JPH0832855A - Electronic still camera, image synthesizer and image extract device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To record data other than image data representing an object image by recording distance data or the like representing a distance up to an object into a recording medium relating to object image data. CONSTITUTION:A digital electronic still camera 20 stores data representing an object image onto a memory card 30 and stores distance data representing a distance up to the object, temperature data representing a temperature of the object, and reflecting sound data representing the reflected sound from the object when a sound is generated to the memory card 30 in cross reference with data representing the object image. Thus, the digital electronic still camera 20 is provided with a distance sensor 2, a temperature sensor 3, a speaker 4, and a sound collection microphone 5. A distance signal from the distance sensor 2, a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 3 and a reflected sound signal from the sound collection microphone 5 are given to a total control section 10, then the data are given to the memory card 30 and recorded via a memory card interface 18.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an electronic still camera, a recording control method for the electronic still camera, an image synthesizing apparatus, an image synthesizing method, an image extracting apparatus and an image extracting method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Currently, digital electronic still cameras for recording digital image data representing a subject image in a memory cartridge are commercially available. In such a digital electronic still camera, the data regarding the subject recorded in the memory card is only the image data representing the subject image.

Further, an image synthesizing apparatus for synthesizing a main subject image of a person and a background image desired to be the background of the main subject and synthesizing the images so that the background of the main subject becomes a desired background is also realized. There is.

In a general image, since the distance to the main subject is different from the distance to the background of the main subject, the background is out of focus when the main subject is in focus. When the main subject image and the desired image that is the background image of the main subject image are combined, the main subject image and the desired image that is the background image are in focus.
For this reason, it becomes an unnatural synthetic image, and at first glance it can be seen that it is a synthetic image.

When performing image synthesis or the like, it is necessary to extract the main subject image. The extraction process of the main subject image is performed based on, for example, color information. For example, a main subject on a blue background is photographed, divided into a blue portion and a portion other than blue, and the subject image is extracted by discarding the image of the blue portion. In this case, even if the image portion of the same blue color as the background is the main subject image portion, it is discarded because it is not the main subject image.

[0006]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to enable an electronic still camera to record data other than image data representing a subject image on a recording medium as data relating to the subject.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to obtain a synthetic image having a natural feeling.

Another object of the present invention is to enable extraction of the main subject image regardless of the background.

The electronic still camera according to the first invention is a photographing device for photographing a subject and outputting subject image data representing the subject image, distance data representing the distance to the subject by measuring the distance to the subject. The distance measuring device for outputting the object, the image data recording means for recording the subject image data output from the photographing device on the recording medium, and the distance data output from the distance measuring device are recorded by the image data recording means. It is characterized by comprising distance data recording means for recording on the recording medium in association with the subject image data.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a recording control method for an electronic still camera, wherein a subject is photographed, subject image data representing the subject image is obtained, the obtained subject image data is recorded on a recording medium, and the subject image data is recorded. It is characterized in that the distance is measured, distance data representing the distance to the subject is obtained, and the obtained distance data is recorded in the recording medium in association with the subject image data recorded in the recording medium.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the distance data is present as the data relating to the subject in addition to the subject image data.
Subject image data and distance data are recorded on a recording medium.

By referring to the distance data, the distance to the subject at the time of photographing can be recognized. Therefore,
Extraction processing of the main subject image in the image represented by the subject image data recorded on the recording medium can be easily performed based on the recognized distance.

The distance data is data obtained by measuring the distance to the subject corresponding to a block when the subject image represented by the subject image data is divided into a plurality of blocks. Is preferably recorded on the recording medium in association with the subject image data of the block.

Since relatively detailed distance data can be obtained,
It is possible to accurately perform the process of extracting the main subject image in the image represented by the subject image data recorded on the recording medium according to the distance.

The block may be a minimum unit capable of dividing the subject image into a plurality.

Since detailed distance data can be obtained, it is possible to more accurately perform the process of extracting the main subject image in the image represented by the subject image data recorded on the recording medium according to the distance.

The electronic still camera of the second invention is a photographing device for photographing a subject and outputting subject image data representing the subject image, measuring the temperature of the subject, and outputting temperature data representing the temperature of the subject. Temperature measuring device, image data recording means for recording subject image data output from the photographing device on a recording medium, and temperature data output from the temperature measuring device, subject image recorded by the image data recording means It is characterized by comprising temperature data recording means for recording the data on the recording medium in association with the data.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a recording control method for an electronic still camera, wherein a subject is photographed, subject image data representing the subject image is obtained, the obtained subject image data is recorded on a recording medium, and the temperature of the subject is recorded. Is obtained, temperature data representing the temperature of the subject is obtained, and the obtained temperature data is recorded in the recording medium in association with the subject image data recorded in the recording medium.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, as the data relating to the subject, there is temperature data in addition to the subject image data,
Subject image data and temperature data are recorded on a recording medium.

By referring to the temperature data, the temperature of the subject at the time of photographing can be recognized. Therefore, the extraction process of the main subject image in the image represented by the subject image data recorded on the recording medium can be easily performed based on the recognized temperature.

The temperature data is data obtained by measuring the temperature of the subject corresponding to a block when the subject image represented by the subject image data is divided into a plurality of blocks. It is preferable to record in the recording medium in association with the subject image data of the block.

Since relatively detailed temperature data can be obtained,
It is possible to accurately perform the extraction process of the main subject image in the image represented by the subject image data recorded on the recording medium according to the temperature.

The block may be a minimum unit capable of dividing the subject image into a plurality of parts.

Since the detailed temperature data is obtained, it is possible to more accurately perform the process of extracting the main subject image in the image represented by the subject image data recorded on the recording medium according to the temperature.

An electronic still camera according to a third aspect of the invention is a photographing device for photographing a subject and outputting subject image data representing a subject image, a sound source for generating a sound, and a sound source for generating a sound from the subject. Reflected sound measuring device for measuring reflected sound and outputting reflected sound data representing reflected sound from the subject, image data recording means for recording subject image data output from the photographing device on a recording medium, and the reflected sound It is characterized by further comprising reflected sound data recording means for recording reflected sound data output from the measuring device on the recording medium in association with subject image data recorded by the image data recording means.

A recording control method for an electronic still camera according to a third aspect of the invention is to photograph a subject, obtain subject image data representing the subject image, record the obtained subject image data in a recording medium, and generate sound. The reflected sound from the subject is measured, the reflected sound data representing the reflected sound from the subject is obtained, and the obtained reflected sound data is associated with the subject image data recorded on the recording medium to the recording medium. It is characterized by recording.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, reflected sound data is present in addition to the object image data as data relating to the object, and the object image data and the reflected sound data are recorded on the recording medium.

By referring to the reflected sound data, the situation of the reflected sound from the subject at the time of photographing can be recognized. Therefore, the extraction process of the main subject image in the image represented by the subject image data recorded on the recording medium can be easily performed based on the situation of the recognized reflected sound.

The reflected sound data is data obtained by measuring the reflected sound from the subject corresponding to a block when the subject image represented by the subject image data is divided into a plurality of blocks. The reflected sound data,
It is preferable to record in the recording medium in association with the subject image data of the block.

Since relatively detailed reflected sound data can be obtained, it is possible to accurately perform the extraction processing of the main subject image in the image represented by the subject image data recorded on the recording medium according to the reflected sound.

The block may be a minimum unit capable of dividing the subject image into a plurality.

Since the detailed reflected sound data is obtained, the main subject image in the image represented by the subject image data recorded on the recording medium according to the reflected sound can be extracted more accurately.

The image synthesizing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided with background image data representing a background image, and blurring means for performing the blurring process of the background image data so that the background image represented by the given background image data is blurred. ，
And image synthesizing means for synthesizing the main subject image data representing the main subject image and the background image data representing the background image blurred by the blurring processing means, and outputting synthesized image data representing the synthesized image. Is characterized by.

In the image synthesizing method of the first invention, the background image data is blurred so that the background image represented by the given background image data is blurred, and the main subject image data representing the main subject image and the blurred image The composite image data representing the composite image is obtained by combining the background image data representing the generated background image.

According to the present invention, the background image data is blurred so that the background image is blurred. The main subject image data representing the main subject image and the background image data representing the blurred background image are composited to obtain composite image data representing the composite image.

Since the background image of the composite image represented by the composite image data is blurred, it is a natural image.

The degree of blurring may be set, and the background image may be blurred according to the setting. This makes it possible to blur the background image as desired. Therefore, a blurred background image can be obtained according to the user's preference, and a synthetic image with a natural feeling according to the user's preference can be obtained.

Distance data representing the distance to the main subject represented by the main subject image and distance data representing the distance to the background represented by the background image are given, and the distance to the main subject obtained from these distance data is given. The blurring amount may be increased as the distance difference to the background increases.

When the distance difference between the distance to the main subject and the distance to the background is large, the background is generally blurred.
The greater the distance difference between the distance to the main subject and the distance to the background, the greater the amount of blurring, so that a more natural composite image can be obtained.

The image synthesizing apparatus of the second invention is provided with background image data representing a background image, and performs the density conversion processing of the background image data so as to change the density of the background image represented by the supplied background image data. An image for synthesizing the density conversion processing means to be performed, the main subject image data representing the main subject image, and the background image data representing the background image density-converted by the density conversion processing means, and outputting composite image data representing the composite image. It is characterized by comprising a synthesizing means.

In the image synthesizing method according to the second aspect of the present invention, the density conversion processing of the background image data is performed so that the density of the background image represented by the given background image data is changed to obtain the main object image data representing the main object image. , The background image data representing the background image subjected to the density conversion processing is combined to obtain composite image data representing the composite image.

According to the present invention, the density conversion processing of the background image data is performed so that the density of the background image changes.
The main subject image data representing the main subject image and the background image data representing the density-converted background image are combined,
Composite image data representing a composite image is obtained.

Since the background image of the composite image represented by the composite image data has undergone the density conversion processing, it is a natural image.

The degree of density conversion processing may be set, and the background image density conversion processing may be performed according to the setting. As a result, the background image can be subjected to desired density conversion processing. Therefore, a background image whose density is converted according to the user's preference is obtained, and a synthetic image with a natural feeling according to the user's preference is obtained.

Distance data representing the distance to the main subject represented by the main subject image and distance data representing the distance to the background represented by the background image are given, and the distance to the main subject obtained from these distance data and The density conversion amount may be increased as the distance difference to the background increases.

If the distance difference between the distance to the main subject and the distance to the background is large, the background is generally blurred. The larger the distance difference between the distance to the main subject and the distance to the background, the greater the amount of density conversion, so that a more natural composite image can be obtained.

The image synthesizing apparatus of the third invention is provided with main subject image data representing the main subject image and background image data representing the background image, and is provided with the main subject image represented by the given main subject image data. Contrast adjustment processing means for performing contrast adjustment processing between the main subject image data and the background image data, and contrast adjustment processing by the contrast adjustment processing means so that the contrast with the background image represented by the background image data changes. An image synthesizing means for synthesizing the main subject image data and the background image data and outputting the synthetic image data representing the synthetic image is provided.

In the image synthesizing method of the third invention, the main subject image data and the background image are arranged so that the contrast between the main subject image represented by the main subject image data and the background image represented by the background image data changes. It is characterized in that contrast adjustment processing with data is performed, the main subject image data subjected to the contrast adjustment processing and the background image data are synthesized, and synthetic image data representing a synthetic image is obtained.

According to the present invention, the contrast adjustment processing of the main subject image data and the background image data is performed.
The main subject image data representing the contrast-adjusted main subject image is combined with the background image data representing the background image to obtain composite image data representing the composite image.

Since the main subject image and the background image of the composite image represented by the composite image data are contrast-adjusted, they are natural images.

The degree of contrast adjustment may be settable. Thereby, the contrast between the main subject image and the background image can be adjusted as desired. Therefore, the main subject image and the background image having the contrast according to the user's preference can be obtained, and a natural-looking composite image according to the user's preference can be obtained.

Distance data representing the distance to the main subject represented by the main subject image and distance data representing the distance to the background represented by the background image are given, and the distance to the main subject obtained from these distance data and The contrast adjustment amount may be increased as the difference in distance to the background increases.

If the distance difference between the distance to the main subject and the distance to the background is large, the background is generally greatly blurred. The greater the distance difference between the distance to the main subject and the distance to the background, the greater the amount of contrast adjustment, so that a more natural composite image can be obtained.

In the image extracting device of the first invention, the subject image data representing the subject image and the distance data representing the distance to the subject obtained corresponding to the blocks obtained by dividing the subject image into a plurality of blocks are provided. Main subject image discriminating means for discriminating the image portion of the main subject image based on the distance data among the subject images represented by the subject image data, and the main subject image discriminated by the main subject image discriminating means. Is provided with an extracting unit that extracts the subject image data corresponding to the image portion of the.

The image extracting method according to the first aspect of the present invention is based on the distance data representing the distance to the object obtained corresponding to each block when the object image is divided into a plurality of blocks, based on the object image data represented by the object image data. The image portion of the main subject image of the image is discriminated, and the subject image data corresponding to the discriminated image portion of the main subject image is extracted.

According to the present invention, the image portion of the main subject image is discriminated based on the distance data. Subject image data corresponding to the image portion of the determined main subject image is extracted. For example, a subject image portion other than infinity and in which distance data representing equal distances are concentrated is determined as the main subject image portion.

Since the image portion of the main subject image is extracted based on the distance data, the image portion of the main subject image can be more accurately extracted regardless of the background of the main subject.

The block is preferably a minimum unit capable of dividing the subject image into a plurality.

As a result, detailed distance data can be obtained, so that the image portion of the main subject image can be more accurately extracted.

The image extracting apparatus of the second invention provides subject image data representing the subject image and temperature data representing the temperature of the subject obtained corresponding to the blocks when the subject image is divided into a plurality of blocks. Of the subject images represented by the subject image data, a main subject image discriminating means for discriminating an image portion of the main subject image based on the temperature data, and a main subject image discriminated by the main subject image discriminating means. It is characterized by comprising an extracting means for extracting the subject image data corresponding to the image portion.

In the image extracting method of the second invention, the subject image represented by the subject image data is based on temperature data representing the temperature of the subject obtained corresponding to each block when the subject image is divided into a plurality of blocks. An image portion of the main subject image is discriminated, and the subject image data corresponding to the discriminated image portion of the main subject image is extracted.

According to the present invention, the image portion of the main subject image is discriminated based on the temperature data. Subject image data corresponding to the image portion of the determined main subject image is extracted. For example, a subject image portion in which temperature data representing equal temperatures is concentrated is determined as the main subject image portion.

Since the image portion of the main subject image is extracted based on the temperature data, the image portion of the main subject image can be more accurately extracted regardless of the background of the main subject.

The block is preferably a minimum unit capable of dividing the subject image into a plurality of parts.

As a result, detailed temperature data can be obtained, so that the image portion of the main subject image can be more accurately extracted.

The image extracting apparatus of the third invention is such that the object image data representing the object image and the reflected sound representing the status of the reflected sound from the object obtained corresponding to the blocks when the object image is divided into a plurality of blocks. Data and the main subject image discriminating means for discriminating the image portion of the main subject image based on the reflected sound data among the subject images represented by the subject image data, and the main subject image discriminating means. It is characterized by comprising extraction means for extracting the subject image data corresponding to the image portion of the main subject image.

The image extracting method of the third invention is based on reflected sound data representing reflected sound from a subject obtained corresponding to each block when the subject image is divided into a plurality of blocks, and is represented by the subject image data. It is characterized in that the image portion of the main subject image in the subject image to be detected is discriminated, and the subject image data corresponding to the discriminated image portion of the main subject image is extracted.

According to the present invention, the image portion of the main subject image is discriminated based on the reflected sound data. Subject image data corresponding to the image portion of the determined main subject image is extracted. For example, a subject image portion in which reflected sound data representing equal reflected sounds are concentrated is determined as a main subject image portion.

Since the image portion of the main subject image is extracted based on the reflected sound data, regardless of the background of the main subject,
The image portion of the main subject image can be more accurately extracted.

The block is preferably a minimum unit capable of dividing the subject image into a plurality of parts.

As a result, detailed reflected sound data can be obtained, so that the image portion of the main subject image can be more accurately extracted.

[0072]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention and is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of a digital electronic still camera.

The overall operation of the digital electronic still camera 20 is controlled by the overall control unit 10. Overall control unit 10
Is for carrying out processing according to the control signal by inputting a control signal generated by pressing down a control switch (not shown).

The digital electronic still camera 20 performs a photographing process of compressing the data representing the photographed image of the subject and recording it in the memory card, and expanding the compressed data recorded in the memory card 30 to the viewfinder 25 or the monitor. It has a function of reproduction processing for displaying on the display device 32.

The digital electronic still camera 20 is
In addition to recording data representing the subject image in the memory card 30, distance data representing the distance to the subject, temperature data representing the temperature of the subject, and reflected sound data representing the sound reflected from the subject when sound is generated. , Can be recorded in the memory card 30 in association with data representing a subject image. Therefore, the digital electronic still camera 20 is provided with a distance sensor 2, a temperature sensor 3, a speaker 4 and a sound collecting microphone 5.

The sound output of the speaker 4 is controlled under the control of the overall control unit 10. When sound is generated from the speaker 4, the sound is reflected by the subject, and the reflected sound from the subject is detected by the sound collecting microphone 5. A reflected sound signal is output from the sound collecting microphone 5 and given to the overall control unit 10.

The distance sensor 2 and the temperature sensor 3 output a distance signal indicating the distance to the subject and a temperature signal indicating the temperature of the subject, which are provided to the overall control unit 10.

By the distance signal from the distance sensor 2, the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 3, and the reflected sound signal from the sound collecting microphone 5 being given to the overall control unit 10, the distance from the overall control unit 10 to the object , Distance data indicating the subject temperature, temperature data indicating the subject temperature, and reflected sound data from the subject are output.
Given to.

The subject image is transferred to the CCD 12 by the imaging lens 11.
Imaged above. An analog video signal representing a subject image is output from the CCD 12 and applied to the preprocessing circuit 13.

The preprocessing circuit 13 is a circuit for performing processing such as amplification of an input analog video signal. The analog video signal output from the preprocessing circuit 13 is given to the A / D conversion circuit 14 and converted into digital image data.

The analog video signal output from the preprocessing circuit 13 is also applied to the viewfinder 25 via the changeover switch 24. At this time, the terminal a of the changeover switch 24 is made conductive, and the analog image signal output from the preprocessing circuit 13 is applied to the viewfinder 25, so that the subject image is displayed on the viewfinder 25.

The digital image data converted by the A / D conversion circuit 14 is temporarily stored in the frame memory 16 under the control of the memory controller 15. flame·
The digital image data stored in the memory 16 is given to the luminance data / color data (Y / C) processing circuit 21 and pixel interpolation is performed. The digital image data subjected to the pixel interpolation is again given to the frame memory 16 and stored therein.

The digital image data stored in the frame memory 16 is read again and given to the compression / expansion circuit 17. The compression / expansion circuit 17 is a circuit for performing data compression processing by Huffman coding and run-length coding and processing for expanding compressed digital image data.
The digital image data compressed by the compression / expansion circuit 17 is applied to the memory card interface 18.

From the memory card interface 18, image data representing a subject image, distance data to the subject, temperature data of the subject, and reflected sound data from the subject are given to the memory card 30 and recorded.

The storage area of the memory card 30 is shown in FIG.

The storage area of the memory card 30 includes a header. The header stores management information indicating which frame of image data is included in which memory area.

The memory card 30 can store data representing images of n frames. Data representing the distance to the subject in each frame, data representing the temperature of the subject, and data representing the reflected sound from the subject are stored in association with the image data of each frame. By using the distance data, the temperature data, and the reflected sound data, it becomes relatively easy to extract an arbitrary image portion from the subject image represented by the image data as described later.

When reproducing the digital image data recorded on the memory card 30, the digital image data is read from the memory card 30 and given to the compression / expansion circuit 17 via the memory card interface 18.
When the data is expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 17, it is temporarily stored in the frame memory 16 under the control of the memory controller 15.

The digital image data once stored in the frame memory 16 is read from the frame memory 16 and Y
It is supplied to the D / A conversion circuit 22 via the / C processing circuit 21.
The D / A conversion circuit 22 performs an analog conversion process to obtain an analog video signal. The analog video signal is given to the post-processing circuit 23.

The post-processing circuit 23 amplifies and outputs the analog video signal. Digital electronic still camera
A monitor display device 32 can be connected to the device 20, and an image can be displayed by the monitor display device 32 in addition to the viewfinder 25. At the time of reproduction, the control switch 24 is turned on at the terminal b side. As a result, the reproduced image is displayed on the viewfinder 25 and the monitor display device 32.

When reproducing digital image data,
The distance data, the temperature data, and the reflected sound data stored in the memory card 30 may be read out and displayed on the monitor display device 32. As a result, not only the subject image but also information about the subject can be visually recognized.

The distance sensor 2, the temperature sensor 3 or the sound collecting microphone 5 extends up to the object corresponding to the block when the object image Su obtained by imaging the object is divided into a plurality of blocks B as shown in FIG. The distance, the temperature of the subject, or the sound reflected from the subject may be measured. In this case, the distance data output from the distance sensor 2, the temperature data output from the temperature sensor 3, or the reflected sound data output from the sound collecting microphone 5 is associated with the image data of the corresponding block and stored in the memory card 30. Will record it.

When the block is made the smallest, it can be divided into blocks Br having a size corresponding to the pixels of the CCD 12 as shown in FIG. When the block Br is divided corresponding to the pixels of the CCD 12, the distance data and the like will be recorded in the memory card 30 in association with the image data of each pixel.

When the distance to the subject, the temperature of the subject, or the reflected sound from the subject is measured in correspondence with the blocks when the subject image is divided into a plurality of blocks, the distance sensor 2, the temperature sensor 3, and the sound collecting microphone 5 are used. Are provided in the digital electronic still camera 20 corresponding to the divided blocks, for example.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of the image synthesizing apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image synthesizing device 50 includes, in addition to image data representing a subject image, distance data representing the distance to the subject, temperature data representing the temperature of the subject, and reflection representing the sound reflected from the subject. A memory card 30 storing sound data is installed.

The image synthesizing device 50 reproduces the image data stored in the memory card 30, and a reproduction button which is pressed by the operator when the subject image represented by the image data is displayed on the monitor display device 32. 41, a main subject selection button 42 that is pressed by the operator when selecting an image that includes an image portion that is a main subject image during image combination, and an operator when selecting a background image in image combination A background selection button 43 to be pressed is included.

In the image synthesizing device 50 shown in FIG. 5, when the images are synthesized, the background image such as the blurring process and the density converting process of the synthetic image and the background adjustment process such as the contrast adjusting process between the main subject image and the background image in the synthetic image Processing can be performed, and a natural-looking synthetic image can be obtained. The image synthesizing device 50 includes a parameter setting button 44 for setting parameters for background processing.

Further, the image synthesizing device 50 includes a synthetic image setting button 45 and a synthetic image recording setting button 46.

A signal indicating the depression of the various buttons 41 to 46 is given to the control device 40.

When the memory card 30 is attached to the image synthesizing device 50 and the play button 41 is pressed, the image data, the distance data, the temperature data and the reflected sound data are read out from the memory card interface. Given to 51. Image data is stored on a memory card
The distance data, the temperature data, and the reflected sound data are given from the interface 51 to the expansion circuit 52, and given to the control device 40.

The image data is decompressed in the decompression circuit 52, supplied to the frame memory 54 via the memory controller 53, and temporarily stored. The image data is read from the frame memory 54, supplied to the digital / analog conversion circuit 61 via the memory controller 53, and converted into an analog video signal. This analog video signal is applied to the reproduction circuit 62, and is subjected to reproduction processing such as NTSC video signal generation processing and output. Regeneration circuit 62
The output video signal from is supplied to the monitor display device 32, and the subject image is displayed.

When the images including the image desired to be the main subject are displayed on the monitor display device 32 after the images are combined,
The operator presses the main subject selection button 42. When a signal indicating that the main subject selection button 42 is pressed is given to the control device 40, the image data of the image displayed on the monitor display device 32 is read out from the frame memory 54 and stored in the memory.
It is given to the image extraction circuit 55 via the controller 53.

The image extraction circuit 55 is supplied from the control device 40, and the distance to the subject of the subject image displayed on the monitor display device 32, the temperature of the subject, the distance data representing the reflected sound from the subject, the temperature data, and This is a circuit for extracting the main subject image portion of the subject image displayed on the monitor display device 32 based on the reflected sound data.

Here, the image of FIG. 6 (A) is displayed on the monitor display device 32, and the person OB can be seen from the image shown in FIG. 6 (A).
Think about when to extract. The person OB is present at a relatively short distance from the background. The temperature of the person OB is higher than the temperature of the background, and the reflected sound from the person OB is louder than the reflected sound from the background. Therefore, in the image extraction circuit 55, when the screen is divided into a plurality of blocks, it is a block that represents a subject that is relatively close to other blocks and that represents a subject that has a relatively high temperature. By extracting the image data of the block having a relatively large reflected sound, only the image portion of the person OB can be extracted from the image shown in FIG. 6 (A), as shown in FIG. 6 (B).

The image data extracted by the image extraction circuit 55 is given to the main subject memory 56 via the memory controller 53 and temporarily stored therein.

Image data is again read from the memory card 30, temporarily stored in the frame memory 54, converted into an analog video signal and given to the monitor display device 30 to display an image. When the desired image used as the background image is displayed on the monitor display device 32, the operator presses the background image selection button 43. Background image selection button
A signal indicating the depression of 43 is given to the control device 40. As a result, the data representing the image once stored in the frame memory 54 and selected as the background image is stored in the frame memory 54.
It is read from 54, given to the background memory 57 via the memory controller 53, and temporarily stored. Distance data, temperature data, and reflected sound data for the image selected as the background image are also provided to the control device 40.

When images are combined, the background image is often in focus. In this case, it is apparent that the image is unnatural and is a synthetic image at first glance. In the image synthesizing apparatus shown in FIG. 5, background processing such as blurring processing of the background image, density conversion processing, or contrast adjustment processing of the background and the main subject can be performed to obtain a natural-looking synthetic image. Selection of these background processes or setting of the degree of processing is performed by the parameter setting button 44.

The parameter setting button 44 can also be used to set automatic background processing. Parameter setting button 44
When automatic background processing is set in, the distance difference between the distance from the image to be the main subject to the main subject and the distance from the image to be the background image to the background in the composite image is large. The background image is blurred. In general, if the distance difference between the distance to the main subject and the distance to the background is large, the background is greatly blurred. The larger this distance is, the more blurred the background image is, so that a synthetic image close to nature can be obtained. Similarly, if the distance difference is large, the temperature difference and the contrast difference between the main subject and the background are also increased. Therefore, a synthetic image close to a natural image can be obtained.

The signal indicating the selection of the background processing and the setting of the processing degree on the parameter setting button 44 is sent to the control device 40.
Given to. The control device 40 supplies the background processing circuit 54 with a control signal according to the selection of the background processing and the setting of the processing degree.

When the composite button 45 is pressed by the operator, a signal indicating that the composite button 45 is pressed is given to the control device 40. As a result, the image data representing the main subject image stored in the main subject memory 56 is read out and stored in the memory.
It is given to the synthesis circuit 60 via the controller 53. Further, the image data stored in the background memory 57 is read out and given to the background processing circuit 59 via the memory controller 53.

The image data representing the background image is subjected to background processing such as blurring processing, density conversion processing or contrast adjustment processing in the background processing circuit 59 based on the control signal from the control device 40. The image data output from the background processing circuit 59 is given to the synthesizing circuit 60, and the image synthesizing process is performed so as to form one screen. The composite image data output from the composition circuit 60 is given to the composition memory 58 via the memory controller 53 and temporarily stored therein.

The image data stored in the composition memory 58 is read out and digital / digital data is transferred via the memory controller 53.
It is given to the analog conversion circuit 61 and converted into an analog video signal. This analog video signal is given to the monitor display device 32 via the reproduction circuit 62 to display a composite image.

FIG. 7 shows an example of this composite image. The composite image shown in FIG. 7 is a composite image of the extracted main subject image shown in FIG. 6 (B) and the background image shown in FIG. 6 (C).

Image data representing a composite image can be recorded in the memory card 30A. When recording image data representing a composite image on the memory card 30A, the operator presses the composite recording button 46. Composite record button
When a signal indicating the pressing down of 46 is given to the control device 40, the composite image data temporarily stored in the composite memory 58 is read out and the memory card 53 is read via the memory controller 53.
Given to interface 63. Composite image data from memory card interface 63 to memory card
It is given to 30A and recorded.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a digital electronic still camera.

FIG. 2 shows an example of stored contents of a memory card.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a subject image.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a subject image.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image synthesizing apparatus.

6A shows an example of an image containing a main subject image, FIG. 6B shows an example of an extracted main subject image, and FIG. 6C shows an example of an image used as a background image.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a composite image.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Distance sensor 3 Temperature sensor 4 Speaker 5 Sound collecting microphone 10 Overall control unit 20 Digital electronic still camera 30 Memory card

Claims (32)

[Claims] 1. A photographing device for photographing a subject and outputting subject image data representing a subject image, a distance measuring device for measuring a distance to the subject and outputting distance data indicating a distance to the subject, the photographing Image data recording means for recording subject image data output from the device on a recording medium, and distance data output from the distance measuring device,
An electronic still camera comprising distance data recording means for recording on the recording medium in association with subject image data recorded by the image data recording means. 2. The distance measuring device measures a distance to the object corresponding to a block when the object image represented by the object image data is divided into a plurality of blocks. The electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein the recording means records the distance data output from the distance measuring device in the recording medium in association with the subject image data of the block. 3. A photographing device for photographing a subject and outputting subject image data representing the subject image, a temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of the subject and outputting temperature data representing the temperature of the subject, and the photographing device. Image data recording means for recording the outputted subject image data on a recording medium, and temperature data outputted from the temperature measuring device are recorded on the recording medium in association with the subject image data recorded by the image data recording means. An electronic still camera equipped with a temperature data recording means for controlling. 4. The temperature measuring device measures the temperature of the object corresponding to a block when the object image represented by the object image data is divided into a plurality of blocks. 4. The electronic still camera according to claim 3, wherein the means records the temperature data output from the temperature measuring device in the recording medium in association with the subject image data of the block. 5. A photographing device for photographing a subject and outputting subject image data representing the subject image, a sound source for producing sound,
Reflected sound measuring device for measuring reflected sound from a subject based on sound generated from the sound source and outputting reflected sound data representing reflected sound from the subject, object image data output from the photographing device is a recording medium. Image data recording means for recording in the recording medium, and reflected sound data recording means for recording in the recording medium the reflected sound data output from the reflected sound measuring device in association with the subject image data recorded by the image data recording means, Electronic still camera with. 6. The reflected sound measuring device measures a reflected sound from the object corresponding to a block when the object image represented by the object image data is divided into a plurality of blocks. The electronic still image recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the reflected sound data recording means records the reflected sound data output from the reflected sound measuring device in the recording medium in association with the subject image data of the block. camera. 7. The electronic still camera according to claim 2, wherein the block is a minimum unit capable of dividing the subject image into a plurality. 8. A background image data representing a background image is provided, a blurring processing means for performing a blurring process of the background image data so that the background image represented by the given background image data is blurred, and a main object representing a main subject image. Image synthesizing means for synthesizing the subject image data and the background image data representing the background image blurred by the blurring processing means, and outputting composite image data representing the composite image,
Image synthesizer equipped with. 9. A blurring amount setting device for setting the degree of blurring in the blurring processing means, wherein the blurring processing means blurs the background image data in accordance with the setting by the blurring amount setting device. The image synthesizing apparatus according to claim 8. 10. The blurring processing means is provided with distance data representing a distance to a main subject represented by the main subject image and distance data representing a distance to a background represented by the background image. From these distance data, The image synthesizing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the blurring amount increases as the distance difference between the distance to the main subject and the distance to the background obtained increases. 11. Density conversion processing means for supplying background image data representing a background image, and performing density conversion processing of the background image data so as to change the density of the background image represented by the supplied background image data, and An image synthesizing means for synthesizing main subject image data representing a subject image and background image data representing a background image density-converted by the density conversion processing means, and outputting composite image data representing a composite image. apparatus. 12. A density conversion amount setting device for setting a degree of density conversion in the density conversion processing device, wherein the density conversion processing device sets the background image data in accordance with the setting by the density conversion amount setting device. The image synthesizing apparatus according to claim 11, which is for performing density conversion. 13. The density conversion processing means is provided with distance data representing a distance to a main subject represented by the main subject image and distance data representing a distance to a background represented by the background image. 12. The image synthesizing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the larger the distance difference between the distance to the main subject and the distance to the background obtained from, the greater the density conversion amount. 14. Main subject image data representing a main subject image and background image data representing a background image are given, and a main subject image represented by the given main subject image data and a background image represented by the given background image data. Contrast adjustment processing means for performing a contrast adjustment processing between the main subject image data and the background image data so that the contrast between the main subject image data and the background image data, and the main subject image data and the background image subjected to the contrast adjustment processing by the contrast adjustment processing means An image synthesizing device comprising image synthesizing means for synthesizing data and outputting synthetic image data representing a synthetic image. 15. A contrast adjustment amount setting device for setting the degree of contrast adjustment in said contrast adjustment processing means, said contrast adjustment processing means comprising:
Depending on the setting by the contrast adjustment amount setting device,
15. The image synthesizing apparatus according to claim 14, which performs a contrast adjustment process between the main subject image data and the background image data. 16. The contrast adjustment processing means is provided with distance data representing a distance to a main subject represented by the main subject image and distance data representing a distance to a background represented by the background image. 15. The image synthesizing device according to claim 14, wherein the contrast adjustment is performed such that the greater the difference in distance between the main subject and the background obtained from the above, the greater the contrast difference. 17. Subject image data representing a subject image and distance data representing a distance to a subject obtained corresponding to a block when the subject image is divided into a plurality of blocks are given, and the subject image data is used. Of the represented subject images, a main subject image discriminating means for discriminating an image portion of the main subject image based on the distance data, and the subject corresponding to the image portion of the main subject image discriminated by the main subject image discriminating means. An image extraction device comprising an extraction means for extracting image data. 18. Subject image data representing a subject image and temperature data representing a temperature of a subject obtained corresponding to a block obtained by dividing the subject image into a plurality of blocks are given, and are represented by the subject image data. Main subject image discriminating means for discriminating the image portion of the main subject image based on the temperature data among the subject images to be captured, and the subject image corresponding to the image portion of the main subject image discriminated by the main subject image discriminating means. An image extraction device comprising an extraction means for extracting data. 19. Subject image data representing a subject image and reflected sound data representing a reflected sound situation from a subject obtained corresponding to a block when the subject image is divided into a plurality of blocks are given, Among the subject images represented by the image data, a main subject image discriminating means for discriminating the image portion of the main subject image based on the reflected sound data, and an image portion of the main subject image discriminated by the main subject image discriminating means. An image extraction apparatus comprising: an extraction unit that extracts the corresponding subject image data. 20. The image extraction device according to claim 17, wherein the block is a minimum unit capable of dividing the subject image into a plurality of parts. 21. A subject is photographed, subject image data representing the subject image is obtained, the obtained subject image data is recorded in a recording medium, the distance to the subject is measured, and the distance representing the distance to the subject is measured. A recording control method for an electronic still camera, wherein data is obtained, and the obtained distance data is recorded in the recording medium in association with subject image data recorded in the recording medium. 22. The distance data is data obtained by measuring a distance to the subject corresponding to a block when the subject image represented by the subject image data is divided into a plurality of blocks, 22. The recording control method for an electronic still camera according to claim 21, wherein the distance data recording processing records the distance data in the recording medium in association with the subject image data of the block. 23. A subject is photographed, subject image data representing the subject image is obtained, the obtained subject image data is recorded on a recording medium, the temperature of the subject is measured, and temperature data representing the temperature of the subject is obtained. A recording control method for an electronic still camera, which records the obtained temperature data in the recording medium in association with the subject image data recorded in the recording medium. 24. The temperature data is data obtained by measuring the temperature of the subject corresponding to a block when the subject image represented by the subject image data is divided into a plurality of blocks. 24. The recording control method for an electronic still camera according to claim 23, wherein the temperature data recording process records the temperature data on the recording medium in association with the subject image data of the block. 25. A subject is photographed, subject image data representing the subject image is obtained, the obtained subject image data is recorded on a recording medium, a sound is generated, a reflected sound from the subject is measured, and the subject is measured. A recording control method for an electronic still camera, wherein reflected sound data representing reflected sound from a recording medium is obtained, and the obtained reflected sound data is recorded on the recording medium in association with subject image data recorded on the recording medium. 26. The reflected sound data is data obtained by measuring reflected sound from the subject corresponding to a block when the subject image represented by the subject image data is divided into a plurality of blocks. 26. The recording control method for an electronic still camera according to claim 25, wherein the reflected sound data recording process is to record the reflected sound data in the recording medium in association with the subject image data of the block. . 27. Main object image data representing a main object image and background image representing a blurred background image are subjected to blurring processing of the background image data so that a background image represented by given background image data is blurred. Synthesizes data and obtains synthetic image data representing a synthetic image,
Image composition method. 28. Main object image data representing a main object image and density conversion processing of the background image data are performed by performing density conversion processing of the background image data so that density of the background image represented by given background image data changes. An image synthesizing method of synthesizing with a background image data representing a to obtain synthetic image data representing a synthetic image. 29. A contrast adjustment process is performed between the main subject image data and the background image data so that the contrast between the main subject image represented by the main subject image data and the background image represented by the background image data changes. An image synthesizing method for synthesizing main subject image data subjected to contrast adjustment processing and background image data to obtain synthetic image data representing a synthetic image. 30. An image of a main subject image among the subject images represented by the subject image data based on distance data representing a distance to the subject obtained corresponding to each block when the subject image is divided into a plurality of blocks. An image extracting method for determining a portion and extracting the subject image data corresponding to the determined image portion of the main subject image. 31. An image portion of a main subject image in the subject image represented by the subject image data, based on temperature data representing the temperature of the subject obtained corresponding to each block when the subject image is divided into a plurality of blocks. And an image extracting method for extracting the subject image data corresponding to the determined image portion of the main subject image. 32. The main subject image among the subject images represented by the subject image data is based on reflected sound data representing the reflected sound from the subject obtained corresponding to each block when the subject image is divided into a plurality of blocks. The image extracting method for determining the image portion of the subject image data, and extracting the subject image data corresponding to the image portion of the determined main subject image.