JP4269776B2 - Electronic camera and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for sharing white balance adjustment conditions between electronic cameras of different models.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, the color temperature of a light source that illuminates a subject (hereinafter referred to as a photographing light source) varies depending on the photographing location. The color reproduced as the image reflects the color of the subject itself and the color of the photographing light source. For this reason, in an electronic camera, white balance is adjusted in order to reproduce a white subject white (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
Specifically, in an electronic camera that outputs the red pixel signal R, the green pixel signal G, and the blue pixel signal B to the image sensor, the signal levels of R, G, and B when an achromatic color is photographed are equal. The white balance is adjusted. In this method, for example, the color temperature of the photographing light source is estimated, and white balance gains Wr and Wb corresponding to the color temperature are multiplied by R and B, respectively.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-92509 A (Section 5-17, FIGS. 1 to 11)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-128191 (Section 4-5, FIGS. 1 to 4)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The white balance gain depends on the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the image sensor and the signal processing characteristics, and therefore differs depending on the model of the electronic camera. For this reason, even if the white balance of the image data photographed with a certain electronic camera is adjusted using the white balance gain of another electronic camera of a different model, the white balance is not properly adjusted. Accordingly, it has been impossible to shoot with the same white balance adjustment conditions using a plurality of electronic cameras of different models.
[0006]
In addition, for example, when two images obtained by photographing the same subject at approximately the same time are slightly different depending on different models, and these are placed side by side, it may be necessary to perform color matching. Accordingly, there has been a demand for sharing the white balance adjustment conditions between electronic cameras of different models and solving such problems.
[0007]
An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for easily sharing white balance adjustment conditions between different types of electronic cameras.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Electronic camera An imaging unit, a white balance adjustment unit, and a shared information generation unit are provided. The imaging unit images a subject and generates image data. The white balance adjustment unit adjusts the white balance of the image data. For example, in claim 1 The shared information generation unit outputs information that can be converted into or equivalent to the color temperature indicated by the white balance so that it can be referred to by another electronic camera.
[0009]
For example, the electronic camera of claim 1 “Information that can be converted into or converted into color temperature defines the white balance gain used by the white balance adjustment unit for white balance adjustment of image data and the“ correspondence between color temperature and white balance gain ”unique to electronic cameras. It is correspondence information ”.
[0010]
Further, for example, the shared information generation unit according to claim 2 separately sets the white balance information used when adjusting the white balance of the image data selected by the user from among the plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium. Output so that it can be referenced by the electronic camera. The electronic camera according to claim 3 is the claim 2 In the described invention, White balance information Is the white balance gain that the white balance adjustment unit used to adjust the white balance of the image data, Correspondence It is model information ”.
[0011]
An electronic camera according to claim 4 is provided. Claim 2 In the present invention, “the shared information generation unit White balance information Is attached to the image data and recorded on a recording medium, so that information can be referred to by another electronic camera ”.
[0012]
An electronic camera according to claim 5 is provided. Claim 2 In the present invention, “the shared information generation unit White balance information Is transferred to a separate electronic camera separately from the image data ”.
[0013]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera including an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and generates image data, and includes an input unit and a white balance adjustment unit. The input unit is from another electronic camera side. White balance information Receive. The white balance adjustment unit adjusts the white balance of the image data based on the color temperature estimated from this information.
[0014]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the electronic camera according to the sixth aspect is characterized by the following points. First, information that can be converted into or converted into color temperature is based on the white balance gain that another electronic camera used to adjust the white balance of the image data and the correspondence between the color temperature and white balance gain that is unique to another electronic camera. Correspondence information that defines “Relationship”. Second, a color temperature estimation unit is provided that estimates a color temperature from information received by the input unit and transmits the estimated color temperature to the white balance adjustment unit.
[0015]
An electronic camera according to an eighth aspect is characterized in that, in the invention according to the sixth aspect, the following points are provided. First, information that can be converted into or equivalent to a color temperature is a white balance gain that another electronic camera has used for white balance adjustment of image data, and model information of another electronic camera. Second, a color temperature estimation unit is provided that estimates a color temperature from information received by the input unit and transmits the estimated color temperature to the white balance adjustment unit.
[0016]
The inventions of claims 9 to 12 are programs for making the white balance adjustment conditions substantially coincide between the electronic camera A and the electronic camera B.
[0017]
The program according to claim 9 is for causing a computer to execute the following steps. One is an input step for receiving the white balance gain used by the electronic camera A for adjusting the white balance of the image data and the correspondence information defining the “correspondence between the color temperature and the white balance gain” unique to the electronic camera A. It is. One is a step of obtaining the color temperature corresponding to the white balance gain received in the input step with reference to the correspondence information. One is a step of transmitting the obtained color temperature to the electronic camera B.
[0018]
The program of Claim 10 is for making a computer perform the following steps. One is an input step for receiving the white balance gain used by the electronic camera A for adjusting the white balance of the image data and the correspondence information defining the “correspondence between the color temperature and the white balance gain” unique to the electronic camera A. It is. One is a step of obtaining the color temperature corresponding to the white balance gain received in the input step with reference to the correspondence information. One is that correspondence information defining “correspondence between color temperature and white balance gain” unique to the electronic camera B is stored in advance, and the correspondence information stored in advance is referred to in the electronic camera B. In this step, a white balance gain corresponding to the obtained color temperature is obtained. One is a step of transmitting the obtained white balance gain to the electronic camera B.
[0019]
The program of Claim 11 is for making a computer perform the following steps. One is an input step in which the electronic camera A receives a white balance gain used for white balance adjustment of image data and model information of the electronic camera A. One corresponds to the electronic camera indicated by the model information out of the correspondence information in which the correspondence between the white balance gain and the color temperature is stored for each of a plurality of electronic cameras (including the electronic camera A). This is a step for obtaining a color temperature corresponding to the white balance gain received in the input step with reference to the portion. One is a step of transmitting the obtained color temperature to the electronic camera B.
[0020]
The program of Claim 12 is for making a computer perform the following steps. One is an input step in which the electronic camera A receives a white balance gain used for white balance adjustment of image data and model information of the electronic camera A. One is the electronic camera indicated by the model information in the correspondence information that stores the correspondence between the white balance gain and the color temperature for each of a plurality of electronic cameras (including the electronic cameras A and B). This is a step of obtaining a color temperature corresponding to the white balance gain received in the input step with reference to the corresponding portion. One is a step of obtaining a white balance gain corresponding to the obtained color temperature in the electronic camera B with reference to a portion corresponding to the electronic camera B in the correspondence relationship information. One is a step of transmitting the obtained white balance gain to the electronic camera B.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera 8A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, an example is taken in which the electronic camera 8A first performs photographing, and at this time, the white balance adjustment conditions set by the electronic camera 8A are transmitted to the electronic camera 8B via the recording medium and then photographed by the electronic camera 8B. Will be explained. Since the configuration of the electronic camera 8B is the same as that of the electronic camera 8A as will be described later, the block diagram is omitted. In addition, the electronic cameras 8A and 8B of the present embodiment are For example, Both Claim 2 Corresponding to claims 4, 4 and 6, the models are different from each other.
[0022]
As shown in the figure, the electronic camera 8A includes a photographing lens 12, a focal plane shutter 16, an image sensor 20, an analog signal processing unit 24, an A / D conversion unit 28, a timing generator 32, and a color measurement unit. 36, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) 40, an operation unit 44, a system bus 48, an image processing unit 52, an image memory 56, a program memory (EEPROM) 60, a card interface 64, and a replaceable memory. A card (recording medium) 68, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 72, a USB interface 76, a monitor control unit 80, and a liquid crystal monitor 84 are included.
[0023]
The imaging device 20 has a primary color array that outputs a red pixel signal R, a green pixel signal G, and a blue pixel signal B.
The analog signal processing unit 24 and the A / D conversion unit 28 perform clamp processing, sensitivity correction processing, A / D conversion, and the like on the pixel signal from the image sensor 20 to generate digital image data.
[0024]
The MPU 40 performs system control of the electronic camera 8A. In addition, the MPU 40 sets the electronic camera 8A to any one of three white balance adjustment modes including an automatic mode, a manual mode, and another file reference mode.
In the automatic mode, the color temperature of the photographing light source is estimated, and the white balance of the image data after imaging is adjusted based on the color temperature. In the manual mode, a color temperature serving as a reference for white balance adjustment is set according to a user input. In the other file reference mode, conditions for white balance adjustment are set based on information read from the memory card 68.
[0025]
The operation unit 44 has a group of buttons for setting such as a power button, a shooting condition input button, a release button, a white balance adjustment mode selection button, and a color temperature input button (not shown).
The function of the electronic camera 8B is the same as that of the electronic camera 8A except for the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the image sensor and “table data indicating the correspondence between color temperature and white balance gain” described later.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation in the case where the electronic cameras 8A and 8B according to the present embodiment shoot while sharing white balance adjustment conditions. Hereinafter, the operations of the electronic cameras 8A and 8B will be described according to the step numbers shown in the figure.
[0027]
[Step S1]
The user selects one of the automatic mode, the manual mode, and the other file reference mode in the electronic camera 8A. If the automatic mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S2, and if the manual mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S3. In this embodiment, since the electronic camera A captures images first, the other file reference mode is not selected.
[0028]
[Step S2]
The color measurement unit 36 of the electronic camera 8 </ b> A estimates the color temperature (Kelvin) of the imaging light source by a color measurement sensor (not shown) and transmits this to the MPU 40. Then, the process proceeds to step S4.
[0029]
[Step S3]
The MPU 40 displays an outdoor clear sky mode, an outdoor cloudy mode, an indoor fluorescent lamp mode, and the like on the liquid crystal monitor 84 and allows the user to select one of these. When the outdoor clear sky mode is selected, the MPU 40 sets the color temperature to, for example, 5000K. Note that the user may input the color temperature (K) of the photographing light source. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4.
[0030]
[Step S4]
The MPU 40 refers to table data (Luck Up Table in which white balance gains Wr, Wg, and Wb are recorded for each color temperature) stored therein. As a result, the white balance gains Wr, Wg, and Wb at the color temperature transmitted from the color measurement unit 36 or set by the user are transmitted to the image processing unit 52. At this time, the color temperature is also transmitted.
Thereafter, the electronic camera 8A executes photographing according to a user operation and generates image data. This image data is output from the A / D converter 28.
[0031]
[Step S5]
The image processing unit 52 adjusts the white balance of the image data using the transmitted white balance gains Wr, Wg, and Wb. Thereafter, the image processing unit 52 performs processing such as color interpolation, color conversion, color correction, edge enhancement, and image compression on the image data output from the A / D conversion unit 28. Then, the image processing unit 52 records the compressed image data as one file on the memory card 68 via the card interface 64. At the time of this recording, the color temperature is attached to the image data file as supplementary information. “Attach” here means to combine the image data into one file by writing it in the header of the file.
[0032]
[Step S6]
The user selects the other file reference mode in the electronic camera 8B. The user then removes the memory card 68 that has been inserted into the electronic camera 8A and inserts it into the electronic camera 8B. Thereafter, the MPU 40 causes the liquid crystal monitor 84 to display the names of all files in which the color temperature is recorded among the files recorded in the memory card 68. At this time, the recorded color temperature may be displayed together with the name of the file. The display method may be other formats such as sequentially displaying images recorded in the file.
[0033]
[Step S7]
The user selects a file recorded with a color temperature to be used as a reference for white balance adjustment to be performed on the captured image of the electronic camera 8B from the displayed file. The MPU 40 determines whether a file has been selected by the user. If selected, the process proceeds to step S8. If not selected, the MPU 40 stands by with the file name displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 84.
[0034]
[Step S8]
The MPU 40 of the electronic camera 8B detects the color temperature recorded as incidental information from the file selected in step S7. Next, the MPU 40 obtains white balance gains Wr, Wg, Wb at the detected color temperature with reference to the table data as in step S4. Then, the MPU 40 transmits the white balance gain and the color temperature to the image processing unit 52.
Thereafter, the MPU 40 of the electronic camera 8B generates image data by a known photographing operation in accordance with a user operation. This image data is output from the A / D converter 28.
[0035]
[Step S9]
The image processing unit 52 of the electronic camera 8B performs the same process as step S5.
The above is the description of the operation of the present embodiment.
[0036]
As described above, the electronic camera 8A according to the present embodiment records the color temperature estimated at the time of photographing or set by the user in the memory card 68 as one file together with the image data. The electronic camera 8B in which the memory card 68 is inserted causes the user to select a file in which a necessary color temperature is recorded. The electronic camera 8B adjusts the white balance of the captured image using a white balance gain specific to the electronic camera 8B determined by the color temperature recorded in the selected file.
[0037]
For this reason, the color temperature, that is, the condition of white balance adjustment independent of the model can be easily shared between electronic cameras of different models. Accordingly, even when a plurality of electronic cameras having different white balance adjustment setting methods in the manual mode or different white balance adjustment methods in the automatic mode are used, it is possible to shoot with the same white balance adjustment conditions. In other words, the white balance adjustment conditions can be interchanged between models. As a result, user convenience is greatly improved.
[0038]
<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, an example using the electronic camera 8B of the first embodiment, an electronic camera 8C (not shown), and a portable small computer (not shown) (hereinafter abbreviated as a computer) will be described. More specifically, the electronic camera 8C takes a picture first, transmits the white balance adjustment conditions set at this time to the electronic camera 8B via a computer, and then takes the picture with the electronic camera 8B.
[0039]
A color temperature estimation program C11 (hereinafter abbreviated as program C11) corresponding to claim 11 is installed in the portable small computer.
The electronic camera 8C corresponds to claims 3 and 4. The electronic camera 8C is the same as the electronic cameras 8A and 8B described above except for the following two points.
First, since the model of the electronic camera 8C is different from that of the electronic cameras 8A and 8B, the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the image sensor and the table data indicating the correspondence relationship between the color temperature and the white balance gain are different.
[0040]
Second, the electronic camera 8C records the image data, the white balance gain used for white balance adjustment of the image data, and the model information on the memory card 68 as one file. That is, the color temperature is not recorded.
The program C11 stores “information defining the correspondence between color temperature and white balance gain (hereinafter referred to as correspondence information)” in a computer in advance for a necessary model. Corresponding relationship information can be pre-stored in a computer in advance for almost all models including old models and latest models, for example, by downloading them from the camera manufacturer's website. The correspondence information includes the table data, a conversion formula for determining the white balance gain from the color temperature, a conversion formula for determining the color temperature from the white balance gain, and the like.
[0041]
Other forms of correspondence information are also conceivable. For example, the color temperature-white balance gain characteristic of a standard machine is determined in advance as a reference characteristic, and the color temperature-white balance gain characteristic of each electronic camera is represented by a difference from the reference characteristic. This “difference from the reference characteristic” may be used as “correspondence information” unique to each electronic camera. The standard machine here may be a virtual machine.
[0042]
Alternatively, “the signal level ratio of the pixel signals R, G, and B of the image sensor when an achromatic color is photographed may be table data for each color temperature” may be used. This is equivalent to table data that gives a white balance gain for each color temperature. This is because the white balance gain equalizes the signal level ratio of the pixel signals R, G, and B when an achromatic color is photographed.
[0043]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation in the case where the electronic cameras 8C and 8B of the present embodiment shoot while sharing the white balance adjustment conditions. Hereinafter, this operation will be described according to the step numbers shown in the figure. If the electronic camera 8A is replaced with the electronic camera 8C, the processes of steps S21, S22, S23, S30, S31, and S32 are the same as steps S1, S2, S3, S7, S8, and S9 of the first embodiment, respectively. It is. For this reason, the overlapping description is omitted.
[0044]
[Step S24]
Except that the MPU 40 of the electronic camera 8C does not transmit the color temperature to the image processing unit 52, this is the same as step S4 of the first embodiment.
[0045]
[Step S25]
The image processing unit 52 of the electronic camera 8C adjusts the white balance of the image data using the transmitted white balance gain. Thereafter, the image processing unit 52 performs image processing on the image data output from the A / D conversion unit 28 and records it on the memory card 68 in the same manner as in step S5. At the time of recording, the model information and the used white balance gain are attached to the image data file.
The model information here is specifically information such as a manufacturer, a product name, and a manufacturing number. Different models may have the same model information as long as the correspondence information is the same.
[0046]
[Step S26]
The user removes the memory card 68 from the electronic camera 8C and inserts it into a dedicated drive of the computer. The computer (the program C11 thereof) displays on the screen (not shown) the names of all the files in which the model information and the white balance gain are recorded among the files recorded in the memory card 68. The display method may be other formats such as sequentially displaying images recorded in the file.
[0047]
[Step S27]
The user selects, from the displayed file, information on which information to be used as a condition for white balance adjustment to be performed on the captured image of the electronic camera 8B is recorded (the information here is model information and white balance gain). The computer determines whether a file has been selected by the user. If selected, the process proceeds to step S28. If not selected, the computer waits with the name of the file displayed on the screen.
[0048]
[Step S28]
The computer reads model information and white balance gain from the selected file. The computer refers to the correspondence information stored for each electronic camera corresponding to the electronic camera (in this example, the electronic camera 8C) indicated by the model information. The computer obtains the color temperature corresponding to the read white balance gain using the referenced correspondence information. The computer attaches the obtained color temperature to the selected file and overwrites it as one file.
[0049]
Regardless of whether the user has selected or not, the color temperature may be obtained for all the files displayed in step S26 and attached.
Further, since the color temperature is considered to be information of about several bytes, it is considered that adding this will hardly exceed the storage capacity of the memory card 68. If it exceeds, erase the model information and the used white balance gain and write the color temperature.
[0050]
[Step S29]
The user selects the other file reference mode in the electronic camera 8B. Then, the user inserts the memory card 68 that has been inserted into the computer into the electronic camera 8B. Thereafter, the MPU 40 causes the liquid crystal monitor 84 to display the names of all files in which the color temperature is recorded as supplementary information among the files recorded on the memory card 68.
The above is the description of the operation of the present embodiment.
[0051]
The electronic camera 8C of this embodiment records the white balance gain, which is a white balance adjustment condition depending on the model, in a format that can be converted into a color temperature by attaching the model information. Then, the program C11 converts these white balance gain and model information into color temperatures, and records the converted color temperatures in the memory card 68.
[0052]
Since the color temperature is a condition for white balance adjustment independent of the model, the white balance adjustment condition can be easily shared between electronic cameras of different models via the memory card 68. Therefore, also in the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0053]
<Supplementary items of the present invention>
[1] In the second embodiment, the example in which the white balance adjustment condition is shared between the electronic cameras 8C and 8B via the program C11 has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, a transmission system between an electronic camera that outputs white balance adjustment conditions as information (hereinafter referred to as a colorimetric reference side) and an electronic camera that receives this information (hereinafter referred to as a receiving side). Is also conceivable. In FIG. 4, white balance is abbreviated as “WB”.
[0054]
For example, an electronic camera 8D in which the program C11 is installed in the electronic camera 8B (the basic configuration is the same as that of the electronic camera 8A in FIG. 1 and the block diagram is omitted) may be used. The electronic camera 8D corresponds to claim 8. In this case, the memory card 68 may be directly inserted into the electronic camera 8D from the electronic camera 8C, and the operation executed by the computer program C11 may be executed by the electronic camera 8D. At this time, the file in which the model information and the white balance gain are recorded may be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 84 of the electronic camera 8D instead of the computer screen.
[0055]
In this way, in the embodiment using the electronic camera 8C on the colorimetric reference side and the electronic camera 8D on the receiving side, there is no need to go through a computer, so the convenience for the user is further improved. If the electronic camera 8D on the receiving side is an older model than the electronic camera on the reference side for colorimetry, it can be dealt with by installing “corresponding relationship information and model information” of the necessary model in the electronic camera 8D. .
[0056]
[2] As shown in FIG. 4, as a colorimetric reference side, an electronic camera 8E that records “white balance gain used for white balance adjustment of image data” and “correspondence information” (basic configuration is shown in FIG. 1). Since it is similar to the electronic camera 8A, a block diagram may be omitted). The function of the electronic camera 8E may be the same as that of the electronic camera 8C except that the correspondence information is recorded instead of the model information. The electronic camera 8E Claim 1 Corresponding to
[0057]
When shooting with the electronic camera 8B using the white balance adjustment conditions set by the electronic camera 8E, the following program C9 is installed in the computer, and the information is stored via the memory card 68 in the same manner as in the second embodiment. Just communicate. The program C9 displays on the computer screen all the files recorded with the white balance gain and correspondence information among the files recorded on the memory card 68 inserted in the computer. Next, the program C9 reads the white balance gain and the correspondence information from the file selected by the user. The program C9 refers to this correspondence information and obtains a color temperature corresponding to the read white balance gain. Then, the program C9 attaches the obtained color temperature to the file selected by the user. This program C9 corresponds to claim 9.
[0058]
[3] As shown in FIG. 4, an electronic camera 8F in which the above-described program C9 is installed in the electronic camera 8B as the receiving side (the basic configuration is the same as that of the electronic camera 8A in FIG. 1; therefore, the block diagram is omitted). It may be used. The electronic camera 8F corresponds to claim 7. In this case, the memory card 68 may be directly inserted into the electronic camera 8F from the electronic camera 8E, and the operation executed by the program C9 may be executed by the electronic camera 8F. At this time, the file in which the white balance gain and the correspondence information are recorded may be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 84 of the electronic camera 8F instead of the computer screen. Thus, even when the electronic camera 8E on the reference side for colorimetry and the electronic camera 8F on the receiving side are used, the convenience for the user is further improved because there is no need to go through a computer.
[0059]
[4] As shown in FIG. 4, a program C10 obtained by adding the following four functions to the program C9 may be created.
First, similar to the program C11 of the second embodiment, correspondence information of necessary models is stored in advance.
Secondly, a step of causing the computer to input “model information of the receiving electronic camera” is added.
[0060]
Thirdly, the “white balance gain of the receiving electronic camera” corresponding to the “color temperature obtained based on the information received from the electronic camera on the colorimetric reference side” is obtained. At this time, the electronic camera portion corresponding to the “model information of the receiving electronic camera” in the correspondence information may be referred to.
Fourth, the obtained white balance gain is transmitted to the receiving electronic camera, for example, by recording it in the memory card 68 or the like. At this time, it is not necessary to record the color temperature, but it may be used in a third electronic camera different from the electronic camera on the receiving side, so it is desirable to record the color temperature.
[0061]
The program C10 to which the above functions are added corresponds to claim 10.
The “receiving electronic camera” targeted by the program C10 has a function of receiving the white balance gain and adjusting the white balance of the image data using the white balance gain.
[0062]
[5] As shown in FIG. 4, a program C12 obtained by adding the following three functions to the program C11 described in the second embodiment may be created.
First, a step of causing the computer to input “model information of the receiving electronic camera” is added.
Second, the “white balance gain of the receiving electronic camera” corresponding to the “color temperature obtained based on the information received from the electronic camera on the colorimetric reference side” is obtained. At this time, the electronic camera portion corresponding to the “model information of the receiving electronic camera” in the correspondence information may be referred to.
[0063]
Thirdly, the obtained white balance gain is transmitted to the receiving electronic camera, for example, by recording it in the memory card 68 or the like. At this time, the color temperature need not be recorded, but it is desirable to record it. The reason is as described above.
The program C12 to which the above functions are added corresponds to claim 12.
The function of the “receiving electronic camera” targeted by the program C12 is the same as that targeted by the program C10 described above.
[0064]
[6] In the first embodiment, the example in which the electronic camera 8A records only the color temperature as the auxiliary information has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. Model information may be recorded together with the color temperature. In this case, the receiving electronic camera can recognize which model has the color temperature measured. Thus, for example, if the colorimetric accuracy of the measured electronic camera is inferior to that of the receiving electronic camera, the receiving electronic camera may select not to use the transmitted color temperature.
[0065]
Alternatively, the color temperature, model information, and used white balance gain may be output (recorded in the memory card 68) to the electronic camera 8A. In this case, the electronic camera 8A For example, claim 2 , Claim 3 and Claim 4. Further, in addition to the above three, an electronic camera 8G (not shown) may also be manufactured that outputs correspondence information (the basic configuration is the same as that of the electronic camera 8A in FIG. 1). The electronic camera 8G corresponds to claims 1 to 4.
[0066]
[7] An electronic camera 8H having all the functions of the electronic cameras 8B, 8D, and 8F described above (not shown) may be manufactured because the basic configuration is the same as that of the electronic camera 8A of FIG. That is, the electronic camera 8 </ b> H can store any of “color temperature”, “white balance gain and model information”, and “white balance gain and correspondence information” in the file in the memory card 68. White balance adjustment can be performed based on the indicated color temperature. The electronic camera 8H corresponds to claims 6 to 8.
[0067]
Furthermore, an electronic camera 8I in which the function of the electronic camera 8G described above is added to the electronic camera 8H (the basic configuration is the same as that of the electronic camera 8A in FIG. 1 and is not shown) may be manufactured. That is, the electronic camera 8I outputs (records in the memory card 68) the color temperature, the model information, the used white balance gain, and the correspondence information. In addition, the electronic camera 8I can store any of “color temperature”, “white balance gain and model information”, and “white balance gain and correspondence information” in the file in the memory card 68. White balance adjustment can be performed based on the indicated color temperature. The electronic camera 8I corresponds to claims 1 to 4 and claims 6 to 8.
[0068]
[8] In the first embodiment, the example in which the image data and the color temperature are recorded in the memory card 68 as one file has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. Only the color temperature may be recorded on the memory card 68 as an independent file. Similarly in the second embodiment, the white balance gain and the model information may be recorded on the memory card 68 as an independent file separate from the image data. Similarly, in the above-described electronic cameras 8E, 8G, and 8I, the white balance gain and the correspondence information may be recorded in the memory card 68 as an independent file separate from the image data.
[0069]
In this case, the receiving electronic cameras 8B, 8D, 8F, 8H, and 8I have "color temperature", "white balance gain and model information", and "white balance gain and correspondence" regardless of whether or not image data is included. The user may select a file in which at least one of “related information” is recorded.
[0070]
[9] The example in which “information that can be converted into color temperature or equivalent” is transmitted to the receiving electronic camera by recording in the memory card 68 has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment.
For example, in the first embodiment, the color temperature may be transmitted from the electronic camera 8A to the electronic camera 8B by connecting the USB 72 of the electronic camera 8A and the USB 72 of the electronic camera 8B with a USB cable.
Alternatively, a wireless transmission / reception device may be mounted on each of the electronic cameras 8A and 8B, and the color temperature may be transmitted from the electronic camera 8A to the electronic camera 8B wirelessly.
[0071]
Further, for example, in the second embodiment, the wireless cameras may be mounted on the electronic cameras 8C and 8B, respectively, and a wireless LAN may be connected to the computer. In this case, the electronic camera 8C outputs “white balance gain and model information” to the wireless LAN, and the computer estimates the color temperature from this information. Thereafter, the computer transmits the color temperature to the electronic camera 8B by radio.
As described above, transmitting the color temperature and the like separately from the image data corresponds to “Transfer data to the other electronic camera separately from the image data” according to claim 5.
[0072]
[10] In the first embodiment, the example in which the electronic camera 8 </ b> A first takes an image has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is also possible to take a picture with the electronic camera 8B first and then with the electronic camera 8A based on the color temperature set in the electronic camera 8B. This is because the functions of the electronic cameras 8A and 8B are the same.
[0073]
In such a case, determine which is the higher model (the one that has the higher accuracy of measuring the color temperature of the shooting light source), shoot first with the higher model, and then subordinate based on the color temperature used by the higher model. You may make it image | photograph with a model.
As this method, for example, wireless transmission / reception devices are mounted on both electronic cameras, and model information is transmitted from one electronic camera to the other wirelessly. Then, the electronic camera that has received the model information is caused to determine whether or not the transmission-side electronic camera is higher. In this case, it is desirable to determine data (such as date of release start) that makes it easy to decide which priority is higher, and include this in the model information.
[0074]
[11] In the first and second embodiments, the example in which “color temperature” or “white balance gain and model information” is recorded in accordance with the photographing operation has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the colorimetric unit 36 may be caused to estimate the color temperature of the imaging light source without recording, and “information that can be converted into or equivalent to the color temperature” may be recorded.
[0075]
[12] The example of using the color temperature (Kelvin) as the “information equivalent to the color temperature” mentioned in the claims has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The color temperature may be, for example, Celsius (° C.) or Fahrenheit (F). Alternatively, it may be a coordinate position representing a color temperature in an xy coordinate, a CIEXY color system coordinate, a CIE 1960 uv chromaticity diagram, or the like. Alternatively, an inverse color temperature or the like may be used.
[0076]
[13] The example in which the image sensor 20 is an R, G, B primary color array and the R, G, B pixel signals are corrected by the white balance gain has been described. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The output pixel signal of the image sensor may be a complementary color system, for example. For example, if the image sensor of the electronic camera 8E described in the supplementary item [2] is a complementary color system, “a white balance gain corresponding to the complementary color system” and “a correspondence relationship between the white balance gain and the color temperature are defined. Correspondence information ”may be output.
[0077]
[14] In the first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which “information that can be converted into color temperature or equivalent” is recorded for each shooting. The present invention is not limited to such an embodiment.
For example, after a large number of image data is generated by photographing, these are left as raw image data (not subjected to image processing) (however, interpolation processing may be performed). Next, these image data are displayed, and one having a good color is selected from them. Then, white balance adjustment of all the image data may be performed collectively using a white balance gain corresponding to the color temperature when the selected image data is captured.
[0078]
[15] Finally, the correspondence between the claims and the embodiment will be described. In addition, the correspondence shown below is one interpretation for reference, and does not limit the present invention.
The imaging unit described in claims corresponds to the functions of the photographing lens 12, the focal plane shutter 16, the imaging device 20, the analog signal processing unit 24, the A / D conversion unit 28, the timing generator 32, and the MPU 40 that controls the photographing operation. . Note that the operation of “imaging a subject to generate image data” described in the claims is well known, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
[0079]
The white balance adjustment unit described in the claims adjusts the white balance of the image data using the color measurement unit, the function of the MPU 40 that transmits the white balance gain corresponding to the color temperature to the image processing unit 52, and the white balance gain. This corresponds to the function of the image processing unit 52.
“Color temperature indicated by the white balance” in the claims means, for example, “color temperature corresponding to white balance gain used for white balance adjustment of image data”. Specifically, the color temperature estimated by the colorimetric unit 36 in step S2 or the color temperature corresponding to the mode selected by the user in step S3.
[0080]
Both “white balance gain and model information” and “white balance gain and correspondence information” correspond to “information that can be converted into color temperature” mentioned in the claims.
The shared information generating unit described in the claims corresponds to “a function of the image processing unit 52 that records information that can be converted into color temperature or equivalent to image data”.
[0081]
“Output in another electronic camera so that it can be referred to” corresponds to recording a signal on a memory card 68, transmitting a wireless signal, or outputting a signal to a telecommunication line such as a LAN (Supplementary Item [9 ]reference).
The input unit described in the claims corresponds to the card interface 64, the system bus 48, and “a function of the MPU 40 that detects information that can be converted into color temperature or equivalent from a file recorded in the memory card 68” ( (See steps S8 and S31).
[0082]
The color temperature estimation unit described in the claims corresponds to, for example, the function of the MPU 40 of the electronic camera 8D that estimates the color temperature from the model information and the white balance gain (see Supplementary Item [1]). Further, the color temperature estimation unit described in the claims also corresponds to the function of the MPU 40 of the electronic camera 8F that estimates the color temperature from the white balance gain and correspondence information (see supplementary item [3]).
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
In one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic camera on the color measurement reference side outputs information equivalent to the color temperature. Since the color temperature is a condition for white balance adjustment independent of the model, the receiving-side electronic camera can share the white balance adjustment condition with the color-measuring reference-side electronic camera.
[0084]
In another embodiment of the present invention, the electronic camera on the colorimetric reference side outputs information that can be converted into a color temperature. This information is converted into color temperature by the program of the present invention or the receiving electronic camera equipped with the program. Therefore, the receiving electronic camera can share the white balance adjustment condition with the colorimetric reference electronic camera.
As a result, even when a plurality of electronic cameras of different models are used, it is possible to shoot with the same white balance adjustment conditions.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic camera according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation when shooting is performed while sharing white balance adjustment conditions between the electronic cameras 8A and 8B of the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation in the case where an electronic camera 8C, 8B of the second embodiment shoots while sharing white balance adjustment conditions via a computer.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a transmission system of white balance adjustment conditions between electronic cameras of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F Electronic camera
12 Shooting lens
16 Focal plane shutter
20 Image sensor
24 Analog signal processor
28 A / D converter
32 Timing Generator
36 Colorimetric part
40 MPU
44 Operation unit
48 System Bus
52 Image processing unit
56 Image memory
60 program memory
64 card interface
68 Memory card
72 USB
76 USB interface
80 Monitor control unit
84 LCD monitor
C9, C10, C11, C12 programs

Claims (12)

An imaging unit that images a subject and generates image data;
A white balance adjustment unit for adjusting the white balance of the image data;
A shared information generating unit that outputs information that can be converted into or equivalent to the color temperature indicated by the white balance so that it can be referred to by another electronic camera ;
The information that can be converted into or equivalent to the color temperature includes the white balance gain used by the white balance adjustment unit for white balance adjustment of the image data and the “correspondence between color temperature and white balance gain” unique to the electronic camera. An electronic camera characterized in that it is correspondence information that defines An imaging unit that images a subject and generates image data;
A white balance adjustment unit for adjusting the white balance of the image data;
A recording unit for recording a plurality of the image data on a recording medium;
Shared information generation for outputting the white balance information used when adjusting the white balance of the image data selected by the user from among the plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium so that it can be referred to by another electronic camera Department and
Electronic camera characterized by comprising a. The electronic camera according to claim 2 ,
The white balance information, and white balance gain the white balance adjustment unit is used in the white balance adjustment of the image data, Ri corresponding model information and der,
The electronic camera is characterized in that the corresponding model information is information grouped for each model having the same correspondence relationship between a color temperature and the white balance gain . The electronic camera according to claim 2 ,
The shared information generation unit enables information reference with the other electronic camera by attaching the white balance information to the image data and recording it on a recording medium. The electronic camera according to claim 2 ,
The shared information generating unit transfers the white balance information to the another electronic camera separately from the image data. An electronic camera having an imaging unit for generating imaged image data by imaging a subject,
An input unit for receiving white balance information for each of the recorded image data used when adjusting the white balance of each of the plurality of recorded image data recorded by another electronic camera ;
On the basis of the color temperature estimated by the white balance information selected by the user from the plurality of the white balance information by the input unit receives, and a white balance adjustment section for adjusting the white balance of the captured image data An electronic camera characterized by An electronic camera including an imaging unit that images a subject and generates image data,
An input unit that receives information equivalent to or equivalent to color temperature from another electronic camera side,
A color temperature estimation unit for estimating a color temperature from the information received by the input unit;
A white balance adjustment unit that adjusts a white balance of the image data based on the color temperature estimated by the color temperature estimation unit;
The information that can be converted into or equivalent to the color temperature is the correspondence between the white balance gain used by the other electronic camera for adjusting the white balance of the image data and the color temperature and the white balance gain that are unique to the other electronic camera. an electronic camera, wherein the correspondence information and Ru der defining a ". An electronic camera including an imaging unit that images a subject and generates image data,
An input unit that receives information equivalent to or equivalent to color temperature from another electronic camera side,
A color temperature estimation unit for estimating a color temperature from the information received by the input unit;
A white balance adjustment unit that adjusts a white balance of the image data based on the color temperature estimated by the color temperature estimation unit;
Convert can or equivalent information to the color temperature, electrons, characterized in that the white balance gain the further electronic camera is used in the white balance adjustment of the image data, Ru model information and der of said another electronic camera camera. A program for substantially matching white balance adjustment conditions between the electronic camera A and the electronic camera B,
An input step for receiving a white balance gain used by the electronic camera A for white balance adjustment of image data and correspondence information defining a “correspondence between a color temperature and a white balance gain” unique to the electronic camera A;
With reference to the correspondence information, obtaining a color temperature corresponding to the white balance gain received in the input step;
A program for causing a computer to execute the step of transmitting the obtained color temperature to the electronic camera B. A program for substantially matching white balance adjustment conditions between the electronic camera A and the electronic camera B,
An input step for receiving a white balance gain used by the electronic camera A for white balance adjustment of image data and correspondence information defining a “correspondence between a color temperature and a white balance gain” unique to the electronic camera A;
With reference to the correspondence information, obtaining a color temperature corresponding to the white balance gain received in the input step;
Correspondence information defining the “correspondence between color temperature and white balance gain” specific to the electronic camera B is stored in advance, and the electronic camera B obtains the correspondence information by referring to the correspondence information stored in advance. Obtaining a white balance gain corresponding to the selected color temperature;
A program for causing a computer to execute the step of transmitting the obtained white balance gain to the electronic camera B. A program for substantially matching white balance adjustment conditions between the electronic camera A and the electronic camera B,
An input step in which the electronic camera A receives a white balance gain used for white balance adjustment of image data and model information of the electronic camera A;
Of the correspondence information that stores the correspondence between the white balance gain and the color temperature for each of a plurality of electronic cameras (including the electronic camera A), a portion corresponding to the electronic camera indicated by the model information Referring to the step of obtaining a color temperature corresponding to the white balance gain received in the input step;
A program for causing a computer to execute the step of transmitting the obtained color temperature to the electronic camera B. A program for substantially matching white balance adjustment conditions between the electronic camera A and the electronic camera B,
An input step in which the electronic camera A receives a white balance gain used for white balance adjustment of image data and model information of the electronic camera A;
Corresponding to the electronic camera indicated by the model information out of the corresponding relationship information stored in the correspondence relationship between the white balance gain and the color temperature for each of a plurality of electronic cameras (including the electronic cameras A and B). With reference to the portion, obtaining a color temperature corresponding to the white balance gain received in the input step;
Obtaining a white balance gain corresponding to the obtained color temperature in the electronic camera B with reference to a part corresponding to the electronic camera B in the correspondence information;
A program for causing a computer to execute the step of transmitting the obtained white balance gain to the electronic camera B.

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