JP3915281B2 - Continuous imaging method and imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a setting of an imaging time interval during continuous imaging by an imaging device and a technique for capturing continuous images.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When an image capture device such as a so-called silver salt camera or electronic still camera is used to switch to continuous shooting mode by operating a switch or button during image capture, it continues at a constant time interval while the shutter is held down. Some have a continuous shooting function to capture images.
[0003]
In addition, some of such imaging devices can perform continuous imaging at a time interval set by the user in addition to the continuous shooting interval set inside the imaging device (for example, a plurality of continuous shootings on the screen). The interval time is displayed and the continuous shooting interval time can be selected, or the rotary switch setting position (mark) that enables the input of the desired time interval with the time interval setting button is the scale position of the desired time interval The continuous shooting interval time can be set by adjusting to.
[0004]
In an imaging apparatus having such a continuous shooting time interval setting function, when the user selects a continuous shooting time interval, the time interval is set based on the selected value, and after the shutter operation, the set time interval (a set constant interval) is set. Continuous imaging is performed at time intervals (fixed intervals).
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In an imaging apparatus having a continuous shooting time interval setting function as described above, a time interval can be set by selecting and viewing the displayed numerical value, inputting and setting a numerical value, or aligning them. This is conceptual information that the larger the selected value, the longer the imaging time interval, and the smaller the selected value, the shorter the imaging time interval. The actual time interval itself is not input, so the speed is known in advance. It is difficult to set an imaging time interval suitable for the speed of the moving subject, apart from the case of the moving subject.
[0006]
Further, in the continuous shooting function of the conventional camera, as described above, since continuous imaging is performed at a given fixed time interval or a fixed time interval (fixed interval) that is selected and set, the operation speed of the subject changes greatly in the middle. In such a case, there is a problem that the image cannot be taken at a necessary timing, or even an unneeded timing is taken.
[0007]
For example, in a golf swing operation, time is required at the time of address, the swing from the take back top to the impact is quick, and the swing operation from the impact to the follow-through top is instantaneously performed. Therefore, when continuous imaging is performed at fixed time intervals as in the prior art, there are many imaging frames at the address as shown in FIG. 10A, and the number of imaging frames in the swing operation from the take back top to the impact and the follow-through top. Therefore, in some cases, it may not be possible to image the operation at the follow-through top or finish (impact in extreme cases).
[0008]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a continuous imaging method and an imaging apparatus capable of programming a continuous shooting interval suitable for the speed of a subject with a simple operation during continuous imaging. .
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, in the continuous imaging method according to claim 1, the user before the continuous imaging is provided.Multiple obtained by operating the shutter buttonOperation intervaltimeIs stored in the storage meansLetKeep shootingimageSometimes stored in the storage meansThe plurality ofOperation intervaltimeThe imaging intervaltimeAsMultiple imaging operationsIt is characterized by repetition.
[0010]
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 2,ImagingPossible imaging means and userMultiple obtained by operating the shutter buttonOperation intervaltimeStorage means for storing, continuous imaging instruction means for instructing continuous imaging,When continuous imaging is instructed by this continuous imaging instruction meansStore in the storage meansThe plurality of beingOperation intervaltimeThe imaging intervaltimeAsRepeat imaging by the imaging means multiple timesContinuous imaging control meansAnd withIt is characterized by that.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
<Circuit configuration example>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a digital camera as an embodiment of an imaging apparatus to which the continuous imaging method of the present invention can be applied.
In FIG. 1, the digital camera 100 includes an optical system 11, a signal conversion unit 12, a signal processing unit 13, a DRAM 14, a control unit 20, an operation unit 30, a display unit 40, a flash memory 50, and a power supply 90.
[0015]
The optical system 11 includes an imaging lens 111 and an automatic diaphragm mechanism (not shown), and focuses the luminous flux of the subject image collected through the imaging lens 111 on a subsequent imaging device (CCD).
[0016]
The signal conversion unit 12 includes a CCD, a signal conversion circuit, and the like, converts an image formed on the CCD through the preceding optical system 11 into an electrical signal, converts the image into digital data, and outputs the digital data at a constant cycle.
[0017]
The signal processing unit 13 processes the output from the signal conversion unit 12 in the normal imaging mode to obtain signal components such as digital luminance and color difference multiplexed signals (Y, Cb, Cr data), and Y, Cb, Cr data (hereinafter referred to as image data) is transferred to the DRAM 14 and temporarily stored. Further, in order to display a through image (moving image), the captured image data is thinned out and sent to the display unit 40. When the shutter operation is performed, the image data at that time is sent to the display unit 40 to display a still image.
[0018]
The signal processing unit 13 also reads out the image data written in the DRAM 14 during recording and storage, performs JPEG compression processing, and applies the image data stored and recorded in the recording memory (flash memory) 50 during reproduction. The decompression process is performed to reproduce the image data.
[0019]
The DRAM 14 is used as a work memory, an image buffer area for temporarily storing captured images, a work area for JPEG compression / decompression, a time interval holding area Ti (FIG. 5) for temporarily storing set time intervals, and the like. Is secured.
[0020]
The control unit 20 has a microprocessor configuration including a CPU, a RAM, a program storage ROM, a timer, and the like. The CPU is connected to each of the above-described circuits and a power supply switching switch (not shown) via a bus line, The entire digital camera 100 is controlled by a control program stored in the program storage ROM, and a processing program corresponding to each mode stored in the program storage ROM corresponding to the status signal from the operation unit 30 is provided. In addition to performing execution control of each function of the digital camera 100, for example, execution of imaging and playback of recorded images, etc., variable setting of the imaging interval and imaging time set by the imaging time interval setting program at the time of continuous imaging Execution of continuous imaging processing at intervals is performed.
[0021]
The operation unit 30 includes switches and buttons such as a processing mode switch, a function selection button, a main switch, a shutter button 36, and a time interval setting button 37, and a status signal is output when these switches or buttons are operated. It is sent to the control unit 20.
[0022]
In this embodiment, the shutter button 36 is a two-stage switch. During normal imaging, when the shutter button 36 is pressed twice (full shutter pressing), imaging is performed. In continuous shooting such as continuous shooting mode or movie shooting mode, when the shutter button 36 is fully pressed, continuous shooting is started.
[0023]
Note that the imaging time interval can be switched by pressing the shutter button halfway after the shutter button 36 is fully pressed during continuous imaging. In the embodiment, the time interval setting button 37 operated when setting the imaging time is provided, but the shutter button 36 may be used instead of the time interval setting button 37.
[0024]
The display unit 40 is composed of a video encoder, a VRAM, a liquid crystal screen (LCD), and the like. By the display control of the control unit 20, a through image at the time of imaging, a reproduced image at the time of reproduction, a selection menu and a guide at the time of processing selection are selected. (Or icon) is displayed.
[0025]
The flash memory 50 records the image data from the signal processing unit 13. The flash memory 50 can also record an image information registration list for registering an image data recording area, an image capturing mode, an image capturing condition, an image capturing time interval, and the like when the image data is recorded. A removable IC card may be used instead of the flash memory.
[0026]
<Continuous imaging>
FIG. 2 is a process chart showing an outline process of the continuous imaging method of the present invention. When continuous imaging such as continuous shooting or movie imaging is selected in the continuous imaging method of the present invention (P0), first, the imaging time is changed. When the variable setting is selected, the control unit 20 activates the imaging time interval setting program (P2), and when the imaging time interval setting is completed, continuous imaging (in P0). The selected continuous shooting or moving image shooting) is made executable (P3).
[0027]
Further, when the imaging time is not variably set in P1, the process proceeds to P3 on the assumption that imaging is performed at an imaging time interval unique to the camera (hereinafter, standard time interval: for example, 0.05 seconds). In this case, an imaging time interval setting method selection screen as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 40, a variable time interval is set at P0, and a fixed time interval (a fixed time when imaging is performed at a fixed time interval). It may be possible to select either setting or standard time interval setting. Further, instead of the imaging time interval setting method selection screen as shown in FIG. 3, a rotary button (not shown) is provided to set a variable time interval, a fixed time interval, and a standard time interval according to the stop position. Either may be selected.
[0028]
<Setting of variable imaging time>
[Example 1]
FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing an example of variable imaging time setting (process P2 in FIG. 2), in which the set time is the time interval (timer count value) of the operation timing of the button (or shutter). It is. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a time interval setting area Ti for storing the set time interval in the memory, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen at the time of variable imaging time setting.
[0029]
Step S1: (Time interval setting start operation)
In FIG. 4A, the control unit 20 checks the status signal from the operation unit 30 and activates the imaging time interval setting program when the user operates (depresses) the time interval setting button 37.
[0030]
Step S2: (Timer count start)
The control unit 20 starts counting the timer by the imaging time interval setting program.
[0031]
Step S3: (Time setting operation)
The control unit 20 examines the status signal from the operation unit 30, and when the user operates (presses down) the time interval setting button 37, the control unit 20 transitions to S4 assuming that the time interval setting instruction has been issued, and otherwise, the time interval setting button Wait for 37 to be depressed.
[0032]
Step S4: (Timer count stop)
When the time interval setting button 37 is depressed in step S3, the control unit 20 stops counting the timer.
[0033]
Step S5: (Storing the set time interval)
When the count of the timer is stopped, the control unit 20 stores the count value at that time in the time interval setting area Ti (i = 1 to n) of the DRAM 14 (or RAM).
[0034]
Step S6: (Finish determination of imaging time interval setting)
After storing the set time interval, the control unit 20 checks the status signal from the operation unit 30, and if the user half-presses the shutter button 36, the process proceeds to S7 as an instruction to end the time interval setting. If not, the process returns to S2 to set the next time interval.
[0035]
Step S7: (Storing the end mark)
When the time interval setting process is completed, an end mark (0 in the example of FIG. 5) is stored in the time interval setting area Tj (j = i + 1), and then the time interval setting program is ended, and P3 (continuous imaging process (FIG. 8) is performed. Alternatively, go to FIG.
[0036]
With the above operation, the imaging time interval set by the user is stored in the time interval setting area Ti (i = 1 to n) of the DRAM 14. In addition, since an end mark is stored in Tj (j = i + 1), the user can set a time interval for the number of captured images. In addition, the time interval can be set as many times as desired regardless of the number of images. Since such a variable time interval can be set, the variable time interval can be set not only in continuous shooting but also in moving image continuous shooting such as movie shooting.
[0037]
In this embodiment, the time setting start operation in step S1 and the time setting operation in S3 are performed by depressing the time interval setting button 37, but the shutter button 36 is operated without providing the time interval setting button 37. It is also possible to perform the time setting start operation in step S1 and the time setting operation in S3.
[0038]
The method shown in this embodiment is a method of setting the imaging interval one by one rather than setting the imaging interval one by one, and the imaging interval is set continuously by the method shown in this embodiment. In order to do so, it is necessary to alternately set the pressing time and the release time as the continuous shooting interval.
[0039]
(Modification)
FIG. 4B shows an example in which the set time is the time (timer count value) from when the button (or shutter) is pressed down until it is released.
[0040]
Step S'1: (Time interval setting start operation)
In FIG. 4B, the control unit 20 checks the status signal from the operation unit 30 and activates the imaging time interval setting program when the user operates (depresses) the time interval setting button 37.
[0041]
Step S'2: (Timer count start)
The control unit 20 starts counting the timer by the imaging time interval setting program.
[0042]
Step S'3: (Time setting operation)
The control unit 20 examines the status signal from the operation unit 30, and when the user releases the time interval setting button 37, the control unit 20 transitions to S'4. Otherwise, the control unit 20 waits for the time interval setting button 37 to be released.
[0043]
Step S'4: (Timer count stop)
When the time interval setting button 37 is released in step S′3, the control unit 20 stops counting the timer.
[0044]
Step S'5: (Storing the set time interval)
When the count of the timer is stopped, the control unit 20 stores the count value at that time in the time interval setting area Ti (i = 1 to n) of the DRAM 14 (or RAM).
[0045]
Step S'6: (Determination of completion of imaging time interval setting)
After storing the set time interval, the control unit 20 checks the status signal from the operation unit 30, and if the user presses the shutter button 36 halfway, the end of the time interval setting program is instructed to S'8. If not, the process proceeds to S′7.
[0046]
Step S'7: (Next time interval setting operation)
The control unit 20 checks the status signal from the operation unit 30 and waits until the user operates (depresses) the time interval setting button 37. When the time interval setting button 37 is operated, the process proceeds to S'2 and the next imaging is performed. Start time interval setting.
[0047]
Step S'8: (Setting end processing)
When the time interval setting process is completed, an end mark (0 in the example of FIG. 5) is stored in the time interval setting area Tj (j = i + 1), and then the time interval setting program is ended, and P3 (continuous imaging process (FIG. 8) is performed. Alternatively, go to FIG.
[0048]
By the above operation, the imaging time interval set by the user is stored in the time interval setting area Ti (i = 1 to n) of the DRAM 14 as in the case of FIG. In addition, since an end mark is stored in Tj (j = i + 1), the user can set a time interval for the number of continuous shots. It is also possible to set a time interval for a desired number of times regardless of the number of continuous shots.
[0049]
Further, a variable imaging time display as shown in FIG. 6 is performed between the steps S4 and S5 (S′4 and S′5) or the steps S5 and S6 (S′5 and S′6). May be. In the example of FIG. 6, the time interval is set as 0.5 seconds, 0.3 seconds, 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, 0.4 seconds, and 0.5 seconds as in the example of FIG. This is a display example in which the user has a sense of the set time in a strip shape (color).
[0050]
<Continuous imaging operation when variable imaging time is set>
[Image Information Registration List]
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the image information registration list. The image information registration list 60 includes an image number column 61 for storing an image number of a recorded image, an imaging mode column 62 for storing an imaging mode identification code, and an imaging date and time. An imaging date / time column 63 for storing (year / month / day / hour / minute / second), an imaging time interval column 64 for registering the imaging time interval of the stored recorded image, and another information column 65 are configured.
[0051]
When the imaging mode of the digital camera 100 is selected by the user, the imaging mode column 62 stores imaging mode identification codes such as normal imaging, continuous shooting, movie shooting, sports imaging, and PAST imaging (in the example of FIG. 7). Codes such as normal imaging = 01, continuous shooting = 11, movie shooting = 12, ... are not limited to this). In the imaging time interval column 64, a setting time corresponding to the image is registered among the setting times stored in the imaging interval storage area Ti of the DRAM 14 when the image is stored and recorded.
[0052]
Although it is not essential to provide the imaging time interval 64 in the image registration list 60, by providing the imaging time interval column 64, images can be displayed at the actual imaging time interval during reproduction.
[0053]
[Example 2]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the digital camera 100 during variable imaging, in which an image is captured in a one-to-one correspondence with the imaging time interval set by the user. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of recording states in the flash memory of continuous imaging at a fixed imaging time interval and continuous imaging at a variable time interval.
[0054]
Step T1: (Continuous imaging preparation operation)
When the imaging time interval setting (P2) in FIG. 5 is completed, the control unit 20 examines the status signal from the operation unit 30. When the user half-presses the shutter 36, the process proceeds to T2 for starting a continuous imaging preparation operation. Otherwise, it waits for the user's shutter operation.
[0055]
Step T2: (Image capture, through image display, etc.)
The control unit 20 controls the signal processing unit 13 to capture the subject image into the DRAM 14 and display a through image on the display unit 40.
[0056]
Step T3: (Continuous imaging instruction)
Next, the control unit 20 examines a status signal from the operation unit 30. When the user fully presses the shutter 36, it is determined that there is a continuous imaging instruction, and the process proceeds to T3. Otherwise, it waits for the user's shutter operation.
[0057]
Step T4: (Read set time interval)
When the shutter button 36 is fully pressed in step T3, the control unit 20 reads the set imaging time interval stored in the imaging time interval storage area Ti (i = 1 to n) of the DRAM 14 (the first round is T1). The contents are read out, and are read as T2, T3,.
[0058]
Step T5: (Set time interval end determination)
The control unit 20 checks whether or not the content of the read imaging time interval storage area Ti is an end mark. If the content is the end mark, the process ends. If not, the process proceeds to T6.
[0059]
Step T6: (Set counter of set time interval)
If the content of the imaging time interval storage area Ti is not the end mark, the content of the imaging time interval storage area Ti (that is, the imaging time interval set by the user) is set in the counter, and the process proceeds to S7.
[0060]
Step T7: (Countdown and set time zero judgment)
While counting down the counter, it is checked whether or not the countdown result is 0. If it is 0, the process proceeds to T9. If not, the countdown is repeated until the countdown result becomes 0. In this case, the counter counts down by a standard time interval T (0.05 seconds in the embodiment). This step gives the actual time interval during imaging.
[0061]
Step T8: (Imaging recording process)
When the count value is determined to be 0 in step T8, the image data captured (= captured) in the DRAM 14 is JPEG compressed and stored in the flash memory 50. In addition, the contents of the imaging time interval storage area Ti or the standard imaging time interval T (when the contents of the imaging time interval storage area Ti is an end mark) are registered in the imaging time interval column 64 of the image information registration list 60, and other necessary Information is registered in each column.
[0062]
(Concrete example)
As shown in FIG. 5B, the user is 0.25 seconds, 0.25 seconds, 0.25 seconds, 0.25 seconds, 0.25 seconds, 0.05 seconds,..., 0.05 seconds. When the imaging time interval is set as described above, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0, 0.05,..., 0 are stored in the imaging setting storage areas T1 to T6 of the DRAM 14. .05,0 (end mark) is stored. Further, in the example of the golf swing of FIG. 10 during continuous imaging, as shown in FIG. 10B, five images are captured at the time of address (1.3 seconds), and from the take pack top to the finish. In 1.3 seconds, 26 images are taken at 0.05 second intervals.
[0063]
With the above operation, the set imaging time interval and image can be captured in a one-to-one correspondence. In this example, an imaging time interval is set for each frame, and imaging is performed, for example, when there is a difference in subject operating speed during continuous shooting with a relatively small number of shots, or imaging aimed at special effects Suitable for cases where
[0064]
[Example 3]
This embodiment is an example in which continuous imaging is continued at the same set imaging time interval until there is an imaging time change instruction (in the embodiment, the shutter button 36 is fully pressed).
[0065]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the digital camera 100 during variable imaging, and is an example in which continuous imaging is repeated at the same set imaging time interval until the shutter button 36 is fully pressed.
[0066]
Step T'1 to Step T'10:
In FIG. 9, the operation of each step from step T′1 (continuous imaging preparation operation) to T′10 (image capture, through image display, etc.) is the same as step T1 (continuous imaging preparation operation) to T10 in FIG. The operation is exactly the same as the operation of each step up to (image capture, through image display, etc.) (see the description of FIG. 8).
[0067]
Step T'11: (Continuous imaging end determination)
The control unit 20 determines whether or not the continuous imaging is finished, and if not, transitions to T′2. Further, the end determination is made based on the presence / absence of an imaging end operation by the user, such as whether the shutter button 36 is fully pressed or the imaging end button is pressed.
Step T′12: (Determining whether or not the set imaging time interval of the next image can be changed)
The control unit 20 examines the status signal from the operation unit 30. When the user fully presses the shutter 36, it is determined that the set imaging time interval of the next image has been changed, and the process returns to T'4 to read a new set imaging time interval from the DRAM 14. If the user does not fully press the shutter 36, the process returns to T5 until the shutter is fully pressed, and continuous imaging is repeated at the current set imaging time interval.
[0068]
(Concrete example)
As shown in FIG. 5C, when the user sets the imaging time interval such as 0.5 seconds, 0.05 seconds, and 0.1, 0.5, 0,... Are stored in the imaging setting storage areas T1 to T6 of the DRAM. The set time is stored as 05, 0.1, 0 (end mark). Also, in the golf swing example of FIG. 10, when the user fully presses the shutter button 36 at the address time, take pack top time, follow-through top time, and finish time, the address as shown in FIG. As for the time (1.3 seconds), five images are taken at intervals of 0.25 seconds, and from the take-pack top to the follow-through top (04 seconds + 0.3 seconds = 0.7 seconds) with an impact in between 14 images are captured at 0.05 second intervals, and 6 images are continuously captured at 0.1 second intervals for 0.6 seconds from the follow-through top to the finish time.
[0069]
With the above operation, continuous imaging can be repeated at the same set imaging time interval until the shutter button 36 is fully pressed. This allows a sufficient number of frames to be allocated to the necessary portions when continuous imaging of substantially the same subject is performed except for the speed of the time-series operation pattern, and the working memory and the storage memory The use efficiency can be improved. In addition, the user can perform imaging by assigning the number of imaging frames in the overall operation flow.
[0070]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to a digital camera, and can be applied to continuous imaging of various imaging devices including a so-called silver halide camera (in the case of a silver halide camera, settings are made). A small memory for holding the imaging time and a control mechanism for controlling the operation of the shutter mechanism with the set imaging time may be provided).
[0071]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the continuous imaging method of the first invention and the imaging device of the second invention, before the continuous imaging,Acquire desired time from shutter button operation intervalIn addition, since continuous shooting can be performed as an imaging interval, the time interval can be easily variably set. In addition, since it is possible to arbitrarily set a variable imaging interval with a simple configuration such as acquisition of time and storage of the acquired time, not only electronic still cameras such as digital cameras, but also silver halide cameras and other imaging devices It can be easily applied to.
[0072]
  The time set as the shooting interval is an operation interval at which the user operates the shutter button, which is one input key, and is not a screen display selection or a time value setting by button or switch operation as in the past. The user can perceive the actual length of the time interval. This makes it possible to easily set a time interval suitable for a subject operating in front of you.
[0073]
  Also, the shooting interval (time) can be set by operating only one key, and therefore the shutter button is used as an input key, so that the shooting interval can be set continuously by simply pressing the shutter. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a special key, the appearance of the camera is not affected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of a digital camera as an embodiment of an imaging apparatus to which the continuous imaging method of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 2 is a process chart showing a schematic process of the continuous imaging method of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging time interval setting method selection screen.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of variable imaging time setting.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a time interval setting area T (i) for storing a set time interval in a memory.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when variable imaging time is set.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of an image information registration list.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera when a variable imaging time is set.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera when a variable imaging time is set.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of recording states in a flash memory of continuous imaging at a fixed imaging time interval and continuous imaging at a variable time interval.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Optical system (imaging means)
12 Signal converter (imaging means)
13 Signal processor (imaging means)
14 DRAM (time storage means)
20 control unit (time acquisition means, continuous imaging control means)
37 Imaging time interval setting button (time acquisition instruction means)
100 Digital camera (imaging device)

Claims (2)

A plurality of operation interval time obtained by the operation of the shutter button of the user before the continuous image pickup may be stored in the storage means, the time interval between photographs a plurality of operation interval time stored in the continuous shooting image at the storage means A continuous imaging method characterized in that the imaging operation is repeated a plurality of times . An imaging unit which can image a subject,
Storage means for storing a plurality of operation interval times obtained by operation of a user 's shutter button ;
Continuous imaging instruction means for instructing continuous imaging;
A continuous imaging control unit that repeats imaging by the imaging unit a plurality of times using the plurality of operation interval times stored in the storage unit as imaging interval times when continuous imaging by the continuous imaging instruction unit is instructed; An imaging apparatus characterized by that.

Images