JPH06225202A - Panoramic electronic still camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an electronic still camera which can switch a system to a regular photographing mode and a panoramic photographing mode and which can obtain the panoramic picture of an arbitrary vertiacal/lateral ratio. CONSTITUTION:A full picture signal is read from the effective picture element area of a CCD image-pickup element at the regualr photographing mode, and a picture signal is read from the specified area of the effective picture element area in synchronizing with the panning of a camera at the panoramic photographing mode. The picture signal which is thus read is image-processed, is temporarily recorded in a frame buffer 26, picture data which is recorded in the frame buffer 26 is read and it is written into a memory card 27 in accordance with a prescribed system so as to form the picture.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic still camera capable of panoramic photography. For details, normal shooting and panoramic shooting can be performed. Furthermore, panoramic shooting can be set to any shooting range, and even if the main subject moves during shooting, the captured image It is an electronic still camera configured so that it can be photographed without being deformed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a general Leica camera, a photographed image has a length and width of 24 mm.times.36 mm, and the NTSC system video standard has a length and width ratio of 3: 4. On the other hand, panoramic photographs are generally defined so that the aspect ratio is horizontal.

There are various means for obtaining a panoramic image. Photographs using a silver salt film are roughly classified into three means. The first means for setting a horizontally long image plane than the normal aspect ratio to obtain a horizontally long image, and panning multiple images. A second means for photographing and connecting them later, and a third means for obtaining a panoramic image by optically taking out a one-dimensional portion having two-dimensional image information and scanning the one-dimensional portion on an imaging plane. There are means.

The first means uses a horizontally long large-format film and is commercially available as a special purpose camera.
In addition, a panoramic method using a 35 mm film has become widespread in recent years as a simple means among these means. That is, this is a method in which a horizontally long image plane is obtained by slightly masking the upper and lower image forming planes of a Leica format, and a panoramic photograph is obtained by greatly expanding and printing. The second means is a method that allows shooting in a free range without using any special equipment. The third means uses a special camera for exclusive use, and although it is not versatile, images of any range can be taken seamlessly.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a silver salt film camera provided with a third panoramic means. In this camera, the subject image light passes through the taking lens 11 and the film 1
The image is formed on the second surface. Further, a light shielding plate 14 having a slit 13 is arranged immediately in front of the image plane of the film 12,
A one-dimensional component of the two-dimensional image of the subject image light is incident on the film 12 through the slit 13 to expose the film 12.

The camera rotates about the rotary shaft 15, and the rotation of the rotary shaft 15 is transmitted to the sprocket 17 via the reduction gear 16. Therefore, the film 12 is rolled up according to the angle at which the camera is rotated, and the subject light is imaged in that range.

If the angular velocity at the time of rotation is not constant, the above-mentioned camera is rotated at a constant angular velocity by the power of a macro motor or the like, because exposure unevenness occurs on the image plane.

Regarding the panoramic photographing in the electronic still camera, there is Japanese Patent Application No. 2-139465, which has already been applied for a patent by the inventor of the present invention. This is to capture a panoramic image by attaching an anamorphic lens to the photographic optical system at the time of shooting and compressing the left and right of the image, and expanding the left and right of the image data by signal processing during playback. .

As a second means of a camera using a silver salt film, a household video camera is used, and a horizontally long image is obtained by masking the upper and lower portions of the image with signal processing to be black. There is. This makes it possible to easily switch between normal shooting and panoramic shooting, and a good panoramic image can be obtained by playing back on a wide-vision monitor during playback.

In addition to this, as a third means of a camera using a silver salt film, there is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-11 / 1986.
There is an electronic still camera disclosed in No. 44981. In this system, a one-dimensional sensor is used as an image sensor, and a two-dimensional image can be captured by rotating the entire image capturing system during image capturing.

[0011]

Each of the above-mentioned conventional panorama means has advantages and disadvantages. The means for making the imaging surface itself horizontal has the general property that the optical performance of the imaging lens deteriorates (the aberration increases) as it moves away from the center of the imaging surface. It is difficult to secure.

Although it is horizontally long as compared with a normal photograph, its aspect ratio and photographing range are fixed, so it is not possible to obtain a desired aspect ratio according to the subject. Further, in the case of an electronic still camera, developing an image pickup device having such a special aspect ratio requires a very large development cost, and is generally not realistic.

The means for joining a plurality of images causes a shift in the images at the joints. The cause of this is
Besides the problem that it is difficult to perform perfect panning (positional problem), due to the distortion of the imaging lens,
Distortion occurs around the image.

In the case of a means for scanning a one-dimensional image, stable holding of the camera during scanning is an essential condition. In addition, it is not versatile because normal shooting cannot be performed. In particular, the electronic still camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-144981 cannot rotate in an arbitrary range due to its structure.

In view of the above-mentioned situation, the present invention can perform normal photographing and panoramic photographing, and the photographing range can be arbitrarily changed in panoramic photographing.
The objective is to develop an electronic still camera that is not affected by the optical performance of the taking lens.

[0016]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is an electronic still camera for recording an image picked up by an image pickup means on a recording medium, which is a normal photographing mode or a panoramic photographing mode. Means for reading an image signal from an image pickup device, which is a two-dimensional sensor for picking up an image of a subject by switching to the normal photographing mode, and a means for switching to the panoramic photographing mode. A means for repeatedly reading an image signal from a specific area of the image pickup device by switching, a means for rotating the camera in conjunction with an operation for reading the image signal of the specific area, and a means for temporarily reading the read image signal. A panoramic electronic still camera characterized by comprising a memory means for recording and an image forming means for forming an image by reading the contents of the memory is proposed.

The memory means described above records the entire image signal by dividing it into a plurality of predetermined areas, and the image forming means reads out the image data of each area from the memory means.
Data in a standard image format,
It is possible to record the data in which the plurality of images are associated with each other in the auxiliary recording area of each image data.

[0018]

By switching to the normal photographing mode, the image picked up by the image pickup device is entirely read out, and the normal photographing is performed by processing the image signal.

When the mode is switched to the panoramic photography mode, the image signal of the specific area of the image pickup device is repeatedly read in association with the rotation of the camera. Then, the read image signal is temporarily recorded in the memory means. In this recording, the entire image signal is divided into a plurality of areas.

The memory contents thus recorded are recorded in the image forming means in a predetermined format to form a panoramic image. For example, the image data of each area recorded in the memory means is read and recorded in a memory card or the like in a standard image format to form a panoramic image.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of a panoramic electronic still camera, in which subject image light is imaged on a light receiving surface of a CCD image pickup element 22 through a photographing optical system 21.

The output signal of the CCD image pickup device 22 is the amplifier 2
After being amplified by 3, the signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 24. Then, this digital signal is input to the signal processing circuit 25 and processed into a video signal. This video signal is temporarily recorded in the frame buffer (buffer memory) 26, then transferred to the memory card 27, and recorded in this card 27.

On the other hand, this electronic still camera is mounted on a rotary adapter 28 for panning in the horizontal direction, and the rotary adapter 28 is provided with a detection sensor 29 for detecting the mounting of the electronic still camera. The CPU 30 inputs the detection signal of the sensor 29 to switch to the panoramic photography mode. The switching between the normal photographing mode and the panoramic photographing mode can also be performed by operating the input means 31 to input a switching signal to the CPU 30.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of the rotary adapter 28. As shown in the figure, a mounting screw 32 is provided on the upper part of the rotary adapter 28, and the mounting screw 32 is screwed into a tripod screw hole of the electronic still camera 33 to mount the electronic still camera 33 on the rotary adapter 28. Also,
A tripod screw hole is provided in the lower portion of the rotary adapter 28, and a tripod 34 is attached to and supported by the tripod screw hole.

An electric contact 35 is connected to the electric contact (not shown) of the electronic still camera 33 on the rotary adapter 28.
The electronic still camera 3 is provided through the electric contact 35.
Control signals are transmitted to and received from the digital camera 3 to synchronize the rotation of the electronic still camera 33 and the reading of the image signal from the CCD image pickup device 22. The electric contact 35 can also be used as the detection sensor 29 described above.

Further, the rotary adapter 28 is provided with a positioning pin 36, and the pin 36 is inserted into the positioning hole of the electronic still camera 33 for positioning, so that the electric contact 3 is surely provided.
Connect 5

The rotary adapter 28 is rotationally driven by a driving device 37. The drive unit 37 is composed of a stepping motor, a motor drive circuit, a gear train, and the like, and is controlled by the control unit 38. Control device 3
Reference numeral 8 controls the drive device 37 in response to a control signal sent from the electronic still camera 33 via the electric contact 35.

Next, a case where the above-mentioned electronic still camera 33 is used in the normal photographing mode will be described. In addition,
In the case of this photographing, the signal obtained from the CCD image pickup device 22 is recorded in the memory card 27 as a two-dimensional image signal.

That is, the CCD image pickup device 22 is driven by the driver 39 and outputs an image signal for one frame as serial data every 1/30 seconds. This output signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 24 and then sequentially sent to the signal processing circuit 25. Signal processing circuit 2
In 5, the separation of each color component in the signal and the gain control
And gamma correction, color balance adjustment, signal component matrix calculation, etc. are performed, and the processed video signal is recorded in the frame buffer 26.

The CPU 30 controls the memory controller 40 to write the image data of the frame buffer 26 in the memory card 27 in a predetermined format. At this time, the auxiliary data of the image is recorded in the recording area of the auxiliary data of the memory card 27. This data format is shown in FIG.
The contents of the auxiliary data include, for example, the date and place at which the image was taken, the type of subject, and information related to it.

Next, the case of using in the panoramic photographing mode will be described. The operations of the CCD image pickup device 22 and the A / D converter 24 are similar to those in the normal photographing mode.
The signal processing circuit 25 takes out only a part of the signal from the A / D converter 24, performs signal processing, and sends it to the frame buffer 26.

FIG. 4 shows the read-out state of the image signal from the CCD image pickup device 22. 41 is an area of all pixels. In the normal photographing mode, the image of the effective pixel area 43 excluding the blanking area (hatched portion) 42 is output. In the panoramic photography mode, the signal processing circuit 25 converts only the signal of the area 44, which is the central portion, into a predetermined signal and then writes it into the frame buffer 26.

At this time, the CPU 30 sends a rotation signal as a control signal to the rotation adapter 28 in conjunction with this writing operation. The rotary adapter 28 pans the electronic still camera 33 at a constant rate in synchronization with this rotation signal.
When the photographing in the preset range is completed, the CPU 30 controls the memory controller 40 to control the frame buffer 26.
Is transferred to the memory card 27.

FIG. 5 shows the image data in the frame buffer 26.
It shows the data. Each of A1 to A15 shows image data corresponding to the area 44. The memory controller 40 takes out continuous data from which a normal image can be formed, converts it into a normal image data format, and then writes it in the memory card 27.

At this time, the relationship of the plurality of image data is written in the recording area of the auxiliary data. If a special reproduction device is used during reproduction, a plurality of images can be connected to create a panoramic image and output by referring to this auxiliary data. Further, even when a general reproducing apparatus is used, each image can be completely reproduced although the panoramic image cannot be output. FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the captured state of the panoramic image captured as described above and the captured image. In addition,
Image data a1 to a15 are written in the memory guard 27.

Next, the relationship between the effective pixel area 43 and the usage area 44 at the time of panoramic photography will be shown. As already mentioned, when panning multiple images and shooting them, and combining them to compose an image, it is difficult to connect them completely because the peripheral image is distorted due to the distortion aberration of the lens. Become.

The panoramic electronic still camera 33 of the present embodiment.
In this case, since panning is performed in the horizontal direction, there is no adverse effect that the image is distorted due to the distortion aberration in the vertical direction. However, if the width is too narrow, there is a drawback that it takes too much time to shoot.

For example, a 1/2 inch CCD image pickup device 2
When 2 is used and a lens having a focal length of 10 mm is used, the horizontal field angle of the imaging range is 33.5 degrees. If only two lines in the vertical direction are used so that the width of the region 44 is the narrowest, the predetermined signal cannot be obtained in the case of a color image pickup device with one line. 400,000 pixel type Since the CCD image pickup device 22 has approximately 800 pixels in the horizontal direction, it is not possible to capture an image in the range of 33.5 degrees unless the reading is performed 800/2 = 400 times.

This is not practical because it takes about 7 seconds when the CCD image pickup device 22 is driven by the usual method. Therefore, by setting the region 44 to several tens of lines in the vertical direction in a range in which the distortion aberration can be ignored, it becomes possible to obtain a good panoramic image in a sufficiently practical time.

Next, FIG. 7 shows another embodiment in which the reading state of the image signal of the CCD image pickup device 22 is changed. In this embodiment, panoramic image reading areas 44a and 44b are provided on both sides of the effective pixel area 43.

Since the areas 44a and 44b thus provided are displaced to the left and right with respect to the optical axis, they are affected by horizontal distortion and the image is distorted. However, since the aberration characteristics are the same in the vicinity sufficiently close to that position, when scanning is performed, there is no possibility of causing misalignment at the joint between images.

In order to make the effects of the aberration characteristics the same, the widths of the regions 44a and 44b should be as narrow as possible. However, if the lateral width is made too narrow, the above-mentioned problem will occur. Therefore, by setting a few tens of lines in the vertical direction within a range in which distortion can be ignored, a good panoramic image can be obtained in a sufficiently practical time. It is possible.

FIG. 8 shows the image data of the frame buffer 26. A11 to A15 and A17 to A21 correspond to the regions 44a and 44b, and A16 corresponds to the region 43. . Further, FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the captured state of the panoramic image of this embodiment and the captured image. Note that a11 to a21 are image data written in the memory card 27.

In the photographing operation of this embodiment, images are continuously taken in interlocking with the rotation of the entire camera and sequentially written in the frame buffer 26. The CPU 30 controls the memory controller 40 to transfer it to the memory card 27 for recording in the form of standard image data.

A16 in FIG. 8 and a16 in FIG. 9 are images taken in the effective pixel area 43. This part reads the output of the CCD image pickup device 22 in a normal format, and the memory controller 40 stores this image data in a predetermined format in the memory card.
Write in the code 27. Note that a11 to a15 are areas 44a.
Then, a17 to a21 are images respectively imaged in the region 44b and are similarly written in the memory card 27.

The panoramic electronic still camera 33 of the present embodiment.
By arranging the main subject in the portion a16, it is possible to perform normal shooting and normal shooting. Also, the surrounding scenery, which is considered to be relatively insignificant, can be photographed in an accurately aligned state, although the influence of the aberration of the imaging lens system is somewhat affected.

[0047]

As described above, the panoramic electronic still camera according to the present invention can obtain a panoramic photograph having a different aspect ratio, and can photograph a subject image having any aspect ratio. . Moreover, it is possible to surely reproduce without using a special reproducing device at the time of reproduction, and unlike the case where a plurality of photos are combined to obtain a panoramic image, there is no inconsistency in the combined part. . In particular, since the main subject can be photographed at one time, even if the subject moves a little, it is not affected and a good image can be photographed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a panoramic electronic still camera embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a rotary adapter equipped with the panoramic electronic still camera.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of image data showing a recording state of a memory card.

FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram showing a pixel readout area for panoramic photography provided in an effective pixel area of a CCD image sensor.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a frame buffer recording state when a panoramic electronic still camera is panned and photographed.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a captured state of a panoramic image and a captured image.

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram similar to FIG. 4, showing another embodiment in which the pixel readout area for panoramic photography is changed.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a recording state of a frame buffer in another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a shooting state and a shot image when panoramic shooting is performed in another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram showing an example of a conventional panoramic camera using a silver salt film.

[Explanation of symbols]

21 Photographing optical system 22 CCD image pickup device 24 A / D converter 25 Signal processing circuit 26 Frame buffer 27 Memory card 28 Rotation adapter 30 CPU 31 Input means 41 All pixel area 42 Blanking area 43 Effective pixel area 44, 44a, 44b Pixel readout area for panoramic photography

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An electronic still camera for recording an image picked up by an image pickup means on a recording medium, comprising switching means for switching between a normal photographing mode and a panoramic photographing mode, and a normal photographing mode is set. Means for reading an image signal from an image sensor, which is a two-dimensional sensor for picking up an image of a subject by switching, by a normal method, and means for repeatedly reading an image signal from a specific area of the image sensor by switching to a panoramic shooting mode. And means for rotating the camera in conjunction with the operation of reading the image signal of a specific area, memory means for temporarily recording the read image signal, and an image for reading the contents of the memory to form an image. A panoramic electronic still camera characterized in that it is provided with forming means. 2. The above-mentioned memory means divides the entire image signal into a plurality of predetermined areas for recording, and the image data of each area read out from the memory means by said image forming means is stored in a standard image format. A panorama according to claim 1, characterized in that the data is recorded in a matt format and the data for associating the plurality of images is recorded in the auxiliary recording area of each image data. Electronic still camera.