U.S. patent application number 11/898866 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-24 for method for image data print control, electronic camera and camera system.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Satoshi Ejima, Tomoaki Kawamura.
Application Number | 20080018754 11/898866 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46329332 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080018754 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ejima; Satoshi ; et
al. |
January 24, 2008 |
Method for image data print control, electronic camera and camera
system
Abstract
An electronic camera includes a zoom changing unit that changes
a focal length of a zoom lens, an image-capturing unit that
executes photoelectric conversion for a subject image projected by
the zoom lens onto an image-capturing area, a range finding unit
that detects a distance to a subject, a photographic range setting
unit that sets a size of a photographic range at a subject
position, and a zoom control unit that controls the zoom changing
unit based upon the photographic range that has been set and the
subject distance so that the subject within the photographic range
is projected almost over the entirety of the image-capturing
area.
Inventors: |
Ejima; Satoshi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Kawamura; Tomoaki; (Yokohama-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 320850
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320-4850
US
|
Assignee: |
NIKON CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
100-8331
|
Family ID: |
46329332 |
Appl. No.: |
11/898866 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
10218561 |
Aug 15, 2002 |
7286160 |
|
|
11898866 |
Sep 17, 2007 |
|
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|
10115912 |
Apr 5, 2002 |
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10218561 |
Aug 15, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/240.3 ;
348/E5.047; 348/E5.051 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/23293 20130101;
H04N 5/23296 20130101; H04N 5/23245 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/240.3 ;
348/E05.051 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/262 20060101
H04N005/262 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 5, 2001 |
JP |
2001-107244 |
Apr 5, 2001 |
JP |
2001-107245 |
Claims
1. An electronic camera comprising: a zoom changing unit that
changes a focal length of a zoom lens; an image-capturing unit that
executes photoelectric conversion for a subject image projected by
the zoom lens onto an image-capturing area; a range finding unit
that detects a distance to a subject; a photographic range setting
unit that sets a size of a photographic range at a subject
position; and a zoom control unit that controls the zoom changing
unit based upon the photographic range that has been set and the
subject distance so that the subject within the photographic range
is projected almost over the entirety of the image-capturing
area.
2. An electronic camera comprising: a zoom changing unit that
changes a focal length of a zoom lens; an image-capturing unit that
executes photoelectric conversion for an image of a subject
projected by the zoom lens onto an image-capturing area; a range
finding unit that detects a distance to a subject; a mode setting
unit operated to set a specified range photographing mode in which
a size of the photographic range at a subject position is fixed at
a predetermined size; and a zoom control unit that controls the
zoom changing unit based upon the photographic range and the
subject distance when the specified range photographing mode is set
so that the subject within the photographic range is projected
almost over the entirety of the image-capturing area.
3. An electronic camera according to claim 2, further comprising: a
magnification factor setting unit that sets a printing
magnification factor, wherein: the mode setting unit fixes the size
of the photographic range at the subject position to a size
calculated by dividing the predetermined size by the printing
magnification factor.
4. An electronic camera according to claim 2, further comprising: a
size setting unit operated to set the predetermined size.
5. An electronic camera comprising: a zoom changing unit that
changes a focal length of a zoom lens; an image-capturing unit that
executes photoelectric conversion for an image of a subject
projected by the zoom lens onto an image-capturing area; a range
finding unit that detects a distance to a subject; a mode setting
unit operated to set a specified range photographing mode in which
a size of the photographic range at a subject position is fixed at
a predetermined size; a focal length calculating unit that
calculates a focal length at which the subject within the
photographic range is projected almost over the entirety of the
image-capturing area when the specified range photographing mode is
set, based upon (a) a plurality of focal lengths assumed by the
zoom lens, (b) subject distances detected in correspondence to the
plurality of focal lengths when a reference image at the
predetermined size is projected almost over the entirety of the
image-capturing area and (c) the distance to the subject detected
when an image of the subject is captured; and a zoom control unit
that controls the zoom changing unit so as to match the focal
length of the zoom lens with the focal length calculated at the
focal length calculating unit.
6. An electronic camera according to claim 2, further comprising: a
display monitor at which a subject image based upon image
information provided by the image-capturing unit and a range
indicator mark indicating a range substantially corresponding to
the photographic range superimposed on the subject image are
brought up on display when the focal length of the zoom lens is at
a maximum and a size of a range of the subject projected almost
over the entirety of the image-capturing area is larger than the
size of the photographic range.
7. An electronic camera according to claim 6, further comprising: a
storage control unit that stores image information over the range
indicated by the range indicator mark into a storage area.
8. An electronic camera according to claim 7, wherein: the storage
control unit stores the predetermined size into the storage area in
correspondence to the image information.
9. An electronic camera according to claim 2, further comprising:
an electronic zoom unit that electronically enlarges a part of a
subject image achieved based upon image information provided by the
image-capturing unit; and an electronic zoom control unit that
controls the electronic zoom unit when the focal length of the zoom
lens is at a maximum and a size of a range of the subject projected
almost over the entirety of the image-capturing area is larger than
the size of the photographic range, so as to enlarge an image
corresponding to the subject within the photographic range in the
subject image achieved based upon the image information from the
image-capturing unit to a size matching a size of the subject
image.
10. An electronic camera according to claim 2, further comprising:
a warning unit that issues a warning if the focal length of the
zoom lens is at a minimum and a size of a range of the subject
projected almost over the entirety of the image-capturing area is
smaller than the size of the photographic range.
11. An electronic camera according to claim 2, further comprising:
a sub-sampling unit that electronically sub-samples the subject
image when the focal length of the zoom lens is at a minimum and a
size of a range of the subject projected almost over the entirety
of the image-capturing area is smaller than the size of the
photographic range.
12. An electronic camera, comprising: a mode setting unit operated
to set a specified range photographic mode in which a size of a
photographic range at the subject position is fixed to a
predetermined size; an image-capturing unit that executes
photoelectric conversion for a subject projected onto an
image-capturing area by a photographic optical system; an
electronic zoom unit that electronically enlarges a part of a
subject image achieved based upon image information provided by the
image-capturing unit; and an electronic zoom control unit that
controls the electronic zoom unit so as to enlarge an image
corresponding to the photographic range in the subject image to a
size matching a size of the subject image.
13. An electronic camera according to claim 2, further comprising:
a display unit at which a mark indicating the predetermined size is
displayed.
14. A camera system comprising: a zoom changing unit that changes a
focal length of a zoom lens; an image-capturing unit that executes
photoelectric conversion for an image of a subject projected by the
zoom lens onto an image-capturing area; a range finding unit that
detects a distance to a subject; a mode setting unit operated to
set a specified range photographing mode in which a size of the
photographic range at a subject position is fixed at a
predetermined size; and a zoom control unit that controls the zoom
changing unit based upon the photographic range and the subject
distance when the specified range photographing mode is set so that
the subject within the photographic range is projected almost over
the entirety of the image-capturing area; and a printing device
that prints an image photographed in the specified range
photographing mode in a size substantially matching the
predetermined size.
Description
[0001] This is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/218,561 filed Aug. 15, 2002, which in turn is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/115,912
filed Apr. 5, 2002 (now abandoned). The disclosure of each of these
prior applications is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] The disclosures of the following priority applications are
herein incorporated by reference:
[0003] Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-107244 filed Apr. 5,
2001
[0004] Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-107245 filed Apr. 5,
2001
[0005] Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-247839 filed Aug. 17,
2001
[0006] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/115,912 filed Apr. 5,
2002
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0007] 1. Field of the Invention
[0008] The present invention relates to a method for image data
print control, an electronic camera and a camera system.
[0009] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0010] After a photographing operation is performed in an
electronic camera, the data constituting the photographed image are
normally taken into a personal computer via a recording medium such
as a memory card, a communication cable or the like in the related
art. The image thus taken into the personal computer can be printed
out by utilizing a printer. The image can be printed in this
situation by specifying the printing size and the printing
resolution in, for instance, a printing application software
program.
[0011] However, while the image can be printed in a desired
printing size at a desired printing resolution, there is no
appropriate method that may be adopted to print the photographed
subject in original size (magnification factor 1) or to print the
photographed subject at a specified magnification factor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a method
for image data print control that enables printing of a subject
image at a magnification factor of 1 and also at a specified
magnification factor, and an electronic camera and a camera system
that are capable of performing a photographing operation by taking
into consideration possible eventualities of printing at a
magnification factor of 1 or at a specified magnification factor to
facilitate a printing operation at a magnification factor of 1 or
at a specified magnification factor.
[0013] A method for image data print control according to the
present invention, comprises: obtaining subject image data which is
obtained by capturing an image of a subject formed through a
photographic optical system and output by an image-capturing
element having a plurality of pixels; obtaining a distance to the
subject; obtaining a number of pixels provided at the
image-capturing element; obtaining a pixel pitch at the
image-capturing element; obtaining a focal length of the
photographic optical system; and calculating a printing resolution
so as to print the image of the subject in a size equal to a size
of the subject by using the subject image data, based upon the
distance to the subject, the number of pixels at the
image-capturing element, the pixel pitch at the image-capturing
element and the focal length of the photographic optical
system.
[0014] In this method for image data print control, it is preferred
that: obtaining a printing magnification factor is further
provided; and after the printing magnification factor is obtained,
a printing resolution is calculated so as to print the image of the
subject in a size achieved by enlarging the size of the subject by
the printing magnification factor that has been obtained by using
the subject image data, based upon the distance to the subject, the
number of pixels at the image-capturing element, the pixel pitch at
the image-capturing element and the focal length of the
photographic optical system.
[0015] An electronic camera according to the present invention
comprises: a photographic optical system; an image-capturing
element having a plurality of pixels that captures an image of a
subject formed through the photographic optical system and outputs
image data constituting the image thus obtained; a range finding
device that detects a distance to the subject; a calculating device
that obtains a number of pixels at the image-capturing element, a
pixel pitch at the image-capturing element and a focal length of
the photographic optical system, and calculates a printing
resolution so as to print the image of the subject in a size equal
to a size of the subject by using the subject image data, based
upon the distance to the subject that has been detected, the number
of pixels at the image-capturing element, the pixel pitch at the
image-capturing element and the focal length of the photographic
optical system; and a recording control device that records the
printing resolution that has been calculated into a recording
medium together with the image data.
[0016] Another electronic camera according to the present invention
comprises: an image-capturing unit that implements photoelectric
conversion on a subject image projected onto an image-capturing
area by a photographic optical system; a range finding unit that
detects a subject distance; a photographic range calculating unit
that calculates a photograph range over which the image-capturing
area at the image-capturing unit is projected at a position
corresponding to the subject distance by the photographic optical
system; a printing resolution calculating unit that calculates a
printing resolution so as to print the subject image based upon
image information output by the image-capturing unit in a size
substantially equal to the photographic range, based upon the
photographic range and the number of pixels provided at the
image-capturing unit; and a storage control unit that stores the
printing resolution into a storage area together with the image
information.
[0017] Another electronic camera according to the present invention
comprises: an image-capturing unit that implements photoelectric
conversion on a subject image projected onto an image-capturing
area by a photographic optical system; a range finding unit that
detects a subject distance; a photographic range calculating unit
that calculates a photograph range over which the image-capturing
area at the image-capturing unit is projected at a position
corresponding to the subject distance by the photographic optical
system; a magnification factor setting unit that sets a printing
magnification factor; a printing resolution calculating unit that
calculates a printing resolution so as to print the subject image
based upon image information output by the image-capturing unit in
a size substantially equal to a size achieved by multiplying a size
of the photographic range by the printing magnification factor,
based upon the photographic range, a number of pixels provided at
the image-capturing unit and the printing magnification factor; and
a storage control unit that stores the printing resolution into a
storage area together with the image information.
[0018] In the above electronic cameras, it is preferred that: a
display monitor that selectively displays a subject image captured
by the image-capturing unit and a subject image based upon the
image information stored in the storage area, is further provided;
and a display magnification factor representing a ratio of a size
of a display range of the display monitor and a value obtained by
dividing the number of pixels by the printing resolution is
displayed at the display monitor together with the subject
image.
[0019] In the above electronic cameras, it is preferred that: the
photographic optical system is constituted of a zoom optical
system; an execution mode in which the printing resolution is
calculated and the printing resolution is stored into the storage
area and a non-execution mode in which no printing resolution is
calculated and stored are provided; a mode setting unit that
selectively sets either the execution mode or the non-execution
mode is provided; a zoom changing unit that changes a focal length
of the zoom optical system is provided; and a zoom control unit
that controls the zoom changing unit so that a zoom position of the
zoom optical system achieves a predetermined focal length when the
mode setting unit sets the execution mode, is provided. In this
case, it is preferred that the zoom control unit controls the zoom
changing unit so that the zoom optical system enters a macro
photographing state when the mode setting unit sets the execution
mode. Furthermore, it is preferred that a clearing unit that clears
the macro photographing state and a mode control unit that switches
from the execution mode to the non-execution mode when the clearing
unit clears the macro photographing state in the execution mode,
are provided.
[0020] In the above electronic cameras, it is preferred that a
warning unit that engages in a warning operation when the subject
distance is not within a predetermined range, is provided.
[0021] A camera system according to the present invention
comprises: an electronic camera; and a printing device. The
electronic camera comprises: an image-capturing unit that
implements photoelectric conversion on a subject image projected
onto an image-capturing area by a photographic optical system; a
range finding unit that detects a subject distance; a photographic
range calculating unit that calculates a photograph range over
which the image-capturing area at the image-capturing unit is
projected at a position corresponding to the subject distance by
the photographic optical system; a printing resolution calculating
unit that calculates a printing resolution so as to print the
subject image based upon image information output by the
image-capturing unit in a size substantially equal to the
photographic range, based upon the photographic range and a number
of pixels provided at the image-capturing unit; and a storage
control unit that stores the printing resolution into a storage
area together with the image information, and the printing device
prints the subject image based upon the printing resolution and the
image information stored in the storage area.
[0022] Another camera system according to the present invention
comprises: an image-capturing unit that implements photoelectric
conversion on a subject image projected onto an image-capturing
area by a photographic optical system; a range finding unit that
detects a subject distance; a photographic range calculating unit
that calculates a photograph range over which the image-capturing
area at the image-capturing unit is projected at a position
corresponding to the subject distance by the photographic optical
system; a printing resolution calculating unit that calculates a
printing resolution so as to print the subject image based upon
image information output by the image-capturing unit in a size
substantially equal to the photographic range, based upon the
photographic range and a number of pixels provided at the
image-capturing unit; and a printing device that prints the subject
image based upon the printing resolution and the image
information.
[0023] In the above camera systems, it is preferred that: an image
processing unit that processes the image information if the
printing resolution is not within a printing resolution range set
in advance, so as to achieve a predetermined printing resolution
within the printing resolution range, is provided; and the printing
device prints the subject image based upon the image information
having been processed at the image processing unit and the
predetermined printing resolution.
[0024] Another electronic camera according to the present invention
comprises: an image-capturing unit that implements photoelectric
conversion on a subject image projected onto an image-capturing
area by a photographic optical system; a range finding unit that
detects a subject distance; a photographic range calculating unit
that calculates a photograph range over which the image-capturing
area at the image-capturing unit is projected at a position
corresponding to the subject distance by the photographic optical
system; a printing resolution calculating unit that calculates a
printing resolution so as to print the subject image based upon
image information output by the image-capturing unit in a size
substantially equal to the photographic range, based upon the
photographic range and a number of pixels provided at the
image-capturing unit; a storage control unit that stores the
printing resolution into the storage area together with the image
information; a display monitor that displays the subject image
captured by the image-capturing unit; a printing size storage unit
having stored therein at least one of various printing sizes; and a
monitor control unit that controls the display monitor so as to
display at least one of marks indicating the printing sizes
together with the subject image.
[0025] In this electronic camera, it is preferred that: a
reproduction mode in which the subject image based upon the image
information stored in the storage area is displayed at the display
monitor, is provided; and when the reproduction mode is selected,
the monitor control unit controls the display monitor so as to
display the mark together with the subject image.
[0026] Also, it is preferred that an input unit that inputs the
printing sizes to the printing size storage unit is provided.
[0027] Also, it is preferred that the mark displayed at the display
monitor is a rectangular frame indicating the printing size. In
this case, it is preferred that: a correction unit that captures an
image of a reference rectangular frame having a size equal to the
printing size and corrects the printing resolution based upon a
printing resolution at which the rectangular frame corresponding to
the printing size matches the image of the reference rectangular
frame on the display monitor and a value obtained by dividing the
number of pixels by the size of the reference rectangular frame, is
provided; and the storage control unit stores the printing
resolution having been corrected by the correction unit into the
storage area together with the image information.
[0028] Also, it is preferred that the monitor control unit controls
the display monitor so as to display a center mark indicating a
central position of the display monitor.
[0029] Also, it is preferred that: a selection unit that selects
one of the printing sizes stored in the printing size storage unit,
and a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether or
not the photographic range calculated by the photographic range
calculating unit is equal to or smaller than the printing size
selected by the selection unit, are provided; and the monitor
control unit controls the display monitor so as to display a
decision making mark indicating decision results obtained at the
decision-making unit.
[0030] Another electronic camera according to the present invention
comprises: a zoom changing unit that changes a focal length of a
zoom lens; an image-capturing unit that executes photoelectric
conversion for a subject image projected by the zoom lens onto an
image-capturing area; a range finding unit that detects a distance
to a subject; a photographic range setting unit that sets a size of
a photographic range at a subject position; and a zoom control unit
that controls the zoom changing unit based upon the photographic
range that has been set and the subject distance so that the
subject within the photographic range is projected almost over the
entirety of the image-capturing area.
[0031] Another electronic camera according to the present invention
comprises: a zoom changing unit that changes a focal length of a
zoom lens; an image-capturing unit that executes photoelectric
conversion for an image of a subject projected by the zoom lens
onto an image-capturing area; a range finding unit that detects a
distance to a subject; a mode setting unit operated to set a
specified range photographing mode in which a size of the
photographic range at a subject position is fixed at a
predetermined size; and a zoom control unit that controls the zoom
changing unit based upon the photographic range and the subject
distance when the specified range photographing mode is set so that
the subject within the photographic range is projected almost over
the entirety of the image-capturing area.
[0032] In this electronic camera, it is preferred that: a
magnification factor setting unit that sets a printing
magnification factor is further provided; and the mode setting unit
fixes the size of the photographic range at the subject position to
a size calculated by dividing the predetermined size by the
printing magnification factor.
[0033] Also, it is preferred that a size setting unit operated to
set the predetermined size is further provided.
[0034] Also, it is preferred that there is provided a display
monitor at which a subject image based upon image information
provided by the image-capturing unit and a range indicator mark
indicating a range substantially corresponding to the photographic
range superimposed on the subject image are brought up on display
when the focal length of the zoom lens is at a maximum and a size
of a range of the subject projected almost over the entirety of the
image-capturing area is larger than the size of the photographic
range. In this case, it is preferred that a storage control unit
that stores image information over the range indicated by the range
indicator mark into a storage area is further provided.
Furthermore, it is preferred that the storage control unit stores
the predetermined size into the storage area in correspondence to
the image information.
[0035] Also, it is preferred that there are further provided: an
electronic zoom unit that electronically enlarges a part of a
subject image achieved based upon image information provided by the
image-capturing unit; and an electronic zoom control unit that
controls the electronic zoom unit when the focal length of the zoom
lens is at a maximum and a size of a range of the subject projected
almost over the entirety of the image-capturing area is larger than
the size of the photographic range, so as to enlarge an image
corresponding to the subject within the photographic range in the
subject image achieved based upon the image information from the
image-capturing unit to a size matching a size of the subject
image.
[0036] Also, it is preferred that there is further provided a
warning unit that issues a warning if the focal length of the zoom
lens is at a minimum and a size of a range of the subject projected
almost over the entirety of the image-capturing area is smaller
than the size of the photographic range.
[0037] Also, it is preferred that there is further provided a
sub-sampling unit that electronically sub-samples the subject image
when the focal length of the zoom lens is at a minimum and a size
of a range of the subject projected almost over the entirety of the
image-capturing area is smaller than the size of the photographic
range.
[0038] Also, it is preferred that there is further provided a
display unit at which a mark indicating the predetermined size is
displayed.
[0039] Another electronic camera according to the present invention
comprises: a zoom changing unit that changes a focal length of a
zoom lens; an image-capturing unit that executes photoelectric
conversion for an image of a subject projected by the zoom lens
onto an image-capturing area; a range finding unit that detects a
distance to a subject; a mode setting unit operated to set a
specified range photographing mode in which a size of the
photographic range at a subject position is fixed at a
predetermined size; a focal length calculating unit that calculates
a focal length at which the subject within the photographic range
is projected almost over the entirety of the image-capturing area
when the specified range photographing mode is set, based upon (a)
a plurality of focal lengths assumed by the zoom lens, (b) subject
distances detected in correspondence to the plurality of focal
lengths when a reference image at the predetermined size is
projected almost over the entirety of the image-capturing area and
(c) the distance to the subject detected when an image of the
subject is captured; and a zoom control unit that controls the zoom
changing unit so as to match the focal length of the zoom lens with
the focal length calculated at the focal length calculating
unit.
[0040] Another electronic camera according to the present invention
comprises: a mode setting unit operated to set a specified range
photographic mode in which a size of a photographic range at the
subject position is fixed to a predetermined size; an
image-capturing unit that executes photoelectric conversion for a
subject projected onto an image-capturing area by a photographic
optical system; an electronic zoom unit that electronically
enlarges a part of a subject image achieved based upon image
information provided by the image-capturing unit; and an electronic
zoom control unit that controls the electronic zoom unit so as to
enlarge an image corresponding to the photographic range in the
subject image to a size matching a size of the subject image.
[0041] A camera system according to the present invention
comprises: a zoom changing unit that changes a focal length of a
zoom lens; an image-capturing unit that executes photoelectric
conversion for an image of a subject projected by the zoom lens
onto an image-capturing area; a range finding unit that detects a
distance to a subject; a mode setting unit operated to set a
specified range photographing mode in which a size of the
photographic range at a subject position is fixed at a
predetermined size; and a zoom control unit that controls the zoom
changing unit based upon the photographic range and the subject
distance when the specified range photographing mode is set so that
the subject within the photographic range is projected almost over
the entirety of the image-capturing area; and a printing device
that prints an image photographed in the specified range
photographing mode in a size substantially matching the
predetermined size.
[0042] A computer-readable computer program product according to
the present invention contains a control program for image data
print control. The control program for image data print control
comprises: an instruction for obtaining subject image data which is
obtained by capturing an image of the subject formed through a
photographic optical system output by an image-capturing element
having a plurality of pixels; an instruction for obtaining a
distance to the subject; an instruction for obtaining a number of
pixels provided at the image-capturing element; an instruction for
obtaining a pixel pitch at the image-capturing element; an
instruction for obtaining a focal length of the photographic
optical system; and an instruction for calculating a printing
resolution so as to print the subject image in a size equal to a
size of the subject by using the subject image data, based upon the
distance to the subject, the number of pixels at the
image-capturing element, the pixel pitch at the image-capturing
element and the focal length of the photographic optical
system.
[0043] It is preferred that: this computer-readable computer
program product is a recording medium in which the control program
for image data print control is recorded; or the computer-readable
computer program product is a carrier wave in which the control
program for image data print control is embodied as a data
signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] FIGS. 1A and 1B show an electronic camera according to the
present invention achieved in an embodiment, with FIG. 1A
presenting a plan view of the electronic camera and FIG. 1B
presenting a rear view of the electronic camera;
[0045] FIG. 2 is a circuits block diagram of the electronic camera
shown in FIG. 1;
[0046] FIG. 3 presents a schematic block diagram of a camera
system;
[0047] FIG. 4 shows the procedures taken to execute the
photographing through printing operations in the camera system
shown in FIG. 3;
[0048] FIG. 5 presents a detailed flowchart of the procedure
corresponding to steps S101 through S103 in FIG. 4;
[0049] FIG. 6 presents a flowchart of the processing procedure
continuing from the procedure in FIG. 5;
[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates the relationship between the subject and
the CCD 214;
[0051] FIG. 8 shows the rectangular frame WA4 brought up on the
display LCD 3;
[0052] FIGS. 9A.about.9C show rectangular frames brought up on the
display LCD 3, with FIG. 9A illustrating the change occurring in
the rectangular frame WA4, FIG. 9B showing the rectangular frame
WB5 and FIG. 9C showing the rectangular frames WA5 and WB5;
[0053] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the rectangular frame R in
variation 1, with FIG. 10A illustrating the relationship between
the rectangular frame R and the areas S1.about.S3 and FIG. 10B
showing a display that includes the mark 37a;
[0054] FIG. 11A illustrates the rectangular frame R in the display
that includes the mark 37 band FIG. 11B shows the display that
includes the mark 37c;
[0055] FIGS. 12A.about.12D illustrate the rectangular frames
R1.about.R3 in variation 2, with FIG. 12A illustrating the
relationship among the rectangular frames R1.about.R3, FIG. 12B
showing the rectangular frame R1 on display, FIG. 12C showing the
rectangular frame R2 on display and FIG. 12D showing the
rectangular frame R3 on display;
[0056] FIG. 13 is provided to facilitate an explanation of
variation 3 which is an example of a variation of the procedure in
the flowchart in FIG. 5;
[0057] FIGS. 14A and 14B show the relationship between the printing
size S and the photographic range W, with FIG. 14A showing the
printing size S set laterally longer and FIG. 14B showing the
printing size S set longitudinally longer;
[0058] FIG. 15 presents a flowchart provided to facilitate an
explanation of the procedure implemented in the calibration mode in
a second embodiment;
[0059] FIGS. 16A and 16B show the relationships between the
reference chart and the rectangular frames brought up on the
display LCD 3, with FIG. 16A showing the frame 41 and the
rectangular frame WA4 and FIG. 16B showing the frame 42 and the
rectangular frame WB5;
[0060] FIG. 17 shows the procedure of the operations from
photographing through printing, executed in the camera system in a
third embodiment;
[0061] FIG. 18 presents a detailed flowchart of the procedure
corresponding to steps S101 through S103 in FIG. 17;
[0062] FIG. 19 presents a flowchart of the procedure continuing
from FIG. 18;
[0063] FIG. 20 shows the relationship between the photographic
range W and the image-capturing surface of the CCD 214;
[0064] FIGS. 21A.about.21C show subject images displayed at the
display LCD 3, with FIG. 21A showing an image obtained by setting f
to fmax, FIG. 21B showing an image obtained by enlarging the image
in FIG. 21A by a magnification factor of Mmax through electronic
zoom and FIG. 21C showing an image obtained by enlarging the image
in FIG. 21A by a magnification factor of (f0/fmax) through
electronic zoom;
[0065] FIG. 22 shows the relationship between the photographic
range 31 and the display LCD 3 which is achieved when f=fmin;
[0066] FIG. 23 presents a flowchart of the control procedure
achieved in Variation Example 1;
[0067] FIG. 24 presents a flowchart of the control procedure
achieved in Variation Example 2;
[0068] FIG. 25 shows the relationship between the photographic
range W and the CCD 214 achieved in a fourth embodiment;
[0069] FIG. 26 presents a flowchart of the calibration procedure;
and
[0070] FIG. 27 illustrates how the program may be provided through
a recording medium or a data signal on the Internet or the
like.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0071] The following is an explanation of the embodiments of the
present invention
First Embodiment
[0072] FIGS. 1A and 1B show the electronic camera according to the
present invention achieved in an embodiment, with FIG. 1A
presenting a plan view of the electronic camera and FIG. 1B
presenting a rear view of the camera. As shown in FIG. 1A, at the
upper surface of an electronic camera 1, a main switch 4 through
which a power on/off operation is performed, a shutter release
button 5, a dial (command dial) 6 operated to select a recording
mode or a reproduction mode and a display panel 7 on which camera
information is displayed are provided. The recording mode in this
context refers to a mode that allows a subject image to be
photographed and the image data to be recorded, whereas the
reproduction mode refers to a mode in which the recorded image data
are read out and are reproduced and displayed on a display LCD 3
(see FIG. 1B) provided at the rear surface of the camera.
[0073] In addition, at the rear surface of the camera, a view
finder eye piece window 8, zoom switching buttons 9 operated to
zoom a photographic optical system 2 and various operating buttons
are provided in addition to the display LCD 3 provided for image
display, as shown in FIG. 1B. When the zoom switching button 9 is
pressed at the W side, the photographic optical system 2 is driven
toward the wide angle side and when the zoom switching button 9 is
pressed at the T side, the photographic optical system 2 is driven
toward the telephoto side. In the recording mode, subject images
captured by a CCD 214 which is to be detailed later are
sequentially displayed on the display LCD 3, whereas a thumbnail
display of images stored in a memory card 424 to be detailed later
or a display of an individual reproduced image is brought up on the
display LCD 3 when the reproduction mode is selected.
[0074] Reference numeral 10 indicates a menu button operated to
display a setting menu, and while the setting menu is on display,
items to be set are selected through selector buttons 11a.about.11d
to make various settings. When setting the printing size, as
explained later, the buttons 10 and 11a.about.11d are operated to
bring up a printing size setting menu on the display LCD 3 to
select a desired size from a plurality of printing sizes on display
by operating the selector buttons 11a.about.11d. In the electronic
camera 1 in the embodiment, a specified magnification factor
photographing mode which is to be detailed later and a standard
photographing mode which is equivalent to the recording mode in
electronic cameras in the related art can be selected. Either of
these modes can be selected through a mode selector button 12. The
individual modes are to be explained in detail later.
[0075] Reference numeral 13 indicates a focus mode button operated
to switch from one focus mode to another focus mode. In the
embodiment, one of three focus modes, i.e., a normal AF mode which
is suited to snapshot photographing operations, portrait
photographing operations and the like, a macro mode which is suited
to photographing a subject set in extremely close proximity to the
camera and an infinity mode (or a distant view mode) which is
suited to photographing distant views of landscapes, buildings and
the like, can be selected. Each time the focus mode button 13 is
pressed, one of the three focus modes described above is cyclically
selected.
[0076] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the electronic camera
shown in FIG. 1. In a ROM 443, a control program of the electronic
camera 1 is stored. By turning on the main switch 4, power to the
electronic camera 1 is turned on and the control program is started
up by a CPU 439. As the recording mode is selected through the dial
6, the electronic camera 1 enters a photographing-enabled state.
If, on the other hand, the reproduction mode is selected through
the dial 6, an image can be displayed on the display LCD 3 by
reproducing image data recorded in the memory card 424 which is a
recording medium. It is to be noted that an image is displayed on
the display LCD 3 based upon image-capturing signals provided by
the CCD 214 in the recording mode.
[0077] The photographic optical system 2 includes a plurality of
lenses 201.about.204 and a focal adjustment operation is performed
by a lens drive circuit 430. While the focal adjustment operation
by the lens drive circuit 430 is normally executed in response to a
command issued by the CPU 439, a focal adjustment operation can
also be performed in response to an operation signal which is
output when a range ring 462 is manually operated.
[0078] A shutter plate 208 and an aperture 215 are provided between
the lens 203 and the lens 204 at the photographic optical system 2.
Subject light having entered the photographic optical system 2
passes through the lenses 201.about.204, the shutter plate 208 and
the aperture plate 5, and an image is formed on the image-capturing
surface of the CCD 214. The aperture plate 215 and the shutter
plate 208 each formed in a disk shape are respectively driven by
step motors 415 and 408 provided at the centers of rotation of the
disks. At the aperture plate 215, a plurality of aperture openings
(not shown) with varying opening areas are provided, and a given
aperture opening is set on the optical axis by rotating the
aperture plate 215 with the step motor 415.
[0079] A full light-blocking portion (not shown) that blocks all
the light flux having passed through the lens 203 and an opening
(not shown) that allows the entire light flux to pass through are
provided at the shutter plate 208. During an exposure operation,
the opening of the shutter plate 208 is set on the optical path and
as the exposure operation ends, of the full light-blocking portion
is set on the optical path. Drive control is implemented on the
step motor 415 which rotates the aperture plate 215 by a drive
circuit 453. The drive all of the step motor 408 which rotates the
shutter plate 208 is controlled by a shutter drive circuit 454.
[0080] During a photographing operation, the electric charges
having been stored at the CCD 214 are first swept out and a
specific opening at the aperture plate 215 is set on the optical
path. Then, after an exposure operation is performed at the CCD 214
over a predetermined length of time, electric charges are stored at
the CCD 214 again. The length of the exposure period corresponds to
the length of time that elapses after the electric charges are
swept out until the optical path becomes blocked by the full
light-blocking portion of the shutter plate 208 again.
[0081] When the subject image is formed on the image-capturing
surface of the CCD 214 by the photographic optical system 2, a
signal electric charge, which corresponds to the intensity level of
the subject image light is stored. The CCD 214 is provided with a
horizontal drive signal from a digital signal processor (hereafter
referred to as a DSP) 433 and a vertical drive signal from a CCD
drive circuit 434 which is controlled by the DSP 433. In other
words, the operational timing of the CCD 214 is controlled by the
DSP 433 and the CCD drive circuit 434 and signals from the CCD 214
are input to an image processing unit 431.
[0082] The image processing unit 431, which includes a noise
removal circuit and a DC reproduction circuit, implements analog
processing such as noise removal and gain control on the image
signals output from the CCD 214. The analog image signals output
from the image processing unit 431 are converted to digital signals
at an analog/digital conversion circuit (hereafter referred to as
an A/D conversion circuit) 432. The digital image data resulting
from the conversion are input to the DSP 433 mentioned earlier.
[0083] At the DSP 433, image processing such as edge compensation,
gamma correction and white balance adjustment is performed on the
image data output from the A/D conversion circuit 432. In addition,
the DSP 433 temporarily stores the image data having undergone
various types of image processing into a buffer memory 436 by
controlling a data bus connected to the buffer memory 436 and the
memory card 424. Subsequently, the image data read out from the
buffer memory 436 undergo data compression in a predetermined
compression format (e.g., the JPEG format) and the compressed data
are recorded into the memory card 424.
[0084] In addition, the DSP 433 stores the image data obtained by
implementing the image processing described above on the image data
resulting from the image-capturing operation at the CCD 214 and
image data obtained by decompressing the image data read out from
the memory card 424 in a frame memory 435, and displays images
based upon these image data at the display LCD 3 provided at the
electronic camera 1. The DSP 433 also performs timing management in
data input/output when recording the image data into the memory
card 424 or recording the decompressed photographic image data into
the buffer memory 436.
[0085] The buffer memory 436, in which the image data obtained
based upon the output from the CCD 214 are temporarily stored, is
utilized to reduce the extent of inconsistency in the speed with
which image data are input to/output from the memory card 424 and
to reduce the difference among the varying processing speeds of the
CPU 439, the DSP 433 and the like. A timer 445 which is internally
provided with a clock circuit outputs time data indicating the
current time point to the CPU 439 and is also utilized as a timer
in monitor on/off control which is to be detailed later. The time
data are recorded together with the image data explained above into
the memory card 424.
[0086] A colorimetering element 417 detects the color temperature
of a main subject and its surrounding area and outputs data
indicating the detected color temperature to a colorimetering
circuit 452. The colorimetering circuit 452 implements a specific
type of processing on the analog signal output from the
colorimetering element 417 to convert them to digital values and
outputs the digital signal resulting from the conversion to the CPU
439. An interface 448 is provided so as to allow a specific
external apparatus (not shown) to be connected and to enable data
exchange between the CPU 439 and the external apparatus connected
thereto. Reference numeral 440 indicates a display circuit that
controls the display panel 7 to display the details of settings
made for the photographing operation on the display panel 7. It is
to be noted that the printing size, which is to be explained in
detail later, is displayed on the display LCD 3 or the display
panel 7.
[0087] Next, the operations performed in the electronic camera 1
are explained. As mentioned earlier, either the recording mode or
the reproduction mode can be selected through the dial 6 in the
electronic camera 1. The recording mode includes a standard
photographing mode which is equivalent to the recording mode in
electronic cameras in the related art and a specified magnification
factor photographing mode. If a photographing operation is
performed in the specified magnification factor photographing mode,
a printing resolution which will allow the photographed subject
image to be printed at the magnification factor that has been set
is automatically calculated and this printing resolution is
recorded into the memory card 424 together with the image
information. By printing the subject image at the printing
resolution recorded in the memory card 424, the subject image
magnified at the specific magnification factor is printed.
[0088] (Standard Photographing Mode)
[0089] First, the operation performed in the standard photographing
mode which is similar to the operation of electronic cameras in the
related art is explained. The dial 6 is operated to select the
recording mode or the reproduction mode. The main switch 4 is
turned on after setting the recording mode at the dial 6 or the
recording mode is set at the dial 6 after turning on the main
switch 4 to enable a photographing operation. Image signals output
from the CCD 214 first undergo analog processing such as noise
removal and gain control at the image processing unit 431 and then
are converted to digital signals at the A/D conversion circuit 432.
The digitized signals are provided to the DSP 433 where they
undergo image preprocessing such as edge compensation and gamma
correction before they are temporarily stored into the buffer
memory 436.
[0090] Subsequently, the image data are exchanged between the CPU
439 and the buffer memory 436, a white balance adjustment value is
ascertained by using the image data and a white balance adjustment
is executed at the DSP 433 based upon the adjustment value. The
image data having undergone the white balance adjustment are stored
into the buffer memory 436 again. The image data stored in the
buffer memory 436 are processed at the DSP 433 to prepare image
data to be displayed on the display LCD 3. The processed image data
are written into the frame memory 435 and are displayed on the
display LCD 3 as a photographic monitor image referred to as a
through image. This through image is sequentially updated over
predetermined time intervals based upon the subject light entering
the photographic optical system 2 as the operation described above
is executed repeatedly.
[0091] As the shutter release button 5 is pressed halfway down and
a halfway press switch (not shown) is turned on in response, the
focal adjustment state of the photographic optical system 2 is
detected based upon the contrast of the image data. Namely, the
focal adjustment operation is performed by the lens drive circuit
430 so as to form a focused subject image on the CCD 214 based upon
the contrast in the image data. In addition, when the shutter
release button 5 is pressed halfway down, the CPU 439 detects the
brightness level of the subject from the image data and performs an
exposure calculation based upon the detected brightness level.
[0092] It is to be noted that the focal adjustment operation in the
electronic camera 1 can be performed in a mode referred to as a
"continuous AF mode" or a mode referred to as a "single AF mode".
In the continuous AF mode, the focal adjustment operation is
repeatedly executed regardless of whether or not the shutter
release button 5 is operated and a focus lock is effected as the
shutter release button 5 is pressed halfway down. In the single AF
mode, on the other hand, the focal adjustment operation is
performed only when the shutter release button 5 is pressed halfway
down and then also a focus lock is effected.
[0093] As the shutter release button 5 is pressed all the way down
after the shutter release button 5 is first pressed halfway down, a
full press switch (not shown) is turned on. As a result, the signal
charges stored at the CCD 214 are first swept out and then the
shutter plate 208 and the aperture plate 215 are driven based upon
the results of the exposure calculation to capture an image at the
CCD 214.
[0094] The image signal output from the CCD 214 through this
image-capturing operation first undergo the series of processing
explained earlier before it is stored into the buffer memory 436.
The image data stored in the buffer memory 436 are written into the
frame memory 435 after undergoing the processing at the DSP 433 to
be prepared as a image data for display at the display LCD 3 and a
photographic image referred to as a freeze image is displayed on
the display LCD 3. The image data obtained through such image
preprocessing then undergo data compression at the DSP 433, the
compressed data are assigned with a specific data name by the CPU
439 and the data are then recorded together with the time
information provided by the timer 445 into the memory card 424
constituting a recording medium (a PC card, a CF card or the like)
which may be a flash memory.
[0095] A zoom signal generated in response to an operation of a
zoom switching button 9 and a halfway press operation signal and a
full press operation signal generated in response to an operation
of the shutter release button 5 are input to the CPU 439. When the
zoom switching button 9 is operated toward the telephoto side (T),
the CPU 439 drives the lens drive circuit 430 to optically increase
the zoom magnification factor. If, on the other hand, the zoom
switching button 9 is operated toward the wide-angle side (W), the
zoom magnification factor is lowered.
[0096] (Specified Magnification Factor Photographing Mode)
[0097] Next, an explanation is given on the specified magnification
factor photographing mode. A plurality of printing magnification
factors M are stored in advance at the ROM 443 in FIG. 2 and a
specific printing magnification factor M for the subject image is
set by using the menu button 10 and the selector buttons
11a.about.11d explained earlier in the electronic camera 1 in the
embodiment. For instance, if magnification factors of 1, 2 and 3
are stored as the printing magnification factors M, a printing
magnification factor setting menu is first brought up at the
display LCD 3 by operating the menu button 10. In the printing
magnification factor setting menu, the individual magnification
factors are listed, and by selecting one of the magnification
factors with the selector buttons 11a.about.11d, the printing
magnification factor M is set to the selected value.
[0098] While a detailed explanation is to be given later, if the
printing magnification factor M is set to 2, for instance, a
printing resolution that will allow the image to be printed twice
as large as the actual size is calculated. In addition, a plurality
of printing sizes are stored in the ROM 443, and one of these
printing sizes can be selected in advance with, for instance, the
menu button 10 and the selector buttons 11a.about.11d.
[0099] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic structure that may be adopted
in a camera system capable of performing operations from
photographing the subject through printing the image at a
magnification factor of 1. Image data obtained by performing a
photographing operation in the electronic camera 1 are taken into a
personal computer 20 via the memory card 424 that can be detachably
mounted at the camera 1. Alternatively, the image data may be
transferred to the personal computer 20 from the camera 1 via a
communication cable 21, or the image data may be transferred to the
personal computer 20 wirelessly or via an Internet line. A display
monitor 22 and a printer 23 are connected to the personal computer
20. A driver software program for driving the printer 23 is
pre-installed in the personal computer 20 so that the resolution
and the printing size of the image to be printed can be set freely.
It is to be noted that the image data may be directly input to the
printer 23 instead of first taking the image data into the personal
computer 20.
[0100] FIG. 4 presents a schematic flowchart of the procedures of
the operations from photographing through printing executed in the
camera system shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, the processing from step
S101 through step S103 is a photographing procedure implemented in
the camera 1, and the processing from step S104 through step S106
is the printing-related procedure. In step S101, the mode selector
button 12 is operated to switch from the standard photographing
mode to the specified magnification factor photographing mode. The
printing magnification factor M may be displayed on the display LCD
3 or the display panel 7 when the specified magnification factor
photographing mode is set. In step S102, a photographing operation
is performed in the camera in the specified magnification factor
photographing mode. In step S103, header information that includes
the printing resolution (to be detailed later) and the image data
are recorded into the memory card 424.
[0101] In step S104, the header information and the image data in
the camera 1 are read into the personal computer 20 by, for
instance, first removing the memory card 424 from the camera 1 and
then installing the memory card 424 into the personal computer 20
in FIG. 3. In step S105, image processing is performed in
conformance to the printing resolution included in the header
information. In step S106, the image is printed at the
magnification factor X by the printer 23.
[0102] It is assumed with regard to the printing size mentioned
above that all the printing sizes stored in the ROM 443 are in a
selected state at the initial stage. The photographer is allowed to
set the desired printing size in a selected state as necessary. The
following explanation is given on the assumption that the standard
paper sizes, i.e., A4, B4, A5 and B6 sizes, are stored in advance
in the ROM 443 at the printing sizes and that all the sizes are
currently in a selected state.
[0103] Next, the procedure of the processing from step S101 through
step S103 in FIG. 4 executed at the camera is explained in further
detail in reference to the flowchart presented in FIGS. 5 and 6.
FIGS. 5 and 6 present a flowchart of the processing procedure of a
program executed by the CPU 439 of the camera 1. In step S201, a
decision is made as to whether or not the mode selector button 12
has been operated to switch to the specified magnification factor
photographing mode. If it is decided in step S201 that the
specified magnification factor photographing mode has been
selected, the operation proceeds to step S202. If, on the other
hand, it is decided in step S201 that the specified magnification
factor photographing mode has not been selected, i.e., if it is
decided that the standard photographing mode is currently set, the
operation proceeds to step S206 to execute a sequence of processing
in the standard photographing mode.
[0104] In step S202, the depth of field is reduced by opening the
aperture so as to measure the subject distance with a higher degree
of accuracy. In step S203, the photographic optical system 2 is
adjusted into a macro state. Since the subject image is printed at
a magnification factor of 1 or in an enlargement in the specified
magnification factor photographing mode, the photographing
operation is normally performed with the camera set in close range
to the subject. For this reason, control is implemented to
automatically set a macro range in step S203. In step S204, the
position of the photographic optical system 2 is adjusted so as to
set it at a predetermined recommended zoom position. To set the
photographic optical system 2 at a recommended zoom position, the
lenses should be moved to, for instance, a position halfway between
the telephoto end and the wide-angle end so as to minimize the lens
aberration.
[0105] In step S205, a decision is made as to whether or not the
macro mode has been cleared. If it is decided that the macro mode
has not been cleared, the operation proceeds to step S207, whereas
if it is decided that the focus mode button 13 has been operated to
clear the macro mode, the operation proceeds to step S206 to
execute the standard photographing mode processing. In step S207, a
decision is made as to whether or not the shutter release button 5
has been pressed halfway down, and the operation proceeds to step
S208 if it is decided that the shutter release button 5 has been
pressed halfway down, whereas the operation returns to step S201 if
it is decided that the shutter release button 5 has not been
pressed halfway down.
[0106] In step S208, the selected printing magnification factor is
read from the ROM 443. In step S209, the focal adjustment operation
is executed for the photographic optical system 2 by the lens drive
circuit 430, and once the current distance to the subject is
calculated, the operation proceeds to step S210 to read the focal
length.
[0107] FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the subject and the
CCD 214. A subject image inside a photographic range W is projected
over the entire image-capturing area at the CCD 214. It is to be
noted that the code W representing the photographic range in FIG. 7
indicates the dimensions of the long side of the photographic range
at the subject position, i.e., the lateral measurement of the
photographic range when the camera 1 in FIG. 1 is held in a normal
position, with N in FIG. 7 indicating the number of pixels provided
at the CCD 214 along the widthwise direction in the image-capturing
area. In addition, P indicates the pixel pitch at the CCD 214. The
relationship expressed as in expression (1) below is achieved at
all times among the focal length f, the distance f' between the
photographic optical system 2 and the image-capturing surface and
the subject distance L. 1/L+1/f'=1/f f'=L*f/(L-f) (1) A decision is
made in step S211 in FIG. 5 as to whether or not the subject image
over the photographic range W shown in FIG. 7 can be printed on an
A4-size sheet at the selected printing magnification factor M. If
an affirmative decision (YES) is made in step S211, the operation
proceeds to step S212, whereas if a negative decision (NO) is made,
the operation proceeds to step S217. If a negative decision (NO) is
made in step S211 and the operation proceeds to step S217 as a
result, a rectangular frame WA4 indicating the maximum range that
can be printed on an A4-size sheet at the printing magnification
factor M is displayed over the subject image 30 on the display LCD
3 as shown in FIG. 8.
[0108] In the following step S218, a warning is issued to notify
that the photographic range W cannot be printed on an A4-size
sheet. This warning may be issued by flashing an "A4" mark 31
indicating the printing size on the display LCD 3 as shown in FIG.
8 or it may be provided as a voice message by mounting a speaker at
the electronic camera. The rectangular frame WA4 on display makes
it possible to roughly ascertain how much closer to the subject the
camera needs to be moved to allow the subject image to be printed
on an A4-size sheet.
[0109] If the operation proceeds from step S211 to step S212, a
decision is made in step S212 as to whether or not the subject
image over the photographic range W can be printed on a B5-size
sheet at the printing magnification factor M. If a negative
decision (NO) is made in step S212, the operation proceeds to step
S214, whereas if an affirmative decision (YES) is made, the
operation proceeds to step S213. In step S214, a rectangular frame
corresponding to B5 size is brought up on display together with the
subject image at the display LCD 3. At this time, the subject image
over the photographic range W which is equal to or smaller than A4
size and larger than B5 size is displayed on the display LCD 3.
[0110] If, on the other hand, the operation proceeds from step S212
to step S213, a decision is made in step S213 as to whether or not
the subject image over the photographic range W can be printed on
an A5-size sheet at the printing magnification factor M. If an
affirmative decision (YES) is made in step S213, the operation
proceeds to step S215 to display a rectangular frame corresponding
to B6 size together with the subject image at the display LCD 3. At
this time, the subject image over the photographic range W which is
equal to or smaller than A5-size is displayed on the display LCD
3.
[0111] If, on the other hand, a negative decision (NO) in step
S213, the operation proceeds to step S216 to display a rectangular
frame corresponding to A5-size together with the subject image at
the display LCD 3. At this time, the subject image over the
photographic range W which is equal to or smaller than B5 size and
larger than A5-size is displayed on the display LCD 3. In step
S219, a decision is made as to whether or not the shutter release
button 5 has been pressed all the way down, and if it is decided
that the shutter release button 5 has been pressed all the way
down, the operation proceeds to step S220 in FIG. 6. Otherwise, the
operation returns to step S209.
[0112] It is to be noted that a zooming operation may be performed
either automatically or manually so as to roughly match the
photographic range W to the rectangular frame WA4 on display before
pressing the shutter release button 5 all the way down. An
automatic zooming operation may be performed after, for instance,
the subject distance L has been sustained at a constant value over
a predetermined length of time or longer. If the subject distance L
changes after the zooming operation, the photographic optical
system 2 is reset to the recommended zoom position.
[0113] If it is decided in step S219 that the shutter release
button 5 has not been pressed all the way down, the processing in
steps S209 through S 219 is executed repeatedly. In this case, the
photographic range W changes if the photographer moves closer to or
further away from the subject, and in response, the size of the
rectangular frame WA4 displayed on the display LCD 3, too, changes
continuously. For instance, if the photographer moves closer to the
subject from the distance shown in FIG. 8, the rectangular frame
WA4 indicating A4 size becomes larger, as shown in FIG. 9A. If the
photographer moves even closer to the subject and the range
achieved by enlarging the photographic range W by the factor M
becomes smaller than the printing size, i.e., A4 size, the
operation sequentially proceeds to step S212 and step S214 from
step S211 in FIG. 5. At this time, a rectangular frame WB5
indicating B5 size and a mark 32 indicating that the rectangular
frame WB5 matches B5 size are brought up on display at the display
LCD 3 as shown in FIG. 9B.
[0114] It is to be noted that in steps S214, S215, S216 and S217 in
FIG. 5, the largest printing size that can be contained in the
range achieved by enlarging the photographic range W by the factor
M is displayed on the display LCD 3. For instance, since the range
achieved by enlarging the photographic range W by the factor M is
larger than B5 size and equal to or smaller than A4 size, the
largest rectangular WB5 matching B5 size (see FIG. 9B) among the
B5-size rectangular frame, the A5-size rectangular frame and the
B6-size rectangular frame that can be displayed is displayed in
step S214 in the embodiment. However, instead of displaying the
largest rectangular frame alone, the two largest rectangular frames
WB5 and WA5 may be displayed as shown in FIG. 9C. In such a case,
"B5" and "A5" marks 32 indicating the sizes of the rectangular
frames WB5 and WA5 are brought up on display. In addition, a center
mark C indicating the center of the display LCD 3 may be displayed
as shown in FIG. 9B to facilitate positioning of the subject at the
center of the rectangular frame WB5.
[0115] In step S220 in FIG. 6, the image captured at the CCD 214 is
taken in. In step S221, a printing resolution k, which will allow
the subject image over the photographic range W to be printed at
the magnification factor M, is calculated. The printing range W
shown in FIG. 7 can be expressed as in expression (2) below using
the number of pixels N, the pitch P, the subject distance L and the
distance f' calculated through the formula in expression (1). Since
N pixels correspond to an area ranging over the dimensions MW when
the subject over the photographic range W is to be printed at the
printing magnification factor M, the printing resolution k may be
set as expressed in expression (3) below. A modification of
expression (3), obtained by using expression (2), is expressed in
expression (4) below. W = N P L / f ' ( 2 ) k = N / M W ( 3 ) = f '
/ ( P L M ) ( 4 ) ##EQU1##
[0116] The errors attributable to the lenses constituting the
photographic optical system 2 should be taken into consideration in
reality, and thus, the printing resolution k can be expressed as in
expression (5) below by using an error coefficient .alpha..
k=.alpha.f'/(PLM) (5)
[0117] The image data are compressed in a specific format in step
S222 in FIG. 6. In step S223, the focal length f, the subject
distance L, the number of pixels N, the pixel pitch P, the
specified printing magnification factor H, the printing resolution
k and the like are recorded as tag information together with the
compressed image data into the memory card 424. Thus, the sequence
of processing from photographing through recording executed at the
electronic camera 1 ends. The image data corresponding to the
entire image captured by the CCD 214 may be recorded in the memory
card 424, or only the image data over the range enclosed by the
largest rectangular frame among the rectangular frames
corresponding to the printing sizes displayed on the display LCD 3
may be clipped out and stored in the memory card 424.
[0118] It is to be noted that if the printing resolution k is to be
recorded in the TIFF format, the printing resolution k is recorded
in units corresponding to the resolution along the width of the
image, the resolution along the height of the image and the
resolution along the width and the height of the image respectively
defined by tag numbers 282.about.284. If, on the other hand, the
printing resolution k is recorded in the Exif format, individual
pieces of information indicating the subject distance, the lens
focal length, the resolution along the height of the focal plane,
the resolution along the width of the focal plane and the
resolution over the focal plane as defined by tag numbers 37386,
37382, 41486.about.41488 are recorded. Since a free area, which
allows the user to write data freely, is provided in such a case,
the printing magnification factor M may be written into the free
area to enable the printer to read the data to calculate the
printing resolution k with the application software program.
[0119] In addition, if a type of camera that records data in
another file format in the standard photographing mode is used, the
format may be switched to the TIFF format or the Exif format when
the specified magnification factor photographing mode is
selected.
[0120] When printing the subject image, the image data are taken
into the personal computer 20 shown in FIG. 3 as described above
and the image is printed on the printer 23 connected to the
personal computer 20. During this process, the printer 23 reads the
printing resolution k recorded as tag information and sets the
printing resolution k as the resolution at which the image is to be
printed. Namely, through a printing operation performed at the
printing resolution k, the printed subject image is magnified by a
factor M as desired. It is to be noted that if the application
software program in use does not automatically read and set the
printing resolution k, the user must check the tag information and
manually set the printing resolution k.
[0121] (Variation 1)
[0122] In the embodiment described above, the size of the
rectangular frame WA4 displayed on the display LCD 3 continuously
changes as shown in FIG. 9A as the photographer changes the subject
distance L. In the first example of variation explained below, a
rectangular frame R with a fixed size is displayed as shown in FIG.
10A. First, the display area of the display LCD 3 is divided into
three areas S1, S2 and S3. The area S1 ranges on the inside of a
rectangular border 35. The area S2 is enclosed by a rectangular
border 34 and the border 35. The area S3 is enclosed by the display
frame of the display LCD 3 and the border 34. The rectangular frame
R on display is set roughly halfway between the border 34 and the
border 35.
[0123] As shown in FIG. 10B, if the rectangular frame WA4 mentioned
earlier is contained within the area S1, the rectangular frame R
and a ">A4" mark 37a are brought up on display. This display
enables the photographer to verify that the range indicated by the
rectangular frame R is larger than A4 size. It is to be noted that
while the rectangular frame WA4 is shown on the display LCD 3 to in
FIG. 10B facilitate the explanation, the rectangular frame WA4 is
not displayed in reality.
[0124] If the subject distance changes so that the rectangular
frame WA4 is now contained inside the area S2, as shown in FIG.
11A, the rectangular frame R and a "=A4" mark 37b are brought up on
display, since the range indicated by the rectangular frame R is
roughly equal to A4 size. If the rectangular frame WA4 is contained
within the area S3 as shown in FIG. 11B, the rectangular frame R
and a "<A4" mark 37c are brought up on display since the range
indicated by the rectangular frame R is smaller than A4 size.
[0125] If the photographic range W is further reduced and the
operation proceeds from step S212 to step S214 accordingly, a
">B5" mark corresponding to B5 size is brought out on display in
place of the mark 37a shown in FIG. 10B. As described above, the
rectangular frame R with a fixed size is displayed even as the
photographic range W changes and by displaying one of the marks
37a.about.37c to indicate the size of the rectangular frame R
relative to the printing size, an approximate size of the range
indicated by the rectangular frame R relative to the printing size
can be ascertained. In particular, since the size of the
rectangular frame R remains unchanged, the display control can be
greatly simplified compared to the control implemented when the
size of the rectangular frame continuously changes.
[0126] In addition, the display magnification factor HM
representing the ratio of the size of the subject image displayed
on the display LCD 3 and the actual size of the image may be
displayed on the display LCD 3 as shown in FIG. 10A. With Lw
representing the size of the display screen of the display LCD 3,
the display magnification factor HM can be calculated through
expression (6) below by using expression (3). HM = Lw / M W = Lw /
( N / k ) ( 6 ) ##EQU2##
[0127] (Variation 2)
[0128] While the size of the rectangular frame R remains constant
in variation 1, the size of the rectangular frame R in variation 2
is varied over three levels, i.e., R1, R2 and R3. As shown in FIG.
12A, three rectangular frames R1, R2 and R3 with the varying sizes
can be displayed on the display LCD 3. For instance, if the
rectangular frame WA4 mentioned earlier corresponds to the
photographic range shown in FIG. 12B, the rectangular frame R1,
which is the closest in size to the rectangular frame WA4, is
brought up on display. As in variation 1, one of the ">A4",
"=A4" and "<A4" marks 37a.about.37c is displayed at this time in
conformance to the relationship between the size of the rectangular
frame R1 and the size of the rectangular frame WA4.
[0129] When the distance to the subject increases and the
rectangular frame WA4 corresponds to the photographic range shown
in FIG. 12C, the rectangular frame R2 is brought up on display. In
this case, one of the ">A4", "=A4" and "<A4" marks
37a.about.37c is displayed in conformance to the relationship
between the size of the rectangular frame R2 and the size of the
rectangular frame WA4. As the distance to the subject further
increases and the rectangular frame WA4 corresponds to the
photographic range shown in FIG. 12D, the rectangular frame R3 is
brought up on display. In this case, one of the ">A4", "=A4" and
"<A4" marks 37a.about.37c is displayed in conformance to the
relationship between the size of the rectangular frame R3 and the
rectangular frame WA4. If the operation proceeds from step S212 to
step S214 in FIG. 5, the rectangular frames R1.about.R3 correspond
to B5 size, and accordingly, ">B5", "=B5" and "<B5" marks are
displayed instead of the marks 37a.about.37c corresponding to A4
size. Since the rectangular frame is displayed by varying its size
over three levels, i.e., R1.about.R3, in variation 2, the
photographic range can be ascertained in finer increments than in
variation 1.
[0130] (Variation 3)
[0131] FIG. 13 shows a variation of the processing in the flowchart
in FIG. 5, which is achieved by eliminating step S202 and adding
steps S301 and S302 in the processing shown in FIG. 5. After moving
the lens into the micro area in step S203, the zoom position is set
at the telephoto end in step S302. By setting the zoom position at
the telephoto end in this manner, an advantage is achieved in that
the subject distance L can be measured with a higher degree of
accuracy. In addition, a decision is made in step S302 as to
whether or not the zoom position has been changed and if it has
been changed, the processing is executed in the standard
photographing mode in step S206, whereas if the zoom position has
remained unchanged, the processing in step S207 and subsequent
steps in FIG. 5 is executed.
[0132] It is to be noted that while the printing resolution k is
calculated through expression (4) or (5) in the embodiment
explained above, a table of the printing resolutions k relative to
variables, i.e., the subject distance L and the focal length f may
be stored in advance in the ROM 443 so as to allow the printing
resolution k to be extracted from the table in correspondence to a
given set of subject distance L and focal length f instead.
[0133] In addition, while the printing resolution k is calculated
in the electronic camera 1 in FIG. 3, the printing resolution k may
be instead calculated in the personal computer 20 or the printer 23
on the printing side based upon the subject distance L, the focal
length f, the number of pixels N, the pixel pitch P and the
printing magnification factor m recorded as the tag information. It
is to be noted that if no printing magnification factor M is
recorded as tag data or a printing magnification factor of 0 is
recorded as tag data, it is assumed that no specification has been
made with regard to the printing magnification factor and,
accordingly, the subject image is printed at the magnification
factor of 1.
[0134] The first embodiment has been explained by assuming that the
aspect ratio of the printing size and the aspect ratio at the CCD
214 are equal to each other. However, if the aspect ratios of the
photographic range W and the printing size are different, e.g., if
the printing size S is laterally elongated compared to the
photographic range W as shown in FIG. 14A, the various parameters
should be calculated by comparing the longitudinal dimensions of
the photographic range W and the printing size S to ensure that the
entire image is printed. If, on the other hand, the printing size S
is longitudinally elongated compared to the photographic range W as
shown in FIG. 14B, the various parameters should be calculated by
comparing the lateral dimensions of the photographic range W and
the printing size S in a similar manner. This principle applies to
the following explanation, as well.
[0135] An explanation is given above in reference to the first
embodiment on the assumption that the ratio "longitudinal
measurement: lateral measurement" with regard to the printing sizes
and the ratio "longitudinal measurement: lateral measurement" of
the CCD 214 are equal to each other. However, if the aspect ratio
of the photographic range W is different from the aspect ratio of
the printing size, e.g., if the printing sizes is wider than the
photographic range W as shown in FIG. 14A, the sizes of the
photographic range W and the printing sizes should be compared
against each other through a comparison of their longitudinal
measurements. If, on the other hand, the printing sizes has a
greater height than the photographic range W as shown in FIG. 14B,
the sizes of the photographic range W and the printing sizes should
be compared against each other through a comparison of their
lateral measurements. This principle applies to the following
explanation as well.
[0136] Furthermore, if the printing resolution k is above or below
a desirable printing resolution range, the resolution may be
lowered by sub-sampling or culling the image data or may be raised
through interpolation processing (e.g., through bi-cubic
interpolation processing). For instance, when a photographic range
with its longer side equaling approximately 50 cm is photographed
by using the CCD 214 with 2000 pixels provided along the
longitudinal direction and an A4-size (with its longer side
equaling approximately 30 cm) area of the photographed image is
printed at a magnification factor of 1, the printing resolution is
lowered to approximately 40 (dots/cm). In such a case, the printing
resolution may be raised to 80 (dots/cm) through interpolation
processing to reduce the appearance of jaggies. When a photographic
range having a longer side of approximately 5 cm is photographed
and the photographed image is printed at a magnification factor of
1, on the other hand, the printing resolution increases to an
excessively high level of 400 (dots/cm), and in such a case, the
image data resolution may be reduced through image data
sub-sampling or interpolation processing so as to set the
resolution to approximately 150 (dots/cm).
[0137] In addition, if a wide converter or a tele-converter is
mounted at the front surface of the photographic optical system 2
in the electronic camera, information indicating that such a
converter has been mounted is either automatically or manually
transmitted to the camera. In this case, the focal length f is
corrected. The specified magnification factor photographing mode
may be disallowed or the specified magnification factor
photographing mode may be cleared in such a situation, as well.
[0138] The following features are achieved in the first embodiment
explained above.
(a) Since the rectangular frame corresponding to the printing size
is displayed on the display LCD 3, a photographing operation can be
performed while checking the image to be printed.
[0139] (b) By setting the desired printing magnification factor M
during the photographing operation, the printing resolution k
corresponding to the M-factor printing operation is automatically
calculated and thus, a printing operation can be performed at the
calculated printing resolution k to print the image at the
magnification factor M with ease.
Second Embodiment
[0140] In the first embodiment explained above, the printing
resolution k is calculated by using the expression (4) or the
expression (5) which incorporates the error coefficient .alpha..
However, since the error coefficient .alpha. varies among
individual cameras, the errors of various cameras cannot be
corrected accurately by using a specific single error coefficient
.alpha.. Accordingly, a method of correcting the error in each
camera by photographing a reference chart with the camera is
adopted in the second embodiment. In the following explanation,
such a correction mode is referred to as a calibration mode, and
the calibration operation to be detailed later is executed by, for
instance, operating the dial 6 in FIG. 1 to set the electronic
camera in the calibration mode. In the calibration mode, the
printing magnification factor M is automatically set to M=1.
[0141] FIG. 15 presents a flowchart of the procedure implemented to
calibrate the lens error. It is to be noted that a reference chart
which includes printed frames corresponding to specific printing
sizes, e.g., A4 size and B4 size, should be prepared in advance for
the calibration operation. Once the calibration mode is set, the
processing shown in FIG. 15 starts. In step S501, the position of
the photographic optical system 2 is adjusted at the macro position
and also at the telephoto end.
[0142] The photographer holds the electronic camera 1 toward the
reference chart with the photographic optical system 2 maintaining
the state set in step S501. Since the continuous AF mode for
constantly executing the focal adjustment operation is selected in
conjunction with the calibration mode, a focal adjustment is
performed using the reference chart. In step S502, the rectangular
frame WA4 corresponding to A4 size and a reference chart 40 are
displayed on the display LCD 3 as shown in FIG. 16A. The reference
chart 40 includes a frame 41 indicating A4 size and a frame 42
indicating B5 size, and, accordingly, FIG. 16A shows the frames 41
and 42 and the rectangular frame WA4 brought up on display at the
display LCD 3.
[0143] If the error coefficient .alpha., which indicates the lens
error as explained earlier, is 1, the frame 41 and the rectangular
frame WA4 on the display LCD 3 will match. However, since they do
not match in FIG. 16A, the error coefficient .alpha..noteq.1. The
photographer moves away from the reference chart 40 until the frame
41 matches the rectangular frame WA4 and presses the shutter
release button 5 all the way down when the frame 41 becomes matched
with the rectangular frame WA4. Once the shutter release button 5
is pressed all the way down, the operation proceeds from step S503
to step S504 in FIG. 15 to execute a focusing operation.
[0144] In step S505, a correction value .beta. is calculated based
upon the subject distance L2 and the focal length f2 ascertained
during the focusing operation executed in step S504. A theoretical
printing resolution k1 is determined through the expression (7)
without allowing for any lens error. A printing resolution k2
calculated by taking into consideration the error based upon the
focal length f2 and the subject distance L2 obtained through the
focusing operation, on the other hand, is expressed as in the
expression (8) below, assuming that f2'=L2f2/(L2-f2). The
correction value .beta., which is represented as the ratio of k1
and k2, can be calculated through the expression (9) below. In this
embodiment, it is assumed that M=1 and that S matches the A4 size.
k1=N/(printing size S) (7) k2=f2'/(PL2M) (8)
.beta.=k1/k2=PL2M/(f2'S) (9) Next, the rectangular frame WB5
corresponding to B5 size and the reference chart 40 are brought up
on display at the display LCD 3 as shown in FIG. 16B in step S506.
The photographer moves further away from the reference chart 40
until the frame 42 matches the rectangular frame WB5, and when the
frame 42 is matched with the rectangular frame WB5, the shutter
release button 5 is pressed all the way down. Once the shutter
release button 5 is pressed all the way down, the operation
proceeds from step S507 to step S508 in FIG. 15 to execute a
focusing operation. A printing resolution k3 set at this time is
calculated through the expression (10) below by using the focal
length f3 and the subject distance L3 obtained through the focusing
operation executed in step S508. It is assumed that
f3'=L3f3/(L3-f3). In step S509, a correction value .gamma. which
represents the ratio of k1 and k3 is calculated. The correction
value .gamma. is expressed as the expression (11) below. In step
S510, an average .alpha.2 of the correction value .beta. and the
correction value .gamma. is calculated through the expression (12)
and this average .alpha.2 is set as the correction coefficient in
the second embodiment. k3=f3'/(PL3M) (10) .gamma.=k1/k3=PL3M/(f3'S)
(11) .alpha.2=(.beta.+.gamma.)/2 (12)
[0145] Since the correction coefficient .alpha.2 is set for each
electronic camera in the second embodiment, the lens error and the
like can be corrected even more accurately than in the first
embodiment in which the correction is performed by using a specific
correction coefficient .alpha..
Third Embodiment
[0146] The third embodiment is now explained. The external
appearance of the electronic camera achieved in the third
embodiment and its circuit block diagram are identical to those of
the electronic camera 1 in the first embodiment. Accordingly, FIGS.
1A, 1B and 2 should be referred to for their details, and their
explanation is omitted. The electronic camera 1 in the third
embodiment may be set in a specified size photographing mode in
which the subject is photographed by fixing the size of the
photographic range at the subject position to a selected printing
size or a standard photographing mode which is equivalent to the
recording mode in an electronic camera in the related art. Either
mode is selected through the mode selector button 12.
[0147] The operation executed in the electronic camera 1 in the
third embodiment is explained. In the electronic camera 1, the
recording mode or the reproduction mode can be selected through the
command dial 6. The recording mode includes the standard
photographing mode equivalent to the recording mode in an
electronic camera in the related art and the specified size
photographing mode in which an automatic zoom adjustment is
executed to match the photographic range at the subject position
with the printing size that has been set.
[0148] (Standard Photographing Mode)
[0149] Since the operation performed in the standard photographing
mode is similar to that executed in an electronic camera in the
related art and is also similar to that executed in the first
embodiment, its explanation is omitted.
[0150] It is to be noted that the electronic camera 1 in the
embodiment has an electronic zoom function whereby an image can be
electronically enlarged through interpolation processing
implemented on image data in conformance to a magnification factor
setting Y. The DSP 433 sets the electronic zoom magnification
factor Y in response to a command issued by the CPU 439 and the
image data undergo interpolation processing executed in conformance
to the magnification factor setting Y. A zoom signal generated by
operating the zoom switching button 9, and a halfway-press
operation signal or a full-press operation signal resulting from an
operation of the shutter release button 5 are input to the CPU
439.
[0151] If the zoom switching button 9 is operated toward the
telephoto side (T), the CPU 439 drives the lens drive circuit 430
to optically raise the zoom magnification factor. In addition, if
the zoom switching button 9 is continuously operated toward the
telephoto side (T) even after the optical magnification factor
reaches a predetermined maximum value, the electronic zoom
magnification factor Y is determined in correspondence to the
extent to which the zoom switching button 9 is operated. When the
electronic zoom magnification factor is Y, the image data in the
area ranging over 1/Y both along the vertical direction and along
the horizontal direction around the center of the subject image are
extracted. The DSP 433 implements a specific type of image
processing on the extracted image data and also executes
interpolation processing on the brightness signals and the color
difference signals calculated through the image processing to
interpolate them by a magnification factor of Y along the vertical
and horizontal directions.
[0152] (Reproduction Mode)
[0153] If the reproduction mode is selected through the command
dial 6, image data recorded in the memory card 424 are read and
stored into the buffer memory 436. Under normal circumstances, the
image data most recently recorded into the memory card 424 or the
image data recorded into the memory card 424 the earliest are read.
The image data stored in the buffer memory 436 are read out by the
CPU 439, processed by the DSP 433 so that they can be used as
display image data and then the processed image data are displayed
as a reproduced image at the display LCD 3. It is to be noted that
if no image data have been recorded in the memory card 424, a
message indicating that there are no image data is displayed at the
display LCD 3.
[0154] If the selector button 11a or 11c in FIG. 1 is operated
while a reproduced image is displayed at the display LCD 3, the
image data in the preceding frame are read out from the memory card
424 and the reproduced image of the image data is displayed at the
display LCD 3. If, on the other hand, the selector button 11b or
11d is operated, the image data in the succeeding frame are read
and the reproduced image of the image data are brought up on the
display LCD 3. Thus, in the reproduction mode, a reproduced image
is displayed at the display LCD 3 but the subject image captured by
the CCD 214 cannot be displayed as in the photographing mode. In
addition, no focal adjustment operation or exposure detection for
photographing purposes is executed in the reproduction mode.
[0155] (Specified Size Photographing Mode)
[0156] Next, the specified size photographing mode is explained. As
explained above, a zoom adjustment is executed in the specified
size photographing mode so as to match the photographic range with
the printing size which has been set. In the following explanation,
Sand Ware used to respectively refer to the printing size and the
photographic range. In the electronic camera 1 in the embodiment,
the desirable size can be specified from a plurality of printing
sizes S set in advance. The desirable size is selected by using the
menu button 10 and the selector buttons 11a.about.11d explained
earlier. More specifically, a printing size setting menu is brought
up on display at the display LCD 3 through the menu button 10.
Symbols each representing one of the various sizes are displayed in
the printing size setting menu, and by selecting one of them with
the selector buttons 11a.about.11d, the photographic range W is set
to the selected size S.
[0157] For instance, let us assume that the printing size S is set
at A4 size. If the shutter release button 5 is pressed half-way
down in this situation, the photographic optical system 2 is driven
so as to project an A4 size range in the subject over the entire
image-capturing surface of the CCD 214. As a result, the image over
the A4 size photographic range is displayed over the entire display
LCD 3.
[0158] Since the camera system used to execute operations for
photographing the subject through printing the image at the
magnification factor 1 is identical to that shown in FIG. 3, in
reference to which the first embodiment has been explained, its
explanation is omitted.
[0159] FIG. 17 presents a schematic flowchart of the procedure of
the operations, from photographing through printing, executed in
the camera system shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 17, the photographing
processing is executed in steps S1101 through S1103 at the camera
1, and the printing processing is executed in steps S1104 through
S1107. The printing size S is set in advance by operating the menu
button 10 and the selector buttons 11a.about.11d.
[0160] In step S1101, the photographing mode is switched from the
standard photographing mode to the specified size photographing
mode with the mode selector button 12. It is to be noted that while
the printing size S is set in advance as described above, it may
instead be set when switching the mode. In addition, a mark 33
indicating the printing size S may be displayed at the display LCD
3 or the display panel 7 in the specified size photographing mode
as detailed later (see FIG. 21). In step S1102, a photographing
operation is performed in the camera in the specified size
photographing mode. In step S1103, the header information which
includes the printing size setting S and the image data are
recorded into the memory card 424.
[0161] In step S1104, the header information and the image data are
read into the personal computer 20 from the camera 1 by, for
instance, ejecting the memory card 424 from the camera 1 and
loading it into the personal computer 20 shown in FIG. 3. In step
S1105, image processing is executed in conformance to the printing
size setting S or the printing resolution which is to be detailed
later. It is to be noted that paper in the size matching the
printing size S indicated at the display LCD 3 or the display panel
7 of the electronic camera 1 has been loaded into the printer 23.
In step S1106, the size of the paper used in the printing operation
is displayed at the display monitor 22. In step S1107, the printer
23 prints the image at the magnification factor of 1.
[0162] Next, the procedure executed on the camera side,
corresponding to steps S1101 to S1103 in FIG. 17, is explained in
further detail in reference to the flowchart presented in FIGS. 18
and 19. FIGS. 18 and 19 present a flowchart of the processing
procedure of a program executed in the CPU 439 at the camera 1. In
step S1201, a decision is made as to whether or not the specified
size photographing mode has been selected through an operation of
the mode selector button 12. If it is decided in step S1201 that
the specified size photographing mode has been selected, the
operation proceeds to step S1202. If, on the other hand, it is
decided in step S1201 that the specified size photographing mode
has not been selected, i.e., the camera is currently set in the
standard photographing mode, the operation proceeds to step S1206
to execute a sequence of processing in the standard photographing
mode.
[0163] In step S1202, the position of the photographic optical
system 2 is adjusted to a predetermined macro position. Namely, the
photographic optical system 2 is automatically set to the macro
position since the photographic range W matching the printing size
S (e.g., A4 or B5 size) is projected over the entire
image-capturing surface of the CCD 214 thereby setting the subject
in an extremely close range in the specified size photographing
mode. In step S1203, an indicator of the printing size S which has
been set is brought up on the display LCD 3 or the display panel
7.
[0164] In step S1204, a decision is made as to whether or not the
macro mode has been cleared through a user operation of an
operating member (not shown). If it is decided in step S1204 that
the macro mode has been cleared, the operation proceeds to step
S1206, whereas if it is decided that the macro mode has not been
cleared, the operation proceeds to step S1205. In step S1205, a
decision is made as to whether or not the shutter release button 5
has been pressed halfway down, and the operation proceeds to step
S1207 if it is decided that the shutter release button 5 has been
pressed halfway down, whereas the operation returns to step S1201
if it is decided the shutter release button 5 has not been pressed
halfway down.
[0165] In step S1207, a focal adjustment operation for the
photographic optical system 2 is executed by the lens drive circuit
430 and the distance L to the subject during the focal adjustment
operation is calculated. In step S1208, the focal length f0 at
which the photographic range W matching the printing size S is
projected over the entire image-capturing area and the printing
resolution k which is to be detailed later are calculated.
[0166] In FIG. 20, which shows the relationship between the subject
and the CCD 214, the photographic range W matching the printing
size S is projected over the entire image-capturing area at the CCD
214. It is to be noted that the letter W indicating the
photographic range in FIG. 20 represents the longer side of the
photographic range at the subject position, i.e., the lateral
dimension of the photographic range when the camera 1 shown in FIG.
1 is held in a normal position, and corresponds to the larger value
of the dimensions of the printing size S (e.g., A4 size). In
addition, N indicates the number of pixels along the width of the
image-capturing area at the CCD 214 and P indicates the pixel
pitch. The relationship expressed in an expression (101) below is
achieved by the focal length f0, the distance f' between the
photographic optical system 2 and the image-capturing surface and
the subject distance L at all times. 1/L+1/f'=1/f0 (101)
[0167] When the photographic range W matching the printing size S
is projected over the entire image-capturing area at the CCD 214,
the following expression (102) is true for f' in FIG. 20. In other
words, the focal length f0 should be adjusted so as to satisfy both
expressions (101) and (102). f'/L=NP/S f=(NPL)/S (102)
[0168] In addition, since N pixels correspond to the dimension W
(=S) (mm) as shown in FIG. 20, the printing resolution k should be
set to a value expressed in an expression (103) below to print the
image captured by the CCD 214 at the printing size S. In step S1208
described above, the focal length f0 is calculated by using
expressions (101) and (102) and, in addition, the printing
resolution k is calculated through an expression (103) below. k=N/S
(103)
[0169] In step S1209, a decision is made as to whether or not the
focal length f0 calculated in step S1208 is larger than the maximum
focal length fmax on the telephoto side of the photographic optical
system 2. If it is decided that f0.ltoreq.fmax in step S1209, the
operation proceeds to step S1216, whereas if it is decided that
f0>fmax, the operation proceeds to step S1210. When f0>fmax,
a range larger than the photographic range 31 of the subject image
30 is displayed at the display LCD 3 as shown in FIG. 21A even if
the photographic optical system 2 is zoomed up to fmax.
[0170] In step S 1210, a decision is made as to whether or not
(f0/fmax) is larger than a predetermined electronic zoom
magnification factor Mmax. It is to be noted that the following
explanation is given on the assumption that the term "magnification
factor" indicates a degree of magnification in relation to the
length instead of a magnification factor in relation to the area.
If it is decided in step S1210 that (f0/fmax)>Mmax, the
operation proceeds to step S1211 to set the focal length f of the
photographic optical system 2 to fmax and also to set the
electronic zoom magnification factor to Mmax. In step S1212, an
image obtained by enlarging the image in FIG. 21A by a factor of
Mmax is displayed as shown in FIG. 21B and a frame 32 indicating
the printing size S is superimposed on the display of the image. It
is to be noted that the mark 33 indicating the printing size S is
displayed at the upper left corner of the display LCD 3. In this
example presented in FIGS. 21A.about.21C, the printing size S is A4
and the mark 33 indicates "A4" accordingly.
[0171] In step S1213, a warning that an image cannot be
photographed over the photographic range W matching the printing
size S is issued. This warning may be issued by generating a
warning sound through a speaker (not shown) provided at the camera
1 or by displaying a warning message at the display LCD 3 of the
display panel 7. In the following step S1214, a printing correction
flag (to be detailed later) is set to 1 and the operation proceeds
to step S1218 in FIG. 19.
[0172] If, on the other hand, it is decided in step S1210 that
(f0/fmax).ltoreq.Mmax, the operation proceeds to step S1215. In
step S1215, the image over the photographic range 31 around the
center O of the display LCD 3 is enlarged by a factor of (f0/fmax)
through the electronic zoom function. Since the interpolation
processing and the like are executed for the electronic zoom
enlargement, the number of pixels in the enlarged image is equal to
the number of pixels at the CCD 214, and the value calculated step
S1208 for the printing resolution k can be directly used. In FIG.
21C, which shows the image obtained by enlarging the image in the
photographic range 31 by the factor of (f0/fmax), an enlargement of
the image in the photographic range 31 in FIG. 21A is displayed
over the entire LCD 3.
[0173] In step S1216, a decision is made as to whether or not the
focal length f0 calculated in step S1208 is smaller than the
minimum focal length fmin on the wide-angle side. The operation
proceeds to step S1213 if it is decided in step S1216 the
f0<fmin, whereas the operation proceeds to step S1217 if it is
decided that f0.gtoreq.fmin. If the operation proceeds to step
S1217 from step S1216, the printing correction flag is reset to 0
in step S1217 before the operation proceeds to step S1218 in FIG.
19.
[0174] When it is decided in step S1216 that f0<fmin, on the
other hand, the photographic range 31 is larger than the display
LCD 3 as shown in FIG. 22 even if the focal length f0 of the
photographic optical system 2 is set to the lower limit value fmin
and, as a result, only a part of the subject in the range 31 is
displayed. In other words, a range smaller than the photographic
range 31 is projected onto the image-capturing area of the CCD 214
at the subject distance L under these circumstances.
[0175] In step S1218 in FIG. 19, a decision is made as to whether
or not the shutter release button 5 has been pressed all the way
down, and the operation proceeds to step S1219 if it is decided
that the shutter release button 5 has been pressed all the way
down, whereas the operation returns to step S1205 in FIG. 18 if it
is decided that the shutter release button 5 has not been pressed
all the way down. For instance, if f0<fmin, resulting in a state
such as that shown in FIG. 22, the distance from the subject should
be increased so as to ensure that the focal length f0 calculated in
step S1208 satisfies f0.gtoreq.fmin, instead of pressing the
shutter release button 5 all the way down in step S1218. If the
shutter release button 5 is continuously held half-way down in this
situation, the operation proceeds from step S1205 to step S1207,
whereas if the half-way pressed state has been cleared, the
operation returns from step S1205 to step S1201.
[0176] In step S1219, the image captured at the CCD 214 is taken
in. In step S1220, a decision is made as to whether or not the
printing correction flag is set to 1. If it is decided in step
S1220 the flag is set to 1, the photographic range W is not
projected onto the entire image-capturing surface of the CCD 214,
and, accordingly, the operation proceeds to step S1221 to
recalculate the printing resolution k. In other words, if the
operation proceeds to step S1211 from step S1210 or to step S1213
from step S1216, the printing resolution k is recalculated so as to
print the subject image at the magnification factor of 1.
[0177] If, on the other hand, it is decided in step S1220 that the
flag is set to 0, the photographic range W is projected onto the
entire image-capturing area, and, accordingly, the operation
proceeds to step S1222 without recalculating the printing
resolution k.
[0178] When the operation proceeds to step S1211 from step S1210 in
FIG. 18, i.e., when the focal length f is set to fmax and the
electronic zoom magnification factor is set to Mmax, as shown in
FIG. 21B, the image displayed over the entire display LCD is not
printed with the magnification factor of 1 and instead is printed
at the printing size S, if it is printed at the printing resolution
k calculated by using the expression (103). The subject image shown
in FIG. 21C is an enlargement achieved by magnifying the subject
image in FIG. 21A by a factor of (f0/fmax) and the subject image
shown in FIG. 21B is obtained by enlarging the subject image in
FIG. 21A by a factor of Mmax. Thus, by enlarging the image shown in
FIG. 21B by a factor of (f0/fmax)/Mmax, the subject image in the
frame 32 can be displayed over the entire display LCD 3.
Accordingly, if the printing resolution k calculated through the
expression (103) is lowered by dividing it with (f0/fmax)/Mmax as
shown in an expression (104) below, the subject image in the frame
32 can be printed at the printing size S.
k=(N/S)/{(f0/fmax)/Mmax}=(N/S)(Mmax*fmax/f0) (104)
[0179] If, on the other hand, the operation proceeds from step
S1216 to step S1213, i.e., if the photographic range 31 is larger
than the display LCD 3 as shown in FIG. 22, it is necessary to
raise the printing resolution k. If the size of the image in the
range 31 in the FIG. 22 is altered by a magnification factor of
(f0/fmin), the size of the image becomes equal to the size of the
display LCD 3. Namely, by multiplying the printing resolution k
calculated by using expression (103) by a factor of (fmin/f0) as
shown in an expression (105) below, the image over the range 31 can
be printed at the printing size S. k=(N/S)(fmin/f0) (105)
[0180] Then, the image data are compressed in a predetermined
format in step S1222. In step S1223, tag information indicating the
printing size S, the printing resolution k, the focal length f, the
subject distance L, the number of pixels N and the like is recorded
into the memory card 424 together with the compressed image data.
Thus, the sequence of processing from photographing through
recording, executed at the electronic camera 1, is completed.
[0181] It is to be noted that if the printing resolution k is to be
recorded in the TIFF format, the printing resolution k is recorded
in units corresponding to the resolution along the width of the
image, the resolution along the height of the image and the
resolution along the width and the height of the image respectively
defined by tag numbers 282.about.284. If, on the other hand, the
printing resolution k is recorded in the Exif format, individual
pieces of information indicating the subject distance, the lens
focal length, the resolution along the height of the focal plane,
the resolution along the width of the focal plane and the
resolution over the focal plane as defined by tag numbers 37386,
37382, 41486.about.41488 are recorded and, in this case, the
printing resolution k may be calculated by the printing application
software program. The focal plane resolution mentioned above is the
reciprocal of the pitch P of the pixels at the CCD 214.
[0182] This subject image is printed on the printer 23 connected to
the personal computer 20 by taking the image data into the personal
computer 20 shown in FIG. 3 as described earlier. If the printer 23
is loaded with printing paper in the printing size S, the subject
image is printed at a magnification factor substantially set to 1.
It is to be noted that if the peripheral area of the printing paper
is to be left unprinted as a margin, the subject image is printed
at a size S slightly smaller than the size corresponding to the
magnification factor 1. In addition, if the printer 23 is loaded
with paper that is larger than the printing size S, too, the image
can be printed at the magnification factor of 1 by setting the
resolution of the printing operation equal to the printing
resolution k stored in memory as tag information.
[0183] The third embodiment explained above achieves the following
features.
[0184] (a) When the electronic camera 1 is set in the specified
size photographing mode, the photographic optical system 2 is
automatically adjusted to set the photographic range to the
specified size. As a result, the subject image is displayed at the
display LCD 3 over a range matching the range of the image to be
printed on paper in the specified size. Thus, a photographing
operation can be performed while checking the state of the image as
it will be printed and, as a result, a desirable subject image can
be obtained through the photographing operation.
(b) If the subject distance is too large or too small, the frame 32
is brought up on display at the display LCD 3, as shown in FIG. 21B
or a warning is issued to alert the user that the subject distance
is not correct.
(c) By loading printing paper in a size of matching it the printing
size indicated at the display LCD 3 or the display panel 7, the
subject image can be printed in a size matching to the actual
subject.
[0185] (d) Even if the size of the printing paper in the printer
does not match the printing size indicated at the display LCD 3 or
the display panel 7, the subject image can be printed at the
magnification factor of 1 with ease by printing it at the printing
resolution k stored in memory as tag information.
[0186] While a specific photographic range can be selected from a
plurality of sizes in the third embodiment explained above, the
photographic range may be set at a predetermined uniform size in
the electronic camera. In such a case, the printing size may be
indicated at the position of the mode selector button 12 instead of
indicating the printing size at the display LCD 3 or the display
panel 7. By loading the printer 23 with printing paper in the size
matching the printing size indicated at the mode selector button
12, the image can be automatically printed at the magnification
factor of 1.
VARIATION EXAMPLE 1
[0187] In Variation Example 1, the control is implemented as shown
in the flowchart presented in FIG. 23 instead of the flowchart
presented in FIG. 18. The same step numbers are assigned to steps
in the flowchart in FIG. 23 in which processing identical to that
in FIG. 18 is executed, and steps S1301 and S1302 differentiate the
flowchart in FIG. 23 from the flowchart in FIG. 18. In addition,
since the procedure continuing from FIG. 23 is identical to that
shown in FIG. 19, its illustration and explanation are omitted.
[0188] In Variation Example 1, once it is decided in step S1201
that the specified size photographing mode has been selected, the
operation proceeds to step S1301 to move the photographic optical
system 2 to the telephoto end in the macro range. This reduces the
field depth of the lens and raises the accuracy with which the
distance L is measured. As a result, the zoom magnification factor
can be set with an even higher degree of accuracy.
[0189] In addition, if it is decided in step S1216 that f0<fmin,
i.e., if the subject distance L is too small and thus, the
photographic range 31 is still larger than the display LCD 3 as
shown in FIG. 22 even with the photographic optical system 2 set at
the wide-angle end (f=fmin), the operation proceeds to step S1302
to sub-sample the pixels so as to reduce the size of the
photographic image by a factor of (f0/fmin). Once the sub-sampling
processing in step S1302 is completed, the operation proceeds to
step S1217 to reset the printing correction flag to 0. Namely, if
the sub-sampling processing is executed in step S1302, it is not
necessary to recalculate the printing resolution k.
VARIATION EXAMPLE 2
[0190] FIG. 24 presents a flowchart similar to that in FIG. 23 as
Variation Example 2. In the flowchart presented in FIG. 24,
different processing is executed after it is decided in step S1216
that f0<fmin. Namely, if it is decided in step S1216 that
f0<fmin, the operation proceeds to step S1401 to sub-sample
pixels from the photographic image to 1/4 of the original volume
and also to substitute the distance L calculated and stored in
memory in step S1207 with 2L.
[0191] When the pixels are sub-sampled to 1/4 of the original
volume, the pixel data of the image along the horizontal direction
are sub-sampled to 1/2 and the pixel data along the vertical
direction, too, are sub-sampled to 1/2. As a result, the length of
the sides of the printed image are halved, which is equivalent to
doubling the subject distance L. Once the processing in step S1401
is completed, the operation proceeded to step S1208 to calculate
the focal length f0 by using the new L that has replaced the
original distance. In Variation Example 2, in which the pixels are
sub-sampled to 1/4 regardless of the size of the photographic
image, the sub-sampling processing is simplified compared to that
executed in Variation Example 1.
Fourth Embodiment
[0192] While the photographic range W matching the printing size S
is specified and the subject image over the range W is printed at
the magnification factor 1 in the third embodiment, the subject
image is printed at a magnification factor of Z onto a printing
paper matching a specified printing size S in the fourth
embodiment. A desired printing magnification factor Z is selected
by operating the buttons 11a.about.11d, from a plurality of
printing magnification factors listed in a printing magnification
factor setting menu brought up on display at the display LCD 3
through an operation of the menu button 10. When the specified size
photographing mode is selected through the mode selector button 12,
the photographic range W is set to a value obtained by dividing the
specified printing size S by the printing magnification factor Z.
It is to be noted that details of the method of photographic range
setting are to be provided later. It is also to be noted that the
structures of the electronic camera 1, the camera system and the
like are identical to those in the first embodiment, and the
following explanation focuses on the method of control implemented
when printing the subject image at the magnification factor Z.
[0193] FIG. 25 shows the relationship between the photographic
range W and the CCD 214. As in the third embodiment, the
relationship expressed as an expression (101) below is achieved
among the focal length f0, the distance f' between the photographic
optical system 2 and the image-capturing surface and the subject
distance L. 1/L+1/f'=1/f0 (101)
[0194] In order to print the subject image projected over the
entire image-capturing area of the CCD 214 onto printing paper
matching the printing size S at the magnification factor Z, the
photographic range W=S/Z, calculated by multiplying the printing
size S by a factor of (1/Z) needs to be projected onto the CCD 214
as shown in FIG. 25. Accordingly, the focal length f of the
electronic camera 1 should be adjusted to a focal length f0 which
satisfies both expression (101) and the expression (106) below. As
in the third embodiment, the printing resolution k is set as
expressed in the expression (103). f'/L=NP/(S/Z) f'=(NPLZ)/S (106)
k=N/S (103)
[0195] Since the overall procedure from the photographing operation
through the printing operation executed in the camera system and
the procedure executed in the camera are identical to those in the
third embodiment, their explanation is omitted. However, the
printing magnification factor Z, too, is stored in memory as tag
information in step S1223 in FIG. 19 in the fourth embodiment. In
the fourth embodiment, by loading the printer 23 with printing
paper in a size matching the printing size S set for the
photographing operation, the subject image is automatically printed
at the magnification factor Z. As a result, the subject image can
be printed at the magnification factor Z with great ease.
Fifth Embodiment
[0196] In the third and fourth embodiments, the printing size S is
input to the electronic camera 1 and the photographic optical
system 2 is controlled based upon the printing size S. In the fifth
embodiment, a calibration is performed so as to project the
photographic range W matching the printing-enabled range onto the
CCD 214 by using a chart on which the printing-enabled range for
the printer 23 is printed. It is to be noted that the calibration
is executed after setting the electronic camera 1 in a calibration
mode by, for instance, operating the command dial 6 shown in FIG.
1.
[0197] Before the calibration, the chart of the printing-enabled
range should be printed in advance with the printer 23. Under
normal circumstances, the peripheral area of the printing paper is
an area over which printing is disabled and is, therefore, left
blank, and the rectangular area further inward relative to the
peripheral area of the printing paper is the printing-enabled
range. For instance, when A4 size paper is used, an image is
printed in a rectangular frame which is slightly smaller than A4
size.
[0198] FIG. 26 presents a flowchart of the calibration procedure,
which starts as the calibration mode is set with the command dial
6. In step S1501, the photographic optical system 2 of the
electronic camera 1 is first set in the micro range and then the
focal length is set to the maximum telephoto end (fmax). In this
state, with the photographic optical system 2 and the focal length
sustaining the setting statuses selected in step S1501, the user
holds the electronic camera 1 toward the chart.
[0199] In step S1502, the distance Lmax to the chart is measured.
In step S1503, an image of the chart captured by the electronic
camera 1 is brought up on display at the display LCD 3. The user
moves closer to, or further away from the chart until the
rectangular frame of the chart on display becomes completely
aligned with the display frame at the display LCD 3. Then, once the
rectangular frame of the chart and the display frame of the display
LCD 3 are completely aligned with each other, the user presses the
shutter release button 5 all the way down.
[0200] In step S1504, a decision is made as to whether or not the
shutter release button 5 of the electronic camera 1 has been
pressed all the way down, and the operation proceeds to step S1505
if an affirmative decision (YES) is made, whereas the operation
returns to step 1502 if a negative decision (NO) is made. In the
calibration mode, the operation proceeds to step S1505 after the
shutter release button 5 is pressed all the way down to execute a
focussing operation alone.
[0201] In step S1506, the photographic optical system 2 is set in
the macro range and then the focal length is set to the minimum
wide-angle end (fmin). Next, the user holds the electronic camera 1
toward the chart again. In step S1507, the distance Lmin to the
chart is measured, and in the following step S1508, an image of the
chart is displayed at the display LCD 3. In this case, too, the
user moves closer to or further away from the chart until the
rectangular frame of the chart matches the display frame of the
display LCD 3, and the user then presses the shutter release button
5 all the way down when the rectangular frame and the display frame
are completely aligned with each other.
[0202] In step S1509, a decision is made as to whether or not the
shutter release button 5 has been pressed all the way down and the
operation proceeded to step S1510 if an affirmative decision (YES)
is made, whereas the operation returns to step S1507 if a negative
decision (NO) is made. Subsequently, after a focussing operation is
executed in step S1510, the distances Lmin and Lmax are stored in
memory in step S1511 before the sequence of the calibration
processing ends.
[0203] After the calibration processing, the electronic camera 1 is
controlled so as to set the focal length to f0 calculated through
an expression (107) based upon the distances Lmin and Lmax stored
in memory in the specified size photographing mode. As a result,
the photographic range W matching the size of the rectangular frame
of the chart is projected onto the entire image-capturing area of
the CCD 214, and the photographed subject image can be printed onto
printing paper in size S at the magnification factor of 1.
f0=fmin+{(fmax-fmin)/(Lmax-Lmin)}(L-Lmin) (107)
[0204] In the third and fourth embodiments explained earlier, the
photographic range W matching the printing size S is projected over
the entire image-capturing area of the CCD 214 by adjusting the
focal length f0 so that f' in FIG. 20 satisfies the following
expressions (101) and (102). However, factors such as an error
attributable to inconsistency among individual lenses are not taken
into consideration in expression (102) and, for this reason,
expression (102) may be modified to expression (108) for higher
accuracy by using an error correction coefficient .alpha.. In other
words, in the third and fourth embodiments, in which the correction
coefficient .alpha. is not used, the accuracy of the focal
adjustment is poorer. 1/L+1/f'=1/f0 (101) f'=(NPL)/W (102)
f'=(NPL)/(W.alpha.) (108)
[0205] However, since the focal length f0 is calculated based on
the data Lmin and Lmax obtained by actually projecting the
rectangular frame of the chart over the entire image-capturing area
of the CCD 214 in the fifth embodiment, the focal length f0 is
calculated by taking into consideration the effect of any lens
error. For this reason, a higher degree of accuracy is achieved in
the control compared to the third and fourth embodiments.
[0206] While an explanation is given above in reference to the
third and fourth embodiments on an example in which the electronic
camera and the camera system achieve both the optical zoom function
and the electronic zoom function, the present invention may also be
adopted in an electronic camera and a camera system achieving only
either of these functions. In addition, while the printing
resolution k is calculated at the camera, it may instead be
calculated at the means for printing based upon the number of
pixels N and the printing size S taken from the camera into the
means for printing (the PC 20 and the printer 23).
[0207] It is to be noted that while the printing resolution k is
calculated in the electronic camera 1 in the embodiments described
above, the printing resolution k may instead be calculated in the
personal computer or the printer 23 on the printing side based upon
the subject distance L, the focal length f, the number of pixels N,
the pixel pitch P and the printing magnification factor M recorded
as the tag information, as explained earlier. In the latter case,
the control program executed at the personal computer 20 may be
provided in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or through a data
signal on the Internet or the like.
[0208] FIG. 27 shows how this may be achieved. A personal computer
100 corresponds to the personal computer 20. The personal computer
100 receives the program via a CD-ROM 104. In addition, the
personal computer 100 can be connected to a communication line 101.
In a computer 102, i.e., the server computer that provides the
program, the program is stored in a recording medium such as a hard
disk 103. The communication line 101 may be a communication line
for Internet communication, personal computer communication or the
like or it may be a dedicated communication line. The computer 102
reads out the program from the hard disk 103 and transmits the
program to the personal computer 100 via the communication line
101. In other words, the program is embodied as a data signal on a
carrier wave which is transmitted via the communication line 101.
Thus, the program can be distributed as a computer-readable
computer program product assuming any of various forms such as a
recording medium and a carrier wave.
[0209] In addition, the control program according to the present
invention, which is executed within the electronic camera in the
embodiments is normally installed in a ROM or the like during the
manufacturing process. However, by installing the control program
in a ROM which allows an overwrite and connecting the ROM to a
computer assuming a structure achieved by combining the structures
shown in FIGS. 3 and 17, a program upgrade can be received from a
recording medium such as a CD-ROM via the computer. Furthermore,
the program upgrade can be provided via the Internet or the like in
a manner similar to that explained earlier.
[0210] The above described embodiments are examples, and various
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *