JP2009065450A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus in which a parameter is simply set by every user. <P>SOLUTION: A temporary storage part 1013 stores a parameter concerning execution of a predetermined function and attributes of a user by associating them with each other. A user identification part 1012 identifies the attributes of the user based on user's voice input in a voice input part 1011. A system controller 1001 reads a parameter corresponding to the attributes of the user detected by the user identification part 1012 from the temporary storage part 1013 to be set. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera or a digital video camera.

  In a consumer digital camera, system parameters related to execution of predetermined functions are prepared. Since it is necessary for the user to determine system parameters according to the subject immediately, skill is required, and a program mode and an automatic scene detection function are provided that can simplify and easily record a good image.

  In the automatic detection mode, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a specific subject (such as a person's face), ambient ambient light, and backlighting, and optimal system parameters are set according to the detection results. In order to select system parameters in more detail, a scene program that can be selected by the user is prepared. For example, in the “sports” mode, priority is given to the shutter speed, and in some cases, improvement of ISO sensitivity or underexposure is set. In the “Cooking” mode, red is emphasized. In “sleeping face” mode, the sensitivity is improved and the flash is turned off. A camera that detects a human face and automatically corrects exposure and color balance has also been put into practical use.

  As for the above scene program, a new scene program can be introduced into the camera system by rewriting the firmware of the camera system. For example, when providing firmware to a user from a manufacturer or distributor, a new scene program can be introduced by downloading to the user via a network, and by distributing solid-state memory or CD-ROM Can also introduce new scene programs.

On the other hand, various digital cameras including a microphone and capable of inputting voice have been conventionally provided. In this type of camera, when a captured subject image is reproduced on a monitor device attached to the camera, the input sound is also reproduced at the same time. In the camera disclosed in Patent Document 1, not only the input sound is reproduced simultaneously with the image display, but also the input sound is analyzed and the sound is converted into “Hiragana”, “Katakana”, “Kanji”, “Alphabet”. Are converted into a character image and combined with the subject image, the character can be printed together when the photographed image is printed. According to this camera, since the conversation content at the time of shooting is written on the printed image, it is possible to obtain information that cannot be obtained only by looking at the still image.
JP-A-5-184544

  In the conventional method in which the user selects a scene program, if more than necessary types of scene programs are prepared, it takes time to reach the target scene program on the menu, which imposes a burden on the user. Become. In addition, there is a case where a photo opportunity is missed as a result of taking time to reach the target scene program. As described above, there is a problem that the setting of system parameters is complicated and takes time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging device capable of easily setting parameters for each user.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. An optical system for forming an optical image (corresponding to the lens 1002 in FIG. 1 and the like) and an optical image formed by the optical system are converted into an electrical signal. Imaging means (corresponding to the CCD 1003 in FIG. 1) and attribute detection means (sound input unit 1010, speech recognition processing unit 1011 in FIG. 1, etc., user identification unit 1012, FIG. 12). Eyepiece optical system 1020, image generation unit 1021, and image recognition processing unit 1022), and a storage unit (temporary storage unit such as FIG. 1) that stores parameters associated with execution of a predetermined function and the attribute of the user in association with each other 1013) and setting means for reading and setting the parameter corresponding to the user attribute detected by the attribute detection means from the storage means (system controller in FIG. An imaging apparatus characterized by comprising a support) to over La 1001 (camera system 1a of Figure 1, the camera system 1b in FIG. 10, corresponding to the camera system 1c in FIG. 12).

  The imaging apparatus of the present invention further includes parameter input means (corresponding to the voice input unit 1010, the voice recognition processing unit 1011 and the operation key 1015 in FIG. 1 and the like) for the user to input the parameters, and the storage unit Is characterized in that the parameter input to the parameter input means and the attribute of the user detected by the attribute detection means are stored in association with each other.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the attribute detection unit includes a voice input unit (corresponding to the voice input unit 1010 in FIG. 1 and the like) through which the user inputs a voice, and the use input to the voice input unit. And attribute identifying means (corresponding to the speech recognition processing unit 1011 and the user identifying unit 1012 in FIG. 1 and the like) for identifying the user attribute based on the user's voice.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the attribute detection unit is acquired by an image acquisition unit (corresponding to the eyepiece optical system 1020 and the image generation unit 1021 in FIG. 12) that acquires the image of the user, and the image acquisition unit. And an attribute identifying means (corresponding to the image recognition processing unit 1022 and the user identifying unit 1012 in FIG. 12) for identifying the user attribute based on the user image.

  In the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the parameter input unit includes a voice input unit (corresponding to the voice input unit 1010 in FIG. 1 and the like) through which the user inputs voice, and the use input to the voice input unit. Parameter recognition means (corresponding to the speech recognition processing unit 1011 in FIG. 1 and the like) for recognizing the parameters based on the voice of the person.

  In the above description, the description in parentheses is for the purpose of associating the embodiment of the present invention described later with the components of the present invention for convenience, and the contents of the present invention are not limited by this description. Absent.

  According to the present invention, among the parameters prepared in advance, the parameter corresponding to the user's attribute is automatically set, so that the effect that the parameter can be easily set for each user is obtained.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the camera system 1a according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the camera system 1a as viewed from above. In FIG. 1, a solid line indicates the flow of data such as an image signal, an audio signal, or a system parameter, and a broken line indicates a control signal. A camera system 1a shown in FIG. 1 includes a system controller 1001, a lens 1002, a CCD 1003, an imaging circuit 1004, an A / D conversion circuit 1005, a signal processing circuit 1006, a compression circuit 1007, a storage medium 1008, a display unit 1009, and an audio input unit 1010. A voice recognition processing unit 1011, a user identification unit 1012, a temporary storage unit 1013, a release button 1014, an operation key 1015, a mode selection dial 1016, a flash 1017, and a photometric sensor 1018.

  A system controller 1001 performs overall control of the camera system 1a. The lens 1002 optically forms light from the subject on the imaging surface of the CCD 1003 to form an optical image of the subject. As shown in FIG. 2, the lens 1002 is provided on the front surface of the main body of the camera system 1a. The CCD 1003 converts an optical image formed on the imaging surface into an electric signal by photoelectric conversion. The imaging circuit 1004 sets the scanning timing and scanning method for the CCD 1003, and performs amplification processing, white balance processing, and pixel addition processing for noise reduction on the analog signal output from the CCD 1003.

  The A / D conversion circuit 1005 converts the analog signal processed by the imaging circuit 1004 into a digital signal. A signal processing circuit 1006 performs gradation correction, color adjustment, noise filter, edge enhancement, and electronic zoom on the digital signal output from the A / D conversion circuit 1005 to obtain image data. The compression circuit 1007 compresses the image data processed by the signal processing circuit 1006.

  In addition to storing image data, the storage medium 1008 stores user attribute information (to be described later) and system parameters in association with each other. The storage medium 1008 may be fixed to the camera system 1a, or may be a portable type that can be attached to and detached from the camera system 1a. The display unit 1009 displays an image based on the image data processed by the signal processing circuit 1006, and displays a menu, system parameters, and the like.

  The voice input unit 1010 has a microphone. When the user inputs voice to the voice input unit 1010, a voice signal based on the voice is output from the voice input unit 1010. The voice recognition processing unit 1011 recognizes the voice pattern (voice pattern) and the content of the voice (character string indicated by the voice) based on the voice signal output from the voice input unit 1010. The user identifying unit 1012 compares the speech pattern recognized by the speech recognition processing unit 1011 with a previously registered speech pattern, and identifies the user based on the comparison result. The temporary storage unit 1013 temporarily stores system parameters and the like.

  The release button 1014 is a button for the user to input a shooting instruction. The operation key 1015 is a key for the user to perform menu operations and input system parameters. The mode selection dial 1016 is a dial for the user to select an operation mode of the camera system 1a. As shown in FIG. 2, the mode selection dial 1016 is provided on the upper surface of the main body of the camera system 1a, and the operation mode is determined according to the rotational position. The flash 1017 emits light to supplement the amount of light. The photometric sensor 1018 is a sensor that performs photometry related to automatic exposure and automatic focus adjustment.

  Next, system parameters in the present embodiment will be described. The system parameter is a parameter for controlling the operation of each part constituting the camera system 1a. The scene program and preset program used by the system controller 1001 for controlling the camera system 1a include various system parameters. The system parameters of the present embodiment are mainly composed of lens parameters, imaging parameters, image processing parameters, photometric parameters, and auxiliary light parameters.

  The lens parameter is a parameter related to execution of the function of the lens 1002. The lens parameters include parameters such as the aperture and shutter speed related to exposure, and the optical magnification (zoom magnification). The imaging parameter is a parameter related to execution of the function of the imaging circuit 1004. In addition to the sensitivity and amplification factor of the CCD 1003, the imaging parameters include parameters such as an electronic shutter, white balance processing, and pixel addition processing. The image processing parameter is a parameter related to the execution of the function of the signal processing circuit 1006. The image processing parameters include parameters for processing such as gradation correction, color adjustment, noise filter, edge enhancement, and electronic zoom.

  The photometric parameter is a parameter related to execution of the function of the photometric sensor 1018. The photometric parameters include parameters relating to a photometric method and a photometric area for automatic exposure and automatic focus adjustment. The auxiliary light parameter is a parameter related to execution of the function of the flash 1017. The auxiliary light parameters include parameters indicating whether the front curtain light emission, the rear curtain light emission, or the light emission in the slow sync mode, as well as the light distribution parameter and the wavelength parameter regarding the light irradiation direction, A parameter of light emission amount and the like are included.

  Next, the operation of the camera system 1a according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, it is necessary to register in advance in the storage medium 1008 the correspondence relationship between the user attributes that can identify the individual user and the scene program or preset program. Hereinafter, the operation of the camera system 1a during registration performed before shooting will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the user inputs a voice to the voice input unit 1010, the voice input unit 1010 outputs a voice signal based on the voice (step S100). Any audio may be input at this time. The voice recognition processing unit 1011 recognizes a voice pattern based on the voice signal from the voice input unit 1010, and stores it in the temporary storage unit 1013 as user attribute information indicating a user attribute (step S110).

  Subsequently, the system parameters included in the scene program or preset program are corrected. This correction is performed by the operation of the operation key 1015 or voice input by the user (step S120). The scene program or preset program in which the system parameters are corrected is stored in the temporary storage unit 1013 in association with the user attribute information. The user attribute information and the scene program or preset program stored in the temporary storage unit 1013 are stored in the storage medium 1008 in accordance with control by the system controller 1001 (step S130). When a plurality of users use the camera system, a scene program or a preset program corresponding to each user can be registered by performing the above operation for each user.

  In step S120, when the system parameter is corrected by operating the operation key 1015, the user operates the operation key 1015 to specify the scene program or the preset program, and the information specifying the type of the system parameter. , A signal based on each information is output from the operation key 1015 to the system controller 1001. Based on the signal, the system controller 1001 reads out the designated scene program or preset program from the storage medium 1008 and stores it in the temporary storage unit 1013 to execute correction of the system parameters. After correcting the system parameters, the system controller 1001 stores the corrected scene program or preset program in the storage medium 1008 together with user information.

  In step S120, when system parameters are corrected by voice input, processing according to the procedure shown in FIG. 4 is executed. First, when the user inputs a sound related to the correction of the system parameter to the sound input unit 1010, the sound input unit 1010 outputs a sound signal based on the sound (step S1200).

  When correcting the exposure system parameter included in the lens parameter, in step S1200, the sound “exposure” is input after the sound specifying the scene program or the preset program. When correcting the sensitivity system parameter included in the imaging parameter, in step S1200, the sound “sensitivity” is input following the sound specifying the scene program or the preset program.

  When the system parameter of the flash 1017 included in the auxiliary light parameter is corrected, in step S1200, the sound “flash” is input after the sound specifying the scene program or the preset program. Also, when correcting the image processing system parameters included in the image processing parameters, in step S1200, the sound “image processing” is input after the sound specifying the scene program or the preset program. The method for designating the scene program or preset program is not limited to voice input, and may be performed by operating the operation key 1015.

  Subsequently, the speech recognition processing unit 1011 recognizes the speech pattern and the content of the speech (a character string indicated by the speech) based on the speech signal from the speech input unit 1010 and stores the information in the temporary storage unit 1013 ( Step S1210). Subsequently, the system controller 1001 reads the user attribute information from the storage medium 1008 and stores it in the temporary storage unit 1013. The user identification unit 1012 reads the voice pattern stored in the temporary storage unit 1013 in step S1210, compares it with the voice pattern indicated by the user attribute information, and identifies the user (step S1220). If the voice pattern obtained from the voice input in step S1200 matches the voice pattern indicated by the user attribute information, it is understood that the user identified by the user attribute information is going to correct the system parameter. .

  The user identifying unit 1012 notifies the system controller 1001 of user attribute information corresponding to the user identified in step S1220. Further, the voice recognition processing unit 1011 notifies the system controller 1001 of information specifying a scene program or a preset program. The system controller 1001 reads the scene program or preset program associated with the user attribute information notified from the user identification unit 1012 from the storage medium 1008 and stores it in the temporary storage unit 1013 (step S1230).

  Subsequently, the system controller 1001 reads information indicating the content of the voice recognized in step S1210 from the temporary storage unit 1013, and determines whether or not to correct the exposure system parameters based on the information (step). S1240). If the voice recognized in step S1210 is “exposure”, the process proceeds to step S1280 to correct the exposure system parameter.

  If the voice recognized in step S1210 is not “exposure”, the system controller 1001 determines whether or not to correct the sensitivity system parameter (step S1250). If the voice recognized in step S1210 is “sensitivity”, the process proceeds to step S1290, and the sensitivity system parameter is corrected.

  If the voice recognized in step S1210 is not “sensitivity”, the system controller 1001 determines whether or not to correct the system parameters of the flash 1017 (step S1260). If the voice recognized in step S1210 is “flash”, the process proceeds to step S1300, and the system parameters of the flash 1017 are corrected.

  If the voice recognized in step S1210 is not “flash”, the system controller 1001 determines whether or not to correct the image processing system parameter (step S1270). If the sound recognized in step S1210 is “image processing”, the process proceeds to step S1310, and the system parameters of the image processing are corrected. If the sound recognized in step S1210 is not “image processing”, the system parameters are not corrected, and the process proceeds to step S130 shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the processing content of steps S1280 to S1310 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows the procedure of step S1280 for correcting the exposure system parameters. First, a voice indicating the correction contents of the system parameter is input to the voice input unit 1010 by the user, and the voice input unit 1010 outputs a voice signal based on the voice (step S1280a). In step S1280a, for example, a voice “aperture minus 0.5” is input.

  Subsequently, the voice recognition processing unit 1011 recognizes the content of the voice (character string indicated by the voice) based on the voice signal from the voice input unit 1010 (step S1280b), further decomposes the recognized character string into keywords, The information is stored in the temporary storage unit 1013 (step S1280c). For example, when the voice “aperture minus 0.5” is input in step S1280a, the recognized character string is decomposed into three keywords “aperture”, “minus”, and “0.5”.

  Subsequently, the system controller 1001 reads the keyword recognized in step S1280b from the temporary storage unit 1013, determines that the aperture value is corrected because the keyword includes “aperture”, and is set in the scene program or preset program. The aperture value being read is read out from the temporary storage unit 1013 (step S1280d).

  The system controller 1001 corrects the read aperture value based on the keyword recognized in step S1280b, and stores the corrected aperture value in the temporary storage unit 1013 (step S1280e). For example, when the voice “aperture minus 0.5” is input in step S1280a, the aperture value is set to a value that is reduced by 0.5 from that before correction. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S130 illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows the processing procedure of step S1290 for correcting the sensitivity system parameter. First, a voice indicating the correction contents of the system parameter is input to the voice input unit 1010 by the user, and the voice input unit 1010 outputs a voice signal based on the voice (step S1290a). In step S1290a, for example, a voice “EV (Iibui) plus 1” is input.

  Subsequently, the speech recognition processing unit 1011 recognizes the content of the speech (a character string indicated by the speech) based on the speech signal from the speech input unit 1010 (step S1290b), further decomposes the recognized character string into keywords, The information is stored in the temporary storage unit 1013 (step S1290c). For example, when the voice “EV plus 1” is input in step S1290a, the recognized character string is decomposed into three keywords “EV”, “plus”, and “1”.

  Subsequently, the system controller 1001 reads the keyword recognized in step S1290b from the temporary storage unit 1013, determines that the sensitivity of the CCD 1003 is to be corrected because “EV” is included in the keyword, and is set in the scene program or preset program. Is read from the temporary storage unit 1013 (step S1290d).

  The system controller 1001 corrects the read sensitivity based on the keyword recognized in step S1290b, and stores the corrected sensitivity in the temporary storage unit 1013 (step S1290e). For example, when the voice “EV plus 1” is input in step S1290a, the sensitivity is set to a value increased by 1 from before correction. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S130 illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows the processing procedure of step S1300 for correcting the system parameters of the flash 1017. First, a voice indicating the correction contents of the system parameter is input to the voice input unit 1010 by the user, and the voice input unit 1010 outputs a voice signal based on the voice (step S1300a). In step S1300a, for example, a voice “EV plus 1” is input.

  Subsequently, the voice recognition processing unit 1011 recognizes the content of the voice (character string indicated by the voice) based on the voice signal from the voice input unit 1010 (step S1300b), further decomposes the recognized character string into keywords, The information is stored in the temporary storage unit 1013 (step S1300c). For example, when the voice “EV plus 1” is input in step S1300a, the recognized character string is decomposed into three keywords “EV”, “plus”, and “1”.

  Subsequently, the system controller 1001 reads the keyword recognized in step S1300b from the temporary storage unit 1013, determines that the flash light amount of the flash 1017 is to be corrected because “EV” is included in the keyword, and stores it in the scene program or preset program. The set light emission amount is read from the temporary storage unit 1013 (step S1300d).

  The system controller 1001 corrects the read light emission amount based on the keyword recognized in step S1300b, and stores the corrected light emission amount in the temporary storage unit 1013 (step S1300e). For example, when the voice “EV plus 1” is input in step S1300a, the light emission amount is set to a value increased by 1 from that before correction. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S130 illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 8 shows the processing procedure of step S1310 for correcting the image processing system parameters. First, a voice indicating the correction contents of the system parameter is input to the voice input unit 1010 by the user, and the voice input unit 1010 outputs a voice signal based on the voice (step S1310a). In step S1310a, for example, a voice “strong filter noise” is input.

  Subsequently, the voice recognition processing unit 1011 recognizes the content of the voice (character string indicated by the voice) based on the voice signal from the voice input unit 1010 (step S1310b), further decomposes the recognized character string into keywords, The information is stored in the temporary storage unit 1013 (step S1310c). For example, when a voice “filter noise stronger” is input in step S1300a, the recognized character string is decomposed into three keywords “filter”, “noise”, and “strong”.

  Subsequently, the system controller 1001 reads the keyword recognized in step S1310b from the temporary storage unit 1013, determines that the keyword includes “filter” and “noise”, and determines that the strength of the noise filter is to be corrected. The strength of the noise filter set in the preset program is read from the temporary storage unit 1013 (step S1310d).

  The system controller 1001 corrects the read noise filter strength based on the keyword recognized in step S1310b, and stores the corrected noise filter strength in the temporary storage unit 1013 (step S1310e). For example, when the voice “filter noise is stronger” is input in step S1310a, the strength of the noise filter is set so as to enhance the effect of the filter processing than before correction. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S130 illustrated in FIG.

  When the processing shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 is executed, the correspondence between the user attribute and the scene program or preset program is registered in the storage medium 1008. Hereinafter, the operation of the camera system 1a during photographing will be described with reference to FIG. First, a sound specifying a scene program or a preset program is input to the sound input unit 1010 by the user, and the sound input unit 1010 outputs a sound signal based on the sound (step S200). In step S200, for example, a voice “Preset 1” is input.

  Subsequently, the speech recognition processing unit 1011 recognizes the speech pattern and the content of the speech (a character string indicated by the speech) based on the speech signal from the speech input unit 1010 (step S210), and further uses the recognized character string as a keyword. The information is decomposed and the information is stored in the temporary storage unit 1013 (step S220).

  Subsequently, the system controller 1001 reads the user attribute information from the storage medium 1008 and stores it in the temporary storage unit 1013. The user identifying unit 1012 reads the voice pattern stored in the temporary storage unit 1013 in step S210, compares it with the voice pattern indicated by the user attribute information, and identifies the user (step S230). If the voice pattern obtained from the voice input in step S200 matches the voice pattern indicated by the user attribute information, it can be seen that the user identified by the user attribute information is about to take a picture.

  The user identification unit 1012 notifies the system controller 1001 of user attribute information corresponding to the user identified in step S230. Further, the voice recognition processing unit 1011 notifies the system controller 1001 of information specifying a scene program or a preset program. The system controller 1001 reads from the storage medium 1008 the scene program or preset program associated with the user attribute information notified from the user identifying unit 1012 and corresponding to the keyword recognized in step S220, and temporarily stores it. Store in the storage unit 1013 (step S240). For example, when the user A inputs a voice “preset 1” in step S200, the preset program number 1 associated with the user attribute information of the user A is read.

  Subsequently, the system controller 1001 reads the scene program or preset program stored in the temporary storage unit 1013 in step S240, and sets the system parameters set thereto in each unit in the camera system 1a (step S250). As a result, the system parameters of the scene program or preset program corresponding to the user who performed the voice input in step S200 are set. Subsequently, photographing is performed (step S260). Since this operation is the same as the conventional one, the description thereof is omitted.

  Various modifications can be made to the operation of the camera system 1a described above. For example, the processing procedure shown in FIG. 3 includes step S120 for correcting the system parameter, but the system parameter does not necessarily have to be corrected. Further, the system parameters may be appropriately modified even after the correspondence between the user attributes and the scene program or the preset program is registered according to the processing procedure shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, among the system parameters prepared in advance, the system parameters corresponding to the user attributes are automatically set in the camera system 1a, so that the system parameters are set for each user. It can be set easily. Further, in step S120 of FIG. 3, since the user can input the value of the system parameter, the system parameter can be set according to the user's preference.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, since the user can input the value of the system parameter by voice input, it is simpler than inputting the value of the system parameter by operating the operation key 1015. System parameters can be set.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 shows a configuration of the camera system 1b according to the present embodiment. In the camera system 1b, a communication unit 1019 is added as compared with the camera system 1a shown in FIG. The communication unit 1019 communicates with the external server 2. This communication may be either wired communication or wireless communication. The server 2 stores a scene program and a preset program. Although the server 2 is provided in the present embodiment, the scene program and the preset program are not limited to being stored in the server, and any computer apparatus provided with a storage device may be used.

  FIG. 11 shows the external appearance of the camera system 1b viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 11, an antenna 1019a included in the communication unit 1019 is provided on the upper surface of the main body of the camera system 1b.

  The camera system 1b communicates with the server 2 and acquires necessary scene programs and preset programs. For example, when registering the correspondence between a user attribute and a scene program or preset program, the communication unit 1019 transmits information on the scene program or preset program designated by the user to the server 2. The server 2 transmits the scene program or preset program indicated by the received information to the camera system 1b. The scene program or preset program received by the communication unit 1019 is stored in the temporary storage unit 1013.

  After the system parameters are corrected, the scene program or preset program is stored in the storage medium 1008 together with user attribute information. Alternatively, the scene program or preset program in which the system parameters are corrected may be transmitted to the server 2 and stored in the server 2, and the scene program or preset program may be received from the server 2 again at the time of shooting. Other operations of the camera system 1b regarding the setting of the system parameters are the same as those of the camera system 1a.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the system parameters can be easily set for each user as in the first embodiment. In addition, since the system parameters are stored in an external device and necessary system parameters are acquired from the external device as appropriate, the storage capacity of the camera system 1b can be saved.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the camera system 1c according to this embodiment. In this camera system 1c, an eyepiece optical system 1020, an image generation unit 1021, and an image recognition processing unit 1022 are used instead of the voice input unit 1010 and the voice recognition processing unit 1011 as compared with the camera system 1a illustrated in FIG. Is provided. The camera system 1a according to the first embodiment and the camera system 1b according to the second embodiment identify the user's attributes based on the user's voice, but the camera system 1c according to the present embodiment uses the iris of the user's eyes. Identify user attributes based on patterns.

  The eyepiece optical system 1020 optically forms light from the user's eyes to form an optical image. As shown in FIG. 13, the eyepiece optical system 1020 is provided on the back surface of the main body of the camera system 1c. The image generation unit 1021 includes an imaging element such as a CCD, converts an optical image formed on the imaging surface into an electrical signal, and generates user image data. The image recognition processing unit 1022 recognizes the user's iris pattern based on the image data generated by the image generation unit 1021 and stores it in the temporary storage unit 1013 as user attribute information.

  The user attribute information handled by the camera system 1c includes an iris pattern instead of the voice pattern contained in the user attribute information handled by the camera system 1a. Thus, although the content of the user attribute information is different from that of the camera system 1a, the operation of the camera system 1c regarding the setting of the system parameters is the same as that of the camera system 1a.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the system parameters can be easily set for each user as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes design changes and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. . For example, in the above embodiment, the user's attributes are identified by recognizing the user's voice pattern or iris pattern, but the user's attributes are identified by recognizing the user's fingerprint pattern or face image. May be.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is an external view of a camera system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the camera system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the camera system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the camera system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the camera system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the camera system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the camera system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of operation | movement of the camera system by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera system by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an external view of the camera system by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera system by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an external view of the camera system by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a, 1b, 1c ... Camera system, 2 ... Server, 1001 ... System controller, 1002 ... Lens, 1003 ... CCD, 1004 ... Imaging circuit, 1005 ... A / D Conversion circuit, 1006... Signal processing circuit, 1007... Compression circuit, 1008... Storage medium, 1009... Display unit, 1010. User identification unit 1013 Temporary storage unit 1014 Release button 1015 Operation key 1016 Mode selection dial 1017 Flash 1018 Photometric sensor DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1019 ... Communication part, 1019a ... Antenna, 1020 ... Eyepiece optical system, 1021 ... Image generation part, 1022 ... Image recognition Processing unit

Claims (5)

An optical system for forming an optical image;
Imaging means for converting an optical image formed by the optical system into an electrical signal;
Attribute detection means for detecting user attributes;
Storage means for storing parameters relating to execution of a predetermined function and the attributes of the user in association with each other;
A setting unit that reads and sets the parameter corresponding to the attribute of the user detected by the attribute detection unit from the storage unit;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The apparatus further comprises parameter input means for the user to input the parameter,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the parameter input to the parameter input unit and the attribute of the user detected by the attribute detection unit in association with each other. The attribute detection means includes
Voice input means for the user to input voice;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an attribute identification unit that identifies an attribute of the user based on the voice of the user input to the voice input unit. The attribute detection means includes
Image acquisition means for acquiring an image of the user;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an attribute identification unit that identifies an attribute of the user based on the image of the user acquired by the image acquisition unit. The parameter input means includes
Voice input means for the user to input voice;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a parameter recognition unit that recognizes the parameter based on the user's voice input to the voice input unit.

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