JPH05219428A - Image pickup system, electronic camera, computer system controlling electronic camera, and their control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the transmission time of picture data from the electronic camera to the host computer. CONSTITUTION:Picture data picked up by the electronic camera 10 and representing an object image are stored in a picture memory 15. Upon the receipt of a pre-view picture command from a host computer 30, the picture data stored in the picture memory 15 are thined by 1/8 at a thining circuit 21 and reduced. The reduced picture data are sent to the host computer 30, and displayed on a display device 40 as a pre-view picture. A desired area and a magnification (resolution) are designated on the pre-view picture and a get command is given, then main picture data in a designated area and magnification are sent from the electronic camera 10 to the host computer 30.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image pickup system, an electronic camera, a computer system for controlling the electronic camera, and a control method thereof.

[0002]

BACKGROUND ART Electronic cameras that capture an image of a subject and output analog video signals or digital image data representing the captured image of the subject include video cameras, still video cameras (electronic still cameras), and digital still cameras. There are video cameras (digital electronic still cameras) and the like.

Without exception, these electronic cameras set the so-called camera control parameters for image pickup and image processing such as shutter release, exposure amount (aperture value and shutter speed), white balance, etc. (in the case of automatic setting). Except for) was performed on the electronic camera side by using switches and buttons provided on the electronic camera.

Electronic cameras, especially digital type electronic cameras capable of obtaining digital image data, have recently attracted attention because they enable the development of applications combined with computer systems. For example, new media can be created by saving image data representing a subject image obtained from an electronic camera in a recording medium such as an optical disk or a magnetic disk provided in a computer system or by editing these. it can. This new media offers image-based public relations, advertisements, presentation of materials,
It can be used to provide information.

In order to create such new media, image data obtained by shooting with an electronic camera must be transmitted to a computer system. Generally, since image data has a large capacity, it takes a long time for transmission.

Before storing image data representing a subject image taken by an electronic camera in a recording medium, it is important to check whether or not the subject is properly shot. If shooting is not appropriate, it is necessary to reshoot.

In order to visually check whether or not the subject is properly photographed, it is necessary to display the subject image represented by the digital image data obtained from the electronic camera on the display device. In order to display the subject image on the screen of the display device provided in the computer system, it is necessary to transmit all the image data from the electronic camera to the computer system, and as described above, the transmission time is long and efficient. is not.

As described above, the camera control parameters for photographing are set in the electronic camera. It is troublesome for the operator of the computer system to go to the place where the electronic camera is installed and adjust each time the shooting conditions are changed.

Furthermore, it is not always desirable to always store the entire subject image taken by the electronic camera in a recording medium. In some cases, only a part of the captured subject image is needed. If only necessary image data is cut out and stored in the recording medium, the capacity can be saved. It is also required to enlarge or reduce the image stored in the recording medium as needed.

From such a point of view, in an image pickup system configured by combining an electronic camera and a computer system, an operation for photographing, an operation for image data communication, and a storage of image data in a recording medium are performed. It is desirable to be able to perform all the operations for the above in a computer system.

[0011]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The main object of the present invention is to enable quick and short-time transmission of image data from an electronic camera to a computer system for confirmation of captured images and storage in a recording medium. To do so.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to obtain from an electronic camera image data which has been processed so as to be suitable for storage on a recording medium.

Still another object of the present invention is to enable shooting by an electronic camera and setting of conditions for shooting in a computer system.

An image pickup system according to the present invention includes an electronic camera having an electronic image pickup processing means for photographing a subject and generating image data representing the photographed subject image, and a display device and an input device. It is composed of computer systems connected by a communication path.

The electronic camera has an image memory for storing the image data generated by the electronic image pickup processing means, an image reducing means for reducing the image data stored in the image memory at a given magnification, and the above-mentioned image reducing means. When a preview command is given from the computer system,
The image reducing means is provided with first response means for reducing the image data at a given magnification and transmitting the reduced image data to the computer system.

The computer system includes a first command means for transmitting the preview command to the electronic camera when a preview input is given through the input device, and the electronic camera of the electronic camera in response to the preview command. When the reduced image data transmitted from the first response means is received, there is provided first display control means for displaying a preview reduced image represented by the reduced image data on the display device.

The present invention also provides a control method of the above-mentioned image pickup system, an electronic camera and a computer system constituting the above-mentioned image pickup system, and a control method thereof.

According to the present invention, when a preview command is given from the computer system to the electronic camera, the image data representing the subject image picked up by the electronic camera is reduced, transmitted to the computer and displayed on the display device. Since the amount of image data is small, the transmission time can be shortened. By looking at the displayed preview image, it is possible to judge whether or not a good image is obtained.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
The electronic camera, when a get command including data designating the magnification of the main image and the area where the main image is to be cut out is given from the computer system, the magnification specified for the image data of the designated area. Second, the main image data of the computer is created and transmitted to the computer system.
Is further provided.

The computer system, when the main image magnification, the area where the main image is to be cut out, and the main image get input are given through the input device, the given magnification. Second command means for transmitting the get command including data designating a region to the electronic camera, and main image data transmitted from the second response means of the electronic camera in response to the get command. It further comprises a second display control means for displaying the main image represented by the main image data on the display device when received.

In this way, in the computer system, the area where the main image is to be cut out and the magnification of the main image can be designated on the displayed preview reduced image. In response to the designation of the area and the magnification, and the get command, the main image data having the designated magnification of the designated area is sent from the electronic camera. Therefore, the main image data is displayed on the display device, It can be stored in a recording medium.

Further, since the main image data transmitted from the electronic camera to the computer system is only in the designated area, the data amount is generally smaller than the image data in the entire area, and the transmission time can be shortened. Is also useful.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the computer system transmits a photographing command to the electronic camera prior to the preview command. The electronic camera controls the electronic image capturing processing means to start capturing a subject image in response to the image capturing command.

In this way, the shutter release of the electronic camera can be performed in the computer system.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention,
The computer system includes control parameter command means for setting control parameters for photographing a subject image by the electronic image pickup processing means of the electronic camera in the input device and transmitting the set control parameters to the electronic camera. Further prepared. The electronic image pickup processing means of the electronic camera executes the image pickup processing according to the control parameter given by the control parameter command means.

In the computer system, since the control parameter indicating the photographing condition of the electronic camera can be set, all the photographing operations of the electronic camera can be performed by the computer system.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention and shows the construction of an image pickup system.

The image pickup system is composed of an electronic camera 10 for photographing a subject OB and generating image data representing the subject image, and a host computer 30 connected to the electronic camera 10 via a communication path. The electronic camera 10 is, for example, a digital electronic still camera.

A monitor display device 25 for displaying a subject image is connected to the electronic camera 10. Monitor display
25 may be a viewfinder integrated with the electronic camera 10.

A display device 40 is connected to the host computer 30, and a subject image photographed by the electronic camera 10 is displayed on the display device 40, camera control parameters, capture commands, etc., which will be described in detail later. .. A keyboard 36 and a mouse 37 as input devices, and an optical disk device 38 for recording image data are connected to the host computer 30.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image pickup system shown in FIG.

The photographing operation of the electronic camera 10, the processing of image data, the transmission processing, etc. are controlled by the CPU 17 which operates based on the command transmitted from the host computer 30. The electronic camera 10 includes a communication interface 22 for receiving commands transmitted from the host computer 30 and transmitting image data to the host computer 30.

The electronic camera 10 is provided with a diaphragm for forming a subject image, an image pickup optical system 11 including a zoom lens mechanism, and the like, which is arranged at the subject image forming position and outputs a video signal representing the photographed subject image. A process circuit 13 for obtaining RGB signals by performing color separation, white balance adjustment, black balance adjustment, etc. on the CCD 12 and the video signal output from the CCD 12 is included. The camera control register 16 outputs aperture control and zoom amount adjustment in the image pickup optical system 11, so-called electronic shutter control (shot timing and shutter speed control) in the CCD 12, and white balance and black balance adjustment in the process circuit 13. Is performed based on the control signal.

The electronic camera 10 further includes a process circuit 13
Analog / digital (A / D) conversion circuits 14 and A for converting the RGB signals output from the digital image data into digital image data.
An image memory 15 for storing the digital image data converted in the / D conversion circuit 14, a thinning circuit 21 for thinning out one pixel of image data at an appropriate ratio for reducing the image, and a main memory 20 are included. .. A transfer buffer 20A for temporarily storing image data to be transmitted to the host computer 30 in the main memory 20, and a camera for storing camera control parameters for zoom amount adjustment, shutter control, white balance and black balance adjustment. A control parameter storage unit 20B is provided. The image memory 15 has a capacity capable of storing at least one frame of image data.

Further, the electronic camera 10 includes a digital / analog (D / A) conversion circuit 23 for converting digital image data into an analog video signal in order to display the photographed subject image on the monitor display device 25.

The host computer 30 includes a CPU 31, and the CPU 31 allows the host computer 30 to operate.
Is supervised. The CPU 31 creates various data, commands, etc., which will be described later, based on input signals given to the CPU 31 from the keyboard 36 and the mouse 37 connected to the host computer 30.

Further, the host computer 30 includes a communication interface 33, and the communication interface 33 is used for transmitting data and commands created by the CPU 31 to the electronic camera 10 and receiving image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10. Through 33.

The host computer 30 further includes a main memory 32 and a display memory 34. The main memory 32 includes a transfer buffer 32A for storing image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 and a keyboard 36 or mouse 37.
A camera control parameter storage unit 32B for storing the camera control parameters such as the exposure amount, the black balance and the white balance set on the screen of the display device 40 is included.
The display memory 34 stores data representing images, characters and symbols displayed on the display device 40.

An optical disk device 38 is connected to the host computer 30, and image data is recorded on the optical disk in the optical disk device 38.

Host computer 30 as indicated by the dashed line
A monitor display device 25A is attached to this monitor display device.
The 25A and the electronic camera 10 may be directly connected to each other so that the subject image photographed by the electronic camera 10 is displayed on the monitor display device 25A so that it can be viewed while operating the host computer 30.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of image pickup, transmission, display, recording, etc. in this image pickup system. FIG. 3 shows the processing procedure in the host computer 30, and FIG. 4 shows the processing procedure in the electronic camera. Are shown respectively. FIG. 5 shows various areas set on the screen of the display device 40. FIG. 6 shows a display example of a part of various areas set on the screen of the display device 40, and mainly shows a display example of the setup area. 7 to 21 show examples of screens displayed on the display device 40.

When the host computer 30 is turned on, an initial screen is displayed on the display device 40 (step in FIG. 3).
61).

As shown in FIG. 5, the screen of the display device 40 includes a menu display area 106, a setup area 100, a capture command input area 102, and a preview image display area.
101, a camera control parameter display area 104, a parameter setting area 105, and a main image display area 103 are displayed as necessary. Although not shown in FIG. 5, a histogram window for displaying a pixel level histogram of the preview image on the preview image display area 101 is displayed on the screen of the display device 40 as described later. Is displayed. A menu display area 106, a setup area 100, a capture command input area 102, a preview image display area 101, and a camera control parameter display area 104 are displayed on the initial screen.

In the menu display area 106, "File",
Menus such as "Edit" and "Setup" are displayed. The "file" is clicked using the mouse 37 when performing the process of transferring the data recorded on the optical disk to the main memory 32, the process of transferring the data stored in the main memory 32 to the optical disk, and the like. "Edit" is clicked by using the mouse 37 when reading the data recorded on the optical disk and displaying the image represented by the data in a specific area. "Setup" is clicked when setting camera control parameters.

The camera control data setup process (step 62 in FIG. 3) started by clicking “setup” will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 17. The camera control parameters are set up while the host computer 30 and the electronic camera 10 communicate with each other.

The setup items are roughly classified into select and adjust as shown in FIG. The select includes items of input, flash, exposure, positive / negative, and LUT (look-up table).
The adjustment includes exposure, black balance and white balance. When "Setup" is clicked, these items are displayed in the setup area.

"Input" is clicked when selecting the source, mode, etc. of the input image data. When "Input" is clicked, items representing the above-mentioned generation source, mode, etc. are displayed. In FIG. 6, a "camera" (meaning the electronic camera 10) is shown as an example of a source of image data. When capturing image data from the electronic camera 10, this "camera" is clicked.

"Flash" is for setting whether or not the flash is to be emitted. When "Flash" is clicked, "On" and "Off" are displayed, and the mouse 37
Either can be selected using.

Regarding the adjustment of the amount of exposure, an automatic (AE) function for automatically adjusting the exposure in the electronic camera 10, a remote function for the operator to set the exposure in the host computer 30, and an exposure for the operator in the electronic camera 10 There are three types of manual functions to set. "Exposure" is clicked when selecting any of the above three types of functions. When "Exposure" of the selection is clicked,
“AE”, “remote”, and “manual” are displayed, and the operator can select any one of these functions using the mouse 37.

"Positive / negative" is used to set whether to perform positive photography (normal photography) or negative photography (white and black levels are reversed and suitable for photography of negative film). Then, when "Positive / Negative" is clicked, "Positive" and "Negative" are displayed, and either one can be selected.

"LUT" is for setting gradation characteristics. Adjustable gradation characteristics include "default" and "L"
There are "UT1" to "LUT5". “Default” is the most general gradation characteristic that is set in advance, and “LU”
"T1" to "LUT5" represent the types of gradation characteristics that can be arbitrarily set by the user of this imaging system. "LU
When "T" is clicked, "Default" and "LU"
"T1" to "LUT5" are displayed and any one is selected.

The adjustment "exposure" is clicked in the "remote" mode, that is, when setting the exposure amount in the host computer 30. When "exposure" is clicked, the contents suitable for the exposure amount setting are displayed in the parameter setting area 105 of the display screen of the display device 40, and the exposure setting can be made in the host computer 30.

“Black balance” is for adjusting the black balance. When “black balance” is clicked, a screen suitable for black balance adjustment is displayed in the parameter setting area 105 of the display screen of the display device 40, and black balance adjustment is possible.

The "white balance" is for adjusting the white balance. The parameter setting area 105 on the display screen of the display device 40 is clicked by clicking “white balance”.
A screen suitable for white balance adjustment is displayed on the white balance adjustment screen.

In FIG. 7, among the selections of the setup items described above, the "camera" for "input" is
"OFF" for "flash", "positive" for "positive / negative", and "LUT1" for "LUT" are displayed. Parameter display area 104
Displayed in. The five items of “select” may be set in any order, but here, “exposure” is set last.

To select one of the "AE", "remote" or "manual" mode for adjusting the exposure amount, click the "Exposure" in the selection displayed in the setup area 100. ","remote"
And "Manual" are displayed. Either mode is selected using the mouse 37.

For example, if "remote" is clicked, "remote" is displayed in "exposure" of the camera control parameter display area 104 as shown in FIG.

As described above, the "remote" is a mode in which the operator adjusts the exposure amount in the host computer 30, so the operator clicks "exposure" of "adjust" as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the parameter setting area 105 of the display screen of the display device 40 is displayed.
A screen suitable for adjusting the exposure is displayed on the screen.

The exposure amount is adjusted by the aperture value in this embodiment. The shutter speed is fixed. Needless to say, the shutter speed may also be settable.

In the parameter setting area 105 shown in FIG. 10, the range of aperture values (open aperture value: open F and fully closed aperture value: closed F) and the current aperture value (current value F) are displayed. The current value F is the current aperture value of the aperture in the electronic camera 10, and the one transmitted from the electronic camera 10 to the host computer 30 is displayed.

The operator can set a desired aperture value by changing the length of the scroll bar 105A using the mouse 37. The aperture value represented by the length of the scroll bar 105A is displayed numerically as the current value. When the operator clicks the display of "OK", the aperture value represented by the length of the scroll bar 105A at that time is set. The set aperture value is displayed in the camera control parameter display area 104 as shown in FIG. The setup data for the set aperture value is transmitted to the electronic camera 10, stored in the camera control parameter storage area 20B, and the aperture is adjusted so as to reach the set aperture value (steps 81 and 82 in FIG. 4).

In the parameter setting area 105, there is also a display of "Cancel", and by clicking this, the set aperture value can be canceled.

Next, the black balance adjustment will be described.

When "black balance" displayed in the setup area 100 as shown in FIG. 12 is clicked, contents suitable for black balance adjustment are displayed in the parameter setting area 105 as shown in FIG.

As for “exposure”, as described above, it was possible to select any of “AE”, “remote” and “manual” in the item of “select”, but for black balance, the item of “select” is selected. Not included in. Therefore, “auto” is included in the parameter setting area 105 so that automatic adjustment can be selected for black balance adjustment. When the operator clicks "Auto",
The fact is transmitted from the host computer 30 to the electronic camera 10, and the black balance is automatically adjusted in the electronic camera 10 (steps 81 and 82 in FIG. 4).

Black balance adjustment is performed for red and blue. Similarly to the setting of the aperture value, the black balance is adjusted by operating the mouse 37 and adjusting the lengths of the scroll bars 105R and 105B to desired values. The set values for red and blue represented by the lengths of the scroll bars 105R and 105B are displayed as numbers.

When the display of "OK" is clicked, these set values are transmitted to the electronic camera 10. Electronic camera 10
The black balance setting value is received at and the black balance adjustment is performed according to this setting value (step 8 in FIG. 4).
1, 82). “Cancel” is also displayed in the parameter setting area 105.

The black balance set value is displayed in the camera control parameter display area 104 as shown in FIG. White balance adjustment is performed in the same manner as black balance adjustment.

When "white balance" displayed in the setup area 100 as shown in FIG. 15 is clicked, contents suitable for white balance adjustment are displayed in the parameter setting area 105 as shown in FIG.

As for the white balance adjustment, the parameter setting area 105 includes a display of "auto" so that the automatic adjustment can be selected similarly to the black balance adjustment. When the operator clicks "Auto", the fact is transmitted from the host computer 30 to the electronic camera 10, and the electronic camera 10 automatically adjusts the black balance (steps 81 and 82 in FIG. 4).

White balance adjustment is also performed for red and blue. The white balance adjustment is also performed by operating the mouse 37 so that the lengths of the scroll bars 105R and 105B become desired values. Scroll bar 105 R, 105 B
The set values for red and blue, which are represented by the length of, are displayed as numbers.

When the display of "OK" is clicked, these set values are transmitted to the electronic camera 10. Electronic camera 10
When the white balance setting value is received at, the white balance adjustment is performed according to this setting value (steps 81 and 82 in FIG. 4).

All the camera control data set in the setup mode in this way are displayed in the camera control data display area 104 as shown in FIG. 17, and the camera control parameters in the main memory 30 of the host computer 30 are displayed. Storage unit 32B and main memory of electronic camera 10
It is stored in the camera control parameter storage unit 20B of 20. In the electronic camera 10, the camera control parameter storage unit 20B
Adjustments are made based on the camera control data stored in.

Further, the lens position, zoom magnification, etc. for focusing are also stored in the camera control parameter storage unit 32B.
It may be stored in.

Next, the capture command input area 102
Will be described.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the capture command input area 102, "input", "frame", "shot", "get", "window", "file", "X", "Y", "W", "H", "remaining capacity",
The “data amount” and the “magnification” are displayed, and the preview image display area 101 displays the subject image captured by the electronic camera 10.

The "input" and "frame" are for selecting where to obtain the video signal representing the image displayed on the monitor display device 25. In the "input" mode, the video signal obtained from the CCD 12 is directly supplied to the monitor display device 25 via the process circuit 13 without passing through the image memory 15. The CCD 12 can selectively switch between normal NTSC drive (640 x 480 pixels) and high-definition drive (1280 x 960 pixels). Since the monitor display device 25 operates at the NTSC rate, in the "input" mode the CCD 12 is N
It is driven by TSC. On the other hand, in the “frame” mode, the image data stored in the image memory 15 is D / A
It is supplied to the monitor display device 25 via the conversion circuit 23 to display the image represented by the image data.
A switching circuit controlled by the CPU 17 in order to switch between the through video signal output from the process circuit 13 (“input” mode) and the video signal output from the D / A conversion circuit 23 (“frame” mode) 26 are provided.

In FIG. 18, a black circle is added to the "frame" to indicate that the "frame" mode is set. The processing of steps 83 to 90 shown in FIG. 4 also shows the operation in the "frame" mode.

"Shot" is a command for causing the electronic camera 10 to photograph a subject and thinning out the image data obtained by this photographing and transmitting it to the host computer. The image data obtained by being photographed by the electronic camera 10 in response to the click of "shot" is temporarily stored in the image memory 15, reduced to ⅛ as described later, and transmitted to the host computer 30, It is displayed as a preview image in the preview image display area 101.
The subject image is taken by driving the CCD 12 with high-definition. When the "shot" command is given, the "frame" mode is automatically set, and the monitor display device 25 displays the image represented by the image data stored in the image memory 15.

When "shot" is clicked, the histogram window 107 for displaying the pixel level histogram of the preview image is displayed on the screen of the display device 40. Since the color level distribution of the preview image is displayed in the histogram window 107, it can be used to set the optimum shooting conditions.

“Get” is an instruction to finally take in the image data obtained by photographing with the electronic camera 10 to the host computer 30, and “frame”.
Meaningful in mode. Generally, as will be described later, the “shot” is clicked to display it in the preview image display area 101, the area and magnification (resolution) are designated, and then “get” is clicked.

"Window" and "file" specify the destination of the image data to be captured by the "get" command. When "Window" is clicked,
The image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is stored in the transfer buffer 32A of the main memory 32, and the image represented by the image data is displayed in the main image display area 103 of the display device 40. When "File" is clicked,
The image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is stored in the transfer buffer 32A of the main memory 32, and then processed by the optical disc device 38 while being processed as needed.

"X", "Y", "W" and "H" are for designating the image area to be captured by the "get" command on the preview image. As shown in FIG. 19, "X" and "Y" represent the X and Y coordinates of a point at one corner of the designated area, "W" the width of the designated area, and "H".
Indicates the height of each designated area. A desired area can be designated by inputting the values of "X", "Y", "W" and "H" by operating the mouse 37.

The magnification is for selecting the resolution of the image to be captured by the "get" command. In this embodiment, any one of 1 times, 0.5 times, 0.25 times and 0.125 times is selected by the mouse 37. be able to. Imaging optical system 11
If the magnification ratio of the zoom mechanism included in the above can be set in the host computer 30, the photographing magnification can be set to a value exceeding 1. In this embodiment, a value larger than 1 is set as the magnification only when the operator manually operates the zoom mechanism of the electronic camera 10 to enlarge it.

The "remaining capacity" indicates the remaining capacity of the transfer buffer 32A of the main memory 32 of the host computer 30.

The "data amount" indicates the amount of image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 in response to the "get" command.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the host
In response to the input of various commands from the capture command input area 102 of the computer 30, the electronic camera 10 captures an image of a subject, the image data obtained by the image capture is transmitted to the host computer 30, and the display device 40 displays the image data. The display processing will be described in a unified manner.

The above-mentioned setup process (step in FIG. 3)
When step 62) ends, the host computer 30 waits for a "shot" to be clicked (step 63) or specifies the area,
The system waits for designation of the magnification and the capture destination of the captured image data (step 68).

When "shot" is clicked (step 63), the CPU 31 creates a shot command (step 64). The created shot command is transmitted to the electronic camera 10.

Then, a preview command is created (step 65 in FIG. 3). This preview command
This is a command to reduce the image data obtained by image pickup (uniformly ⅛ in this embodiment) and then send the command, which is sent to the electronic camera 10.

When the electronic camera 10 receives the shot command (step 83 in FIG. 4), the object OB is photographed and necessary image data processing is performed under the condition of the already set camera control parameters.

Image data obtained by image pickup and processing is stored in the image memory 15 (step 84 in FIG. 4).

Subsequently, when the electronic camera 10 receives a preview command (step 85 in FIG. 4), the frame mode is set in the input mode, and the image data stored in the image memory 15 is read. Circuit
Given to 21. In the thinning circuit 21, 160 in the horizontal direction
The image data is thinned evenly to 1/8 so that the image data is 120 pixels in the vertical direction. The thinned image data is given from the thinning circuit 21 to the transfer buffer 20A and temporarily stored (step 86 in FIG. 4). The image data temporarily stored in the transfer buffer 20A is stored in the host computer 30.
Sent to.

When the host computer 30 receives the image data reduced to ⅛ transmitted from the electronic camera 10, the preview image data is transferred to the transfer buffer.
It is temporarily stored in 32A (step 66 in FIG. 3). The image data stored in the transfer buffer 32A is the transfer buffer 32A.
Is read from the image data and applied to the display memory 34, and the preview image represented by this image data is displayed in the preview image display area 101 (step 67 in FIG. 3). FIG. 18 shows an example of the preview image displayed in the preview image display area 101.

The operator can check the preview image to see if an image of desired angle, size, image quality, etc. is obtained. If necessary, the camera control parameters may be reset (step 62 in FIG. 3).

In order to see in the host computer 30 whether the desired image data has been obtained, an electronic camera is used.
It is necessary to transfer the captured image data from 10 to the host computer 30. Image data for one frame is 12 as described above.
Since the amount of data is 80 x 960 pixels (1228 per pixel is 1228 Kbytes, 3 times that for color), it takes a long time to transmit data. As described above, since the preview image data is reduced to ⅛ and transmitted from the electronic camera 10 to the host computer 30, the transmission time can be shortened.

When the operator looks at the preview image and confirms that a good image is obtained, it is necessary to finally take in the captured image data. One piece (1280 x 960)
Although it may be possible to capture the image data of, it is often the case that only a part is required. Therefore, the operator designates the area of the image to be captured, the magnification and the capture destination on the preview image as shown in FIG. 19 (YES in step 68 in FIG. 3). Then, the operator clicks “Get” (step 69 in FIG. 3).
Then YES). Then, a get command including the designated area and magnification is created and transmitted to the electronic camera 10 (step 70 in FIG. 3).

As described above, when an enlarged image is desired, the operator can manually operate the zoom mechanism of the electronic camera 10 to set a desired magnification. In this case, the operator clicks "shot" again to repeat shooting and previewing of the subject.

When the electronic camera 10 receives the get command (step 88 in FIG. 4), the image data of the designated area is read from the image memory 15.

When the magnification is less than 1, the image memory 15
The image data read from is supplied to the thinning circuit 21, and thinning is performed according to the set magnification. The image data is temporarily stored in the transfer buffer 20A (step 89 in FIG. 4) and then transmitted to the host computer 30 (step 90 in FIG. 4).

As described above, since only the image data of the truly necessary area is transmitted from the electronic camera 10, the transmission time of the image data can be shortened.

The image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10 is received by the host computer 30 (step 71 in FIG. 3). When the image data is received, the image data is transferred to the previously specified capture destination. That is, when the import destination is the “window” (main memory), the received image data is transferred to the transfer buffer 32 of the main memory 32.
The image represented by the image data stored in A is displayed in the main image display area 103 of the display device 40 as shown in FIG. 20 (step 73 in FIG. 3). When the import destination is "file", the received image data is once stored in the main memory 32, then processed as necessary, transferred to the optical disk device 38, and recorded on the optical disk (step 75 in FIG. 3). ). At this time, the main image display area 103
The image is not displayed in (see FIG. 21), but it may be displayed.

The operator may click the “file” after viewing the subject image displayed in the main image display area 103 with the import destination set to the “window”. In response to this, the image data stored in the main memory 32 is recorded on the optical disc (YES in step 74 of FIG. 3, step 7
Five). Of course, you may start over from the "shot" command again without clicking "File".

Since the remaining capacity of the main memory 32 and the data amount of the transmitted image data are displayed in the capture command input area 102, the operator can check various amounts of the above-mentioned various commands while observing these amounts. Can be entered. When the remaining capacity of the main memory 32 is smaller than the amount of image data transmitted from the electronic camera 10, it is preferable to prohibit the input of the “get” command.

FIG. 22 shows another embodiment and is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of the image pickup system. In this figure, the same parts as those shown in FIG.

The image pickup system shown in FIG. 22 is different from the image pickup system shown in FIG. 2 in that a display device 40, a keyboard 36, and a mouse 37 are connected to the electronic camera 10A. The electronic camera 10A can communicate with the host computer 30A capable of recording image data on the magnetic disk 39A and the optical disk 39B via the communication interface 24.

In such an electronic camera 10, the camera control parameters set using the display device 40, the keyboard 36 or the mouse 37 are directly stored in the camera control register 16. The image data obtained by the image pickup is supplied to the display device 40 without being sent to the host computer 30A, and the preview image and the main image are displayed. Then, only the image data of the desired magnification is transmitted to the host computer 30A in the necessary area, and the magnetic disk
39A or the optical disc 39B can be recorded or stored in the transfer buffer 18A of the main memory 18.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an imaging system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an imaging system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a host computer.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the electronic camera.

FIG. 5 shows a plurality of display areas displayed on a display device.

FIG. 6 shows contents displayed in a partial area of the display device.

FIG. 7 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 8 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 9 shows a display example on a display device.

FIG. 10 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 11 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 12 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 13 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 14 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 15 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 16 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 17 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 18 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 19 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 20 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 21 shows a display example on the display device.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the imaging system according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols] 10, 10A Electronic camera 11 Imaging optical system 12 CCD 13 Process circuit 14 A / D conversion circuit 15 Image memory 17, 31 CPU 18, 20, 32 Main memory 21 Thinning circuit 22, 24, 33 Communication interface 30,30A Host computer 36 Keyboard 37 Mouse 40 Display

Claims (34)

[Claims] 1. An electronic camera having an electronic image pickup processing means for photographing a subject and generating image data representing the photographed subject image, a display device and an input device, and being connected to the electronic camera by a communication path. An image memory for storing the image data generated by the electronic image pickup processing means, and an image for reducing the image data stored in the image memory at a given magnification. Reducing means, and the computer
A first response means for causing the image reducing means to reduce the image data at a given magnification when a preview command is given from the system, and transmitting the reduced image data to the computer system; A computer system for transmitting a preview command to the electronic camera when a preview input is given through the input device; and a first command means for the electronic camera in response to the preview command. An imaging system, comprising: first display control means for displaying a preview reduced image represented by the reduced image data on the display device when the reduced image data transmitted from the response means is received. 2. The first of the computer systems.
Command means transmits the shooting command to the electronic camera prior to the preview command, and the electronic camera controls the electronic imaging processing means to start shooting a subject image in response to the shooting command. The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising: a shooting control unit that controls the shooting. 3. A means for giving the preview input to the input device of the computer system, a means for designating an area to cut out a main image on the preview reduced image displayed on the display device, The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit for setting a magnification of an image and a unit for giving a get input for capturing a main image. 4. The image data of the specified area when the electronic camera gives a get command including data specifying the magnification of the main image and the area where the main image is to be cut out from the computer system. Further comprising second response means for creating main image data of a specified magnification and transmitting it to the computer system, wherein the computer system cuts the main image magnification and the main image through the input device. Second command means for transmitting to the electronic camera the get command including data designating the given magnification and region when a region to be output and a main image get input are given, And when the main image data transmitted from the second response means of the electronic camera is received in response to the get command, the main image data is displayed. The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a second display control unit that causes the display device to display a main image to be displayed. 5. The second response means reduces the main image by reducing the image data stored in the image memory by the designated magnification when the designated magnification is 1 or less. The imaging system according to claim 4, which is for creating data. 6. The electronic camera further comprises a zoom mechanism for enlarging and forming a subject image, and means for detecting an enlargement magnification by the zoom mechanism, and when the subject image is enlarged by the zoom mechanism. The imaging system according to claim 4, wherein a magnification greater than 1 can be designated in the input device of the computer system. 7. The image system according to claim 4, wherein the preview reduced image and the main image are displayed in separate display areas on a display device of the computer system. 8. The computer system further comprises an internal main memory and an external storage device, and the input device further comprises selection means for selecting one of the internal main memory and the external storage device. The imaging system according to claim 4, wherein the system includes a storage control unit that stores the received main image data in either the internal main memory or the external storage device in accordance with the selection by the selection unit. . 9. The computer system further comprises means for calculating a remaining capacity of the internal main memory and a capacity of the received main image data, and controlling the capacity to be displayed on the display device. The imaging system according to claim 8, which is present. 10. The computer system sets, in the input device, control parameters for photographing a subject image by the electronic image pickup processing means of the electronic camera, and transmits the set control parameters to the electronic camera. The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising control parameter commanding means, wherein the electronic imaging processing means of the electronic camera executes imaging processing according to the control parameter given by the control parameter commanding means. 11. The image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera is provided with or is connected to a monitor display device for displaying a subject image picked up by the electronic image pickup processing means. 12. The image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein a monitor display device for displaying a subject image picked up by the electronic image pickup processing means of the electronic camera is provided or connected to the computer system. . 13. The display device, the input device, the first command means, and the first display control means are provided in the electronic camera, and a computer system connected to the electronic camera by a communication path has an internal main unit. The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a memory and an external storage device. 14. A computer in which the display device, the input device, the first and second command means, and the first and second display control means are provided in the electronic camera and are connected to the electronic camera via a communication path. The imaging system according to claim 4, wherein the system is provided with an internal main memory and an external storage device. 15. An electronic imaging processing means which is connectable and communicable with a computer system, photographs a subject, and generates image data representing the photographed subject image, and an image generated by the electronic imaging processing means. An image memory for storing data, an image reducing means for reducing the image data stored in the image memory at a given magnification, and the image reducing when a preview command is given from the connected computer system. An electronic camera, comprising: first response means for causing the means to reduce the image data at a given magnification and transmitting the reduced image data to the computer system. 16. The image pickup control means for controlling the electronic image pickup processing means to start image pickup of a subject image in response to an image pickup command given from the connected computer system. The electronic camera described in. 17. A magnification specified for image data of a designated area when a get command including data designating a magnification of the main image and an area for cutting out the main image is given from the computer system. 16. The electronic camera according to claim 15, further comprising second response means for creating main image data of and transmitting the main image data to the computer system. 18. A display device, an input device for giving a preview input, connectable and communicable with an electronic camera, and transmitting a preview command to the electronic camera when a preview input is given through the input device. A first command means, and, when receiving the reduced image data transmitted from the electronic camera in response to the preview command, a preview reduced image represented by the reduced image data is displayed on the display device. A computer system equipped with display control means. 19. The computer system according to claim 18, wherein said first command means transmits a photographing command to said electronic camera prior to said preview command. 20. The input device includes means for designating an area to cut out a main image on the preview reduced image displayed on the display device, means for setting a magnification of the main image, and fetching the main image. 19. The computer system of claim 18, further comprising means for providing a get input for the. 21. When a magnification of a main image, an area to cut out the main image, and a get input of the main image are given through the input device, the given magnification and area are designated. Second command means for transmitting a get command including data to the electronic camera, and when the main image data transmitted from the electronic camera in response to the get command is received, it is represented by the main image data. 19. The computer system according to claim 18, further comprising second display control means for displaying a main image on the display device. 22. An internal main memory and an external storage device are further provided, and the input device is further provided with selection means for selecting one of the internal main memory and the external storage device. 22. The computer system according to claim 21, wherein the computer system is stored in either the internal main memory or an external storage device according to the selection by the selection means. 23. A control parameter command means for setting control parameters for photographing an object image by the electronic camera in the input device and transmitting the set control parameters to the electronic camera. The computer system according to 18. 24. A method of controlling an image pickup system, which comprises an electronic camera for photographing a subject and generating image data representing the photographed subject image, and a computer system connected to the electronic camera. However, when a photographing command is given from the computer system, the subject is photographed, image data representing the photographed subject image is generated, and the generated image data is stored in an image memory. When a preview command is given, the image data stored in the image memory is reduced at a given magnification, and the reduced image data is controlled to be transferred to the computer system. , When the shooting input is given, the shooting command is given to the electronic camera, When an input is given, the preview command is given to the electronic camera, and when the reduced image data transferred from the electronic camera is received in response to the preview instruction, the preview reduction represented by the reduced image data is received. A control method for an imaging system that controls to display an image on a display device. 25. Image data of a specified area when the electronic camera gives a get command including data specifying a magnification of the main image and an area where the main image is to be cut out from the computer system. The main image data of the specified magnification is controlled and transferred to the computer system. The computer system specifies the magnification of the main image, the area to cut out the main image, and the main image. When a get input is given, the get command including data designating the given magnification and area is transferred to the electronic camera, and in response to the get command, the main command transferred from the electronic camera is transferred. 25. The image capturing system according to claim 24, which controls to display the main image represented by the main image data on the display device when the image data is received. Control method systems out. 26. An imaging system, wherein the computer system further comprises an internal main memory and an external storage device, wherein the computer system receives the received main image data in response to the selection input. 26. The control method of the imaging system according to claim 25, wherein the control is performed so that the image is stored in either one of the external storage devices. 27. The computer system sets control parameters for photographing a subject image by the electronic image pickup processing means of the electronic camera, and transfers the set control parameters to the electronic camera, and the electronic camera 25. The control method for an image pickup system according to claim 24, wherein control is performed so as to execute an image pickup process according to a control parameter given by the computer system. 28. An electronic camera connectable to and capable of communicating with a computer system photographs a subject when a photographing command is given from the computer system, and generates image data representing the photographed subject image, The generated image data is stored in an image memory, and when a preview command is given from the computer system, the image data stored in the image memory is reduced by a given magnification, and the reduced image data A method of controlling an electronic camera, which controls to transfer to a computer system described above. 29. The electronic camera control method according to claim 28, wherein control is performed so as to start photographing a subject image in response to a photographing command given from the computer system. 30. A magnification specified for image data of a designated area when a get command including data designating a magnification of the main image and an area for cutting out the main image is given from the computer system. 29. The method of controlling an electronic camera according to claim 28, wherein the main image data is controlled to be generated and transferred to the computer system. 31. A computer system connectable to and capable of communicating with an electronic camera sends a shooting command to the electronic camera when a shooting input is given, and gives a preview command when the preview input is given. A computer, which controls the display device to display a preview reduced image represented by the reduced image data when the reduced image data transmitted from the electronic camera is received in response to the preview command. How to control the system. 32. When the magnification of the main image, the designation of the area where the main image is to be cut out, and the get input of the main image are given, a get including data designating the given magnification and the given area. When a command is transmitted to the electronic camera and the main image data transmitted from the electronic camera is received in response to the get command, the main image represented by the main image data is controlled to be displayed on the display device. A method for controlling a computer system according to claim 31. 33. In a computer system further provided with an internal main memory and an external storage device, the received main image data is stored in either the internal main memory or the external storage device according to a selection input. 32. The method of controlling a computer system according to claim 31, wherein the computer system is controlled. 34. The method of controlling a computer system according to claim 31, wherein control parameters for photographing a subject image by the electronic camera are set, and the set control parameters are transferred to the electronic camera.