JP2000295570A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more properly generate a thumbnail picture by generating the thumbnail picture from a part interested by a photographer. SOLUTION: A 1st CPU (CPU#1) 25 uses a thumbnail picture generating function section 265 to generate thumbnail picture data. In this case, the thumbnail picture is generated not from the entire photographing picture obtained from a CCD 12 but from a picture extracted from the photographed picture in a prescribed area including an AF area. Since the AF area is a part most interested by a photographer in the entire photographing picture, a proper thumbnail picture representing a feature of a main picture can be obtained by generating the thumbnail picture data from the picture within the prescribed area including the AF area.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an electronic camera device, and more particularly to an electronic camera device for recording main image data obtained by photographing and corresponding thumbnail image data on a recording medium in association with each other.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in an electronic camera, a photographed image (main image) obtained by photographing and a thumbnail image thereof are put together with a memory card or the like for the purpose of high-speed retrieval of image data obtained by photographing. An image data recording format is adopted in which recording is performed in association with a recording medium. Thumbnail images are exclusively used for quickly confirming the contents of a large number of image data recorded on a recording medium and displaying an index for searching for desired image data from the image data.

In this type of electronic camera, when a main image is photographed, a low-resolution small-screen image in which the entire screen of the main image is reduced is generated by thinning out photographed image data obtained by the photographing. Then, the small screen image is recorded on the recording medium as a thumbnail image together with the image data of the main image.

[0004]

However, in such a configuration in which a thumbnail image is generated by reducing the entire main image, the thumbnail image always has the same pattern as the main image. In the thumbnail image obtained by reducing the main image, a problem may occur that the characteristics of the main image cannot be sufficiently captured.

That is, in the case of partially different shot images such as a plurality of group photos shot at the same shooting location, if the main image is reduced to a thumbnail image, almost the same image is obtained. In some cases, they cannot be distinguished. Therefore, it is practically difficult to judge when, where, and under what theme the image was taken only from the thumbnail image. In this case, the purpose as the original thumbnail image cannot be achieved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an electronic camera device that enables a photographer to create a focused part as a thumbnail image and obtain a more appropriate thumbnail image. The purpose is to do.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an electronic image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by an image pickup optical system, and an image pickup apparatus obtained by the electronic image pickup means. A thumbnail image creation unit that extracts an image of a predetermined area including a focus detection area used for focusing control of the photographing optical system from the image, and creates thumbnail image data from the extracted image; It is characterized by comprising recording means for recording the thumbnail image data created by the creation means and the main image data composed of the photographed images in association with each other.

In this electronic camera device, an image of a predetermined area including a focus detection area is extracted from a captured image, and thumbnail image data is created from the extracted image. In general, the image in the focus detection area is the part that the photographer pays the most attention to. Therefore, by creating the thumbnail image data from the image in the predetermined area including the focus detection area, the characteristics of the main image composed of the shot image can be obtained. An appropriate thumbnail image can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, an image of a predetermined area including a focus detection area is extracted from a captured image obtained at the time of focus lock, not from a captured image obtained at the time of capturing the main image, and a thumbnail is extracted from the extracted image. An image is created. In general, focus lock is performed on the subject that the photographer is paying the most attention to.Thus, by creating a thumbnail of the subject itself at the time of focus lock, shooting can be performed with a different composition from the focus lock at the time of main shooting. Even if this is done, it is possible to create, as a thumbnail image, the part that the photographer is most interested in.

If the thumbnail image created at the time of focus locking is recorded on the recording medium before the actual photographing, if the focus lock is released before the actual photographing is executed by releasing the release switch or the like by the photographer. In this case, it is preferable to delete the thumbnail image from the recording medium. This can prevent an extra thumbnail image from remaining on the recording medium.

Also, since the thumbnail image created at the time of focus lock and the actual image obtained by the actual photographing are often different, the thumbnail image data created by the thumbnail image creating means is transmitted, for example, by a predetermined operation instruction by the user. Depending on the situation, it is preferable that the image can be reproduced and displayed before the actual shooting is performed, if necessary. As a result, the content of the thumbnail image created at the time of focus lock can be confirmed before actual shooting, so that the thumbnail image can be created again as needed.

Further, according to the present invention, as a thumbnail image creation mode, a first mode in which thumbnail image data is created from the entire photographed image obtained by the electronic image pickup means at the time of actual photographing, and a thumbnail image data obtained by the electronic image pickup means at the time of actual photographing. A second mode for extracting an image of a predetermined area including a focus detection area used for focusing control of the imaging optical system from the captured image to be obtained, and generating thumbnail image data from the extracted image; A third mode of extracting an image of a predetermined area including a focus detection area from a captured image obtained from the electronic imaging means at the time when the focus is locked by the electronic camera, and creating thumbnail image data from the extracted image. And the first to third modes can be selectively used to create thumbnail image data. And wherein the door.

This makes it possible to switch the thumbnail creation mode to be used depending on the scene, and to obtain a more appropriate thumbnail image.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This electronic camera is a digital still camera that shoots a subject image using a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD and records image data obtained by the shooting together with a thumbnail image on a recording medium. As described above, the lens unit 11, the CCD area sensor 12, the imaging circuit 13,
A / D conversion circuit 14, correction circuit 15, FIFO memory 1
6, video encoding circuit 17, TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 1
8, image display TFT panel 19, backlight unit 20, video output circuit 21, frame memory 22, recording medium interface (I / F) 23, recording medium 2
4. First and second two CPUs 25, 26, actuator 27, actuator drive circuit 28, EEPR
OM29, external data interface (I / F) 3
0, key matrix 31, LCD display circuit 32, mode display LCD panel 33, power supply circuit 34, and battery 35
It is composed of

The lens unit 11 forms a movable focus type photographing optical system, and forms a subject image on an image pickup surface of a CCD area sensor 12. CCD area sensor 1
The subject image formed on the imaging surface 2 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD area sensor 12 and is converted into an electric image signal. This image signal is transmitted to the CCD area sensor 12.
A / A via an imaging circuit 13 for controlling the imaging operation of
The data is sent to the D conversion circuit 14, where it is converted into digital image data. The image data is stored in the frame memory 22 after being subjected to color correction and gamma correction for white balance control by the correction circuit 15.

The frame memory 22 is a memory for temporarily storing image data taken in from the CCD area sensor 12 and image data to be reproduced read out from the recording medium 24. Is also used as a work memory area for performing various image processing such as.

The FIFO memory 16, video encoding circuit 17, TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 18, image display TFT panel 19, backlight unit 20, and video output circuit 21 function as a monitor display circuit. The monitor display circuit displays the image data of the subject image captured from the CCD area sensor 12 as a finder image on the image display TFT panel 19 or an external TV monitor, or displays the image data recorded on the recording medium 24. , For reproducing and displaying on the image display TFT panel 19 or an external TV monitor. The image data to be displayed recorded in the frame memory 22 is sent to the video encoding circuit 17 via the FIFO memory 16, where it is sent to the NTSC
After being converted into a video signal such as, for example, it is sent to the TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 18 and the video output circuit 21. The TFT liquid crystal drive circuit 18 controls the image display T in accordance with the input video signal.
The drive control of the FT panel 19 is performed, and the image data to be displayed is displayed on the TFT panel 19. Video output circuit 2
1 outputs an input video signal to an external TV monitor connected to a video signal output terminal as needed.

Recording medium interface (I / F) 23
Is a recording medium 2 detachably attached to the electronic camera body.
4 is an interface for read / write access. As the recording medium 24, a flash EEPR
A memory card using OM is used. The recording medium 24 is treated as a semiconductor disk device in order to obtain file compatibility with other electronic devices such as a personal computer, and data recorded on the recording medium 24 is stored in a file such as a FAT file system. Managed as files by the system. Each image data file recorded on the recording medium 24 includes main image data (main image data) and corresponding thumbnail image data (small screen data).

The first CPU (CPU # 1) 25 is for controlling the operation of each unit constituting the electronic camera of the present embodiment, and is realized by using a one-chip microcomputer or the like. A system control function unit 251 provided in the first CPU (CPU # 1) 25 is for controlling the entire operation of the electronic camera, and various operation buttons (release switch,
When a user operates a mode changeover switch, various operation switches for displaying and operating thumbnail images, etc.), control of a shooting operation, control for playback display of a recorded image, and thumbnail Control for switching the creation mode, control for reproducing thumbnail images, and the like are performed. These functions are provided by the first CPU (CPU #
1) It is realized by a software program executed by 25.

In the photographing operation, when the user performs the first release operation (half-pressing the release switch) using the release switch, the system control function unit 251
Starts an AF control operation for focusing control using an image of a focus detection area (AF area) in a captured image obtained from the CCD area sensor 13. Then, the system control function unit 251 controls the actuator drive circuit 28 to control the rotation of the motor of the actuator 27 so that the image in the AF area is focused, and adjusts the position of the lens 11 to the in-focus position. Thereafter, the position of the lens 11 is fixed at the in-focus position (AF lock). In this state, when the release switch is pressed (2nd release operation), the system control function unit 251 controls the imaging circuit 13 to execute the main shooting operation by the CCD area sensor 13, and the image is output from the CCD area sensor 13. Capture data.

In this embodiment, in order to make it possible to create a more appropriate thumbnail image, instead of reducing the entire captured image obtained from the CCD area sensor 13 to create a thumbnail image, an AF area is created from the entire captured image. Is used to extract only the image of the predetermined area including the image and create a thumbnail image from the extracted image. A
Since the image in the F area is the part that the photographer pays the most attention to, an appropriate thumbnail image representing the features of the main image can be obtained by creating a thumbnail image from an image in a predetermined area including the AF area. Becomes

The specific procedure of such thumbnail image data creation processing will be described with reference to FIG.

The AF area detecting function section 252 is for detecting an area set as an AF area in the entire screen of the subject image formed on the CCD area sensor 13 obtained as a finder image. It is. Usually, the AF area is set at the center of the screen, but the AF area can be set at an arbitrary position on the screen according to the operation by the photographer. In any case, the AF area used for the AF control operation is detected by the AF area detection function unit 252, and the AF area is detected using the image in the AF area.
The control operation will be executed.

The second CPU (CPU # 2) 26
Under the control of the CPU (CPU # 1) 25, and is implemented by a one-chip microcomputer or the like. Second CPU (CPU
# 2) 26 is an image compression function unit 261, an image expansion function unit 262, a frame memory control function unit 263,
It has a recording medium access function unit 264, a thumbnail creation function unit 265, and the like. These functional units are
Is realized by a software program executed by the CPU (CPU # 2) 26.

The image compression function unit 261 is for compressing image data obtained by shooting in an image compression format such as JPEG. Also, the image expansion function unit 262
Is used to decompress image data to be reproduced read from the recording medium 24.

The recording medium access function unit 264 manages the image data file on the recording medium 24 by using the FAT file system, and controls the first CPU (CPU #).
1) In accordance with an instruction from 25, execution control of an operation of writing an image data file to the recording medium 24 and an operation of reading an image data file from the recording medium 24 are performed.

The thumbnail creation function unit 265 includes the first C
Under the control of the PU (CPU # 1) 25, a thumbnail image is created from the captured image. In the present embodiment, as a thumbnail creation mode for creating a thumbnail image,
"Normal mode" and "AF area thumbnail mode"
And “AF lock thumbnail mode”. In the “normal mode”, a reduced image having the same pattern as the main image is created as thumbnail image data by thinning out the entire photographic image obtained during the main shooting operation executed in response to the second release operation.

In both the "AF area thumbnail mode" and the "AF lock thumbnail mode", an image in a predetermined area including the AF area is extracted and used as thumbnail image data, instead of reducing the entire photographed image. It is. In this case, the thumbnail image creation time is different between the “AF area thumbnail mode” and the “AF lock thumbnail mode”. That is, in the “AF area thumbnail mode”, an image of a predetermined area including the AF area is extracted from the captured image obtained at the time of the main shooting operation executed in response to the second release operation. Then, not during the actual shooting operation, A
An image of a predetermined area including the AF area is extracted from the captured image obtained at the time of the F lock. Therefore, if the second release operation is performed without changing the composition after AF lock, the thumbnail images obtained in the “AF lock thumbnail mode” and the “AF area thumbnail mode” are the same. However, if the composition is changed and the 2nd release operation is performed after AF lock,
The thumbnail image obtained in the “AF lock thumbnail mode” is different from the thumbnail image obtained in the “AF area thumbnail mode”. In this embodiment,
These three thumbnail creation modes can be selectively switched for use.

The EEPROM 29 stores various image processing and A
Parameters serving as references for F / AE control are stored in advance. External data interface (I / F) 30
Is for communicating with an external personal computer or another electronic device via a communication interface such as RS232C or IEEE1394, and is used for transmitting and receiving various control information and image information. As described above, the key matrix 31 includes a release switch,
An operation switch group including a mode changeover switch, various operation switches for displaying and operating thumbnail images, and the like. The mode display LCD panel 33 is used for displaying the currently set operation mode. The mode display LCD panel 33 is controlled by the LCD display circuit 32 under the control of the system control function unit 251.

The power supply circuit 54 is a power supply circuit for supplying operating power to each unit from a battery 35 such as a dry battery housed in the electronic camera.

(Shooting Processing Operation: Part 1) Next, the shooting processing operation when the "AF lock thumbnail mode" is used will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the user uses the release switch to perform the first
When the release operation (half depression of the release switch) is performed (YES in step S11), the first CPU (CPU #
1) 25, after performing the AF control operation using the image of the AF area and adjusting the position of the lens 11 to the in-focus position,
The focus position of the lens 11 is fixed at the in-focus position, and the focus is locked (step S12). Next, the first C
The PU (CPU # 1) 25 controls the imaging circuit 13 to acquire a captured image obtained in this state from the CCD area sensor 12, and extracts an image of a predetermined area including the AF area from the captured image. , Thumbnail creation function unit 25
2, a predetermined low-resolution thumbnail image is created from the extracted image and recorded on the recording medium 24 (step S13). In this case, the size of the image to be extracted may be set to be equal to or slightly larger than the resolution of the image data to be stored as the thumbnail image. When an image having a size corresponding to the resolution of the thumbnail image is extracted, a predetermined low-resolution thumbnail image can be created by using the extracted image as it is without performing processing such as thinning. On the other hand, when an image larger than the resolution of the thumbnail image is extracted, a predetermined low-resolution thumbnail image may be created by reducing the image by thinning or the like.

Thereafter, the first CPU (CPU # 1) 25
Performs the following control in accordance with the operation of the release switch by the user.

That is, first, the first CPU (CPU #
1) 25 determines whether or not the user has performed a second release operation (step S14). If the second release operation has not been performed by the user (NO in step S14), the first CPU (CPU # 1) 25
This time indicates whether the user has performed an operation for releasing the AF lock,
It is determined whether or not the release has been released (step S1)
5). 2nd release operation is not performed and 1s
If the t release has not been released (NO in step S15), the first CPU (CPU # 1) 25 maintains the AF lock state performed in step S12. On the other hand, when the user releases the first release (YES in step S15), the AF lock is released at that time. In this case, the first CPU (CPU # 1) 25
After deleting the thumbnail image data created and stored in step S13 from the recording medium 24 (step S16), the process returns to step S11.

When the user presses the release switch and the second release operation is performed in the AF locked state (YES in step S14), the main photographing process for obtaining the main image is started. In the main photographing process, the first CPU (CPU # 1) 25 first
The image pickup circuit 13 is controlled to take in a photographed image from the CCD area sensor 12 (step S17). Then, the main image data composed of the entire photographed image is
The data is recorded on the recording medium 24 in association with the thumbnail image data recorded in Step 13 (Step S18). In particular,
The thumbnail image data and the main image data are recorded on the recording medium 24 as one image data file including the thumbnail image data and the main image data.
The structure of the image data file in this case is as shown in FIG.

The structure of the image data file shown in FIG.
It supports the PEG (Exif) format, and both the thumbnail image data and the main image data are recorded in a state where they are compressed in the JPEG format by the image compression function unit 261. The recording position of the thumbnail image data on the file is specified by the application marker (APP1). At the time of saving the thumbnail image in step S13, as shown in FIG. 3, writing from the beginning of the file to the end of the thumbnail image data is performed. In step S18, writing of the main image data is performed from the subsequent position. Done.

If some association is made,
It goes without saying that the thumbnail image data and the main image data may be recorded as separate files.

As described above, in the "AF lock thumbnail mode", the A extracted from the photographed image obtained at the time of AF lock, not the photographed image obtained at the time of actual photographing, is used.
A thumbnail image is created from an image in a predetermined area including the F area. Therefore, even when the actual shooting is performed with the composition changed after the AF lock, the image of the AF area at the time of the AF lock, which is the part that the user who is the photographer is most interested in, can be recorded as a thumbnail image. Becomes AF
FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the image of the AF area at the time of locking and the main image obtained by the main shooting.

FIG. 4A shows an example of the case where the focus is locked on the face of one of the two persons to be photographed, the focus is locked, and then the finder position is moved to perform the actual photographing. is there. In this case, the image of the face of one person included in the AF area at the time of focus lock is stored as thumbnail image data, and the entire image of the two persons is stored as the main image. Similarly, FIG.
(B) is an example of a case in which after focusing on a face of a certain person and locking the focus, the finder position is moved so that a mountain is behind the person as a background, and then actual shooting is performed. Also in this case, the image of the face of the person included in the AF area is stored as a thumbnail image, and the image of the composition with the upper body of the person in front of the background mountain on the left is stored as the main image.

(Photographing Processing Operation: Part 2) Next, a second example of the photographing processing operation when the "AF lock thumbnail mode" is used will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Here, steps S13 and S14 in FIG.
The processing in steps S101 to S104 has been added between the steps S101 to S104, and the other points are the same as those in FIG. Step S10
Steps S1 to S104 are for allowing the user to confirm the contents of the thumbnail image data created in step S13 before performing the actual photographing. When a thumbnail confirmation button including a predetermined operation switch in the key matrix 31 is pressed, Only during this period, the thumbnail image data created in step S13 is displayed on the TFT panel 19. Hereinafter, a specific procedure will be described.

In step S13, creation of a thumbnail image
After performing the saving, the first CPU (CPU # 1) 25
First, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the thumbnail confirmation button (step S101). If the thumbnail confirmation button has not been pressed before the predetermined time has elapsed (NO in step S101), the first CPU (CPU #
In step 1) 25, the processing shifts to the processing from step S14 without reproducing and displaying the thumbnail image.

On the other hand, if the user presses the thumbnail confirmation button (YES in step S101), the first
CPU (CPU # 1) 25 displays the thumbnail image created in step S12 on the TFT panel 19 (step S102), and then detects whether the thumbnail confirmation button has been released (step S103). The thumbnail image is displayed on the TFT panel 19 until the thumbnail confirmation button is released.
Will continue to be displayed. When the thumbnail release button is released by the user (YES in step S103), the first CP
The U (CPU # 1) 25 stops displaying the thumbnail image at that point and returns to the normal display state in which the finder image is displayed on the TFT panel 19 (step S10).
4) Then, the processing shifts to the processing from step 14.

In the "AF lock thumbnail mode", since the thumbnail image and the main image obtained by the main photographing are different, the function of reproducing and displaying the thumbnail image data created at the time of the AF lock before the second release operation is provided. With this arrangement, it is possible to confirm what kind of thumbnail image has been created. After confirmation, 1
By releasing the first release to release the AF lock and performing the first release operation again, the thumbnail image can be recreated from the beginning.

(Photographing Processing Operation: Part 3) Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, there are three types of thumbnail modes of "normal mode", "AF area thumbnail mode", and "AF lock thumbnail mode". The procedure of the shooting processing operation when creating a thumbnail image using an arbitrary mode will be described.

When the user operates the release switch for the first
When the release operation (half depression of the release switch) is performed (YES in step S31), the first CPU (CPU #
1) 25, after performing the AF control operation using the image of the AF area and adjusting the position of the lens 11 to the in-focus position,
The position of the lens 11 is fixed at the in-focus position, and the focus is locked (step S32). Next, the first CPU
(CPU # 1) 25 determines whether or not the currently set thumbnail creation mode is “AF lock thumbnail mode” (step S33).

In the case of the "AF lock thumbnail mode", the first CPU (CPU # 1) 25 proceeds to step S3
2. The captured image obtained in the state where the AF is locked in step 2 is acquired from the CCD area sensor 12 by controlling the imaging circuit 13, and an image of a predetermined area including the AF area is extracted from the captured image, and then a thumbnail creation function is performed. Using the unit 252, a thumbnail image is created from the extracted image and recorded on the recording medium 24 (step S34). Then, after that, the processing shifts to the processing from step S35.

On the other hand, modes other than the "AF lock thumbnail mode", that is, "normal mode" or "AF
If the "area thumbnail mode" is set (NO in step S33), the first CPU (CPU #
In 1) 25, the process shifts from step S35 without executing the process of step S34.

That is, first, the first CPU (CPU #
1) 25 determines whether or not a second release operation has been performed by the user (step S35). If the second release operation has not been performed by the user (NO in step S35), the first CPU (CPU # 1) 25
This time, it is determined whether or not the first release has been released by the user (step S36). If the second release operation has not been performed and the first release has not been released (NO in step S36), the first CPU
(CPU # 1) 25 keeps the AF locked state performed in step S32. On the other hand, 1
When the st release is released (YE in step S36)
S), the AF lock is released. In this case, the first CP
The U (CPU # 1) 25 determines whether or not the currently set thumbnail creation mode is the “AF lock thumbnail mode” (step S37). If the thumbnail creation mode is the “AF lock thumbnail mode”, the process proceeds to step S34. After the created and saved thumbnail image data is deleted from the recording medium 24 (step S38), the process returns to step S31. If the mode is not the “AF lock thumbnail mode”, no thumbnail image data has been created yet.
The process returns to step S31 without performing the process of step S38.

When the AF is locked, the user
When the second release operation is performed (YE in step S35)
S), the main photographing process for obtaining the main image is started. In the main photographing process, the first CPU (CPU # 1)
The control unit 25 first controls the imaging circuit 13 to capture a captured image from the CCD area sensor 12 (step S39).
Then, the first CPU (CPU # 1) 25 determines again the currently set thumbnail creation mode (steps S40 and S41).

If the currently set thumbnail creation mode is the "normal mode" (YES in step S40)
S), the first CPU (CPU # 1) 25 uses the thumbnail creation function unit 252 to reduce the entire photographed image for the main image captured in step S39 to create a thumbnail image, and stores it in a recording medium. 24 (step S4).
2). On the other hand, if it is “AF area thumbnail mode” (YES in step S41), the first CPU (CPU #
1) 25 extracts an image of a predetermined area including the AF area from the entire captured image for the main image captured in step S39, and creates a thumbnail image from the extracted image using the thumbnail creation function unit 252. Recording medium 24
(Step S43).

In this way, the creation and creation of the thumbnail image
After the storage process is performed, the first CPU (CPU # 1) 2
5 is to store the main image data composed of the entire captured image captured in step S39 in step S42 or S43.
Is recorded on the recording medium 24 in association with the thumbnail image data recorded at step S44 (step S44). In the case of the “AF lock thumbnail mode” (N in step S41)
O) Since the thumbnail image creation and storage processing has already been completed in step S34 at the time of AF lock, the main image data composed of the entire captured image captured in step S39 is the thumbnail image data recorded in step S34. Is recorded on the recording medium 24 in association with.

As described above, the electronic camera of the present embodiment is configured to create a thumbnail image from an image in the AF area used for AF control. The “AF area thumbnail mode” or the “AF lock thumbnail mode” is used. By using this, it is possible to obtain a thumbnail image that can appropriately express when, where, and under what theme the image was shot. In particular, when the “AF lock thumbnail mode” is used, even if the finder position is changed for each AF lock and the actual shooting is performed, the target image with the AF lock can be used as the thumbnail image. Becomes possible.

[0055]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Rather than creating a thumbnail image by reducing the entire captured image, an image of a predetermined area including the focus detection area is extracted from the entire captured image, and a thumbnail image is created from the extracted image. The most noticed part can be created as a thumbnail image. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an appropriate thumbnail image representing the features of the main image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a first procedure of a shooting processing operation performed by the electronic camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view showing an example of the structure of an image data file used in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing the relationship between an image in an AF area used as a thumbnail image in the AF lock and a main image obtained by main photographing in the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a second procedure of a shooting processing operation performed by the electronic camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a third procedure of a shooting processing operation performed by the electronic camera of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

11: photographing lens, 12: CCD area sensor, 13:
Imaging circuit, 14 A / D conversion circuit, 22 frame memory, 24 recording medium, 25 first CPU, 26 second
CPU, 251 ... System control function unit, 25
2 AF area detection function unit, 261 image compression function unit
262: image expansion function unit, 265: thumbnail creation function unit.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/781 F term (Reference) 5B047 AA30 BC15 CA14 5B075 ND06 NK37 PQ02 PQ46 PQ48 5C022 AA13 AB30 AC03 AC32 AC42 AC54 AC69 AC73 AC74 AC75 AC80 5C053 FA05 FA08 FA27 GA11 GB01 GB06 GB21 GB36 HA30 KA03 KA24 LA01 LA06 LA15

Claims (5)

[Claims] An electronic imaging unit that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by an imaging optical system; and an image pickup unit that is used for focusing control of the imaging optical system from an image obtained by the electronic imaging unit. A thumbnail image creating means for extracting an image of a predetermined area including a focus detection area to be created, and creating thumbnail image data from the extracted image; thumbnail image data created by the thumbnail image creating means; Recording means for recording the main image data to be associated with the electronic camera data. 2. An electronic image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by a photographing optical system, a focus lock lock means for locking the photographing optical system to a focal point determined by focusing control, At the time when the imaging optical system is focus-locked by the focus lock unit, an image of a predetermined region including a focus detection region for the in-focus control is extracted from a captured image obtained from the electronic imaging unit, Thumbnail image creating means for creating thumbnail image data from the extracted image; thumbnail image data created when the focus is locked; and a photographed image obtained by the electronic imaging means in a main photographing operation after focus lock. Recording means for recording in association with the main image data composed of An electronic camera device, characterized in that: 3. The thumbnail image data created when the focus is locked is recorded on a recording medium by the recording means before the actual photographing is performed, and the thumbnail image data is recorded by the focus locking means before the actual photographing is performed. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a thumbnail image deletion unit configured to detect whether the focus lock is released, and to delete the thumbnail image data recorded by the recording unit from the recording medium when the focus lock is released. Item 3. The electronic camera device according to Item 2. 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a thumbnail image reproducing means for reproducing and displaying the thumbnail image data created at the time when the focus is locked before the actual photographing is executed. An electronic camera device according to claim 1. 5. An electronic image pickup unit for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by a photographing optical system, a focus lock lock unit for locking the photographing optical system to a focal point determined by focusing control, A first mode in which thumbnail image data is created from the entire photographed image obtained from the electronic image pickup means at the time of actual photographing, and a focus mode of the photographing optical system selected from photographed images obtained from the electronic image pickup means at the time of actual photographing A second method of extracting an image of a predetermined area including a focus detection area used for control and creating thumbnail image data from the extracted image
Mode, and when the focus is locked by the focus lock unit, an image of a predetermined area including the focus detection area is extracted from the captured image obtained from the electronic imaging unit, and a thumbnail image is extracted from the extracted image. A third mode for creating data; a thumbnail image creating unit for creating thumbnail image data by selectively using the first to third modes; and a thumbnail image created by the thumbnail image creating unit. An electronic camera apparatus comprising: a recording unit that associates and records thumbnail image data with main image data composed of a captured image obtained by the electronic imaging unit during main shooting.