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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
A digital camera and a template data structure which enable a user
image suitable to a template to be easily taken are provided. A
digital camera has: imaging means for imaging a subject; storage
means for storing preset-image data indicative of a preset image
having an insertion area for a user image, and imaging control data
for controlling an imaging of a user image which is to be inserted
into the insertion area, with associating the data with each other;
controlling means for controlling the imaging means based on the
imaging control data; and outputting means for outputting user image
data indicative of a user image output from the imaging means, with
associating the user image data with the preset-image data.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
14. A digital camera comprising: an imaging unit that images a subject;
a storage unit that stores preset-image data indicative of a preset
image having an insertion area for a user image, and imaging control
data for controlling an imaging of a user image which is to be inserted
into the insertion area, with associating the preset-image data
with the imaging control data; a controller that controls the imaging
unit based on the imaging control data; and an outputting unit that
outputs user image data indicative of the user image output from
the imaging unit, with associating the user image data with the
preset-image data.
15. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the controller
controls an auto-focus area in an imaging range of the imaging unit
based on said imaging control data.
16. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the controller
controls a photometric area in an imaging range of the imaging unit
based on the imaging control data.
17. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the controller
controls an exposure of said imaging unit based on the imaging control
data.
18. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the controller
controls a diaphragm of the imaging unit based on the imaging control
data.
19. The digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the controller
controls an exposure period of the imaging unit based on the imaging
control data.
20. A template data structure comprising: a preset-image area into
which preset-image data indicative of a preset image having an insertion
area for a user image are to be stored; and an imaging control area
into which imaging control data for controlling an imaging of a
user image which is to be inserted into the insertion area are to
be stored.
21. The template data structure according to claim 20, wherein
the imaging control data control imaging conditions of a digital
camera which images a user image which is to be inserted into the
insertion area.
22. The template data structure according to claim 21, wherein
the imaging control data control an auto-focus area in an imaging
range of said digital camera.
23. The template data structure according to claim 21, wherein
the imaging control data control a photometric area in an imaging
range of said digital camera.
24. The template data structure according to claim 21, wherein
the imaging control data control an exposure of the digital camera.
25. The template data structure according to claim 21, wherein
the imaging control data control a diaphragm of the digital camera.
26. The template data structure according to claim 21, wherein
the imaging control data control an exposure period of the digital
camera.
Digital Camera Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a digital camera and a
template data structure.
[0002] Conventionally, a template for forming a composite image
in which an arbitrary image (user image) selected by the user is
used has been known. A template is configured by data such as data
indicative of a preset image serving as a background of a user image
or a decorative frame, and those indicative of an area into which
the user image is to be inserted. A user image which is to be inserted
into a template is taken by, for example, a digital camera or an
image scanner. Patent Reference 1 discloses a method in which, in
an imaging mode of a digital camera, a preset image of a template
and a subject image are compositely displayed on an electronic view
finder, thereby facilitating framing to be conducted in accordance
with the template.
[0003] There is a template in which the layout is defined so that
an area which is shifted from the center of a user image is partially
inserted or a preset image is superimposed on a center portion of
a user image. In the case where a user image which is to be inserted
into such a template is taken by a digital camera, framing is conducted
so that a center portion of a subject is positioned in an area which
is shifted from a center portion of an electronic view finder. When
a subject on which framing is conducted in this way is to be imaged
in an auto-focus mode, it is preferable to image the subject with
focusing not on the center of the imaging range but on a center
portion of the subject.
[0004] Patent Reference 1:
[0005] JP-A-11-168689
[0006] In an auto-focus mode of a digital camera, usually, the
distance to a center area of the imaging range is measured, and
the focus is set on the area. In order to focus on a portion shifted
from the center of the imaging range, therefore, it is usually required
to perform operations of locking the focus in a state where framing
is conducted so that a center portion of a subject is located at
the center of the imaging range, and then conducting again framing
so that the center portion of the subject is moved to a position
corresponding to a preset image of a template. For a user who is
unaccustomed to operate the camera, however, it is usually difficult
to perform such operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention has been conducted in order to solve the problem.
It is an object of the invention to provide a digital camera and
a template data structure which enable a user image suitable to
a template to be easily taken.
[0008] In order to attain the object, the digital camera of the
invention is characterized in that the digital camera comprises:
an imaging unit for imaging a subject; a storage for storing preset-image
data indicative of a preset image having an insertion area for a
user image, and imaging control data for controlling an imaging
of a user image which is to be inserted into the insertion area,
with associating the data with each other; a controller for controlling
the imaging unit based on the imaging control data; and an outputting
unit for outputting user image data indicative of a user image output
from the imaging unit, with associating the user image data with
the preset-image data. Before imaging, a preset image indicative
of a preset image having an insertion area for a user image, and
information for controlling an imaging of a user image which is
to be inserted into the insertion area are previously stored into
the digital camera with being associated with each other. When a
user image to be inserted into the template is taken, the imaging
unit is controlled on the basis of the previously stored information
for controlling imaging. Therefore, a user image suitable to a template
can be easily imaged by the digital camera. In the specification,
a process of imaging a subject to produce a user image indicative
of the subject is referred to as "an imaging of a user image".
[0009] The digital camera of the invention is further characterized
in that the controller controls an auto-focus area in an imaging
range of the imaging unit based on the imaging control data. Information
for controlling the auto-focus area in the imaging range is previously
stored into the digital camera, and imaging is controlled with using
the information. Even when an area which is shifted from the center
of a user image corresponds to an important area to be combined
with a preset image of a template, therefore, the distance to an
area in the imaging range corresponding to an important area of
the user image to be combined with the preset image of the template
can be measured, and the subject can be easily imaged with focusing
on the area.
[0010] The digital camera of the invention is further characterized
in that the controller controls a photometric area in an imaging
range of the imaging unit based on the imaging control data. Information
for controlling the photometric area in the imaging range is previously
stored into the digital camera, and imaging is controlled with using
the information. Even when an area which is shifted from the center
of a user image corresponds to an important area to be combined
with a preset image of a template, therefore, the subject can be
easily imaged with setting an exposure matched to the area in the
imaging range corresponding to the important area of the user image
to be combined with the preset image of the template.
[0011] The digital camera of the invention is further characterized
in that the controller controls an exposure of the imaging unit
based on the imaging control data. Information for setting an exposure
suitable to the theme and use of a template is previously stored
into the digital camera, and an exposure is controlled with using
the information. Therefore, a subject can be easily imaged with
setting an exposure suitable to the theme and use of the template.
[0012] The digital camera of the invention is further characterized
in that the controller controls a diaphragm of the imaging unit
based on the imaging control data. Information for setting a diaphragm
suitable to the theme and use of a template is previously stored
into the digital camera, and a diaphragm is controlled with using
the information. Therefore, a subject can be easily imaged with
setting a diaphragm suitable to the theme and use of the template.
[0013] The digital camera of the invention is further characterized
in that the controller controls an exposure period of the imaging
unit based on the imaging control data. Information for setting
an exposure period suitable to the theme and use of a template is
previously stored into the digital camera, and an exposure period
is controlled with using the information. Therefore, a subject can
be easily imaged with setting an exposure period suitable to the
theme and use of the template.
[0014] In order to attain the object, the template data structure
of the invention is characterized in that the template data structure
includes: a preset-image area into which preset-image data indicative
of a preset image having an insertion area for a user image are
to be stored; and an imaging control area into which imaging control
data for controlling an imaging of a user image which is to be inserted
into the insertion area are to be stored. Information for controlling
an imaging of a user image to be inserted into the insertion area
is included in template data, whereby a user image suitable to a
template can be easily taken.
[0015] The template data structure of the invention is characterized
in that the imaging control data control imaging conditions of a
digital camera which takes a user image which is to be inserted
into the insertion area. Information for controlling imaging conditions
of a digital camera which takes a user image which is to be inserted
into the insertion area is included in template data. Therefore,
a user image suitable to a template can be easily taken by the digital
camera.
[0016] The template data structure of the invention is further
characterized in that the imaging control data control an auto-focus
area in an imaging range of the digital camera. Information for
controlling the auto-focus area in the imaging range of the digital
camera is included in template data. Even when an area which is
shifted from the center of a user image corresponds to an important
area to be combined with a preset image of a template, therefore,
the subject can be easily imaged with focusing on an area in the
imaging range corresponding to an important area of the user image
to be combined with the preset image of the template.
[0017] The template data structure of the invention is further
characterized in that the imaging control data control a photometric
area in an imaging range of the digital camera. Information for
controlling the photometric area in the imaging range of the digital
camera is included in template data. Even when an area which is
shifted from the center of a user image corresponds to an important
area to be combined with a preset image of a template, therefore,
the subject can be easily imaged with setting an adequate exposure
matched to the area in the imaging range corresponding to the important
area of the user image to be combined with the preset image of the
template.
[0018] The template data structure of the invention is further
characterized in that the imaging control data control an exposure
of the digital camera. Information for controlling the exposure
of the digital camera is included in the template data. Therefore,
a subject can be easily imaged with setting an exposure suitable
to the theme and use of the template. In the case of a template
which is assumed to have use of displaying a photographic image
of a certain person with a decorative frame, when the area of the
person is sharp and that other than the person is blurred, for example,
a preferable composition result is often obtained. In such a case,
a template is desired to include information for controlling a digital
camera so as to conduct imaging in a diaphragm-priority automatic
exposure mode in which a diaphragm can be set to a small degree.
[0019] The template data structure of the invention is further
characterized in that the imaging control data control a diaphragm
of the digital camera. Information for controlling a diaphragm of
a digital camera is included in template data. Therefore, a subject
can be easily imaged with setting a diaphragm suitable to the theme
and use of a template.
[0020] The template data structure of the invention is further
characterized in that the imaging control data control an exposure
period of the digital camera. Information for controlling an exposure
period of a digital camera is included in template data. Therefore,
a subject can be easily imaged with setting an exposure period suitable
to the theme and use of a template. In the case of a template for
producing an electronic album in which images of sports scene are
laid out, for example, a fast-moving subject is imaged to produce
a clear user image, and hence a template preferably includes information
for controlling the exposure period so as to be shortened.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIGS. 1A to 1E are diagrams illustrating templates in an
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating uses of the templates in
the embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a digital camera of the
embodiment.
[0024] FIGS. 4A and 4B are views showing an appearance of the digital
camera of the embodiment, FIG. 4A is a front view, and FIG. 4B is
a rear view.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a view showing directories of the digital camera
of the embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process in the
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described
by way of an embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating uses of templates in an
embodiment of the invention.
[0029] A template is distributed to users through, for example,
a communication network. Specifically, for example, a template stored
in a server 10 is transmitted upon request of a user to a personal
computer (PC) 12 or a personal digital assistance such as a portable
telephone 18 which is connected to a communication network.
[0030] In a digital camera 22, image data (user image data) which
are produced by imaging a subject are output with being associated
with a template. Imaging conditions for producing user image data
in the digital camera 22 are set on the basis of the template. The
user image data which are output from the digital camera 22 with
being associated with a template is printed with being inserted
into the template by a printer 28 which is directly connected to
the digital camera 22, or a printer 30 which acquires data from
the digital camera 22 through a removable memory 20, displayed with
being inserted into the template by a television monitor 24 which
is directly connected to the digital camera 22, or displayed with
being inserted into the template by a portable telephone 16 to which
the template and a user image are transferred from the digital camera
22 through the communication network.
[0031] A template can be input to the digital camera 22 by, for
example, a method in which the PC 12 reads the template stored in
the removable memory 20, into the digital camera, or that in which
the digital camera 22 is directly connected to the PC 12 or the
portable telephone 18 through a wireless communication interface
or a wired communication interface.
[0032] FIGS. 1A to 1E are diagrams illustrating templates in one
embodiment of the invention. The templates are page layouts which
are previously produced so as to be displayed while a user image
is inserted thereinto. Each of the templates is configured by, for
example, data indicative of: an image (preset image) 32, 36, 40,
44, 48 which is previously produced and to be combined with a user
image; an area (insertion area) 33, 37, 41, 45, 49 into which a
user image is to be inserted; and information (imaging control information)
34, 38, 42, 46, 50 for controlling an imaging of a user image. In
FIGS. 1A to 1E, the insertion area is shown as a hatched area.
[0033] The preset image 32, 36, 40, 44, 48 may be indicated by
raster data, or by vector data. The insertion area 33, 37, 41, 45,
49 may be defined by coordinates, by a so-called a channel which
defines the transmittance of each pixel, or by a combination of
coordinates and an .alpha. channel. When the .alpha. channel is
used, it is possible to define an insertion area of an arbitrary
shape other than a rectangle. In the embodiment, for a page which
is determined in accordance with the size of a printing sheet, placements
of a preset image and a user image are defined by coordinates, and
a preset image is indicated by image data having channels of RGB
and an .alpha. channel, thereby indicating a preset image having
a transparent area corresponding to an insertion area. In the embodiment,
placements of a preset image and a user image are conformed to each
other to cause the outer edges of the images to coincide with each
other. Alternatively, it is not required to cause the outer edges
of a preset image and a user image to coincide with each other.
In the embodiment, a preset image having an insertion area is indicated
by image data of one file including channels of RGB and an a channel.
Alternatively, three channels of RGB, and an a channel may be separated
in two files.
[0034] The imaging control information 34, 38, 42, 46, 50 is described
in a script language in a layout control file which will be described
later. The imaging control information can include information for
controlling an arbitrary process which is implemented to image a
subject by the digital camera 22, and record image data (a user
image file) indicative of the subject onto a nonvolatile recording
medium. Specifically, information for controlling, for example,
the range-finding area, the photometric area, the imaging mode (a
panorama mode, a macro mode, a night scene mode, a portrait mode,
a landscape mode, a sports mode, and the like), the diaphragm correction,
the color tone, the white balance, the shutter speed, the compression
ratio, and the image size can be included in a template as the imaging
control information. Hereinafter, templates for specific uses will
be described.
[0035] The template shown in FIG. 1A is a template for printing
and displaying a New Year's card into which a user image that is
a portrait photograph is inserted. Since the preset image 32 and
the user image are placed on a page so that the outer edges of the
images coincide with each other as described above, a circular area
of the user image which is shifted toward the left side from the
center of the user image is inserted into the insertion area 33.
Therefore, an important area of the user image is not a center portion,
but an area which is shifted toward the left side from the center.
When an image which is to be inserted into the template shown in
FIG. 1A is taken, preferably, framing is conducted so that a main
portion such as the face of the subject is located in an area which
is shifted toward the left side from the center of the imaging range,
the focus is set on the left side with respect to the center of
the imaging range, and the exposure is set in accordance with the
light quantity of the left side with respect to the center of the
imaging range. In the template shown in FIG. 1A, therefore, the
range-finding area for auto-focusing is set to "Left",
the photometric area for automatic exposure setting to "Left",
and the imaging mode to "Portrait". The range-finding
area and the photometric area can be set to any one of center, left,
right, upper, and lower areas which are obtained by dividing the
imaging range into five areas. Of course, the manner of setting
the range-finding area and the photometric area is not restricted
to this. In the digital camera 22, when the imaging mode is set
to "Portrait", values suitable to portrait photography
in each type of the digital camera 22 are set as various parameters
constituting the imaging conditions.
[0036] The template shown in FIG. 1B is a template for screen displaying
an electronic album into which user images that are snapshots in
a graduation ceremony are inserted. A rectangular area of a user
image which is shifted toward the right side from the center of
the user image is inserted into the insertion area 37. Therefore,
an important area of the user image is an area which is shifted
to the right side from the center. In the template shown in FIG.
1B, consequently, the range-finding area and the photometric area
are set to "Right". In the template shown in FIG. 1B,
in order to represent the atmosphere of a graduation ceremony, the
color tone is set to "Sepia". In the digital camera 22,
when the color tone is set to "Sepia", a color converting
process of lowering the chroma is implemented during an imaging
process, and image data indicative a sepia-toned user image are
recorded onto a nonvolatile recording medium.
[0037] The template shown in FIG. 1C is a template for printing
and displaying a calendar of August into which a user image that
is a photograph taken in summer is inserted. In the template shown
in FIG. 1C, in order to represent the atmosphere of summer, the
color tone is set to "Bright". In the digital camera 22,
when the color tone is set to "Bright", a color converting
process of raising the chroma is implemented during an imaging process,
and image data indicative a user image of bright colors are recorded
onto a nonvolatile recording medium.
[0038] The template shown in FIG. 1D is a template for printing
and displaying a postcard into which a user image that is a photograph
taken during a travel is inserted. In the template shown in FIG.
1D, in order to enable a user image clearly showing both a person
and a landscape in a travel destination that is in the background
of the person to be inserted, the diaphragm correction is set to
"+2", and the digital camera 22 is controlled so as to
open the diaphragm to a degree which is higher than that of the
default of automatic exposure.
[0039] The template shown in FIG. 1E is a template for screen displaying
an electronic album into which user images that are taken in an
athletic meeting, and that show a moving subject. In the template
shown in FIG. 1E, in order to enable a user image showing a fast-moving
subject who is running or dancing in an athletic meeting in the
open air, to be taken naturally and clearly, the white balance is
set to "Outdoor", and the shutter speed to "High".
In the digital camera 22, when the white balance is set to "Outdoor",
a color converting process is implemented so that the hue of a subject
who is imaged under sunlight is felt by a person without causing
a sense of discomfort. When the shutter speed is set to "High"
in the digital camera 22, the diaphragm is set in a shutter speed-priority
automatic exposure mode.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the digital camera 22
of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view showing an appearance of the
digital camera 22 of the embodiment, FIG. 4A is a front view, and
FIG. 4B is a rear view.
[0041] An optical system 56 serving as an imaging unit is configured
by a lens 58, a diaphragm 60, a shutter 62, etc.
[0042] The lens 58 is driven by a focus controller 52. The focus
controller 52 moves the lens 58 in the optical axis direction so
that a clear optical image of a subject is formed on a light-receiving
surface of an image sensor 66. In the focus controller 52, the range-finding
system may be of the active type or the passive type, the TTL (Through
the Lens) type or the point eye type, or the contrast-detection
type or the phase detection type. The range-finding area of the
focus controller can be set to any one of the center, left, right,
upper, and lower areas which are obtained by dividing the imaging
range into five areas. The embodiment comprises an optical finder
104 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). Alternatively, the embodiment may have
a so-called single-lens reflex optical system.
[0043] The diaphragm 60 and the shutter 62 are driven by an exposure
controller 54. The exposure controller 54 comprises a light control
sensor 102 (see FIG. 4), and controls the opening area of the diaphragm
60 and the opening period of the shutter 62 so as to allow an adequate
quantity of light to be incident on the light-receiving surface
of the image sensor 66. The photometering system of the exposure
controller 54 is compatible with both digital ESP metering and spot
metering. When the photometric area is set in accordance with a
template, photometering is conducted on the designated photometric
area by the spot metering method, and an adequate exposure is determined.
In the spot metering method, the photometric area can be set to
any one of the center, left, right, upper, and lower areas which
are obtained by dividing the imaging range into five areas. In the
embodiment, the exposure period is controlled by the mechanical
shutter 62. Alternatively, the exposure period may be controlled
by electrically adjusting the charge accumulating time of the image
sensor 66 by a sensor controller 64.
[0044] The image sensor 66 is an area image sensor comprising:
pixels which are discretely arranged in a two-dimensional space;
and a charge transfer device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).
The image sensor 66 is driven by the sensor controller 64. In the
image sensor 66, for each of the pixels, charges which are obtained
by photoelectric conversion of an optical image formed on the light-receiving
surface by the optical system 56 are accumulated for a constant
time period, and an electric signal corresponding to the received
light quantity of each pixel is output. A color image can be taken
by disposing complementary filters for four colors or C (Cyan),
M (Magenta), Y (Yellow), and G (Green), or primary color filters
for R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) on the light-receiving surface.
[0045] An A/D converting section (ADC) 72 quantizes the analog
electric signal output from the image sensor 66 to convert the signal
into a digital signal. Specifically, the ADC 72 performs processes
such as a process of reducing noises contained in the electric signal,
that of adjusting the level of the electric signal by a gain adjustment,
and a quantization process.
[0046] A digital image processing section 74 applies an image forming
process, white balance correction, .gamma. correction, other color
conversions, and the like on the digital signal output from the
ADC 72, and, for each pixel, produces digital image data indicative
of gray scale values of R, G, and B and those of Y, Cb, and Cr.
The image forming process is a process of interpolating brightness
information of one color corresponding to each pixel of the image
sensor 66 with that of other colors of neighborhood pixels, thereby
outputting digital image data having three gray scale values of
R, G, and B for each pixel. The white balance correction is a process
of performing correction so as to allow a white subject to appear
white irrespective of the kind of the light source. In a digital
camera, although an image of a white subject which is taken under
sunlight appears white, usually, an image of the subject which is
taken in doors under incandescent lighting appears reddish. Therefore,
the white balance correction is conducted to correct data so that
also a digital image of the white subject appears white. The manner
of correction of the white balance depends on the light source.
In the digital camera 22, therefore, the user selects one of items,
or "Outdoor", "Fluorescent", and "Incandescent"
in order to specify the kind of the light source, and correction
conforming to the selected item is conducted. Examples of color
converting processes other than the white balance correction and
the .gamma. correction are a process of raising the chroma to form
a bright image, and that of lowering the chroma to form a sepia-toned
image.
[0047] A compression/expansion section 76 compresses image data
produced by the digital image processing section 74, and expands
image data which are compressed and stored into the removable memory
20. In the compression/expansion section 76, the format of compressed
data may be any one of JPEG format, RAW format, and TIFF format.
The data format and the compression ratio are selectable.
[0048] A removable memory controller 88 serving as a storage writes
data into the removable memory 20 serving as a storage, and reads
data stored in the removable memory 20.
[0049] A controlling section 86 serving as a controller comprises
a CPU 80, a flash memory 84, and a work memory 82. The CPU 80 executes
computer programs stored in the flash memory 84 to control the whole
digital camera 22. The flash memory 84 is a nonvolatile internal
memory which stores various programs and data, etc. The various
programs and data which are to be stored into the flash memory 84
may be downloaded from a predetermined server through a network
and then stored into the memory, or read out from a computer-readable
recording medium such as the removable memory 20 and then stored
into the memory. The work memory 82 is a volatile internal memory
for temporarily storing programs and data.
[0050] An LCD 68 is controlled by a display controller 70, and
displays a digital image and various setting menus.
[0051] The display controller 70 comprises a frame buffer for storing
data of one frame of the LCD 68, and a display circuit for driving
the LCD 68 based on the data stored in the frame buffer.
[0052] An operating section 78 comprises plural switches for inputting
instructions from the user into the controlling section 86, and
an interface circuit. The switches of the operating section 78 include:
a power button 98; a shutter button 96; a mode dial 100 for switching
over the imaging mode and a reproducing mode; a print button 106
for instructing a start of printing in a state where the digital
camera 22 is directly connected to the printer 28 (see FIG. 2);
a menu button 112 for displaying a menu on the screen; a zoom-in
button 110; a zoom-out button 108; a multiselector 114 configured
by a cross key for operating a menu; a macro button 116 for setting
imaging conditions for macro photography; a flash button 118 for
flash photography; a display button 120 for turning on the LCD 68;
and a simple-reproduction button 122 for screen displaying image
data stored in the removable memory 20.
[0053] A power source section 92 comprises a battery 94, and a
control circuit, and is electrically connected to the above-mentioned
various portions. The battery 94 supplies an electric power to the
portions.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a view showing directories of the digital camera
22 of the embodiment. Templates which are input before imaging are
stored in a specific directory (in the illustrated example, "Template")
of the flash memory 84. Each of the templates is configured by plural
files which are described below.
[0055] In a layout control file having extension "usd",
the size of a printing sheet, placements of a preset image and a
user image, the path of a file indicating the preset image, and
imaging control information are described in a script language.
The imaging control information described in a script language corresponds
to imaging control data. Templates of the same design may be defined
by a layout control file for each printing sheet size. In the example
shown in FIG. 5, templates of the same design specified by title
"Calendar" are indicated by two layout control files "Calendar01.usd"
and "Calendar02.usd".
[0056] In an index file having extension "usm", information
associating plural files constituting a template of one design with
each other is described. For example, information which associates
each printing sheet size with the path of a layout control file
is described.
[0057] In a preset-image file having extension "eff",
data indicative a preset image are stored. As described above, in
a preset-image file, a preset image having an insertion area for
a user image is indicated by a total of four channels or RGB channels
and an .alpha. channel.
[0058] In a thumbnail file having extension "usf", image
data for screen displaying the design of a template are stored.
[0059] In a framing auxiliary image file having extension "ctf",
image data for screen displaying on the LCD 68 a framing auxiliary
image in which the whole or a part of a preset image is monochromatically
displayed. In the imaging mode, a framing auxiliary image is displayed
on the LCD 68, and a subject is displayed as a motion picture in
a layer lower than the framing auxiliary image. Therefore, a framing
process can be easily applied to a subject so that, when a user
image is inserted into a template, an important portion of the subject
is not hidden by a preset image.
[0060] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process of producing
a user image to be inserted into a template and recording it into
the removable memory 20 in the digital camera 22 of the embodiment.
[0061] First, the user selects a template which is previously stored
in the flash memory 84 (S100). Specifically, a thumbnail file of
templates which are previously stored in the flash memory 84 is
displayed on the LCD 68, thereby allowing the user to select a desired
one of the templates which are displayed in the thumbnail file.
[0062] Next, on the basis of framing auxiliary image data of the
selected template and image data output from the digital image processing
section 74, a framing auxiliary image and a motion picture of a
subject are displayed on the LCD 68 (S110).
[0063] Next, based on the imaging control information described
in the layout control file of the template, the photometric area
for automatic exposure setting and the range-finding area for auto-focusing
setting are set (S120).
[0064] Next, the process waits until the shutter button 96 is depressed
halfway (S130).
[0065] When the shutter button 96 is depressed to an intermediate
position, the shutter speed and the diaphragm are set based on the
imaging control information described in the layout control file
of the selected template (S140). Specifically, in the case of the
template shown in FIG. 1E, for example, range-finding and photometry
are conducted on an area which is shifted toward the left side from
the center of the imaging range, an adequate diaphragm suitable
to a high shutter speed is calculated based on results of the measurements,
and the adequate diaphragm obtained as a result of the calculation
and the high shutter speed are set. In the case of the template
shown in FIG. 1D, for example, the diaphragm is set to "+2"
with respect to a standard diaphragm which is calculated from the
result of the photometry, so as to increase the opening area of
the diaphragm 60 to be larger than the standard diaphragm, and a
shutter speed suitable to the diaphragm is calculated and then set.
In the case of the template shown in FIG. 1A, for example, the exposure
conditions suitable to the imaging mode of "Portrait"
are calculated on the basis of the measurement results, and then
set.
[0066] Next, the process waits until the shutter button 96 is fully
depressed (S150).
[0067] When the shutter button 96 is fully depressed, the subject
is imaged on the basis of the imaging control information described
in the layout control file of the selected template, and image data
indicative of the subject are produced (S160). Specifically, in
the case of the template shown in FIG. 1E, for example, the exposure
is controlled at the shutter speed and the diaphragm which are set
in S140, the light-receiving surface of the image sensor 66 is then
exposed, and the white balance is corrected in accordance with the
light source of sunlight. In the case of the template shown in FIG.
1B, for example, a color converting process is conducted so as to
set the color tone to sepia. In the case of the template shown in
FIG. 1C, for example, a color converting process is conducted so
that the color tone is bright.
[0068] Next, an image file (user image file) containing the image
data indicative of the subject, a file group constituting the selected
template, and a file (associating file) which associates the user
image file with the template file group are output to the removable
memory 20 as shown in FIG. 5 (S170). When image data are to be output
to the removable memory 20, the data are compressed at a predetermined
compression ratio into a predetermined format. The compression ratio
and format of image data may be set on the basis of the imaging
control information of the template. In FIG. 5, "001.jpg"
is a user image file, and "001.ust" is an associating
file. The file name of an associating file is made coincident with
that of a corresponding user image file, and, for example, the path
of an index file ("Calendar.usm") is described in an associating
file as information identifying the selected template. As described
above, the path of a layout control file is described in the index
file, and the path of a preset image file is described in the layout
control file. When the associating file is output together with
the user image file to the removable memory 20, therefore, the user
image file is associated with the preset image file.
[0069] Information which directly associates a user image file
with a preset image file may be described in the user image file,
and that which directly associates a user image file with a layout
control file may be described in the user image file. A file group
constituting a template containing a preset image file may not be
output to the removable memory 20, and an identifier of the selected
template may be output together with a user image file. In this
case, as an identifier of a template, a URL, UUID, or the like for
identifying a template stored in the server 10 is preferably used.
Instead of outputting the substance of a template to the removable
memory 20, the identifier of the template may be output, whereby
consumption of the storage capacity of the removable memory 20 can
be suppressed. When a user image file is to be displayed, a file
group constituting a template is downloaded from the server 10 with
using the identifier of the template, and a user image can be inserted
into a preset image on the basis of the downloaded file group and
then displayed.
[0070] According to the above-described embodiment of the invention,
the imaging conditions of the digital camera 22 are set based on
imaging control information described in a layout control file of
a template, and hence the user is not required to set all imaging
conditions for an imaging a user image suitable to the template.
According to the embodiment of the invention, therefore, a user
image suitable to a template can be easily taken by the digital
camera 22, and then recorded into the removable memory 20.
[0071] In the embodiment described above, an example in which a
user image to be inserted into a template is taken by a digital
camera has been described. Alternatively, a user image may be taken
by an imaging apparatus other than a digital camera, such as an
image scanner. |