U.S. patent application number 12/371035 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-03 for digital camera having a bracketing capability.
This patent application is currently assigned to HOYA CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Teppei OKAMOTO, Hisashi TATAMIYA.
Application Number | 20090219430 12/371035 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35942505 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090219430 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OKAMOTO; Teppei ; et
al. |
September 3, 2009 |
DIGITAL CAMERA HAVING A BRACKETING CAPABILITY
Abstract
A digital camera generates a plurality of photograph image as a
bracket image of an object. The digital camera comprises a setting
processor that sets a plurality of steps for first and second
parameters, a first bracket processor that obtains a plurality of
intermediate images of the object based on each the step of the
first parameter, and a second bracket processor that obtains a
plurality of photograph images from each of the intermediate images
based on each step of the second parameter.
Inventors: |
OKAMOTO; Teppei; (Saitama,
JP) ; TATAMIYA; Hisashi; (Saitama, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
HOYA CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
35942505 |
Appl. No.: |
12/371035 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11210680 |
Aug 25, 2005 |
7508438 |
|
|
12371035 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/333.03 ;
348/340; 348/E5.022; 348/E5.024 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/2356 20130101;
H04N 5/232 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/333.03 ;
348/340; 348/E05.022; 348/E05.024 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/222 20060101
H04N005/222; H04N 5/225 20060101 H04N005/225 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 30, 2004 |
JP |
2004-250438 |
Claims
1. A digital camera comprising: a monitor that comprises a display
field; a display processor that displays a plurality of
photographic images on said display field; and a setting processor
that sets a plurality of steps for a parameter, said plurality of
photographic image being generated from substantially the same
object image based on each said step, and being arranged in the
sequence of said steps from the top to the bottom of said display
field.
2. A digital camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein said parameter
is selected from a plurality of selectable parameters.
3. A digital camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein said parameter
is one of an exposure value, a white balance value, a sharpness
value, a saturation value, and a contrast value.
4. A digital camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein said digital
camera further comprises: a distinction processor that
distinguishes at least one of said photographic images from other
of said photographic images.
5. A digital camera as claimed in claim 4, wherein a selection
frame that surrounds at least one of said photographic images so as
to distinguish it in displayed on said display field.
6. A digital camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein said camera
further comprises: an optical system; an imaging device that
generates a frame of original image signals of an object image
which is obtained by said optical system; and an image processor
that converts said frame of said original image signals to a
plurality of photographic images based on said each step.
7. A digital camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein said camera
further comprises: an optical system; an imaging device that
continuously generates a plurality of frames of original image
signals of substantially the same object image which is obtained by
said optical system based on each said step; and an imaging
processor that converts said plurality of frames of original image
signals to said plurality of photographic images.
8. A digital camera comprising: a monitor that comprises a display
field; a display processor that displays a plurality of
photographic images on said display field; and a setting processor
that sets a plurality of steps for a parameter, said plurality of
photographic images being generated from substantially the same
object image based on each said step, and being arranged in the
sequence of said steps from the left to the right side of said
display field.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/210,680, filed Aug. 25, 2005, which claims
priority to Japanese Application No. 2004-250438, filed Aug. 30,
2004, the contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a digital camera, more
particularly, it relates to a digital camera capable of taking
bracket images.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Conventionally, it is known that a digital camera takes
bracket images while setting gradual steps for a parameter of
photograph condition e.g. exposure value, as shown in Japanese
Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 2003-87608. In this case,
when a release button is pushed, an object is photographed
continuously so as to obtain a plurality of photograph images, of
which the compositions are substantially same, but which are taken
under different photograph conditions from one another.
[0006] Sometimes it is difficult to judge the appropriate exposure
value when the object is photographed. In this case, if the bracket
images are taken, it is possible to choose the best image which is
photographed under the appropriate exposure values among the
plurality of photograph images after photographing. Namely, taking
bracket images counteracts failure to set the correct photograph
conditions e.g. exposure value.
[0007] Further, when an object moves fast, it is impossible for
more than one photograph image having the same composition to be
taken because the opportunity for photographing it is very short.
However, if the bracket images are photographed, it is possible to
obtain a plurality of images which are photographed under various
photograph conditions and having the same composition. Namely, even
if the object moves fast, a plurality of images having various
characteristics can be obtained by taking bracket images.
[0008] In order to obtain the image having the characteristics the
photographer desires, it is necessary to set the parameters for the
photograph conditions precisely. However, if there are too many
steps for setting only one parameter e.g. exposure value, it often
happens that the image which the photographer desires is not
obtained.
[0009] Accordingly, it is thought that bracket images should be
photographed while setting several steps for one parameter and this
photographing operation should be repeated after setting several
steps for another parameter. In this method, another parameter has
to be set manually by operating an operation device, and this
operation takes a long time. Therefore, a good opportunity for
photographing is sometimes lost, if the object moves fast. Further,
the plurality of images, which are photographed as described above
method, are not displayed on the camera monitor at the same time.
In addition to this, the plurality of images are not associated
with each other automatically. Therefore, it is difficult for users
to select the most desirable image from the plurality of photograph
images.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a digital camera, which can obtain bracket images based on a
plurality of parameters for which several steps are set.
[0011] According to the present invention, there is provided a
digital camera which generates a plurality of photograph images as
bracket images of an object. The digital camera comprises a setting
processor, a first bracket processor, and a second bracket
processor. The setting processor sets a plurality of steps for
first and second parameters. The first bracket processor obtains a
plurality of intermediate images of the object based on each step
of the first parameter. And the second bracket processor obtains a
plurality of photograph images from each image of the intermediate
images based on each step of the second parameter.
[0012] The digital camera preferably further comprises a monitor
and a first display processor. The first display processor displays
a display image on the monitor. The display image contains two or
more than two of the photograph images.
[0013] The first display processor preferably displays the display
image containing all the plurality of photograph images which are
obtained by the second bracket processor.
[0014] The first display processor preferably divides a display
field of the display image into vertical columns based on the
number of steps of one parameter of the first and second parameters
and horizontal rows based on the number of steps of one of the
first and second parameters so as to generate a plurality of
divided unit fields. Each photograph image is displayed in each
divided unit field.
[0015] The first display processor preferably arranges the
photograph images which are generated based on a single step of one
parameter of the first and second parameters, in a vertical
direction. Further, the first display processor arranges the
photograph images which are converted based on a single step of
another parameter of the first and second parameters, in a
horizontal direction. The number of steps of the first parameter is
preferably the same as the number of steps of the second
parameter.
[0016] The first display processor rearranges the photograph images
which are generated based on a single step of one parameter in a
horizontal direction, and the photograph images which are generated
based on a single step of another parameter, in a vertical
direction.
[0017] The first display processor rearranges the photograph images
according to a switch input for example.
[0018] The digital camera preferably comprises a distinction
processor and deletion processor. The distinction processor
distinguishes at least one of the photograph images from other
photograph images. The deletion processor deletes the images which
are distinguished by the distinction processor.
[0019] The digital camera can comprise a third bracket processor.
In this case, the setting processor sets a plurality of step for a
third parameter. The first bracket processor obtains a plurality of
first intermediate images of the object based on each step of the
first parameter. The second bracket processor obtains a plurality
of second intermediate images from each first intermediate image
based on each step of the second parameter. The third bracket
processor obtains a plurality of photograph images from each of the
second intermediate images based on each step of the second
parameter.
[0020] The digital camera preferably comprises a monitor, and a
second display processor that displays the display image on the
monitor. In this case, the display image contains photograph images
which are generated based on one step of a specific of the first,
second, and third parameters. The specific parameter is changed
according to a switch operation for example.
[0021] The first and second parameters are preferably selected from
a plurality of selectable parameters, which include exposure value,
a white balance value, a sharpness value, a saturation value, and a
contrast value.
[0022] The first bracket processor is a photograph processor, and
the second bracket processor is an image processor for example. The
photograph processor continuously generates a plurality of frames
of original image signals of a substantially the same object image,
according to each step of the one parameter. The image processor
converts the frames of the original image signals to a plurality of
photograph images according to each step of another parameter.
[0023] The digital camera preferably comprises a photograph
processor and an image processor, and both the first and second
bracket processors are image processor for example. The photograph
processor generates a frame of original image signals from an
object. The image processor converts a frame of the original image
signals to the intermediate images based on each step of first
parameter, and further converts each of the intermediate images to
a plurality of photograph images based on each step of the second
parameter.
[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
digital camera that generates a plurality of photograph images as
bracket images of an object. The digital camera comprises a setting
processor that sets a plurality of steps for first and second
parameters, and a bracketing processor that generates the plurality
of photograph images of the object, based on each first
multi-parameter of a plurality of the first multi-parameters. The
first multi-parameter is a combination of each step of the first
parameter and each step of the second parameter.
[0025] The setting processor can set a plurality of steps for a
third parameter, and the bracketing processor converts the object
image to a plurality of photograph images as bracket images, based
on each second multi-parameter of a plurality of second
multi-parameters. Each second multi-parameter is a combination of
each the first multi-parameter and each step of the third
parameter.
[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
bracket-image generating device which obtains a plurality of
photograph images of an object. The device has first and second
bracket processors, a monitor, and a display processor. The first
bracket processor obtains a plurality of intermediate images of the
object based on a first parameter. The first parameter has a
plurality of steps, and each intermediate image is obtained based
on each step of the plurality of steps of the first parameter. The
second bracket processor obtains a plurality of photograph images
from each the intermediate image, based on a second parameter. The
second parameter has a plurality of steps, and the each photograph
image is obtained based on each step of the plurality of steps of
the second parameter. The display processor displays a display
image on the monitor. The display image is divided into vertical
columns and horizontal rows so as to generate a plurality of
divided unit fields. The display processor displays each image of
the photograph images in each the divided unit field.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The objects and advantages of the present invention will be
better understood from the following description, with reference to
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a digital camera in a
first embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 2 shows a monitor which displays a setting image for
selecting parameters;
[0030] FIG. 3 shows a list for first and second parameters which
are set up to three steps;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the digital camera in a first
embodiment of this invention;
[0032] FIG. 5 shows a display image which is displayed on a monitor
in the initial situation in the first embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 6 shows a display image which is displayed on a monitor
after rearranging the unit display images in the first
embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a routine for the photograph
mode;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing routine for displaying the
photograph images in the first embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 9 shows a display image if the first and second
parameters are set to five steps;
[0037] FIG. 10 shows display images in a second embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 11 shows display images after the ranking of parameters
has been changed; and
[0039] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a routine for displaying the
photograph images in the second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The present invention will be described below with reference
to the embodiments shown in the drawings.
[0041] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a digital camera in a
first embodiment. The digital camera 10 is provided with a camera
body 11 having an upper surface 11U, a back surface 11B, and a
front surface 11F. The camera body 11 is provided with a photograph
lens system 12 at the center of the front surface 11F. The camera
body 11 is provided with a LCD monitor 14 at the left side of the
back surface 11B.
[0042] Reflected light from an object, which is received at the
photograph lens system 12, is converted to image signals, and then
the image signals are converted to photograph image, which are
displayed on the LCD monitor 14 as a still picture image.
[0043] A 4-way controller switch 15 is provided at the right side
of the LCD monitor 14, and an OK switch 16 is provided at the
center of the 4-way controller switch 15. A replay switch 18, a
menu switch 19, and a bracket switch 20 are provided on the back
surface 11B around the LCD monitor 14, a zoom switch 22 is provided
on the back surface 11B above the 4-way controller switch 15.
[0044] A release button 24 is provided at the right side on the
upper surface 11U, when the digital camera 10 is viewed from
behind. A power switch 25 is provided at the center of the upper
surface 11U. A card slot 26 is formed at one side surface of the
camera body 11 in order to insert a PC card (a recording media, not
shown in FIG. 1) in the camera body 11. Inside the card slot 26, a
card connector (not shown in FIG. 1) for connecting the PC card is
provided.
[0045] If the power switch 25 is pushed, the power supply to the
digital camera 10 is switched on and then a mode of the digital
camera 11 is set to an ordinary photograph mode. In the ordinary
photograph mode, an ordinary photograph is carried out if the
release button 24 is pushed. Further, in the ordinary photograph
mode, if the bracket switch 20 is operated the mode of the digital
camera 11 is changed to a bracket mode from the ordinary photograph
mode.
[0046] In the ordinary photograph mode, when the object is
photographed, the photographed image is captured and displayed as a
single photograph image based on a plurality of parameters. On the
other hand, in the bracket mode, when the object is photographed, a
plurality of photograph images is obtained being substantially the
same photograph image, where each photograph image has a different
combination of step values for the plurality of parameters.
[0047] FIG. 2 shows a monitor which displays a setting image in a
condition setting mode. If the mode is changed to the bracket mode,
first a condition setting mode is started. In the condition setting
mode, a setting image SI is displayed on the monitor 14, and then
first and second parameter X1 and X2 are selected from the
plurality of selectable parameters according to the 4-way
controller switch 15 input. The selectable parameters include
selectable photograph parameters and selectable image process
parameters. The selectable photograph parameters are for
determining the conditions when the original image signals of the
object image are generated, for example one could be the exposure
value. The selectable image process parameters are for determining
the conditions when the original image signals undergo image
processes so as to obtain photograph images, for example they might
be a white balance value, a sharpness value, a saturation value,
and a contrast value.
[0048] Regarding selected first and second parameter X1 and X2
these values are set to three steps in this embodiment, and the
differences between each step (the step levels) X3 and X4 are set
up in the condition setting mode. If the OK switch 16 is pushed,
the bracket mode is started in the state where the selected
parameters X1 and X2 and set-up step levels X3 and X4 are set.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, when the image indicates that the step
level X3 is .+-.0.3 EV, this means that each step for the first
parameter X1 (exposure value) is set to -0.3, .+-.0, and +0.3 EV.
The step level X3 (the difference between each step) is altered for
example among (0.3-2.0) EV according to the 4-way controller switch
15 input. Similarly, when the image indicates that the step level
X4 is .+-.1, it means that the each step for the second parameter
X2 is -1, .+-.0, +1. The step level (difference between each step)
is altered for example between (1-5) according to the 4-way
controller switch 15 input. If the OK switch 16 is operated, the
conditions in the bracket mode are set as the setting image SI is
indicated. Namely, the exposure value and the white balance value
are set as the first and second parameters and 0.3 and 1 are set as
the step levels of the first and second parameters, if the setting
image SI as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed.
[0050] FIG. 3 shows a list of first and second parameters which are
set up. As described above, the first and second parameters which
are set up to have three steps in the bracket mode. And then each
step of the first parameter is combined with each step of the
second parameter so as to form these combinations as a plurality of
first multi-parameters (1)-(9). And then the photograph images are
generated as bracket images of the object, based on each first
multi-parameter of a plurality of first multi-parameters (1)-(9).
Namely, a plurality of intermediate images is generated from the
object based on each step of the first parameter. And the plurality
of photograph images is generated from each of the intermediate
images, based on each step of the second parameter.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, when the first and second parameters are
determined as the exposure value and the white balance value, and
each step is set to -0.3, .+-.0, +0.3 EV, and -1, .+-.0, +1,
respectively, the nine multi-parameters (1)-(9) are formed by
combining each step of the exposure value and each step of the
white balance value. Namely, first the three intermediate images
are formed based on exposure values -0.3, .+-.0, and +0.3 EV. Next,
each image of the three intermediate images is converted to three
photograph images based on the white balance values -1, .+-.0, and
+1. In other words, nine photograph images in total are
obtained.
[0052] Further, the exposure value means the degree of exposure,
and the minus, the zero, and the plus mean "under-exposure",
"standard exposure", and "over-exposure" respectively for the
exposure value. Similarly the white balance value means the degree
of correction for the white balance. The larger the absolute value
thereof, the larger the corrected strength. And the plus, the zero,
and minus mean "plus correction", "no correction", and "minus
correction" respectively. Of course, the step values regarding the
other parameters have the same meaning as those for the white
balance.
[0053] The working of the digital camera 10 in the bracket mode
will be explained using FIG. 4. Hereinafter the case when the first
and second parameters are the exposure value and the white balance
respectively will be explained. The working of digital camera 10 is
controlled by a system control circuit 31.
[0054] In the digital camera 10, the photographic optical system 12
includes the lens group. The position thereof for focusing is
controlled by a lens drive circuit 36. A diaphragm 33 is disposed
backward of the lens group, and is controlled by a diaphragm drive
circuit 35 so that the aperture thereof can be adjusted.
[0055] A CCD (an imaging device) 40 is disposed on the optical axis
of the optical system 12 and backward thereof, and is driven by the
CCD drive circuit 37. At the imaging device 40, original image
signals corresponding to the object image which is obtained by the
optical system 12, are generated and are input to an image process
circuit 43 as the digital signals through a
correlated-double-sampling and auto-gain-control (CDS/AGC) circuit
41 and an A/D converter 42. The original image signals undergo many
kinds of image processes at the image process circuit 43 so that
the original image signals are converted to image data of the
photograph image. The circuits 35, 36, 37, and 43 are connected to
the system control circuit 31 and are controlled thereby. The
system control circuit 31 further connects the switches so as to
control the working of the digital camera 10 according to the
signals input from the switches.
[0056] In the bracket mode, when the release button 24 is
half-pushed, a photometry switch 50 is activated and the
photometric value of the object is detected by a photometry circuit
60. After detecting, the photometric value is input to the system
control circuit 31. As described above one of the first parameters
is the exposure value. Therefore, the aperture value of the
diaphragm 33 and the shutter speed of the CCD 40 are calculated
based on the detected photometric value and the three steps of the
exposure value which were set (for example -0.3, .+-.0, and +0.3
EV).
[0057] When the release button 24 is fully-pushed, a release switch
51 is activated and first, second, and third original image signals
regarding first, second, and third frames respectively, are
generated successively based on the three steps of the exposure
value. Namely, when the release switch 51 is activated, the
aperture of the diaphragm 33 is adjusted based on the first step
exposure value (-0.3 EV) and the CCD 40 is exposed to the received
light from the object through the photographic optical system 12
and the diaphragm 33 for the charge storing period (namely, the
calculated shutter speed based on the first step exposure value
(-0.3 EV)). Due to this exposure, the first image frame of the
first original image signals are generated according to the
received light. The first original image signals are output and
input to the image process circuit 43 as digital signals through
the CDS/AGC circuit 41 and the A/D converter 42. After the first
image signals are output from the CCD 40, the CCD 40 is exposed
again and the second frame of the second original image signals are
generated from the received light based on the second step exposure
value (0 EV), similar to the first original image signals. After,
the second original image signals are output from the CCD 40, the
third frame of the third image signals are generated at the CCD 40
based on the third step exposure value (+0.3 EV), similar to the
first and second original image signals.
[0058] Further, as described above, the first, second, and third
original image signals based on the under exposure (-0.3 EV), the
standard exposure (0 EV), and the over exposure (+0.3 EV) are
generated successively in this sequence. However, this sequence can
be changed according to the switch input by the user for
example.
[0059] At the image process circuit 43, the first, second, and
third original image signals undergo many kinds of image processes
including a white balance adjustment, a sharpness adjustment, a
saturation adjustment, and a contrast adjustment. As described
above, one of the first and second parameters is the white balance
value, and the white balance value has three steps on levels (plus
correction (+1), no correction (.+-.0), and minus correction (-1)).
Accordingly, the first original image signals undergo a white
balance adjustment regarding each step level (+1, 0, -1) so that
the first original image signals are converted to image data
regarding three photograph images based on each step of the second
parameter. On the other hand, the parameters regarding the
sharpness value, the saturation value, and the contrast value are
set at a single step or level. Therefore, while the first original
image signals are converted to image data regarding all of the
photograph images, the original image signals undergo the sharpness
adjustment, the saturation adjustment, and the contrast adjustment
under the same conditions. Similarly, the second and third original
image signals are converted to image data. Due to this, the image
data of the nine photograph images are generated.
[0060] In the case as described above, the first parameter is a
photograph parameter and the second parameter is an image process
parameter. Therefore, the control conditions for controlling the
photograph processor including the photographic optical system 12,
the diaphragm 33, and CCD 40 are changed according to steps on
levels of the photograph parameters. Similarly, the conditions for
controlling the image process circuit 43 (image processor) which
carries out many kinds of image processes, are changed according to
steps or levels of the photograph parameter.
[0061] However, both the first and second parameters can be image
process parameters. The case when both the first and second
parameters are the image process parameters (the white balance and
the sharpness for example) is explained below. In this case, the
control conditions for the photograph processor are the same.
Therefore, when the release switch 51 is activated, only a single
frame of original signals is generated at the CCD 40. Namely, when
the release button 24 is half-pushed, the aperture value of the
diaphragm 33 and shutter speed of the CCD 40 are calculated based
on the photometric value which is detected by the photometry
circuit 60 and the exposure value (for example 0 EV) which is set
to a single step value. When the release button 24 is fully-pushed,
the single frame of the original image signals is generated based
on the aperture value and shutter speed which are calculated when
the release button 24 is half-pushed. And then the original image
signals are input to the image process circuit 43.
[0062] Three steps or levels are set for the first and second
parameters (the white balance value and the sharpness value).
Therefore, a single frame of the original image signals undergoes
the white balance adjustment based on each step of the first
parameter (the white balance value) so as to generate the image
signals regarding the three intermediate images. The image signals
regarding the three intermediate images further undergo the
sharpness adjustment based on each step of the second parameter
(the sharpness value) respectively so as to generate the image
signals regarding nine photograph images. Further, while the
original image signals are converted to the image signals regarding
the nine photograph images, the image signals undergo the
saturation adjustment, and the contrast adjustment and so on, of
which parameters are set to single step or value.
[0063] The image signals regarding nine photograph images are sent
to an SDRAM 44 and are temporarily stored therein as nine stored
images without reducing the number of image pixels of the stored
images. The image data of the stored images which are determined as
the image to be recorded as described below are recorded in the
recording media 47.
[0064] On the other hand, the number of image pixels that are in
the nine photograph images are reduced and then they are stored in
the SDRAM 44 as nine unit display images. The image data regarding
the nine unit display images is read from the SDRAM 44 and then the
nine unit display images are synthesized at the image process
circuit 43 so as to generate a single display image 70 which is
displayed on the monitor 14 as shown in FIG. 5. A selected frame 75
and character 76 (as shown in FIG. 5) are read from a character
image memory 48, and then are synthesized on the display image 70
at the image process circuit 43.
[0065] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the display image. The
display image 70 has a substantially rectangular shape, and is
displayed on the entire display field of the monitor 14. The nine
unit display images (1)-(9) form a 3.times.3 matrix in the display
image 70. Namely, the display field of the display image 70 is
divided into three horizontal rows and three vertical columns which
are the number of steps of the first and second parameters, so as
to generate a plurality of divided unit fields. And then each unit
display image (1)-(9) is displayed in each divided unit field.
Further the unit display images (1)-(9) are generated based on the
multi-parameters (1)-(9) respectively as shown in FIG. 3.
[0066] The unit display images are arranged from the left side to
the right side of the display image 70 in the step sequence of the
first parameter (from low exposure value to the high exposure
value, -0.3 EV, 0 EV, and 0.3 EV). And the unit display images
which are generated based on the same step of the first parameter
are arranged in the same column (in the same vertical direction).
Therefore, the unit display images (1), (4), and (7) which are
generated based on the under exposure are arranged in a left column
1A. Similarly, the images (2), (5), and (8) are arranged in a
center column 2A, and the images (3), (6), and (9) are arranged in
a right column 3A.
[0067] Similarly, the unit display images are arranged from the top
side to the bottom side of the display image 70 in the step
sequence of the second parameter (from a high white balance value
to the low value, +1, 0, and -1). And the unit display images which
are generated based on the same step of the second parameter are
arranged in the same row (in the same horizontal direction).
Therefore, the unit display images (1), (2), and (3) which are
generated based on the plus correction (+1) are arranged in a top
row 1B. Similarly, the images (4), (5), and (6) are arranged in a
center row 2B, and the images (7), (8), and (9) are arranged in a
bottom row 3B.
[0068] If the display image 70 is displayed on the monitor 14, when
the menu switch 19 is operated, the direction in which the unit
display images (generated based on the same step of first and
second parameters) are arranged, is changed. Namely, if the each
unit display image is arranged as shown in FIG. 5, the each unit
display image is rearranged as shown in FIG. 6, when the menu
switch 19 is operated. Due to this, the unit display images
generated based on the same step of the first parameter, are
rearranged in a horizontal direction. Further the unit display
images are arranged from the bottom side to the top side of the
display image 70 in the step sequence of the first parameter. The
unit display images generated based on the same step of the second
parameter, are rearranged in a vertical direction. Further, the
unit display images are arranged from the right side to the left
side of the display image 70 in the step sequence of the second
parameter. Furthermore, if each unit display image is arranged as
shown in FIG. 6, the each unit display image is rearranged as shown
in FIG. 5, when the menu switch 19 is input.
[0069] In this embodiment, the unit display image (5), which is
generated based on the center steps of the first and second
parameters, is always disposed at the center position of the
display image 70. Due to this, the user always sees the unit
display image which is generated based on the standard step values
(for example 0 EV, and 0) for the first and second parameters, in
the center of the display image 70.
[0070] The photograph images are deleted or recorded as described
below. In the initial situation, all unit display images are set as
the images to be recorded. As shown in FIG. 5, the selected frame
75 which surrounds one of the unit display images is displayed on
the display image 70. The unit display image which the selected
frame 75 surrounds is altered by operation of the 4-way controller
switch 15. And when the OK switch 16 is operated, the unit display
image, which the selected frame 75 surrounds, is determined as the
image to be deleted. A check mark 76 in the form of a character, is
applied to the unit image determined as the image to be deleted so
as to distinguish the unit image determined as the image to be
deleted from other displayed unit images. Further, the unit display
image, which is surrounded by the selected frame 75 and which is
set as the image to be deleted, is determined as the image to be
recorded when the OK switch 16 is operated again.
[0071] More than one unit display image can be determined as an
image to be deleted by operating the 4-way controller switch 15 and
the OK switch 16. If the unit display images (1), (4), and (5) are
determined as the images to be deleted, the check marks 76 are
applied to these images (1), (4), and (5) as shown in FIG. 5. On
the other hand, the unit display images which do not have the check
mark 76 applied, are determined as the images to be recorded. When
the bracket switch 20 is operated, the image data of the stored
images corresponding to the unit display images (1), (4), and (5)
which are determined as the images to be deleted are deleted from
the SDRAM 44. At the same time, the image data of the stored images
corresponding to the unit display images (2), (3), and (6)-(9)
determined as the image to be recorded is recorded in the recording
media 47. After this procedure, the bracket mode is finished.
[0072] Further, the photograph image can be recorded in the
recording media 47 by other processes. For example, the digital
camera 10 has a delete switch, and if the delete switch is
operated, the stored image in the SDRAM 44 corresponding to the
unit display image which the selected frame 75 surrounds, is
deleted immediately. Further, a unit display image to which the
check mark 76 is not applied, can be determined as the delete
image, on the other hand, the unit display image to which the check
mark 76 is applied, can be determined as the recoded image.
Furthermore, whether the check mark 76 is applied to the image to
be deleted or the image to be recorded can be set-up according to
the switch operation.
[0073] As described above, it is easy for a user to obtain several
photograph images which are generated from substantially the same
object image while setting a plurality steps for several
parameters. Further, these several photograph images can be
displayed on the same display field of the monitor, therefore it is
easy for the user to judge whether the photograph images are
necessary or unnecessary. And the unnecessary images are deleted
and the necessary images are recorded by simple is operations in
this embodiment.
[0074] FIG. 7 shows the routine for taking photographs. In the
routine for taking a photograph, first whether the bracket switch
20 is operated is determined at step S100. If the bracket switch is
operated, the digital camera 10 enters the bracket mode. If the
bracket switch is not operated, the digital camera 10 enters the
ordinary photograph mode in step S102.
[0075] If the digital camera 10 enters the bracket mode, first the
condition setting mode as shown in FIG. 2 is started at step S104.
In this mode, the first and second parameters are selected from a
plurality of selectable parameters according to the switch inputs.
And the steps of the first and second parameters are set according
to the switch inputs. After this setting, whether the release
button 24 is half-pushed is determined at step S108. If the release
button 24 is not half-pushed, the routine waits at step S108. If
the release button 24 is half-pushed, the photometric value of the
object is detected at step S110. Next, whether the exposure value
is selected as the first or second parameter at step S104 is
determined at step S112. If the exposure value is selected as the
first or second parameter, the routine goes to step S114.
[0076] If the first or second parameter is the exposure value,
three frames of the original image signals are generated by the CCD
40 based on the three steps of the exposure value for substantially
the same object image. Therefore, at step S114 the three steps of
the aperture values and the shutter speeds are calculated based on
the three steps of the exposure values and on the detected
photometric value at step S110, in order to generate the three
frames of original image signals by the CCD 40. Next, whether the
release button is fully-pushed, half-pushed, or not pushed is
determined at step S116 and S118. If the release button is not
fully-pushed but the release button is continually half-pushed, the
routine waits at step S116 and step 118. If the release button is
neither fully-pushed nor half-pushed, the routine goes back to step
S108 from step S118.
[0077] If the release button is fully-pushed, the object is
photographed at step S120. Namely, the CCD 40 is exposed three
times successively so as to generate the three frames of original
image signals (three intermediate images) of substantially the same
object image, based on the three aperture-values steps and the
three shutter-speed steps which are calculated at step S114. The
original image signals regarding each frame of three frames undergo
many kinds of image processes. Specially, the original image
signals regarding each frame undergo a specific image process which
corresponds to the selected first or second parameter based on the
three steps of the parameter set at step S104. Due to these image
processes, the original image signals are converted to image data
regarding nine photograph images.
[0078] On the other hand, if it is determined that the exposure
value is not set to the first and second parameters the routine
goes to step S130. A single frame of the original image signals is
generated by the CCD 40 based on the value of the single exposure
step. Therefore, at step S130 one aperture value and one shutter
speed are calculated based on the value of the single exposure step
and the detected photometric value. Next, whether the release
button is fully-pushed, half-pushed, or not pushed is determined at
step S132 and S134, similar to step S116 and step S118.
[0079] If the release button is fully-pushed, the object is
photographed at steps S140 and S142. Namely, at step S140 the CCD
40 is exposed once so as to generate one frame of original image
signals based on a single aperture value and a single shutter speed
calculated at step S130. One frame of the original image signals
undergoes many kinds of image processes at step S142. Specially,
the original image signals undergo a specific image process
corresponding to the first parameter, more precisely based on the
three steps of the first parameter set at step S104, so that
original image signals are converted to the image data regarding
three intermediate images. In addition to this, the image data
regarding three intermediate images undergoes a specific image
process corresponding to the second parameter based on three steps
of the second parameter. Due to these image processes, the original
image signals are converted to image data regarding nine photograph
images at step S142. The image data regarding nine photograph
images which are generated at step S120 or S142 are temporarily
stored in SDRAM 44.
[0080] FIG. 8 shows the routine for displaying the photograph
image. At step S150, the image data regarding nine photograph
images is read from the SDRAM 44, and then the display image 70
which includes the nine photograph images as the unit display
images (1)-(9) is displayed on the monitor 14 as shown in FIG. 5.
At step S151, the selected frame 75 is displayed on the displayed
image 70 which surrounds the unit display image (5) which is
disposed at the center of the display image 70 and the photograph
image corresponding thereto is set to the selected image.
[0081] At step S152, whether the menu switch 19 is operated is
determined. If it is determined that the switch 19 is operated, the
display sequence of the unit display image (1)-(9) is changed at
step S154. Namely, if the switch 19 is operated, the display
sequence of the display image 70 is changed from that shown in FIG.
5 to that shown in FIG. 6, or from that shown in FIG. 6 to that
shown in FIG. 5. At step S156, whether the 4-way controller switch
15 is operated is determined. If it is determined that the switch
15 is operated, the selected frame 75 is moved in a direction
according to the operated part of the switch 15, and the selected
image is changed to the photograph image corresponding to the unit
display image which is surrounded by the selected frame 75.
[0082] At step S160, whether the OK switch 15 is operated is
determined. If it is determined that the switch 16 is operated, the
selected image is set as an image to be deleted or an image to be
recorded at step S162. And a check mark 75 is applied to the unit
display image which is set as an image to be deleted as shown in
FIG. 5.
[0083] At step S164, whether the bracket switch 20 is operated is
determined. If it is determined that the switch 20 is not operated,
the routine repeats from step S152 to step S164. If it is
determined that the switch 20 is operated, the routine goes to step
S170. At step S170, the image data regarding a photograph image
(stored in SDRAM 44 as the stored image) which is set as the image
to be recorded is recorded in the recording media 47. On the other
hand, the data regarding a photograph image which is set as the
image to be deleted is deleted at step S170. When finishing step
S170, the routine for taking a bracket photograph is finished and
the digital camera enters the ordinary photograph mode.
[0084] In this embodiment, three steps for first and second
parameters are set as described above. However, "n" steps for first
and second parameters can be set ("n" is a natural number and is
two or more than two). In this case, n.sup.2 photograph images are
generated as the bracket images, and the display image 70
(referring to FIG. 5) is divided into "n" horizontal rows and "n"
vertical columns so as to generate the n.sup.2 divided unit fields.
Each unit display image corresponding to each photograph image is
displayed in each of the divided unit fields. Similar to the
embodiment as described above, the unit display images are arranged
from the left side to the right side of the display image 70 in the
step sequence of the first parameter, and the unit display images
are arranged from the top side to the bottom side of the display
image 70 in the step sequence of the second parameter in the
initial situation.
[0085] For example, if the steps for the first and second
parameters are set to five steps, then twenty-five photograph
images are generated of the object. And all of these photograph
images are displayed on the display image 70 as the unit display
images, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0086] In this embodiment, the number of steps of the first
parameter is the same as the number of the steps of the second
parameter. However, the number of the steps of the first parameter
can be different from the number of the steps of the second
parameter. In this case, if the display field of the monitor 14 is
longer from side to side than an ordinary display field, the unit
display images are arranged in the horizontal direction according
to step sequence having the larger number of steps, so that each
unit display image has a suitable size for a user to easily
see.
[0087] Further, the number of steps of the first and second
parameters is preferably an odd number. If it is an odd number, the
photograph images which are generated based on the standard step of
the first or second parameter are always displayed in the center
row or column. In addition to this, the photograph image which is
generated based on the standard step of both the first and second
parameters is always displayed in the center of the display image
70. Due to this, the user can compare each photograph image
easily.
[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is only one
selectable photograph parameter, namely only the exposure value,
however there can be two or more than two selectable photograph
parameters, namely they might be the shutter speed and the aperture
value of the diaphragm 33 for example instead of the exposure
value. In this case, if both the shutter speed and the aperture
value are set as the first and second parameters, the CCD 40 is
exposed nine times so as to generate the nine frame images of
original image signals when the release button is fully-pushed
once.
[0089] In this embodiment, all photograph images are set as the
images to be recorded in the initial situation. However, all
photograph images can be set as images to be deleted in the initial
situation. Of course, whether all photograph images are set as the
images to be recorded or set as the images to be deleted in the
initial situation is selected by a user.
[0090] Next, the second embodiment will be explained using FIGS.
10, 11, and 12. In the first embodiment, the first and second
parameters are selected from the selectable parameters. However, in
this embodiment, the first, second, and third parameters are
selected from the selectable parameters. Hereinafter the case in
which the first, second, and third parameters are the exposure
value, the white balance value, and sharpness value respectively
will be explained. In this case, the number of steps for the first,
second, and third parameters is set to three, similar to the first
embodiment for example. Each step of the first parameter is
combined with each the step of the second parameter so as to form
nine combinations as nine first multi-parameters. And each of the
nine first multi-parameters is combined with each the step of the
third parameter so as to form twenty-seven combinations as
twenty-seven second multi-parameters. And then the photograph
images are generated as bracket images of substantially the same
object based on each multi-parameter of the twenty-seven second
multi-parameters. Namely, the CCD 40 is exposed three times based
on each step of the first parameter (the exposure value) so as to
generate three first intermediate images from substantially the
same object image, similar to the first embodiment. Next, the nine
second intermediate images are generated from three first
intermediate images based on each step of the second parameter (the
white balance value) in the image process circuit 43. In addition
to this, twenty-seven photograph images as bracket images are
generated from the second intermediate images based on each the
step of the third parameter (the sharpness value). The image
signals regarding twenty-seven photograph images are temporarily
stored in the SDRAM 44 as the stored images and as the unit display
images, similar to the first embodiment.
[0091] It is difficult to display the twenty-seven unit display
images in the display field of the monitor 14 at the same time.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the twenty-seven unit display images
are grouped into three groups, each group having nine unit display
images. The nine unit display images in one group are synthesized
at the image process circuit 43 into one display image. Due to
these processes, the first, second, and, third display images 81,
82, and 83 which contain the nine unit display images are generated
as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0092] The first, second, and third parameters are ranked. For each
image of the display images 81, 82, and 83, the unit display images
are generated based on each step of the first and second ranked
parameters, and a single step of the third ranked parameter. And
then the unit display images are arranged from the left side to the
right side of the display image 81 in the step sequence of the
first ranked parameter. And the unit display images are arranged
from the top side to the bottom side of the display image 81 in the
step sequence of the second ranked parameter.
[0093] The first, second, and third parameters are ranked into
first, second, and third ranked parameters respectively in the
initial situation. Therefore, in the initial situation, the unit
display images which are generated based on the -0.3 EV, 0 EV, and
+0.3 EV of the exposure value (the first parameter) are arranged in
the columns 1A, 2A, and 3A respectively in each image of the
display images 81, 82, and 83. Similarly, the unit display images
which are generated based on the -1, 0, and +1 of the white balance
value (the second prior) are arranged in the rows 1B, 2B, and 3B
respectively in each image of the display images 81, 82, and 83.
However, the unit display images are generated based on the same
step of the sharpness value (the third parameter) in each display
image 81, 82, and 83.
[0094] The first, second, and third parameters are ranked to first,
second, and third ranked parameters respectively in the initial
situation. However, the ranking of the parameters can be changed by
operating the menu switch 19.
[0095] In the initial situation, the unit display image (5) which
is generated based on the standard steps regarding all of the
first, second, and third parameters is displayed on the monitor 14.
Therefore, in the initial situation the second displayed image 82
is displayed on the monitor 14.
[0096] Furthermore, the selected frame 75 surrounds the unit
display image (5) which is disposed in the center of the second
image 82 and which is generated based the standard steps regarding
the first, second, and third parameters in the initial
situation.
[0097] Of course, which display image 81, 82, or 83 is displayed on
the monitor 14 can be changed according to the input replay switch
18.
[0098] The FIG. 12 shows the routine for displaying the photograph
image in the second embodiment. As described above, the
twenty-seven photograph images are generated when the release
button is pushed once in the bracket mode, and these twenty-seven
photograph images are composed of one of the first, second, and
third display images 81, 82, and 83.
[0099] In this routine, the second display image 82 is displayed at
step S240 at first, and then the center unit display image (5) is
surrounded by the selected frame 75 at step S241 as shown in FIG.
10. At step S242, whether the replay switch 18 is operated is
determined. If it is determined that the switch 18 is operated, the
display image which is displayed on the monitor 14 is changed at
step S244. Namely, if the display image which is displayed on the
monitor 14 is the first display image 81 the display image is
changed to the second display image 82. Similarly, it is changed
from the second or third image 82 or 83 to the third or first image
83 or 81 if the second or third image 82 or 83 is displayed.
[0100] At step S250, whether the menu switch 19 is operated is
determined. If it is determined that the switch 19 is operated, the
ranking of the parameters is changed at step S252, namely the
parameters which are ranked first, second, and third are changed to
the third, first, and second ranked parameters respectively. After
this step the twenty-seven unit display images are rearranged
according to the ranks of the parameters at step S254. Namely, each
image of the three display images 81, 82, and 83 contains the unit
display images which are generated based on each step of the new
first and second ranked parameters and single step of the new third
ranked parameter. Next, the routine goes back to the step S240, and
then the new second display image 82 is displayed on the monitor
14.
[0101] Namely, in the initial situation, each image of the three
display images 81, 82, and 83 contains the nine unit display images
which are generated based on each step of the first and second
parameters, and a single step of the third parameter. And if the
menu switch 19 is pushed once, the first, second, and third
parameters are set to the third, first, and second ranked
parameters respectively as shown in FIG. 11, therefore each image
of the new three display images 81, 82, and 83 contains the nine
unit display images which are generated based on each step of the
second and third parameters, and a single step of the first
parameter as shown in FIG. 11.
[0102] The routine from step S256 to step S266 is similar to that
of the first embodiment, therefore these explanations are
omitted.
[0103] As described above, the bracket images can be obtained of
substantially the same object image based on each combination of
steps of three parameters by a simple operation. Further, the
bracket images are displayed on the monitor according to
predetermined rules therefore the user can confirm each of the
bracket images easily.
[0104] Of course, the number of parameters which are selected from
the selectable parameters is changed according to the switch
operation for example.
[0105] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been
described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings,
obviously many modifications and changes may be made by those
skilled in this art without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0106] The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained
in Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-250438 (filed on Aug. 30,
2004) which is expressly incorporated herein, by reference, in its
entirety.
* * * * *