KR20090112397A - Apparatus and method for digital picturing image - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A digital image processing apparatus and a control method thereof are provided to enable a user to conveniently set up an AE photometry area in a desired region on a preview screen. CONSTITUTION: A digital image processing apparatus comprises a plurality of buttons which are arranged in the first direction and the second direction around a display unit. A touch sensor and a contact type switch are integrated in a button. A digital signal processor(129) sets up an AE photometry area after receiving an input signal of the button, and controls so that the AE adjustment can be performed within the set AE photometry area. The AE photometry area is set up in an area where the second direction extended line of the first direction button crosses the first direction extended line of the second direction button.

Description

Digital image processing apparatus and control method thereof {Apparatus and method for digital picturing image}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital image processing apparatus and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a digital image processing apparatus and a control method thereof capable of easily setting an AE (auto exposure) metering area on a desired area on a preview screen.

In general, a digital image processing apparatus includes any apparatus that processes an image such as a digital camera, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a phone camera, a PC camera, or uses a motion recognition sensor. The digital image processing apparatus receives a desired image through the image pickup device, displays the input image on the image display device, displays the image, saves the image as an image file according to the user's shooting selection, and prints the stored image file.

In order to perform auto exposure (AE) in such a digital image processing apparatus, data necessary for AE is extracted from a predetermined region. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a region that can be selected is limited, such as a predetermined region or a spot / multi selection, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and a complex process such as a menu → region selection menu → region selection is performed before shooting.

Fig. 1A divides a screen into a plurality of predetermined areas in selecting an AE metering area, selects a predetermined area, performs AE processing, and then photographs.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1B, the screen is divided into several parts, and then a multi-method for calculating the center part based on the information of each part, and a spot for calculating only the area shown in the rectangle of the center part of the screen. There is a way.

In such a case, as the above-described process proceeds to a complicated process, if the exposure is desired by focusing only on the selection of the area, the user may input the AE lock button to adjust the exposure, and then move the camera to the focusing area. And then move the camera to the desired composition to begin shooting.

In addition, when AE is performed using the touch pad as shown in FIG. 1C, although it is simple, there is a problem that a touch pad LCD must be used.

As described above, in the conventional digital image processing apparatus, there is a limitation in selecting the AE metering area, and there is a difficulty in setting the area by performing a complicated process by operating different buttons in moving from the set area to another area.

An object of the present invention is to provide a digital image processing apparatus and a method of controlling the same, which can easily set an AE metering area in a desired area on a preview screen.

The present invention provides a display device comprising: a plurality of buttons arranged in a first direction and a second direction around a display unit and in which a touch sensor and a contact switch are integrated; And a digital signal processor configured to receive an input signal of the plurality of buttons to set an auto exposure (AE) metering area, and to control AE adjustment within the set AE metering area.

In the present invention, the AE metering area may be set in an area where the second direction extension line of the input button in the first direction and the first direction extension line of the input button in the second direction cross each other.

In the present invention, the first direction and the second direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

In the present invention, the digital signal processor may control the at least one AE metering area to be settable.

In the present invention, when a shutter-release signal is input, an image file in which AE adjustment is performed may be generated for each of the set AE metering areas.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of a digital image processing apparatus including a plurality of buttons arranged in a first direction and a second direction around a display unit, and having a touch sensor and a contact switch integrated therein. Receiving an input signal of buttons to set an auto exposure metering area; Performing AE adjustment within the set AE metering area; And generating and storing an image file on which the AE adjustment has been performed.

In the present invention, the setting of the AE (auto exposure) metering area may include: crossing the second direction extension line of the input button in the first direction and the first direction extension line of the input button in the second direction; It may include a step set in the area.

In the present invention, the setting of the AE (auto exposure) light metering area may include setting a plurality of AE light metering areas in sequence.

In the present invention, the step of performing AE adjustment in the set AE metering area may include generating a RAW data image in which AE is adjusted to the plurality of set AE metering areas.

In the present invention, the generating and storing the image file on which the AE adjustment is performed may include generating and storing the image file on which the AE adjustment has been performed in the plurality of AE metering areas.

According to the present invention as described above, it is possible to obtain an effect of easily setting the AE metering area in a desired area on the preview screen.

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

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the front and the top appearance of the digital image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

The shutter-release button 101 opens and closes to expose the CCD or film to light for a predetermined time, and records the image on the CCD by properly exposing the subject in conjunction with an aperture (not shown).

The shutter release button 101 generates the first and second image capturing signals by a photographer input. When the first shutter-release signal as the half-shutter signal is input, the digital image processing apparatus focuses and adjusts the amount of light, and when the focus is achieved, the green light is turned on in the display 113. When the focus is achieved by the input of the first shutter release signal and the amount of light is adjusted, the second shutter release signal as a full shutter signal is input to capture an image.

The power button 103 is input to supply power to and operate the digital image processing apparatus.

The flash 105 brightens the bright light instantly when shooting in a dark place. The flash mode includes auto flash, forced flash, flash off, red-eye reduction, and slow synchro.

The auxiliary light 107 supplies light to the subject so that the digital image processing apparatus automatically focuses quickly and accurately when the amount of light is insufficient or at night.

The lens unit 109 receives light from an external light source and processes an image.

FIG. 3 is a rear view illustrating a rear shape of the digital image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein the wide-angle zoom button 111w, the telephoto-zoom button 111t, the display unit 113, and a touch sensor or a contact switch are installed. The provided input buttons B1 to B14 (hereinafter referred to as buttons B1 to B14) are provided.

The wide-angle zoom button 111w or the tele-zoom button 111t increases the angle of view or narrows the angle of view according to an input, particularly when the size of the selected exposure area is to be changed. When the wide-zoom button 111w is input, the size of the selected exposure area is reduced, and when the tele-zoom button 111t is input, the size of the selected exposure area is increased.

The buttons B1 to B14 are provided in the horizontal column and the vertical column of the display unit 113. The buttons B1 to B14 provided in the horizontal and vertical columns of the display 113 are provided with a touch sensor (not shown) or a contact switch (not shown).

That is, the buttons B1 to B14 are provided with a touch sensor and move up / down / left / right in a state where the buttons B1 to B7 in the horizontal row or the buttons B8 to B14 in the vertical row are touched. Any value of the item (eg, color or brightness) may be selected or a submenu icon included in the main menu icon may be activated.

In addition, the buttons B1 to B14 are provided with contact switches so that the corresponding function can be executed by directly selecting the main menu icon and the submenu icon. The touch sensor requires only a weak touch relative to the contact switch input, but the contact switch input requires a relatively strong touch compared to the touch sensor input.

4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the digital image processing apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, wherein the display unit 113, the user input unit 121, the imaging unit 123, the image processing unit 125, and the storage unit ( 127 and a digital signal processor 129.

The user input unit 121 may open and close the shutter-release button 101 to expose the CCD or film to light for a predetermined time, the power button 103 to input power, and widen the angle of view according to the input, Wide-Zoom button (111w) and Tele-Zoom button (111t) for narrowing the angle of view, and a touch sensor or contact switch provided in the horizontal and vertical columns around the display unit 113 for text or menu settings There are buttons B1 to B14.

The imaging unit 123 includes a shutter, a lens unit, an aperture, a charge coupled device (CCD), and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which are not shown in the figure. The shutter is a mechanism for adjusting the amount of light exposed together with the aperture. The lens unit receives light from an external light source and processes an image. At this time, the iris adjusts the amount of light incident (light quantity) according to the degree of opening and closing. The opening and closing degree of the iris is controlled by the digital signal processing unit 129.

The CCD accumulates the amount of light input through the lens unit and outputs an image captured by the lens unit in accordance with the accumulated light amount in accordance with the vertical synchronization signal. Image acquisition of the digital image processing apparatus is performed by a CCD that converts light reflected from a subject into an electrical signal. In order to obtain a color image using a CCD, a color filter is required, and most of them employ a filter (not shown) called a color filter array (CFA). CFA has a structure arranged regularly by passing only one color light per pixel, and has various shapes according to the arrangement structure. The ADC converts an analog video signal output from the CCD into a digital signal.

The image processor 125 performs signal processing to display the digitally converted RAW data. The image processor 125 removes the black level due to the dark current generated by the CCD and the CFA filter that are sensitive to the temperature change. The image processor 125 performs gamma correction for encoding information according to nonlinearity of human vision. The image processor 125 performs CFA interpolation to interpolate the Bayer pattern implemented by the RGRG line and the GBGB line of the gamma corrected predetermined data into the RGB line. The image processing unit 125 converts the interpolated RGB signal into a YUV signal, sharpens the image by filtering the Y signal by a high band filter, and uses the standard color coordinate system to adjust the color values of the U and V signals. Perform color correction to correct and remove their noise. The image processor 125 compresses and signals the Y, U, and V signals from which the noise is removed to generate a JPEG file, and the generated JPEG file is displayed on the display unit 23 and stored in the storage unit 127. . All of the operations of the image processor 125 operate under the control of the digital signal processor 129.

The digital signal processor 129 makes it possible to select a desired area on the preview screen so that the AE metering area can be easily set. Here, the AE metering area setting may be performed by buttons B1 to B14.

In detail, as shown in FIG. 5, the buttons B1 to B14 are provided in horizontal columns and vertical columns of the display unit 113. The buttons B1 to B14 provided in the horizontal and vertical columns of the display 113 are provided with a touch sensor (not shown) or a contact switch (not shown).

For example, if the user wants to set the F1 area of FIG. 5 as the AE metering area, first the user inputs the B3 button corresponding to the horizontal direction of the F1 area, and then presses the B10 button corresponding to the vertical direction of the F1 area. By input, the F1 region can be set as the AE metering region. Here, the user may select the horizontal row of buttons and the vertical row of buttons by touch sensor manipulation, and then input a separate confirmation button to set the AE metering area. Alternatively, the user may select the horizontal row of buttons and the vertical row of buttons by a touch sensor operation, and then set the AE metering area by operating a contact switch of the selected horizontal row of buttons or vertical row of buttons.

When the AE metering area setting is completed as described above, the first shutter-release signal is input, and the digital signal processor 129 controls the performance of AE adjustment within the AE metering area set above. In detail, automatic exposure adjustment is a function that automatically determines the exposure by determining the brightness of the image in the AE metering area. The exposure value is determined in consideration of the CCD sensitivity (ISO), aperture value, and shutter speed. , f / 2.4, 1/100.

After adjusting the AE to a desired value as described above, when the second shutter release signal is input from the user, the digital signal processor 129 receives the second shutter release signal and captures and stores an image.

Meanwhile, the AE metering area setting may be performed for a plurality of areas on the preview screen.

For example, if the user wants to obtain an image in which the exposure is adjusted to each of the areas F2, F3, and F4 of FIG. 6, the user first inputs the B2 button corresponding to the horizontal direction of the F2 area, and corresponds to the vertical direction of the F2 area. By inputting the B11 button, the F2 area can be set as the AE metering area. Next, the user may input the B4 button corresponding to the horizontal direction of the F3 region and the B10 button corresponding to the vertical direction of the F3 region to set the F3 region as the AE light metering region. Next, the user may input the B6 button corresponding to the horizontal direction of the F4 area and the B11 button corresponding to the vertical direction of the F4 area to set the F4 area as the AE metering area.

When the AE metering area setting is completed as described above, the first shutter-release signal is input, and the digital signal processing unit 129 stores the RAW data images in which the AE is adjusted to each setting area in the storage unit 127, respectively. The digital signal processor 129 receives the second shutter-release input signal, captures the preview image, and stores the JPEG file, which has been processed by the image processor 125, in the storage unit 127.

According to the present invention as described above, it is possible to obtain an effect of easily setting the AE metering area in a desired area on the preview screen.

Next, a digital image processing method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7. The image processing method according to the present invention may be performed in the image processing apparatus as shown in FIG. 4. According to an embodiment, the main algorithm of the operation method may be performed by the digital signal processor 129 with the help of peripheral components in the apparatus. Can be performed internally.

Referring to FIG. 7, the control method of the digital image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes setting a composition of a subject (step S110), selecting an AE metering area setting mode (step S120), horizontal columns and vertical columns. Inputting a button to set the AE metering area (step S130), inputting a first shutter-release signal (step S140), adjusting the AE in the set AE metering area (step S150), and AE Determining whether it is adjusted to a value (step S160), inputting a second shutter-release signal (step S180), and generating and storing an image file (step S190).

First, the user sets the composition of the subject (step S110). That is, while looking at the preview screen displayed on the display unit 113, the position and size of the subject to be photographed are adjusted.

Next, the user who wants to set the AE light metering area selects the AE light metering area setting mode (step S120), and sets the AE light metering area by inputting horizontal and vertical column buttons (step S130). In detail, the buttons B1 to B14 are provided in horizontal columns and vertical columns of the display 113. The buttons B1 to B14 provided in the horizontal and vertical columns of the display 113 are provided with a touch sensor (not shown) or a contact switch (not shown). Here, if the user wants to adjust the exposure to a predetermined area, the user first inputs a button corresponding to the horizontal direction of the corresponding area, and then inputs a button corresponding to the vertical direction of the corresponding area, and then AE metering of the corresponding area. Can be set as an area. Here, the user may select the horizontal row of buttons and the vertical row of buttons by touch sensor manipulation, and then input a separate confirmation button to set the AE metering area. Alternatively, the user may select the horizontal row of buttons and the vertical row of buttons by a touch sensor operation, and then set the AE metering area by operating a contact switch of the selected horizontal row of buttons or vertical row of buttons.

Here, the region setting may be performed for a plurality of regions on the preview screen. For example, if the user wants to obtain an image in which the exposure is adjusted to each of the F2, F3, and F4 areas, the user first inputs a button corresponding to the horizontal direction of the F2 area, and then a button corresponding to the vertical direction of the F2 area. Thus, the F2 region can be set as the AE metering region. Next, the user may input a button corresponding to the horizontal direction of the F3 area, and input a button corresponding to the vertical direction of the F3 area to set the F3 area as the AE light metering area. Next, the user may input a button corresponding to the horizontal direction of the F4 area and input a button corresponding to the vertical direction of the F4 area to set the F4 area as the AE metering area.

Next, when the first shutter-release signal is input (step S140), the AE is adjusted in the set AE metering area (step S150) to determine whether the AE is adjusted to a predetermined value (step S160), and the AE If it is not adjusted to a predetermined value, the AE is readjusted in the set AE metering area (step S170).

In detail, the first shutter-release signal is input, and the digital signal processing unit 129 controls the performance of AE adjustment within the AE metering area set above. Here, the automatic exposure adjustment is a function that determines the exposure automatically by the camera determining the brightness of the image in the AE metering area. The exposure value is determined in consideration of the CCD sensitivity (ISO), the aperture value, and the shutter speed. , f / 2.4, 1/100. On the other hand, in order to readjust the exposure, the exposure may be manually adjusted by adjusting the aperture value and the shutter speed.

Here, when a plurality of AE metering areas are set, the digital signal processing unit 129 stores, in the storage unit 127, RAW data images in which AEs are set to the respective setting areas.

Finally, when the AE is adjusted to a desired value, the user inputs a second shutter release signal (step S180), and the digital signal processor 129 receives the second shutter release signal to receive the image processor 125. By controlling, the captured image is generated as a JPEG image file, displayed on the display unit 113, and stored in the storage unit 127 (step S190).

Here, when a plurality of AE metering areas are set, the corresponding preview image is captured for each of the setting areas, and the image processing unit 125 stores the JPEG file that has undergone the signal processing in the storage unit 127.

According to the present invention as described above, it is possible to obtain an effect of easily setting the AE metering area in a desired area on the preview screen.

So far I looked at the center of the preferred embodiment for the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

1A to 1C are rear views illustrating a rear surface of a digital camera as a digital image processing apparatus for explaining a conventional region selection.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the front and the top appearance of the digital image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view illustrating a rear shape of the digital image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the digital image processing apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating setting the AE metering area using buttons provided in the horizontal column and the vertical column.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a digital image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: digital image processing apparatus 121: user input unit

123: imaging unit 125: image processing unit

127: storage unit 129: digital signal processing unit

Claims (10)

A plurality of buttons arranged in a first direction and a second direction around the display unit and having a touch sensor and a contact switch integrated therein; And And a digital signal processor configured to receive an input signal of the plurality of buttons to set an auto exposure (AE) metering area and to control AE adjustment within the set AE metering area. The method of claim 1, And wherein the AE metering area is set in an area where a second direction extension line of the input button in the first direction and an input direction extension line of the input button in the second direction cross each other. The method of claim 1, And the first direction and the second direction are directions substantially perpendicular to each other. The method of claim 1, And the digital signal processing unit controls the at least one AE metering area to be settable. The method of claim 4, wherein And when a shutter-release signal is input, an image file subjected to AE adjustment is generated for each of the set AE metering areas. A control method of a digital image processing apparatus including a plurality of buttons arranged in a first direction and a second direction around a display unit, and having a touch sensor and a contact switch integrated therein. Setting an auto exposure metering area by receiving input signals of the plurality of buttons; Performing AE adjustment within the set AE metering area; And And generating and storing an image file on which the AE adjustment has been performed. The method of claim 6, The setting of the auto exposure metering area may include: And setting the second direction extension line of the input button in the first direction and the first direction extension line of the input button in the second direction. The method of claim 6, The setting of the auto exposure metering area may include: And controlling a plurality of AE light metering areas in turn. The method of claim 8, AE adjustment is performed in the set AE metering area, And generating a RAW data image in which the AE is adjusted to the plurality of AE metering areas. The method of claim 8, Generating and storing the image file on which the AE adjustment is performed, And generating and storing image files subjected to AE adjustment in the plurality of set AE metering areas, respectively.

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