JP2008017186A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera for coping with both the cases of acquiring points and not acquiring the points and relieving a load of signal processing respectively in both the cases. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic camera 10 includes: an imaging element 101 having a mode wherein the point is acquired in photographing depending on photographing contents and a mode wherein no point is acquired in the photographing and photographing an object image; a memory 109 used for the signal processing applied to a photographed image obtained by the imaging element 101; and a control means 108 that changes at least one setting value in a setting of a data size of the photographed image, a setting associated with the signal processing, and a setting of a use range of the memory 109 between the mode wherein the point is acquired in photographing and the mode wherein no point is acquired in the photographing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic camera.

  There is known a camera that generates points determined in advance for each operation content when the camera performs a predetermined operation, and accumulates the generated points (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-292368 A

  Prior art electronic cameras generate and accumulate points even when they do not want to earn points.

(1) An electronic camera according to the present invention has a mode in which points are acquired according to the contents of shooting when shooting, and a mode in which points are not acquired even after shooting. Between the memory used for signal processing for the obtained captured image and the mode for acquiring points and the mode for not acquiring points, at least one of setting of the data size of the captured image, setting for signal processing, and setting of the use range of the memory It comprises control means for changing one set value.
(2) The electronic camera according to claim 1 may further include subject recognition means for performing subject recognition using the photographed image. In this case, the control means preferably sets the memory so that the use range by the subject recognition means is secured in advance when the mode for acquiring points is selected.
(3) The electronic camera according to claim 1 may further include subject recognition means for performing subject recognition using the photographed image. In this case, when the mode for acquiring points is selected, the control means preferably sets the setting content related to signal processing to a setting suitable for subject recognition.
(4) In the electronic camera according to claim 1, when the mode for acquiring points is selected, the control means sets the data size of the photographed image smaller than when the mode for not acquiring points is selected. Is preferred.

  The electronic camera according to the present invention can deal with both cases of acquiring points and not acquiring points, and can reduce the burden of signal processing in both cases.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a point providing system including an electronic camera 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The point providing system is a system for providing points (points) to service users based on predetermined rules predetermined by the service provider. In FIG. 1, a score management server 11, a terminal (PC) 12, an access point 13, and a terminal (PC) 21 are connected to the network.

  The score management server 11 is arranged in a data center or the like by a service provider. The score management server 11 manages information related to the score to be provided to the service user, information for providing the score to the service user, an obtained score for each service user, management information of the service user, and the like. The PC 12 is an Internet access terminal (for example, a personal computer) placed in a service center by a service provider, and is configured to be accessible to the score management server 11 via the Internet.

  The access point 13 is a wireless access terminal provided in a sightseeing spot or a traffic terminal by a service provider. When the electronic camera 10 has a communication function, the service user can access the score management server 11 via the access point 13.

  The PC 21 is an Internet access terminal (for example, a personal computer) used by a service user, and is configured so that the service user can access the score management server 11 from the home via the Internet.

In the point providing system, the service user accesses the score management server 11 by any one of the following modes and uses the point providing service.
(1) A service user connects to the Internet from a terminal 21 at home and uses the point providing service. The electronic camera 10 and the terminal 21 are connected by a USB cable or the like so that the data in the recording medium 10A can be transmitted to and received from the point management server 11.

(2) The service user connects to the Internet from the terminal 21 at home and uses the point providing service. The recording medium 10A attached to the electronic camera 10 is taken out from the electronic camera 10 and mounted in a card slot (not shown) of the terminal 21 so that the data in the recording medium 10A can be transmitted to and received from the point management server 11. In this case, connection between the electronic camera 10 and the terminal 21 is not necessary.

(3) A service user connects the electronic camera 10 to the Internet via an access point 13 such as a tourist spot and uses a point providing service. The electronic camera 10 that has established communication with the access point 13 enables the data in the recording medium 10 </ b> A to be transmitted to and received from the point management server 11.

(4) A service user uses the point providing service by connecting to the Internet from a terminal 12 such as a service center. The electronic camera 10 and the terminal 12 are connected by a USB cable or the like so that the data in the recording medium 10A can be transmitted to and received from the point management server 11.

(5) A service user uses the point providing service by connecting to the Internet from a terminal 12 such as a service center. The recording medium 10A attached to the electronic camera 10 is taken out from the electronic camera 10 and mounted in a card slot (not shown) of the terminal 12 so that data in the recording medium 10A can be transmitted to and received from the point management server 11. In this case, connection between the electronic camera 10 and the terminal 12 is unnecessary.

  When the electronic camera 10 performs a shooting operation, the point providing system described above is for each shooting content (subject, shooting location, exposure of the shot image, focus, blur, etc.) and shooting conditions (such as the setting state of the electronic camera 10). The points defined in the above are generated, and the generated points are accumulated in the point management server 11. When points cannot be accumulated in the score management server 11, the points or information necessary for point calculation is stored in the recording medium 10 </ b> A in the electronic camera 10, and when the points can be accumulated in the score management server 11, the recording medium Points are accumulated in the score management server 11 based on the stored information in 10A.

  Since the present invention relates to the electronic camera 10 used in the point providing system, the following description will be focused on the electronic camera 10. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the electronic camera 10. In FIG. 2, a timing generator (TG) 105 sends timing signals to a driver 104, an AFE (Analog Front End) circuit 102, an A / D conversion circuit 103, and an image processing circuit 106 in accordance with an instruction sent from the main CPU 108. Supply. The driver 104 supplies a drive signal required by the image sensor 101.

  The photographing lens L forms a subject image on the imaging surface of the image sensor 101. The image sensor 101 includes a CCD image sensor having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements corresponding to pixels, captures a subject image formed on the imaging surface, and performs photoelectric conversion according to the brightness of the subject image. Output a signal. On the imaging surface of the imaging device 101, color filters of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) are provided so as to correspond to the pixel positions, respectively. Since the image pickup device 101 picks up a subject image through the color filter, the photoelectric conversion signal output from the image pickup device 101 has RGB color system color information.

  The AFE circuit 102 performs analog processing (such as gain control) on the photoelectric conversion signal output from the image sensor 101. The A / D conversion circuit 103 converts the image pickup signal after analog processing into a digital signal.

  The main CPU 108 receives a signal output from each block, performs a predetermined calculation, and outputs a control signal based on the calculation result to each block. The image processing circuit 106 is configured as an ASIC, for example, and performs image processing on the digital image signal input from the A / D conversion circuit 103. The image processing includes, for example, contour enhancement, color temperature adjustment (white balance adjustment) processing, and format conversion processing for an image signal.

  The image compression circuit 107 performs image compression processing at a predetermined compression ratio on the image signal processed by the image processing circuit 106 by the JPEG method. The display image creation circuit 110 creates display data for displaying the captured image on the liquid crystal monitor 111. The liquid crystal monitor 111 displays a reproduced image based on the display data input from the display image creation circuit 110. The display image creation circuit 110 creates data for displaying messages, menus, marks, etc., in addition to image display data. Thereby, information other than an image is also displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 111.

  The recording medium 10 </ b> A includes a memory card that can be attached to and detached from the electronic camera 10. The recording medium 10A records captured image data and an image file including the captured information according to an instruction from the main CPU. Further, point data (score information) is recorded on the recording medium 10A in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU. The image file and the score information recorded on the recording medium 10A can be read out according to an instruction from the main CPU 108, respectively.

  The buffer memory 109 temporarily stores data before and after image processing and during image processing, stores an image file before recording on the recording medium 10A, stores an image file read from the recording medium 10A, Used as work memory for generating points.

  The operation member 113 corresponds to the operation buttons of the electronic camera 10 and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the pressing operation of each button to the main CPU 108. A mode change switch described later is included in the operation member 113. The external interface 112 transmits / receives data to / from an external device (such as a personal computer or a cradle) according to an instruction from the main CPU 108 via a cable (not shown).

  The GPS device 114 receives radio waves from GPS satellites according to instructions from the main CPU 108 and outputs received signals to the main CPU 108. The main CPU 108 performs a predetermined calculation based on the received signal from the GPS device 114 and detects the positioning information (latitude, longitude, altitude) of the electronic camera 10.

  The direction sensor 115 detects the geomagnetism in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 108, and obtains and obtains the direction in which the electronic camera 10 faces, that is, the direction in which the optical axis of the photographing lens L faces based on the detected geomagnetism. A signal indicating the azimuth is output to the main CPU. The azimuth detected by the azimuth sensor 115 corresponds to the shooting azimuth taken by the electronic camera 10.

  FIG. 3 is an operation mode transition diagram of the electronic camera 10. In FIG. 3, the operation mode of the electronic camera 10 is roughly divided into “score information acquisition mode” and “other modes” other than “score information acquisition mode”, and either one is selected. The “score information acquisition mode” is an operation mode in which the electronic camera 10 generates the points described above during a shooting operation. The electronic camera 10 in the “score information acquisition mode” transmits the generated point data to the score management server 11. When the point data cannot be transmitted, the point or information necessary for the point calculation is stored in the recording medium 10A in the electronic camera 10, and when the point data can be transmitted to the score management server 11, the stored information in the recording medium 10A is scored. It transmits to the management server 11.

  The “other mode” is a mode in which the above point is not generated during the shooting operation. For example, “P mode”, “A mode”, “S mode”, and settings related to exposure in which the electronic camera automatically performs settings related to exposure. “M mode” in which the electronic camera is manually operated, and “scene mode (“ night view ”,“ portrait ”,“ close-up ”, etc.)) that automatically performs settings suitable for the scene that the electronic camera wants to take. In addition, since the transition from the “power-off state” including the sleep state to the “score information acquisition mode” is possible, the “power-off state” is also treated as “another mode” for convenience.

<Main processing>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of main processing performed by the main CPU 108 of the electronic camera 10. The program according to FIG. 4 is stored in a memory (not shown) in the main CPU 108, and is activated when a battery (not shown) is loaded in the electronic camera 10 (step S100). In step S102, the main CPU 108 determines whether or not the camera process is finished. When the battery (not shown) is removed, the main CPU 108 makes a positive determination in step S102 and proceeds to step S104. If the battery is loaded, the main CPU 108 makes a negative determination in step S102 and proceeds to step S108.

  In step S104, the main CPU 108 performs a camera processing end operation using the stored charge in a capacitor (not shown) as a power source, and ends the processing shown in FIG. 4 (step S150).

  In step S108, the main CPU 108 determines whether or not the “score information acquisition mode” is set. If the main CPU 108 determines “scoring information acquisition mode”, the determination in step S108 is affirmative and the process proceeds to step S110. If it is determined that it is not “scoring information acquisition mode” (that is, “other mode”), step S108 is performed. A negative determination is made and processing proceeds to step S118.

  In step S110, the main CPU 108 determines whether or not the conditions for ending the “score information acquisition mode” and shifting to the “other mode” are satisfied, and proceeds to step S112. Specifically, whether an operation signal for instructing the transition to the “other mode” is input from the mode change switch (not shown), or whether the conditions for shifting to the predetermined “other mode” are satisfied Judging. For example, when the main CPU 108 receives a signal for ending the “score information acquisition mode” from an external device in communication via the external interface 112, the main CPU 108 determines that the transition condition is satisfied.

  In step S112, the main CPU 108 determines whether or not the determination result in step S110 is the mode end. When the main CPU 108 determines the end of the mode by the operation signal for instructing the transition or the transition condition is established, the main CPU 108 makes an affirmative determination in step S112 and proceeds to step S114. When not determining, negative determination is made at step S112 and the process proceeds to step S116. If the most recent reason for transition to the “score information acquisition mode” is an operation signal from the mode changeover switch, a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) has elapsed since the transition to the “score information acquisition mode”. Until this is done, the end of the mode is determined only by the input of an operation signal from the mode changeover switch instructing the transition to the “other mode”.

  In step S114, the main CPU 108 executes “Score information acquisition mode” end operation, selects “other mode”, and returns to step S102. Here, the “other mode” to be selected is the mode (“P mode”, “A mode”, “S mode”, “M mode”, “scene mode”, “mode”) before the transition to the “score information acquisition mode”. "Power off").

  In step S116, the main CPU 108 performs the normal operation of the “score information acquisition mode” and returns to step S102. In this case, the “score information acquisition mode” is continued.

  In step S118, which proceeds after making a negative determination in step S108 described above, the main CPU 108 determines whether or not the conditions for ending the “other mode” and shifting to the “score information acquisition mode” are satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S120. Specifically, an operation signal instructing a transition to the “score information acquisition mode” is input from a mode change switch (not shown), or a condition for shifting to a predetermined “score information acquisition mode” is set. Determine if it is in place. For example, when the main CPU 108 receives a signal to shift to the “score information acquisition mode” from the external device that is communicating via the external interface 112 in a state where the shift to the “score information acquisition mode” is permitted, It is determined that the condition is met.

  In step S120, the main CPU 108 determines whether or not the determination result in step S118 is a mode change. When the main CPU 108 determines the mode change by the operation signal for instructing the transition or the transition condition is established, the main CPU 108 makes an affirmative decision in step S120 and proceeds to step S122. If not, step S120 is negatively determined and the process proceeds to step S124. If the reason for the most recent transition to the “other mode” is an operation signal from the mode changeover switch, a predetermined time (for example, one hour) has elapsed since the transition to the “other mode”. , As an exception, the mode change is determined only by the operation signal input from the mode changeover switch instructing the shift to the “score information acquisition mode”.

  In step S122, the main CPU performs the initial operation of the “score information acquisition mode” and returns to step S102. Thereby, the “scoring information acquisition mode” is selected instead of the “other modes”.

  In step S124, the main CPU 108 performs the normal operation of “other mode” and returns to step S102. In this case, the “other mode” is continued.

<Initial operation>
Details of the initial operation in step S122 will be described. The main CPU 108 performs the following five operations as initial operations.
-Initial operation A-
The main CPU 108 reproduces an electronic sound or informs the user of the electronic camera 10 that the operation mode of the electronic camera 10 has shifted to the “score information acquisition mode” (including when the power is turned on), or a lamp (not shown). Or the liquid crystal monitor 111 displays a display indicating the transition to the “score information acquisition mode”. Thereby, the user can be notified of the transition to the “score information acquisition mode” (including when the power is turned on).

-Initial operation B-
In the “score information acquisition mode”, image recognition is performed to derive points. Since this image recognition includes various image processing such as image comparison, filtering processing, and resizing processing, a large memory area is required for buffering and calculating image data. As an initial operation, the main CPU 108 releases an unnecessary memory area associated with transition between modes and secures a memory area necessary for image processing. Thereby, the subsequent control processing can be performed smoothly and the buffer memory 109 can be used efficiently. The data size of the image is set to a size suitable for the “score information acquisition mode”. For example, even if the number of effective pixels of the image sensor 101 is 10 million pixels, the “score information acquisition mode” is limited to about 1 million pixels.

-Initial operation C-
The main CPU 108 selects parameters suitable for the image recognition process and sets an image processing register of the image processing engine (image processing circuit 106). Examples of parameters include a filter (detection) coefficient, an image scaling (resizing) coefficient, an edge enhancement parameter, a color reproduction parameter, and a gradation parameter.

-Initial operation D-
The main CPU 108 sets the electronic camera 10 based on information inside and outside the camera. The setting contents include, for example, flash setting (switching between flash prohibition / forced flash / slow sync, etc.), focus setting (switching between AF-S / AF-F / tulip mark / mountain mark), photometry mode setting (multi-pattern / center) Part weight / spot metering), white balance setting (AUTO / preset / manual switching), image stabilization mode setting (switching OFF / normal / active), and the like.

-Initial operation E-
The main CPU 108 sends an instruction to the external interface 112 to start communication with the external device. If a wireless communication card is installed in a slot (not shown) of the electronic camera 10, communication with an external device may be performed via the wireless communication card.

<End operation>
Details of the end operation in step S114 will be described. The main CPU 108 performs the following five as end operations.
-End operation A-
The main CPU 108 reproduces an electronic sound, notifies a user of the electronic camera 10 that the electronic camera 10 ends the “scoring information acquisition mode” (including when the power is turned off), and displays a lamp or a liquid crystal monitor (not shown). A display indicating the end of the “score information acquisition mode” is performed by 111. Thereby, the end of the “score information acquisition mode” (including when the power is turned off) can be notified to the user.

-End operation B-
The main CPU 108 releases the memory area secured during the initial operation and secures a memory area necessary for the “other mode”. Thereby, the subsequent control processing can be performed smoothly and the buffer memory 109 can be used efficiently. Further, the data size of the image that has been limited in the “score information acquisition mode” is returned to the original data size before the limitation.

-End operation C-
The main CPU 108 changes the parameter selection and image processing register settings performed during the initial operation to parameter selection suitable for processing in the “other mode” and image processing register settings. Thereby, subsequent control processing can be performed smoothly.

-End operation D-
The main CPU 108 changes the setting so that the setting of the electronic camera 10 performed in the “score information acquisition mode” is returned to the setting content before the transition to the “score information acquisition mode”. Thereby, subsequent control processing can be performed smoothly.

-End operation E-
The main CPU 108 sends an instruction to the external interface 112, and terminates communication with the external device. When communication is performed using a wireless communication card (not shown), the wireless communication card is instructed to end communication.

<Normal operation in score information acquisition mode>
Details of the normal operation performed in step S116 will be described. When the electronic camera 10 performs shooting in “other modes”, exposure calculation, autofocus (AF) processing, and liquid crystal monitor 111 are usually performed when determining the composition before the main shooting (hereinafter referred to as shooting standby). Display a through image. A through image is a pre-captured image that is repeatedly acquired by the image sensor 101 as a pre-stage of main shooting. The main shooting is shooting performed in response to an operation signal (shooting instruction) when the release button is fully pressed.

The operation performed by the electronic camera 10 during shooting standby in the “score information acquisition mode” includes the following operations as compared with the case of the “other mode”.
-Camera settings-
The main CPU 108 changes the setting contents and parameters of the electronic camera 10 based on information inside and outside the camera acquired during shooting standby, and notifies the user of the electronic camera 10 of information. The information notification is performed by playing back electronic sounds, displaying a lamp (such as an LED) (not shown), the liquid crystal monitor 111, or the like. The setting in this case is performed for a new necessity after the “initial operation D”. The main CPU 108 further performs preparations for deriving points.

-Communication with external devices-
The main CPU 108 acquires subject information in real time by communicating with an external device. In addition to communication via the external interface 112, wireless communication may be performed with a wireless LAN communication, infrared communication, optical communication, IC tag, or the like via a wireless communication card (not shown). In addition, information can be acquired by analyzing a QR code, a barcode, or the like from a through image acquired by the image sensor 101. The information to be acquired includes the name and coordinates of the subject, database information necessary for deriving an expected acquisition point (score) when the subject is photographed, and the like.

-Location information acquisition-
The main CPU 108 collates the positioning information of the electronic camera 10 acquired based on the received signal from the GPS device 114 and the azimuth information acquired by the azimuth sensor 115 with the location of the subject (landmark) registered in the database in advance. Then, using the collation result, the liquid crystal monitor 111 displays the name and coordinates of the subject (landmark), the predicted acquisition point (score) when the subject (landmark) is photographed, and the like. The database registers the name of a subject (landmark), position data of the subject (landmark), image data of the subject (landmark), data indicating a given point for each subject (landmark), and the like. Yes, it is stored in the score management server 11. The main CPU 108 acquires database information related to a subject (landmark) located within a predetermined range from the current position of the electronic camera 10 from the score management server 11 by communication, and stores it in the recording medium 10A.

  The subject information displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 111 is displayed for the subject (landmark) closest to the current position of the electronic camera 10. When the nearest subject (landmark) is more than a predetermined distance, whether or not to display is determined according to an instruction from the user of the electronic camera 10. The main CPU 108 performs display when an operation signal instructing display is input from the operation member 113, and does not perform display unless the display is instructed. The predetermined distance in this case is large when the subject (landmark) is a mountain or the like, and is small when the subject (landmark) is a building or the like.

  The notification of the subject information may be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 111, and may represent the distance or the number to the nearest subject (landmark) by changing the blinking speed of the lamp, the lighting brightness, the number of lighting, or the like. Not only visual notification but also notification through auditory sense may be made by changing voice (tone color, frequency, rhythm).

-Settings according to the predicted subject-
The main CPU 108 changes the setting content of the electronic camera 10 to a value suitable for the subject (the nearest landmark) that is predicted to be photographed. The setting changes include, for example, zoom position setting, flash setting (switching between flash prohibition / forced flash / slow sync, etc.), focus setting (switching AF-S / AF-F / tulip mark / mountain mark), metering mode setting (Multi-pattern / center-weight / spot metering switching), white balance setting (AUTO / preset / manual switching), image stabilization mode setting (switching OFF / normal / active), and the like. Further, as setting items other than the shooting function, language setting, date / time setting, and the like may be added to the change target. Note that it may be configured to set in advance in the electronic camera 10 whether or not to allow the setting contents of the electronic camera 10 to be automatically changed.

-Image recognition-
The electronic camera 10 compares the through image acquired by the image sensor 101 with the image of the subject registered in the database in advance, and uses the result to determine the subject (in this case, a land or landscape such as a landscape or a building for specifying the location). In addition to the mark, the liquid crystal monitor 111 displays the name (or coordinates) of animals and plants, etc.) and the points (scores) that are expected to be acquired when the image is taken. If the match between the through image and the subject image registered in the database is determined by so-called template matching processing, it can be determined that the subject is framing. In the case of framing, points are added as the degree of match increases.

  When the above-described operation performed by the electronic camera 10 during standby for shooting is linked, the accuracy of subject information to be acquired can be improved, and the image recognition rate can be increased. For example, if the electronic camera 10 transmits positioning information and azimuth information to the score management server 11, the data of the subject (landmark) image that the score management server 11 transmits to the electronic camera 10 is a point that is substantially equal to the electronic camera 10. It is possible to narrow down to the observed image. Thereby, since the database image used for the comparison at the time of image recognition by the electronic camera 10 is limited, the time required for image recognition is shortened and the image recognition rate is increased. Furthermore, since the database image acquired by the electronic camera 10 is reduced, the communication time with the external device is also reduced.

  The main CPU 108 reflects the setting information of the electronic camera 10 when acquiring an image used for image recognition from the database of the score management server 11. For example, based on the focal length of the photographing lens L, a subject image photographed with framing substantially equal to the angle of view is acquired. In general, when the distance to the subject and the focal length of the photographic lens L change, even when the subject is framed with the same size, the appearance of the subject differs due to the perspective effect. Therefore, by associating the database image used for comparison at the time of image recognition with the focal length, the accuracy of the subject information can be increased and the image recognition rate can be increased.

-Assist display-
The main CPU 108 displays assist information for assisting the composition at the time of photographing, superimposed on the through image being displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 111. The assist information is, for example, a line corresponding to the contour of the main subject in the image for object recognition, a grid for aligning the position of the main subject (position in the shooting screen), and the like, and the electronic information from the database of the score management server 11 Transmit to the camera 10. By displaying the assist information on the liquid crystal monitor 111, an example of an exemplary composition can be presented to the user of the electronic camera 10, and the user can be assisted so that a captured image suitable for image recognition processing can be obtained. . Also in this case, the recognition rate in image recognition increases.

-Score information presentation-
In response to an operation signal generated when the release button is pressed halfway, the main CPU 108 notifies the liquid crystal monitor 111 of whether or not points can be acquired by shooting, points that are expected to be acquired, subject names, and coordinate information. Overlay the displayed live view. As a result, the expected acquisition point is presented to the user (service user) before the shooting instruction (full-press operation), and the user can determine whether or not to shoot after confirming the presented content. Details of the calculation of the expected acquisition point will be described later.

  The main CPU 108 continues to acquire the luminance information and direction information of the subject even after the half-pressing operation, and when the acquired information changes beyond a predetermined value, the display of the predicted acquisition point is deleted and the point acquisition impossibility is displayed. Switch to. Accordingly, in a situation where shooting conditions such as exposure and composition are expected to be different from those at the time of point calculation, the user can be notified that points are not provided even after shooting.

<Point calculation>
The main CPU 108 calculates an expected acquisition point as follows. The main CPU 108 acquires “image information”, “subject-specific information”, “imaging element-specific information”, and “user-specific information” in order to calculate “acquired points (scores)”. “Subject-specific information” is obtained from the database information, and other information is information contained in the camera. Each piece of information has a plurality of items, and a grant point is determined in advance corresponding to each item.

  The main CPU 108 calculates points with reference to the lookup table. The lookup table describes the grant points for each item, and is acquired from the database of the score management server 11. The main CPU 108 calculates an expected acquisition point using the awarded points for each item, and obtains the data indicating the estimated expected points, the item used for the point calculation, and the assigned points corresponding to each item as “scoring information 1”. And

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating “score information 1”. In the present embodiment, points are calculated based on three of the above four pieces of information: “subject-specific information”, “imaging element-specific information”, and “user-specific information”. “Acquired points (predicted acquisition points)” is the sum of points obtained from “subject-specific information”, “imaging element-specific information”, and “user-specific information” used for point calculation (BB + CC + DD). ).

-Image information-
“Image information” indicates an image for which points are to be acquired. In the case of this embodiment, it is an image file (JPEG) recorded as a captured image by the electronic camera 10. In the case of a camera that records a movie, it is a movie file, and in the case of a silver salt camera, it is a film.

-Subject-specific information-
“Subject-specific information” includes the following four items.
(1. Subject content)
This is the name or identification code of the subject specified using the image recognition result or information acquired through communication with an external device. Even for the same subject, the name may be changed according to the season, time, facial expression, and the like. For example, “Marine Tower at Night, Marine Tower in Summer”. The main CPU 108 reads data indicating the grant point corresponding to the identification code from the look-up table or acquires it in real time by communication with an external device.

  The subject content includes an image recognition result. In image recognition, in addition to the degree of coincidence with the database image described above, the exposure state (out-of-brightness, darkness, etc.), focus state, and blur state (contrast) of the captured image are also detected, and given points according to the respective detection results Is read from the lookup table or acquired in real time by communication with an external device.

(2. Shooting location)
This is positioning information identified using the GPS device 114. The main CPU 108 reads data indicating the grant points corresponding to the positioning information from the lookup table or obtains it in real time by communication with an external device.

(3. Date of shooting)
Accurate date and time information at the time of shooting. The main CPU 108 acquires time data stored therein or acquires date / time data in real time through communication with an external device. Further, the main CPU 108 reads out data indicating the grant points corresponding to the date / time information from the lookup table, or obtains it in real time by communication with an external device.

(4. Subject-specific points)
The main CPU 108 sets the sum of points for the above items 1 to 3 as subject-specific points. The data indicating the grant points for each item is written in the lookup table, but bonus points are provided in the following cases. For example, the granted point for “2. Shooting location” is when the location information of the campaign location held by the service provider matches the positioning information acquired by the electronic camera 10 (within a predetermined distance). Will be given more than usual. Further, the points given for “3. shooting date / time” are added from the normal time when the date / time of the campaign held by the service provider matches the date / time information acquired by the electronic camera 10. These points are added by updating the lookup table. The main CPU 108 refers to the updated look-up table, and the added content is reflected in the acquired points (acquired predicted points).

  Further, whether or not to add points may be determined according to whether or not the electronic camera 10 (main CPU 108) satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the main CPU 108 that has determined a predetermined framing by image recognition adds a predetermined bonus point to the granted points read from the lookup table for “1. Subject content”.

-Information specific to imaging devices-
“Imaging device-specific information” includes the following 19 items.
(1. Camera mode)
This is information indicating “P mode”, “S mode”, “A mode”, and “M mode” set in the electronic camera 10 regarding exposure.
(2. Scene mode)
This is information indicating the “portrait”, “night view” mode, etc. set in the electronic camera 10 during the shooting scene.

(3. Exposure information)
This is exposure information calculated by the electronic camera 10.
(4. Photometric information)
This is photometric information detected by the electronic camera 10.
(5. Focus information)
This is AF operation information of the electronic camera 10.
(6. Focal length information)
This is focal length information of the taking lens L of the electronic camera 10.

(7. Macro mode)
This is focus setting information of the electronic camera 10.
(8. White balance information)
This is color temperature adjustment processing information of the electronic camera 10.
(9. Sensitivity information)
This is setting information related to the ISO value of the electronic camera 10.
(10. Color mode)
This is setting information regarding the color space of the electronic camera 10.

(11. Outline mode)
This is contour processing information of the electronic camera 10.
(12. Self-timer setting)
This is setting information regarding the self-timer of the electronic camera 10.
(13. Continuous shooting mode)
This is setting information regarding continuous shooting of the electronic camera 10.
(14. Setting date and time information)
This is information regarding the set date and time of the electronic camera 10.

(15. Setting language information)
This is information related to the setting language of the electronic camera 10.
(16. Interchangeable Lens Information) Information regarding the photographing lens L attached to the electronic camera 10 (including the operating state, manufacturer, model name, and instrument number).
(17. External flash information)
This is information (including an operation state, a manufacturer, a model name, and a device number) related to a flash device (not shown) attached to the electronic camera 10.
(18. Memory card information used)
This is information (including capacity, manufacturer, model name, and device number) related to the recording medium 10 </ b> A attached to the electronic camera 10.

(19. Battery information)
This is information (including an operation state, a manufacturer, a model name, and a device number) related to a battery pack (not shown) loaded in the electronic camera 10.
(20. Points by imaging device)
The main CPU 108 sets the sum of the points for the items 1 to 19 as a point for each imaging device. The main CPU 108 reads data indicating the grant points corresponding to the information of each item from the lookup table, or obtains it in real time by communication with an external device. Each grant point for the above items 16 to 19 is created so that the point becomes higher when the manufacturer name included in the information matches the manufacturer name related to the service provider (for example, affiliated company, sponsor, etc.). It has been. In addition, each given point for the above items 1 to 15 is made so that the point becomes higher when the content of each information matches a predetermined content (for example, content set by a professional photographer). ing.

-User-specific information-
“User-specific information” consists of the following 11 items.
(1. Camera ID)
ID information assigned to each camera (including manufacturer, model name, instrument number).
(2. User ID)
ID information assigned to each user.
(3. Camera IP address)
This is ID information assigned to each Internet communication device.
(4. Camera ownership)
This is the number of cameras owned by the user. The grant points are made so that the more points you have, the higher the points.

(5. Accumulated points)
The total number of points earned by the user. The granted points are made such that the higher the accumulated points, the higher the points.
(6. Usable points)
It is a point that can be exchanged for goods and services. The granted points are made such that the more points that can be used, the higher the points.
(7. User biometric information)
This is information obtained by converting a user's fingerprint, iris, palm vein, or face image into data.
(8. User status)
This is user status information determined by the user's point acquisition status, the number of cameras owned, point rally information (described later), and the like. The grant points are made so that the higher the status, the higher the points.

(9. Point rally information)
This is information used when a service (referred to as a point rally) that provides a bonus score is performed when some or all of a plurality of predetermined subjects are photographed. For example, a group name or group code that collectively calls several subjects such as “World Heritage”, “Hundred Mountains”, and “Three Views of Japan” as multiple subjects, and information on individual subjects belonging to the group, The names and identification codes of subjects such as “Atomic Bomb Dome” and “Yakushima” in “Heritage” are used. Further, the position information of the subject and the shooting state of the subject by the user or the camera may be included in the information of each subject belonging to the group.

(10. Information on other users)
This is information such as user IDs, camera IDs, and camera IP addresses of other cameras located near the electronic camera 10.
(11. User-specific points)
The main CPU 108 sets the sum of points for the above items 1 to 9 as user-specific points. The main CPU 108 reads data indicating the grant points corresponding to the information of each item from the lookup table, or obtains it in real time by communication with an external device. Further, the possibility of deduction may be determined depending on whether or not the electronic camera 10 (main CPU 108) satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the main CPU 108 that has determined the presence of a predetermined number or more cameras for the item 10 subtracts the predetermined point from the granted points read from the lookup table.

<Main shooting>
The electronic camera 10 performs the main shooting in response to the full pressing operation of the release button in standby for shooting. Predetermined image processing and compression processing are performed on the image signal acquired by the image sensor 101 during main shooting, and an image file in which additional information such as information regarding shooting conditions is added to the image data after the compression processing is generated. Specifically, an image file in Exif format is generated in which image data in JPEG format is stored in the image data portion and additional information is stored in the additional information portion.

  The electronic camera 10 in the “score information acquisition mode” further stores the “score information 1” described above in the additional information section. The points calculated during the shooting standby are the expected acquisition points, but the points calculated after the actual shooting are the acquired points. The main CPU 108 replaces the items that are different between the content in standby for shooting and the content at the time of actual photographing in “subject-specific information” and “imaging device-specific information” with the content at the time of actual photographing, thereby The points obtained by doing are generated. The main CPU 108 stores the image file storing the “score information 1” in the recording medium 10A, and displays the acquired points, subject names, and coordinate information on the liquid crystal monitor 111 so as to be superimposed on the photographed image, and performs a series of photographing processes. finish.

According to the embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(1) The electronic camera 10 can select a “score information acquisition mode” in which points are generated according to the contents of shooting, and the points are acquired, and “other modes” in which points are not generated or acquired even after shooting. Since it is configured as described above, it is possible to respond to a user's request that wants to accumulate points and a user's request that does not require points.

(2) Since the electronic camera 10 changes the selection mode between the “score information acquisition mode” and the “other mode” in accordance with the operation signal from the mode changeover switch constituting the operation member 113, The mode can be changed immediately by user operation.

(3) “Score information acquisition mode” and “other mode” when a predetermined mode transition condition is satisfied, for example, when a signal is received from an external device in communication via the external interface 112 Since the selection mode is changed between the electronic cameras 10, the electronic camera 10 can automatically change the mode without user operation.

(4) When the selection mode is changed by a user operation, the mode is changed according to only the user operation as an exception until a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour) elapses from the most recent mode transition point. The signal from is not changed between modes. As a result, for one hour after the user operates the mode changeover switch to switch between the modes, the selection mode is maintained even when the mode transition signal is received from the communicating external device via the external interface 112. Is done. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the electronic camera 10 from automatically changing the mode between the “score information acquisition mode” and the “other mode” against the user's intention.

(5) Between “scoring information acquisition mode” and “other modes”, setting / releasing of memory area necessary for image processing, parameter selection setting suitable for image recognition processing, image processing engine (image processing circuit) 106) Since the image processing register setting and the image data size setting are changed, the processing of the main CPU 108 smoothly proceeds in each mode, and the burden of signal processing can be reduced. Note that at least one of the above settings may be changed without changing all the settings.

(6) In particular, the memory range used for image processing is ensured wider in the “score information acquisition mode” than in the “other modes”, so that the image processing can proceed more smoothly than when the memory usage range is narrow. Can do.

(7) In particular, parameter selection and register settings related to image signal processing are set to be suitable for subject recognition in the “score information acquisition mode”, so that the image recognition processing can proceed smoothly.

(8) In particular, regarding the data size of the image, the “scoring information acquisition mode” suppresses the data size smaller than the “other mode”, so the processing burden of the image recognition processing is reduced compared to the case where the data size is large, Processing time can be shortened.

(9) Since the electronic camera 10 generates points using the positioning information, the shooting location (position) can be reflected in the acquired points. Thereby, for example, a high point can be provided for a user who has taken a picture while visiting the campaign venue.

(10) When an image of a landmark existing in the vicinity from the positioning position of the electronic camera 10 is recognized from an image captured by the electronic camera 10, the acquisition point is changed, so that the electronic camera 10 captures a landmark Alternatively, points can be added when the framing of the captured image by the electronic camera 10 matches the framing of the database image. Also, points can be increased or decreased according to the degree of match.

(11) Since the electronic camera 10 can acquire a database image in real time by communication via the external interface 112, points can be generated in real time at the time of shooting.

(12) Since the electronic camera 10 can read the database image recorded on the recording medium 10A, points can be generated even when communication with an external device cannot be performed during shooting.

(13) The electronic camera 10 indicates whether or not points can be acquired, points that are expected to be acquired, subject names, and coordinate information when the release button is pressed halfway. 111 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the live view being displayed. Thereby, the acquisition expected point is presented to the user before shooting, and the user can determine whether or not to shoot after confirming the presented content.

(14) Since the above display is not performed before the release button is half-pressed, the above display does not disturb the composition and prevents flickering of the screen (repetition of display and non-display) when the composition is changed. You can also

(15) When the main shooting is performed, the electronic camera 10 determines the items of the “subject-specific information” and the “imaging device-specific information” that differ between the contents in standby for shooting and the details at the time of main shooting. The point obtained by the actual photographing is generated by replacing the content, and the obtained point, subject name, and coordinate information are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 111 so as to be superimposed on the photographed image (so-called freeze image). The user can check the shooting result together with the acquired points.

(16)
The information specific to the imaging device can be used to know the result of the photographed image (photograph), the user's photographic technique, the usage status of the genuine product by the user, and the like.

(Modification 1)
When the reason for the positive determination in steps S112 and S120 is not an operation signal from the mode changeover switch (that is, when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied), only a display indicating that the transition condition between modes is satisfied. May be performed by a lamp (not shown) or the liquid crystal monitor 111. In this case, the main CPU 108 shifts between the modes when the operation signal is input from the mode switch after the display, and returns to step S102. This improves usability for users who do not want automatic transition between modes. In addition, it may replace with visual notification and may perform notification through hearing, such as an electronic sound, and may use both together.

(Modification 2)
As an example in which the transition conditions set in advance in steps S112 and S120 are satisfied, the case of receiving a signal indicating mode transition from an external device in communication via the external interface 112 has been described. When the CPU 108 detects predetermined positioning information (latitude, longitude, altitude), when the predetermined date / time is reached, or when the recording medium 10A is mounted or removed, the CPU 108 may make an affirmative determination that the transition condition is satisfied.

(Modification 3)
It may be configured to change to “another mode” each time a series of photographing processes is completed in the “score information acquisition mode” (that is, “score information 1” is stored in the recording medium 10A). In this case, the main CPU 108 performs the same process as step S114 after the photographing process ends, and returns to step S102. A user who wants to shoot in the “score information acquisition mode” operates the mode changeover switch to change to the “score information acquisition mode” before shooting. Since the mode automatically returns to the “other mode” after the photographing is completed, it is suitable for the user who forgets the operation to return to the “other mode”.

(Modification 4)
“Scoring information 1” includes “image information”, “subject-specific information”, “imaging device-specific information”, and “user-specific information”. It may be configured to include some or all of “subject-specific information”, “imaging device-specific information”, and “user-specific information”. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining “score information 2”. Compared to FIG. 5, “image information” includes “subject-specific information” and “imaging device-specific information”. The calculation method of the acquired points (acquired expected points) is the same as in the case of “score information 1”.

(Modification 5)
“Scoring information 1” or “scoring information 2” may be encrypted. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining “score information 3”. Compared to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, they are different in that they are encrypted.

(Modification 6)
The above-described electronic camera 10 uses the “subject-specific information”, “imaging device-specific information”, and “user-specific information” and the database information acquired from the score management server 11 to make a point in the electronic camera 10. Was calculated. When the database information cannot be obtained from the point management server 11, the electronic camera 10 sets “subject-specific information”, “imaging device-specific information”, “user-specific information”, and the like as “data 1 acquired by the imaging device”. You may store in the additional information part of an image file. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating “data 1 acquired by the imaging apparatus”. Compared with “scoring information 1” in FIG. 5, points are not calculated, and therefore there is no item relating to points.

  Even when points cannot be calculated at the time of shooting, “data 1 acquired by the imaging device” is stored in the recording medium 10A or the like, so that points can be generated later when the database information can be acquired from the point management server 11. It becomes possible. Further, when the recording medium 10A storing the “data 1 acquired by the imaging device” is inserted into a card slot (not shown) of the terminal 12 of the service center, the terminal 12 or a score management server connected to the terminal 12 11 can also generate points.

(Modification 7)
In the “data 1 acquired by the imaging device”, “image information”, “subject-specific information”, “imaging device-specific information”, and “user-specific information” are also shown. The information may include a part or all of “subject-specific information”, “imaging device-specific information”, and “user-specific information”. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating “data 2 acquired by the imaging apparatus”. Compared to FIG. 8, “image information” includes “subject-specific information” and “imaging device-specific information”.

(Modification 8)
“Data 1 acquired by the imaging device” or “data 2 acquired by the imaging device” may be encrypted. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating “data 3 acquired by the imaging apparatus”. Compared to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, they are different in that they are encrypted.

(Modification 9)
In the above description, points are calculated based on three of the four pieces of information “image information”, “subject-specific information”, “imaging element-specific information”, and “user-specific information”. However, even if points are calculated based on all four pieces of information or points are calculated based on any two pieces of information, points are calculated based on only one piece of information. May be. The sum of points when calculated based on four pieces of information is (AA + BB + CC + DD), and the sum of points when calculated based on two pieces of information is (BB + DD), for example. The point when based on one piece of information is, for example, (CC).

(Modification 10)
In the above description, the sum of points calculated based on each piece of information is an acquired point (acquired expected point). However, the sum may be calculated after weighting the points calculated based on each piece of information.

(Modification 11)
In addition to the predicted acquisition points to be presented to the user before the shooting instruction (full press operation), full point (highest score that can be obtained) information may be presented to the user. In this case, the main CPU 108 displays, in response to the operation signal when the release button is pressed halfway, the points that are expected to be acquired when the shooting points can be acquired, the perfect score, the subject name, and the coordinate information. The image is displayed on the monitor 111 so as to overlap the live view image being displayed. Since the full score point is presented to the user (service user) together with the predicted acquisition point before the shooting instruction (full press operation), the user can review the composition and shooting conditions aiming at further point increase.

(Modification 12)
The full points may be presented to the user in addition to the acquired points after the main shooting. The main CPU 108 displays acquired points, full points, subject names, and coordinate information so as to be superimposed on the captured image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 111.

(Modification 13)
In the modification 11 and the modification 12, the accumulated points acquired by the user may be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 111 in addition to the acquired (predicted) points and the full points. It becomes easy to use for users who set goals and accumulate points.

(Modification 14)
Although the example of storing “scoring information 1” in the recording medium 10A has been described, the storage destination of “scoring information 1” is an ID card or electronic device storing “user-specific information” in addition to the recording medium 10A. The built-in memory of the camera 10 may be used. The score points possessed by “score information 1” are managed by the score management server 11. In this case, the score management server 11 performs management in units of users so as not to count the already acquired acquisition points in duplicate when receiving the acquisition points of “score information 1”.

(Modification 15)
“Data 1 acquired by the imaging apparatus” may be stored in the recording medium 10 </ b> A, an ID card in which “user-specific information” is stored, or an internal memory of the electronic camera 10. Further, “data 1 acquired by the imaging apparatus” may be stored in a predetermined area in the score management server 11. In this case, the score management server 11 can calculate the acquired points in real time when “data 1 acquired by the imaging device” is transmitted from the electronic camera 10. The score management server 11 manages the calculated points for each user.

  The above description is merely an example, and is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. The embodiment used in the description and the first to fifteenth modifications may be combined as appropriate.

  Although the case where the camera is an electronic camera has been described as an example, the present invention may be applied to a case of a silver salt camera. In the case of a silver halide camera, a given point relating to “1. subject content” in “subject-specific information” is set to a predetermined value (for example, 0).

  Although the electronic camera 10 has been described as an example, a mobile phone with a camera or a PDA with a camera may be used.

It is a figure which illustrates the point provision system comprised including the electronic camera by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram explaining the principal part structure of an electronic camera. It is an operation mode transition diagram of an electronic camera. It is a flowchart of the main process which the main CPU of an electronic camera performs. It is a figure explaining "score information 1". It is a figure explaining "score information 2". It is a figure explaining "score information 3". It is a figure explaining "the data 1 which the imaging device acquired." It is a figure explaining "data 2 which an imaging device acquired." It is a figure explaining "the data 3 which the imaging device acquired."

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Electronic camera 10A ... Recording medium 11 ... Score management server 12, 21 ... Terminal (PC)
13 ... Access point 101 ... Image sensor 108 ... Main CPU
109 ... Buffer memory 110 ... Display image creation circuit 111 ... Liquid crystal monitor 112 ... External interface 113 ... Operation member 114 ... GPS device 115 ... Direction sensor

Claims (4)

When shooting, it has a mode that acquires points according to the shooting contents and a mode that does not acquire the points even when shooting,
An image sensor for capturing a subject image;
A memory used for signal processing on a captured image obtained by the image sensor;
Control means for changing at least one setting value among the setting of the data size of the photographed image, the setting relating to the signal processing, and the setting of the use range of the memory between the mode for acquiring points and the mode for not acquiring points. An electronic camera characterized by that. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
Subject recognition means for performing subject recognition using the captured image,
The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein when the mode for acquiring the points is selected, the control unit sets the memory so as to secure a use range by the subject recognition unit in advance. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
Subject recognition means for performing subject recognition using the captured image,
The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein when the mode for acquiring the points is selected, the control unit sets the setting content related to the signal processing to a setting suitable for the subject recognition. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein when the mode for acquiring the points is selected, the data size of the photographed image is set smaller than when the mode for not acquiring the points is selected.

Images