JP2010087760A - Imaging apparatus, display method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily generate an image set as related information related to predetermined states or processes. <P>SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 100 includes a display section 6 for displaying related information related to various states or processes, and includes a CPU 12 which, on the basis of image data generated by an electronic imaging section 2, performs a process for detecting a featured body in a recording image or live-view image associated with the image data, a process for generating an icon image associated with the featured body by extracting the detected featured body, and a process for setting the generated icon image as related information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, a display method, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an imaging apparatus, an apparatus that allows a user to customize icons displayed on a display unit is known. Specifically, a specified range in the captured image is cut out and set as an icon (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-325008 A

  However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, there is a problem that a range to be used as an icon must be specified from a captured image by a predetermined key operation by a user, and the work is complicated.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device, a display method, and a program that can easily generate an image to be set as related information associated with a predetermined state or process.

In order to solve the above problem, an imaging apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.
Display means for displaying related information associated with a predetermined state or predetermined processing in the apparatus, image data generation means for imaging a subject and generating image data, and image data generated by the image data generation means Detecting means for detecting a feature in the subject image, image generating means for extracting the feature detected by the detecting means and generating a feature object image related to the feature, and generated by the image generating means And setting means for setting the feature image that has been set as the related information.

The invention according to claim 2 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
The display unit further includes a display unit that further displays the subject image generated by the image data generation unit and that indicates a feature to be detected by the detection unit in the displayed subject image. Yes.

The invention according to claim 3 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 2,
The image data generation means sequentially captures a subject to generate image data, and the instruction means indicates a feature to be detected by the detection means in the subject image related to the sequentially generated image data. It is characterized by.

Invention of Claim 4 is an imaging device as described in any one of Claims 1-3,
The image processing apparatus further includes a designation unit that designates a shape of the feature object image, and the detection unit detects a feature object corresponding to the shape designated by the designation unit from the subject image.

Invention of Claim 5 is an imaging device as described in any one of Claims 1-4,
The image generation means is characterized in that, when a plurality of the feature objects are detected by the detection means, a feature object image relating to the largest feature object among the plurality of feature objects is generated.

Invention of Claim 6 is an imaging device as described in any one of Claims 1-4,
The image generation unit generates a feature image related to a feature located in the center of the subject image among the plurality of features when the detection unit detects a plurality of the feature objects. It is characterized by.

The invention according to claim 7 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
In the case where a plurality of the feature objects are detected by the detection means, a selection instruction means is provided for selecting and instructing a feature object to be set as the related information, and the image generation means is the feature object selected and instructed by the selection instruction means The feature object image is generated.

The invention according to claim 8 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The image processing apparatus further comprises display control means for changing a display mode of the feature object image set as the related information by the setting means on the display means in accordance with a predetermined state or processing status associated with the related information. It is characterized by.

The invention according to claim 9 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The setting unit generates the feature image generated by the image generation unit as the related information corresponding to any one state or process of a focus frame, a remaining battery level, a remaining memory level, a self-timer, and a strobe. It is characterized by setting.

The imaging method of the invention according to claim 10 is:
A subject image related to the image data in an imaging device comprising: display means for displaying related information associated with a predetermined state or process in the apparatus; and image data generation means for imaging the subject to generate image data. A step of detecting a feature object therein, a step of extracting the detected feature object to generate a feature object image related to the feature object, and a step of setting the generated feature object image as the related information, It is characterized by being executed.

The program of the invention described in claim 11 is
A computer of an imaging apparatus comprising: display means for displaying related information associated with a predetermined state or process in the apparatus; and image data generation means for imaging a subject to generate image data. Detection means for detecting a feature in a subject image, image generation means for extracting a feature detected by the detection means and generating a feature image related to the feature, and feature generated by the image generation means It is characterized by functioning as setting means for setting an image as the related information.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily generate an image to be set as related information associated with a predetermined state or process.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

The imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment detects the feature object O (see FIG. 7A and the like) in the subject image related to the image data generated by the electronic imaging unit 2, and extracts the detected feature object O. Then, an icon image (feature object image) related to the feature object O is generated, and the icon image is set as related information associated with various states or processes.
Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging lens unit 1, an electronic imaging unit 2, an imaging processing unit 3, an image processing unit 4, a recording medium 5, a display unit 6, A display processing unit 7, an operation input unit 8, a table storage unit 9, a data memory 10, a program memory 11, and a CPU 12 are provided.

  The imaging lens unit 1 includes a plurality of lenses and includes a zoom lens 1a, a focus lens 1b, and the like. In addition, the imaging lens unit 1 includes a zoom driving unit 1c that moves the zoom lens 1a in the optical axis direction and a focusing driving unit 1d that moves the focus lens 1b in the optical axis direction when imaging a subject. .

  The electronic imaging unit 2 captures a subject and generates an image frame as image data generation means. The electronic imaging unit 2 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), and the like that convert a subject image that has passed through a plurality of lenses of the imaging lens unit 1 into a two-dimensional image signal. Yes.

  Although not shown, the imaging processing unit 3 includes a timing generator, a vertical driver, and the like. Then, the imaging processing unit 3 scans and drives the electronic imaging unit 2 with a timing generator and a vertical driver, and converts the subject image into a two-dimensional image signal with the electronic imaging unit 2 at a predetermined period. Image frames are read from the imaging area of the unit 2 for each screen and output to the image processing unit 4.

  Further, when displaying a live view image G (see FIG. 4A, etc.) at the time of imaging, the imaging processing unit 3 causes the electronic imaging unit 2 to continuously image the subject at a predetermined imaging frame rate. Then, image frames for live view image display are sequentially generated.

  Further, the imaging processing unit 3 performs control of AE (automatic exposure processing), AF (automatic focusing processing), AWB (automatic white balance), and the like.

The image processing unit 4 performs image quality adjustment processing, resolution conversion processing, image compression processing, and the like based on the image frame transferred from the imaging processing unit 3 to generate display image data and recording image data. Specifically, the image processing unit 4 appropriately adjusts the gain for each RGB color component with respect to the analog value signal of the image frame transferred from the imaging processing unit 3, and then performs sample holding by the sample hold circuit, After converting into digital data by an A / D converter and performing color process processing including pixel interpolation processing and γ correction processing in a color process circuit, a digital luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cb and Cr are generated.
The luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the color process circuit are DMA-transferred to a data memory 10 used as a buffer memory via a DMA controller (not shown).

  The recording medium 5 is composed of, for example, a nonvolatile memory (flash memory) or the like, and stores recording image data of a main captured image encoded by a JPEG compression unit (not shown) of the image processing unit 4.

  The display processing unit 7 performs control to read display data temporarily stored in the data memory 10 and display it on the display unit 6. Specifically, the display processing unit 7 includes a VRAM, a VRAM controller, a digital video encoder, and the like. The digital video encoder periodically reads the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr read from the data memory 10 and stored in the VRAM (not shown) under the control of the CPU 12 from the VRAM via the VRAM controller. Thus, a video signal is generated based on these data and output to the display unit 6.

  The display unit 6 displays an image F or the like captured by the electronic imaging unit 2 on the display screen 6a (see FIG. 3A and the like) based on the video signal from the display processing unit 7. Specifically, the display unit 6 displays a live view image G based on a plurality of image frames generated by imaging the subject by the electronic imaging unit 2 in the imaging mode, or is captured as a main captured image. Displays the REC view image. Further, the display unit 6 displays the recorded image F based on the image data of the main captured image stored in the recording medium 5 in the reproduction mode.

The display unit 6 displays various states such as an automatic focusing process or related information associated with the process on the display screen 6a. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the display unit 6 is based on the AF frame I1 image data stored in the table storage unit 9, and the AF target in the automatic focusing process during the display of the live view image G is displayed. And an AF frame (related information) I1 is displayed. The display unit 6 also displays a strobe mark (related information) I2 in the upper left corner of the live view image G based on the strobe image data stored in the table storage unit 9. Further, the display unit 6 displays a battery remaining amount mark (related information) I3 in the lower left corner of the live view image G based on the electronic remaining amount image data stored in the table storage unit 9.
When an icon image is generated and set in an icon generation process to be described later, the AF frame I1A, the strobe mark I2A, the battery set in place of the AF frame I1, the strobe mark I2, and the battery remaining amount mark I3 are set. A remaining amount mark I3A is displayed (see FIG. 3B).

  Here, as related information, in addition to the AF frame I1, the strobe mark I2, and the remaining battery level mark I3, there are a remaining memory mark, a self-timer mark, and the like. That is, the related information is any related information associated with various states or processes such as an automatic focusing process, a battery remaining amount display process, a flash emission process, a memory remaining amount display process, and a self-timer imaging process. There may be.

  The operation input unit 8 is for performing a predetermined operation of the imaging apparatus 100, and includes a shutter button 8a related to the subject imaging instruction, a menu button 8b related to a menu screen display instruction related to function selection, display setting, and the like. A selection / decision button 8c or the like related to selection of an operation mode or a decision instruction is provided, and a predetermined operation signal is output to the CPU 12 in accordance with each operation of these buttons.

  The CPU 12 controls each part of the imaging device 100. Specifically, the CPU 12 performs various control operations according to various processing programs for the imaging apparatus 100 stored in the program memory 11.

  The data memory 10 is composed of, for example, a flash memory and temporarily stores data processed by the CPU 12.

The table storage unit 9 stores an icon image table T1, an icon shape table T2, and the like.
The icon image table T1 stores various icon images in association with various contents according to various states or processing conditions. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, for example, the icon image table T1 is in focus with the baseball ball image I1A of the “AF frame” related to the focus determination area of the automatic focusing process. In a situation where there is not, the “divided” in which the image of the baseball ball is divided by half is associated. Similarly, the “timer display mark” flower image I4A related to the self-timer imaging process, “flashing” in which the flashing speed changes according to the remaining time of the timer, “color change” in which the color changes, and gradually disappear. “Missing” is associated. Similarly, the volleyball image I3A of the “battery remaining amount mark” relating to the remaining battery level is associated with “deficient” that gradually decreases in accordance with the remaining battery level. Similarly, a default image (not shown) of the “memory remaining amount mark” relating to the memory capacity of the recording medium 5 is associated with “missing” that gradually decreases in accordance with the memory remaining amount. Similarly, the “strobe mark” soccer ball image I2A related to strobe emission is associated with “no change”.

The icon shape table T2 defines reference shapes for various icons. Specifically, the icon shape table T2 stores an icon type and a reference shape for icon generation processing in association with each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, “rectangle” or “circular” is associated with the reference shape of “AF frame I1”, “circular” is associated with the reference shape of “timer display mark”, “Rectangle” or “Circle” is associated as the reference shape of “Battery remaining amount mark I3”, “Rectangle” or “Circle” is associated as the reference shape of “Memory remaining amount mark”, and “Strobe mark I2” As a reference shape, “circular” is associated.
The icon image table T1 and the icon shape table T2 are examples and are not limited to these, and can be arbitrarily changed as appropriate.

The program memory 11 stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the CPU 12.
This program includes a focus control processing routine, a detection processing routine, an image generation processing routine, a setting processing routine, and a display control processing routine, which will be described later.
Here, the routine is a series of instructions that constitute a part of a computer program and have a certain function.

The focus control processing routine includes a group of instructions for causing the CPU 12 to realize a function related to the automatic focus processing for adjusting the focus position of the focus lens 1b when the subject is imaged.
Specifically, the CPU 12 acquires an image frame generated by the electronic imaging unit 2 under the control of the imaging processing unit 3 and determines the automatic focusing process in the image frame by the focusing control processing routine. Automatic focusing in which the focus lens 1b is moved in the optical axis direction by the focus driving unit 1d and the focus position is adjusted by the contrast AF method so that the image in the AF frame I1 (focus determination area) is in focus. Process.
Here, the CPU 12, the electronic imaging unit 2, the imaging processing unit 3, and the focusing driving unit 1d constitute a focusing control unit.

The detection processing routine includes a group of instructions for causing the CPU 12 to realize a function related to the detection processing for detecting the feature object O in the image related to the image data based on the image data captured and generated by the electronic imaging unit 2. Including.
That is, the CPU 12 specifies and detects the feature object O such as a flower or a ball in the image from the contrast change by using the color information of the image data or the like by the detection processing routine. Specifically, according to the detection processing routine, when the recorded image F is displayed on the display unit 6 in the first icon generation mode and the second icon generation mode, the CPU 12 operates the operation input unit (instruction means by the user). ) When an icon generation instruction is input based on the predetermined operation 8, the feature object O in the recorded image (subject image) F displayed on the display unit 6 is detected (see FIG. 7A). The CPU 12 sets an icon image (characteristic object image) based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit (designating unit) 8 by the user when the electronic imaging unit 2 captures an object in the third icon generation mode. When the icon related to the icon is designated, the shape of the icon is acquired from the icon shape table T2, and the feature object O corresponding to the shape of the icon is displayed as a live view image ( (Subject image) Detected from G.
Here, the CPU 12, the electronic imaging unit 2, and the display unit 6 constitute detection means.

The image generation processing routine is a program part for causing the CPU 12 to function as image generation means. In other words, the image generation processing routine has a function related to the image generation processing for extracting the feature portion including the feature O detected in the detection processing and generating an icon image (feature image) related to the feature portion. A group of instructions to be implemented by the CPU 12 is included.
Specifically, in the image generation processing routine, the CPU 12 causes the largest shape or the center of the plurality of feature objects O,... Detected in the detection processing in the first icon generation mode, in the subject image. The feature object O located in is identified, and an icon image relating to the feature part including the feature object O is generated. Further, the CPU 12 determines a predetermined value of the operation input unit (selection instruction unit) 8 by the user among the plurality of feature objects O detected by the detection process in the second icon generation mode or the third icon generation mode. An icon image of the feature portion including the feature O related to the setting of the icon instructed to be selected based on the operation (for example, the baseball ball image I1A of “AF frame”) is generated.

The setting process routine includes a command group for causing the CPU 12 to realize a function related to the setting process for setting the icon image generated in the image generation process as related information.
Specifically, according to the setting processing routine, the CPU 12 writes the icon image generated by the image generation processing (for example, the baseball ball image I1A of the “AF frame”) in the icon image table T1 of the table storage unit 9. Thus, it is set as related information such as an AF frame associated with various states or processes such as automatic image processing.
Here, the CPU 12 and the table storage unit 9 constitute a setting unit.

The display control processing routine is a display control process for changing the display mode of the icon image set as the related information in the setting process on the display unit 6 according to various states or processing conditions associated with the related information. A command group for causing the CPU 12 to realize such a function is included.
Specifically, by the display control processing routine, the CPU 12 refers to the icon image table T1 of the table storage unit 9 and at least of the number, size, shape, and color of the icon images displayed on the display unit 6. Either one is changed according to various states or processing conditions, or the icon image is blinked according to various states or processing conditions.
For example, when the CPU 12 captures an image in the self-timer mode, first, the flower icon image I4A is set so that the flower icon image I4A set as the timer display mark is gradually lost according to the remaining time of the timer. The entire image is superimposed on the live view image G (see FIG. 4A). Next, the image processing unit 4 generates a flower icon image I4A lacking ¼ of the petals, and the image I4A is live-viewed. Overlaid on the image G (see FIG. 4 (b)), then a flower icon image I4A with 1/2 petals missing (see FIG. 4 (c)), then 3/4 with petals missing Flower icon image I4A (see FIG. 4 (d)), and then no flower icon image I4A is displayed (that is, all the icon images are missing; see FIG. 4 (e)). ), Sequentially Live View is superimposed on the image G. For example, the CPU 12 causes the display unit 6 to display the flower icon image I4A so as to be superimposed on the live view image G so as to gradually increase the blinking speed according to the remaining time of the timer (not shown).
Further, for example, in a state where the focus is achieved by the automatic focusing process, the CPU 12 superimposes the baseball ball icon image I1A set as the AF frame I1 on the live view image G and displays it on the display unit 6 as it is. However, in an out-of-focus situation, the image processing unit 4 generates an image obtained by dividing the baseball ball icon image I1A in half, and the divided image is superimposed on the live view image G to display the display unit 6. (Not shown).
Here, the CPU 12, the table storage unit 9, and the display unit 6 constitute display control means.

Below, the icon production | generation process by the imaging device 100 is demonstrated with reference to FIGS.
Among the first to third icon generation mode processes, the first and second icon generation mode processes are processes performed when the recorded image F is displayed on the display screen 6a. The third icon generation mode process is an electronic This is processing performed when the imaging unit 2 captures an image of a subject.

First, the first icon generation mode process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the first icon generation mode process.

The first icon generation mode process is a process executed when execution of the first icon generation mode is instructed as an operation mode based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 8 by the user.
As shown in FIG. 5, after the power is turned on, the CPU 12 relates to generation of an icon selected from the recording image data recorded on the recording medium 5 based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 8 by the user. The recorded image F is displayed on the display unit 6 (step S1).
Subsequently, when an instruction to generate an icon is input based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 8 by the user (step S2), the CPU 12 uses the detection processing routine to record from the recorded image F displayed on the display unit 6. A plurality of characteristic objects O such as flowers and balls in the image are identified and detected from the contrast change using the color information of the image data for recording (step S3).

Next, according to the image generation processing routine, the CPU 12 specifies the feature O having the largest shape in the subject image among the plurality of features O detected by the detection processing, and includes the feature O. The object part is extracted, and an icon image of the feature object O is generated (step S4).
Thereafter, based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 8 by the user, for example, when the AF frame I1 or the like associated with the automatic focusing process is designated as the processing content associated with the icon image, the designation instruction is sent to the CPU 12. Output (step S5). When the designation instruction output from the operation input unit 8 is input to the CPU 12, the CPU 12 adjusts the size of the icon image generated in the image generation process according to the specified processing content, for example, the reference of the AF frame I1. Adjustment is performed in consideration of the size and the like (step S6).
Next, the CPU 12 writes the size-adjusted icon image in the icon image table T1 of the table storage unit 9 by the setting processing routine, for example, as related information associated with various states or processes such as automatic image processing. Set (step S7).
Thereby, the first icon generation mode process is terminated.

Next, the second icon generation mode process will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the second icon generation mode process. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of the display screen 6a in the second icon generation mode process.

The second icon generation mode process is a process executed when execution of the second icon generation mode is instructed as an operation mode based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 8 by the user.
As shown in FIG. 6, similarly to the first icon generation mode process, the CPU 12 is selected from the recording image data recorded on the recording medium 5 based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 8 by the user. The recorded image F relating to the generation of the icon is displayed on the display unit 6 (step S21; see FIG. 7A).
Subsequently, as in the first icon generation mode process, when an icon generation instruction is input based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 8 by the user (step S22), the CPU 12 performs display unit 6 according to the detection processing routine. Are used to identify and detect a plurality of characteristic objects O such as balls in the image from the change in contrast using the color information of the recording image data or the like (step S23).

Next, the CPU 12 identifies the edges of all the feature objects O detected in the detection process, and displays all the feature objects O on the display unit 6 by displaying the thick frame E along the edges. (Step S24; refer to FIG. 7B).
Thereafter, when the feature object O related to the setting of the icon is selected based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 8 by the user, the operation input unit 8 outputs the selection instruction to the CPU 12 (step S25). When the designation instruction output from the operation input unit 8 is input, the CPU 12 extracts a feature portion including the feature O selected by the user by an image generation processing routine, and displays an icon image of the feature O. Is generated (step S26).

Thereafter, as in the first icon generation mode process, based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 8 by the user, for example, the AF frame I1 associated with the automatic focusing process is designated as the process content associated with the icon image. Then, the operation input unit 8 outputs the designation instruction to the CPU 12 (step S27). When the designation instruction output from the operation input unit 8 is input to the CPU 12, as in the first icon generation mode process, the CPU 12 changes the size of the icon image generated in the image generation process to the specified process content. In addition, for example, adjustment is performed in consideration of the reference size of the AF frame I1 and the like (step S28).
Next, similarly to the first icon generation mode process, the CPU 12 writes the size-adjusted icon image in the icon image table T1 of the table storage unit 9 by the setting process routine, and performs various types of processes such as automatic image processing, for example. It is set as related information associated with a state or process (step 29).
Thereby, the second icon generation mode process is terminated.

Next, the third icon generation mode process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the third icon generation mode process.

The third icon generation mode process is a process executed when execution of the third icon generation mode is instructed as an operation mode based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 8 by the user.
As shown in FIG. 8, based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 8 by the user, for example, when an AF frame I1 or the like associated with the automatic focusing process is designated as the processing content associated with the icon image, The input unit 8 outputs the designation instruction to the CPU 12 (step S31). When the designation instruction output from the operation input unit 8 is input to the CPU 12, the CPU 12 displays the live view image G on the display unit 6 based on a plurality of image frames generated by imaging the subject by the electronic imaging unit 2. (Step S32).

  Subsequently, according to the detection processing routine, the CPU 12 refers to the icon shape table T2 of the table storage unit 9 and determines the icon shape related to the state or processing content specified in step S31, for example, “AF frame I1”. A “rectangular or circular” shape is acquired as a reference shape of the image, and a feature image O having the shape of the icon (substantially rectangular or substantially circular shape) is taken as a captured image related to image data generated by the electronic imaging unit 2 ( From the subject image), it is detected from the contrast change using the color information of the captured image data (step S33).

Next, as in the second icon generation mode process, the CPU 12 identifies the edges of all the feature objects O having the shape of the icon detected in the detection process, and draws a thick frame E along the edge. By displaying, all the detected characteristic objects O are identified and displayed on the display unit 6 (step S34).
When the desired feature O is detected, the user instructs imaging processing based on the operation of the shutter button 8a, and the operation input unit 8 outputs the imaging instruction to the CPU 12. When the imaging instruction output from the operation input unit 8 is input, the CPU 12 acquires a captured image by executing an imaging process, and temporarily stores the acquired captured image in the data memory 10 (step S35). Next, detection processing is performed again on the temporarily stored captured image, and all the detected feature objects O are identified and displayed on the display unit 6 (step S36).
Thereafter, as in the second icon generation mode process, when the feature object O related to the icon setting is selected based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 8 by the user, the operation input unit 8 sends the selection instruction to the CPU 12. Output (step S37). When the designation instruction output from the operation input unit 8 is input, the CPU 12 extracts the feature portion including the feature O selected by the user by the image generation processing routine, as in the second icon generation mode processing. Then, an icon image relating to the feature part is generated (step S38).

Thereafter, as in the second icon generation mode process, the CPU 12 sets the reference size of the AF frame I1, for example, in accordance with the designated state or the content of the process according to the size of the icon image generated in the image generation process. Adjustment is made in consideration (step S39).
Next, similarly to the second icon generation mode process, the CPU 12 writes the size-adjusted icon image in the icon image table T1 of the table storage unit 9 by the setting process routine, and for example, performs various image processing such as automatic image processing. It is set as related information associated with the state or process (step S40).
When the icon setting is completed, the captured image temporarily stored in the data memory 10 is discarded (step S41).
Thereby, the third icon generation mode process is terminated.

As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the feature object O (see FIG. 7A and the like) in the subject image related to the image data generated by the electronic imaging unit 2 is detected. That is, the feature object O is detected from the recorded image F displayed on the display unit 6 and the live view image G captured by the electronic imaging unit 2.
When the imaging process is performed, a feature object portion including the feature object O in the captured image is extracted to generate an icon image related to the feature object portion, and the icon image is displayed in the AF frame I1, the strobe mark. It is set as related information associated with various states or processes such as I2, battery remaining mark I3, memory remaining mark, and self-timer mark.
Therefore, when a feature that the user wants to use as an icon image is detected in advance, by performing an imaging process, the feature in the captured image can be set as an icon image, and a desired icon image can be easily obtained. be able to.

  Further, since the feature object O corresponding to the reference shape of the icon specified based on a predetermined operation of the operation input unit 8 by the user is detected from the subject image, it is only necessary to specify a desired icon related to the icon setting. The feature object O corresponding to the shape of the icon can be detected from the subject image, and the icon can be set more easily.

  Further, when a plurality of feature objects O are detected in the first icon generation mode process, a feature object portion including the largest feature object O in the recorded image F is extracted from the plurality of feature objects O,. Since the icon image is generated, the icon image can be generated from the feature that is considered to receive the most attention in the recorded image F, and the icon can be set more appropriately.

  Further, when a plurality of feature objects O are detected in the second and third icon generation mode processing, an icon image is generated from the feature object O selected by the user among the plurality of feature objects O,. The icon image desired by the user can be generated, and the icon can be set more appropriately.

Furthermore, the display mode of the icon image display unit 6 is changed in accordance with various states such as an automatic focusing process associated with the icon image or the processing status. That is, based on the icon image table T1 in which various icon images are associated with changes according to various states or processing states, the number and size of icon images are determined according to various states or processing states. In addition, at least one of the shape and the color can be changed, or the icon image can be blinked.
Therefore, even icon images that are customized and set by the user can have a variety of display modes, and the usability of the imaging apparatus 100 can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the first icon generation mode process, the icon image is generated from the largest feature O in the recorded image F. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the icon image is located at the center in the recorded image F. Based on the feature object O, an icon image related to the feature object portion including the feature object O may be generated.
According to such a configuration, an icon image can be generated from a more important (main) subject in the recorded image F, and the icon can be set more appropriately.

  In the above embodiment, when a plurality of feature objects O,... Are detected in the second and third icon generation mode processing, an icon image is generated from the feature object O selected by the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Based on the largest feature O in the recorded image F or the feature O located at the center, an icon image related to the feature portion including the feature O is displayed. You may make it produce | generate.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the baseball ball image I1A, the soccer ball image I2A, and the like are exemplified as the icon image. However, the icon image is not limited to this, for example, a recorded image or a live view image. A human face may be extracted as a feature and set as an icon image.
That is, in the detection process, a face is detected from a recording image data read from the recording medium 5 or an image frame generated by the electronic imaging unit 2 using a predetermined face detection method, and the face is extracted. It may be set as an icon image. In such a case, it is possible to change the icon display mode by generating icon images from various different facial expressions of the same person and making these icon images differ according to various states or processing conditions. .

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the 1st-3rd icon production | generation mode process was performed as an icon production | generation process, it is not necessarily necessary to perform all the processes, these 1st-3rd icon production | generation modes. It is only necessary that at least one of the processes is configured to be executable.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the display mode of the icon image stored in the icon image table T1 of the table storage unit 9 is changed according to various states or processing conditions in the display control process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of different icon images are generated, and the icon display mode is changed by changing these icon images according to various states or processing conditions. Also good.

In addition, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 is merely an example illustrated in the above embodiment, and is not limited thereto.
Further, in the above embodiment, the functions as the detection means, the image generation means, the setting means, and the display control means are realized by the CPU 12 executing a predetermined program or the like. For example, it may be configured by a logic circuit for realizing various functions.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the imaging device of one Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the table memorize | stored in the table memory | storage part of the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen displayed on the display part of the imaging device of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen displayed on the display part of the imaging device of FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to a first icon generation mode process performed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to a second icon generation mode process performed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen in the 2nd icon production | generation mode process of FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to a third icon generation mode process performed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Imaging device 1 Imaging lens part 1b Focus lens 2 Electronic imaging part 3 Imaging processing part 6 Display part 8 Operation input part 11 Program memory 12 CPU

Claims (11)

Display means for displaying related information associated with a predetermined state or a predetermined process in the device;
Image data generating means for capturing a subject and generating image data;
Detecting means for detecting a feature in the subject image related to the image data generated by the image data generating means;
Image generation means for extracting the feature detected by the detection means and generating a feature image related to the feature;
Setting means for setting the feature object image generated by the image generation means as the related information;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The display means further includes an instruction means for further displaying the subject image generated by the image data generation means, and indicating a feature to be detected by the detection means in the displayed subject image. The imaging device according to claim 1. The image data generation means sequentially images a subject to generate image data,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the instruction unit instructs a feature to be detected by the detection unit in a subject image related to the sequentially generated image data. A designating unit for designating a shape of the feature object image;
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a characteristic object corresponding to the shape designated by the designation unit from the subject image.   The said image generation means produces | generates the characteristic object image which concerns on the largest characteristic object among these several characteristic objects, when the said characteristic object is detected in multiple numbers by the said detection means. 5. The imaging device according to any one of 4.   The image generation unit generates a feature image related to a feature located in the center of the subject image among the plurality of features when the detection unit detects a plurality of the feature objects. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein When a plurality of the feature objects are detected by the detection means, a selection instruction means for instructing to select a feature object to be set as the related information,
5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image generation unit generates a feature object image of the feature that is selected and instructed by the selection instruction unit.   The image processing apparatus further comprises display control means for changing a display mode of the feature object image set as the related information by the setting means on the display means in accordance with a predetermined state or processing status associated with the related information. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   The setting unit generates the feature image generated by the image generation unit as the related information corresponding to any one state or process of a focus frame, a remaining battery level, a remaining memory level, a self-timer, and a strobe. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is set. An imaging apparatus comprising: display means for displaying related information associated with a predetermined state or process in the apparatus; and image data generation means for imaging a subject to generate image data.
Detecting a feature in a subject image related to the image data;
Extracting the detected feature and generating a feature image related to the feature;
Setting the generated feature image as the related information;
An imaging method characterized by causing A computer of an imaging apparatus comprising: display means for displaying related information associated with a predetermined state or process in the apparatus; and image data generation means for imaging a subject and generating image data.
Detecting means for detecting a feature in the subject image related to the image data;
Image generating means for extracting a feature detected by the detecting means and generating a feature image related to the feature;
Setting means for setting the feature object image generated by the image generation means as the related information;
A program characterized by functioning as

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