JP2012023465A - Imaging apparatus and control program of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that it is not rare that a user obtains only an unexpected output result different from an assumption during photographing because a workflow, which is a work process leading to a final output medium, can be complicatedly affected by control parameter values of the apparatus, characteristics of the medium, and so on.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus comprises: an acquiring section to acquire a light and shade reproduction range, which is a reproducible light and shade range of an output medium determined by a workflow leading to the output medium; a region designation section to designate a specific area of a subject; a computing section to compute a regional light and shade range, which is a light and shade range of a specific area designated by the region designation section; and a display to display the light and shade reproduction range and the regional light and shade range so that they can be compared.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a control program for the imaging apparatus.

A camera that uses a divided photometric sensor that divides the subject angle of view into a plurality of areas and detects each brightness, calculates the exposure value that makes the entire subject an appropriate exposure from the output result, and shoots with automatic exposure control Known (for example, Patent Document 1).
[Prior art documents]
[Patent Literature]
[Patent Document 1] JP 56-51728 A

  As film cameras that use silver halide films shift to digital cameras that use image sensors, the final output medium is not limited to silver halide paper, but various forms such as photo papers and digital photo frames by inkjet printers. Has appeared. In addition, an environment has been prepared in which all processes leading to final output can be controlled under the user's intention and work. However, since the workflow, which is the work process leading to the final output medium, can be complicatedly affected by the control parameter values of the equipment, the characteristics of the medium, etc., an unexpected output result that is different from the assumption at the time of shooting for the user It is not uncommon to only get it. That is, the output result desired by the user may not be obtained only by exposure control based on the luminance value of the subject.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires a light / dark reproduction range that is a reproducible light / dark range of an output medium determined by a workflow leading to the output medium, and a subject identification An area designating unit for designating an area, a computing unit for computing an area brightness range that is a brightness range of the specific area designated by the area designating unit, and a display unit for displaying the contrast reproduction range and the area brightness range in a comparable manner Prepare.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the control program of the imaging apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention obtains a light / dark reproduction range that is a reproducible light / dark range of the output medium determined by a workflow leading to the output medium. And a region specifying step for specifying a specific region of the subject, a calculation step for calculating a region light and dark range that is a light and dark range of the specific region specified by the region specifying step, and a light and dark reproduction range and a region light and dark range are displayed in a comparable manner. And causing the computer to execute a display step.

  It should be noted that the above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention. In addition, a sub-combination of these feature groups can also be an invention.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the workflow from a camera to the final output medium. It is explanatory drawing explaining the light / dark reproduction data in each apparatus and medium, and the light / dark reproduction data in the whole workflow. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a camera according to an embodiment. It is a rear view of the camera concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows a mode that the light / dark reproduction range and the area | region light / dark range were displayed on the display part. It is explanatory drawing explaining a mode that the magnitude | size of a specific area is set with respect to a to-be-photographed object. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the camera from acquisition of a light / dark reproduction range to this imaging | photography operation | movement.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. In addition, not all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solving means of the invention.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a workflow from the camera 10 to the final output medium. The camera 10 is a digital camera as an imaging device, and the captured image data generated by the camera 10 is output to a final output medium according to the user's preference. In recent years, output media have become more and more diversified, and output results vary greatly depending on the characteristics of the final output medium and the characteristics of the devices that intervene in the workflow leading to the output medium. That is, the same shot image data generated by the camera 10 has a different impression depending on which output medium it outputs.

  For example, when the user intends to display the photographed image data as a slide show in the photo frame 20, for example, the image processing circuit built in the photo frame 20 and the reproduction display area of the display panel are influenced by the photo. An image unique to the frame 20 is displayed. Furthermore, the image displayed on the photo frame 20 is obtained by multiplying the characteristics of the image processing circuit of the photo frame 20 and the reproduction display area of the display panel by the characteristics of the dynamic range of the image sensor of the camera 10 and the characteristics of the image processing circuit. Is the result.

  Further, when the user intends to display the captured image data on the PC monitor 40, the captured image by the PC main body 30 interposed as a workflow in addition to the reproduction display area of the display panel of the PC monitor 40 is used. Data processing also affects the display. For example, if the captured image data output by the camera 10 has already been processed to a JPEG file by the image processing circuit of the camera 10, the color system is defined for the JPEG file, and the luminance value of each pixel is determined. Therefore, the display on the PC monitor 40 is less affected by the processing of the PC main body 30. On the other hand, when the image data output by the camera 10 is a RAW file that basically records the output value of the image sensor as it is, an image that can be output to the PC monitor 40 by the development software installed in the PC main body 30. Requires processing to expand to file format. At this time, different output results are obtained for various parameters such as a reproducible color range and light / dark range depending on the development software used and further on the parameter values to be processed.

  Furthermore, when the user intends to print out the captured image data on the photo paper 60, the characteristics of the printer 50 and the characteristics of the photo paper 60 also affect the print result. For example, in the case of an inkjet printer, the characteristics of the printer 50 are determined by the characteristics of the ink tank to be mounted, the diameter of the ejection nozzle, and the like. There are various types of photo paper 60, and the characteristics of the photo paper 60 are determined by the ink absorption rate, the surface coating characteristics, and the like.

  In addition to the output medium shown in the figure, various media such as a projector, a mobile phone, and a color copier can be used, and each has characteristics such as a color range and a light / dark range that can be reproduced. In this way, in the workflow to reach the final output medium, the characteristics of each intervening element will be multiplied, resulting in an output result unacceptable to the user on the final output medium intended by the user. There is.

  In particular, the light / dark reproduction range, which is one of important factors as a characteristic, has a very large influence on the impression of the observer in the final output medium. In other words, ideally, it is desirable to be able to reproduce without any steps from completely pure white to completely dark, but since the range of light and darkness that can be reproduced is limited by the output medium, it may give the impression that there is no tightening in some cases. possible. Therefore, in the present embodiment, attention is focused on the light / dark reproduction range of the final output medium of the subject image.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the light / dark reproduction data in each device and medium and the light / dark reproduction data in the entire workflow. Here, let the final output medium be medium C, and let the medium intervening in the workflow leading to medium C be medium A and medium B. Here, elements such as devices and media intervening in the workflow are simply referred to as media.

  In the horizontal axis of the figure, an input value that is a luminance value of the captured image data is given. Here, the description will be made as 8-bit captured image data in which 0 is assigned to dark and 255 is assigned to pure white. In addition, the vertical axis indicates the brightness that each medium outputs with respect to the input value when the lowermost end is ideal dark and the uppermost end is ideal pure white.

For example, the data C _A is a dark reproduce data medium A, the relative input value 0 is somewhat output closer to gray, it can be seen that the resulting output pure white close to the input value 255. At this time, the light and dark range that the medium A can reproduce is the range _RA . Furthermore, since the data C _A is generally forms a curve shape of the upward convex, large change in brightness in a dark area with respect to the change of the input value, it can be seen that change in brightness is small in a bright region. That is, it can be seen that the bright gradation can be reproduced more finely than the dark gradation.

According to the data C _B is the brightness reproduce data medium B, it can be seen that R _B is a dark range which can be reproduced medium B is more extensive. Further, since the changes in overall linear data C _B is found to be no difference in the respective gradation is reproduced in the bright portion dark portion. Further, compared to the upward convex data C _A, it can be said that the gradation reproduced in the bright part is rough and the gradation reproduced in the dark part is fine.

It can be seen that _CC , which is the light / dark reproduction data of the medium C, is an output close to dark with respect to the input value 0, and an output that is slightly grayish with respect to the input value 255. At this time, the light / dark range that can be reproduced by the medium C is the range _RC . Furthermore, since the data C _C is generally forms a curve shape of Shitatotsu, small changes in brightness in a dark area with respect to the change of the input value, it can be seen that a large change in brightness in a bright area. That is, it can be seen that the dark gradation can be reproduced more finely than the bright gradation.

When the medium C, which is the final output medium, is obtained as an output result with the medium A and the medium B interposed, the light / dark reproduction range that can be reproduced as a whole is a range that is a common part of the ranges R _A , R _B , and R _C. Defined as _RT . Further, brightness reproduction data _{C T} as a whole, forms respective data _{C A,} C B, the normalized shape by multiplying _{C C} the width of the range _{R T.}

  Therefore, if all of the media interposed up to the final output medium have a wide light / dark reproduction range, a wide light / dark reproduction range can be realized as a whole. Furthermore, the user can select and combine media according to the intention of shooting. For example, in a scene in which a shadow portion occupies a large specific gravity with respect to the entire subject area, it is desirable that the reproduction range of the black area is more important and the gradation of the black area is fine. In such a case, when the medium C is used as the final output, it is only necessary to interpose only the medium B while avoiding the medium A in which the black region reproduction range is narrow.

  Even when the final output medium is determined as the photo paper 60, many types of photo paper 60 are commercialized, and there are many types of printers 50 that print the photo paper 60. Brightness / darkness reproduction data is different from each other, and each of them has characteristics such as good reproduction of a bright area or conversely good reproduction of a dark area. The same applies to the development software and the like incorporated in the PC main body 30, and the user selects and combines media suitable for the purpose from these options to obtain a final output. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the light / dark reproduction data of each medium intervening in the workflow leading to the final output medium is collected and stored in advance in the recording unit of the PC main body 30. The light / dark reproduction data of each medium is collected, for example, by the user from the HP of the manufacturer that sells each medium into the recording unit of the PC main body 30 via the network. The camera 10 is connected to the PC main body 30 via, for example, a USB cable, and acquires light / dark reproduction data of each medium stored in the recording unit.

  FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of the camera 10 according to the present embodiment. The camera 10 includes a camera control unit 101 and directly or indirectly controls each element constituting the camera 10. The camera control unit 101 communicates with the system memory 102. The system memory 102 is an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory, and is configured by, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark). The system memory 102 records constants, variables, setting values, programs, and the like necessary for the operation of the camera 10 so that they are not lost even when the camera 10 is not operating.

  The internal memory 103 is a random access memory that can be read and written at high speed, and for example, a DRAM, an SRAM, or the like is used. The internal memory 103 serves as a buffer memory that waits for the order of image processing when image data is continuously generated at high speed in continuous shooting and moving image shooting. In the image processing and compression processing performed by the image processing unit 107, the image processing unit 107 also serves as a work memory and temporarily stores processed image data. Furthermore, constants, variables, setting values, programs, and the like recorded in the system memory 102 are appropriately developed and used for controlling the camera 10. Therefore, the internal memory 103 has a sufficient memory capacity corresponding to these roles.

  The image sensor 104 is an element that photoelectrically converts an optical image that is a subject image that is incident through the optical system. For example, a CCD or CMOS sensor is used. The image sensor 104 is controlled by the camera control unit 101 via the drive unit 105. The subject image photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 104 is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by the A / D converter 106.

  The image processing unit 107 converts the image data into an image file according to a predetermined image format in accordance with the set shooting mode and an instruction from the user. For example, when a JPEG file is generated as a still image, image processing such as color conversion processing, gamma processing, and white balance processing is performed, and then adaptive discrete cosine conversion is performed to perform compression processing. Also, when an MPEG file is generated as a moving image, intra-frame coding and inter-frame coding are applied to a frame image as a continuous still image generated by reducing the number of pixels to a compression process. Do.

  The still image file and the moving image file processed by the image processing unit 107 are recorded on the recording medium 111 from the internal memory 103 via the recording medium IF 110. The recording medium 111 is a non-volatile memory that is configured with a flash memory or the like and is detachable from the camera 10. However, the recording medium 111 is not limited to the removable type, and may be a recording medium such as an SSD built in the camera 10. At this time, the still image file and the moving image file recorded on the recording medium 111 are output to the outside via the external device connection IF 114 via a wired USB, a wireless LAN, or the like.

  The image data subjected to the image processing is displayed on the display unit 116 under the control of the display control unit 115. If the image data taken immediately after shooting is displayed for a predetermined time, a REC review display that allows the photographer to visually recognize an image corresponding to the image file recorded on the recording medium 111 can be realized. Further, live view display can be realized by sequentially displaying on the display unit 116 the subject images that are continuously photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 104 without being recorded on the recording medium 111.

  The camera 10 includes a plurality of operation members 108 that receive operations from the user, but the camera control unit 101 detects that these operation members 108 have been operated, and executes an operation corresponding to the operation. Further, the camera 10 includes a release switch 109 as a kind of the operation member 108. The release switch 109 is composed of push buttons that can be detected in two steps in the push-down direction, and the camera control unit 101 executes AF or the like as a shooting preparation operation by detecting SW1 that is the first-step push. A subject image acquisition operation by the image sensor 104 is executed by detecting SW2 that is the second-stage depression.

  The camera 10 receives power supply from the battery 113 via the power control unit 112. The power supply control unit 112 communicates with the battery 113 together with power supply to the camera 10 to detect remaining power and monitor power supply.

  The external device connection IF 114 is an interface such as a wired USB or a wireless LAN, and exchanges data with the external device. As described above, the brightness reproduction data of each medium in the workflow after the camera 10 is acquired from the PC main body 30 via the external device connection IF 114. The acquired light / dark reproduction data is recorded in the system memory 102.

  In addition to acquiring the light / dark reproduction data via the external device connection IF 114, the camera 10 may acquire the light / dark reproduction data temporarily recorded on the recording medium 111 via the recording medium IF 110. Furthermore, the light / dark reproduction data of a typical medium is recorded in the system memory 102 from the beginning of shipment of the camera 10, and the user selects the intended medium from the menu items displayed on the display unit 116 when the camera 10 is used. You may make it do. Even if the light / dark reproduction data acquired from the outside is present in the system memory 102 in a plurality of light / dark reproduction data of a medium that is not incorporated in the workflow after shooting, the user can select the intended medium from the menu item. It is good to configure. In other words, the user may select and specify one by one from the medium intervening in the workflow to the final output medium.

In addition, the light / dark reproduction data may be acquired individually as described above for the light / dark reproduction data (C _A , C _B ...) Of each medium that reaches the final output medium intended by the user. light and dark reproduction data C _T as may be acquired. In the former case, to calculate the overall brightness reproduction data C _T camera control unit 101 from the individual light and dark reproduction data, in the latter case, PC main body 30 is calculated. In any case, the user can confirm the final output medium and workflow intended before starting the shooting, you obtain a brightness reproduction data C _T in system memory 102 or internal memory 103 of the camera 10. A plurality of combinations of the final output medium and workflow are preset in advance, the overall brightness reproduction data C _T according to the combination, each may be recorded in a corresponding system memory 102. In this case, the user, by selecting a preset number of the intended menu item displayed on the display unit, can be called a dark reproduce data C _T of the combination directly.

  The display unit 116 is controlled by the display control unit 115, as described above, in addition to the display of the subject image such as the REC review display and the live view display, the menu item display related to the acquisition of the brightness reproduction data, and various settings of the camera 10. Various menu item display and information display are executed. The menu item display and the information display can be juxtaposed or superimposed together with a subject image display such as a live view display. The contrast display of the light / dark reproduction range and the region light / dark range, which will be described later, corresponds to the juxtaposition display of the subject image and the related information.

  The photometric sensor 117 measures the luminance distribution of the subject by measuring the subject luminous flux incident on the optical system for each of a plurality of regions. The measurement result is output to the camera control unit 101, and the camera control unit 101 calculates an exposure value through a procedure described later. As a metering mode for defining the size of a metering region that is an exposure value calculation target, a multi-pattern metering mode for the entire subject, a weighted metering mode that cuts out about 15% of the subject region around a specified point, and A spot metering mode, which is a narrow area, can be selected. Note that the photometric sensor 117 may be provided separately from the image sensor 104, or the image sensor 104 may be used as the photometric sensor 117. In particular, when detecting a face area of a subject and setting a photometric range as described later, it is preferable to use the image sensor 104 as a photometric sensor.

  The focus detection sensor 118 is a sensor that detects the focus state of the subject. A plurality of regions for detecting the focus are two-dimensionally arranged with respect to the subject region, and the focus detection sensor 118 detects the focus state of the region designated by the user or the region automatically set by the camera control unit 101, and the camera. The detection result is delivered to the control unit 101. The focus detection area is an autofocus area that is adjusted by the focus lens of the optical system controlled by the lens control unit 119.

  As the focus detection sensor 118, a phase difference detection type sensor may be provided individually, or the image sensor 104 may be used as the focus detection sensor 118. In the case of using the image sensor 104 as a focus detection sensor, autofocus is a contrast AF that extracts a high-frequency component of an image signal from the image sensor 104 to generate an AF evaluation value signal and detects a focus lens position where the AF evaluation value signal is maximized. Adopt the method.

  Optical systems such as a zoom lens, a focus lens, and a camera shake correction lens are controlled by the lens control unit 119 to change the angle of view of the subject image and focus a specific area of the subject image on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 104, Camera shake is canceled and a stable imaging state is maintained on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 104. When the camera 10 is an interchangeable lens camera, the lens control unit 119 may be installed on the lens side and configured to control the optical system while communicating with the camera control unit 101.

  The exposure control unit 120 controls the aperture disposed in the optical system and the shutter disposed in the vicinity of the image sensor 104 according to the aperture value and shutter speed set by the camera control unit 101. When the diaphragm is installed in the interchangeable lens, the control is performed via the lens control unit 119. When the camera 10 does not include a mechanical shutter, the light receiving period of the subject image is adjusted by controlling the reset of the image sensor 104 and the charge readout timing in cooperation with the drive unit 105.

  FIG. 4 is a rear view of the camera 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a cross SW 121 as an operation member 108 is provided in the vicinity of the display unit 116, and the user can move the selection range up, down, left, and right by operating the cross SW 121. A determination button 122 is provided at the center of the cross SW 121, and the user presses the determination button 122 to confirm the selection by the cross SW 121. For example, when a specific area of a subject is designated with the subject image displayed in live view as shown in the figure, the user operates the cross SW 121 up, down, left and right to move the designated frame 201 during live view display up and down. It can be moved left and right. When the user moves the designation frame 201 to the intended location, the user presses the enter button 122 to complete the designation of the specific area.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state where the light / dark reproduction range and the region light / dark range are displayed on the display unit 116. In this embodiment, the user receives designation from the user as to which range of the light / dark reproduction range that can be output in the final output medium corresponds to the region light / dark range detected in the specific area of the designated subject. The exposure value at the time of shooting is determined from the correspondence. The figure shows an example of a user interface screen on which a user executes designation of a specific area in a subject and designation of an area light / dark range with respect to a light / dark reproduction range of a final output medium.

  First, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the user operates the cross switch 121 and the enter button 122 to move the designation frame 201 and designate a specific area of the subject. The specific area is an area where the user wants to accurately reproduce light and dark in the final output medium, and the main subject is usually designated. In addition to designating a specific area by manual operation using the cross switch 121 and the enter button 122, a mode in which the camera control unit 101 designates automatically may be prepared.

  The camera control unit 101 estimates the main subject in the subject area from various conditions. For example, by using a face detection function in which the camera control unit 101 detects the face area of the subject from the acquired image data, the specific area is automatically designated as the face area while estimating the detected face area as the main subject. be able to. Further, the selected autofocus area can be automatically designated as the specific area by using a selection algorithm for selecting the autofocus area from the plurality of focus detection areas. As selection algorithms, near point priority focusing on the distance to the subject, center priority focusing on the relative position of the subject region, and the like are known. Of course, the specific area may be automatically designated in conjunction with the autofocus area designation designated by the user manually.

When the specific area of the subject is designated in this way, the camera control unit 101 then sets the area light / dark range detected in the specific area to any range of the light / dark reproduction range that can be output on the final output medium. The specification of whether to correspond is received from the user. As described above, the camera control unit 101, a brightness reproduction range that can be output in the final output medium, as light-dark reproduce data C _T, acquired before starting the shooting system memory 102 or the internal memory 103 Yes. The camera control unit 101 displays the name of the final output medium selected by the user on the output medium display frame 202 prior to accepting the correspondence specification of the area light / dark range, and reproduces the light / dark reproduction range of the output medium in consideration of the workflow. This is expressed by the scale bar 203.

As shown in the figure, the reproduction scale bar 203 is divided into a plurality of segments with the left end being ideal dark and the right end being ideal pure white with respect to the bar extending in the left-right direction. The reproducible segment is surrounded by a solid frame. Gradient ranging from black segments can be reproduced in white, is determined based on the curve shape of the light-dark reproduction data C _T. That is, a region where gradation can be reproduced more finely is set to the left and right, and more segments are allocated accordingly. For example, if the overall convex shape in FIG. 2 is formed, the bright gradation can be reproduced more finely than the dark gradation, so there are few black-side segments and white-side segments. Many are assigned.

  The area brightness range is determined by the camera control unit 101 analyzing the brightness distribution of the specific area specified as described above. Specifically, the camera control unit 101 uses the captured image data captured for live view display to calculate the brightness / darkness range included in this area from the luminance value of the pixel included in the specified specific area. Note that the luminance value indicated by the pixels included in the designated region at this time is a value affected by the dynamic range of the image sensor 104, the characteristics of the image processing unit 107 that generates captured image data, and the like. Therefore, depending on the setting and state of the camera 10, different brightness ranges may be calculated for the same subject. For example, since the image processing unit 107 executes different image processing depending on the file format to be generated, different light and dark ranges can be calculated depending on whether the setting is for generating a JPEG file or the setting for generating a RAW file.

  The region brightness / darkness range determined in this way is also expressed as a region scale bar 204, similar to the light / dark reproduction range. That is, the left end is the blackest segment included in the specific area, and the right end is the whitest segment included in the specific area, which is expressed as a gradation bar extending in the left-right direction. However, since the area scale bar 204 has a light / dark distribution in a specific area, the specific area usually does not include white close to pure white and black close to dark at the same time, and is shorter in the horizontal direction than the reproduction scale bar 203. Form the shape.

  Then, as a default state, the area scale bar 204 is juxtaposed so that the center segment corresponds to the segment having the same density of the reproduction scale bar 203 in the density in the vertical direction. Note that the exposure value calculated by the camera control unit 101 in this state is a default exposure value calculated from the output of the photometric sensor 117 based on the set photometric mode. Here, the exposure value is three numerical values of an exposure time for exposing the image sensor 104 to the subject light beam, an aperture value of a diaphragm for limiting the subject light beam, and an imaging sensitivity corresponding to the output gain of the image sensor 104. The calculated exposure value is displayed on the exposure value display unit 205.

  The user observes the light / dark reproduction range and the region light / dark range displayed as the reproduction scale bar 203 and the region scale bar 204 in such a manner that they can be compared with each other, and performs an operation on which range of the light / dark reproduction range the region light / dark range corresponds to. To do. In other words, the user determines at which light / dark density the light and darkness of the specific area is to be expressed in the final output medium. Specifically, the region scale bar 204 is moved to the left and right by operating the cross switch 121 in the left-right direction, and the region scale bar 204 corresponds to the segment of the intended density among the segments constituting the reproduction scale bar 203. Match the segments vertically.

  As described above, when the area scale bar 204 is moved in the left-right direction and the determination button 122 is pressed, the camera control unit 101 recalculates the exposure value to be applied at the time of execution of shooting. Specifically, the number of exposure steps generated by the movement is corrected according to the program diagram. For example, when the camera 10 is set to the aperture priority mode, the camera control unit 101 corrects the exposure time and the imaging sensitivity so as to correspond to the number of steps while keeping the aperture value set by the user. The corrected exposure value is updated and displayed on the exposure value display unit 205.

  As a result of the movement of the area scale bar 204, a whiteout area or a blackout area may occur in the subject area. When at least one of a whiteout area and a blackout area occurs, the camera control unit 101 issues a warning to the user. Specifically, an image signal for blinking the whiteout area and the blackout area in black and white is superimposed on the subject image displayed in the live view shown in FIG. Other warnings such as making a sound at the same time or independently may be given. As described above, when the reception of the correspondence specification of the area light / dark range is completed, the camera control unit 101 waits for an instruction to execute shooting from the user.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the setting of the size of the specific area for the subject. The size of the specific area may be configured as a menu item so that the user can arbitrarily set the size of the specific area, or may correspond to the photometric area in the photometric mode. As described above, when corresponding to the spot photometry mode, as shown in the designation frame 211, a very narrow area can be set as the specific area. Similarly, in the priority metering mode, as shown in the designation frame 213, about 15% of the subject area can be set as the specific area. Furthermore, the entire subject can be set in the specific area as shown in the designation frame 214 in correspondence with the multi-pattern metering mode. Further, as described above, if the designation frame 212 surrounding the face area is set as the specific area using the face detection function, the size of the specific area is increased according to the ratio of the face area that dynamically changes with respect to the subject area. It can also be changed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the camera 10 from the acquisition of the light / dark reproduction range to the actual photographing operation. The user connects the camera 10 to the PC main body 30 with a USB cable, for example, in advance in order to obtain a light / dark reproduction range in advance before shooting. In step S <b> 101, the camera control unit 101 acquires the light / dark reproduction range recorded in the recording unit of the PC main body 30 via the external device connection IF 114.

  When the user directs the camera 10 toward the subject and performs a live view display instruction operation, in step S102, the camera control unit 101 captures the subject image while continuously driving the image sensor 104 via the driving unit 105, and A live view display is realized on the display unit 116. When the camera control unit 101 receives an area specification of the specific area from the user in step S103, the camera control unit 101 calculates an area light / dark range in the specific area specified in step S104.

  When the light / dark reproduction range and the region light / dark range are determined, the camera control unit 101 generates the reproduction scale bar 203 and the region scale bar 204 as described above and displays them on the display unit 116 in step S105. Further, in step S106, the camera control unit 101 receives a movement of the area light / dark range from the user, and calculates an exposure value at the time of shooting in step S107 according to the movement amount.

  As a result, in step S108, the camera control unit 101 determines whether or not at least one of a whiteout area and a blackout area occurs in the subject area. If it is determined that it occurs, the process proceeds to step S109. Thus, the area is blinked so that the user can visually recognize the area.

  Through these processes, when the camera control unit 101 receives a setting completion instruction from the user in step S110, the process proceeds to step S111 and waits for a shooting instruction. When the setting operation is continued, the process returns to step S103 and the above steps are repeated.

  In step S111, the camera control unit 101 detects whether or not the SW1 of the release switch 109 is turned on by the user. The camera control unit 101 waits until SW1 is turned on.

  When the camera control unit 101 detects ON in step S111, the camera control unit 101 executes a shooting preparation operation in step S112. Specifically, auto focus or the like is executed. In this flow, since the exposure value has already been determined in step S107, it is not necessary to perform the photometric process again. However, depending on the user setting, the photometric process is performed again, and the corrected exposure step number acquired in step S107. The exposure value may be recalculated by shifting the minutes.

  The camera control unit 101 proceeds to step S113 and waits until SW2 is turned on by the user. If it is not turned on within a predetermined time, the process returns to step S111 and waits until SW1 is turned on again. If it is turned on within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S114, and the camera control unit 101 executes the main photographing operation to generate an image file as photographed image data.

  When generating the image file, the camera control unit 101 records information about the final output medium selected at the time of shooting as meta information. Further, a medium intervening in the workflow may be recorded together. If the user searches for an image file via predetermined image processing software, the user can later confirm which output medium is the image file that was taken. Furthermore, a warning can be issued when the user tries to execute a workflow different from the selected workflow. Note that the information regarding the final output medium and the information regarding the medium intervening in the workflow may be configured to be described in a separate independent file such as a link file instead of being embedded as meta information in the image file itself.

  Once the image file is generated in step S114, the camera control unit 101 ends the series of processing flows.

  In the above-described embodiment, one final output medium and a workflow are selected, and the exposure value is corrected based on the light / dark reproduction range. However, there may be a plurality of final output media and workflows that can be selected. In this case, the camera control unit 101 repeats step S105 to step S107 for each of the selected plurality of final output media and workflows, calculates each exposure value, and records it in the internal memory 103. Then, in the main photographing operation in step S114, the camera control unit 101 reads out the exposure values calculated from the internal memory 103 one by one by one photographing instruction, and continuously repeats photographing according to the exposure values. . That is, imaging is repeated as many times as the number of final output media and workflows selected to generate image files. With this configuration, it is possible to generate optimum image files for both the photo frame 20 and the photo paper 60, for example, by a single shooting instruction.

  Furthermore, when a warning is displayed in step S109 in the final output medium and workflow selected by the user, the camera control unit 101 automatically switches to another candidate that does not cause overexposure and underexposure, or Candidates may be displayed on display 116 as recommended.

  In the above-described embodiment, the camera 10 capable of live view display has been described as an example. For example, in order to realize AE lock with an AE lock button, a predetermined operation member is used to look into the optical viewfinder. However, a specific area can be specified. In this case, the camera 10 may not have a live view function.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. It is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The order of execution of each process such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, the description, and the drawings is particularly “before” or “prior to”. It should be noted that the output can be realized in any order unless the output of the previous process is used in the subsequent process. Regarding the operation flow in the claims, the description, and the drawings, even if it is described using “first”, “next”, etc. for convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. It is not a thing.

10 camera, 20 photo frame, 30 PC main body, 40 PC monitor, 50 printer, 60 photo paper, 101 camera control unit, 102 system memory, 103 internal memory, 104 image sensor, 105 drive unit, 106 A / D converter, 107 Image processing unit, 108 operation member, 109 release switch, 110 recording medium IF, 111 recording medium, 112 power control unit, 113 battery, 114 external device connection IF, 115 display control unit, 116 display unit, 117 photometric sensor, 118 Focus detection sensor, 119 Lens control unit, 120 Exposure control unit, 121 Cross switch, 122 Enter button, 201, 211, 212, 213, 214 Designated frame, 202 Output medium display frame, 203 Reproduction scale bar, 204 Area scale bar, 20 5 Exposure value display

Claims (10)

An acquisition unit for acquiring a light / dark reproduction range that is a reproducible light / dark range of the output medium determined by a workflow leading to the output medium;
An area designating unit for designating a specific area of the subject;
A calculation unit that calculates a region light / dark range that is a light / dark range of the specific region specified by the region specifying unit;
An imaging apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays the light / dark reproduction range and the region light / dark range in a comparable manner.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit calculates and acquires the light / dark reproduction range by acquiring light / dark reproduction data determined for each element interposed as the workflow. An instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction as to which range of the light / dark reproduction range the region light / dark range is associated with;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an exposure value calculation unit configured to calculate an exposure value at the time of photographing for photographing the subject based on the association between the region light / dark range and the light / dark reproduction range.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a shooting control unit that performs continuous shooting with a plurality of exposure values corresponding to the plurality of output media calculated by the exposure value calculation unit by a single shooting instruction.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an information adding unit that associates information about the output medium with captured image data captured according to the exposure value.   The imaging according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a warning unit that issues a warning when at least one of a whiteout area and a blackout area is generated as a result of associating the area light / dark range with the light / dark reproduction range. apparatus.   The warning section displays the at least one of the whiteout area and the blackout area so as to be visible and superimposed on a live view image of the subject displayed by the display section together with the light / dark reproduction range and the area light / dark range. 6. The imaging device according to 6.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the area designating unit designates the specific area in conjunction with a set position of an autofocus area.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the area designating unit designates the specific area in conjunction with a set photometric area size. An acquisition step of acquiring a light / dark reproduction range that is a reproducible light / dark range of the output medium determined by a workflow leading to the output medium;
An area designating step for designating a specific area of the subject;
A calculation step of calculating a region light / dark range that is a light / dark range of the specific region specified by the region specifying step;
A control program for an imaging apparatus, which causes a computer to execute a display step of displaying the light / dark reproduction range and the region light / dark range in a comparable manner.