Image processing apparatus and image processing method, and computer-readable storage medium storing image processing program

Abstract

Provided are an image processing program and an image processing apparatus that support imaging setting in an imaging apparatus. In a focus value display window, temporal change of a focus value (index value) in an input image is outputted. A user operates the imaging apparatus with reference to graph display in the focus value display window to adjust the focus. The focus value displayed in the focus value display window indicates a relatively high value in a “focused” state to a subject such as a work. In the focus value display window, a maximum focus value indicating bar is displayed in association with a focus value indication. The user adjusts the focus state in the imaging apparatus so that the focus value indication “approaches” or “exceeds” this maximum focus value indicating bar as much as possible.

1 . An image processing apparatus connected to an imaging apparatus capable of changing imaging setting, comprising:
 an input unit that takes in an input image acquired by the imaging apparatus;   a calculation unit that calculates an index value for evaluating an imaging state in the input image; and   an output unit that outputs the index value calculated latest, and the index value calculated before the index value calculated latest.   
     
     
         2 . The image processing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the output unit outputs a history of temporal change of the index value.   
     
     
         3 . The image processing apparatus according to  claim 2 , further comprising a retention unit that retains a maximum value of the index values respectively calculated for a plurality of input images sequentially taken in by the input unit, wherein
 the output unit displays a graph of the index value on a time axis as the history of the temporal change of the index value, and performs display to indicate a position of the maximum value on the graph.   
     
     
         4 . The image processing apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein
 the output unit further outputs the input image acquired by the imaging apparatus.   
     
     
         5 . The image processing apparatus according to  claim 4 , further comprising a display apparatus, wherein
 the output unit displays, on the display apparatus, the maximum value and the input image acquired by the imaging apparatus alongside.   
     
     
         6 . The image processing apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a determination condition input unit that receives a determination condition concerning the index value; and   a determination unit that determines whether or not the index value calculated latest satisfies the determination condition, wherein   the output unit switches an output aspect in accordance with a determination result by the determination unit.   
     
     
         7 . The image processing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the index value is a value indicating an adjustment degree of a diaphragm amount or focus of the imaging apparatus.   
     
     
         8 . An image processing method in an image processing apparatus connected to an imaging apparatus capable of changing imaging setting, the method comprising:
 an input step of taking in an input image acquired by the imaging apparatus;   a calculation step of calculating an index value for evaluating an imaging state in the acquired input image; and   an output step of outputting the index value calculated latest and the index value calculated before the index value calculated latest.   
     
     
         9 . A computer-readable storage medium in which an image processing program to be executed in a computer connected to an imaging apparatus capable of changing imaging setting is stored, wherein
 the imaging processing program causes the computer to function as:   an image input unit that takes in an input image acquired by the imaging apparatus;   a calculation unit that calculates an index value for evaluating an imaging state in the input image; and   an output unit that outputs the index value calculated latest and the index value calculated before the index value calculated latest.