Imaging apparatus, imaging method, and program

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus capable of correcting captured digital images while reducing the circuit scale, cost, and power consumption thereof compared to conventional.SOLUTION: A digital camera 1 includes an image sensor 110 that generates digital images by receiving the incoming light via an optical system including at least one lens. The digital camera 1 further includes a wireless communication unit 180 that communicates with an image correction unit 2 that corrects the digital images by using a correction program for correcting the images based on individual characteristic information representing optical properties specific to the digital camera 1. The wireless communication unit 180 transmits the digital images generated by the image sensor 110 and a piece of identification information of the digital camera 1 to the image correction unit 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device, an imaging method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Imaging devices such as digital cameras may produce undesirable distortions and unevenness in captured digital images (still images) or digital moving images due to design or manufacturing variations, etc. For this reason, imaging devices may be equipped with a correction circuit or correction program that corrects images based on inherent optical characteristics measured during or after manufacture.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a digital camera in which a value relating to backlash is measured and stored in an internal flash memory when the digital camera is manufactured, and the backlash is corrected by moving the focus lens in a forward direction before normal lens driving. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-085928 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The circuit scale and cost of the imaging device increase due to the inclusion of a correction circuit or a correction program. In addition, in order to correct an image based on optical characteristics specific to a certain imaging device, it is necessary to provide the imaging device with a large capacity non-volatile memory device to store information indicating the optical characteristics, which increases the circuit scale and cost of the imaging device. In addition, a large amount of power is consumed each time an image is captured in order to operate the correction circuit or execute the correction program. Therefore, it is required to reduce the circuit scale, cost, and / or power consumption of the imaging device compared to conventional methods.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an imaging device, an imaging method, and a program that can correct undesirable distortion and unevenness in a captured digital image while reducing circuit size, cost, and power consumption compared to conventional methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to an image capture device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, An imaging device including an image sensor that receives light incident through an optical system including at least one lens and generates a digital image, the imaging device further includes a communication unit that communicates with an image correction device that corrects the digital image using a correction program that corrects an image based on individual characteristic information that indicates optical characteristics unique to the imaging device; The communication section transmits a digital image generated by the imaging element and identification information of the imaging device to the image correction device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] An imaging device according to an aspect of the present disclosure can correct undesirable distortion, unevenness, and the like in a captured digital image while reducing the circuit size, cost, and power consumption compared to conventional methods. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image correction system 20 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 1 of FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image correction device 2 in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of server devices 3-1 to 3-3 and 4 to 6 in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of user terminal devices 7 and 8 in FIG. [Figure 6]1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration for acquiring individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 in FIG. 2 by measurement and providing it to the server device 3-1 in FIG. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration for acquiring individual characteristic information of the lens device 200 in FIG. 2 by measurement and providing it to the server device 3-2 in FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a sequence diagram showing initial communication between the camera body 100 and the lens apparatus 200 immediately after the power of the digital camera 1 in FIG. 2 is turned on. [Figure 9] 3 is a sequence diagram showing steady-state communication between the camera body 100 and the lens apparatus 200 when an image is being captured by the digital camera 1 of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a correction process in which an image captured by a digital camera 1 is corrected by an image correction device 2 in the image correction system 20 of FIG. [Figure 11] 1. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a correction process in which a preview image displayed on a digital camera 1 is corrected by an image correction device 2 in the image correction system 20 of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a correction process performed on an image temporarily stored in server device 5 when a correction program is updated in image correction system 20 of FIG. [Figure 13] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a table displayed on the display unit of the digital camera 1 or the user terminal device 7 when the image correction device 2 of FIG. 1 stores a plurality of versions of a correction program. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera 1A according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0011] The inventor(s) provide the accompanying drawings and the following description so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0013] [Image correction system configuration] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image correction system 20 according to a first embodiment. Image correction system 20 includes a digital camera 1, an image correction device 2, a plurality of server devices 3-1 to 3-3, 4 to 6, user terminal devices 7 and 8, a communication line 11, and access point devices (AP) 12-1 to 12-3.

[0014] The image correction device 2 and the server devices 3-1 to 3-3, 4 to 6 are connected to a communication line 11. The digital camera 1 and the user terminal devices 7 and 8 are wirelessly connected to the access point devices 12-1 to 12-3, respectively, and are connected to the communication line 11 via the access point devices 12-1 to 12-3. The communication line 11 may include a wired communication line, a wireless communication line, or a combination thereof. The communication line 11 includes, for example, the Internet. The access point devices 12-1 to 12-3 may be, for example, access points of a wireless LAN or base stations of a cellular telephone network.

[0015] Digital camera 1 transmits a captured digital image (hereinafter simply referred to as "image") to image correction device 2 via access point device 12-1 and communication line 11. Digital camera 1 may transmit a captured image to server device 5 via access point device 12-1 and communication line 11. Digital camera 1 may include a camera body 100 and a lens device 200 that is detachably connected to camera body 100, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0016] The digital camera 1 is an example of an imaging device.

[0017] Image correction device 2 corrects the image received from digital camera 1 using a correction program that corrects the image based on individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics specific to digital camera 1. Image correction device 2 transmits the corrected image to digital camera 1 via communication line 11 and access point device 12-1 and / or transmits it to server device 6 via communication line 11.

[0018] Server device 3-1 stores individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to the camera body 100. Server device 3-2 stores individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to a certain lens device 200. Server device 3-3 stores individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to another lens device 200. The individual characteristic information stored in each of server devices 3-1 to 3-3 may be provided by different manufacturers. Image correction device 2 receives the individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 (i.e., the individual characteristic information of the digital camera 1) from server devices 3-1 to 3-3 via communication line 11.

[0019] The server device 4 stores the correction program and its updated version. The image correction device 2 receives the correction program and its updated version from the server device 4 via the communication line 11.

[0020] Server device 5 receives and stores the captured image (i.e., the uncorrected image) from digital camera 1 via access point device 12-1 and communication line 11. Server device 5 may also receive and store the captured image from image correction device 2 via communication line 11. User terminal device 7 transmits a control signal to server device 5 via access point device 12-2 and communication line 11 as desired (for example, when the correction program is updated), instructing image correction device 2 to correct the image stored in server device 5.

[0021] The server device 6 receives and stores the corrected image from the image correction device 2 via the communication line 11. The server device 6 may be configured to allow any client device to access the stored corrected image via the communication line 11. In this case, for example, the user terminal device 8 receives and displays the corrected image from the server device 6 via the access point device 12-3 and the communication line 11.

[0022] [Digital camera configuration] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 1 of Fig. 1. The digital camera 1 comprises a camera body 100 and a lens apparatus 200 that is removably connected to the camera body 100.

[0023] [Camera body] The camera body 100 comprises optical components 101, an image sensor 110, an analog / digital converter (ADC) 111, a timing generator (TG) 112, an LCD monitor 120, a release button 121, operation buttons 122, a camera controller 140, a DRAM 141, a flash memory 142, a body mount 150, a power supply 160, a card slot 170, and a communication unit 180.

[0024] The body mount 150 is mechanically and electrically removably connected to a lens mount 260 of the lens apparatus 200. The camera body 100 and the lens apparatus 200 communicate with each other via connectors provided on the body mount 150 and the lens mount 260.

[0025] Light from a subject is incident on the image sensor 110 via the lens device 200 and the optical member 101. The optical member 101 is a special glass that is disposed in front of the image sensor 110 with respect to the optical axis of the digital camera 1. The optical member 101 may be, for example, a built-in glass type or an electronically variable type ND filter.

[0026] The image sensor 110 receives light from a subject incident through the lens device 200 and the optical member 101 and generates image data. The image data includes a still image or a moving image. The image sensor 110 operates in response to a timing signal generated by a timing generator 112. The image data generated by the image sensor 110 is digitized by an analog / digital converter 111, and the digitized image data is sent to the camera controller 140.

[0027] The camera controller 140 performs a predetermined image processing on the digitized image data. The image processing may include at least a part of, for example, gamma correction processing, white balance correction processing, scratch correction processing, YC conversion processing, electronic zoom processing, and JPEG compression processing. The camera controller 140 also controls the operation of the entire digital camera 1 by controlling components such as the image sensor 110 in response to instructions from the release button 121 and the operation button 122. The camera controller 140 generates a vertical synchronization signal and transmits it to the timing generator 112, and generates an exposure synchronization signal in parallel with this. The camera controller 140 periodically transmits the generated exposure synchronization signal to the lens controller 250 of the lens device 200 via the body mount 150 and the lens mount 260. The camera controller 140 also transmits other control signals to the lens controller 250 via the body mount 150 and the lens mount 260. In addition, the camera controller 140 receives identification information and status information (described later) of the lens device 200 from the lens controller 250 via the body mount 150 and the lens mount 260.

[0028] The DRAM 141 is used by the camera controller 140 as a working memory for control and image processing.

[0029] Flash memory 142 stores firmware programs for camera body 100, identification information for camera body 100, user setting values, etc. The identification information for camera body 100 includes, for example, the model number and manufacturing serial number of camera body 100.

[0030] The communication unit 180 is wirelessly connected to the access point device 12-1 in Fig. 1. The communication unit 180 transmits an image captured by the digital camera 1 to the image correction device 2, and also receives an image corrected by the image correction device 2 from the image correction device 2.

[0031] The LCD monitor 120 displays an image captured by the digital camera 1 or an image corrected by the image correction device 2. The LCD monitor 120 can selectively display either a still image or a moving image. The moving image includes, for example, a through image that the user refers to when deciding the composition of the still image.

[0032] A memory card 171 can be inserted into the card slot 170, which controls the memory card 171 under the control of the camera controller 140. The digital camera 1 can store image data in the memory card 171 and read image data from the memory card 171.

[0033] The power supply 160 supplies power to each component within the digital camera 1. The power supply 160 also supplies power to the lens apparatus 200 via the body mount 150 and the lens mount 260.

[0034] The camera body 100 is an example of an imaging device. The optical member 101 is an example of an optical system of the digital camera 1. The release button 121 and the operation buttons 122 are an example of an input unit of the digital camera 1. The communication unit 180 is an example of a communication unit of the digital camera 1, and may be connected to another device wirelessly or via a wire. The liquid crystal monitor 120 is an example of a display unit of the digital camera 1.

[0035] [Lens device] The lens device 200 includes a zoom lens 210, a zoom lens driving unit 211, an OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) lens 220, an OIS driving unit 221, a position sensor 222, an OIS processing unit 223, a gyro sensor 224, a focus lens 230, a focus lens driving unit 231, an aperture device 240, an aperture driving unit 241, a lens controller 250, a DRAM 251, a flash memory 252, and a lens mount 260.

[0036] The zoom lens 210 , the OIS lens 220 , the focus lens 230 , and the aperture device 240 are an example of an optical system of the digital camera 1 .

[0037] The zoom lens 210 changes the magnification of the subject image formed on the image sensor 110 by the optical system. The zoom lens 210 is composed of one or more lenses. The zoom lens driving unit 211 moves the zoom lens 210 along the optical axis of the optical system under the control of the lens controller 250. The zoom lens driving unit 211 includes a motor such as a DC motor, a stepping motor, a servo motor, or an ultrasonic motor.

[0038] The diaphragm device 240 adjusts the amount of light incident from the subject to the lens device 200. The diaphragm device is composed of a plurality of diaphragm blades. The diaphragm driving unit 241 controls the diaphragm diameter (aperture value) of the diaphragm device 240 under the control of the lens controller 250. The diaphragm driving unit 241 includes a motor such as a DC motor, a stepping motor, a servo motor, or an ultrasonic motor.

[0039] The OIS lens 220 reduces blurring of the subject image formed on the image sensor 110 by the optical system by moving in a direction that at least partially offsets the blurring of the digital camera 1. The OIS lens 220 is composed of one or more lenses. The position sensor 222 detects the position of the OIS lens 220 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system and notifies the OIS processing unit 223. The position sensor 222 includes, for example, a magnet and a Hall element. The gyro sensor 224 detects the orientation and angular velocity of the lens device 200 and notifies the OIS processing unit 223. The OIS processing unit 223 controls the OIS driving unit 221 based on the position of the OIS lens 220 and the orientation and angular velocity of the lens device 200. The OIS driving unit 221 shifts the OIS lens 220 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system under the control of the OIS processing unit 223. The OIS driving unit 221 may include, for example, a magnet and a flat coil, or may include other actuators such as an ultrasonic motor. Equipped with an OIS driving unit 221, a position sensor 222, an OIS processing unit 223, and a gyro sensor 224, an OIS function is realized that corrects blurring of the subject image caused by hand shake of the user holding the digital camera 1 by shifting the OIS lens 220.

[0040] The focus lens 230 changes the focus state of the subject image formed on the image sensor 110 by the optical system. The focus lens 230 is composed of one or more lenses. The focus lens driving unit 231 moves the focus lens 230 along the optical axis of the optical system under the control of the lens controller 250. The focus lens driving unit 231 includes a motor such as a DC motor, a stepping motor, a servo motor, or an ultrasonic motor.

[0041] As described above, the lens controller 250 receives an exposure synchronization signal and other control signals from the camera controller 140 via the lens mount 260 and the body mount 150. The lens controller 250 controls the operation of the lens device 200, such as the magnification, the image stabilization state, the focus, and the aperture, under the control of the camera controller 140. The lens controller 250 also transmits identification information and status information of the lens device 200 to the camera controller 140 via the lens mount 260 and the body mount 150. The identification information of the lens device 200 includes, for example, the model number and the manufacturing serial number of the lens device 200. The status information of the lens device 200 includes, for example, the magnification (position of the zoom lens 210), the image stabilization state (position of the OIS lens 220), the focus (position of the focus 230 lens), and the aperture (aperture value) when an image is captured by the digital camera 1.

[0042] The DRAM 251 is used by the lens controller 250 as a working memory for control.

[0043] The flash memory 252 stores the firmware program of the lens device 200, identification information of the lens device 200, user settings, and the like.

[0044] [Image correction device configuration] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image correction device 2 of FIG. 1. The image correction device 2 includes a bus 300, a processing unit 301, a memory 302, a storage unit 303, and a communication unit 304. The processing unit 301 controls the operation of the entire image correction device 2. The memory 302 temporarily stores programs and data required for the operation of the image correction device 2. The storage unit 303 is a non-volatile storage medium that stores programs required for the operation of the image correction device 2, including a correction program for correcting an image. The communication unit 304 is communicably connected to the digital camera 1 and the server devices 3-1 to 3-3, 4 to 6 via the communication line 11. The communication unit 304 receives, for example, an image captured by the digital camera 1 and identification information of the digital camera 1 from the digital camera 1. The processing unit 301 acquires individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to the digital camera 1 based on the identification information, and performs predetermined digital image processing using a correction program based on the individual characteristic information to correct the image. The processing unit 301 , the memory 302 , the storage unit 303 , and the communication unit 304 are connected to each other via a bus 300 .

[0045] [Server device configuration] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server devices 3-1 to 3-3, 4 to 6 in FIG. 1. Each of the server devices 3-1 to 3-3, 4 to 6 includes a bus 400, a processing unit 401, a memory 402, a storage unit 403, and a communication unit 404. The processing unit 401 controls the overall operation of the server devices 3-1 to 3-3, 4 to 6. The memory 402 temporarily stores programs and data required for the operation of the server devices 3-1 to 3-3, 4 to 6. The storage unit 403 is a non-volatile storage medium that stores programs required for the operation of the server devices 3-1 to 3-3, 4 to 6. The storage units 403 of the server devices 3-1 to 3-3 store individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200. The storage unit 403 of the server device 4 stores a correction program and an updated version thereof. The storage unit 403 of the server device 5 stores a captured image (i.e., an uncorrected image). The storage unit 403 of the server device 6 stores the corrected image. The communication unit 404 is communicably connected to the image correction device 2 via the communication line 11. The processing unit 401, the memory 402, the storage unit 403, and the communication unit 404 are connected to each other via the bus 400.

[0046] [User terminal device configuration] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal devices 7 and 8 in FIG. 1. Each of the user terminal devices 7 and 8 includes a bus 500, a processing unit 501, a memory 502, a storage unit 503, a communication unit 504, an input unit 505, and a display unit 506. The processing unit 501 controls the operation of the entire user terminal devices 7 and 8. The memory 502 temporarily stores programs and data required for the operation of the user terminal devices 7 and 8. The storage unit 503 is a non-volatile storage medium that stores programs required for the operation of the user terminal devices 7 and 8. The communication unit 504 of the user terminal device 7 is communicatively connected to the image correction device 2 and the server device 5 via the communication line 11. The communication unit 504 of the user terminal device 8 is communicatively connected to the server device 6 via the communication line 11. The display unit 506 displays information related to the state of the user terminal devices 7 and 8. The input unit 505 receives user input that controls the operation of the user terminal devices 7 and 8. The input unit 505 includes, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, and / or a pointing device. The processing unit 501, the memory 502, the storage unit 503, the communication unit 504, the input unit 505, and the display unit 506 are connected to one another via a bus 500.

[0047] The user terminal devices 7, 8 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal device, or another personal computer.

[0048] [Acquisition of individual characteristic information] As described above, digital camera 1 may produce undesirable distortion and unevenness in captured images due to design or manufacturing variations, etc. For this reason, the optical characteristics of digital camera 1 are acquired during or after manufacture, and individual characteristic information indicating the optical characteristics unique to digital camera 1 is generated in advance. The individual characteristic information of digital camera 1 includes at least one of design information of digital camera 1 and measurement results of the optical characteristics of digital camera 1. Image correction device 2 corrects the image using a correction program based on the individual characteristic information.

[0049] The individual characteristic information of the digital camera 1 includes, for example, sensor brightness unevenness, sensor color unevenness, peripheral light reduction, resolution reduction, optical chromatic aberration, and optical distortion.

[0050] The sensor brightness unevenness and the sensor color unevenness are individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics specific to the camera body 100. The sensor brightness unevenness and the sensor color unevenness indicate unevenness in brightness and color in a captured image, respectively, caused by design or manufacturing variations in each pixel of the image sensor 110. Furthermore, the brightness and color in a captured image may have a known distribution (unevenness) based on the design information of the camera body 100. In this case, the sensor brightness unevenness and the sensor color unevenness may include a change from the known distribution of brightness and color in a captured image, respectively, caused by eccentricity of the optical member 101 or the image sensor 110.

[0051] The vignetting, resolution loss, optical chromatic aberration, and optical distortion are individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics inherent to the lens device 200. The vignetting indicates a loss of light in the peripheral area away from the center in a captured image caused by the design of the lens device 200. The resolution loss indicates a loss of resolution in a predetermined area of ​​a captured image caused by the design of the lens device 200. The amount of light and the resolution in the captured image have a distribution known from the design information of the lens device 200. The vignetting and the resolution loss may each include a change from the known distribution of the amount of light and the resolution in the captured image caused by the decentering of each lens of the lens device 200. The optical chromatic aberration and the optical distortion indicate chromatic aberration and distortion in the captured image caused by design or manufacturing variations of the lens device 200, respectively.

[0052] When the digital camera 1 includes a camera body 100 and a lens apparatus 200 , the individual characteristic information of the digital camera 1 includes individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 and individual characteristic information of the lens apparatus 200 .

[0053] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration for acquiring individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 in FIG. 2 by measurement and providing it to the server device 3-1 in FIG. 1. The measurement lens device 200A has known optical characteristics and is attached to the camera body 100 to be measured. The measurement lens device 200A has a configuration similar to that of the lens device 200 in FIG. 2. The light source panel 610 is configured so that test light of a certain intensity and the same color is incident on the entire surface of the image sensor 110 of the camera body 100. The control device 601 controls the light source panel 610 so that the test light is incident on the camera body 100 via the measurement lens device 200A. The control device 601 acquires an image generated by the image sensor 110 from the camera body 100 via a wireless connection (the communication unit 180 in FIG. 2) or another interface (e.g., USB, etc.). The control device 601 measures the sensor brightness unevenness and sensor color unevenness of the camera body 100 based on the brightness and color of each pixel of the image generated by the image sensor 110. The control device 601 may perform gain enhancement on the image generated by the image sensor 110 in order to measure the sensor luminance unevenness caused by the optical member 101. The control device 601 transmits individual characteristic information including the sensor luminance unevenness and sensor color unevenness of the camera body 100 together with the identification information of the camera body 100 to the server device 3-1.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration for acquiring individual characteristic information of the lens device 200 in FIG. 2 by measurement and providing it to the server device 3-2 in FIG. 1. The measurement camera body 100A has known optical characteristics, and the lens device 200 to be measured is attached to the measurement camera body 100A. The measurement camera body 100A has a configuration similar to that of the camera body 100 in FIG. 2. The control device 602 controls the light source panel 610 so as to cause test light to be incident on the measurement camera body 100A via the lens device 200. The control device 602 acquires an image generated by the image sensor 110 from the measurement camera body 100A via a wireless connection or another interface. The control device 602 measures the peripheral light falloff of the lens device 200 based on the luminance of each pixel of the image generated by the image sensor 110. The control device 602 transmits the individual characteristic information including the peripheral light falloff of the lens device 200 to the server device 3-2 together with the identification information of the lens device 200.

[0055] The configuration of Fig. 7 may be used to measure the resolution degradation, optical chromatic aberration, and optical distortion of the lens device 200. In this case, the light source panel 610 is configured so that a test pattern having a predetermined shape is incident on the image sensor 110 of the camera body 100. The control device 602 measures the resolution degradation, optical chromatic aberration, and optical distortion of the lens device 200 based on the luminance and color of each pixel of the image generated by the image sensor 110. The control device 602 transmits individual characteristic information including the resolution degradation, optical chromatic aberration, and optical distortion of the lens device 200 to the server device 3-2 together with the identification information of the lens device 200.

[0056] 2 has a variable magnification, a variable aperture, a variable image stabilization state, and a variable focus, and its optical characteristics may change with changes in the magnification, aperture, image stabilization state, and focus. Therefore, the control device 602 in FIG 7 may change the magnification, aperture, image stabilization state, and focus of the lens device 200, and measure individual characteristic information of the lens device 200 for multiple magnifications, multiple apertures, multiple image stabilization states, and multiple focuses.

[0057] Individual characteristic information known from the design information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 may be stored in advance in the server devices 3-1 to 3-3 together with their identification information. Furthermore, for optical characteristics (e.g., optical chromatic aberration and optical distortion) that are considered to have little manufacturing variation, only individual characteristic information based on the design information may be stored in the server devices 3-1 to 3-3 without measurement. The individual characteristic information based on the design information is applied to all camera bodies 100 or lens devices 200 having the same model number.

[0058] The server device 3-1 stores individual characteristic information of the camera body 100, for example, as shown in the table below.

[0059] ------------------------------------------------------------------ Model number, manufacturing serial number, individual characteristic information ------------------------------------------------------------------ A 01 CA-01 A 02 CA-02 B 01 CB-01 … ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0060] Model numbers "A" and "B" indicate different models of camera bodies 100. The first and second rows of the table indicate different individuals of the same model. An individual camera body 100 is represented by a combination of a model number and a manufacturing serial number. Server device 3-1 stores individual characteristic information CA-01, CA-02, CB-01, ... for each camera body 100.

[0061] The server device 3-2 stores individual characteristic information of the lens device 200, for example, as shown in the table below.

[0062] ------------------------------------------------------------------ Model number, manufacturing serial number, individual characteristic information ------------------------------------------------------------------ X 01 CX-01 X 02 CX-02 Y 01 CY-01 … ------------------------------------------------------------------

[0063] Model numbers "X" and "Y" indicate different models of lens devices 200. The first and second rows of the table indicate different units of the same model. An individual lens device 200 is represented by a combination of a model number and a manufacturing serial number. The server device 3-2 stores, for each lens device 200, its individual characteristic information CX-01, CX-02, CY-01, ....

[0064] Model numbers and manufacturing serial numbers are not limited to being solely numeric, but may be a combination of numbers, letters, and other symbols.

[0065] As described above, the individual characteristic information stored in each of the server devices 3-1 to 3-3 may be provided by different manufacturers. Generally, the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 are provided by different manufacturers, so the individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 stored in the server device 3-1 and the individual characteristic information of the lens device 200 stored in the server devices 3-2 to 3-3 may be provided by different manufacturers. In addition, since multiple types of lens devices 200 can be attached to the camera body 100, the individual characteristic information of the lens device 200 stored in each of the server devices 3-2 to 3-3 may be provided by different manufacturers.

[0066] The correction program corrects the captured image based on the individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 so as to reduce undesirable distortion and unevenness in the captured image. The correction program may also correct the captured image based on the state information of the lens device 200 (magnification, aperture, image stabilization state, and focus). The correction program may be a function with parameters of the optical characteristics of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200, and the magnification, aperture, image stabilization state, and focus of the lens device. The correction program may also be a combination of a plurality of tables selected based on the optical characteristics of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200, and the magnification, aperture, image stabilization state, and focus of the lens device. The correction program may be provided by, for example, the manufacturer of the camera body 100.

[0067] The server device 4 stores the correction program, for example, as shown in the table below.

[0068] -------------------------------------------------- Model Number Correction Program -------------------------------------------------- A PA ver.1.0 A PA ver.1.1 BPB ver.1.0 … --------------------------------------------------

[0069] In this example, multiple versions of the correction program are stored for the camera body 100 having the model number "A."

[0070] [Digital camera operation] 8 is a sequence diagram showing initial communication between the camera body 100 and the lens apparatus 200 immediately after the digital camera 1 in FIG. 2 is powered on. In step S1, the camera body 100 is powered on to start power supply M1 from the camera body 100 to the lens apparatus 200. After the power supply M1 starts, the camera body 100 transmits a model number request signal M2 to the lens apparatus 200. In response to the model number request signal M2, the lens apparatus 200 transmits a model number response signal M3 including the model number of the lens apparatus 200 to the camera body 100. Upon receiving the model number of the lens apparatus 200, the camera body 100 authenticates the lens apparatus 200. Next, the camera body 100 transmits an initialization request signal M4 to the lens apparatus 200. When the lens device 200 receives the initialization request signal M4, the lens device 200 initializes the lens device 200 by moving the zoom lens 210, the OIS lens 220, the focus lens 230, and the diaphragm device 240 to a predetermined initial position or to the position when the power of the camera body 100 was last turned off, and then transmits an initialization response signal M5 to the camera body 100. Next, the camera body 100 transmits a manufacturing serial number request signal M6 to the lens device 200. In response to the manufacturing serial number request signal M6, the lens device 200 transmits a manufacturing serial number response signal M7 including the manufacturing serial number of the lens device 200 to the camera body 100. When the camera body 100 acquires the model number and manufacturing serial number of the lens device 200 (i.e., the identification information of the lens device 200), the initial communication between the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 is completed.

[0071] Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing steady-state communication between the camera body 100 and the lens apparatus 200 when an image is being captured by the digital camera 1 of Fig. 2. The camera body 100 periodically transmits a status information request signal M11 to the lens apparatus 200. In response to the status information request signal M11, the lens apparatus 200 transmits a status information response signal M12 including current status information of the lens apparatus 200 (i.e., the current magnification, aperture, image stabilization status, and focus of the lens apparatus 200) to the camera body 100.

[0072] When the camera body corrects an image as in the conventional case, it is necessary to store the individual characteristic information of the lens device in advance in a non-volatile storage device inside the lens device, and to transmit the individual characteristic information of the lens device to the camera body from the lens device. On the other hand, according to the image correction system 20 according to the embodiment, the individual characteristic information of the lens device 200 is stored in the server device 3-2 or 3-3, and is transmitted from the server device 3-2 or 3-3 to the image correction device 2. Therefore, according to the image correction system 20 according to the embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the lens device 200 with a large-capacity non-volatile storage device, so that the circuit scale and cost of the lens device 200 can be reduced compared to the conventional case. Furthermore, according to the image correction system 20 according to the embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication between the camera body 100 and the lens device 200.

[0073] [Image correction processing] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a correction process in which an image captured by the digital camera 1 is corrected by the image correction device 2 in the image correction system 20 of FIG.

[0074] 8 and 9, in the digital camera 1, signals M3 and M7 including identification information of the lens device 200 are transmitted from the lens device 200 to the camera body 100 as initial communication, and a signal M12 including status information of the lens device 200 is transmitted from the lens device 200 to the camera body 100 as steady communication. Next, in step S11, the user presses the release button 121, causing the digital camera 1 to capture an image. When the digital camera 1 has captured an image, the communication unit 180 of the digital camera 1 transmits one or more signals M21 including the identification information of the camera body 100, the identification information of the lens device 200, status information of the lens device 200, and the captured image to the image correction device 2.

[0075] Identification information of the camera body 100, identification information of the lens device 200, status information of the lens device 200, and the captured image may be transmitted from the digital camera 1 to the image correction device 2, for example, as a file having the following format:

[0076] <Header> Image size (horizontal and vertical pixels) Still image file formats Data length Identification information of the lens device 200 (model number and manufacturing serial number) Identification information of the camera body 100 (model number and manufacturing serial number) Status information of the lens device 200 (magnification, aperture, image stabilization status, and focus) <Data body> -Photos taken

[0077] Instead of being embedded in the header, the identification information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 may be transmitted separately from the captured image. In this case, the header of the file containing the captured image includes a unique identifier associated with the captured image instead of the identification information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200. The identification information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 is transmitted from the digital camera 1 to the image correction device 2 together with the same identifier.

[0078] The communication unit 180 of the digital camera 1 may transmit the identification information of the camera body 100, the identification information of the lens device 200, the status information of the lens device 200, and the captured image to the server device 5. In this case, the communication unit 404 of the server device 5 receives the identification information of the camera body 100, the identification information of the lens device 200, the status information of the lens device 200, and the captured image. The storage unit 403 of the server device 5 stores the identification information of the camera body 100, the identification information of the lens device 200, the status information of the lens device 200, and the captured image.

[0079] The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 receives from the digital camera 1 one or more signals M21 including the identification information of the camera body 100, the identification information of the lens device 200, the status information of the lens device 200, and the captured image.

[0080] The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 transmits to the server device 3-1 a data request signal M22 including the identification information of the camera body 100. In response to the data request signal M22, the communication unit 404 of the server device 3-1 transmits to the image correction device 2 a data response signal M23 including individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 identified by the identification information.

[0081] The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 transmits to the server device 3-2 a data request signal M24 including the identification information of the lens device 200. In response to the data request signal M24, the communication unit 404 of the server device 3-2 transmits to the image correction device 2 a data response signal M25 including individual characteristic information of the lens device 200 identified by the identification information.

[0082] The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 receives signals M23 and M25 including individual identification information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 from the server devices 3-1 and 3-2, respectively. In step S12, the processing unit 301 of the image correction device 2 corrects the image received from the digital camera 1 using a correction program based on the individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200. The processing unit 301 of the image correction device 2 may also correct the image received from the digital camera 1 using a correction program based on the individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 and status information of the lens device 200. Thereafter, the communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 transmits signals M26 and M27 including the corrected image to the digital camera 1 and the server device 6, respectively.

[0083] The communication section 180 of the digital camera 1 receives the signal M26 including the corrected image. In step S13, the liquid crystal monitor 120 of the digital camera 1 displays the corrected image.

[0084] Furthermore, communication unit 404 of server device 6 receives signal M27 including the corrected image. In step S14, storage unit 403 of server device 6 stores the corrected image. The image stored in server device 6 may be read by user terminal device 8 and displayed on display unit 506 of user terminal device 8, for example.

[0085] According to the first embodiment, there is no need to provide a correction circuit or correction program in the digital camera 1, so it is possible to reduce the circuit scale and cost of the digital camera 1 compared to conventional methods. Also, according to the first embodiment, there is no need for power to operate a correction circuit or power to execute a correction program in the digital camera 1, so it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the digital camera 1 compared to conventional methods.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the individual characteristic information of digital camera 1 is stored in server devices 3-1 to 3-3, rather than inside digital camera 1, so there is no need to provide digital camera 1 with a large-capacity non-volatile storage device, making it possible to reduce the circuit scale and cost of the digital camera compared to conventional methods.

[0087] In this way, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to correct undesirable distortion and unevenness in a captured image while reducing the circuit scale, cost, and / or power consumption of the digital camera 1 compared to conventional methods.

[0088] In addition, once a digital camera is manufactured and shipped, the correction circuit cannot be replaced with a circuit with higher performance. Even if the digital camera has a correction program, it is difficult to install and execute an updated correction program of any size or with any processing load in the digital camera due to the hardware constraints of the digital camera. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, the image correction device 2 executes the correction program, so that an updated correction program of any size or with any processing load can be executed without being restricted by the hardware of the digital camera 1. According to the first embodiment, the circuit scale, cost, and / or power consumption of the digital camera 1 can be reduced compared to the conventional case, while the latest correction program can be easily used to correct undesirable distortion and unevenness in a captured image.

[0089] According to the first embodiment, an image captured by the digital camera 1 can be corrected to improve the quality of the image.

[0090] [Preview image correction processing] The image correction process described above can also be applied to correcting each frame of a digital video (hereinafter simply referred to as a "video"). Therefore, for example, the image correction system 20 may display an image corrected by the image correction device 2 as a preview image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 120 of the digital camera 1, instead of the captured image (i.e., an uncorrected image).

[0091] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a correction process in which the preview image displayed on the digital camera 1 is corrected by the image correction device 2 in the image correction system 20 of FIG.

[0092] The process of Fig. 11 is executed after image correction device 2 acquires identification information of camera body 100 and lens device 200 from digital camera 1, and acquires individual characteristic information of camera body 100 and lens device 200 from server devices 3-1, 3-2 based on the identification information of camera body 100 and lens device 200, similar to the process of Fig. 10. The process of Fig. 11 is executed, for example, for each frame of a moving image of 60 frames per second.

[0093] The camera body 100 receives a signal M12 including status information of the lens device 200 from the lens device 200. The image sensor 110 of the digital camera 1 receives light incident via the optical system and generates a moving image (i.e., a series of frames). The communication unit 180 of the digital camera 1 transmits a signal M31 including an image currently being generated by the image sensor 110 (i.e., one frame of a moving image) together with identification information of the camera body 100, identification information of the lens device 200, and status information of the lens device 200 to the image correction device 2.

[0094] Identification information of the camera body 100, identification information of the lens device 200, status information of the lens device 200, and the captured image may be transmitted from the digital camera 1 to the image correction device 2, for example, as a file having the following format:

[0095] <Header> Image size (horizontal and vertical pixels) Video file formats Frame rate Identification information of the lens device 200 (model number and manufacturing serial number) Identification information of the camera body 100 (model number and manufacturing serial number) <First frame data> Data length Status information of the lens device 200 (magnification, aperture, image stabilization status, and focus) -Photos taken <Second frame data> (Omitted) … <Nth frame data> Data length Status information of the lens device 200 (magnification, aperture, image stabilization status, and focus) -Photos taken

[0096] Instead of being embedded in the header, the identification information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 may be transmitted separately from the captured image. In this case, the header of the file containing the captured image includes a unique identifier associated with the captured image instead of the identification information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200. The identification information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 is transmitted from the digital camera 1 to the image correction device 2 together with the same identifier.

[0097] As described above, when correcting one still image, the status information of the lens device 200 may be embedded in the header of the file containing the image. On the other hand, when correcting each frame of a moving image, the status information of the lens device 200 is embedded for each frame. If the magnification, aperture, image stabilization state, or focus of the lens device 200 changes while capturing a moving image, the status information including the changed values ​​is embedded in the current frame.

[0098] The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 receives a signal M31 including the identification information of the camera body 100, the identification information of the lens device 200, the status information of the lens device 200, and the captured image from the digital camera 1. In step S21, the processing unit 301 of the image correction device 2 corrects the image of the current frame using a correction program based on the individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200. The processing unit 301 of the image correction device 2 may also correct the image of the current frame using a correction program based on the individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 and the status information of the lens device 200. The processing unit 301 of the image correction device 2 can correct a moving image by correcting a series of frames using the correction program. After that, the communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 transmits a signal M32 including the corrected image to the digital camera 1.

[0099] The communication unit 180 of the digital camera 1 receives a signal M32 including the corrected image from the image correction device 2. In step S22, the LCD monitor 120 of the digital camera 1 displays the corrected image. The camera controller 140 may also output the corrected image from the communication unit 180 to an external display monitor via a wireless or wired connection.

[0100] Thereafter, the image correction system 20 repeats the above-mentioned process for each frame. The user presses the release button 121 to capture a desired image.

[0101] According to the process of FIG. 11, as in the case of still images, undesirable distortions and unevenness in captured moving images can be corrected while reducing the circuit size, cost, and / or power consumption of the digital camera 1 compared to conventional methods.

[0102] According to the process of FIG. 11, a captured image is corrected and displayed in real time, making it possible to present a corrected preview image in real time.

[0103] [Correction processing of stored images] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a correction process performed on an image temporarily stored in server device 5 when the correction program is updated in image correction system 20 of FIG.

[0104] In step S31, as described above, the server device 5 stores an image captured by the digital camera 1 (i.e., an uncorrected image) in the memory unit 403 together with identification information of the camera body 100, identification information of the lens device 200, and status information of the lens device 200.

[0105] In step S32, the server device 4 obtains an updated version of a correction program for a certain digital camera 1 and stores it in the storage unit 403. When the updated version of the correction program has been obtained, the communication unit 404 of the server device 4 transmits a signal M41 including the updated version of the correction program to the image correction device 2. Furthermore, if the user of the digital camera 1 has registered the user terminal device 7 (or an email address usable by the user terminal device 7, etc.) as the user's contact information in the server device 4, the communication unit 404 of the server device 4 transmits an update notification signal M42 to the user terminal device 7 indicating that an updated version of the correction program has been obtained.

[0106] The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 receives the signal M41 including the updated version of the correction program from the server device 4. The storage unit 303 of the image correction device 2 stores the updated version of the correction program.

[0107] The communication unit 504 of the user terminal device 7 receives the update notification signal M42. Upon receiving the update notification signal M42, the user of the user terminal device 7 decides whether or not to have the image stored in the server device 5 corrected by the image correction device 2. In response to the user's decision, the communication unit 504 of the user terminal device 7 transmits to the server device 5 a correction request signal M43 instructing the server device 5 to correct the image stored in the server device 5 by the image correction device 2.

[0108] When the communication unit 404 of the server device 5 receives the correction request signal M43, it transmits a signal M44 to the image correction device 2, the signal M44 including the captured image stored in the memory unit 403, together with identification information of the camera body 100, identification information of the lens device 200, and status information of the lens device 200.

[0109] The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 receives a signal M41 including an updated version of the correction program from the server device 4, and then receives a signal M44 including the identification information of the camera body 100, the identification information of the lens device 200, the status information of the lens device 200, and the captured image from the server device 5. The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 acquires the individual identification information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 from the server devices 3-1 and 3-2 based on the identification information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200, respectively. In step S33, the processing unit 301 of the image correction device 2 corrects the image received from the server device 5 using the correction program based on the individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200. The processing unit 301 of the image correction device 2 may also correct the image received from the server device 5 using the correction program based on the individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 and the status information of the lens device 200. Thereafter, the communication section 304 of the image correction device 2 transmits to the server device 6 a signal M45 including the corrected image.

[0110] The communication unit 404 of the server device 6 receives the signal M45 including the corrected image. In step S34, the storage unit 403 of the server device 6 stores the corrected image.

[0111] As described above, the server device 6 may be configured to allow any client device to access the stored corrected image via the communication line 11. In this case, the communication unit 504 of the user terminal device 8 transmits a data request signal M46 to the server device 6. In response to the data request signal M46, the communication unit 404 of the server device 6 transmits a signal M47 including the stored corrected image to the user terminal device 8. The communication unit 504 of the user terminal device 8 receives the signal M47 including the corrected image. In step S35, the display unit 506 of the user terminal device 8 displays the corrected image.

[0112] 12, a case has been described in which, when the server device 4 acquires an updated version of the correction program, the server device 4 transmits the updated version of the correction program to the image correction device 2. Alternatively, the image correction device 2 may periodically inquire of the server device 4 about the presence or absence of an updated version of the correction program.

[0113] According to the process of FIG. 12, for example, when user terminal device 7 is used by a video distributor and user terminal device 8 is used by a viewer, when an updated version of the correction program is provided, a video image corrected with improved quality can be quickly provided to the viewer.

[0114] [Select the correction program version] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a table that is displayed on the display unit of the digital camera 1 or the user terminal device 7 when the image correction device 2 of FIG. 1 stores a plurality of versions of a correction program.

[0115] 13 shows a case where separate correction programs each having a plurality of plates are used to correct a plurality of optical characteristics of the digital camera 1, namely, sensor brightness unevenness, sensor color unevenness, peripheral light falloff, resolution loss, optical chromatic aberration, and optical distortion. The necessity of correcting each optical characteristic (i.e., whether or not to apply it to an image) can be set individually.

[0116] The memory unit 303 of the image correction device 2 stores multiple versions of the correction program for one or multiple optical characteristics. The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 transmits to the digital camera 1 a list of multiple versions of the correction program that can be used by the image correction device 2.

[0117] The communication unit 180 of the digital camera 1 receives a list of multiple versions of the correction program from the image correction device 2. The liquid crystal monitor 120 of the digital camera 1 displays the list of multiple versions of the correction program. The operation buttons 122 of the digital camera 1 obtain a user input for selecting one of the multiple versions of the correction program. The communication unit 180 of the digital camera 1 transmits a control signal for selecting one of the multiple versions of the correction program to the image correction device 2.

[0118] The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 receives a control signal for selecting one of a plurality of versions of the correction program. The processing unit 301 of the image correction device 2 corrects the image using the correction program of the version selected in accordance with the control signal.

[0119] Instead of the digital camera 1, the user terminal device 7 or 8 may receive a list of multiple versions of the correction program and send a control signal to the image correction device 2 to select one of the multiple versions of the correction program.

[0120] Using the user interface shown in Fig. 13, a user can correct an image using a desired correction program. If the user does not specify a correction program version in advance, the latest correction program is used for all optical characteristics. If "latest" is specified as the correction program version, the latest correction program is always used. The user may intentionally specify an older version of the correction program.

[0121] [Advantages of the first embodiment] The digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment includes an image sensor 110 that receives light incident via an optical system including at least one lens and generates a digital image. The digital camera 1 further includes a communication unit 180 that communicates with an image correction device 2 that corrects the digital image using a correction program that corrects the image based on individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to the digital camera 1. The communication unit 180 transmits the digital image generated by the image sensor 110 and identification information of the digital camera 1 to the image correction device 2.

[0122] The image correction device 2 of the first embodiment includes a communication unit 304 that receives a digital image taken by the digital camera 1 and identification information of the digital camera 1, a memory unit 303 that stores a correction program for correcting the image, and a processing unit 301 that obtains individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to the digital camera 1 based on the identification information, and corrects the digital image using the correction program based on the individual characteristic information.

[0123] According to this configuration, it is possible to correct undesirable distortion and unevenness in a captured image while reducing the circuit scale, cost, and / or power consumption of the digital camera 1 compared to conventional methods.

[0124] According to a first embodiment, the identification information may include at least one of a model number and a manufacturing serial number. The identification information may also include an identifier associated with at least one of the model number and the manufacturing serial number.

[0125] According to this configuration, it is possible to identify each individual digital camera 1 based on the identification information, and to appropriately acquire its individual characteristic information.

[0126] According to the first embodiment, the individual characteristic information may include at least one of design information of the digital camera 1 and measurement results of the optical characteristics of the digital camera 1.

[0127] According to this configuration, the optical characteristics specific to the digital camera 1 can be appropriately provided.

[0128] According to the first embodiment, digital camera 1 may include camera body 100 and lens device 200 removably connected to camera body 100. In this case, the identification information includes first identification information for identifying camera body 100 and second identification information for identifying lens device 200. The individual characteristic information includes first individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to camera body 100 and second individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to lens device 200.

[0129] According to this configuration, an image can be appropriately corrected depending on the combination of the camera body 100 and the lens apparatus 200.

[0130] According to the first embodiment, the camera body 100 may receive the second identification information from the lens device 200 connected to the digital camera 1 .

[0131] According to this configuration, the camera body 100 can provide the second identification information received from the lens device 200 to the image correction device 2 .

[0132] According to the first embodiment, the communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 may receive first individual characteristic information from one or more first server devices 3-1 each storing first individual characteristic information related to the camera body 100 provided by one or more camera manufacturers. The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 may receive second individual characteristic information from one or more second server devices 3-2 to 3-3 each storing second individual characteristic information related to the lens device 200 provided by one or more lens manufacturers.

[0133] According to this configuration, the image correction device 2 can acquire appropriate individual characteristic information according to the combination of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200.

[0134] According to the first embodiment, the digital camera 1 may include an optical system having at least one of variable magnification, variable aperture, variable image stabilization state, and variable focus. In this case, the communication unit 180 of the digital camera 1 transmits to the image correction device 2 state information indicating at least one of the magnification, aperture, image stabilization state, and focus of the optical system when the digital image is generated by the imaging element 110. The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 receives state information indicating at least one of the magnification, aperture, image stabilization state, and focus of the optical system when the digital image is captured by the digital camera 1. The processing unit 301 of the image correction device 2 corrects the digital image using a correction program based on the individual characteristic information and the state information.

[0135] According to this configuration, an image can be appropriately corrected according to the magnification, aperture, image stabilization state, and focus state.

[0136] According to the first embodiment, the camera body 100 may receive status information from the lens device 200 connected to the camera body 100 indicating at least one of the magnification of the optical system, the aperture, the image stabilization state, and the focus.

[0137] According to this configuration, the camera body 100 can provide the status information received from the lens device 200 to the image correction device 2 .

[0138] According to the first embodiment, the communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 may receive a digital image captured by the digital camera 1 from the digital camera 1. The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 may transmit a digital image corrected by the processing unit 301 to the digital camera 1. The communication unit 180 of the digital camera 1 may receive a digital image corrected by the image correction device 2 from the image correction device 2. The digital camera 1 may further include a display unit 120 that displays the digital image corrected by the image correction device 2.

[0139] According to this configuration, the user of the digital camera 1 can view the image corrected by the image correction device 2 on the display unit of the digital camera 1.

[0140] According to the first embodiment, the communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 may receive an updated version of the correction program from the third server device 4 that stores the updated version of the correction program. In this case, the storage unit 303 of the image correction device 2 stores the updated version of the correction program.

[0141] According to this configuration, the image correction device 2 can provide a higher quality corrected image by using an updated version of the correction program.

[0142] According to the first embodiment, when the communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 receives an updated version of the correction program, the communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 may receive digital images from the fourth server device 5 that stores digital images captured by the digital camera 1. The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 may transmit digital images corrected by the processing unit 301 of the image correction device 2 to the fifth server device 6.

[0143] According to this configuration, for example, a corrected video image with improved quality can be quickly provided to a video distributor and its viewers.

[0144] According to the first embodiment, the storage unit 303 of the image correction device 2 may store multiple versions of the correction program. The communication unit 180 of the digital camera 1 may receive a list of multiple versions of the correction program from the image correction device 2. In this case, the digital camera 1 further includes a liquid crystal monitor 120 that displays a list of multiple versions of the correction program usable by the image correction device 2, and an operation button 122 that acquires a user input for selecting one of the multiple versions of the correction program. The wireless communication unit 180 of the digital camera 1 transmits a control signal for selecting one of the multiple versions of the correction program to the image correction device 2. The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 receives the control signal for selecting one of the multiple versions of the correction program. The processing unit 301 of the image correction device 2 corrects the image using the version of the correction program selected according to the control signal.

[0145] According to this configuration, the user can correct the image using a desired correction program.

[0146] According to the first embodiment, the imaging element 110 of the digital camera 1 may generate a moving image by receiving light incident via an optical system. In this case, the communication unit 180 of the digital camera 1 transmits the moving image generated by the imaging element 110 and identification information of the digital camera 1 to the image correction device 2. The communication unit 304 of the image correction device 2 receives the moving image captured by the digital camera 1. The processing unit 301 of the image correction device 2 corrects the moving image using a correction program.

[0147] According to this configuration, for example, captured data is corrected in real time and displayed, making it possible to present a corrected preview image in real time.

[0148] [Second embodiment] The correction process according to the embodiment is not limited to images captured by a digital camera 1 including a camera body 100 and a lens apparatus 200 detachably connected to the camera body 100, but can also be applied to images captured by an all-in-one digital camera. A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0149] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera 1A according to the second embodiment. The digital camera 1A includes the components of the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 in FIG. 2, except for the body mount 150 and the lens mount 260. The camera controller 140 and the power supply 160 are directly connected to the lens controller 250 without the body mount 150 and the lens mount 260. The flash memory 142 stores the identification information of the digital camera 1A instead of the identification information of the camera body 100. The flash memory 252 stores the firmware program and user setting values ​​of the lens device 200. The lens controller 250, the DRAM 251, and the flash memory 252 may be integrated with the corresponding camera controller 140, the DRAM 141, and the flash memory 142.

[0150] The digital camera 1A is an example of an imaging device.

[0151] Like the digital camera 1 in FIG. 1, the digital camera 1A is wirelessly connected to an access point device and connected to a communication line 11 via the access point device. The image correction system according to the second embodiment also includes a server device that stores individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to the digital camera 1A. The image correction device 2 receives the individual characteristic information of the digital camera 1A from the server device via the communication line 11. The image correction device 2 corrects the image received from the digital camera 1A using a correction program that corrects the image based on the individual characteristic information indicating the optical characteristics unique to the digital camera 1A. The image correction device 2 transmits the corrected image to the digital camera 1A via the communication line 11 and the access point device.

[0152] According to the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, it is possible to correct undesirable distortions and unevenness in a captured image while reducing the circuit size, cost, and / or power consumption of the digital camera 1A compared to conventional methods.

[0153] [Advantages of the second embodiment] Digital camera 1A according to the second embodiment includes an image sensor 110 that receives light incident via an optical system including at least one lens and generates a digital image. Digital camera 1A further includes a communication unit 180 that communicates with image correction device 2 that corrects the digital image using a correction program that corrects the image based on individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to digital camera 1A. Communication unit 180 transmits the digital image generated by image sensor 110 and identification information of digital camera 1A to image correction device 2.

[0154] According to this configuration, it is possible to correct undesirable distortion and unevenness in a captured image while reducing the circuit scale, cost, and / or power consumption of the digital camera 1A compared to conventional methods.

[0155] According to the second embodiment, the digital camera 1A further comprises an optical system including at least one lens.

[0156] According to this configuration, it is possible to correct undesirable distortion and unevenness in an image captured by an integrated digital camera.

[0157] According to the second embodiment, the optical system may have at least one of variable magnification, variable aperture, variable image stabilization state, and variable focus. In this case, the communication unit 180 transmits to the image correction device 2 state information indicating at least one of the magnification, aperture, image stabilization state, and focus of the optical system when the digital image is generated by the imaging element 110. The image correction device 2 corrects the digital image using a correction program based on the individual characteristic information and the state information.

[0158] According to this configuration, an image can be appropriately corrected according to the magnification, aperture, image stabilization state, and focus state.

[0159] [Other embodiments] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are appropriately performed. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0160] When the optical system of the camera body 100 has a variable state, the image correction device 2 may correct the image using a correction program based on the state information of the camera body 100 , not limited to the state information of the lens device 200 .

[0161] Image correction device 2 may receive individual characteristic information not only from one server device 3-1, but also from a plurality of server devices each storing individual characteristic information relating to camera bodies 100 provided by a plurality of camera manufacturers.

[0162] The image correction device may acquire the contents of the server devices 3-1 to 3-3 in advance and store them in the memory unit 303, instead of inquiring of the server devices 3-1 to 3-3 after receiving an image captured by the digital camera 1 as shown in FIG.

[0163] The digital camera 1 may display the captured image (ie, the uncorrected image) on the LCD monitor 120 , while displaying the corrected image on an external monitor connected to the digital camera 1 .

[0164] The individual characteristic information of the digital camera 1 is not limited to sensor brightness unevenness, sensor color unevenness, peripheral light reduction, resolution reduction, optical chromatic aberration, and optical distortion. The individual characteristic information of the digital camera 1 may include optical characteristics related to, for example, the focusing state of the lens device 200, image quality enhancement of the signal processing circuit of the camera body 100, and the like.

[0165] The imaging device according to the embodiment may be a digital camera 1 including a camera body 100 and a lens device 200 removably connected to the camera body 100. The imaging device according to the embodiment may be a camera body 100 removably connected to a lens device 200 including an optical system including at least one lens. The imaging device according to the embodiment may be a digital camera 1A including an optical system including at least one lens. In either case, the "identification information of the imaging device" refers to information transmitted from the imaging device to the image correction device 2, and is information that allows the image correction device 2 to identify the device involved in the capture of the digital image. Therefore, the identification information of the imaging device may be a combination of the identification information of the camera body 100 and the identification information of the lens device 200 (first embodiment), or may be the identification information of the digital camera 1A (second embodiment). Furthermore, the "individual characteristic information of the imaging device" refers to the optical characteristics of the device involved in the capture of the digital image. Therefore, the identification information of the imaging device may be a combination of the individual characteristic information of the camera body 100 and the individual characteristic information of the lens device 200 (first embodiment), or may be the individual characteristic information of the digital camera 1A (second embodiment).

[0166] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure. For this purpose, the accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided.

[0167] Therefore, among the components described in the attached drawings and the detailed description, not only are there components essential for solving the problem, but there may also be components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to illustrate the above technology. Therefore, the fact that such non-essential components are described in the attached drawings or the detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that such non-essential components are essential.

[0168] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology in the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0169] [Summary of the embodiment] The digital camera, the image correction device, and the image correction system according to the embodiment may be expressed as follows.

[0170] An image correction device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication unit for receiving a digital image captured by an imaging device and identification information of the imaging device; A storage unit for storing a correction program for correcting an image; The imaging device further includes a processing unit that acquires individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics specific to the imaging device based on the identification information, and corrects the digital image using the correction program based on the individual characteristic information.

[0171] According to the image correction device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the image correction device according to the first aspect, The identification information includes at least one of a model number and a manufacturing serial number.

[0172] According to the image correction device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, in the image correction device according to the first aspect, The identification information includes an identifier associated with at least one of a model number and a manufacturing serial number.

[0173] According to the image correction device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the image correction device according to one of the first to third aspects, The individual characteristic information includes at least one of design information of the imaging device and measurement results of optical characteristics of the imaging device.

[0174] According to the image correction device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the image correction device according to one of the first to fourth aspects, the imaging device includes a camera body and a lens device removably connected to the camera body; the identification information includes first identification information for identifying the camera body and second identification information for identifying the lens device; The individual characteristic information includes first individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to the camera body, and second individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to the lens device.

[0175] According to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the image correction device according to the fifth aspect, The communication unit is receiving the first individual characteristic information from one or more first server devices each storing the first individual characteristic information on a camera body provided by one or more camera manufacturers; The second individual characteristic information is received from one or more second server devices that respectively store the second individual characteristic information regarding lens devices provided by one or more lens manufacturers.

[0176] According to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the image correction device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the imaging device includes an optical system having at least one of a variable magnification, a variable aperture, a variable image stabilization state, and a variable focus; the communication unit receives status information indicating at least one of a magnification of the optical system, an aperture, a camera shake correction state, and a focus when the digital image is captured by the imaging device; The processing unit corrects the digital image using the correction program based on the individual characteristic information and the state information.

[0177] According to an image correction device according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the image correction device according to one of the first to seventh aspects, The communication unit is receiving, from the imaging device, a digital image captured by the imaging device; The digital image corrected by the processor is sent to the imaging device.

[0178] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in the image correction device according to one of the first to eighth aspects, The communication unit receives an updated version of the correction program from a third server device that stores an updated version of the correction program, The storage unit stores an updated version of the correction program.

[0179] According to the image correction device according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the image correction device according to the ninth aspect, When the communication unit receives an updated version of the correction program, receiving the digital images from a fourth server device that stores the digital images captured by the imaging device; The digital image corrected by the processing unit is transmitted to a fifth server device.

[0180] According to an image correction device according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the image correction device according to the ninth or tenth aspect, the storage unit stores a plurality of versions of the correction program; the communication unit receives a control signal for selecting one of a plurality of versions of the correction program; The processing unit corrects the digital image using the correction program of the version selected in accordance with the control signal.

[0181] According to the image correction device according to the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, in the image correction device according to one of the first to eleventh aspects, The communication unit receives digital moving images captured by the imaging device, The processing unit corrects the digital video using the correction program.

[0182] An image correction system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes: A digital camera; and an image correction device according to one of the first to twelfth aspects.

[0183] An image correction method according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes: receiving a digital image captured by an imaging device and an identification of the imaging device; reading from a storage unit a correction program for correcting an image; acquiring individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to the imaging device based on the identification information; and correcting the digital image using the correction program based on the individual characteristic information.

[0184] A program according to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes: 1. A program comprising instructions for execution by a processing circuit of a computing device, the instructions causing the processing circuit to: receiving a digital image captured by an imaging device and an identification of the imaging device; reading from a storage unit a correction program for correcting an image; acquiring individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to the imaging device based on the identification information; and correcting the digital image using the correction program based on the individual characteristic information.

[0185] According to the imaging device according to the sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, An imaging device including an image sensor that receives light incident through an optical system including at least one lens and generates a digital image, the imaging device further includes a communication unit that communicates with an image correction device that corrects the digital image using a correction program that corrects an image based on individual characteristic information that indicates optical characteristics unique to the imaging device; The communication section transmits a digital image generated by the imaging element and identification information of the imaging device to the image correction device.

[0186] According to the imaging device according to the seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the imaging device according to the sixteenth aspect, The identification information includes at least one of a model number and a manufacturing serial number.

[0187] According to an imaging device according to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the imaging device according to the sixteenth aspect, The identification information includes an identifier associated with at least one of a model number and a manufacturing serial number.

[0188] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the imaging device according to one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects, The individual characteristic information includes at least one of design information of the imaging device and measurement results of optical characteristics of the imaging device.

[0189] According to the imaging device according to the twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, in the imaging device according to one of the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects, the imaging device is a camera body that is detachably connected to a lens device that includes an optical system including the at least one lens; the identification information includes first identification information for identifying the camera body and second identification information for identifying the lens device; The individual characteristic information includes first individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to the camera body, and second individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics unique to the lens device.

[0190] According to the imaging device according to the twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, in the imaging device according to the twentieth aspect, The imaging device receives the second identification information from the lens device connected to the imaging device.

[0191] According to the imaging device according to the twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure, in the imaging device according to the twentieth or twenty-first aspect, the optical system has at least one of a variable magnification, a variable aperture, a variable image stabilization state, and a variable focus; the imaging device receives status information indicating at least one of a magnification, an aperture, an image stabilization state, and a focus of the optical system from the lens device connected to the imaging device; the communication unit transmits to the image correction device state information indicating at least one of a magnification of the optical system, an aperture, a camera shake correction state, and a focus when the digital image is generated by the imaging element; The image correction device corrects the digital image using the correction program based on the individual characteristic information and the state information.

[0192] According to a twenty-third aspect of the present disclosure, in the imaging device according to one of the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects, The imaging device further comprises an optical system including the at least one lens.

[0193] According to the imaging device according to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the imaging device according to the twenty-third aspect, the optical system has at least one of a variable magnification, a variable aperture, a variable image stabilization state, and a variable focus; the communication unit transmits to the image correction device state information indicating at least one of a magnification of the optical system, an aperture, a camera shake correction state, and a focus when the digital image is generated by the imaging element; The image correction device corrects the digital image using the correction program based on the individual characteristic information and the state information.

[0194] According to the imaging device according to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the imaging device according to one of the sixteenth to twenty-fourth aspects, The communication unit receives, from the image correction device, a digital image corrected by the image correction device; The imaging device further includes a display unit for displaying the digital image corrected by the image correction device.

[0195] According to the imaging device according to the twenty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the imaging device according to one of the sixteenth to twenty-fifth aspects, The imaging device includes: a display unit that displays a list of multiple versions of the correction program that can be used by the image correction device; and an input unit for receiving a user input for selecting one of the multiple versions of the correction program, The communication unit is receiving a list of a plurality of versions of the correction program from the image correction device; A control signal is sent to the image correction device to select one of a plurality of versions of the correction program.

[0196] According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the imaging device according to one of the sixteenth to twenty-sixth aspects, the imaging element receives light incident via the optical system and generates a digital video image; The communication section transmits the digital moving image generated by the imaging element and identification information of the imaging device to the image correction device.

[0197] According to an imaging method according to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present disclosure, 1. An imaging method for an imaging device having an imaging element that receives light incident via an optical system including at least one lens and generates a digital image, comprising the steps of: The imaging method includes a step of communicating with an image correction device that corrects the digital image using a correction program that corrects the image based on individual characteristic information that indicates optical characteristics unique to the imaging device; The communicating step includes transmitting a digital image generated by the image capture device and an identification of the image capture device to the image correction device.

[0198] According to a program according to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a program including instructions executed by a processing circuit of an imaging device, the instructions causing the processing circuit to execute a step of communicating with an image correction device that corrects the digital image using a correction program that corrects the image based on individual characteristic information indicative of optical characteristics unique to the imaging device; The communicating step includes transmitting a digital image generated by the image capture device and an identification of the image capture device to the image correction device. [Industrial Applicability]

[0199] The present disclosure is applicable to digital cameras that produce still or moving images. [Explanation of symbols]

[0200] 1,1A Digital Camera 2. Image correction device 3-1 Server device (individual characteristics of the camera body) 3-2 Server device (individual characteristics of lens device) 3-3 Server device (individual characteristics of lens device) 4 Server device (updated version of correction program) 5. Server device (captured images) 6 Server device (corrected image) 7,8 User terminal equipment 11. Communication Lines 12-1~12-3 Access point device (AP) 20 Image Correction System 100 Camera body 100A Measurement camera body 110 Image sensor 111 Analog / Digital Converter (ADC) 112 Timing Generator (TG) 120 LCD monitor 121 Release button 122 Operation Button 140 Camera Controller 141 DRAM 142 Flash Memory 150 Body Mount 160 Power supply 170 Card Slots 171 Memory Card 180 Communications Department 200 Lens device 200A Measuring lens device 210 Zoom Lens 211 Zoom lens drive unit 220 OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) lens 221 OIS drive unit 222 Position Sensor 223 OIS Processing Unit 224 Gyro sensor 230 Focus Lens 231 Focus lens drive unit 240 Squeezing device 241 Aperture drive unit 250 Lens Controller 251 DRAM 252 Flash Memory 260 Lens Mount 300 Bus 301 Processing section 302 Memory 303 Storage section 304 Communications Department 400 Bus 401 Processing section 402 Memory 403 Storage section 404 Communications Department 500 Bus 501 Processing section 502 Memory 503 Storage section 504 Communications Department 505 Input section 506 Display section 601,602 Control device 610 Light source panel

Claims

1. An imaging device including an imaging element that receives incident light through an optical system including at least one lens and generates a digital image, The imaging device is a communication unit that communicates with an image correction device that corrects the digital image using a correction program that corrects the image based on individual characteristic information that indicates optical characteristics unique to the imaging device, and that receives from the image correction device a list of multiple versions of the correction program that can be used by the image correction device; a display unit that displays a list of multiple versions of the correction program; an input unit for receiving a user input for selecting one of a plurality of versions of the correction program; Furthermore, the communication unit transmits to the image correction device the digital image generated by the imaging element, identification information of the imaging device, and a control signal for selecting one of a plurality of versions of the correction program; Imaging device.

2. The identification information includes at least one of a model number and a manufacturing serial number. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

3. the identification information includes an identifier associated with at least one of a model number and a manufacturing serial number; The imaging device according to claim 1 .

4. the individual characteristic information includes at least one of design information of the imaging device and measurement results of optical characteristics of the imaging device; The imaging device according to claim 1 .

5. the imaging device is a camera body that is detachably connected to a lens device that includes an optical system including the at least one lens; the identification information includes first identification information for identifying the camera body and second identification information for identifying the lens device; the individual characteristic information includes first individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics specific to the camera body and second individual characteristic information indicating optical characteristics specific to the lens device; The imaging device according to claim 1 .

6. the imaging device receives the second identification information from the lens device connected to the imaging device; 6. The imaging device according to claim 5.

7. the optical system has at least one of a variable magnification, a variable aperture, a variable image stabilization state, and a variable focus; the imaging device receives status information indicating at least one of a magnification, an aperture, an image stabilization state, and a focus of the optical system from the lens device connected to the imaging device; the communication unit transmits to the image correction device status information indicating at least one of a magnification of the optical system, an aperture, an image stabilization status, and a focus when the digital image was generated by the imaging element; the image correction device corrects the digital image using the correction program based on the individual characteristic information and the state information; 6. The imaging device according to claim 5.

8. the imaging device further comprises an optical system including the at least one lens; The imaging device according to claim 1 .

9. the optical system has at least one of a variable magnification, a variable aperture, a variable image stabilization state, and a variable focus; the communication unit transmits to the image correction device status information indicating at least one of a magnification of the optical system, an aperture, an image stabilization status, and a focus when the digital image was generated by the imaging element; the image correction device corrects the digital image using the correction program based on the individual characteristic information and the state information; 9. The imaging device according to claim 8.

10. the communication unit receives, from the image correction device, a digital image corrected by the image correction device; the imaging device further includes a display unit that displays the digital image corrected by the image correction device. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

11. the imaging element receives light incident via the optical system and generates a digital moving image; the communication unit transmits the digital moving image generated by the imaging element and identification information of the imaging device to the image correction device; The imaging device according to claim 1 .

12. 1. An imaging method for an imaging device having an imaging element that receives incident light through an optical system including at least one lens and generates a digital image, comprising: The imaging method includes: communicating with an image correction device that corrects the digital image using a correction program that corrects the image based on individual characteristic information that indicates optical characteristics unique to the imaging device, and receiving from the image correction device a list of multiple versions of the correction program that can be used by the image correction device; displaying a list of multiple versions of the correction program; and obtaining user input to select one of a plurality of versions of the correction program; the communicating step includes transmitting to the image correction device a digital image generated by the image sensor, identification information of the image capture device, and a control signal for selecting one of a plurality of versions of the correction program. Imaging method.

13. A program including instructions to be executed by a processing circuit of an imaging device, the imaging device further including an image sensor that receives incident light through an optical system including at least one lens and generates a digital image, the instructions including causing the processing circuit to: communicating with an image correction device that corrects the digital image using a correction program that corrects the image based on individual characteristic information that indicates optical characteristics unique to the imaging device, and receiving from the image correction device a list of multiple versions of the correction program that can be used by the image correction device; displaying a list of multiple versions of the correction program; and receiving a user input selecting one of the plurality of versions of the correction program; the communicating step includes transmitting to the image correction device a digital image generated by the image sensor, identification information of the image capture device, and a control signal for selecting one of a plurality of versions of the correction program. program.

14. The image correction device further transmits the digital image generated by the imaging element or the digital image corrected by the image correction device to a user terminal device operated by a user, the user terminal device being a device separate from the imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

Images