JP4208796B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera and a digital video camera, and more specifically to an imaging apparatus that can determine whether or not a captured image is a successful image without blurring. In particular, the present invention relates to an imaging apparatus in which a success image is automatically extracted from a plurality of images captured in one shooting, such as continuous shooting.

  In recent years, digital cameras such as digital still cameras and digital video cameras equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor have become widespread. A digital camera converts an analog electrical signal photoelectrically converted by an image sensor into a digital format by an AD converter, and converts the converted electrical signal of each pixel into a storage medium (semiconductor memory, magnetic storage memory, etc.) as a digital image. It has a function to memorize. In recent years, the performance of an image sensor, the storage capacity of a storage medium, and the access speed have been improved, and a digital camera capable of continuous shooting and moving image shooting has been put to practical use in the same way as a so-called silver salt camera.

  By the way, in situations where a sufficient amount of light cannot be obtained, such as when shooting under cloudy sky or when shooting indoors, the iris (aperture) is generally opened and the shutter speed is reduced, as with a silver halide camera. Ensure the amount of light (exposure). However, when the shutter speed is lowered, it is easily affected by camera shake, and if a user who does not have sufficient shooting skill captures an image, the contour of the captured image may be blurred, and as a result, imaging may fail. there were.

  Attaching a fixing device such as a tripod to a digital camera can prevent camera shake, but one of the advantages of a digital camera is that it can be easily captured. Therefore, there is a strong resistance of users. Moreover, since it is necessary to attach a digital camera to a fixture in advance, it is not suitable for picking up a bag. In view of this, a digital camera that can detect whether or not a captured image is an image without blurring (hereinafter referred to as a successful image) has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The digital camera described in Patent Document 1 analyzes an image frequency of a captured image to extract a high frequency component, and determines whether the image is a successful image based on the extracted high frequency component.
JP 2004-120256 A

  However, since the processing capability of the digital camera described in Patent Document 1 is limited, it is difficult to continuously shoot high-definition images having a large amount of processing. More specifically, a digital camera equipped with an image sensor that can capture high-definition images cannot transfer signals related to all pixels within the vertical synchronization period. I have to do it. Therefore, in order to determine whether or not the captured image is a successful image, first, an image frequency is analyzed for an image composed of divided and transferred signals, and a high frequency component is extracted, and the extracted high frequency component is extracted. On the basis of whether the image is a successful image or not. As described above, there is a problem that the processing amount increases as the number of pixels of the image sensor increases.

  In addition, when dedicated arithmetic hardware is installed, there is a problem that the arithmetic hardware is required and the configuration is inevitably bulky and expensive.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. When an image is captured, a small image having a smaller image size than the captured image is captured, and information relating to the sharpness of the captured small image is detected. By adopting a configuration for determining the suitability of an image based on information relating to the detected sharpness, the processing burden is reduced, and the suitability of an image is judged even with a smaller and lower cost configuration than before. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of storing an image in a storage medium when it is determined that the image is suitable.

  Further, the present invention captures a small image having a smaller image size than the image to be captured before and after the image is captured, and detects the contrast values (first contrast value and second contrast value) of each captured small image. By adopting a configuration for determining the suitability of an image based on the detected contrast value, the processing burden is reduced, and even if the configuration is smaller and less expensive than the conventional configuration, the suitability of the image can be determined. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of storing an image in a storage medium when it is determined to be appropriate.

  Further, according to the present invention, the absolute value of the difference value between the first contrast value of the small image captured before capturing the image and the second contrast value of the small image captured after capturing the image is a predetermined value (first predetermined value). If the contrast value greatly changes before and after the image is taken, it can be determined that the image has become a failed image due to blurring during that time. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of determining the suitability of an image from information other than information related to the image to be captured.

  In addition, the present invention captures a small image different from the small image described above when receiving a series of imaging, detects a contrast value (third contrast value) of the captured small image, When the difference value between the first contrast value and / or the absolute value of the difference value between the third contrast value and the second contrast value is greater than a predetermined value (second predetermined value), it is determined that the image is negative. By adopting the configuration, when the third contrast value at the time of receiving a series of imaging is greatly different from the contrast value before imaging and / or after imaging (first contrast value and / or second contrast value). Since it can be determined that the image is different from the image when the series of imaging is accepted even if there is no blurring in the image, the series of imaging was accepted. And to provide the imaging apparatus capable of performing determination is not the image.

  Further, the present invention captures a small image having a smaller image size than the image to be captured before and after the image is captured, and contrast values (first contrast value and second contrast value) in a plurality of regions of each captured small image. ) And the suitability of the image is determined based on the contrast values in a plurality of areas of each detected small image, so that even if blurring occurs, the contrast value of the entire image changes like a portrait photograph It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus that can determine the suitability of an image even when not, and can improve the determination accuracy.

  In the present invention, the absolute value of the difference value between the first total contrast value that is the sum of the first contrast values and the second total contrast value that is the sum of the second contrast values is greater than a predetermined value (first predetermined value). If the total contrast value changes greatly before and after the image is captured, it can be determined that the image has become a failed image due to blurring or the like. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of determining the suitability of an image from information other than information related to the image to be captured.

  The present invention also provides an image that is rejected when the distance between the region having the maximum contrast value of the first contrast values and the region having the maximum contrast value of the second contrast values is longer than a predetermined length. If the position of the subject in the imaging frame has changed significantly, it can be determined that the image has become a failed image due to blurring during that time, so information other than information related to the image to be captured An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that can determine whether or not an image is appropriate.

  In the present invention, the absolute value of the difference value between the first total contrast value that is the sum of the first contrast values and the second total contrast value that is the sum of the second contrast values is smaller than the first predetermined value, and It is determined that the image is suitable when the separation length between the region having the maximum contrast value of the first contrast values and the region having the maximum contrast value of the second contrast values is shorter than a predetermined length. It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus in which only a high-quality image is determined to be appropriate.

  Further, the present invention captures a small image different from the above-described small image when receiving a series of imaging, detects a contrast value (third contrast value) in a plurality of regions of the captured small image, The absolute value of the difference value between the third total contrast value and the first total contrast value, which is the sum of the three contrast values, and / or the difference value between the third total contrast value and the second total contrast value is a predetermined value (second If the image is determined to be negative when the image is larger than the predetermined value, the third total contrast value when the series of imaging is accepted is the total contrast value before and / or after the imaging of the image. If it is significantly different from (the first total contrast value and / or the second total contrast value), even if there is no blurring in the image, it differs from the image when a series of imaging is accepted Since it can be determined that that, for the purpose of providing the image pickup apparatus capable of performing determination is not the image when the captured image has accepted the set of imaging.

  According to the present invention, an absolute value of a difference value between the first total contrast value and the second total contrast value is smaller than the first predetermined value, and the region having the maximum contrast value among the first contrast values, the second contrast The separation length from the region having the maximum contrast value among the values is shorter than a predetermined length, and the difference value between the third total contrast value and the first total contrast value, and / or the third total contrast value and the second Providing an imaging device in which only an image with higher quality is determined to be appropriate by determining that the image is appropriate when the absolute value of the difference value from the total contrast value is smaller than the second predetermined value With the goal.

  In the present invention, when a subject is continuously captured and a plurality of images are captured, an image determined to be appropriate is extracted from the captured images. It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus in which an image determined to be automatically stored in a storage medium and a user need not perform an operation of selecting an image and storing it in the storage medium.

  In addition, the present invention recognizes which image has the highest success level from among the images captured by the user by arranging and displaying the images based on the success level of the images. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device capable of performing the above.

  Further, the present invention is configured to notify the user of the determination result, so that the user can recognize whether or not the shooting is successful. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that can prompt re-imaging until the imaging is successful.

  In addition, the present invention is configured to notify the user that a predetermined number of images have been captured when a predetermined number of images determined to be appropriate are extracted, so that the user can record the predetermined number of images. It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus that can recognize whether or not shooting is successful and can prompt a user to re-shoot until shooting is successful.

  Further, according to the present invention, when it is determined that the image is NO, the storage capacity of the storage medium is reduced by storing the image determined to be NO in the storage medium by not storing the image in the storage medium. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of efficiently storing data in a storage medium.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging apparatus that includes an imaging device that captures an image and a small image having a smaller image size than the image, and that stores a predetermined image captured by the imaging device in a storage medium. A means for instructing to take a small image before and after the image is taken; a first contrast detecting means for detecting a first contrast value of the small image taken before the image is taken; A second contrast detecting means for detecting a second contrast value of the small image, and a determining means for determining the suitability of the image based on the first contrast value and the second contrast value. When it is determined that the image is suitable, the image is stored in the storage medium.

  In the present invention, first, before and after the image is captured, a small image having a smaller image size than the image to be captured is captured, and the contrast values (first contrast value and second contrast value) of each captured small image are captured. Contrast value) is detected. Then, the suitability of the image is determined based on the detected contrast value. If it is determined that the image is suitable, the image is stored in the storage medium. Appropriateness of the image can be determined based on the contrast value of the small image captured before and after capturing the image, that is, from information other than information regarding the image to be captured.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes first calculation means for calculating a difference value between the first contrast value and the second contrast value, and the determination means is the difference value calculated by the first calculation means. When the absolute value of is larger than a first predetermined value, it is determined that the image is negative.

  In the present invention, first, a difference value between the first contrast value related to the small image before image capturing and the second contrast value related to the small image after image capturing is calculated. Then, when the absolute value of the calculated difference value is larger than the first predetermined value, it is determined that the image is no (failed image). If the contrast value greatly changes before and after the image is captured, it can be determined that the image has become a failed image due to blurring or the like in the meantime. Therefore, the suitability of the image can be determined from information other than information related to the image to be captured. .

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes: a receiving unit that receives a series of imaging; a unit that instructs to capture a small image that is different from the small image when the receiving unit receives a series of imaging; Third contrast detection means for detecting a third contrast value, a difference value between the third contrast value and the first contrast value, and / or a difference value between the third contrast value and the second contrast value are calculated. Second determination means, wherein the determination means further determines the suitability of the image based on the difference value calculated by the second calculation means, and the absolute value of the difference value is a first value. 2 If the image is larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that the image is NO.

  In the present invention, first, when a series of imaging is received by an accepting unit such as a shooting button, a small image (reference image) having a smaller image size than the image to be captured is captured and captured. A third contrast value of the reference image is detected. Next, the difference value between the detected third contrast value and the first contrast value related to the small image before the image capture and / or the second contrast related to the detected third contrast value and the small image after the image capture. The difference value from the value is calculated. Then, when the absolute value of the calculated difference value is larger than the second predetermined value, it is determined that the image is not a successful image. If the third contrast value is significantly different from the contrast value before and / or after the image is captured, even if no blurring occurs in the image, the third contrast value is different from the image when the series of images is accepted. Therefore, it can be determined that the captured image is not an image when a series of imaging is accepted.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging apparatus that includes an imaging device that captures an image and a small image having a smaller image size than the image, and that stores a predetermined image captured by the imaging device in a storage medium. Means for instructing small image capturing before and after image capturing, first contrast detection means for detecting first contrast values in a plurality of regions of the small image captured before image capturing, Second contrast detection means for detecting a second contrast value in a plurality of regions of a small image taken after imaging, and determination means for judging suitability of the image based on the first contrast value and the second contrast value; The image is stored in the storage medium when the determination unit determines that the image is appropriate.

  In the present invention, first, a small image having a smaller image size than the image to be captured is captured before and after the image is captured, and the contrast values (first contrast) in a plurality of regions of each captured small image are captured. Value and second contrast value). Then, the suitability of the image is determined based on the detected contrast value. If it is determined that the image is suitable, the image is stored in the storage medium. Even when blurring occurs, there is a possibility that the contrast value of the entire image does not change like a portrait photograph. Therefore, the contrast values in a plurality of regions of the small image are used for determination. When blurring occurs, the contrast value in each region changes, so it can be determined whether or not the image is a successful image, and the determination accuracy can be improved.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes means for calculating a first total contrast value that is the sum of the first contrast values, means for calculating a second total contrast value that is the sum of the second contrast values, and the first First calculating means for calculating a difference value between one total contrast value and the second total contrast value, wherein the determination means has an absolute value of the difference value calculated by the first calculating means as a first predetermined value. If larger, it is determined that the image is NO.

  In the present invention, first, the first total contrast value, which is the sum of the first contrast values in the plurality of regions of the small image before the image capture, and the second in the plurality of regions of the small image after the image capture. A second total contrast value that is a sum of contrast values is calculated. Next, a difference value between the first total contrast value and the second total contrast value is calculated. Then, when the absolute value of the calculated difference value is larger than the first predetermined value, it is determined that the image is not a successful image. If the total contrast value greatly changes before and after the image is captured, it can be determined that the image has become a failed image due to blurring or the like in the meantime. Can be determined.

  The image pickup apparatus according to the present invention specifies first specifying means for specifying a region having the maximum contrast value among the first contrast values, and specifies a region having the maximum contrast value among the second contrast values. A second calculating unit; and a second calculating unit that calculates a separation length between the region specified by the first specifying unit and the region specified by the second specifying unit. When the calculated separation length is longer than a predetermined length, it is determined that the image is negative.

  In the present invention, first, a region having the maximum contrast value among the first contrast values and a region having the maximum contrast value among the second contrast values are specified. Next, the separation length between the two specified areas is calculated. Then, when the calculated separation length is larger than the predetermined length, it is determined that the image is not a successful image. When the position of the subject in the imaging frame changes significantly, it can be determined that the image has become a failed image due to blurring or the like during that time, so whether or not the image is a success image from information other than information about the image to be captured Judgment can be made. For example, if the area having the maximum contrast value related to the small image before imaging and the area having the maximum contrast value after imaging are the same area or adjacent areas, it is assumed that no blurring has occurred. On the other hand, if the image is determined to be a success image, otherwise, it can be determined that the image has failed due to the occurrence of blurring due to a large change in the angle of view before and after imaging.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the determination unit is configured such that the absolute value of the difference value calculated by the first calculation unit is smaller than the first predetermined value, and the separation length calculated by the second calculation unit is If the image is shorter than a predetermined length, the image is determined to be appropriate.

  In the present invention, the absolute value of the difference value between the first total contrast value and the second total contrast value is smaller than the first predetermined value, and the region has the maximum contrast value among the first contrast values; When the separation length from the region having the maximum contrast value among the second contrast values is smaller than the predetermined length, it is determined that the image is a successful image. Thereby, only a high-quality image is determined as a success image by strictly determining the success image.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a unit that receives a series of imaging, a unit that instructs to capture a small image different from the small image when the series of imaging is received by the unit, and a plurality of small images A third contrast detecting means for detecting a third contrast value in the region; a means for calculating a third total contrast value that is a sum of the third contrast values; the third total contrast value and the first total contrast value; And / or third calculation means for calculating a difference value between the third total contrast value and the second total contrast value, and the determination means is calculated by the third calculation means. The suitability of the image is further determined based on the difference value, and when the absolute value of the difference value is greater than a second predetermined value, it is determined that the image is rejected. And wherein the door.

  In the present invention, first, when a series of imaging is received by an accepting unit such as a shooting button, a small image (reference image) having a smaller image size than the image to be captured is captured and captured. A third contrast value in a plurality of regions of the reference image is detected. Next, a third total contrast value that is the sum of the third contrast values in the plurality of regions is calculated. Then, a difference value between the calculated third total contrast value and the first total contrast value and / or a difference value between the third total contrast value and the second total contrast value is calculated. Then, when the absolute value of the calculated difference value is larger than the second predetermined value, it is determined that the image is not a successful image. When the third total contrast value at the time of receiving a series of images is significantly different from the total contrast value before and / or after the image is captured, even if no blurring occurs in the image, Therefore, it can be determined that the captured image is not an image when a series of imaging is received.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the determination unit has an absolute value of the difference value calculated by the first calculation unit that is smaller than the first predetermined value, and the separation length calculated by the second calculation unit is The image is determined to be suitable when the absolute value of the difference value calculated by the third calculating means is shorter than the predetermined length and smaller than the second predetermined value. To do.

  In the present invention, the absolute value of the difference value between the first total contrast value and the second total contrast value is smaller than the first predetermined value, and the region having the maximum contrast value among the first contrast values, The separation length from the region having the maximum contrast value of the two contrast values is smaller than a predetermined length, and the difference value between the third total contrast value and the first total contrast value, and / or the third total contrast value, When the absolute value of the difference value from the second total contrast value is smaller than the second predetermined value, it is determined that the image is a successful image. Thereby, by determining the success image more strictly, only an image with higher quality is determined as a success image.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention continuously captures an image of a subject, and can capture a plurality of images. Based on a determination result of the determination unit, an appropriate image can be selected from a plurality of captured images. An extraction means for extracting the determined image is provided.

  In the present invention, when a subject is continuously imaged and a plurality of images are captured, a success image is extracted from the plurality of captured images, and the extracted success image is stored in a storage medium. To do. Thus, the success image is automatically stored in the storage medium, and there is no need to perform an operation for selecting the success image from the images captured by the user and storing it in the storage medium.

  An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes a unit that calculates a success level of an image based on a determination result of the determination unit, and a display that ranks and displays the images based on the success level calculated by the unit. Means.

  In the present invention, first, the success degree of the image is calculated based on the determination result of the determination means. Then, the images are ranked and displayed based on the calculated success degree. In this case, when displaying images, the images may be displayed in order of order, or the order of images may be displayed. As the success degree of the success image, for example, the area having the same maximum contrast value of the small image before and after the imaging is given the highest priority, and the order is given according to the difference state of various contrast values. Thereby, the user can recognize which image has the highest degree of success among the captured success images.

  The image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising notifying means for notifying the determination result of the determining means.

  In the present invention, the notification means notifies the user of the determination result, so that the user can recognize whether or not the photographing has been successful. Therefore, if shooting is not successful, the user can re-shoot until shooting is successful.

  The image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising notifying means for notifying that a predetermined number of images have been picked up when a predetermined number of images determined to be appropriate by the extracting means have been extracted.

  In the present invention, when a predetermined number of success images are extracted by the extraction means, the user is notified that a success image has been captured, so that the user can take a predetermined number of success images. You can recognize whether or not it was successful. Therefore, the user can perform re-photographing until a predetermined number of successful images have been successfully captured.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the image is not stored in the storage medium when the determination unit determines that the image is negative.

  In the present invention, when it is determined that the image is not a success image, the image (failure image) is not stored in the storage medium. Since the failed image is not an image intended by the user, it is not necessary to store the failed image in the storage medium, and there is no possibility that the storage capacity of the storage medium is reduced by storing the failed image in the storage medium. Therefore, storage in the storage medium can be performed efficiently.

  According to the present invention, a small image having a smaller image size than the image to be captured is captured before and after the image is captured, and the contrast values (first contrast value and second contrast value) of each captured small image are detected. In addition, since the configuration is such that the suitability of the image is determined based on the detected contrast value, the processing burden is reduced, and the suitability of the image can be determined even in a configuration that is smaller and less expensive than in the past. If it is determined to be appropriate, the image can be stored in a storage medium.

  According to the present invention, the absolute value of the difference value between the first contrast value of the small image captured before the image capture and the second contrast value of the small image captured after the image capture is the predetermined value (the first predetermined value). If the contrast value changes significantly before and after image capture, it can be determined that the image has become a failed image due to blurring during that time. Therefore, the suitability of the image can be determined from information other than information related to the image to be captured.

  According to the present invention, when a series of imaging is accepted, a small image different from the above-described small image is captured, the contrast value (third contrast value) of the captured small image is detected, and the third contrast value is detected. If the absolute value of the difference value between the first contrast value and / or the difference value between the third contrast value and the second contrast value is greater than a predetermined value (second predetermined value), it is determined that the image is negative. Since the third contrast value when receiving a series of imaging is greatly different from the contrast value before imaging and / or after imaging (first contrast value and / or second contrast value). Since it can be judged that the image is different from the image when the series of imaging is accepted even if there is no blurring in the image, when the series of imaging is accepted, It allows the determination of not the image.

  According to the present invention, a small image having a smaller image size than the image to be captured is captured before and after the image is captured, and the contrast values (first contrast value and second contrast) in a plurality of regions of each captured small image are captured. Value), and the suitability of the image is determined based on the contrast values in a plurality of areas of each detected small image, so even if blurring occurs, the contrast value of the entire image changes like a portrait photo Even if not, the suitability of the image can be determined, and the determination accuracy can be improved.

  According to the present invention, the absolute value of the difference value between the first total contrast value that is the sum of the first contrast values and the second total contrast value that is the sum of the second contrast values is a predetermined value (first predetermined value). Since it is determined that the image is negative when the image is larger, if the total contrast value changes greatly before and after the image is captured, it can be determined that the image has become a failed image due to blurring during that time. The suitability of the image can be determined from information other than information related to the image to be captured.

  According to the present invention, when the separation length between the region having the maximum contrast value of the first contrast values and the region having the maximum contrast value of the second contrast values is longer than a predetermined length, the image is displayed. Since it is determined to be no, if the position of the subject in the imaging frame changes significantly, it can be determined that the image has become a failed image due to blurring during that time, so information other than information related to the image to be captured The suitability of the image can be determined from the above.

  According to the present invention, the absolute value of the difference value between the first total contrast value that is the sum of the first contrast values and the second total contrast value that is the sum of the second contrast values is smaller than the first predetermined value, and The image is determined to be suitable when the distance between the region having the maximum contrast value of the first contrast values and the region having the maximum contrast value of the second contrast values is shorter than a predetermined length. Therefore, only high-quality images are determined to be appropriate.

  According to the present invention, when a series of imaging is accepted, a small image different from the small image described above is captured, and contrast values (third contrast values) in a plurality of regions of the captured small image are detected. The absolute value of the difference value between the third total contrast value and the first total contrast value, which is the sum of the third contrast values, and / or the difference value between the third total contrast value and the second total contrast value is a predetermined value (first value). 2), the third total contrast value when receiving a series of images is the total contrast value before and / or after image capturing. If it is significantly different from (the first total contrast value and / or the second total contrast value), even if there is no blurring in the image, it is different from the image when a series of imaging is accepted. Because it can determine, it enables the determination of not the image when the captured image has accepted the set of imaging.

  According to the present invention, the absolute value of the difference value between the first total contrast value and the second total contrast value is smaller than the first predetermined value, and the region having the maximum contrast value among the first contrast values; The separation length from the region having the maximum contrast value among the contrast values is shorter than a predetermined length, and the difference value between the third total contrast value and the first total contrast value and / or the third total contrast value and the first 2 When the absolute value of the difference value with respect to the total contrast value is smaller than the second predetermined value, the image is determined to be appropriate, so that only an image with higher quality is determined to be appropriate.

  According to the present invention, when a subject is continuously imaged and a plurality of images are captured, an image determined to be appropriate is extracted from the plurality of captured images. The image determined to be automatically stored in the storage medium, and the user does not need to select an image and store it in the storage medium.

  According to the present invention, since the image is ranked and displayed based on the success level of the image, the user recognizes which of the images captured is the most successful. can do.

  According to the present invention, since the determination result is notified to the user, the user can recognize whether or not the shooting is successful. If the shooting is not successful, the user is notified. You can encourage re-shooting until shooting is successful.

  According to the present invention, when a predetermined number of images determined to be appropriate are extracted, the user is notified that a predetermined number of images have been captured. It is possible to recognize whether or not the shooting is successful, and to prompt the user to reshoot until the shooting is successful.

  According to the present invention, since the image is not stored in the storage medium when it is determined that the image is NO, the storage capacity of the storage medium is reduced by storing the image determined as NO in the storage medium. There is no fear that it will occur, and there are excellent effects such as efficient storage in the storage medium.

  First, the principle of a determination method for determining whether an image is a blurred image in the imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

[First determination method]
FIG. 1 is a principle diagram showing the principle of the first determination method by the imaging apparatus according to the present invention.
When camera shake occurs, a subject image as shown in FIG. 1A → FIG. 1B → FIG. 1C is taken into the imaging apparatus. Of course, since each subject image is different, the information (for example, contrast value) relating to the sharpness of the captured image may vary due to camera shake (if it does not vary, it will be described later). In view of this point, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention images a small image (for example, a thinned image) smaller than the main image before and after the image to be captured (main image), and the contrast of the captured small image Based on the value, the suitability of the main image (whether or not blur occurs) is determined.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention images a small image 51a (FIG. 1 (a)) before imaging the main image 50 (FIG. 1 (b)). The contrast value (front contrast value) CA of the captured small image 51a is detected. Similarly, after capturing the main image 50, the small image 51b (FIG. 1C) is captured, and the contrast value (rear side contrast value) CB of the captured small image 51b is detected. Then, a difference value (CA−CB) between the front contrast value CA and the rear contrast value CB is calculated. If the absolute value | CA−CB | of the difference value is equal to or less than a predetermined value (threshold value) α, the main image 50 Is determined to be appropriate (successful image). On the other hand, if the absolute value | CA−CB | of the difference value is larger than the threshold value α, it is determined that the main image 50 is not possible (failed image).

  When a subject is imaged with a white wall or the like as a portrait, the subject image as shown in FIG. 2 (a) → FIG. 2 (b) → FIG. 2 (c) is taken into the imaging apparatus. In this case, since the contrast value of the entire image may not change even if camera shake occurs, the suitability of the main image is determined by the second determination method described below.

[Second determination method]
3 and 4 are principle diagrams showing the principle of the second determination method by the imaging apparatus according to the present invention.
First, as shown in FIG. 3, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention captures a small image 51 a (FIG. 3A) by capturing a small image 51 a (FIG. 3A) before capturing the main image 50 (FIG. 3B). The image 51a is divided into a plurality of regions 60a, 60a,... And the contrast value (front contrast value) CAij of each divided region 60b is detected. Similarly, after capturing the main image, the small image 51b (FIG. 3C) is captured, and the captured small image 51b is divided into a plurality of regions 60b, 60b,... (Rear contrast value) CBij is detected.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the front maximum contrast region which is a region having the maximum contrast value among the front total contrast value Σ (CAij) which is the sum of the front contrast values CAij of each region 60a and the front contrast value CAij. A (i, j) and the front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) which is the contrast value of the front maximum contrast region are obtained (FIG. 4A). Similarly, a rear total contrast value Σ (CBij), a rear maximum contrast region B (i, j), and a rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij) are obtained from the rear contrast value CBij of each region 60b (FIG. 4 (b)). In the present specification, Σ is a symbol indicating the sum of each element.

  In the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, if the absolute value | Σ (CAij) −Σ (CBij) | of the difference value between the front total contrast value Σ (CAij) and the rear total contrast value Σ (CBij) is larger than the threshold α, It is determined that the main image is a failed image. When the absolute value | Σ (CAij) −Σ (CBij) | of the difference value is equal to or less than the threshold value α, the front maximum contrast region A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast region B (i, j) If they are not the same area or adjacent areas, it is determined that the main image is a failed image.

  Further, when the front maximum contrast region A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast region B (i, j) are the same region or adjacent regions, the front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) and the rear maximum When the contrast value MAX (CBij) is not substantially the same, it is determined that the main image is a failed image. On the other hand, when the front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) and the rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij) are substantially the same, it is determined that the main image is a successful image.

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

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera as an imaging apparatus according to the present invention.
The digital camera 1 captures an image when a shutter button (not shown) is pressed by a user, and includes a CPU 10, a lens unit 11, a mechanical shutter 12, an image sensor 13, an AD conversion unit 14, and contrast detection. Unit 15, timing control unit 16, display control unit 18, display device 19, audio control unit 20, audio output device 21, storage control unit 22, storage medium 23, input I / F 24, input device 25, and external storage unit 26. Prepare.

  The CPU 10 includes a ROM 10a, a RAM 10b, and the like, and various control programs and various data necessary for the operation of the digital camera 1 are stored in the ROM 10a. The CPU 10 executes various functions according to a control program stored in the ROM 10a. In particular, the CPU 10 functions as various means in the present invention in cooperation with various connected devices or alone. The RAM 10b is used for processing for storing temporary data generated when the CPU 10 executes a control program.

  The lens unit 11 includes a zoom lens 11a, a focus lens 11b, a diaphragm (iris) 11c, and motors that drive mechanisms that control the states of the zoom lens 11a, the focus lens 11b, and the iris 11c. Is controlled, and the focal length of the incident light is adjusted.

  The mechanical shutter 12 controls the light guide of the light incident on the lens unit 11 to the image sensor 13 and adjusts the exposure time. The image sensor 13 is composed of a CCD, a CMOS, or the like, photoelectrically converts light incident through the lens unit 11 and the mechanical shutter 12 to generate an analog electric signal, and outputs the analog signal to the AD converter 14. The AD conversion unit 14 converts the analog electrical signal output from the image sensor 13 into a digital format. Hereinafter, the converted digital electric signal is referred to as an image signal.

  The timing control unit 16 is controlled by the CPU 10 to generate a timing signal, supplies the generated timing signal to the mechanical shutter 12 and the image sensor 13, and controls operations of the mechanical shutter 12 and the image sensor 13.

  When capturing an image, a small image is captured before and after capturing the main image, and the contrast detection unit 15 detects contrast values in a plurality of regions of each captured small image. The CPU 10 compares the front total contrast value, which is the sum of the contrast values (front contrast values) in a plurality of regions of the small image before capturing the main image, and the contrast values (rear) in the plurality of regions of the small image after capturing the main image. And the rear total contrast value, which is the sum of the side contrast values), and further functions as a means for calculating a difference value between the front total contrast value and the rear total contrast value.

  The RAM 10b stores a threshold value α that defines the degree of deviation between the front total contrast value and the rear total contrast value. The CPU 10 determines whether or not the absolute value of the calculated difference value is equal to or less than the threshold value α, and if it is determined that the absolute value of the difference value is greater than the threshold value α, the main image is a failed image. to decide.

  Further, when the CPU 10 determines that the absolute value of the difference value is equal to or less than the threshold value α, the CPU 10 includes a front maximum contrast region A (i, j) that is a region having the maximum contrast value among the front contrast values. , Functioning as means for specifying the rear maximum contrast region B (i, j), which is the region having the maximum contrast value among the rear contrast values. Then, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the front maximum contrast area A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast area B (i, j) are the same area or adjacent areas, and the front maximum contrast is determined. When it is determined that the region A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast region B (i, j) are not the same region or adjacent regions, it is determined that the main image is a failed image.

  This determination is made by referring to the suffix (i, j) of the front maximum contrast region A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast region B (i, j), so as to be the same region or adjacent regions. It is possible to determine whether or not. That is, from the suffix (i, j) of the front maximum contrast area A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast area B (i, j), the front maximum contrast area A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast area B The separation length from (i, j) is calculated. If the calculated separation length is longer than the predetermined length, the front maximum contrast area A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast area B (i, j) are located in the same area or adjacent areas. Therefore, it can be determined that the main image is a failed image.

  Further, when the CPU 10 determines that the front maximum contrast region A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast region B (i, j) are the same region or adjacent regions, the contrast of the front maximum contrast region is determined. A difference value between the front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) that is the value and the rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij) that is the contrast value of the rear maximum contrast region is obtained.

  The RAM 10b stores a threshold value β that defines the degree of divergence between the front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) and the rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij). The CPU 10 determines whether or not the absolute value of the obtained difference value is equal to or less than the threshold β, and determines that the main image is a failed image when it is determined that the absolute value of the difference value is greater than the threshold β. . On the other hand, when it is determined that the absolute value of the difference value is equal to or less than the threshold value β, the CPU 10 determines that the main image is a successful image.

  The CPU 10 is connected to the storage medium 23 through the storage control unit 22, and writes a captured image in the storage medium 23 and reads out an image stored in the storage medium 23. If the image is determined to be a success image, the success image is stored in the storage medium. If the image is determined to be a failure image, the failure image is not stored in the storage medium. It is preferable.

  In addition, the CPU 10 causes the display device 19 to display the image signal output from the AD conversion unit 14 through the display control unit 18. The display control unit 18 includes a display driver and the like, converts the image signal received from the CPU 10 so that it can be displayed on the display device 19, and controls the display device 19. The display device 19 includes a thin display such as a liquid crystal display, and displays an image based on a signal received from the display control unit 18. In addition, it is preferable to notify the display device 19 of the determination result so that the user can easily recognize whether the main image is a success image or a failure image.

  Further, the CPU 10 is connected to the audio output device 21 through the audio control unit 20, and when the moving image is captured, the audio control unit 20 converts the audio data related to the moving image so as to be output from the audio output device 21. In addition, the audio output device 21 is controlled. Of course, guidance such as operation of the imaging device 1 and BGM may be output from the audio output device 21. The determination result may be notified from the audio output device 21 so that the user can easily recognize whether the main image is a success image or a failure image.

  The input I / F 24 performs data transmission / reception and control with respect to the connected input device 25, and transmits an input signal from the input device 25 to the CPU 10 as data in a predetermined format. The input device 25 is a computer connected through the input I / F 24.

  FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the imaging timing of the digital camera as the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4A shows on / off of the shutter button, FIG. 4B shows a vertical synchronizing signal, FIG. 4C shows opening and closing of the mechanical shutter, and FIG. 4D shows a CCD signal.

  When the shutter button is turned on, the digital camera 1 captures a small image at a predetermined timing (a timing at which the vertical synchronization signal is counted and the count value reaches a predetermined value), and a CCD signal ( Hereinafter, the front small image signal) is output. The contrast value of the front small image signal is detected by the contrast detection unit 15 and stored in the RAM 10b as the front contrast value.

  Next, the mechanical shutter 12 is closed, a CCD signal related to the main image (hereinafter referred to as the main image signal) is divided and output, and the main image related to the main image signal is temporarily stored in the RAM 10b.

  Then, the mechanical shutter 12 is opened, a small image is captured, and a CCD signal related to the small image (hereinafter referred to as a rear small image signal) is output. The contrast value of the rear small image signal is detected by the contrast detection unit 15 and stored in the RAM 10b as the rear contrast value.

Next, the operation of the digital camera configured as described above will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the digital camera as the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The CPU 10 monitors the pressing of the shutter button (step S1), and when the shutter button is not pressed (S1: NO), the process returns to S1. When the shutter button is pressed (S1: YES), the CPU 10 gives a control signal to the lens unit 11 to perform AE (automatic exposure) lock and AF (autofocus) lock (step S2). Then, the CPU 10 controls the mechanical shutter 12 and the image sensor 13 through the timing control unit 16. First, a small image is captured by the image sensor 13, and the front small image signal is transferred to the contrast detection unit 15 and the CPU 10 through the AD conversion unit 14 (step S3). The small image has a smaller image size than a main image, which will be described later, and the front small image signal is, for example, a thinned signal in which signals of predetermined pixels are thinned out.

  The contrast detection unit 15 detects the front contrast value CAij in each region from the transferred front small image signal (step S4), and calculates the front total contrast value Σ (CAij), the front maximum contrast from the detected front contrast value in each region. The area A (i, j) and the front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) are obtained and stored in the RAM 10b (step S5).

  Then, the mechanical shutter 12 is closed (step S6), the main image is picked up by the image sensor 13, and the main image signal is transferred to the CPU 10 through the AD converter 14 (step S7). Then, the CPU 10 temporarily stores the main image related to the transferred main image signal in the RAM 10b (step S8). When the main image signal is divided into a plurality of fields and transferred, for example, the CPU 10 can acquire the main image by synthesizing all the fields.

  Then, the mechanical shutter 12 is opened (step S9), a small image is captured by the image sensor 13, and the rear small image signal is transferred to the contrast detector 15 and the CPU 10 through the AD converter 14 (step S10). .

  The contrast detector 15 detects the rear contrast value CBij in each region from the transferred rear small image signal (step S11), and calculates the rear total contrast value Σ (CBij) from the detected rear contrast value in each region. The rear maximum contrast region B (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij) are obtained and stored in the RAM 10b (step S12).

  The CPU 10 then determines the front contrast value (front total contrast value Σ (CAij), front maximum contrast area A (i, j) and front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij)) and rear contrast value (rear total contrast value Σ Based on (CBij), the rear maximum contrast region B (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij)), a determination process is performed to determine the suitability of the main image temporarily stored in S8 (step S13). ), An image corresponding to the determination result is displayed on the display device 19 to notify the user (step S14). Of course, sound corresponding to the determination result may be output from the sound output device 21 to notify the user.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of determination processing of the digital camera as the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
The CPU 10 reads the front total contrast value Σ (CAij), the rear total contrast value Σ (CBij), and the threshold value α that defines the degree of divergence stored in the RAM 10b, and the front total contrast value Σ (CAij) and the rear side It is determined whether or not the absolute value | Σ (CAij) −Σ (CBij) | of the difference value from the total contrast value Σ (CBij) is equal to or less than the threshold value α (step S21).

  When it is determined in S21 that the absolute value | Σ (CAij) −Σ (CBij) | of the difference value is larger than the threshold value α (S21: NO), the CPU 10 determines that the captured main image is a failed image. (Step S22). That is, when the absolute value | Σ (CAij) −Σ (CBij) | of the difference value is larger than the threshold value α, the CPU 10 determines that the contrast value has changed due to camera shake. When capturing a still image, it is important to capture so that the position of the subject does not move. This is because when the contrast value fluctuates due to the movement of the subject, the position of the subject is likely to move in the composition, which is inappropriate as a still image.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S21 that the absolute value | Σ (CAij) −Σ (CBij) | of the difference value is equal to or less than the threshold value α (S21: YES), the CPU 10 determines that the front maximum contrast area A (i, j ) And the rear maximum contrast region B (i, j), and whether the front maximum contrast region A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast region B (i, j) are the same in position. It is determined whether or not (step S23). By referring to the suffix (i, j) of the front maximum contrast area A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast area B (i, j), it is determined whether or not they are the same area. Is possible.

  If it is determined in S23 that the front maximum contrast area A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast area B (i, j) are the same area (S23: YES), the CPU 10 The maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) and the rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij) are read, and the absolute value of the difference value between the front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) and the rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij) | MAX (CAij) It is determined whether or not -MAX (CBij) | is equal to or less than the threshold value β (step S24).

In S24, when it is determined that the absolute value | MAX (CAij) −MAX (CBij) | of the difference value is larger than the threshold value β (S24: NO), the CPU 10 proceeds to S22 and the captured main image is displayed. It is determined that it is a failed image.
On the other hand, when it is determined in S24 that the absolute value | MAX (CAij) −MAX (CBij) | of the difference value is equal to or less than the threshold value β (S24: YES), the CPU 10 determines that the front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) and The rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij) is read, (MAX (CAij) + MAX (CBij)) / 2 is calculated (step S25), and it is determined that the main image is a successful image (step S26). Then, the main image is stored in the storage medium (step S27). When storing in S27, (MAX (CAij) + MAX (CBij)) / 2 calculated in S25 is written to the tag of the main image. Note that an image determined to be a failed image is automatically excluded from the storage target and is not stored in the storage medium.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S23 that the front maximum contrast area A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast area B (i, j) are not in the same position (S23: NO), the CPU 10 It is determined whether or not the front maximum contrast area A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast area B (i, j) are adjacent to each other (step S28). Also in this case, by referring to the suffix (i, j) of the front maximum contrast region A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast region B (i, j), it is determined whether or not the region is an adjacent region. It is possible.

  When it is determined in S28 that the front maximum contrast area A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast area B (i, j) are adjacent areas (S28: YES), the CPU 10 determines the front maximum contrast value. MAX (CAij) and the rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij) are read, and the absolute value of the difference value between the front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) and the rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij) | MAX (CAij) −MAX ( It is determined whether or not (CBij) | is equal to or less than the threshold value β (step S29).

  When it is determined in S29 that the absolute value | MAX (CAij) −MAX (CBij) | of the difference value is larger than the threshold value β (S29: NO), the CPU 10 proceeds to S22 and the captured main image is displayed. It is determined that the image is a failed image.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S29 that the absolute value | MAX (CAij) −MAX (CBij) | of the difference value is equal to or less than the threshold value β (S29: YES), the CPU 10 determines that the front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) and The rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij) is read, (MAX (CAij) + MAX (CBij)) / 2 × Z is calculated (step S30), and the process proceeds to S26 to determine that the main image is a successful image. . Then, the process proceeds to S27, and the main image is stored in the storage medium. When storing in S27, (MAX (CAij) + MAX (CBij)) / 2 × Z calculated in S30 is written in the tag of the main image.

  Z is a positive number less than 1. In other words, when the front maximum contrast area A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast area B (i, j) are the same position, Z = 1 and (MAX (CAij) + MAX (CBij)) / 2 × Z is written to the tag of the main image, and if the front maximum contrast area A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast area B (i, j) are adjacent areas, 0 < As Z <1, (MAX (CAij) + MAX (CBij)) / 2 × Z is written in the tag of the main image. Therefore, positive information that maximizes the average value of the front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) and the rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij) is written in the tag of the main image. Since this information has a positive correlation with the contrast value, it can be said that this information represents the degree of success of the image.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S28 that the front maximum contrast area A (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast area B (i, j) are not adjacent areas (S28: NO), the process proceeds to S22. It is determined that the main image is a failed image.

  To further explain the above operation, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the front maximum contrast area A (i, j) is (3,4) (FIG. 9A), the rear maximum contrast area When B (i, j) is (2,4), (3,3), (3,4), (3,5), (4,4), it is judged that there is no influence of camera shake. Otherwise, it is determined that an influence of camera shake has occurred (FIG. 9B). Of course, this case is of course limited to the case where it is determined that the absolute value | MAX (CAij) −MAX (CBij) | of the difference value is equal to or less than the threshold value β. However, the threshold value β is a determination criterion that is set as appropriate based on the configuration of the optical system and image sensor of the digital camera, and may be set in advance or set by the user.

  Therefore, according to the imaging device according to the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not the image is a successful image even when the configuration is smaller and lower in cost than in the past, and when the image is determined to be a successful image In addition, the success image can be stored in the storage medium. In the case of using an image sensor that can capture a high-definition image by determining whether or not the main image is a successful image based on the contrast value of the small image before and after capturing the main image, not the main image. Even in such a case, determination processing can be performed not from the total number of pixels of the image sensor but from a small image having a predetermined number of pixels, so that the amount of processing increases as the number of pixels of the image sensor increases. Absent.

  In this embodiment, in S24 and S29, the absolute value of the difference value between the front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) and the rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij) | MAX (CAij) −MAX (CBij) | Is determined to be equal to or less than the threshold value β, but the process of S24 and S29 in FIG. 8 may be omitted.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the case where one main image is captured by one shooting has been described. However, even in the case of continuous shooting where a plurality of main images are captured by one shooting, The principle of the present invention can be applied, and this is the second embodiment. Note that the configuration of the digital camera as the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 5, so the drawing and description are omitted, and the gist of the digital camera is based on the imaging timing and operation flow. To clarify.

  FIG. 10 is a time chart showing the imaging timing of the digital camera as the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 4A shows on / off of the shutter button, FIG. 4B shows a vertical synchronizing signal, FIG. 4C shows opening and closing of the mechanical shutter, and FIG. 4D shows a CCD signal.

  In the digital camera 1, when a shutter button, which is a reception unit that accepts a series of imaging, is turned on, first, a reference image is captured and a CCD signal (hereinafter referred to as a reference image signal) related to the reference image is output. A contrast value of the reference image signal is detected by the contrast detection unit 15 and stored in the RAM 10b as a reference contrast value.

  Next, a small image is captured at a predetermined timing (a timing at which the vertical synchronization signal is counted and the count value becomes a predetermined value), and a CCD signal (front side small image signal) related to the small image is output. The contrast value of the front small image signal is detected by the contrast detection unit 15 and stored in the RAM 10b as the front contrast value.

  Next, the mechanical shutter 12 is closed, the CCD signal (main image signal) related to the main image is divided and output, and the main image related to the main image signal is temporarily stored in the RAM 10b.

  Then, the mechanical shutter 12 is opened, a small image is captured, and a CCD signal (referred to as a rear small image signal) relating to the small image is output. The contrast value of the rear small image signal is detected by the contrast detection unit 15 and stored in the RAM 10b as the rear contrast value.

  Hereinafter, the front small image signal, the main image signal, and the rear small image signal are sequentially output. That is, the characteristic point is that the reference image signal is output only when the shutter button is turned on, and thereafter the output of the front small image signal, the main image signal, and the rear small image signal is repeated.

  11 and 12 are flowcharts showing an operation flow of the digital camera as the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  The CPU 10 monitors whether the shutter button is pressed (step S51). If the shutter button is not pressed (S51: NO), the process returns to S51. When the shutter button is pressed (S51: YES), the CPU 10 gives a control signal to the lens unit 11 to perform AE lock and AF lock (step S52). Then, the CPU 10 controls the mechanical shutter 12 and the image sensor 13 through the timing control unit 16. First, a reference image is picked up by the image sensor 13, and the reference image signal is transferred to the contrast detection unit 15 and the CPU 10 through the AD conversion unit 14 (step S53). The reference image has a smaller image size than a main image, which will be described later, and the reference image signal is a thinned signal in which signals of predetermined pixels are thinned, for example.

  The contrast detector 15 detects the reference contrast value CTij in each region from the transferred reference image signal (step S54), and the reference contrast value CTij in a plurality of regions of the reference image from the detected reference contrast value CTij in each region. Is obtained and stored in the RAM 10b (step S55). Since the reference total contrast value Σ (CTij) is detected from the image immediately after the shutter button is pressed, it can be estimated as the contrast value when the image is in focus.

  Next, a small image is captured by the image sensor 13, and the front small image signal is transferred to the contrast detector 15 and the CPU 10 through the AD converter 14 (step S56). The contrast detection unit 15 detects the front contrast value CAij in each region from the transferred front small image signal (step S57), and calculates the front total contrast value Σ (CAij) and the front maximum contrast from the detected front contrast value in each region. The area A (i, j) and the front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) are obtained and stored in the RAM 10b (step S58).

  Then, the mechanical shutter 12 is closed (step S59), the main image is picked up by the image sensor 13, and the main image signal is transferred to the CPU 10 through the AD converter 14 (step S60). Then, the CPU 10 temporarily stores the main image related to the transferred main image signal in the RAM 10b (step S61).

  Then, the mechanical shutter 12 is opened (step S62), a small image is captured by the image sensor 13, and the rear small image signal is transferred to the contrast detector 15 and the CPU 10 through the AD converter 14 (step S63). .

  The contrast detection unit 15 detects the rear contrast value CBij in each region from the transferred rear small image signal (step S64), and determines the rear total contrast value Σ (CBij) from the detected rear contrast value in each region. The rear maximum contrast region B (i, j) and the rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij) are obtained and stored in the RAM 10b (step S65).

  Then, the CPU 10 determines the reference contrast value (reference total contrast value Σ (CTij)), front contrast value (front total contrast value Σ (CAij), front maximum contrast area A (i, j), and front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij). )) And the rear contrast value (rear total contrast value Σ (CBij), rear maximum contrast region B (i, j) and rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij)), temporarily stored in S61. A determination process for determining the suitability of the main image is performed (step S66).

  Then, the CPU 10 extracts the main images determined to be appropriate in S66, determines whether or not a predetermined number of main images have been extracted (step S67), and determines that the predetermined number of main images have not been extracted. If so (S67: NO), the process proceeds to S56 and the process for the next main image is performed. On the other hand, when it is determined that a predetermined number of main images have been extracted (S67: YES), an image corresponding to the determination result is displayed on the display device 19 to notify the user (step S68).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of determination processing of the digital camera as the imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
The CPU 10 reads the front total contrast value Σ (CAij), the rear total contrast value Σ (CBij), the reference total contrast value Σ (CTij), and the threshold value γ that defines the degree of deviation stored in the RAM 10b. It is determined whether or not the absolute value | Σ (CAij) −Σ (CTij) | of the difference value between the contrast value Σ (CAij) and the reference total contrast value Σ (CTij) is equal to or smaller than the threshold value γ (step S71). .

  If it is determined in S71 that the absolute value | Σ (CAij) −Σ (CTij) | of the difference value is larger than the threshold value γ (S71: NO), the CPU 10 determines that the captured main image is a failed image. (Step S73).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S71 that the absolute value | Σ (CAij) −Σ (CTij) | of the difference value is equal to or smaller than the threshold γ (S71: YES), the CPU 10 determines the rear total contrast value Σ (CBij). Whether or not the absolute value | Σ (CBij) −Σ (CTij) | of the difference value between the reference total contrast value Σ (CTij) and the reference total contrast value Σ (CTij) is equal to or smaller than the threshold γ is determined (step S72).

  If it is determined in S72 that the absolute value | Σ (CBij) −Σ (CTij) | of the difference value is larger than the threshold value γ (S72: NO), the CPU 10 proceeds to S73 and the main image is a failed image. Judge that there is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S72 that the absolute value | Σ (CBij) −Σ (CTij) | of the difference value is equal to or smaller than the threshold γ (S72: YES), the CPU 10 performs a sub-determination process (step S80). The sub-determination process of S80 is the determination process shown in FIG. In this way, a success image can be extracted from a plurality of captured images. When a predetermined number of successful images are extracted, in S68, the user is notified so that the user recognizes whether or not the predetermined number of successful images have been successfully captured. Can do. In this way, the user can perform re-imaging until a predetermined number of successful images have been successfully captured.

  As described above, the tag of the main image includes positive number information ((MAX (CAij) + MAX () that maximizes the average value of the front maximum contrast value MAX (CAij) and the rear maximum contrast value MAX (CBij). CBij)) / 2 × Z “0 <Z ≦ 1”) is written. Since this information has a positive correlation with the contrast value, it can be said that this information represents the degree of success of the image. Therefore, the main image can be displayed on the display device based on this information. For example, if the images are displayed in order of the size of the information or the order of the images is displayed, the user recognizes which of the captured successful images has the highest degree of success. can do.

  In the present embodiment, the process ends when a predetermined number of main images set in advance are extracted. However, when the predetermined number is not set, the user releases the shutter button, or Imaging may not be terminated until the capacity of the storage medium reaches the limit.

  In addition, the image determined as the failed image is automatically excluded from the storage target and is not stored in the storage medium, but the user can identify that the image is the failed image according to the user's request. An identifier or the like may be added and stored in the storage medium. In this case, it is preferable to notify the user so that the user can clearly know when displaying the image.

  The digital camera as the imaging apparatus according to the present invention has been described above with specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these. A person skilled in the art can make various changes or improvements to the configuration and function of the invention according to the above-described embodiment without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a principle figure which shows the principle of the 1st determination method by the imaging device which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the mode of imaging when image | photographing a to-be-photographed object on a white wall background. It is a principle figure which shows the principle of the 2nd determination method by the imaging device which concerns on this invention. It is a principle figure which shows the principle of the 2nd determination method by the imaging device which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera as an imaging device which concerns on this invention. It is a time chart which shows the imaging timing of the digital camera as an imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the digital camera as an imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the determination process of the digital camera as an imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the method of the determination process based on a front side maximum contrast area | region and a back side maximum contrast area | region. It is a time chart which shows the imaging timing of the digital camera as an imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the digital camera as an imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the digital camera as an imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the determination process of the digital camera as an imaging device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital camera 10 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Lens unit 12 Mechanical shutter 13 Image pick-up element 14 AD conversion part 15 Contrast detection part 16 Timing control part 18 Display control part 19 Display apparatus 20 Audio | voice control part 21 Audio | voice output apparatus 22 Storage control part 23 Storage medium 24 Input I / F
25 Input device 26 External storage unit

Claims (14)

An imaging device that includes an image sensor that captures an image and a small image having a smaller image size than the image, and that stores a predetermined image captured by the image sensor in a storage medium,
Means for instructing to take a small image before and after taking an image;
First contrast detecting means for detecting a first contrast value of a small image captured before capturing an image;
Second contrast detection means for detecting a second contrast value of a small image captured after the image is captured;
Determination means for determining suitability of the image based on the first contrast value and the second contrast value;
An image pickup apparatus, wherein the image is stored in the storage medium when the determination unit determines that the image is appropriate. First calculating means for calculating a difference value between the first contrast value and the second contrast value;
The determination means includes
Imaging of claim 1 in which the absolute value of the difference value calculated by said first calculation means is greater than a first predetermined value, wherein the image are to be determined to be not apparatus. Receiving means for receiving a series of imaging;
Means for instructing imaging of a small image different from the small image when a series of imaging is received by the receiving unit;
Third contrast detecting means for detecting a third contrast value of the small image;
A second calculation means for calculating a difference value between the third contrast value and the first contrast value and / or a difference value between the third contrast value and the second contrast value;
The determination means includes
The suitability of the image is further determined based on the difference value calculated by the second calculation means,
The absolute value is greater than the second predetermined value, the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the image are to be determined to be not of the difference value. An imaging device that includes an image sensor that captures an image and a small image having a smaller image size than the image, and that stores a predetermined image captured by the image sensor in a storage medium,
Means for instructing to take a small image before and after taking an image;
First contrast detection means for detecting a first contrast value in a plurality of regions of a small image captured before capturing an image;
Second contrast detection means for detecting a second contrast value in a plurality of regions of the small image captured after the image is captured;
Determination means for determining suitability of the image based on the first contrast value and the second contrast value;
An image pickup apparatus, wherein the image is stored in the storage medium when the determination unit determines that the image is appropriate. Means for calculating a first total contrast value which is a sum of the first contrast values;
Means for calculating a second total contrast value which is a sum of the second contrast values;
First calculating means for calculating a difference value between the first total contrast value and the second total contrast value;
The determination means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein when the absolute value of the difference value calculated by the first calculation unit is larger than a first predetermined value, it is determined that the image is negative. . First specifying means for specifying a region having the maximum contrast value among the first contrast values;
Second specifying means for specifying a region having the maximum contrast value of the second contrast values;
A second calculating means for calculating a separation length between the area specified by the first specifying means and the area specified by the second specifying means;
The determination means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein when the separation length calculated by the second calculation unit is longer than a predetermined length, it is determined that the image is NO. The determination means includes
The image is suitable when the absolute value of the difference value calculated by the first calculation means is smaller than the first predetermined value and the separation length calculated by the second calculation means is shorter than the predetermined length. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the imaging device is determined as follows. Means for accepting a series of imaging;
Means for instructing imaging of a small image different from the small image when receiving a series of imaging by the means;
Third contrast detecting means for detecting a third contrast value in a plurality of regions of the small image;
Means for calculating a third total contrast value which is a sum of the third contrast values;
A third calculating means for calculating a difference value between the third total contrast value and the first total contrast value and / or a difference value between the third total contrast value and the second total contrast value;
The determination means includes
The suitability of the image is further determined based on the difference value calculated by the third calculation means,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein when the absolute value of the difference value is larger than a second predetermined value, it is determined that the image is NO. The determination means includes
The absolute value of the difference value calculated by the first calculation means is smaller than the first predetermined value, the separation length calculated by the second calculation means is shorter than the predetermined length, and the third calculation means The imaging apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the image is determined to be appropriate when the absolute value of the difference value calculated in the above is smaller than the second predetermined value. The subject is continuously imaged so that multiple images can be captured.
Based on a determination result of said determination means, from a plurality of images captured, one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises an extraction means for extracting an image determined as suitable The imaging device described in 1. Means for calculating the success degree of the image based on the determination result of the determination means;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 10 , further comprising: a display unit that ranks and displays the images based on the success degree calculated by the unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a determination result of the determination unit. If the image of a predetermined number which is determined suitable is extracted by said extraction means, according to claim 10 or claim 11 the predetermined number of images, characterized in that it comprises informing means for informing that it is captured Imaging device. If the image by the determining unit is determined to be negative, according to any one of claims 13 claim 1, characterized in that said image are to not stored in the storage medium Imaging device.

Images