KR20060003937A - Apparatus for reproducing and recording image - Google Patents

Abstract

An imaging device is disclosed. The image photographing apparatus relates to an image photographing apparatus having a viewfinder. The image photographing apparatus includes a reference pattern storage unit built in a main body of the image photographing apparatus and having a reference pattern for correcting a color of the viewfinder. And a panel control unit provided on one side of the main body, and a control unit for performing color correction on the image reproduced in the viewfinder in response to the input of the panel control unit. According to the image capturing apparatus, the image capturing apparatus including the viewfinder can correct the color reproduced in the viewfinder without the help of a separate pattern generator. Accordingly, when correcting the color reproduced in the viewfinder, a general person without a pattern generator may easily perform color correction of the viewfinder.

Viewfinder, LCD, Pattern Generator, Image Imaging Device

Description

Apparatus for reproducing and recording image}

1 is a view for conceptually explaining a conventional color correction method,

2 is a view conceptually illustrating a method of color correction in an image photographing apparatus according to the present invention;

3 is a diagram illustrating a reference pattern displayed on the LCD when the color adjustment function is selected among the sub-menus shown in FIG. 2;

4 is a perspective view of the rear and left sides of the portable camcorder of the image photographing apparatus according to the present invention;

5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal block of the portable camcorder shown in FIG. 4;

6 shows an example of a reference pattern according to the present invention.

The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus, and more particularly, to an image pickup apparatus capable of correcting color of a display apparatus using a built-in test pattern.

In general, a camcorder, a digital camera, and a combination imaging apparatus combining the same include a view finder for the convenience of a user when capturing a still image or a moving image of a subject. The viewfinder allows a user to easily capture an image in a small portable image capturing apparatus. The viewfinder may be fixed to the main body of the image capturing apparatus, but may be rotatably installed in the main body for the user's convenience. . In general, such a viewfinder enables a user to photograph a subject through the viewfinder without directly observing the subject through a lens, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) type is most commonly used for carrying. On the other hand, the color reproducibility of the viewfinder provided in the image capturing apparatus is slightly different according to each image capturing apparatus. Such a deviation may be a deviation of the LCD itself, or may occur due to a deviation between components constituting the image pickup device when the LCD is mounted on the image pickup device. Accordingly, conventionally, a separate external device is required for color correction of the viewfinder provided in the image photographing apparatus.

1 is a view for conceptually explaining a conventional color correction method.

As shown, the conventional color correction method requires a separate pattern generator 10 to test the viewfinder of the portable image capturing apparatus 20 such as a camcorder. The pattern generator 10 generates a pattern including three colors of R, G, and B, and applies the pattern to the portable image photographing apparatus. In this case, the portable image capturing apparatus must include an image input terminal for receiving a test pattern, and the input test pattern is applied to the signal processor 21 and processed, and then is applied to the viewfinder 22 and reproduced. In this case, a test of the portable image capturing apparatus is performed by correcting each of the colors R, G, and B of the test pattern through the keypad 23. On the other hand, such a correction method, in the side of producing a portable image pickup device, a test pattern is applied to each of the portable image pickup devices to be produced, the processed test pattern must be reproduced in the viewfinder after processing the applied test pattern and then corrected for this. It requires a lot of manual work to correct the color represented by (22), there is a problem that color correction is difficult for a general user who does not have a separate pattern generator.

Therefore, an object of the present invention does not require a separate pattern generator, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image pickup device that is easy to color correct the viewfinder.

According to the present invention, in the image photographing apparatus having a viewfinder, the reference pattern storage unit is built in the main body of the image photographing apparatus and includes a reference pattern for correcting the color of the viewfinder. A panel control unit provided on one side of the main body to select a reference pattern, and a control unit for performing a color correction for the image reproduced in the viewfinder in response to the input of the panel control unit.

The panel manipulation unit is preferably any one of a keypad provided in the main body and a key provided in the viewfinder.

The viewfinder includes a display device for selecting and displaying the reference pattern, and a menu for correcting color values of the reference pattern is implemented and displayed on the display device.

Preferably, the menu displays a function of a key installed in the viewfinder in a GUI form.

The controller may record the deviation value between the color corrected by the reference pattern and the color reproduced in the viewfinder, in the reference pattern storage unit.

The controller may record a deviation value between a result of color correction through the reference pattern and a color reproduced in the viewfinder, in a predetermined storage medium.

Preferably, the controller corrects a color reproduced in the viewfinder based on the deviation value.

The test pattern preferably includes at least one of R, G, and B colors.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

2 conceptually illustrates a method of color correction in an image photographing apparatus according to the present invention.

As shown, the image capturing apparatus according to the present invention is configured to reproduce a reference pattern pre-stored in the image capturing apparatus, display it in a viewfinder, and allow the user to view the displayed reference pattern and adjust the color. The deviation value between the color adjusted by the user and the reference pattern is recorded in a storage medium provided in the image capturing apparatus so that the image capturing apparatus can reflect the image and display it in the viewfinder when the user uses the image capturing apparatus. do. In the drawing, an image photographing apparatus indicated by an arc is a camcorder capable of capturing, reproducing and recording a moving image, and having a viewfinder rotatably installed in the main body. The LCD 243 provided in the viewfinder 150 displays a menu for color adjustment on the LCD 243 by a menu button 231e provided in the main body of the image photographing apparatus. The menu displayed on the LCD 243 may display a menu for adjusting color, brightness, and contrast, and the user may select one of the displayed menus by using keys 231i to 231g provided in the viewfinder 150. You can choose. On the other hand, when the keys 231i to 231g provided in the viewfinder 150 are used for color correction for the reference pattern, the LCD 243 displays the functions for the keys 231i to 231g in GUI form. . For example, the keys 231i and 231j are displayed as "UP, D" corresponding to the function of up-down between menus, and the keys 231k are sub-menus (for example, provided in the color adjustment menu displayed on the LCD 243). , A menu for adjusting color, brightness, and contrast), and is displayed as "S", and the key 231g returns to the upper menu for the GUI type menu displayed on the LCD 243. Indicated by "R".

3 illustrates a reference pattern displayed on the LCD 243 when the color adjustment function is selected among the sub-menus shown in FIG.

As illustrated, the color bars R, G, and B corresponding to each of the colors R, G, and B are displayed on the LCD 243 in the horizontal direction. In addition, the LCD 243 displays menus (moving, selecting, +, and-) defining keys for adjusting color values for R, G, and B colors. The user can adjust the color for the reference pattern by manipulating the keys 231i to 231g provided in the viewfinder 150 by viewing these menus (move, select, +, and-) displayed on the LCD 243. The reference pattern may further display a pattern for adjusting the brightness, and the pattern for adjusting the brightness may be further displayed on the top of the reference pattern for color adjustment. If the user wants to increase the brightness of the image displayed on the LCD 243, the user may press the key 231i to highlight the pattern for brightness adjustment and press the keys 231j and 231k to increase or decrease the brightness.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the rear and left side of the portable camcorder of the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention.

As shown, the rear of the camcorder, a zoom switch 231b for zooming in / zoom-out of the lens unit 211, a shooting button 231c for shooting a video, and a portable composite device. Operation mode selection switch 231d for selecting an operation mode (storage / playback / power off mode) of a menu, menu button 231e for displaying a menu screen on the LCD 243, and a menu screen displayed on the LCD 243 A menu dial 231f is provided for moving the cursor to a specific menu on the screen and for selecting a menu in which the cursor is located. In addition, the camcorder is provided with a viewfinder 150 in place of the lens unit 211 so that a user can photograph the subject. The viewfinder 150 displays an image of a subject focused by the lens unit 211. In addition, the viewfinder 150 is provided with keys 231i to 231g for selecting a menu displayed on the LCD 243 in place of the menu dial 231f provided on the main body, and the user has these keys 231i to 231g. You can perform menu setting through.

5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal block of the portable camcorder shown in FIG. 4. The illustrated portable camcorder includes a photographing unit 210, a National Television System Committee / Phase Alternation Line (NTSC / PAL) decoder 220, an operation unit 231, a flash memory 235, a display unit 240, The storage unit 250 includes a storage unit 250, a universal serial bus (USB) interface unit 261, a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) 263, an audio signal processor 270, and a main control block 300.                     

The photographing unit 210 photoelectrically converts an optical signal incident through the lens and performs a predetermined signal processing process on the converted signal. The photographing unit 210 performing such a function includes a lens unit 211, a lens driving unit 213, a charge coupled device (CCD) 215, and a correlated double sampler / auto gain controller / analaog- CDS / AGC / ADC. to-digital converter) 217.

The lens driver 213 zooms in and out the lens unit 211 under the control of the controller 360, automatically adjusts the focus, and provides an aperture provided in the lens unit 211. Adjust the opening and closing amount (not shown).

The CCD 215 converts the optical image incident through the lens unit 211 into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal. That is, the optical image of the subject is formed on the optical surface of the CCD 215 by the lens unit 211, and the CCD 215 converts the optical image formed on the photosensitive surface into an electrical signal and scans horizontally and vertically. Output in the form of electrical signals in dimensions.

The CDS / AGC / ADC 217 removes noise from a signal output from the CCD 215 using a correlated double sampling circuit, and uses an auto gain control circuit. Adjust the gain so that the level of the signal remains constant and convert it to a digital signal using an A / D converter.

The NTSC / PAL decoder 220 converts an NTSC or PAL signal input through a video line input terminal (not shown) into a digital signal and delivers the digital signal to the main control block 300. NTSC or PAL is one of the standardized television outputs. NTSC is used in Korea and PAL is used in Europe.                     

The main control block 300 compresses a digital signal applied from the photographing unit 210, the NTSC / PAL decoder 220, and the USB interface unit 261 into data of a predetermined format and stores the data in the storage unit 250. In addition, the main control block 300 may extend the data stored in the storage unit 250 and apply it to the display unit 240. The data received from the audio signal processor 270 may be stored in the storage 250, and the stored data may be applied to the audio signal processor 270. In addition to the main control block 300 controls the overall operation in the device, it is made of a single chip for the miniaturization of the Z-Form.

The main control block 300 performing such a function includes a digital signal processor (DSP) 310, an optical detection module (ODM) 320, a multiplexer (330), a codec (340), and a graphical user (GUI). Interface (350), the control unit 360, the reference pattern storage unit 370, DMA (Direct Memory Access) 375 and the system bus (380).

The DSP 310 performs predetermined signal processing on the digital signal applied from the photographing unit 210, and then applies the DSP 310 to the MUX 330 or the system bus 380. In addition, the DSP 310 separates the digital signal applied from the photographing unit 210 into a luminance (Y) signal and a chrominance (Crominance: C) signal and applies the ODM signal to the ODM 320.

The ODM 320 generates ODM data, which is control information, based on the Y signal and the C signal received from the DSP 310, and outputs the ODM data to the control unit 360. Specifically, the ODM data includes AE (Auto Exposure) data for optimizing the amount of light incident on the CCD 215, AF (Auto Focus) data for automatically focusing the focus lens, and color shift due to the color temperature of the light source. Includes AWB (Auto White Balance) data for automatic calibration.

The MUX 330 applies either the output signal of the DSP 310 or the output signal of the NTSC / PAL decoder 220 to any one of the CODEC 340 and the GUI generator 350.

The CODEC 340 compresses the input data into a predetermined format and expands the compressed data again if necessary. Specifically, the CODEC 340 compresses the MPEG data when the input data is moving picture data, and compresses the JPEG data when the input data is still picture data.

The GUI generating unit 350 stores graphic data such as a menu screen necessary for building a GUI environment, and the GUI generating unit 350 displays the menu screen on the image output from the MUX 330 by the control unit 360. Can be combined. The menu screen is a graphic screen provided for the user's convenience when selecting a function of the portable multi-function device.

The controller 360 is a 32-bit Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processor that controls the overall operation of the main control block 300. In detail, the controller 360 controls the operations of the CODEC 340 and the GUI generator 350, and provides the lens driver 213 with AE data and AF data among ODM data received from the ODM 320. In addition, the control unit 360 calls the reference pattern stored in the reference pattern storage unit 370 by the menu button 231e and the menu dial 231f provided on the operation unit 231, and the NTSC / PAL encoder 241 calls the reference pattern. To be reproduced by the LCD 243.

The reference pattern storage unit 370 has a reference pattern as shown in FIG. 6 and is selected by the menu buttons 231e and the menu dials 231f or the keys 231i to 231g provided in the viewfinder 150. And displayed on the LCD 243. In addition to the example illustrated in FIG. 6, any reference pattern may be used as long as it includes R, G, and B colors. Preferably, the reference pattern is R, G, B three colors are displayed, it is formed in the form of a horizontal or vertical line to facilitate the separation of the displayed R, G, B three colors. Here, the reference pattern provided in the reference pattern storage unit 370 should be provided in advance at the side of producing a portable camcorder.

The operation unit 231 is a user interface device for receiving operation commands related to function selection and operation control of the portable multi-device. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the operation unit 231 is provided with a zoom switch 231b, a shooting button 231c, a menu button 231e, a menu dial 231f, and the like. On the other hand, when the user reproduces the reference pattern stored in the reference pattern storage unit 370 on the LCD 243 through the menu button 231e and the menu dial 231f provided on the operation unit 231, the operation unit 231 is provided. The keys 231i and 231j may be used to adjust the color of the reference pattern as shown in FIG. 6. For example, when the LCD 243 displays the reference pattern as shown in FIG. 6, the keys 231k and 231g may be pressed to increase or decrease the brightness, saturation, and color value of each color (R, G, B). The selection of brightness, saturation, and color can be performed via the menu dial 231f, and the key 231k is incremented, key for the color (any one of R, G, B) selected by the menu dial 231f. 231g may correspond to the function of the reduction.

The flash memory 235 stores a system program necessary for the operation of the device such as a booting program required by the controller 360 and important data and application programs to be stored even when the power is turned off.

The display unit 240 displays an image output from the main control block 300. The display unit 240 performing such a function includes an NTSC / PAL encoder 241 and a liquid crystal display (LCD) 243.

The NTSC / PAL encoder 241 encodes a video signal output from the main control block 300 into an NTSC or PAL video signal and applies the video signal to the LCD 243 and an external device TV.

The LCD 243 is a display device that displays an image received from the NTSC / PAL encoder 241.

The storage unit 250 stores image data received from the main control block 300. The storage unit 250 performing such a function may be configured as one of a memory card, a TIC, and an HDD. The USB interface unit 261 performs an interface with a PC or a printer, which is an external device. The SDRAM 263 functions as a buffer that stores data and the like necessary for the operation of the portable multi-device. The audio signal processor 270 performs a predetermined signal processing process on the audio signal input from the outside and applies the signal to the main control block 300 and the predetermined signal processing on the audio signal received from the main control block 300. Perform the process and output to the external audio device. The audio signal processor 270 performing such a function includes a microphone 271 and an audio CODEC 273. The microphone 271 converts an acoustic signal input from the outside into an electrical signal. The audio CODEC 273 converts an analog signal input from the microphone 271 or an external audio device into a digital signal, compresses it into data of a predetermined format, and applies it to the main control block 300. In addition, the audio CODEC 273 expands the compressed data received from the main control block 300, converts the compressed data into an analog signal, and transmits the converted analog signal to an external audio device. As such, by storing the reference pattern in the portable image photographing apparatus having the viewfinder 150 and calling it and playing it on the LCD 243, the user can directly adjust the color by looking at the color displayed on his viewfinder 150. have.

As described above, the present invention allows to correct the color reproduced in the viewfinder without the help of a separate pattern generator in the image pickup device having a viewfinder. Accordingly, when correcting the color reproduced in the viewfinder, a general person without a pattern generator may easily perform color correction of the viewfinder.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described specific embodiments, and the present invention is not usually limited to the scope of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Anyone of ordinary skill in the art can make various modifications, as well as such changes are within the scope of the claims.

Claims (8)

In a video photographing apparatus having a viewfinder, A reference pattern storage unit built in a main body of the image photographing apparatus and having a reference pattern for correcting a color of the viewfinder; A panel manipulation unit provided on one side of the main body to select the reference pattern; And And a controller configured to perform color correction on an image reproduced in the viewfinder in response to an input of the panel manipulation unit. The method of claim 1, The panel operation unit, And a key provided in the main body and a key provided in the viewfinder. The method of claim 1, The viewfinder, And a display device for selecting and displaying the reference pattern, wherein the menu for correcting color values of the reference pattern is implemented and displayed in a GUI form. The method of claim 3, The menu is, And a function of a key installed in the viewfinder in a GUI form. The method of claim 1, The control unit, And a deviation value between a color corrected by the reference pattern and a color reproduced in the viewfinder is recorded in the reference pattern storage unit. The method of claim 1, The control unit, And a deviation value between the result of color correction through the reference pattern and the color reproduced in the viewfinder on a predetermined storage medium. The method according to claim 5 or 6, The control unit, And correcting a color reproduced in the viewfinder based on the deviation value. The method of claim 1, The test pattern, An imaging device comprising at least one of R, G, and B colors.

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