JP4636393B2 - Imaging system, artificial light source and camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging system, an artificial light source, and a camera, and more particularly to an imaging system, an artificial light source, and a camera that control the camera in accordance with the type of the artificial light source.

  When taking pictures and videos, it is necessary to control the camera such as focusing, exposure, and strobe light emission according to the subject and the shooting scene. With an automatic shooting mode in which the camera automatically performs necessary control, a photographer who is not familiar with camera operation and shooting technology can perform shooting suitable for various shooting scenes.

  Electronic cameras such as digital still cameras and video cameras have an auto white balance adjustment function for white balance in an image.

  In the case of a digital camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-146262, a white balance evaluation value is calculated from an imaging signal, and the camera automatically adjusts the white balance using the evaluation value.

As another example, the auto white balance method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-224608 has a step in which a camera determines a light source type based on an imaging signal, and the step determines whether natural light (daylight) or artificial Determine whether the light source. When the light source type is determined, a white balance setting value is calculated by software provided in the camera in accordance with the determined light source type, and the camera automatically performs white balance control.
JP-A-11-146262 JP 2000-224608 A

  However, in the conventional auto white balance control, since the type of light source is determined from the captured image data, the camera may erroneously determine the light source. As a result, the white balance of the electronic camera may cause the image to be erroneously corrected. May occur. In particular, erroneous correction can occur when the color temperature distribution of the subject is non-uniform or there are many single colors.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an imaging system, an artificial light source, and a camera that can accurately determine the type of light source and control white balance suitable for the type of light source. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging system according to the present invention includes an artificial light source having a light emitting unit that emits artificial light, and a power supply unit that starts operation when the light emitting unit is turned on. Information providing means for sending light source information of a light source, information obtaining means for obtaining light source information sent from the information providing means, and control of image recording processing using light source information obtained via the information obtaining means And a camera having control means for performing the above.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging system according to the present invention includes a light-emitting unit that emits artificial light, and includes a power supply unit that starts operation when the light-emitting unit is turned on. Image recording using artificial light source having information providing means for sending light source information of light source, information obtaining means for obtaining light source information sent from said information providing means, and light source information obtained through said information obtaining means And a camera having a control means for controlling processing.

  It is preferable that the information providing unit stops sending light source information in accordance with power-off of the light emitting unit.

  The artificial light source preferably includes an indoor lighting device, and the artificial light source is at least one of a ceiling-mounted lighting device, a wall-mounted lighting device, and a floor-mounted lighting device. The aspect containing is preferable. The artificial light source preferably includes at least one of a fluorescent lamp, a tungsten lamp, and a mercury lamp.

  It is preferable that the information providing unit includes a wireless tag and is attached to the artificial light source and attached to a position where the light emitting unit is not blocked. Also. It is preferable that the information providing unit includes a wireless tag and is attached to a position away from the artificial light source.

To achieve the above object, an artificial light source according to the present invention comprises a light emitting unit for generating an artificial light, a power supply unit to start the operation in accordance with the power-on of the light emitting portion, the light source information of artificial light sources And information providing means for sending the information to the outside in a non-contact signal transmission format. The artificial light source according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the information providing unit stops sending light source information in accordance with power-off of the light emitting unit. Moreover, the artificial light source which concerns on the other aspect of this invention is characterized by including an indoor illuminating device. An artificial light source according to another aspect of the present invention includes a ceiling-mounted illumination device, a wall-mounted illumination device, and a floor-mounted illumination device, and includes at least one illumination device. To do. An artificial light source according to another aspect of the present invention includes at least one of a fluorescent lamp, a tungsten lamp, and a mercury lamp. The artificial light source according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the information providing means includes a wireless tag, is attached to the artificial light source, and is attached to a position that does not block the light emitting unit. .

In order to achieve the above object, a camera according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that converts an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal, a recording unit that records an image signal acquired via the imaging unit on a recording medium, power to start the white balance adjustment unit, the operation in accordance with the power-on of the light emitting portion of the artificial light sources that have a light emitting unit for generating an artificial light under the imaging environment for white balancing an image signal obtained from the image pickup means from information providing means you comprises a part, by utilizing the information acquisition means for acquiring source information of the artificial light source to be transmitted in a contactless signal transmission format, the light source information obtained through the information obtaining means Control means for controlling image recording processing, and the information acquisition means acquires light source information of the artificial light source from the information providing means at the start of imaging by the imaging means. To the white balance adjusting means, and performs white balance adjustment of the image signal obtained from the imaging unit by using the light source information obtained by the information obtaining unit.

  In the camera according to one aspect of the present invention, the information acquisition unit starts detecting the light source information at the same time as the photographing start operation in which automatic exposure control and automatic focus control are started, and the light source for a predetermined time from the photographing start operation. It is characterized by detecting information.

  In the camera according to another aspect of the present invention, when the information acquisition unit detects the light source information, the information acquisition unit captures the detected light source information into the camera when a captured image acquisition operation is performed. It is characterized by that.

  The white balance adjustment unit preferably adjusts the white balance of the image signal obtained from the imaging unit using auto white balance control when the information acquisition unit does not detect the light source information.

  Further, it is preferable that the white balance adjusting unit adjusts the white balance of the image signal obtained from the imaging unit using auto white balance control when the read light source information is a plurality of light source information. .

  According to the present invention, the camera can accurately determine the type of light source based on the acquired light source information, and white balance adjustment suitable for the light source is possible.

  Since the camera is configured to acquire the light source information from the information providing means having the light source information of the artificial light source, the camera can accurately determine the light source type. In addition, the camera can obtain a good image under an artificial light source by using the acquired light source information for control inside the camera or image processing.

  In particular, according to the aspect in which the light source information is used for white balance control, a very clean white balance can be obtained by always obtaining a substantially correct white balance setting value under a light source of any color temperature.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an imaging system, an artificial light source, and a camera according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a photographing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The artificial light source 10 is a fluorescent lamp provided on the ceiling 12 of the room 11. A wireless tag 20 is attached to the artificial light source body 13 by attachment means (not shown). In the present embodiment, the ceiling-mounted artificial light source 10 is illustrated, but a lighting device including a type installed on the wall 14 or a leg placed on the floor 15 may be used. The light source type is not limited to a fluorescent lamp, and may be a tungsten lamp, a mercury lamp, or the like.

  On the other hand, light source information of the artificial light source 10 is recorded in the wireless tag 20 in advance, and the light source information is converted into a wireless signal in the wireless tag 20 and transmitted to the outside of the wireless tag 20.

  The camera 30 is an electronic camera provided with an image sensor that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. The camera 30 includes a wireless tag receiver 40, receives a wireless signal transmitted from the wireless tag 20, and acquires light source information from the wireless signal.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the artificial light source 10. This figure is a front view of the artificial light source 10 attached to the ceiling 12 as seen from the floor 15.

  The artificial light source 10 includes an artificial light source body 13, a fluorescent tube 16, and a glow tube (not shown). Electrodes 17A and 17B are provided at both ends of the fluorescent tube 16, and the electrodes 17A and 17B are inserted into sockets 18A and 18B provided in the artificial light source body 13, respectively.

  The means (fixing method) for attaching the wireless tag 20 to the artificial light source body 13 includes sticking with an adhesive, and any method may be used as long as it does not fall off from the fixing position.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the wireless tag 20.

  The wireless tag 20 includes a recording unit 22 that records light source information, a control / processing unit 23 that controls the wireless tag 20 and processes data, a wireless communication interface unit 25 that converts light source information into a wireless signal, and an external part of the wireless tag 20. A radio antenna 27 that outputs radio signals and a power supply unit 29 that supplies power to all electric circuits included in the radio tag 20 are provided. The storage unit 22 is suitably a non-volatile memory that can retain data even when the power supplied to the wireless tag 20 is cut off.

  In this example, the color temperature information is converted into a digital value and written in the storage unit 22 as the light source information. The light source information is not limited to the color temperature, and any information that can identify the light source may be used. The “information that can specify the light source” includes a type identification code such as tungsten, a daylight fluorescent lamp, a mercury lamp, and a product code of the lighting device.

  In addition, it is also possible to use an ID assigned individually such as a manufacturing number as light source information, and after receiving the ID, obtain color temperature information and light source type information from an ID reference table. For example, the camera 30 may be provided with a memory, and the ID reference table may be placed in the memory, or the ID reference table may be placed on a network (such as a LAN) to which the camera 30 or the wireless tag receiver 40 can be connected. is there.

  Furthermore, the light source information to be recorded is not limited to one type, and a plurality of light source information such as a product code and a serial number may be recorded.

  The light source information written in the storage unit 22 becomes a predetermined digital signal in the control / processing unit 23, and the digital signal is converted into a wireless signal by the wireless communication interface unit 25, and is transmitted from the wireless antenna 27 to the outside of the wireless tag 20. Called.

  The power supply unit 29 is a power supply unit that supplies power to all the circuits included in the wireless tag 20 from the power supplied to the artificial light source body 13. However, the power supply unit 29 may be a battery.

  When the artificial light source 10 is turned on, the power supply unit 29 starts to operate, and the wireless tag 20 transmits a wireless signal. On the other hand, when the power of the artificial light source 10 is turned off, the power supply unit 29 stops operating, and the wireless tag 20 stops transmitting wireless signals.

  When the power supply unit 29 is a battery, the artificial light source body 13 is provided with detection means for detecting the power ON / OFF of the artificial light source 10, and the detection means displays the detection result in accordance with the power ON / OFF of the artificial light source 10. Output. The wireless tag 20 controls transmission / stop of a wireless signal based on the detection result. The detection means may be provided in the wireless tag 20.

  The wireless tag 20 is attached at a position that does not block the light emitted from the fluorescent tube 16.

  The internal circuit of the wireless tag 20 is covered with a protective material, and the protective material has heat resistance that can withstand the heat emitted by the artificial light source 10 and radio wave transmission that transmits a radio signal transmitted from the wireless antenna 27. Have.

  FIG. 4 is a front view of the camera 30.

  A photographing lens 34, a built-in strobe light emitter 35, and a finder window 36 are provided on the front surface of the camera body 31, and an external input / output connector 37 is provided on the right side in FIG. A radio tag receiver 40 and a release button 38 are provided on the upper surface of the camera 30.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the wireless tag receiver 40.

  The wireless tag receiver 40 includes a wireless antenna 42 that receives a wireless signal transmitted from the wireless tag 20, a wireless communication interface unit 44 that removes a noise component of the received wireless signal and converts it into an electrical signal of a predetermined format, Processed by the control / data processing unit 46 for controlling the tag receiver and processing the captured data, the data interface unit 48 for electrically connecting the control / data processing unit 46 and the camera 30, and the control / data processing unit 46 A storage unit 49 for recording data is included.

  The control / data processing unit 46 determines whether the acquired electrical signal is valid data. If the data is valid, the control / data processing unit 46 sends valid data to the data interface unit 48. If the data is invalid data, the control / data processing unit 46 sends invalid data. Discarded by the control / data processing unit 46.

  While repeating the data processing, the control / data processing unit performs control to acquire only valid data.

  The data interface unit 48 converts the data processed by the control / data processing unit 46 into a signal format that can be taken into the camera body 31, and sends the converted data to the camera body 31.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless tag receiver 40 is not necessarily formed integrally with the camera body 31, and there is a form in which the camera body 31 and the wireless tag receiver 40 can be separated.

  For example, an external output connector that fits with an external input / output connector 37 provided in the camera body 31 is provided in the wireless tag receiver 40, and an external input / output connector provided in the camera body 31 and the wireless tag 40 are provided. The camera body 31 and the wireless tag receiver 40 are electrically connected to each other.

  Further, the wireless tag receiver 40 is fixed to the camera body 31 by a fixing mechanism (not shown) provided in the camera body 31.

  In another example, the RFID tag receiver 40 can be inserted into a media slot (not shown) into which a recording medium provided in the camera body 31 is inserted. Similarly to the recording medium, when the wireless tag receiver 40 is inserted into the media slot and further pushed to the stop position, the wireless tag receiver 40 is electrically connected to the camera body and simultaneously fixed to the camera body 31.

  When the camera 30 includes a CPU, memory, and the like for performing internal control and image processing, the camera 30 has the control / data processing unit 46, the data interface unit 48, and the storage unit 49 of the wireless tag receiver. It can also be used as a CPU, memory, etc.

  The power supplied to the wireless tag receiver 40 is supplied from the camera body 31. Accordingly, power is not supplied to the wireless tag receiver 40 when it is not connected to the camera body 30.

  Further, there is an aspect in which the wireless tag receiver 40 transmits the induced radio wave, the wireless tag 20 receives the induced radio wave, excites the power supplied to the wireless tag 20 from the induced radio wave, and operates the wireless tag 20.

  Next, control of the camera 30 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the camera 30.

  The camera 30 is a digital camera that records captured still images and moving images on a recording medium 50 such as a memory card. The overall operation of the camera 30 is centrally controlled by the CPU 52 based on a control signal or the like input from the camera operation unit 51.

  The release button 38 provided on the camera 30 is a two-stage stroke type, and an S1 ON signal is generated when the release button 38 is half-pressed, and an S2 ON signal is generated when the release button 38 is fully pressed. The S1 on signal and the S2 on signal are input to the CPU 52.

  On the other hand, the subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 54 via the photographing lens 34 is converted into a signal charge of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by the photo sensor of the CCD 54. The signal charge accumulated in this way is read out to the shift register by a read gate pulse applied from the CCD drive circuit 60, and sequentially read out as a voltage signal corresponding to the signal charge by a register transfer pulse.

  The voltage signal sequentially read out from the CCD 54 is applied to a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS circuit) 56, where the R, G and B signals for each pixel are sampled and held and applied to an A / D converter 58. It is done. The A / D converter 58 converts the R, G, and B signals sequentially added from the CDS circuit 56 into digital signals and outputs them.

  The CCD drive circuit 60, the CDS circuit 56, and the A / D converter 58 are driven in synchronism with a timing signal applied from the timing generator 62.

  The R, G, and B signals output from the A / D converter 58 are sent to the image signal processing circuit 66 via the image input controller 64.

  Further, the image signal processing circuit 66 performs predetermined signal processing such as offset processing, gain control processing including white balance correction and sensitivity correction, and gamma correction processing on the image signal input via the image input controller 64. Details of the gain control processing in the image signal processing circuit will be described later.

  The image data processed by the image signal processing circuit 66 is input to the VRAM. In FIG. 6, the VRAM is described as a memory 68 without being distinguished from other memories. Data read from the VRAM is encoded by the video encoder 70 and output to an image display device 72 such as a liquid crystal monitor provided on the back of the camera. As a result, the subject image is displayed on the display screen of the image display device 72.

  When the release button 38 is half-pressed, automatic exposure control (hereinafter referred to as AE) and automatic focus control (hereinafter referred to as AF) are started. First, the image data output from the A / D converter 58 is input to the AF detection circuit 74 and the AE & AWB detection circuit 76, and the AF detection circuit 74 outputs image contrast information to the CPU 52. In the AE & AWB detection circuit 76, R, G, B image data is accumulated for each R, G, B for each area obtained by dividing the image area into a plurality of areas, and for each area, R, G, Each integrated value data for each B is output to the CPU 52.

  The CPU 52 controls the optical system such as the photographing lens 34 via the motor drivers 78 and 80 based on the contrast information input from the AF detection circuit 74.

  Further, the brightness of the subject (shooting Ev value) is calculated from the integrated data input from the AE & AWB detection circuit, and the aperture value and shutter speed of the diaphragm 82 are determined based on the calculated shooting Ev value. The aperture 82 is controlled by the aperture drive 84 based on the determined aperture value, and the charge accumulation time (shutter speed) in the CCD 54 is controlled based on the determined shutter speed.

  When the AE operation and the AF operation are completed and the release button 38 is fully pressed, image data output from the A / D converter 58 in response to the release button 38 being fully pressed is stored in the memory 68 via the image input controller 64. Is temporarily stored.

  The image data is read from the memory 68, and predetermined signal processing including luminance data and color difference data is performed in the image signal processing circuit 66. The image data that has been subjected to the predetermined processing is read from the signal processing circuit and stored in the memory 68 again. Subsequently, the data is output to the compression processing circuit 86 and compressed according to a predetermined format such as JPEG. The compressed image data is stored again in the memory 68, read by the media controller 88, and recorded on the recording medium 50.

  Next, white balance control will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram in which a part of the signal processing circuit related to white balance (hereinafter referred to as WB) and a part of the peripheral circuit are extracted from the image signal processing circuit 66 in FIG.

  7, the digital signal processing circuit 100 is a part of the image signal processing circuit 66 in FIG. 6, and includes a synchronization circuit 102, a white balance adjustment circuit 104, a gamma correction circuit 106, a YC signal generation circuit 108, and a memory 110. Has been. The memory 110 can be shared with the memory 68 in FIG. 7. In FIG. 6, the memory 68 and the memory 110 are described as being shared with each other.

  The R, G, and B signals output from the A / D converter 58 are temporarily stored in the memory 68 via the image input controller. The synchronization circuit 102 converts the dot-sequential R, G, and B signals read from the memory 68 into simultaneous equations, and outputs the R, G, and B signals to the white balance adjustment circuit 104 at the same time. The white balance adjustment circuit 104 includes multipliers 104R, 104G, and 104B for increasing and decreasing the digital values of the R, G, and B signals. The R, G, and B signals are multiplied by the multipliers 104R, 104G, and 104B, respectively. Added to 104B.

  Gain values Rg, Gg, and Bg for WB control are added from the CPU 52 to the other inputs of the multipliers 104R, 104G, and 104B. The multipliers 104R, 104G, and 104B each multiply two inputs. R ′, G ′, and B ′ signals subjected to WB adjustment by multiplication are output to the gamma correction circuit 106. Details of gain values Rg, Gg, and Bg applied from the CPU 52 to the white balance adjustment circuit 104 will be described later.

  The gamma correction circuit 106 changes the input / output characteristics so that the WB-adjusted R ′, G ′, and B ′ signals have desired gamma characteristics, and outputs them to the YC signal generation circuit 108. The YC signal generation circuit 108 generates a luminance signal Y and chroma signals Cr and Cb which are color difference signals from the R, G and B signals subjected to gamma correction. These luminance signal Y and chroma signals Cr and Cb are stored in the memory 110.

  Next, auto white balance control will be described.

  First, the AE & AWB detection circuit 76 in FIG. 6 divides the entire screen into a plurality of areas, obtains an average integrated value for each color of the R, G, and B signals for each area, and calculates the integrated value of the R signal and the G signal. A ratio R / G with the integrated value and a ratio B / G between the integrated value of the B signal and the integrated value of the G signal are obtained.

  Here, FIG. 8 is a graph showing a detection frame of a color distribution range such as a light source type, and a solid line frame described as daylight color on the graph of FIG. 8 is a daylight color detection frame, and a broken line described as day white The frame is a day white detection frame, the very thick solid line frame described as white is a white detection frame, and the thick solid line frame described as tungsten light bulb is a tungsten light bulb detection frame.

  The number of areas included in each detection frame is obtained, and the light source type is determined based on the obtained number of areas.

  On the other hand, the CPU 52 is prepared in advance with gain values Rg, Gg, and Bg that are optimal for some light sources such as daylight fluorescent lamps and white fluorescent lamps, and the optimal gain values Rg, Gg, and Bg for the identified light source types. Is added from the CPU 52 to the white balance adjustment circuit 104, and WB control is performed.

  For setting WB, a table of gain values (setting values) prepared in advance may be used, or a white balance setting function using color temperature as a parameter may be used. The setting value table and the white balance setting function are stored in a storage means (not shown) such as an EEPROM connected to the CPU 52 and read by the CPU 52 as needed.

  In addition, the graph of FIG. 8 includes a blue sky detection frame and a shade detection frame, and it is possible to determine not only an artificial light source such as a fluorescent lamp but also daylight (corresponding to the blue sky detection frame) or shade. If the CPU 52 is provided with a gain value optimal for daylight and a gain value optimal for shade, automatic WB control in the daylight and shade is possible.

  Next, search and capture of light source information transmitted from the wireless tag 20 and control of the camera 30 using the light source information will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a part of acquisition and processing of light source information in the camera 30.

  First, when the release button 38 is half-pressed, S1 is turned on, and the camera 30 searches for the light source information transmitted from the wireless tag 20 attached to the artificial light source 10 through the wireless tag receiver 40 for a predetermined time. At the same time, the camera 30 performs AE and AF control.

  In the light source information search, when light source information is detected, the CPU 52 in the camera 30 captures the detected light source information when the release button 38 is fully pressed (S2 is on). When S2 is on, image data is taken into the camera 30 and image processing is performed.

  The light source information captured by the CPU 52 is used for WB control. The CPU 52 is previously provided with white balance gain values Rg, Gg, and Bg that are optimal for some artificial light sources. From the light source information acquired by the CPU 52 when the S2 is on, the CPU 52 adds gain values Rg, Gg, and Bg optimum for the light source type to the white balance adjustment circuit 104, and performs WB control based on the gain value.

  However, image processing using light source information is not limited to WB, and can be used for any image processing.

  The flow of camera control, the acquisition of light source information, and the control of the camera using the light source information will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a control flow of the camera 30.

  When S1 is turned on by half-pressing the release button 38 (step S10), the camera 30 starts AE and AF control (step S12), and at the same time, the wireless tag receiver 40 starts searching for light source information (step S14). When light source information is detected in step S14, light source information READ is performed (step S18) after S2 is turned on by pressing the release button fully (step S16). On the other hand, if light source information is not detected in step S14, auto white balance control (step S22) is performed in the image processing step (step S20) after S2 is turned on (step S16).

  When S2 is turned on (step S16), image data is captured (step S24), and the captured image data is subjected to image processing (step S20).

  In the light source information READ in step S18, if the read light source information is single light source information, white balance setting is performed by the read light source information in the image processing step (step S20) (step S26).

  On the other hand, in the light source information READ of step S18, if the read light source information is a plurality of light source information (mixed light), auto white balance control is performed in the image processing step (step S20) (step S22).

  After the predetermined image processing, the image data is compressed into a predetermined format by the compression processing circuit 86 (step S28) and recorded on the recording medium (step S30).

  In step S18, when the read light source information is a plurality of light source information (that is, mixed light), a WB setting value suitable for the mixed light is provided in the CPU 52 in advance, and optimal WB control for the mixed light is possible. is there. Further, at the time of strobe light emission, the WB setting value that matches the strobe light is provided in the CPU 52 in advance, and the optimum WB control for the strobe light is possible.

  According to the imaging system according to the present embodiment described above, the camera 30 can accurately determine the light source type of the artificial light source 10. Furthermore, the light source information used for the discrimination of the light source type can be used as a control signal for the camera 30, and WB control optimal for the artificial light source 10 used for photographing can be performed.

  In addition, the camera 30 of this example includes a WB control that matches the light source type from the light source information and an auto WB, and the camera 30 can use the two types of WB properly according to the conditions of the light source. . As a result, the camera 30 can perform optimum WB control under various light source conditions and obtain a good image.

  In the above embodiment, the light source information providing means has described the example in which the wireless tag 20 is installed on the artificial light source main body 13, but the installation position of the wireless tag 20 is not limited to the artificial light source main body 13, As shown, the wireless tag 20 may be attached at a position away from the artificial light source 10. Of course, not only the ceiling 12 but also a form attached to the wall 14, the floor 15, or the fluorescent tube 16 is possible.

  The application range of the present invention is not limited to still image shooting, and can be similarly applied to moving image shooting.

[Appendix]
As will be understood from the description of the embodiments of the invention detailed above, the present specification includes at least the disclosure of the invention described below.

  Using an artificial light source, information providing means for sending light source information of the artificial light source, information obtaining means for obtaining light source information sent from the information providing means, and light source information obtained through the information obtaining means And a camera having control means for controlling image recording processing.

  According to this invention, the camera can acquire the light source information of the artificial light source under the photographing environment via the information acquisition means, and can accurately determine the light source type. Further, the camera can obtain a preferable image by using the acquired light source information for image recording processing (shooting operation control and image signal processing control).

  Image recording processing using an artificial light source having information providing means for sending light source information, an information obtaining means for obtaining light source information sent from the information providing means, and light source information obtained via the information obtaining means An imaging system comprising: a camera having control means for performing control.

  The information providing means may be provided in the artificial light source, or may be installed in a place (ceiling, wall, floor, etc.) away from the artificial light source.

  An artificial light source, comprising: an artificial light source having a light emitting unit for generating artificial light, comprising information providing means for sending light source information of the artificial light source to the outside in a non-contact signal transmission format.

  The information providing means includes a recording means for recording the light source information, a conversion circuit for converting the light source information recorded in the recording means into a signal for external transmission, and a signal converted by the conversion circuit as an electromagnetic wave. And an output means for outputting to the outside by means of an artificial light source.

  According to this invention, light source information can be transmitted outside the artificial light source in a non-contact signal transmission format. Therefore, it is convenient because there is no need to connect with a cable.

  An ON / OFF switching unit is provided that operates a light source information sending function by the information providing unit while the light emitting unit is turned on, and stops the light source information sending function when the light emitting unit is turned off. Artificial light source.

  According to this invention, it is possible to control the light source information to be transmitted only when the artificial light source is turned on and not to transmit the light source information when the artificial light source is turned off. Therefore, the camera can accurately recognize the artificial light source that is turned on, and the light source type of the artificial light source that is turned on can be determined.

  Information acquisition means for acquiring light source information transmitted in a non-contact signal transmission format from information providing means installed outside, and control of image recording processing using light source information acquired through the information acquisition means And a control means for performing the above.

  According to this invention, the camera can obtain artificial light source information without using a signal transmission cable, and the acquired light source information can be used for camera control.

  An electronic camera comprising: an imaging unit that converts an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal; and a recording unit that records an image signal acquired via the imaging unit on a recording medium. A camera comprising white balance adjusting means for adjusting a white balance of a signal, wherein the white balance is adjusted based on light source information acquired from the information acquiring means.

1 is a configuration diagram of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Configuration diagram of an artificial light source according to an embodiment of the present invention 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a wireless tag according to an embodiment of the present invention. The front view of the camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a wireless tag receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a block diagram excerpted from part of the signal processing circuit related to white balance and part of the peripheral circuit in FIG. Graph showing the detection frame of the color distribution range such as the light source type The figure which showed a part of acquisition and the process of light source information of the camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention The figure which showed the flow of control of the camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Artificial light source, 20 ... Wireless tag, 30 ... Camera, 40 ... Wireless tag receiver, 22, 49 ... Memory | storage part, 25, 44 ... Wireless communication interface part, 27, 42 ... Wireless antenna, 52 ... CPU, 66 ... Image signal processing circuit, 100 ... digital signal processing circuit, 104 ... white balance adjustment circuit

Claims (19)

An artificial light source having a light emitting portion for emitting artificial light;
An information providing unit that includes a power supply unit that starts an operation in accordance with power-on of the light emitting unit, and that transmits light source information of the artificial light source;
Information acquisition means for acquiring light source information sent from the information providing means;
A camera having control means for controlling image recording processing using light source information acquired via the information acquisition means;
An imaging system characterized by comprising: A light-emitting portion that emits artificial light, the artificial light source having information providing means for transmitting light source information of artificial light sources together when provided with a power supply unit to start the operation in accordance with the power-on of the light emitting portion,
A camera having information acquisition means for acquiring light source information sent from the information providing means and control means for controlling image recording processing using light source information acquired via the information acquisition means;
An imaging system characterized by comprising:   The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the information providing unit stops sending light source information in accordance with power-off of the light emitting unit.   The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the artificial light source includes an indoor lighting device.   5. The artificial light source includes at least one of a ceiling-mounted illumination device, a wall-mounted illumination device, and a floor-mounted illumination device. The imaging system according to item 1.   The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the artificial light source includes at least one of a fluorescent lamp, a tungsten lamp, and a mercury lamp.   The imaging according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information providing unit includes a wireless tag, is attached to the artificial light source, and is attached to a position that does not block the light emitting unit. system.   The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information providing unit includes a wireless tag and is attached to a position away from the artificial light source. A light emitting unit that generates artificial light;
And information providing means for transmitting to the outside by the provided power unit to start the operation in accordance with the power-on of the light emitting portion, the signal transmission format of the non-contact light source information of the artificial light source,
An artificial light source characterized by comprising: The artificial light source according to claim 9, wherein the information providing unit stops sending light source information in accordance with power-off of the light emitting unit. The artificial light source according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the artificial light source includes an indoor lighting device. 12. The artificial light source includes at least one of a ceiling-mounted illumination device, a wall-mounted illumination device, and a floor-mounted illumination device. Artificial light source. The artificial light source according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the artificial light source includes at least one of a fluorescent lamp, a tungsten lamp, and a mercury lamp. The artificial information according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the information providing means includes a wireless tag, is attached to the artificial light source, and is attached to a position that does not block the light emitting unit. light source. Imaging means for converting an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal;
Recording means for recording an image signal acquired via the imaging means on a recording medium;
White balance adjusting means for adjusting white balance of an image signal obtained from the imaging means;
From to that information providing means comprises a power supply unit to start the operation in accordance with the power-on of the light emitting portion of the artificial light sources that have a light emitting unit for generating an artificial light under the imaging environment, transmitted in a contactless signal transmission format Information acquisition means for acquiring light source information of the artificial light source,
Control means for controlling image recording processing using light source information acquired via the information acquisition means;
With
The information acquisition means acquires light source information of the artificial light source from the information providing means at the start of imaging by the imaging means,
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the white balance adjustment unit adjusts a white balance of an image signal obtained from the imaging unit using the light source information acquired by the information acquisition unit. The information acquisition unit starts detection of the light source information simultaneously with an imaging start operation in which automatic exposure control and automatic focus control are started, and detects the light source information for a predetermined time from the imaging start operation. The camera according to claim 15 . The camera according to claim 15 or 16 , wherein, when the light source information is detected, the information acquisition unit takes the detected light source information into the camera when a captured image acquisition operation is performed. . The white balance adjustment unit adjusts a white balance of an image signal obtained from the imaging unit using auto white balance control when the information acquisition unit does not detect the light source information. Item 15. The camera according to item 15, 16 or 17 . The white balance adjusting means adjusts the white balance of an image signal obtained from the imaging means using auto white balance control when the read light source information is a plurality of light source information. the camera according to any one of claims 15 to 18.

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