JP4612813B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that performs color processing on a captured image.

  In recent years, a subject image is imaged on a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD two-dimensional image sensor by an imaging optical system and converted into an electrical signal, and image data of a still image obtained thereby is converted into a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk. A so-called electronic camera for recording on a recording medium is becoming widespread.

Many electronic cameras of this type have an auto function that automatically controls exposure, focus adjustment, and color processing according to the shooting situation at that time. The color processing can be set so that the photographer intentionally changes the color processing with respect to the value automatically controlled by the camera, or only one color processing is performed automatically and stepwise by performing one shooting (exposure operation). There are some which perform bracket shooting to generate a plurality of images by changing to (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
JP 2003-087608 A JP 2003-069862 A

  There are two color corrections, the blue amber direction and the green / magenta direction, and each has been set individually. Also, in bracket shooting in which a plurality of images are generated by changing the color processing automatically and stepwise, settings are individually made.

  Furthermore, the set correction amount and the bracket amount display method are individually performed.

  For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to intuitively know how much correction is performed in which direction.

In order to solve the above problems, an imaging apparatus of the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures a subject image, a mode setting unit that sets a white balance mode, a display unit, a first coordinate axis in the amber direction, A mode in which a second coordinate axis in the blue direction, a third coordinate axis in the green direction, and a fourth coordinate axis in the magenta direction are set, and an origin at which the four axes intersect is set by the setting means Control means for controlling the hue coordinates to be standard values of the bracket , and when the hue coordinates are displayed, the directions of the first coordinate axis and the second coordinate axis according to the first operation input set the bracket number of identical stages relative to the said origin, Burake identical stages relative to the said origin the direction of the third coordinate axis and the fourth axis according to a second operation input A bracket number setting means for displaying a graph plurality of coordinate points corresponding to the bracket stages on the hue coordinates the set number is set number, the set based on a plurality of brackets stages set by the bracket number setting means Correction means for correcting the standard value of the bracket in the selected mode and correcting the white balance of the image data imaged by the imaging means using the corrected plurality of standard values. .

  According to the present invention, it is easy for an operator who operates the imaging apparatus to intuitively know how much correction is performed in which direction.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera that is an imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  1 is a photographic lens provided in the lens barrel 22, 2 is a mechanical shutter, 3 is an image sensor for converting an optical image into an electrical signal by a CCD or the like, 4 is a process circuit having a CDS circuit or an AGC circuit, and 5 is a process circuit. 4 is an A / D converter that converts the analog output into a digital signal, 13 is an A / D converter 5 that performs A / D conversion and temporarily stores the digital signal, such as a non-buffer memory such as a DRAM, and 7 is a buffer memory. The color image signal generated by the image processing unit 7 and the image processing unit 7 that performs auto white balance, color signal generation, and other color processing on the pixel signal read from the pixel signal 13 is stored in the buffer memory 13 again.

  14 is a display processing unit for displaying the color image signal stored again in the buffer memory after the image processing is performed by the image processing unit 7, and 10 is a color for displaying the color image signal processed by the display processing unit. A rear display unit such as a liquid crystal display (corresponding to a color liquid crystal display 53 (see FIG. 2) disposed on the rear surface of the camera body), 6 is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 7 and then again buffer A compression / decompression processing unit that compresses the color image signal stored in the recording unit 15, a recording / reproduction processing unit that records the compressed signal, and 18 an electrical connection between the recording medium 16 such as a memory card and the camera body. This is a connector on the camera body side to be performed.

  The recording medium 16 is generally a memory card composed of a semiconductor memory such as a card-type flash memory. However, the recording medium 16 is not limited to a memory card, and may be a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk. Various forms can be used.

  When the image recorded on the recording medium 16 is reproduced, the image data reproduction process is performed by the acquired reproduction processing unit 15 through the connector 18, the image data is decompressed by the compression / decompression processing unit 6, temporarily stored in the buffer memory 13, and photographed. Similarly to the time, the image recorded in the buffer is processed by the display processing unit and reproduced on the rear display unit 10.

  39 designates the switch group 38, detects the type of the recording medium mounted on the camera body and the state of the recording medium (remaining storage capacity, etc.), and controls the entire camera according to the above-described detection device of the camera body. It is a system control circuit to perform.

  28 is a shutter driving circuit for driving the shutter 2, 29 is a lens driving circuit for driving the focusing lens in the photographing lens 1, 30 is a distance measuring circuit for measuring the distance to the subject, and 31 is the brightness of the subject. A photometric circuit 32 for measuring is a strobe (flash device). Reference numeral 34 denotes a power supply control circuit for detecting and controlling the state of the power supply. Reference numeral 35 denotes a power supply unit, which includes a battery, a DC-DC converter, a switch for switching energized blocks, and the like, and is controlled by the power supply control circuit 34. .

  The power supply control circuit 34 detects the presence / absence of a battery, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level, and controls the power supply unit 35 based on the detection result and an instruction from the system control circuit 39.

  Reference numeral 36 denotes a display device that displays the camera operation state (number of shots, etc.), and corresponds to the top liquid crystal display 54 (see FIG. 2). Reference numeral 37 denotes a control memory for storing constants and variables for photographing operation of the system control circuit 39.

  Reference numeral 38 denotes a switch group for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 39 to be described later. The switch group 38 includes, for example, a main switch 40 (corresponding to the main switch member 51 in FIG. 2) and a distance metering metering switch 42 (closed by the first stroke of the release button 24 in FIG. The circuit 31 instructs distance measurement and photometry (SW1)) and the exposure start switch 43 (switch (SW2) which is closed by the second stroke of the release button 24 in FIG. 2 and drives the shutter to start the exposure operation). The menu switch 44 (corresponding to the menu button 25 in FIG. 2 and displaying the camera setting menu on the color liquid crystal display 53 of the camera) and the switch 46 are setting switches (set button in FIG. 2) for setting the selected state. Corresponds to 12).

  An erase switch 47 for erasing a photographed image is a switch that is turned on when the erase button 27 is pressed. When the erase switch 47 is turned on, an unnecessary image is designated and erased from the photographed image. You can do that.

  The reproduction switch 48 for displaying the photographed image on the color liquid crystal display is a switch that is turned on when the reproduction button 9 is pressed. When the reproduction switch 48 is turned on, the electronic control unit 39 is controlled from the photographing mode by the control of the system control circuit 39. You can switch to playback mode.

  In addition to these, there are a switch that is input by rotation of a sub electronic dial 55 (not shown) and a switch that is turned on by the multidirectional input stick 8. Although it is written as one switch in the figure, it may be composed of a plurality of switches. In addition, there are other switches (not shown). These switches are linked with various buttons, dials, levers, etc. in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the electronic camera. As shown in FIG. 2, this electronic camera is roughly divided into a camera body 21 and a lens barrel 22. The lens barrel has an AF / MF changeover switch (not shown), and can switch between autofocus and manual focus.

  In addition to the optical viewfinder 23, the camera body 21 includes a release button 24, a menu button 25, a shooting mode dial 26, an erase button 27, a multidirectional input stick 8, a playback button 9, an electronic dial 11, and a sub electronic dial 55 as operating units. , A set button 12, a main switch member 51, and other buttons 99 are provided, and a color liquid crystal display 53, an upper surface liquid crystal display 54, and a CF card cover 52 are provided as a rear display unit.

  The multidirectional input stick 8 will be described with reference to FIG. A multi-directional input stick can be input by tapping it vertically and horizontally with a short stick-like member. You can also push straight without tilting the stick. When the stick is tilted up / down / left / right, it is input to the camera as SW signals corresponding to up, down, left and right, respectively. When the button is pressed straight, it is input as the center SW signal.

  In this embodiment, the multi-directional input stick is used to input the center of the top, bottom, left, and right, but it may be configured with separate operation buttons corresponding to the top, bottom, left, and right centers.

  To perform shooting, first, the main switch member 51 is turned on, and then a desired shooting mode is set by the shooting mode dial 26. At this time, if it is necessary to set the shutter speed or the like in the Tv priority AE mode, the setting is performed using the electronic dial 11 while observing the value displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 54. When the release button 24 is half-pressed (pressed to the middle of the stroke), the AF operation is started together with the photometry operation. When the release button is pushed to the end, the shutter is activated and the exposure operation is performed. Then, predetermined processing is performed and the image is written on the recording medium. It is.

  When the playback button 9 is pressed, a photographed image is displayed on the color liquid crystal display 53. When the sub electronic dial 55 is rotated left and right, another image is displayed. When an erase button is pressed while an image is displayed on the color liquid crystal display 53, the image can be erased.

  Setting of the camera is performed by pressing a predetermined setting button (part of 99) to enter a setting mode and operating the electronic dial 11 or the sub electronic dial 55 while viewing the display on the upper liquid crystal display 54, There are some which are performed with the sub electronic dial 55, the multi-directional input stick 8, and the set button 12 while pressing the menu button 25 and watching the menu displayed on the rear color liquid crystal display.

  The display on the upper liquid crystal display 54 of the electronic camera will be described with reference to FIG.

  Reference numeral 1000 denotes a shutter speed display unit that displays busy during data processing, backup battery warning, ISO sensitivity display, and the like in addition to the shutter speed (TV value). Reference numeral 1001 denotes an aperture value (Av value) display unit. In addition to displaying an aperture value only in this portion, a combination of 1000 and 1001 is also used to perform CF FULL display, CF error display, ranging point display, error code display, and the like.

  Reference numeral 1002 denotes a shootable number display section that displays the number of shootable times that can be recorded on the currently mounted recording medium. In addition to this, a countdown display during the self-timer operation and an elapsed time display during bulb exposure are performed.

The system control circuit 39 calculates the number of shootable times based on the remaining capacity of the recording medium 16 obtained through the recording / playback processing unit 15 and the estimated amount of image size stored in the control memory 37. Note that the control memory 37 stores a predicted amount of image size for each recorded image size, compression rate, and ISO sensitivity. When the white balance bracket is set, the number divided by the number of times of development processing (number of images created by one exposure) is displayed.
Reference numeral 1003 denotes an ISO setting mark displayed during the ISO setting mode.

  Reference numerals 1004, 1006, and 1005 are lit when the custom function mark, red-eye mark, and electronic sound mark are set.

  1008 is a photometric mode display, and 1009 is a drive & self mode display. An exposure correction display unit 1010 displays an exposure level in the manual shooting mode, an exposure correction amount in the AE shooting mode, an AEB level in the AEB shooting, and a bracket level in the WB-BKT shooting. Further, a progress bar display during writing on the recording medium is also performed in this portion.

  Reference numeral 1011 denotes an AEB mark, and 1012 denotes a dimming correction mark, which lights up when AEB setting and dimming correction setting are made, respectively.

  Reference numeral 1013 denotes a battery mark, which displays the state of the power supply as fully lit, half lit, or blinking empty.

  Reference numeral 1014 denotes a white balance display unit which lights and displays one of nine marks of auto, sunlight, shade, cloudy, light bulb, fluorescent lamp, strobe, manual, and color temperature. When the white balance bracket is set, the display changes from lighting to flashing, indicating that the bracket is set. The white balance mode can be changed by operating the electronic dial 11 after pressing a white balance setting button (not shown). The white balance value of the set white balance mode becomes a reference value for white balance correction and white balance bracket described later.

  Reference numeral 1015 denotes a recording image quality display section which displays image size L (large), M (middle), S (small), image compression rate fine, normal, uncompressed RAW, and the like.

  Reference numerals 1007 and 1017 indicate the shift amounts in the green / magenta direction (1007) and the blue / amber direction (1017), respectively, set to display white balance shift. Reference numeral 1016 denotes a white balance shift mark displayed when a white balance shift is set.

  FIG. 5 is a menu display on the color liquid crystal display 53 of FIG. 2, and an arbitrary function from a plurality of functions such as the number of recording pixels (Quality), white balance correction / bracket setting (WB-SFT / BKT setting), and the like. Is a screen for selecting. Here, as an example, white balance correction / bracket setting (WB-SFT / BKT setting) is selected (focused). When the MENU button 25 is pressed while the camera is in the standby state, a menu as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the color liquid crystal display 53, and one of the displayed items is selected. The selected item can be changed using the sub-electronic dial 55. When the focus is set on the item whose setting is to be changed and the set button 12 is pressed, the setting of the item is changed. Depending on the item, a setting value option may be displayed on the right side of the menu screen (not shown), or a new screen for setting the item may be displayed.

  FIG. 6 is a screen for setting white balance correction (9 steps in each of BA direction and GM direction) and white balance bracket (± 3 in BA direction or GM direction). This screen is displayed when the B-SFT / BKT item is focused and the set button is pressed.

  The correction tendency can be discriminated by color by adding amber on the right side, blue on the left side, green on the upper side, and magenta on the lower side. On the setting screen, setting graph (9 scales each in the A, G, B, and M directions from the center), correction item name, BA direction correction value, GM direction correction value, bracket item name, bracket step number on the right side of the graph Display. Further, a guidance display of the operation member is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

  When correction is not applied, the dot is displayed in the center of the graph, and the numerical value display on the right side is “0”. In other words, the coordinates are not displayed as absolute values, but are displayed with the standard value of the set white balance mode (uncorrected state) as the origin. Further, when the bracket is not applied, only one dot is displayed, and “± 0” is displayed on the right side of the graph.

  FIG. 7 shows a display when +3 correction is performed in the amber (A) direction.

  When the multi-directional input stick 8 is moved to the right, the correction in the amber (A) direction is 1 to 9 steps. A1 to A9 are displayed numerically on the right side together with the graph display. When the multi-directional input stick 8 is moved to the left, the correction in the blue (B) direction is 1 to 9 steps. B1 to B9 are displayed numerically on the right side together with the graph display.

  FIG. 8 shows a display when +2 correction is performed in the green (G) direction.

  Green (G) direction correction on the multi-directional input stick 8 1 to 9 steps. Along with the graph display, numerical values G1 to G9 are displayed on the right side. Correction 1 to 9 steps in the magenta (M) direction under the multi-directional input stick 8. Along with the graph display, numerical values M1 to M9 are displayed on the right side.

  As described above, the color liquid crystal display 53, which is a display means, extends in the first direction from the reference point (the center of the graph) for indicating how much the first hue (amber) is from the reference. 1 coordinate axis (coordinate axis from the center of the graph to the amber direction) and the reference point (graph center) for indicating how much the second color (blue) from the reference is opposite to the first direction The second coordinate axis (coordinate axis from the center of the graph to the blue direction) extended in the second direction which is the direction and the reference point for representing how much the third color (green) is from the reference ( The third coordinate axis (coordinate axis from the center of the graph to the green direction) extended in the third direction from the center of the graph and the extent of the fourth color (magenta) from the reference. Color coordinates (AB) having a fourth coordinate axis (coordinate axis from the center of the graph to the magenta direction) extended from the reference point (the center of the graph) to a fourth direction opposite to the third direction. 7 and 8 having an axis and a GM axis) are displayed, and are selected as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 by the multidirectional input stick 8 which is an operation means.

  FIG. 9 shows a display in the case where three images of +3 correction in the blue (B) direction, no correction, and +3 correction in the amber (A) direction are bracketed.

From the state in which the bracket is not set, the bracket in the AB direction is set by one step by rotating the sub-electronic dial 55 to the right by one click, and increases by one step for each click. (0-3 steps)
If the sub-electronic dial 55 is clicked to the left with the BA-direction bracket set, it changes by one step per click in the direction in which the bracket amount in the BA-direction decreases.

  When the bracket is set, [bracket direction] and [number of bracket steps] are displayed on the right side of the graph as “AB ± 3”.

  As described above, on the color liquid crystal display 53 as the display means, how much is the first color (amber) from the reference and how much is the second color (blue) from the reference. A hue display (AB axis coordinates having 9 steps in the A direction and 9 steps in the B direction) is made, and the first selection by the multidirectional input stick as the operation means is used as a first selection, or Selection of a predetermined second hue (for example, the third stage in the A direction), and selection of both the predetermined first hue and the predetermined second hue as the second selection (For example, for bracket shooting, the third step in the A direction and the third step in the B direction).

  FIG. 10 shows a display in the case where three images of +2 correction in the green (G) direction, no correction, and +2 correction in the magenta (M) direction are photographed with brackets.

When the sub-electronic dial 55 is clicked to the left by one click from a state where no bracket is set, one step of the bracket in the GM direction is set and the step increases by one step for each click. (0-3 steps)
If the sub-electronic dial 55 is clicked to the right in a state where the bracket in the GM direction is set, the bracket amount in the GM direction changes one step at a time. When the bracket is set, [bracket direction] and [bracket step number] are displayed on the right side of the graph as “GM ± 2”.

  As described above, on the color liquid crystal display 53 as the display means, how much is the first color (green) from the reference and how much is the second color (magenta) from the reference. A shade display (GM axis coordinates having 9 steps in the G direction and 9 steps in the M direction) is made, and a first selection of a predetermined degree as a first selection by a multi-directional input stick as an operation means, or Selection of a second hue of a predetermined degree (for example, the second stage in the G direction), and selection of both the first hue of the predetermined degree and the second hue of a predetermined degree as a second selection (For example, for bracket shooting, the second stage in the G direction and the second stage in the M direction).

  When the set button 12 is pressed after the setting is completed, the white balance correction amount and the bracket amount are set in the camera and the process returns to FIG.

  Pressing the menu button 25 returns to the menu screen without setting the changed setting value in the camera.

  Next, another operation example will be described.

  In the above, as an example, the WB bracket is set with the electronic dial and the WB correction is set with the multidirectional input stick 8. However, the multidirectional input stick may be switched and input (in this case, the electronic dial operation is performed). Instead of the guidance display, the switching operation guidance display is performed (not shown).

  When the WB-SFT / BKT item is focused and the set button is pressed, the white balance correction and white balance bracket setting screen is displayed.

  If the multi-directional input stick is tilted to the left (right) in the WB correction input state, the blue (amber) direction correction can be set, and if it is tilted up (down), the green (magenta) direction correction setting can be set. Is possible.

  When the center push of the multi-directional input switch is performed in the WB correction input state, the WB bracket input state is entered, and when the multi-directional input stick is tilted to the right, the blue = amber direction bracket can be set. Tilt to the left to reduce the amount of brackets set in the blue = amber direction. With regard to the bracket in the green = magenta direction, it is possible to set the bracket amount to increase when it is tilted up and to decrease when it is tilted down.

  When the set button 12 is pressed after the setting is completed, the white balance correction amount and the bracket amount are set in the camera and the process returns to FIG.

  FIG. 11 shows a display when the white balance correction setting (a) and the bracket setting (b) are not performed.

  When the white balance correction is set, the white balance shift mark 1016 on the upper LCD 54 is turned on, and the white balance shift display (green to magenta direction) 1007 and the same (blue to amber direction) 1017 have a correction amount and a correction direction. Is displayed. FIG. 6A shows that white balance correction is applied in three steps in the amber (A) direction and two steps in the green (G) direction.

  The first correction in the amber / blue direction corresponds to 5 mireds of the color temperature conversion filter, and there is no unit in the green / magenta direction, but the color change amount corresponding to the color change corresponding to one step in the amber blue direction Is treated as one stage.

  When the white balance bracket is set, the white balance mark on the top liquid crystal display 54 blinks to indicate that it is a white balance bracket, and the white balance shift display (blue to amber direction) 1017 “GM” or white balance shift display (Green ⇔ magenta direction) The “BA” portion of 1007 blinks and the direction of the bracket is displayed. (FIG. 6B) Further, the number of bracket shift steps is displayed on the exposure correction display portion 1010.

The order of the color temperature developed by the bracket is the order of the reference color temperature, the blue correction, and the amber correction in the blue to amber direction. (Since correction may be applied to the standard color temperature, the reference color temperature when bracketing is used as the reference color temperature.) For the green to magenta bracket, the reference color temperature, green correction, The order is magenta correction. These orders can be changed by changing the camera settings. (Since exposure is performed once, the order of recording on the recording medium changes.)
Next, color processing performed by the color processing unit 7 of the image processing unit 21 serving as a correction unit will be described.

  The pixel signal that is read from the image sensor 3 and converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 5 and then temporarily stored in the buffer memory 13 is obtained by first obtaining a white balance coefficient given from the system control circuit 39. The first color processing used is performed. When this white coefficient is changed from, for example, R / G (red balance to green) = 0.5 → 1.5 and B / G (blue balance to green) = 1.5 → 0.5, white balance is changed. Is the same as changing the color temperature from low to high, and the sky can be expressed from the blue sky to the sunset sky.

  Next, the pixel signal is subjected to second color processing using a matrix coefficient given from the system control circuit 39. By changing this matrix coefficient (3 × 3), for example, the color reproduction of the skin color can be changed from red to yellow.

  Further, the pixel signal is subjected to third color processing using a color difference coefficient given from the system control circuit 39. When this color difference coefficient is changed, for example, the skin color reproduction can be changed from red to yellow, similarly to the change of the matrix coefficient in the second color processing.

  The system control circuit 39 of the electronic camera of the present invention reads out from the image sensor 3 while differentiating at least one of the white balance coefficient, the matrix coefficient, and the color difference coefficient when shooting in the bracket shooting mode. After being converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 5, the image processing unit and the color processing unit 7 are controlled in order to perform color processing a plurality of times on the pixel signal temporarily stored in the buffer memory 13.

  In the present embodiment, a white balance bracket that performs processing a plurality of times while changing a white balance coefficient, and a white balance correction that changes the value from a standard coefficient and performs shooting are described.

  The procedure of the bracket shooting operation in the electronic camera of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. These operations are controlled by the system control circuit 39.

  In executing the shooting operation, it is assumed that the camera shooting mode, white balance bracket, and the like have been set in advance by performing the above-described operations. Here, the display on the color liquid crystal display of the screen as shown in FIGS. 5 to 10 described above is controlled by the system control circuit 39 which is a control means.

  The AF operation and photometry operation are performed with the release button half-pressed, and the shutter drive and exposure operations are performed with the release button fully pressed as a trigger, but the following explanation is based on the assumption that these operations were performed in order. ing.

  The system control circuit 39 drives the distance measuring 30 to perform a predetermined distance measuring process, and the lens driving circuit 29 drives the focusing lens of the photographing lens 1 to focus on the subject. At the same time, photometric data obtained by driving the photometric circuit 31 is stored at a predetermined address in the control memory 37. (Step s61).

  Next, the shutter speed and aperture value to be controlled are calculated from the photometric data stored in the control memory 37, and the shutter 2 is opened by the shutter drive circuit 28 according to the calculated shutter speed and aperture value, thereby exposing the image sensor 3. (After starting accumulation of the image sensor 3 in advance, the shutter 2 is opened) (steps s62 and s63). In this embodiment, since the exposure time is controlled by the shutter, the order of image sensor accumulation start → shutter open → shutter close → image sensor element accumulation end is the order, but exposure control is performed by the image sensor accumulation start / end. In this case, the order of shutter open → image sensor accumulation start → image sensor accumulation end → shutter close may be used.

After closing the shutter 2 (step s64), the exposure end of the image sensor 3 is terminated (step s65), a charge signal is read from the image sensor 3, and the process circuit 4, the A / D converter 5, and the switch 7 are read. Then, the captured image data is written into the buffer memory 13 (step s66), and the pixel signal temporarily stored in the buffer memory 13 is first a first white balance coefficient using a standard white balance coefficient given from the system controller 39. Settings for color processing are performed. (Step s67)
Next, it is determined whether white balance correction is set (step t67). If white balance correction is set, change and set the standard white balance coefficient according to the correction setting. (Step u67)
Proceeding to (Step v67), it is determined whether the white balance bracket is set. If it is a white balance bracket, the process branches to (Step w67). Here, the color processing coefficient obtained by performing a plus or minus correction corresponding to the bracket amount on the color processing coefficient set in (Step u67) or (Step s67) depending on the number of development processing of the white balance bracket. Set. (If the first white balance bracket is developed with reference settings, the color processing coefficient is not changed.)
The image processing unit and the color processing unit 7 are controlled in accordance with the set color processing coefficient, and development processing is performed. (Step s68)
The image processed and color processed image is compressed by the compression circuit 6 and recorded on the recording medium by the recording / reproducing processor 15. (Step s69)
Next, it is determined whether the white balance bracket is completed. Returns when the white balance bracket is not set or when the white balance bracket ends. If the development of the white balance bracket remains, the process returns to step s67 to perform the development process again.

  Returning to development processing settings, if white balance correction is set, the color processing coefficient is changed according to the set correction amount, and in the case of white balance bracketing, a coefficient further adding a color processing coefficient different from the standard is added. Is set.

  When this white coefficient is changed from, for example, R / G (red balance to green) = 0.5 → 1.5 and B / G (blue balance to green) = 1.5 → 0.5, white balance is changed. Is the same as changing the color temperature from low to high, and the sky can be expressed from the blue sky to the sunset sky.

  Until all the development of the white balance bracket is completed, (step s67) to (step s70) are repeated to finish the photographing operation and return to the main control routine of a camera (not shown).

Block diagram showing the detailed configuration inside the electronic camera Figure showing the appearance of the electronic camera Multi-directional input stick description The figure explaining the display of the upper surface liquid crystal display of an electronic camera Menu screen WB correction / bracket screen Explanatory drawing of WB correction (B-A direction) Explanatory drawing of WB correction (GM direction) Illustration of WB bracket (B-A direction) Explanatory drawing of WB bracket (MG direction) WB correction and WB bracket display on the top LCD Flowchart for explaining the procedure of bracket shooting operation in the electronic camera

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Shooting lens 2 Mechanical shutter 3 Image pick-up element 4 Process circuit 5 A / D converter 6 Compression / decompression processing part 7 Image processing part 8 Multi-directional input stick 9 Playback button 10 Rear display part 11 Electronic dial 12 Set button 13 Buffer memory 14 Display Processing unit 15 Recording / playback processing unit 16 Recording medium 18 Connector 21 Camera body 22 Lens barrel 23 Optical viewfinder 24 Release button 25 Menu button 26 Shooting mode dial 27 Erasing button 28 Shutter driving circuit 29 Lens driving circuit 30 Distance measuring circuit 31 Metering circuit 32 Strobe 34 Power supply control circuit 35 Power supply unit 36 Display device 37 Control memory 38 Switch group 39 System control circuit 40 Main switch 42 Distance metering switch 43 Exposure start switch 44 Menu switch 46 Setting switch 4 Erasing switch 48 Playback switch 51 Main switch member 52 CF card cover 53 Color liquid crystal display 54 Top liquid crystal display 55 Sub-electronic dial 99 Other buttons 1000 Shutter speed display section 1001 Aperture value (Av value) display section 1002 Possible number of times display section 1003 ISO setting mark 1004 Custom function mark 1005 Electronic sound mark 1006 Red-eye mark 1007 White balance shift display (green to magenta direction)
1008 Metering mode display 1009 Drive & self mode display 1010 Exposure compensation display section 1011 AEB mark 1012 Light control compensation mark 1013 Battery mark 1014 White balance display section 1015 Recording image quality display section 1016 White balance shift mark 1017 White balance shift display (blue ⇔ amber) direction)

Claims (4)

Imaging means for capturing a subject image;
Mode setting means for setting a white balance mode;
The display means includes a first coordinate axis in the amber direction, a second coordinate axis in the blue direction, a third coordinate axis in the green direction, and a fourth coordinate axis in the magenta direction. Control means for controlling the origin at which the axes intersect to represent a hue coordinate that is a standard value of the bracket of the mode set by the setting means;
When the hue coordinates are displayed, a bracket step number of the same step number with respect to the origin is set in the directions of the first coordinate axis and the second coordinate axis according to the first operation input, and the second operation In response to an input, the same number of bracket steps are set with respect to the origin in the directions of the third coordinate axis and the fourth coordinate axis, and coordinate points corresponding to the plurality of bracket steps set are set on the hue coordinates. Bracket stage number setting means for displaying a graph on
The standard value of the bracket in the set mode is corrected based on the plurality of bracket step numbers set by the bracket step number setting unit , and the white of the image data captured by the imaging unit using the corrected plurality of standard values Correction means for correcting the balance ;
An imaging device comprising: The electronic dial further rotates in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the setting means includes the first coordinate axis and the second coordinate axis according to the rotation of the electronic dial in the first direction. the origin set the brackets number of identical stages on the basis for the same number of stages of the electronic dial is referenced to the origin for the third coordinate axis and the fourth axis according to the rotation in the second direction The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of bracket stages is set.   The electronic dial is for determining the number of steps of the white balance bracket, and the setting means each time the electronic dial is rotated by one click in the first direction from the state where the bracket is not set. The second coordinate axis is set to increase the bracket step number by one step with respect to the origin, and the third coordinate axis and the fourth coordinate point are set in response to the electronic dial rotating one click in the second direction. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting is made so that the number of bracket steps is increased by one step with respect to the origin for each coordinate axis. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus having imaging means for imaging a subject image,
A mode setting step for setting the white balance mode;
The display means includes a first coordinate axis in the amber direction, a second coordinate axis in the blue direction, a third coordinate axis in the green direction, and a fourth coordinate axis in the magenta direction. A display control step representing a hue coordinate in which the origin at which the axes intersect is the standard value of the bracket of the mode set by the setting means;
When the hue coordinates are displayed, a bracket step number of the same step number with respect to the origin is set in the directions of the first coordinate axis and the second coordinate axis according to the first operation input, and the second operation In response to an input, the same number of bracket steps are set with respect to the origin in the directions of the third coordinate axis and the fourth coordinate axis, and coordinate points corresponding to the plurality of bracket steps set are set on the hue coordinates. Bracket step number setting step to display a graph on
The standard value of the bracket in the set mode is corrected based on the plurality of bracket steps set in the bracket step number setting step , and the white of the image data captured by the imaging unit using the corrected plurality of standard values A correction step for correcting the balance ;
A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, comprising:

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