JP3203263B2 - Imaging system, electronic camera and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an imaging system, an electronic camera, a computer system for controlling the electronic camera, and a control method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Electronic cameras for photographing a subject and outputting an analog video signal or digital image data representing the photographed subject image include a video camera, a still video camera (electronic still camera), and a digital still camera. There are video cameras (digital electronic still cameras) and the like.

In these electronic cameras, setting of so-called camera control parameters for photographing and image processing such as exposure amount (aperture value and shutter speed), white balance, etc. (in the case of automatic setting) as well as shutter release. Has been performed on the electronic camera side using switches and buttons provided on the electronic camera.

[0004] Electronic cameras, especially digital-type electronic cameras that provide digital image data, have recently attracted attention because of the potential for developing applications coupled with computer systems. For example, it is possible to create a new medium by storing image data representing an object image obtained from an electronic camera on a recording medium such as an optical disk or a magnetic disk provided in a computer system, or by editing these. it can. This new media is a public relations, advertisement, presentation of materials,
It can be used for providing information.

In order to create such new media, image data obtained by photographing with an electronic camera must be transmitted to a computer system. In general, image data has a large capacity and therefore takes a long time for transmission.

[0006] Before storing image data representing an image of a subject taken by an electronic camera in a recording medium, it is important to check whether or not the subject is properly taken. If the shooting is not appropriate, it is necessary to redo the shooting including resetting of the camera control parameters.

In order to visually check whether or not a subject is properly photographed, it is necessary to display a subject image represented by digital image data obtained from an electronic camera on a display device. In order to display a subject image on the screen of a display device provided in a computer system, it is necessary to transmit all image data from the electronic camera to the computer system. is not.

As described above, the setting of camera control parameters for photographing is performed in the electronic camera. It is complicated for the operator of the computer system to go to the installation location of the electronic camera and make adjustments every time the imaging conditions are changed.

Further, it is not always preferable to always store the entire subject image photographed by an electronic camera in a recording medium. In some cases, only a part of the captured subject image is required. If only necessary image data is cut out and stored in a recording medium, the capacity can be saved. It is also required that the image stored in the recording medium be enlarged or reduced as necessary.

[0010] From such a viewpoint, in an imaging system configured by combining an electronic camera and a computer system, operations for photographing, operations for image data communication, and storage of image data on a recording medium are performed. It is desired to be able to perform all operations and the like in a computer system.

[0011]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an electronic camera and a computer.
An object of the present invention is to enable a computer system to set camera control parameters such as an exposure amount and various balances in an imaging system configured by combining the system.

An imaging system according to the present invention adjusts control parameters of an imaging optical system in accordance with a given command, shoots a subject using the imaging optical system, and generates image data representing the shot subject image. It comprises an electronic camera and a computer system capable of communicating with the electronic camera and having an initiative in communicating with the electronic camera.

In the first invention, the computer system includes means for setting a target value relating to a control parameter of the imaging optical system, and means for transmitting the set target value to the electronic camera together with a setting command. ing.

The electronic camera includes means for periodically detecting a control amount relating to the control parameter of the imaging optical system, target value storage means for storing a target value relating to a given control parameter of the imaging optical system, and the detecting means. Means for performing feedback control so that the detected control amount matches a given target value; means for periodically comparing the detected control amount relating to the imaging optical system with a stored target value; Comparison value storage means for storing a comparison result,
Means for transmitting the comparison result stored by the comparison value storage means to the computer system; and, in response to the target value being transmitted from the computer system together with the setting command, immediately before the comparison value storage means Is read, and if the comparison result indicates a match, the target value transmitted from the computer system is stored as a new target value in the target value storage means. Using a transmitting means to transmit to the computer system as a response to the setting command,
Then, feedback control is performed on the feedback control means so that the control amount related to the control parameter of the imaging optical system becomes the newly stored target value, and if the comparison result indicates mismatch, the transmission means is notified. Means for controlling transmission to the computer system by using the computer system.

In the second invention, the computer system includes means for setting a notification mode for notifying a current control amount relating to a control parameter of the imaging optical system;
And a means for transmitting a control amount transmission command to the electronic camera when the notification mode is set.

The electronic camera includes means for periodically detecting a control amount related to the control parameter of the imaging optical system, means for storing a target value related to a given control parameter of the imaging optical system, control of the detected imaging optical system. Means for periodically comparing a control amount relating to a parameter with a stored target value, means for transmitting a comparison result by the comparing means and a target value relating to the imaging optical system to the computer system, and In response to the transmission of the control amount transmission command, the comparison result immediately before the comparison by the comparison means is read,
If the comparison result indicates a match, the control amount detected by the detection means is transmitted to the computer system using the transmission means as a response to the control amount transmission instruction immediately before receiving the control amount transmission instruction. If the comparison result indicates a mismatch, means is provided for controlling the transmission to the computer system using the transmission means in response to the control amount transmission command.

The present invention also provides a control method of the above-mentioned imaging system, an electronic camera constituting the above-mentioned imaging system, and a control method thereof.

According to these inventions, the target value stored in the electronic camera is compared with the detected current control amount. If the electronic camera is precisely controlled, they should match.

According to the first aspect, the target value set in the computer system is transmitted to the electronic camera together with the setting command. When the target value is received by the electronic camera, the comparison result is read, and if the comparison result matches, the storage means is rewritten, and the imaging optical system is feedback-controlled so as to obtain the newly stored target value. You. If the comparison result indicates a match, the fact is transmitted to the computer system. If the comparison result indicates a disagreement, the fact is transmitted to the computer system.

According to the second aspect, the notification control command set in the computer system is transmitted to the electronic camera. When the electronic camera receives the notification control command, the comparison result is read. If the comparison result indicates a match, the stored current control amount is transmitted to the computer system, and if the comparison result indicates a mismatch, the fact is transmitted to the computer system.

Thus, the target value and the control amount are compared, and
Since the comparison result is sent to the computer system,
Even when an operation for photographing is performed in a computer system, it can be relatively easily grasped whether or not the electronic camera is accurately controlled.

Further, since control commands are transmitted only from the computer system, the overall operation control is relatively simple.

[0023]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the configuration of an imaging system.

The imaging system includes an electronic camera 10 for photographing the object OB and generating image data representing the object image, and a host computer 30 connected to the electronic camera 10 via a communication path. The electronic camera 10 is, for example, a digital electronic still camera.

The electronic camera 10 is connected to a monitor display device 5 for displaying a subject image. The monitor display device 5 may be a viewfinder integrated with the electronic camera 10.

A display device 40 is connected to the host computer 30. The display device 40 displays an image of a subject photographed using the electronic camera 10, camera control parameters, capture commands, and the like, which will be described later. . A keyboard 36 and a mouse 37 as input devices and an optical disk device 38 for recording image data are connected to the host computer 30.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the imaging system shown in FIG.

The photographing operation of the electronic camera 10, image data processing, transmission processing, and the like are controlled by a camera control device 18 that operates based on commands transmitted from the host computer 30. The electronic camera 10 includes a communication interface 9 for receiving commands transmitted from the host computer 30 and transmitting image data to the host computer 30.

The electronic camera 10 includes a zoom lens mechanism 11 for forming a subject image, an aperture 12, a CCD 13 disposed at a position where the subject image is formed, and outputting a video signal representing the taken subject image. The output video signal is subjected to color separation, white balance adjustment, black balance adjustment, etc.
A signal processing circuit 14 for obtaining a B signal is included.

A digital / analog (D / A) conversion circuit 22 and a driver 23 are included for adjusting the zoom amount of the zoom / lens mechanism 11 and controlling the aperture 12. Control data on the zoom amount and control data on the aperture are output from the camera control device 18, and a D / A conversion circuit is provided.
When the driver 23 is driven via 22, the adjustment of the zoom amount and the adjustment of the aperture are performed.

The signal processing in the signal processing circuit 14 is also performed by the camera controller 18. The electronic camera 10 includes a D / A conversion circuit 28 in order to convert digital control data for signal processing output from the camera control device 18 into an analog control signal and provide the analog control signal to the signal processing circuit 14.

The electronic camera 10 includes a photometric element 20. A signal representing the amount of received light output from the photometric element 20 is applied to an analog / digital (A / D) conversion circuit 21, converted into digital data, and applied to the camera controller 18. Data on the amount of light received from the photometric element 20 is used for controlling the aperture 12 and adjusting white balance and black balance in the signal processing circuit 14.

An amplifier 24 and an A / D conversion circuit 25 are included in the camera control device 18 to determine the zoom amount of the zoom / lens mechanism 11 and the aperture amount of the aperture 12. Data representing the zoom amount and the aperture amount is supplied to the camera controller 18 via the amplifier 24 and the A / D conversion circuit 25.

An integration circuit 26 and an A / D conversion circuit 27 are included in the camera control device 18 to grasp the white balance amount and the black balance amount in the signal processing circuit 14. The integration circuit 26 integrates the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals RG and BG obtained from the signal processing circuit 14, respectively. The integrated signals are supplied to the camera control device 18 via the A / D conversion circuit 27. Can be Thereby, the camera control device 18 grasps the white balance amount and the black balance amount.

The zoom amount, aperture value, white balance value, and black balance value are feedback-controlled under the control of the camera controller 18.

The electronic camera 10 further includes a signal processing circuit 14
Analog / digital (A / D) conversion circuits 15, A for converting RGB signals output from
An image memory 16 for storing digital image data converted by the / D conversion circuit 15, a thinning circuit 19 for thinning out pixels represented by the image data, and a main memory 17 are included. The main memory 17 has a transfer buffer 17 for temporarily storing image data to be transmitted to the host computer 30.
A, a camera control parameter storage unit 17B for storing camera control parameters for adjusting the shutter control, white balance and black balance, a control amount storage unit 17C for storing the current control amount, and a host computer 30. A reception buffer 17D for temporarily storing camera control parameters is provided. The image memory 16 has a capacity to store at least one frame of image data.

Further, the electronic camera 10 includes a D / A conversion circuit 29 for converting digital image data into an analog video signal in order to display a photographed subject image on the monitor display device 5.

The host computer 30 includes a CPU 31, and the host computer 30 is controlled by the CPU 31.
Is controlled. The CPU 31 creates various data, commands, and the like, which will be described later, based on input signals provided to the CPU 31 from a keyboard 36 and a mouse 37 connected to the host computer 30.

The host computer 30 includes a communication interface 33 for transmitting data and commands created by the CPU 31 to the electronic camera 10 and receiving image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10. Done through 33.

The host computer 30 further includes a main memory 32 and a display memory 34. The main memory 32 includes a transfer buffer 32A for storing image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10, a keyboard 36 or a mouse 37.
And a camera control parameter storage unit 32B for storing camera control parameters such as an exposure amount, a black balance, and a white balance set on the screen of the display device 40.
The display memory 34 stores data representing images, characters, and symbols displayed on the display device 40.

An optical disk device 38 is connected to the host computer 30, and the optical disk device 38 records image data on an optical disk.

As indicated by the dashed line, the host computer 30
A monitor display device 5A is attached to the camera, and the monitor display device 5A and the electronic camera 10 are directly connected to each other. A subject image taken by the electronic camera 10 is displayed on the monitor display device 5A, and the host computer 30 is operated. You may be able to see while watching.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing processing procedures such as imaging, transmission, display, and recording in the imaging system. FIG. 3 shows the processing procedure in the host computer 30, and FIG. Each procedure is shown.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of the setup of the camera control parameters in the host computer 30, and shows a part of the process of step 63 in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a rewriting process of the camera control parameter storage unit 17B in the electronic camera 10, and shows a part of the processes of steps 81 and 82 in FIG.
5 and 6 will be described later in detail.

FIG. 7 shows various areas set on the screen of the display device 40. FIG. 8 shows a display example of a partial area among various areas set on the screen of the display device 40, and mainly shows a display example of a setup area.
9 to 23 show examples of screens displayed on the display device 40. FIG.

When the power of the host computer 30 is turned on, an initial screen is displayed on the display device 40 (FIG. 3 step).
61).

On the screen of the display device 40, as shown in FIG. 7, a menu display area 126, a setup area 120, a capture command input area 122, a preview image display area
121, a camera control parameter display area 124, a parameter setting area 125, and a main image display area 123 are displayed as necessary. Although not shown in FIG. 7, when a preview image is displayed in the preview image display area 121, a histogram window for displaying a pixel level histogram of the preview image is displayed on the screen of the display device 40 as described later. Is displayed. On the initial screen, a menu display area 126, a setup area 120, a capture command input area 122, a preview image display area 121, and a camera control parameter display area 124 are displayed.

In the menu display area 126, "File",
Menus such as "Edit" and "Setup" are displayed. “File” is clicked using the mouse 37 when performing a process of transferring data recorded on the optical disc to the main memory 32, a process of transferring data stored in the main memory 32 to the optical disc, or the like. "Edit" is clicked using the mouse 37 when reading data recorded on the optical disk and displaying an image represented by the data in a specific area. “Setup” is clicked when setting camera control parameters.

The setup process of camera control data (step 62 in FIG. 3) which is started by clicking “setup” will be described below with reference to FIGS. The setup of the camera control parameters is performed while the host computer 30 and the electronic camera 10 communicate with each other.

The setup items are roughly classified into select and adjust, as shown in FIG. The select includes items of input, flash, exposure, positive / negative, and LUT (lookup table).
The adjustment includes exposure, black balance, and white balance. When "Setup" is clicked, these items are displayed in the setup area.

The "input" is clicked when selecting the source, mode, etc. of the input image data. When "input" is clicked, items representing the source, mode, and the like are displayed. FIG. 8 shows a “camera” (meaning the electronic camera 10) as an example of a source of image data. When capturing image data from the electronic camera 10, this "camera" is clicked.

"Flash" is for setting whether or not to emit a flash. When "Flash" is clicked, "On" and "Off" are displayed, and the mouse 37 is displayed.
Can be used to select either one.

With respect to the adjustment of the exposure amount, an auto (AE) function for automatically adjusting the exposure in the electronic camera 10, a remote function for the operator to set the exposure in the host computer 30, and an exposure for the operator in the electronic camera 10 There are three types of manual functions for setting "Exposure" is clicked when any one of the above three functions is selected. When the "exposure" of the select is clicked,
“AE”, “remote”, and “manual” are displayed, and the operator can select any of these functions using the mouse 37.

"Positive / Negative" sets whether to perform positive photographing (normal photographing) or negative photographing (white and black levels are inverted and suitable for photographing a negative film). When "positive / negative" is clicked, "positive" and "negative" are displayed, and either one can be selected.

"LUT" is for setting the gradation characteristics. "Default" and "L"
UT1 ”to“ LUT5 ”. “Default” is a predetermined most common gradation characteristic, and “LU”
“T1” to “LUT5” indicate types of gradation characteristics that can be arbitrarily determined by the user of this imaging system. "LU
When "T" is clicked, "Default" and "LU"
"T1" to "LUT5" are displayed, and one of them is selected.

The "exposure" adjustment is clicked in the "remote" mode, that is, when the exposure amount is set in the host computer 30. When "exposure" is clicked, the content suitable for setting the exposure amount is displayed in the parameter setting area 125 of the display screen of the display device 40, and the setting of the exposure is enabled in the host computer 30.

The "black balance" is for adjusting the black balance. When "black balance" is clicked, a screen suitable for adjusting the black balance is displayed in the parameter setting area 125 of the display screen of the display device 40, and the black balance can be adjusted.

The "white balance" is for adjusting the white balance. When “white balance” is clicked, the parameter setting area 125 on the display screen of the display device 40 is displayed.
Then, a screen suitable for white balance adjustment is displayed, and white balance adjustment can be performed.

FIG. 9 shows that “camera” is selected for “input” in the above-mentioned setup item selection.
The display example shows a state in which “off” is set for “flash”, “positive” is set for “positive / negative”, and “LUT1” is set for “LUT”. Parameter display area 124
Will be displayed. The five items of “select” may be set in any order, but here, “exposure” is set last.

In order to set any of “AE”, “remote”, and “manual” modes for adjusting the exposure amount, clicking “exposure” of the select displayed in the setup area 120 results in FIG. "AE", "remote" and "manual" are displayed in the preview image display area 121 as shown in FIG. One of the modes is selected using the mouse 37.

For example, if “remote” is clicked, “remote” is displayed in “exposure” of the camera control parameter display area 104, and a remote command is transmitted to the electronic camera 10. If "auto" is clicked, "auto" is displayed in "exposure" of the camera control parameter display area 104, and an auto command is transmitted to the electronic camera 10.

As described above, “remote” is a mode in which the operator adjusts the exposure amount in the host computer 30. Therefore, the operator clicks “exposure” of “adjust” as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the parameter setting area 125 of the display screen of the display device 40 is displayed.
Then, a screen suitable for adjusting the exposure amount is displayed.

The exposure amount is adjusted by the aperture value in this embodiment. The shutter speed is fixed. Needless to say, the shutter speed may be settable.

In the parameter setting area 125 shown in FIG. 12, the aperture value range (open aperture value: open F and fully closed aperture value: closed F) and the current aperture value (current value F) are displayed. The current value F is the current aperture value of the aperture in the electronic camera 10, and the value transmitted from the electronic camera 10 to the host computer 30 is displayed.

The aperture value represented by the length of the scroll bar 125A is displayed numerically as the current value. When the operator clicks "OK", the aperture value is set to the aperture value represented by the length of the scroll bar 125A at that time. The set aperture value is displayed in the camera control parameter display area 124 as shown in FIG. The setup data for the set aperture value is transmitted to the electronic camera 10. Setup data is electronic camera
The processing after transmission to 10 will be described later in detail.

In the parameter setting area 125, "cancel" is also displayed. By clicking this, the set aperture value can be canceled.

Next, the black balance adjustment will be described.

When "black balance" displayed in the setup area 120 is clicked as shown in FIG. 14, contents suitable for black balance adjustment are displayed in the parameter setting area 125 as shown in FIG.

Regarding "exposure", "AE", "remote" and "manual" could be selected in the "select" item as described above, but "select" item for black balance. Not included. Therefore, "auto" is included in the parameter setting area 125 so that automatic adjustment can also be selected for black balance adjustment. When the operator clicks “Auto”,
That effect is transmitted from the host computer 30 to the electronic camera 10.

The black balance adjustment is performed for red and blue. "Red" displayed in the parameter display area 124,
By clicking “blue”, remote control of black balance is set. When the remote control is set, a remote command is transmitted to the electronic camera 10.

Similarly to the setting of the aperture value, the black balance is adjusted by operating the mouse 37 to adjust the length of the scroll bars 125R and 125B to a desired value. The set values for red and blue, represented by the length of the scroll bars 125R, 125B, are each displayed numerically.

When the display of “OK” is clicked, these set values are transmitted to the electronic camera 10.

When an automatic command is given to the electronic camera 10, automatic control of the black balance is performed.

The set value of the black balance is displayed in the camera control parameter display area 124 as shown in FIG. The white balance adjustment is performed in the same manner as the black balance adjustment.

When "white balance" displayed in the setup area 120 is clicked as shown in FIG. 17, the content suitable for white balance adjustment is displayed in the parameter setting area 125 as shown in FIG.

As for the white balance adjustment, "auto" is included in the parameter setting area 125 so that automatic adjustment can be selected in the same manner as the black balance adjustment. When the operator clicks “Auto”, the fact is transmitted from the host computer 30 to the electronic camera 10.

The white balance adjustment is also performed for red and blue. Parameter display area 104 for white balance adjustment
Remote control is set by clicking on "red" and "blue" displayed in. When the remote control is set, a remote command is transmitted to the electronic camera 10.

The scroll bar 125 is operated by operating the mouse 37.
The white balance is adjusted so that the lengths of R and 125B are the desired lengths. Scroll bar 125 R, 125
The set values for red and blue, represented by the length of B, are indicated by numbers.

When the display of “OK” is clicked, these set values are transmitted to the electronic camera 10. Electronic camera 10
When the white balance set value is received in step (1), white balance adjustment is performed according to the set value (steps 81 and 82 in FIG. 4).

As described above, the photographing control of the electronic camera 10 is performed in response to a command from the host computer 30. All the camera control data set in the setup mode are displayed in the camera control data display area 124 as shown in FIG. 19, and the camera control parameter storage section 32B of the main memory 32 of the host computer 30.
After being stored in the reception buffer 17D of the main memory 17 of the electronic camera 10, it is stored in the camera control parameter storage unit 17B. In the electronic camera 10, when the parameters stored in the camera control parameter storage unit 17B and the control amount storage unit 17C match, the adjustment is performed based on the camera control parameters. This adjustment will be described later in detail.

The lens position for focusing, zoom magnification, etc. are also stored in the camera control parameter storage section 32B.
May be read from the control amount storage unit 17C and transmitted to the host computer 30 for display in remote control.

Subsequently, the capture command input area 122
Will be described.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the capture command input area 122, “input”, “frame”, “shot”, “get”, “window”, “file”, “X”, “Y”, "W", "H", "remaining capacity",
The “data amount” and the “magnification” are displayed, and a subject image captured by the electronic camera 10 is displayed in the preview image display area 121.

The “input” and the “frame” are used to select from where the video signal representing the image displayed on the monitor display device 5 is obtained. In the “input” mode, a video signal obtained from the CCD 13 is directly supplied to the monitor display device 5 through the signal processing circuit 14 without passing through the image memory 16. The CCD 13 is capable of selectively switching between normal NTSC driving (640 × 480 pixels) and high-vision driving (1280 × 960 pixels). The monitor display device 5 operates at the NTSC rate.
It is driven by TSC. On the other hand, in the “frame” mode, the image data stored in the image memory 16 is stored in the D / A
The data is supplied to the monitor display device 5 via the conversion circuit 29, and an image represented by the image data is displayed.
Controlled by the camera controller 18 to switch between a through video signal (“input” mode) output from the signal processing circuit 14 and a video signal (“frame” mode) output from the D / A conversion circuit 29 A switching circuit 6 is provided.

In FIG. 20, a black circle is added to “frame”, indicating that the “frame” mode is set. The processing of steps 83 to 90 shown in FIG. 4 also shows the operation in the “frame” mode.

The "shot" is a command for causing the electronic camera 10 to photograph a subject and for thinning out image data obtained by the photographing and transmitting the data to the host computer. Image data obtained by photographing with the electronic camera 10 in response to the "shot" click is temporarily stored in the image memory 16, reduced to 1/8 as described later, and transmitted to the host computer 30. The preview image is displayed in the preview image display area 121 as a preview image.
The shooting of the subject image is performed by driving the CCD 13 with high vision. When a "shot" command is given, the mode automatically changes to the "frame" mode, and an image represented by the image data stored in the image memory 16 is displayed on the monitor display device 6.

When the "shot" is clicked, a histogram window 127 for displaying the pixel level histogram of the preview image is displayed on the screen of the display device 40. Since the color level distribution of the preview image is displayed in the histogram window 127, it can be used for setting the optimum shooting conditions.

“Get” is a command for instructing the host computer 30 to finally capture image data obtained by photographing with the electronic camera 10, and “Frame”.
Meaningful in mode. Generally, as will be described later, a “shot” is displayed in the preview image display area 121 by clicking the “shot”, and the “get” is clicked after designating the area and the magnification (resolution).

The "window" and the "file" specify the destination of the image data to be captured by the "get" command. When "window" is clicked,
The image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is stored in the transfer buffer 32A of the main memory 32, and the image represented by the image data is displayed in the main image display area 123 of the display device 40. When "File" is clicked,
The image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is stored in the transfer buffer 32A of the main memory 32, and then, if necessary, stored in the optical disk by the optical disk device 38 while being processed.

"X", "Y", "W", and "H" are used to specify an image area to be captured by a "get" command on the preview image. As shown in FIG. 21, "X" and "Y" represent the X and Y coordinates of one corner of the designated area, "W" represents the width of the designated area, and "H" represents the width of the designated area.
Represents the height of the designated area. By inputting these "X", "Y", "W" and "H" values by operating the mouse 37, a desired area can be designated.

The magnification is used to select the resolution of an image to be captured in accordance with a "get" command. In this embodiment, one of 1, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.125 is selected by the mouse 37. be able to. If the enlargement ratio of the zoom / lens mechanism 11 can be set in the host computer 30, the photographing magnification can be set to a value exceeding 1 ×. In this embodiment, a value exceeding 1 is set as the magnification only when the operator manually operates the zoom / lens mechanism 11 of the electronic camera 10 to enlarge the image.

"Remaining capacity" indicates the remaining capacity of the transfer buffer 32A of the main memory 32 of the host computer 30.

The "data amount" indicates the amount of image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 in response to the "get" command.

Referring again to FIG. 3 and FIG.
In response to input of various commands from the capture command input area 122 of the computer 30, the electronic camera 10 captures an image of a subject, transmits image data obtained by the imaging to the host computer 30, and transmits the image data to the display device 40. The display process will be described in a unified manner.

The above-described setup processing (step in FIG. 3)
When step 62) is completed, the host computer 30 waits for a click on a "shot" (step 63 in FIG. 3) or waits for designation of an area, magnification, and a destination for taking captured image data (step 68 in FIG. 3).

When "shot" is clicked (step 63 in FIG. 3), a shot command is created by the CPU 31 (step 64 in FIG. 3). The created shot command is transmitted to the electronic camera 10.

Subsequently, a preview command is created (step 65 in FIG. 3). This preview command
This is a command to reduce the image data obtained by imaging (in this embodiment, uniformly 1/8) and transmit the image data.

When the electronic camera 10 receives the shot command (step 83 in FIG. 4), the photographing of the object OB and necessary image data processing are performed under the conditions of the camera control parameters which have been set.

The image data obtained by the imaging and processing is stored in the image memory 16 (step 84 in FIG. 4).

Subsequently, when the preview command is received by the electronic camera 10 (step 85 in FIG. 4), if the input mode is set, the frame mode is set, and the image data stored in the image memory 16 is read out. Pull circuit
Given to 19. In the thinning circuit 19, 160
The image data is uniformly thinned out to 1/8 so that the image data becomes 120 pixels in the vertical direction. The thinned image data is supplied from the thinning circuit 19 to the transfer buffer 17A and is temporarily stored (step 86 in FIG. 4). The image data temporarily stored in the transfer buffer 17A is transferred to the host computer 30.
Sent to.

When the host computer 30 receives the 1/8 reduced image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10, the preview image data is transferred to the transfer buffer.
It is temporarily stored in 32A (step 66 in FIG. 3). The image data stored in the transfer buffer 32A is stored in the transfer buffer 32A.
The preview image represented by the image data is displayed in the preview image display area 121 (step 67 in FIG. 3). An example of the preview image displayed in the preview image display area 121 is shown in FIG.

The operator can check the preview image to confirm whether an image having a desired angle, size, image quality, or the like has been obtained. If necessary, the camera control parameters may be reset (step 62 in FIG. 3).

In order for the host computer 30 to check whether desired image data has been obtained, an electronic camera is required.
It is necessary to transmit the captured image data from 10 to the host computer 30. One frame of image data is 12
Since the data amount is as large as 80 × 960 pixels (1228 Kbytes for one byte per pixel, three times that for color), data transmission takes a long time. As described above, the preview image data is reduced to 1/8 and transmitted from the electronic camera 10 to the host computer 30, so that the transmission time can be shortened.

When the operator confirms that a good image has been obtained by looking at the preview image, it is necessary to finally capture the captured image data. Entire frame (1280 x 960)
May be fetched, but in general, only a part is often required. Therefore, the operator specifies the area of the image to be captured, the magnification, and the capture destination on the preview image as shown in FIG. 21 (YES in step 68 in FIG. 3). Subsequently, the operator clicks “Get” (FIG. 3, step 69)
And YES). Then, a get command including the specified area and magnification is created and transmitted to the electronic camera 10 (step 70 in FIG. 3).

As described above, when an enlarged image is desired, the operator can manually operate the zoom / lens mechanism 11 of the electronic camera 10 to set a desired magnification. In this case, the operator clicks “shot” again to repeat shooting and preview of the subject.

When the electronic camera 10 receives the get command (step 88 in FIG. 4), the image data in the designated area is read from the image memory 16.

When the magnification is smaller than 1, the image memory 16
The image data read out from is supplied to the thinning circuit 19, and thinning is performed according to the set magnification. The image data is temporarily stored in the transfer buffer 17A (step 89 in FIG. 4) and then transmitted to the host computer 30 (step 90 in FIG. 4).

As described above, since only the image data of the area that is truly required is transmitted from the electronic camera 10, the transmission time of the image data can be reduced.

The image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is received by the host computer 30 (step 71 in FIG. 3). When the image data is received, the image data is transferred to the previously specified destination. That is, when the capture destination is a “window” (main memory), the received image data is transferred to the transfer buffer 32 of the main memory 32.
A and the image represented by the image data is displayed in the main image display area 123 of the display device 40 as shown in FIG. 22 (step 73 in FIG. 3). If the destination is a "file", the received image data is temporarily stored in the main memory 32, processed as necessary, transferred to the optical disk device 38, and recorded on the optical disk (step 75 in FIG. 3). ). At this time, the main image display area 123
Does not display an image (see FIG. 23), but it may be displayed.

[0110] The operator may set the capture destination to "window", see the subject image displayed in the main image display area 123, and then click "file". In response, the image data stored in the main memory 32 is recorded on the optical disk (YES in step 74 of FIG. 3, step 7
Five). Of course, it is also possible to start over again from the "shot" command without clicking "file".

Since the remaining capacity of the main memory 32 and the data amount of the transmitted image data are displayed in the capture command input area 122, the operator operates the various commands as described above while watching these amounts. Can be entered. When the remaining capacity of the main memory 32 is smaller than the data amount of the image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10, it is preferable to prohibit the input of the "get" command.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the camera control parameter setup processing in the host computer 30 and the adjustment processing according to the setup data transmitted from the host computer 30 in the electronic camera 10 will be described in detail. .

When the power of the electronic camera 10 is turned on, it is checked whether or not shooting is in progress (step 101 in FIG. 6). If it is determined that shooting is not being performed, it is determined whether the zoom / lens mechanism 11 and the aperture 12 mounted on the electronic camera 10 can be remotely controlled (step 103 in FIG. 6).

Remotely Controllable Zoom / Lens Mechanism 11
If the aperture is 12, the current aperture value is detected (FIG. 6
Step 104). The detected aperture value is provided to the main memory 17 and stored as a new aperture value in the control amount storage unit 17C (step 105 in FIG. 6). Zoom that cannot be controlled remotely
When the lens mechanism 11 and the aperture 12 are mounted on the electronic camera 10, the fact that remote control is impossible is stored in the control amount storage unit 17C (step 106 in FIG. 6).

The white balance value and the black balance value are also detected and stored in the control amount storage unit 17C, but these values need not necessarily be detected.

If the subject is being photographed, the above process is not executed until the vertical blanking period to prevent the image from being disturbed in the process of detecting the control amount such as the aperture value. The detection of the aperture value of the aperture 12 is performed periodically unless the subject is being photographed, and is performed every vertical blanking period if the subject is being photographed. In this way, in the electronic camera 10, the aperture value of the aperture 12 is always stored as new data in the control amount storage unit 17.
Stored in C. If necessary, new data for other control amounts such as a white balance value and a black balance value are always stored in the control amount storage unit 17C.

The host computer 30 sends the electronic camera 10
Transmission of setup data and transmission of a control amount transmission command are performed in two types.

The transmission of the setup data is transmission processing of the camera control parameters set up as described above, and the transmission of the control amount transmission command is performed when the host computer 30 transmits the current control amount of the electronic camera 10. This is a transmission process.

When it is necessary to know the current control amount set in the electronic camera 10 when performing the setup processing of the camera control data (step 91 in FIG. 5), the notification mode is designated by using the keyboard 36. Then CPU
At 31, a control amount transmission command is created. The created control amount transmission command is transmitted to the electronic camera 10.

The electronic camera 10 is feedback-controlled in accordance with the camera control parameters stored in the camera control parameter storage section 17B, and the controlled amount is controlled by the control amount storage section.
Stored in 17C. Therefore, the current control amount stored in the control amount storage unit 17C and the camera control parameter storage unit 17
The camera control parameters stored in B should originally match. However, the camera control parameter storage unit 17
B, and after the control of the aperture 12 is performed, the aperture 12
When the imaging optical system including is removed or when an imaging optical system having different control parameters is mounted on the electronic camera 10, the two do not match. In such a case, the host computer
Even if the electronic camera 10 is controlled based on the control parameters transmitted from the electronic camera 10, accurate control cannot be performed.
Therefore, when a control amount transmission command is transmitted from the host computer 30, the current control amount (aperture value, black balance, white balance, etc.) stored in the control amount storage unit 17C and the camera control parameter storage unit 17B are stored in the camera control parameter storage unit 17B. The stored camera control parameters are periodically compared (step 107 in FIG. 6).

If no data or control command is transmitted from the host computer 30, the process returns to step 101 in FIG. 6 (step 108 in FIG. 6).

In the electronic camera 10, when there is a transmission from the host computer 30, the content is analyzed (FIG. 6).
Steps 108 and 109), and the result of comparison immediately before the reception is read (step 116 in FIG. 6).

If it is determined that the comparison results match, the control amount stored in the control amount storage unit 17C is transmitted to the host computer 30 (steps 117 and 11 in FIG. 6).
8). As described above, the control amount of the electronic camera 10 is controlled only by the host computer 30 in response to the transmission control command from the host computer 30.
Sent to computer 30.

The host computer 30 receives the camera control parameters transmitted from the electronic camera 10 (step 92 in FIG. 5), and the contents of the camera control parameters are displayed on the display device 40 (step 93 in FIG. 5). A setup process is performed for the camera control parameters that need to be set or changed among the displayed camera control parameters.

As a result of the comparison, if it is determined that they do not match, the fact is transmitted to the host computer 30 (step 6 in FIG. 6).
119). Thus, the operator checks the electronic camera 10.

When the setup data such as the aperture value, black balance value, and white balance value set as described above is transmitted to the electronic camera 10, the control amount stored in the control amount storage unit 17C and the camera The result of comparison with the camera control parameters stored in the control parameter storage section 17B is read (step 110 in FIG. 6). However, it is not always necessary to compare the black balance value and the white balance value and read the results. The setup data transmitted from the host computer 30 is temporarily stored in the reception buffer 17D.

As a result of the comparison, if the camera control parameters stored in the storage units 17B and 17C do not match the control amount (step 111 in FIG. 6), the control based on the camera control parameters transmitted from the host computer 30 is performed. Can be determined to be unable to be achieved accurately, so that the mismatch is transmitted to the host computer 30 (step 11 in FIG. 6).
9). Thereby, on the host computer 30 side,
It is recognized that the imaging optical system has been replaced.

As a result of the comparison, if the camera control parameters of the aperture values stored in the storage units 17B and 17C match, the fact is transmitted to the host computer 30 (step 112 in FIG. 6). The setup data temporarily stored in the reception buffer 17D is stored in the camera control parameter storage unit 17B (steps 113 and 114 in FIG. 6).

When the camera control parameters are stored in the camera control parameter storage section 17B, control is performed so that the set target values are obtained (step 115 in FIG. 6).

In this way, control can be performed only when accurate control can be achieved, so that accurate control amount adjustment can always be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an imaging system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the imaging system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a host computer.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the electronic camera.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a partial procedure of a setup process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a camera control parameter rewriting process.

FIG. 7 shows a plurality of display areas displayed on the display device.

FIG. 8 shows contents displayed in a partial area of the display device.

FIG. 9 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 10 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 11 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 12 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 13 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 14 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 15 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 16 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 17 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 18 illustrates a display example on a display device.

FIG. 19 illustrates a display example on a display device.

FIG. 20 illustrates a display example on a display device.

FIG. 21 illustrates a display example on a display device.

FIG. 22 illustrates a display example on a display device.

FIG. 23 illustrates a display example on a display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 9, 33 Communication interface 10 Electronic camera 11 Zoom / lens mechanism 12 Aperture 13 CCD 14 Signal processing circuit 15 A / D conversion circuit 16 Image memory 17, 32 Main memory 18 Camera controller 30 Host computer 31 CPU 36 Keyboard 37 Mouse 40 Display device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-4-4679 (JP, A) JP-A-3-247179 (JP, A) JP-A-62-42672 (JP, A) JP-A-1- 94311 (JP, A) JP-A-2-58485 (JP, A) JP-A-4-348674 (JP, A) JP-A-5-56327 (JP, A) JP-A-5-56326 (JP, A) JP-A-5-219430 (JP, A) JP-A-5-219428 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 5/222-5/257

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] An electronic camera for adjusting a control parameter of an imaging optical system in accordance with a given command, photographing a subject using the imaging optical system, and generating image data representing the photographed subject image; Can communicate with electronic cameras,
A control method of an imaging system including a computer system having an initiative in communication with the electronic camera, wherein the computer system sets when a target value related to a control parameter of the imaging optical system is set. The electronic camera periodically detects a control amount related to the control parameter of the imaging optical system, and controls the given control parameter of the imaging optical system. The stored control value for the detected imaging optical system is periodically compared with the stored target value, and the comparison result is stored. In response to the transmission of the target value, the stored comparison result immediately before is read, and the comparison result indicates a match. If so, the target value transmitted from the computer system is stored as a new target value, the fact that they match is transmitted to the computer system as a response to the setting command, and the control of the imaging optical system is performed. Feedback control is performed so that the control amount related to the parameter becomes the newly stored target value. If the comparison result indicates a mismatch, control is transmitted to the computer system as a response to the setting command. To control the imaging system. 2. An electronic camera which adjusts control parameters of an imaging optical system in accordance with a given command, shoots a subject using the imaging optical system, and generates image data representing the shot subject image. Can communicate with electronic cameras,
A method of controlling an imaging system including a computer system having an initiative in communication with the electronic camera, wherein the computer system has a notification mode for notifying a current control amount related to a control parameter of the imaging optical system. When set, control is performed so as to transmit a control amount transmission command to the electronic camera. The electronic camera periodically detects a control amount related to a control parameter of the imaging optical system. The control value of the control parameter of the imaging optical system detected is periodically compared with the stored target value, and the comparison result is stored.・ In response to the transmission of the control variable transmission command from the system, the stored comparison result immediately before is read and the ratio is read. If the comparison result indicates a match, the control amount detected immediately before receiving the control amount transmission command is transmitted to the computer system as a response to the control amount transmission command, and if the comparison result indicates a mismatch, A control method of the imaging system, wherein the effect is transmitted to the computer system in response to the control amount transmission command. 3. Communication is possible using a communication path with a computer system having the initiative in communication, and control parameters of an imaging optical system are adjusted according to a given command. A control method for an electronic camera that photographs a subject and generates image data representing a photographed subject image, wherein a control amount related to the control parameter of the imaging optical system is periodically detected, and a control amount related to a given control parameter of the imaging optical system is determined. The target value is stored, the detected control amount relating to the imaging optical system is periodically compared with the stored target value, and the comparison result is stored. In response to the transmission of the target value related to the imaging optical system, the stored comparison result immediately before is read. The target value transmitted from the computer system is stored as a new target value, the fact that they match is transmitted to the computer system as a response to the setting command, and the control amount related to the control parameter of the imaging optical system is determined. A control method for an electronic camera, comprising: performing feedback control so as to reach a newly stored target value; and transmitting a mismatch to the computer system if the comparison result indicates a mismatch. 4. Communication is possible using a communication path with a computer system having the initiative in communication, and control parameters of an imaging optical system are adjusted according to a given command. A method of controlling an electronic camera that photographs a subject and generates image data representing a photographed subject image, periodically detects a control amount related to a control parameter of the imaging optical system, and sets a target value related to a given imaging optical system. The control amount of the detected control parameter of the imaging optical system is periodically compared with the stored target value, and the comparison result is stored. In response to the transmission of the control variable, the stored comparison result immediately before is read, and if the comparison result indicates a match, the comparison result is detected immediately before the reception of the control amount transmission command. Transmitting the control amount to the computer system as a response to the control amount transmission command, and transmitting the fact to the computer system in response to the control amount transmission command if the comparison result indicates a mismatch. Control method of electronic camera. 5. An electronic camera which adjusts control parameters of an imaging optical system according to a given command, shoots a subject using the imaging optical system, and generates image data representing the shot subject image. Can communicate with electronic cameras,
An imaging system comprising a computer system having an initiative in communication with the electronic camera, wherein the computer system sets a target value related to a control parameter of the imaging optical system, and the set target value Means for transmitting a set value to the electronic camera together with the setting command, wherein the electronic camera periodically detects a control amount related to a control parameter of the imaging optical system, and sets a target value related to a given control parameter of the imaging optical system. Target value storing means for storing, means for performing feedback control so that the control amount detected by the detecting means coincides with a given target value, and storing the detected control amount relating to the imaging optical system and the stored target value. Means for periodically comparing; comparison result storage means for storing a comparison result by the comparison means; Means for transmitting the comparison result stored by the result storage means to the computer system; and responding to the transmission of the target value together with the setting command from the computer system, comparing the result with the comparison result storage means immediately before. The read comparison result is read, and if the comparison result indicates a match, the target value transmitted from the computer system is stored as a new target value in the target value storage means, and the fact that they match is transmitted by the transmission means. Is transmitted to the computer system as a response to the setting command, and feedback control is performed using the feedback control means so that the control amount related to the control parameter of the imaging optical system becomes a newly stored target value. And, if the comparison result indicates a mismatch, use the transmitting means to indicate that the And a means for controlling so as to transmit the over data system, the imaging system. 6. An electronic camera which adjusts control parameters of an imaging optical system according to a given command, shoots a subject using the imaging optical system, and generates image data representing the shot subject image. Can communicate with electronic cameras,
An imaging system, comprising: a computer system having an initiative in communication with the electronic camera, wherein the computer system sets a notification mode for notifying a current control amount related to a control parameter of the imaging optical system. Means for transmitting a control amount transmission command to the electronic camera when the notification mode is set, wherein the electronic camera periodically detects a control amount related to a control parameter of the imaging optical system. A target value storage means for storing a target value relating to the control parameter of the imaging optical system, a means for periodically comparing the detected control amount relating to the control parameter of the imaging optical system with the stored target value, Comparison result storage means for storing the comparison result, the comparison result stored by the comparison result storage means, Means for transmitting a target value relating to the imaging optical system to the computer system, and a control stored in the comparison result storage means immediately before the control system in response to the transmission of the control amount transmission command from the computer system. The result is read, and if the comparison result indicates a match, the control amount detected by the detection means immediately before receiving the control amount transmission command is used as a response to the control amount transmission command using the transmission means. Means for transmitting to the system and, if the comparison result indicates a mismatch, controlling to transmit the fact to the computer system using the transmitting means in response to the control amount transmission command. system. 7. Communication is possible using a communication path with a computer system having the initiative in communication, and control parameters of an imaging optical system are adjusted in accordance with a given command. An electronic camera for photographing a subject and generating image data representing the photographed subject image, a means for periodically detecting a control amount related to the control parameter of the imaging optical system, a target value for a given control parameter of the imaging optical system Value storage means for storing the control amount, feedback control means for controlling the control amount detected by the detection means to coincide with a given target value, the detected control amount relating to the imaging optical system and the target value already stored Means for periodically comparing the comparison result, comparison result storage means for storing the comparison result obtained by the comparison means, and comparison stored by the comparison result storage means Means for transmitting the result to the computer system, and in response to the transmission of the target value relating to the imaging optical system together with the setting command from the computer system, the stored comparison result immediately before that is compared with the comparison result. If the comparison result indicates a match, the target value transmitted from the computer system is stored as a new target value in the target value storage means, and coincidence data indicating the coincidence is stored in the target value storage means. The transmission is transmitted to the computer system as a response to the setting command using transmission means, and feedback control is performed by the feedback control means so that the control amount relating to the control parameter of the imaging optical system becomes a newly stored target value. And if the comparison result indicates a mismatch, use the transmitting means to indicate that Means for controlling so as to transmit to the computer system an electronic camera, comprising a. 8. Communication is possible using a communication path with a computer system having the initiative in communication, and control parameters of an imaging optical system are adjusted in accordance with a given command. An electronic camera for photographing a subject and generating image data representing the photographed subject image, a means for periodically detecting a control amount related to the control parameter of the imaging optical system, a target value for a given control parameter of the imaging optical system Means for periodically comparing a control amount of the detected control parameter of the imaging optical system with a stored target value, a comparison result storage means for storing a comparison result by the comparing means, Means for transmitting to the computer system the comparison result stored by the comparison result storage means and a target value relating to the imaging optical system; In addition, in response to the transmission of the control amount transmission command from the computer system, immediately before that, the comparison result stored in the comparison result storage means is read, and if the comparison result indicates a match, the control amount is read. Transmitting the control amount detected by the detection unit immediately before receiving the transmission instruction to the computer system using the transmission unit as a response to the control amount transmission instruction;
Means for responding to the control amount transmission command to transmit the fact to the computer system using the transmission means if the comparison result indicates inconsistency.