JP2010021834A - Image capturing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image capturing apparatus capable of removing image sensor noise included in an image surely, with high precision, and efficiently. <P>SOLUTION: The image capturing apparatus (18, 19, 21, 23-25, 30-33) includes: an imaging means (18, 19, 21, 23, 30, 31) and a control means (21). The imaging means acquires, after acquiring a main captured image by main photography, acquires a dark image to be used for removal of the image sensor noise included in the main captured image. Then, the control means makes a user confirm the main captured image acquired by the imaging means before/while the imaging means acquires the dark image, and displays a picture for making the user instruct processing to the main captured image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that is mounted on an electronic camera or the like and can remove noise of an imaging element included in a captured image.

  In an electronic camera or the like that performs imaging using an imaging device, it is known that noise generated by the imaging device (hereinafter referred to as imaging device noise or simply referred to as noise) is included in the captured image. . For this reason, in order to obtain a good image, it is necessary to remove image sensor noise from the captured image.

  For example, the process shown in FIG. 7 is known as the most general technique for removing image sensor noise from an image.

  Here, the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be briefly described. In steps 301 to 303, a dark image including only image sensor noise is obtained by performing photographing while the shutter is closed immediately after obtaining the main photographing image by main photographing. To get. In step 304, the image sensor noise is removed from the main captured image by subtracting the image signal of the dark image from the image signal of the main captured image. In addition, the actual captured image from which the image sensor noise has been removed in this way is stored in step 305, and a user such as a photographer is confirmed in steps 306 and 307.

  By the way, in the method of FIG. 7, since the dark image is acquired immediately after acquiring the main image, the waiting time until the next main image can be acquired becomes longer for acquiring the dark image. End up.

As a conventional technique in consideration of this point, for example, Patent Document 1 records an image acquired by shooting and its shooting conditions in association with each other at the time of shooting. Then, after the shooting, when the image sensor noise removal operation is started by manual operation, a dark image is acquired based on the shooting conditions recorded at the time of shooting, and the image sensor noise is calculated from the image associated with the shooting conditions. A method of removing is disclosed.
JP 2007-88778 A

  In the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, since a dark image is not acquired at the time of shooting, the waiting time until the next shooting can be performed does not increase for acquiring the dark image.

  However, in this prior art, in order to remove image pickup device noise from an image, it is necessary to start the removal operation by manual operation separately after shooting. When the removal operation is started, the image pickup device noise removal process is always performed regardless of the image pickup state such as the image pickup device noise occurrence. For these reasons, this conventional technology cannot efficiently remove the image sensor noise.

  Furthermore, in this prior art, if the user forgets to perform the image sensor noise removal process and does not perform the operation, the image sensor noise of the image is not removed after all. That is, a good image could not be obtained with certainty.

  In addition, for example, dark current noise, which is one of the image sensor noises, is generated depending on the temperature of the image sensor. Therefore, in order to remove image sensor noise with high accuracy, it is necessary to perform image capturing and dark image acquisition under the same environment and conditions.

  The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that can reliably, efficiently, and efficiently remove imaging element noise included in an image.

  An imaging apparatus according to a first invention includes an imaging means and a control means. The imaging means acquires a dark image used for removing image sensor noise included in the actual captured image after acquiring the actual captured image by the actual capturing. Then, the control unit displays a screen for allowing the user to confirm the actual captured image acquired by the imaging unit and instructing the user to perform processing on the actual captured image before the imaging unit acquires the dark image.

  The imaging device of the second invention includes an imaging means and a control means. The imaging means acquires a dark image used for removing image sensor noise included in the actual captured image after acquiring the actual captured image by the actual capturing. Then, the control unit displays a screen for allowing the user to confirm the actual captured image acquired by the imaging unit and instructing the user to perform processing on the actual captured image while the imaging unit acquires the dark image.

  According to a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the screen displayed by the control means is provided with an item for instructing the removal of imaging element noise as one of the processes for the actual captured image. , When the image pickup device noise is instructed, the control unit removes the image pickup device noise from the actual captured image using the dark image after the dark image is acquired by the image pickup unit.

  In a fourth aspect based on any one of the first to third aspects, the screen displayed by the control means is provided with an item for instructing deletion of the actual captured image as one of the processes for the actual captured image. When the user gives an instruction to delete the actual captured image from the screen, the control unit forcibly deletes the actual captured image without removing the image sensor noise.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the image processing apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores an image, and the screen displayed by the control unit displays the book as one of the processes for the actual captured image. When an item for instructing saving of the captured image is provided, and the user instructs to store the actual captured image from the screen, the control unit records the actual captured image in the storage unit without removing the image sensor noise.

  In the present invention, in the operation of removing the image sensor noise from the main image, the dark image is obtained when the main image is acquired by the main image and then the dark image used for removing the image sensor noise is acquired. A screen is displayed to allow the user to confirm the actual captured image and to instruct the user to perform processing on the actual captured image before acquiring the image or while acquiring the dark image.

  Therefore, by using the present invention, it is possible to reliably, efficiently, and efficiently remove image sensor noise included in an image.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The first embodiment is an embodiment of a single-lens reflex electronic camera.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the electronic camera of the first embodiment. The electronic camera has a camera body 1 and a lens unit 2 that houses a photographing optical system.

  The camera body 1 and the lens unit 2 are each provided with a pair of mounts 9 and 10 having a male-female relationship. The lens unit 2 is attached to the camera body 1 in a replaceable manner by coupling the mount 9 on the lens unit 2 side to the mount 10 on the camera body 1 side by a bayonet mechanism or the like. The mounts 9 and 10 are each provided with an electrical contact 11. When the camera body 1 and the lens unit 2 are coupled, the electrical connection between the electrical contacts 11 is established.

  First, the configuration of the lens unit 2 will be described. The lens unit 2 includes a photographic lens 3, a lens driving unit 4, a distance detection unit 5, a diaphragm control unit 6, a diaphragm 7, and a lens side microcomputer 8. The lens driving unit 4, the distance detection unit 5, and the aperture control unit 6 are each connected to the lens side microcomputer 8.

  The photographing lens 3 is composed of a plurality of lens groups including a focus lens and a zoom lens. For simplicity, the photographing lens 3 is illustrated as a single lens in FIG.

  The lens driving unit 4 generates a lens driving signal in accordance with an instruction from the lens-side microcomputer 8, moves the photographing lens 3 in the optical axis direction to perform focus adjustment and zoom adjustment, and moves the position of the moved photographing lens 3. Is output to the lens-side microcomputer 8 and the distance detector 5. When the lens driving unit 4 is built in the camera body 1, the camera side microcomputer 21 controls the lens driving unit 4 instead of the lens side microcomputer 8.

  The distance detection unit 5 detects the distance to the subject based on information on the position of the photographing lens 3 in the optical axis direction, and outputs the detected information to the lens-side microcomputer 8.

  The diaphragm 7 adjusts the amount of light incident on the camera body 1 by opening and closing the diaphragm blades.

  The aperture controller 6 controls the aperture of the aperture 7 in accordance with an instruction from the lens side microcomputer 8. When the aperture control unit 6 is built in the camera body 1, the camera side microcomputer 21 controls the aperture control unit 6 instead of the lens side microcomputer 8.

  The lens side microcomputer 8 communicates with the camera side microcomputer 21 of the camera body 1 through the electrical contact 11 of the mount 9 and executes various controls in the lens unit 2. The lens-side microcomputer 8 transmits lens information (information such as the focal length and brightness (open F value) of the lens) recorded in the ROM (not shown) of the lens unit 2 to the camera body 1.

  Next, the configuration of the camera body 1 will be described. The camera body 1 includes a quick return mirror 12, a finder optical system (13 to 15), a photometric re-imaging lens 16, a photometric image acquisition unit 17, an imaging unit 18, a mechanical shutter 19, and a sub mirror 20. And camera circuits (21 to 32).

  The quick return mirror 12, the mechanical shutter 19, and the imaging unit 18 are arranged along the optical axis of the photographing optical system. The sub mirror 20 is disposed behind the quick return mirror 12. Further, the finder optical system (13 to 15), the photometric re-imaging lens 16, and the photometric image acquisition unit 17 are arranged on the upper part of the camera body 1.

  The quick return mirror 12 is pivotally supported by a rotation shaft (not shown) and can be switched between an observation state and a retracted state.

  The quick return mirror 12 in the observation state is inclined and disposed in front of the mechanical shutter 19 and the imaging unit 18. The quick return mirror 12 in this observation state reflects the light beam that has passed through the photographing optical system upward and guides it to the finder optical system (13 to 15). Further, the central part of the quick return mirror 12 is a half mirror, and a part of the light beam transmitted through the quick return mirror 12 is refracted downward by the sub mirror 20 and guided to the lower part of the camera body 1 for focus detection. It is burned.

  On the other hand, the retracted quick return mirror 12 is flipped upward together with the sub mirror 20 and is at a position off the photographing optical path. When the quick return mirror 12 is in the retracted state, the light beam that has passed through the photographing optical system is guided to the mechanical shutter 19 and the imaging unit 18.

  Note that the quick return mirror 14 is in an observation state at the start of the main photographing.

  The viewfinder optical system (13 to 15) includes a diffusion screen (focus plate) 13, a pentaprism 14, and an eyepiece lens 15. Among these, the pentaprism 14 is housed in a protruding portion position on the upper part of the camera body 1.

  The diffusing screen 13 is positioned above the quick return mirror 12, and the light beam reflected by the quick return mirror 12 in the observation state once forms an image. The light beam formed on the diffusing screen 13 is reflected inside the pentaprism 14 and guided to the exit surface having an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the incident surface of the pentaprism 14. The light flux from the exit surface of the pentaprism 14 reaches the eyes of the user via the eyepiece 15.

  The photometric re-imaging lens 16 and the photometric image acquisition unit 17 are arranged in the vicinity of the pentaprism 14. The photometric re-imaging lens 16 re-images a part of the light beam formed on the diffusion screen 13, and the photometric image acquisition unit 17 photoelectrically converts the finder image formed on the light receiving surface by the re-imaging. An analog image signal of the photometric image is generated. The photometric image acquisition unit 17 has an image sensor composed of a CCD area sensor or a CMOS area sensor.

  The imaging unit 18 is an imaging element such as a CCD area sensor or a CMOS area sensor, and generates a main captured image that is a recording image. The imaging unit 18 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed on the imaging surface when the quick return mirror 12 is in the retracted state, and generates an analog image signal of the actual captured image.

  The mechanical shutter 19 adjusts the exposure time of the imaging unit 18 by controlling the opening and closing thereof. Note that the exposure time of the imaging unit 18 is determined by a combination of the opening time of the mechanical shutter 19 and the charge accumulation time of the imaging unit 18.

  The camera circuit (21 to 32) includes a camera-side microcomputer 21, a focus detection unit 22, a shutter control unit 23, a ROM 24, a RAM 25, a recording interface (recording I / F) 26, and an A / D conversion unit 27. And an image sensor drive unit 28, an image processing unit 29, an A / D conversion unit 30, an image sensor drive unit 31, and a monitor 32. Note that these components are connected via a system bus 33. The A / D conversion unit 27 and the image sensor driving unit 28 are connected to the photometric image acquisition unit 17, and the A / D conversion unit 30 and the image sensor driving unit 31 are connected to the imaging unit 18, respectively.

  The focus detection unit 22 is disposed below the camera body 1, generates two subject images from a light beam guided by the sub mirror 20 by a separator lens (not shown), and measures the image interval with a line sensor (not shown). Then, the amount of focus shift is detected for each AF area (so-called phase difference detection method). Then, the focus detection unit 22 outputs information on the detected focus shift amount (defocus amount) to the camera-side microcomputer 21.

  The shutter control unit 23 performs opening / closing control of the mechanical shutter 19 at the time of shooting in accordance with an instruction from the camera-side microcomputer 21.

  The image sensor driving unit 28 drives the photometric image acquisition unit 17 based on an instruction from the camera-side microcomputer 21 to generate an analog image signal of the photometric image.

  The A / D conversion unit 27 performs CDS (correlated double sampling), gain adjustment, A / D on the analog image signal of the photometric image generated by the photometric image acquisition unit 17 based on an instruction from the camera-side microcomputer 21. Analog signal processing such as conversion is performed, and the photometric image data after the processing is output to the RAM 25.

  The imaging element driving unit 31 drives the imaging unit 18 based on an instruction from the camera-side microcomputer 21 to generate an analog image signal of the actual captured image.

  The A / D conversion unit 30 performs CDS (correlated double sampling), gain adjustment, A / D conversion, and the like on the analog image signal of the actual captured image generated by the imaging unit 18 based on an instruction from the camera-side microcomputer 21. The analog signal processing is performed, and the data of the captured image after the processing is output to the RAM 25. In addition, the A / D conversion unit 30 sets an adjustment amount for gain adjustment based on an instruction from the camera-side microcomputer 21, and thereby adjusts photographing sensitivity corresponding to ISO sensitivity.

  The image processing unit 29 performs image processing such as white balance adjustment, color separation (interpolation), edge enhancement, and gamma correction on the actual captured image in the RAM 25 in accordance with an instruction from the camera-side microcomputer 21. The image processing unit 29 is configured as an ASIC or the like.

  In addition, the image processing unit 29 performs resolution conversion (pixel number conversion) processing of the captured image or the like in accordance with an instruction from the camera-side microcomputer 21. The resolution conversion process is a process necessary for displaying an image such as an actual captured image on the monitor 32.

  The RAM 25 is used and used for photometric image data output from the A / D converter 27, actual captured image data output from the A / D converter 30, and various processes executed by the camera-side microcomputer 21. Temporarily store generated data and the like.

  A connector for connecting the storage medium 34 is formed in the recording I / F 26. The recording I / F 26 accesses the storage medium 34 connected to the connector, and writes and reads the data of the actual captured image.

  The camera-side microcomputer 21 records the data of the captured image that has been compressed by the compression / decoding unit (not shown) or the camera-side microcomputer 21 itself, on the storage medium 34 via the recording I / F 26. However, when the user enables the uncompressed recording mode by setting the camera, the camera-side microcomputer 21 records the actual captured image data in the storage medium 34 through the recording I / F 26 without being compressed. To do.

  The storage medium 34 is a memory card with a built-in semiconductor memory, a small hard disk, or the like. The compression process is performed in JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format or the like.

  The ROM 24 stores various programs executed by the camera-side microcomputer 21 and various data necessary for the execution.

  The monitor 32 is an LCD monitor provided on the back surface of the electronic camera housing or the like, an electronic viewfinder having an eyepiece, and the like. The monitor 32 displays a GUI screen or the like that allows the user to input various images such as the actual captured image, information required by the electronic camera, in accordance with an instruction from the camera-side microcomputer 21.

  The camera-side microcomputer 21 performs overall control of each part of the electronic camera in accordance with the content of the user operating an operation member (not shown). For example, when the user presses the release button halfway, the camera-side microcomputer 21 communicates with the lens-side microcomputer 8 so as to drive the lens driving unit 4, the distance detection unit 5, and the aperture control unit 6 of the lens unit 2. Then, the focus detection unit 22, the image sensor drive unit 28, and the A / D conversion unit 27 are driven via the system bus 33 to start focus detection and photometry.

  At this time, the light beam from the object field that has passed through the lens unit 2 is reflected upward by the quick return mirror 12, and passes through the diffusion screen 13, the pentaprism 14, and the photometric re-imaging lens 16 to obtain a photometric image acquisition unit. Then, a finder image that is an image of the subject is formed on the light receiving surface. Further, when a part of the light beam from the object field that has passed through the lens unit 2 is transmitted through the central portion of the quick return mirror 12 that is a half mirror, it is refracted downward by the sub mirror 20 and is focused on the lower part of the camera body 1. Guided to the detector 22.

  The focus detection unit 22 detects the defocus amount for each AF area based on the light flux from the object field guided by the sub mirror, and outputs the detected information to the camera side microcomputer 21 via the system bus 33. To do. The camera-side microcomputer 21 performs automatic focus adjustment (AF) of the photographing lens 3 in cooperation with the lens driving unit 4 until it is determined that the AF area is in focus based on the information on the defocus amount.

  The photometric image acquisition unit 17 driven via the image sensor driving unit 28 photoelectrically converts a finder image formed on the light receiving surface to generate an analog image signal of the photometric image. The A / D converter 27 performs analog signal processing on the generated image signal, and outputs the photometric image data after the processing to the RAM 25. The camera-side microcomputer 21 determines shooting conditions (whether or not strobe light is emitted, aperture value, shutter speed, etc.) based on the evaluation value calculated based on the photometric image data in the RAM 25. The evaluation value is a value indicating the brightness of the subject or the entire shooting scene and the brightness distribution of the shooting scene. The evaluation value is calculated by a known photometry method such as multi-division photometry (multi-pattern photometry), center-weighted photometry, spot photometry. In this example, the shooting conditions (whether strobe light is emitted, aperture value, shutter speed, etc.) are determined by automatic exposure. However, the shooting conditions are set by the user manually operating the electronic camera. May be.

  When the user fully presses the release button, the camera-side microcomputer 21 performs actual shooting under shooting conditions determined by automatic exposure or set by the user.

  Specifically, the camera-side microcomputer 21 drives the aperture control unit 6 through the lens-side microcomputer 8 and also flips the quick return mirror 12 in the observation state to the retracted state, and the shutter control unit 23 and the image sensor driving unit. 31, The A / D conversion unit 30 is driven to capture the actual captured image. At this time, the imaging unit 18 driven via the imaging element driving unit 31 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed on the imaging surface to generate an analog image signal of the actual captured image. Then, the A / D conversion unit 30 performs analog signal processing on the generated image signal, and outputs data of the captured image after the processing to the RAM 25. In this way, the captured actual captured image is recorded in the RAM 25.

  When the main photographing is finished, the camera-side microcomputer 21 returns the quick return mirror 12 to the observation state again.

  Next, the camera-side microcomputer 21 drives the image processing unit 29 to perform image processing on the actual captured image in the RAM 25. The camera-side microcomputer 21 then compresses the actual captured image after the image processing, and records the compressed image on the storage medium 34 via the recording I / F 26. However, when the user enables the uncompressed recording mode by setting the camera, the camera-side microcomputer 21 stores the actual captured image after image processing in the storage medium 34 via the recording I / F 26 without being compressed. To record.

  When the release button is fully pressed all at once, the camera-side microcomputer 21 performs the operation when the release button is half-pressed and the operation when the release button is fully pressed at once.

  The operation of the image sensor noise removal process in the electronic camera of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 2 is executed, for example, when the user performs shooting with the electronic camera mode set to “imaging element noise removal mode”.

  Step 101: The camera-side microcomputer 21 determines whether or not the release button has been fully pressed by the user. If the release button has been fully pressed, the process proceeds to Step 102 in order to perform actual shooting (Yes side). On the other hand, if it is not fully pressed, the camera-side microcomputer 21 repeats the process of step 101 (No side).

  Step 102: The camera-side microcomputer 21 carries out the main photographing under photographing conditions determined by automatic exposure or set by the user (the presence / absence of flash emission, aperture value, shutter speed, etc.). Note that the actual captured image acquired by actual imaging is recorded in the RAM 25.

  Step 103: The camera side microcomputer 21 drives the monitor 32 to display an “image confirmation / processing instruction screen” on the LCD monitor or the like.

  Here, the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen” will be described.

  The “Image Confirmation / Processing Instruction Screen” allows the user to confirm the shooting status of the actual captured image acquired by actual shooting, such as the image sensor noise occurrence, composition, focus, blurring, etc. It is a screen for instructing the user to perform future processing to be performed on the actual captured image. An example of the screen image is shown in FIG.

  In the screen image example of FIG. 3, an area for displaying the content of the actual captured image is provided at the top of the screen. Further, in the same area, three icons (icons 41, 42, 43) for image manipulation are displayed in the lower right part so as to be superimposed on the content of the actual captured image. Among these, the icon 41 is for instructing to enlarge and display the image displayed in the same area, and the icon 42 is for instructing to reduce and display the image. The icon 43 is used to instruct to scroll the image in the same area in the up, down, left, and right directions.

  The user can operate these three icons to check in detail the shooting state of the actual shot image.

  Here, a specific example of an icon operation method will be described. Here, for example, it is assumed that the icons 41, 42, and 43 can be operated using a multi-selector among various operation buttons provided on the rear surface of the electronic camera housing shown in FIG.

  In the initial display state, a display image created by the camera-side microcomputer 21 based on the actual captured image is displayed in the upper area of the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen”. This display image is an image obtained by reducing the actual captured image to, for example, a VGA (640 × 480 pixels) size in accordance with the display resolution of the monitor 32. This image is created when the camera-side microcomputer 21 causes the image processing unit 29 to perform resolution conversion (pixel number conversion) processing based on the actual captured image.

  First, when the image displayed in the upper area is enlarged and displayed, the user operates the left or right button of the multi-selector in FIG. 4 to select the icon 41 among the three icons. At this time, for example, the camera-side microcomputer 21 moves a frame (selection frame) indicating that the icon has been selected to the left or right according to the user's button operation, and any one of the icons 41, 42, and 43 Display on the outer periphery of the icon. By displaying the selection frame, the user can confirm the selection of the icon 41.

  After selecting the icon 41 in this way, the user presses the OK button of the multi-selector once to give an instruction to enlarge and display the image in the upper area. At this time, the camera-side microcomputer 21 instructs the image processing unit 29 to perform resolution conversion processing based on the actual captured image in accordance with the enlargement display instruction, for example, an image whose size is enlarged by one step, for example, SVGA (800 × 600). Create a pixel-sized image. Then, the camera-side microcomputer 21 drives the monitor 32 to display the created image in the upper area.

  If the user wants to enlarge the image one more stage, the user presses the multi-selector OK button once more. As the OK button is pressed, an enlarged image is displayed. However, the image can be enlarged up to the maximum image size (image resolution) that can be taken by the electronic camera.

  When the image is enlarged and displayed, only a part of the image is displayed on the LCD monitor screen. For this reason, when the user wants to check a portion where an image is not displayed with the same magnification, the user needs to operate the icon 43 to scroll the image. A method for operating the icon 43 will be described later.

  Next, when the image displayed in the upper area is displayed in a reduced size, the user operates the left button or the right button of the multi-selector in FIG. Select.

  After selecting the icon 42, the user presses the OK button of the multi-selector once to give an instruction to reduce the upper area image. At this time, in response to the reduction display instruction, the camera-side microcomputer 21 causes the image processing unit 29 to perform resolution conversion processing based on the actual captured image, and creates an image whose size is reduced by one step. Then, the camera-side microcomputer 21 drives the monitor 32 to display the created image in the upper area.

  If the user wants to reduce the image one more step, the user presses the multi-selector OK button once more. As the OK button is pressed, a further reduced image is displayed. However, what can be reduced is up to the image size (image resolution) of the display image created in the initial display state, that is, the display resolution (size) of the monitor 32.

  In the above description, it has been described that when the user gives an instruction to enlarge or reduce the image, the camera-side microcomputer 21 creates an image whose size is enlarged or reduced by one step based on the actual captured image. However, if an image having the same size (resolution) as the image to be created by the current instruction has already been created by the previous enlarged or reduced display instruction, the camera-side microcomputer 21 creates the image. Instead, the existing image may be used as it is and displayed on an LCD monitor or the like. Then, the processing load for image creation can be reduced, and the image can be displayed quickly.

  Next, when scrolling the image displayed in the upper area, the user operates the left button or the right button of the multi selector in FIG. 4 to select the icon 43 among the three icons.

  After selecting the icon 43, the user presses the OK button of the multi selector once. At this time, the camera-side microcomputer 21 sets the operation mode to the scroll mode by pressing the OK button, and informs the user that the mode is the current mode. For example, an icon 43 displayed in the upper area displays “ A character such as “scroll-on” is displayed. However, when the enlarged display of the image is not performed, even if the OK button is pressed, the camera side microcomputer 21 does not set the operation mode to the scroll mode.

  In the scroll mode, the user can scroll the image displayed in the upper area in a desired direction by using the upper, lower, left, and right buttons of the multi-selector shown in FIG. When the user presses any of the up, down, left, and right buttons, the camera-side microcomputer 21 scrolls the image in the direction corresponding to the pressed button.

  Specifically, when the user presses the upper button of the multi selector once, the camera-side microcomputer 21 moves the image displayed in the upper area downward by a predetermined number of pixels. By this movement (scrolling), the upper part of the image that has not yet been displayed is displayed in the same area. On the other hand, when the down button is pressed once, the camera-side microcomputer 21 moves the image upward by a predetermined pixel, so that the lower part of the image that has not been displayed is the same. Displayed in the area.

  When the user presses the left button of the multi selector once, the camera-side microcomputer 21 moves the image displayed in the upper area of the screen to the right by a predetermined pixel (pixel). By this movement (scrolling), the left part of the image that has not been displayed is displayed in the same area. On the other hand, when the right button is pressed once, the camera-side microcomputer 21 moves the image to the left side by a predetermined pixel (pixel), so the right part of the image that has not yet been displayed is the same area. Is displayed.

  When the user continues to press any of the upper, lower, left, and right buttons of the multi selector, the camera-side microcomputer 21 repeatedly performs the above-described image scrolling operation corresponding to the pressed button. However, when scrolling is performed to the end of the image, the camera-side microcomputer 21 stops the scrolling operation.

  In the scroll mode, when the OK button of the multi-selector shown in FIG. 4 is pressed once, the user can cancel the mode. In such a case, the camera-side microcomputer 21 erases the above-mentioned “scroll-on” characters from the icon 43 displayed in the upper area, for example, so that the user knows that the scroll mode has been canceled. be able to. When the scroll mode is canceled in this way, the user can select any of the three icons again by operating the left button or the right button of the multi-selector as described above.

  As described above, when the shooting state of the actual captured image is confirmed by operating the three icons and confirming the image displayed in the upper area in detail, the user then performs the future for the actual captured image. Is instructed to the electronic camera.

  Specifically, the user selects a process to be performed on the captured image from the process items provided in the lower part of the “image confirmation / process instruction screen”, and gives an instruction to perform the selected process, for example, electronic This is performed by operating a specific operation button corresponding to the processing provided in the camera.

  In the screen image example of FIG. 3, three types of processing of “noise removal processing execution”, “main image capture”, and “main image deletion” are displayed as process items at the bottom of the screen.

  In this example, in order to select “implement noise removal processing” and instruct the electronic camera to perform the processing, for example, the user presses the A button of the electronic camera shown in FIG.

  Further, in order to select “main image capture” and instruct the electronic camera to perform the process, for example, the user selects the B button of the electronic camera shown in FIG. 4 and selects “main image deletion”. In order to instruct the electronic camera to perform this processing, for example, the C button of the electronic camera shown in FIG. 4 is pressed.

  Note that the shooting state of the actual shot image is confirmed as described above, and there was no problem with the composition, focus state, presence / absence of blurring, or it was acceptable, but image sensor noise was unacceptable. Suppose that In that case, the user selects “implement noise removal processing” and instructs the electronic camera to perform the processing. In addition, when the shooting state of the actual shot image is confirmed as described above and there is no problem with the shooting state, or when the shooting state is acceptable, the user selects “Save actual shot image”. The electronic camera is instructed to perform the process. Also, confirm the shooting status of the actual shooting image as described above, and if there is a problem with the shooting status or if the shooting status is not acceptable, the user selects “Delete actual shooting image”. The electronic camera is instructed to perform the process.

  In this way, the user can confirm the shooting state of the actual captured image on the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen” displayed on the LCD monitor or the like. The electronic camera can be instructed for future processing to be performed.

  Step 104: The camera-side microcomputer 21 branches the process depending on the content of the instruction given by the user from the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen”.

  Specifically, for example, when the user instructs “deletion of actual captured image” from the screen image example of FIG. 3, for example, according to the above description, the user presses the C button of the electronic camera of FIG. If the camera side microcomputer 21 is detected, the process proceeds to step 105.

  Further, when the user instructs “execute noise removal processing” from the screen image example of FIG. 3, for example, when the user presses the A button of the electronic camera of FIG. The process proceeds to step 107.

  Then, for example, when the user instructs “main image capture” from the screen image example of FIG. 3, that is, when the user presses the B button of the electronic camera of FIG. Control goes to step 113.

  Step 105 (Instruction: Delete actual captured image): The camera-side microcomputer 21 stops driving the monitor 32 and turns off the display on the LCD monitor or the like.

  Step 106: The camera-side microcomputer 21 forcibly deletes the actual captured image in the RAM 25. After this deletion, the camera side microcomputer 21 proceeds to Step 101.

  Step 107 (Instruction: Implementation of noise removal processing): The camera-side microcomputer 21 stops driving the monitor 32 and turns off the display of the LCD monitor or the like.

  Step 108: The camera-side microcomputer 21 acquires the dark image by driving the image sensor driving unit 31 and the A / D conversion unit 30 with the mechanical shutter 19 fully closed. At this time, the imaging unit 18 driven via the imaging element driving unit 31 generates an analog image signal of a dark image. Then, the A / D conversion unit 30 performs analog signal processing on the generated image signal, and outputs the processed dark image data to the RAM 25. In this way, the acquired dark image is recorded in the RAM 25.

  In the acquisition of the dark image, the exposure time of the imaging unit 18 is controlled to be the same as the time when the actual captured image is acquired. For example, if the exposure time at the time of acquiring the actual captured image is 5 seconds, the exposure time for acquiring the dark image is also 5 seconds, and the exposure time at the time of acquiring the actual captured image is 30 minutes (especially astronomical photography or the like). ), The exposure time for dark image acquisition is also controlled to be 30 minutes.

  However, although the exposure time is the same, when the dark image is acquired, the mechanical shutter 19 is closed unlike when the actual captured image is acquired. It is not incident on. As a result, the dark image includes only the same amount of image sensor noise as that included in the actual captured image.

  Further, during acquisition of a dark image, for example, characters such as “JOB-NR” may be blinked on an LCD monitor or the like to inform the user that the operation is in progress. In particular, such a display is effective when it takes time to acquire a dark image.

  Step 109: The camera side microcomputer 21 subtracts the image signal of the dark image from the image signal of the actual captured image. Thereby, the image sensor noise included in the actual captured image is removed.

  In addition, the camera-side microcomputer 21 drives the image processing unit 29 to perform necessary image processing such as contour enhancement and gamma correction on the actual captured image.

  Step 110: The camera side microcomputer 21 records the actual captured image on the storage medium 34.

  Step 111: The camera-side microcomputer 21 drives the monitor 32 to display the actual captured image (image sensor noise removed) on an LCD monitor or the like. An example of the display image is shown in FIG. This display allows the user to confirm the final performance of the actual captured image.

  The camera-side microcomputer 21 proceeds to Step 112 when a time preset by the user or the like (for example, “3 seconds” or “1 minute”) has elapsed.

  Step 112: The camera-side microcomputer 21 stops driving the monitor 32 and turns off the display on the LCD monitor or the like. Then, the camera side microcomputer 21 proceeds to Step 101.

  Step 113 (instruction: actual captured image storage): The camera-side microcomputer 21 stops driving the monitor 32 and turns off the display on the LCD monitor or the like.

  Step 114: The camera-side microcomputer 21 drives the image processing unit 29 to perform necessary image processing such as contour enhancement and gamma correction on the actual captured image in the RAM 25.

  The camera-side microcomputer 21 records the actual captured image on the storage medium 34. It should be noted that image pickup element noise removal processing is not performed on the actual captured image recorded here.

  Step 115: The camera-side microcomputer 21 drives the monitor 32 to display the actual captured image on an LCD monitor or the like. This display allows the user to confirm the final performance of the actual captured image.

  The camera-side microcomputer 21 proceeds to step 116 when a time preset by the user or the like (for example, “3 seconds” or “1 minute”) has elapsed.

  Step 116: The camera-side microcomputer 21 stops driving the monitor 32 and turns off the display on the LCD monitor or the like. Then, the camera side microcomputer 21 proceeds to Step 101.

(Operational effects of the first embodiment)
As described above, in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment, the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen” is displayed after the actual captured image is acquired by the actual capturing and before the dark image is acquired. This screen allows the user to check the shooting state of the actual captured image, such as the image sensor noise generation, composition, focus, blurring, etc. Also, this screen allows the user to instruct the electronic camera to perform future processing on the actual captured image.

  Therefore, in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment, the user can confirm the shooting state of the actual captured image and can cause the electronic camera to perform image sensor noise removal processing only when necessary. It is possible to efficiently remove image sensor noise from an image.

  Further, in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment, when the user gives an instruction “delete actual captured image” from the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen”, the actual captured image acquired by the actual capturing is removed from the image sensor noise. It is forcibly deleted without processing.

  Therefore, in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment, the user can delete an unnecessary actual captured image when the captured state of the actual captured image such as composition, focus state, presence / absence of blurring cannot be permitted. . For this reason, in the electronic camera of the first embodiment, resources such as a storage medium of the electronic camera can be used effectively. In addition, since the dark image acquisition operation is omitted when the actual captured image is deleted, the electronic camera of the first embodiment has a waiting time until the next actual image capture can be performed. It will never be long. Further, when the actual captured image is deleted, the image sensor noise removal process is also omitted. Therefore, in the electronic camera of the first embodiment, the electronic camera for performing the dark image acquisition operation and the image sensor noise removal process is performed. Can reduce the load.

  Further, in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment, when the user instructs “main image capture” from the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen”, the image sensor noise removal process is not performed, and the main image is captured. Is recorded on the storage medium. In this case, the dark image acquisition operation is not performed.

  Therefore, in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment, when the user determines that the removal process is unnecessary because of the occurrence of the image sensor noise in the captured image, the dark image acquisition operation and the image sensor noise removal process are performed. Can be omitted. For this reason, in the electronic camera of the first embodiment, the waiting time until the next main shooting can be performed does not increase for the acquisition of the dark image, and the dark image acquisition operation and the image sensor noise If the removal process is omitted, the load on the electronic camera can be reduced.

  Further, in the electronic camera of the first embodiment, when the user gives an instruction to “execute noise removal processing” from the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen”, a dark image is acquired and the dark image is used. Image sensor noise is removed from the actual captured image. In this case, since the dark image used to remove the image sensor noise is acquired after the actual captured image is captured, the dark image is acquired under the same conditions as when the actual captured image was captured.

  Therefore, in the electronic camera of the first embodiment, it is possible to remove the image sensor noise of the actual captured image with high accuracy.

  Further, in the electronic camera of the first embodiment, when the user gives an instruction to “execute noise removal processing” from the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen”, a dark image is acquired and the dark image is used. Image sensor noise is removed from the actual captured image. In this case, subsequent to the main imaging performed previously, the image sensor noise removal process of the main captured image is performed.

  Therefore, in the electronic camera of the first embodiment, it is possible to efficiently remove the imaging element noise from the actual captured image, and it is possible to reliably obtain a good actual captured image from which the imaging element noise has been removed.

  Therefore, according to the electronic camera of the first embodiment, it is possible to reliably, efficiently, and efficiently remove the image sensor noise included in the actual captured image.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is also an embodiment of a single-lens reflex electronic camera. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the components of the electronic camera that are common to the first embodiment, and redundant description is omitted.

  The operation of the image sensor noise removal process in the electronic camera of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 6 is executed, for example, when the user performs shooting with the electronic camera mode set to “imaging element noise removal mode”. In the first embodiment, when shooting is performed in the image sensor noise removal mode, an “image confirmation / processing instruction screen” is displayed after the actual captured image is acquired and before the dark image is acquired. The user is caused to confirm the shooting state of the actual captured image and to instruct subsequent processing for the actual captured image. However, in the second embodiment, when shooting is performed in the image sensor noise removal mode, after the actual captured image is acquired, the dark image is subsequently acquired.

  Step 201: The camera-side microcomputer 21 determines whether or not the release button has been fully pressed by the user. If the release button has been fully pressed, the process proceeds to Step 202 in order to perform actual shooting (Yes side). On the other hand, if it is not fully pressed, the camera-side microcomputer 21 repeats the processing of this step 201 (No side).

  Step 202: The camera-side microcomputer 21 performs the main photographing under the photographing conditions (the presence / absence of strobe light emission, the aperture value, the shutter speed, etc.) determined by automatic exposure or set by the user. Note that the actual captured image acquired by actual imaging is recorded in the RAM 25.

  Step 203: The camera side microcomputer 21 acquires the dark image by driving the image sensor driving unit 31 and the A / D conversion unit 30 while the mechanical shutter 19 is fully closed. At this time, the imaging unit 18 driven via the imaging element driving unit 31 generates an analog image signal of a dark image. Then, the A / D conversion unit 30 performs analog signal processing on the generated image signal, and outputs the processed dark image data to the RAM 25.

  In the acquisition of the dark image, the exposure time of the imaging unit 18 is controlled to be the same as the time when the actual captured image is acquired. However, although the exposure time is the same, when the dark image is acquired, the mechanical shutter 19 is closed unlike when the actual captured image is acquired. It is not incident on. As a result, the dark image includes only the same amount of image sensor noise as that included in the actual captured image.

  Further, during acquisition of a dark image, for example, characters such as “JOB-NR” may be blinked on an LCD monitor or the like to inform the user that the operation is in progress.

  Incidentally, when the user requests an interruption to the electronic camera while the dark image acquisition operation is being performed by the processing of step 203, an interrupt routine (steps 210 to 220 in FIG. 6) described later is performed. Process) is executed.

  Specifically, when the user presses the I button (FIG. 4) provided on the upper left portion of the back of the electronic camera housing while the dark image acquisition operation is performed, for example, The side microcomputer 21 proceeds to Step 210. Even if the interruption routine (steps 210 to 220) is executed by this transition, the image sensor driving unit 31 and the A / D conversion unit 30 are driven, so that the dark image is processed in parallel with the interruption routine processing. The acquisition operation is continued.

  On the other hand, if no interrupt request is made, the camera-side microcomputer 21 proceeds to step 204 after the dark image acquisition is completed. The acquired dark image is recorded in the RAM 25.

  Step 204: The camera side microcomputer 21 subtracts the image signal of the dark image from the image signal of the actual captured image. Thereby, the image sensor noise included in the actual captured image is removed.

  In addition, the camera-side microcomputer 21 drives the image processing unit 29 to perform necessary image processing such as contour enhancement and gamma correction on the actual captured image.

  Step 205: The camera-side microcomputer 21 records the actual captured image on the storage medium 34.

  Step 206: The camera-side microcomputer 21 drives the monitor 32 to display the actual captured image (image sensor noise removed) on an LCD monitor or the like. An example of the display image is shown in FIG. This display allows the user to confirm the final performance of the actual captured image.

  The camera-side microcomputer 21 proceeds to step 207 when a time preset by the user or the like (for example, “3 seconds” or “1 minute”) elapses.

  Step 207: The camera-side microcomputer 21 stops driving the monitor 32 and turns off the display on the LCD monitor or the like. Then, the camera side microcomputer 21 proceeds to Step 201.

(Interrupt routine)
Step 210: The camera-side microcomputer 21 drives the monitor 32 to display an “image confirmation / processing instruction screen” on the LCD monitor or the like. Note that the functions and operation methods of the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen” are as described in the first embodiment.

  Step 211: The camera-side microcomputer 21 branches the process depending on the content of the instruction given by the user from the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen”.

  Specifically, for example, when the user instructs “execute noise removal processing” from the screen image example of FIG. 3, for example, according to the above description, the user presses the A button of the electronic camera of FIG. If the camera side microcomputer 21 has detected, the process proceeds to step 212.

  Further, when the user instructs “deletion of actual captured image” from the screen image example of FIG. 3, for example, when the user presses the C button of the electronic camera of FIG. Control goes to step 213.

  Then, for example, when the user instructs “main image capture” from the screen image example of FIG. 3, that is, when the user presses the B button of the electronic camera of FIG. Control goes to step 216.

  Step 212 (Instruction: Implementation of noise removal processing): The camera-side microcomputer 21 stops driving the monitor 32 and turns off the display of the LCD monitor or the like. Then, the camera-side microcomputer 21 performs a return in order to resume the interruption point of the process in step 203.

  Step 213 (instruction: actual photographed image deletion): The camera-side microcomputer 21 stops driving the monitor 32 and turns off the display on the LCD monitor or the like.

  Step 214: The camera-side microcomputer 21 stops driving the image sensor driving unit 31 and the A / D conversion unit 30 in order to stop the acquisition of the dark image. Moreover, if the dark image is recorded in RAM25, the camera side microcomputer 21 will delete it.

  Step 215: The camera-side microcomputer 21 forcibly deletes the actual captured image in the RAM 25. After this deletion, the camera side microcomputer 21 proceeds to Step 201.

  Step 216 (Instruction: Save actual captured image): The camera-side microcomputer 21 stops driving the monitor 32 and turns off the display on the LCD monitor or the like.

  Step 217: The camera side microcomputer 21 stops the driving of the image sensor driving unit 31 and the A / D conversion unit 30 in order to stop the acquisition of the dark image. Moreover, if the dark image is recorded in RAM25, the camera side microcomputer 21 will delete it.

  Step 218: The camera-side microcomputer 21 drives the image processing unit 29 to perform necessary image processing such as contour enhancement and gamma correction on the actual captured image in the RAM 25.

  The camera-side microcomputer 21 records the actual captured image on the storage medium 34. It should be noted that image pickup element noise removal processing is not performed on the actual captured image recorded here.

  Step 219: The camera side microcomputer 21 drives the monitor 32 to display the actual captured image on an LCD monitor or the like. This display allows the user to confirm the final performance of the actual captured image.

  The camera-side microcomputer 21 proceeds to step 220 when a time preset by the user or the like (for example, “3 seconds” or “1 minute”) has elapsed.

  Step 220: The camera-side microcomputer 21 stops driving the monitor 32 and turns off the display on the LCD monitor or the like. Then, the camera side microcomputer 21 proceeds to Step 201.

(Operational effect of the second embodiment)
As described above, in the electronic camera of the second embodiment, after the actual captured image is acquired by the actual capturing, the operation for acquiring the dark image is performed continuously. During the operation, when the user instructs the electronic camera to interrupt, the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen” is displayed. Note that this screen allows the user to check the shooting state of the actual captured image and to instruct the electronic camera to perform future processing on the actual captured image.

  Therefore, in the electronic camera of the second embodiment, when the user confirms the shooting state of the actual captured image and determines that the image sensor noise removal process is unnecessary, the user performs the removal process on the electronic camera. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently remove image sensor noise from the actual captured image.

  In the electronic camera according to the second embodiment, the operation related to the confirmation of the shooting state of the actual captured image and the instruction of the future processing performed by the user through the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen” is the operation related to the acquisition of the dark image. Done in parallel.

  Therefore, in the electronic camera of the second embodiment, the operation related to the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen” and the operation related to the acquisition of the dark image can be efficiently performed in parallel. Compared with an electronic camera, the processing time of the electronic camera required for these operations can be shortened comprehensively.

  Further, in the electronic camera according to the second embodiment, when the user gives an instruction “delete actual captured image” from the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen”, the actual captured image acquired by the actual capturing is removed from the image sensor noise. It is forcibly deleted without processing.

  Therefore, in the electronic camera according to the second embodiment, the user can delete an unnecessary actual captured image when the captured state of the actual captured image such as composition, focus state, presence / absence of blurring cannot be permitted. . For this reason, in the electronic camera of the second embodiment, resources such as a storage medium of the electronic camera can be used effectively. In addition, when the actual captured image is deleted, the image sensor noise removal process is omitted. Therefore, in the electronic camera according to the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce the load on the electronic camera. Furthermore, when deleting the actual captured image, the dark image acquisition operation is interrupted, so the electronic camera according to the second embodiment sets the waiting time until the next actual capture can be performed as the exposure time. The remaining amount can be shortened. For example, when the exposure time is 5 minutes, the waiting time until the next main shooting can be performed is at least 5 minutes. When the dark image acquisition operation is stopped after 1 minute, The waiting time is at least 1 minute, and the initial waiting time can be reduced by about 4 minutes. In particular, when long-time exposure is performed to acquire a dark image (for example, 30 minutes when performing astronomical photography), the waiting time can be significantly reduced.

  In addition, in the electronic camera of the second embodiment, when the user instructs “main image capture” from the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen”, the image sensor noise removal process is not performed, and the main image is captured. Is recorded on the storage medium.

  Therefore, in the electronic camera according to the second embodiment, the user can omit the removal process when it is determined that the removal process is unnecessary because of the occurrence of imaging element noise in the actual captured image. For this reason, in the electronic camera of the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce the load on the electronic camera for performing the image pickup element noise removal process. In addition, when the actual captured image is stored, the dark image acquisition operation is canceled in the middle. Therefore, in the electronic camera of the second embodiment, the waiting time until the next actual imaging can be performed is set as the exposure time. The remaining amount can be shortened.

  In the electronic camera according to the second embodiment, since the dark image used for removing the image sensor noise is acquired after the actual captured image is captured, the dark image has the same conditions as the actual captured image. It will be obtained at.

  Therefore, in the electronic camera of the second embodiment, it is possible to remove the image sensor noise of the actual captured image with high accuracy.

  Further, in the electronic camera of the second embodiment, when the user gives an instruction to “execute noise removal processing” from the “image confirmation / processing instruction screen”, the actual captured image is obtained using a dark image acquired in parallel. Thus, the image sensor noise is removed. In this case, subsequent to the main imaging performed previously, the image sensor noise removal process of the main captured image is performed.

  Therefore, in the electronic camera of the second embodiment, it is possible to efficiently remove the image sensor noise from the actual captured image, and it is possible to reliably obtain a good actual captured image from which the image sensor noise has been removed.

  Therefore, according to the electronic camera of the second embodiment, it is possible to reliably, efficiently, and efficiently remove the image sensor noise included in the actual captured image.

(Other)
Note that the present invention can be applied not only to the single-lens reflex electronic camera described above but also to a compact electronic camera.

It is a block diagram of a single-lens reflex type electronic camera to which the present invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the image pick-up element noise removal process in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen image of an image confirmation / processing instruction | indication screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation button provided in the electronic camera. It is a figure which shows the example of the display image of a real picked-up image. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the image pick-up element noise removal process in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the most common method of removing image sensor noise from an image.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera body, 2 ... Lens unit, 3 ... Shooting lens, 4 ... Lens drive part, 5 ... Distance detection part, 6 ... Aperture control part, 7 ... Aperture, 8 ... Lens side microcomputer, 9 ... Mount, 10 ... Mount 11 ... Electric contact, 12 ... Quick return mirror, 13 ... Diffusion screen (focal plate), 14 ... Pental prism, 15 ... Eyepiece lens, 16 ... Reimaging lens for photometry, 17 ... Image acquisition unit for photometry, 18 ... Image pickup unit, 19 ... mechanical shutter, 20 ... sub mirror, 21 ... camera side microcomputer, 22 ... focus detection unit, 23 ... shutter control unit, 24 ... ROM, 25 ... RAM, 26 ... recording interface (recording I / F), 27 A / D converter, 28 ... Image sensor drive unit, 29 ... Image processing unit, 30 ... A / D converter, 31 ... Image sensor drive unit, 32 ... Monitor, 33 ... System bus, 34 ...憶媒 body

Claims (5)

An imaging means for acquiring a dark image used for removing image sensor noise included in the actual captured image after acquiring the actual captured image by the actual capturing;
Control means for displaying a screen for allowing the user to confirm the actual captured image acquired by the imaging means and instructing the user to perform processing on the actual captured image before the imaging means acquires the dark image. An imaging apparatus comprising: An imaging means for acquiring a dark image used for removing image sensor noise included in the actual captured image after acquiring the actual captured image by the actual capturing;
Control means for displaying a screen for allowing the user to confirm the actual captured image acquired by the imaging means and instructing the user to perform processing on the actual captured image while the imaging means acquires the dark image; An imaging apparatus comprising: In the imaging device according to claim 1 or 2,
The screen displayed by the control means is provided with an item for instructing the removal of the noise as one of the processes for the captured image.
When the user instructs removal of the noise from the screen, the control unit removes the noise from the actual captured image using the dark image after the dark image is acquired by the imaging unit. An imaging apparatus characterized by the above. In the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The screen displayed by the control means is provided with an item for instructing deletion of the actual captured image as one of the processes for the actual captured image.
When the user instructs to delete the main captured image from the screen, the control unit forcibly deletes the main captured image without removing the noise. In the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A storage means for storing the image;
The screen displayed by the control means is provided with an item for instructing saving of the actual captured image as one of the processes for the actual captured image.
When the user gives an instruction to save the actual captured image from the screen, the control unit records the actual captured image in the storage unit without removing the noise.

Images