JP2010258673A - Photographic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographic device for allowing a user to acquire images easily and/or rapidly. <P>SOLUTION: In the photographic device including an imaging means for imaging subject images a display means for displaying photographed images and photographing conditions; a setting means for setting the photographing conditions; a detection means for detecting nonconformities of images; and an operation means for instructing rephotographing. When the detection means detects nonconformities of the images already photographed images in the imaging apparatus, the display means displays the nonconforming location of the image, and then the setting means automatically sets photographic conditions, capable of reducing the nonconformities of the image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a photographing apparatus having a function of automatically changing photographing settings based on photographed images.

  In recent years, photographing apparatuses such as digital cameras have been widely used. On the other hand, the image obtained by the photographing apparatus is greatly influenced by the photographing environment and the setting of the photographing apparatus, so that the situation is not necessarily satisfied with the images obtained by all users. For example, even if inconveniences such as blackout, whiteout, and red-eye occur, they may miss a photo opportunity because they are not checked immediately and / or setting changes corresponding thereto are not made.

Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging apparatus that determines whether or not an acquired image satisfies a predetermined condition, and notifies the user of the determination result by sound, display, or light.
JP 2003-219217 A

  In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to provide a photographing apparatus that allows a user to easily and / or quickly obtain a good image.

The above object is provided by the following means:
Imaging means for capturing a subject image;
Display means for displaying captured images and shooting conditions;
Setting means for setting shooting conditions;
Detection means for detecting inconveniences in the image;
Operation means for instructing re-shooting;
In an imaging apparatus having
When the detecting means detects an inconvenience of a captured image, the display means displays an inconvenient portion of the image, and the setting means automatically sets a photographing condition that can reduce the inconvenience of the image. An imaging device.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a photographing apparatus that allows a user to easily and / or quickly obtain a good image.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the components, types, combinations, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like described in the embodiments described below.

[Imaging device]
An example of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera 1 according to the present invention. A digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a lens system 101, a lens driving circuit 102, an imaging device 103, an imaging circuit 104, an SDRAM 105, an AE processing unit 106, an AF processing unit 107, and an image processing circuit 108. Detachable memory 109, CPU 110, built-in memory 111, operation unit 112, communication interface (hereinafter referred to as “communication I / F”) 113, display drive circuit 114, display unit 115, and inconvenience detection measurement A circuit 116, a power supply circuit 117, and a battery 118 are provided.

  The lens system 101 includes a lens that collects an optical image of a subject on the image sensor 103. The lens system 101 is driven by a lens driving circuit 102 that is driven in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 110, and can change the focal length of the lens system 101 and the focus state on the subject. In addition, an aperture mechanism and a mechanical shutter mechanism are provided in the vicinity of the lens system 101 (not shown). By driving a diaphragm mechanism (not shown) in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 110, the amount of light of the subject can be adjusted. At the time of shooting, the exposure time of the image sensor 103 can be controlled by driving a mechanical shutter mechanism (not shown) in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 110.

  The image sensor 103 captures the subject imaged by the lens system 101 and outputs an image signal. The image sensor 103 may be any image sensor known per se, such as a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor.

  The image pickup device 103 is connected to the image pickup circuit 104. The output of the image pickup device 103 is amplified by the image pickup circuit 104, and analog-digital conversion (that is, AD conversion) is performed. The imaging circuit 104 is connected to the data bus 119.

  The data bus 119 is a transfer path for transferring various data generated in the digital camera to each unit in the digital camera. In addition to the imaging circuit 104, the data bus 119 includes the above-described lens driving circuit 102, SDRAM 105, an AE processing unit 106, an AF processing unit 107, an image processing circuit 108, a removable memory 109, a CPU 110, and an inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 described later. Are connected, and data can be exchanged via the data bus 119.

  The SDRAM 105 is a storage unit that temporarily stores various data such as image data processed in each unit in the digital camera 1. Each part in the digital camera 1 temporarily records various data as digital signals in the SDRAM 105 during signal processing as needed.

  The CPU 110 controls the flow of the digital camera 1. A built-in memory 111, an operation unit 112, a communication I / F 113, and a display drive circuit 114 are connected to the CPU 110.

  The built-in memory 111 may be a flash memory or the like, and stores various programs executed by the CPU 110 and various adjustment values related to the digital camera 1.

  The operation unit 112 receives an operation by the user, and the operation content given to the operation unit 112 is transmitted to the CPU 110. The operation unit 112 may include, for example, a control button 207 including a power button 201, a release button 202, a zoom key 203, a menu button 204, an up / down / left / right button 205, and an OK button 206 as shown in FIG. ).

  Please refer to FIG. The communication I / F 113 is a connection point with the outside, and realizes communication between the CPU 110 and the outside. The communication I / F may be a USB, for example.

  The display drive circuit 114 is connected to the built-in memory 111 and / or the operation unit 112, for example, an image based on a signal transferred from the CPU 110, for example, an image based on an image signal, for example, an image currently captured or an image already captured. The derived signal is displayed on the display unit 115. For example, the display drive circuit 114 may convert a digital image signal transferred from the CPU 110 into a signal that can be displayed on the display unit 115.

  The display unit 115 may be any display device known per se, and may be a display such as a liquid crystal display, for example, and is any means for displaying an image corresponding to a signal output from the display drive circuit 114. May be.

  The inconvenience detection / measurement circuit 116 connected to the data bus 119 detects and / or identifies the inconvenient part of the image data, and photographs the digital camera 1 so as to obtain an image that does not include the inconvenient part. The condition may be changed, and the user may be notified by displaying on the display unit 115 that such a setting change has been made.

  The AE processing unit 106 calculates subject luminance using the image data. The data for calculating the subject brightness may be an output of a dedicated photometric sensor. Further, the AE processing unit 106 may perform exposure adjustment under the control of the CPU 110. The AF processing unit 107 extracts a high-frequency component signal from the image data, and acquires a focus evaluation value by AF (Auto Focus) integration processing. The AF processing unit 107 may perform focus adjustment under the control of the CPU 110.

  The image processing circuit 108 performs various kinds of processing such as digital amplification (digital gain adjustment processing), color correction, gamma correction, contrast correction, black and white / color mode processing, through image processing on the generated image data. Perform image processing.

  The removable memory 109 is a removable recording medium, and may be a memory card, a semiconductor memory, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or the like, for example. In the present embodiment, the removable memory 109 is illustrated as a recording medium, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  The power supply to the digital camera 1 may be performed by the battery 118 controlled by the power supply circuit 117, but is not limited thereto.

  The imaging means for imaging the subject only needs to include at least the imaging element 103 and the imaging circuit 104, and may further include the lens system 101 and the lens driving circuit 102.

  The display means for displaying the photographed image and the photographing conditions may include the display unit 115 and the display driving circuit 114.

  The setting means for setting the shooting conditions may include the CPU 110 and the operation unit 112.

  The detection means for detecting the inconvenience of the image may be provided with the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116.

  The operation means for instructing re-photographing may include the CPU 110 and the operation unit 112.

  The selection means for selecting whether or not to automatically detect the inconvenience and reduce the inconvenience may be provided with the CPU 110 and the operation unit 112.

  The measuring means for measuring the degree of inconvenience of the image may be provided with the inconvenience measuring circuit 116.

  Each circuit may be constructed by, for example, a processor, storage means, and software stored in the storage means. They may comprise, for example, a processor means such as a CPU and a storage means for storing a program and various adjustment values, or the CPU 110 is used as a processor means to store information in the storage means in the circuit. The processing may be performed according to information stored in the internal memory 111.

[Operation]
1. Basic Operation The basic operation of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The user starts shooting and proceeds to S32. In S32, the user determines whether the power is on or off. If the power is off, the user turns on the power and proceeds to S33.

  In S <b> 33, the CPU 110 performs an initial process of the digital camera 1 to set up a shooting standby state. In the setup, as shown in FIG. 4A, an image obtained by the imaging means in real time, that is, a live view is displayed on the display unit 115, and a display indicating an optional setting state such as an exposure correction value at the time of setup. 41 may be displayed on the display unit 115 at the same time. After setting up the shooting standby state, the process proceeds to S34.

  In S34, the CPU 110 determines whether the user has operated the menu button. If it is determined that there is an operation, the process proceeds to S35, and if it is determined that there is no operation, the process proceeds to S36. In S35, menu operation processing is performed. The menu operation process is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. Please refer to FIG. The menu operation is started and the process proceeds to S51.

  In S51, CPU110 displays an item selection screen on the display part 115, and progresses to S52. The item selection screen may be, for example, a screen as shown in FIG.

  In S52, if the CPU 110 determines that the user has operated the up / down button 205, the process proceeds to S53, and if it is determined that there is no operation, the process proceeds to S54.

  In S53, the CPU 110 moves the cursor to an arbitrary item on the item selection screen in accordance with the user's input to the up / down button 205, and proceeds to S54. Here, the item selection screen shown in FIG. 6A may be a screen that allows a desired setting item to be selected, and may include a plurality of layers.

  In S54, it is determined whether or not the OK button 206 is operated. If the CPU 110 determines that there is an operation of the OK button 206, the process proceeds to S55, and if it is determined that there is no operation, the process proceeds to S62.

  In S55, the CPU 110 displays a value selection screen (FIG. 6B) and / or an automatic setting screen (FIG. 6C) on the display unit 115, and the process proceeds to S56. In S56, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation on the up / down button 205. If it is determined that there is an operation, the process proceeds to S57, and if it is determined that there is no operation, the process proceeds to S58. . Here, the value selection screen (FIG. 6B) is a screen for specifically setting the item selected on the item selection screen. Therefore, if the value selection screen is a screen on which a value can be selected. Good. Alternatively, when the automatic setting screen is selected on the item selection screen, the automatic setting screen shown in FIG. 6C is displayed. The automatic setting screen may be a screen that can select whether or not to perform automatic setting for avoiding inconvenience.

  In S62, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the user has operated the menu button 204. If it is determined that there is an operation, the CPU 110 exits the routine and proceeds to S36 in FIG. 3, and if it is determined that there is no operation, proceeds to S52.

  In S57, the CPU 110 selects a value by moving the cursor to an arbitrary item on the value selection screen according to the user's operation of the up / down button 205, and the process proceeds to S58. In S58, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the OK button 206 is operated. If it is determined that there is an operation, the process proceeds to S59, and if it is determined that there is no operation, the process proceeds to S60. In S59, the CPU 110 selects a value according to the user input, changes the setting according to the value, and proceeds to S51.

  In S60, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the user has operated the menu button 204. If it is determined that there is an operation, the process proceeds to S61. If it is determined that there is no operation, the process proceeds to S55. In S61, the CPU 110 determines that the item selection determined in S54 has been canceled, and proceeds to S51.

  Please refer to FIG. In S36, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the release operation by the user, that is, whether or not the release button 202 is operated. If the CPU 110 determines that there is no release operation, the process proceeds to S38, and if it is determined that there is an operation, the process proceeds to S37. In S37, the release operation according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is performed.

  Please refer to FIG. The release operation is started, and the process proceeds to S71. In S71, the imaging unit performs a shooting process, and the process proceeds to S72. In S72, the CPU 110 displays the captured image on the display unit 115, and the process proceeds to S73. In S73, the CPU 110 stores the captured image in the removable memory 109, exits the routine, and proceeds to S38 in the flowchart of FIG.

  Please refer to FIG. In S38, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the user has operated the operation unit 112 and / or the type of operation and / or the operation amount, and proceeds to S39.

  In S39, an operation corresponding to a user operation on the operation unit 112 is performed under the control of the CPU 110, and the process proceeds to S40. In S40, whether the power is "ON" or "OFF" is determined by the CPU 110. If the power is "ON", the process proceeds to S34, and if the power is "OFF", the process proceeds to S41. In S41, the CPU 110 makes a transition to the power OFF state and ends all procedures.

2. First aspect A first aspect of the present invention will be described. This mode is the same as the basic operation described above except that the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is performed in place of the routine of the release operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 in the procedure of the basic operation. Specifically, this aspect is an example including an automatic setting process for automatically setting shooting conditions for avoiding inconveniences in the middle of the release operation of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Similar to the basic operation described above, a routine according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is started, the same procedure as described above is executed, and the process proceeds to S36. If the CPU 110 determines that the release button is operated in S36, the process proceeds to S37. In this aspect, the release operation of S37 is processed according to the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, the release operation is started, and the process proceeds to S81 (see FIG. 8).

  In S81, the photographing means performs a photographing process, and the process proceeds to S82. In S82, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 performs automatic setting processing. Specifically, the procedure of the automatic setting process is executed according to the flowchart of FIG. See FIG.

  The automatic setting process is started, and the process proceeds to S91. In S91, an inconvenient location in the image is identified by a procedure described later, and the process proceeds to S92. In S92, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether there is any inconvenience. If it is determined that there is no inconvenience, the process proceeds to S93. If it is determined that there is an inconvenience, the process proceeds to S95.

  In S93, the CPU 110 displays the captured image on the display unit 115, and the process proceeds to S94. In S94, after the captured image displayed on the display unit 115 by the CPU 110 is stored in the removable memory 109, the process exits this routine and proceeds to the flowchart S38 in FIG.

  In S95, the image processing circuit 116 performs an emphasis process on the inconvenient part, and then the inconvenient detection measurement circuit 116 displays the image in which the inconvenient part is emphasized on the display unit 115, and the process proceeds to S96. An example of the enhanced image is shown in FIG. The diagram of FIG. 4B is an example in which the corresponding inconvenient part is emphasized by black painting 42 when the background is blackened or whiteout. The emphasis processing may be performed by any means known per se, such as a dotted line or a surrounding line, in addition to painting in black. Alternatively, any character string indicating an inconvenient part, for example, a symbol associated with a specific inconvenience in advance, such as “blackout”, “whiteout”, “red-eye” or “shake” For example, it may be performed by means capable of notifying the user of the inconvenient part.

  In S96, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 waits for an OK key input by the user and proceeds to S97. In S97, if the inconvenience detection measuring circuit 116 determines that there is no OK key input and a certain time has elapsed, or if it is determined that there is an input other than the OK key, the process proceeds to S94, and the OK key input is performed. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to S98.

  In S94, the CPU 110 stores the captured image in the removable memory 109, exits the automatic setting process, and proceeds to S38 in the flowchart of FIG. The captured image stored here is stored, for example, in the state of the captured image as shown in FIG. 4C, that is, in a state that does not include emphasis indicating a disadvantageous part or a character string.

  In S98, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 performs a setting change process according to a procedure to be described later, and proceeds to S99.

  In S99, the inconvenience detecting / measuring circuit 116 displays that the setting has been changed on the display unit 115, and proceeds to S38 in the flowchart of FIG. Here, the display indicating to the user that the setting has been changed may be displayed over the captured image, may be displayed over the image subjected to the emphasis processing, or a real-time video similar to the shooting standby state, In other words, the image may be superimposed on the live view or displayed on the live view that has been subjected to the enhancement process. The display may be displayed by a character string such as “set” as shown in FIG. 4D, or may be displayed by a symbol associated in advance. Further, a setting value after the setting change, for example, an exposure correction value 43 or the like such as “−0.5” may be displayed.

  Next, inconvenient location identification processing in the image in S91 will be described with reference to FIG. The identification process is started, and the process proceeds to S101. In S101, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 checks the image data, and the process proceeds to S102. In S102, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether there is any inconvenience in the image data. If it is determined that there is no inconvenience, the process exits the routine and proceeds to S93 in the flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined that there is an inconvenience, the process proceeds to S103, S104, S105, and S106. The inconvenience detection and measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not there is a whiteout in S103, determines whether or not there is black crushing in S104, determines whether or not red eyes exist in S105, and determines whether or not there is camera shake in S106. When any inconvenience of S103 to 105 is detected, the process proceeds to S95 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The procedures after S93 and S95 are as described above.

  Next, the setting change process in S98 of the flowchart of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. The setting change process is started, and the process proceeds to S111. In S111, the image data is processed by a later-described inconvenience check process, and the process proceeds to S112. In S112, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not there is whiteout. If it is determined that there is no whiteout, the process proceeds to S114. If it is determined that there is whiteout, the process proceeds to S113. In S113, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets a menu for eliminating the whiteout, exits this routine, and proceeds to S99 in the flowchart of FIG. Here, the means for eliminating the whiteout may be any means known per se, for example, reducing the exposure correction value.

  In S114, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not there is black crushing. If it is determined that there is no black crushing, the process proceeds to S116, and if it is determined that black crushing occurs, the process proceeds to S115. In S115, the inconvenience detection measuring circuit 116 sets a menu for eliminating black crushing, and exits this routine and proceeds to S99 in the flowchart of FIG. Here, the means for eliminating the black crushing may be any means known per se, for example, increasing the contrast.

  In S116, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines the presence or absence of red eyes. If it is determined that there is no red eye, the process proceeds to S118, and if it is determined that there is red eye, the process proceeds to S117. In S117, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets a menu for eliminating red eyes, and exits this routine and proceeds to S99 in the flowchart of FIG. Here, the means for eliminating the red eye may be any means known per se, for example, emitting light for reducing red eyes.

  In S118, when the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines that there is a camera shake, the process proceeds to S119. In S119, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets a menu for eliminating camera shake, and exits this routine and proceeds to S99 in the flowchart of FIG. Here, the means for eliminating camera shake may be any means known per se, for example, performing camera shake correction.

  In S99 of the flowchart of FIG. 9, the CPU 110 displays on the display means 115 that the setting has been changed, exits the routine shown in FIG. 9, exits the routine shown in FIG. 8, and proceeds to S38 in the flowchart of FIG. To do. In S <b> 38, it is determined whether or not there is another operation, for example, an operation for instructing re-shooting, changing shooting condition settings, and / or saving a shot image. If it is determined that there is a further operation, the process proceeds to S39. In S39, a procedure corresponding to the operation is performed, and the process proceeds to S40.

  In S40, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the power is off. If the power is off, the process proceeds to S41. If the power is not off, the process proceeds to S34. In S41, a shooting standby state is set.

  Here, the method used to display that the setting has been changed may be, for example, a display using a character string such as “change setting is present” or a display using a symbol assigned in advance. There may be. Further, in this procedure, the presence / absence is determined in the order of overexposure, blackout, red-eye, and camera shake.

  Next, the inconvenience check process in the flowchart S111 in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the inconvenience check process is started, the process proceeds to S121. In S121, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets the acquisition position to the start position of the image, for example, the upper left, and proceeds to S122. In S122, an image check loop is started, and the process proceeds to S123.

  The image check loop sequentially checks left and right and up and down one unit at a time for each check range, and performs the following procedures from S123 to S132 until an arbitrary range set in advance, for example, the entire image is checked. Run repeatedly. In S123, if the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines that the acquisition position has exceeded the end position, for example, the lower right, the loop is terminated, the routine is exited, and the process proceeds to S112 in the flowchart of FIG.

  Here, the basic unit of pixel information to be checked may be arbitrarily selected and determined. The basic unit may be 3 × 3 dots or 4 × 4 dots, for example.

  In S124, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 compares the RGB value of the target pixel information with a threshold, and if it is determined that the RGB value of the pixel information is equal to or greater than the threshold, for example, 200 or greater, the process proceeds to S125. The return value is set to “with whiteout”, the process goes out of the loop, and the process proceeds to S112 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In S126, when the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 compares the RGB value of the target pixel information with the threshold value and determines that the RGB value of the pixel information is equal to or less than the threshold value, for example, 10 or less, the process proceeds to S127. Then, the inconvenience detection measuring circuit 116 sets “black crushing” as the return value, goes through the loop, and proceeds to S112 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In S128, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines the presence / absence of red eyes by any means known per se. If it is determined that there is red eye, the process proceeds to S128, and the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 returns “red eye” as a return value. "Yes" is set, the process goes out of the loop, and the process proceeds to the flowchart S112 in FIG. The detection of red eyes may be performed using, for example, the technique described in JP-A-10-233929, or any other technique.

  In S129, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines the presence or absence of camera shake by any means known per se. If it is determined that there is a camera shake, the process proceeds to S130, and the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets the return value to “camera shake”. "Yes" is set, the process goes out of the loop, and the process proceeds to the flowchart S112 in FIG. The detection of camera shake may be performed using, for example, the technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-022059, or any other known technique.

  A method for performing such a procedure in the imaging apparatus and a program for causing the imaging apparatus to execute such a procedure are also within the scope of the present invention.

  In this manner, if it is determined that there is an inconvenience in the image obtained immediately after shooting, the imaging device automatically changes the setting to avoid the inconvenience and informs the user that the change has been made. The user can re-shoot without leaving an appropriate setting. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an image shot with appropriate settings without missing a photo opportunity.

3. Second Mode This mode is a mode that can be performed in the same manner as the first mode, except that the user can select whether or not to perform the automatic setting process after the shooting process. That is, an automatic setting process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is performed instead of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Other procedures may be performed in the same manner as in the first aspect.

  That is, this aspect is a method of performing the release operation of S37 in the flowchart of FIG. 3 according to the flowchart of FIG. The release operation is started, and the process proceeds to S160. In S160, the imaging unit performs a shooting process under the control of the CPU 110, and the process proceeds to S161. In S161, for example, the CPU 110 displays the image shown in FIG. 4C on the display unit 115, and the process proceeds to S162.

  In S162, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the automatic setting process is performed after the user inputs the ON or OFF of the automatic setting process by operating the OK button. If the automatic setting is present, the process proceeds to S163. Advances to S164.

  In S163, the process is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 as described above, and the process exits the routine and proceeds to S38 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In S164, the CPU 110 displays the image acquired in S160 on the display unit 115, and the CPU 110 stores the acquired image in the removable memory 109, and then exits the routine and proceeds to S38 in the flowchart of FIG. To do. The procedure after S38 may be performed as described in the basic operation section above.

  A method for performing such a procedure in the imaging apparatus and a program for causing the imaging apparatus to execute such a procedure are also within the scope of the present invention.

  In this manner, when it is determined that there is an inconvenience in the image obtained immediately after shooting, the camera automatically changes the setting so that the inconvenience can be avoided and informs the user that the change has been made. Since the notification is made, the user can re-photograph without leaving a gap with an appropriate setting. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an image shot with appropriate settings without missing a photo opportunity.

4). Third Mode This mode is a mode in which the user does not have to select whether or not to perform the automatic setting process after the setting for performing the automatic setting process in S34 of the flowchart of FIG. That is, the automatic setting process in S82 of FIG. 8 of the first mode or S163 of FIG. 13 of the second mode is performed by the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 instead of the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is an aspect to make. Other procedures may be performed in the same manner as in the first aspect or the second aspect.

  See FIG. The automatic setting process is started, and the process proceeds to S180. In S180, under the control of the CPU 110, the imaging circuit 104 performs identification processing of an inconvenient location in the image by the same procedure as that described above with reference to FIG. 10, and the process proceeds to S181. In S181, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether there is an inconvenience. If it is determined that there is no inconvenience, the process proceeds to S182. If it is determined that there is an inconvenience, the process proceeds to S184.

  In S182, the CPU 110 displays the captured image on the display unit 115, and the process proceeds to S183. In S183, the CPU 110 stores the captured image displayed on the display unit 115 in the removable memory 109, and then exits this routine and proceeds to the flowchart S38 in FIG.

  In S184, the image processing circuit 116 performs the emphasis process on the inconvenient part, and then the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 displays the inconvenient part in the emphasized image on the display unit 115, and the process proceeds to S185. An example of the enhanced image is shown in FIG. The enhancement process may be performed in the same manner as in the first aspect.

  In S185, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 performs the same process as the setting change process according to the flowchart of FIG. 11 described above, and proceeds to S186.

  In S186, the inconvenience detection / measurement circuit 116 displays to the user that the setting has been changed, and then the process proceeds to the flowchart S38 in FIG. The display for indicating to the user that the setting has been changed may be performed in the same manner as in the first aspect described above.

  By such an aspect, if it is determined that there is an inconvenience in the image obtained immediately after shooting, the imaging device automatically makes a change to a setting that can avoid the inconvenience, and informs the user that it has been changed. The user can re-shoot without leaving an interval with an appropriate setting. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an image shot with appropriate settings without missing a photo opportunity.

5). Fourth Aspect According to a further aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is similar to the first aspect except that the release operation of FIG. 14 is performed instead of the release operation of FIG. 7, the release operation of FIG. 8, and the release operation of FIG. It is possible to perform processing by a procedure similar to the procedure described in the third aspect.

  See FIG. The release operation is started, and the process proceeds to S190. In S190, the imaging unit performs a shooting process under the control of the CPU 110, and the process proceeds to S191. In S191, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the CPU 110 is set to execute the automatic setting process. If the automatic setting process is present, the process proceeds to S192. If the automatic setting process is not performed, the process proceeds to S193. Here, the setting for executing the automatic setting process may be performed by the user operating a button assigned in advance. The CPU 110 sets whether or not to perform automatic setting processing in accordance with the output from the operation unit.

  In S193, the CPU 110 displays the captured image on the display unit 115, and the process proceeds to S194. In S194, the CPU 110 stores the captured image displayed on the display unit 115 in the removable memory 109, and then exits this routine and proceeds to the flowchart S38 in FIG.

  In S192, processing is performed in the same manner as the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 9 or FIG. 15 described above, and then the process exits from this routine and proceeds to flowchart S38 of FIG.

  In this manner, when it is determined that there is an inconvenience in the image obtained immediately after shooting, the imaging device automatically changes the setting so that the inconvenience can be avoided, and the user confirms that the change has been made. Therefore, the user can perform re-shooting without leaving an appropriate setting. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an image shot with appropriate settings without missing a photo opportunity.

6). Fifth Aspect In the first to fourth aspects described above, an example in which the setting change process is performed using the setting change process flowchart shown in FIG. 11 has been shown. The setting change process is performed according to the flowchart of FIG. It is also possible to do this. In this case, instead of the flowchart of FIG. 11, processing may be performed in the same manner as in the first to fourth aspects described above except that the procedure of the flowchart of FIG. 16 is performed.

  According to this aspect, a plurality of types of inconveniences are checked in order, and settings are made to eliminate the existing inconveniences.

  See FIG. The automatic setting process is started, and the process proceeds to S201. In S201, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 detects inconvenience according to the flowchart of FIG. 17 described later, and proceeds to S202. In S202, if the inconvenience detection measuring circuit 116 determines that there is whiteout, the process proceeds to S203, and if it is determined that there is no whiteout, the process proceeds to S204.

  In S203, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 performs settings for eliminating overexposure, for example, setting the exposure correction value to be small (denoted as “EV-” in the drawing), and the process proceeds to S204.

  In S204, when the inconvenience detection measuring circuit 116 determines that there is no black crushing, the process proceeds to S206, and when it is determined that black crushing occurs, the process proceeds to S205.

  In S205, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 performs a setting for eliminating black crushing, for example, a setting for increasing the contrast, and the process proceeds to S206.

  In S206, if the inconvenience detection measuring circuit 116 determines that there is no red eye, the process proceeds to S208, and if it is determined that there is red eye, the process proceeds to S207.

  In SS207, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 performs settings for eliminating red-eye, for example, red-eye reduction light emission, and the process proceeds to S208.

  In S208, if the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines that there is no camera shake, the routine exits, and if it determines that there is camera shake, the process proceeds to S209.

  In S209, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 performs settings for eliminating camera shake, exits this routine, and proceeds to S99 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 or S186 in the flowchart of FIG. Here, the setting for eliminating camera shake may be any setting for performing any known camera shake eliminating means, for example, means for correcting camera shake.

  Next, a procedure for the multiple inconvenience check process in S201 will be described. FIG. 17 shows a flowchart for the multiple inconvenience check process.

  Multiple inconvenience check processing is started, and the process proceeds to S221. In S221, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets the data acquisition position to the start position, for example, the upper left of the image, and proceeds to S222. In S222, an image check loop is started, and the process proceeds to S223. The image check loop repeats the following steps S223 to S232 until an arbitrary range, for example, the entire image is checked by checking left and right and up and down sequentially for each unit of the check range. Execute. In S233, when the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines that the acquisition position has exceeded the end position, for example, the lower right, the loop is terminated, the routine is exited, and the process proceeds to S202 in the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the procedure from S223 to S232 will be described. In S223, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 checks the pixel information of the acquisition position, and proceeds to S224. In S224, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not the pixel information at the acquisition position exceeds a preset threshold value for detecting whiteout, for example, whether the RGB value is 200 or more, If it is equal to or greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to S225. If the RGB value is less than 200, that is, a value lower than the threshold value, the process proceeds to S226. Here, the basic unit of the pixel information to be checked may be arbitrarily selected and determined. For example, although not limited thereto, it may be 3 × 3 dots or 4 × 4 dots.

  In S225, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets “exceeded white” as the return value, and proceeds to S232.

  In S226, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not a preset threshold value for detecting black crushing, for example, an RGB value, is 10 or less for the pixel information at the acquisition position. If the RGB value is less than or equal to the threshold value, the process proceeds to S227, and if the RGB value is greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to S228.

  In S227, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets “black crushing” as the return value, and proceeds to S232.

  In S228, the inconvenience detection measuring circuit 116 determines whether or not there is red eye by any method known per se for the pixel information of the acquisition position. If the result is red eye, the process proceeds to S229. If there is no red eye, the process proceeds to S230.

  In S229, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets “with red eye” as the return value, and proceeds to S232.

  In S230, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not there is a camera shake by any method known per se. As a result, if there is a camera shake, the process proceeds to S231, and if there is no camera shake, The process proceeds to S232.

  In S231, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets “shake in hand” as the return value, and proceeds to S232.

  In S232, when the inconvenience detection measuring circuit 116 moves the acquisition position next and determines that the acquisition position does not exceed the end position, the process proceeds to S223. Then, the routine is exited.

  A method for performing such a procedure in the imaging apparatus and a program for causing the imaging apparatus to execute such a procedure are also within the scope of the present invention. Further, in this procedure, the presence / absence is determined in the order of overexposure, blackout, red-eye, and camera shake.

  In this manner, if it is determined that there is an inconvenience in the image obtained immediately after shooting, the imaging device automatically changes the setting to avoid the inconvenience and informs the user that the change has been made. The user can re-shoot without leaving an appropriate setting. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an image shot with appropriate settings without missing a photo opportunity.

7). Sixth Aspect In this aspect, the setting change process in S98 of the flowchart of FIG. 9 is performed by a procedure according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 18 without using the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. It can be performed in the same manner as in the first to fifth embodiments. According to this aspect, a plurality of inconvenience check processes are performed, the degree of inconvenience is examined, and a setting menu corresponding to the degree is set.

  See FIG. The CPU 110 starts setting change processing, and proceeds to S251. In S251, inconvenience level check processing is performed according to the flowchart of FIG. See FIG.

  The inconvenience level check process is started, and the process proceeds to S281. In S281, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets the data acquisition position to the start position, for example, the upper left of the image, and proceeds to S282. In S282, an image check loop is started, and the process proceeds to S283. The image check loop repeatedly executes the following procedures from S282 to S291 until an arbitrary range set in advance by checking left and right and up and down sequentially, for example, the entire image, is checked for each check range. To do. In S294, if the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines that the acquisition position has exceeded the end position, for example, the lower right, the loop is terminated, the routine is exited, and the routine proceeds to S252 in the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the procedure from S283 to S293 will be described. In S283, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 checks the pixel information of the acquisition position, and proceeds to S284. In S284, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not the pixel information at the acquisition position exceeds a preset threshold value for detecting whiteout, for example, whether the RGB value is 200 or more, and If it is equal to or greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to S285. If the RGB value is less than 200, that is, a value lower than the threshold value, the process proceeds to S286. Here, the basic unit of pixel information to be checked may be arbitrarily selected and determined. For example, although not limited to this, it may be 3 × 3 dots or 4 × 4 dots.

  In S285, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 adds 1 to the “whiteout number” of the return value, and proceeds to S293.

  In S286, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not a predetermined threshold value for detecting black crushing, for example, an RGB value is 10 or less for the pixel information at the acquisition position, and the RGB value is If it is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, the process proceeds to S287, and if the RGB value is larger than the threshold value, the process proceeds to S289.

  In S287, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 adds 1 to the “black crushing number” of the return value and proceeds to S293.

  In S289, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not there is red eye by any method known per se for the pixel information at the acquisition position. As a result, if there is red eye, the process proceeds to S290, and if there is no red eye, the process proceeds to S291.

  In S290, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit adds 1 to the “red eye number” of the return value and proceeds to S293.

  In S291, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit determines whether or not there is camera shake by any method known per se for the pixel information at the acquisition position. As a result, if there is a camera shake, the process proceeds to S292, and if there is no camera shake, the process proceeds to S293.

  In S292, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 adds 1 to the “number of camera shake” of the return value, and proceeds to S293.

  In S293, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 moves the acquisition position next, and proceeds to S294. In S294, if the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines that the acquisition position does not exceed the end position, the process proceeds to S283. If it is determined that the acquisition position exceeds the end position, the loop is ended, and the routine is exited. The process proceeds to S252 in the flowchart of FIG.

  See FIG. The cancellation item determination process of S252 is performed according to the procedure of the flowchart of FIG. 20, and the result obtained as a return value by the procedure is determined as the cancellation item. See FIG.

  In S301, the inconvenience detection / measurement circuit 116 has the largest number among “the number of overexposures”, “the number of blackouts”, “the number of red eyes” and “the number of camera shakes” obtained as a result of the above-described inconvenience degree check process of FIG. Is searched for, and the process proceeds to S302.

  In S302, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not the result obtained in S301 is “out-of-white”. If it is “out-of-white”, the process proceeds to S303. Advances to S304.

  In S303, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets the return value to “exposed white”, exits the routine, and proceeds to S253 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In S304, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not the result obtained in S301 is “blackout”. If it is “blackout”, the process proceeds to S305, and if it is not “blackout”. Advances to S306.

  In S305, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets the return value to “blackout”, exits the routine, and proceeds to S253 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In S306, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not the result obtained in S301 is “red-eye”. If “red-eye”, the process proceeds to S307, and if not “red-eye”, the process proceeds to S308. move on.

  In S307, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets the return value to “red-eye”, exits the routine, and proceeds to S253 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In S308, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not the result obtained in S301 is “camera shake”. If it is “camera shake”, the process proceeds to S309. The process goes to S253 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In S309, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 sets the return value to “shake”, exits the routine, and proceeds to S253 in the flowchart of FIG.

  See FIG. In S253, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not the elimination item determined in S252 is “out-of-white”. If “out-of-white” is determined, the process proceeds to S254. Advances to S255.

  In S254, the CPU 110 performs setting for eliminating whiteout, and the process proceeds to S255.

  In S255, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not the cancellation item determined in S252 is “blackout”. If “blackout”, the process proceeds to S256, and if it is not “blackout”. Advances to S257.

  In S256, the CPU 110 performs settings for eliminating blackout, and the process proceeds to S257.

  In S257, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not the resolution item determined in S252 is “red eye”. If it is “red eye”, the process proceeds to S258, and if it is not “red eye”, S259. Proceed to

  In S258, the CPU 110 performs settings for eliminating red eyes, and the process proceeds to S259.

  In S259, the inconvenience detection measurement circuit 116 determines whether or not the resolution item determined in S252 is “camera shake”. If it is “camera shake”, the process proceeds to S260, and if it is not “camera shake”, After exiting the routine, the process proceeds to S99 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In S260, the CPU 110 performs settings for eliminating camera shake, exits from the routine, and proceeds to S99 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In this procedure, the presence or absence is determined in the order of whiteout, blackout, red-eye, and camera shake, but this order does not necessarily have to be.

  The means executed by the setting for eliminating whiteout, blackout, red-eye and camera shake may be means for eliminating the inconvenience shown in the first aspect described above.

  A method for performing such a procedure in the imaging apparatus and a program for causing the imaging apparatus to execute such a procedure are also within the scope of the present invention.

  In this manner, when it is determined that there is an inconvenience in the image obtained immediately after shooting, the imaging device automatically changes the setting so that the inconvenience can be avoided, and the user confirms that the change has been made. Therefore, the user can perform re-shooting without leaving an appropriate setting. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an image shot with appropriate settings without missing a photo opportunity.

The hardware block diagram of the imaging device according to the aspect of this invention. 1 is an external view of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing basic operations of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the example of the image shown on a display part. The basic flowchart which shows menu operation. The figure which shows the example of a selection screen. The basic flowchart which shows release operation. The flowchart which shows a release operation | movement and an automatic setting process. 6 is a flowchart showing an automatic setting process with a re-shooting instruction. The flowchart which shows the identification process of the inconvenient location in an image. The flowchart which shows a setting change process. The flowchart which shows an inconvenience check process. The flowchart which shows a release operation | movement and an automatic setting process. The flowchart which shows a release operation | movement and an automatic setting process. The flowchart which shows an automatic setting process. The flowchart which shows the setting change process which detects a multiple types of inconvenient location. The flowchart which shows the check process of multiple types of inconvenience. The flowchart which shows the setting change process set according to the composite degree. The flowchart which shows an inconvenience degree check process. The flowchart which shows a cancellation item determination process.

1 digital camera, 101 lens system, 102 lens drive circuit,
103 imaging device, 104 imaging circuit, 105 SDRAM,
106 AE processing unit, 107 AF processing unit, 108 image processing circuit,
109 removable memory, 110 CPU, 111 built-in memory, 112 operation unit,
113 communication interface, 114 display drive circuit, 115 display unit,
116 Inconvenient detection measurement circuit, 117 power supply circuit, 118 battery

Claims (13)

Imaging means for capturing a subject image;
Display means for displaying captured images and shooting conditions;
Setting means for setting shooting conditions;
Detection means for detecting inconveniences in the image;
Operation means for instructing re-shooting;
In an imaging apparatus having
When the detecting means detects an inconvenience of a captured image, the display means displays an inconvenient portion of the image, and the setting means automatically sets a photographing condition that can reduce the inconvenience of the image. An imaging device. Imaging means for capturing a subject image;
Display means for displaying captured images and shooting conditions;
Setting means for setting shooting conditions;
Detection means for detecting inconveniences in the image;
In an imaging apparatus having an operation means for instructing re-shooting,
When the detection means detects an inconvenience of the captured image, the display means displays the inconvenient part of the image according to the output of the operation means, and the setting means can reduce the inconvenience of the image. Is automatically set.   It further has detection setting means for setting whether to instruct the detection means to detect the inconvenience of the image, and when the detection setting means is set to instruct the detection means, the detection means 2. The imaging according to claim 1, wherein the inconvenience detection operation is performed and the detection setting unit does not instruct the detection setting unit to perform an inconvenience detection operation for a captured image. apparatus.   The display means further displays a live view. After the setting means sets shooting conditions that can reduce the inconvenience of the image, the display means displays that the imaging conditions are set on the same screen as the live new display. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus is an image pickup apparatus.   5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the inconveniences of the image is selected from a group consisting of red-eye, whiteout, blackout, and camera shake.   6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the plurality of images are combined, the setting unit sets a plurality of shooting conditions in combination.   When the detection means further includes a measurement means for measuring the degree of inconvenience of the image detected, and the plurality of inconveniences of the image are combined, the setting means has a plurality of imaging conditions according to the output of the measurement means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, which is set in combination. Imaging means for capturing a subject image;
Display means for displaying captured images and shooting conditions;
Setting means for setting shooting conditions;
Detection means for detecting inconveniences in the image;
Operation means for instructing re-shooting;
A method of guiding re-shooting under shooting conditions that reduce inconveniences of captured images,
Detecting an inconvenience for the captured subject image;
The setting means sets the shooting conditions for reducing the detected inconvenience;
Displaying that the shooting conditions have been set,
A method comprising:   The method according to claim 8, wherein the display unit further displays a live view and displays that the shooting condition is set on the same screen as the live new display.   The imaging apparatus further includes selection means for selecting whether or not to automatically detect shooting conditions that can reduce the inconvenience of the image by the detection means and the inconvenience by the setting means, and the automatic setting is executed. If the setting is set, the detection unit performs an operation for detecting an inconvenience of a captured image, and the setting unit performs an automatic setting of shooting conditions that can reduce the inconvenience, and the automatic setting is not performed. 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein inconvenience detection operation of the captured image by the detection unit and automatic setting by the setting unit are not performed.   The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein at least one of the inconveniences of the image is selected from the group consisting of red-eye, whiteout, blackout, and camera shake.   The imaging apparatus further includes a measuring unit that measures the degree of inconvenience of the image detected by the detecting unit, and when there are a plurality of inconveniences of the image, the measuring unit measures the degree of each inconvenience in the image. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the setting unit automatically sets photographing conditions for eliminating the most inconvenient problem.   The imaging apparatus further includes a measurement unit that measures a degree of inconvenience of the image detected by the detection unit, and when the inconvenience of the image exists, the setting unit performs shooting for eliminating all the inconveniences. The method according to claim 8, wherein the condition is automatically set.

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