JP3948080B2 - Camera system compatible with red-eye correction - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a camera system that can cope with red-eye correction for correcting red-eye of a captured image generated by flash photography.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2-64532 discloses a camera system for correcting red eyes of a photographed image generated in flash photography. The red-eye phenomenon means that human eyes shine in red or gold in color photography using an electronic flash device. This phenomenon occurs when the flash of the light emitting portion of the electronic flash device that has passed through the pupil of the eye is reflected by the retina and the reflected light is reflected on the film. There are many capillaries in the retina of the eye, and the hemoglobin in the blood is red, so that the reflected light appears reddish.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-64532 discloses a method in which red-eye information is magnetically recorded on a film in a silver salt camera, and a printed photograph is selected based on the red-eye information when printed by a printer (FIG. 3, FIG. 6), or red eye correction by irradiating the pupil with a laser when there is red-eye information (FIG. 7) is disclosed. On the other hand, in order to suppress red-eye, a method of performing pre-light emission immediately before photographing is known, but it is not always necessary to perform both pre-light emission and red-eye correction operations when performing pre-light emission. Also, it may not be appropriate to perform red-eye correction regardless of the selection of the shooting mode.
[0004]
An object of the present invention is to provide a camera system in which red-eye correction is performed only when red-eye correction is necessary.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 8 showing an embodiment, the invention according to claim 1 detects whether or not a shooting condition under which a red-eye phenomenon can occur during shooting, and the red-eye phenomenon can occur. A red-eye generation condition recording unit 4 that records the fact that the condition is associated with the photographing frame, a recording operation switching unit 5 that switches whether the red-eye generation condition recording unit 4 operates or not, Under conditions where red-eye phenomenon can occur, Pre-emission unit 2 that performs pre-emission for red-eye reduction immediately before shooting, and the operation of pre-emission unit 2 is permitted when the recording operation switching unit 5 prohibits the operation of the red-eye generation condition recording unit. When the red-eye occurrence condition recording unit 4 is operated by the recording operation switching unit 5, the above-described object is achieved by prohibiting the operation of the pre-light emitting unit 2.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, correction means 104 and 103 for correcting the image data of the red-eye portion of the photographed image with respect to the photographing frame determined to be a photographing condition that may cause a red-eye phenomenon during photographing, Corrective action switching means 109 for switching the presence or absence of the action 103; Under conditions where red-eye phenomenon can occur, A pre-flash unit 107 that performs pre-flash for red-eye reduction immediately before shooting, and when the operation of the correction units 104 and 103 is prohibited by the correction operation switching unit 109, the operation of the pre-flash unit 107 is permitted. In the case where the correction means 104 and 103 are operated by the correction operation switching means 109, the above-described object is achieved by prohibiting the operation of the pre-light emission means 107.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the red-eye generation condition recording unit 4 detects whether or not the shooting condition can cause a red-eye phenomenon during shooting, and records the fact that the red-eye phenomenon can occur in association with the shooting frame. When, Under conditions where red-eye phenomenon can occur, The pre-light emission means 2 for performing pre-light emission for red-eye reduction immediately before photographing, the pre-light emission operation switching means 6 for switching the presence / absence of the operation of the pre-light emission means 2, and the operation of the pre-light emission means 2 by the pre-light emission operation switching means 6 If it is prohibited, the red-eye occurrence condition recording means 4 is operated. If the pre-light emission operation switching means 6 permits the operation of the pre-light emission means 2, the operation of the red-eye occurrence condition recording means 4 is prohibited. By doing so, the above-mentioned object is achieved.
The invention according to claim 4 is a correction instruction information recording means 4 for recording correction instruction information instructing that red-eye correction should be performed in association with a photographing frame; Under conditions where red-eye phenomenon can occur, A pre-flash unit 2 that performs pre-flash for red-eye reduction immediately before shooting, and a self-timer shooting selection unit 7 that alternatively selects self-timer shooting and shooting that is not self-timer shooting are provided. For the shooting frame for which the self-timer shooting is selected by the self-timer shooting selection unit 7, the correction instruction information recording unit 4 is operated regardless of the pre-flash emission by the pre-flash unit 2, and the self-timer shooting selection unit 7 does not select the self-timer shooting. The above-described object is achieved by operating the correction instruction information recording means 4 only when the pre-light emission means 2 does not perform pre-light emission.
The invention according to claim 5 is a correction instruction information recording means 4 for recording correction instruction information instructing that red-eye correction should be performed in association with a photographing frame; Under conditions where red-eye phenomenon can occur, Pre-flash means 2 for performing pre-flash for red-eye reduction immediately before shooting, and remote control shooting selection means 7 for selectively selecting remote control shooting and shooting that is not remote control shooting are provided, and remote control shooting selection means 7 For the shooting frame for which the remote control shooting is selected by the remote control shooting selection unit 7, the correction instruction information recording unit 4 is operated regardless of the pre-flash emission by the pre-flash unit 2, and the remote control shooting selection unit 7 does not select the remote control shooting. The above-described object is achieved by operating the correction instruction information recording means 4 only when the pre-light emission means 2 does not perform pre-light emission.
The invention according to claim 6 is a correction instruction information recording means 4 for recording correction instruction information instructing that red-eye correction should be performed in association with a photographing frame; Under conditions where red-eye phenomenon can occur, Pre-flash means 2 that performs pre-flash for red-eye reduction immediately before shooting, and portrait-only mode selection means 7 that selectively selects a shooting mode that is not a person shooting-only mode or a person shooting-only mode, For the shooting frame for which the person shooting dedicated mode is selected by the dedicated mode selection means 7, the correction instruction information recording means 4 is operated regardless of whether or not the pre-flash means 2 is pre-flashed. The above-mentioned object is achieved by operating the correction instruction information recording means 4 only when the pre-light emission means 2 does not perform pre-lighting for the photographing frames for which the dedicated mode has not been selected.
[0006]
In the section of the means for solving the above-described problems for explaining the configuration of the present invention, the drawings of the embodiments of the invention are used for easy understanding of the present invention. It is not limited.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
-First embodiment-
A first embodiment of a camera system that can cope with red-eye correction according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0008]
In FIG. 1, P1 is a camera body that optically records a subject image on a loaded silver salt film F (FIG. 2), and 1 is a luminance information detector that detects the luminance of the subject. Reference numeral 2 denotes a strobe device (an electronic flash device) that emits light during shooting (strobe shooting) to illuminate a subject. The strobe device 2 is also used for the purpose of suppressing the occurrence of red eyes by pre-emission before strobe photography. Since the pupil is closed by the pre-flash, the occurrence of red eyes can be suppressed in subsequent flash photography. Reference numeral 3 denotes an imaging control unit that controls imaging control members (not shown) of each part of the camera such as an aperture and a shutter during imaging.
[0009]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 4 denotes an information recording unit, which shoots shooting information such as red-eye information instructing red-eye correction in a shooting information recording area M2 (FIG. 2) provided for each frame in the margin of the film F. The information recording unit 4 is composed of, for example, a single light emitting diode. The light emitting diode is turned on at a predetermined timing while feeding the film to expose the photographing information recording area M2 of the film F, thereby recording red-eye information and the like. be able to. In FIG. 2, M <b> 1 is an image area in which a subject image is imprinted, and this image area M <b> 1 corresponds to each frame of the film F. PF is a film perforation that engages with a feeding mechanism (not shown) of the camera, and the film F can be fed by driving the feeding mechanism.
[0010]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 5 denotes a correction mode selection switch. When it is determined whether or not the red-eye correction mode is selected, that is, it is determined that the red-eye occurs, the red-eye information is recorded in the shooting information recording area M <b> 2 of the film F. This is a switch for selecting whether or not to imprint on the screen. As will be described later, for example, when the red-eye correction mode is not selected, the red-eye information is not imprinted in the photographing region M2 even when it is determined that the photographing condition causes red-eye. Note that determination as to whether or not the shooting condition is such that red-eye occurs will be described later.
[0011]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 6 denotes a light emission mode selection switch for switching the light emission mode of the strobe device 2. The light emission mode selection switch 6 can select an automatic light emission mode, a forced light emission mode, a light emission inhibition mode, a pre-light emission mode (red-eye reduction mode), or the like. The auto flash mode is a mode that automatically determines whether or not the flash fires based on the shooting conditions. The forced flash mode is a mode that always performs flash shooting. The flash prohibited mode is a mode that does not fire the flash. The pre-flash mode is a mode in which flash shooting is performed once (pre-flash) in order to reduce red eyes, and then the flash shooting is started.
[0012]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 7 denotes a shooting mode selection switch, which can select a self-timer shooting mode (or remote control shooting mode), a portrait shooting mode, or the like. The portrait mode is a shooting mode in which shooting control is performed so as to be suitable for portrait shooting (portrait shooting). In FIG. 1, 9 is a camera control device that controls the operation of the camera body P1, and includes a luminance information detection unit 1, strobe device 2, shooting control unit 3, information recording unit 4, correction mode selection switch 5, and light emission mode selection. The switch 6 and the shooting mode selection switch 7 are connected.
[0013]
In FIG. 1, P2 is a printer, and an information reading unit 21 that reads shooting information recorded in the shooting information recording area M2 of the film margin, and a red-eye information detection unit 22 that detects the presence or absence of red-eye information from the read information. And a sorting unit 23 that sorts the pieces in which the red-eye information is detected.
[0014]
The information reading unit 21 is composed of, for example, a photo interrupter, and reads the red-eye information by positioning a film margin shooting information recording region M2 between the light receiving element and the light emitting element of the photo interrupter. As described above, when it is determined that red-eye correction should be performed, since the photographing information recording area M2 is exposed, the light of the light emitting element is blocked by the area M2. On the other hand, when it is determined that red-eye correction should not be performed, the region M2 is not exposed, and thus the light from the light emitting element reaches the light receiving element. Therefore, the information reading unit 21 can read the information in the region M2 from the output state of the light receiving element.
[0015]
Further, the red-eye detection unit 22 is configured to determine whether or not the light receiving element is irradiated with light, for example, by comparing a signal from the light receiving element with a signal of a reference level. Further, the sorting unit 23, for example, prints a photograph of a frame on which red-eye information is recorded by the red-eye detection unit 22 on a tray different from a normal photograph (a photograph obtained from a negative film on which no red-eye information is recorded). Sending out and performing post-selection to correct and correct the pupil on the photo. That is, the sorting unit 23 outputs a signal for sorting a frame from which red-eye information is detected as a normal photograph to an actuator (not shown), and switches the discharge path of the printed photograph.
[0016]
Next, the operation of the camera system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In step S1 of FIG. 3A, the luminance information of the luminance information detector 1 and the presence / absence of use of the strobe device 2 are read, and the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, it is determined based on the information read in step S1 whether or not the shooting conditions are such that red-eye can occur. If it is determined that red-eye is likely to occur, the process proceeds to step S3, where red-eye may occur. If it is determined that there is not, the process jumps to a routine (not shown).
[0017]
Since the red-eye phenomenon is caused by strobe light, it does not occur in shooting without using the strobe device 2. In addition, the red-eye phenomenon is likely to occur when the shooting environment is dark, but this increases both the amount of incident light from the strobe light inside the eyeball and the amount of reflected light from the inside of the eyeball because the pupil diameter increases when it is dark. Because. In step S1, information necessary for determining the possibility of occurrence of such a red-eye phenomenon is read, and in step S2, the possibility of occurrence is determined.
[0018]
In step S3, the state of the correction mode selection switch 5 is read. If it is determined that the red-eye correction mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S5. If it is determined that the red-eye correction mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, pre-flash is performed, flash photography is performed, and the process returns. On the other hand, in step S5, flash photography is performed without pre-flash, and the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the red-eye information is copied to the shooting information recording area M2 of the film F, and the process returns. In FIG. 3A, when shooting is performed in step S4, red-eye information is not copied thereafter, but in this case as well, pre-flash is prohibited (step S5, step S5). Similar to S6), red-eye information may be copied.
[0019]
Next, the operation of the printer P2 will be described with reference to FIG. When the film F is developed and set in the printer P2, the operation shown in FIG. 3B is executed. First, in step S101, the information reading unit 21 reads the shooting information recorded in the shooting information recording area M2. Specifically, for example, the light-emitting element of the photo interrupter facing the photographing information recording area M2 in the film margin is turned on, and the output of the light-receiving element is detected. Next, in step S102, the presence / absence of red-eye information is determined. For example, when the light from the light emitting element is blocked by the red eye information in the region M2, the light receiving element does not receive the light, so the output is at a low level, and the red eye information detecting unit 22 detects the red eye information. If there is red-eye information, the process proceeds to step S104 to set a red-eye flag, and then a negative image of the image area M1 is printed on the photographic paper in step S104.
[0020]
If it is determined in step S102 that there is no red-eye information, step S103 is skipped and printing is performed in step S104. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S105 to determine whether or not there is a red-eye flag. If it is determined that the red-eye flag is present, the process proceeds to step S106, and the printed photo is sent to the tray. If it is determined that there is no red-eye flag, the process proceeds to step S107, and the printed photo is sent out to the normal photo tray.
[0021]
After all the frames have been printed as described above, the red-eye on the photo is directly added and corrected for the photos sent to the red-eye photo tray by a technique called retouching.
[0022]
In the camera system of the first embodiment, when the red-eye correction mode is selected, pre-emission during shooting is prohibited (step S5), and the red-eye information is imprinted on the film F so as to correct red-eye in the printer P2. (Step S6). If the pre-flash is omitted, red eyes may appear on the film F. However, if red-eye correction is scheduled, the correction will eventually eliminate the pre-flash. There is no problem because the red-eye part does not remain. Therefore, in the first embodiment, power consumption can be suppressed as compared with the case where the pre-light emission is performed regardless of the selection of the red-eye correction mode. Note that a light emitting device for pre-emission, such as a light emitting diode, may be provided separately from the strobe device 2.
[0023]
-Second Embodiment-
The operation of the second embodiment of the camera system that can cope with red-eye correction according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. Since the configuration of the camera system of the second embodiment is the same as that of the camera system of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0024]
In step S11 of FIG. 4, the luminance information of the luminance information detector 1 and the presence / absence of use of the strobe device 2 are read, and the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, based on the information read in step S11, it is determined whether or not the shooting conditions are such that red-eye can occur. If it is determined that red-eye may occur, the process proceeds to step S13, where red-eye may occur. If it is determined that there is not, the process jumps to a routine (not shown).
[0025]
In step S13, the state of the light emission mode selection switch 6 is read. If it is determined that the pre-light emission mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, flash photography is performed without performing pre-flash, and the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, red-eye information is imprinted in the photographing information recording area M2 of the film F, and the process returns. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the pre-flash mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, after pre-flash is performed, flash photography is performed and the process returns.
[0026]
In the second embodiment, when the pre-flash mode is selected, red-eye information is not imprinted on the film F during shooting. Since pre-emission is performed when the pre-emission mode is selected (step S16), the possibility of red eyes is extremely low, and there is no need for red-eye correction. For this reason, in the second embodiment, the red-eye correction in the printer P2 is not performed in such a case, thereby simplifying the processing.
[0027]
-Third embodiment-
The operation of the third embodiment of the camera system that can cope with red-eye correction according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. Since the configuration of the camera system of the third embodiment is the same as that of the camera system of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0028]
FIG. 5 shows a part of the operation when the flash photography is selected. In step S21 in FIG. 5, the state of the shooting mode selection switch 7 is read. If it is determined that the self-timer shooting mode (or remote control shooting mode) or portrait shooting mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S24, and these shooting modes are selected. If it is determined that none is selected, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, it is determined whether or not pre-emission is performed. If it is determined that pre-emission is performed, the process proceeds to step S23, and if it is determined that pre-emission is not performed, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S23, flash photography is performed and the process returns.
[0029]
In step S24, the luminance information of the luminance information detector 1 and the presence / absence of use of the strobe device 2 are read, and the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, it is determined based on the information read in step S24 whether or not the photographing condition is such that red-eye can occur. If it is determined that red-eye is likely to occur, the process proceeds to step S26, where red-eye may occur. If it is determined that there is not, the process jumps to a routine (not shown). In step S26, flash photography is performed, and the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, the red-eye information is imprinted on the photographing information recording area M2 of the film F, and the process returns.
[0030]
In the third embodiment, if the self-timer shooting mode (or the remote control shooting mode) or the portrait shooting mode is selected, if it is determined that red-eye may occur (step S25). The red-eye information is recorded regardless of the presence or absence of pre-light emission (step S27). Also, when the self-timer shooting mode (or remote control shooting mode) or portrait shooting mode is not selected, red-eye information is recorded only when pre-flash is not performed (steps S23 and S27). . As described above, when a shooting mode such as self-timer shooting is selected, red-eye correction is performed in a later process for a shooting frame that performs pre-flash. Since there is a high possibility that the red eye will be removed, a process capable of reliably eliminating red eyes is adopted. Red-eye does not usually occur in flash photography after pre-flash, but even in this case, red-eye may occur rarely, so when red-eye occurs, it is dealt with by correcting red-eye in printer P2. It is.
[0031]
-Fourth embodiment-
The operation of the fourth embodiment of the camera system that can cope with red-eye correction according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. Since the configuration of the camera system of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the camera system of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0032]
In step S31 of FIG. 6, the luminance information of the luminance information detector 1 and the presence / absence of use of the strobe device 2 are read, and the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, based on the information read in step S31, it is determined whether or not the shooting conditions are such that red-eye can occur. If it is determined that red-eye is likely to occur, the process proceeds to step S33, where red-eye may occur. If it is determined that there is not, the process jumps to a routine (not shown).
[0033]
In step S33, the state of the correction mode selection switch 5 is read. If it is determined that the correction mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S35, and if it is determined that the correction mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the state of the light emission mode selection switch 6 is read. If it is determined that the pre-flash mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S37, and if it is determined that the pre-flash mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S35.
[0034]
In step S35, flash photography is performed without performing pre-flash, and the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, red-eye information is imprinted in the photographing information recording area M2 of the film F, and the process returns. On the other hand, in step S37, pre-emission is performed and the process proceeds to step S38. In step S38, flash photography is performed and the process returns.
[0035]
As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when the correction mode is not selected and the pre-flash mode is selected, pre-flash is performed and red-eye information is not recorded (steps S37 and S38). ). When the correction mode is selected or when the pre-flash mode is not selected, the red-eye information is recorded without performing pre-flash (steps S35 and S36).
[0036]
-Fifth embodiment-
Hereinafter, the operation of the fifth embodiment of the camera system that can cope with red-eye correction according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Since the configuration of the camera system of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the camera system of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0037]
In step S41 of FIG. 7, the luminance information of the luminance information detector 1 and the presence / absence of use of the strobe device 2 are read, and the process proceeds to step S42. In step S42, based on the information read in step S41, it is determined whether or not the shooting conditions are such that red eyes can occur. If it is determined that red eyes may occur, the process proceeds to step S43, where there is a possibility that red eyes may occur. If it is determined that there is not, the process jumps to a routine (not shown).
[0038]
In step S43, the state of the correction mode selection switch 5 is read. If it is determined that the correction mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S44. If it is determined that the correction mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S45. In step S44, the state of the light emission mode selection switch 6 is read. If it is determined that the pre-flash mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S45, and if it is determined that the pre-flash mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S47.
[0039]
In step S45, pre-emission is performed and the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, flash photography is performed and the process returns. On the other hand, in step S47, flash photography is performed without performing pre-flash, and the process proceeds to step S48. In step S48, red-eye information is imprinted in the photographing information recording area M2 of the film F, and the process returns.
[0040]
As described above, in the fifth embodiment, when the correction mode is selected or when the pre-flash mode is selected, pre-flash is performed and red-eye information is not recorded (steps S45 and S46). ). When the correction mode is selected and the pre-flash mode is not selected, the red-eye information is recorded without performing the pre-flash (steps S47 and S48).
[0041]
-Sixth embodiment-
Hereinafter, a sixth embodiment of a camera system that can cope with red-eye correction according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the sixth embodiment, the sequence operation disclosed in the camera system of the first embodiment is applied to a digital camera system.
[0042]
In FIG. 8, 101 is an image sensor using a photoelectric conversion element (CCD), 102 is an A / D converter that amplifies an analog signal output from the image sensor 101 and converts the signal into a digital signal, and 103 is digitized. In addition to performing various kinds of processing for improving the image quality of the image signal, for example, gamma conversion of the image, compression processing for the image signal (for example, processing conforming to standards such as JPEG), red-eye correction image processing described later is performed. An image processing circuit. Reference numeral 104 denotes a memory for storing image signals. For example, an IC card that is inserted into and removed from a notebook personal computer or the like is used. Reference numeral 105 denotes a transmission device for transferring an image signal stored in the memory 104 to an external printer, and 106 denotes a liquid crystal monitor that displays image data and attribute information (for example, shooting conditions) of the image data. Reference numeral 107 denotes a strobe device that illuminates the subject by emitting light when the subject has a low luminance. Reference numeral 108 denotes a release switch that is pushed in during photographing.
[0043]
In FIG. 8, reference numeral 109 denotes a correction mode selection switch, which determines whether or not to select the red-eye correction mode, that is, whether or not to record red-eye information in the memory 104 when it is determined that the shooting condition is to generate red-eye. It is a switch for selecting. If the red-eye correction mode is not selected, red-eye information is not recorded even when it is determined that the shooting condition is such that red-eye occurs.
[0044]
In FIG. 8, reference numeral 110 denotes a light emission mode selection switch for switching the light emission mode of the flash device 107. With the light emission mode selection switch 110, an automatic light emission mode, a forced light emission mode, a light emission inhibition mode, a pre-light emission mode (red-eye reduction mode), or the like can be selected. The auto flash mode is a mode that automatically determines whether or not the flash fires based on the shooting conditions. The forced flash mode is a mode that always performs flash shooting. The flash prohibited mode is a mode that does not fire the flash. The pre-flash mode is a mode for shifting to flash photography after performing flash once to reduce red eyes.
[0045]
In FIG. 8, reference numeral 111 denotes a shooting mode selection switch, which can select a self-timer shooting mode (or remote control shooting mode), a portrait shooting mode, or the like. The portrait mode is a shooting mode in which shooting control is performed so as to be suitable for portrait shooting (portrait shooting). Reference numeral 112 denotes an operation changeover selection switch that selectively switches between an image recording mode that enables photographing and an image reproduction mode that enables image reproduction.
[0046]
In FIG. 8, reference numeral 113 denotes a central processing unit that controls each part of the camera. The switch 108, the correction mode selection switch 109, the light emission mode selection switch 110, the photographing mode selection switch 111, and the operation changeover switch 112 are connected.
[0047]
Next, an operation at the time of image recording (at the time of photographing) in the camera system of the sixth embodiment will be described. The operation at the time of image recording in FIG. 9A starts when it is detected that the release switch 108 is turned on when the image recording mode (a mode that enables photographing) is selected. Read strobe usage information. The luminance information is information indicating the luminance of the subject at the time of shooting obtained based on the output signal of the image sensor 101. The strobe usage information is information indicating whether or not the strobe device 107 emits light during shooting. In the following step S52, it is determined whether or not the photographing condition is likely to cause the red-eye phenomenon based on the information read in step S51. If it is determined that the photographing condition is likely to cause red-eye, the process proceeds to step S53. If it is determined that the shooting condition is such that red eyes cannot occur, the process proceeds to a routine (not shown).
[0048]
Since the red-eye phenomenon is caused by strobe light, it does not occur in shooting without using the strobe device 107. In addition, the red-eye phenomenon is likely to occur when the shooting environment is dark, but this increases both the amount of incident light from the strobe light inside the eyeball and the amount of reflected light from the inside of the eyeball because the pupil diameter increases when it is dark. Because. In step S51, information necessary for determining the possibility of occurrence of such a red-eye phenomenon is read, and in step S52, the occurrence of the red-eye phenomenon is predicted.
[0049]
Next, in step S53, the state of the correction mode selection switch 109 is read. If it is determined that the red-eye correction mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S55. If it is determined that the red-eye correction mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S54. move on. In step S54, after pre-flash is emitted, flash photography is performed and the process returns. In this step S54, the subject image illuminated by the strobe light emission is captured via the image sensor 101, and the subject image is recorded in the memory 104.
[0050]
On the other hand, in step S55, flash photography is performed without pre-flash, and the process proceeds to step S56. In step S55, the subject image captured via the image sensor 101 is recorded in the memory 104, as in the operation in step S54. In step S56, based on the determination result in step S52, red-eye information indicating that a red-eye phenomenon may occur is recorded in the memory 104, and the sequence is terminated. Red-eye information is recorded in the address of the memory 104 in association with the image recorded in step S55. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the captured images are grouped based on the header information 001A, 001B,. FIG. 10 shows recording information relating to one image grouped by the number “001”.
[0051]
In FIG. 9A, when shooting is performed in step S54, red-eye information is not recorded thereafter, but in this case as well, when pre-flash is prohibited (steps S55 and S56). Similarly, red-eye information may be copied.
[0052]
Next, an operation during image reproduction will be described. The operation at the time of image reproduction in FIG. 9B is executed when the image reproduction mode is selected. In step S 61 of FIG. 9B, the image and recording information of the reproduction frame designated by the operator's input operation are read from the memory 104. In step S62, it is determined whether or not the red-eye information is included in the recording information read in step S61. If it is determined that the red-eye information is included, the process proceeds to step S63, and it is determined that the red-eye information is not included. If so, the process proceeds to step S65.
[0053]
In step S63, red-eye correction image processing is performed on the selected frame image. In the red-eye correction image processing in step S63, an eye region where the red-eye phenomenon has occurred is extracted, and the region is converted to black. Specifically, for example, an eye region is extracted from an image of a frame selected by known image processing, and a red-eye correction region is determined as a matrix region of n rows and m columns. When the red-eye correction region is determined, the image is scanned row by row from the pixels in the first row and the first column, and the pixels in which red is detected are converted to black. In extracting the eye, for example, the arrangement and shape of the white and black regions can be detected, and the eye region can be extracted based on this. Only when the shooting distance is less than a certain value, red-eye correction image processing is performed, and when the shooting distance is more than a certain value, red eyes are not noticeable even when shooting a person, so the eye area is not extracted. You may do it.
[0054]
Prior to the red-eye correction process, the operator may be able to specify a correction area. For example, it is configured so that the operator can specify an area including the eye part by pen input or the like while the image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 106, and the above-described extraction process and color conversion process are performed on the specified area. You just have to do it. By specifying the correction area in advance, extraction processing for unnecessary portions and the like are not necessary, so that the time for red-eye correction processing can be shortened.
[0055]
In step S64, the image data recorded in the memory 104 is rewritten with the image data after the red-eye correction process, and the process proceeds to step S65. In step S 65, the selected image is reproduced and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 106 and the image is output via the transmission device 105. Here, when red-eye correction processing is performed in step S63 and step S64, the corrected image is reproduced.
[0056]
In the camera system of the sixth embodiment, when the red-eye correction mode is selected, pre-emission during shooting is prohibited (step S55), and red-eye information is recorded in the memory 104 to correct red-eye during image reproduction. (Step S56). When shooting with flash without pre-flash, red eyes may be captured, but if red-eye correction is planned, it will eventually be corrected even if pre-flash is omitted. There is no problem because the red-eye part does not remain in the reproduced image. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, power consumption can be suppressed as compared with the case where the pre-light emission is performed regardless of the selection of the red-eye correction mode.
[0057]
The timing for performing the red-eye correction image processing is not limited to the time of image reproduction.
[0058]
-Seventh embodiment-
The operation of the seventh embodiment of the camera system that can cope with red-eye correction according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. Since the configuration of the camera system of the seventh embodiment is the same as that of the camera system of the sixth embodiment, description thereof is omitted. In the seventh embodiment, the sequence operation disclosed in the camera system of the second embodiment is applied to a digital camera system.
[0059]
In step S11A of FIG. 11, luminance information and strobe use information are read, and the process proceeds to step S12A. In step S12A, based on the information read in step S11A, it is determined whether or not the shooting conditions are such that red-eye can occur. If it is determined that red-eye is likely to occur, the process proceeds to step S13A, where red-eye may occur. If it is determined that there is not, the process jumps to a routine (not shown).
[0060]
In step S13A, the state of the light emission mode selection switch 110 is read. If it is determined that the pre-light emission mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S14A. In step S14A, flash photography is performed without performing pre-flash, and the process proceeds to step S15A. In step S15, the red eye information is recorded in the memory 104, and the process returns. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13A that the pre-flash mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S16A. In step S16A, after pre-flash is performed, flash photography is performed and the process returns.
[0061]
In the seventh embodiment, when the pre-flash mode is selected, red-eye information is not recorded in the memory 104 during shooting. Since pre-emission is performed when the pre-emission mode is selected (step S16A), the possibility of red eyes is extremely low, and there is no need for red-eye correction. For this reason, in the seventh embodiment, in such a case, the red-eye correction at the time of reproduction is not performed to simplify the processing.
[0062]
-Eighth embodiment-
The operation of the eighth embodiment of the camera system compatible with red-eye correction according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. Since the configuration of the camera system of the eighth embodiment is the same as that of the camera system of the sixth embodiment, description thereof is omitted. In the eighth embodiment, the sequence operation disclosed in the camera system of the third embodiment is applied to a digital camera system.
[0063]
FIG. 12 shows a part of the operation when the flash photography is selected. In step S21A of FIG. 12, the state of the shooting mode selection switch 111 is read. If it is determined that the self-timer shooting mode (or remote control shooting mode) or portrait shooting mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S24A, and these shooting modes are selected. If it is determined that none is selected, the process proceeds to step S22A. In step S22A, it is determined whether or not pre-emission is performed. If it is determined that pre-emission is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S23A, and if it is determined that pre-emission is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step S24A. In step S23A, flash photography is performed and the process returns.
[0064]
In step S24A, luminance information and strobe usage information are read, and the flow proceeds to step S25A. In step S25A, based on the information read in step S24A, it is determined whether or not the shooting conditions are such that red-eye may occur. If it is determined that red-eye may occur, the process proceeds to step S26A, where red-eye may occur. If it is determined that there is not, the process jumps to a routine (not shown). In step S26A, flash photography is performed, and the process proceeds to step S27A. In step S27A, the red-eye information is recorded in the memory 104, and the process returns.
[0065]
In the eighth embodiment, if the self-timer shooting mode (or the remote control shooting mode) or the portrait shooting mode is selected, if it is determined that there is a possibility of red eye generation (step S25A). The red-eye information is recorded regardless of the presence or absence of pre-emission (step S27A). Also, when the self-timer shooting mode (or remote control shooting mode) or portrait shooting mode is not selected, red-eye information is recorded only when pre-flash is not performed (steps S23A and S27A). . As described above, when a shooting mode such as self-timer shooting is selected, red-eye correction is performed during playback for shooting frames that perform pre-flash. In these shooting modes, a person is the subject. Since there is a high possibility, a process that can reliably eliminate red eyes is adopted. Red-eye does not usually occur in flash photography after pre-flash, but even in this case, red-eye may occur in rare cases, so if red-eye occurs, it will be dealt with by correcting the red-eye during playback. is there.
[0066]
-Ninth embodiment-
The operation of the ninth embodiment of the camera system compatible with red-eye correction according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. Since the configuration of the camera system of the ninth embodiment is the same as that of the camera system of the sixth embodiment, description thereof is omitted. In the ninth embodiment, the sequence operation disclosed in the camera system of the fourth embodiment is applied to a digital camera system.
[0067]
In step S31A of FIG. 13, luminance information and strobe usage information are read, and the process proceeds to step S32A. In step S32A, based on the information read in step S31A, it is determined whether or not the shooting conditions are such that red-eye may occur. If it is determined that red-eye may occur, the process proceeds to step S33A, where red-eye may occur. If it is determined that there is not, the process jumps to a routine (not shown).
[0068]
In step S33A, the state of the correction mode selection switch 109 is read. If it is determined that the correction mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S35A, and if it is determined that the correction mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S34A. In step S34A, the state of the light emission mode selection switch 110 is read. If it is determined that the pre-flash mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S37A, and if it is determined that the pre-flash mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S35A.
[0069]
In step S35A, flash photography is performed without performing pre-flash, and the process proceeds to step S36A. In step S36A, the red eye information is copied into the memory 104, and the process returns. On the other hand, in step S37A, pre-emission is performed and the process proceeds to step S38A. In step S38A, flash photography is performed and the process returns.
[0070]
Thus, in the ninth embodiment, when the correction mode is not selected and the pre-flash mode is selected, pre-flash is performed and red-eye information is not recorded (steps S37A and S38A). ). When the correction mode is selected or when the pre-flash mode is not selected, red-eye information is recorded without performing pre-flash (steps S35A and S36A).
[0071]
-Tenth embodiment-
The operation of the tenth embodiment of the camera system that can cope with red-eye correction according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. Since the configuration of the camera system of the tenth embodiment is the same as that of the camera system of the sixth embodiment, description thereof is omitted. In the tenth embodiment, the sequence operation disclosed in the camera system of the fifth embodiment is applied to a digital camera system.
[0072]
In step S41A of FIG. 14, luminance information and strobe use information are read, and the process proceeds to step S42A. In step S42A, based on the information read in step S41A, it is determined whether or not the shooting conditions are such that red eyes can occur. If it is determined that red eyes may occur, the process proceeds to step S43A, where there is a possibility that red eyes may occur. If it is determined that there is not, the process jumps to a routine (not shown).
[0073]
In step S43A, the state of the correction mode selection switch 109 is read. If it is determined that the correction mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S44A, and if it is determined that the correction mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S45A. In step S44A, the state of the light emission mode selection switch 110 is read. If it is determined that the pre-flash mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S45A, and if it is determined that the pre-flash mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S47A.
[0074]
In step S45A, pre-emission is performed and the process proceeds to step S46A. In step S46A, flash photography is performed and the process returns. On the other hand, in step S47A, flash photography is performed without performing pre-flash, and the process proceeds to step S48A. In step S48A, the red eye information is recorded in the memory 104, and the process returns.
[0075]
As described above, in the tenth embodiment, when the correction mode is selected or when the pre-flash mode is selected, pre-flash is performed and red-eye information is not recorded (steps S45A and S46A). ). When the correction mode is selected and the pre-flash mode is not selected, the red-eye information is recorded without performing the pre-flash (step S47A, step S48A).
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the operation of the red-eye generation condition recording unit is prohibited by the recording operation switching unit, the operation of the pre-light emission unit is permitted, and the red-eye generation condition recording unit is recorded by the recording operation switching unit. Since the operation of the pre-light emitting means is prohibited when the above operation is performed, the power consumption of the pre-light emitting means can be suppressed.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the operation of the correction means is prohibited by the correction operation switching means, the operation of the pre-light emitting means is permitted, and the correction means is operated by the correction operation switching means. In such a case, since the operation of the pre-light emission means is prohibited, the power consumption of the pre-light emission means can be suppressed.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the pre-light emission operation switching means prohibits the operation of the pre-light emission means, the red-eye occurrence condition recording means is operated, and the pre-light emission operation switching means operates the pre-light emission means. Since the operation of the red-eye occurrence condition recording means is prohibited when the camera is permitted, the processing in the camera system can be simplified.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the correction instruction information recording means is operated regardless of whether or not pre-light emission is performed by the pre-light emission means for the photographing frame for which self-timer photographing is selected by the self-timer photographing selection means. Since the correction instruction information recording means is operated only when the pre-light emission means does not perform pre-lighting for the photographing frames for which self-timer photographing has not been selected by the photographing selection means, it is possible to reliably eliminate red eyes.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the remote control photographing selection means operates the correction instruction information recording means regardless of whether or not the pre-light emission means is pre-lighted for the photographing frame for which the remote control photographing is selected, and the remote control Since the correction instruction information recording unit is operated only when the pre-flash is not performed by the pre-light emission unit for the shooting frame for which the remote control shooting is not selected by the shooting selection unit, it is possible to reliably eliminate red eyes.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the correction instruction information recording unit is operated regardless of whether or not the pre-light emission unit is pre-flashed with respect to the photographing frame in which the person shooting-only mode selection unit is selected by the person shooting dedicated mode selection unit. The correction instruction information recording unit is operated only when the pre-flash unit does not perform pre-lighting on the shooting frame for which the human-photographing mode is not selected by the human-photographing mode selection unit, so that the red-eye is surely eliminated. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a camera system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a silver salt film.
3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an operation of the camera system according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 3A is a flowchart illustrating an operation at the time of shooting, and FIG. 3B is a flowchart illustrating an operation at the time of printing.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera system of the second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera system of the third embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera system of the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera system of the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a camera system according to a sixth embodiment.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating an operation of the camera system according to the sixth embodiment, in which FIG. 9A is a flowchart illustrating an operation at the time of shooting, and FIG. 9B is a flowchart illustrating an operation at the time of reproduction;
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for recording red-eye information in a memory.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera system of the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera system of the eighth embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera system of the ninth embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera system of the tenth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Strobe device
4 Information recording section
5 Correction mode selection switch
6 Flash mode selection switch
7 Shooting mode selection switch
103 Image processing circuit
104 memory
107 Strobe device
109 Correction mode selection switch

Claims (6)

A red-eye generation condition recording unit that detects whether or not a shooting condition that can cause a red-eye phenomenon is detected during shooting, and records that the red-eye phenomenon is a condition that can be generated in association with a shooting frame;
Recording operation switching means for switching presence or absence of operation of the red-eye occurrence condition recording means;
Pre-flash means for pre-flash for reducing red-eye just before shooting under conditions where red-eye phenomenon may occur ,
When the operation of the red-eye generation condition recording unit is prohibited by the recording operation switching unit, the operation of the pre-light emission unit is permitted, and the operation of the red-eye generation condition recording unit is performed by the recording operation switching unit. A camera system capable of handling red-eye correction, wherein the operation of the pre-light-emitting means is prohibited. Correction means for correcting the image data of the red-eye portion of the photographed image with respect to the photographing frame determined to be a photographing condition that may cause a red-eye phenomenon during photographing;
Correction operation switching means for switching the presence or absence of the operation of the correction means;
Pre-flash means for pre-flash for reducing red-eye just before shooting under conditions where red-eye phenomenon may occur ,
When the operation of the correcting unit is prohibited by the correcting operation switching unit, the operation of the pre-light emitting unit is permitted, and when the correcting unit is operated by the correcting operation switching unit, the pre-lighting unit is operated. A camera system compatible with red-eye correction, characterized in that the operation of the light emitting means is prohibited. A red-eye generation condition recording unit that detects whether or not a shooting condition that can cause a red-eye phenomenon is detected during shooting, and records that the red-eye phenomenon is a condition that can be generated in association with a shooting frame;
Pre-flash means for performing pre-flash for red-eye reduction immediately before shooting under conditions where red-eye phenomenon may occur ,
Pre-light emission operation switching means for switching presence or absence of operation of the pre-light emission means;
When the operation of the pre-light emission means is prohibited by the pre-light emission operation switching means, the red-eye generation condition recording means is operated, and the operation of the pre-light emission means is permitted by the pre-light emission operation switching means In the camera system capable of correcting red-eye, the operation of the red-eye generation condition recording means is prohibited. Correction instruction information recording means for recording correction instruction information instructing that red-eye correction should be performed in association with a photographing frame;
Pre-flash means for performing pre-flash for red-eye reduction immediately before shooting under conditions where red-eye phenomenon may occur ,
Self-timer shooting selection means and self-timer shooting selection means for selectively selecting shooting that is not self-timer shooting,
For the shooting frame for which self-timer shooting is selected by the self-timer shooting selection unit, the correction instruction information recording unit is operated regardless of whether or not the pre-flash unit is pre-flashed, and the self-timer shooting selection unit performs self-timer shooting. A camera system capable of correcting red-eye correction, wherein the correction instruction information recording means is operated only when the pre-light emission by the pre-light emission means is not performed for a photographing frame for which is not selected. Correction instruction information recording means for recording correction instruction information instructing that red-eye correction should be performed in association with a photographing frame;
Pre-flash means for performing pre-flash for red-eye reduction immediately before shooting under conditions where red-eye phenomenon may occur ,
Remote control shooting and remote control shooting selection means for selectively selecting shooting that is not remote control shooting,
For the shooting frame for which remote control shooting is selected by the remote control shooting selection unit, the correction instruction information recording unit is operated regardless of whether the pre-flash unit is pre-flashed or not, and the remote control shooting selection unit performs remote control shooting. A camera system capable of correcting red-eye correction, wherein the correction instruction information recording means is operated only when the pre-light emission by the pre-light emission means is not performed for a photographing frame for which is not selected. Correction instruction information recording means for recording correction instruction information instructing that red-eye correction should be performed in association with a photographing frame;
Pre-flash means for performing pre-flash for red-eye reduction immediately before shooting under conditions where red-eye phenomenon may occur ,
A person shooting only mode selection means for selectively selecting a shooting mode that is not a person shooting only mode and a person shooting only mode;
The photographing instruction information recording unit is operated regardless of whether or not the pre-light emission means is pre-flashed for the photographing frame in which the human-photographing mode is selected by the person photographing dedicated mode selection unit. The camera system capable of dealing with red-eye correction, wherein the correction instruction information recording means is operated only when pre-light emission by the pre-light emission means is not performed for a photographing frame for which the person-photographing-only mode is not selected. .

Images