JP2008017127A - Imaging device with object detecting function, and its control method, printing method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that an image wherein the face of a person can not be discriminated is possibly obtained when an image size of photography is too small or when compressibility is too high. <P>SOLUTION: The number of persons included in an image to be photographed and printed and sizes of the faces are recognized from the image, and an optimum image size, compressibility, and form size are decided based upon information on them. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that recognizes a subject and captures an image according to the recognition result, a control method for the imaging apparatus, and an image forming method for an image forming apparatus that prints a recognized face.

In an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera, an imaging apparatus capable of recognizing a face area from a video signal to be photographed and photographing an image focused on the face area according to the recognition result has been proposed. In addition, a printing apparatus that can print a face area in a suitable color according to the recognition result has been proposed (Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-252999 A

If the image size to be photographed is too small or the compression rate is too high, the face of the person may not be identified.
That is, even if the image is focused on the face area and the image has an appropriate color in the face area, it is difficult to obtain a suitable output image unless the image size and compression rate are appropriate.
In addition, it is difficult for the photographer to determine the optimum image size and compression rate each time a photograph is taken.

  In order to solve the above problems, an invention according to the present application includes an imaging unit that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by a photographing optical system, and a subject detection unit that detects a subject from an image signal obtained from the imaging unit, The subject detection means generates subject information for an image signal from which a subject is detected, and at least the image size and the compression rate are determined according to either the subject information or preset output information. An imaging apparatus is provided in which one of them is set.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to the present application includes an imaging unit that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by a photographing optical system, and a subject detection unit that detects a subject from signals sequentially obtained from the imaging unit. The subject detection means generates subject information for an image signal from which the subject is detected, and outputs at least output information, an image size, and a compression rate set for the captured image with respect to the subject information. It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus characterized by determining whether or not any of the above is set to satisfy a condition.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to the present application generates subject information for an image signal from which a subject is detected in an image forming apparatus including subject detection means for detecting a subject region from an image signal. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus characterized in that output information is set according to at least one of the subject information, the image size, and the compression rate, or that there is no setting that satisfies a condition. .

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to the present application provides a printing apparatus including a subject detection unit that detects a subject region from an image signal, wherein the subject detection unit is configured to detect an image signal from which the subject is detected. Generating subject information, and determining whether at least one of the output information, the image size, and the compression rate set in the image signal satisfies the condition for the subject information. An image forming apparatus is provided.

  It is possible to automatically set settings (compression rate, image size, output information) according to subject information obtained by subject detection, and to determine whether the current settings are appropriate. .

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging apparatus 100 and an image forming apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, 1 is a zoom lens, 2 is a focus lens, and 3 is a shutter and a diaphragm. Reference numeral 101 denotes a lens barrel provided in the imaging apparatus 100, which includes a zoom lens 1, a focus lens 2, a diaphragm and a shutter 3.

  Each of the zoom lens 1 and the focus lens 2 moves in the optical axis direction by receiving a driving force from a motor, and changes the focal length of the photographing optical system or performs focus adjustment.

  Reference numeral 4 denotes an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, and 8 denotes an A / D conversion circuit that photoelectrically converts an analog signal output from the image sensor 4 into a digital signal. Reference numeral 15 denotes a camera system control circuit that controls various devices in the imaging apparatus. 16 includes a work area of the camera system control circuit 15, a volatile area used as a temporary storage area for captured still images and moving images, and a non-volatile area for storing design values necessary for driving the camera. Buffer memory.

  Note that the storage capacity of the buffer memory 16 is sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of moving images, and continuous shooting and panoramic shooting for continuously shooting a plurality of still images. In this case, a large amount of image writing can be performed at high speed.

  Reference numeral 17 denotes a power source including a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like. The power source 17 detects the presence / absence of a battery, the type of battery, the remaining battery level, etc., and controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the camera system control circuit 15 to provide the necessary power. Is supplied to various devices in the imaging apparatus for a necessary period.

  Reference numeral 18 denotes an interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F) for connecting a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk and the camera system control circuit 15. The image data captured by the imaging apparatus 100 can be directly transferred to the image forming apparatus 200 or the personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC) 300 via the I / F 18.

  Reference numeral 19 denotes a memory for storing image data and the like. It is also possible to transfer the image data to the image forming apparatus 200 or the PC 300 via the memory 19. Further, the camera system control circuit 15 can be accessed via the I / F 18.

  Reference numeral 9 denotes a memory control circuit that inputs / outputs data to / from various devices in the imaging apparatus under the control of the camera system control circuit 15. A timing generation circuit 5 supplies a clock signal and a digital control signal to the AD conversion circuit 8 and the like under the control of the memory control circuit 9. Reference numeral 6 denotes a D / A conversion circuit that converts a digital control signal, which is an output of the timing generation circuit 5, into an analog signal. Reference numeral 7 denotes an image display unit that includes a TFT_LCD (thin film transistor drive type liquid crystal display circuit) or the like and displays a signal converted into analog data by the D / A conversion circuit 6.

  In addition, it is possible to realize an electronic viewfinder (hereinafter referred to as EVF) function by sequentially displaying image data generated from the output signal of the image sensor 4 on the image display unit 7.

  An image display storage circuit 10 stores image data to be output to the image display unit 7 via the D / A conversion circuit 6 under the control of the memory control circuit 9.

  Reference numeral 11 denotes an image processing circuit that performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the output data of the A / D conversion circuit 8 or the memory control circuit 9, and the image processing circuit 11 generates image data. .

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a subject detection circuit that detects a subject from image data inside the image processing circuit 11. The subject detection circuit 102 detects a face area by extracting feature points from the image data generated by the image processing unit 11. The subject detection circuit 102 also generates subject information about the image data that is the source of detecting the subject. The subject information is information about the subject including the number of subjects detected from the image data, the ratio of the total area of all subject regions detected from the image data, the shape, position, color, and the like. In the present embodiment, the face area is detected by the subject detection circuit 102 for speeding up, but the subject area itself may be detected instead of the face area.

  Then, the number of face areas present in one image data and the ratio of the face areas are calculated and temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 16 as face image information.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes an operation unit such as a switch for performing various operations of the imaging apparatus 100. Reference numeral 12 denotes an exposure control circuit that controls driving of the aperture and the shutter 3, 13 denotes a focus control circuit that controls driving of the focus lens 2, and 14 denotes a zoom driving circuit 14 that controls driving of the zoom lens 1. The camera system control circuit 15 controls the exposure control circuit 12, the focus control circuit 13, and the zoom control circuit 14 in accordance with operations performed from the operation unit 20.

  The camera system control circuit 15 calculates an exposure value (aperture value and shutter speed) based on the luminance information obtained by the image processing in the image processing circuit 11, and uses the exposure control circuit 12 based on the calculation result. And the drive of the shutter 3 is controlled. Thereby, automatic exposure (hereinafter referred to as AE) control is performed. The camera system control 15 controls the driving of the focus lens 2 via the focus control circuit 13 based on the focus adjustment information (contrast detection value) of the photographing optical system obtained by the image processing in the image processing circuit 11.

  Thereby, autofocus (hereinafter referred to as AF) control or the like is performed. The camera system control 15 controls the drive of the zoom lens 1 via the zoom drive 14 based on the operation amount and operation direction of an operation switch (zoom lever or zoom button) for instructing zooming in the operation unit 20.

  Reference numeral 29 denotes a printing system control circuit that analyzes a command operated by the operation unit 20 and a printing command sent from the imaging apparatus 100 or the PC 300 via the I / F 18 to perform printing control.

  A paper control circuit 27 controls paper feed by selecting a paper from the tray according to the designated paper size and controlling a paper feed mechanism (not shown). The print image transferred to the image forming apparatus 200 is held in the buffer memory 16 together with subject information. The number of faces included in the image and the size of the face are identified from the subject information, and the optimum paper size is instructed to the paper control circuit 27.

  A print control circuit 28 performs ink ejection control for each color corresponding to the color of the image, drive control of an ink head (not shown), and the like. The printing mechanism shown in the present embodiment is an ink jet method, but can also be realized by a laser beam method or a sublimation thermal transfer method.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a control flowchart of photographing processing in the present embodiment.
When the image capturing apparatus 100 is turned on, the image capturing apparatus 100 prepares for an image capturing operation starting from step S101.

In step S101, the main exposure is performed by pressing the release switch of the operation unit 20, and the image signal is immediately read from the sensor. Note that the main exposure is an exposure operation performed after the imaging apparatus receives an instruction to perform shooting for the purpose of recording.
In step S <b> 102, the subject detection circuit 102 starts detection of a face area from a captured image that has been subjected to various types of image processing by the image processing circuit 11.

In step S103, the subject detection circuit 102 determines whether or not a face area has been detected from the captured image.
If it is determined in step S103 that the subject detection circuit 102 cannot detect the face area, in step S106, the image processing circuit 11 sets the compression rate of the captured image to Normal, and the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S111, the image processing circuit 11 sets the size of the captured image to normal, and the process proceeds to step S116.
If it is determined in step S103 that the subject detection circuit 102 has detected the face area, the optimum compression rate and image size are selected by the processing in step S104 and subsequent steps.

  In addition, the image size in this embodiment is the resolution of the image expressed as 1600 * 1200 or 2 million pixels. This also applies to other embodiments.

In step S104, the subject detection circuit 102 determines the number of faces included in the captured image.
In step S104, if the subject detection circuit 102 determines that four or more faces are included in the captured image, the image is regarded as a group photo.

  In step S109, the image processing circuit 11 sets the compression rate of the captured image to low, and in step S114 sets the image size of the captured image to large, and the process proceeds to step S115.

  If the subject detection circuit 102 determines in step S104 that the photographed image includes three or less faces, the image is regarded as a snapshot.

  In step S105, the ratio of the total area of all face areas detected from the entire captured image is determined.

  In this embodiment, the number of faces is divided into four or more and three or less, but if the value is a value that can be used as a criterion for determining whether a large number of people are present or not, It is not limited to numerical values. This also applies to other embodiments.

  If the subject detection circuit 102 determines in step S105 that the ratio of the total area of all face regions detected from the entire captured image is 10% or more, the captured image is a photograph with a person as the main subject. And the process proceeds to step S107.

  As a result of the determination in step S105, it is considered that the face is not crushed even if the compression rate is increased. In step S107, the image processing circuit 11 sets the compression rate of the captured image to high, and the process proceeds to step S110. Proceed.

  Note that whether or not the condition that the face is not crushed (is an appropriate image) is satisfied is determined by the subject detection circuit 102 adding the number of faces and the total of all face areas detected from the entire captured image. This is performed depending on the setting state (compression rate, paper size, image size) of the photographed image with respect to the proportion of the area.

  In this embodiment, only the paper size is defined as output information, but print quality may be added. By doing so, it can classify | categorize more finely and it is possible to perform determination with higher precision. This is the same in other embodiments. The print quality in the present embodiment means the resolution of a print image, and is expressed in units of dpi (Dot per inch).

  Specifically, the subject detection circuit 102 calculates an evaluation value for each combination of the number of faces, the ratio of the total area of all face regions detected from the entire captured image, and the setting state.

  Then, the subject detection circuit 102 compares the evaluation value with a threshold set based on the shape of the face in the image, and determines a combination that is crushed and a combination that is not crushed.

  If the subject detection circuit 102 determines in step S105 that the ratio of the total area of all the face areas detected from the entire captured image is less than 10%, the captured image is regarded as a human photograph including a background. The process proceeds to step S108.

  In the present embodiment, the processing is divided according to the ratio of the total area of the face region being 10% or more and less than 10%. However, if the value can be used as a criterion for whether or not the face is collapsed, It is not limited to numerical values. Further, the processing may be further divided into two instead of two. This also applies to other embodiments.

  In step S108, it is considered from the result of determination in step S105 that there is a possibility that the face image may be crushed when the compression rate is increased. Therefore, the image processing circuit 11 sets the compression rate of the captured image to low and performs the processing in step S110. Proceed to

  The type of compression rate is not limited to High, Normal, and Low, and may be set by further classifying the compression rate. This also applies to other embodiments.

  In step S110, the image processing circuit 11 determines an image size according to a preset printing paper size. If the paper size is designated as L size, the image processing circuit 11 sets the image size to Small in step S112, and advances the process to step S115.

  If the paper size is designated as A4, the image processing apparatus 11 sets the image size to large in step S113, and the process proceeds to step S115.

  In the present embodiment, the image size is determined according to the paper size. However, a larger number of paper sizes can be set, and the image size may be classified finely. This also applies to other embodiments.

  In step S115, the subject detection circuit 102 generates the number of detected faces and the ratio of the total area of all face regions detected from the entire captured image as face image information, and the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, the camera system control circuit 15 performs image adjustment processing on the captured image temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 16 with the set compression rate and image size, and advances the processing to step S117.

  Note that the image adjustment processing here refers to white balance processing and saturation adjustment processing.

  In step S117, the image display unit 7 displays the image subjected to the image adjustment process in step S116 on the image display unit 7 and selects whether to record.

  3 and 4, an image captured at the currently set compression rate and image size is displayed on the image display unit 7 of the imaging apparatus 100 and the operation unit 20 is operated to select whether or not to record. This is how it works.

  First, FIG. 3 will be described. In the image display section 7, “Do you want to check the details? Is displayed. The user can select either “Yes” or “No”.

  Selection of “Yes” or “No” is performed by operating an operation unit 20 (for example, a zoom lever, a triangle button, or a round button in the upper right portion shown in FIG. 3) provided in the imaging apparatus.

  When “Yes” is selected, the user can enlarge the display image by operating the operation unit 20 to check the detailed state of the image.

  If the detailed state of the image can be confirmed, the detailed confirmation of the display image is finished, and the screen moves to the image recording selection screen.

  If “No” is selected, the display image is not confirmed in detail and the screen continues to the image recording selection screen.

  Next, FIG. 4 will be described. When you move to the image recording selection screen, the image display unit 7 will display “Do you want to record? Is displayed, the user can select either “Yes” or “No”.

  The selection of “Yes” or “No” is performed by operating the operation unit 20 provided in the imaging apparatus as described above.

  The message displayed on the image display unit 7 is not limited to the message described above, and any message may be used as long as it asks the user whether to confirm the details of the image and whether to record it. May be a simple message.

  If the user selects to record a captured image in step S117, the camera system control circuit 15 advances the process to step S118 to store an image captured with the set compression rate and image size. 19 is recorded.

  If the user does not select to record the captured image in step S117, the camera system control circuit 15 proceeds to step S119 to reset the compression rate and the image size.

  FIG. 5 shows a state when the compression rate and the image size are reselected.

  If the user chooses not to record, continue to “Select the compression rate” on the image display section 7. ”Is displayed, so the compression rate is selected from“ High ”or“ Low ”.

  The compression rate is selected by operating an operation switch (for example, a triangle button or a circle button described in FIG. 3) provided in the imaging apparatus.

  When selection of the compression rate is completed, a message prompting the user to select an image size is displayed on the image display unit 7, and the user selects the image size.

  Note that the types of compression ratios that can be selected are not limited to the above. Further, the message displayed on the image display unit 7 is not limited to the message described above as long as it prompts the user to select the compression rate and can select the compression rate.

  When the compression rate and the image size are reset in step S119, the camera system control circuit 15 advances the process to step S120 and sets the captured image temporarily recorded in the buffer memory 16. The image adjustment processing is performed with the compression rate and the image size.

  In step S120, when the camera system control circuit 15 completes the image adjustment process, the process proceeds to step S118, and an image photographed with the set compression rate and image size is recorded in the memory 19, and the process ends.

  In the present embodiment, the user selects whether to confirm details of an image that has been subjected to image adjustment processing with the set compression rate and image size, and whether to record. However, the recording may be performed as it is without selecting either one or both.

  In this embodiment, the image size is set after setting the image compression rate. However, the reverse procedure may be used. This is also true for other embodiments.

  In the present embodiment, the compression ratio and the image size are set according to the number of detected faces, the ratio of the total area of the face area, and the paper size. It is not necessary to use all of the ratio of the total area of the face area and the paper size as a criterion.

  What is necessary is just to combine said three elements suitably as a criterion. This is also true for other embodiments.

  Also, regarding the setting of the compression rate and the image size, it is not always necessary to set both in the same manner as described above.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the optimum compression ratio and image size are automatically set according to the number of detected faces and the ratio of the total area of all face areas detected from the captured image. .

  If the set compression rate and image size are not satisfactory for the user, the user can arbitrarily change the compression rate and the image size.

  In this embodiment, the compression ratio is set according to the number of detected faces and the ratio of the total area of all face areas detected from the captured image. As long as it is subject information on the subject that has been selected, elements other than those described above may be used.

(Second Embodiment)
The operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In the first embodiment, after the release switch is pressed, an optimal image can be captured according to the number of detected faces and the ratio of the total area of all face areas detected from the captured image. The compression ratio and image size are set automatically. In contrast, in the present embodiment, during EVF monitoring, which is the stage before shooting, if the current settings (compression rate, paper size, image size) are not optimal settings, the user is notified of this. This is a different point.

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of processing in the second embodiment of the present invention. Since the block diagram of the imaging apparatus for carrying out this embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 1, the description thereof is omitted.

  When the image capturing apparatus 100 is powered on, the image capturing apparatus 100 prepares for an image capturing operation starting from step S201.

In step S201, the user turns on the EVF function of the image display unit 7 and starts monitoring the object scene.
In step S <b> 202, the subject detection circuit 102 performs face detection on the image displayed on the image display unit 7.

In step S203, the subject detection circuit 102 determines whether or not the face area has been detected in step S202.
If the subject detection circuit 102 determines in step S203 that the face area could not be detected, the camera system control circuit 15 returns the process to step S202 to detect the face area again.
If the subject detection circuit 102 determines in step S203 that the face area has been detected, the camera system control circuit 15 advances the process to step S204.

In step S <b> 204, the subject detection circuit 102 determines the number of faces included in the image displayed on the image display unit 7.
If the subject detection circuit 102 determines in step S204 that the number of faces included in the image displayed on the image display unit 7 is three or less, the process proceeds to step S205.

  If the subject detection circuit 102 determines in step S204 that the number of faces included in the image displayed on the image display unit 7 is four or more, the process proceeds to step S207.

In step S205, if the subject detection circuit 102 determines that the ratio of the total area of all the face areas detected from the entire display image is 10% or more, the subject detection circuit 102 regards the face as a large image and performs processing. Advances to step S208.
In step S205, if the subject detection circuit 102 determines that the ratio of the total area of all the face areas detected from the entire display image is less than 10% and 3% or more, it is a person image including a background. The deemed process proceeds to step S206.
If the subject detection circuit 102 determines in step S205 that the ratio of the total area of all the face areas detected from the entire display image is less than 3%, the image includes a person but is too small. And the process proceeds to step S211.

In steps S206 and S207, the image processing circuit 11 determines whether or not the currently set compression rate of the image is appropriate.
In step S206, if the currently set compression rate of the image is High, it is considered that the face may be crushed regardless of the paper size and the image size. Therefore, the camera system control circuit 15 Advances the process to step S211.
In step S206, if the currently set compression rate of the image is Low, it is considered that the face may be crushed depending on the paper size and the image size, so the camera system control circuit 15 advances the process to step S208. .

In step S207, if the currently set compression rate of the image is High, it is considered that the face may be crushed regardless of the paper size and the image size. Therefore, the camera system control circuit 15 Advances the process to step S211.
If it is determined in step S207 that the currently set image compression rate is low, the camera system control circuit 15 proceeds to step S209 because the face may be collapsed depending on the paper size and the image size. .

  In step S208, if the currently set paper size for printing is A4, depending on the image size, it is considered that the resolution at the time of printing may be rough, so the camera system control circuit 15 performs the process. Proceed to S210. In step S208, if the currently set paper size for printing is L size, it is considered that there is no possibility that the face will be crushed no matter what the image size is, so the camera system control circuit 15 The process returns to step S202.

If it is determined in step S209 that the currently set paper size for printing is A4, the camera system control circuit 15 proceeds to step S210 because the face may be collapsed depending on the image size.
In step S209, if the currently set paper size for printing is L size, it is considered that the face may be crushed regardless of the image size. The process proceeds to step S211.

In step S210, if the currently set image size is Small, it is considered that the face may be crushed in consideration of the determination results from step S204 to step S209, so the camera system control circuit 15 performs processing. Advances to step S211.
In step S210, if the currently set image size is large, the determination result from step S204 to step S209 is considered and there is no possibility that the face will be crushed. Is returned to step S202.

  In step S211, the current setting (compression rate, paper size, image size) may cause the face to be crushed or the resolution at the time of printing to be rough, so that information is displayed on the image display unit 7.

  By doing so, the user is notified that the current setting is not appropriate, and the camera system control circuit 15 returns the process to step S202.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user is informed that the face may be crushed.
Along with the image data, a compression rate, an image size, and a message “* There is a possibility of face collapse” are displayed. If there is a possibility that the resolution at the time of printing is rough, this is displayed.

  In addition, after notifying the user, as in step S117 of the first embodiment, detailed display of the display image is performed so that it can be confirmed whether or not the face is actually crushed. Good.

  In addition, as means for notifying the user that the face may be crushed, the above means including voice, lighting or blinking of a lamp, display of a warning mark, etc., and display of a message Or may be used in combination. This is also true for other embodiments.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, during EVF monitoring, if the current settings (compression rate, paper size, image size) are not optimal settings, the user is notified of this, so that the optimum settings are made before shooting. It can be changed to various settings, enabling smooth shooting.

(Third embodiment)
The operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The same step number is assigned to the step that performs the same processing as in the second embodiment.
In the second embodiment, the processing of the imaging apparatus alone has been described. In this embodiment, when the imaging apparatus 100 or the PC 300 instructs the image forming apparatus 200 to print an already captured image. The operation of will be described.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of processing in the third embodiment of the present invention.
The difference from FIG. 6 is from step S301 to step S302, and from step 308 to step S316, so description of other steps will be omitted.

  When the imaging apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 200, and the PC 300 are powered on, the imaging apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 200, and the PC 300 prepare for the operation starting from step S301.

  In step S301, the imaging apparatus 100 or the PC 300 sends data obtained by adding the face image information detected by the subject detection circuit 102 to the captured image data to the image forming apparatus 200, and the camera system control circuit 15 performs processing. Advances to step S302.

  Note that the face image information is various data obtained from face detection results, such as face position information, face size, number of faces, and the like.

  Further, image information such as a compression rate, an image size, and a printing paper size is added to the image data in advance.

  As a method of transmitting data to the image forming apparatus 200, a method of transmitting face image information data of a file different from the image data together with the image data is also conceivable.

  Alternatively, only the image data may be sent, and the subject detection circuit 102 on the image forming apparatus 200 side may perform face detection on the image to obtain face information data.

  In step S302, the printing system control circuit 29 reads the image data and face image information data obtained in step 301, and advances the processing to step S203.

  In S310, the printing system control circuit 29 sets the printing paper size to a size set as a default in the image forming apparatus 200, and advances the processing to Step S314.

In step S308, the image processing circuit 11 determines the size of the image data.
If the image processing circuit 11 determines in step S308 that the size of the image data is Small, in step S311, the printing system control circuit 29 sets the printing paper size to L size, and the process proceeds to step S314.
If the image processing circuit 11 determines in step S308 that the size of the image data is large, the printing system control circuit 29 advances the processing to step S312.

  In step S309, the image processing circuit 11 determines the size of the image data.

If the image processing circuit 11 determines in step S309 that the size of the image data is large, the printing system control circuit 29 advances the processing to step S312.
If the image processing circuit 11 determines in step S309 that the size of the image data is Small, the printing system control circuit 29 advances the processing to step S313.

  In step S312, the printing system control circuit 29 sets the printing paper size to A4, and the process proceeds to step S314.

  In step S313, with the current settings (compression rate, image size), the face may be crushed no matter what size printing paper is used, so “***” is displayed in the paper size display field of the image display unit 7. Is displayed to inform the user that there is no appropriate paper size.

  When the notification is completed, the printing system control circuit 29 advances the process to step S314.

  Any display may be used as long as the user is notified that there is no appropriate paper size.

  In step S <b> 314, the image display unit 7 displays an image to be printed on the image display unit 7, and the user operates the operation unit 20 to select whether to print.

  FIG. 9 shows a state when selecting whether or not to print with the currently set printing paper size by operating the operation unit 20.

  Along with the image data, the currently set print paper size, “Do you want to print? Is displayed.

  The user selects “Yes” or “No” by operating the operation unit 20 to determine whether to perform printing with the currently set printing paper size.

  As shown in step S117 of the first embodiment, the display image is displayed in detail and the print status is confirmed in advance, and then the user is allowed to select whether to perform printing. May be.

  If printing is selected in step S314, the printing system control circuit 29 advances the processing to step S316, performs printing with the set printing paper size, and ends the processing.

  If it is determined in step S314 that printing is not to be performed, the printing system control circuit 29 advances the processing to step S315, and the user selects whether to change the printing paper size.

  In step S315, the image display unit 7 displays an image to be printed on the image display unit 7, and the user operates the operation unit 20 to select whether or not to change the size of the printing paper. Do.

  FIG. 10 shows a state in which whether or not to change the currently set printing paper size is selected by operating the operation unit 20.

  Along with the image data, the currently set print paper size, “Do you want to change the paper size? Is displayed.

  The user selects “Yes” or “No” by operating the operation unit 20 to determine whether or not to change the currently set printing paper size.

  If the printing paper size is changed in step S315, the printing system control circuit 29 advances the processing to step S316, performs printing with the changed printing paper size, and ends the processing.

  If the printing paper size is not changed in step S315, the printing system control circuit 29 ends the process without printing.

  Note that the message displayed on the image display unit 7 is not limited to the one described above, and any message can be used as long as it asks the user whether or not to change the paper size. Good.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to set and print an optimum print paper size by using the face image information detected from the image data and the image information added to the image data.

(Fourth embodiment)
The operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The same step numbers are assigned to steps that perform the same processing as in the third embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, an image forming apparatus that determines whether or not preset image information is appropriate for the obtained face image information, prints if it is appropriate, and issues a warning if it is not appropriate Will be described.

  FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of processing in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The difference from FIG. 8 is from step S411 to step S414, and the description of the other steps is omitted.

  If A4 is set as the print paper size in step S411, the image size is small, and the resolution at the time of printing may be rough. Therefore, the printing system control circuit 29 advances the process to step S414.

  If L size is set as the printing paper size in step S411, it is considered that the printing paper size is appropriate, and the printing system control circuit 29 advances the processing to step S413.

  If the L size is set as the printing paper size in step S412, the printing system control circuit 29 performs processing because the face may be crushed because it is a group photo in which many people are shown in the image. Advances to step S414.

  If A4 is set as the printing paper size in step S412, it is considered that the printing paper size is appropriate, and the printing system control circuit 29 advances the process to step S413.

  In step S413, the printing system control circuit 29 performs printing with the set printing paper size, and ends the processing.

  In step S414, the printing system control circuit 29 may cause the face to be crushed or the printing resolution to be rough at the current settings (compression rate, paper size, image size). Is displayed, and the process proceeds to step S415.

  In addition, after notifying the user, as in step S117 of the first embodiment, detailed display of the display image is performed so that it can be confirmed whether or not the face is actually crushed. Good.

In step S415, the image display unit 7 displays the image to be printed on the image display unit 7, and the user performs printing without changing the paper size, performs printing with the paper size changed, and printing. The selection of whether or not to perform is performed by operating the operation unit 20.
FIG. 12 shows a state in which printing is performed without changing the paper size, printing is performed with the paper size changed, and whether printing is not performed by operating the operation unit 20.

  Along with the image data, the currently set print paper size, “Do you want to print? Is displayed.

  The user selects and determines one of “Yes (with change)”, “Yes (no change)”, and “No” by operating the operation unit 20.

  If the user selects “Yes (changed)” in step S 415, the printing system control circuit 29 advances the process to step S 417, and the user changes the print paper size to perform printing, and then performs the process. Finish.

  If the user selects “Yes (no change)” in step S 415, the printing system control circuit 29 advances the process to step S 416, and the user performs printing without changing the print paper size. Finish.

  If the user selects “No” in step S415, the printing system control circuit 29 ends the process without printing.

  Note that the message displayed on the image display unit 7 is not limited to the message described above, and any message may be used as long as it asks whether or not to print and answers it.

  Further, after notifying the user in step S414, the user may be asked to select whether or not to print, and the process may be terminated without performing printing.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by using the face image information detected from the image data and the image information added to the image data, it is determined whether or not the printing paper size preset by the user is appropriate. Yes. If it is not appropriate, a warning is given to the user so that suitable printing can be performed.

1 is a block diagram of an imaging apparatus 100 and an image forming apparatus 200 that are embodiments of the present invention. It is a control flow of the imaging process in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the mode at the time of selecting whether the detailed confirmation of the image image | photographed with the set compression rate and image size is performed. It is a figure which shows a mode at the time of selecting whether the image image | photographed with the set compression rate and image size is recorded. It is a figure which shows the mode at the time of reselecting a compression rate and an image size. It is a control flow of the imaging process in the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows a mode that it is alert | reported with respect to the user that there exists a possibility of face collapse. It is a control flow of the printing process in the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows a mode at the time of selecting whether to print with the printing paper size currently set. It is a figure which shows a mode at the time of selecting whether to change the printing paper size. It is a control flow of the printing process in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the mode at the time of selecting whether to print.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Zoom lens 2 Focus lens 3 Aperture and shutter 4 Image sensor 5 Timing generation circuit 6 D conversion circuit 7 Image display part 8 AD conversion circuit 9 Memory control circuit 10 Image display memory circuit 11 Image processing circuit 12 Exposure control circuit 13 Focus control circuit 14 Zoom control circuit 15 Camera system control circuit 16 Buffer memory 17 Power supply 18 Interface (I / F)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 Memory 20 Operation part 27 Paper control circuit 28 Print control circuit 29 Printing system control circuit 100 Imaging device 101 Lens barrel 102 Subject detection circuit 200 Image forming device 300 Personal computer (PC)

Claims (15)

Imaging means for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the imaging optical system;
Subject detection means for detecting a subject from an image signal obtained from the imaging means,
The subject detection means generates subject information for an image signal from which a subject is detected, and at least the image size and the compression rate are determined according to either the subject information or preset output information. Any one of them is set.   Perform image adjustment processing with the set image size and compression rate, and select whether or not to record at least one of the set image size and compression rate on the image display unit The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the recording is not performed as a result of the selection, the set image size and the compression rate can be arbitrarily changed through an operation unit. Imaging means for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the imaging optical system;
Subject detection means for detecting a subject from signals sequentially obtained from the imaging means,
The subject detection means generates subject information for an image signal from which a subject is detected, and outputs at least one of output information, image size, and compression rate set for the photographed image with respect to the subject information. It is determined whether or not is set to satisfy a condition.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the setting does not satisfy the condition, notification that the condition is not satisfied is provided.   The subject information is at least one of the number of subjects detected from image data and the ratio, shape, position, and color of the total area of all subject regions detected from the image data. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 4.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output information is at least one of a paper size and print quality. In an image forming apparatus including subject detection means for detecting a subject region from an image signal,
Generates subject information for the image signal from which the subject is detected and sets output information according to at least one of the subject information, the image size, and the compression rate, or there is no setting that satisfies the condition An image forming apparatus characterized by notifying   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein after the set output information is displayed on the image display unit, the user is asked to select whether or not to print.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the output information that has been set can be arbitrarily changed via an operation unit when printing is not performed as a result of the selection. In an image forming apparatus including subject detection means for detecting a subject region from an image signal,
The subject detection means generates subject information for an image signal from which the subject is detected, and outputs at least one of output information, image size, and compression rate set in the image signal for the subject information. Is determined to satisfy the condition.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, as a result of the determination, if it is determined that the setting does not satisfy the condition, a warning is displayed on the display unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein whether or not to perform printing can be selected after the warning display.   The subject information is at least one of the number of subjects detected from image data and the ratio, shape, position, and color of the total area of all subject regions detected from the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 or 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the output information is at least one of a paper size and a print quality.

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