JP5239601B2 - Imaging apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a photographing apparatus that performs image processing so that an image such as a human face becomes bright even when the background is dark (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

This imaging device performs continuous light photography and flash photography continuously, and performs pixel addition on the imaging data obtained by these photography, thereby obtaining an image with a bright human face even when the background is dark Like to do.
JP 2007-49374 A (page 3-8, FIG. 1)

  However, the conventional imaging apparatus is effective only when, for example, the imaging area not affected by the strobe light and the imaging area irradiated with the strobe light are clearly separated.

  On the other hand, when a subject that is not the main subject and is not included in the shooting angle of view is affected by the strobe light, the entire image is brightened with the conventional shooting device, so a clear image of the main subject is displayed. I can't get it.

The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a photographing apparatus and a program capable of increasing the luminance even when the luminance of the image is low.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a photographing apparatus and a program capable of obtaining a clear image of a main subject.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention has a photographing unit and a first unit that controls the photographing unit to perform a plurality of photographings to acquire a plurality of imaging data. and imaging control means, discriminating means for discriminating whether or not there is a particular image area in common to a plurality of image pickup data obtained by the control by the first imaging control means, the specific image region by the discriminating means If it is determined that there is, only the specific image area portion of the other imaging data other than the one imaging data in the plurality of imaging data is included in the specific image area of the one imaging data in the plurality of imaging data. A first image data generation unit that generates image data by adding pixels to each other, and when the determination unit determines that there is no specific image area, The overall data, characterized in that it comprises a second image data generating means for generating image data by pixel addition the entire other imaging data except the one of the imaging data in the plurality of imaging data .

  The determination unit determines, for example, whether or not there is a specific image region in common in specific portions of the images of the plurality of imaging data.

  The specific part is, for example, a focus point detection region where the photographing unit performs focus adjustment.

Before acquiring a plurality of imaging data for determination by the determination unit, the imaging unit is caused to perform a plurality of shootings, and control is performed so as to acquire imaging data having a resolution lower than the resolution used by the determination unit. A second photographing control unit that performs exposure, an exposure value calculating unit that calculates an exposure value based on a luminance value of low-resolution image data acquired by the second photographing control unit, and an exposure calculated by the exposure value calculating unit. further comprising comparing means for comparing the preset value with the value, wherein the first imaging control means further result of the comparison by the comparing means, the exposure value is less than the preset value In such a case, control may be performed so that photographing is performed a plurality of times.

  The specific image area is, for example, a face image area of a person or an animal.

  Storage means may be arranged, and the specific image area may be an area where an image substantially the same as the specific image stored in the storage means is captured.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to a second aspect of the present invention provides an imaging control unit configured to control a computer included in an imaging apparatus so as to acquire a plurality of imaging data by performing imaging a plurality of times. A discriminating unit that discriminates whether or not there is a specific image region in common among a plurality of imaging data acquired by control by the imaging control unit; and when the discriminating unit determines that there is a specific image region, Image data is generated by pixel-adding only the specific image region portion of other imaging data other than the one imaging data in the plurality of imaging data to the specific image region of one imaging data in the imaging data. When it is determined by the first image data generation means and the determination means that there is no specific image area, all of the one imaging data in the plurality of imaging data For, wherein the function as a second image data generating means, for generating image data by pixel addition the entire other imaging data except the one of the imaging data in the plurality of imaging data.

  According to the present invention, the luminance of a specific image area can be increased.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 1 according to the embodiment includes an imaging data generation unit 21, a data processing unit 22, and a user interface unit 23.

  The digital camera 1 performs photographing a plurality of times when the exposure value is equal to or less than a preset value. When the digital camera 1 discriminates a human face area as a specific image area whose brightness is to be increased among a plurality of pieces of image data, the digital camera 1 adds and combines the image data and the face image data of the face area so as to correspond to each other. Is configured to do. In this way, the digital camera 1 increases the brightness of the face image data without irradiating with strobe light.

  The user interface unit 23 is for transmitting various messages to the user and receiving user operations, and includes a display unit 301, an operation unit 302, a PC interface device 303, and an external storage unit 304. .

  The operation unit 302 is for receiving operation of the user and acquiring operation information indicating the content of the operation, and includes a power switch 302a, a shooting button 302b, and a shutter button 302c.

  The power switch 302a is for turning on the power of the digital camera 1 and turning it off.

  The shooting button 302b is a button that is pressed when a shooting mode for shooting is selected.

  The shutter button 302c is a button that is pressed when shooting, and is configured to operate by a two-stage stroke operation. The first stroke is a stroke generally called “half-pressed” or “half shutter”, and AF (Auto Focus) processing and AE (Automatic Exposure) processing are executed to lock the in-focus state and the exposure state. It is a stroke to do.

  The second stroke is a stroke in a state called “full press”, and is a stroke for performing photographing in the in-focus state and the exposure state locked by the first stroke.

  The operation unit 302 supplies the operation information to the CPU 205 of the data processing unit 22 by detecting the operation of these switches and buttons by the user.

  The display unit 301 is for displaying an image and includes a liquid crystal monitor or the like. The display unit 301 displays a low-resolution preview image or the like based on the RGB signals supplied from the video output device 202.

The PC interface device 303 converts image data or the like into USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard data, transmits the data to a computer (not shown) via a USB cable or the like, and receives data from the computer. Is.
The external storage unit 304 is for storing image data.

  The imaging data generation unit 21 is for acquiring imaging data by performing imaging, and includes an optical lens device 101 and an image sensor 102.

  The optical lens device 101 is composed of a lens that collects light in order to photograph a subject, and includes a peripheral circuit for adjusting camera setting parameters such as focus, exposure, and white balance.

  The image sensor 102 is for digitizing and capturing an image formed by condensing light by the optical lens device 101, and includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), A / D (Analog to Digital) converter.

  Note that the imaging data generation unit 21 is capable of high-resolution image shooting and low-resolution image shooting (preview shooting). The low-resolution image shooting is a shooting that enables moving image shooting and image reading at a speed of 30 fps (frame / second) although the image resolution is about XGA (1024 × 768 dots) and the resolution is low.

  High-resolution image shooting is shooting at a higher resolution than the resolution at the time of low-resolution image shooting. For example, when the maximum number of pixels that the digital camera 1 can shoot is 4 million pixels, shooting is performed at the resolution of 4 million pixels.

  The data processing unit 22 performs processing to acquire imaging data from the imaging data generation unit 21 and generate image data to be output to the display unit 301 or an external projector (not shown). The data processing unit 22 includes a memory 201, a video output device 202, an image processing device 203, a program code storage device 204, and a CPU 205.

  The memory 201 is for storing input image data and generated image data. As shown in FIG. 2, the memory 201 includes a sensor image storage area 201a, a processed image storage area 201b, and a work data storage area 201c as areas for storing these data.

  The sensor image storage area 201a is an area for temporarily storing imaging data captured by the image sensor 102 every time shooting is performed. The processed image storage area 201b is an area for temporarily storing imaging data to be processed.

  The work data storage area 201c is an area for storing data necessary for work. The work data storage area 201c stores, for example, feature data (face feature data) for determining a person's face as data necessary for the work.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the video output device 202 generates and outputs RGB signals. The video output device 202 reads out image data stored in the processed image storage area 201 b of the memory 201 to generate an RGB signal, and supplies the generated RGB signal to the user interface unit 23.

  The video output device 202 supplies the generated RGB signal to a television, a PC, a projector, or other external device.

  The image processing device 203 is controlled by the CPU 205 to perform image processing on the captured data.

  When instructed by the CPU 205 to execute image processing, the image processing apparatus 203 acquires imaging data from the sensor image storage area 201 a of the memory 201.

  When a plurality of image data, for example, two images (two images (two frames)) are recorded in the sensor image storage area 201a of the memory 201, the image processing device 203 adds the pixels of the two image data. Compositing is performed to increase the brightness of the face image. For example, the image processing apparatus 203 adds the luminance (gradation) G1 of each pixel of the face image of the first imaged data and the luminance G2 of the corresponding pixel of the face image of the second imaged data, The pixel having the gradation (G1 + G2) is used as a pixel of the composite image, and the brightness of the face image is increased.

  When performing the pixel addition synthesis, the image processing apparatus 203 first determines a face area as a specific image area for increasing the luminance.

  The image processing apparatus 203 determines whether or not there is a face area common to the two pieces of imaging data. In order to determine the presence or absence of the face area, face feature data is stored in advance in the work data storage area 201 c of the memory 201.

  The image processing apparatus 203 reads the face feature data from the work data storage area 201c, and compares the feature data with the imaging data to determine the presence or absence of the face area.

  When it is determined that there is no face area in any of the two pieces of imaging data, the image processing device 203 performs projective transformation and alignment so that the entire two pieces of imaging data correspond to each other. Pixel addition synthesis is performed for each pixel.

  When it is determined that there is a face area common to the two pieces of imaging data, the image processing apparatus 203 uses the face area as a specific image area and determines the face area from the first (or second) imaging data. Get face image data.

  Then, the image processing device 203 performs the projective transformation and the alignment so that the image data of the face area of the entire image data corresponds to the acquired face image data, and the image data and the face image data of the face area The pixel addition synthesis is performed for each pixel to obtain one piece of image data. In this way, the image processing apparatus 203 increases the brightness of the face image data and corrects the exposure information.

  The image processing apparatus 203 compresses and encodes the image data obtained by performing such image processing to form a file, and records the filed image data in the processed image storage area 201 b of the memory 201.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the program code storage device 204 is for storing a program executed by the CPU 205, and is configured by a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like.

  The CPU 205 controls each unit in accordance with a program stored in the program code storage device 204.

  Specifically, the CPU 205 turns on the power (operation) of the digital camera 1 every time operation information indicating that the power button 302a is pressed is supplied from the operation unit 302 of the user interface unit 23 after the main power is turned on. On / off.

  When the shutter button 302c is half-pressed, the CPU 205 controls the imaging data generation unit 21 to capture a low resolution image and capture low resolution imaging data.

  The CPU 205 determines an exposure value based on the captured low-resolution image data. This exposure value is a value indicating the ability to transmit light, and is a value determined by a combination (product) of the aperture opening and the exposure time.

  The CPU 205 obtains an exposure amount by time-integrating the illuminance on the imaging surface of the image sensor 102, and determines an exposure value based on the exposure amount.

  Then, the CPU 205 compares this exposure value with a preset value. This preset value is a value for discriminating the level of the brightness of the imaged data, and is stored in advance in the work data storage area 201c of the memory 201.

  When the exposure value exceeds the preset value, the CPU 205 determines that the luminance of the subject (that is, the gradation of the image data obtained by imaging) is high, and the shutter button 302c is fully pressed from the operation unit 302. When the information indicating that the image has been received is supplied, only one image is captured (for one image (one frame)).

  On the other hand, when the exposure value is equal to or smaller than the preset value, the CPU 205 determines that the luminance of the subject is low. The CPU 205 captures high-resolution images when information indicating that the shutter button 302c is fully pressed is supplied from the operation unit 302, and generates imaging data so as to capture two high-resolution imaging data. The unit 21 is controlled. Then, the CPU 205 instructs the image processing apparatus 203 to perform image processing.

Next, the operation of the digital camera 1 according to this embodiment will be described.
When the operation information indicating that the shutter button 302c is half-pressed is supplied from the operation unit 302, the CPU 205 reads out the program data of the imaging process from the program code storage device 204, and performs the imaging according to the flowchart shown in FIG. Execute the process.

  The CPU 205 performs low-resolution image shooting and controls the imaging data generation unit 21 to capture low-resolution imaging data (step S11).

  The CPU 205 calculates an exposure value from the captured image data (step S12).

  The CPU 205 determines whether or not the shutter button 302c is fully pressed based on the operation information supplied from the operation unit 302 (step S13).

  When it is determined that the shutter button 302c is not fully pressed (step S13; No), the CPU 205 determines whether or not the operation of the shutter button 302c is released based on the operation information supplied from the operation unit 302 (step S13). S14).

  If it is determined that the operation has been canceled (step S14; Yes), the CPU 205 ends the photographing process.

  If it is determined that the operation has not been released (step S14; No), the flow returns to step S13.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S13 that the shutter button 302c is fully pressed (step S13; Yes), the CPU 205 determines whether or not the exposure value is equal to or less than a preset value (step S15).

  When it is determined that the exposure value is not less than or equal to a preset value (step S15; No), the CPU 205 controls the imaging data generation unit 21 to perform high-resolution image shooting, and outputs one piece of high-resolution imaging data. Capture (one image) (step S16).

  When it is determined that the exposure value is equal to or less than a preset value (step S15; Yes), the CPU 205 controls the imaging data generation unit 21 to perform high-resolution image capturing, and captures two images (for two images). Capture (step S17).

  The CPU 205 stores the image data captured in step S16 or S17 in the sensor image storage area 201a of the memory 201 (step S18).

  The CPU 205 instructs the image processing device 203 to perform image processing (step S19), and ends this photographing processing.

  When receiving an instruction from the CPU 205, the image processing apparatus 203 reads out the image processing program data from the program code storage device 204, and executes the image processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The image processing device 203 reads the imaging data from the sensor image storage area 201a of the memory 201 (step S21).

  The image processing device 203 determines whether or not the read image data is one (step S22).

  When it is determined that there is one image data (step S22; Yes), the image processing apparatus 203 performs compression encoding of the read image data (step S23).

  The image processing apparatus 203 generates image data by converting the compression-encoded imaging data into a file, and records it in the processed image storage area 201b of the memory 201 (step S24). Then, the image processing apparatus 203 ends this image processing.

  When it is determined that the number of image data is not one (step S22; No), the image processing apparatus 203 determines the presence / absence of a face area from the plurality of image data (step S25).

  When it is determined that there is no face area (step S25; No), the image processing apparatus 203 performs pixel addition synthesis for the two pieces of imaging data in association with the entire imaging data (step S26).

  The image processing apparatus 203 compresses and encodes the image data obtained by the pixel addition synthesis (step S23), files the compression-encoded image data as a file, and records the file in the processed image storage area 201b of the memory 201 (step S23). S24). Then, the image processing apparatus 203 ends this image processing.

  When it is determined that there is a face area (step S25; Yes), the image processing apparatus 203 acquires face image data of the face area (step S27).

  The image processing device 203 performs projection conversion and alignment so that the image data of the face area in the imaged data corresponds to the face image data of the acquired face area, and the face of the acquired face area. Pixel addition synthesis with image data is performed for each pixel (step S28). That is, the gradation data G1 and G2 of the corresponding two pixels in the two face images are added. For example, if the gradation data of one image is 100 and the other is 99, a new gradation 199 is obtained by addition. It is also possible to add a certain weight and add, for example, W1 · G1 + W2 · G2.

  The image processing apparatus 203 performs compression encoding of the image data that has undergone pixel addition synthesis (step S23), files the compression encoded image data as a file, and records the file in the processed image storage area 201b of the memory 201 (step S24). Then, the image processing apparatus 203 ends this image processing.

Next, image processing executed by the image processing apparatus 203 will be specifically described.
When the user half-presses the shutter button 302c, the CPU 205 captures low-resolution image data photo_10 as shown in FIG. 5 (processing in step S11).

  When the exposure value of the imaging data photo_10 exceeds a preset value (step S15; No), the CPU 205 captures only one piece of high-resolution imaging data photo_10 (processing in step S16).

  The CPU 205 controls the imaging data generation unit 21 to store the imaging data photo_10 in the sensor image storage area 201a of the memory 201 (processing in step S18).

  The image processing device 203 reads the imaged data photo_10 from the sensor image storage area 201a of the memory 201 (step S21).

  Since the image processing device 203 has only one image data photo_10 (step S22; Yes), the image processing device 203 performs compression encoding of the image data photo_10 without performing pixel addition synthesis (processing in step S23).

  The image processing apparatus 203 converts the compression-encoded imaging data photo_10 into a file and records it in the processed image storage area 201b of the memory 201 (processing in step S24).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6A, it is assumed that the exposure value of the imaging data photo_20 captured when the user half-presses the shutter button 302c is equal to or less than a preset value (step S15; Yes).

  In this case, when the shutter button 302c is fully pressed (step S13; Yes), the CPU 205 captures two pieces of imaging data photo_21 and photo_22 as shown in FIG. 6B (step S17).

  As shown in FIG. 6B, when there is no face area in the two pieces of imaged data photo_21 and photo_22, the image processing apparatus 203 reads the face feature data from the work data storage area 201c, and this feature data. Is compared with the imaging data to determine that there is no face area (step S25; No).

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the image processing apparatus 203 performs pixel addition synthesis of the entire imaging data of the imaging data photo_21 and photo_22 for each pixel (step S26). The image processing apparatus 203 acquires image data photo_23 whose luminance is increased as a result of performing pixel addition synthesis.

  The image processing device 203 compresses and encodes the image data photo_23 (processing in step S23), files the compressed and encoded image data photo_23, and records it in the processed image storage area 201b of the memory 201 (processing in step S24). ).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8A, it is assumed that the exposure value of the imaging data photo_30 captured when the user half-presses the shutter button 302c is equal to or less than a preset value (step S15; Yes).

  In this case, when the shutter button 302c is fully pressed (step S13; Yes), the CPU 205 captures two pieces of imaging data photo_31 and photo_32 as shown in FIG. 8B (step S17).

  As shown in FIG. 8B, when there are face areas in the two pieces of imaging data photo_31 and photo_32, the image processing device 203 compares the facial feature data read from the work data storage area 201c with the imaging data. Thus, it is determined that there is a face area (processing in step S25). Then, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the image processing apparatus 203 acquires face image data photo_33 of the face area from the imaging data photo_31 (processing in step S27).

  The image processing apparatus 203 performs pixel addition synthesis while performing projective transformation and alignment of the acquired face image data photo_33 and captured image data photo_32 (processing in step S28). As a result of performing the pixel addition synthesis, the image processing apparatus 203 acquires image data photo_34 in which the brightness of the image in the face area is increased without irradiating the strobe light.

  The image processing device 203 compresses and encodes the image data photo_34 (processing in step S23), files the compressed and encoded image data photo_34 as a file, and records it in the processed image storage area 201b of the memory 201 (processing in step S24). ).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the CPU 205 captures two pieces of imaging data when the exposure value of the low-resolution imaging data is equal to or less than a preset value.

  When the image processing apparatus 203 determines that there is a face area in the two pieces of imaging data, the image processing apparatus 203 acquires the face image data from the face area, aligns the pixels, and aligns the pixels with the other imaging data. Additive synthesis is performed for each pixel.

  Therefore, even when the brightness is low, the brightness of the face image can be increased without irradiating the strobe light.

  In addition, since the strobe light is not irradiated, a clear image can be obtained from the main subject even if the main field of view includes an object that is not the main subject.

  In addition, since the brightness is increased by using two pieces of imaging data, the influence of thermal noise caused by increasing the sensitivity of the CCD is suppressed as compared with the case where the luminance of one piece of imaging data is increased. Can do.

In carrying out the present invention, various forms are conceivable and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above embodiment, two pieces of imaging data are used. However, any number of imaging data may be used as long as it is two or more. Further, if there is a face area, the image processing apparatus 203 acquires a plurality of face image data of the face area from a plurality of pieces of image data, and a plurality of pieces of image data and a plurality of faces as in the above embodiment. You may make it perform pixel addition composition with image data for every pixel. In this way, the brightness of the face area image can be further increased.

  In the above embodiment, the image processing apparatus 203 acquires only the face image data of the face area. However, the image processing apparatus 203 may extract not only the face area but also the entire person. In this way, it is possible to increase not only the face area but also the brightness of the entire person.

  In the above embodiment, when detecting the face area, the image processing apparatus 203 detects the face area by comparing the facial feature data stored in advance with the imaging data. However, the detection of the face area is not limited to such processing.

  For example, the image processing apparatus 203 may detect an edge image from the captured data and determine the face area based on the detected edge image of the face. Alternatively, the image processing apparatus 203 may determine the face area by detecting the skin color.

  In the above embodiment, the image processing apparatus 203 detects a human face area as a specific image area. However, the specific image region is not limited to the human face region, and may be an animal image region or the like. If a specific image area can be designated in advance, the specific image data of the specific image area can be emphasized. For example, a specific machine, a specific landscape, a specific mark / symbol, and the like may be used.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the specific image region is searched for in all the regions of the imaged data image. However, the specific image region may be searched only for a specific part of the imaged data image.
For example, many of today's digital cameras have a so-called autofocus function so as to focus on a subject at a specific part of an image (usually the center of the image). Such a portion of the image that is the target of the autofocus function is referred to as a focus point detection region in this specification.

Since the focus point detection area is the center of the image, only when there is a specific image area common to the focus point detection area, pixel addition synthesis is performed on the image of the specific image area to detect the focus point. There is a request to make a specific image in a region stand out.
Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, a procedure for performing image processing by determining whether or not there is a specific image area in common in the focus point detection areas of images of a plurality of imaging data will be described.
In the present embodiment, the configuration of the digital camera 1 is the same as the configuration of the digital camera 1 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. The imaging process is also the same as the imaging process of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.
Therefore, characteristic image processing will be described below.

  In response to an instruction from the CPU 205, the image processing apparatus 203 reads the image processing program data from the program code storage device 204, and starts image processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  The image processing device 203 reads the imaging data from the sensor image storage area 201a of the memory 201 (step S31).

  Then, the image processing apparatus 203 determines whether or not the read image data is one (step S32).

  If there is only one image data (step S32; Yes), the image processing apparatus 203 performs compression encoding of the read image data (step S37).

  Then, the image processing device 203 generates image data by converting the compression-encoded imaging data into a file, records it in the processed image storage area 201b of the memory 201 (step S38), and ends this image processing.

  When there are a plurality of pieces of imaging data (step S32; No), the image processing apparatus 203 determines the presence or absence of a specific image region for each of the plurality of pieces of imaging data (step S33).

  When it is determined that there is no specific image area (step S33; No), the image processing apparatus 203 performs pixel addition synthesis on the two pieces of imaging data in association with the entire imaging data (step S39).

  If it is determined that there is a specific image area (step S33; Yes), the image processing apparatus 203 reads the position data of the focus point detection area from the sensor image storage area 201a, and the specific image area is in the focus point detection area of the imaging data. It is determined whether or not it exists (step S34).

  If it is determined that the specific image area does not exist in the focus point detection area (step S34; No), the image processing apparatus 203 performs pixel addition synthesis on the two pieces of imaging data in association with the entire imaging data (step S39). ).

  When it is determined that the specific image area exists in the focus point detection area (step S34; Yes), the image processing apparatus 203 distinguishes the two pieces of imaging data into the reference imaging data and the additional imaging data, and the specific image of the additional imaging data. Image data of the area is acquired (step S35).

  The image processing device 203 performs projective transformation and alignment so that the image data of the specific image area of the reference image data corresponds to the image data of the specific image area acquired from the additional image data, and performs pixel addition synthesis. This is performed for each pixel (step S36).

  The image processing device 203 performs compression encoding (step S37) and file formation of the image data that has undergone pixel addition synthesis, records it in the processed image storage area 201b of the memory 201 (step S38), and ends the image processing.

  Next, the image processing executed by the image processing apparatus 203 will be specifically described.

  As specific image data, a car image photo_40 as shown in FIG. 11 is stored in the work data storage area 201c.

  When two pieces of imaging data photo_41 and photo_42 as shown in FIG. 12 are stored in the sensor image storage area 201a, the image processing device 203 compares photo_41 and photo_42 with the car image photo_40, It is detected that there is no specific image area in photo_42 (step S33; No).

  Since there is no specific image area in photo_41 and photo_42, the image processing apparatus 203 performs pixel addition synthesis of the entire imaging data of photo_41 and photo_42 for each pixel to increase the luminance of the entire image. (Step S39).

  When two pieces of imaging data photo_51 and photo_52 as shown in FIG. 13A are stored in the sensor image storage area 201a, the image processing device 203 compares photo_51 and photo_52 with the car image photo_40, It is detected that there is a specific image area in photo_51 and photo_52 (step S33; Yes).

  In the present embodiment, the focus point detection area as shown in FIG. 13B is a part for determining the presence or absence of a specific image area. Therefore, if it is determined that there is a specific image area, the image processing apparatus 203 determines whether or not the specific image area exists in the focus point detection area R1 (see FIG. 13B) of photo_51 (step S34). .

  In this case, since the specific image region does not exist in the focus point detection region R1 (step S34; No), the image processing device 203 performs pixel addition synthesis of the entire imaged data of photo_51 and photo_52, thereby reducing the luminance of the entire image. Pull up (step S39).

  When the two pieces of imaging data photo_61 and photo_62 of FIG. 14A are stored in the sensor image storage area 201a, the image processing device 203 compares photo_61 and photo_62 with the car image photo_40 to obtain photo_61, It is detected that the specific image area exists in photo_62 (step S33; yes).

  Next, the image processing apparatus 203 determines whether or not a specific image area exists in the focus point detection area R2 (see FIG. 14B) of photo_61 (step S32).

  When the image processing apparatus 203 detects that the specific image area exists at the focus point R2 (step S34; Yes), as shown in FIG. 15, the image data photo_63 of the specific image area is acquired from photo_61 (step S35). .

  The image processing device 203 performs projective transformation and alignment between the image data photo_63 and the imaging data photo_62, and performs pixel addition synthesis to obtain image data photo_64 (step S36).

  As described above, only when there is a specific image common to the focus point detection area, pixel addition synthesis of the specific image is performed, so that the specific image in the focus point detection area can be made to stand out.

As described above, the specific image is not limited to a human face image or a vehicle image. Data of an arbitrary specific image can be recorded in the memory 201, and the specific image can be searched from the imaging data.
Further, the specific part is not limited to the focus point and is arbitrary. For example, an image may be displayed on the display unit 301, and then an area may be designated by an arbitrary interface.

  Also, the method of adding and synthesizing images is arbitrary, and as described above, weighted addition is also possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the program is described as being stored in advance in a memory or the like. However, a program for operating an image processing apparatus and a digital camera (photographing apparatus) as all or part of the apparatus, or executing the above-described processing is stored on a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory). ), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), MO (Magneto Optical disk) and the like stored in a computer-readable recording medium and distributed, installed in another computer and operated as the above-mentioned means, or The process may be executed.

  Furthermore, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a server device on the Internet, and may be downloaded onto a computer by being superimposed on a carrier wave, for example.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the memory area of the memory shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography process which CPU shown in FIG. 1 performs. 3 is a flowchart showing image processing executed by the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the imaging data in which the exposure value exceeded the preset value as a specific example of image processing. It is a figure which shows the imaging data in which an exposure value is below a preset value as a specific example of image processing, and a face image does not exist, (a) is low-resolution imaging data, (b) is two acquired images. Imaging data (high resolution) is shown. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating pixel addition synthesis of two pieces of imaging data illustrated in FIG. It is a figure which shows the imaging data in which an exposure value is below a preset value as a specific example of an image process, and a face image exists, (a) is low-resolution imaging data, (b) is two acquired images. Imaging data (high resolution) is shown. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating pixel addition synthesis of two pieces of imaging data illustrated in FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing image processing executed by the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in Embodiment 2. It is a figure which shows the characteristic data of a specific image area as a specific example of image processing. It is a figure which shows the imaging data in which a specific image area does not exist as a specific example of image processing. As a specific example of the image processing, (a) is a diagram illustrating imaging data in which a specific image region exists, and (b) is a diagram illustrating a focus point detection region in the imaging data in FIG. 13 (a). As a specific example of the image processing, (a) is a diagram illustrating imaging data in which a specific image region exists, and (b) is a diagram illustrating a focus point detection region in the imaging data in FIG. 14 (a). It is a figure which shows the pixel addition composition of two imaging data shown to Fig.14 (a).

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera, 203 ... Image processing apparatus, 205 ... CPU, R1 ... Focus point detection area, R2 ... Focus point detection area

Claims (7)

Photographing means;
A first imaging control unit that controls the imaging unit to perform imaging a plurality of times and acquire a plurality of imaging data;
A discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not there is a specific image area in common among a plurality of imaging data acquired by control by the first imaging control unit ;
When it is determined by the determining means that there is a specific image area, the other image of the plurality of imaging data excluding the one imaging data in the specific image area of the one imaging data First image data generation means for generating image data by pixel-adding only the specific image region portion of the data;
When it is determined by the determining means that there is no specific image area, the entire other imaging data excluding the one imaging data in the plurality of imaging data is the entire one imaging data in the plurality of imaging data. Second image data generation means for generating image data by pixel addition;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not there is a specific image region common to specific parts of the images of the plurality of imaging data. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the specific part is a focus point detection area in which the imaging unit performs focus adjustment. Before acquiring a plurality of imaging data for determination by the determination unit, the imaging unit is caused to perform a plurality of shootings, and control is performed so as to acquire imaging data having a resolution lower than the resolution used by the determination unit. Second imaging control means for
Exposure value calculating means for calculating an exposure value from the luminance value of the low-resolution imaging data acquired by the second imaging control means;
A comparison means for comparing the exposure value calculated by the exposure value calculation means with a preset value;
Furthermore the first imaging control means, comparison result from the comparing means, the exposure value and controlling to perform a plurality of times shooting when the is less than a predetermined value, according to claim 1 4. The photographing apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3 .   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific image area is a face image area of a person or an animal. With storage means,
The said specific image area | region is an area | region where the image substantially the same as the specific image memorize | stored in the said memory | storage means was imaged, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Shooting device. A computer included in the imaging apparatus;
Shooting control means for controlling to acquire a plurality of imaging data by performing a plurality of shootings;
Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not there is a specific image area common to a plurality of imaging data acquired by the control by the imaging control means;
When it is determined by the determining means that there is a specific image area, the other image of the plurality of imaging data excluding the one imaging data in the specific image area of the one imaging data First image data generation means for generating image data by pixel-adding only the specific image region portion of the data;
When it is determined by the determining means that there is no specific image area, the entire other imaging data excluding the one imaging data in the plurality of imaging data is the entire one imaging data in the plurality of imaging data. Second image data generation means for generating image data by pixel addition;
A program characterized by functioning as

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