JP4716182B2 - Imaging apparatus and imaging control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and an imaging control program, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus that performs imaging using a flash.

Conventionally, there has been proposed a digital still video camera that stores in advance a combination of imaging conditions including use / non-use of a flash and continuously captures and records the number of combinations of the imaging conditions with one shutter ON. (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses that a captured image is read from a memory card and displayed, and records other than the selected image are deleted from the displayed images (paragraphs [0026] to [0027]. ]).
JP-A-9-130660

  In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, for example, when imaging is performed twice with flash ON and flash OFF, the subject becomes dark when the imaging sensitivity is low, or conversely, the subject exposed to the flash appears white when the imaging sensitivity is high. There was a problem of (whiteout). In view of such circumstances, a first object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device and an imaging device capable of appropriately adjusting sensitivity when performing two imaging operations of flash ON and flash OFF by one imaging instruction. It is to provide a control program.

  In addition, an image captured with the flash ON has a problem that the image is unbalanced due to the color difference between the subject area within the flash reach and the background area where the flash does not reach, and white balance cannot be accurately performed. It was. Therefore, a second object of the present invention is to eliminate image imbalance between a subject that has received flash and a subject that has not received flash in an image captured by flash ON.

  Further, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 has a problem that a large-capacity recording medium is required because an image is captured and recorded a plurality of times by one imaging instruction. Accordingly, a third object of the present invention is to save the image recording capacity when performing two imaging operations of flash ON and flash OFF by one imaging instruction.

In order to solve the above problems, an imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an imaging instruction unit for inputting an imaging instruction for an image, and an imaging unit for imaging an image in response to the input of the imaging instruction. Flashing means for illuminating the subject when the image is captured, and flash imaging for controlling the flashing means and the imaging means in response to an input of a single imaging instruction and illuminating the subject with the flashing means An imaging control means for executing non-flash imaging for imaging without illuminating the subject, and high imaging sensitivity only in the case of both flash imaging or non-flash imaging, or only in non-flash imaging And imaging sensitivity control means.

According to the first aspect , in the case where flash imaging and non-flash imaging are performed twice in response to a single imaging instruction, the imaging sensitivity is both during flash imaging and non-flash imaging, or only during non-flash imaging. By making the sensitivity high, it is possible to make the subject in the range where the flash reaches and the background in the range where the flash does not reach appropriate brightness.

An imaging apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an imaging instruction unit for inputting an imaging instruction for an image, an imaging unit for imaging an image in response to the input of the imaging instruction, and a subject at the time of imaging the image. A flashing means for illuminating, an external light detecting means for detecting the amount of external light in the imaging environment, and controlling the flashing means and the imaging means in response to an input of a single imaging instruction, and the flashing means In the case of at least one of the flash imaging and non-flash imaging, the imaging control means for executing the flash imaging that illuminates and captures the image, and the non-flash imaging that performs imaging without illuminating the subject. An imaging sensitivity control unit that controls imaging sensitivity according to the amount of light so that the subject does not become dark is provided.

According to the second aspect , in the case where flash imaging and non-flash imaging are performed twice in response to a single imaging instruction, the imaging sensitivity is both during flash imaging and non-flash imaging, or only during non-flash imaging. The sensitivity of the subject within the range where the flash can reach and the background within the range where the flash does not reach can be set to appropriate brightness, and the S / N ratio of the captured image is deteriorated due to excessive increase in the imaging sensitivity. Can be prevented.

The imaging apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the imaging device according to the second aspect , wherein the imaging control means pre-flashes the flash means prior to the main imaging, and the pre-imaging means performs the pre-emission before the main imaging. An image at the time of light emission and non-light emission is acquired, and the outside light detection means detects the amount of the external light based on the image at the time of pre-light emission and non-light emission acquired by the imaging means. To do.

According to the third aspect , it is possible to detect the amount of external light using the imaging unit during pre-emission that is executed prior to the main photographing.

An imaging apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes an imaging instruction unit for inputting an imaging instruction for an image, an imaging unit for imaging an image in response to the input of the imaging instruction, and a subject at the time of imaging the image. Flashing means for illuminating, flashing imaging for controlling the flashing means and the imaging means in response to an input of one imaging instruction, and illuminating the subject with the flashing means, and without illuminating the subject Imaging control means for executing non-flash imaging twice, and image synthesis means for synthesizing a flash imaging image obtained by the flash imaging and a non-flash imaging image obtained by the non-flash imaging; It is characterized by providing.

According to the fourth aspect, when the flash imaging and the non-flash imaging are performed twice by one imaging instruction, the flash arrives by synthesizing the flash imaging image and the non-flash imaging image. The image imbalance due to the color difference between the subject area and the background area where the flash did not reach can be eliminated.

In the imaging device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect , the image composition unit extracts a subject area including a subject image illuminated by the flash unit from the flash captured image and A background area excluding the subject image is extracted from a flash captured image, and the subject area and the background area are combined.

According to the fifth aspect , the subject area extracted from the flash captured image and the background area extracted from the non-flash captured image when the flash imaging and the non-flash imaging are performed twice by one imaging instruction. Can be combined to eliminate image imbalance due to a color difference between the subject area where the flash has arrived and the background area where the flash has not reached.

An imaging apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes an imaging instruction unit for inputting an imaging instruction for an image, an imaging unit for imaging an image in response to the input of the imaging instruction, and a subject at the time of imaging the image. Flashing means for illuminating, flashing imaging for controlling the flashing means and the imaging means in response to an input of one imaging instruction, and illuminating the subject with the flashing means, and without illuminating the subject Imaging control means for executing non-flash imaging for imaging twice, image recording means for recording the captured image, and image recording mode for recording the captured image in the image recording means An image recording mode setting means for setting; an image selection means for selecting any one of a flash image obtained by flash imaging; and a non-flash image obtained by non-flash imaging; and the image When the recording mode is set to the both recording mode, both the flash image and the non-flash image are recorded in the image recording means, while the image recording mode is set to the recording image selection mode. And a recording control means for recording the selected one of the flash captured image and the non-flash captured image in the image recording means.

According to the sixth aspect described above, when the flash imaging and the non-flash imaging are performed twice by one imaging instruction, the image recording capacity is set by setting the image recording mode to the recording image selection mode. Can be saved. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which it is impossible to perform two imaging operations due to one imaging instruction due to a lack of free space in the image recording means.

The image pickup apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the sixth aspect , further comprising a remaining capacity detecting means for detecting a remaining capacity of the image recording means, wherein the image recording mode setting means is the image recording means. The image recording mode is set to a recording image selection mode when the remaining capacity of the recording medium is less than a predetermined value.

According to the seventh aspect , the image recording mode is automatically selected in accordance with the free space of the image recording means when performing flash imaging and non-flash imaging with one imaging instruction. Since the mode is set, the image recording capacity can be saved. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which it is impossible to perform two imaging operations due to one imaging instruction due to a lack of free space in the image recording means.

An imaging control program according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes an imaging instruction function that accepts an input of an imaging instruction for an image, an imaging function that captures an image according to the input of the imaging instruction, and a subject at the time of imaging the image. Imaging control for performing two imaging operations: a flashing function for illuminating, flash imaging for illuminating a subject in response to an input of a single imaging instruction, and non-flash imaging for imaging without illuminating the subject The computer is realized with a function and an imaging sensitivity control function for increasing the imaging sensitivity only in the case of both flash imaging and non-flash imaging, or only in the case of non-flash imaging.

An imaging control program according to a ninth aspect of the present invention includes an imaging instruction function for accepting an input of an imaging instruction for an image, an imaging function for imaging an image in response to the input of the imaging instruction, and a subject at the time of imaging the image. A flash function for illuminating, an external light detection function for detecting the amount of external light in the imaging environment, flash imaging for illuminating a subject in response to an input of a single imaging instruction, and not illuminating the subject In the case of at least one of the flash imaging and the non-flash imaging, the imaging control function for performing the non-flash imaging twice to capture the image is performed so that the subject does not become dark according to the amount of the external light. An imaging sensitivity control function for controlling sensitivity is realized in a computer.

The imaging control program according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the imaging control program according to the ninth aspect , wherein the imaging control function includes a function of performing a pre-flash before the main imaging, and a time of the pre-flash before the main imaging. And the function of acquiring an image at the time of non-light emission, and the outside light detection function includes a function of detecting the amount of the external light based on the image at the time of pre-light emission and non-light emission. .

An imaging control program according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention includes an imaging instruction function that receives an input of an imaging instruction for an image, an imaging function that images an image in response to the input of the imaging instruction, and a subject at the time of imaging the image. Imaging control for performing two imaging operations: a flashing function for illuminating, flash imaging for illuminating a subject in response to an input of a single imaging instruction, and non-flash imaging for imaging without illuminating the subject A computer is realized with a function and an image composition function for synthesizing a flash captured image obtained by the flash imaging and a non-flash captured image obtained by the non-flash imaging.

The imaging control program according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the imaging control program according to the eleventh aspect , wherein the image synthesis function includes a function of extracting a subject area including a subject image illuminated by the flash function from the flash captured image; It includes a function of extracting a background area excluding the subject image from the non-flash captured image, and a function of combining the extracted subject area and the background area.

An imaging control program according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention includes an imaging instruction function that receives an input of an imaging instruction for an image, an imaging function that captures an image in response to the input of the imaging instruction, and a subject at the time of imaging the image. Imaging control for performing two imaging operations: a flashing function for illuminating, flash imaging for illuminating a subject in response to an input of a single imaging instruction, and non-flash imaging for imaging without illuminating the subject A function, an image recording function for recording the captured image in an image recording unit, an image recording mode setting function for setting an image recording mode when recording the captured image in the image recording unit, and the flash An image selection function for selecting at least one of a flash captured image obtained by imaging and a non-flash captured image obtained by non-flash imaging, and the image recording mode is a recording mode. When set, the flash captured image and the non-flash captured image are both recorded in the image recording means, while the flash captured image and the non-flash captured image are set when the image recording mode is set to a recorded image selection mode. A recording control function for recording a selected one of the non-flash captured images in the image recording unit is realized in a computer.

An imaging control program according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the imaging control program according to the thirteenth aspect , further comprising a remaining capacity detecting function for detecting a remaining capacity of the image recording means, wherein the image recording mode setting function is the image recording mode. And a function for setting the image recording mode to a recorded image selection mode when the remaining capacity of the means is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

By applying the imaging control program according to each aspect described above to an imaging apparatus having a flash function, the imaging apparatus of the present invention can be realized.

  According to the present invention, in the case where flash imaging and non-flash imaging are performed twice by a single imaging instruction, by controlling the imaging sensitivity, the subject within the range where the flash can reach and the range where the flash does not reach It is possible to make the background in the appropriate brightness. Further, according to the present invention, by combining the flash captured image and the non-flash captured image, the image imbalance due to the color difference between the subject area where the flash has arrived and the background area where the flash did not reach can be achieved. It can be lost. Further, according to the present invention, the image recording capacity can be saved by setting the image recording mode to the recording image selection mode. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which it is impossible to perform two imaging operations due to one imaging instruction due to a lack of free space in the image recording means.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an imaging apparatus and an imaging control program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Configuration of imaging device]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. An imaging apparatus 10 (denoted as camera 10 in the following description) shown in FIG. 1 is a digital camera having functions for recording and reproducing still images and moving images, and the operation of the entire camera 10 is a central processing unit (main CPU). ) Is controlled by 12. The main CPU 12 functions as a control means for controlling the camera system according to a predetermined program, and performs various calculations such as automatic exposure (AE) calculation, automatic focus adjustment (AF) calculation, and white balance (WB) adjustment calculation. Functions as a calculation means. The power supply circuit 14 supplies power to each block of the camera system.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 18 and an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) 20 are connected to the main CPU 12 via a bus 16. The ROM 18 stores programs executed by the main CPU 12, various data necessary for control, and the like, and the EEPROM 20 stores CCD pixel defect information, various constants / information related to camera operation, and the like.

  A memory (SDRAM, Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 22 is used as a program development area and a calculation work area of the main CPU 12, and is also used as a temporary storage area for image data and audio data. A video random access memory (VRAM) 24 is a temporary storage memory dedicated to image data, and includes an A area 24A and a B area 24B. Note that the memory 22 and the VRAM 24 can be shared.

  The camera 10 is provided with an operation unit 26 such as a mode selection switch, a release switch, a menu / OK key, a cross key, a cancel key, and a bracket imaging switch. A signal from the operation unit 26 is input to the main CPU 12. The main CPU 12 controls each circuit of the camera 10 based on an input signal from the operation unit 26, for example, lens drive control, imaging operation control, image processing control, image data recording / reproduction control, and image display device 28. Perform display control.

  The mode selection switch is an operation means for switching between the imaging mode and the reproduction mode. The release switch is an operation button for inputting an instruction to start imaging, and is composed of a two-stroke switch having an S1 switch that is turned on when half-pressed and an S2 switch that is turned on when fully pressed. The menu / OK key is an operation having both a function as a menu button for instructing to display a menu on the screen of the image display device 28 and a function as an OK button for instructing confirmation and execution of selection contents. Key. The cross key is an operation unit for inputting instructions in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and functions as a button (cursor moving operation means) for selecting an item from the menu screen or instructing selection of various setting items from each menu. To do. The up / down key of the cross key functions as a zoom switch at the time of imaging or a playback zoom switch at the time of playback, and the left / right key functions as a frame advance (forward / reverse direction) button in the playback mode. The cancel key is used to delete a desired target such as a selection item, cancel an instruction content, or return to the previous operation state.

  The bracket imaging switch is used when bracket imaging is set to ON. The bracket imaging will be described later.

  The image display device 28 is composed of a liquid crystal monitor capable of color display. The image display device 28 (referred to as a liquid crystal monitor 28 in the following description) can be used as an electronic viewfinder for viewing angle at the time of imaging, and is used as a means for reproducing and displaying recorded images. The liquid crystal monitor 28 is also used as a display screen for a user interface, and displays information such as menu information, selection items, and setting contents as necessary. Instead of the liquid crystal monitor, other types of display devices such as organic EL (electro-luminescence) can be used.

  The camera 10 has a media socket (media mounting portion) 30, and a recording medium 32 can be mounted on the media socket 30. The form of the recording medium 32 is not particularly limited, and various types such as a semiconductor memory card represented by xD-PictureCard (trademark) and smart media (trademark), a portable small hard disk, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc. Media can be used. The media controller 34 performs necessary signal conversion in order to deliver an input / output signal suitable for the recording medium 32 attached to the media socket 30.

  The camera 10 also includes an external connection interface unit (external connection I / F) 36 as a communication unit for connecting to a personal computer or other external devices. The camera 10 can exchange data with the external device by connecting the camera 10 and the external device using a USB cable (not shown) or the like. Of course, the communication method is not limited to USB, and IEEE1394, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and other communication methods may be applied.

  Next, the imaging function of the camera 10 will be described. When the imaging mode is selected by the mode selection switch, power is supplied to the imaging unit including the color CCD solid-state imaging device 38 (hereinafter, referred to as CCD 38), and the imaging is enabled (imaging standby state). .

  The photometry / ranging CPU 40 is a control unit that controls the imaging unit in cooperation with the main CPU 12. In FIG. 1, a configuration in which two CPUs (12, 40) are mounted is illustrated, but an embodiment in which the present invention is implemented by one CPU is also possible.

  The timing generator (TG) 42 gives timing signals to the CCD 38, the analog processing unit (CDS / AMP) 44 and the A / D converter 46 in accordance with instructions from the photometry / ranging CPU 40. Are synchronized.

  The lens unit 48 is an optical unit that includes an imaging lens 54 including a focus lens 50 and a zoom lens 52, and a diaphragm / mechanical shutter 56. Focusing of the imaging lens 54 is performed by moving the focus lens 50 by the focus motor 50A, and zooming is performed by moving the zoom lens 52 by the zoom motor 52A. The focus motor 50A and the zoom motor 52A are driven and controlled by the focus motor driver 50B and the zoom motor driver 52B, respectively. The photometry / ranging CPU 40 outputs control signals to the focus motor driver 50B and the zoom motor driver 52B in accordance with the focus command and zoom command from the main CPU 12, and controls the focus position of the focus lens 50 and the zoom position of the zoom lens 52. .

  The diaphragm 56 is constituted by a so-called turret type diaphragm, and for example, the diaphragm value (F value) is changed by rotating a turret plate in which diaphragm holes of F2.8 to F8 are formed. The diaphragm 56 is driven by an iris motor 56A. The iris motor 56A is driven and controlled by an iris motor driver 56B. The photometry / ranging CPU 40 outputs a control signal to the iris motor driver 56B in accordance with a command from the main CPU 12 to control the aperture value.

  The lens position sensor 58 is a block including a focus position sensor and a zoom position sensor. The focus position of the focus lens 50 and the zoom position of the zoom lens 52 are detected by a lens position sensor 58. Information on the focus position and the zoom position detected by the lens position sensor 58 is transmitted to the main CPU 12 via the photometry / ranging CPU 40 and written in the EEPROM 20.

  A zoom operation using an electronic zoom (digital zoom) function is also possible instead of or in combination with the optical zoom described above. The electronic zoom function is a function for obtaining an enlarged image by electronically processing an image signal by an image processing technique. The camera 10 according to the present embodiment can change the magnification by electronic zoom within a range in which image quality does not deteriorate in accordance with the selected recording pixel number mode.

  Even when the recorded image is reproduced and displayed, the electronic zoom function can be utilized. In the electronic zoom operation during reproduction, not only the zoom magnification but also the display position for enlarged display can be changed. Information on zoom magnification and display position by the electronic zoom function is also transmitted to the main CPU 12 via the photometry / ranging CPU 40 and recorded in the EEPROM 20.

  The light that has passed through the lens unit 48 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 38. A large number of photodiodes (light receiving elements) are two-dimensionally arranged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 38, and red (R), green (G), and blue (B) primary color filters are provided for each photodiode. They are arranged in a predetermined arrangement structure. The CCD 38 has an electronic shutter function for controlling the charge accumulation time (shutter speed) of each photodiode. The main CPU 12 controls the charge accumulation time in the CCD 38 via the TG 42. Further, the main CPU 12 controls the potential of the OFD (Overflow Drain) with respect to the CCD 38 to adjust the upper limit value of the signal charge accumulated in the photodiode constituting the CCD 38.

  The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 38 is converted into a signal charge of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each photodiode. The signal charge accumulated in each photodiode is sequentially converted into a voltage signal (image signal) corresponding to the signal charge based on a drive pulse (readout pulse, vertical transfer clock, horizontal transfer clock) given from the TG 42 in accordance with a command from the main CPU 12. Read out.

  The signal output from the CCD 38 is sent to an analog processing unit (CDS / AMP) 44, where the R, G, and B signals for each pixel are sampled and held (correlated double sampling processing) and amplified. After that, it is added to the A / D converter 46. The amplification gains of the R, G, and B signals correspond to imaging sensitivity (ISO sensitivity) and are set by the main CPU 12. The R, G, and B signals for each pixel are converted into digital signals by the A / D converter 46 and stored in the memory 22 via the image input controller 60.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging sensitivity is controlled by controlling the amplification gain in the analog processing unit 44. However, for example, by adding a plurality of pixel signals of the CCD 38 to increase the amount of charge of the signal. The imaging sensitivity may be increased.

  The image signal processing circuit 62 processes the R, G, and B signals stored in the memory 22 in accordance with a command from the main CPU 12. That is, the image signal processing circuit 62 includes a synchronization circuit (a processing circuit that converts a color signal into a simultaneous expression by interpolating a spatial shift of the color signal associated with the color filter array of the single CCD), a white balance adjustment circuit, It functions as an image processing means including a gamma correction circuit, a contour correction circuit, a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, etc., and performs predetermined signal processing using the memory 22 in accordance with commands from the main CPU 12.

  The R, G and B signals stored in the memory 22 are converted into luminance signals (Y signals) and color difference signals (Cr and Cb signals) by the image signal processing circuit 62 and subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction. Is done. The image data processed by the image signal processing circuit 62 is stored in the VRAM 24.

  When the captured image is output to the liquid crystal monitor 28, the image data is read from the VRAM 24 and sent to the video encoder 64 via the bus 16. The video encoder 64 converts the input image data into a predetermined video signal for display (for example, an NTSC color composite image signal) and outputs the video signal to the liquid crystal monitor 28.

  Image data representing an image for one frame is rewritten alternately in the A area 24A and the B area 24B of the VRAM 24 by the image signal output from the CCD 38. Of the A area 24A and B area 24B of the VRAM 24, the written image data is read from an area other than the area where the image data is rewritten. In this way, the image data in the VRAM 24 is periodically rewritten, and an image signal generated from the image data is supplied to the liquid crystal monitor 28, whereby the image being captured is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 28 in real time. . The photographer can check the angle of view of the image from the video (through movie image) displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 28.

  When the release switch is pressed halfway and S1 is turned on, the S1 signal is input to the main CPU 12. The main CPU 12 sends a command to the photometry / ranging CPU 40, starts AE and AF processing, and performs CCD exposure and readout control for capturing a recording image.

  The image signal output from the CCD 38 is input to the AF detection circuit 66 and the AE / AWB detection circuit 68 via the image input controller 60 after A / D conversion.

  The AE / AWB detection circuit 68 includes a circuit that divides one screen into a plurality of divided areas (for example, 8 × 8 or 16 × 16), and integrates the RGB signals for each divided area. To provide. The main CPU 12 detects the brightness of the subject (subject luminance) based on the integrated value obtained from the AE / AWB detection circuit 68, and calculates an exposure value (imaging EV value) suitable for imaging. The main CPU 12 determines an aperture value and a shutter speed according to the obtained exposure value and a predetermined program diagram. The main CPU 12 sends a command to the photometry / ranging CPU 40 based on the result of the AE calculation. The photometry / ranging CPU 40 controls the iris motor driver 56B so that the aperture 56 has an appropriate aperture value based on the result of the AE calculation. The photometry / ranging CPU 40 controls the TG 38 and the electronic shutter of the CCD 38 based on the result of the AE calculation. Thereby, an appropriate exposure amount is obtained.

  Further, the photometry / ranging CPU 40 sends a command to the flash control circuit 70 as necessary to operate the flash control circuit 70. The flash control circuit 70 performs charge control of a main capacitor (not shown), discharge (light emission) timing to the flash light emitting unit (xenon tube) 72, and the like.

  The AE / AWB detection circuit 68 calculates an average integrated value for each color of the R, G, and B signals for each divided area during automatic white balance adjustment, and provides the calculation result to the main CPU 12. The main CPU 12 obtains the integrated value of R, the integrated value of B, and the integrated value of G, calculates the ratio of R / G and B / G for each divided area, and R of these R / G and B / G values. The light source type is determined based on the distribution in the color space of the / G, B / G axis coordinates, etc., and the gain value (white balance gain) for the R, G, B signals of the white balance adjustment circuit according to the determined light source type To correct the signal of each color channel.

  For example, contrast AF that moves the focus lens 50 so that the high-frequency component of the G signal of the image signal is maximized is applied to the AF control in the camera 10. In this case, the AF detection circuit 66 takes out a signal in a focus target area set in advance in a high-pass filter that passes only a high-frequency component of the G signal, an absolute value processing unit, and a screen (for example, the center of the screen). An AF area extraction unit and an integration unit that integrates absolute value data in the AF area are configured.

  The data of the integrated value obtained by the AF detection circuit 66 is notified to the main CPU 12. The main CPU 12 sends a command to the photometry / ranging CPU 40, calculates a focus evaluation value (AF evaluation value) at a plurality of AF detection points while moving the focus lens 50 by controlling the focus motor driver 50B, The lens position where the evaluation value is maximized is determined as the focus position. Then, the main CPU 12 sends a command to the photometry / ranging CPU 40 based on the result of the AF calculation. The photometry / ranging CPU 40 controls the focus motor driver 50B to move the focus lens 50 to the in-focus position based on the result of the AF calculation. Here, the calculation of the AF evaluation value is not limited to a mode using the G signal, and a luminance signal (Y signal) may be used. If the release button is released before S2 is turned on after AF processing, the focus position after AF processing is maintained.

  The release switch is pressed halfway, AE / AF processing is performed when S1 is turned on, the release switch is fully pressed, and recording operation starts when S2 is turned on. The image data acquired in response to S2 ON is converted into a luminance / color difference signal (Y / C signal) in the image signal processing circuit 62, subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction, and then stored in the memory 22. The

  The Y / C signal stored in the memory 22 is compressed according to a predetermined format by the compression / expansion circuit 74 and then recorded on the recording medium 32 via the media controller 34. For example, a still image is recorded as an image file in JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format.

  When the playback mode is selected by the mode selection switch, the compressed data of the final image file (last recorded image file) recorded on the recording medium 32 is read. When the image file related to the last recording is a still image file, the read image compression data is expanded into an uncompressed Y / C signal via the compression / expansion circuit 74, and the image signal processing circuit 62 and the video are recorded. After being converted into a display signal via the encoder 64, it is output to the liquid crystal monitor 26. Thereby, the image content of the image file is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 26.

  Switching the playback target image file by operating the right or left key of the four-way controller during single-frame playback of a still image (including the playback of the first frame of a movie) (forward frame reverse / reverse frame forward) Can do. The image file at the frame-advanced position is read from the recording medium 32, and still images and moving images are reproduced and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 28 in the same manner as described above.

  When an external display such as a personal computer or a television is connected to the camera 10 via the video input / output terminal 76 in the playback mode, the image file recorded on the recording medium 32 is output by the video output circuit 78. It is processed and displayed on this external display.

[First Embodiment]
Next, imaging processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, when the imaging mode is selected by the mode selection switch, power is supplied from the power supply circuit 14 to the imaging unit, and the imaging standby state is set (step S10). When the bracket imaging setting is OFF (OFF in step S12), normal imaging is performed (step S14).

  If the bracket imaging setting is ON in step S12, first, when the release switch is half-pressed and S1 is turned on, AE and AF processing (S1 processing) is executed (step S16). Next, the main CPU 12 sends a command for performing flash ON imaging to the photometry / ranging CPU 40. The photometry / ranging CPU 40 sends a command to the flash control circuit 70, operates the flash control circuit 70, and sets the flash to ON (step S18). Further, the main CPU 12 controls the amplification gain of the R, G, and B signals in the analog processing unit (CDS / AMP) 44, and sets the imaging sensitivity to high sensitivity (for example, ISO 400, ISO 800, etc.) (step S20). . When the release switch is fully pressed and S2 is turned on, flash ON imaging is executed (step S22), and the captured image is recorded on the recording medium 32 (step S24).

  Subsequently, the main CPU 12 sends a command for performing flash OFF imaging to the photometry / ranging CPU 40. The photometry / ranging CPU 40 sets the flash to OFF in response to this command (step S26). Further, the main CPU 12 controls the amplification gain of the R, G, and B signals in the analog processing unit (CDS / AMP) 44 and sets the imaging sensitivity to high sensitivity (for example, ISO 400, ISO 800, etc.) (step S28). . Then, flash OFF imaging is executed (step S30), and the captured image is recorded on the recording medium 32 (step S32).

  According to the present embodiment, when imaging is performed twice, flash ON and flash OFF, by one imaging instruction, the imaging sensitivity is increased both during flash ON imaging and during flash OFF imaging, or only during flash OFF imaging. By making the sensitivity high, it is possible to make the subject in the range where the flash can reach and the background in the range where the flash does not reach appropriate brightness.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, imaging processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, when an imaging mode is selected by the mode selection switch, power is supplied from the power supply circuit 14 to the imaging unit, and an imaging standby state is set (step S50). When the bracket imaging setting is OFF (OFF in step S52), normal imaging is performed (step S54).

  In step S52, when the bracket imaging setting is ON, first, when the release switch is pressed halfway and S1 is turned on, AE and AF processing (S1 processing) is executed (step S56). Next, the main CPU 12 sends a command for performing pre-flash to the photometry / ranging CPU 40. The photometry / ranging CPU 40 sends a command to the flash control circuit 70, operates the flash control circuit 70, and executes pre-flash. Thus, a pre-flash image is acquired by the CCD 38. Further, the CCD 38 acquires an image when the flash is off. The main CPU 12 detects the amount of external light in the imaging environment from the pre-flash image and the image when the flash is off (step S58).

  Next, the main CPU 12 calculates the flash emission time and emission intensity at the time of main imaging based on the detected amount of external light, and sends a command for performing flash ON imaging to the photometry / ranging CPU 40. . The photometry / ranging CPU 40 sends a command to the flash control circuit 70, operates the flash control circuit 70, sets the flash to ON, and sets the flash emission time and the like (step S60). Further, the main CPU 12 calculates the imaging sensitivity at the time of flash ON imaging based on the detected amount of external light, and controls the amplification gain of the R, G, and B signals in the analog processing unit (CDS / AMP) 44. (Step S62). When the release switch is fully pressed and S2 is turned on, flash ON imaging is performed (step S64), and the captured image is recorded on the recording medium 32 (step S66).

  Subsequently, the main CPU 12 sends a command for performing flash OFF imaging to the photometry / ranging CPU 40. The photometry / ranging CPU 40 sets the flash to OFF in response to this command (step S68). The main CPU 12 calculates the imaging sensitivity at the time of flash OFF imaging based on the detected amount of external light, and controls the amplification gain of the R, G, and B signals in the analog processing unit (CDS / AMP) 44. (Step S70). Then, flash OFF imaging is performed (step S72), and the captured image is recorded on the recording medium 32 (step S74).

  According to the present embodiment, when imaging is performed twice, that is, flash ON and flash OFF by one imaging instruction, the flash emission time and the imaging sensitivity are adjusted based on the amount of external light. The subject within the range where the flash can reach and the background within the range where the flash does not reach can be appropriately brightened, and the S / N ratio of the captured image can be prevented from deteriorating due to excessive increase in the imaging sensitivity.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, imaging processing according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, when an imaging mode is selected by the mode selection switch, power is supplied from the power supply circuit 14 to the imaging unit, and an imaging standby state is set (step S80). When the bracket imaging setting is OFF (OFF in step S82), normal imaging is performed (step S84).

  If the bracket imaging setting is ON in step S82, first, when the release switch is half-pressed and S1 is turned on, AE and AF processing (S1 processing) is executed (step S86). Next, the main CPU 12 sends a command for performing flash ON imaging to the photometry / ranging CPU 40. The photometry / ranging CPU 40 sends a command to the flash control circuit 70, operates the flash control circuit 70, and sets the flash to ON (step S88). Further, the main CPU 12 controls the amplification gain of the R, G, and B signals in the analog processing unit (CDS / AMP) 44, and sets the imaging sensitivity to high sensitivity (for example, ISO 400, ISO 800, etc.) (step S90). .

  Next, the main CPU 12 sends a command for performing pre-flash to the photometry / ranging CPU 40. The photometry / ranging CPU 40 sends a command to the flash control circuit 70, operates the flash control circuit 70, and executes pre-emission (step S92). Thus, a pre-flash image is acquired by the CCD 38. The main CPU 12 acquires the amount of reflected light received from the subject (reflected light reception integrated data) from the pre-flash image, and identifies the subject area where the flash has reached in the pre-flash image (step S94). The subject area position information is temporarily stored in the memory 22. Further, the main CPU 12 calculates the flash emission time and emission intensity during the main imaging based on the reflected light from the subject in the pre-emission image.

  Next, when the release switch is fully pressed and S2 is turned on, flash ON imaging is executed (step S96), and the captured image (flash ON image) is recorded in the memory 22 (step S98).

  Subsequently, the main CPU 12 sends a command for performing flash OFF imaging to the photometry / ranging CPU 40. The photometry / ranging CPU 40 sets the flash to OFF in response to this command (step S100). Further, the main CPU 12 controls the amplification gain of the R, G, and B signals in the analog processing unit (CDS / AMP) 44, and sets the imaging sensitivity to high sensitivity (for example, ISO 400, ISO 800, etc.) (step S102). . Then, flash OFF imaging is executed (step 104), and the captured image (flash OFF image) is recorded in the memory 22 (step S106).

  Next, the main CPU 12 extracts an image of the subject area from the flash ON image (step S98) based on the position information of the subject area (step S94), and an area where the flash has not reached from the flash OFF image (step S106). Extract an image of (background area excluding subject area). Then, the main CPU 12 combines the image of the subject area extracted from the flash ON image and the image of the background area extracted from the flash OFF image, and records them on the recording medium 32 (step S108).

  According to the present embodiment, the image of the subject area in the flash-on image and the image of the background area in the flash-off image are synthesized by performing the flash-on and flash-off twice in response to a single imaging instruction. By doing so, it is possible to eliminate image imbalance due to a color difference between the subject area where the flash has arrived and the background area where the flash has not reached.

  In step S108, the subject area and the background area are extracted and combined. For example, a large weight is given to the subject area of the flash ON image and the background area of the flash OFF image, and the flash ON image and the flash OFF image are combined. You may add or average.

  In the present embodiment, a flash ON image and a flash OFF image may be recorded on the recording medium 32 together with the synthesized image.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. When performing bracket imaging, the camera 10 according to the present embodiment has both a recording mode in which both bracketed images are recorded on the recording medium 32 by an operation input from the operation unit 26, and the recording medium 32 has a free space. When the number is small, the image recording mode can be switched between a recording image selection mode for selecting an image to be recorded on the recording medium 32 from the images picked up by the bracket.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of imaging processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. First, when an imaging mode is selected by the mode selection switch, power is supplied from the power supply circuit 14 to the imaging unit, and an imaging standby state is set (step S120). When the bracket imaging setting is OFF (OFF in step S122), normal imaging is performed (step S124).

  If the bracket imaging setting is ON in step S122, the main CPU 12 detects the image recording mode setting (step S126). When the image recording mode is set to the recording image selection mode (Yes in step S126), the main CPU 12 detects the free space of the recording medium 32 (step S128). If the free capacity of the recording medium 32 is less than a predetermined value (for example, one to several sheets) (small in step S128), the process proceeds to bracket imaging processing in step S130 and thereafter.

  Hereinafter, the bracket imaging process after step S130 will be described. First, when the release switch is pressed halfway and S1 is turned on, AE and AF processing (S1 processing) is executed (step S130). Next, the main CPU 12 sends a command for performing flash ON imaging to the photometry / ranging CPU 40. The photometry / ranging CPU 40 sends a command to the flash control circuit 70, operates the flash control circuit 70, and sets the flash to ON (step S132). Further, the main CPU 12 controls the amplification gain of the R, G, and B signals in the analog processing unit (CDS / AMP) 44 and sets the imaging sensitivity. When the release switch is fully pressed and S2 is turned on, flash ON imaging is executed (step S134), and the captured image (flash ON image) is temporarily stored in the memory 22 (step S136).

  Subsequently, the main CPU 12 sends a command for performing flash OFF imaging to the photometry / ranging CPU 40. The photometry / ranging CPU 40 sets the flash to OFF in response to this command (step S138). Further, the main CPU 12 controls the amplification gain of the R, G, and B signals in the analog processing unit (CDS / AMP) 44 and sets the imaging sensitivity. Then, flash OFF imaging is executed (step S140), and the captured image (flash OFF image) is temporarily stored in the memory 22 (step S142).

  Next, the main CPU 12 causes the liquid crystal monitor 28 to display a selection screen for selecting an image to be recorded on the recording medium 32 from the flash ON image and the flash OFF image. Then, an image to be recorded is selected based on the input from the operation unit 26 (step S144) and recorded on the recording medium 32 (step S146).

  On the other hand, if both image recording modes are set to the recording mode (No in step S126), and if the free space of the recording medium 32 is equal to or larger than the predetermined value (large in step S128), the process proceeds to step S148.

  Steps S148 to S160 are the same as steps S130 to S142, respectively. Both the flash ON image and the flash OFF image temporarily stored in the memory 22 in steps S154 and S160 are recorded on the recording medium 32 (step S162).

  According to the present embodiment, the image recording capacity can be saved by setting the image recording mode to the recording image selection mode in the case of performing two imaging operations of flash ON and flash OFF by one imaging instruction. Can do. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where bracket imaging cannot be performed due to a lack of free space in the recording medium 32.

  In step S144, both the flash ON image and the flash OFF image may be selected and recorded. In the recording image selection mode, an image to be recorded may be selected regardless of the free space of the recording medium 32 (even when the free space is large).

  In this embodiment, the user sets the image recording mode. However, the image recording mode may be automatically set to the recorded image selection mode according to the free space of the recording medium 32. .

1 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of the imaging process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of the imaging process which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of the imaging process which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of the imaging process which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Imaging device (camera), 12 ... Main CPU, 14 ... Power supply circuit, 16 ... Bus, 18 ... ROM, 20 ... EEPROM, 22 ... Memory (SDRAM), 24 ... VRAM, 26 ... Operation part, 28 ... Image display Device (liquid crystal monitor), 30 ... media socket, 32 ... recording medium, 34 ... media controller, 36 ... external connection interface (external connection I / F), 38 ... CCD, 40 ... photometry / ranging CPU, 42 ... timing Generator (TG), 44 ... Analog processing unit (CDS / AMP), 46 ... A / D converter, 48 ... Lens unit, 50 ... Focus lens, 52 ... Zoom lens, 54 ... Imaging lens, 56 ... Mechanical shutter combined with aperture, 58 ... Lens position sensor, 60 ... Image input controller, 62 ... Image signal processing circuit, 64 ... Video encoder 66 ... AF detection circuit, 68 ... AE / AWB detection circuit, 70 ... flash control circuit, 72 ... flash light emitting unit (xenon tube), 74 ... compression / decompression circuit, 76 ... video input / output terminal, 78 ... video output circuit

Claims (4)

Imaging preparation instruction means for inputting an execution instruction of imaging preparation processing;
Image capturing instruction means for inputting an image capturing instruction;
Imaging means for capturing an image of a subject in response to an input of the imaging instruction;
Flashing means for illuminating the subject when the image is captured;
In response to an input of an execution instruction for the imaging preparation process, the flash unit and the imaging unit are controlled to perform pre-emission to obtain a pre-emission image, and in response to an input of an imaging instruction, An imaging control means for controlling the flash means and the imaging means to execute flash imaging for illuminating a subject with the flash means and performing non-flash imaging for imaging without illuminating the subject;
Based on the pre-flash image, the amount of reflected light from the subject is acquired, the position information of the subject area illuminated by the flash means is acquired, and the flash imaging is performed based on the position information of the subject area. The flash imaging is performed by assigning a higher weight to the pixels in the subject area in the flash captured image obtained by the above and the pixels in the background area other than the subject area in the non-flash captured image obtained by the non-flash imaging. Image combining means for combining the flash captured image and the non-flash captured image by adding or averaging the image and the non-flash captured image;
An imaging apparatus comprising: Imaging preparation instruction means for inputting an execution instruction of imaging preparation processing;
Image capturing instruction means for inputting an image capturing instruction;
Imaging means for capturing an image of a subject in response to an input of the imaging instruction;
Flashing means for illuminating the subject when the image is captured;
In response to an input of an execution instruction for the imaging preparation process, the flash unit and the imaging unit are controlled to perform pre-emission to obtain a pre-emission image, and in response to an input of an imaging instruction, An imaging control means for controlling the flash means and the imaging means to execute flash imaging for illuminating a subject with the flash means and performing non-flash imaging for imaging without illuminating the subject;
Based on the pre-flash image, the amount of reflected light from the subject is acquired, the position information of the subject area illuminated by the flash means is acquired, and the flash imaging is performed based on the position information of the subject area. An image synthesizing means for synthesizing the flash captured image obtained by the above and the non-flash captured image obtained by the non-flash imaging,
The image synthesizing unit extracts a subject area including a subject image illuminated by the flash unit from the flash captured image based on position information of the subject area, and removes the subject image from the non-flash captured image. Remove the area, the flash and the subject area taken from the captured image the non-flash imaging characteristics and to that imaging device that synthesizes a background area that is removed from the image. An imaging preparation instruction function for inputting an instruction to execute imaging preparation processing;
An imaging instruction function for receiving an input of an imaging instruction for an image;
An imaging function for capturing an image of a subject in response to an input of the imaging instruction;
A flash function that illuminates the subject when the image is captured;
In response to an input of an execution instruction for the imaging preparation process, pre-flash is executed to acquire a pre-flash image, and flash imaging for illuminating and imaging a subject in response to one input of the imaging instruction; An imaging control function for performing two imaging operations of non-flash imaging for imaging an object without illuminating;
Based on the pre-flash image, the amount of reflected light from the subject is acquired, the position information of the illuminated subject area is acquired, and the flash imaging is obtained based on the position information of the subject area . A larger weight is applied to the pixels in the subject area in the flash captured image and the pixels in the background area other than the subject area in the non-flash captured image obtained by the non-flash captured image so that the flash captured image and the non-flash captured image An image synthesis function for synthesizing the flash captured image and the non-flash captured image by performing addition or addition averaging with the flash captured image ;
An imaging control program for causing a computer to realize the above. An imaging preparation instruction function for inputting an instruction to execute imaging preparation processing;
An imaging instruction function for receiving an input of an imaging instruction for an image;
An imaging function for capturing an image of a subject in response to an input of the imaging instruction;
A flash function that illuminates the subject when the image is captured;
In response to an input of an execution instruction for the imaging preparation process, pre-flash is executed to acquire a pre-flash image, and flash imaging for illuminating and imaging a subject in response to one input of the imaging instruction; An imaging control function for performing two imaging operations of non-flash imaging for imaging an object without illuminating;
Based on the pre-flash image, the amount of reflected light from the subject is acquired, the position information of the illuminated subject area is acquired, and the flash imaging is obtained based on the position information of the subject area. An image composition function for synthesizing a flash image and a non-flash image obtained by the non-flash image,
A function to extract a subject area including a subject image illuminated by the flash function from the flash captured image based on position information of the subject area;
A function of extracting a background area excluding the subject image from the non-flash image based on the position information of the subject area;
A function of combining the subject area extracted from the flash image and the background area extracted from the non-flash image ;
It characterized in that to realize the computer IMAGING control program.

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