JP2006074710A - Digital camera and camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a photographed image having the quality imaged by a photographer. <P>SOLUTION: In the digital camera capable of setting a WB preview mode, predetermined image processing is performed on an image signal fetched by an imaging unit in the WB preview mode, and the image signal is stored in an image memory. A thumbnail image creating unit and a preview image creating unit read image data from the image memory, create a plurality of sample images with different color tones by performing white balance control using control values of different properties and perform matrix display on an EVF. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera and a camera system.

  In photography with a digital camera, it is very difficult to optimize the white balance, and even a professional cannot determine from the viewfinder image. For example, when shooting a sunset scene, the photographer's image finishes differently depending on the photographer. Therefore, the photographer has a certain range of image processing, and the photographer can perform desired image processing. It is more convenient to be able to select the operability of the digital camera.

  In response to such a demand, there has been proposed a digital camera that generates a plurality of still images having different white balance values using still images captured in a buffer memory by one shooting and records them in a storage recording memory ( For example, Patent Document 1). According to the digital camera disclosed in Patent Document 1, after shooting, the user can reproduce and display the shot image and select an image with the best image quality.

  In auto white balance, the degree of correction (adaptation rate) can be made variable, and the photographer can specify the adaptation rate displayed as a correction bar according to his / her preference. There has been proposed a digital camera that displays an image with a changed color (for example, Patent Document 2).

On the other hand, a digital camera has an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display unit in the camera body, reads a plurality of image signals recorded from a storage medium, processes these image signals into thumbnail images, and then forms a matrix. It is common to arrange and display an index on the LCD display unit, and display a plurality of images obtained by bracket shooting as a multi-image on the display unit to determine shooting conditions such as white balance conditions and exposure conditions. There has also been proposed a digital camera (for example, Patent Document 3).
JP 2003-70007 A JP 2002-218495 A JP 2002-232751 A

  Many modern digital camera white balance determination methods include auto, preset, and custom, and have many preset values. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the camera so that it can easily obtain a photographed image that matches the photographer's photographed image. Yes.

  In the digital camera of Patent Document 1, a plurality of still images are generated and an image recorded on the memory card is selected, so that a large number of images are recorded on the memory card, and a high-resolution image is recorded. When an image is recorded, it may be assumed that the capacity of the memory card is insufficient. Further, it may be inefficient to select an image that has been subjected to white balance processing that matches the photographer's intention without facing the subject.

  Further, in the digital camera disclosed in Patent Document 2, in order for the photographer to specify the degree of correction, skill in image quality evaluation is required.

  Furthermore, in the digital camera of Patent Document 3, in order to determine the shooting conditions by looking at a plurality of images obtained by bracket shooting, a moving object having a high reflectance or an outdoor where the lighting conditions fluctuate from moment to moment is installed. Indoors, white balance correction content may not match the photographer's intention.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and displays a plurality of sample images with different white balance image processing on a photographed image, and allows a desired image processing method to be selected from the displayed images. Thus, it is possible to provide a digital camera that can obtain a photographed image with optimized white balance without imposing an excessive burden on the photographer and obtain a photographed image that matches the photographed image of the photographer.

  The above object is achieved by the inventions described in claims 1 to 8 below.

(Claim 1)
Imaging means for photoelectrically converting a subject light image into an image signal;
Display means for displaying an image based on the image signal;
Image processing means for performing white balance processing on the image signal captured by the imaging means;
Processing determining means for determining processing content of white balance in the image processing means;
First storage means for temporarily storing the image signal captured by the imaging means;
The image signal is read from the first storage means, and the image quality sample image obtained by performing white balance processing with the processing content determined by the processing determination means and a plurality of types different from the processing content determined by the processing determination means Sample image creation means for creating a plurality of different image quality sample images that have undergone white balance processing,
Display control means for displaying a plurality of image quality sample images created by the sample image creating means on the display means;
Image selection means for selecting any one image quality sample image from among the plurality of image quality sample images displayed on the display means;
The image processing means performs image processing with the same processing content as the processing performed on the image quality sample image selected by the image selection means, on the image signal stored in the first storage means. A digital camera characterized by

(Claim 2)
2. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising second storage means for storing an image signal read from the first storage means and processed by the image processing means.

(Claim 3)
The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that outputs an image signal read from the first storage unit and processed by the image processing unit to a communication medium.

(Claim 4)
The sample image creating means is selected from preset white balance processing, white balance processing set by custom, and white balance processing by a light source having a color temperature in the vicinity of the white balance determined by the processing determining means. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein white balance processing is performed with at least two processing contents.

(Claim 5)
The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays an image quality sample image on the display unit during or after shooting of the digital camera.

(Claim 6)
The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is an electronic viewfinder.

(Claim 7)
An adjustment value of white balance processing performed on the image quality sample image selected by the image selection unit is used as a reference value.
Set a plurality of adjustment values different from the reference value,
A white balance process is performed on the image signal captured by the imaging unit with the plurality of adjustment values,
The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that performs white balance bracket shooting, and stores in the second storage unit an image signal that has been subjected to white balance processing with each adjustment value.

(Claim 8)
Imaging means for photoelectrically converting a subject light image into an image signal;
Display means for displaying an image based on the image signal;
Image processing means for performing white balance processing on the image signal captured by the imaging means;
Processing determining means for determining processing content of white balance in the image processing means;
First storage means for temporarily storing the image signal captured by the imaging means;
The image signal is read from the first storage means, and the image quality sample image obtained by performing white balance processing with the processing content determined by the processing determination means and a plurality of types different from the processing content determined by the processing determination means Sample image creation means for creating a plurality of different image quality sample images that have undergone white balance processing,
Display control means for displaying a plurality of image quality sample images created by the sample image creating means on the display means;
Image selecting means for selecting any one image quality sample image from among the plurality of image quality sample images displayed on the display means;
The image processing unit is caused to read the image signal stored in the first storage unit, and image processing with the same processing content as the processing performed on the image quality sample image selected by the image selection unit is performed. Image processing control means to be performed;
A camera system comprising: a second storage unit that stores an image signal read from the first storage unit and processed by the image processing unit.

  According to the invention of any one of claims 1 to 4 or 8, the image processing is performed with a plurality of different white balance adjustment values based on the photographed image, and a plurality of image quality sample images are obtained. The image quality sample image is created and displayed on the display means so that the photographer can select a desired image quality sample image. When the image quality sample image is selected, the photographed image is displayed in the same white color as the image quality sample image. Since the image processing is performed with the balance adjustment value, it is possible to obtain a photographed image having an image quality that is photographed by the photographer without imposing an excessive burden on the photographer.

  In addition, since the photographer can instantly determine and set a desired color tone from a suitable adjustment value, this function is effective as a color check at the time of photographing, and can determine whether the current white balance selection is the best in one action.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the image quality sample image is displayed on the display means at the time of shooting standby or after shooting, and the image quality sample image can be selected, so that the image can be viewed only after shooting. Even with a digital single-lens reflex camera that cannot, it is possible to obtain a photographed image with an image quality that the photographer imagines.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, when the photographer selects a desired image quality sample image, the image display means is an electronic viewfinder (hereinafter referred to as EVF (Electric View Finder)), so that the external light Therefore, an image closer to the actual subject can be visually recognized.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the white balance bracket photographing is performed in the photographing after the white balance is determined by the processing according to the first aspect, so that a beautiful image as intended by the photographer is surely photographed. The

  The appearance of the digital camera according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1A is a front view of a digital camera 1 according to the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a rear view of the digital camera 1. FIG. 2A is a top view of the digital camera 1, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the digital camera 1.

  The imaging unit 2 includes an imaging unit including a photographing lens including a macro zoom and a photoelectric conversion device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and an optical image of a subject is converted into an image signal (a charge signal photoelectrically converted by each pixel of the CCD). (Constituted image signal).

  On the other hand, the camera body unit 3 has an LCD display unit 6 composed of an LCD, an EVF 7, and an external connection terminal 12 to which a personal computer is externally connected. The camera body unit 3 mainly performs predetermined signal processing on image signals captured by the imaging unit 2. After the application, processing such as display on the LCD display unit 6 and the EVF 7, recording on a memory card described later, and transfer to a personal computer (not shown) is performed.

  A macro zoom lens 201, which will be described later, is disposed inside the imaging unit 2, and an imaging circuit (not shown) including a CCD area sensor is provided at an appropriate position behind the macro zoom lens 201. In addition, a dimming circuit (not shown) including a dimming sensor that receives reflected light from the subject of the flash light is provided at an appropriate position in the imaging unit 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, a flash 4 is provided on the front surface of the camera body 3 at an appropriate upper position. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, an LCD display unit 6 and an EVF 7 for performing monitor display of a captured image, reproduction display of a recorded image, and the like are provided on the back surface of the camera body unit 3. ing.

  Further, on the upper surface of the camera body 3, as shown in FIG. 2A, a shooting mode switch for switching between “recording mode” (REC in the figure) and “playback mode” (PLAY in the figure) is set. A switch 11 is provided. The recording mode is a mode for taking a picture, and the playback mode is a mode for playing back and displaying the shot image recorded on the memory card on the LCD display unit 6 or the EVF 7.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2A, a plurality of image quality sample images having different image qualities obtained by performing white balance processing with a plurality of adjustment values having different characteristics are displayed on the upper surface of the camera body 3. WB preview switch 10 is provided.

  As will be described later, in the white balance adjustment (hereinafter referred to as WB adjustment), the digital camera 1 performs a plurality of types of WB adjustments set in advance on the photographed image, and a plurality of thumbnail images having different WB adjustments. A monitor is displayed on the EVF 7 so that the photographer can select a desired white balance adjustment value (WB adjustment value). Selection of the WB adjustment value refers to a thumbnail image in which a desired WB adjustment has been made by operating the playback frame advance switch / zoom switch 9 (see FIG. 2) while visually checking the thumbnail image displayed on the monitor on the EVF display unit 7. Is to specify the cursor.

  On the other hand, the frame advance of the recorded image by the playback frame advance switch / zoom switch 9 at the time of reproduction is such that the image recorded on the memory card is displayed together with the frame number on the LCD display unit 6 in the reproduction mode. In other words, the frame image displayed on the LCD display unit 6 is instructed to be changed in the ascending order direction (direction of photographing order) or the descending order direction (direction opposite to the photographing order). Also, zooming is performed in the tele or wide direction by the playback frame advance switch / zoom switch 9 during zoom operation.

  A control system of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control system of the digital camera 1. In the figure, the same members as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The macro zoom lens 201 in the imaging unit 2 is provided with a diaphragm member (fixed diaphragm) having a fixed aperture. The CCD area sensor 202 (hereinafter abbreviated as CCD 202) is a color area imaging sensor in which RGB primary color transmission filters are pasted in a pixel pattern in a checkered pattern. The optical image of the imaged subject is photoelectrically converted into R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color component image signals (signals consisting of a signal sequence of pixel signals received by each pixel). Output. That is, the CCD 202 functions as an imaging unit in the present invention.

  In the shooting standby state, the exposure control in the imaging unit 2 is performed by adjusting the exposure amount of the CCD 202, that is, the charge accumulation time of the CCD 202 corresponding to the shutter speed, because the aperture is opened and fixed by the aperture driver 208. Done. As for the charge accumulation time, exposure control data is calculated by the camera control CPU 314 based on the selected photometric area of the light quantity data measured by the CCD 202. The timing generator 209 performs feedback control so that the exposure time to the CCD 202 is appropriate according to the program diagram set in advance by the calculated exposure control data.

  If the appropriate shutter speed cannot be set when the subject brightness is low, the inappropriate exposure due to insufficient exposure is corrected by adjusting the level of the image signal output from the CCD 202. That is, when the brightness is low, exposure control is performed by combining the shutter speed and gain adjustment. The level adjustment of the image signal is performed in the gain adjustment of the AGC circuit 205 in the signal processing circuit 203 described later.

  At the time of shooting, the exposure amount to the CCD 202 is controlled by the aperture driver 208 and the timing generator 209 according to a preset program diagram based on the photometric light quantity data.

  The timing generator 209 generates a drive control signal for the CCD 202 based on the reference clock transmitted from the camera body 3. The timing generator 209 generates, for example, a clock signal such as an integration start / end (exposure start / end) timing signal, a light reception signal readout control signal (horizontal synchronization signal, vertical synchronization signal, transfer signal, etc.) of each pixel, Output to the CCD 202.

  When the charge accumulation is completed, the photoelectrically converted signal is shifted to a light-shielded transfer path in the CCD 202 and is read out from this through a buffer.

  The signal processing circuit 203 performs predetermined analog signal processing on the image signal (analog signal) output from the CCD 202. The signal processing circuit 203 includes a CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit 204 and an AGC (auto gain control) circuit 205. The CDS circuit 204 reduces noise of the image signal and adjusts the gain of the AGC circuit 205. As a result, the level of the image signal is adjusted.

  The A / D converter 206 converts each pixel signal of the image signal input from the imaging unit 2 into a 14-bit digital signal. The A / D converter 206 converts each pixel signal (analog signal) into a 14-bit digital signal based on the A / D conversion clock input from the timing control circuit.

  This digital video signal is subjected to predetermined processing by the image processing CPU 301 to form an image file. That is, the image processing CPU 301 functions as image processing means in the present invention.

  The image data captured by the image processing CPU 301 is written into the image memory 312 in synchronization with the reading of the image signal output from the CCD 202. Thereafter, the data in the image memory 312 is accessed to process each block. That is, the image memory 312 functions as the first storage unit of the present invention.

  The white balance control unit 304 performs level conversion of pixel data of each color component of R, G, and B so that the white balance is also adjusted after γ correction. In the white balance processing, a part that is originally considered to be white is estimated from luminance, saturation data, etc. from the image data read from the image memory 312 at the time of shooting standby, and the average of each of R, G, B, G / R and G / B ratios are obtained and correction control is performed as R and B correction gains. It should be noted that, instead of the image data read from the image memory 312, it is possible to use luminance, saturation, and the like detected by an external light sensor (not shown).

  The pixel interpolation unit 302 masks the WB-adjusted data with the filter pattern of each of the RGB pixels, and for G having pixels up to a high band, the median (intermediate value) filter uses an intermediate binary value of the surrounding four pixels. The average value is replaced, and R and B are average-interpolated for the same color from the surrounding nine pixels.

  The gamma correction unit 305 corrects the γ characteristic of the pixel data and converts it to 8-bit data that has been subjected to nonlinear conversion suitable for each output device. After that, RGB is converted into Y, RY, BY data by matrix calculation and stored in the image memory 312.

  The resolution conversion unit 303 performs resolution conversion to the set number of recorded image pixels by horizontally or vertically reducing or thinning the Y, RY, and BY data. Also, in the monitor display, horizontal pixel thinning is performed here, and the image data is converted into a low resolution image for display on the LCD display unit 6 and the EVF 7.

  In the shooting standby state, each pixel data of the image captured by the imaging unit 2 every 1/30 (seconds) is converted into an A / D converter 206, a pixel interpolation unit 302, a resolution conversion unit 303, a white balance control unit 304, and the like. After a predetermined signal processing is performed by the gamma correction unit 305, it is recorded in the image memory 312, and a low resolution image of 640 × 240 pixels read out from the image memory 312 is encoded into NTSC / PAL by the video encoder 307. Then, the image is reproduced on the LCD display unit 6 or the EVF 7 as a field image. Thus, the photographer can visually recognize the subject image from the image displayed on the LCD display unit 6 or the EVF 7. That is, the LCD display unit 6 or EVF 7 functions as display means in the present invention.

  When recording an image, the image compression unit 306 compresses the image with the set recording resolution, and then the memory card driver 308 records the compressed image on the memory card 13.

  In the reproduction mode, the image read from the memory card 13 is subjected to predetermined signal processing by the image processing CPU 301 and then displayed on the LCD display unit 6 and the EVF 7 via the video encoder 307.

  The switch group 313 is a switch corresponding to the shutter button 5, EVF switch 8, playback frame advance switch / zoom switch 9, WB preview switch 10, shooting mode switch 11, and the like in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  The image processing CPU 301 is composed of a microcomputer, and controls the photographing operation of the digital camera 1 by organically controlling the driving of each member in the imaging unit 2 and the camera body unit 3 described above.

  Further, in the WB preview mode, the image processing CPU 301 is configured to display a plurality of thumbnail images SG1 to SG4 (images of image quality adjustment samples) having different white balance adjustment conditions in a matrix display on the LCD display unit 6 as shown in FIG. A thumbnail image creation unit 310 that creates thumbnail images SG1 to SG4 and a plurality of thumbnail images SG1 to SG4 created by the thumbnail image creation unit 310 are arranged in a matrix form to display a display image (hereinafter, this image is referred to as a preview image). And a preview image creating unit 311 for creating the above. That is, the thumbnail image creation unit 310 functions as a sample image creation unit in the present invention, and the preview image creation unit 311 functions as a display control unit in the present invention.

  When the WB preview mode is set, the thumbnail image creation unit 310 creates thumbnail images by roughly sampling image data from the image memory 312 at a predetermined pixel pitch, and the other three frames are selected by the photographer. A thumbnail image controlled by a preset white balance, a custom white balance adjustment value, or the like having a color temperature correction value close to the WB adjustment mode that has been used is created, and sequentially output to the preview image creation unit 311.

  In the present embodiment, the white balance adjustment mode includes auto white balance, custom white balance, preset white balance, etc., and the preset white balance includes electric light, white fluorescent light, daylight color fluorescent light, clear sky, cloudy sky, flash, etc. Different adjustment values are available.

  Further, when the photographer selects a WB adjustment value of a photographed image to be recorded, the thumbnail image creation unit 310 reads all image signals from the image memory 312, and performs whitening based on the WB adjustment value selected for the image signal. Perform balance processing.

  Here, the processing content of the white balance processing according to the present invention will be described. The white balance processing includes auto white balance processing, preset white balance processing, white balance processing set by custom, and white balance processing by a light source having a color temperature near the white balance determined by the processing determining means. There is.

  In auto white balance processing, a portion that is supposed to be white is estimated from luminance, saturation data, and the like from the image data read out from the image pickup means at the time of shooting standby, and the average of each of R, G, and B, G / This is a white balance process in which R and G / B ratios are obtained, R and B correction gains are automatically calculated, and correction control is performed.

  The white balance processing set by custom is for the photographer to set a white balance correction value for each photographing scene, and the photographer shoots an achromatic subject to the full photographing angle of view when waiting for photographing. Since all the image data read from the image pickup means are achromatic colors, the auto white balance process does not require a step of estimating a portion that is supposed to be white, and the average of each of R, G, and B, G This is a white balance process in which the / R and G / B ratios are obtained and the R and B correction gains are automatically calculated and corrected.

  Preset white balance processing assumes multiple types of light sources with commonly used shooting conditions, and sets the optimal R and B correction gains for each light source in advance. When the light source is selected, white balance processing is performed in which correction control is performed with a correction gain set in advance corresponding to the selected light source.

  In the white balance process using a light source having a color temperature near the white balance determined by the process determining unit, the color temperature of the light source corresponding to the WB adjustment value determined by the process determining unit is used as a reference value, and the reference value is set in the center. This is white balance processing in which a plurality of WB adjustment values are set at equal mired intervals before and after the value, and correction control is performed with each set correction gain.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the preview image creation unit 311 sequentially images the thumbnail images SG <b> 1 to SG <b> 4 input from the thumbnail image creation unit 310 in a predetermined matrix (4 × 4 array in the present embodiment). And each thumbnail image SG1 to SG4 in FIG. 4 is displayed on the EVF 7.

  In the WB preview mode, when shooting is performed, first, a sample image 71 of different white balance processing by the thumbnail images SG1 to SG4 shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the double line display 72 of the thumbnail image SG1 indicates that the thumbnail image SG1 is initially selected as an adjustment value for WB adjustment.

  When the photographer confirms the finished image with the sample image 71 and operates the playback frame advance switch / zoom switch 9 to select one of the thumbnail images SG1 to SG4 displayed on the LCD display unit 6, the WB adjustment value is selected. Is determined. Each time the playback frame advance switch / zoom switch 9 is operated, the selection display (double line display) 72 moves sequentially from the thumbnail image SG1 in ascending or descending order, and the left and right keys of the playback frame advance switch / zoom switch 9 are moved. Are simultaneously selected, the selection of the selected and displayed thumbnail image is confirmed. That is, the playback frame advance switch / zoom switch 9 functions as image selection means in the present invention.

  Further, the image processing CPU 301 includes an image compression unit 306 that generates a compressed image for image recording when a captured image is recorded.

  An image compression unit 306 generates image data of a compressed image having a selected compression ratio K by performing a predetermined compression process using a JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) method such as two-dimensional DCT conversion and Huffman coding on a captured image. The image data is recorded on the memory card 13. That is, the memory card 13 functions as the second storage means in the present invention.

  A communication unit 315 that functions as a communication unit is connected to a communication medium N such as a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a USB cable, and meets the external connection terminal 12 and an antenna (not shown). It has a function of transmitting and receiving various data including image data and control data for remotely operating the digital camera, using a connected personal computer (not shown), an image server, a printing device, etc. using one or more communication protocols. .

  Next, shooting control in the WB preview mode of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the WB preview switch is turned on (step S1; Yes), AWB (auto white balance) colorimetry is performed again (step S2), and the portion that is supposed to be white originally from the image data read from the image memory 312. Is estimated from the brightness, saturation data, etc., and the average, G / R, and G / B ratio of each of the R, G, and B portions is obtained and R and B correction gain control calculations are performed (steps S3 and S4). If an error occurs in the correction gain control calculation (step S5; Yes), the process returns to step S2 and the color measurement is performed again using the photographing standby image. If there is no error (S5; No), the colorimetry is stopped and the AWB adjustment value is determined (step S6). Subsequently, the AWB adjustment value, each preset, and the custom adjustment value are converted into a color temperature (step S7, step S8, step S9) and further converted into a mired (step S10), and the change amount of the color temperature is treated as an equal mired amount. The subsequent processing is performed.

  If the initial WB adjustment is selected as AWB, candidate adjustment values are sequentially read out from a plurality of adjustment values such as a custom white balance adjustment value and a preset white balance adjustment value that are different from those of AWB. (Step S11). Then, the milled difference between the AWB adjustment value and the adjustment value sequentially read out is compared, and if the value is smaller than a preset reference value (step S12; Yes), it is selected as a thumbnail image candidate (step S13). ). If it is larger than the reference value (step S12; No), the process returns to step S11 and another adjustment value as a candidate is read again.

  When all the white balance adjustment values have been read (S14; Yes), the plurality of selected adjustment values are compared with the AWB adjustment value, and three adjustment values are selected from the adjustment values having the smallest difference. Is selected and determined as the WB adjustment value of the thumbnail display image (step S15). Then, with the AWB adjustment value and the determined three adjustment values, each image subjected to white balance processing is displayed in a matrix on the image signal read from the image memory (step S16). If reading of all WB adjustment values has not been completed (step S14; No), the process returns to step S11 and other adjustment values as candidates are read again. Subsequently, when the photographer selects a desired thumbnail image SGi (i = 1, 2,... 4) from the thumbnail images displayed on the EVF 7, the WB adjustment value is determined (step S17).

  Next, when the shutter button is turned on (step S18; Yes), the image signal picked up by the CCD area sensor 202 is read, and predetermined signal processing is performed by the signal processing circuit 203 and the A / D 206 to the image CPU 301. (Step S19). Then, all image data is read from the image memory 312, white balance processing is performed with the same adjustment value as the WB adjustment value applied to the selected thumbnail image SGi (step S 20), and output to the image compression unit 306. Is done. Subsequently, the image compression unit 306 generates a compressed image image signal having a compression rate K selected by performing a predetermined compression process using a JPEG method such as two-dimensional DCT conversion and Huffman coding on the image signal. The signal is recorded on the memory card 13 (step S21).

  In the white balance bracket shooting mode, the processing of steps S20 to S21 in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is replaced with the processing of steps S201 to S212 shown in FIG. Therefore, in the following description, only the process shown in FIG. 6 will be supplementarily described.

  The WB adjustment value determined in step S17 (FIG. 5) is set as a reference value, the reference value is set as a median value, and a plurality of WB adjustment values for white balance brackets are set at equal mired intervals before and after the reference value. (Step S201). Next, the first WB adjustment value is read from the set WB adjustment value (step S202), white balance processing is performed with the read adjustment value (step S203), and the result is output to the image compression unit 306. Subsequently, the image compression unit 306 generates a compressed image image signal having a compression rate K selected by performing a predetermined compression process using a JPEG method such as two-dimensional DCT conversion and Huffman coding on the image signal. The signal is recorded on the memory card 13 (step S212). When reading of all the WB adjustment values is completed, the process is terminated. If not completed (step S212; No), the process returns to step S202, and other adjustment values are read again.

  Further, regarding the shooting control in the WB mode for the image after shooting, the WB adjustment value recorded simultaneously with the image data in the image memory 312 is read out, and the color temperature is calculated from the adjustment value. Steps S7 to S7 shown in FIG. Processing similar to that in step S21 is performed.

  As described above, the selection of white balance, which has been difficult in the past, can be easily confirmed and determined, and appropriate use according to the expected effect can be performed. In addition, depending on the scene, how the white balance is adjusted, the direction of deviation, and the like are slightly different depending on the user's preference and intention. Therefore, by visually confirming, it becomes possible to make a delicate selection that cannot be obtained by the machine.

  A camera system to which the digital camera according to the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the structure of a camera system to which the digital camera according to the present invention is applied. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the same thing as the structure shown in FIG. 1 thru | or FIG.

  The camera system includes a digital camera 1 and an image server 900, and the digital camera 1 and the image server 900 can communicate with each other via a communication medium N.

  The image server 900 includes a control unit 901, an operation display unit 902, a storage unit 903, a communication unit 904, and the like, and is connected via a bus 905. The image server 900 reads and stores image data captured by the digital camera 1 via the communication medium N, displays an image based on the image data, and accepts various image processing and print orders for the image data. And a function of transferring the image data and the print order to another server (not shown), a printing apparatus, or the like via the communication medium N. That is, it functions as the second storage means in the camera system according to the present invention. In addition, it has a function of remotely operating the digital camera 1 via the communication medium N.

  The control unit 901 includes a CPU (central processing unit) (not shown), a work memory, and the like, reads a program stored in the storage unit 903 into the work memory, and centrally controls each unit of the image server 900 according to the program. Also, image processing is performed on the image data as necessary.

  The operation display unit 902 includes a touch panel and various operation buttons, and has a function of displaying the read image data, performing various guidance displays and status displays to the user, and receiving various operations from the user. Then, the XY coordinate of the force point pressed with a finger or a touch pen or a button operation is detected and output to the control unit 901 as an operation signal.

  The storage unit 903 includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and an external storage device such as a hard disk drive. The nonvolatile memory stores various programs and functions that can be executed by the image server 900. The corresponding setting contents and the like are stored in the hard disk drive, such as an image file received by the communication unit 904.

  The communication unit 904 is connected to the communication medium N and has a function of transmitting / receiving various data to / from the digital camera 1.

  The flow of shooting control in the WB preview mode and the flow of white balance bracket shooting mode processing in the camera system shown in FIG. 7 are the same as the flow of processing described in FIGS. 5 and 6, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Instead of writing the image data to the memory card 13 in step S21 in FIG. 5 and step S211 in FIG. 6, the image data is transmitted to the image server 900 via the communication medium N by the communication unit 315 of the digital camera 1. Image data received by the image server 900 is stored in the storage unit 903 of the image server 900.

  In addition, when image processing and remote control of the digital camera 1 are performed by the control unit 901 of the image server 900, all processing except imaging by the CCD area 202 can be performed by the control unit 901. is there.

  Since the camera system according to the present embodiment stores image data in the image server 900, which has an overwhelmingly larger storage capacity than the memory card 13, RAW data (raw data received by the CCD 202) related to bracket shooting or ISO 22028 It is possible to store a large amount of image data having a very large file capacity per image data such as “scene-referred” image data defined in -1.

  In addition, the camera system according to the present embodiment enables the control unit 901 of the image server 900 to process image data and display an image in parallel with shooting by the digital camera 1. It is possible to obtain a photographed image having an image quality taken by the photographer without imposing an excessive burden.

It is the front view (a) and back view (b) of the digital camera which concern on this invention. It is the top view (a) of the digital camera which concerns on this invention, and a bottom view (b). It is a block block diagram of the digital camera which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of the some thumbnail image displayed in matrix by EVF. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of imaging | photography control in WB preview mode. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a white balance bracket imaging | photography mode process. It is the schematic which shows notionally the structure of the camera system to which the digital camera which concerns on this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital camera 2 Imaging part 201 Macro zoom lens 202 CCD area sensor 203 Signal processing circuit 204 CDS circuit 205 AGC circuit 206 A / D
207 Focus motor driver 208 Aperture driver 209 Timing generator 3 Camera body 301 Image processing CPU
302 Pixel complementing unit 303 Resolution conversion unit 304 White balance control unit 305 Gamma correction unit 306 Image compression unit 307 Video encoder 308 Memory card driver 309 Image correlation detection unit 310 Thumbnail creation unit 311 Preview image creation unit 312 Image memory 313 Switch group 314 Camera Control CPU
315 Communication unit 4 Flash 5 Shutter button 6 LCD display unit 7 EVF
8 EVF changeover switch 9 Playback frame advance switch / zoom switch 10 WB preview switch 11 Shooting mode changeover switch 12 External connection terminal 13 Memory card 900 Image server N Communication medium

Claims (8)

Imaging means for photoelectrically converting a subject light image into an image signal;
Display means for displaying an image based on the image signal;
Image processing means for performing white balance processing on the image signal captured by the imaging means;
Processing determining means for determining processing content of white balance in the image processing means;
First storage means for temporarily storing the image signal captured by the imaging means;
The image signal is read from the first storage means, and the image quality sample image obtained by performing white balance processing with the processing content determined by the processing determination means and a plurality of types different from the processing content determined by the processing determination means Sample image creation means for creating a plurality of different image quality sample images that have undergone white balance processing according to the processing content;
Display control means for displaying a plurality of image quality sample images created by the sample image creating means on the display means;
Image selection means for selecting any one image quality sample image from among the plurality of image quality sample images displayed on the display means;
The image processing means performs image processing with the same processing content as the processing performed on the image quality sample image selected by the image selection means, on the image signal stored in the first storage means. A digital camera characterized by 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising second storage means for storing an image signal read from the first storage means and processed by the image processing means. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that outputs an image signal read from the first storage unit and processed by the image processing unit to a communication medium. The sample image creating means is selected from preset white balance processing, white balance processing set by custom, and white balance processing by a light source having a color temperature in the vicinity of the white balance determined by the processing determining means. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein white balance processing is performed with at least two processing contents. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays an image quality sample image on the display means at the time of shooting standby of the digital camera or after shooting. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is an electronic viewfinder. An adjustment value of white balance processing performed on the image quality sample image selected by the image selection unit is used as a reference value.
Set a plurality of adjustment values different from the reference value,
A white balance process is performed on the image signal captured by the imaging unit with the plurality of adjustment values,
The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that performs white balance bracket shooting, and stores in the second storage unit an image signal that has been subjected to white balance processing with each adjustment value. Imaging means for photoelectrically converting a subject light image into an image signal;
Display means for displaying an image based on the image signal;
Image processing means for performing white balance processing on the image signal captured by the imaging means;
Processing determining means for determining processing content of white balance in the image processing means;
First storage means for temporarily storing the image signal captured by the imaging means;
The image signal is read from the first storage means, and the image quality sample image obtained by performing white balance processing with the processing content determined by the processing determination means and a plurality of types different from the processing content determined by the processing determination means Sample image creation means for creating a plurality of different image quality sample images that have undergone white balance processing according to the processing content;
Display control means for displaying a plurality of image quality sample images created by the sample image creating means on the display means;
Image selecting means for selecting any one image quality sample image from among the plurality of image quality sample images displayed on the display means;
The image processing unit is caused to read the image signal stored in the first storage unit, and image processing having the same processing content as the processing performed on the image quality sample image selected by the image selection unit is performed. Image processing control means to be performed;
A camera system comprising: a second storage unit that stores an image signal read from the first storage unit and processed by the image processing unit.

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