JP2013017083A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the following problem in an imaging apparatus: No determination of which piece of data of a plurality of illumination light sources, if any, should be included in operation control of the imaging apparatus would affect the operation of the imaging apparatus when color temperatures of the illumination light sources are different.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus calculates a color temperature of a white portion of an image of a subject from an imaging signal of the subject, compares data of the color temperature of the calculated subject image to data of color temperatures received from a plurality of illumination light sources, identifies an illumination light source with high effect degree on the subject image among the plurality of illumination light sources, and controls color correction by color correction means or auxiliary light irradiation of auxiliary light means on the basis of color temperature information of a specific illumination light source.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus, and more particularly to control of an image pickup apparatus based on color temperature information from an illumination light source of a subject.

  White balance control in a conventional image pickup apparatus is provided with a white balance control value experimentally determined from the color temperature of a typical illumination light source (low color temperature or high color temperature), and is used. It is done. Specifically, the color temperature of the light source is estimated from the subject image at the time of actual subject photographing, and a corresponding pair is selected from the white balance control values provided in the imaging device in advance from the result, and white balance correction is performed. Yes.

  Also, as a different method from the above, by extracting the white part from the image obtained at the time of shooting the subject and calculating the RGB ratio of the extracted part, the white balance control value is calculated so that the calculation result is “white”. There is also a method for performing automatic white balance control.

  Furthermore, in recent years, a method has been proposed in which color temperature information of an illumination light source is captured in the imaging device by proximity communication between the illumination light source and the imaging device, and white balance control included in the imaging device is performed based on this information ( Patent Document 1).

  In the case of shooting using the auxiliary light function (video light, strobe) provided in the imaging device, the subject color temperature being shot is acquired by the above method, and this is stored in advance in the auxiliary light function stored in the imaging device. Which light source (illumination light source, auxiliary light) is strong is determined from the color temperature information. Since the final color correction information of the auxiliary light function is generated according to the determination result, the detection accuracy of the color temperature correction from the image signal during subject shooting is very important. In some imaging apparatuses, the user can arbitrarily set the color temperature of the auxiliary light function.

JP 2005-303400 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology including the conventional example of Patent Document 1, there may be a plurality of illumination light sources at the time of actual subject photographing, and the color temperatures of the plurality of illumination light sources are not always the same at that time. Absent.

  In that case, there are a plurality of color temperature information of the illumination light source received by the proximity communication from the illumination light source, and the color temperature information of which illumination light source is used to control the white balance control of the imaging device or the color information of the auxiliary light function. It is necessary to determine whether to perform correction.

  In order to solve such a problem, the imaging apparatus of the present invention calculates the color temperature of the white portion of the subject image from the imaging signal of the subject, and calculates the color temperature of the subject image and each color received from the plurality of illumination light sources. Compares the temperature information to identify an illumination light source that has a high degree of influence on the subject image among the plurality of illumination light sources, and performs color correction by the color correction means or auxiliary light from the auxiliary light means based on the color temperature information of the specific illumination light source It is characterized by controlling irradiation.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to identify an illumination light source that has a high degree of influence on the color temperature of the subject even if a plurality of different color temperature information can be obtained from the plurality of illumination light sources. It is possible to correct color temperature information of the white balance control or auxiliary light function.

1 is a block diagram of an image pickup apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the example of the RAW image division | segmentation block concerning embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the structural example of the color temperature information transmission data at the time of the near field communication concerning embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart showing a white balance control operation in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram of the imaging device concerning the modification of the 1st Example of this invention. 9 is a flowchart of white balance control operation in an imaging apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram of the imaging device concerning the 2nd Example of this invention. 10 is a flowchart of the color temperature control operation of the LED strobe in the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart of a video light color temperature control operation in an imaging apparatus according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention has a configuration that enables white balance control or strobe color temperature control by selecting optimal color temperature information even when different color temperature information is acquired from a plurality of illumination light sources capable of proximity communication. Have. Acquisition of color temperature information from the illumination light source in such a configuration, selection of optimal color temperature information, and white balance control or strobe color temperature control are achieved by, for example, loading and executing a control program by the control unit of the imaging apparatus. Is done.

First Embodiment The first embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to white balance control in an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In the figure, an optical signal (subject image) that has passed through a lens 1 is input to an image sensor 3 through a diaphragm 2, and the image sensor 3 converts the incident optical signal into an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion, and then outputs it. .

  An output signal (imaging signal) of the imaging element 3 is input to the camera signal processing unit 6 via an A / D converter 4 that converts an analog signal into a digital signal and an AGC 5 for exposure control.

  The camera signal processing unit 6 calculates a luminance value for exposure control, a RAW unit 9 for buffering RAW data, an image signal processing unit (color correction) 10 including a color correction function that is white balance control, and the like. A luminance value calculation unit 11 is included. The camera signal processing unit 6 further includes a block dividing unit 12 that divides the RAW image buffered in the RAW unit 9 into blocks (for example, 8 × 8 blocks as shown in FIG. 2A), and a subject image. And a white extraction block detector 13 for extracting a block corresponding to the white portion. The camera signal processing unit 6 controls the input signal to have an optimum white balance with the image signal processing unit 10 to generate an image signal of the subject, and outputs it to the video signal processing unit 7.

  In addition, the camera signal processing unit 6 outputs the brightness value information for exposure control generated by the brightness value calculation unit 11 and the white portion information (block information) detected by the white extraction block detection unit 13 to the CPU 8. To do.

  The CPU 8 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a microcomputer (not shown), and controls the entire imaging apparatus. In the figure, exposure control, processing related to determination of the illumination light source of the present invention, and control of image signal processing are clearly shown, but other control necessary for the operation of the imaging apparatus is also performed. In exposure control, the aperture 2, the electronic shutter speed of the image sensor 3, and the AGC 5 are controlled. In the illumination light source determination process, the RGB ratio detection unit 14 calculates the RGB ratio (color temperature information) in the block based on the input block information, and the illumination light source determination unit 17 determines the illumination light source based on the result. To do. The output signal of the CPU 8 is input again to the camera signal processing unit 6 to achieve white balance control according to the present invention.

  The video signal processing unit 7 performs optimal processing on the input image signal, and then outputs the video signal to an LCD panel provided in the imaging device or an external monitor.

  Next, the white balance control of the imaging apparatus according to the proximity communication result between the illumination light source (for example, LED illumination light source) and the imaging apparatus will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. Explained.

  The white balance control of the imaging device based on the color temperature information acquired as a result of the proximity communication between the illumination light source and the imaging device is achieved by the camera signal processing unit 6, the CPU 8, and the optical sensor 18.

  In the CPU 8, the RGB ratio detection unit 14 detects the RGB ratio from the white extraction block information input from the camera signal processing unit 6, and the reception information conversion unit 15 detects the RGB ratio from the information received by the optical sensor. Next, the illumination light source determination unit 17 compares the output information from the RGB ratio detection unit 14 and the output information from the reception information conversion unit 15 to identify an illumination light source having a color temperature corresponding to the color temperature of the subject.

  The optical sensor 18 included in the imaging apparatus performs a proximity communication reception operation in a state where the proximity communication information to which the color temperature information of each illumination light is added is transmitted from the LED illumination 100, the LED illumination 101, and the LED illumination 102. Do.

  Here, the proximity communication method transmitted from the illumination light source will be described with reference to FIG. 2B, taking the case where LED illumination is used as the illumination light source as an example.

  Proximity communication sent from the illumination light source performs control to change the brightness of the illumination itself to “bright”, “dark”, and “medium” at a high speed that cannot be recognized by humans. It is a system that can add information to irradiation light by repeating “dark”.

  FIG. 2B shows an example of information (signal) added to the irradiation light, and is a single pair signal in which a synchronization signal for reception, an RGB identification signal, and a bit arrangement representing each component ratio of RGB are combined. is there.

According to FIG. 2B, the near field communication information representing the RGB ratio has the following information (signal).
Signal representing R component
Sync signal data 80
R identification signal data 40
R component ratio data 21
Signal representing G component
Sync signal data 80
G identification signal data 40
G component ratio data 41
Signal representing B component
Sync signal data 80
B identification signal data 01
B component ratio data 11

That is, the illumination light source realizes communication of information representing the synchronization signal, the RGB identification signal, and the EGB component ratio by controlling the brightness of the illumination light. For example, when the above information is received from the illumination light source by the optical sensor 18 provided in the imaging device, the RGB ratio of the illumination light source is
R: G: B = 2: 4: 1
It becomes.

  The optical sensor 18 converts the received information into an electrical signal and then outputs it to the CPU 8. At this time, an icon indicating that the color temperature information of the irradiation light source is being received may be displayed on the display panel of the imaging apparatus or the external display unit under the control of the CPU 8.

  The input electrical signal is input to the reception information conversion unit 15 inside the CPU 8, and the color temperature information (RGB ratio) of each illumination light source is detected from the information received by the reception information conversion unit 15. The detected color temperature information is input to the illumination light source determination unit 17.

  On the other hand, from the block information detected by the white extraction block detection unit 13 input from the camera signal processing unit 6, the RGB ratio in the block is detected by the RGB ratio detection unit 14, and the resulting RGB ratio is the illumination light source. It is output to the determination unit 17.

  The illumination light source determination unit 17 compares the illumination light source color temperature information input from the reception information conversion unit 15 with the RGB ratio of the subject image input from the RGB ratio detection unit 14, and based on the comparison result, the RGB ratio of the subject image It is determined whether there is an illumination light source that matches. Note that this comparison is for identifying an illumination light source having a high degree of influence on the subject image, and as long as this purpose is achieved, the determination conditions do not necessarily need to be exactly the same, and may be set as appropriate. It is.

  If there is a matching illumination light source (specific illumination light source), the CPU 8 outputs the RGB ratio information of the illumination light source to the camera signal processing unit 6.

  On the other hand, when there is no specific illumination light source, information indicating that they do not match is output to the camera signal processing unit 6.

  The camera signal processing unit 6 controls the color function of the image signal processing unit 10 based on the color temperature information of the illumination light source output from the CPU 8 when there is a matching illumination light source.

  On the other hand, when there is no specific illumination light source, the camera signal processing unit 6 does not use the color temperature information of the illumination light source according to the information indicating that the RGB ratio (color temperature) output from the CPU 8 does not match. Perform white balance control.

  From the above, in the state where the imaging device and the plurality of illumination light sources can be in close proximity communication and the white balance control of the imaging device can be performed according to the communication result, the color temperature information extracted from the subject image and the plurality of illumination light sources are transmitted. The illumination light source can be specified by comparing the color temperature information.

  As a result, since the white balance function of the imaging apparatus can be controlled based on the color temperature information transmitted from the illumination light source that has a high degree of influence on the subject image, it is possible to improve the white balance accuracy.

  Next, an operation for controlling the white balance function of the imaging apparatus based on the color temperature information of the illumination light source obtained by the proximity communication between the illumination light source and the imaging apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This operation is realized by the CPU 8 loading and executing a control program stored in a memory in the imaging apparatus, for example.

  Under the control of the CPU 8, the proximity communication data transmitted from the illumination light source is received by the optical sensor 18 included in the imaging device (step S300, LED illumination light source data acquisition).

  Next, in step 301, the block dividing unit 12 of the camera signal processing unit 6 divides the RAW image representing the subject image obtained through the lens 1 and the image sensor into blocks (8 × 8) having a preset size. (Block division of the subject image).

  In step S302, the white extraction block detection unit 13 performs white extraction on each block (white extraction from the block), and outputs white extraction block information to the CPU 8. Next, in step S303, the CPU 8 determines whether or not a block having a “white” image is detected (whether there is a white block?).

  If it is determined that there is no block in which “white” exists, the CPU 8 instructs the image signal processing unit 10 to perform white balance control using the control gain value of the white balance function preset in the imaging apparatus (step S304, preset color correction control).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a block in which a “white” image exists, the RGB ratio of “white” in the block is calculated by the RGB ratio detection unit 15 (step S305, color temperature calculation).

  Next, in step S306, the illumination light source determination unit 17 compares the calculated RGB ratio (R1, G1, B1) with the color temperature information (RGB ratio) transmitted from each illumination light source (R1, G1,). B1 and illumination light source color temperature comparison).

  Based on this comparison result, the illumination light source determination unit 17 determines whether or not the received color temperature information of each illumination light source matches the RGB ratio calculated from the subject image (step S307). If it is determined in step S307 that the RGB ratios do not match, the CPU 8 controls the image signal processing unit 10 to perform white balance control using the control gain value of the white balance function provided in advance in the imaging device (step S307). S304, color correction control provided in advance).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the RGB ratios match, the CPU 8 controls the image signal processing unit 10 to control the white balance function of the imaging device based on the color temperature information of the specific illumination light source that matches the RGB ratio. (Step S308, the communication result is reflected in the color correction). When the white balance control is finished in step S309, this operation is finished.

  As described above, in a state where the imaging device and the plurality of illumination light sources can perform near field communication and white balance control of the imaging device can be performed according to the communication result, the color temperature information extracted from the subject image and the plurality of illumination light sources The illumination light source is specified by comparing the color temperature information transmitted from. That is, according to the present invention, an illumination light source having a high influence on the subject image is identified by comparing the color temperature information, and the white balance function of the imaging apparatus is controlled based on the color temperature information. Thereby, even if different color temperature information is acquired from a plurality of illumination light sources, it is possible to perform white balance control based on the color temperature information optimum for the subject.

Modification of First Embodiment In the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the white balance function of the imaging device using the color temperature information of the illumination light source specified from the plurality of illumination light sources based on the RGB ratio of the subject. The configuration for controlling the above has been described.

  Incidentally, in the first embodiment, the white balance control of the present invention is executed whenever the RGB ratio of the subject is obtained. However, if there is a panning operation or a tilting operation of the imaging device during shooting of the subject, there is a high possibility that the subject image will change rapidly and the RGB ratio of the subject cannot be calculated correctly. In that case, it is necessary to suppress the execution of white balance control based on the color temperature information acquired from the illumination light source in the first embodiment. An operation of white balance control based on the proximity communication result between the illumination light source having such a suppression configuration and the imaging apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 as a modification of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to this modification. The imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a subject image imaging operation, exposure control, proximity communication means, illumination light source identification operation from a plurality of illumination light sources, and white balance control according to the illumination light source identification result. Since the operation is the same, the description here is omitted. In FIG. 4, the same constituent blocks as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  The imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 4 differs from the block configuration of the imaging apparatus of the first embodiment in the following two points. One is that a gyro 40 for detecting a panning operation and a tilt operation of the imaging apparatus and an A / D converter 41 for A / D converting an output signal from the gyro 40 are provided. The other is that a panning / tilt detector 42 is provided for determining the presence or absence of a panning or tilting operation based on a signal input from the A / D converter 41 to the CPU 8.

  The detection result from the panning / tilt detection unit 42 is output to the illumination light source determination unit 17, and when the current state is a panning operation or a tilt operation state, the illumination light source determination unit 17 stops the illumination light source determination. When the illumination light source determination is stopped, the CPU 8 controls the image signal processing unit 10 to maintain the white balance control at that time. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration in image quality due to a rapid change in color temperature caused by panning or tilting operations.

  Next, the white balance control operation of this modification including the detection of the panning or tilt operation state will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 5, the same steps as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  Since the process from the acquisition of data from the illumination light source in step S300 to the calculation of the RGB ratio from the subject image in step S305 is the same as the operation flow of FIG. 3 described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  After calculating the RGB ratio from the subject image in step S305, in step S500, the panning or tilt operation of the imaging apparatus is detected (panning / tilt detection). In step S501, it is determined whether the imaging apparatus has a panning or tilting operation based on the detection result (panning / tilting operation in progress?).

  As a result of the determination, if it is determined that there is no panning or tilting operation, the process proceeds to step S306, and the color of the illumination light source obtained by proximity communication between the RGB ratio detected from the subject image and the illumination light source as in the first embodiment. Compare the temperature. Since the white balance control (steps S307 to S309, S304) based on the comparison result is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that there is a panning or tilting operation, the process proceeds to step S502. In step S502, the CPU 8 controls the image signal processing unit 6 and the illumination light source determination unit 17 to maintain the current white balance control (white balance control gain) and pause the specific operation of the illumination light source (current WB). Keep state). Thereafter, the process returns to step S500, and the detection of the panning operation / tilt operation is continued.

  That is, even when the white balance control state is paused, the panning / tilting operation is continuously detected, and when it is determined that the panning or tilting operation is finished, the specific operation of the paused illumination light source is resumed. To do. Then, the RGB ratio of the subject image is compared with the color temperature acquired from the illumination light source (S306), and according to the result, the illumination light source is specified (S307) and white balance control based on the color temperature information of the illumination light source is performed. (S304, 309).

  According to the modification of the first embodiment described above, image quality degradation caused by a sudden change in color temperature caused by performing white balance control in a state in which the subject image has suddenly changed due to a panning or tilting operation is reduced. It becomes possible to prevent. Thereby, white balance control based on color temperature information acquired from the illumination light source can be effectively and effectively performed.

Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied when an auxiliary light function (for example, an LED strobe) included in an imaging apparatus is used at the time of photographing. An imaging apparatus including the above is provided.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the image pickup apparatus according to the present embodiment. The imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 in subject image capturing operation, exposure control, proximity communication means, illumination light source identification operation from a plurality of illumination light sources, and white balance control operation according to the illumination light source identification result. This is the same as the image pickup apparatus of the first embodiment. Therefore, those descriptions are omitted here. In FIG. 6, the same constituent blocks as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  The imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 6 is different from the block configuration of the imaging apparatus of the first embodiment in the following points. That is, the image pickup apparatus of the present embodiment includes a strobe 60 (auxiliary light means), and a strobe color temperature control unit 61 and a reference color temperature control unit 62 for controlling the color temperature characteristics of the auxiliary light irradiation by the strobe 60. ing. The strobe color temperature control unit 20 outputs a control signal for changing the color temperature of the strobe 60, which is auxiliary light, to the LED strobe 60, and controls the auxiliary light operation at the time of photographing the subject. In this case, the color temperature control of the strobe function by the proximity communication between the illumination light source and the imaging device is performed by the camera signal processing unit 6, the CPU 8, the optical sensor 18, and the strobe 19.

  Specifically, the illumination light source determination unit 17 determines whether or not there is color temperature information acquired from the illumination light source that matches the RGB ratio of the subject image. The RGB ratio information of the light source is output to the strobe color temperature control 20. Then, the strobe color temperature control 20 transmits control information to the strobe 19 so that the color temperature of the strobe becomes the RGB ratio.

  On the other hand, if there is no matching illumination light source, the illumination light source determination unit 17 uses the control signal as a reference color temperature including color temperature control information in which the color temperature of the auxiliary light function is a predetermined reference color temperature in the imaging apparatus. Output to the control 21. In response to this, the reference color temperature control 21 transmits color temperature control information to be the reference color temperature to the strobe 19.

  From the above, in the state where the imaging device and the plurality of illumination light sources can be in close proximity communication and the white balance control of the imaging device can be performed according to the communication result, the color temperature information extracted from the subject image and the plurality of illumination light sources are transmitted. The illumination light source can be specified by comparing the color temperature information.

  As a result, the strobe function of the imaging device can be controlled based on the color temperature information transmitted from the specific illumination light source that has a high degree of influence on the subject image, so the color temperature of the illumination light source and strobe function that has a high degree of influence on the subject Can be matched.

  Next, the operation of the color temperature control of the strobe function of the imaging device based on the color temperature information of the illumination light source acquired by the proximity communication between the illumination light source and the imaging device will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Also in the figure, the same steps as those in the flowchart of the control operation of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here.

  Based on the result of the comparison of the color temperature information in step S306, the illumination light source determination unit 17 determines whether the color temperature information acquired from the plurality of illumination light sources in step S307 matches the RGB ratio calculated from the subject image. Judgment is made. If there is no matching illumination light source as a result of the determination, a control signal is output to the reference color temperature control unit 62 so that the color temperature control of the strobe 60 is performed using the color temperature control value of the strobe provided in the imaging device in advance. (Step S702).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a matching illumination light source, in step S700, the strobe color temperature control unit so that the color temperature information of the strobe 60 matches the color temperature information acquired from the matching illumination light source (specific illumination light source). A control signal is output to 61 (the color temperature of the LED strobe is changed). Thereafter, the CPU 8 turns on the strobe 60 (step S701, strobe lighting).

  The color temperature of the specific illumination light source determined to have a high degree of influence on the subject image even if the plurality of color temperature information of the illumination light source is acquired from the proximity communication result between the imaging device and the plurality of illumination light sources by the above control operation. Based on the information, the color temperature of the strobe of the image pickup apparatus can be controlled.

  In this embodiment as well, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the color temperature control of the strobe 60 in accordance with the detection of the panning or tilting operation of the imaging apparatus. In that case, a panning / tilt detection configuration may be provided in the imaging apparatus as in the configuration of FIG. 4, and the CPU 8 may control the illumination light source determination unit 17 in the same manner as the operation of FIG.

Modified Example of Second Example In the second example, the color temperature of the strobe function of the imaging device is determined based on the comparison result between the proximity communication information from a plurality of illumination light sources and the RGB ratio from the subject image. Control was made to match the color temperature information. However, when the imaging apparatus has a video light function, it is possible to perform color temperature control as auxiliary light means in the same manner as the strobe function. Hereinafter, the control operation in this case will be described as a modification of the second embodiment with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Also in the figure, the same steps as those in the flowchart of the control operation of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here. The configuration of the imaging apparatus is basically the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 6, and is a configuration in which a video light function is given in the same configuration instead of or in addition to the strobe function of FIG.

  First, in step S800, the CPU 8 acquires the exposure state at the time of subject shooting and the current exposure control information (exposure control information acquisition), and then determines whether the current exposure is dark with respect to the appropriate exposure in step S801. Then, it is determined whether to turn on the video light.

  If it is determined in step S801 that it is not necessary to turn on the video light, the present control operation is terminated without turning on the video light, and subject shooting is continued (step S805).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S801 that the video light needs to be turned on, the color temperature information is acquired from the illumination light source and compared with the color temperature information (RGB ratio) of the subject as in the first embodiment. Operations up to the determination (S301-S307) are performed.

  If it is determined in step S307 that there is no specific illumination light source, color temperature control of the video light is performed using the color temperature control value of the video light provided in advance in the imaging apparatus in step S804 (video light color temperature setting provided in advance). ).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S307 that there is a specific illumination light source, the color temperature of the video light of the imaging device matches that of the specific illumination light source based on the color temperature information of the specific illumination light source obtained by proximity communication in step S802. Control (change the color temperature of the video light). Thereafter, the CPU 8 turns on the video light (step S803, turning on the video light).

  From the above control operation, even if a plurality of color temperature information of the illumination light source is acquired according to the proximity communication result between the imaging device and the plurality of illumination light sources, the color of the illumination light source that is determined to have a high degree of influence on the subject image Based on the temperature information, the color temperature of the video light of the imaging device can be controlled.

  In the present embodiment as well, similarly to the first embodiment, it is also possible to suppress the color temperature control of the video light according to the detection of the panning or tilting operation of the image pickup apparatus. In that case, a panning / tilt detection configuration may be provided in the imaging apparatus as in the configuration of FIG. 4, and the CPU 8 may control the illumination light source determination unit 17 in the same manner as the operation of FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operations shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 7 and 8 are realized by reading a program for realizing the function of each operation from the memory and executing it by the CPU 8. is there.

  However, it is not limited to this. For example, all or a part of the functions shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 7 and 8 may be realized by dedicated hardware. The memory described above may be a non-volatile memory such as a magneto-optical disk device or a flash memory, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM that can only be read, or a volatile memory other than a RAM. Alternatively, the recording medium may be a computer-readable / writable recording medium using a combination of the various types of memories described above.

  In addition, a program for realizing the function of each operation shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 7 and 8 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system. Each process may be performed by executing. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. Specifically, the program read from the storage medium is first written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. After that, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Furthermore, the program is held for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system serving as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Including things.

  The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.

  The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

  A program product such as a computer-readable recording medium in which the above program is recorded can also be applied as an embodiment of the present invention. The above program, recording medium, transmission medium, and program product are included in the scope of the present invention.

  Further, although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes a design and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims.

Claims (19)

In an imaging apparatus having an imaging unit for imaging a subject and a color correction unit that performs color correction on an imaging signal of the subject output from the imaging unit,
Receiving means for receiving color temperature information transmitted from the illumination light source;
A color temperature calculating means for extracting a white portion of the subject image from the imaging signal of the subject output from the imaging means and calculating a color temperature of the extracted white portion;
Comparison means for comparing the color temperature of the subject image calculated by the color temperature calculation means with the color temperature information received from each illumination light source;
Based on the result of comparison by the comparison means, an illumination light source having a high degree of influence on the subject image is identified from among the plurality of illumination light sources, and the color correction is performed based on color temperature information transmitted from the specific illumination light source. An image pickup apparatus comprising control means for controlling color correction by the means.   The control means identifies an illumination light source that has transmitted color temperature information whose comparison result of the comparison means matches the color temperature of the subject image as an illumination light source having a high degree of influence on the subject image, and determines from the specific illumination light source Color correction control information based on the transmitted color temperature information is output to the color correction means, and when there is no color temperature information of the illumination light source that matches the color temperature of the subject image, it is preset in the imaging device. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control information on the current color correction is output to the color correction unit.   The color temperature calculation unit extracts the block including the white portion of the subject image by dividing the imaging signal into blocks of a preset size, and the color of the subject image based on the RGB ratio of the extracted block The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a temperature is calculated.   4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color temperature information transmitted from the illumination light source is proximity communication data, and the reception unit receives the proximity communication data. 5.   The image processing apparatus further includes detection means for detecting a panning operation or a tilt operation of the imaging apparatus, and the control means determines whether the imaging apparatus is performing a panning operation or a tilt operation based on a detection result by the detection means, 5. The specification of a specific illumination light source based on a comparison result of the comparison unit is stopped when it is determined that the imaging apparatus is performing a panning operation or a tilt operation. The imaging device described in 1. In a control method of an imaging apparatus having an imaging unit for imaging a subject and a color correction unit that performs color correction on an imaging signal of the subject output from the imaging unit,
A receiving step of receiving color temperature information transmitted from the illumination light source;
A color temperature calculating step of extracting a white portion of the subject image from the imaging signal of the subject output from the imaging means, and calculating a color temperature of the extracted white portion;
A comparison step of comparing the color temperature of the subject image calculated in the color temperature calculation step with the color temperature information received from each illumination light source;
Based on the comparison result in the comparison step, an illumination light source having a high degree of influence on the subject image is identified among the plurality of illumination light sources, and the color based on the color temperature information transmitted from the specific illumination light source A control method comprising a control step of controlling color correction by a correction means. Computer
In a control method of an imaging apparatus having an imaging unit for imaging a subject and a color correction unit that performs color correction on an imaging signal of the subject output from the imaging unit,
Receiving means for receiving color temperature information transmitted from the illumination light source;
A color temperature calculating means for extracting a white portion of a subject image from the imaging signal of the subject output from the imaging means and calculating a color temperature of the extracted white portion;
Comparing means for comparing the color temperature of the subject image calculated by the color temperature calculating means with the color temperature information received from each illumination light source;
Based on a result of comparison by the comparison unit, an illumination light source having a high degree of influence on the subject image is identified from among the plurality of illumination light sources, and the color correction is performed based on color temperature information transmitted from the specific illumination light source. A program that functions as control means for controlling color correction by means.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 7 is recorded.   A program that causes a computer to function as each unit of the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. In an imaging apparatus having imaging means for imaging a subject and auxiliary light means for irradiating the subject with auxiliary light,
Receiving means for receiving color temperature information transmitted from the illumination light source;
A color temperature calculating means for extracting a white portion of a subject image from the imaging signal of the subject output from the imaging means and calculating a color temperature of the extracted white portion;
Comparing means for comparing the color temperature of the subject image calculated by the color temperature calculating means with the color temperature information received from each illumination light source;
Based on the comparison result by the comparison means, an illumination light source that has a high degree of influence on the subject image among the plurality of illumination light sources is identified, and the auxiliary light is based on color temperature information transmitted from the specific illumination light source An imaging apparatus comprising control means for controlling the auxiliary light irradiation of the means.   The control means specifies the illumination light source that has transmitted color temperature information whose comparison result of the comparison means matches the color temperature of the subject image as an illumination light source having a high degree of influence on the subject image, and specifies the specified illumination. Color temperature control information based on the color temperature information transmitted from the light source is output to the auxiliary light means, and when there is no color temperature information of the illumination light source that matches the color temperature of the subject image, it is preset in the imaging device The image pickup apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control information of the color temperature being output is output to the auxiliary light unit.   The color temperature calculation unit extracts the block including the white portion of the subject image by dividing the imaging signal into blocks of a preset size, and the color of the subject image based on the RGB ratio of the extracted block The imaging apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a temperature is calculated.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the color temperature information transmitted from the illumination light source is proximity communication data, and the reception unit receives the proximity communication data.   The image processing apparatus further includes detection means for detecting a panning operation or a tilt operation of the imaging apparatus, and the control means determines whether the imaging apparatus is performing a panning operation or a tilt operation based on a detection result by the detection means, The illumination light source identification based on a comparison result of the comparison unit is stopped when it is determined that the imaging device is performing a panning operation or a tilt operation. The imaging device described.   The control means obtains exposure control information of the imaging device to determine a current exposure state, and when determining that the current exposure state is appropriate, the auxiliary light based on color temperature information of the specific illumination light source The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the auxiliary light irradiation of the means is not controlled. In a control method of an imaging apparatus having an imaging means for imaging a subject and an auxiliary light means for irradiating the subject with auxiliary light,
A receiving step of receiving color temperature information transmitted from the illumination light source;
A color temperature calculating step of extracting a white portion of the subject image from the imaging signal of the subject output from the imaging means, and calculating a color temperature of the extracted white portion;
A comparison step of comparing the color temperature of the subject image calculated in the color temperature calculation step with the color temperature information received from each illumination light source;
Based on the comparison result in the comparison step, an illumination light source that has a high degree of influence on the subject image among the plurality of illumination light sources is identified, and the auxiliary light source is based on color temperature information transmitted from the specific illumination light source. A control method comprising a control step of controlling the auxiliary light irradiation of the light means. Computer
In a control method of an imaging apparatus having an imaging means for imaging a subject and an auxiliary light means for irradiating the subject with auxiliary light,
Receiving means for receiving color temperature information transmitted from the illumination light source;
A color temperature calculating means for extracting a white portion of a subject image from the imaging signal of the subject output from the imaging means and calculating a color temperature of the extracted white portion;
Comparing means for comparing the color temperature of the subject image calculated by the color temperature calculating means with the color temperature information received from each illumination light source;
Based on the comparison result by the comparison means, an illumination light source that has a high degree of influence on the subject image among the plurality of illumination light sources is identified, and the auxiliary light is based on color temperature information transmitted from the specific illumination light source A program that functions as control means for controlling the auxiliary light irradiation of the means.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 17 is recorded.   A program that causes a computer to function as each unit of the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 15.