JPH05219422A - Image pickup system, electronic camera, computer system controlling electronic camera, and their control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To allow a host computer to set camera control parameters such as exposure and various balances in an image pickup system configured by the combination of the electronic camera and the host computer. CONSTITUTION:The system is attained for the remote control by which the control variable of a camera 10 is adjusted by using a mouse 37 or the automatic control by which the control variable is adjusted automatically with the camera 10. When the remote control is set, the control variable is inputted by the host computer 30 and sent to the camera 10. The control variable is adjusted to be the control variable in the camera 10. In the case of inputting an image pickup command to the host computer 30, the camera 10 picks up the image and image data representing an object image are sent to the host computer 30.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image pickup system, an electronic camera, a computer system for controlling the electronic camera, and a control method thereof.

[0002]

BACKGROUND ART Electronic cameras that capture an image of a subject and output analog video signals or digital image data representing the captured image of the subject include video cameras, still video cameras (electronic still cameras), and digital still cameras. There are video cameras (digital electronic still cameras) and the like.

Without exception, these electronic cameras set the so-called camera control parameters for image pickup and image processing such as shutter release, exposure amount (aperture value and shutter speed), white balance, etc. (in the case of automatic setting). Except for) was performed on the electronic camera side by using switches and buttons provided on the electronic camera.

Electronic cameras, especially digital type electronic cameras capable of obtaining digital image data, have recently attracted attention because they enable the development of applications combined with computer systems. For example, new media can be created by saving image data representing a subject image obtained from an electronic camera in a recording medium such as an optical disk or a magnetic disk provided in a computer system or by editing these. it can. This new media offers image-based public relations, advertisements, presentation of materials,
It can be used to provide information.

In order to create such new media, image data obtained by shooting with an electronic camera must be transmitted to a computer system. Generally, since image data has a large capacity, it takes a long time for transmission.

Before storing image data representing a subject image taken by an electronic camera in a recording medium, it is important to check whether or not the subject is properly shot. If shooting is not appropriate, it is necessary to reshoot.

In order to visually check whether or not the subject is properly photographed, it is necessary to display the subject image represented by the digital image data obtained from the electronic camera on the display device. In order to display the subject image on the screen of the display device provided in the computer system, it is necessary to transmit all the image data from the electronic camera to the computer system, and as described above, the transmission time is long and efficient. is not.

As described above, the camera control parameters for photographing are set in the electronic camera. It is troublesome for the operator of the computer system to go to the place where the electronic camera is installed and adjust each time the shooting conditions are changed.

Furthermore, it is not always desirable to always store the entire subject image taken by the electronic camera in a recording medium. In some cases, only a part of the captured subject image is needed. If only necessary image data is cut out and stored in the recording medium, the capacity can be saved. It is also required to enlarge or reduce the image stored in the recording medium as needed.

From such a point of view, in an image pickup system configured by combining an electronic camera and a computer system, an operation for photographing, an operation for image data communication, and a storage of image data in a recording medium are performed. It is desirable to be able to perform all the operations for the above in a computer system.

[0011]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to enable shooting in an electronic camera and setting of conditions for shooting in a computer system.

The image pickup system according to the present invention is an electronic camera provided with an electronic image pickup processing means for photographing a subject and generating image data representing the photographed subject image, and is provided separately from the electronic camera and communicates with the electronic camera. It consists of computer systems connected by a road.

The computer system includes means for setting control parameters for photographing a subject image by the electronic image pickup processing means of the electronic camera, and photographing of a subject image by the electronic image pickup processing means of the electronic camera. Input means for starting a photographing command, transmission command input means for instructing to transmit the image data generated by the electronic imaging processing means of the electronic camera, and control parameters set by the control parameter setting means, There is provided means for transmitting the shooting command input by the shooting command input means and the transmission command input by the transmission command input means to the electronic camera.

The electronic camera adjusts the operating conditions of the image pickup processing by the electronic image pickup processing means in accordance with the control parameters sent from the computer system, and the image pickup command sent from the computer system. In response, the electronic imaging processing means controls the imaging start control means for controlling to start the imaging processing of the subject image, and the image data generated by the electronic imaging processing means is transmitted from the computer system. Means are provided for transmitting to the computer system in response to a transmission command.

The present invention also provides a control method of the above-mentioned image pickup system, an electronic camera and a computer system constituting the above-mentioned image pickup system, and a control method thereof.

Electronic cameras lack a human operated shutter release switch and control parameter setter.

According to the present invention, the control parameters are set in the computer system, and the set control parameters are transmitted to the electronic camera. In the electronic camera, operating conditions are adjusted according to the control parameters. When a shooting command is input in the computer system, the input shooting command is transmitted to the electronic camera, and the electronic camera performs a shooting process. Image data representing the photographed subject image is transmitted to the computer system.

In this way, in the computer system, it is possible to set the control parameter indicating the photographing condition of the electronic camera, so that all photographing operations of the electronic camera can be performed by the computer system.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention and shows the construction of an image pickup system.

The image pickup system is composed of an electronic camera 10 for photographing a subject OB and generating image data representing a subject image, and a host computer 30 connected to the electronic camera 10 by a communication path. The electronic camera 10 is, for example, a digital electronic still camera. Electronic camera 10
Has a shutter release switch and black balance,
There is no control parameter setter for measuring white balance.

A monitor display device 5 for displaying a subject image is connected to the electronic camera 10. The monitor display device 5 may be a viewfinder integrated with the electronic camera 10.

A display device 40 is connected to the host computer 30, and a subject image photographed by using the electronic camera 10 and camera control parameters, capture commands, etc., which will be described in detail later, are displayed on the display device 40. .. A keyboard 36 and a mouse 37 as input devices, and an optical disk device 38 for recording image data are connected to the host computer 30.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image pickup system shown in FIG.

The photographing operation of the electronic camera 10, the processing of image data, the transmission processing and the like are controlled by the camera control device 18 which operates based on the command transmitted from the host computer 30. The electronic camera 10 includes a communication interface 9 for receiving commands transmitted from the host computer 30 and transmitting image data to the host computer 30.

The electronic camera 10 is provided with a zoom lens mechanism 11 for forming a subject image, a diaphragm 12, and CCD 13, CCD 13 arranged at a subject image forming position and outputting a video signal representing the photographed subject image. Color separation, white balance adjustment, black balance adjustment, etc. are applied to the output video signal
A signal processing circuit 14 for obtaining the B signal is included.

A digital / analog (D / A) conversion circuit 22 and a driver 23 are included in order to adjust the zoom amount of the zoom lens mechanism 11 and control the diaphragm 12. The camera control device 18 outputs the control data for the zoom amount and the control data for the aperture, and the D / A conversion circuit
The driver 23 is driven via 22 to adjust the zoom amount and the aperture.

Signal processing in the signal processing circuit 14 is also performed by the camera control device 18. The electronic camera 10 includes a D / A conversion circuit 28 in order to convert digital control data for signal processing output from the camera control device 18 into an analog control signal and apply the analog control signal to the signal processing circuit 14.

The electronic camera 10 also includes a photometric element 20. A signal representing the amount of received light output from the photometric element 20 is applied to the analog / digital (A / D) conversion circuit 21, converted into digital data, and applied to the camera control device 18. The data about the amount of received light obtained from the photometric element 20 is used for controlling the diaphragm 12, adjusting the white balance and adjusting the black balance in the signal processing circuit 14.

An amplifier 24 and an A / D conversion circuit 25 are included for the camera controller 18 to grasp the zoom amount of the zoom lens mechanism 11 and the aperture amount of the aperture 12. Data representing the zoom amount and the aperture amount are given to the camera control device 18 via the amplifier 24 and the A / D conversion circuit 25.

An integration circuit 26 and an A / D conversion circuit 27 are included for the camera control device 18 to grasp the white balance amount and the black balance amount in the signal processing circuit 14. The integrating circuit 26 integrates the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals RG and BG obtained from the signal processing circuit 14, respectively, and the integrated signal is given to the camera control device 18 via the A / D conversion circuit 27. Be done. As a result, the camera controller 18 recognizes the white balance amount and the black balance amount.

The electronic camera 10 further includes a signal processing circuit 14
Analog / digital (A / D) conversion circuit 15, A for converting the RGB signals output from the digital image data into digital image data
An image memory 16 for storing the digital image data converted in the / D conversion circuit 15, a thinning circuit 19 for thinning out pixels represented by the image data, and a main memory 17 are included. The main memory 17 has a transfer buffer 17 for temporarily storing image data to be transmitted to the host computer 30.
A, camera control parameter storage unit for storing camera control parameters transmitted from the host computer 30 for shutter control, white balance and black balance adjustment
17B, and a control amount storage unit that stores the current control amount
17C is provided. The image memory 16 has a capacity capable of storing at least one frame of image data.

Further, the electronic camera 10 includes a D / A conversion circuit 29 for converting digital image data into an analog video signal in order to display the photographed subject image on the monitor display device 5.

The host computer 30 includes a CPU 31, and the CPU 31 allows the host computer 30 to operate.
Is supervised. The CPU 31 creates various data, commands, etc., which will be described later, based on input signals given to the CPU 31 from the keyboard 36 and the mouse 37 connected to the host computer 30.

A communication interface 33 is included in the host computer 30, and the communication interface 33 is used for transmitting data and commands created by the CPU 31 to the electronic camera 10 and receiving image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10. Through 33.

The host computer 30 further includes a main memory 32 and a display memory 34. The main memory 32 includes a transfer buffer 32A for storing image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 and a keyboard 36 or mouse 37.
A camera control parameter storage unit 32B for storing the camera control parameters such as the exposure amount, the black balance and the white balance set on the screen of the display device 40 is included.
The display memory 34 stores data representing images, characters and symbols displayed on the display device 40.

An optical disk device 38 is connected to the host computer 30, and image data is recorded on the optical disk in the optical disk device 38.

Host computer 30 as indicated by the dashed line
A monitor display device 5A is attached to the monitor display device 5A, the monitor display device 5A and the electronic camera 10 are directly connected to each other, the subject image photographed by the electronic camera 10 is displayed on the monitor display device 5A, and the host computer 30 is operated. You may be able to see while watching.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of image pickup, transmission, display, recording, etc. in this image pickup system. FIG. 3 shows the processing procedure in the host computer 30, and FIG. 4 shows the processing in the electronic camera 10. Each step is shown.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of the setup processing in the host computer 30, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an initial processing in the electronic camera 10, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a camera control parameter setting processing in the electronic camera 10. ..

FIG. 8 shows various areas set on the screen of the display device 40. FIG. 9 shows a display example of a part of various areas set on the screen of the display device 40, and mainly shows a display example of the setup area.
10 to 24 show examples of screens displayed on the display device 40.

When the power of the electronic camera 10 is turned on, initial processing is performed.

The electronic camera 10 has an automatic function for automatically setting the control amount of the electronic camera 10 in the electronic camera 10 and a remote function for setting it in the host computer 30.

First, it is judged whether or not the diaphragm 12 can be controlled remotely or automatically (step 101 in FIG. 6).

The diaphragm 12 is controlled so as to be completely closed for black balance adjustment, and it is checked whether or not the diaphragm 12 is completely closed (step 102 in FIG. 6).

When remote control or automatic control of the diaphragm 12 is not possible, or when the diaphragm 12 is not completely closed, the monitor display device 5 is set so as to manually set the diaphragm 12.
Is displayed on the screen (step 103 in FIG. 6).

When the diaphragm 12 can be controlled remotely or automatically and the diaphragm 12 is completely closed, the automatic black balance processing is executed according to the information obtained from the photometric element 20 (step 104 in FIG. 6). The set current black balance value is stored in the controlled variable storage unit 17C.

When the automatic black balance processing is completed (see FIG. 6)
In step 105, YES), the target value of exposure to be set is determined based on the photometric information obtained from the photometric element 20, and the diaphragm 12 is controlled so as to be the determined target value. The set current aperture value is stored in the control amount storage unit 17C (step 106 in FIG. 6).

Subsequently, the automatic white balance processing is executed according to the photometric information obtained from the photometric element 20 (see FIG. 6).
Step 107). The set white balance value is stored in the control amount storage unit 17C.

When the automatic black balance processing or the automatic white balance processing is not completed, the diaphragm 12 is automatically adjusted according to the information obtained from the photometric element 20 (step in FIG. 6).
109).

When the host computer 30 is turned on, an initial screen is displayed on the display device 40 (see FIG. 3 step).
61).

As shown in FIG. 8, the screen of the display device 40 includes a menu display area 126, a setup area 120, a capture command input area 122, and a preview image display area.
121, a camera control parameter display area 124, a parameter setting area 125, and a main image display area 123 are displayed as necessary. Although not shown in FIG. 5, a histogram window for displaying a pixel level histogram of the preview image when the preview image is displayed in the preview image display area 121 is displayed on the screen of the display device 40 as described later. Is displayed. A menu display area 126, a setup area 120, a capture command input area 122, a preview image display area 121, and a camera control parameter display area 124 are displayed on the initial screen.

In the menu display area 126, "File",
Menus such as "Edit" and "Setup" are displayed. The "file" is clicked using the mouse 37 when performing the process of transferring the data recorded on the optical disk to the main memory 32, the process of transferring the data stored in the main memory 32 to the optical disk, and the like. "Edit" is clicked by using the mouse 37 when reading the data recorded on the optical disk and displaying the image represented by the data in a specific area. "Setup" is clicked when setting camera control parameters.

The camera control data setup process (step 62 in FIG. 3) started by clicking “setup” will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 17. The camera control parameters are set up while the host computer 30 and the electronic camera 10 communicate with each other.

The setup items are roughly classified into select and adjust as shown in FIG. The select includes items of input, flash, exposure, positive / negative, and LUT (look-up table).
The adjustment includes exposure, black balance and white balance. When "Setup" is clicked, these items are displayed in the setup area.

"Input" is clicked when selecting the source, mode, etc. of the input image data. When "Input" is clicked, items representing the above-mentioned generation source, mode, etc. are displayed. In FIG. 9, a “camera” (meaning the electronic camera 10) is shown as an example of a source of image data. When capturing image data from the electronic camera 10, this "camera" is clicked.

"Flash" is for setting whether or not to emit a flash. When "Flash" is clicked, "On" and "Off" are displayed, and the mouse 37
Either can be selected using.

With respect to the adjustment of the exposure amount, an automatic (AE) function for automatically adjusting the exposure in the electronic camera 10, a remote function for the operator to set the exposure in the host computer 30, and an exposure for the operator in the electronic camera 10 There are three types of manual functions to set. "Exposure" is clicked when selecting any of the above three types of functions. When "Exposure" of the selection is clicked,
“AE”, “remote”, and “manual” are displayed, and the operator can select any one of these functions using the mouse 37.

"Positive / negative" is used to set whether to perform positive photography (normal photography) or negative photography (white and black levels are reversed and suitable for negative film photography). Then, when "Positive / Negative" is clicked, "Positive" and "Negative" are displayed, and either one can be selected.

"LUT" is for setting gradation characteristics. Adjustable gradation characteristics include "default" and "L"
There are "UT1" to "LUT5". “Default” is the most general gradation characteristic that is set in advance, and “LU”
"T1" to "LUT5" represent the types of gradation characteristics that can be arbitrarily set by the user of this imaging system. "LU
When "T" is clicked, "Default" and "LU"
"T1" to "LUT5" are displayed and any one is selected.

The adjustment "exposure" is clicked in the "remote" mode, that is, when setting the exposure amount in the host computer 30. When "Exposure" is clicked, the contents suitable for the exposure amount setting are displayed in the parameter setting area 125 of the display screen of the display device 40, and the exposure setting can be made in the host computer 30.

"Black balance" is for adjusting the black balance. When “black balance” is clicked, a screen suitable for black balance adjustment is displayed in the parameter setting area 125 of the display screen of the display device 40, and black balance adjustment is possible.

The "white balance" is for adjusting the white balance. The parameter setting area 125 on the display screen of the display device 40 is clicked by clicking "white balance".
A screen suitable for white balance adjustment is displayed on the white balance adjustment screen.

In FIG. 10, among the selections of the setup items described above, the "camera" for "input" is
Shown below is a display example in which "Flash" is set to "On", "Positive / Negative" is set to "Positive", and "LUT" is set to "LUT1". Parameter display area 124
Displayed in. The five items of “select” may be set in any order, but here, “exposure” is set last.

To select one of the "AE", "remote" or "manual" mode for adjusting the exposure amount, click the "exposure" of the selection displayed in the setup area 120. As shown in, the preview image display area 121 displays “AE”, “remote”, and “manual”. Either mode is selected using the mouse 37.

For example, if "remote" is clicked (step 91 in FIG. 5), "remote" is displayed in "exposure" in the camera control parameter display area 104, and a remote command is transmitted to the electronic camera 10 (see FIG. 5). 5 Step 9
3). If "auto" is clicked, "auto" is displayed in "exposure" in the camera control parameter display area 104, and the auto command is transmitted to the electronic camera 10 (steps 91 and 92 in FIG. 5).

As described above, "remote" is a mode in which the operator adjusts the exposure amount in the host computer 30, so the operator clicks "exposure" in "adjust" as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the parameter setting area 125 of the display screen of the display device 40 is displayed.
A screen suitable for adjusting the exposure is displayed on the screen.

The exposure amount is adjusted by the aperture value in this embodiment. The shutter speed is fixed. Needless to say, the shutter speed may also be settable.

When the remote command is received by the electronic camera 10 (steps 111 and 112 in FIG. 7), the control amount storage unit 17
The control amount for the current aperture value stored in C is transmitted to the host computer 30 (step 113 in FIG. 7).
).

The aperture value transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is received by the host computer 30 (step in FIG. 5).
94).

In the parameter setting area 125 shown in FIG. 13, the range of aperture values (open aperture value: open F and fully closed aperture value: closed F) and the current aperture value (current value F) are displayed. The current value F is the current aperture value of the aperture of the electronic camera 10, and the one transmitted from the electronic camera 10 to the host computer 30 is displayed (FIG. 5).
Step 95).

The operator sets a new aperture value as a target value if it is necessary to change it by looking at the displayed current aperture value. This is scroll bar 125 using mouse 37
This can be done by changing the length of A (Fig. 5
Step 96). The aperture value represented by the length of the scroll bar 125A is displayed numerically as the current value. When the operator clicks the display of "OK", the aperture value is set to the aperture value represented by the length of the scroll bar 125A at that time. The set aperture value is displayed in the camera control parameter display area 124 as shown in FIG. The setup data for the set aperture value is sent to the electronic camera 10, and the camera control parameter storage area 20B
The aperture is adjusted so as to reach the set target value stored in (steps 81 and 82 in FIG. 4 and step 114 in FIG. 7).
115). When the automatic command is received by the electronic camera 10, automatic control of the aperture is performed (FIG. 7 step).
116).

In the parameter setting area 125, there is also a display of "Cancel", and by clicking this, the set aperture value can be canceled.

Next, the black balance adjustment will be described.

When "black balance" displayed in the setup area 120 as shown in FIG. 15 is clicked, contents suitable for black balance adjustment are displayed in the parameter setting area 125 as shown in FIG.

As for "exposure", it was possible to select any of "AE", "remote" and "manual" in the "select" item as described above, but for "black balance" the "select" item was selected. Not included in. Therefore, the parameter setting area 125 includes a display of "auto" so that the automatic adjustment can be selected also for the black balance adjustment. When the operator clicks "Auto",
The fact is transmitted from the host computer 30 to the electronic camera 10 (steps 91 and 92 in FIG. 5).

Black balance adjustment is performed for red and blue. “Red” displayed in the parameter display area 124,
Clicking "blue" sets the black balance remote control. When the remote control is set, the remote command is transmitted to the electronic camera 10 (step 9 in FIG. 5).
3).

When the electronic camera 10 receives a remote command (steps 111 and 112 in FIG. 7), the control amount storage unit 17
The black balance setting value stored in C is read out and transmitted to the host computer 30 (step 113 in FIG. 7).

In the host computer 30, the electronic camera 10
The black balance set value transmitted from is received and displayed (steps 94 and 95 in FIG. 5). The set value is displayed in the camera display parameter display area 124, for example. The black balance adjustment is performed when it is necessary to change the displayed black balance setting value displayed.

Similarly to the setting of the aperture value, the black balance is adjusted by operating the mouse 37 and adjusting the lengths of the scroll bars 125 R and 125 B to the desired values. The set values for red and blue represented by the lengths of the scroll bars 125R and 125B are displayed by numbers.

When the display of "OK" is clicked, these set values are transmitted to the electronic camera 10 (step in FIG. 5).
96, 97).

The electronic camera 10 receives the black balance set value, and the black balance is adjusted according to the set target value (steps 81 and 82 in FIG. 4 and steps 114 and 115 in FIG. 7). “Cancel” is also displayed in the parameter setting area 125.

When an automatic command is given to the electronic camera 10, automatic control of black balance is performed (step 116 in FIG. 7).

The black balance set value is displayed in the camera control parameter display area 104 as shown in FIG. White balance adjustment is performed in the same manner as black balance adjustment.

When "white balance" displayed in the setup area 120 as shown in FIG. 18 is clicked, contents suitable for white balance adjustment are displayed in the parameter setting area 125 as shown in FIG.

With respect to the white balance adjustment as well, the display of "auto" is included in the parameter setting area 125 so that the automatic adjustment can be selected similarly to the black balance adjustment. When the operator clicks "Auto", the fact is transmitted from the host computer 30 to the electronic camera 10 (step in FIG. 5).
91, 92).

White balance adjustment is also performed for red and blue. Parameter display area 104 for white balance adjustment
Remote control is set by clicking "red" or "blue" displayed in. When the remote control is set, the remote command is transmitted to the electronic camera 10 (step 93 in FIG. 5).

When the electronic camera 10 receives a remote command (steps 111 and 112 in FIG. 7), the control amount storage unit 17
The white balance setting value stored in C is read out and transmitted to the host computer 30 (step 113 in FIG. 7).

The white balance setting value transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is displayed on the host computer 30, and the white balance setting value is adjusted when the displayed white balance setting value needs to be changed (step 94 in FIG. 5). ， 9
5, 96).

The scroll bar 125 is operated by operating the mouse 37.
The white balance is adjusted so that the lengths of R and 125B become the desired lengths. Scroll bar 125 R, 125
The set values for red and blue represented by the length of B are displayed as numbers.

When the display of "OK" is clicked, these set values are transmitted to the electronic camera 10 (step in FIG. 5).
97). When the electronic camera 10 receives the white balance setting value, the white balance adjustment is performed according to the setting value (steps 81 and 82 in FIG. 4 and step 114 in FIG. 7,
115).

All the camera control data set in the setup mode in this way are displayed in the camera control data display area 124 as shown in FIG. 20, and the camera control parameters in the main memory 32 of the host computer 30 are displayed. Storage unit 32B and main memory of electronic camera 10
It is stored in the camera control parameter storage unit 17B of 17. In the electronic camera 10, the camera control parameter storage unit 17B
Adjustments are made based on the camera control data stored in.

Further, the lens position for zooming, the zoom magnification, and the like are also stored in the camera control parameter storage unit 32B.
In the remote control, the current lens position of the electronic camera, the zoom magnification, etc., which are already stored, may be read from the control amount storage unit 17C and transmitted to the host computer 30 for display. ..

Next, the capture command input area 122
Will be described.

As shown in FIG. 21, in the capture command input area 122, "input", "frame", "shot", "get", "window", "file", "X", "Y", "W", "H", "remaining capacity",
The “data amount” and the “magnification” are displayed, and the preview image display area 121 displays the subject image captured by the electronic camera 10.

“Input” and “frame” are for selecting from where the video signal representing the image displayed on the monitor display device 5 is obtained. In the "input" mode, the video signal obtained from the CCD 13 is directly given to the monitor display device 5 through the signal processing circuit 14 without passing through the image memory 16. The CCD 13 can selectively switch between normal NTSC drive (640 x 480 pixels) and high-definition drive (1280 x 960 pixels). Since the monitor display device 5 operates at the NTSC rate, the CCD 13 is N
It is driven by TSC. On the other hand, in the “frame” mode, the image data stored in the image memory 16 is D / A
It is applied to the monitor display device 5 via the conversion circuit 29 to display the image represented by the image data.
Controlled by the camera controller 18 in order to switch between the through video signal output from the signal processing circuit 14 (“input” mode) and the video signal output from the D / A conversion circuit 29 (“frame” mode). The switching circuit 6 is provided.

In FIG. 21, a black circle is added to the "frame" to indicate that the "frame" mode is set. The processing of steps 83 to 90 shown in FIG. 4 also shows the operation in the "frame" mode.

The "shot" is a command for causing the electronic camera 10 to photograph a subject and thinning out the image data obtained by this photographing and transmitting the thinned image data to the host computer. The image data obtained by being photographed by the electronic camera 10 in response to the click of the "shot" is temporarily stored in the image memory 16, reduced to 1/8 and transmitted to the host computer 30 as described later. It is displayed as a preview image in the preview image display area 121.
The subject image is captured by driving the CCD 13 with high-definition. When the "shot" command is given, the "frame" mode is automatically set, and the monitor display device 5 displays the image represented by the image data stored in the image memory 16.

When "shot" is clicked, a histogram window 127 for displaying the pixel level histogram of the preview image is displayed on the screen of the display device 40. The histogram window 127 displays the color level distribution of the preview image, which can be used to set optimal shooting conditions.

“Get” is an instruction to finally take in the image data obtained by photographing with the electronic camera 10 to the host computer 30, and “frame”.
Meaningful in mode. Generally, as will be described later, a “shot” is clicked to display it in the preview image display area 121, the area and magnification (resolution) are designated, and then “get” is clicked.

The "window" and "file" specify the destination of the image data to be captured by the "get" command. When "Window" is clicked,
The image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is stored in the transfer buffer 32A of the main memory 32, and the image represented by the image data is displayed in the main image display area 123 of the display device 40. When "File" is clicked,
The image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is stored in the transfer buffer 32A of the main memory 32, and then processed by the optical disc device 38 while being processed as needed.

"X", "Y", "W" and "H" are for designating an image area to be captured by the "get" command on the preview image. As shown in FIG. 22, "X" and "Y" represent the X and Y coordinates of a corner point of the designated area, "W" represents the width of the designated area, and "H".
Indicates the height of each designated area. A desired area can be designated by inputting the values of "X", "Y", "W" and "H" by operating the mouse 37.

The magnification is for selecting the resolution of the image to be captured by the "get" command. In this embodiment, any one of 1 times, 0.5 times, 0.25 times and 0.125 times is selected by the mouse 37. be able to. If the magnification ratio of the zoom lens mechanism 11 can be set by the host computer 30, the photographing magnification can be set to a value exceeding 1. In this embodiment, a value larger than 1 is set as the magnification only when the operator manually operates the zoom lens mechanism 11 of the electronic camera 10 to enlarge the magnification.

The "remaining capacity" indicates the remaining capacity of the transfer buffer 32A of the main memory 32 of the host computer 30.

The "data amount" indicates the amount of image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 in response to the "get" command.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the host
In response to the input of various commands from the capture command input area 122 of the computer 30, the electronic camera 10 captures an image of a subject, the image data obtained by the image capture is transmitted to the host computer 30, and the display device 40 displays the image data. The display processing will be described in a unified manner.

The above-mentioned setup process (step in FIG. 3)
When the step 62) is completed, the host computer 30 waits for a "shot" to be clicked (step 63 in FIG. 3) or to specify a region, magnification and a capture destination of the captured image data (step 68 in FIG. 3).

When "shot" is clicked (step 63 in FIG. 3), the CPU 31 creates a shot command (step 64 in FIG. 3). The created shot command is transmitted to the electronic camera 10.

Subsequently, a preview command is created (step 65 in FIG. 3). This preview command
This is a command to reduce the image data obtained by image pickup (uniformly ⅛ in this embodiment) and then send the command, which is sent to the electronic camera 10.

When the electronic camera 10 receives the shot command (step 83 in FIG. 4), the object OB is photographed and necessary image data processing is performed under the conditions of the camera control parameters already set.

The image data obtained by the image pickup and processing is stored in the image memory 16 (step 84 in FIG. 4).

Subsequently, when a preview command is received by the electronic camera 10 (step 85 in FIG. 4), the frame mode is set in the input mode, and the image data stored in the image memory 16 is read out. Circuit
Given to 19. In the thinning circuit 19, 160 in the horizontal direction
The image data is thinned evenly to 1/8 so that the image data is 120 pixels in the vertical direction. The thinned image data is given from the thinning circuit 19 to the transfer buffer 17A and temporarily stored (step 86 in FIG. 4). The image data temporarily stored in the transfer buffer 17A is stored in the host computer 30.
Sent to.

When the host computer 30 receives the image data reduced to ⅛ transmitted from the electronic camera 10, the preview image data is transferred to the transfer buffer.
It is temporarily stored in 32A (step 66 in FIG. 3). The image data stored in the transfer buffer 32A is the transfer buffer 32A.
Is read from the image data and applied to the display memory 34, and the preview image represented by this image data is displayed in the preview image display area 121 (step 67 in FIG. 3). An example of the preview image displayed in the preview image display area 121 is shown in FIG.

The operator can check the preview image to see if an image of desired angle, size, image quality, etc. is obtained. If necessary, the camera control parameters may be reset (step 62 in FIG. 3).

In order to see in the host computer 30 whether the desired image data has been obtained, an electronic camera is used.
It is necessary to transfer the captured image data from 10 to the host computer 30. Image data for one frame is 12 as described above.
Since the amount of data is 80 x 960 pixels (1228 per pixel is 1228 Kbytes, 3 times that for color), it takes a long time to transmit data. As described above, since the preview image data is reduced to ⅛ and transmitted from the electronic camera 10 to the host computer 30, the transmission time can be shortened.

When the operator looks at the preview image and confirms that a good image is obtained, it is necessary to finally take in the captured image data. One piece (1280 x 960)
Although it may be possible to capture the image data of, it is often the case that only a part is required. Then, the operator designates the area of the image to be captured, the magnification and the capture destination on the preview image as shown in FIG. 22 (YES in step 68 in FIG. 3). Then, the operator clicks “Get” (step 69 in FIG. 3).
Then YES). Then, a get command including the designated area and magnification is created and transmitted to the electronic camera 10 (step 70 in FIG. 3).

As described above, when a magnified image is desired, the operator can manually operate the zoom lens mechanism 11 of the electronic camera 10 to set a desired magnification. In this case, the operator clicks "shot" again to repeat shooting and previewing of the subject.

When the electronic camera 10 receives the get command (step 88 in FIG. 4), the image data of the designated area is read from the image memory 16.

When the magnification is less than 1, the image memory 16
The image data read from is supplied to the thinning circuit 19 and thinning is performed according to the set magnification. The image data is temporarily stored in the transfer buffer 17A (step 89 in FIG. 4) and then transmitted to the host computer 30 (step 90 in FIG. 4).

As described above, since only the image data of the truly necessary area is transmitted from the electronic camera 10, the transmission time of the image data can be shortened.

The image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is received by the host computer 30 (step 71 in FIG. 3). When the image data is received, the image data is transferred to the previously specified capture destination. That is, when the import destination is the “window” (main memory), the received image data is transferred to the transfer buffer 32 of the main memory 32.
The image represented by the image data stored in A is displayed in the main image display area 123 of the display device 40 as shown in FIG. 23 (step 73 in FIG. 3). When the import destination is "file", the received image data is once stored in the main memory 32, then processed as necessary, transferred to the optical disk device 38, and recorded on the optical disk (step 75 in FIG. 3). ). At this time, the main image display area 123
The image is not displayed in (see FIG. 24), but it may be displayed.

The operator may click the “file” after viewing the subject image displayed in the main image display area 123 with the “window” as the import destination. In response to this, the image data stored in the main memory 32 is recorded on the optical disc (YES in step 74 of FIG. 3, step 7
Five). Of course, you may start over from the "shot" command again without clicking "File".

In the capture command input area 122, the remaining capacity of the main memory 32 and the data amount of the transmitted image data are displayed. Can be entered. When the remaining capacity of the main memory 32 is smaller than the amount of image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10, it is preferable to prohibit the input of the “get” command.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an imaging system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an imaging system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a host computer.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the electronic camera.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of a procedure of a setup process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an initial process of the electronic camera.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for parameter adjustment of the electronic camera.

FIG. 8 shows a plurality of display areas displayed on a display device.

FIG. 9 shows the contents displayed in a partial area of the display device.

FIG. 10 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 11 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 12 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 13 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 14 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 15 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 16 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 17 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 18 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 19 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 20 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 21 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 22 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 23 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 24 shows a display example on the display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 9,33 Communication interface 10 Electronic camera 11 Zoom / lens mechanism 12 Aperture 13 CCD 14 Signal processing circuit 15 A / D conversion circuit 16 Image memory 17,32 Main memory 18 Camera controller 30 Host computer 31 CPU 36 Keyboard 37 Mouse 40 Display device

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An electronic camera provided with an electronic imaging processing means for photographing a subject and generating image data representing the photographed subject image, and the electronic camera provided separately from the electronic camera.
And a computer system connected by a communication path, wherein the computer system sets a control parameter for photographing a subject image by the electronic image pickup processing unit of the electronic camera, the electronic camera described above. Input means for inputting a shooting command for starting shooting of a subject image by the electronic shooting processing means, transmission command input means for sending the image data generated by the electronic shooting processing means of the electronic camera, and the above The electronic camera includes means for transmitting to the electronic camera the control parameter set by the control parameter setting means, the shooting command input by the shooting command input means, and the transmission command input by the transmission command input means. The control parameters sent from the computer system Then, means for adjusting the operating condition of the image pickup processing by the electronic image pickup processing means, and the electronic image pickup processing means starts the image pickup processing of the subject image in response to the image pickup command transmitted from the computer system. And a means for transmitting image data generated by the electronic image pickup processing means to the computer system in response to a transmission command transmitted from the computer system. , Imaging system. 2. A control parameter for capturing an image of an object by the electronic camera, which is connectable and communicable with an electronic camera that captures an image of an object and generates image data representing the captured image of the object. Means, a photographing command input means for starting photographing of a subject image by the electronic camera, a transmission command input means for instructing that the image data generated by the electronic camera should be transmitted, and the control parameter setting means. A computer system comprising: the control parameters, the shooting command input by the shooting command input means, and the transmission command input by the transmission command input means to the electronic camera. 3. An electronic imaging processing means, which is connectable and communicable with a computer system through a communication path, photographs a subject, and generates image data representing the photographed subject image, transmitted from the computer system. A means for adjusting the operating condition of the image pickup processing by the electronic image pickup processing means in accordance with a control parameter, and the electronic image pickup processing means for picking up a subject image in response to a shooting instruction transmitted from the computer system. And a means for transmitting image data generated by the electronic image pickup processing means to the computer system in response to a transmission command transmitted from the computer system. Equipped with shutter release switch and control parameters operated by human Electronic camera that lacks the Joki. 4. An electronic camera for photographing a subject and generating image data representing the photographed subject image, and an image pickup which comprises a computer system provided separately from the electronic camera and connected by a communication path. A method of controlling a system, wherein the computer system transmits a control parameter for photographing an object image by the electronic camera to the electronic camera when the electronic camera captures an object image by the electronic camera. When a shooting command to be started is input, it is transmitted to the electronic camera, and when a transmission command is issued to instruct that the image data generated by the electronic camera should be transmitted, this is transmitted to the electronic camera. The electronic camera is controlled so as to transmit the control parameters transmitted from the computer system. Accordingly, the operating condition of the image pickup process is adjusted, the image pickup process of the subject image is started in response to the image pickup command transmitted from the computer system, and the image data generated by the image pickup process is converted to the computer A method for controlling an imaging system, which controls to transmit to the above computer system in response to a transmission command transmitted from the system. 5. A method of controlling a computer system capable of connecting and communicating with an electronic camera, which captures an image of a subject and generates image data representing the captured image of the subject, through a communication path. Control parameter setting input for the electronic camera is received and transmitted to the electronic camera, and a photographing command input for starting the photographing of a subject image by the electronic camera is received and transmitted to the electronic camera. A method for controlling a computer system, which receives an input of a transmission command for instructing to transmit the image data generated by, and controls to transmit the input to the electronic camera. 6. An electronic image pickup processing means for photographing a subject and generating image data representing the photographed subject image,
A control method for an electronic camera, which is connectable and communicable with a computer system via a communication path and lacks a shutter release switch and a control parameter setter operated by a human, which is transmitted from the computer system. The operation condition of the image pickup processing by the electronic image pickup processing means is adjusted according to the control parameter, and the electronic image pickup processing means performs the image pickup processing of the object image in response to the image pickup command transmitted from the computer system. A method of controlling an electronic camera, which is started, and image data generated by said electronic image pickup processing means is transmitted to said computer system in response to a transmission command transmitted from said computer system.