JP4460798B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and electronic camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that performs image processing according to a processing instruction, an image processing method, and an electronic camera.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Some electronic cameras have a character superimposition function that directly superimposes (synthesizes) characters such as a shooting date and a user comment on a captured image. This function is a function of superimposing character data such as date on image data of a photographed image and recording it on a recording medium such as a memory card. According to this function, it is possible to always display and print the shooting date on the image at the time of playback or printing, so it is a function that is familiar to users who were shooting by shooting the shooting date with a silver salt camera. is there. Further, if number character data is superimposed on image data of a photographed image, it is possible to prevent forgetting to print the number at the time of printing in the use of photographed image management by number or the like. In addition, there are other advantages such as prevention of falsification of the shooting date and the like, and an error in setting the date of the electronic camera can be easily prevented by the shooting date always displayed during reproduction.
[0003]
On the other hand, since the captured image obtained by photographing with the electronic camera is digital data, the image processing function of the electronic camera or the image processing means of an external device (image processing device, personal computer, etc.) It is possible to perform various image processing according to the user's preference, for example, rotation processing, resizing processing, trimming processing, and the like on the captured image.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, various problems occur when image processing is performed on a captured image on which characters are superimposed by the character superimposition recording function. For example, when rotation processing is performed, there is a problem that the character arrangement is inappropriate. When resizing processing is performed, the character is too small to be read, or the character is too large to obstruct. The problem such as becoming. In addition, when the trimming process is performed, there are problems such as trimming with characters removed or trimming with characters divided.
[0005]
In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device, an image processing method, and an image processing apparatus that appropriately superimposes characters when image processing is performed on a superimposed image on which characters are superimposed. It is to provide an electronic camera.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  First of the present invention1'sAspectIs, PaintingimageEdit on dataPerform image processing according to instructionsImage processing deviceAnd beforeDrawingimagedataBut, Superimposed image data in which character data is superimposed, and the character data is not superimposedSubject imageDataReproducibleNohWhen there wasThe subject image data is reproduced from the superimposed image data and difference data between the superimposed image data and the subject image data,ReproducedCoverManipulative imagedataAgainstEditImage processing means for performing image processing according to the instruction;SaidImage processing was performed by image processing meansSaidReproducedCoverManipulative imagedataTo the characterdataIs superimposed on the characterdataSuperimposeDrawingImage processingReRevealedCoverManipulative imagedataAn image processing apparatus including a recording control unit for recording the image.
[0007]
According to the above configuration, when image processing is performed on a captured image that can reproduce a subject image and a superimposed image, image processing is performed on the reproduced subject image, and characters are re-superimposed on this. The characters are appropriately superimposed after image processing. The image processing includes rotation processing, resizing processing, trimming processing, and the like.
[0009]
  Also,According to this configuration, when image processing is performed on a captured image that can reproduce a subject image and a superimposed image, the subject image reproduced from the superimposed image and the difference data is subjected to image processing, and characters are added to this. Since the image is re-superimposed, the characters are appropriately superimposed after the image processing. In addition, the data capacity required to reproduce the subject image can be reduced.
[0010]
  Second of the present inventionofAspectIsAn image processing apparatus that performs image processing according to an editing instruction on image data,in frontDrawingimagedataBut, Character data is superimposedSuperimposed imageSubject image data that is data and does not have the character data superimposed thereonCan be reproducedNohIf there is, the superimposed imageData incidental informationInThereforeThe associated subject imageRead and reproduce the data,ReproducedCoverManipulative imagedataAgainstEditPerform image processing according to instructionsAn image processing unit, and the character data is superimposed on the reproduced subject image data that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit, and the subject image data that has been subjected to image processing and superimposed is recorded on the character data. Image processing apparatus comprising recording control meansIt is.
[0011]
  According to the above configuration, when image processing is performed on a captured image that can reproduce a subject image and a superimposed image, image processing is performed on the reproduced subject image, and characters are re-superimposed on this. The characters are appropriately superimposed after image processing. The image processing includes rotation processing, resizing processing, trimming processing, and the like.
  Also,According to this configuration, when the image processing is performed on the captured image that can reproduce the subject image and the superimposed image, the image processing is performed on the subject image reproduced from the subject image associated with the superimposed image, Since the character is re-superimposed on this, the character is appropriately superimposed after the image processing.
  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the image processing unit performs image processing according to an editing instruction on the superimposed image data in which character data is superimposed on the subject image data. And a prohibiting means for prohibiting at least the resizing process and the rotating process in the image processing.
  According to the above configuration, when image processing is performed on a superimposed image, at least resizing processing and rotation processing of image processing are prohibited, and it is possible to prevent characters from becoming inappropriate due to resizing processing and rotation processing. .
  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, trimming is performed as image processing in accordance with an editing instruction by the image processing unit with respect to superimposed image data in which character data is superimposed on the subject image data. And a prohibiting unit for prohibiting the trimming process when the designated trimming area is a trimming area for dividing the character data when the process is performed.
  According to the above configuration, when the trimming process is performed on the superimposed image, the trimming process for dividing the superimposed character is prohibited, and the character can be prevented from being divided by the trimming process.
  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the recording control unit responds to an editing instruction by the image processing unit with respect to the superimposed image data in which character data is superimposed on the subject image data. When the trimming process is performed as image processing and the character data is removed from the image data after the trimming process, the character data is superimposed on the image data after the trimming process, and the character data is superimposed. In this configuration, the processed image data is recorded.
  According to the above configuration, when trimming processing is performed on the superimposed image and the superimposed character is removed, the character is re-superimposed on the image after trimming processing. Will not be removed.
[0012]
  6th of this inventionofAspectIs, PaintingimagedataInEdit forPerform image processing according to instructionsImage processing methodAnd beforeDrawingimagedataBut,letterdataSuperimposed image with superimposedSubject image data that is data and does not have the character data superimposed thereonCan be reproducedNohWhen there wasThe subject image data is reproduced from the superimposed image data and difference data between the superimposed image data and the subject image data by an image processing means,ReproducedCoverManipulative imagedataAgainstEditPerform image processing according to instructions,By the recording control means, by the image processing meansImage processing was performedSaidReproducedCoverManipulative imagedataTo the characterdataIs superimposed on the characterdataSuperimposeDrawingImage processingReRevealedCoverManipulative imagedataIs an image processing method for recording.
[0013]
  According to the above method, when image processing is performed on a captured image that can reproduce a subject image and a superimposed image, image processing is performed on the reproduced subject image, and characters are re-superimposed on this. The characters are appropriately superimposed after image processing.
  Further, according to this method, when image processing is performed on a captured image that can reproduce a subject image and a superimposed image, the subject image reproduced from the superimposed image and the difference data is subjected to image processing. Since the characters are re-superimposed, the characters are appropriately superimposed after image processing. In addition, the data capacity required to reproduce the subject image can be reduced.
  A seventh aspect of the present invention is an image processing method for performing image processing on image data according to an editing instruction, wherein the image data is superimposed image data on which character data is superimposed, and the character data When the subject image data on which the data is not superimposed can be reproduced, the subject image data associated by the supplementary information of the superimposed image data is read and reproduced by the image processing means, and the reproduced subject The image data is subjected to image processing in accordance with the editing instruction, and the character data is superimposed on the reproduced subject image data subjected to image processing by the image processing means by a recording control means, and the character data Is an image processing method for recording subject image data reproduced by being subjected to image processing.
  According to the above method, when image processing is performed on a captured image that can reproduce a subject image and a superimposed image, image processing is performed on the reproduced subject image, and characters are re-superimposed on this. The characters are appropriately superimposed after image processing.
  Further, according to this method, when image processing is performed on a captured image that can reproduce the subject image and the superimposed image, the image processing is performed on the subject image reproduced from the subject image associated with the superimposed image. Since the character is re-superimposed on this, the character is appropriately superimposed after the image processing.
  Eighth of the present inventionofAspectIsCapture the subject and obtain subject image dataImaging means and captured imagedataThe subject image obtained by the imaging meansdataCharacterdataSuperimposed image with superimposeddataWhen,Difference data between the superimposed image data and the subject image dataRecording control means for recording;When an instruction to edit the captured image data is given, the captured image data is superimposed image data on which character data is superimposed, and subject image data on which the character data is not superimposed can be reproduced. The subject image data is reproduced from the superimposed image data and the difference data, and the reproduced subject image data is responded to the editing instruction.Image processing means for performing image processing;SaidImage processing was performed by image processing meansSaidReproducedCoverManipulative imagedataTo the characterdataIs superimposed on the characterdataSuperimposeDrawingImage processingReRevealedCoverManipulative imagedataAnd an overlaid recording control means for recording the image.
[0014]
  According to the above configuration, when image processing is performed on a captured image in which a subject image and a superimposed image are recorded so as to be reproducible, image processing is performed on the reproduced subject image, and characters are re-superimposed on this. Thus, characters are appropriately superimposed after image processing.
  Further, according to this configuration, when image processing is performed on a captured image that can reproduce a subject image and a superimposed image, the subject image reproduced from the superimposed image and the difference data is subjected to image processing. Since the characters are re-superimposed, the characters are appropriately superimposed after image processing. In addition, the data capacity required to reproduce the subject image can be reduced.
  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject to obtain subject image data, superimposed image data obtained by superimposing character data on the subject image data obtained by the imaging unit, and captured image data Recording control means for recording in association with subject image data; and when the editing instruction is given to the captured image data, the captured image data is superimposed image data on which character data is superimposed, and the character When the subject image data on which the data is not superimposed can be reproduced, the subject image data associated with the supplementary information of the superimposed image data is read and reproduced, and the reproduced subject image data is reproduced. Image processing means for performing image processing in accordance with the editing instruction, and the reproduced object subjected to image processing by the image processing means; Superimposing said character data to image data, an electronic camera that includes a superimposed recording control means for recording the subject image data superimposed image processing has been reproduced is subjected to the character data.
  According to the above configuration, when image processing is performed on a captured image in which a subject image and a superimposed image are recorded so as to be reproducible, image processing is performed on the reproduced subject image, and characters are re-superimposed on this. Thus, characters are appropriately superimposed after image processing.
  Further, according to this configuration, when image processing is performed on a captured image that can reproduce the subject image and the superimposed image, the image processing is performed on the subject image reproduced from the subject image associated with the superimposed image. Since the character is re-superimposed on this, the character is appropriately superimposed after the image processing.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic camera shown in the figure includes an image processing function (image processing unit) that performs image processing according to a processing instruction on an image (captured image).
[0020]
In FIG. 1, a lens 1 is a photographing optical system that forms a subject image on a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 2.
The CCD 2 is an image sensor that photoelectrically converts a formed subject image and outputs an electrical signal (analog signal) indicating the image.
[0021]
The imaging circuit 3 includes a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling), an AGC (Automatic Gain Control), and the like, and an electric signal output from the CCD 2 under the control of the CPU_A4. This is a circuit for removing reset noise (analog signal) and adjusting the signal level.
[0022]
The A / D conversion circuit 5 is a circuit that converts an output signal (analog signal) of the imaging circuit 3 into a digital signal (digital data).
The correction circuit 6 is a circuit that performs correction processing such as white balance and γ correction on the output signal (digital data, image data) of the A / D conversion circuit 4.
[0023]
The frame memory 7, the CPU_B 8, the FIFO (First-In First-Out) memory 9, and the recording buffer 10 are all connected to the bus line 11, and exchange data with each other via the bus line 11. Is done.
The frame memory 7 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing the image data output from the correction circuit 6, the image data processed by the CPU_B8, and the like, and also serves as a working storage area for various processes by the CPU_B8. Memory used.
[0024]
Under the control of the CPU_A4, the CPU_B8 performs image data compression processing (image compression function), image data expansion processing (image expansion function), and various image processing (rotation) to the image data in accordance with a control program provided therein. Processing, resizing processing, trimming processing, etc.) (frame memory control function), access control processing (recording medium access function) such as writing (recording) to and reading from a recording medium, and subject image (original image) and subject image Processing (image difference data creating means) for creating difference data with the superimposed image on which the date is superimposed is executed. In the image data compression processing and decompression processing, for example, compression processing and decompression processing by the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method is performed.
[0025]
The FIFO memory 9 is a memory for temporarily storing image data for display. For example, display image data subjected to image processing by the CPU_B 8 is stored.
The on-screen circuit 12 is a circuit that superimposes on-screen information such as date on the image data output from the FIFO memory 9 under the control of the CPU_A4.
[0026]
The video output circuit 13 is a circuit that converts the image data output from the on-screen circuit 12 into a video signal (image signal).
The video output terminal 14 is a terminal for sending the video signal (image signal) output from the video output circuit 13 to the outside.
[0027]
The TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal driving circuit 15 is a circuit that drives the TFT panel (TFT liquid crystal) 16 based on the image data output from the on-screen circuit 12 under the control of the CPU_A4.
The TFT panel 16 displays, for example, a captured image based on image data based on the driving of the TFT drive circuit 15.
[0028]
The backlight unit 17 irradiates the liquid crystal portion of the TFT panel 16 with light from the back surface under the control of the CPU_A4.
The recording buffer 10 is a memory that temporarily stores image data when the image data is written to the recording medium 18 or when the image data is read from the recording medium 18.
[0029]
The recording medium I / F 19 provides an interface function for exchanging data with the recording medium 18, and writes image data to the recording medium 18 or reads image data from the recording medium 18. Is performed.
The recording medium 18 is a removable recording medium such as a memory card.
[0030]
The CPU_A4 is a central processing unit, and in accordance with an internal control program, control processing (system control function) of each part constituting the electronic camera, date management processing (date management means), subject image / superimposition Processing (image management means) for managing difference data between the image / subject image and the superimposed image is executed.
[0031]
The actuator 20 is a motor (such as a zooming motor or an AF motor) for driving the lens (imaging optical system) 1 and is driven by an actuator drive circuit 21.
The actuator drive circuit 21 is a circuit that drives the actuator 20 under the control of the CPU_A4.
[0032]
An EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) 22 is a memory in which various data such as variables and adjustment data are stored, and various data are read and written by the CPU_A 4 as necessary.
The external data I / F 23 provides an interface function for exchanging data between an external device such as a personal computer and the CPU_A4, and is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) I / F.
[0033]
The key matrix unit 24 includes various keys, switches, buttons, and the like for receiving various instructions from the user and notifying the CPU_A4 of them. For example, a date imprinting mode designation means for enabling designation of a date imprinting mode, an editing mode designation means for enabling designation of an editing mode, and the like are included. Note that the date imprinting mode is a mode that makes it possible to superimpose (synthesize, imprint) a shooting date on an image. The edit mode is a mode that enables various image processing (rotation processing, resizing processing, trimming processing, etc.) according to a user instruction to be performed on the image.
[0034]
The LCD panel 25 is driven by the LCD display circuit 26 and displays information based on the drive signal. For example, various setting states such as exposure and shutter speed are displayed.
The LCD display circuit 26 is a circuit that drives the LCD panel 25 under the control of the CPU_A4.
[0035]
The battery 27 is a power source for supplying power to the electronic camera.
The power supply circuit 28 is a circuit that controls the voltage supplied from the battery 27 under the control of the CPU_A4 and supplies power to each part of the electronic camera.
The backup power source 29 is a power source for maintaining (holding) various setting values set in the electronic camera, and is composed of, for example, a coin battery or a super capacitor.
[0036]
The battery state detection circuit 30 detects the remaining battery level of the battery 27 and notifies this to the CPU_A4.
Next, various control processes related to the present invention performed by the CPU_A4 in the electronic camera having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. These processes are processes performed by the CPU_A4 executing a control program provided therein.
[0037]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the photographing process.
In the figure, when predetermined shooting conditions (shutter speed, exposure, date imprint mode, etc.) are set by the user via the key matrix unit 24 and a shooting instruction is given, first, an object image is displayed via the CCD 2 or the like. The image data based on the subject image is acquired through the image capturing circuit 3 and the like, and is temporarily stored in the frame memory 7 (S201).
[0038]
Subsequently, the image data stored in the frame memory 7 is read out, and the image data is subjected to compression processing by the CPU_B 8 (for example, compression processing by the JPEG method) (S202), and recorded in the recording medium 18 (S203). However, the image data of the subject image recorded at this time is recorded as one image file together with accompanying information including information related to shooting (such as shooting date and shooting conditions).
[0039]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the date imprinting mode is designated by the date imprinting mode designating means (S204). If this mode is designated (Y in S204), it is stored in the frame memory 7 in the process of S201. The stored image data is read out, and the character data of the date managed by the date management means is superimposed (synthesized) on the image data (S205), and the CPU_B8 compresses the image data on which the character data is superimposed (S206), This is recorded on the recording medium 18 (S207). However, the image data of the superimposed image recorded at this time is also recorded as one image file together with accompanying information including the above-described information related to shooting (shooting date, shooting conditions, etc.).
[0040]
Subsequently, in the supplementary information of the image file of the superimposed image, a date imprint flag indicating that the image data is the image data of the superimposed image on which the date is superimposed, and the subject image (original image) recorded in the process of S203. Original image information (image file name of subject image, path information, etc.) for later specifying (reproducing or reading out) the image data is added (registered) (S208), and the flow ends.
[0041]
On the other hand, in the process of S204, if the date imprint mode is not designated (S204 is N), the processes of S205 to S208 are skipped.
By such processing, when the date imprinting mode is designated and the image is taken, the image file of the subject image and the image file of the superimposed image in which the date is superimposed on the subject image are recorded on the recording medium 18 and superimposed. In the incidental information of the image file of the image, a date imprint flag, original image information for specifying the image file (image data) of the subject image, and the like are registered. Thus, the superimposed image and the subject image are associated with each other based on the original image information, and the image data of the subject image can be read later based on the original image information of the image file of the superimposed image. Therefore, the image data of the superimposed image and the image data of the subject image can be reproduced based on the image file of the superimposed image. That is, the superimposed image is a captured image that can reproduce the subject image and the superimposed image.
[0042]
Next, processing when an editing instruction (image processing instructions such as rotation processing, resizing processing, trimming processing, etc.) is performed by the user on the image of the image file thus recorded will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed when the editing mode is designated during reproduction.
[0043]
In the figure, when an instruction for editing an image of a predetermined image file recorded on the recording medium 18 is made by the user via the key matrix unit 24, the date imprinting flag is first determined from the accompanying information of the image file. Is read (S301).
Subsequently, based on the read date imprint flag, it is determined whether the image of the image file is a superimposed image with the date superimposed (S302). In this determination process, if the image is a superimposed image with the date superimposed (Y in S302), the image data (superimposed image) of this image file is used as the subject image (original image) before the date is superimposed. (S303). The image data of the subject image is read (specified) based on the original image information included in the supplementary information of the image file. On the other hand, when the image is not a superimposed image (N in S302), the process of S303 is skipped.
[0044]
Subsequently, an editing process corresponding to the user instruction is performed on the image data of the image file for which the editing instruction has been issued (S304). In this processing, image processing such as rotation processing, resizing processing, trimming processing, or the like is performed in accordance with a user instruction.
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the image data subjected to the editing process is a superimposed image with a date superimposed (S305). If the image data is a superimposed image with a date superimposed (Y in S305), the editing process is performed. The character data of the date is superimposed again on the image data that has been subjected to (S306), this is recorded on the recording medium 18, and the flow ends. Note that the text data of the date to be superimposed is obtained from information related to shooting (shooting date, etc.) included in the supplementary information of the image file.
[0045]
On the other hand, when the image data subjected to the editing process is not a superimposed image with the date superimposed (N in S305), the process of S306 is skipped, and the image data subjected to the editing process is recorded in the recording medium 18. To end the flow.
As a result of such processing, when image processing is performed on a superimposed image on which a date is superimposed, image processing is performed on the subject image before the date is superimposed, and the date is superimposed again on this. Therefore, the date is appropriately superimposed. Therefore, there is a problem that the date (characters) becomes inappropriate after image processing, for example, a problem that the date arrangement becomes inappropriate when rotation processing is performed, or the date is too small when resizing processing is performed. Problems such as being too large, trimming by removing the date when trimming is performed, and trimming by splitting the date can be solved.
[0046]
Next, a modified example of the processing shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a modification of the photographing process.
In the figure, when a predetermined shooting condition is set and a shooting instruction is issued by the user via the key matrix unit 24, first, a subject image is captured via the CCD 2 or the like, and the subject image is captured via the imaging circuit 3 or the like. Is acquired, and is temporarily stored in the frame memory 7 (S401).
[0047]
Subsequently, the image data stored in the frame memory 7 is read out, and the image data is subjected to compression processing (for example, compression processing by the JPEG method) by the CPU_B 8 (S402). Note that the processing of S401 and S402 is the same as the processing of S201 and S202 shown in FIG.
[0048]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the date imprint mode is designated by the date imprint mode designation means (S403). If the date imprinting mode is specified in this determination process (Y in S403), the image data stored in the frame memory 7 in the process of S401 is read out, and the character data of the date managed by the date management means is read out. Are superimposed (synthesized) (S404), the image data superimposed with the character data is subjected to compression processing by the CPU_B8 (S405), and is recorded on the recording medium 18 (S406). However, the image data of the superimposed image recorded at this time is recorded as one image file together with accompanying information including information related to photographing.
[0049]
Subsequently, difference data between the image data of the subject image after the compression process obtained in the process of S402 and the image data of the superimposed image after the compression process obtained in the process of S405 is created (S407). Data is recorded on the recording medium 18 (S408). The difference data is data for later creating (restoring and reproducing) the image data of the subject image from the difference data and the image data of the superimposed image. For example, when the compression method performed in the processing of S402 and S405 is the JPEG method and the position where the date is superimposed is in the lower right area of the superimposed image, the difference data is due to the characteristics of the JPEG method. The data capacity of can be reduced.
[0050]
Subsequently, in the incidental information of the image file of the superimposed image recorded in the process of S406, the date imprint flag indicating that the image data is the image data of the superimposed image such as a date is recorded in the process of S408. Difference information (file name, path information, etc. of difference data) for specifying (reproducing or reading out) the difference data later is added (registered) (S409), and the flow ends. On the other hand, in the process of S403, if the date imprint mode is not designated (S403 is N), the processes of S404 to S409 described above are skipped.
[0051]
By such processing, when the date imprinting mode is designated and photographed, the image file of the superimposed image and the difference data between the superimposed image and the subject image are recorded on the recording medium 18, and the image file of the superimposed image is recorded. In the incidental information, a date imprint flag, difference information for specifying difference data, and the like are registered. Therefore, the difference data can be read based on the difference information of the image file of the superimposed image. As a result, the image data of the superimposed image and the image data of the subject image (the image data of the superimposed image and the image data) Can be reproduced from the difference data). That is, the superimposed image is a captured image that can reproduce the subject image and the superimposed image.
[0052]
Further, since the data capacity necessary for reproducing the image data of the subject image based on the image file of the superimposed image is sufficient for the difference data, the data capacity required for the reproduction can be further reduced. .
In the process of S407, difference data is created based on the subject image after the compression processing and the image data of the superimposed image. For example, the difference data is generated based on the subject image before the compression processing and the image data of the superimposed image. Difference data may be created.
[0053]
Next, a process when the user gives an editing instruction to the image of the image file recorded by the photographing process shown in FIG. 4 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the processing performed when the edit mode is designated during reproduction. In the flow shown in the figure, the processes other than S503 are the same as the processes other than S303 shown in FIG. 3, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted here and different processes will be described.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the image file of the image for which the editing instruction has been issued is an image file of a superimposed image with the date superimposed (Y in S502), it is included in the incidental information of the image file of the superimposed image The difference data is read based on the difference information, and the image data of the subject image before the date is superimposed is created (restored or reproduced) based on the difference data and the image data of the superimposed image. Then, the image data (superimposed image) of the image file is replaced with the image data of the created subject image (S503).
[0055]
When the image processing is performed on the superimposed image with the date superimposed by such processing, the image data of the subject image created from the image data of the superimposed image and the difference data, that is, before the date is superimposed. Image processing is performed on the image data of the subject image, and the date is superimposed on the image data again, so that the date is appropriately superimposed. Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem that the date (character) becomes inappropriate after image processing.
[0056]
Next, other modified examples of processing performed when the editing mode is designated during reproduction will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing such another modification, and shows a process for prohibiting any editing process on the superimposed image on which the date is superimposed.
[0057]
As shown in the figure, the date imprint flag is read from the supplementary information of the image file of the image for which the editing instruction has been issued (S601), and it is determined from the flag that the image is a superimposed image on which the date is superimposed. (S602 is Y) prohibits any editing process and displays on the TFT panel 16 that the image cannot be edited (that image editing is prohibited) (S603).
[0058]
On the other hand, when it is determined that the image is not a superimposed image with the date superimposed (N in S602), the editing process is executed according to the user's instruction (S604), and the edited image is recorded in the recording medium 18 ( S605), the flow ends.
By such processing, editing processing is prohibited when an image for which an editing instruction has been issued is a superimposed image on which a date is superimposed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the date (character) superimposed on the image from becoming inappropriate due to the editing process.
[0059]
In the process of S603, all editing processes are prohibited. However, for example, the editing process to be prohibited may be limited such as a rotation process and a resizing process.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another modification example of the process performed when the edit mode is designated at the time of reproduction. The resize process instruction is given to the superimposed image on which the date is superimposed, and is designated. When the resize area is an area related to (spanning) a date (character), the resize process is prohibited.
[0060]
As shown in the figure, first, an instruction for a resize area is received from the user (S701).
Subsequently, a date imprinting flag is read from the incidental information of the image file of the image for which the resizing processing instruction is performed (S702), and based on this flag, whether or not the image is a superimposed image on which the date is superimposed is determined. Judgment is made (S703). In this determination process, if the image is a superimposed image with a date superimposed (Y in S703), then the resized area received in the process of S701 is applied to the date area superimposed on the image. (S704), and if the resize area covers the date area (Y in S704), the resizing process is prohibited, and the TFT panel 16 causes the date in the resize area. The fact that the area is over is displayed (S705), the process returns to S701, and the resize area instruction is received again from the user.
[0061]
On the other hand, when the resize area does not cover the date area (N in S704), or when the image is not a superimposed image on which the date is superimposed (N in S703), the resize process as specified is executed (S703). S706).
By such processing, when the resizing process is instructed for the superimposed image on which the date is superimposed, the resizing process is prohibited for the resized area to the date area, so that the date is divided and resized. Can be prevented.
[0062]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another modified example of the process performed when the edit mode is designated at the time of reproduction. When a trimming process instruction is performed on a superimposed image on which a date is superimposed, When the specified trimming area is an area that divides the date (character), the trimming process is prohibited. When the date is removed (omitted) from the trimmed image, the trimmed image is displayed. The process of superimposing the date again on is shown.
[0063]
As shown in the figure, first, an instruction for a trimming area is received from the user (S801).
Subsequently, a date imprint flag is read out from the incidental information of the image file of the image for which the trimming processing instruction has been performed (S802), and based on this flag, whether or not the image is a superimposed image with the date superimposed is determined. Judgment is made (S803). In this determination process, if the image is a superimposed image with the date superimposed (Y in S803), the trimming area received in the process of S801 divides the date area superimposed on the image. If the trimming area is to divide the date area (Y in S804), the trimming process is prohibited and designated in the TFT panel 16 (S804). The fact that the trimming area is an area where characters are to be divided (the fact that the trimming area is covered with characters) is displayed (S805), and the process returns to S801 to accept an instruction for the trimming area from the user again.
[0064]
On the other hand, when the trimming area is not an area for dividing characters (N in S804), or when the image is not a superimposed image on which the date is superimposed (N in S803), the trimming area is based on the trimming area specified in S801. The trimming process is executed (S806).
[0065]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the image subjected to the trimming process is a superimposed image on which the date is superimposed (S807). If the image is the superimposed image on which the date is superimposed (Y in S807), the image after the trimming process is determined. It is determined whether or not there is a date in the image (in the trimmed image or in the trimming area) (S808). If there is no date (N in S808), the image is again displayed in the trimmed image. The date is superimposed (S809), this is recorded on the recording medium 18, and the flow ends. Note that the date to be superimposed is acquired from information related to shooting (such as shooting date) included in the supplementary information of the image file.
[0066]
On the other hand, when the image subjected to the trimming process is not an image on which the date is superimposed (N in S807), or when there is a date in the image after the trimming process (Y in S808), The image is recorded on the recording medium 18 and the flow is finished.
[0067]
With this process, when the trimming process is instructed for the superimposed image with the date superimposed, the trimming process in which the trimming area divides the date is prohibited, so that the date is divided and trimmed. Can be prevented. Further, when the date is removed after the trimming process, the date is re-superimposed, so that the date is not removed after the trimming process.
[0068]
The determination as to whether the resize area covers the date area (S704 in FIG. 7) and the determination as to whether the trimming area divides the date area (S804 in FIG. 8) include, for example: It is done like this. 2 and 4, when the date imprinting mode is designated and the image is captured, the date area indicating which area on the image the date is superimposed on the accompanying information of the image file. When the resize processing instruction or trimming processing instruction is issued to this superimposed image, the date area information is read from the supplementary information of the image file of this superimposed image, and the date area information and the user specify Based on the resize area or the trimming area, a determination is made as to whether the resize area covers the date area, and whether the trimming area divides the date area.
[0069]
Further, according to the processing shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the superimposed image and the difference data between the superimposed image and the subject image are recorded, and then the subject image is restored (reproduced) from the superimposed image and the difference data. Although it is configured, for example, a subject image and difference data between the subject image and the superimposed image are recorded, and a superimposed image can be restored (reproduced) from the subject image and the difference data later. Then, the processing may be performed.
[0070]
In this embodiment, the date is applied as an example of characters superimposed on the image. However, other shooting conditions such as shutter speed and exposure, user comments, numbers, and the like may be applied.
In this embodiment, the electronic camera has an image processing function, and the editing process shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 to 8 is performed. However, these editing processes are performed in addition to the electronic camera. The external apparatus, for example, an image processing apparatus may be used.
[0071]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of such an image processing apparatus. Note that the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.
In the figure, an image processing apparatus 31 includes a USB connector 32, a card connector 33, an IF (interface) unit 34, an HD (hard disk) 35, a DRAM 36, a display output unit 37, a CPU 38, and the like. The DRAM 36, the display output unit 37, and the CPU 38 are all connected to the bus line 39 so as to be able to exchange data with each other.
[0072]
The IF unit 32 communicates with an external device such as an electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 through the USB connector 33 and with a memory card such as the recording medium 18 shown in FIG. It provides an interface function to exchange data between them.
[0073]
The HD 35 is a recording medium on which various programs (applications, software) for performing the editing processing shown in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5 to 8 and various data such as image files are recorded.
The DRAM 36 is a memory used not only as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data processed by the CPU 38, but also as a working storage area for various processes by the CPU 38.
[0074]
The display output unit 37 is an output unit that outputs a display signal for displaying an image, various menus, and the like on a display unit (display) 40 connected to the image processing apparatus 31.
The CPU 38 is a central processing unit, and performs control processing of each part constituting the image processing device 31 according to a control program provided therein, and an input unit (keyboard or the like) 41 connected to the image processing device 31. The user's instruction is accepted, and processing corresponding to the instruction is performed. For example, when receiving an instruction for starting a program for performing any of the editing processes shown in FIGS. 3, 5 to 8, and the like from the user via the input unit 41, the CPU 38 loads the corresponding program from the HD 35. Read and start executing the program. Accordingly, when a predetermined editing instruction (processing instruction) for a predetermined image file is received from the user, the instruction target image file is read, and editing processing corresponding to the editing instruction is executed. In this case, the instruction target image file is directly read from the external device such as the electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 via the USB connector 33, or the recording shown in FIG. It is read from a memory card such as the medium 18 or read from the HD 35. Further, the image file for which the editing process has been completed is recorded in an external device such as the electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 through the USB connector 33, or shown in FIG. 1 through the card connector 34, for example. It is recorded on a memory card such as the recording medium 18 or recorded on the HD 35.
[0075]
As described above, the image processing apparatus 31 shown in FIG. 9 can also perform the editing process shown in FIG. 3 and FIGS.
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when image processing is performed on a superimposed image on which characters are superimposed, image processing is performed on a subject image before the characters are superimposed. Since the characters are re-superimposed on this, the characters are not inappropriate after the image processing, and are appropriately superimposed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of photographing processing.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing that is performed when an editing mode is designated during reproduction.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of imaging processing.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a modified example of processing performed when an edit mode is designated during reproduction.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another modified example of processing performed when an editing mode is designated during reproduction.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another modified example of processing performed when an editing mode is designated during reproduction.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another modified example of processing performed when an editing mode is designated during reproduction.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an image processing apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 lens
2 CCD
3 Imaging circuit
4 CPU_A
5 A / D conversion circuit
6 Correction circuit
7 frame memory
8 CPU_B
9 FIFO memory
10 Recording buffer
11 Bus line
12 On-screen circuit
13 Video output circuit
14 Video output terminal
15 TFT liquid crystal drive circuit
16 TFT panel
17 Backlight unit
18 Recording media
19 Recording medium I / F
20 Actuator
21 Actuator drive circuit
22 EEPROM
23 External data I / F
24 Key matrix section
25 LCD panel
26 LCD display circuit
27 batteries
28 Power supply circuit
29 Backup power supply
30 Battery state detection circuit
31 Image processing device
32 IF section
33 USB connector
34 Card connector
35 HD
36 DRAM
37 Display output section
38 CPU
39 Bus line
40 display section
41 Input section

Claims (9)

An image processing apparatus that performs image processing according to an editing instruction on image data ,
Before Kiga image data, a superimposed image data character data is superimposed, when the character data is a reproduction available-subject image data that are not superimposed, the superimposed image data and the superposition image data It said reproducing said subject image data from the difference data between the subject image data, image processing means for performing image processing corresponding to the editing instruction to be Utsushitai image data the reproduced and,
Recording control means for superimposing the character data on the reproduced subject image data subjected to image processing by the image processing means, and recording the reproduced subject image data subjected to image processing by superimposing the character data; ,
Images processor you comprising the. An image processing apparatus that performs image processing according to an editing instruction on image data,
Before Kiga image data, a superimposed image data character data is superimposed, when the character data is a reproduction available-subject image data not superimposed, depending on additional information of the superimposed image data reproduced by reading the subject image data are associated, image processing means for performing image processing corresponding to the editing instruction to be Utsushitai image data said reproduced,
Recording control means for superimposing the character data on the reproduced subject image data subjected to image processing by the image processing means, and recording the reproduced subject image data subjected to image processing by superimposing the character data; ,
Images processor you comprising the. Further, when image processing according to an editing instruction is performed by the image processing means on the superimposed image data in which character data is superimposed on the subject image data , at least resizing processing and rotation processing of the image processing are performed. Prohibition means to prohibit,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Furthermore, when trimming processing is performed as image processing according to an editing instruction by the image processing means on the superimposed image data in which character data is superimposed on the subject image data , the designated trimming area stores the character data. In the case of the trimming region to be divided, prohibiting means for prohibiting the trimming process,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The recording control unit performs a trimming process as image processing according to an editing instruction by the image processing unit on the superimposed image data in which character data is superimposed on the subject image data , and the image data after the trimming process is used to perform the trimming process. when the character data is removed, and superimposes the character data on the image data after the trimming process, that records the image data after the trimming process by superimposing the character data,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized and this. An image processing method for the image picture data subjected to image processing corresponding to the editing instruction,
Before Kiga image data, a superimposed image data character data is superimposed, when the character data is a reproduction available-subject image data not superimposed by the image processing means, the superimposed image data and to reproduce the subject image data from the differential data between the superposed image data and the subject image data is subjected to image processing corresponding to the editing instruction to be Utsushitai image data said reproduced,
The recording control means, said superimposing the character data to be Utsushitai processed image data is the reproduced has been subjected by the image processing means, superimposed image image processes the character data has been revealed again subjected under Record the object image data ,
An image processing method. An image processing method for performing image processing according to an editing instruction on image data,
When the image data is superimposed image data on which character data is superimposed and the subject image data on which the character data is not superimposed can be reproduced, the image processing means adds incidental information on the superimposed image data. The subject image data associated with is read and reproduced, and the reproduced subject image data is subjected to image processing according to the editing instruction,
The recording control means superimposes the character data on the reproduced subject image data subjected to image processing by the image processing means, and records the reproduced subject image data subjected to image processing by superimposing the character data. To
  An image processing method. Imaging means for imaging a subject to obtain subject image data ;
As captured image data , recording control means for recording superimposed image data in which character data is superimposed on subject image data obtained by the imaging means, and difference data between the superimposed image data and the subject image data ;
When an instruction to edit the captured image data is given, the captured image data is superimposed image data on which character data is superimposed, and subject image data on which the character data is not superimposed can be reproduced. An image processing unit that reproduces the subject image data from the superimposed image data and the difference data, and performs image processing according to the editing instruction on the reproduced subject image data ;
The superimposed character data to be Utsushitai processed image data is the reproduced has been subjected by the image processing means, to be Utsushitai image data superimposed image image processes the character data has been revealed again subjected Superimposition recording control means for recording;
An electronic camera characterized by comprising: Imaging means for imaging a subject to obtain subject image data;
Recording control means for recording superimposed image data in which character data is superimposed on the subject image data obtained by the imaging means and the subject image data as recorded image data;
When an instruction to edit the captured image data is given, the captured image data is superimposed image data on which character data is superimposed, and subject image data on which the character data is not superimposed can be reproduced. An image processing unit that reads out and reproduces the subject image data associated with the supplementary information of the superimposed image data and performs image processing according to the editing instruction on the reproduced subject image data; ,
Superimposition recording control means for superimposing the character data on the reproduced subject image data subjected to image processing by the image processing means, and recording the reproduced subject image data subjected to image processing by superimposing the character data. When,
An electronic camera characterized by comprising:

Images