JP2007013650A - Imaging controller and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging controller capable of easily setting control information to be used in photographing. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging controller is provided with: a candidate value selection processing means 211 for selecting a candidate value from a default value 222 of a storage unit 220; a candidate value storage processing means 212 for storing the selected candidate value as a candidate value 223 in the storage unit 220; a set value selection processing means 213 for selecting a set value to be used for control from the stored candidate value 223; and a set value notification processing means 214 for notifying an image pickup device 100 of the selected set value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device for an imaging apparatus.

  In recent years, still images and video images taken with a digital camera or video camera are taken into a computer (hereinafter abbreviated as PC) and stored in a hard disk or edited on a PC. With the advance of technology in the field of color printing, the number of users is increasing.

  Unlike conventional film cameras, digital cameras are not mechanically adjusted in brightness, so the closer to infinite steps, the finer the brightness can be controlled. For example, the exposure time setting can be controlled in milliseconds, and since there is no aperture mechanism such that the correction in the program exposure control is 1/3 step by step, continuous control is possible.

  On the other hand, the user does not use the entire range of functions provided in the camera, and generally uses a part of the range. For example, in what the user is to shoot, the exposure time may be 1 second or less or 10 milliseconds or more.

  However, in the case of a digital camera as described above, there are an infinite number of ranges and values of control information such as parameters for controlling the digital camera. For this reason, in consideration of user convenience, the software selects some representative values in advance from the values in the parameter range, and prepares a list of the preselected values in a fixed manner. Select the value you want from the method of shooting.

Nikon high-definition digital camera for microscopes DXM1200F Catalog Nikon Microscope High Definition Digital Camera DXM1200F Instruction Manual

  However, since the list of fixed values prepared in advance by software corresponds to various users, for example, a certain number of setting values for the exposure time are included in the list. For this reason, a large number of unnecessary setting values are prepared for the individual user, and the user is burdened with the selection operation. In addition, when the user himself / herself desires to set a target value, there is a problem that it is difficult to cope with the technique of preparing a list of fixed values so far.

  In particular, when photographing an elephant observed with a microscope, especially when detecting faint light, as in fluorescence observation, fine adjustment of the brightness of the specimen is required, so the brightness desired by the user is required. It is important for making it easy to see the captured image. However, the prior art has not been able to cope with this.

  The present invention provides an imaging control apparatus that can easily set control information used in imaging.

The present invention is an imaging control device that controls imaging of an imaging device using control information,
Candidate value selection processing means for performing processing for selecting candidate values of control information used for control;
Candidate value storage processing means for performing processing for storing the selected candidate value in the storage device;
A set value selection processing means for performing a process of selecting a set value to be used for control from the stored candidate values;
Setting value notification processing means for performing processing for notifying the imaging device of the selected setting value.

  More specifically, in the control device that sets the control parameter of the imaging device in which the control parameter of the imaging condition is stored, the control device receives an instruction to select an arbitrary control parameter from the control parameter of the user, An imaging control apparatus is provided that stores selected control parameters and controls the imaging apparatus based on the stored control parameters.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily perform shooting under conditions desired by the user.

  Hereinafter, an imaging control device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, information indicating an exposure time, which is one of imaging conditions, will be described as an example of control information. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an imaging control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated, the imaging control device of the present embodiment is connected to the imaging device 100, and includes a control device 200 that controls imaging in the imaging device, a display device 300 connected to the control device, and an input device 400. . Specifically, the control device 200 notifies the imaging device 100 of a setting value of control information used for photographing such as a parameter such as an exposure time, and controls photographing. The imaging apparatus 100 includes a digital camera provided with an imaging element such as a CCD. In the present embodiment, the image capturing apparatus 100 to be controlled is prepared in advance with various control information that can be set when the image capturing apparatus captures an image. Accordingly, by notifying the setting value of the control information to be used from the control device 200, the imaging control is performed using the setting value as a condition. Of course, the setting value may be set in the imaging apparatus 100.

  The control device 200 includes an information processing unit 210 including a CPU and a memory, and a storage unit 220 including a readable / writable storage device that can store information, for example, a hard disk device. The control device 200 does not need to be a special device and can be configured by a general computer.

  Various programs executed by the information processing unit 210 are installed in the storage unit 220 via a recording medium or a network and stored as a program 221. Examples of the program 221 include a program for constructing means 211 to 214 described later. The storage unit 220 stores data and the like. As data, a plurality of control information prepared in advance for an imaging device assumed as a control target, for example, a default value 222 for storing exposure time as a default value, and a candidate selected as a set value candidate The value 223 is stored.

  The information processing unit 210 executes the program, and constructs the following functions as an imaging control device that controls imaging of the imaging device 100 with control information. Candidate value selection processing means 211 for performing processing for selecting candidate values of control information used for control, candidate value storage processing means 212 for performing processing for storing the selected candidate values in the storage device (storage unit) 220, and storage A setting value selection processing unit 213 that performs processing for selecting a setting value to be used for control from the set candidate values, and a setting value notification processing unit 214 that performs processing for notifying the imaging device 100 of the selected setting value. . More specifically, a candidate value selection processing unit 211 that performs a process of selecting a candidate value from the default value 222 of the storage unit 220, and a candidate that performs a process of storing the selected candidate value as the candidate value 223 in the storage unit 220. A value storage processing unit 212, a setting value selection processing unit 213 that performs processing for selecting a setting value to be used for control from the stored candidate values 223, and a setting that performs processing for notifying the imaging device 100 of the selected setting value. Value notification processing means 214 is constructed. These means perform information processing according to the purpose of use. The candidate value selection processing unit 211 and the candidate value storage processing unit 212 execute a process of selecting candidate values according to the procedure shown in FIG. 6 and storing the selected candidate values, for example. 2 and 3 show examples of screens used at that time. In addition, the setting selection processing unit 213 and the candidate value notification processing unit 214 execute a process of selecting a setting value from the candidate value according to the procedure illustrated in FIG. 7 and notifying the imaging apparatus, for example. 4 and 5 show examples of screens used at that time.

  The display device 300 is configured by a liquid crystal display, for example, and displays an image sent from the control device 200. Examples of the image include FIGS. 2 to 5. The display device 300 may be provided integrally with the control device. For example, it can be carried by a notebook computer.

  As the input device 400, an input device that can perform an operation input on the screen represented by the display device 300 is used. That is, a device that can select a region, input characters including numerical values, and operate instructions is used. Specific examples include devices including a keyboard and a mouse. The input device 400 may also be a notebook computer that is integrated with the control device 200 in whole or in part.

  Next, the operation of the imaging control apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a procedure for selecting candidate values of control information used for control will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 6. Next, a procedure for selecting a setting value from candidate values will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 and FIG. The candidate value selection processing unit 211, the candidate value storage processing unit 212, the setting value selection processing unit 213, and the setting value notification processing unit 214 shown in FIG. 1 are, for example, a pull-down menu when the system of this embodiment is activated. Can be selected and executed.

  The candidate value selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 2 has a configuration in which two candidate value selection methods can be selectively used. As two candidate value selection methods, an area 520 for selecting a range and an area 530 for selecting a numerical value are provided. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the case where the exposure time is selected as the control information is shown as an example. In addition, a unit input area 510 for determining an input unit is provided in common for both. In the unit input area 510, units such as seconds can be determined in the form of a pull-down menu. In the example of FIG. 2, “seconds” is set by default. Further, a close button 540 for instructing an operation for closing the screen is also displayed.

  The range selection area 520 is used when a candidate value is selected by specifying a range. In this area 520, a selection 1 button 521 for selecting the input method, a minimum value area 522 for inputting a minimum value numerically, a maximum value area 523 for inputting a maximum value numerically, and a minimum A notch area 524 for inputting a numerical value in increments of how many sections are divided from the value to the maximum value is arranged. In addition, an apply button 525 for receiving an instruction to apply the set range is provided.

  In a numerical value selection area 530, candidate values are selected by specifying numerical values such as deleting or adding numerical values. In this area 530, a selection 2 button 531 for selecting the input method, a candidate value display area 532 for displaying the set candidate value 534, and a scroll instruction for the candidate value display area 532 are given. A scroll bar 533, an additional numerical value input area 535 for inputting a numerical value to be added, an add button 535 for giving an instruction to add the input numerical value to the candidate value 534, and a numerical value selected from the candidate value 534 A delete button 537 for instructing deletion and a default value as a candidate value 223 are stored, and a restore / default button 538 for instructing to display a default value in the candidate value display area 532 is arranged. .

  A candidate value selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 3 shows a state in which three candidate values 534 are selected and displayed in the candidate value display area 532 in the value selection area 530. In this state, three candidate values 534 are stored as candidate values 223 in the storage unit 220.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen for selecting a set value when many candidate values are selected. FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen for selecting a set value when the candidate values are narrowed down to three.
4 and 5, the setting value display unit 610 indicating the candidate value currently selected as the setting value, the slider bar 624 having a scale corresponding to the value of the selectable candidate value, and the slider bar 624 are used. A slider 621 that specifies a candidate value to be selected by sliding operation, and a movement instruction button 622 that is positioned at both ends of the slider bar 624 and can be moved in the direction of the arrow by clicking on the portion. 623. Reference numeral 625 denotes a correction amount for program exposure control.

  First, the candidate value selection process will be described with reference to FIG. The information processing unit 210 functions as candidate value selection processing means 211. That is, the candidate value 223 is read from the storage unit 220 (step 801), and the candidate value selection screen 500 shown in FIG. 2 is generated and displayed on the display device 300 (step 802). Here, the candidate value is read because the candidate value may be set before. If there is no change in the set candidate value, it can be used as it is.

  The candidate value selection processing unit 211 waits for an instruction operation from the input device 400 (step 803), and if there is an instruction operation, if it is a default value read instruction by the restore / default button 538 (step 804), the storage is performed. The default value 222 stored in advance in the unit 220 is read (step 805), selected as the candidate value 223, and displayed in the candidate value display area 532 of the candidate value selection screen 500 (step 802). Further, the minimum value of the default value is displayed in the minimum value region 522, the maximum value is displayed in the maximum value region 523, and further, the step is displayed in the step region 524 (step 802).

  If the instruction operation is a close instruction by the close button 540 on the candidate value selection screen 500, the candidate value selection processing unit 211 closes the candidate value selection screen 500 and performs processing. finish.

  When the instruction operation is a selection method selection instruction, the candidate value selection processing unit 211 accepts a selection input by the selected method. In this example, either the selection 1 button 521 or the selection 2 button 531 is selected.

  When the selection 1 button 521 is selected, the candidate value selection processing unit 211 receives an input of a range of candidate values and selects a candidate value (step 808). The range is accepted as follows. First, an input of a minimum value is accepted in the minimum value area 522. In the maximum value area 523, the input of the maximum value is accepted. Further, in the step area 524, an input of a step for dividing the minimum value to the maximum value is accepted. The candidate value selection processing unit 211 calculates a candidate value based on the received minimum value, maximum value, and increment. When the candidate value storage processing unit 212 receives an instruction from the apply button 525 via the input device 400, the candidate value storage processing unit 212 stores the calculated candidate value as the candidate value 223 in the storage unit 220. The candidate value selection processing unit 211 displays the calculated candidate value in the candidate value display area 532.

  When the selection 2 button 531 is selected, the candidate value processing unit 211 accepts a selection instruction by specifying the candidate value 534 group displayed in the candidate value display area 532 with a cursor (not shown). Then, the display mode of the selected candidate value is changed such as luminance inversion. In this state, when an instruction operation of the delete button 537 is accepted, the selected candidate value is deleted from the candidate value display area. The deletion instruction can be accepted for a plurality of candidate values. On the other hand, the candidate value selection processing unit 211 receives a numerical value input to the additional numerical value input area 535, and further receives an operation instruction to the add button 537, and displays the numerical value input in the corresponding portion of the candidate value display area. To do. FIG. 3 shows a result of narrowing down candidate values by performing such processing.

  In the present embodiment, when a numerical value is added, a value that is not necessarily prepared as a default value is also accepted. This is because, even when the default value is not prepared, a corresponding numerical value may exist in the imaging apparatus. Further, even if the user inputs a desired numerical value, the closest approximate value may be selected as a candidate. Of course, a configuration may be adopted in which a smaller approximate value or a larger approximate value is set as a candidate in advance.

  In any of the above-described range specification and numerical value specification candidate selection, the candidate value storage processing unit 212 updates the value of the candidate value 223 every time there is a change such as addition or deletion of a numerical value (step) 810). In the selection 2 as well, the candidate value storage processing unit 212 may be configured to store the selected candidate value in accordance with an instruction from the matching button 525.

  In this way, the candidate value selected by the user from the default value is stored. In this case, by adding a specific identifier, for example, a name to the candidate value and storing it, a plurality of types of candidate values can be individually managed for each photographing condition. It is also possible to always perform shooting under the same conditions. As a result, the number of parts to be adjusted is reduced, and both the adjustment of the light source and the adjustment of the camera are particularly required in the microscope. However, the items to be adjusted can be reduced by making the camera side unique.

  Next, a process of selecting a setting value from candidate values and notifying the imaging apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  The set value selection processing means 213 reads the candidate value 223 from the storage unit 220 (Step 901), generates a set value selection screen 600 as shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, and displays it on the display device 300 (Step S901). 902). Here, in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, the set value selection processing means 213 monitors the presence / absence of the selection operation (step 903) and displays the current value until the operation is performed (step 904). When a selection operation is performed via the input device 400, the instructed numerical value is displayed on the setting value display unit 610 as a newly selected setting value (step 905). Thereafter, upon receiving an instruction from an application button (not shown) (step 906), the setting value notification processing unit 214 notifies the imaging device 100 of the selected setting value (step 907). Here, the notification may be a case where a numerical value indicating the set value is sent to the imaging apparatus or a case where information indicating the numerical value is sent.

  Up to now, when adjusting with slider bar etc., if 0.001 to 90 seconds are displayed, the scale attached to the slider bar becomes very fine, the difference in brightness of one scale is very small, and this is used by the user It was difficult to fine-tune the brightness that he wanted. However, as shown in the present embodiment, since the set values are narrowed down according to the user's desire, such setting difficulty does not occur.

  The imaging apparatus 100 performs imaging using the notified control information, here, the exposure time. Thereby, the imaging of the imaging device 100 is controlled by the set value.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, candidate values can be selected from a large number of control information that can be set, and can be narrowed down to a limited number of candidate values within the range necessary for the imaging. Thereby, when setting control information in an imaging device, it can select from the narrowed down candidate value. Therefore, it is possible to easily set control information for imaging without hesitation at the time of imaging. In addition, by selecting a plurality of candidates in advance in anticipation of a change in a range that usually occurs, it is possible to flexibly cope with a certain degree of condition change, so that preparation for imaging becomes easy.

  Next, the setting of control information will be described more specifically. Here, it is assumed that a camera capable of setting the exposure time from 0.0001 seconds to 90 seconds is used. For example, when only two exposure times are required for imaging, the user selects two exposure times (0.01 seconds and 3 seconds) as candidate values in the candidate value display area 532. Of course, there can be only one.

  On the other hand, when it is desired to use 0.001 to 1 second in 10 stages, the candidate value can be selected by designating the range of candidate values by the range designation described above.

  When a setting value is selected from candidate values, the setting value selection screen 600 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be used.

  By the way, when the imaging apparatus 100 uses the automatic exposure control (AE) function, information is acquired from the imaging apparatus side, and the slider 621 described above is moved to the position of the scale indicating the closest exposure time at that time. It can be set as the structure displayed.

  The present invention is not limited to the setting of the exposure time, but can be applied to the setting of a gain adjustment, a correction amount for program exposure control, a shooting size, and the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, candidate values are selected from default values. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It can be set as the structure which receives inputting a candidate value with a numerical value.

1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an imaging control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen for selecting a candidate value. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen of the state which performed selection of a candidate value. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the screen for selecting a setting value from a candidate value. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the screen for selecting a setting value from a candidate value. It is a flowchart which shows the processing flow of the control apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing flow of the control apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Imaging device, 200 ... Control apparatus, 210 ... Information processing unit, 211 ... Candidate value selection processing means, 212 ... Candidate value storage processing means, 213 ... Setting value selection processing means, 214 ... Setting value notification processing means, 220 ... Storage unit, 221 ... program, 222 ... default value, 223 ... candidate value, 300 ... display device, 4 ... input device.

Claims (5)

An imaging control device that controls imaging of an imaging device based on control information,
Candidate value selection processing means for performing processing for selecting candidate values of control information used for control;
Candidate value storage processing means for performing processing for storing the selected candidate value in the storage device;
A set value selection processing means for performing a process of selecting a set value to be used for control from the stored candidate values;
An imaging control apparatus comprising: a setting value notification processing unit that performs a process of notifying the imaging apparatus of the selected setting value. The imaging control device according to claim 1,
A candidate value setting processing means performs a process of selecting a candidate value from default values stored in advance in a storage device. The imaging control device according to claim 1,
A candidate value setting processing means receives an input of a range from a minimum value to a maximum value and a step for a default value stored in advance in a storage device, and selects a candidate value. A program for causing an imaging control device to perform processing for controlling imaging of an imaging device based on control information,
Candidate value selection processing means for performing processing for selecting candidate values of control information used for control;
Candidate value storage processing means for performing processing for storing the selected candidate value in the storage device;
A set value selection processing means for performing a process of selecting a set value to be used for control from the stored candidate values;
A program for causing the imaging control layer to construct setting value notification processing means for performing processing for notifying the imaging device of a selected setting value. In the imaging control device that sets the control parameters of the imaging device in which the control parameters of the imaging conditions are stored,
The control device receives an instruction to select an arbitrary control parameter from the control parameter of a user, stores the selected control parameter, and controls the imaging device based on the stored control parameter. An imaging control device.

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