Digital Camera Patent AbstractA digital camera includes a reference value table and a setting
change-use table. The reference value table holds a plurality of
reference values which respectively corresponds to a plurality of
representative colors, and the setting change-use table holds a
plurality of target values which respectively corresponds to a plurality
of representative colors. Image data of a photographed object is
applied to a signal processing circuit, and subjected to a color
adjustment based on the reference value held by the reference value
table and the target value held by the setting change-use table.
An image based on the image data to which the color adjustment is
subjected is displayed on a monitor in real-time. When a dial key
is operated, the target value of a desired representative color
held on the setting change-use table is changed. Therefore, a color
tone of a real-time image displayed on the monitor also changes
in response to an operation of the dial key.
Digital Camera Patent ClaimsWhat is claimed is:
1. A digital camera, comprising: a holder for holding a plurality
of color adjusting values which respectively corresponds to a plurality
of representative colors; a photographer for photographing an object
and outputting an image signal of the photographed object; an adjuster
for subjecting the image signal outputted from said photographer
to a color adjustment based on the plurality of color adjusting
values held by said holder; an image displayer for displaying in
real-time an image based on the image signal to which said color
adjustment is subjected, wherein a first color sample displayer
and a second color sample displayer are operative to display simultaneously
a first color sample and a second color sample, respectively, over
a portion of said image, said first and second color samples both
correspond to the same color adjusting value of said plurality of
color adjusting values, and said first and second color sample displayers
are operative to display color samples of a particular color that
is not present in said image; and a changer for arbitrarily changing
the plurality of color adjusting values held by said holder, said
changer being operative to change the plurality of color adjusting
values by varying the first color sample while the second color
sample remains unchanged.
2. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said changer
includes a first acceptor for accepting a selection of a desired
representative color out of the plurality of representative colors,
a second acceptor for accepting a change instruction of the color
adjusting value, and a color adjusting value changer for changing
the color adjusting value corresponding to the desired representative
color in response to the change instruction.
3. A digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising an
adjusting value displayer for displaying a color adjusting values
corresponding to at least one of representative colors out of the
plurality of color adjusting values held by said holder.
4. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the color adjusting
value is a numerical value which defines at least one of a hue and
a chroma.
5. A color adjusting apparatus which subjects an image signal to
a color adjustment based on color adjusting values stored in a first
memory, comprising: a first color sample displayer for displaying
a first color sample in accordance with the color adjusting values
stored in said first memory; a transferor for transferring the color
adjusting values stored in said first memory to a second memory;
a second color sample displayer for displaying a second color sample
in accordance with the color adjusting values stored in said second
memory; an acceptor for accepting a change instruction of the first
color sample; a changer for changing the color adjusting values
stored in said first memory in response to the change instruction;
and an object image displayer for displaying in real-time an object
image based on the image signal to which the color adjustment is
subjected, wherein said first color sample displayer and said second
color sample displayer are operative to display simultaneously said
first color sample and said second color sample, respectively, over
a portion of said object image.
6. A color adjusting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said
second color sample displayer displays the second color sample in
a vicinity of the first color sample.
7. A color adjusting apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising
a photographer for photographing an object, wherein the image signal
is an image signal outputted from said photographer.
8. A digital camera, comprising: a holder for holding a plurality
of color component values, which include a specific color component
value being changeable; an imaging device for carrying out a photographing
process to repeatedly photograph an object scene; a color adjuster
for subjecting each of a plurality of object scene images obtained
by the photographing process to a color adjustment based on the
plurality of color component values held by said holder; an image
displayer for carrying out, in parallel with the photographing process,
an image displaying process to display a moving image formed by
a plurality of object scene images on which the color adjustment
has been performed by said color adjuster; a changer for changing
the specific color component value held by said holder; and a color
information displayer for carrying out, in parallel with the photographing
process, a color information displaying process to display color
information corresponding to the specific color component value,
which has been changed by said changer, wherein the color information
displayed by said color information displayer is independent from
the moving image displayed by said image displayer, wherein said
color information displayer includes a first color sample displayer
for displaying a first color sample having a color defined by the
specific color component value which has been changed by said changer
as the color information; and wherein said first color sample displayer
displays the first color sample over a potion of the moving image
displayed by said image displayer.
9. A digital camera, comprising: a holder for holding a plurality
of color component values, which include a specific color component
value being changeable; an imaging device for carrying out a photographing
process to repeatedly photograph an object scene; a color adjuster
for subjecting each of a plurality of object scene images obtained
by the photographing process to a color adjustment based on the
plurality of color component values held by said holder; an image
displayer for carrying out, in parallel with the photographing process,
an image displaying process to display a moving image formed by
a plurality of object scene images on which the color adjustment
has been performed by said color adjuster; a changer for changing
the specific color component value held by said holder; and a color
information displayer for carrying out, in parallel with the photographing
process, a color information displaying process to display color
information corresponding to the specific color component value,
which has been changed by said changer, wherein the color information
displayed by said color information displayer is independent from
the moving image displayed by said image displayer, wherein said
color information displayer includes a first color sample displayer
for displaying a first color sample having a color defined by the
specific color component value which has been changed by said changer
as the color information; and wherein the first color sample has
a particular color that is not present in the moving image displayed
by said image displayer. Digital Camera Patent DescriptionBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital camera. More specifically,
the present invention relates to a digital camera which subjects
a photographed image signal to a color adjustment based on a color
adjustment value held in a memory.
The present invention also relates a color adjusting apparatus.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a color adjusting
apparatus applied in a digital camera and subjecting an image signal
to a color adjustment based on a color adjustment values stored
in a first memory.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A color reproduction characteristic of an image photographed by
a digital camera is determined by what kind of signal processing
is subjected to an image signal outputted from an image sensor.
Accordingly, signal processing technology serves as an important
element in improving the color reproduction characteristic of the
photographed image. However, in a conventional digital camera, the
color adjustment applied to the photographed image under various
circumstances was difficult to perform, and there was a tendency
that the color adjustment was suitable for an object photographed
in a good condition. In addition, it was impossible for a user to
change a setting of the color adjustment value as he pleased on
a camera, and there was no other alternative but to apply the color
reproduction characteristic one image by one image toward the photographed
image on a personal computer. That is, its operability for color
adjustment was not good.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide
a novel digital camera.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a digital
camera capable of improving an operability of a color reproduction
characteristic, and also easily comprehending what colors are to
be reproduced by a changed color adjustment value.
It is the other object of the present invention to provide a novel
color adjustment apparatus.
It is further object of the present invention to provide a color
reproduction characteristic apparatus capable of improving an operability.
A digital camera, comprises: a holder for holding a plurality of
color adjusting values which respectively corresponds to a plurality
of representative colors; a photographer for photographing an object
and outputting an image signal of the photographed object; an adjuster
for subjecting the image signal outputted from the photographer
to a color adjustment based on the plurality of color adjusting
values held by the holder; an image displayer for displaying in
real-time an image based on the image signal to which the color
adjustment is subjected; and a changer for arbitrarily changing
the plurality of color adjusting values held by the holder.
The holder holds a plurality of color adjusting values which respectively
corresponds to a plurality of representative colors. When an image
signal of an object is outputted from the photographer, the adjuster
subjects the image signal to a color adjustment based on a plurality
of color adjusting values held by the holder. The image based on
the image signal to which the color adjustment is subjected is displayed
by the image displayer in real-time. Herein, the plurality of color
adjusting values held by the holder are arbitrarily changed by the
changer. A color tone of the image being displayed in real-time
changes corresponding to a change of the color adjusting value.
This makes it possible to increase operability in the color adjustment
and also to easily comprehend what kinds of colors are to be reproduced
by the changed color adjusting value.
It is preferred that a selection of a desired representative color
be accepted out of the plurality of representative colors by a first
acceptor, and a change instruction of the color adjusting value
be accepted by a second acceptor. At this time, the color adjusting
value changer changes color adjusting values corresponding to the
desired representative color in response to the change instruction.
In addition, a color adjusting value corresponding to at least
one of the representative colors out of the plurality of color adjusting
values held by the holder may be displayed by the adjusting value
displayer.
Furthermore, a color in accordance with the color adjusting value
corresponding to at least one of the representative colors out of
the plurality of color adjusting values held by the holder may be
displayed by the color displayer.
In a case that each of the color adjusting values includes reference
values and target values, the adjuster carries out the color adjustment
based on the reference values and the target values, and the changer
changes the target values.
Preferably, the color adjusting value is a numerical value which
defines at least one of a hue and a chroma.
According to the present invention, a color adjusting apparatus
which subjects an image signal to a color adjustment based on a
color adjusting values stored in a first memory, comprises: a first
sample displayer for displaying a first color sample in accordance
with the color adjusting values stored in the first memory; a transferor
for transferring the color adjusting values stored in the first
memory to a second memory; a second color sample displayer for displaying
a second color sample in accordance with the color adjusting values
stored in the second memory; an acceptor for accepting a change
instruction of the first color sample; and a changer for changing
the color adjusting values stored in the first memory in response
to the change instruction.
A color adjusting process toward the image signal is carried out
based on the color adjusting values stored in the first memory.
The first color sample displayer displays a first color sample in
accordance with the color adjusting values stored in the first memory.
In addition, the color adjusting values stored in the first memory
is transferred to the second memory by the transferor, and the second
color sample displayer displays the second color sample in accordance
with the color adjusting values stored in the second memory. If
the acceptor accepts a change instruction of the first color sample,
the color adjusting values stored in the first memory is changed
by the changer. This changes a color tone of the image signal to
which the color adjustment is subjected and a color tone of the
first color sample displayed by the first color sample displayer.
It is noted that the color tone of the second color sample displayed
by the second color sample displayer is not changed. That is, the
first color sample according to a color adjusting value after the
change and the second color sample according to the color adjusting
value before the change are displayed. Accordingly, it is possible
to use the first color sample and the second color sample as a threshold
of the color adjustment, thus increasing operability.
In a case that the second color sample displayer displays the second
color sample in a vicinity of the first color sample, a change of
the color tone of the first color sample is easily comprehended
by comparing the second color sample therewith.
In a case that the object is photographed by the photographer,
the image signal to which the color adjustment is subjected is an
image signal outputted from the photographer. In this case, it is
possible to spontaneously adjust the color tone of the photographed
object.
Furthermore, in a case that an object image based on the image
signal to which the color adjustment is subjected is displayed by
the object image displayer in real-time, the color tone of the image
signal is changed in response to the change instruction of the first
color sample.
The above described objects and other objects, features, aspects
and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent
from the following detailed description of the present invention
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one example of a signal processing
circuit;
FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing a reference value table;
FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing a target value table;
FIG. 5 is a color distribution diagram on which reference values
and target values are arranged;
FIG. 6 is a luminance distribution diagram on which reference values
and target values are arranged;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a portion of an operation of an area
determining circuit;
FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing a portion of an operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing another portion of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing the other portion of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a portion of an operation of a CPU
in a setting change mode;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another portion of the operation
of the CPU in the setting change mode;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the other portion of the operation
of the CPU in the setting change mode;
FIG. 14 is an illustrative view showing one example of a setting
change screen;
FIG. 15 is a an illustrative view showing another example of the
setting change screen; and
FIG. 16 is a an illustrative view showing the other example of
the setting change screen;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, a digital camera 10 of this embodiment includes
a focus lens 12. An optical image of an object is incident on a
light-receiving-surface of a CCD imager 14 via the focus lens 12.
On the light-receiving surface, a camera signal (raw image signal)
corresponding to the incident optical image is generated by a photoelectric
conversion. It is noted that the light-receiving surface is covered
by a color filter of the Bayer pattern (not represented), and each
of pixel signals forming the camera signal has only one color information
(color component) of any R, G or B.
When a power is inputted, a processing instruction is applied to
a timing generator (TG) 16 from a CPU 52, whereby the CCD imager
14 is driven by the TG 16. The CCD imager 14 repeats reading out
the camera signal generated by the photoelectric conversion at a
predetermined frame rate. The read camera signal of each frame is
converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter 20 via a well-known
noise removal and a level adjustment in a CDS/AGC circuit 18.
A signal processing circuit 22 subjects the camera data of each
frame outputted from the AID converter 20 to signal processings
such as color separation, white balance adjustment, color adjustment
(color tone correction), YUV conversion, etc., so as to generate
image data formed of a luminance component (Y data) and color difference
components (U data, V data). The generated image data is applied
to a memory control circuit 24, and written into an image data storing
area 26a of an SDRAM 26 by the memory control circuit 24.
A video encoder 28 instructs the memory control circuit 24 to read
out the image data stored in the image data storing area 26a corresponding
to the processing instruction from the CPU 52. In addition, the
video encoder 28 encodes the read image data of each frame into
a composite video signal according to an NTSC format, and supplies
the encoded composite video signal to a monitor 30 via a switch
SW1. Therefore, a real-time moving image of the object (a through
image) is displayed on the monitor 30.
It is noted that the switch SW1 is connected to a character signal
generating circuit 34 when a character signal is outputted from
the character signal generating circuit 34, and connected to a color
sample signal generating circuit 36 when a color sample signal is
outputted from the color sample signal generating circuit 36. The
character signal or the color sample signal is applied to the monitor
30 via the switch SW1, thereby a desired character or a desired
color sample is displayed on the screen in an OSD manner.
If a shutter button 42 is depressed by an operator, the CPU 52
applies a compression instruction to a JPEG CODEC 32. The JPEG CODEC
32 instructs the memory control circuit 24 to read out one frame
of the image data stored in the image data storing area 26a, and
subjects the read image data to a compression process in accordance
with a JPEG format. The JPEG CODEC 32 applies the compressed image
data generated by the compression process to the memory control
circuit 24. The compressed image data is stored in a compressed
data storing area 26b by the memory control circuit 24.
Upon completing the storing process of the compressed image data,
the CPU 52 reads out the compressed image data from the compressed
data storing area 26b through the memory control circuit 24, and
records the read compressed image data into a memory card 40 through
an I/F circuit 38, thereby an image file is generated in the memory
card 40. It is noted that the memory card 40 is a detachable non-volatile
recording medium and becomes accessible by the CPU 52 when attached
to a slot (not shown).
The signal processing circuit 22 is constituted as, shown in FIG.
2. The camera data outputted from the A/D converter 20 is subjected
to the color separation by a color separation circuit 22a. That
is, since each of pixel data forming the camera data has no more
than any one of the R component, the G component, and the B component,
the two color components lacking in each pixel are supplemented
by the color separation circuit 22a. The R component, the G component,
and the B component forming each pixel are simultaneously outputted
from the color separation circuit 22a. The R component, the G component,
and the B component outputted one pixel by one pixel are applied
to an LCH conversion circuit 22c via a white balance adjusting circuit
22b, and converted into an L component (luminance component), a
C component (chroma component), and an H component (hue component).
The converted L component, the C component, and the H component
are respectively applied to an L adjusting circuit 22d, a C adjusting
circuit 22e, and an H adjusting circuit 22f. The L adjusting circuit
22d, the C adjusting circuit 22e, and the H adjusting circuit 22f
respectively subject the inputted L component, the C component,
and the H component to predetermined operations so as to evaluate
a corrected L component, a corrected C component, and a corrected
H component. The corrected L component, the corrected C component,
and the corrected H component are then converted into a Y component,
a U component, and a V component by a YUV conversion circuit 22n
later, and the converted Y component, the U component, and the V
component are respectively outputted via switches SW2, SW3, and
SW4. Herein, the YUV conversion circuit 22n performs a so-called
4:2:2 conversion (or 4:1:1 conversion), and each of the Y component,
the U component, and the V component outputted from the switches
SW2 SW4 has a 4:2:2 (or 4:1:1) ratio.
It is noted that the switches SW2 SW4 are connected to a YUV conversion
circuit 22m only when a predetermined instruction is outputted from
an inspecting apparatus in an inspecting process. At this time,
the Y component, the U component, and the V component generated
in the YUV conversion circuit 22m based on the R component, the
G component, and the B component outputted from the white balance
adjusting circuit 22b are outputted via the switches SW2 SW4. The
YUV conversion circuit 22m also subjects a so-called 4:2:2 conversion
(or 4:1:1 conversion), and the Y component, the U component, and
the V component are outputted at a 4:2:2 (or 4:1:1) ratio from the
switches SW2 SW4.
The H component outputted from the LCH conversion circuit 22c is
also applied to an area determining circuit 22g. The area determining
circuit 22g determines an area to which the H component applied
from the LCH conversion circuit 22c belongs by referring to a reference
value table 22h. The area determining circuit 22g further reads
out two reference values corresponding to a determination result
from the reference value table 22h, and reads out two target values
corresponding to the determination result from any one of target
value tables 22i 22k, or a setting change-use table 22r.
Referring to FIG. 3, six reference H component values, six reference
C component values, and six reference L component values are written
on the reference value table 22h. H, C, and L respectively mean
hue, chroma, and luminance, and each of which is a parameter for
a color adjustment. The same reference value number N (=1 to 6)
is assigned to the reference H component value, the reference C
component value, and the reference L component value associated
with each other, and the reference value is defined by three component
values (the reference H component value, the reference C component
value, and the reference L component value) having the common reference
number. These six reference values respectively correspond to six
representative colors (Mg, R, Ye, G, Cy, and B), and distributed
in a YUV space as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. It is noted that only
the reference value having "5" as the reference number
is shown in FIG. 6.
On the other hand, each of the target value tables 22i 22k is formed
as shown in FIG. 4. Similar to the reference value table 22h shown
in FIG. 3, six target H component values, six target C component
values, and six target L component values respectively associated
with the hue (H), the chroma (C), and the luminance (L) are set,
and the target value is defined by the target H component values,
the target C component values, and the target L component value
assigned to the same target value number N (=1 to 6). These six
target values also respectively correspond to the six representative
colors (Mg, R, Ye, G, Cy, and B). When the target H component values,
the target C component values, and the target L component values
indicate numerical values shown in FIG. 4, the six target values
are distributed in the YUV space as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.
It is noted that only the target value having "5" as the
reference value number is shown in FIG. 6.
The target value tables 22i 22k are different from the reference
value table 22h in that each target value can be changed. That is,
while the reference H component values, the reference C component
values, and the reference L component values stored in the reference
value table 22h are previously fixed in a manufacturing process,
and not freely changed by the operator, the reference H component
values, the reference C component values, and the reference L component
values stored in the target value tables 22i 22k can be arbitrarily
changed by the operator.
When any one of the target value tables 22i 22k is selected for
changing the target values, the target values set on the selected
target value table are copied on the setting change-use table 22r.
When the changing operation is carried out, a target value on the
setting change-use table 22r is changed. At this time, the area
determination by the area determining circuit 22g is carried out
by referring to the reference value table 22h and the setting change-use
table 22r. Upon completing the changing operation, the target values
set on the setting change-use table 22r are returned to the reading
source target value table. The table used for the area determination
is also returned to the reading source target value table from the
setting change-use table 22r.
It is noted that the reference value table 22h and the target value
tables 22i 22k are stored in a non-volatile memory 22p, and the
setting change-use table 22r is stored in a volatile memory 22q.
Furthermore, the target value tables 22i 22k correspond to modes
1 3, respectively.
The area determining circuit 22g executes a process according to
a flowchart shown in FIG. 7 one pixel by one pixel so as to carry
out an area determination for each pixel forming the image data
and a selection of reference values and target values corresponding
to the determination result. Firstly, a count value N of a counter
22s is set to "1" in a step S1, and the reference H component
value corresponding to the count value N is read out from the reference
value table 22h in a step S3. In a step S5, the H component value
of a current pixel inputted from the LCH conversion circuit 22 (current
pixel H component value) is compared with the reference H component
value read out from the reference value table 22h.
If a condition where the reference H component value is greater
than (>) the current pixel H component value is satisfied, the
process proceeds from the step S5 to a step S11 so as to compare
the count value N with "1". Then, if a condition where
N is equal to (=) 1 is satisfied, steps S21 S27 are carried out.
However, if the condition that N is greater than (>) 1 is satisfied,
steps S13 S19 are carried out. On the other hand, if a condition
where the reference H component value is equal to or less than (.ltoreq.)
the current pixel H component is satisfied, the counter 22s is incremented
in a step S7, and the renewed count value N is compared with "6"
in a subsequent step S9. Then, if a condition where N is equal to
or less than (.ltoreq.) 6 is satisfied, the process returns to the
step S3. However, if a condition where N is greater than (>)
6 is satisfied, then the steps S21 S27 are processed.
The reference H component value, the reference C component value,
and the reference L component value which correspond to the current
count value N are selected as Hr1, Cr1, and Lr1 from the reference
value table 22b in the step S13, and the target H component values,
the target C component values, and the target L component value
which correspond to the current count value N are selected as Ht1,
Ct1, and Lt1 from any one of either the target value tables 22i
22k and the setting change-use table 22r in the step S15. Furthermore,
the reference H component vale, the reference C component value,
and the reference L component value which correspond to the count
value N-1 are selected as Hr2, Cr2, and Lr2 from the reference value
table 22h in the step S17, and the target H component values, the
target C component values, and the target L component value which
correspond to the count value N-1 are selected as Ht2, Ct2, and
Lt2 from any one of the target value tables 22i 22k and the setting
change-use table 22r in the step S19.
On the other hand, the reference H component value, the reference
C component value, and the reference L component value which correspond
to the count value N=1 are selected as Hr1, Cr1, and Lr1 from the
reference value table 22h in the step S21, and the target H component
values, the target C component values, and the target L component
value which correspond to the count value N=1 are selected as Ht1,
Ct1, and Lt1 from any one of the target value tables 22i 22k and
the setting change-use table 22r in the step S23. Furthermore, the
reference H component value, the reference C component value, and
the reference L component value which correspond to the count value
N=6 are selected as Hr2, Cr2, and Lr2 from the reference value table
22h in the step S25, and the target H component values, the target
C component values, and the target L component value which correspond
to the count value N=6 are selected as Ht2, Ct2, and Lt2 from any
one of the target value tables 22i 22k and the setting change-use
table 22r in the step S27.
Thus, two reference values which sandwich the current pixel value
with respect to a hue and two target values corresponding to the
two reference values are detected. It is noted that a reading source
of the target values in steps S21, S23, S25, and S27 are the same
with each other.
The reference H component values Hr1 and Hr2 and the target H component
values Ht1 and Ht2 are applied to the H adjusting circuit 22f. Furthermore,
the reference C component values Cr1 and Cr2 and the target C component
values Ct1 and Ct2 are applied to the C adjusting circuit 22e. Moreover,
the reference L component values Lr1 and Lr2 and the target L component
values Lt1 and Lt2 are applied to the L adjusting circuit 22d.
The H adjusting circuit 22f fetches a current pixel H component
value Hin from the LCH conversion circuit 22c, and calculates a
corrected H component value Hout in accordance with an Equation
1. The calculated corrected H component value Hout is shifted to
an angle indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 8. Hout=(Ht2.beta.+Ht1.alpha.)/(.alpha.+.beta.)
.alpha.=|Hr2-Hin| .beta.=|Hr1-Hin| (Equation 1)
In addition, the H adjusting circuit 22f outputs angle data .alpha.(=|Hr2-Hin|)
and .beta.(=|Hr1-Hin|) to the C adjusting circuit 22e and the L
adjusting circuit 22d and also outputs angle data .gamma. (=|Ht2-Hout|)
and .delta. (=|Ht1-Hout|) to the L adjusting circuit 22d.
The C adjusting circuit 22e subjects a current pixel C component
value Cin fetched from the LCH conversion circuit 22c to an operation
shown in an Equation 2, and calculates a corrected C component value
Cout shown in FIG. 9. Cout=Cin{Ct1+(Ct2-Ct1).beta./(.alpha.+.beta.)}/{Cr1+(Cr2-Cr1).bet-
a./(.alpha.+.beta.)}
Furthermore, the C adjusting circuit 22e performs a calculation
of an Equation 3 so as to seek a C component value Cr3 at intersecting
coordinates of a straight line connecting CH system coordinates
(0, 0) and (Cin, Hin) and a straight line connecting CH system coordinates
(Cr1, Hr1) and (Cr2, Hr2), and a C component value Ct3 at intersecting
coordinates of a straight line connecting CH system coordinates
(0, 0) and (Cout, Hout) and a straight line connecting CH system
coordinates (Ct1, Ht1 ) and (Ct2, Ht2). Then, the calculated C component
value Cr3 and the Ct3 are outputted to the L adjusting circuit 22d
along with the aforementioned current pixel C component value Cin
and the corrected C component value Cout. Cr3=Cr1+(Cr2-Cr1).beta./(.alpha.+.beta.)
Ct3=Ct1+(Ct2-Ct1).delta./(.gamma.+.delta.) (Equation 3)
The L adjusting circuit 22d fetches a current pixel L component
value Lin from the LCH conversion circuit 22c so as to evaluate
a corrected L component value Lout shown in FIG. 10 according to
an Equation 4. Lmax and Lmin shown in FIG. 10 are a maximum value
and a minimum value of L (luminance) to be reproduced, respectively.
The Lmax and the Lmin are to be set to a register, and also arbitrarily
changed. The current pixel value (inputted pixel value) exists on
a surface formed of LCH system coordinates (Lmax, 0 ,0), (Lmin,
0, 0), and (Lr3, Cr3, Hin) (surface on which the YUV space is carved
out by the hue Hin). On the other hand, the corrected pixel value
exists on a surface formed of LCH system coordinates (Lmax, 0,0),
(Lmin, 0, 0), and (Lt3, Ct3, Hout) (surface on which the YUV space
is carved out by the hue Hout). Lout=(Lin-La)(Ld-Lc)/(Lb-La)+Lc
La=Cin/Cr3(Lr3-Lmin) Lb=Cin/Cr3(Lr3-Lmax)+Lmax Lc=Cout/Ct3(Lt3-Lmin)
Ld=Cout/Ct3(Lt3-Lmax)+Lmax Lr3=Lr1+(Lr2-Lr1).beta./(.alpha.+.beta.)
Lt3=Lt1+(Lt2-Lt1).delta./(.gamma.+.delta.) (Equation 4)
The corrected pixel value is defined by the corrected H component
value Hout, the corrected C component value Cout, and the corrected
L component value Lout thus evaluated. It is noted that the current
pixel value is defined by the current pixel H component value Hin,
the current pixel C component value Cin, and the current pixel L
component value Lin outputted from the LCH conversion circuit 22c.
If the operator operates a setting change key 44 so as to select
a setting change mode in a state where the through image is displayed
on the monitor 30, a process of the CPU 52 is carried out in accordance
with flowcharts shown in FIG. 11 FIG. 13. First, a mode selection
menu is displayed on the monitor 30 in a step S31, the target H
component values and the target C component values stored in the
target value table (any one of 22i 22k) corresponding to the current
mode are displayed on the monitor 30 in a step S33, and a first
cursor C1 is set to a menu item showing the current mode in a step
S35. The character signal generating circuit 34 is controlled in
any of the steps S31 S33, and if the current mode is 1, a character
shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the through image in an OSD manner.
According to FIG. 14, a mode selection menu formed of menu items
of "MODE 1", "MODE 2", "MODE 3", and
"EXIT" is displayed at an upper left of the screen, the
six target H component values and the six target C component values
read out from the target value table 22i corresponding to the MODE
1 is displayed at a center of the screen, and the first cursor C1
points out the "MODE 1". It is noted that characters of
"hue" and "chroma", and "Mg", "R",
"Ye", "G", "Cy", and "B"
are brought into being associated with each of the target H component
values and the target C component values.
It is determined whether or not the cursor key 46 is operated in
a step S37, and if NO is determined, then the process directly proceeds
to a step S49. However, if YES is determined, the first cursor C1
is moved to a desired direction in a step S39. A current pointing
destination of the first cursor C1 is determined in a step S41,
and if the pointing destination is "EXIT", a display of
the target H component values and the target C component values
is cancelled in a step S45 and then the process proceeds to the
step S49.
If the pointing destination of the first cursor C1 is any one of
"MODE 1", "MODE 2", and "MODE 3",
the target H component values and the target C component values
of the mode selected by the first cursor C1 is displayed on the
monitor 30 in a step S43. More specifically, the target H component
values and the target C component values are read out from the target
value table (any one of 22i 22k) corresponding to the selected mode,
and the character signal generating circuit 34 is instructed to
display the read target H component values and the target C component
values. The target H component values and the target C component
values being displayed on the monitor 30 are renewed by the read
target H component values and the read target C component values.
The target value table corresponding to the selected mode is validated
in a step S47. The area determining circuit 22g shown in FIG. 2
executes a process shown in FIG. 7 by referring to the validated
target table and the reference value table 22h in a step S47. Therefore,
a color tone (color reproduction characteristic) of the through
image displayed on the monitor 30 changes at every time that the
first cursor C1 is moved among "MODE 1", "MODE 2"
and "MODE 3".
It is determined whether or not the set key 50 is operated in the
step S49, and if there is no key operation, the process returns
to the step S37. However, if the key operation is performed, the
pointing destination of the first cursor C1 is determined in a step
S51. While the first cursor C1 selects "EXIT", NO is determined
in the step S51. Then, the setting change mode is ended after validating
the target value table of an initial mode (mode selected at a time
of starting a process of the setting change mode) in a step S73.
On the other hand, if the pointing destination of the first cursor
C1 is "MODE 1", "MODE 2", or "MODE 3",
the process proceeds to a step S53 from the step S51 so as to copy
the target H component values, the target C component values, and
the target L component values of the target value table (any one
of 22i 22k) corresponding to a mode selected by the first cursor
C1 to the setting change-use table 22r. Furthermore, the setting
change-use table 22r is validated in a step S55. A process in the
step S55 causes the area determining circuit 22g shown in FIG. 2
to execute a process shown in FIG. 7 by referring to the setting
change-use table 22r and the reference value table 22h.
A color selection menu is displayed on the monitor 30 in a step
S57, an arrangement of the target H component values and the target
C component values is changed in a step S59, and a second cursor
C2 is set to "OK" in the color selection menu in a step
S61. The character signal generating circuit 34 is controlled in
any of the steps S57 S61, a character is displayed on the through
image in an OCD manner on the monitor 30 shown in FIG. 15.
According to FIG. 15, the color selection menu formed of menu items
of "Mg", "R", "Ye", "G",
"Cy", "B", "OK", and "EXIT"
is displayed at a left side of the screen, the six target H component
values and the six target C component values are displayed at a
slightly right side of the center of the screen, and the second
cursor C2 points out "OK". It is noted that the six target
H component values and the six target C component values are respectively
brought into being associated with the menu items indicating the
six representative colors.
It is determined whether or not the set key 46 is operated in a
step S63, and if the key operation is performed, the current pointing
destination of the second cursor C2 is determined in steps S65 and
S71. If the pointing destination of the second cursor C2 is "OK",
the process proceeds from the step S65 to a step S67 so as to store
the target H component values, the target C component values, and
the target L component values of the setting change-use table 22r
into a reading source target value table. The reading source target
value table is validated in a step S69, and then, the process is
ended. On the other hand, if the pointing destination of the second
cursor C2 is "EXIT", the process proceeds from the step
S71 to a step S73 so as to validate the target value table of the
initial mode, and then the process is ended.
The mode corresponding to the target value table validated in the
step S69 or S73 becomes "a current mode" in the step S33
and S35 executed at a next time. It is noted that if the set key
50 is operated in a state where the second cursor C2 points out
the menu item indicating the representative color, the key operation
becomes invalidated.
If NO is determined in the step S63, it is determined whether or
not the cursor key is operated in an up/down direction in a step
S75. Herein, if NO is determined, the process returns to the step
S63. However, if YES is determined, the second cursor C2 is moved
to a desired direction in a step S77. In a subsequent step S79,
a pointing destination of the second cursor C2 after the move is
determined, and the process returns to the step S63 if the second
cursor C2 selects "OK" or "EXIT".
In contrast, if the second cursor C2 selects a menu item indicating
any one of the representative colors, the process proceeds from
the step S79 to a step S81 so as to display only the target H component
values and the target C component values corresponding to the selected
representative color on the monitor 30. A third cursor C3 is set
to the target H component values to be displayed in a step S83,
and samples of a target color corresponding to the selected representative
color are displayed on the monitor 30 as a first target color Clr1
and a second target color Clr2 in respective steps of S85 and S87.
In the step S85, more specifically, the target value (the target
H component value, the target C component value, and the target
L component value) of the selected representative color is detected
from the setting change-use table 22r, and the detected target value
is set to a first register 52a as a first target value, and the
color signal generating circuit 36 is instructed to output a first
color sample signal (first target color signal) in accordance with
the first target values set to the first register 52a. In the step
S87, the target value of the selected representative color (the
target H component values, the target C component values, and the
target L component value) is detected from the setting change-use
table 22r, the detected target value is set to a second register
52b as a second target value, and the color sample signal generating
circuit 36 is instructed to output a second color sample signal
(second target color signal) in accordance with the second target
values set to the second register 52b. The color sample signal generating
circuit 36 outputs the first target color signal and the second
target color signal responding to the instruction, and the outputted
first target color signal and second target color signal are applied
to the monitor 30 via the switch SW1.
Therefore, when the representative color "R" is selected
from the color selection menu shown in FIG. 15, a screen display
is renewed from FIG. 15 to FIG. 16. According to FIG. 16, only the
target H component values (=115) and the target C component values
(=720) corresponding to "R" are displayed, the third cursor
C3 is set to the target H component values, and a first target color
(first color sample) Clr1 and a second target color (second color
sample) Clr2 of "R" are displayed to be brought closer
with each other between the second cursor C2 and the third cursor
C3.
It is determined whether or not the cursor key 46 is operated in
an up/down direction in a step S89, it is determined whether or
not the cursor key 46 is operated in a right/left direction in a
step S95, and it is determined whether or not the dial key 48 is
operated in a step S99.
If the cursor key 46 is operated in the up/down direction, YES
is determined in the step S89, and then the cursor C2 is moved to
a desired direction in a step S91. The menu item selected by the
second cursor C2 after the move is determined in a step S93, and
if the selected menu item is a representative color, the process
returns to the step S81. In addition, if the selected menu is either
"OK" or "EXIT", the process returns to the step
S63. If the cursor key 46 is operated in the right/left direction,
YES is determined in the step S95, and the third cursor C3 is moved
to a desired direction in a step S97. The pointing destination of
the third cursor C3 changes between the target H component values
and the target C component values. The process returns to the step
S89 after ending the step S97.
If the dial key 48 is operated, YES is determined in the step S99,
and a numerical value the third cursor C3 points out (the target
H component values or the target C component values) is renewed
in a step S101. That is, the setting change-use table 22r and the
first register 52a are accessed, and then the numerical value selected
by the third cursor C3 is renewed in response to an operation of
the dial key 48. Since the area determining circuit 22g refers to
the setting change-use table 22r and the reference value table 22h,
a color tone of the through image changes in response to the operation
of the dial key 48. The color sample signal generating circuit 36
is instructed to output the first target color signal in accordance
with the first target value (the target H component values, the
target C component values, and the target L component value) set
to the register 52a in a step S103. Accordingly, the color tone
of the first target color Clr1 is also renewed. The process returns
to the step S89 after ending the step S103.
As understood from the above descriptions, a plurality of reference
values which respectively corresponds to a plurality of representative
colors are held on the reference value table 22h, and a plurality
of target values which respectively corresponds to a plurality of
representative colors are held on the setting change-use table 22r.
The image data of an object photographed by the CCD imager 14 is
applied to the signal processing circuit 22, and subjected to a
color adjustment based on the reference value held by the reference
value table 22h and the target values held by the setting change-use
table 22r. The image based on the image data to which the color
adjustment is subjected is displayed on the monitor 30 in real-time.
The image based on the image data to which the color adjustment
is subjected is displayed on the monitor 30 in real-time.
If the desired representative color is selected by the cursor key
46 and the set key 50, the target H component values and the target
C component values corresponding to the selected representative
color and the first target color Clr1 and the second target color
Clr2 corresponding to the selected representative color are displayed
on the monitor 30 as shown in FIG. 16. The first target color to
be displayed follows the first target value of the desired representative
color held in the first register 52a, and the second target color
follows the second target value of the desired representative color
held in the second register 52b.
Herein, if one of the target H component value and the target C
component value being displayed is selected, and then the dial key
48 is operated, the selected numerical value is changed corresponding
to the key operation. At this time, the numerical value held on
the setting change-use table 22r and the first register 52a are
also changed simultaneously, and the real-time image and the color
tone of the first target color being displayed on the monitor 30
are also changed corresponding to the key operation.
Thus, the through image, the target value, the first target color,
and the second target color are displayed on the monitor 30. If
the dial key 48 is operated, the target value on the monitor 30
is renewed, and the color tone of the through image and the first
target color is changed. Since the target value to be displayed
is renewed, it becomes possible to exactly adjust the color. Furthermore,
since the color tone of the first target color and the through image
is changed in correspondence to the key operation, it becomes possible
to visually adjust the color. In addition, since the second target
color, i.e. the target color according to the target value before
the change and the first target color, i.e. the target color according
to the target value after the change are displayed to be brought
closer, it is possible to easily comprehend how the first target
color changed by referring to the second target color. An advantage
of displaying the first target color and the second target color
is evidently found in a state where the representative color to
be changed is not present in the through images. That is, even in
a case that a color tone of red is to be changed while a through
image of a landscape painting full of green, it is possible to easily
comprehend a changing of the color tone corresponding to the key
operation because the first target color and the second target color
of "R" is displayed on the monitor 30.
In these regards, operability in applying a color adjustment is
drastically improved, and in addition, it becomes possible to easily
comprehend how a color reproduction characteristic changes.
It is noted that although only the target H component values and
target C component values are to be arbitrarily changed out of the
target H component values, target C component values, and the target
L component value forming the target value in this embodiment, it
is needless to say that the target L component value may be arbitrarily
changed in addition to target H component values and the target
C component values, or in place of at least one of the target H
component values and the target C component values.
In addition, in this embodiment, the first target color and the
second target color are displayed in such a manner as to be contacting
with each other, however, it may be possible to form a ribbon-shaped
gap between the first target color and the second target color.
Furthermore, although the target H component values and the target
C component values set to the setting change-use table are to be
displayed on the monitor as they are in this embodiment, if a normalized
target H component values and a normalized target C component values
normalized in a range of -50 to +50 are to be displayed on the monitor,
operability is further improved.
Furthermore, although three target value tables which respectively
correspond to the MODE 1 3 are to be provided in the memory in this
embodiment, a target value table to which a default target value
is set may be stored in the memory in addition thereto. This makes
it possible to carry out a setting operation in reference to the
default target value if any one of the modes are not set.
Still furthermore, the CCD imager is used as an image sensor in
this embodiment, a CMOS imager may be used instead of the CCD imager.
In addition, a non-volatile semiconductor memory is used in this
embodiment as a recording medium, an optical disk may be used instead
thereof.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated
in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration
and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the
spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by
the terms of the appended claims.
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