JP2006345087A - Photographing system, photographing apparatus, and camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera for imprinting a scale on a photographed image and an apparatus for particularizing a distance up to an object at photographing as separate units. <P>SOLUTION: A photographing system includes: the camera 100 provided with a photographing lens; and an image projector 200 freely attachable to / detachable from the camera 100. The image projector 200 includes: an image projection means for projecting a prescribed image to be focused on a plane apart by a prescribed photographing distance; and a transmission means for transmitting information denoting the photographing distance to the camera. The camera 100 includes: a reception means for receiving the information denoting the photographing distance from the image projector 200; and a recording means for recording a composite image resulting from superposing the scale image determined on the basis of a photographing magnification decided by the focal distance of the photographing lens and the photographing distance on the photographed image onto a recording medium. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for overlaying a photographed image on a scale.

Conventionally, there is a demand for copying a scale (scale) to an image taken with a digital camera. For example, when photographing an injured state at a hospital, it was necessary to place the scale next to the wound and copy it together in order to determine the size of the wound. In general, if there is the following information, it is possible to copy a scale on an image taken with a digital camera.
d: Distance between subject and camera (mm)
f: Focal length during shooting (mm)
p: CCD pixel pitch (mm)
From these three pieces of information, it can be calculated how many millimeters the distance between one CCD pixel corresponds to the subject. Of the above, f and p are information known to the digital camera. Therefore, the point is how to specify d.

Here, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 are related arts related to a camera that measures a distance to a subject and moves a scale to a captured image.
JP 11-344311 A JP 2004-260778 A

  In Patent Document 1, a dedicated distance meter is prepared for measuring the distance to the subject. Many of the recent compact type digital cameras do not have such a dedicated distance meter, and there are problems such as increasing the cost and lengthening the development period to newly equip them.

  In Patent Document 2, the distance is measured using an AF sensor. However, in general, the AF sensor is not suitable for measuring an absolute distance because it can output whether or not the focusing lens is in focus when the focusing lens is moved. Therefore, in order to measure the absolute distance using the AF sensor, it is necessary to adjust each camera individually, which is not realistic considering the manufacturing cost.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows a scale to be imprinted on a photographed image with an accuracy that has no practical problem without measuring the distance between the camera and the subject.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a technique for separately configuring a camera that captures a scale in a photographed image and a device for specifying a distance from a subject at the time of photographing.

  A photographing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a camera including a photographing lens, and an image projection device that is detachable from the camera. The image projection device includes an image projection unit that projects a predetermined image so as to be focused on a plane separated by a predetermined shooting distance, and a transmission unit that transmits information indicating the shooting distance to the camera. Is provided. The camera includes a receiving unit that receives information indicating the shooting distance from the image shooting device, a scale image determined based on a shooting magnification determined by a focal length of the shooting lens and the shooting distance, and a shot image shot. And a recording means for recording a composite image on the recording medium.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, an image projection device detachably attached to a camera is equipped with an image projection means for projecting a predetermined image and a camera so as to focus on a plane separated by a predetermined shooting distance. And transmitting means for transmitting information indicating the shooting distance to the camera.

  In a preferred embodiment, there may be further provided a selection means for receiving selection of one shooting distance from a plurality of shooting distance candidates. At this time, the projection unit projects the predetermined image at the shooting distance selected by the selection unit.

  In a preferred embodiment, the image forming apparatus may further include a rotating unit that rotates the image projected by the projecting unit, and a unit that detects a rotation angle of the image projected by the rotating unit. At this time, the transmission means can further transmit information indicating the rotation angle detected by the detection means to the camera.

  In a preferred embodiment, the transmission means may be a USB host controller.

  A camera according to an embodiment of the present invention is a camera that includes a photographic lens and is detachable from an image projection device that projects a predetermined image so as to be focused on a surface that is separated by a predetermined shooting distance. And receiving means for receiving information indicating the photographing distance from the image photographing device, a scale image determined based on a photographing magnification determined by a focal length of the photographing lens and the photographing distance, and a photographed photographed image. Recording means for recording the superimposed composite image on a recording medium. Here, the recording medium may be built in the camera, or may be an external medium such as a portable storage medium.

  In a preferred embodiment, a storage unit that stores a plurality of scale images for different shooting magnifications may be further provided. At this time, the recording unit selects a scale image corresponding to the information indicating the shooting distance received by the receiving unit from the plurality of scale images, and superimposes the selected scale image on the shot image. To record on a recording medium.

  In a preferred embodiment, a storage unit that stores a template image of the scale image may be further provided. At this time, the recording means enlarges or reduces the template image of the scale image based on the information indicating the photographing distance received by the receiving means and the focal length of the photographing lens, and overlaps the photographed photographed image. To record on a recording medium.

  In a preferred embodiment, when the receiving unit receives information indicating the rotation angle of the image projected by the projection unit, the recording unit rotates the scale image according to the information indicating the rotation angle, You may make it record on a recording medium overlapped with the said picked-up image.

  In a preferred embodiment, the receiving means may be a USB device controller.

  Hereinafter, a projection device, a digital camera that captures a scale, an image processing device that synthesizes a scale image with a captured image, and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the front side of the digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The digital camera 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing 10, and a photographing lens 11, an optical finder 12, a strobe light emitting unit 13, and a non-slip 16 are provided on the front surface of the housing 10. In addition, a projection device 2 to be described later is accommodated in the housing 10, and a projection window 21 for projecting an image by the projection device 2 is provided on the front surface of the housing 10.

  A shutter 14 and a mode dial 15 for selecting a shooting mode are provided on the upper surface of the housing 10.

  Further, an imaging distance setting dial 22 and a projection mask rotation dial 23 that constitute a part of the projection device 2 are exposed on the left side surface of the housing 10.

  FIG. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera 1. On the back of the camera 1, there are an optical viewfinder 41, an LCD (liquid crystal display) 42, a zoom button 43 (43 a, 43 b), a cross key 44, a menu button 45, an OK button 46, and a cancel button 47. Is provided. A projection button 25 that constitutes a part of the projection device 2 is also provided on the back of the camera 1.

  The projection device 2 built in the camera 1 projects a predetermined projection image that is focused on a plane that is a predetermined distance away from the camera 1. The user can set the distance between the camera 1 and the subject to a predetermined distance by adjusting the distance between the camera 1 and the subject so that the projected image projected onto the subject is in focus.

  As will be described later, the projection device 2 may be configured separately from the camera body and detachable from the camera body.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows a configuration of the projection apparatus 2 accommodated in the housing 10.

  The projection device 2 is configured such that a light source 31 such as a light bulb or an LED, a reflection plate 32 that reflects light from the light source 31, a diffusion plate 33 that diffuses light, and transmitted light that has passed through the diffusion plate 33 form a predetermined image. A projection mask 34, a projection lens 35 for focusing the projection image at a predetermined distance, and a reflecting mirror 36 for bending the angle of light transmitted through the projection lens 35 by 90 degrees.

  The diffusion plate 33 diffuses the light from the light source 31 and the reflected light from the reflection plate 32. The projection mask 34 is irradiated with uniform light diffused by the diffusion plate 33.

  An example of the pattern of the projection mask 34 is shown in FIG. A projection image created by the transmitted light that has passed through the projection mask 34 is focused at a preset distance from the camera 1. Therefore, the user adjusts the distance between the camera 1 and the subject so that the projected image is clearest. In the following description, the distance from the camera 1 on which the projected image is focused is referred to as a shooting distance.

  Further, the projection mask 34 can be rotated by operating the projection mask rotation dial 23. The projection image can be rotated by rotating the projection mask 34. For example, by rotating the projection mask 34, a projection image as shown in FIG. 5A can be rotated as shown in FIG.

  When the shooting distance setting dial 22 is operated, the projection lens 35 moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis by a moving mechanism (not shown). As the projection lens 35 moves, the shooting distance at which the projected image is focused also changes.

  For example, as the shooting distance, a plurality of selectable distances (for example, 50 cm, 30 cm, and 15 cm) are determined in advance, and the user may select an arbitrary distance from these. Here, the selected shooting distance may be notified to the scale composition unit 65 (see FIG. 6) of the digital camera 1.

  The projection lens 35 may be a projection lens group in which a plurality of lenses are combined. As a result, the projected image when the image is in focus can be made clearer.

  The left side surface of the camera 1 can be opened and closed, so that the light source 31 and the projection mask 34 can be replaced. The user can select a projection drawing by attaching a favorite projection mask 34.

  With the above configuration, the projection apparatus 2 operates as follows.

  First, when the projection button 25 is pressed by the user, the light source 31 is turned on. Then, light from the light source 31 including light reflected by the reflection plate 32 is diffused by the diffusion plate 33. The diffused light passes through the projection mask 34 and the projection lens 35, is reflected by the reflecting mirror 36, and is projected from the projection window 21 to the outside of the housing 10 as a projection image. The projected image is projected into the shooting area of the camera 1. That is, the projected image is projected on the subject to be photographed, and is projected at a position where the projected image can be seen when the user looks into the optical viewfinder 41.

  Note that a “projection mode” may be provided in the shooting mode of the camera 1. In this case, the mode dial 15 is also provided with a “projection mode”, and the user selects the “projection mode” using the mode dial 15. When “projection mode” is selected, an image is projected even if the projection button 25 is not pressed.

  Further, when the projection apparatus 2 starts projecting an image, the camera 1 may automatically shift to a macro mode for short-distance shooting.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the digital camera 1.

  The digital camera 1 includes an optical processing unit 50, an image processing / control unit 60, an interface unit 70, and the projection device 2.

  The optical processing unit 50 includes a photographing lens 11, a CCD (Coupled Charged Device) 52 that is an image sensor, an AFE (Analog Front End) 53, a lens control unit 54, and a timing generator 55.

  The CCD 52 accumulates charges obtained by photoelectric conversion of the subject image formed by the photographing lens 11 for a certain period of time for each light receiving cell, and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the amount of light received for each light receiving cell.

  The AFE 53 quantizes the electrical signal output from the CCD 52, converts it into a digital signal, and outputs it. The digital signal output from the AFE 53 is photographed image data of a subject imaged on the CCD 52.

  The lens control unit 54 changes the zoom rate according to the operation of the zoom button 43. Then, the focal length of the photographing lens 11 determined by the zoom rate is notified to the scale composition unit 65.

  For example, the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment has a 3 × zoom function, and the zoom rate can be changed by rotating a step motor (not shown) incorporated in the photographing lens 11. The focal length of the photographic lens 11 is variable between 5.6 mm and 16.8 mm. This is equivalent to 34 mm to 102 mm when converted to a zoom lens for 35 mm film. The camera 1 can control this zoom area in six steps. That is, when the zoom button 43 is pressed, the focal length is any of 5.6 mm, 6.8 mm, 9.5 mm, 12.2 mm, 14.8 mm, and 16.8 mm.

  The timing generator 55 supplies timing signals to the CCD 52 and the AFE 53, thereby controlling the timing at which the AFE 53 processes the electrical signal from the CCD 52.

  The configuration of the projection apparatus 2 includes a light source controller 81, a projection mask rotation angle detector 82, an imaging distance detector 83, a light source 31, an imaging distance setting dial 22, and a projection mask rotation dial 23.

  The light source control unit 81 controls turning on and off of the light source 31 according to the operation of the projection button 25 (see FIG. 2). For example, the light source control unit 81 may turn on the light source 31 only while the projection button 25 is pressed. If the projection button 25 is pressed, the light source 31 is turned on, and the timing generator 55 determines the shooting timing. When a notification is received, it may be turned off. Furthermore, when the projection button 25 is pressed, the light source 31 may be turned on for a certain period of time.

  When the projection mask 34 is rotated by the projection mask rotation dial 23, the projection mask rotation angle detector 82 detects the rotation angle. The output of the projection mask rotation angle detector 82 is used in a scale image editing process to be described later.

  The shooting distance detector 83 detects which one of a plurality of selectable projection distances has been selected based on the output of a rotation angle sensor attached to the shooting distance setting dial 22. The output of the shooting distance detector 83 is notified to the scale composition unit 65.

  The interface unit 70 includes an operation unit 71, an external interface control unit 72, a USB connector 73, a memory card control unit 74, and a memory card connector 75.

  The operation unit 71 includes a zoom button 43 (43a, 43b), a cross key 44, a menu button 45, an OK button 46, and a cancel button 47 shown in FIG.

  The external interface control unit 72 is a USB device controller, for example, and performs data input / output with a device connected via the USB connector 73.

  The memory card control unit 74 writes data to the memory card 76 connected via the memory card connector 75 and reads data from the memory card 76. For example, in the present embodiment, the memory card control unit 74 writes the image data output from the image processing unit 64 or the composite image data output from the scale combining unit 65 to the memory card 76 and stores the image stored in the memory card 76. Data and composite image data are read out.

  The image processing / control unit 60 includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62 for storing processing programs, a RAM 63 for temporarily storing data, an image processing unit 64, a scale synthesis unit 65, a compression / decompression unit 66, and a display. And a control unit 67.

  The image processing unit 64 performs predetermined image processing based on the captured image data sent from the optical processing unit 50. For example, the image data output from the AFE 53 is subjected to image formation processing, white balance correction, gamma correction, color space conversion, etc., and R, G, B gradation values and Y, Cb, Cr levels for each pixel. A digital image representing a key value is output.

  The scale composition unit 65 performs image composition in which the scale image is superimposed on the image data processed by the image processing unit 64. The image data combined with the scale image is sent to the memory card control unit 74 and written to the memory card 76.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a scale image.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, a plurality of types of scale images having different display modes are provided. That is, FIG. 5A is a scale type image 110 that crosses at the center of the image, and FIG. 4B is an image 120 of a type in which the scale is located at the end of the image. Image data for these scale images is stored in advance in the ROM 62, for example. There are multiple scale images of different scales for each type.

  The scale image type and display color can be selected by the user using a menu screen (not shown) or the like.

  The scale composition unit 65 acquires the focal length of the photographic lens 11 from the lens control unit 54 and acquires the photographic distance from the photographic distance detector 83. A scale image with a scale corresponding to the photographing magnification determined based on the focal length and photographing distance of the photographing lens 11 acquired here is selected. Then, the selected scale image and the captured image are synthesized.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the photographing magnification. The selection of the scale image will be described with reference to FIG.

When a subject is photographed at a focal distance f of the photographing lens 11 by a photographing distance d in which the projection image is in focus, the photographing magnification of the subject image formed on the CCD 52 is f / d. On the other hand, the distance (pixel pitch) p between the pixels of the CCD 52 is a value unique to the camera 1 and is known. Therefore, the subject size K per CCD pixel can be obtained by the following equation.
K = (d / f) · p
That is, if the focal length f and the shooting distance d are determined, the subject size per pixel is also determined, so the scale image scale is also determined. For example, if d = 500 mm, f = 5.6 mm, and p = 2.2 μm, K is about 0.2 mm. Therefore, since approximately 250 pixels are 5 cm, a scale image shown in FIG. 7A with a memory for each 250 pixels may be selected.

  FIG. 9 is a table 200 in which the shooting magnification 210 and the scale image file name 220 are associated in advance.

  The scale composition unit 65 may have this table 200. In this case, the scale composition unit 65 may select a scale image by referring to the table 200 based on the focal length f and the shooting distance d.

  It is also possible to prepare an optimum scale image every time by preparing a template image of a scale image and enlarging / reducing the template image according to the shooting distance d and the focal distance f. By doing so, the storage amount of the scale image can be reduced.

  Note that when the captured image and the scale image are combined, the captured image data and the scale image data may be managed as different layers. In this case, the scale image is superimposed on the layer above the photographed image, and the two are associated with each other and stored in the memory card 76. As a result, the scale image is synthesized with the photographed image, but the data is managed separately. If management is performed for each layer in this way, the scale composition unit 65 can freely edit the scale image with respect to the image data recorded on the memory card 76.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of scale image editing performed by the scale composition unit 65.

  For example, when the user operates the cross key 44, the scale image is moved with respect to the photographed image (FIG. 10A), or the scale image is rotated by rotating the projection mask rotation dial 23 ( FIG. 10B may be used. Alternatively, the user operates the menu button 45, the OK button 46, the cancel button 47, etc., and uses a menu screen (not shown) to change the display color of the scale or replace the scale image itself with another scale image. You may be able to do it.

  The compression / decompression unit 66 compresses and decompresses the image data output from the image processing unit 64 and the scale synthesis unit 65. For example, the compression / decompression unit 66 compresses the digital image by performing sequence conversion (discrete cosine transform, wavelet transform, etc.) and entropy coding (run length coding, Huffman coding, etc.) of the digital image and The digital image is expanded by performing inverse transformation.

  The display control unit 67 displays an image on the LCD 42. For example, the display control unit 67 displays a captured image processed by the image processing unit 64 on the LCD 42 or displays a combined image obtained by combining the scale image with the scale combining unit 65. The image displayed on the LCD 42 includes a real-time image based on image data output from the optical processing unit 50 in addition to an image read from the memory card 76.

  When a real-time composite image in which the scale images are combined is displayed on the LCD 42, the scale image can be changed to a different scale type or the scale image can be rotated based on a button operation by the user. As a result, the user can adjust the position of the scale image and the subject and press the shutter while viewing the display on the LCD 42. For example, in the case of shooting a wound, the composition can be determined by selecting and arranging the scale so that the size of the wound can be easily identified.

  As described above, even with a camera that does not have a sensor for measuring distance, the user can use the projection image to set the distance between the camera and the subject as the shooting distance. As a result, a scale image suitable for the captured image can be imprinted with an accuracy that is practically acceptable.

  Note that the scale composition unit 65 may be realized by executing a computer program. Initially, the function of the scale composition unit 65 can be added to a digital camera that does not have the scale composition unit 65 by installing this computer program later.

  Next, a digital camera and a projection apparatus that captures a scale according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the digital camera 100 and the projection device 200 are configured separately. Each mounting surface of the digital camera 100 and the projection device 200 has a mounting mechanism (not shown) and is detachably mounted on each other. Furthermore, the mounting surface of the digital camera 100 and the projection apparatus 200 has a connector for electrical connection, and a communication function described later performs communication via the connector.

  For example, FIGS. 11 and 12 show an example in which the projection device 200 is mounted on the left side surface of the digital camera 100.

  The digital camera 100 of this embodiment has the same configuration as the digital camera 1 of the first embodiment, and the projection device 200 has the same configuration as the projection device 2 of the first embodiment. Therefore, below, it demonstrates centering on the point which is different from 1st Embodiment, About the same structure, the same code | symbol may be attached | subjected and description may be abbreviate | omitted.

  13 to 16 are diagrams showing functional configurations of the digital camera 100 and the projection apparatus 200. FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a functional configuration diagram when the digital camera 100 and the projection apparatus 200 perform serial communication and the power of the projection apparatus 200 is supplied from the digital camera 100.

  That is, the projection apparatus 200 includes the light source 31, the light source control unit 82, the projection mask rotation dial 23, the projection mask rotation angle detector 82, the imaging distance setting dial 22, and the imaging distance detector 83, as in the first embodiment. . In the present embodiment, the projection apparatus 200 further includes a serial communication unit 201 and a one-chip microcomputer 202 that controls the entire projection apparatus 200.

  The digital camera 100 and the projection apparatus 200 communicate with each other through the serial communication units 101 and 201, and the digital camera 100 acquires desired information such as an imaging distance and a rotation angle from the projection apparatus 200.

  For example, the serial communication units 101 and 201 may perform 115 Kbps asynchronous communication (a type in which byte synchronization is performed using a start bit and a stop bit). The communication format at this time may employ 8 bits and non-parity. Communication can be performed using a communication protocol in which a command is transmitted from the digital camera 100 and the projection apparatus 200 responds thereto. The commands issued by the digital camera 100 are, for example, a command for confirming the type of the projection apparatus 200, a status acquisition command (lamp ON / OFF, shooting distance, projection mask rotation angle, etc.), a light source control command, and the like. .

  Further, power is supplied to the projection apparatus 200 from the power supply circuit 91 provided in the digital camera 100. In this case, a connector for connecting the digital camera 100 and the projection apparatus 200 includes a serial communication signal line (TxD, RxD, DTR, DSR) and a power supply line (VDD, VLamp, GND).

  Thereby, the projection apparatus 200 does not need to include a power supply circuit and a battery by itself, and the projection apparatus 200 is reduced in size and weight.

  FIG. 14 is a functional configuration diagram when the digital camera 100 and the projection apparatus 200 perform serial communication, and the projection apparatus 200 includes a power supply circuit 93 and a battery 94 by itself.

  Serial communication can be performed in the same manner as in FIG.

  In the case of the configuration shown in the figure, the projection apparatus 200 itself includes a power supply circuit and a battery, so that the battery of the digital camera 100 can be preserved. Furthermore, the power line of the connection connector can be omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a functional configuration diagram when the digital camera 100 and the projection apparatus 200 perform USB communication. In the figure, the projection apparatus 200 includes a battery and a power supply circuit. However, the projection apparatus 200 may receive power from the digital camera 100.

  The digital camera 100 has a PC connection USB connector 103 and a projection device connection USB connector 104, and the connection to the external interface control unit (USB device controller) 72 is switched by the switching unit 102.

  The projection apparatus 200 includes a USB host controller 203.

  Since the USB host controller 203 drives the VBus + signal at 5 V, the switching unit 102 can know to which connector the USB host is connected if the VBus signal of both the connectors 103 and 104 is monitored. When only one of the USB connectors 103 and 104 is connected, the operation of the digital camera 100 is determined according to the connected device. That is, when the connection of the projection device connector 104 is detected, the digital camera 100 obtains information on the projection device 200 and requests the projection device 200 in response to an inquiry periodically made from the USB host controller 203. A scale image is synthesized by sending a message. When the connection of the PC connection connector 103 is detected, the digital camera 100 transmits image data according to control from a USB host controller (not shown) of the PC.

  If the switching unit 102 detects the connection of the PC connection connector 103 when the projection device 200 is already connected, the switching unit 102 performs processing for disconnecting the logical connection of the projection device 200, and then the PC. Processing for making a logical connection on the side may be performed. At this time, the switching unit 102 is configured to have three types of states: (1) connected to the projector, (2) not connected, and (3) connected to the PC, and (1) → (2) → (3 ) To give priority to PC connection. In this case, when the state (2) is reached, the process of automatically disconnecting the logical connection with the projection apparatus 200 may be executed, and then the process may be switched to (3).

  FIG. 16 is a functional configuration diagram when the digital camera 100 and the projection apparatus 200 perform wireless communication. In the figure, the projection apparatus 200 includes a battery and a power supply circuit. However, the projection apparatus 200 may receive power from the digital camera 100. In this case, a connector for connecting the digital camera 100 and the projection device 200 is not necessary, and wireless communication units 105 and 205 are provided, respectively. As a wireless communication method, Bluetooth, wireless LAN, UWB, or the like can be adopted. Further, the wireless communication unit 105 may be used to communicate with a PC or a printer.

  Next, FIG. 17 shows a configuration of an image processing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the camera 110 is connected to the image processing apparatus 300. The camera 110 and the image processing apparatus 300 can exchange data with each other by, for example, USB. Further, the image processing apparatus 300 may include a reading device that reads a portable recording medium such as a memory card.

  The image processing apparatus 300 is configured by a general-purpose computer system, for example, and individual functions in the image processing apparatus 300 described below are realized by executing a computer program, for example.

  The camera 110 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the camera 1 of the first embodiment except for the following points. That is, unlike the first embodiment, the camera 110 does not have to have a function or configuration for synthesizing a scale image with a captured image. On the other hand, the camera 110 includes the projection device 2 as in the first embodiment, or is detachably attached as in the second embodiment.

Then, the image processing apparatus 300 obtains the image data of the captured image, the focal distance when the image is captured, and the capture distance when the captured image is captured (the distance at which the projection image projected by the projection apparatus 2 is in focus). Information to be obtained and pixel information capable of specifying the pixel pitch of the CCD 52 are acquired. Here, as an aspect of acquiring these data, for example, there are the following methods.
(1) Acquisition as a single file from the camera The Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format), for example, is adopted as a file format in which the digital camera 110 stores captured image data. Thereby, the digital camera 100 can store the focal length at the time of shooting, the shooting distance, and the pixel information of the CCD in the header of the Exif file storing each image data. Therefore, in this case, the image processing apparatus 300 can acquire desired information by transferring only the Exif file from the camera to the image processing apparatus 300.
(2) Acquisition of image data and other information from the camera as separate files The digital camera 110 stores a file storing image data of a captured image, and a file storing image distance, focal length, and CCD pixel information. And store them in association with each other. As for the association between files, for example, a part of the file name may be shared in accordance with a DCF (Design Rule for Camera File system) rule.
(3) Image data is acquired from the camera as a file, and other information is notified in a format other than the file.
(4) In the case of (1) and (2), each file is acquired via a portable recording medium.

  The image processing apparatus 300 has, for example, the same function as the scale composition unit 65 of the first embodiment, and holds scale image data. There are a plurality of scale images for each photographing magnification determined by the pixel pitch, focal length, and photographing distance. For example, the image processing apparatus 300 superimposes an image acquired from the digital camera 110 and a scale image corresponding to the shooting magnification of the image, and displays the image on the display device 310.

  Furthermore, the image processing apparatus 300 may have a composite image editing function as described below. For example, it is also possible to change the shape and color of the scale by displaying a predetermined icon together and accepting an input for these. By dragging and dropping the scale image, the position of the scale image in the synthesized image can be freely changed. When the rotation icon is selected, the scale image can be rotated. When the save icon is selected, the composite image is saved. In this case, both overwriting and alias saving are possible. When an image format that can store a layer is selected, the captured image data and the scale image data can be stored in separate layers.

  The image processing apparatus 300 may be a PC, a printer, or a photo viewer, for example. In the case of a printer, the synthesized image can be printed as it is.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus synthesizes a scale image with an image captured using a general-purpose digital camera.

  FIG. 18 shows a configuration of the image processing apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment.

  The image processing apparatus 400 is configured by, for example, a general-purpose computer system, and individual components or functions in the image processing apparatus 400 described below are realized by, for example, executing a computer program.

  That is, the image processing apparatus 400 includes a camera interface control unit 401 for communicating with a digital camera, a memory card control unit 402, an image data storage unit 403 that stores image data, and a captured image and a scale image. A scale composition unit 404 for composition, a focal length registration unit 405 for registering information on the focal length of the digital camera, a focal length / photographing distance input unit 406 for receiving input of the focal length and photographing distance, and an option table 408. .

  The camera interface control unit 401 may be a USB host controller, for example.

  The image data storage unit 403 stores both the captured image data and the synthesized image obtained by synthesizing the scale image. Image data is acquired from a digital camera via the camera interface control unit 401 and acquired from a memory card via the memory card control unit 402. Here, information such as the pixel pitch of the CCD of the photographed digital camera, the focal length at the time of photographing, and the photographing distance is acquired together with the image data (for example, described in the Exif header) and stored in the image data storage unit 403. You may remember it.

  The scale composition unit 404 has the same function as the scale image composition unit 65 of the first embodiment, and holds scale image data. There are a plurality of scale images for each photographing magnification determined by the pixel pitch, focal length, and photographing distance. The composite image generated by the scale composition unit 404 is displayed on the display device 420.

  The focal length registration unit 405 accepts registration of the focal length of the camera when the focal length information cannot be acquired from the camera.

  FIG. 19 shows an example of the focal length registration screen 440. The focal length registration unit 405 displays the focal length registration screen 440 on the display device 420 and accepts input.

  As shown in the figure, the focal length registration screen 440 includes a sample image 441 in which an actual scale 442 is photographed, a scale image 443 that is displayed superimposed on the sample image 441, an adjustment button 444, and a focal length. And a display portion 445.

  The sample image 441 is captured in advance with a camera whose focal length is to be registered in the image processing apparatus 400 and is taken into the image processing apparatus 400. For example, in the case of a camera having a zoom function, a sample image obtained by photographing an actual scale at each zoom magnification is captured in the image processing apparatus 400, and each zoom image is registered by performing the following processing on each sample image. can do.

  When the focal length is changed with the adjustment button 444 while the scale image 443 is displayed over the sample image 441, the photographing magnification is changed accordingly, and the size of the scale image 443 changes accordingly. The user confirms this visually, and matches the size of the scale image 443 with the scale 442 shown in the sample image 441. Thereby, the focal distance when the sample image 441 is photographed can be specified. The focal length specified here is stored in the option table 408.

  Referring to FIG. 18 again, the option table 408 stores options for selecting the focal length and the shooting distance on the focal length / shooting distance input screen 450 described below. The focal length and shooting distance options are registered in advance in addition to being registered by the focal length registration unit 405.

  When the scale composition unit 404 generates a composite image, the focal length / photographing distance input unit 406 does not know the focal length and photographing distance of the target image (cannot be acquired from the camera photographed together with the image data). , Accepts input from the user.

  FIG. 20 shows an example of the focal length / shooting distance input screen 450. The focal length / shooting distance input unit 406 displays the focal length / shooting distance input screen 450 on the display device 420 and receives an input.

  The focal length / shooting distance input screen 450 includes a focal length input area 451 and a shooting distance input area 452 as shown in FIG. The user can directly input numerical values in the focal distance input area 451 and the shooting distance input area 452, or the options registered in the option table 408 may be displayed.

  Here, the user may input a value measured using the projection apparatus 200 of the second embodiment as the shooting distance. Alternatively, the projection apparatus used for measuring the photographing distance may be an apparatus having a function of projecting so as to know the photographing distance, and may be a projection apparatus that omits the communication function and the projection mask rotation function. Good.

  When mounting the projection device to a general-purpose digital camera, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener is attached to the mounting surface of the digital camera and the projection device, respectively. Attach a magnet on one side and a metal member on the other, attach it by magnetic force, attach using a rubber band, make the projection device L-shaped, and screw it in the tripod hole of the digital camera Also good.

  The image processing apparatus 400 may be a printer having a printing mechanism.

  The above-described embodiments of the present invention are examples for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those embodiments. Those skilled in the art can implement the present invention in various other modes without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, after starting projection by the projection device, the shutter timing may be guided to the user by voice, for example, and the light source may be turned off in response to this, or the flash emission may be detected. Then, the light source may be turned off.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the front side of the digital camera 1 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a projection device 2 accommodated in a housing 10. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern of a projection mask 34. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the projection mask 34 rotated. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the digital camera 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a scale image. It is explanatory drawing of imaging magnification. 5 is a correspondence table between a photographing magnification 210 and a scale image file name 220. It is a figure which shows an example of the scale image editing which the scale synthetic | combination part 65 performs. It is an external view of the digital camera and projection apparatus which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an external view of the digital camera and projection apparatus which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the digital camera and projection apparatus which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the digital camera and projection apparatus which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the digital camera and projection apparatus which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the digital camera and projection apparatus which concern on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the image processing system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the image processing apparatus which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a focal distance registration screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a focal distance and imaging distance input screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 8 ... Digital camera, 2 ... Projection apparatus, 10 ... Housing, 11 ... Shooting lens, 21 ... Projection window, 22 ... Shooting distance setting dial, 23 ... Projection mask rotation dial, 25 ... Projection button, 31 ... Light source, 32 ... reflector, 33 ... diffuser plate, 34 ... projection mask, 35 ... projection lens, 36 ... reflector.

Claims (10)

An imaging system comprising a camera equipped with a photographic lens and an image projection device detachably attached to the camera,
The image projector is
Image projecting means for projecting a predetermined image so as to be focused on a surface separated by a predetermined shooting distance;
Transmission means for transmitting information indicating the shooting distance to the camera,
The camera
Receiving means for receiving information indicating the photographing distance from the image photographing device;
An imaging system comprising: a scale image determined based on an imaging magnification determined by a focal length of the imaging lens and the imaging distance; and a recording unit that records a composite image obtained by superimposing the captured image on a recording medium. . An image projection device that is detachable from a camera,
Image projecting means for projecting a predetermined image so as to be focused on a surface separated by a predetermined shooting distance;
An image projection apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit information indicating the shooting distance to the camera when the camera is mounted. A selection means for receiving selection of one shooting distance from a plurality of shooting distance candidates;
The image projection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the projection unit projects the predetermined image at a shooting distance selected by the selection unit. Rotating means for rotating the image projected by the projecting means;
Means for detecting a rotation angle of an image projected by the rotation means;
The image projection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transmission unit further transmits information indicating the rotation angle detected by the detection unit to the camera.   The image projection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transmission unit is a USB host controller. An image projection device that includes a photographic lens and projects a predetermined image so as to be focused on a surface that is separated by a predetermined shooting distance, is a detachable camera,
Receiving means for receiving information indicating the photographing distance from the image photographing device;
And a recording unit configured to record, on a recording medium, a combined image obtained by superimposing a scaled image determined based on a focal length of the photographing lens and a photographing magnification determined by the photographing distance and a photographed photographed image. A storage unit for storing a plurality of scale images for different shooting magnifications;
The recording unit selects a scale image corresponding to information indicating the shooting distance received by the receiving unit from the plurality of scale images, and superimposes the selected scale image and the shot shot image on the recording medium. The camera according to claim 6, recorded in A storage unit that stores a template image of the scale image;
The recording means enlarges or reduces the template image of the scale image based on the information indicating the photographing distance received by the receiving means and the focal length of the photographing lens, and superimposes the photographed photographed image on the recording medium. The camera according to claim 6, which is recorded on the camera. When the receiving means receives information indicating the rotation angle of the image projected by the projection means,
The camera according to claim 6, wherein the recording unit rotates the scale image according to information indicating the rotation angle, and records the scale image on a recording medium so as to overlap the captured image.   The camera according to claim 6, wherein the receiving unit is a USB device controller.

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