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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
A digital camera generates a plurality of photograph image as a
bracket image of an object. The digital camera comprises a setting
processor that sets a plurality of steps for first and second parameters,
a first bracket processor that obtains a plurality of intermediate
images of the object based on each the step of the first parameter,
and a second bracket processor that obtains a plurality of photograph
images from each of the intermediate images based on each step of
the second parameter.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
1. A digital camera, generating a plurality of photograph images
as bracket images, of an object, comprising: a setting processor
that sets a plurality of steps for first and second parameters,
a first bracket processor that obtains a plurality of intermediate
images of said object based on each said step of said first parameter,
and a second bracket processor that obtains a plurality of photograph
images from each image of said intermediate images based on each
said step of said second parameter.
2. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said digital
camera further comprises: a monitor, and a first display processor
that displays a display image on said monitor, said display image
containing two or more than two of said photograph images.
3. A digital camera according to claim 2, wherein said first display
processor displays said display image containing all said plurality
of photograph images which are obtained by said second bracket processor.
4. A digital camera according to claim 2, wherein said first display
processor divides a display field of said display image into vertical
columns based on the number of said steps of one parameter of said
first and second parameters, and horizontal rows based on the number
of said steps of another parameter of said first and second parameters
so as to generate a plurality of divided unit fields, each said
photograph image being displayed in each said divided unit field.
5. A digital camera according to claim 4, wherein said first display
processor arranges said photograph images, generated based on a
single step of one parameter of said first and second parameters,
in a vertical direction.
6. A digital camera according to claim 5, wherein said first display
processor arranges said photograph images, generated based on a
single step of another parameter of said first and second parameters,
in a horizontal direction.
7. A digital camera according to claim 6, wherein the number of
said steps of said first parameter is the same as the number of
said steps of said second parameter.
8. A digital camera according to claim 6, wherein said first display
processor rearranges said photograph images, generated based on
said single step of said one parameter, in a horizontal direction,
and said photograph images generated based on said single step of
said another parameter, in a vertical direction, on said display
field.
9. A digital camera according to claim 8, wherein said first image
display processor rearranges said photograph images according to
a switch operation.
10. A digital camera according to claim 2, wherein said digital
camera further comprises: a distinction processor that distinguishes
at least one of said photograph images from other said photograph
images.
11. A digital camera according to claim 10, wherein said digital
camera further comprises: a deletion processor that deletes said
images which are distinguished by said distinction processor.
12. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said digital
camera comprises a third bracket processor, said setting processor
setting a plurality of steps for a third parameter, said first bracket
processor obtaining a plurality of first intermediate images of
said object based on each said step of said first parameter, said
second bracket processor obtaining a plurality of second intermediate
images from each said first intermediate image based on each said
step of said second parameter, and said third bracket processor
obtaining a plurality of photograph images from each said second
intermediate image based on each said step of said third parameter.
13. A digital camera according to claim 12, wherein said digital
camera further comprises: a monitor, and a second display processor
that displays a display image on said monitor, said display image
containing photograph images which are generated based on a single
step of a specific parameter of said first, second, and third parameters.
14. A digital camera according to claim 13, wherein said specific
parameter is changed according to a switch operating.
15. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said first and
second parameters are selected from a plurality of selectable parameters.
16. A digital camera according to claim 15, wherein said plurality
of selectable parameters include an exposure value, a white balance
value, a sharpness value, a saturation value, and a contrast value.
17. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said first bracket
processor is a photograph processor, and said second bracket processor
is an image processor, and said photograph processor continuously
generates a plurality of frames of original image signals of substantially
the same object image according to each said step of said one parameter,
and said image processor converts said frames of said original image
signals to a plurality of said photograph images according to each
said step of said another parameter.
18. A digital camera according to claim 1, comprising a photograph
processor and an image processor, and both said first and second
bracket processors being image processors, wherein said photograph
processor generates a frame of an original image signals from an
object, and said image processor converts said frame of said original
image signals to said intermediate images based on each said step
of first parameter, and further converts each said intermediate
image to said plurality of photograph images based on each said
step of said second parameter.
19. A digital camera, generating a plurality of photograph images
as bracket images of an object, comprising: a setting processor
that sets a plurality of steps for first and second parameters,
and a bracketing processor that generates said plurality of photograph
images of said object, based on each first multi-parameter of a
plurality of said first multi-parameters; wherein each said first
multi-parameter is a combination of each said step of said first
parameter and each said step of said second parameter.
20. A digital camera according to claim 19, wherein said setting
processor sets a plurality of steps for a third parameter, and said
bracketing processor converts said object image to a plurality of
photograph images as bracket images, based on each second multi-parameter
of a plurality of second multi-parameters; wherein each said second
multi-parameter is a combination of each said first multi-parameter
and each step of said third parameter.
21. A bracket-image generating device, which obtains a plurality
of photograph images of an object, comprising: a first bracket processor
that obtains a plurality of intermediate images of said object based
on a first parameter, said first parameter having a plurality of
steps, said each intermediate image being obtained based on each
step of said plurality of steps of said first parameter, a second
bracket processor that obtains a plurality of photograph images
from each said intermediate image, based on a second parameter,
said second parameter having a plurality of steps, said each photograph
image being obtained based on each step of said plurality of steps
of said second parameter, a monitor, and a display processor that
displays a display image on said monitor, said display image being
divided into vertical columns and horizontal rows so as to generate
a plurality of divided unit fields; wherein said display processor
displays each image of said photograph images in each said divided
unit field.
22. A device according to claim 21, wherein said display processor
arranges said photograph images, generated based on a single step
of one parameter of said first and second parameters, in a vertical
direction, and said photograph images, generated based on a single
step of another parameter of said first and second parameters, in
a horizontal direction.
23. A device according to claim 22, wherein said first display
processor rearranges said photograph images, generated based on
said single step of said one parameter, in a horizontal direction,
and said photograph images generated based on said single step of
said another parameter, in a vertical direction, on said display
field.
24. A device according to claim 21, wherein said digital camera
comprises a third bracket processor, said first bracket processor
obtaining a plurality of first intermediate images of said object
based on said first parameter, said first parameter having a plurality
of steps, said each first intermediate image being obtained based
on each step of said plurality of steps of said first parameter,
said second bracket processor obtaining a plurality of second intermediate
images from each said first intermediate image, based on said second
parameter, said second parameter having a plurality of steps, said
each second intermediate image being obtained based on each step
of said plurality of steps of said second parameter, said third
bracket processor obtaining a plurality of photograph images from
each said second intermediate image, based on a third parameter,
said third parameter having a plurality of steps, said photograph
image being obtained based on each step of said plurality of steps
of said third parameter.
25. A device according to claim 24, wherein said display image
contains photograph images which are generated based on a single
step of a specific parameter of said first, second, and third parameters.
26. A digital camera according to claim 25, wherein said specific
parameter is changed according to a switch operating.
Digital Camera Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a digital camera, more
particularly, it relates to a digital camera capable of taking bracket
images.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Conventionally, it is known that a digital camera takes
bracket images while setting gradual steps for a parameter of photograph
condition e.g. exposure value, as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication (KOKAI) NO. 2003-87608. In this case, when a release
button is pushed, an object is photographed continuously so as to
obtain a plurality of photograph images, of which the compositions
are substantially same, but which are taken under different photograph
conditions from one another.
[0005] Sometimes it is difficult to judge the appropriate exposure
value when the object is photographed. In this case, if the bracket
images are taken, it is possible to choose the best image which
is photographed under the appropriate exposure values among the
plurality of photograph images after photographing. Namely, taking
bracket images counteracts failure to set the correct photograph
conditions e.g. exposure value.
[0006] Further, when an object moves fast, it is impossible for
more than one photograph image having the same composition to be
taken because the opportunity for photographing it is very short.
However, if the bracket images are photographed, it is possible
to obtain a plurality of images which are photographed under various
photograph conditions and having the same composition. Namely, even
if the object moves fast, a plurality of images having various characteristics
can be obtained by taking bracket images.
[0007] In order to obtain the image having the characteristics
the photographer desires, it is necessary to set the parameters
for the photograph conditions precisely. However, if there are too
many steps for setting only one parameter e.g. exposure value, it
often happens that the image which the photographer desires is not
obtained.
[0008] Accordingly, it is thought that bracket images should be
photographed while setting several steps for one parameter and this
photographing operation should be repeated after setting several
steps for another parameter. In this method, another parameter has
to be set manually by operating an operation device, and this operation
takes a long time. Therefore, a good opportunity for photographing
is sometimes lost, if the object moves fast. Further, the plurality
of images, which are photographed as described above method, are
not displayed on the camera monitor at the same time. In addition
to this, the plurality of images are not associated with each other
automatically. Therefore, it is difficult for users to select the
most desirable image from the plurality of photograph images.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a digital camera, which can obtain bracket images based on a plurality
of parameters for which several steps are set.
[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a
digital camera which generates a plurality of photograph images
as bracket images of an object. The digital camera comprises a setting
processor, a first bracket processor, and a second bracket processor.
The setting processor sets a plurality of steps for first and second
parameters. The first bracket processor obtains a plurality of intermediate
images of the object based on each step of the first parameter.
And the second bracket processor obtains a plurality of photograph
images from each image of the intermediate images based on each
step of the second parameter.
[0011] The digital camera preferably further comprises a monitor
and a first display processor. The first display processor displays
a display image on the monitor. The display image contains two or
more than two of the photograph images.
[0012] The first display processor preferably displays the display
image containing all the plurality of photograph images which are
obtained by the second bracket processor.
[0013] The first display processor preferably divides a display
field of the display image into vertical columns based on the number
of steps of one parameter of the first and second parameters and
horizontal rows based on the number of steps of one of the first
and second parameters so as to generate a plurality of divided unit
fields. Each photograph image is displayed in each divided unit
field.
[0014] The first display processor preferably arranges the photograph
images which are generated based on a single step of one parameter
of the first and second parameters, in a vertical direction. Further,
the first display processor arranges the photograph images which
are converted based on a single step of another parameter of the
first and second parameters, in a horizontal direction. The number
of steps of the first parameter is preferably the same as the number
of steps of the second parameter.
[0015] The first display processor rearranges the photograph images
which are generated based on a single step of one parameter in a
horizontal direction, and the photograph images which are generated
based on a single step of another parameter, in a vertical direction.
[0016] The first display processor rearranges the photograph images
according to a switch input for example.
[0017] The digital camera preferably comprises a distinction processor
and deletion processor. The distinction processor distinguishes
at least one of the photograph images from other photograph images.
The deletion processor deletes the images which are distinguished
by the distinction processor.
[0018] The digital camera can comprise a third bracket processor.
In this case, the setting processor sets a plurality of step for
a third parameter. The first bracket processor obtains a plurality
of first intermediate images of the object based on each step of
the first parameter. The second bracket processor obtains a plurality
of second intermediate images from each first intermediate image
based on each step of the second parameter. The third bracket processor
obtains a plurality of photograph images from each of the second
intermediate images based on each step of the second parameter.
[0019] The digital camera preferably comprises a monitor, and a
second display processor that displays the display image on the
monitor. In this case, the display image contains photograph images
which are generated based on one step of a specific of the first,
second, and third parameters. The specific parameter is changed
according to a switch operation for example.
[0020] The first and second parameters are preferably selected
from a plurality of selectable parameters, which include exposure
value, a white balance value, a sharpness value, a saturation value,
and a contrast value.
[0021] The first bracket processor is a photograph processor, and
the second bracket processor is an image processor for example.
The photograph processor continuously generates a plurality of frames
of original image signals of a substantially the same object image,
according to each step of the one parameter. The image processor
converts the frames of the original image signals to a plurality
of photograph images according to each step of another parameter.
[0022] The digital camera preferably comprises a photograph processor
and an image processor, and both the first and second bracket processors
are image processor for example. The photograph processor generates
a frame of original image signals from an object. The image processor
converts a frame of the original image signals to the intermediate
images based on each step of first parameter, and further converts
each of the intermediate images to a plurality of photograph images
based on each step of the second parameter.
[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
digital camera that generates a plurality of photograph images as
bracket images of an object. The digital camera comprises a setting
processor that sets a plurality of steps for first and second parameters,
and a bracketing processor that generates the plurality of photograph
images of the object, based on each first multi-parameter of a plurality
of the first multi-parameters. The first multi-parameter is a combination
of each step of the first parameter and each step of the second
parameter.
[0024] The setting processor can set a plurality of steps for a
third parameter, and the bracketing processor converts the object
image to a plurality of photograph images as bracket images, based
on each second multi-parameter of a plurality of second multi-parameters.
Each second multi-parameter is a combination of each the first multi-parameter
and each step of the third parameter.
[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
bracket-image generating device which obtains a plurality of photograph
images of an object. The device has first and second bracket processors,
a monitor, and a display processor. The first bracket processor
obtains a plurality of intermediate images of the object based on
a first parameter. The first parameter has a plurality of steps,
and each intermediate image is obtained based on each step of the
plurality of steps of the first parameter. The second bracket processor
obtains a plurality of photograph images from each the intermediate
image, based on a second parameter. The second parameter has a plurality
of steps, and the each photograph image is obtained based on each
step of the plurality of steps of the second parameter. The display
processor displays a display image on the monitor. The display image
is divided into vertical columns and horizontal rows so as to generate
a plurality of divided unit fields. The display processor displays
each image of the photograph images in each the divided unit field.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The objects and advantages of the present invention will
be better understood from the following description, with reference
to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a digital camera in a
first embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 2 shows a monitor which displays a setting image for
selecting parameters;
[0029] FIG. 3 shows a list for first and second parameters which
are set up to three steps;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the digital camera in a first
embodiment of this invention;
[0031] FIG. 5 shows a display image which is displayed on a monitor
in the initial situation in the first embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 6 shows a display image which is displayed on a monitor
after rearranging the unit display images in the first embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a routine for the photograph
mode;
[0034] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing routine for displaying the
photograph images in the first embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 9 shows a display image if the first and second parameters
are set to five steps;
[0036] FIG. 10 shows display images in a second embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 11 shows display images after the ranking of parameters
has been changed; and
[0038] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a routine for displaying
the photograph images in the second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] The present invention will be described below with reference
to the embodiments shown in the drawings.
[0040] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a digital camera in a
first embodiment. The digital camera 10 is provided with a camera
body 11 having an upper surface 11U, a back surface 11B, and a front
surface 11F. The camera body 11 is provided with a photograph lens
system 12 at the center of the front surface 1F. The camera body
11 is provided with a LCD monitor 14 at the left side of the back
surface 11B.
[0041] Reflected light from an object, which is received at the
photograph lens system 12, is converted to image signals, and then
the image signals are converted to photograph image, which are displayed
on the LCD monitor 14 as a still picture image.
[0042] A 4-way controller switch 15 is provided at the right side
of the LCD monitor 14, and an OK switch 16 is provided at the center
of the 4-way controller switch 15. A replay switch 18, a menu switch
19, and a bracket switch 20 are provided on the back surface 11B
around the LCD monitor 14, a zoom switch 22 is provided on the back
surface 11B above the 4-way controller switch 15.
[0043] A release button 24 is provided at the right side on the
upper surface 11U, when the digital camera 10 is viewed from behind.
A power switch 25 is provided at the center of the upper surface
11U. A card slot 26 is formed at one side surface of the camera
body 11 in order to insert a PC card (a recording media, not shown
in FIG. 1) in the camera body 11. Inside the card slot 26, a card
connector (not shown in FIG. 1) for connecting the PC card is provided.
[0044] If the power switch 25 is pushed, the power supply to the
digital camera 10 is switched on and then a mode of the digital
camera 11 is set to an ordinary photograph mode. In the ordinary
photograph mode, an ordinary photograph is carried out if the release
button 24 is pushed. Further, in the ordinary photograph mode, if
the bracket switch 20 is operated the mode of the digital camera
11 is changed to a bracket mode from the ordinary photograph mode.
[0045] In the ordinary photograph mode, when the object is photographed,
the photographed image is captured and displayed as a single photograph
image based on a plurality of parameters. On the other hand, in
the bracket mode, when the object is photographed, a plurality of
photograph images is obtained being substantially the same photograph
image, where each photograph image has a different combination of
step values for the plurality of parameters.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows a monitor which displays a setting image in
a condition setting mode. If the mode is changed to the bracket
mode, first a condition setting mode is started. In the condition
setting mode, a setting image SI is displayed on the monitor 14,
and then first and second parameter X1 and X2 are selected from
the plurality of selectable parameters according to the 4-way controller
switch 15 input. The selectable parameters include selectable photograph
parameters and selectable image process parameters. The selectable
photograph parameters are for determining the conditions when the
original image signals of the object image are generated, for example
one could be the exposure value. The selectable image process parameters
are for determining the conditions when the original image signals
undergo image processes so as to obtain photograph images, for example
they might be a white balance value, a sharpness value, a saturation
value, and a contrast value.
[0047] Regarding selected first and second parameter X1 and X2
these values are set to three steps in this embodiment, and the
differences between each step (the step levels) X3 and X4 are set
up in the condition setting mode. If the OK switch 16 is pushed,
the bracket mode is started in the state where the selected parameters
X1 and X2 and set-up step levels X3 and X4 are set.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, when the image indicates that the step
level X3 is .+-.0.3 EV, this means that each step for the first
parameter X1 (exposure value) is set to -0.3, .+-.0, and +0.3 EV.
The step level X3 (the difference between each step) is altered
for example among (0.3-2.0) EV according to the 4-way controller
switch 15 input. Similarly, when the image indicates that the step
level X4 is .+-.1, it means that the each step for the second parameter
X2 is -1, .+-.0, +1. The step level (difference between each step)
is altered for example between (1-5) according to the 4-way controller
switch 15 input. If the OK switch 16 is operated, the conditions
in the bracket mode are set as the setting image SI is indicated.
Namely, the exposure value and the white balance value are set as
the first and second parameters and 0.3 and 1 are set as the step
levels of the first and second parameters, if the setting image
SI as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed.
[0049] FIG. 3 shows a list of first and second parameters which
are set up. As described above, the first and second parameters
which are set up to have three steps in the bracket mode. And then
each step of the first parameter is combined with each step of the
second parameter so as to form these combinations as a plurality
of first multi-parameters (1)-(9). And then the photograph images
are generated as bracket images of the object, based on each first
multi-parameter of a plurality of first multi-parameters (1)-(9).
Namely, a plurality of intermediate images is generated from the
object based on each step of the first parameter. And the plurality
of photograph images is generated from each of the intermediate
images, based on each step of the second parameter.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, when the first and second parameters
are determined as the exposure value and the white balance value,
and each step is set to -0.3, .+-.0, +0.3 EV, and -1, .+-.0, +1,
respectively, the nine multi-parameters (1)-(9) are formed by combining
each step of the exposure value and each step of the white balance
value. Namely, first the three intermediate images are formed based
on exposure values -0.3, .+-.0, and +0.3 EV. Next, each image of
the three intermediate images is converted to three photograph images
based on the white balance values -1, .+-.0, and +1. In other words,
nine photograph images in total are obtained.
[0051] Further, the exposure value means the degree of exposure,
and the minus, the zero, and the plus mean "under-exposure",
"standard exposure", and "over-exposure" respectively
for the exposure value. Similarly the white balance value means
the degree of correction for the white balance. The larger the absolute
value thereof, the larger the corrected strength. And the plus,
the zero, and minus mean "plus correction", "no correction",
and "minus correction" respectively. Of course, the step
values regarding the other parameters have the same meaning as those
for the white balance.
[0052] The working of the digital camera 10 in the bracket mode
will be explained using FIG. 4. Hereinafter the case when the first
and second parameters are the exposure value and the white balance
respectively will be explained. The working of digital camera 10
is controlled by a system control circuit 31.
[0053] In the digital camera 10, the photographic optical system
12 includes the lens group. The position thereof for focusing is
controlled by a lens drive circuit 36. A diaphragm 33 is disposed
backward of the lens group, and is controlled by a diaphragm drive
circuit 35 so that the aperture thereof can be adjusted.
[0054] A CCD (an imaging device) 40 is disposed on the optical
axis of the optical system 12 and backward thereof, and is driven
by the CCD drive circuit 37. At the imaging device 40, original
image signals corresponding to the object image which is obtained
by the optical system 12, are generated and are input to an image
process circuit 43 as the digital signals through a correlated-double-sampling
and auto-gain-control (CDS/AGC) circuit 41 and an A/D converter
42. The original image signals undergo many kinds of image processes
at the image process circuit 43 so that the original image signals
are converted to image data of the photograph image. The circuits
35, 36, 37, and 43 are connected to the system control circuit 31
and are controlled thereby. The system control circuit 31 further
connects the switches so as to control the working of the digital
camera 10 according to the signals input from the switches.
[0055] In the bracket mode, when the release button 24 is half-pushed,
a photometry switch 50 is activated and the photometric value of
the object is detected by a photometry circuit 60. After detecting,
the photometric value is input to the system control circuit 31.
As described above one of the first parameters is the exposure value.
Therefore, the aperture value of the diaphragm 33 and the shutter
speed of the CCD 40 are calculated based on the detected photometric
value and the three steps of the exposure value which were set (for
example -0.3, .+-.0, and +0.3 EV).
[0056] When the release button 24 is fully-pushed, a release switch
51 is activated and first, second, and third original image signals
regarding first, second, and third frames respectively, are generated
successively based on the three steps of the exposure value. Namely,
when the release switch 51 is activated, the aperture of the diaphragm
33 is adjusted based on the first step exposure value (-0.3 EV)
and the CCD 40 is exposed to the received light from the object
through the photographic optical system 12 and the diaphragm 33
for the charge storing period (namely, the calculated shutter speed
based on the first step exposure value (-0.3 EV)). Due to this exposure,
the first image frame of the first original image signals are generated
according to the received light. The first original image signals
are output and input to the image process circuit 43 as digital
signals through the CDS/AGC circuit 41 and the A/D converter 42.
After the first image signals are output from the CCD 40, the CCD
40 is exposed again and the second frame of the second original
image signals are generated from the received light based on the
second step exposure value (0 EV), similar to the first original
image signals. After, the second original image signals are output
from the CCD 40, the third frame of the third image signals are
generated at the CCD 40 based on the third step exposure value (+0.3
EV), similar to the first and second original image signals.
[0057] Further, as described above, the first, second, and third
original image signals based on the under exposure (-0.3 EV), the
standard exposure (0 EV), and the over exposure (+0.3 EV) are generated
successively in this sequence. However, this sequence can be changed
according to the switch input by the user for example.
[0058] At the image process circuit 43, the first, second, and
third original image signals undergo many kinds of image processes
including a white balance adjustment, a sharpness adjustment, a
saturation adjustment, and a contrast adjustment. As described above,
one of the first and second parameters is the white balance value,
and the white balance value has three steps on levels (plus correction
(+1), no correction (.+-.0), and minus correction (-1)). Accordingly,
the first original image signals undergo a white balance adjustment
regarding each step level (+1, 0, -1) so that the first original
image signals are converted to image data regarding three photograph
images based on each step of the second parameter. On the other
hand, the parameters regarding the sharpness value, the saturation
value, and the contrast value are set at a single step or level.
Therefore, while the first original image signals are converted
to image data regarding all of the photograph images, the original
image signals undergo the sharpness adjustment, the saturation adjustment,
and the contrast adjustment under the same conditions. Similarly,
the second and third original image signals are converted to image
data. Due to this, the image data of the nine photograph images
are generated.
[0059] In the case as described above, the first parameter is a
photograph parameter and the second parameter is an image process
parameter. Therefore, the control conditions for controlling the
photograph processor including the photographic optical system 12,
the diaphragm 33, and CCD 40 are changed according to steps on levels
of the photograph parameters. Similarly, the conditions for controlling
the image process circuit 43 (image processor) which carries out
many kinds of image processes, are changed according to steps or
levels of the photograph parameter.
[0060] However, both the first and second parameters can be image
process parameters. The case when both the first and second parameters
are the image process parameters (the white balance and the sharpness
for example) is explained below. In this case, the control conditions
for the photograph processor are the same. Therefore, when the release
switch 51 is activated, only a single frame of original signals
is generated at the CCD 40. Namely, when the release button 24 is
half-pushed, the aperture value of the diaphragm 33 and shutter
speed of the CCD 40 are calculated based on the photometric value
which is detected by the photometry circuit 60 and the exposure
value (for example 0 EV) which is set to a single step value. When
the release button 24 is fully-pushed, the single frame of the original
image signals is generated based on the aperture value and shutter
speed which are calculated when the release button 24 is half-pushed.
And then the original image signals are input to the image process
circuit 43.
[0061] Three steps or levels are set for the first and second parameters
(the white balance value and the sharpness value). Therefore, a
single frame of the original image signals undergoes the white balance
adjustment based on each step of the first parameter (the white
balance value) so as to generate the image signals regarding the
three intermediate images. The image signals regarding the three
intermediate images further undergo the sharpness adjustment based
on each step of the second parameter (the sharpness value) respectively
so as to generate the image signals regarding nine photograph images.
Further, while the original image signals are converted to the image
signals regarding the nine photograph images, the image signals
undergo the saturation adjustment, and the contrast adjustment and
so on, of which parameters are set to single step or value.
[0062] The image signals regarding nine photograph images are sent
to an SDRAM 44 and are temporarily stored therein as nine stored
images without reducing the number of image pixels of the stored
images. The image data of the stored images which are determined
as the image to be recorded as described below are recorded in the
recording media 47.
[0063] On the other hand, the number of image pixels that are in
the nine photograph images are reduced and then they are stored
in the SDRAM 44 as nine unit display images. The image data regarding
the nine unit display images is read from the SDRAM 44 and then
the nine unit display images are synthesized at the image process
circuit 43 so as to generate a single display image 70 which is
displayed on the monitor 14 as shown in FIG. 5. A selected frame
75 and character 76 (as shown in FIG. 5) are read from a character
image memory 48, and then are synthesized on the display image 70
at the image process circuit 43.
[0064] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the display image. The
display image 70 has a substantially rectangular shape, and is displayed
on the entire display field of the monitor 14. The nine unit display
images (1)-(9) form a 3.times.3 matrix in the display image 70.
Namely, the display field of the display image 70 is divided into
three horizontal rows and three vertical columns which are the number
of steps of the first and second parameters, so as to generate a
plurality of divided unit fields. And then each unit display image
(1)-(9) is displayed in each divided unit field. Further the unit
display images (1)-(9) are generated based on the multi-parameters
(1)-(9) respectively as shown in FIG. 3.
[0065] The unit display images are arranged from the left side
to the right side of the display image 70 in the step sequence of
the first parameter (from low exposure value to the high exposure
value, -0.3 EV, 0 EV, and 0.3 EV). And the unit display images which
are generated based on the same step of the first parameter are
arranged in the same column (in the same vertical direction). Therefore,
the unit display images (1), (4), and (7) which are generated based
on the under exposure are arranged in a left column 1A. Similarly,
the images (2), (5), and (8) are arranged in a center column 2A,
and the images (3), (6) and (9) are arranged in a right column 3A.
[0066] Similarly, the unit display images are arranged from the
top side to the bottom side of the display image 70 in the step
sequence of the second parameter (from a high white balance value
to the low value, +1, 0, and -1). And the unit display images which
are generated based on the same step of the second parameter are
arranged in the same row (in the same horizontal direction). Therefore,
the unit display images (1), (2), and (3) which are generated based
on the plus correction (+1) are arranged in a top row 1B. Similarly,
the images (4), (5), and (6) are arranged in a center row 2B, and
the images (7), (8), and (9) are arranged in a bottom row 3B.
[0067] If the display image 70 is displayed on the monitor 14,
when the menu switch 19 is operated, the direction in which the
unit display images (generated based on the same step of first and
second parameters) are arranged, is changed. Namely, if the each
unit display image is arranged as shown in FIG. 5, the each unit
display image is rearranged as shown in FIG. 6, when the menu switch
19 is operated. Due to this, the unit display images generated based
on the same step of the first parameter, are rearranged in a horizontal
direction. Further the unit display images are arranged from the
bottom side to the top side of the display image 70 in the step
sequence of the first parameter. The unit display images generated
based on the same step of the second parameter, are rearranged in
a vertical direction. Further, the unit display images are arranged
from the right side to the left side of the display image 70 in
the step sequence of the second parameter. Furthermore, if each
unit display image is arranged as shown in FIG. 6, the each unit
display image is rearranged as shown in FIG. 5, when the menu switch
19 is input.
[0068] In this embodiment, the unit display image (5), which is
generated based on the center steps of the first and second parameters,
is always disposed at the center position of the display image 70.
Due to this, the user always sees the unit display image which is
generated based on the standard step values (for example 0 EV, and
0) for the first and second parameters, in the center of the display
image 70.
[0069] The photograph images are deleted or recorded as described
below. In the initial situation, all unit display images are set
as the images to be recorded. As shown in FIG. 5, the selected frame
75 which surrounds one of the unit display images is displayed on
the display image 70. The unit display image which the selected
frame 75 surrounds is altered by operation of the 4-way controller
switch 15. And when the OK switch 16 is operated, the unit display
image, which the selected frame 75 surrounds, is determined as the
image to be deleted. A check mark 76 in the form of a character,
is applied to the unit image determined as the image to be deleted
so as to distinguish the unit image determined as the image to be
deleted from other displayed unit images. Further, the unit display
image, which is surrounded by the selected frame 75 and which is
set as the image to be deleted, is determined as the image to be
recorded when the OK switch 16 is operated again.
[0070] More than one unit display image can be determined as an
image to be deleted by operating the 4-way controller switch 15
and the OK switch 16. If the unit display images (1), (4), and (5)
are determined as the images to be deleted, the check marks 76 are
applied to these images (1), (4), and (5) as shown in FIG. 5. On
the other hand, the unit display images which do not have the check
mark 76 applied, are determined as the images to be recorded. When
the bracket switch 20 is operated, the image data of the stored
images corresponding to the unit display images (1), (4), and (5)
which are determined as the images to be deleted are deleted from
the SDRAM 44. At the same time, the image data of the stored images
corresponding to the unit display images (2), (3), and (6)-(9) determined
as the image to be recorded is recorded in the recording media 47.
After this procedure, the bracket mode is finished.
[0071] Further, the photograph image can be recorded in the recording
media 47 by other processes. For example, the digital camera 10
has a delete switch, and if the delete switch is operated, the stored
image in the SDRAM 44 corresponding to the unit display image which
the selected frame 75 surrounds, is deleted immediately. Further,
a unit display image to which the check mark 76 is not applied,
can be determined as the delete image, on the other hand, the unit
display image to which the check mark 76 is applied, can be determined
as the recoded image. Furthermore, whether the check mark 76 is
applied to the image to be deleted or the image to be recorded can
be set-up according to the switch operation.
[0072] As described above, it is easy for a user to obtain several
photograph images which are generated from substantially the same
object image while setting a plurality steps for several parameters.
Further, these several photograph images can be displayed on the
same display field of the monitor, therefore it is easy for the
user to judge whether the photograph images are necessary or unnecessary.
And the unnecessary images are deleted and the necessary images
are recorded by simple operations in this embodiment.
[0073] FIG. 7 shows the routine for taking photographs. In the
routine for taking a photograph, first whether the bracket switch
20 is operated is determined at step S100. If the bracket switch
is operated, the digital camera 10 enters the bracket mode. If the
bracket switch is not operated, the digital camera 10 enters the
ordinary photograph mode in step S102.
[0074] If the digital camera 10 enters the bracket mode, first
the condition setting mode as shown in FIG. 2 is started at step
S104. In this mode, the first and second parameters are selected
from a plurality of selectable parameters according to the switch
inputs. And the steps of the first and second parameters are set
according to the switch inputs. After this setting, whether the
release button 24 is half-pushed is determined at step S108. If
the release button 24 is not half-pushed, the routine waits at step
S108. If the release button 24 is half-pushed, the photometric value
of the object is detected at step S110. Next, whether the exposure
value is selected as the first or second parameter at step S104
is determined at step S112. If the exposure value is selected as
the first or second parameter, the routine goes to step S114.
[0075] If the first or second parameter is the exposure value,
three frames of the original image signals are generated by the
CCD 40 based on the three steps of the exposure value for substantially
the same object image. Therefore, at step S114 the three steps of
the aperture values and the shutter speeds are calculated based
on the three steps of the exposure values and on the detected photometric
value at step S110, in order to generate the three frames of original
image signals by the CCD 40. Next, whether the release button is
fully-pushed, half-pushed, or not pushed is determined at step S116
and S118. If the release button is not fully-pushed but the release
button is continually half-pushed, the routine waits at step S116
and step 118. If the release button is neither fully-pushed nor
half-pushed, the routine goes back to step S108 from step S118.
[0076] If the release button is fully-pushed, the object is photographed
at step S120. Namely, the CCD 40 is exposed three times successively
so as to generate the three frames of original image signals (three
intermediate images) of substantially the same object image, based
on the three aperture-values steps and the three shutter-speed steps
which are calculated at step S114. The original image signals regarding
each frame of three frames undergo many kinds of image processes.
Specially, the original image signals regarding each frame undergo
a specific image process which corresponds to the selected first
or second parameter based on the three steps of the parameter set
at step S104. Due to these image processes, the original image signals
are converted to image data regarding nine photograph images.
[0077] On the other hand, if it is determined that the exposure
value is not set to the first and second parameters the routine
goes to step S130. A single frame of the original image signals
is generated by the CCD 40 based on the value of the single exposure
step. Therefore, at step S130 one aperture value and one shutter
speed are calculated based on the value of the single exposure step
and the detected photometric value. Next, whether the release button
is fully-pushed, half-pushed, or not pushed is determined at step
S132 and S134, similar to step S116 and step S118.
[0078] If the release button is fully-pushed, the object is photographed
at steps S140 and S142. Namely, at step S140 the CCD 40 is exposed
once so as to generate one frame of original image signals based
on a single aperture value and a single shutter speed calculated
at step S130. One frame of the original image signals undergoes
many kinds of image processes at step S142. Specially, the original
image signals undergo a specific image process corresponding to
the first parameter, more precisely based on the three steps of
the first parameter set at step S104, so that original image signals
are converted to the image data regarding three intermediate images.
In addition to this, the image data regarding three intermediate
images undergoes a specific image process corresponding to the second
parameter based on three steps of the second parameter. Due to these
image processes, the original image signals are converted to image
data regarding nine photograph images at step S142. The image data
regarding nine photograph images which are generated at step S120
or S142 are temporarily stored in SDRAM 44.
[0079] FIG. 8 shows the routine for displaying the photograph image.
At step S150, the image data regarding nine photograph images is
read from the SDRAM 44, and then the display image 70 which includes
the nine photograph images as the unit display images (1)-(9) is
displayed on the monitor 14 as shown in FIG. 5. At step S151, the
selected frame 75 is displayed on the displayed image 70 which surrounds
the unit display image (5) which is disposed at the center of the
display image 70 and the photograph image corresponding thereto
is set to the selected image.
[0080] At step S152, whether the menu switch 19 is operated is
determined. If it is determined that the switch 19 is operated,
the display sequence of the unit display image (1)-(9) is changed
at step S154. Namely, if the switch 19 is operated, the display
sequence of the display image 70 is changed from that shown in FIG.
5 to that shown in FIG. 6, or from that shown in FIG. 6 to that
shown in FIG. 5. At step S156, whether the 4-way controller switch
15 is operated is determined. If it is determined that the switch
15is operated, the selected frame 75 is moved in a direction according
to the operated part of the switch 15, and the selected image is
changed to the photograph image corresponding to the unit display
image which is surrounded by the selected frame 75.
[0081] At step S160, whether the OK switch 15 is operated is determined.
If it is determined that the switch 16 is operated, the selected
image is set as an image to be deleted or an image to be recorded
at step S162. And a check mark 75 is applied to the unit display
image which is set as an image to be deleted as shown in FIG. 5.
[0082] At step S164, whether the bracket switch 20 is operated
is determined. If it is determined that the switch 20 is not operated,
the routine repeats from step S152 to step S164. If it is determined
that the switch 20 is operated, the routine goes to step S170. At
step S170, the image data regarding a photograph image (stored in
SDRAM 44 as the stored image) which is set as the image to be recorded
is recorded in the recording media 47. On the other hand, the data
regarding a photograph image which is set as the image to be deleted
is deleted at step S170. When finishing step S170, the routine for
taking a bracket photograph is finished and the digital camera enters
the ordinary photograph mode.
[0083] In this embodiment, three steps for first and second parameters
are set as described above. However, "n" steps for first
and second parameters can be set ("n" is a natural number
and is two or more than two). In this case, n.sup.2photograph images
are generated as the bracket images, and the display image 70 (referring
to FIG. 5) is divided into "n" horizontal rows and "n"
vertical columns so as to generate the n.sup.2 divided unit fields.
Each unit display image corresponding to each photograph image is
displayed in each of the divided unit fields. Similar to the embodiment
as described above, the unit display images are arranged from the
left side to the right side of the display image 70 in the step
sequence of the first parameter, and the unit display images are
arranged from the top side to the bottom side of the display image
70 in the step sequence of the second parameter in the initial situation.
[0084] For example, if the steps for the first and second parameters
are set to five steps, then twenty-five photograph images are generated
of the object. And all of these photograph images are displayed
on the display image 70 as the unit display images, as shown in
FIG. 9.
[0085] In this embodiment, the number of steps of the first parameter
is the same as the number of the steps of the second parameter.
However, the number of the steps of the first parameter can be different
from the number of the steps of the second parameter. In this case,
if the display field of the monitor 14 is longer from side to side
than an ordinary display field, the unit display images are arranged
in the horizontal direction according to step sequence having the
larger number of steps, so that each unit display image has a suitable
size for a user to easily see.
[0086] Further, the number of steps of the first and second parameters
is preferably an odd number. If it is an odd number, the photograph
images which are generated based on the standard step of the first
or second parameter are always displayed in the center row or column.
In addition to this, the photograph image which is generated based
on the standard step of both the first and second parameters is
always displayed in the center of the display image 70. Due to this,
the user can compare each photograph image easily.
[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is only one selectable
photograph parameter, namely only the exposure value, however there
can be two or more than two selectable photograph parameters, namely
they might be the shutter speed and the aperture value of the diaphragm
33 for example instead of the exposure value. In this case, if both
the shutter speed and the aperture value are set as the first and
second parameters, the CCD 40 is exposed nine times so as to generate
the nine frame images of original image signals when the release
button is fully-pushed once.
[0088] In this embodiment, all photograph images are set as the
images to be recorded in the initial situation. However, all photograph
images can be set as images to be deleted in the initial situation.
Of course, whether all photograph images are set as the images to
be recorded or set as the images to be deleted in the initial situation
is selected by a user.
[0089] Next, the second embodiment will be explained using FIGS.
10, 11, and 12. In the first embodiment, the first and second parameters
are selected from the selectable parameters. However, in this embodiment,
the first, second, and third parameters are selected from the selectable
parameters. Hereinafter the case in which the first, second, and
third parameters are the exposure value, the white balance value,
and sharpness value respectively will be explained. In this case,
the number of steps for the first, second, and third parameters
is set to three, similar to the first embodiment for example. Each
step of the first parameter is combined with each the step of the
second parameter so as to form nine combinations as nine first multi-parameters.
And each of the nine first multi-parameters is combined with each
the step of the third parameter so as to form twenty-seven combinations
as twenty-seven second multi-parameters. And then the photograph
images are generated as bracket images of substantially the same
object based on each multi-parameter of the twenty-seven second
multi-parameters. Namely, the CCD 40 is exposed three times based
on each step of the first parameter (the exposure value) so as to
generate three first intermediate images from substantially the
same object image, similar to the first embodiment. Next, the nine
second intermediate images are generated from three first intermediate
images based on each step of the second parameter (the white balance
value) in the image process circuit 43. In addition to this, twenty-seven
photograph images as bracket images are generated from the second
intermediate images based on each the step of the third parameter
(the sharpness value). The image signals regarding twenty-seven
photograph images are temporarily stored in the SDRAM 44 as the
stored images and as the unit display images, similar to the first
embodiment.
[0090] It is difficult to display the twenty-seven unit display
images in the display field of the monitor 14 at the same time.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the twenty-seven unit display images
are grouped into three groups, each group having nine unit display
images. The nine unit display images in one group are synthesized
at the image process circuit 43 into one display image. Due to these
processes, the first, second, and, third display images 81, 82,
and 83 which contain the nine unit display images are generated
as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0091] The first, second, and third parameters are ranked. For
each image of the display images 81, 82, and 83, the unit display
images are generated based on each step of the first and second
ranked parameters, and a single step of the third ranked parameter.
And then the unit display images are arranged from the left side
to the right side of the display image 81 in the step sequence of
the first ranked parameter. And the unit display images are arranged
from the top side to the bottom side of the display image 81 in
the step sequence of the second ranked parameter.
[0092] The first, second, and third parameters are ranked into
first, second, and third ranked parameters respectively in the initial
situation. Therefore, in the initial situation, the unit display
images which are generated based on the -0.3 EV, 0 EV, and +0.3
EV of the exposure value (the first parameter) are arranged in the
columns 1A, 2A, and 3A respectively in each image of the display
images 81, 82, and 83. Similarly, the unit display images which
are generated based on the -1, 0, and +1 of the white balance value
(the second prior) are arranged in the rows 1B, 2B, and 3B respectively
in each image of the display images 81, 82, and 83. However, the
unit display images are generated based on the same step of the
sharpness value (the third parameter) in each display image 81,
82, and 83.
[0093] The first, second, and third parameters are ranked to first,
second, and third ranked parameters respectively in the initial
situation. However, the ranking of the parameters can be changed
by operating the menu switch 19.
[0094] In the initial situation, the unit display image (5) which
is generated based on the standard steps regarding all of the first,
second, and third parameters is displayed on the monitor 14. Therefore,
in the initial situation the second displayed image 82 is displayed
on the monitor 14.
[0095] Furthermore, the selected frame 75 surrounds the unit display
image (5) which is disposed in the center of the second image 82
and which is generated based the standard steps regarding the first,
second, and third parameters in the initial situation.
[0096] Of course, which display image 81, 82, or 83 is displayed
on the monitor 14 can be changed according to the input replay switch
18.
[0097] The FIG. 12 shows the routine for displaying the photograph
image in the second embodiment. As described above, the twenty-seven
photograph images are generated when the release button is pushed
once in the bracket mode, and these twenty-seven photograph images
are composed of one of the first, second, and third display images
81, 82, and 83.
[0098] In this routine, the second display image 82 is displayed
at step S240 at first, and then the center unit display image (5)
is surrounded by the selected frame 75 at step S241 as shown in
FIG. 10. At step S242, whether the replay switch 18 is operated
is determined. If it is determined that the switch 18 is operated,
the display image which is displayed on the monitor 14 is changed
at step S244. Namely, if the display image which is displayed on
the monitor 14 is the first display image 81 the display image is
changed to the second display image 82. Similarly, it is changed
from the second or third image 82 or 83 to the third or first image
83 or 81 if the second or third image 82 or 83 is displayed.
[0099] At step S250, whether the menu switch 19 is operated is
determined. If it is determined that the switch 19 is operated,
the ranking of the parameters is changed at step S252, namely the
parameters which are ranked first, second, and third are changed
to the third, first, and second ranked parameters respectively.
After this step the twenty-seven unit display images are rearranged
according to the ranks of the parameters at step S254. Namely, each
image of the three display images 81, 82, and 83 contains the unit
display images which are generated based on each step of the new
first and second ranked parameters and single step of the new third
ranked parameter. Next, the routine goes back to the step S240,
and then the new second display image 82 is displayed on the monitor
14.
[0100] Namely, in the initial situation, each image of the three
display images 81, 82, and 83 contains the nine unit display images
which are generated based on each step of the first and second parameters,
and a single step of the third parameter. And if the menu switch
19 is pushed once, the first, second, and third parameters are set
to the third, first, and second ranked parameters respectively as
shown in FIG. 11, therefore each image of the new three display
images 81, 82, and 83 contains the nine unit display images which
are generated based on each step of the second and third parameters,
and a single step of the first parameter as shown in FIG. 11.
[0101] The routine from step S256 to step S266 is similar to that
of the first embodiment, therefore these explanations are omitted.
[0102] As described above, the bracket images can be obtained of
substantially the same object image based on each combination of
steps of three parameters by a simple operation. Further, the bracket
images are displayed on the monitor according to predetermined rules
therefore the user can confirm each of the bracket images easily.
[0103] Of course, the number of parameters which are selected from
the selectable parameters is changed according to the switch operation
for example.
[0104] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been
described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, obviously
many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in this
art without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0105] The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained
in Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-250438 (filed on Aug. 30,
2004) which is expressly incorporated herein, by reference, in its
entirety.
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