JP2012235393A - Controller, imaging system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply perform main photographing by referring to a reference image.SOLUTION: A controller for controlling an imaging apparatus is provided with: an image acquisition part which acquires a reference image and acquires a photographing condition that exists when the reference image has been taken, in association with the reference image; an image display part which displays the reference image; a condition output part which, when accepting selection of the reference image from the outside, outputs to the imaging apparatus the photographing condition associated with the reference image; and a relation storage part which, when the imaging apparatus takes a main image using the photographing condition output by the condition output part, stores a reference relation indicating that the main image is taken by referring to the reference image associated with the photographing condition output by the condition output part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device, an imaging system, and a program.

In some digital cameras, preliminary shooting is performed before main shooting, and a main image captured when the shooting conditions for the preliminary shooting are changed is simulated (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-212359

  However, it takes time until the main shooting by performing the preliminary shooting.

  In a first aspect of the present invention, a control device that controls an imaging device, and an image acquisition unit that acquires a shooting condition when a reference image is captured in association with the reference image and the reference image; An image display unit that displays the reference image, a condition output unit that outputs a shooting condition associated with the reference image to the imaging device when a selection of the reference image is received from the outside, and a condition output unit that outputs A relationship storage unit that stores a reference relationship indicating that the main image refers to the reference image associated with the shooting condition output by the condition output unit when the imaging device captures the main image using the shooting condition. With.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, the control device controls the imaging device, and each of the plurality of reference images is captured in association with each of the plurality of reference images and the plurality of reference images. An image acquisition unit that acquires the imaging conditions, an image classification unit that classifies a plurality of reference images, an image display unit that displays a plurality of reference images based on the classification of the image classification unit, and a plurality of reference images from the outside And a condition output unit that outputs the imaging condition associated with the selected reference image to the imaging device.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging system including any one of the above control devices and an imaging device.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for controlling an imaging device, wherein the imaging device acquires an imaging condition when the reference image is captured in association with the reference image and the reference image. Output in the acquisition procedure, the image display means for displaying the reference image, the condition output procedure for outputting the shooting condition associated with the reference image to the imaging device when the selection of the reference image is accepted from the outside, and the condition output procedure When the imaging device captures the main image using the captured imaging conditions, a relation storage procedure for storing the reference relationship between the reference image and the main image associated with the imaging conditions output by the condition output procedure is executed. Let

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for controlling an imaging apparatus, wherein each of a plurality of reference images is captured in association with each of a plurality of reference images and a plurality of reference images. Image acquisition procedure for acquiring shooting conditions when imaged, image classification means for classifying a plurality of reference images, image display means for displaying a plurality of reference images based on the classification of the image classification means, and a plurality of references from the outside When selection of one of the images is accepted, a condition output procedure for outputting the imaging condition associated with the selected reference image to the imaging apparatus is executed.

  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.

An appearance of the imaging device 10 of the present embodiment is shown. 2 is a functional block diagram of the imaging apparatus 10. FIG. The functional block of the control part 230 is shown typically. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus 10. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus 10. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the said registration process (S28). An example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 102 in the registration process of FIG. 5 is shown. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of reference image reproduction | regeneration (S22). It is an example of the display screen 249 which selects the classification | category in reference image reproduction. It is an example of the display screen 250 on which the reference image included in the selected classification is reproduced. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the locking process (S30) of FIG. It is an example of the display screen 253 in the lock process. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of comparative reproduction (S24). An example of the display screen 254 displayed on the display unit 102 in the comparative reproduction operation is shown. 6 is an example of a display screen on which the image display unit 240 displays a reference image group on the display unit 102. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which classify | categorizes a reference image with another classification method in step S208. It is an example of the display screen displayed by the operation | movement of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which classify | categorizes a reference image with another classification method in step S208. It is an example of the display screen displayed by the operation | movement of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which classify | categorizes a reference image with another classification method in step S208. It is an example of the display screen displayed by the operation | movement of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which classify | categorizes a reference image with another classification method in step S208. It is an example of the display screen displayed by the operation | movement of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which classify | categorizes a reference image with another classification method in step S208. It is an example of the display screen displayed by the operation | movement of FIG.

  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 shows an appearance of the imaging apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. The imaging device 10 includes a device main body 20 and a lens unit 30 that can be attached to and detached from the front surface of the device main body 20. An example of the imaging device 10 is a single-lens reflex digital camera. The imaging device 10 classifies and displays a plurality of reference images, and captures the main image using the imaging conditions of the reference image selected by the user among them. Further, the imaging device 10 stores a reference relationship between the reference image and the main image.

  The apparatus main body 20 includes an optical finder 100 that visually recognizes image light that has passed through the lens unit 30, and a display unit 102 such as an LCD that is disposed on the back surface and displays an image. The apparatus body 20 further includes a release 104 that receives a shooting instruction from a user, a lock button 108 that locks shooting conditions, a dial 106 that switches modes, a playback button 114 that receives a playback instruction for an image, and a cross key that allows multi-directional input. 110 and an OK button 112 arranged in the center of the cross key 110.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the imaging apparatus 10. The lens unit 30 includes an optical system 300, a diaphragm 302, and a memory 304 that stores information for specifying the type of the lens unit 30. The optical system 300 includes a plurality of optical lens groups, and forms an image of a subject light flux from a scene near the focal plane. In FIG. 2, for convenience of explanation, the optical system 300 is represented by a single virtual lens disposed near the pupil.

  The apparatus main body 20 includes a shutter 200, an image sensor 202, an A / D conversion unit 204, an image processing unit 206, a drive unit 208, and a control unit 230 that controls them. The apparatus body 20 further includes an AF sensor 210, a photometric sensor 212, an LCD drive circuit 214, a memory card IF 218, and a main memory 222. A memory card 220 is detachably attached to the apparatus body 20.

  The image sensor 202 is disposed in the vicinity of the focal plane of the lens unit 30. The imaging element 202 is an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS sensor in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are two-dimensionally arranged. Further, a shutter 200 is disposed on the front surface of the image sensor 202. When the shutter 200 is opened by the control unit 230, the image sensor 202 is timing-controlled by the driving unit 208, converts the subject image formed on the light receiving surface into an image signal, and converts the subject image into an A / D conversion unit 204. Output to.

  The A / D conversion unit 204 converts the image signal output from the image sensor 202 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the image processing unit 206. The image processing unit 206 performs various image processing using the main memory 222 as a work space, and generates captured image data.

  The image processing unit 206 also has general image processing functions such as adjusting image data according to the selected image format. The generated captured image data is converted into a display signal by the LCD drive circuit 214 and displayed on the display unit 102. The captured image data is recorded on the memory card 220 by the control unit 230 via the memory card IF 218.

  The AF sensor 210 is a phase difference sensor in which a plurality of distance measuring points are set with respect to the subject space, and detects the defocus amount of the subject image at each distance measuring point. The photometric sensor 212 measures the luminance of the subject image. A series of shooting sequences is started when the release 104 receives a user operation and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 230. Various operations such as AF and AE accompanying the imaging sequence are executed under the control of the control unit 230. For example, the control unit 230 analyzes the detection signal of the AF sensor 210 and executes focus control for moving a focus lens that forms part of the optical system 300. Further, the control unit 230 analyzes the detection signal of the photometric sensor 212 and controls the diaphragm 302.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows functional blocks of the control unit 230. The control unit 230 includes an image acquisition unit 232, an image classification unit 234, and an image display unit 240. The image acquisition unit 232 acquires, from the memory card 220 or the like, the reference image and shooting conditions when the reference image is captured in association with the reference image. The image classification unit 234 classifies the reference image acquired by the image acquisition unit 232. The image display unit 240 displays the reference image on the display unit 102 based on the classification of the image classification unit 234.

  The control unit 230 further includes a condition output unit 262 and a relationship storage unit 270. The condition output unit 262 outputs a shooting condition associated with the reference image when the selection of the reference image is received with the cross key 110 or the like. The relationship storage unit 270 refers to the reference image associated with the shooting condition output by the condition output unit 262 when the main image is captured using the shooting conditions output by the condition output unit 262. A reference relationship indicating that the above has been performed is stored. Each function of the control unit 230 may be executed by a program installed from the medium 280 or a network.

  4A and 4B are flowcharts showing the operation of the imaging apparatus 10. The flowcharts of FIGS. 4A and 4B include a registration process (S28) for registering an image as a reference image, and a lock process (S30) for locking to take over the shooting conditions of the registered reference image. Note that shooting using shooting conditions locked by the lock process may be referred to as “lock shooting”.

  First, the operation related to the registration process (S28) will be described. The flowcharts of FIGS. 4A and 4B start when the user turns on the power of the imaging apparatus 10.

  The imaging device 10 determines shooting conditions (S10). In this case, the imaging device 10 includes exposure based on the shutter priority Tv and aperture priority Av modes set by the dial 106, the ISO setting, the luminance of the object scene, and the like, as in the normal shooting operation. Determine the shooting conditions.

  When the release 104 is pressed (S12: Yes), the control unit 230 determines whether or not the shooting is lock shooting (S13). In the following description, it is assumed that the shooting is not lock shooting.

  When the shooting is not lock shooting, that is, normal shooting (S13: No), the control unit 230 acquires the shot image by driving the image sensor 202 and the like under the shooting conditions set in step S10 (S15). . Further, the control unit 230 records the captured image and the imaging condition in the memory card 220 in association with each other (same step).

  In this case, the shooting condition is recorded in the header information of the file of the shot image. Examples of shooting conditions to be recorded include aperture, shutter speed, ISO, Bv value, exposure correction value, white balance mode, gradation reproduction mode (ADL mode), color setting, shooting time, and information on the lens unit that is mounted. , And GPS location information.

  Subsequent to step S15 or when the determination in step S12 is No, the control unit 230 determines whether there is an image to be reproduced (S16). When there is an image to be reproduced (S16: Yes), the control unit 230 further receives from the user which reproduction method is used to reproduce the image (S18). Examples of playback methods are “normal playback”, “reference image playback”, and “comparison playback”.

  Here, each of the above reproduction methods is selected as follows, for example. If it is determined in step S13 that the lock shooting is not performed and the playback button 114 is pressed alone, it is determined that “normal playback” is selected. When the playback button 114 is pressed together with the lock button 108, it is determined that “reference image playback” has been selected. If it is determined in step S13 that the lock shooting is performed and the playback button 114 is pressed alone, it is determined that “comparative playback” is selected. In the following description, it is assumed that “normal playback” has been selected and determined.

  When “normal playback” is selected in step S18, the control unit 230 reads the captured image recorded in the memory card 220 in step S15 and displays it on the display unit 102 (S20). Next, the control unit 230 determines whether or not the lock button 108 is pressed (S26). If the lock button 108 is pressed (S26: Yes), whether the pressing time is a long press or a short press? Is determined (S27). Whether it is a long press or a short press is determined by a predetermined threshold, for example, 1 second. In the following description, it is assumed that the lock button 108 is pressed for a long time.

  If it is a long press in step S27, the control unit 230 registers the captured image reproduced in step S20 as a reference image (S28). Step S28 will be further described later with reference to FIG.

  After step 28, if the determination in step S16 is No, or if the determination in step S18 is No, the control unit 230 determines whether or not the lock is maintained (S32).

  Whether or not the lock is maintained is determined, for example, by one of the following. When the power is turned off, the lens unit 30 is attached or detached, the value of the locked item cannot be maintained due to another operation, or the lock button is pressed again, the lock is activated. It may be determined that has been released, and it may be determined that the lock is maintained in other cases. An example of the case where the value of the locked item cannot be maintained due to another operation is a case where the open F value changes due to the zooming operation.

  When the lock is maintained (S32: Yes), the control unit 230 determines the shooting condition by maintaining the lock (S34), and when the lock is not maintained (S32: No), the lock is released. Then, like the step S10, photographing conditions such as exposure are determined (S36), and the operation from the step S12 is repeated until the control is completed (S38). The operation in step S34 will be described later.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the registration process (S28), and FIG. 6 shows an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 102 in the registration process of FIG.

  The image display unit 240 displays the user registration screen shown in FIG. 6 (S280). During the display of the user registration screen, the image classification unit 234 receives an operation of the cross key 110 (S282).

  The image classification unit 234 changes the selection item according to the operation of the cross key 110, and the image display unit 240 reflects the change of the selection item on the user registration screen (S284). In the example shown in FIG. 6, it is indicated by a black square that “user-selected image 1” is being selected, and as other options, “user-selected image 2”, “user-selected image 3”, “user-selected image 4”. "Is indicated by a white square. The item name may be set to an arbitrary name by the user. For example, it is preferable to set names corresponding to the contents such as “live shooting”, “portrait”, “growth record”, and the like.

  The image classification unit 234 returns to step S282 until the OK button 112 is pressed (S286: No), and when pressed (S286: Yes), registers the captured image as a reference image in the currently selected item. As a result, the image classification unit 234 classifies the reference images based on the classification received from the outside. This completes the registration process.

  Next, the operation related to the lock process (S30) in the flowchart of FIG. 4B will be described. First, “reference image reproduction” (S22), which is a method of reproducing a reference image used for the lock process, will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of reference image reproduction (S22). FIG. 8 is an example of a display screen 249 for selecting a category in reference image reproduction, and FIG. 9 is an example of a display screen 250 on which a reference image included in the selected category is reproduced. As described in step S18 of FIG. 4A, the reference image reproduction (S22) starts with the lock button pressed.

  The image classification unit 234 displays a display screen 249 indicating the classification category of the reference image on the display unit 102 as shown in FIG. 8 (S200). In the example of FIG. 8, it is indicated by a black square that “user-selected image 1” is being selected in the example shown in FIG. 6, and “user-selected image 2” and “user-selected image 3” are other options. White squares indicate that “user selected image 4”, “wearing lens”, “time zone”, and “same area” exist. The “same area” is effective when the GPS function can be used, and is preferably grayed out when it cannot be used.

  In this case, the image classification unit 234 may display the classification selected last time in a temporarily selected state. Further, when this display screen 249 is displayed for the first time, “user selection screen 1” may be temporarily selected. Further, it is preferable that the “user selection screen” in which the reference image is not registered in step S28 is grayed out. If no reference image is registered in any of the “user selection screens”, the “attached lens” is displayed. "Is preferably temporarily selected.

  In response to the operation of the cross key 110 (S202), the image classification unit 234 changes the selection of the reference image classification (S204). The image classification unit 234 repeats the operations from step S202 to S206 until the lock button is released (S206: No).

  When the lock button is released (S206: Yes), the image classification unit 234 classifies the reference image based on the currently selected classification (S208), and the reference image thumbnail is displayed on the display unit 102 according to the classification. Displayed (S210). For example, when “user selection screen 1” is selected, the image classification unit 234 reads the reference image registered in the “user selection screen 1” from the memory card 220 and displays the thumbnail on the display unit 102. indicate.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a display screen 250 when “user selection screen 1” is selected. In the example of FIG. 9, there is a classification display 252 indicating that “user selection screen 1” has been selected as the reference image classification at the bottom of the screen, and the information includes reference images 241, 242, 243, The thumbnails 244 and 245 are displayed.

  The image classification unit 234 changes the selection of the reference image (S214) according to the operation of the cross key 110 (S212). In this case, the image classification unit 234 displays a selection frame 251 on the selected reference image 242 as shown in FIG. The image classification unit 234 repeats the operations from step S212 to S216 until the OK button is pressed (S216: No).

  When the OK button is pressed (S216: Yes), the image classification unit 234 determines the reference image currently selected at that time as the finally selected reference image (S218). Thus, the operation in step S22 is completed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the lock process (S30) of FIG. 4B, and FIG. 11 is an example of the display screen 253 in the lock process. The lock process starts when the lock button is released for a short time in step S27 of FIG. 4B.

  The image display unit 240 analyzes the header information of the reference image finally determined in the reference image reproduction (S22), and displays the shooting conditions included in the header information (S300). In this case, the image display unit 240 displays the shooting condition 247 of the reference image 242 by superimposing it on the reference image 242 as shown in FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 11, “aperture”, “shutter speed”, “ISO”, and “tone reproduction” (ADL) are listed as items of photographing conditions that can be locked. In addition, as the value of each item, the value of the corresponding shooting condition included in the header information of the reference image 242 is read and displayed.

  In response to the operation of the cross key 110 (S302), the screen display unit 240 displays the selected item by moving (S304). In this case, the image display unit 240 displays the selected item in a state that the user can visually recognize, for example, by enclosing the item being selected with a dotted frame. Until the OK button 112 is pressed (S306: No), the operations in steps S302 and S304 are repeated.

  When the OK button 112 is pressed (S306: Yes), the screen display unit 240 displays the selected item with a check (S308). Instead of pressing the OK button 112, a left / right operation of the cross key 110 may be substituted. In the example of FIG. 11, items for which the OK button 112 is pressed are indicated by black squares, and items for which the OK button 112 is not pressed are indicated by white squares. Here, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of items can be selected.

  Next, the condition output unit 262 searches for an item having an exclusive relationship with the currently checked item, and the screen display unit 240 displays the item in a form different from the other items, for example, gray out. (S309). For example, if the shutter speed is selected and the shutter speed of the reference image is used, and the flash synchronization and camera shake prevention functions cannot be performed with the current setting of the imaging device 10, the flash emission and The camera shake prevention function is grayed out and cannot be selected. Instead of displaying gray-out, alternatives that can be set may be displayed. Until the lock button 108 is pressed (S310: No), the operations from step S302 to S310 are repeated.

  When the lock button is pressed (S310: Yes), the condition output unit 262 determines whether there is a selection item that is checked (S312). When there is no selection item (S312: No), the image display unit 240 displays a warning message “No item is selected” on the display unit 102 (S316), and the process returns to step S302.

  If there is a selection item checked in step S312, the condition output unit 262 determines the checked selection item as a locked shooting condition (S314), and ends the operation of the lock process (S30). Accordingly, the condition output unit 262 takes over the shooting condition of the reference image for the locked shooting condition and outputs the shooting condition. Further, the condition output unit 262 receives a change in the shooting condition by an operation from the user, and outputs the changed shooting condition.

  Note that the image display unit 240 temporarily sets items of shooting conditions common between the reference image and the other reference images when the reference image is shot using the shooting conditions of the other reference images. It may be displayed in a checked state. For example, in the example of FIG. 11, when the reference image 242 is a locked image obtained by locking the gradation reproduction mode among other image capturing conditions of the reference image, the image display unit 240 captures the image capturing condition of the reference image 242. When displaying 247, “ADL” indicating gradation reproduction is displayed in a checked state. For example, the provisional selection is brought into a non-selected state when the OK button 112 is pressed.

  Subsequent to the lock process (S30), the determination in step S32 of FIG. 4B is executed. Here, in order to further explain the lock shooting, the description will be continued assuming that the lock is maintained in step S32 (S32: Yes).

  If the lock is maintained (S32: Yes), the condition output unit 262 determines the unlocked shooting condition without changing the locked shooting condition (S34), and sets the shooting condition to the control unit. 230. In this case, the image display unit 240 may display the shooting conditions on the display unit 102 again.

  After that, if there is a shooting instruction in step S12 after step S38 (S12: Yes), the control unit 230 images the subject under the shooting conditions output by the condition output unit 262. In this case, since the shooting is lock shooting (S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, the control unit 230 records the relationship between the photographed image and the reference image in addition to the photographed image and the photographing condition (S14). In this case, the relationship storage unit 270 uses, as the reference management file, information specifying the reference image such as the file name of the reference image and information specifying the main image such as the file name of the main image as the reference relationship. Record. The reference management file is a file separate from the reference image and the main image, and is stored in the main memory 222. The relationship storage unit 270 may further record a thumbnail image of the reference image in the reference management file as the reference relationship.

  Further, in the case of lock shooting, when the playback button 114 is pressed alone, the process proceeds to comparative playback (S24) in step S18 of FIG. 4A. The operation of comparative reproduction (S24) will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of comparative reproduction (S24). FIG. 13 shows an example of a display screen 254 displayed on the display unit 102 in the comparative reproduction operation.

  The image display unit 240 simultaneously displays the reference image having a reference relationship with the main image on one screen using the captured image captured in step S12 as a main image (S400). The image display unit 240 may also display the shooting conditions output by the condition output unit 262 on one screen. In this case, the image display unit 240 analyzes the header information of the main image to read out the photographing condition, and specifies and displays the reference image with reference to the reference management file.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, a main image 256 and a reference image 242 that is a reference source of the main image 256 are displayed side by side above the display screen 254. Further, respective shooting conditions 248 are displayed below the main image 256 and the reference image 242. Among the shooting conditions, the conditions used by locking the shooting conditions of the reference image 242 are indicated by black squares, and the conditions that are not locked are indicated by white squares.

  The screen display unit 240 further accepts an operation of the cross key 110 (S402). When the cross key 110 is operated in the up / down direction (S402: Yes, S404: up / down), the screen display unit 240 switches between the display of the shooting condition 248 and the display of the histogram (S406).

  When the cross key 110 is operated left and right (S402: Yes, S404: left and right), the screen display unit 240 displays the other reference image when the reference image is locked shooting with reference to another reference image. It is displayed (S408). The image display unit 240 may display the shooting conditions together with the other reference images.

  In this case, the image display unit 240 reads the reference source reference image from the memory card 220 or the like and displays it when there is information specifying the reference source reference image as a reference relationship with reference to the reference management file. To do. In step S408, when the reference image does not refer to any reference image, that is, when the lock shooting is not performed, display indicating no reference image is performed.

  The screen display unit 240 repeats the operations from step S402 to S410 until the end of reproduction is input (S410: No). As an example of the input of the end of reproduction, re-pressing of the reproduction button 114, pressing of the release 104, rotation of the dial 106, and the like can be given. When there is an input for completion of reproduction (S410: Yes), the operation of comparative reproduction (S24) is terminated. By displaying the main image side by side with the reference image, it is possible to confirm the effect due to the difference in shooting conditions after shooting.

  As described above, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 13, the main image can be easily captured using the reference image capturing conditions. Furthermore, since the reference images are classified and displayed, the user can easily select the reference images. In addition, since the reference relationship between the reference image and the main image is stored, the reference relationship can be easily confirmed when the user wants to confirm. In addition, since the same lock item as the reference image is displayed in a pre-selected state, the reference image is displayed when the shooting intention is the same, for example, when the image of the subject is blurred or the brightness of the entire screen is to be the same. By taking the aperture value, etc., and automatically calculating the exposure according to other field conditions and the field luminance, it is possible to quickly shoot. In addition, since an arbitrary lock item can be selected, it is possible to intentionally change the shooting conditions such as releasing the ISO setting when the lighting conditions or the like have changed extremely compared to the reference image. it can.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a display screen 255 on which the image display unit 240 displays the reference image group on the display unit 102. When the reference image is determined in step S218 in FIG. 7, the image display unit 240 may refer to the reference management file and display other images having a reference relationship with the reference image together with the reference relationship.

  In the example of FIG. 14, the reference image 242 determined in step S <b> 218 is shown together with the selection frame 251. Furthermore, a reference image 241 that is a reference source of the reference image, another reference image 245 that refers to the reference image, and reference images 243 and 244 that refer to the reference image 245 are shown with arrows indicating the reference relationship. ing. Which of these is to be selected as the final reference image is accepted by operating the cross key 110 and the OK button 112.

  Thereby, the range of selection of the reference image by the user can be expanded. In this case, the relationship storage unit 270 stores a reference relationship group including a reference relationship of another reference image having a reference relationship directly or indirectly with one image as a reference relationship in advance in the reference management file. May be.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation of classifying the reference image by another classification method in step S208, and FIG. 16 is an example of a display screen displayed by the operation. In FIG. 15, reference images are classified according to the type of lens unit 30 attached at the time of shooting as an example of shooting conditions.

  The image classification unit 234 identifies and displays the lens unit 30 used in the captured image stored in the memory card 220 (S500). In this case, the image classification unit 234 analyzes the header information of the photographed image and acquires information on the lens unit 30 used for photographing the photographed image. Further, the image classification unit 234 classifies the captured image for each type of the lens unit 30 (same step). If the lens information at the time of photographing is unknown because the lens 304 does not have the memory 304, “no lens information” is set.

  The image display unit 240 displays the acquired information of the lens unit 30 in an order, for example, in ascending order of the focal length on the wide side or in ascending order of the open F value. In the example of FIG. 16, the lens units 30 are displayed in order of increasing focal length on the wide side.

  The image display unit 240 acquires information about the currently mounted lens unit 30 from the memory 304, and determines whether it matches any of the lens units 30 identified in step S500 (S502). If they match (S502: Yes), the image display unit 240 displays the same lens unit item as the mounted lens unit 30 in a temporarily selected state (S504). The image display unit 240 may preferentially display the item of the lens unit by another method. For example, it may be displayed at the top regardless of the focal length.

  In the example of FIG. 16, the matching lens units are displayed as black squares indicating a temporary selection state. Furthermore, the information of the other lens unit acquired in step S500 is displayed as a white square indicating that it can be selected.

  If the determination in step S502 is No, the image display unit 240 displays any lens unit without making a temporary selection state (S506). Since the image display unit 240 preferentially displays the classification of the shooting conditions corresponding to the current shooting conditions, the user can easily select the reference image.

  Further, the image classification unit 234 receives an operation of the cross key 110 (S508), and moves the item according to the key operation (S510). Until the OK button 112 is pressed (S512: No), the operations in steps S508 to S512 are repeated.

  When the OK button 112 is pressed (S512: Yes), the image classification unit 234 determines whether there is a selection item that is checked (S514). When there is no selection item (S514: No), the image display unit 240 displays a warning message “No item is selected” on the display unit 102 (S514), and the process returns to step S508.

  If there is a selection item checked in step S514, the condition output unit 262 determines the checked selection item as the classification of the reference image to be reproduced (S314), and ends the operation of the classification process (S208). . In the classification method, since the reference image is classified for each lens unit, the user can easily search for the reference image.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation of further classifying the reference image by another classification method in step S208, and FIG. 18 is an example of a display screen displayed by the operation. In FIG. 17, the same operations as those in FIG. 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The image classification unit 234 identifies and displays the shooting time zone of the shot image stored in the memory card 220 (S520). In this case, the image classification unit 234 analyzes the header information of the captured image and acquires information on the shooting time zone of the captured image. Further, the image classification unit 234 classifies the captured image for each shooting time period, for example, every hour (same step). The image display unit 240 displays the acquired shooting time zone information side by side in ascending order of time as shown in FIG. 18, for example.

  The image display unit 240 acquires the current time from the timer of the apparatus main body 20, and determines whether or not it matches any of the shooting time zones specified in step S520 (S522). If they match (S522: Yes), the image display unit 240 displays the shooting time zone item including the current time in a provisional selection state (S524). If the determination in step S522 is No, the image display unit 240 displays any shooting time zone without making a temporary selection state (S526). In the above classification method, the reference image is classified for each photographing time period, so that the user can easily search for the reference image.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation of further classifying the reference image by another classification method in step S208, and FIG. 20 is an example of a display screen displayed by the operation. 19, the same operations as those in FIG. 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The image classification unit 234 identifies and displays the shooting position of the shot image stored in the memory card 220 (S530). In this case, the image classification unit 234 analyzes the header information of the captured image and acquires information on the shooting position of the captured image. Furthermore, the image display unit 240 acquires the current position from the GPS system of the apparatus main body 20, and classifies the captured image for each shooting position, for example, within 1 km, within 2 km, within 5 km, etc. (same step). An image whose position is unknown is classified as “position information unknown”. The image display unit 240 displays the acquired shooting position information side by side, for example, in ascending order as shown in FIG.

  Further, the image display unit 240 displays an item including an image closest to the current position in a provisional selection state (S532). If there is only an image “unknown position information”, the item is displayed in a provisional selection state. In the above classification method, the reference image is classified for each photographing position, so that the user can easily search for the reference image.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation of further classifying the reference image by another classification method in step S208, and FIG. 22 is an example of a display screen displayed by the operation. In FIG. 21, the same operations as those in FIG. 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The image classification unit 234 identifies and displays the reference frequency of the captured image stored in the memory card 220 (S540). In this case, the image classification unit 234 specifies the reference frequency by counting the number of main images to which the reference image is referenced in the reference management file. Further, the image display unit 240 displays the photographed image in increments of 10 when the reference frequency is 10 times or more (in the same step). The image display unit 240 displays the acquired reference frequency information side by side in ascending order as shown in FIG. 22, for example.

  Furthermore, the image display unit 240 displays the items including the image with the highest reference frequency in a provisional selection state (S542). In the above classification method, since the reference images are classified for each reference frequency, the user can easily search for the reference images.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an operation of further classifying the reference image by another classification method in step S208, and FIG. 24 is an example of a display screen displayed by the operation. In FIG. 23, the same operations as those in FIG. 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The image classification unit 234 specifies and displays the shooting day of the captured image stored in the memory card 220 (S550). In this case, the image classification unit 234 analyzes header information of the captured image and acquires information on the shooting day of the captured image. Further, the image classification unit 234 classifies the captured image for each shooting day (same step).

  The image display unit 240 acquires today's day of the week from the timer of the apparatus main body 20, and determines whether it matches any of the shooting days specified in step S550 (S552). When they match (S552: Yes), the image display unit 240 displays the item of today's day of the week in a provisional selection state (S554). If the determination in step S552 is No, the image display unit 240 displays any day of the week without being temporarily selected (S556).

  Since the above classification method classifies according to the day of the week, the user can easily view the reference image when the shooting style for one week is determined or when the main shooting day is determined by shooting according to a certain theme. Can look into.

  Other than the above FIG. 15 to FIG. 24, there are various viewpoints in the classification method. Therefore, the classification items displayed in step S200 may be set in advance.

  The photographing conditions that can be locked may include the zoom position of the lens, the photographing distance, and the like. In this case, information on the focal length and subject distance at the time of shooting is also recorded in the shooting conditions of steps S14 and S15. Further, the focal length and the subject distance are added as shooting conditions in the lock processing in step S30. When the imaging apparatus 10 cannot acquire such information, the reference image is classified as unknown, and when the reference image is selected, these items are not displayed as lock items. When these items are selected as lock items, the imaging apparatus 10 automatically sets the distance. The imaging apparatus 10 continues the ranging process while fixing the focus, and permits the release 104 in a focused state. However, in the case of the lens unit 30 that does not include an AF mechanism even though distance measurement is possible, distance measurement processing is performed, and the release 104 is permitted in a state where the current distance matches the locked distance. Further, when the lens unit 30 is zoomed with the zoom ring, the release 104 is permitted when the current zoom position coincides with the locked zoom position by the operation of the zoom ring by the user. When the lens unit 30 is zoomed by an operation on the apparatus main body 20 side, the lens unit 30 may be driven to a locked zoom position.

  In the above embodiment, the reference management file is stored in the main memory 222, but may be further transferred to the memory card 220 for storage. Further, instead of storing the reference relationship as a reference management file, the reference relationship and the reference relationship group may be stored by other methods. For example, the relationship storage unit 270 records information for identifying the reference image, such as the file name of the reference image, in the header information of the captured image as the reference relationship. The relationship storage unit 270 may further record a thumbnail image of the reference image in the header information.

  In the above-described embodiment, the reference image is described as being captured by the imaging device 10, but the reference image is not limited thereto. An image captured by another imaging device 10 may be read and registered as a reference image. Further, when the reference image is classified according to the shooting condition, it is classified after the selection of the classification item by the user, but may be classified prior to the user's selection.

  In addition, a single-lens reflex digital camera has been described as an example of the imaging apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a compact digital camera, a video camera for video recording, or the like may be used. In the case of an imaging device that can capture both still images and moving images, even if the still image is taken as a reference image and a moving image is taken over, or a still image is taken using a specific frame of the moving image as a reference image, etc. Good.

  Furthermore, as an example of the imaging apparatus, a scanner that reads an image from a paper medium or the like can be cited. Also for the scanner, the main image can be easily read under appropriate conditions by taking over the reference image reading conditions and reading the main image. Furthermore, this embodiment may be applied by recording various setting conditions for music and voice together with sound data.

  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.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image pick-up device 20 Device main body 30 Lens unit 100 Optical finder 102 Display part 104 Release 106 Dial 108 Lock button 110 Cross key 112 OK button 200 Shutter 202 Image sensor 204 A / D conversion part 206 Image processing part 208 Drive part 210 AF sensor 212 Photometric sensor 214 LCD drive circuit 218 Memory card IF
220 Memory card 222 Main memory 230 Control unit 232 Image acquisition unit 234 Image classification unit 240 Image display units 241, 242, 243, 244, 245 Reference images 247, 248 Shooting conditions 249, 250, 254, 255 Display screen 251 Selection frame 252 Classification display 256 Main image 262 Condition output unit 270 Relation storage unit 280 Medium 300 Optical system 302 Aperture 304 Memory

Claims (25)

A control device for controlling an imaging device,
An image acquisition unit that acquires a reference image and shooting conditions when the reference image is captured in association with the reference image;
An image display unit for displaying the reference image;
A condition output unit that outputs the imaging condition associated with the reference image to the imaging device when the selection of the reference image is received from the outside;
The reference image in which the main image is associated with the shooting condition output by the condition output unit when the imaging device has captured the main image using the shooting condition output by the condition output unit. And a relation storage unit for storing a reference relation indicating that the reference is made.   The relationship storage unit stores, as the reference relationship, a reference relationship group including a reference relationship between the main image and another reference image directly or indirectly associated with the reference image. Item 2. The control device according to Item 1.   The control device according to claim 2, wherein the image display unit newly displays another reference image having a reference relationship with the reference image when the selection of the reference image is received from the outside.   The control device according to claim 1, wherein the image display unit displays the main image and the reference image having a reference relationship with the main image on one screen.   5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the image display unit displays the main image and the shooting conditions output by the condition output unit on one screen. 6.   The said relationship memory | storage part memorize | stores the information which specifies the said reference image and the said main image as said reference relationship as a file separate from the said reference image and the said main image. Control device.   The control device according to claim 6, wherein the relationship storage unit further stores a thumbnail image of the reference image in the file as the reference relationship.   The relationship storage unit includes, as the reference relationship, a reference relationship group including a reference relationship between the main image and another reference image directly or indirectly associated with the reference image in the file. The control device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the control device is stored.   The control device according to claim 1, wherein the relationship storage unit attaches information specifying the reference image as the reference relationship as additional information of the main image.   The control device according to claim 9, wherein the relationship storage unit further attaches a thumbnail image of the reference image as additional information of the main image as the reference relationship.   The relationship storage unit includes, as the reference relationship, a reference relationship group including a reference relationship between the main image and another reference image directly or indirectly associated with the reference image as a reference relationship. The control device according to claim 9 or 10, attached as additional information. The image acquisition unit acquires a plurality of the reference images,
An image classification unit that classifies the plurality of reference images acquired by the image acquisition unit;
The control device according to claim 1, wherein the image display unit displays the plurality of reference images based on the classification of the image classification unit. A control device for controlling an imaging device,
A plurality of reference images, and an image acquisition unit that acquires shooting conditions when each of the plurality of reference images is captured in association with each of the plurality of reference images;
An image classification unit for classifying the plurality of reference images;
An image display unit that displays the plurality of reference images based on the classification of the image classification unit;
A control device comprising: a condition output unit that outputs the imaging condition associated with the selected reference image to the imaging device when selection of any of the plurality of reference images is received from the outside.   The control device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the image classification unit classifies the plurality of reference images based on classification received from outside.   The control device according to claim 12, wherein the image classification unit classifies the plurality of reference images using the photographing condition.   The control device according to claim 15, wherein the imaging condition for classifying the plurality of reference images includes at least one of a lens used to capture the reference image, a date and a location where the reference image is captured, and the like. .   The control device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the image display unit preferentially displays a classification of a shooting condition corresponding to a current shooting condition among the classifications.   The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the condition output unit receives a change in the photographing condition by an operation from outside and outputs the changed photographing condition.   When the reference image selected from the outside is photographed using a photographing condition of another reference image, the image display unit temporarily captures a photographing condition common to the reference image and the other reference image. The control device according to claim 18, wherein the control device displays the selected state. The condition output unit calculates the shooting condition when there is a shooting condition that is not set in the reference image selected from the outside,
The control device according to claim 18, wherein the image display unit displays the calculated photographing condition.   21. The display according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the image display unit displays the shooting conditions of the reference image selected from the outside in different forms depending on shooting conditions competing with the shooting conditions. Control device.   The control device according to claim 21, wherein the image display unit lists alternatives for the competing shooting conditions. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 22,
An imaging system comprising the imaging device. A program for controlling an imaging apparatus, the imaging apparatus comprising:
An image acquisition procedure for acquiring a reference image and an imaging condition when the reference image is captured in association with the reference image;
Image display means for displaying the reference image;
A condition output procedure for outputting the imaging condition associated with the reference image to the imaging device when the selection of the reference image is received from the outside; and
When the imaging device captures a main image using the imaging conditions output in the condition output procedure, the reference image and the main image associated with the imaging conditions output by the condition output procedure A program for executing a relationship storage procedure for storing a reference relationship with the. A program for controlling an imaging apparatus, the imaging apparatus comprising:
An image acquisition procedure for acquiring imaging conditions when each of the plurality of reference images is captured in association with each of the plurality of reference images and the plurality of reference images;
Image classification means for classifying the plurality of reference images;
Image display means for displaying the plurality of reference images based on the classification of the image classification means; and
A program for executing a condition output procedure for outputting the imaging condition associated with the selected reference image to the imaging device when selection of any of the plurality of reference images is received from the outside.

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