JP2007213083A - Image processing system, image processing method, image processing apparatus, image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate a digital image data without soaring production cost which can arbitrarily vary the focal range, after imaging. <P>SOLUTION: The digital still camera 1 comprises a CCD 3 for converting a received image of a subject to be photographed; an optical system unit 2 for imaging the subject on the CCD 3; a linear motor 5 for changing the focusing position by moving the CCD3 relative to the optical system unit 2, and a CPU 8 for generating image data Dg of the subject image, based on the electric signals outputted from the CCD 3. The linear motor 5 changes the focusing position in a multi-step or stepless manner according to one release operation, and the CPU 8 generates the image data Dg of the subject image at focal points regarding modified and mutually different N (N is an integer that is 2 or larger) points. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital still camera that captures a subject image and generates digital image data.

Today, with the spread of personal computers and the generalization of Internet connection using personal computers, digital still cameras for recording digital image data have begun to spread widely. This digital still camera receives a subject image according to a release operation of a photographer, and generates digital image data by converting the light information (subject image) into an electrical signal. The generated digital image data is recorded in a removable memory such as a memory card (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this case, a general digital still camera is equipped with an autofocus mechanism, and a lens having a large F number (depth of field) in order to facilitate focusing while reducing the size and weight of the camera body. A deep optical system). Therefore, simply by pointing the digital still camera toward the subject and operating the release button, an image focused on the subject is shot by the autofocus mechanism, and digital image data about the image is recorded in the removable memory.
JP 2000-138849 A

  However, the conventional digital still camera has the following problems. That is, a conventional digital still camera employs an optical system having a deep depth of field in order to facilitate focusing. Therefore, it is possible to shoot an image that is in focus over the entire image from the subject on the near side to the subject on the far side. However, in an optical system with a deep depth of field, objects that are farther away than the focused subject are also in focus, so the background (the subject on the far side) is blurred like a portrait image. Image capture becomes difficult. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to capture an attractive image.

  On the other hand, by employing an optical system with a shallow depth of field, it is possible to capture an image with a blurred background. However, when using a digital still camera incorporating this optical system to capture an image that is in focus over the entire image, there is an operation to change the aperture value of the optical system to increase the depth of field. Necessary. In this case, this operation is very complicated for an unfamiliar person, and it is difficult to capture an image that is in focus throughout. In addition, even if an image processing program is used for an out-of-focus image, it is difficult to edit it to an in-focus image, so a digital still camera that uses an optical system with a shallow depth of field. However, it is very difficult to generate an image in which the entire focus is achieved.

  Furthermore, in this type of general digital still camera, a small LCD panel is mounted in order to check the quality of the angle and focusing. In this case, when the amount of light is insufficient, such as night photography, or when an obstacle such as a fence is present in front of the subject, it is difficult to focus by the automatic focusing mechanism, so it is necessary to focus manually. However, there is a problem that it is very difficult for a photographer unfamiliar with the operation to focus while checking the screen displayed on the LCD panel. In addition, it is possible to improve the autofocus mechanism so that autofocus can be performed in various environments, or to install a large LCD panel to make it easy to check the quality of the focus. There arises a problem that the manufacturing cost increases.

  On the other hand, there are omnifocal digital microscopes that can capture a plurality of digital images with different focal positions. This all-focus digital microscope takes a plurality of images while changing the focal position within the depth of field range of the optical system at the time of shooting. Accordingly, it is possible to include image information focused on each captured image. Further, after the imaging is completed, only the information on the in-focus part is extracted from each image and synthesized as one image data, so that the focused image can be displayed on the entire screen. However, the all-focus digital microscope has a problem that it can not shoot a distant mountain or standing tree, for example, even though it can shoot a subject at a very short distance. Further, since one image data file is generated for each image, there is a problem that a large capacity memory is required to record the image data file.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and generates digital image data capable of arbitrarily changing a focus range after shooting without causing an increase in manufacturing cost. The main object is to provide a digital still camera. Another object of the present invention is to provide a digital still camera that can reduce the amount of digital image data.

  In order to achieve the above object, a digital still camera according to the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion unit that converts a received subject image into an electrical signal, an optical system device that forms the subject image on the photoelectric conversion unit, and A focal position changing means for changing a focal position by either moving or moving one of the photoelectric conversion means and the optical system apparatus, or changing the imaging position of the subject image by the optical system apparatus; and the photoelectric conversion A digital still camera including an image data generation unit configured to generate digital image data for the subject image based on the electrical signal output from the unit, wherein the focal position changing unit performs a single release operation. Accordingly, the focal position is changed in multiple steps or steplessly, and the image data generation unit is configured to change the different N (N is two or more natural values). ) To generate the digital image data for said object image at the focus position of the point.

  In this digital still camera, the focal position changing means changes the focal position in multiple steps or steplessly in response to one release operation, and the image data generating unit changes the subject at the different N focal points. By generating digital image data for an image, the generated digital image data can be edited with, for example, a personal computer, so that an image with a desired amount of blur can be easily created after shooting is completed. .

  In the digital still camera according to the present invention, a storage medium for storing the digital image data generated by the image data generation unit is detachable from the digital still camera.

  In this digital still camera, since the storage medium for storing the digital image data generated by the image data generation unit is configured to be detachable, it is possible to carry various images while traveling, for example, The image data file can be easily read by the personal computer.

  Furthermore, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the focal position changing means is between a focal position on the shortest distance side in the optical system apparatus and a focal position on the infinity side in the optical system apparatus. The focal position is changed.

  In this digital still camera, the focal position changing means changes the focal position between the focal position on the shortest distance side in the optical system apparatus and the focal position on the infinity side in the optical system apparatus, so that it is very close to the digital still camera. It is possible to reliably generate digital image data focused on each of the subject located far away from the subject located far away.

  Further, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the focal position changing unit changes the focal position between two preset focal positions.

  In this digital still camera, the focal position changing means changes the focal position between two preset focal positions, thereby realizing generation of highly accurate digital image data or reduction in the number of captured images. It becomes possible.

  Furthermore, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the focal position changing unit gradually changes the focal position as the focal position is closer to the short distance side, and is steeper as the focal position is located on the far distance side. To change the focal position.

  In this digital still camera, the focal position changing means changes the focal position more gently as the focal position on the near side becomes closer, and changes the focal position more abruptly on the far side, thereby reducing the depth of field. Images can be taken at short distance intervals on the short distance side and at long distance intervals on the far distance side where the depth of field is deep. As a result, it is possible to realize a reduction in the number of captured images while reliably capturing an image focused on the subject.

  In the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the focal position changing unit changes the focal position from a focal position on a short distance side toward a focal position on a long distance side.

  In this digital still camera, the focal position changing means changes the focal position from the focal position on the short-distance side toward the focal position on the far-distance side, thereby focusing on the short-distance side at the initial stage where the moving speed of the lens or the like is slow. It is possible to take an image that is in focus, and it is possible to take an image that is in focus on the far side after the latter half when the moving speed is high. Therefore, it is possible to generate digital image data including image information focused on at least one place.

  Further, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the focal position changing means includes any one of a piezoelectric element, an ultrasonic motor, an electromagnetic actuator, a rotary motor, a linear motor, and a spring member as a driving mechanism. And the drive mechanism moves either the photoelectric conversion means or the optical system device, or changes the imaging position of the subject image by the optical system device.

  In this digital still camera, the focal position changing means includes any one of a piezoelectric element, an ultrasonic motor, an electromagnetic actuator, a rotary motor, a linear motor, and a spring member as a drive mechanism, and the photoelectric conversion means and the optical system device are driven by the drive mechanism. By executing any one of these movements or changing the imaging position of the subject image by the optical system apparatus, it is possible to realize either a sure change of the focal position or a reduction in power consumption.

  In the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the focal position changing unit includes a position detection unit that detects a position of a moving body that is moved to change the focal position.

  In this digital still camera, the focus position changing unit includes a position detection unit that detects the position of the moving body that is moved to change the focus position. It is possible to reliably shoot according to the position of the moving body corresponding to the position.

  Further, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the focus position changing unit sequentially changes the focus position to N stages specified in advance according to the one release operation, The image data generation unit generates the digital image data each time the focus position is changed at each stage by the focus position changing unit.

  In this digital still camera, the focal position changing means sequentially changes the focal position to N stages specified in advance in response to one release operation, and the image data generating unit uses the focal position changing means to change the focal position to each stage. By generating the digital image data every time it is changed, it is possible to accurately define the generation timing of each digital image data when shooting with a specific focus position.

  Further, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the focal position changing unit changes the focal position steplessly according to the one release operation, and the image data generation unit includes: The digital image data is generated at a predetermined timing when the focal position is changed by the focal position changing means.

  In this digital still camera, the focal position changing unit changes the focal position steplessly in response to one release operation, and the image data generating unit has a predetermined timing when the focal position is changed by the focal position changing unit. By generating digital image data in this way, it is possible to configure a digital still camera relatively easily. Further, compared to a configuration in which the focal position is changed in multiple stages, the time required to generate a plurality of digital image data can be shortened by the amount that processing for stopping at each focal position is unnecessary.

  Further, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the focal position changing unit detects the predetermined timing for generating the digital image data and outputs the detection signal to the image data generation unit. The image data generation unit generates the digital image data when the detection signal is output by the focus position changing unit.

  In this digital still camera, the focal position changing unit is configured to detect a predetermined timing at which digital image data is generated and output the detection signal to the image data generating unit. The image data generating unit is detected by the focal position changing unit. By generating digital image data when a signal is output, it is possible to reliably generate digital image data at each focal position.

  Further, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the image data generation unit includes a focus position for the digital image data generated Mth (M is a natural number equal to or less than (N−1)). , The (M + 1) -th digital image data generated at the focal position specified so that the difference from the focal position of the digital image data to be generated is within the depth of field of the optical system apparatus at the time of shooting. Generate digital image data.

  In this digital still camera, the image data generation unit determines the difference between the focal position of the M-th generated digital image data and the focal position of the (M + 1) -th generated digital image data as the optical system apparatus at the time of shooting. By generating (M + 1) th digital image data at a focal position specified to be within the depth of field, it is possible to reliably generate digital image data including image information focused on at least one location. It becomes possible to do.

  Furthermore, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the optical system device includes either a variable focus lens or a variable focus mirror.

  In this digital still camera, since the optical system device is configured to include either the variable focus lens or the variable focus mirror, it is more accurate and easier than changing the focus position by moving the optical system device or the photoelectric conversion means. It is possible to change the focal position.

  In the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the optical system device is a telecentric optical system device.

  In this digital still camera, since the optical system device is configured by the telecentric optical system device, the shooting position of the same subject in each digital image data is not easily affected by the position of the lens or the like at the time of shooting. It is possible to perform image processing on digital image data without performing any image correction.

  Furthermore, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the image data generation unit may generate the (L + 1) th (L is a natural number equal to or less than (N−1)) digital image data. Differences between the Lth digital image data and the (L + 1) th digital image data are extracted to generate difference data, and the generated difference data is output as the (L + 1) th image data.

  In this digital still camera, when generating the (L + 1) th digital image data, the image data generation unit extracts the difference data by extracting the difference between the Lth digital image data and the (L + 1) th digital image data. By generating and outputting the generated difference data as the (L + 1) -th image data, the data amount of the entire digital image data can be reliably reduced.

  Further, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the image data generation unit outputs a data file obtained by forming the predetermined number of generated digital image data into one file.

  In this digital still camera, digital image data generated by one release operation is collectively managed by outputting a data file in which a predetermined number of digital image data generated by the image data generation unit is converted into one file. It becomes possible. Further, the data amount can be sufficiently reduced as compared with the case where each digital image data is recorded as an independent data file.

  Further, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the image data generation unit generates generation order data for specifying the generation order of the digital image data, and a focal position for specifying the focal position. At least one of data and subject distance data for specifying the distance to the subject in focus is generated in association with each digital image data.

  In this digital still camera, the image data generation unit generates at least one of the generation order data, the focus position data, and the subject distance data in association with each digital image data, so that the digital image data can be processed later. In addition, it is possible to perform various image processing using these pieces of information.

  Further, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the image data generation unit outputs the angle of view data for specifying the angle of view of the optical system device at the time of generation of the digital image data. Generated in association with image data.

  In this digital still camera, when the image data generation unit generates the field angle data in association with the digital image data, particularly when generating digital image data with a digital still camera employing a non-telecentric optical system device, the field angle is generated. It is possible to reliably and easily perform image correction based on data (position correction at the time of composition processing).

  Further, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the image data generation unit generates generation order data for specifying the generation order of the digital image data, and a focal position for specifying the focal position. Generating at least one of data and subject distance data for specifying a distance to a focused subject in association with each digital image data, and associating the at least one data with each digital image data Record in data file.

  In this digital still camera, the image data generation unit generates at least one of generation order data, focus position data, and subject distance data in association with each digital image data, and associates the data with each digital image data to generate data. By recording in the file, when digital image data is processed later, it is easily handled as a single file, and various kinds of image processing can be performed using this information.

  Further, in the digital still camera according to the present invention, in the digital still camera, the image data generation unit outputs the angle of view data for specifying the angle of view of the optical system device at the time of generation of the digital image data. It is generated in association with the image data, and the generated field angle data is recorded in the data file in association with the digital image data.

  In this digital still camera, the image data generation unit generates the angle-of-view data in association with the digital image data and records the generated angle-of-view data in the data file in association with the digital image data. In addition, the image correction based on the angle-of-view data (position correction at the time of composition processing) can be reliably and easily performed.

  As described above, according to the digital still camera of the present invention, the focal position changing unit changes the focal position in multiple steps or steplessly in response to one release operation, and the image data generation unit is changed. In addition, by generating digital image data for subject images at different focal points of N points, the generated digital image data is image-edited by, for example, a personal computer. Can be easily manufactured.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a digital still camera according to the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, the configuration of the digital still camera 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the digital still camera 1 includes an optical system device 2, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 3, a shutter mechanism 4, a linear motor 5, a position detection unit 6, a release button 7, a CPU 8, a memory 9, and an LCD panel. 10, a RAM 11 and a ROM 12. The optical system device 2 is a device for forming a subject image to be photographed on the CCD 3, and as an example, is constituted by a telecentric optical system lens group having an F number of about 2.8. The optical system device 2 includes a plurality of lenses such as a lens 2a (focusing lens, see FIG. 2) for changing the focal position. In this case, the lens 2a corresponds to the moving body in the present invention, and is moved by the linear motor 5 in the directions of arrows A and B shown in the figure, thereby changing the focal position of the image formed on the CCD 3. . Specifically, when the lens 2a is moved in the direction of arrow A from the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 4, the focal position is changed from the short distance side to the far distance side, and the lens 2a is moved from the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line to the arrow. When moved in the direction of B, the focal position is changed from the long distance side to the short distance side. As shown in FIG. 2, the lens 2a is provided with a plurality of slits formed at equal intervals, and a gauge 2b for detecting the position of the lens 2a by the position detector 6 is attached. In addition, about the detailed structure about the optical system apparatus 2 containing other lenses except the lens 2a, since it is comprised by the general variable focus lens system, the description and illustration are abbreviate | omitted.

  The CCD 3 corresponds to a photoelectric conversion means in the present invention, and converts optical information (subject image) incident through the optical system device 2 into an electrical signal (photoelectric conversion). The CCD 3 is configured by arranging a plurality of light receiving elements (pixels) for converting light into electricity, and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the light receiving level at each arrangement position. The shutter mechanism 4 regulates light incident on the CCD 3 in a normal state and allows a light incident on the CCD 3 for a predetermined time (time corresponding to the shutter speed) under the control of the CPU 8 or only for a predetermined time. This is an electronic shutter mechanism for capturing optical information. The linear motor 5 corresponds to a drive mechanism in the focal position changing means in the present invention, and moves the lens 2a of the optical system device 2 under the control of the CPU 8, as described above. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the rate of change of the focal position per moving distance of the lens 2a is in accordance with the optical characteristic of the optical system device 2 (characteristic indicated by the characteristic line X). It changes more gradually as it is located closer to the camera, and changes more steeply as it goes farther (the lens 2a is located closer to the CCD 3). Therefore, when the lens 2a is moved from the position of the broken line shown in FIG. 4 in the direction of the arrow A by the linear motor 5 at a constant speed, the focal position is changed gradually at first and then gradually becomes steeper. Will be changed as follows.

  The position detector 6 detects the position of the lens 2a moved by the linear motor 5 and outputs the position data to the CPU 8. As shown in FIG. 2, the position detection unit 6 includes a light emitting element 6a and a light receiving element 6b that are opposed to each other with the gauge 2b interposed therebetween. The light emitting element 6a is caused to emit light by the CPU 8 when the linear motor 5 is driven (that is, when the lens 2a is moved). The light receiving element 6b receives light that has passed through the slit of the gauge 2b among the light generated by the light emitting element 6a. In this case, as the plurality of slits pass in front of the light emitting element 6a as the gauge 2b moves, the light receiving element 6b is irradiated with blinking light. At this time, the light receiving element 6b outputs an electrical signal to the CPU 8 every time it receives light. Therefore, the CPU 8 specifies the position of the lens 2a based on the number of electric signals input from the light receiving element 6b. The release button 7 functions as a switch for starting shooting. In this case, when the release button 7 is operated by the photographer, the CPU 8 controls the operation of each unit to generate digital image data.

  The CPU 8 corresponds to the image data generation unit in the present invention, and generates image data Dg1 to Dg8 corresponding to each digital image data photographed at the N-stage focal position in the present invention, extraction of difference data Dd1 to Dd7, and focus. Generation of position data D11 to Dl8, generation of an image data file Fg, and the like are executed. The memory 9 corresponds to a storage medium in the present invention, and is configured by a memory card (removable memory) that can be attached to and detached from the digital still camera 1. The LCD panel 10 displays a subject image converted into an electrical signal by the CCD 3 under the control of the CPU 8 and also displays an image based on digital image data that has been shot. The RAM 11 temporarily stores the calculation result of the CPU 8, and the ROM 12 stores the operation program of the CPU 8.

  Next, a method for using the digital still camera 1 will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the digital still camera 1 is held facing the subject. At this time, the CPU 8 causes the CCD 3 to enter the subject image by intermittently opening and closing the shutter mechanism 4 at predetermined intervals. As a result, an image based on the electrical signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 3 is displayed on the LCD panel 10. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that there are a cup 31, a house 32, a standing tree 33, and a mountain 34 in this order from the front side toward the digital still camera 1. Next, when the release button 7 is operated by the photographer, the CPU 8 calculates the angle of view based on the driving state of the optical system device 2 and its characteristics, and stores the angle of view data Da in the RAM 11. At the same time, the CPU 8 drives the linear motor 5 to move the lens 2a of the optical system device 2 in the direction of the arrow A, whereby the focal position on the shortest distance side (the focal position where the lens 2a exists at the position indicated by the broken line). To the focal position on the infinity side (the focal position where the lens 2a is located at the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line). Accordingly, electrical signals are sequentially output from the light receiving element 6b to the CPU 8.

  At this time, any one point can be designated as the short distance side of the focusing range and any one point can be designated as the long distance side. For example, when shooting indoors, the focus range is specified as a relatively narrow range. On the other hand, when shooting outdoors, the focus range is specified to be a relatively wide range. In this case, as an example, the designated position on the short distance side is designated as the focal position on the shortest distance side of the optical system apparatus 2, and the designated position on the far distance side is designated as the focal position on the infinity side of the optical system apparatus 2. . Next, the CPU 8 sets the shutter mechanism 4 to, for example, 1 / when a predetermined number of electric signals from the light receiving element 6b are input (when the lens 2 is positioned at a focal position where the position P1 is in focus) at a predetermined timing. Driving at a shutter speed of 125 seconds, the subject image is incident on the CCD 3. At the same time, the CPU 8 generates image data Dg1 based on the electrical signal output from the CCD 3 and stores it in the RAM 11, and also generates focal position data Dl1 for specifying the position of the lens 2a and stores it in the RAM 11.

  Next, each time a predetermined number of electrical signals are input from the light receiving element 6b (when the lens 2 is positioned at a focal position where the positions P2 to P8 are in focus), the CPU 8 sets the shutter mechanism 4 as a predetermined timing. Drive, generation of image data Dg2 to Dg8 based on electrical signals output from the CCD, and generation of focal position data D12 to Dl8 corresponding to each of the image data Dg2 to Dg8 are sequentially executed and stored in the RAM 11, respectively. Let Accordingly, the RAM 11 stores eight image data Dg1 to Dg8 (hereinafter also referred to as “image data Dg” when not distinguished) and corresponding focal position data D11 to Dl8 (hereinafter referred to as “focus position data when not distinguished from each other). Dl ”) is stored. In this case, for each position (focal position) of the lens 2a at the time of generation of the image data Dg1 to Dg8, the focal position of the image data Dg to be photographed next is the focal position at the time of photographing of the image data Dg generated immediately before. The optical system apparatus 2 is defined to be included within the depth of field. Therefore, when it becomes necessary to change the shutter speed due to the amount of light at the time of shooting, the number of image data Dg to be generated is appropriately changed based on the depth of field of the optical system device 2 according to the shutter speed. In the digital still camera 1, the generation of one image data Dg is completed in about 1/10 second. Therefore, for example, since shooting of the eight image data Dg is completed within one second, the image data Dg1 to Dg8 can be generated for a moving subject without greatly changing the shooting position.

  In this case, in a general optical system apparatus including the optical system apparatus 2, the depth of field has a characteristic that the focal position is shallower on the near side and deeper on the far side. Further, when the lens 2a is moved by the linear motor 5, since the lens 2a and the gauge 2b have a certain weight, the moving speed of the lens 2a gradually increases from the start of the movement. For this reason, in this digital still camera 1, the focal position is changed from the short distance side to the long distance side, so that the focal position is shifted to the near distance side where the depth of field is shallow at the initial stage where the moving speed of the lens 2a is slow. An image in which the focal position is adjusted to the far side where the depth of field is deep is taken after the latter half when the moving speed of the lens 2a is increased. Therefore, each image corresponding to the image data Dg1 to Dg8 is configured to be focused on at least one place. In practice, when there is no subject at a location corresponding to the focal position, the focused image information may not be included.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, in the image data Dg1 and Dg2 photographed at the focal positions where the positions P1 and P2 are in focus, there is no subject at the positions P1 and P2. Does not exist. 5 to 10 and 13, the object in focus is shown by a solid line, and the object that is out of focus and blurred is shown by a broken line. Further, the larger the degree of blur, the wider the interval between broken lines. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the image data Dg1 and Dg2 are composed of image information in which subjects (cup 31, house 32, standing tree 33 and mountain 34) existing behind the position P2 are blurred. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the image data Dg3 photographed at the focal position where the focus is on the position P3 is an image in which the near part of the cup 31 is in focus because the near part of the cup 31 exists at the position P3. Contains information. In this case, the image data Dg3 is composed of image information in which the subject (the back side portion of the cup 31, the house 32, the standing tree 33, and the mountain 34) existing behind the position P3 is blurred.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the image data Dg4 taken at the focal position where the focus is on the position P4 is in focus on the back side portion of the cup 31 because the back side portion of the cup 31 exists at the position P4. Image information is included. In this case, the image data Dg3 includes image information in which the subject existing before the position P4 (the front portion of the cup 31) and the subjects present behind the position P4 (the house 32, the standing tree 33, and the mountain 34) are blurred. Consists of. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the image data Dg6 captured at the focal position where the position P6 is focused is configured to include image information focused on the house 32 because the house 32 exists at the position P6. Is done. In this case, the image data Dg6 includes image information in which a subject (cup 31) existing before the position P6 and a subject (standing tree 33 and mountain 34) existing behind the position P6 are blurred. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the image data Dg7 photographed at the focal position where the position P7 is focused includes the image information focused on the standing tree 33 because the standing tree 33 exists at the position P7. Is done. In this case, the image data Dg7 includes image information in which the subject (cup 31 and house 32) existing before the position P7 and the subject (mountain 34) existing behind the position P7 are blurred. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the image data Dg8 taken at the focal position where the focus is on the position P8 includes the mountain 34 at the position P8, and thus includes image information focused on the peak 34. Is done. In this case, the image data Dg8 is composed of image information in which subjects (cup 31, house 32, and standing tree 33) existing before the position P8 are blurred.

  Next, the CPU 8 generates an image data file Fg (see FIG. 12) by executing data processing on the image data Dg1 to Dg8. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 8 generates the difference data Dd by comparing the image data Dg and Dg whose focal positions are adjacent to each other. Specifically, the difference data Dd1 is generated by extracting the difference between the image data Dg1 and Dg2 and stored in the RAM 11, and the difference data Dd2 is generated by extracting the difference between the image data Dg2 and Dg3 and stored in the RAM 11. Remember me. By sequentially executing these data processes, the RAM 11 stores the difference data Dd1 to Dd7. In this case, since the image data Dg and Dg having adjacent focal positions have a strong correlation between the corresponding pixels, the difference data Dd obtained by extracting the difference between the image data Dg and Dg is compared with the image data Dg. The amount of data is sufficiently reduced.

  Next, the CPU 8 generates image number data Dc based on the number of captured images (the number of image data Dg1 to Dg8. In this case, “8”), and as an image data file Fg title, for example, an internal clock ( Title data Dt is generated based on date and time data absorbed from (not shown). Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 8 generates the generated image number data Dc and title data Dt, image data Dg1, difference data Dd1 to Dd7, field angle data Da, and focus position data Dl1 stored in the RAM 11. -Dl8 are combined into one file to generate an image data file Fg. In this case, the image data file Fg is composed of header information Dh, image data Dg1, and difference data Dd1 to Dd7. In addition, title data Dt, number-of-images data Dc, angle-of-view data Da, focus position data Dl1 to Dl8, and the like are recorded in the header information Dh. Thereafter, the CPU 8 records the generated image data file Fg in the memory 9. Thereby, the photographing of the subject by the digital still camera 1 is completed.

  Next, an image processing method for the image data file Fg recorded by the digital still camera 1 will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

  As described above, the image data file Fg recorded in the memory 9 by the digital still camera 1 is composed of eight image data (image data Dg1 and difference data Dd1 to Dd7) having different focal positions. Therefore, when generating one image with the blur amount arbitrarily adjusted from the image data file Fg, the image data file Fg is read into a personal computer in which a dedicated image processing program is installed. In this case, first, the memory 9 removed from the digital still camera 1 is attached to the personal computer. Next, the image data file Fg is read from the memory 9 by dedicated image processing software. In this case, the image processing program has a function of restoring the image data Dg2 to Dg8 from the image data Dg1 and the difference data Dd1 to Dd7, and an image generation processing function based on the image information included in each of the image data Dg1 to Dg8. I have.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the editing screen 41 on the monitor of the personal computer includes an image display unit 42 for confirming the image being edited, and blurring of the image displayed on the image display unit 42. A blur amount adjusting scroll bar 43 for adjusting the amount, a subject distance adjusting scroll bar 44 for selecting a distance to a focused subject, and an image corresponding to the image displayed on the image display unit 42 It includes a decision button 45 for saving the data file and finishing editing. In this case, the operations of the blur amount adjusting scroll bar 43, the subject distance adjusting scroll bar 44, and the enter button 45 are performed using a pointing device such as a mouse connected to a personal computer and a keyboard. Both of the operations can be selected as appropriate. Further, the adjustment of the blur amount and the subject distance is not limited to the scroll operation of the blur amount adjustment scroll bar 43 and the subject distance adjustment scroll bar 44, and an adjustment by numerical value input via a keyboard can also be performed. Further, with respect to the adjustment of the subject distance (that is, the in-focus position), it is possible to determine the part to be focused by clicking an arbitrary position on the image display unit 42.

  Immediately after the image data file Fg is read by this image processing program, for example, an image (image shown in FIG. 5) based on the image data Dg1 is displayed on the image display unit. Next, for example, when generating a portrait image focused on the entire cup 31, the operator displays an image focused on the front portion of the cup 31 (the image shown in FIG. 6) on the image display unit 42. Thus, the subject distance adjustment scroll bar 44 is scrolled. At this time, an image corresponding to the image data Dg3 is displayed on the image display unit 42 by the image processing program. Next, in addition to the front portion of the cup 31, when focusing to the back side portion, the blur amount adjusting scroll bar 43 is slid rightward. In this case, the blur amount adjusting scroll bar 43 is given a general aperture value in the optical camera. As the aperture value increases, the depth of field increases and the focusing range becomes wider. Therefore, by sliding the blur amount adjusting scroll bar 43 using the aperture value as a guide, the blur amount of the image on the image display unit 42 can be adjusted as if the aperture value of the optical camera is changed. In this case, when the house 32, the standing tree 33, and the mountain 34 are blurred with the entire cup 31 in focus, the blur amount adjusting scroll bar 43 is adjusted to “2.8” as an example.

  At this time, the image processing program causes the image display unit 42 to display an image based on the image data Dg when there is image data Dg that matches the specified blur amount. On the other hand, when there is no image data Dg that matches the specified blur amount, a plurality of image data Dg, Dg,... Are combined to generate an image with a desired blur amount. For example, in the image data Dg3, the front portion of the cup 31 is in focus, but the back portion thereof is not in focus. On the other hand, in the image data Dg4, the back side portion of the cup 31 is in focus, but the front portion is not in focus. Therefore, by extracting the image information of the in-focus part from the image data Dg3 and combining it with the image data Dg4, the entire cup 31 is in focus as shown in the image display unit 42 of FIG. Generate an image. As described above, in this image processing program, when there is no image data Dg matching the specified blur amount, an intermediate image is generated by complementing a plurality of image data Dg, Dg,. The intermediate image is displayed on the image display unit 42. Thereafter, when an image with a desired blur amount is displayed on the image display unit 42, the operator operates the determination button 45. Thereby, generation of an image data file having a desired blur amount based on the image data file Fg recorded by the digital still camera 1 is completed.

  As described above, according to the digital still camera 1, by generating, for example, eight image data Dg1 to Dg8 by one release operation, the image data Dg1 to Dg8 can be edited by, for example, a personal computer. After shooting is completed, an image with a desired amount of blur, in other words, an image in focus at a desired location can be generated. Further, according to the digital still camera 1, the image data file Fg can be recorded in the memory 9 detachable from the digital still camera 1, so that the image data file can be transferred to an external device via a communication cable, for example. Unlike digital still cameras that output images, you can carry various images with you when you travel. Further, by using an existing removable memory as the memory 9, the memory 9 can be used properly according to the shooting target and the shooting date and time, and the image data file Fg can be easily read by a personal computer or the like. .

  Furthermore, according to this digital still camera 1, N (for example, 8) between two focal positions arbitrarily designated between the focal position on the shortest distance side and the focal position on the infinity side during photographing. By configuring so as to generate the image data Dg, for example, in a room where the subject is often present at a relatively short distance, the focal position change range is set to a relatively narrow range on the short distance side. Images can be taken at short distance intervals with respect to a subject at a short distance (shallow depth of field). As a result, an image focused on the subject can be reliably captured. Further, it is possible to record image data Dg, Dg,... Taken only in the vicinity of a desired subject at very short distance intervals. On the other hand, for example, when the subject is often present at a relatively long distance, the depth of field can be reduced by setting the focus position change range to a relatively wide range from the short distance side to the long distance side. As a result of being able to capture images at long distance intervals with respect to a subject existing at a long distance, the number of captured images can be reduced while reliably capturing an image focused on the subject. Furthermore, according to the digital still camera 1, the focal position is gradually changed as the focal position is closer to the near side, and the focal position is changed more rapidly as the focal position is farther away. As a result of being able to shoot images at short distances on the distance side and at long distance intervals on the long distance side where the depth of field is deep, the number of captured images is reduced while reliably capturing images focused on the subject. Can be made.

  Further, according to the digital still camera 1, the image data file Fg obtained by making the generated image data (the image data Dg1 and the difference data Dd1 to Dd7) into one file is recorded in the memory 9, so that it can be performed by one release operation. The generated image data Dg can be managed together as one group. In this case, for example, as compared with the case where the image data Dg1 to Dg8 are recorded in the memory 9 as independent files, the image data file Fg obtained by making the image data Dg1 to Dg8 into one file is recorded, thereby reducing the amount of data. Can be reduced. Further, according to the digital still camera 1, by generating the image data file Fg by synthesizing the difference data Dd1 to Dd7 obtained by extracting the difference between the image data Dg and Dg and the image data Dg1, for example, the image data Dg1 Compared to the case where Dg8 is made into one file, the data amount of the entire image data file Fg can be drastically reduced. As a result, the consumption of the valuable recording area of the memory 9 can be minimized.

  Further, according to the digital still camera 1, since the telecentric optical system lens group is employed as the optical system device 2, the photographing position of the same subject in each of the image data Dg1 to Dg8 is the position of the lens 2a at the time of photographing. Therefore, the image data Dg, Dg,... Can be image-processed without performing extensive image correction (position correction at the time of composition processing).

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment of the present invention described above. For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, an example in which shooting is performed eight times in response to one release operation has been described, but an arbitrary number of times of two or more can be shot in response to one release operation. In this case, when there are a plurality of subjects having various distances from the digital still camera 1, or when it is desired to generate an image focused on a subject at a very short distance, the one-time release operation is performed. It is preferable to increase the number of images to be taken. On the other hand, when it is desired to reduce the data amount of the image data file Fg or when photographing a subject on the far side near infinity, it is preferable to reduce the number of images to be photographed in response to one release operation. In the embodiment of the present invention, the example in which the focal position is changed by moving the lens 2a by the linear motor 5 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the contact and separation of the optical system device 2 with respect to the CCD 3 is performed. The focal position may be changed by moving, moving or moving the CCD 3 with respect to the optical system device 2, or moving both the optical system device 2 and the CCD 3 together. Further, the photoelectric conversion means in the present invention is not limited to the CCD 3 shown in the embodiment of the present invention, and various photoelectric conversion elements such as a CMOS sensor can be employed.

  Furthermore, the drive mechanism used for the movement of the lens 2a and the contact / separation movement of the optical system device 2 and the CCD 3 is not limited to the linear motor 5 shown in the embodiment of the present invention, but a piezoelectric element, ultrasonic motor, electromagnetic You may comprise with an actuator, a rotation motor, or a spring member. In this case, for example, when the lens 2a is stopped every time the image data Dg is generated, it is preferable to use a pulse motor. Further, as shown in the embodiment of the present invention, when generating the image data Dg while moving the lens 2a steplessly, it is preferable to use a linear motor. Furthermore, when a spring member is used, it is possible to eliminate the need for electric power for moving the moving object (the lens 2a, the optical system device 2, or the CCD 3). In this case, the moving object may be moved in the direction in which the spring member is contracted or extended before photographing, and the moving object may be moved by extending or contracting the spring member in accordance with the release operation.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of slits are provided in the gauge 2b that moves with the lens 2a, and the light emitted from the light emitting element 6a is received by the light receiving element 6b, whereby the position of the lens 2a is used as position data. Although the example which outputs is demonstrated, the position detection part in this invention is not limited to this, For example, it can also be comprised with the mechanical switch mechanism which provided the electrical contact in the gauge 2b. Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the optical system device 2 having an F number of 2.8 has been described. However, in order to capture a more accurate image, for example, the F number is about 1.4. The optical system apparatus is preferably used, and the optical system apparatus is used to increase the number of times of photographing (that is, the number of focal positions) in accordance with one release operation, thereby obtaining a highly accurate image data file Fg. Can be generated. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the variable focus lens type optical system device 2 constituted by a plurality of lenses has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a variable focus mirror is used. An optical system apparatus or an optical system apparatus using both a variable focus lens and a variable focus mirror can be employed. In this case, the variable focus lens can employ a configuration in which the curvature of the lens in which the transparent liquid is sealed is changed using a piezoelectric element or the like. Further, the variable focus mirror may be configured to change the curvature of the mirror configured to be elastically deformable by an electromagnetic actuator or the like.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the example in which the image data Dg is sequentially photographed based on the number of electrical signals output from the position detection unit 6 as the lens 2a moves is described. It is not limited. For example, when a focus sensor is provided in each area obtained by dividing the light receiving area of the subject image into a plurality of areas, the CPU 8 determines that the area has been focused based on a focus signal output from the focus sensor. It can also be configured to generate data Dg. As described above, when the image data Dg is generated every time the in-focus signal is received, the image data Dg in which the focused image information reliably exists at one or more places for one image data Dg is photographed. be able to. The editing of the image data Dg1 to Dg8 recorded by the digital still camera 1 is not limited to a method using a dedicated image processing program, and can be edited using a general-purpose image processing program. In this case, a module for restoring the image data Dg1 to Dg8 based on the difference data Dd1 to Dd7 and the image data Dg1 extracted when the image data file Fg is generated is installed in the personal computer in advance, or the image What is necessary is just to comprise so that the image data file Fg may be produced | generated by synthesize | combining image data Dg1-Dg8, without using difference data Dd1-Dd7 at the time of the production | generation of the data file Fg. Further, the digital still camera 1 has a function of editing a desired blur amount based on the image data Dg1 and the difference data Dd1 to Dd7 in the image data file Fg, so that the digital image data edited in the digital still camera 1 is provided. May be recorded in the memory 9. Furthermore, instead of the focal position data Dl in the image data file Fg, the generation order data for specifying the generation order of the image data Dg1 to Dg8, or the subject in focus in each image corresponding to the image data Dg1 to Dg8 The subject distance data for specifying the distance may be recorded. Further, the data to be stored in the image data file Fg can be appropriately selected and made into one file.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital still camera 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a configuration diagram showing configurations of an optical system device 2 and a position detection unit 6. FIG. It is a characteristic view of the optical system apparatus 2 which shows the relationship between the position of the lens 2a, and a focus position. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the positional relationship and focus position of the digital still camera 1 and a to-be-photographed object. It is an image figure which shows the image based on image data Dg1, Dg2. It is an image figure which shows the image based on image data Dg3. It is an image figure which shows the image based on image data Dg4. It is an image figure which shows the image based on image data Dg6. It is an image figure which shows the image based on image data Dg7. It is an image figure which shows the image based on image data Dg8. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process which produces | generates difference data Dd1-Dd7 based on image data Dg1-Dg8. It is a data structure figure which shows an example of the data structure of the image data file Fg. It is a display screen figure which shows the screen 41 for edit of an image processing program.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital still camera 2 Optical system apparatus 2a Lens 2b Gauge 3 CCD 4 Shutter mechanism 5 Linear motor 6 Position detection part 6a Light emitting element 6b Light receiving element 7 Release button 8 CPU 9 Memory 10 LCD panel 31 Cup 32 House 33 Tachiki 34 Mountain Da picture Angle data Dd1 to Dd7 Difference data Dg1 to Dg8 Image data Dl1 to Dl8 Focus position data Fg Image data file

Claims (20)

A photoelectric conversion unit that converts a received subject image into an electrical signal, an optical system device that forms the subject image on the photoelectric conversion unit, and any one of the photoelectric conversion unit and the optical system unit Focus position changing means for changing the focus position by changing the image position of the subject image by the other contact / separation movement or the optical system device, and the subject image based on the electrical signal output from the photoelectric conversion means A digital still camera comprising an image data generation unit for generating digital image data of
The focal position changing means changes the focal position in multiple steps or steplessly in response to a single release operation, and the image data generation unit is configured to change the N different from each other (N is a natural number of 2 or more). A digital still camera that generates the digital image data for the subject image at a focal position of a point.   The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein a storage medium for storing the digital image data generated by the image data generation unit is configured to be detachable.   3. The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein the focal position changing unit changes the focal position between a focal position on the shortest distance side in the optical system apparatus and a focal position on the infinity side in the optical system apparatus.   3. The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein the focal position changing unit changes the focal position between two preset focal positions.   5. The focus position changing unit according to claim 1, wherein the focus position is gradually changed as the focal position is closer to the short distance side, and the focus position is changed more rapidly as the focal position is on the far distance side. Digital still camera.   The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein the focal position changing unit changes the focal position from a focal position on a short distance side toward a focal position on a long distance side.   The focal position changing means includes any one of a piezoelectric element, an ultrasonic motor, an electromagnetic actuator, a rotary motor, a linear motor, and a spring member as a driving mechanism, and any one of the photoelectric conversion means and the optical system device by the driving mechanism. The digital still camera according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the movement or change of the imaging position of the subject image by the optical system device is executed.   The digital still camera according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the focal position changing unit includes a position detection unit that detects a position of a moving body that is moved to change the focal position.   The focal position changing means sequentially changes the focal position in N stages defined in advance in response to the one release operation, and the image data generating unit is configured to change the focal position by the focal position changing means. 9. The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital image data is generated every time the stage is changed.   The focal position changing means changes the focal position in a stepless manner in response to the one release operation, and the image data generating unit is predetermined when the focal position is changed by the focal position changing means. The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital image data is generated at a timing of   The focal position changing unit is configured to detect the predetermined timing for generating the digital image data and to output the detection signal to the image data generating unit, and the image data generating unit includes the focal position changing unit The digital still camera according to claim 10, wherein the digital image data is generated when the detection signal is output by.   The image data generation unit includes a focus position for the digital image data generated Mth (M is a natural number equal to or less than (N−1)), and a focus position for the digital image data generated (M + 1) th. 12. The (M + 1) th digital image data is generated at a focal position defined so that the difference between the two is within the depth of field of the optical system apparatus at the time of photographing. Digital still camera.   The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein the optical system device includes any one of a variable focus lens and a variable focus mirror.   The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein the optical system device is a telecentric optical system device.   The image data generation unit generates the (L + 1) th digital image data (L is a natural number equal to or less than (N−1)), the Lth digital image data, the (L + 1) th digital image data, The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein the difference data is extracted to generate difference data, and the generated difference data is output as the (L + 1) -th image data.   The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein the image data generation unit outputs a data file obtained by converting the generated predetermined number of digital image data into one file.   The image data generation unit includes generation order data for specifying the generation order of the digital image data, focus position data for specifying the focus position, and subject distance for specifying the distance to the subject in focus The digital still camera according to claim 1, wherein at least one of data is generated in association with each digital image data.   The said image data generation part produces | generates in association with the said digital image data the angle-of-view data for specifying the angle of view of the said optical system apparatus at the time of the generation of the said digital image data. Digital still camera.   The image data generation unit includes generation order data for specifying the generation order of the digital image data, focus position data for specifying the focus position, and subject distance for specifying the distance to the in-focus subject. 17. The digital still camera according to claim 16, wherein at least one of data is generated in association with each digital image data, and at least one data is recorded in the data file in association with each digital image data.   The image data generation unit generates field angle data for specifying the field angle of the optical system device at the time of generation of the digital image data in association with the digital image data, and generates the generated field angle data in the digital image data. 17. The digital still camera according to claim 16, wherein the digital still camera is recorded in the data file in association with image data.

Images