JP2007124349A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus in which an operation is easy to perform for determining a correction quantity appropriate in color correction of an image. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus includes an image-taking unit for producing a taken image of a subject by taking the image for capturing the subject; a color correction unit for producing a plurality of corrected images by performing, for the taken image produced in the image-taking unit, given kinds of color corrections using each of a plurality of correction amounts different from each other, an image display unit for ranging a plurality of thumbnail-size images corresponding to each of a plurality of the corrected images produced in the color correction unit in the order corresponding to the corrected amount in the corrected image corresponding to the thumbnail-size image and displaying, by a list, the plurality of the corrected images ranged; and an image recorder for receiving a specified thumbnail-size image from among the thumbnail-size images displayed by the image display unit to then record a corrected image corresponding to the thumbnail-size image specified. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that performs color correction.

  In recent years, with the technological development of imaging devices centering on digital cameras, imaging with a function to change the image processing method according to the shooting environment so that the image obtained by shooting will be an image suitable for the user's preference Devices are coming out. Among these processes, so-called white balance correction, which corrects the color of an image according to the influence of the light source on the subject, plays an important role in obtaining a photographed image with good image quality. .

Recently, there are many image pickup apparatuses having an auto white balance function that automatically corrects white balance according to a shooting environment. However, since how much white balance is perceived as appropriate depends on the user's personal preferences, such auto white balance is often insufficient. For this reason, there has been proposed an imaging apparatus that has a manual white balance correction mechanism and can select a white balance according to the user's own preference by displaying an image when the white balance correction amount is changed on the display screen. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-304546 A

  However, it may be difficult for the user himself to select an appropriate white balance. For example, it may be necessary to select one of two images each having a slightly different white balance. In such a case, the above-described imaging device method is used. In a method of comparing images with different white balances while switching the screens, it is difficult to determine which one is the appropriate white balance, which places a heavy burden on the user.

These problems are not limited to white balance correction, but are common to image color correction in general.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that can easily perform an operation for determining an appropriate correction amount when performing color correction of an image.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus of the present invention provides:
A shooting unit that generates a shot image of the subject by shooting the subject;
A color correction unit that generates a plurality of correction images by performing a predetermined type of color correction on each of a plurality of different correction amounts with respect to the captured image generated by the imaging unit;
An image display unit that displays a list of a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to each of the plurality of correction images generated by the color correction unit in order of correction amounts in the corresponding correction image;
An image recording unit that receives designation of one of the thumbnail images displayed by the image display unit and records a correction image corresponding to the designated thumbnail image. .

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention displays a plurality of corrected images that have been subjected to color correction with a plurality of different correction amounts as thumbnail images and presents them to the user. It is easy to determine whether optimal color correction has been performed, and the burden on the user when determining the correction amount for color correction is reduced.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, “the color correction unit performs color correction on the image signal so that a correction amount is expressed by a set of a plurality of correction components, and the image display unit includes: The form of “displaying a list of the plurality of thumbnail images arranged two-dimensionally” is a preferable form.

  According to such a form, since the list of thumbnail images is two-dimensionally arranged, it is easy to determine the correction amount for which the color correction that is optimal for the user is performed.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, “the color correction unit receives a predetermined command and performs color correction with a new correction amount on the captured image to generate a new corrected image”. The form is also a preferred form.

  In such a form, even when there is no thumbnail image that has been subjected to color correction optimal for the user in the list of presented thumbnail images, the user can generate a new corrected image to generate the optimal color. A corrected image that has been corrected can be obtained.

In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, “the color correction unit generates a new corrected image by performing color correction on the captured image with a new correction amount in response to a predetermined command, The image display unit displays a predetermined number of thumbnail images at a time, and when a new correction image is generated by the color correction unit, the thumbnail image list display is updated.
There is a storage area for storing thumbnail images of the predetermined number or more, and the thumbnail images are stored in the storage area in the order of correction amount, and a new correction image is generated by the color correction unit. A storage unit for storing a new thumbnail image corresponding to the new corrected image in a storage position in the storage area where the new thumbnail image should be stored in order of correction amount. "Is a preferred form.

The “storage position to be stored in the order of correction amounts” herein includes a storage position that circulates by providing the storage position with periodicity. In addition, “store in a storage position” here includes newly storing in an empty storage position and overwriting an already stored storage position.

  In this manner, even when there is no thumbnail image that has been subjected to color correction that is optimal for the user in the list of thumbnail images that was initially presented, a new thumbnail image is presented by updating the list display. As a result, the range of options for determining a correction amount of color correction appropriate for the user is increased. In addition, by adopting a method of displaying in the order of storage positions, display of an arrangement desired by the user is realized, and linkage between storage and display is facilitated, and unnecessary rewriting of the storage area is avoided.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, it is easy to determine an appropriate correction amount when correcting the color of an image.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The image pickup apparatus according to the present embodiment is a digital camera having a function of correcting white balance.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a digital camera, which is an embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention, as viewed from diagonally above the front surface. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the digital camera as viewed from diagonally above the back surface.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a photographing lens 101 is provided at the center of the front surface of the digital camera 100. Further, an optical viewfinder objective window 102 and a flash light emitting unit 103 are provided on the upper front of the digital camera 100. Further, on the upper surface of the digital camera 100, a slide type power switch 104 and a release switch 150 for instructing still image shooting are provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a USB connector 131 into which the USB cable 300 is inserted when the digital camera 100 is connected to an external device such as a computer with the USB cable 300 is provided on the side surface of the digital camera 100. Further, an optical viewfinder eyepiece window 106, a menu button 160, an execution / screen changeover switch 170, an LCD 130, a cross key 24, and a mode dial 10 are provided on the back side.

  The mode dial 10 is a dial that can be rotated in the direction indicated by the double-headed arrow in the figure, and the user operates the mode dial 10 to operate the still image shooting mode (Cam) and the playback mode (Play). The operation setting mode (Setup), which is a mode for setting the operation, can be selected. FIG. 2 shows a state where the playback mode (Play) is selected.

  The user can move the cursor position up, down, left, or right by pressing an operation button with four arrows in the figure of the cross key 24 when selecting from various setting items on the LCD 130. it can. The button at the center of the cross key 24 is an OK button, and selection is confirmed by pressing this OK button.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the digital camera whose appearance is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  The digital camera 100 includes an optical system (not shown) such as a focus lens, a zoom lens, and a diaphragm, and an imaging unit 110 provided with a CCD 111 that is one type of imaging device, and is indicated by a one-dot chain line in the figure. The subject light is always converted into an analog image signal representing the subject light in the CCD 111 in the imaging unit 110. The CCD 111 uses a so-called all-pixel readout method in which image signals for each color are output using all pixels while switching color filters corresponding to the three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). Therefore, the image signals corresponding to the three RGB colors are output with a time shift. The analog image signal is processed by the image signal processing unit 122 and finally becomes digitized image data, which is displayed on the LCD 130 via the display control unit 123 that controls image display. The image (so-called through image) is displayed. Further, when the still image shooting mode is selected and the release switch 130 of FIG. 1 is operated, the image data processed in the image signal processing unit 122 is subjected to JPEG compression by the image recording unit 140 and is stored in the memory card 141. To be recorded. As will be described later, the image signal processing unit 122 plays an important role when correcting the white balance. A specific configuration of the image signal processing unit 122 will be described in detail later. Here, the combination of the imaging unit 110, the image signal processing unit 122, the display control unit 123, and the LCD 130 corresponds to an example of the imaging unit referred to in the present invention.

  Further, the digital camera 100 includes a buffer memory 128 for temporarily storing image data, and a USB connector 131 into which a USB cable is inserted for exchanging information such as image data with an external device such as a computer. It has been. In FIG. 3, various switches and buttons such as the mode dial 10 and the release switch 150 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are collectively shown as an operation unit 151. Therefore, for example, an instruction to shoot a still image by pressing the release switch 150 is included in the operation of the operation unit 151.

  Further, the digital camera 100 is provided with a ROM 121 that is a memory for storing a program and the like. The ROM 121 is a program showing a procedure of operations executed by the CPU 120 that controls each part of the digital camera 100. Is stored and the operation unit 151 is operated, processing according to the operation is executed according to this program. Data is exchanged between the CPU 120 and each unit such as the imaging unit 110, the image signal processing unit 122, the display control unit 123, and the image recording unit 140 via the bus 1200, and data is transmitted via the bus 1200. A RAM 129 is provided as a buffer when transfer is performed. In the RAM 129, data that becomes a variable is written as needed according to the progress of the processing process of each unit, and each unit such as the imaging unit 110 and the image signal processing unit 122 described above appropriately refers to the data. Processing is performed.

  The above is the outline of the configuration of the digital camera 100 whose appearance is shown in FIGS. Next, the configuration of the image signal processing unit 122 illustrated in FIG. 3 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image signal processing unit shown in FIG.

  The image signal processing unit 122 processes three types of analog image signals representing R, G, and B colors generated by shifting the time by the CCD 111 shown in FIG. 3, and includes a CDS circuit 122_1, an AGC circuit 122_2, An A / D converter 122_3 is provided. All of these three types of analog image signals are subjected to noise removal in the CDS circuit 122_1, and then input to the AGC circuit 122_2 to be amplified in signal level. The A / D converter 122_3 performs digital signal amplification. Converted to image data.

Subsequent to the A / D conversion unit 122_3, a color separation unit 122_4, a calculation unit 122a, a WB gain 122_5, a γ correction correction unit 122_6, a data conversion unit 122_7, and a size conversion unit 122_8 are provided. In any case, processing corresponding to each of R color, G color, and B color is executed. WB gain 122_5, the image with respect to a gain for performing the white balance (WB) correction, data conversion unit 122_7 is the RGB data, the luminance data (Y data) and two color difference data _{(C R} data, C _(B data) to YC data. The size conversion unit 122_8 has a function of converting the image size by thinning out the image data. As will be described later, this function is used for the user's preference for the image obtained by shooting according to the user's instruction. This is demonstrated when the white balance (WB) correction is performed, and image size conversion is not performed on image data immediately after shooting.

  The three types of image data representing the R, G, and B colors input to the color separation unit 122_4 are input to the calculation unit 122a after time synchronization is performed here. The arithmetic unit 122a calculates light source color data and light source luminance data necessary for determination of the color of the light source and determination of the white area in the image, and these data are input to the CPU 120 shown in FIG. Further, data necessary for gradation correction is also calculated by the calculation unit 122a and input to the CPU 120. The CPU 120 controls the WB gain 122_5 and the γ correction correction unit 122_6 based on the input data, and appropriately selects three types of image data representing R, G, and B colors output from the color separation unit 122_4. Perform white balance correction and γ correction. The white balance correction at this time is correction by a so-called auto white balance function that is automatically performed on the generated image data. The image data subjected to such correction is converted from RGB data to YC data in the data converter 122_7. The image data immediately after shooting is subjected to the above processing, then passed through the size converter 122_8, temporarily stored in the buffer memory 128, and then JPEG compressed and stored in the memory card 141 shown in FIG. .

  As described above, in the digital camera 100, the white balance correction by the auto white balance function is executed on the image data immediately after shooting. However, since how much white balance is perceived as appropriate depends on the user's personal preferences, such auto white balance is often insufficient. For this reason, the digital camera 100 has a function of displaying a list of a plurality of thumbnail images in which white balance corrections of different correction amounts are applied to the image data stored in the memory card 141 in this way. From the list of displayed thumbnail images, the user can determine a desired white balance correction amount while comparing thumbnail images that have been subjected to white balance correction with different correction amounts. As a result, the burden on the user for determining the desired white balance correction amount is reduced. Hereinafter, the function of the digital camera 100 that reduces the burden on the user when determining the desired white balance correction amount will be described in detail.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing operations performed by the digital camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 when the user's favorite white balance correction is determined.

  First, the user who has determined that correction only by the auto white balance function is insufficient operates the mode dial 10 shown in FIG. 2 to select “Play” representing the playback mode. Then, the image data is read from the memory card 141 shown in FIG. 3 and reproduced on the LCD 130 (step S1). Then, when the user operates the menu button 160 shown in FIG. 2, a white balance setting screen is displayed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a white balance setting screen.

  In this white balance setting screen, two options “Yes” and “No” are displayed for white balance correction below the image being reproduced. The user can select one of the two options “Yes” and “No” with the cross key 24 shown in FIG. If the user changes his mind and determines that it is not necessary to correct the white balance, “No” is selected, and the screen returns to the previous playback screen. Here, the user who determines that the correction by the auto white balance function alone is insufficient selects “Yes”. Hereinafter, an example of the tulip image shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

  In FIG. 6, when “Yes” is selected (step S2 in FIG. 5), the color state of the tulip image (hereinafter referred to as the original image) in this figure, that is, the color after correction by the auto white balance function When the above state is used as a reference for the gradation value, an index indicating how much the R and B gradation values of the three RGB colors are increased or decreased is assigned. Specifically, the index here is 10% increase is represented by +1, and 10% decrease is represented by -1. From the R and B tone values of the original image, The percentage of the gradation value is expressed in a coordinate format. For example, in the color state, the R color gradation value is decreased by 10% from the R color gradation value of the original image, and the B color gradation value is increased by 10% from the B color gradation value of the original image. The change is represented by an index of (-1, +1). In this digital camera 100, the R and B colors can be increased or decreased in 10% increments from the color state of the original image. However, immediately after “Yes” is selected in FIG. % Change), no change (0% increase), and index assignment is performed only for changes in the three color states of 10% increase. Therefore, as the change in the gradation values of the two colors of R and B, nine types of indices consisting of combinations of index components of -1, 0, and +1 are assigned (step S3 in FIG. 5). ).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing assigned indices.

  As shown in this figure, centering on (0, 0) which means that the white balance state is not changed from the original image, the direction in which the ratio of the R color increases becomes the right direction in the figure, and the ratio of the B color The above nine types of indices are represented in the vertical direction in which becomes larger.

  The assignment of the index is performed by the CPU 120 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the CPU 120 further controls the WB gain 122_5 shown in FIG. 4 to correct the white balance corresponding to the assigned index. Then, the size conversion unit 122_8 shown in FIG. 4 performs the resizing process on the image data on which the white balance has been corrected, so that finally nine thumbnail size images corresponding to 3 × 3 types of indices are obtained. Image data representing each is generated (step S4 in FIG. 5). Then, image data representing these nine thumbnail size images is recorded in the buffer memory 128 shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the buffer memory illustrated in FIG. 3 in which image data of nine thumbnail images corresponding to 3 × 3 types of indices is recorded.

As shown in the figure, the buffer memory 128 includes 15 image data storage areas in which image data of 15 thumbnail images can be recorded. The fifteen image data storage areas are image data storage areas in which thumbnail image data corresponding to a total of 3 × 5 types of white balance correction in three stages for the B color and five stages for the R color are stored. Each image data storage area has an integer n, m (−3 <n <+3, −2 <n <+2) to represent the position of each image data storage area [n, m An address such as
Of the 15 image data storage areas, the 9 thumbnail image data generated in step S4 is 9 in the central 3 × 3 image data storage area shown by the black frame in FIG. The nine indexes representing the content of white balance correction applied to each of the image data are recorded so that the addresses shown in FIG. 8 coincide with each other (step S5 in FIG. 5). For example, image data that has been subjected to white balance correction represented by an index of (+1, +1) is recorded in an image data storage area at an address represented by [+1, +1], and is a thumbnailed original image Is recorded in the image data storage area at the address represented by [0, 0]. In FIG. 8, in order to show such a recording state, an index is displayed in each image data storage area.

  Then, nine thumbnail images represented by the image data recorded in the buffer memory 128 are displayed on the LCD 130 shown in FIG. 3 (step S6 in FIG. 5).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which thumbnail images corresponding to 3 × 3 types of indices are displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, there are a total of nine thumbnail images corresponding to changes in three steps (vertical direction in the figure) for the B color in three steps (vertical direction in the figure) and three steps in 10% steps for the R color (horizontal direction in the figure). 3 is displayed on the LCD 130 shown in FIG. 3 centering on the thumbnailed original image. In this state, the user moves the cursor to the thumbnail image for which his / her favorite white balance correction has been performed, using the four buttons with the up / down / left / right arrows of the cross key 24 shown in FIG. be able to. FIG. 9 shows a state where the cursor is positioned on the upper right thumbnail image. If there is a thumbnail image in which the user's favorite white balance correction has been performed among these nine thumbnail images, the user further presses the four-way controller while the cursor is positioned on the thumbnail image. A thumbnail image is selected by pressing the OK button at the center of the screen. In this way, when a thumbnail image is selected (step S7 in FIG. 5; Yes), the CPU 120 shown in FIG. 4 controls the WB gain 122_5, thereby correcting the white balance corresponding to the selected thumbnail image. Is applied again to the image data representing the original image. Then, the corrected image is displayed on the LCD 130 and recorded on the memory card 141 (step S8).

  In this way, by providing a mechanism for displaying a list of a plurality of thumbnail images that have been subjected to white balance corrections with different correction amounts, it becomes easy to compare different white balance corrections and determine which white balance is appropriate. The user can easily judge.

  If the user's favorite white balance correction is not found in these nine thumbnail images, the user operates the button with the left and right arrows of the cross key 24 shown in FIG. The screen can be scrolled by moving the cursor to the outside of the screen, and for the R color, a thumbnail image on which white balance correction different from the white balance correction shown in FIG. Can be made. Upon receiving such user's operation, the digital camera 100 uses the vacant image data storage area of the buffer memory 128 as shown in FIG. The thumbnail image is displayed as a thumbnail image that has been subjected to white balance correction different for the R color.

  If the user operates the cross key 24 without pressing the OK button at the center of the cross key 24 shown in FIG. 2, the thumbnail image is not selected (step S7 in FIG. 5; No), and then the cross key by the user is selected. It is determined whether or not an instruction to move the cursor beyond the current display range is given by the left / right operation of 24 (step S9 in FIG. 5). If the cursor movement is within the display range (step S9; No), the process returns to step S7 in FIG. 5 and the determinations in step S7 and step S9 are repeated. If it is selected to move beyond the display range (step S9 in FIG. 5; Yes), the gradation value for the R color is larger than the gradation value for the R color of the thumbnail image shown in FIG. For the changing white balance correction, index calculation and white balance correction / resizing processing based on the index are executed (step S10 in FIG. 5). This process is performed when a list of thumbnail images that have been subjected to white balance correction in which the tone value of the R color is 10% larger than the tone value of the R color of the thumbnail image shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. This will be described as an example.

  In the state shown in FIG. 9, a thumbnail image that has been subjected to white balance correction in which the change of the gradation value of the R color is increased by 10% when the user presses the button with the right arrow of the cross key 24. When the display is instructed, the thumbnail image that is not displayed in the thumbnail image list shown in FIG. 9 and that has been subjected to white balance correction in which the tone value for the R color is increased by 20% from the original image. The work to newly generate is started. First, an index for the newly added type of white balance correction is calculated.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an index when the gradation value of the R color is increased as compared with the state of FIG.

The 3 × 3 indexes surrounded by the black frame shown in this figure are indexes representing white balance corrections corresponding to the 3 × 3 thumbnail images displayed when the display range is moved to the right. . This black frame is shifted by one in the right direction compared to the state of FIG. The CPU 120 shown in FIG. 3 first obtains the center index (here, (+1, 0)) of 3 × 3 indices surrounded by a black frame from the original center index and the moving direction of the display range, Based on the relative positional relationship (in this case, upper right, right, lower right) between the central index and the three new indices that have been added by one shift to the right, The indicator is calculated. For example, the index on the upper right side when viewed from (+1, 0) is represented by (+1, +1) because the positional relationship of the upper right side with respect to the center is (+1, 0) + (+ 1, +1) = (+ 2, +1) )
It is calculated as follows. Similarly, the index on the right side when viewed from (+1, 0) is represented by (+1, 0) because the positional relationship to the right with respect to the center is (+1, 0) + (+ 1, 0) = (+ 2 , 0)
Is calculated as
The index at the lower right when viewed from (+1, 0) is expressed as (+1, −1) in the positional relationship of the lower right with respect to the center, so (+1, 0) + (+ 1, −1) = ( +2, -1)
It is calculated as follows. In this way, as shown in FIG. 10, three indices (+2, +1), (+2, 0), and (+2, −1) are newly added as compared with the state of FIG. When the index is calculated in this way, the white balance is corrected based on the newly added index, and further the resizing process is performed (step S10). For example, in (+2, +1), after the white balance correction is performed to increase the R color gradation value by 20% and the B color gradation value by 10% with respect to the original image, the resizing process is performed. Will be given. The image data subjected to the resizing process in this way is subsequently determined whether or not there is an image data storage area having an address matching the calculated index in the buffer memory 128 of FIG. 3 (FIG. 5). Step S11). As shown in FIG. 8, the buffer memory 128 includes image data storage areas represented by addresses [+2, +1], [+2, 0], [+2, −1] (step S11; Yes) These three image data storage areas are empty areas where nothing is recorded. Therefore, in these three image data storage areas, image data on which white balance correction represented by three indices (+2, +1), (+2, 0), and (+2, −1) has been performed, respectively. The index and the address are recorded so as to match (step S5 in FIG. 5).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the buffer memory shown in FIG. 3 in which three image data are newly recorded in the state shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, image data that has been subjected to white balance correction corresponding to three indices (+2, +1), (+2, 0), and (+2, −1) are respectively [+2, +1 ], [+2, 0], and [+2, -1] are newly recorded in addition to the state shown in FIG.

  After such recording, nine thumbnail images corresponding to 3 × 3 types of changes based on the image data in the area indicated by the black frame in FIG. 11 are displayed on the LCD 130 shown in FIG. (Step S7 in FIG. 5). While viewing these displayed thumbnail images, the user checks whether there is a thumbnail image for which his / her favorite white balance has been corrected, and these thumbnail images have been corrected for his / her favorite white balance. If there are nine thumbnail images, the thumbnail image is selected (step S7 in FIG. 5; Yes), enlarged display on the LCD 130, and recording to the memory card 141 (FIG. 5). 5 step S8).

  There is no thumbnail image in which the user's favorite white balance has been corrected among these nine thumbnail images, and white balance correction is performed so that the gradation value for the R color is increased by 30% from the original image. When it is desired to display the thumbnail image (step S7 in FIG. 5; No), it is selected to move the display range again (step S9 in FIG. 5; Yes).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an index when the gradation value of the R color is increased as compared with the state of FIG.

The 3 × 3 indexes surrounded by a black frame shown in this figure are displayed on each of 3 × 3 thumbnail images displayed when the user operates the right key of the cross key 24 to operate. This is an index representing white balance correction to be performed. This black frame is shifted by one in the right direction compared to the state of FIG. The CPU 120 shown in FIG. 3 displays the center index (here, (+2, 0)) of 3 × 3 indices surrounded by a black frame as the center index of the previous screen (that is, (+1, 0)). It is calculated from the direction of movement of the range, and the relative positional relationship (in this case, upper right, right, lower right) between the center index and the three indices newly added by shifting by one in the right direction Based on this, three newly added indicators are calculated. Since the index on the upper right side when viewed from (+2, 0) is expressed as (+1, +1) with respect to the center, the upper right position is represented by (+2, 0) + (+ 1, +1) = (+ 3, +1).
It is calculated as follows. Similarly, the index on the right side when viewed from (+2, 0) is expressed as (+1, 0) in the positional relationship of right with respect to the center, and (+2, 0) + (+ 1, 0) = (+ 3). , 0)
Calculated as
The index at the lower right when viewed from (+2, 0) is expressed as (+1, −1) in the positional relationship of the lower right with respect to the center, so (+2, 0) + (+ 1, −1) = ( +3, -1)
It is calculated as follows. In this way, as shown in FIG. 12, three indices (+3, +1), (+3, 0), and (+3, −1) are newly added as compared with the state of FIG. When the indexes are calculated in this way, white balance correction based on these indexes is performed, and a resizing process is further performed (step S10). The image data subjected to the resizing process in this way is subsequently determined whether or not there is an image data storage area having an address matching the calculated index in the buffer memory 128 of FIG. 3 (FIG. 5). Step S11). As shown in FIG. 11, there is no image data storage area whose addresses are represented by [+3, +1], [+3, 0], [+3, -1] in the buffer memory 128 (step S11; No). . However, the image data storage area of the buffer memory 128 is periodic with respect to the R color component of the address, and the period is five. Therefore, for example, an address represented by [+3, +1] is identified with an address of [−2, +1], and similarly, an address of [+3, 0] and [+3, −1] is represented by [− 2, 0], [-2, -1]. As a result, the image data is recorded in the image data storage area whose addresses are represented by [−2, +1], [−2, 0], and [−2, −1].

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the buffer memory shown in FIG. 3 in which image data is newly recorded in the state shown in FIG.

  As shown in this figure, instead of the image data storage area which would otherwise be represented as [+3, +1], [+3, 0], [+3, -1], the address is [-2. , +1], [−2, 0], [−2, −1], the indices are represented by (+3, +1), (+3, 0), (+3, −1). The image data that has been subjected to the white balance correction and resizing processing is recorded based on the instruction of the CPU 120 shown in FIG. 3 (step S12).

  After such recording, nine thumbnail images corresponding to 3 × 3 types of changes based on the image data in the area indicated by the black frame in FIG. 13 are displayed on the LCD 130 shown in FIG. (Step S7 in FIG. 5). While viewing these displayed thumbnail images, the user checks whether there is a thumbnail image for which his / her favorite white balance has been corrected, and these thumbnail images have been corrected for his / her favorite white balance. If there are nine thumbnail images, the thumbnail image is selected (step S7 in FIG. 5; Yes), enlarged display on the LCD 130, and recording to the memory card 141 (FIG. 5). 5 step S8).

  In the embodiment described above, the display on the LCD 130 is a two-dimensional arrangement of thumbnail images that have been subjected to white balance correction corresponding to each index, with the R color on the horizontal axis and the B color on the vertical axis. Although displayed, the present invention is not limited to such a display method, and, for example, a method of displaying thumbnail images in a one-dimensional manner for R color or B color may be adopted. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the above-described embodiment, adopting such a method will be described.

  This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 in that, in step S6 of FIG. 5, three thumbnail images are displayed in the vertical direction (B color direction) and in the horizontal direction. It is not a total of 3 × 3 thumbnail images in the (R color direction), but three thumbnail images for the B color or the R color, and the appearance and configuration other than that and the processing of the image data This method is the same as in the previous embodiment. Accordingly, with respect to the external view, the configuration diagram, and the image data processing method, reference is made to FIGS. In the following, the description will be limited to the point where three thumbnail images are displayed.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state in which three thumbnail images corresponding to three types of changes are displayed.

  This is shown in the lower right of FIG. By selecting one of “blue” and “red” using the button with the left and right arrows of the cross key 24 and the OK button in the center of the cross key 24 shown in FIG. Which of the colors is subjected to white balance correction is determined. In this figure, a state in which white balance correction for “red” is selected is shown. At this time, the three types of changes represented by the three thumbnail images on the screen indicate the gradation of the B color. The value is constant, and represents a three-stage change in which the change in gradation value is 10% different when the R color gradation value of the original image is used as a reference. From these three thumbnail images, for the R color, the user selects a thumbnail image that has been subjected to a preferred white balance correction, thereby confirming the white balance correction for the R color. Subsequently, when switching from “red” to “blue” shown in the lower right of FIG. 14, the R color is constant, and the gradation value is based on the gradation value of the B color of the original image. Are displayed in three stages, each of which changes by 10%. The user can determine the B color by selecting a thumbnail image that has been subjected to the preferred white balance correction for the B color.

  At this time, for the R color, when the user selects to move the display range as in step 9 of FIG. 5 described above, the newly added image data is the same as in step S11 of FIG. It is recorded in the image data storage area depending on whether or not there is an address that matches the index.

  The above is the description of the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the above, the user is allowed to select a desired white balance correction from among different white balance corrections. However, the present invention is not limited to white balance correction. The user may select a favorite combination from the balance correction combinations.

  Moreover, in the embodiment, the display range is switched in the left-right direction in order to display thumbnail images with different white balance corrections. However, the present invention may switch the display range in the up-down direction.

  In the embodiment, the thumbnail images are displayed side by side on the LCD 130. However, in the present invention, for example, the thumbnail images are two-dimensionally arranged and displayed three-dimensionally on a plane floating in a space having a depth. You may do it.

It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the digital camera which is one Embodiment of the imaging device of this invention from the front diagonally upward. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the digital camera which is one Embodiment of the imaging device of this invention from back diagonally upward. It is a schematic block diagram of the digital camera which shows an external appearance in FIG. 1 and FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the image signal processing part shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation performed by the digital camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 when a user's favorite white balance correction is determined. It is a figure showing the setting screen of white balance. It is the figure which showed the allocated parameter | index. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the buffer memory illustrated in FIG. 3 in which image data of nine thumbnail images corresponding to 3 × 3 types of indices is recorded. It is a figure showing a mode that the thumbnail image corresponding to a 3 * 3 type parameter | index is displayed. . FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an index when the gradation value of the R color is increased as compared with the state of FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the buffer memory shown in FIG. 3 in which three image data are newly recorded in the state of FIG. 7. It is the figure which showed the parameter | index when the gradation value of R color increased compared with the state of FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the buffer memory shown in FIG. 3 in which three image data are newly recorded in the state of FIG. 11. It is a figure showing a mode that three thumbnail images corresponding to three types of changes are displayed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Digital camera 101 Shooting lens 102 Optical viewfinder objective window 103 Flash light emission part 104 Power switch 10 Mode dial 24 Cross key 106 Optical viewfinder eyepiece window 128 Buffer memory 150 Release switch 151 Operation part 160 Menu button 170 Execution / screen changeover switch 110 Imaging unit 111 CCD
120 CPU
121 ROM
122 image signal processor 122a arithmetic unit 122_1 CDS circuit 122_2 AGC circuit 122_2
122_3 A / D converter 122_4 Color separator 122_5 WB gain 122_6 γ correction corrector 122_7 Data converter 122_8 Size converter 129 RAM
130 LCD
131 USB connector 140 Image recording unit 141 Memory card 1200 Bus 104a Power switch 128a Buffer memory 160a Menu button 120a CPU
121a ROM
122a Signal processing unit 122a_1 Image information creation unit 129a RAM
130a LCD
131a USB connector 135a communication unit 151a operation unit 201 earpiece 202 sounding port 205 numeric keypad 1200a bus

Claims (4)

A shooting unit that generates a shot image of the subject by shooting the subject;
A color correction unit that generates a plurality of correction images by performing a predetermined type of color correction on each of the plurality of correction amounts different from each other on the captured image generated by the imaging unit;
An image display unit that displays a list of a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to each of the plurality of correction images generated by the color correction unit in order of correction amounts in the corresponding correction image;
An image recording unit that receives a designation of any one of the thumbnail images displayed by the image display unit and records a correction image corresponding to the designated thumbnail image. Imaging device. The color correction unit performs color correction on the image signal so that a correction amount is expressed by a set of a plurality of correction components.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image display unit displays the plurality of thumbnail images in a two-dimensional array as a list.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color correction unit performs a color correction with a new correction amount on the captured image in response to a predetermined command to generate a new correction image. . The color correction unit receives a predetermined command and performs color correction with a new correction amount on the captured image to generate a new correction image;
The image display unit displays a predetermined number of thumbnail images at a time, and updates a thumbnail image list display when a new correction image is generated by the color correction unit,
A storage area for storing thumbnail images equal to or greater than the predetermined number is stored, and the thumbnail images are stored in the storage areas in the order of correction amounts, and a new correction image is generated by the color correction unit. A storage unit for storing a new thumbnail image corresponding to the new corrected image in a storage position in the storage area where the new thumbnail image should be stored in order of correction amount. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

Images