JP5220666B2 - Imaging device and live view display method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image capturing apparatus and a live view display method, and more particularly to an image capturing apparatus including an electronic viewfinder that reproduces image data generated by an image sensor in substantially real time and a live view display method.

  In recent digital still cameras and digital video cameras (hereinafter simply referred to as “digital cameras”), an image pickup such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) array is used instead of a general finder that looks into the shooting range through a lens. A so-called electronic viewfinder is employed that displays an electronic image obtained by the element on a liquid crystal screen or the like in substantially real time.

  Further, for example, Patent Document 1 shown below discloses a technique for superimposing and displaying a real-time image and a CG (Computer Graphics) image obtained by three-dimensional simulation on a monitor for remote operation.

JP 2003-271993 A

  Here, for example, in a low illuminance environment such as night photography or dark part photography, the amount of light incident on the image sensor of the digital camera is smaller than that in photography in a bright place. For this reason, a substantially real-time video (hereinafter referred to as a live view video) displayed on the electronic viewfinder of the digital camera becomes almost black and white. This is due to the fact that the color information cannot be acquired from the image signal obtained by the image sensor because the amount of light is too small.

  For this reason, when shooting in a low-light environment, the color of the live view image displayed on the electronic viewfinder and the actual subject are greatly different, and it is impossible to display a real subject image to the user. Exists.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a photographing apparatus and a live view display method capable of displaying a real subject image to a user via an electronic viewfinder even in a low illumination environment. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve such an object, an imaging device according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that generates image data from an optical image of a subject in an imaging range, an illumination unit that illuminates the subject, and the imaging unit that is generated by the imaging unit. And a first color information included in the first image data generated by the imaging unit from the optical image of the subject illuminated by the illumination unit. A color information analyzing unit that analyzes the second color information of the second image data generated from the optical image of the subject by the imaging unit when the illumination unit is not driven, and a color that corrects the second color information with the first color information And an information correction unit, wherein the electronic viewfinder reproduces the second image data in which the second color information is corrected.

  The photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes a subject identifying unit that identifies subjects included in the first image data and the second image data, and the color information analyzing unit is identified by the subject identifying unit. The first color information is analyzed for each subject in one image data, and the color information correction unit calculates the second color information for each subject in the second image data identified by the subject identification unit. The correction is performed using the first color information.

  The above-described photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes a camera photographing mode management unit that manages on / off of a camera photographing mode that displays the image of the subject on the electronic viewfinder, and the illumination unit and the imaging unit include the camera photographing unit. When the mode management unit turns on the camera photographing mode, the first image data is generated from an optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once.

  The imaging device according to the present invention described above includes a posture detection unit that detects a change in the orientation of the imaging unit, and the illumination unit and the imaging unit detect a change in the orientation of the imaging unit when the illumination detection unit and the imaging unit are detected. The first image data is generated from an optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once.

  The above-described photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes an optical system capable of changing a zoom magnification of an optical image incident on the imaging unit, and the optical system generates the first image data when the imaging unit generates the first image data. It is characterized by setting the magnification at the wide end.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present invention described above includes an optical system capable of changing the angle of view of an optical image incident on the imaging unit, and the illumination unit and the imaging unit have the angle of view of the optical system changed. The first image data is generated from an optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once.

  The above-described photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes an optical system that collects light incident on the imaging unit, an autofocus unit that automatically adjusts the focus of the optical system to the subject, and the on / off of the autofocus unit. A switching unit that switches off, and when the autofocus unit is switched on, the illumination unit and the imaging unit are configured to illuminate the subject and illuminate the subject from the optical image of the illuminated subject. The first image data is generated.

  The above-described photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes a change determination unit that determines whether or not the subject in the second image data has changed, and the illumination unit and the imaging unit are configured to detect the subject in the second image data. When the change determination unit determines that the change has occurred, the first image data is generated from an optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once.

  The above-described photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes a flash mode management unit that manages on / off of a flash mode that drives the illumination unit, and the illumination unit and the imaging unit are configured so that the flash mode management unit performs the flash mode. When it is turned on, the first image data is generated.

  The live view display method according to the present invention is a live view display method for displaying an image of a subject included in the imaging range of the imaging unit on the electronic viewfinder of an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit, an illumination unit, and an electronic viewfinder. A first imaging step of generating first image data from an optical image of the subject illuminated by driving the imaging unit while driving the illumination unit, and a first included in the first image data A color information analyzing step for analyzing color information; a second imaging step for generating second image data from the optical image of the subject by driving the imaging unit when the illumination unit is not driven; A color information correcting step of correcting the second color information of the two image data with the first color information; and reproducing the second image data with the second color information corrected on the electronic viewfinder. A step, to include are characterized.

  The above-described live view display method according to the present invention includes a subject identification step for identifying subjects included in the first image data and the second image data, and the color information analysis step is identified in the subject identification step. The first color information is analyzed for each of the subjects in the first image data, and the color information correcting step performs the second color for each of the subjects in the second image data identified in the subject identifying step. The information is corrected with the first color information.

  The live view display method according to the present invention described above includes a camera shooting mode management step of switching on / off a camera shooting mode for displaying an image of the subject on the electronic viewfinder, and the first imaging step includes the camera shooting mode. When the camera photographing mode is switched on in the management step, the first image data is generated from an optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once.

  The above-described live view display method according to the present invention includes a posture detection step of detecting a change in the orientation of the imaging unit, and the first imaging step detects a change in the orientation of the imaging unit in the posture detection step. In this case, the first image data is generated from the optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once.

  In the live view display method according to the present invention described above, the photographing apparatus includes an optical system capable of changing a zoom magnification of an optical image incident on the imaging unit, and the first imaging step generates the first image data. In this case, the zoom magnification is set to the wide end.

  In the live view display method according to the present invention described above, the photographing apparatus includes an optical system capable of changing a field angle of an optical image incident on the imaging unit, and the first imaging step includes the field angle of the optical system. Is changed, the first image data is generated from the optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once.

  In the live view display method according to the present invention described above, the photographing apparatus collects an optical system that collects light incident on the imaging unit, an autofocus unit that automatically adjusts the focus of the optical system to the subject, A switching unit that switches on / off of the autofocus unit, and when the autofocus unit is switched on, the first imaging step illuminates the subject at least once. The first image data is generated from an optical image of a subject.

  The above-described live view display method according to the present invention includes a change determination step for determining whether or not a subject in the second image data has changed, and the first imaging step includes the second image in the change determination step. When it is determined that the subject in the data has changed, the first image data is generated from the optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once.

  The live view display method according to the present invention described above includes a flash mode management step for managing on / off of a flash mode for driving the illumination unit, wherein the first imaging step is performed when the flash mode is set in the flash mode management step. The first image data is generated when managed on.

  According to the present invention, the second color information of the second image data having a signal strength that is not sufficient to reproduce the color of the subject is the first of the first image data having a signal strength sufficient to reproduce the color of the subject. Since the color information is color-corrected, it is possible to realize a photographing apparatus and a live view display method capable of displaying a real subject image to the user via an electronic viewfinder even in a low-light environment. Become.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, each drawing only schematically shows the shape, size, and positional relationship to the extent that the contents of the present invention can be understood. Therefore, the present invention is illustrated in each drawing. It is not limited to only the shape, size, and positional relationship.

<Embodiment 1>
Hereinafter, an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a so-called digital still camera or digital video camera is taken as an example of the photographing device, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a camera-equipped mobile phone or a camera-equipped mobile PC (personal) The first embodiment can be applied to an electronic finder such as a computer) or various electronic devices having functions equivalent to the electronic finder.

  As will be described later, the imaging apparatus 1 exemplified in the present embodiment displays, for example, an imaging unit that generates image data from an optical image of a subject in an imaging range, an illumination unit that illuminates the subject, and an image of the subject. A color information analysis unit that analyzes first color information included in the first image data generated by the imaging unit from the optical image of the subject illuminated by the illumination unit, and the illumination unit is driven A color information correction unit that corrects the second color information of the second image data generated from the optical image of the subject by the first color information when the imaging unit is not performed. The second image data in which the second color information is corrected is reproduced on the electronic viewfinder of the photographing apparatus 1.

  In addition, the imaging device 1 includes a communication unit that performs wireless or wired data communication with an external device. The image data transmitted from the communication unit is received by an external device. As an external device, for example, various information processing devices having a display function such as a personal computer or PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), an image processing device having a print engine such as a printer or a digital multifunction peripheral, and a flash memory (registration) Various storages such as a trademark and an external HD (hard disk) can be applied.

  Here, a schematic internal configuration example of the imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic internal configuration example of the imaging apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the photographing apparatus 1 in the camera photographing mode. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation in the pseudo color live view mode in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photographing apparatus 1 includes an optical system including one or more lenses 101 (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the optical system is referred to as a lens 101), an image sensor 102, an actuator drive circuit 103, and an actuator 104. , Imaging circuit 105, flash 106, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) 107, image stabilization gyro sensor 108, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110 and 120, A / D conversion circuit 131, FIFO memory 132 , Frame memory (SDRAM) 133, recording buffer 134, recording medium interface (I / F) 135, recording medium 136, TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 141, video output circuit 142 , A backlight unit 143, a TFT liquid crystal panel 144, a key matrix 150, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display circuit 161, an LCD panel 162, a battery 171, a backup power supply 172, a power supply circuit 173, and a battery state detection circuit 174.

  In the above, the configuration including the imaging element 102, the imaging circuit 105, the CPU 110, and the A / D conversion circuit 131 functions as an imaging unit that generates image data (including through image data) from an optical image of a subject in the imaging range. . The configuration including the flash 106 and the CPU 110 functions as an illumination unit that illuminates the subject. The configuration including the CPU 110, the FIFO memory 132, the frame memory 133, the TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 141, the backlight unit 143, and the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 functions as an electronic viewfinder that displays an image of a subject. Further, the configuration including the image recognition function 121, the subject identification function 124, and the color information analysis / reproduction function 123 in the CPU 120 is image data (first image data) generated by the imaging unit from the optical image of the subject illuminated by the illumination unit. Functions as a color information analysis unit that analyzes color information (first color information) included in the. Furthermore, the configuration including the color information analysis / reproduction function 123 in the CPU 120 has color information (second image data) of through image data (second image data) generated by the imaging unit from the optical image of the subject when the illumination unit is not driven. It functions as a color information correction unit that corrects (two-color information) with color information (first color information) of image data (first image data). Therefore, the electronic viewfinder reproduces the through image data (second image data) in which the color information (second color information) is corrected and displays it to the user.

  Specifically, the lens 101 forms an optical subject image on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 102. The imaging element 102 generates an electrical signal by performing a photoelectric conversion process for converting an optical subject image formed on the light receiving surface by the lens 101 into an electrical signal. A solid-state imaging device capable of high-speed reading, such as a charge coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), or other various imaging devices can be applied to the imaging device 102.

  The imaging circuit 105 reads out an electrical signal corresponding to the electric charge accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element of the imaging element 102 as an image signal, and combines the image signal with a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and the like. Note that the image signal immediately after reading is an analog signal. The imaging circuit 105 performs various analog signal processing on the read image signal, and inputs the processed image signal to the A / D conversion circuit 131. The A / D conversion circuit 131 performs A / D conversion processing on the analog image signal output from the imaging circuit 105. As a result, the analog image signal is converted into digital image data.

  The image data output from the A / D conversion circuit 131 is appropriately input to the CPU 120, the frame memory 133, the FIFO (First-In First-Out) memory 132, or the recording buffer 134. The A / D conversion circuit 131, the CPU 120, the frame memory 133, the FIFO memory 132, and the recording buffer 134 are connected to each other via an internal bus 130, for example.

  The frame memory 133 temporarily stores image data digital signal processed by the CPU 120 (may include various data related to the image data) for each frame. For this frame memory 133, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) can be applied.

  The CPU 120 is mainly composed of a plurality of integrated circuits that execute signal processing control for handling image data and various data, and executes various digital signal processing on digital image data input from the A / D conversion circuit 131. To do. In other words, the CPU 120 realizes one or more functions for performing various signal processing on the image data temporarily stored in the frame memory 133. These functions include, for example, an image recognition function 121, an image compression / decompression function 122, a color information analysis / reproduction function 123, a subject identification function 124, a recording medium access function 125, a photographing sensitivity determination function 126, and the like.

  The image compression / decompression function 122 reads image data stored in the frame memory 133 and performs various processes such as JPEG compression processing or decompression processing of compressed image data read from the recording medium 136. Execute the process. The image recognition function 121 extracts feature points in the image from changes in color and the like included in the image data, and recognizes a region in the image based on the extraction result. The subject identifying function 124 identifies the shape or the like of the subject included in the image from the arrangement of the area recognized by the image recognition function 121. The color information analysis / reproduction function 123 specifies, for example, the color information of each area of the subject identified by the subject identification function 124, and maps the texture of this color or pattern to the corresponding area of the same subject included in another image. To do. The recording medium access function 125 controls access to the recording medium 136 by the recording medium interface 135. The photographing sensitivity determination function 126 determines whether or not the light quantity of the optical image incident on the image sensor 102 from the digital image data output from the A / D conversion circuit 131 is smaller than a preset threshold value (usually the lowest sensitivity). Determine. The normal minimum sensitivity is a minimum value such as brightness and color required for an image signal obtained by photographing. Therefore, the normal minimum sensitivity is set to a value at which an image signal such as sufficient brightness and color can be obtained without requiring a flash when a photographing sensitivity higher than the normal minimum sensitivity is obtained.

  The FIFO memory 132 functions as a so-called video memory that temporarily buffers the image signal when outputting the image signal of the frame to be displayed to various display devices.

  In the imaging apparatus 1, the configuration including the lens 101, the imaging device 102, the imaging circuit 105, the A / D conversion circuit 131, the CPU 120, and the frame memory 133 described above is an imaging optical system including an optical lens. An imaging means for generating an image signal by converting an optical image formed on the light receiving surface into an electrical signal is realized. Moreover, the imaging device 1 may include a sound collection function including a microphone that acquires information other than an image signal, for example, an audio signal.

  The TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 141 drives the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 based on, for example, an image signal output from the FIFO memory 132 for each line. The TFT liquid crystal panel 144 is driven by the TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 141 to display an image to be displayed, various information, and the like. As the TFT liquid crystal panel 144, a panel capable of color display is used. The backlight unit 143 is provided on the back side of the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 and illuminates the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 from the back side.

  The video output circuit 142 converts the image signal from the FIFO memory 132 into, for example, an NTSC (National Television System Committee) format video signal. The video output circuit 142 outputs the converted video signal to an external device (for example, the external image display device 201) connected to the video output terminal 145. The video output terminal 145 is a connection terminal to which a signal line such as a video cable that is a transmission medium of a video signal is connected.

  In the first embodiment, the configuration including the FIFO memory 132, the TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 141, the TFT liquid crystal panel 144, and the backlight unit 143 described above reproduces the image data generated by the imaging unit, thereby stopping the subject. A display means for displaying a picture or a moving picture to the user is realized.

  The recording buffer 134 records an image signal or the like temporarily stored in the frame memory 133 as image data on the recording medium 136, or reads out the image data from the recording medium 136 and temporarily stores it in the frame memory 133. This is a buffer (temporary storage area) used at times.

  The storage medium interface (I / F) 135 is a circuit for controlling storage processing of image data and the like to the recording medium 136 and reading processing of image data and the like from the recording medium 136.

  The recording medium 136 is a storage for recording image data and other various data. As the recording medium 136, for example, a nonvolatile storage medium such as a memory card having a thin plate shape or a card shape can be used. As the recording medium 136, any recording medium such as a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the photographing apparatus 1 or a device that is fixed to an electric circuit inside the photographing apparatus 1 or the like may be used.

  In addition, the configuration including the recording buffer 134, the storage medium interface 135, and the recording medium 136 described above implements a storage unit that stores various types of information such as image signals (including image data).

  The CPU 110 is arranged as a main CPU. The CPU 110 functions as so-called main control means that controls each circuit in the photographing apparatus 1 in an integrated manner and controls each component to realize various functions. Therefore, the CPU 110 includes a system control unit 110A that controls the entire system by appropriately controlling (controlling) each component in the photographing apparatus 1.

  The system control unit 110 </ b> A implements various functions that control the operation of the imaging apparatus 1. As this function, for example, a camera shooting angle-of-view determination function 111 that determines the angle of view of the imaging unit, a flash control function 112 that manages and controls on / off of the flash mode, and time management within the imaging device 1 There is a clock function 113 and the like. In addition, a function for controlling input / output of data via the external wired data I / F 163, a function for displaying the remaining amount of the battery 171 as a main power source on the LCD panel 162, etc. A function for setting various shooting conditions when executing a shooting operation, and an image file including image data are generated by combining the image signal acquired by the shooting operation and various information related to the image signal (related information data). Functions, the function to manage audio signals acquired by the recording function as audio files, the album function and print function based on various data files already recorded on the recording medium, and various registration setting data And the like, and the generated image file, audio file, registration setting data, etc. in the recording medium 136 in an appropriate form. The photographing apparatus 1 includes a function of performing recording control, a function of visually displaying an image based on an image file and related information on a display unit, and a function of outputting sound based on an audio file to a speaker (not shown). Various functions for controlling various operations and various functions are implemented in the system control unit 110A.

  Note that the photographing apparatus 1 may have a wireless communication function for transmitting and receiving data signals such as image files wirelessly with an external device (not shown) having a wireless communication function. Methods for realizing this wireless communication function include, for example, a wireless USB (WUSB) method, an ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless connection method, an optical wireless connection by an IrDA (Infrared Data Association) method, and the like.

  The actuator 104 is a drive source for performing an automatic focus adjustment (autofocus (AF)) operation, a zooming operation, and the like by driving the lens 101. The actuator drive circuit 103 is a circuit that drives the actuator 104 based on the control of the CPU 110.

  In other words, the configuration including the actuator 104 and the actuator driving circuit 103 functions as a lens driving unit that performs an autofocus operation, a zooming operation, or the like of the subject image by moving the lens 101 along the optical axis.

  The EEPROM 107 also stores various setting data and unique data in the photographing apparatus 1, such as processing programs (application software) executed by the CPU 110 and CPU 120, data such as communication setting information for communicating with external devices, and the like. A non-volatile storage medium for storing and holding, and functions as a communication setting memory. For example, a known flash ROM that is an electrically erasable nonvolatile memory can be applied to the EEPROM 107.

  The flash 106 is a light source that emits light that illuminates a subject at the time of shooting. The flash 106 includes, for example, a xenon lamp or an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The camera shake correction gyro sensor 108 detects the angular velocities in the yaw direction and the pitch direction generated in the photographing apparatus 1, and detects the shake of the photographing apparatus 1 based on the detected angular velocities.

  The key matrix 150 includes various operation switches and operation buttons of the photographing apparatus 1 such as the first release 151 and the second release 152. The first release 151 is a key that detects, for example, half-pressing of a shutter button (not shown) by the user, and the second release 152 is a key that detects, for example, full-pressing of the shutter button by the user. For example, when half-pressing of the shutter button is detected by the first release 151, the CPU 110 performs an autofocus operation. On the other hand, for example, when the second release 152 detects that the shutter button is fully pressed, the CPU 110 executes an imaging operation.

  The other operation members included in the key matrix 150 function as, for example, a power button for switching the power state of the photographing apparatus 1 to ON or OFF, a zoom button for changing the photographing magnification during the photographing operation, and a reproduced image during the reproducing operation. Zoom button (TW button) 153 that functions as a display switching button for enlargement display, reduction display, etc., a plurality of operation buttons assigned to various functions such as calling a menu screen, and four-way selection for selecting and setting the menu screen A key (also referred to as a cross key), an OK button for instructing an item selected using various operation buttons, and the like are included.

  The key matrix 150 includes the above-described various operation members, a switch member that generates a predetermined instruction signal in conjunction with each of these operation members, an electric circuit that transmits an instruction signal from each switch member, and the like. It is. Various instruction signals generated by the key matrix 150 by the user's operation are input to the CPU 110.

  The LCD display circuit 161 displays various information on the LCD panel 162 by driving the LCD panel 162 according to the control from the CPU 110. The LCD panel 162 is configured by, for example, a small liquid crystal display device (LCD) or the like, and in accordance with driving by the LCD display circuit 161, shooting conditions set in the shooting device 1, operation mode information such as shooting mode, and recording are recorded. Various setting information such as information on the number of images that can be stored in the medium 136 and information on exposure such as a shutter speed and an aperture value at the time of shooting is displayed.

  The external wired data interface (I / F) 163 is a connection interface for transmitting (transmitting / receiving) image data and the like between the photographing apparatus 1 and an external apparatus (not shown). For example, an interface conforming to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard or the IEEE 1394 standard can be applied to the external wired data I / F 163. In the present embodiment, an example in which an interface conforming to the USB standard is used as the external wired data I / F 163 is taken as an example.

  The battery 171 is a main power source in the photographing apparatus 1. For example, a primary battery such as a dry battery or a secondary battery such as a rechargeable storage battery is applied to the battery 171. The backup power source 172 is a sub power source provided to always supply power to the internal memory, the internal clock, and the like of the photographing apparatus 1. The power from the backup power source 172 is used, for example, as power for holding various setting values and date / time information in the photographing apparatus 1 and displaying the date / time information on the LCD panel 162 or the like at all times.

  The power supply circuit 173 appropriately supplies power from the battery 171 or the backup power supply 172 to each electric circuit in the photographing apparatus 1 based on control from the CPU 110. The battery state detection circuit 174 detects a state such as the remaining amount of the battery 171 from the power supply voltage from the battery 171 and outputs the detection result to the CPU 110.

  In addition, about the structure of the part which is not related to this invention, the detailed illustration and description are abbreviate | omitted as what is substantially the same structure as imaging | photography apparatuses, such as a general digital still camera.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, operation | movement of the imaging device 1 by this Embodiment 1 is demonstrated in detail. However, in the following description, an operation for displaying an image (hereinafter referred to as a through image) from the image sensor 102 on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 functioning as a part of the electronic viewfinder in substantially real time (operation in the camera photographing mode). This will be explained with a focus on. Other operations can be substantially the same as those of an ordinary photographing apparatus such as a digital still camera. For example, the main operation after activation of the photographing apparatus 1 is substantially the same as that of a photographing apparatus such as a general digital still camera. Therefore, in the following, detailed illustration and description are omitted for the purpose of simplifying the description.

  When the user operates a power button, a lens cover, or the like in the key matrix 150, the photographing apparatus 1 starts an operation in the camera photographing mode shown in FIG. 2 in the main operation flow (camera photographing mode management step). The camera shooting mode is a mode for displaying an image of a subject on an electronic viewfinder (in particular, the TFT liquid crystal panel 144). The on / off of the camera shooting mode is managed by the CPU 110, for example. In other words, the CPU 110 functions as a camera shooting mode management unit that manages on / off of the camera shooting mode.

  In the operation in the camera photographing mode, as shown in FIG. 2, the photographing apparatus 1 first executes an initialization process under the control of the CPU 110 (step S101). Specifically, for example, the CPU 110 drives the actuator 104 from the actuator drive circuit 103 to move the lens 101 to the initial position, and refreshes the image sensor 102.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 performs live view photographing (step S102). Specifically, the image pickup circuit 105 is driven under the control of the CPU 110 to read out an electrical signal corresponding to the charge accumulation amount from the image pickup element 102 to generate an analog image signal, and the image signal is converted into an A / D conversion circuit. Input to 131. The A / D conversion circuit 131 generates digital image data by performing A / D conversion processing on the input analog image signal. The A / D converted image data is input to the FIFO memory 132 either directly by the bus control by the internal bus 130 or after being subjected to predetermined digital signal processing by the CPU 120. On the other hand, by driving the TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 141 under the control of the CPU 110, image data is read out from the FIFO memory 132 for each line and input to the TFT liquid crystal panel 144. At this time, the CPU 110 keeps the backlight unit 143 on. Thereby, on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 which is a part of the electronic viewfinder, an image based on the image data read from the image sensor 102 is displayed as a through image in substantially real time.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the photographing sensitivity of the image sensor 102 is lower than the preset normal minimum sensitivity from the image data generated in the live view photographing in step S102 (step S103). Specifically, digital image data output from the A / D conversion circuit 131 is input to the CPU 120 under the control of the internal bus 130. The CPU 120 activates the shooting sensitivity determination function 126 and operates it to calculate the light quantity of the optical image incident on the image sensor 102 from the input image data, and the shooting sensitivity obtained from this calculated value is set in advance. It is determined whether the sensitivity is lower than the normal minimum sensitivity.

  As a result of the determination in step S103, if the shooting sensitivity is equal to or higher than the normal minimum sensitivity (No in step S103), the shooting apparatus 1 shifts to the normal live view mode and executes this operation (step S104). In the normal live view mode, an image signal obtained from the image sensor 102 is input to the TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 141 via the A / D conversion circuit 131 and the FIFO memory 132. Therefore, the image as it is is displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 as a through image.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S103, if the photographing sensitivity is smaller than the normal minimum sensitivity (Yes in step S103), the photographing apparatus 1 shifts to the pseudo color live view mode and executes this operation (step S105). The details of the pseudo color live view mode will be described below with reference to FIG.

  After performing the operation in the normal live view mode in step S104 or the pseudo color live view mode in step S105, the photographing apparatus 1 returns to the main operation.

  Next, the operation in the pseudo color live view mode shown in step S105 of FIG. 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the operation in the pseudo color live view mode, as shown in FIG. 3, the photographing apparatus 1 first sets the zoom magnification to the wide end under the control of the CPU 110 (step S111). That is, the optical system including the lens 101 sets the zoom magnification to the wide end when the imaging unit generates image data (first image data). Specifically, for example, the CPU 110 drives the actuator 104 from the actuator driving circuit 103 to move the lens 101 to the wide end. As a result, an optical image having the widest angle in the spec of the photographing apparatus 1 is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 102.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 drives the flash 106 under the control of the flash control function 112 of the CPU 110 (step S112). Thereby, at least the photographing range of the photographing apparatus 1 is illuminated, and an optical image having a sufficient amount of light to reproduce color information is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 102.

  Subsequently, the imaging apparatus 1 reads the image signal from the imaging element 102 by driving the imaging circuit 105 under the control of the CPU 110 (step S113: first imaging step). At this time, since the flash 106 is driven by the control in step S112, an optical image having a sufficient amount of light is formed on the image sensor 102. Therefore, the image signal of the image IM0 read from the image sensor 102 has signal intensity (color information) sufficient to reproduce the colors of the subject OB0 and the background BK0 as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image IM0 acquired when the flash 106 is driven. The read image signal is input to the A / D conversion circuit 131 and subjected to A / D conversion processing, and then output to the internal bus 130 as digital image data (first image data). The internal bus 130 inputs digital image data to the CPU 120 according to predetermined bus control.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the illumination unit and the imaging unit are optical elements of a subject illuminated while illuminating the subject at least once when the CPU 110 (camera photographing mode management unit) turns on the camera photographing mode. Image data (first image data) is generated from the image.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 extracts color information (first color information) for each subject (or its area) included in the image data input to the CPU 120, and uses this information, for example, a cache memory (not shown) or the like. (Step S114: Color information analysis step). Specifically, the CPU 120 first calls the image recognition function 121, causes the image recognition function 121 to extract feature points in the image from color components and gradations included in the image data, and based on the extraction result. To recognize areas in the image. Subsequently, the CPU 120 calls the subject identification function 124, and causes the subject identification function 124 to identify the shape of the subject included in the image from the arrangement of the area recognized by the image recognition function 121, etc. (subject identification step). Subsequently, the CPU 120 calls the color information analysis / reproduction function 123 and causes the color information analysis / reproduction function 123 to specify color information of each area of the subject identified by the subject identification function 124. The color information of each area of the subject thus obtained is stored in a cache memory (not shown) or the like as described above. The stored color information includes information on the shape of the subject, for example, information on a color area.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 drives the actuator 104 from the actuator drive circuit 103 under the control of the CPU 110, thereby returning the lens 101 to the initial position (step S115).

  Next, the imaging apparatus 1 reads the image signal as a through image (second image data) from the imaging element 102 by driving the imaging circuit 105 under the control of the CPU 110 (step S116: second imaging step). At this time, since the flash 106 is not driven, the amount of light of the optical image formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 102 is small. Therefore, the signal intensity (color information) of the image signal of the through image IM1 before color correction read from the image sensor 102 is used to reproduce the colors of the subject OB1 and the background BK1, as shown in FIG. Becomes insufficient signal intensity (color information). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a through image IM1 before color correction and a through image IM2 after color correction (see FIG. 5B) according to the present embodiment. The entities of the subject OB1 and the background BK1 in FIG. 5A are the same as those of the subjects OB0 and OB2 and the backgrounds BK0 and BK2 in FIGS. 4 and 5B. Further, the image signal read in step S116 is subjected to A / D conversion processing input to the A / D conversion circuit 131 and then input to the internal bus 130 as digital image data. The internal bus 130 inputs digital image data to the CPU 120 according to predetermined bus control.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 performs image analysis of the image data input to the CPU 120 (step S117). For convenience of explanation, the image data to be analyzed in this step S117 is referred to as through image data, and the resulting image is referred to as a through image. Specifically, in step S117, the CPU 120 first calls the image recognition function 121 and causes the image recognition function 121 to extract feature points in the image from color components and gradations included in the through image data. Based on the extraction result, an area in the image is recognized. Subsequently, the CPU 120 calls the subject identification function 124 and causes the subject identification function 124 to identify the shape of the subject included in the through image from the arrangement of the areas recognized by the image recognition function 121.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 reads out the color information (first color information) for each subject (or its area) stored in step S114, and the subject (or the subject specified in the image analysis in step S117) That area) is collated (step S118). Specifically, the CPU 120 calls the color information analysis / reproduction function 123, reads out the color information for each subject (or its area) stored in step S114, and stores the color information in the color information analysis / reproduction function 123. In step S117, the color information for each subject (or its area) identified by the subject identifying function 124 is specified.

  For specifying the color information for each subject (or its region), for example, a motion vector of each region is calculated between the image data in step S114 and the live view data in step S117, and the image data is based on this motion vector. This can be realized by specifying a corresponding area between the image and the through image and specifying the color information of the corresponding area from the color information stored in step S114.

  Next, based on the color information (first color information) for each subject (or area) identified in step S118, the photographing apparatus 1 subjects (or the area) included in the image data read out as a through image in step S116. ) Is corrected (second color information) (step S119: color information correction step). Accordingly, the through image IM1 before color correction shown in FIG. 5A to the through image IM2 after color correction shown in FIG. 5B are displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 which is a part of the electronic viewfinder. The live view image is color corrected (playback step). Here, the corrected color information of each subject (or its region) uses the average color information of each region in the image data or the color of the subject (or its region) specified in step S114 as the texture as it is. Various modifications such as information can be made. The through image data after color correction is once buffered in the FIFO memory 132 via the internal bus 130. Thereafter, the TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 141 is driven under the control of the CPU 110, and the through image data is read out from the FIFO memory 132 for each line, and the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 is driven based on the through image data. As a result, the through image IM2 after color correction (see FIG. 5B) is displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144.

  Thereafter, the photographing apparatus 1 detects camera posture information that is the posture of the photographing device 1 itself (in other words, the direction of the image sensor 102) (step S120: posture detection step). That is, the imaging device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a posture detection unit that detects a change in the orientation of the imaging unit. This camera posture information is detected by, for example, a method of determining the camera posture of the photographing apparatus 1 from the through image data captured in step S116 and determining whether the posture has changed significantly, or a hand provided in the photographing apparatus 1. It can be realized by various methods such as a method of detecting the posture of the photographing apparatus 1 using the shake correction gyro sensor 108 (see FIG. 1) for posture detection.

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 has a large composition as to whether or not the camera posture information exceeds a predetermined limit (threshold), that is, the direction of the photographing direction of the photographing apparatus 1 and the optical image formed on the image sensor 102. It is determined whether or not the camera has changed (step S121). If the change in the camera posture has exceeded the limit (Yes in step S121), the process returns to step S111, and the subject from the image data when the flash 106 is driven again. Get color information for each (or area).

  That is, in the first embodiment, when the posture detection unit detects a change in the orientation of the imaging unit, the illumination unit and the imaging unit obtain image data from an optical image of the subject illuminated while illuminating the subject at least once. (First image data) is generated, and the color information (first color information) is acquired.

  However, the present invention is not limited to the case where the camera posture is changed, and when the zoom magnification or the angle of view is changed manually or automatically, for example, the illumination unit and the imaging unit are at least once. The image data (first image data) may be generated from the optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject, and the color information (first color information) may be acquired.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S121, if there is no change in the camera posture beyond the limit (No in step S121), the photographing apparatus 1 instructs the end of the operation of displaying the through image after color correction on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144. Is input from the key matrix 150, for example (step S122), and if no instruction to end the through image display is input (No in step S122), the process returns to step S116 and a new through image is displayed. Is obtained, and the color correction is performed, and then the through image after the color correction is displayed on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144. Thereby, a through image after color correction is displayed as a live view image on the TFT liquid crystal panel 144 which is a part of the electronic viewfinder. On the other hand, if a through image display end instruction has been input (Yes in step S122), the photographing apparatus 1 returns to the operation in the camera photographing mode of FIG.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the color information (second color information) of the through image data (second image data) having a signal intensity that is not sufficient to reproduce the color of the subject including the background is obtained. Then, color correction is performed with color information (first color information) of image data (first image data) having a signal intensity sufficient to reproduce the color of the subject including the background. As a result, in the present embodiment, it is possible to display a real subject image to the user via the electronic viewfinder even in a low illumination environment.

  In addition, since an image similar to the image when the flash 106 is driven can be displayed on the electronic viewfinder, it is possible to reduce the difference in color between the captured image and the captured image. is there. As a result, it is possible to provide operability with less discomfort to the user even in a dark place.

  Note that the subject identifying function 124 in the CPU 120 functions as a subject identifying unit that identifies subjects included in the image data (first image data) and the through image data (second image data). Therefore, the color information extraction unit analyzes the color information (first color information) for each subject in the image data (first image data) identified by the subject identification unit. Further, the color information correction unit converts the color information (second color information) into color information (first image data) for each subject in the through image data (second image data) identified by the subject identification unit (color information (first image data)). First color information) is corrected.

(Modification 1-1)
The update of the subject color information is not limited to the case where the change in the camera posture exceeds the limit (Yes in step S121 in FIG. 3). For example, when the user aims at a specific subject, the color information of the subject may be updated. Hereinafter, this case will be described as a modified example 1-1 of the first embodiment. Note that when the subject is aimed, for example, when the first release 151 detects a half-press of the shutter button.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation in the pseudo color live view mode according to the modification 1-1. Note that the configuration of the photographing apparatus 1, the main operation thereof, and the operation in the camera photographing mode are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the operation in the pseudo color live view mode according to the modification 1-1, the photographing apparatus 1 firstly performs the same as steps S111 to S121 in the operation in the pseudo color live view mode shown in FIG. 3. In addition, color information for each subject (or its region) included in the image data acquired with the lens 101 set to the wide end is acquired and stored, and then included in the sequentially acquired through image. Color correction is performed using color information stored in the color of the subject (or its area).

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the first release 151 in the key matrix 150 has detected half-pressing of a shutter button (not shown) (step S131), and if it has detected half-pressing (Yes in step S131). Then, the flash 106 is driven under the control of the flash control function 112 of the CPU 110 so as to obtain the optimum light emission amount for the subject that is the target of autofocus (AF) (step S132). Specifically, the subject included in the imaging range is identified by the same operation as the normal autofocus operation, and the light emission amount registered in advance for the light emission amount of the flash 106 that is optimal for this is managed. Get from table.

  Note that the autofocus operation is executed by an autofocus unit including the flash control function 112 of the CPU 110 and the CPU 120, the actuator drive circuit 103, and the actuator 104. That is, a subject is identified by image analysis in the CPU 120, and the flash control function 112 of the CPU 110 automatically drives the actuator drive circuit 103 so that the identified subject is in focus on the optical axis of the actuator 104. Control the position of the.

  The autofocus unit is switched on / off depending on whether the first release 151 detects a half-press of a shutter button (not shown). That is, the first release 151 and the CPU 110 in the key matrix 150 function as a switching unit that switches on / off of the autofocus unit.

  As described above, when the optimum light emission amount for the subject is acquired, the flash control function 112 of the CPU 110 then drives the flash 106 with the specified light emission amount. Note that, as a result of the determination in step S131, when the half-press is not detected by the first release 151 (No in step S131), the imaging device 1 proceeds to step S122.

  Next, the imaging device 1 reads the image signal from the imaging element 102 by driving the imaging circuit 105 under the control of the CPU 110 (step S133). At this time, since the flash 106 is driven by the control in step S132, an optical image having a sufficient amount of light is formed on the image sensor 102. Therefore, the image signal of the image read from the image sensor 102 has sufficient signal strength to reproduce the color of the subject or the background, as in the case shown in FIG. The read image signal is input to the A / D conversion circuit 131 and subjected to A / D conversion processing, and then output to the internal bus 130 as digital image data. The internal bus 130 inputs digital image data to the CPU 120 according to predetermined bus control.

  Next, as in step S114, the photographing apparatus 1 extracts color information for each subject (or its region) included in the image data input to the CPU 120, and uses this to extract, for example, a cache memory (not shown). (Step S134). Thereafter, the photographing apparatus 1 returns to step S116.

  As described above, in Modification 1-1, when the autofocus unit is switched on, the illuminating unit and the imaging unit obtain image data from an optical image of the illuminated subject at least once while illuminating the subject. (First image data) is generated to obtain color information (first color information). This makes it possible to display more correct color information for what the user wants to identify the color most correctly as a subject.

  Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment or the modification thereof.

(Modification 1-2)
Further, for example, the color information of the subject may be updated when the orientation of the subject included in the image is changed or when the subject itself is changed to another subject. Hereinafter, this case will be described as a modified example 1-2 of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation in the pseudo color live view mode according to the modification 1-2. Note that the configuration of the photographing apparatus 1, the main operation thereof, and the operation in the camera photographing mode are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the operation in the pseudo color live view mode according to the modification 1-2, the photographing apparatus 1 firstly performs the same operation as steps S111 to S121 in the operation in the pseudo color live view mode shown in FIG. In addition, color information for each subject (or its region) included in the image data acquired with the lens 101 set to the wide end is acquired and stored, and then included in the sequentially acquired through image. Color correction is performed using color information stored in the color of the subject (or its area).

  Next, the photographing apparatus 1 recognizes the similarity between the subject included in the through image data acquired in step S116 and the subject included in the image data acquired in step S113 (step S141). Specifically, the through image data acquired in step S116 is input to the CPU 120 via the internal bus 130. When the through image data is input, the CPU 120 first calls the image recognition function 121 and causes the image recognition function 121 to extract feature points in the image from color components and gradations included in the image data. Based on the extraction result, the region in the image is recognized. Subsequently, the CPU 120 calls the subject identification function 124 and causes the subject identification function 124 to identify the shape of the subject included in the image from the arrangement of the areas recognized by the image recognition function 121. Subsequently, the CPU 120 calls the color information analysis / reproduction function 123. The color information analysis / reproduction function 123 includes the shape of the subject included in the through image data identified by the subject identification function 124 and the color information in step S114. The shape of the subject included in the stored image data is compared, and the similarity (or the correlation) may be recognized from the comparison result.

  Next, the imaging device 1 determines whether or not the similarity recognized in step S141 exceeds a preset threshold (step S142: change determination step), and if the threshold is exceeded (Yes in step S142). Similarly to the operation described using the steps S132 to S134 in FIG. 6 in the above-described modification 1-1, the image data is extracted while the flash 106 is driven, and the color information included in the image data is acquired and stored. Keep it. Thereafter, the photographing apparatus 1 returns to step S116. Note that, as a result of the determination in step S142, if the similarity is equal to or less than the threshold value (No in step S142), the photographing apparatus 1 proceeds to step S122.

  That is, in this modification, the configuration including the image recognition function 121, the subject identification function 124, and the color information analysis / reproduction function 123 in the CPU 120 determines whether or not the subject in the through image data (second image data) has changed. It functions as a change determination unit for determination.

  As described above, in Modification 1-2, when the change determination unit determines that the subject in the through image data (second image data) has changed, the illumination unit and the imaging unit remove the subject at least once. Color data (first color information) is acquired by generating image data (first image data) from the optical image of the illuminated object while illuminating. This makes it possible to automatically update the color information when it becomes difficult to correct the color information of the subject, such as when the subject in the through image changes greatly.

  Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment or the modification thereof.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the flash 106 automatically emits light regardless of the user's consciousness. However, depending on the shooting situation, there are cases where it is desired to avoid that the flash 106 emits light at a timing unintended by the user, or where it is desired to avoid the flash 106 itself. In order to cope with such a case, for example, the pseudo color live view mode described in the first embodiment may be executed when the flash mode of the photographing apparatus 1 is set to ON. Hereinafter, this case will be described in detail as Embodiment 2 of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The flash mode is a mode in which the flash 106 is driven to illuminate the subject at the time of shooting, that is, when the second release 152 detects that the shutter button is fully pressed. In the following, detailed description of the same configurations and operations as those of the first embodiment or the modification thereof will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

  The photographing apparatus according to the second embodiment can have the same configuration as the photographing apparatus 1 illustrated in the first embodiment. For this reason, the second embodiment will be described with reference to the photographing apparatus 1.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation in the camera photographing mode of the photographing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, when the user operates a power button, a lens cover or the like in the key matrix 150, the photographing apparatus 1 uses the camera photographing mode described in steps S101 to S103 in FIG. By executing an operation similar to the operation at the time, it is determined whether or not the current photographing sensitivity is smaller than the threshold set as the normal minimum sensitivity.

  As a result of the determination in step S103, if the shooting sensitivity is equal to or higher than the normal minimum sensitivity (No in step S103), the shooting apparatus 1 shifts to the normal live view mode and executes this operation (step S104). On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S103 is that the shooting sensitivity is smaller than the normal minimum sensitivity (Yes in step S103), the shooting apparatus 1 determines whether or not the flash mode is set to on (step S201). This determination can be executed, for example, by referring to the setting data of the photographing apparatus 1 stored in the EEPROM 107 or the like by the flash control function 112 of the CPU 110.

  As a result of the determination in step S201, when the flash mode is set to ON (Yes in step S201), the photographing apparatus 1 shifts to the pseudo color live view mode and executes this operation (step S105). On the other hand, when the flash mode is not set to ON (No in step S201), the photographing apparatus 1 shifts to the normal live view mode and executes this operation (step S104). The operation in the pseudo color live view mode and the operation in the normal live view mode are the same as those in the first embodiment or the modification thereof, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here. In addition, after the transition to the pseudo color live view mode or the transition to the normal live view mode, the photographing apparatus 1 returns to the main operation.

  For example, the flash mode is automatically shifted based on whether or not the shooting sensitivity determined by the shooting sensitivity determination function 126 is lower than the normal minimum sensitivity, or is manually shifted by a user operation. This on / off of the flash mode is managed by, for example, the flash control function 112 of the CPU 110 (flash mode management step). In other words, the flash control function 112 of the CPU 110 functions as a flash mode management unit that manages on / off of the flash mode.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the illumination unit and the imaging unit generate image data (first image data) and color information when the CPU 110 (flash mode management unit) turns on the flash mode. (First color information) is acquired. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid the flash 106 being automatically driven when the flash 106 is not required to be driven or when the flash 106 is not desired to be driven.

  Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment or the modification thereof.

  Further, the above embodiment is merely an example for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications according to specifications and the like are within the scope of the present invention. It is obvious from the above description that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, color correction is performed as an example when shooting in a low illumination environment (for example, in a dark place) where color information is lost or reduced as a whole. Although described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to photographing in an environment where a part of color components such as underwater is missing or reduced.

It is a block diagram which shows the example of a schematic internal structure of the imaging device by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows schematic operation | movement at the time of the camera photographing mode of the imaging device by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows schematic operation | movement at the time of pseudo | simulation color live view mode by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the image acquired when the flash is driven in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the through image before color correction by the Embodiment 1 of this invention, and the through image after color correction. It is a flowchart which shows schematic operation | movement at the time of pseudo | simulation color live view mode by the modification 1-1 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows schematic operation | movement at the time of pseudo | simulation color live view mode by the modification 1-2 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows schematic operation | movement at the time of camera imaging | photography mode of the imaging device by Embodiment 2 of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image pick-up apparatus 101 Lens 102 Image pick-up element 103 Actuator drive circuit 104 Actuator 105 Image pickup circuit 106 Flash 107 EEPROM
108 Camera shake correction gyro sensor 110, 120 CPU
110A System control unit 111 Camera shooting angle of view determination function 112 Flash control function 113 Clock function 121 Image recognition function 122 Image compression / decompression function 123 Color information analysis / reproduction function 124 Subject identification function 125 Recording medium access function 126 Shooting sensitivity determination function 130 Internal Bus 131 A / D conversion circuit 132 FIFO memory 133 Frame memory 134 Recording buffer 135 Recording medium interface 136 Recording medium 141 TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 142 Video output circuit 143 Backlight unit 144 TFT liquid crystal panel 145 Video output terminal 150 Key matrix 151 First release 152 Second Release 153 Zoom Button 161 LCD Display Circuit 162 LCD Panel 163 External Wired Data I / F
171 Battery 172 Backup power supply 173 Power supply circuit 174 Battery state detection circuit 201 External image display device BK0, BK1, BK2 Background IM0 Image IM1 Through image before color correction IM2 Through image after color correction OB0, OB1, OB2 Subject

Claims (17)

An imaging unit including an imaging unit that generates image data from an optical image of a subject in an imaging range, an illumination unit that illuminates the subject, and an electronic viewfinder that reproduces the image data of the subject generated by the imaging unit A device,
A color information analysis unit that analyzes first color information included in first image data generated by the imaging unit from an optical image of the subject illuminated by the illumination unit;
A color information correction unit that corrects second color information of second image data generated by the imaging unit from the optical image of the subject when the illumination unit is not driven with the first color information;
A subject identifying unit for identifying a subject included in the first image data and the second image data;
With
The color information analysis unit analyzes the first color information for each subject in the first image data identified by the subject identification unit,
The color information correction unit corrects the second color information with the first color information for each subject in the second image data identified by the subject identification unit,
The electronic finder reproduces the second image data in which the second color information is corrected. A camera shooting mode management unit for managing on / off of a camera shooting mode for displaying the image of the subject on the electronic viewfinder;
The illuminating unit and the image capturing unit are configured to display the first image data from an optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once when the camera photographing mode management unit turns on the camera photographing mode. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein: A posture detection unit that detects a change in the orientation of the imaging unit;
The illumination unit and the imaging unit, when the posture detection unit detects a change in the orientation of the imaging unit, the first image data from an optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging device generates the image. An optical system capable of changing a zoom magnification of an optical image incident on the imaging unit;
Wherein the optical system, when the imaging unit generates the first image data, imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that to set the zoom factor to the wide end. An optical system capable of changing the angle of view of an optical image incident on the imaging unit;
The illumination unit and the imaging unit generate the first image data from the optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once when the angle of view of the optical system is changed. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein: An optical system for collecting light incident on the imaging unit;
An autofocus unit that automatically adjusts the focus of the optical system to the subject;
A switching unit for switching on / off of the autofocus unit;
With
The illumination unit and the imaging unit generate the first image data from an optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once when the autofocus unit is switched on. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein A change determination unit for determining whether or not the subject in the second image data has changed,
When the change determination unit determines that the subject in the second image data has changed, the illuminating unit and the imaging unit are configured to illuminate the subject from the optical image of the illuminated subject at least once. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first image data is generated. A flash mode management unit for managing on / off of a flash mode for driving the illumination unit;
The said illumination part and the said imaging part produce | generate the said 1st image data, when the said flash mode management part has turned on the said flash mode, The said 1st image data are produced | generated. Shooting device. A live view display method for displaying an image of a subject included in an imaging range of the imaging unit on the electronic viewfinder of an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit, an illumination unit, and an electronic viewfinder,
A first imaging step of generating first image data from an optical image of the subject illuminated by driving the imaging unit while driving the illumination unit;
A color information analyzing step of analyzing first color information included in the first image data;
A second imaging step of generating second image data from the optical image of the subject by driving the imaging unit when the illumination unit is not driven;
A color information correction step of correcting second color information of the second image data with the first color information;
A reproduction step of reproducing the second image data in which the second color information is corrected on the electronic viewfinder;
A live view display method characterized by comprising: A subject identifying step for identifying a subject included in the first image data and the second image data;
The color information analysis step analyzes the first color information for each subject in the first image data identified in the subject identification step,
The color information correction step, according to claim 9, characterized in that correcting the second color information for each of the subject of the second in the image data that has been identified in the subject identification step by the first color information Live view display method. Including a camera shooting mode management step for switching on / off a camera shooting mode for displaying the subject image on the electronic viewfinder,
In the first imaging step, when the camera shooting mode is switched on in the camera shooting mode management step, the first image data is obtained from an optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once. The live view display method according to claim 9, wherein the live view display method is generated. A posture detecting step for detecting a change in the orientation of the imaging unit;
In the first imaging step, when a change in the orientation of the imaging unit is detected in the posture detection step, the first image data is obtained from an optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once. It produces | generates, The live view display method as described in any one of Claims 9-11 characterized by the above-mentioned. The photographing apparatus includes an optical system capable of changing a zoom magnification of an optical image incident on the imaging unit,
The live view display method according to claim 9 , wherein the first imaging step sets the zoom magnification to a wide end when generating the first image data. The photographing apparatus includes an optical system capable of changing a field angle of an optical image incident on the imaging unit,
In the first imaging step, when the angle of view of the optical system is changed, the first image data is generated from an optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once. The live view display method according to any one of claims 9 to 13 . The imaging apparatus includes an optical system that collects light incident on the imaging unit, an autofocus unit that automatically adjusts the focus of the optical system to the subject, and a switch that switches on / off of the autofocus unit. And comprising
In the first imaging step, the first image data is generated from an optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once when the autofocus unit is switched on. The live view display method according to any one of claims 9 to 14 . A change determination step for determining whether or not the subject in the second image data has changed,
In the first imaging step, when it is determined in the change determination step that the subject in the second image data has changed, the first imaging step is performed from the optical image of the illuminated subject while illuminating the subject at least once. The live view display method according to any one of claims 9 to 15 , wherein one image data is generated. A flash mode management step for managing on / off of a flash mode for driving the illumination unit;
The first imaging step, the case where the flash mode in the flash mode management step is managed on, according to any one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that to generate the first image data Live view display method.

Images