting “memory card” and operating the enter key of the cursor button 28, the memory card 96 is set as the storage destination of the image data. FIG. 5A shows a state where the memory card 96 is selected as the storage destination.

  Further, in the mobile phone 10, the use purpose (storage purpose) can be selected by selecting the memory card 96 as the storage destination of the image data. FIG. 5B shows an outline of the purpose selection menu 112 as an example of the display on the LCD 14 when the memory card 96 is selected as the storage destination.

  In this purpose selection menu 112, it is possible to select “photo print” for the purpose of print output and “photo album” for the purpose of saving to a PC or the like. Can be set. FIG. 5B shows a state where “photo album” is selected as an example.

  In the cellular phone 10, the image data of the captured image is recorded in the set storage destination by setting the storage destination of the image data in this way.

  FIG. 6 shows the flow of image data processing executed in the camera mode. This flowchart is executed in a state where the storage destination (output destination) of the image data is set. In the first step 200, the output destination setting is read, and in the next step 202, the set image data is stored. Either the process execution unit 106A or the process execution unit 106B is selected according to the above, and the selected process execution unit 106 performs image signal processing of the captured image and generation processing of the YC signal.

  That is, when the data memory 90 is selected as the storage destination of the image data, the image signal processing is executed by the processing execution unit 106B, and a YC signal with a reduced data amount is generated by matching the resolution and image size with the LCD 14. So that Further, when the memory card 96 is selected as the storage destination of the image data, the image signal processing is executed by the processing execution unit 106A, and the amount of data is not reduced by reducing the resolution and the image size. A YC signal capable of reproducing a quality image is generated.

  Thereby, the image signal processing is executed by the processing execution unit 106A or the processing execution unit 106B, and an image based on the YC signal generated by the image signal processing is displayed on the LCD 14. Since the video / LCD encoder 60 converts the image into an image that matches the LCD 14 and displays it, an equivalent image is displayed on the LCD 14 regardless of which of the processing execution units 106A and 106B is processed.

  On the other hand, in step 204, it is confirmed whether or not the shutter has been released, that is, whether or not the determination key of the cursor button 28 corresponding to the release button has been pressed.

  Here, while observing the display image on the LCD 14, the determination key of the cursor button 28 is operated at an arbitrary timing to execute image shooting, so that an affirmative determination is made in step 204 and the process proceeds to step 206. In this step 206, the YC signal stored in the video memory 78B is read and compression processing is executed in a predetermined format (step 208). Thereby, image data for storage is generated.

  Thereafter, the storage destination that is the output destination of the image data is confirmed. For confirmation of the storage destination, first, in step 210, it is confirmed whether or not the data memory 90 which is an internal memory is set as the storage destination. Here, when the data memory 90 is set as the storage destination, an affirmative determination is made in step 210, the process proceeds to step 212, and image data is recorded in the data memory 90.

  At this time, since the data amount of the image data is reduced, one image data does not occupy a large area in the data memory 90, and the transmission time becomes long even when transmitting as packet data. There is no end. Further, even when the data amount is reduced, the resolution, image quality, and image size matched to the LCD 14 do not cause a quality deterioration such as an unclear display image on the LCD 14.

  On the other hand, when the image data is set to be stored in the memory card 96, a negative determination is made at step 210 and the process proceeds to step 214 to confirm the setting of the purpose of use of the image data. At this time, if it is set to shoot for photographic printing, an affirmative determination is made at step 214 and the routine proceeds to step 216.

  In this step 216, the image data is output to the media controller 92 and the image data is written in the memory card 96. Since this image data has a high resolution, a high-quality photographic print can be obtained.

  On the other hand, when saving as a photo album or the like on a PC or the like, a negative determination is made at step 214 and the routine proceeds to step 218. In this step 218, for example, an input screen is displayed on the LCD 14 so that a shooting location, a comment at the time of shooting, and the like can be input as shooting information, so that characters can be input using the character keys 22 of the operation unit 16 or the like. To do. Note that any configuration can be applied to the input screen at this time, and the illustration is omitted here.

  In the next step 220, it is confirmed whether or not the input of the shooting information has been completed. When the input of the shooting information has been completed, an affirmative determination is made and the routine proceeds to step 222. In step 222, shooting information is generated including the shooting date and time in the input character information.

  Thereafter, in step 224, the image data and the shooting information are stored in the memory card 96 by outputting the shooting information together with the image data to the media controller 92.

  Thereby, when the image data is stored in a PC or the like, it is possible to clarify the shooting date and time, the shooting location, and the like.

  As described above, in the mobile phone 10 applied as the imaging apparatus to the present embodiment, since it can be exchanged, when the image data is stored in the memory card 96 that has substantially no capacity limitation, high resolution is maintained. Thus, by saving the amount of data when storing image data in a data memory with limited capacity, for example, the number of shots and processing speed when storing image data (captured images) only in the data memory 90 Increase of the power consumption, suppression of power consumption, and the like, and substantial improvement in processing performance can be achieved.

  On the other hand, when image data is stored in the memory card 96, it is possible to improve image reproducibility and maintain high image quality.

  In addition, since the main use purpose of the image data can be inferred from the storage location of the image data, it is possible to suppress execution of substantially unnecessary processing by changing the resolution and image size according to the storage location. As a result, the apparent processing performance can be improved. That is, when a low-resolution image is sufficient, waste of processing time and power consumption due to maintaining processing for obtaining a high-resolution image can be eliminated.

  In the present embodiment, the data memory 90 and the memory card 96 have been described as examples of the storage destination that is the output destination of the image data. However, as the output destination, a monitor that displays an image according to the image data is used. be able to. At this time, an interface for connecting a monitor to the mobile phone 10 may be provided, and this interface may be used as an output destination. In this case, image processing that enables display of an optimal image on the monitor may be executed. .

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the data memory 90 and the memory card 96 are used as the output destination of the image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the monitor interface or the recording medium different from the memory card 96 is used. There may be three or more systems (for example, a storage medium having a very large capacity compared to the memory card 96). At this time, it is only necessary to switch to the processing content optimally set according to the output destination.

  In this embodiment, the frequency conversion process, the color correction process, and the gradation correction process corresponding to the storage destination of the image data are exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and other processing conditions are set for each output destination. May be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the mobile phone 10 having a camera function is described as an example of the imaging device. However, the mobile phone applied as the imaging device is the mobile phone 10 applied to the present embodiment. However, the present invention can be applied to a mobile phone having an arbitrary configuration as long as the output destination of image data includes at least two systems.

  In this embodiment, a camera-equipped mobile phone has been described as an example of an imaging device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image formed on an imaging element such as a digital still camera or a digital video camera is used. The present invention can be applied to an imaging apparatus having an arbitrary configuration that generates and outputs image data.

  For example, when applied to a recording medium such as a memory card 96 and a digital still camera (digital camera) equipped with a monitor output interface, it is set whether to output image data of a captured image to a monitor or to a recording medium. The processing content may be switched so as to enable appropriate image processing according to the output destination.

It is the schematic perspective view which looked at the mobile telephone applied to this Embodiment from the operation surface side. It is the schematic perspective view which looked at the mobile telephone from the to-be-photographed object side. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a mobile telephone. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the principal part of the camera function provided in the mobile telephone. (A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a storage destination selection menu displayed on the LCD and used for setting the storage destination of image data. (B) is a purpose selection menu used for selection of a storage purpose when saving to a memory card. It is the schematic which shows an example. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of a recording process of image data in a setting of image signal processing of a mobile phone.

Explanation of symbols

10 Mobile phone 14 LCD
16 Operation section 22 Character key 28 Cursor button 40 CPU (setting means, switching means, image signal processing means)
66 Imaging unit 70 CCD sensor (imaging device)
82 Image signal processing circuit 90 Data memory (storage means, internal memory)
92 Media controller 96 Memory card (storage means, external memory)
100 Setting means 102, 104 Switching means 106 (106A, 106B) Processing execution unit (image signal processing means)
108 Information adding means 110 Storage destination selection menu (setting means)
112 Purpose selection menu (setting means)

Claims (5)

An image processing method for outputting and recording image data generated by performing predetermined image signal processing on an image signal output from an image sensor in accordance with an image formed and outputting it to any of a plurality of storage means There,
An image signal processing unit capable of changing the image data generated for each storage unit;
By setting the storage means for recording image data, image signal processing is performed by an image signal processing means corresponding to the set storage means
An image processing method, wherein the image data generated thereby is recorded in the set storage means.   The storage means includes an internal memory and a removable external memory, and at least the amount of data is changed when the image signal processing means records in the internal memory and when recording in the external memory. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein: An imaging device that generates image data obtained by performing predetermined image signal processing on an electrical image signal output from an imaging device in accordance with an imaged captured image,
A plurality of storage means capable of recording the image data;
Setting means for setting the storage means for recording the captured image;
Image signal processing means for performing image signal processing on the image electrical signal so as to change image data to be output for each storage means, and generating image data;
Setting means for setting the storage means for recording the image data output from the image signal processing means;
Switching means for switching the processing of the image signal processing means based on the setting of the setting means, and outputting the generated image data to the storage means set;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The storage means includes an internal memory and a removable external memory, and at least the amount of data is changed when the image signal processing means records in the internal memory and when recording in the external memory. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3. Including image information adding means for generating shooting information at the time of image shooting and storing the image data together with the image data;
5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the external memory is set as a recording destination of the image data by the setting unit, it is possible to select whether or not to add the shooting information.

Images