JP2010093579A - Imaging apparatus, method and program for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly magnify an image with no manipulation of particular manipulating members. <P>SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging element for converting an object image into an electrical signal, an attitude detecting part for detecting the attitude of the imaging apparatus, a switching part for switching a first reading mode to read signals of pixels over the entire range of an imaging element while reducing the signals in a constant rate and a second reading mode to read signals of pixels within a partial range of the imaging element without reducing the signals, and a control part for controlling the switching operation of the switching part based on the result of detection by the attitude detecting part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for enlarging and displaying or recording an image in an imaging apparatus such as an electronic still camera.

  In an imaging device such as an electronic still camera that converts an image signal into an electrical signal and captures an image, the imaging light beam is received by an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS sensor, and a photoelectric conversion signal output from the image sensor is converted into image data. To record on a recording medium such as a memory card. In recent years, an imaging apparatus that can record not only a still image but also a moving image is common.

  By the way, in recent years, in the electronic still camera for still images, the number of pixels of the image sensor has been increased, and the number of pixels is larger than that required for moving images. Therefore, at the time of moving image shooting, recording is performed by thinning out the number of pixels smaller than the total number of pixels of the image sensor.

  In such an imaging device, if you want to check the focus or record an enlarged movie, operate the enlargement button or enlargement lever on the imaging device to perform electronic zoom or attach a zoom lens. In such a case, it was necessary to perform an operation such as setting the focal length to telephoto.

  However, when a signal is read out by thinning out an image, particularly when electronic zooming is performed, there is a problem in that the image quality deteriorates because the signal corresponding to the desired field angle range is added and displayed and recorded. there were. In addition, when performing an enlargement operation, it takes time to drive the lens in optical enlargement, and in enlargement by changing the thinning rate, the enlargement rate is sequentially changed according to the operation time to the operation member. There is a problem that it takes time to enlarge to the magnification of. This means that even when the magnification desired by the user is always a fixed value, the operation member must be operated for a long time to sequentially enlarge from a small magnification to a desired magnification. For this reason, there is a problem that enlargement cannot be performed particularly in a scene that is desired to be instantly enlarged during moving image recording.

Among such problems, as a technique for solving the image quality problem, Patent Document 1 proposes a method of changing the thinning rate according to the enlargement magnification.
JP 2007-212273 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, image quality degradation in an enlarged image is improved, but the image cannot be enlarged while the enlargement magnification is changed, and the operation takes time to enlarge to the enlargement ratio desired by the user. The problem of this still remains.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable quick enlargement of an image without operating the operation member or by simple operation of the operation member.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging apparatus, an imaging element that converts a subject image into an electrical signal, and signals of pixels in the entire range of the imaging element. Are read out at a thinning rate at a fixed thinning rate, and a second reading out is performed at a thinning rate lower than the thinning rate in the first reading mode. Switching means for switching between read modes.

  An image pickup apparatus control method according to the present invention is a method for controlling an image pickup apparatus including an image pickup element that converts a subject image into an electric signal, and the signal of pixels in the entire range of the image pickup element is thinned out to a certain extent. Switching between a first readout mode for thinning out reading at a rate and a second readout mode for reading out signals of pixels in a partial range of the image sensor at a thinning rate lower than the thinning rate in the first readout mode. A switching step is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly enlarge an image without operating the operation member or by a simple operation of the operation member.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the practice of the invention.

<Camera configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a block configuration of an electronic still camera as an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a lens unit that is an interchangeable photographic lens, and 200 denotes an imaging apparatus main body.

  The lens 5 mounted on the lens unit 100 is usually composed of a plurality of lenses, but here it is simplified and shown by only one lens. Reference numeral 6 denotes a communication terminal for the lens unit 100 to communicate with the camera body 200, and reference numeral 10 denotes a communication terminal for the camera body 200 to communicate with the lens unit 100. The lens unit 100 communicates with the microcomputer 39 via the communication terminals 6 and 10, and controls the aperture 1 via the aperture drive circuit 2 by the internal lens system control circuit 4. Further, focusing is performed by displacing the position of the lens 5 via the AF driving circuit 3.

  Reference numeral 15 denotes an AE sensor that measures the luminance of the subject that has passed through the lens unit 100.

  Reference numeral 11 denotes an AF sensor that outputs defocus amount information to the microcomputer 39 and controls the lens unit 100 based on the defocus amount information.

  A quick return mirror 12 is instructed by the microcomputer 39 at the time of exposure, and is raised and lowered by an actuator (not shown).

  Reference numeral 13 denotes a focusing screen. The photographer can check the focus and composition of the optical image of the subject through the lens unit 100 by observing the focusing screen through the pentaprism 14 and the eyepiece unit 16.

  Reference numeral 17 denotes a focal plane shutter, which can freely control the exposure time of the image pickup device 20 under the control of the microcomputer 39.

  An optical filter 18 is generally composed of a low-pass filter or the like, and cuts a high frequency component of light incident from the focal plane shutter 17 and guides the subject image to the image sensor 20.

  As the image pickup device 20, an image pickup device such as a CCD or a CMOS sensor is generally used, and a subject image formed on the image pickup device 20 through the lens unit 100 is photoelectrically converted to output an electric signal.

  An A / D conversion circuit 21 converts an analog signal converted into an electric signal by the image sensor 20 into a digital signal.

  An image processing circuit 22 performs filter processing, color conversion processing, and gamma / knee processing on the image data converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 21 and outputs the result to the memory controller 26. The image processing circuit 22 also includes a D / A conversion circuit. The image data converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 21 or the image data input by the memory controller 26 may be converted into an analog signal and output to the liquid crystal display unit 24 via the liquid crystal drive circuit 23. Is possible. Image processing and display processing by these image processing circuits 22 are switched by the microcomputer 39. The microcomputer 39 performs white balance adjustment based on the color balance information of the captured image.

  The memory controller 26 stores unprocessed image data input from the image processing circuit 22 in the buffer memory 25, or stores image processed image data in the memory 27. Conversely, image data is fetched from the buffer memory 25 or the memory 27 and output to the image processing circuit 22. The memory controller 26 also stores image data sent to the memory 27 via an external interface 28 such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), or HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). It is also possible to store the image data or to output the image data stored in the memory 27 to the outside via the external interface 28. The memory 27 may be detachable. In FIG. 1, the memory 27 is illustrated as a detachable memory. Specifically, a compact flash (registered trademark) memory can be used.

  Reference numeral 31 denotes a timing control circuit, through which the microcomputer 39 controls the drive timing of the image sensor 20.

  A power control circuit 34 is supplied with power from the AC power supply unit 29 or the secondary battery unit 30, and turns on and off in response to an instruction from the microcomputer. In addition, the microcomputer 39 is notified of information on the current power supply state detected by the power supply state detection circuit 33 and information on the current power supply type detected by the power supply type detection circuit 32.

  An electronic still camera attitude detection circuit 35 notifies the microcomputer 39 of information on the current attitude state of the electronic still camera.

  FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the attitude detection circuit 35.

  The photosensors HV1 and HV2 are arranged at an angle of about 90 ° with respect to each other, and are also arranged at an angle from the horizontal axis of the electronic still camera. In this embodiment, the electronic still camera is in a state where the LED outputs of both photosensors HV1 and HV2 are blocked by the shielding objects (BALL1 and BALL2) in a state where the electronic still camera is horizontal, but the photosensors HV1 and HV2 are not always There is no need for such a position configuration. When these shielding objects move depending on the camera posture, the output signals (HVSW1, HVSW2) change, and the posture of the camera is determined by a combination of these signals. Note that it is possible to determine from the combination of the above signals whether the release button 201 is in the vertical direction with the release button 201 on the upper side or the vertical direction in which the release button 201 is on the lower side, even if the same vertical orientation.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, reference numeral 36 denotes a shutter control circuit, through which the microcomputer 39 controls the focal plane shutter 17.

  3A and 3B are external views of the lens unit 100 and the imaging apparatus main body 200, and portions common to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same symbols.

  Reference numeral 201 denotes a release button. By pressing the release button 201 halfway, the brightness of the subject and the focusing are performed. Further, when the release button 201 is fully pressed, the shutter is released and an image is taken.

  Reference numeral 202 denotes a mode dial for setting the camera mode. The user can set shooting modes such as a sports mode and a landscape mode by turning the mode dial 202.

  Reference numeral 203 denotes an electronic dial. The user can set the shutter speed and aperture value by turning the electronic dial 203.

  Reference numeral 204 denotes a cross key and a selection button. When selecting setting contents, thumbnail images, and the like displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24, the selection range moves in the horizontal direction by pressing the key 204a, and the selection range in the vertical direction by pressing the key 204b. Moves. In addition, the selected content can be set by pressing the selection button 204c at the selected location.

  Reference numeral 205 denotes a power switch. The power can be turned on and off by turning the power switch 205.

  Reference numeral 206 denotes a switch group for performing various settings. These switch groups include a playback instruction button for displaying an image stored in a recording medium inside and outside the camera on the liquid crystal display unit 24, a setting screen display instruction button for displaying various setting screens on the liquid crystal display unit 24, and the like. There is. By pressing these switches, the user can display a screen for performing various settings, check a captured image, and the like.

  Next, an operation for recording a moving image by switching between the first readout mode and the second readout mode in the electronic still camera of the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S10, it is determined whether or not the current state of the electronic still camera is a live view state. The live view is a real-time image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24 in order to confirm the composition. As a result of the determination, if it is in the live view state, the process proceeds to step S11. If it is not in the live view state, the process ends as it is.

  In step S11, it is determined whether or not the moving image recording start button has been pressed. If the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S12. If not, the process ends.

  In step S12, the posture of the camera is determined based on the detection result of the posture detection circuit 35. If the posture of the camera is horizontal, the process proceeds to step S13, and if it is vertical, the process proceeds to step S14. Here, the orientation in which a horizontally long still image (for example, an image of 5616 pixels wide and 3744 pixels long) is recorded is “horizontal”, and a still image (for example, an image of 3744 pixels wide and 5616 pixels long) is recorded. The direction in which is recorded is “vertical”.

  In step S13, the microcomputer 39 controls the image sensor 20 via the timing control circuit 31 so as to drive the image sensor 20 in the first readout mode. Details regarding the first read mode will be described later.

  In step S14, the microcomputer 39 controls the image sensor 20 via the timing control circuit 31 so as to drive the image sensor 20 in the second readout mode. Details regarding the second read mode will be described later.

  In step S15, a moving image recording process is performed on the image signal read in the reading mode determined in step S13 or step S14.

(First readout mode)
In the following, a method of thinning and reading from all pixels of the image sensor at a predetermined thinning rate is used. Here, although there are several types of so-called “thinning-out processing” methods, the object of the present embodiment is to set the number of pixels to be finally recorded in accordance with the moving image standard within the range used for imaging by the imaging device. It is sufficient that the number of pixels is smaller than the number of pixels (that is, the range of the subject to be recorded), and such processing is generically called thinning. Therefore, what records an average value of several pixels as one pixel is also called thinning.

  FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating pixels read out in the first readout mode among the pixels in the range used for imaging by the imaging device. Here, the range used for imaging by the image sensor is the entire surface of the image sensor, and pixels that are filled with diagonal lines in the drawing are read pixels. In the present embodiment, an image sensor with an aspect ratio of 3: 2 is shown, and it is assumed that the horizontal 30 pixels and the vertical 20 pixels.

  In practice, the pixels are arranged in a Bayer array in which R (red), G (green), and B (blue) pixels are periodically arranged as shown in FIG. For simplification, one set of four pixels in the Bayer array is treated as one pixel, and the color concept is omitted.

  In the first readout mode, as shown by the hatched portion in FIG. 5A, in the horizontal direction, 1/2 thinning readout is performed in which one pixel is skipped from two pixels. Similarly, in the vertical direction, 1 / 2-thinning readout is performed in which one pixel is skipped for two pixels. In other words, in the first readout mode, the signals of the pixels in the entire range of the imaging surface of the imaging device are read out at a constant ratio. In the first readout mode, for example, when the image sensor 20 has a horizontal size of 5616 pixels and a vertical length of 3744 pixels, an image signal of 2808 horizontal pixels and 1872 vertical pixels is output.

  FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of the image signal size output in the first readout mode. Since signals are read out from the entire image sensor 20 having an aspect ratio of 3: 2, the aspect ratio of the image signal size does not change and is 3: 2, for example, the image sensor 20 has a horizontal size of 5616 pixels and a vertical length of 3744. In the case of pixels, the image signal size is 2808 pixels wide and 1872 pixels long.

  FIG. 6 shows a display panel of a TV monitor. In this embodiment, the aspect ratio is 16: 9, horizontal 1980 pixels, and vertical 1080 pixels. At this time, the output image signal size (2808 pixels horizontally, 1872 pixels vertically) shown in FIG. 5B is sufficiently larger than the resolution (horizontal 1980 pixels, 1080 pixels vertically) that can be displayed on the TV monitor. Therefore, the image can be converted into a full HD moving image size (horizontal 1980 pixels, vertical 1080 pixels) and displayed without degrading the image quality.

(Second readout mode)
FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing pixels read out in the second readout mode with the camera held vertically. Pixels filled in with diagonal lines in the figure are pixels to be read out, and are pixels in a range used for imaging in the imaging device.

  In the present embodiment, in the second readout mode, as shown by the hatched portion in FIG. 7A, a signal having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is read out from the center of the image sensor 20 without thinning out (thinning rate = 0). ) With this second readout mode, for example, when the camera is held vertically, if the image sensor 20 has horizontal 3744 pixels and vertical 5616 pixels, it outputs an image signal of horizontal 1980 pixels and vertical 1080 pixels. Is possible.

  FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of the image signal size output in the second readout mode. Since the signal in the range of the center portion 16: 9 of the image sensor 20 having the aspect ratio of 3: 2 is read, the aspect ratio of the image signal size is 16: 9. For example, when the camera is held vertically and the image sensor 20 has horizontal 3744 pixels and vertical 5616 pixels, the image signal size can be set to horizontal 1980 pixels and vertical 1080 pixels.

  FIG. 8 shows a display panel of a TV monitor. In this embodiment, the aspect ratio is 16: 9, horizontal 1980 pixels, and vertical 1080 pixels. At this time, the output image signal size (horizontal 1980 pixels, vertical 1080 pixels) shown in FIG. 7B is equivalent to the resolution (horizontal 1980 pixels, vertical 1080 pixels) that can be displayed on the TV monitor. Therefore, the image can be converted to a full HD moving image size (horizontal 1980 pixels, vertical 1080 pixels) and displayed without degrading the image quality.

  Further, for example, when the image sensor 20 is 5616 pixels wide and 3744 pixels long (when the camera is held horizontally), in this second read mode, the first read mode is as shown in FIG. 5A. As shown in FIG. 7A, while the full angle of view is read out, signals of 1980 horizontal pixels and 1080 vertical pixels are read out, so the angle of view is tripled and the camera is held vertically. It becomes possible to display an enlarged moving image having a field angle of about 3 times.

In the second reading mode, if the recording is performed as it is, a vertically oriented image is recorded. Therefore, in the second read mode, any one of the following processes (1) to (3) is performed.
(1) Change the order in which signals are read from each pixel of the image sensor, and record horizontally (landscape) image data.
(2) Image data obtained from the image sensor is subjected to a rotation process, and image data in landscape orientation (landscape) is recorded.
(3) Data obtained from the image sensor is used in the vertical direction (vertically long) as it is, and the frame taken in which direction is added and recorded as attribute information. Then, with reference to the attribute information of the camera orientation at the time of shooting at the time of reproduction, the reproduction apparatus rotates the vertically long frame imaged in the vertical direction.

  In the above description, the pixel is read without being thinned out in the second readout mode. However, in the second readout mode, thinning is performed at a thinning rate lower than that in the first readout mode. You may make it read. In this case, reading without thinning out can be considered as thinning rate = 0.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when recording a moving image, the reading method of the image signal is changed between the state in which the imaging device is in the horizontal position and the state in the vertical position, and the reading method in the vertical position. By reading out the signal without thinning out the signal at the center, it is possible to switch to an enlarged video instantly without causing image quality degradation by merely holding the imaging device in the vertical position. In addition, since switching to an enlarged video is performed according to the orientation of the imaging device, the physical operation sound generated when operating the operating member is not recorded in the moving image, and the switching is performed silently. It can be performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the image pickup apparatus is set to the vertical position, the image is automatically thinned to fit the display screen of a horizontal 1980 pixel × vertical 1080 pixel TV monitor, for example, three times magnification. It has been described that an image is recorded and displayed. However, not only vertical / horizontal detection but also a manual operation such as a one-touch zoom button that is manually pressed by the user may automatically enlarge the image to a preset magnification such as three times.

  The magnification set in advance for enlargement by vertical / horizontal detection or one-touch zoom may be set by the user in advance from a menu screen or the like, for example. As the magnification to be set, the magnification corresponding to the full HD of 1980 horizontal pixels × 1080 vertical pixels as described above, the magnification corresponding to XGA of 1366 horizontal pixels × 768 vertical pixels, and the VGA of 640 horizontal pixels × 480 vertical pixels are supported. The magnification to be considered can be considered.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the pixels are automatically enlarged without being thinned out when the imaging apparatus is set to the vertical position. However, the present invention is not limited to not thinning pixels, and the thinning rate may be changed according to the enlargement rate. In this case, the thinning rate may be changed in accordance with a full HD of 1980 horizontal pixels × 1080 vertical pixels, an XGA of 1366 horizontal pixels × 768 vertical pixels, a VGA of 640 horizontal pixels × 480 vertical pixels, and the like. The setting of the thinning rate and the setting of whether or not to perform the thinning may be automatically determined according to the enlargement rate, or the user may be able to set in advance from a menu screen or the like.

(Other embodiments)
The object of each embodiment is also achieved by the following method. That is, a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus. Then, the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but the present invention includes the following cases. That is, based on the instruction of the program code, an operating system (OS) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Furthermore, the following cases are also included in the present invention. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion card or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  When the present invention is applied to the above storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the procedure described above.

It is a figure which shows the block configuration of the electronic still camera as an imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of an attitude | position detection circuit. 1 is a front external view of an electronic still camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a rear external view of an electronic still camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which switches a 1st reading mode and a 2nd reading mode, and performs a moving image recording. It is a schematic diagram which shows the read-out pixel of 1st read-out mode. It is a figure which shows the read-out signal size in 1st read-out mode. It is a figure which shows the screen of the television corresponding to a full HD output when the moving image output based on the read-out signal size in 1st read-out mode is displayed. It is a schematic diagram which shows the read-out pixel of 2nd read-out mode. It is a figure which shows the read-out signal size in 2nd read-out mode. It is a figure which shows the screen of the television corresponding to a full HD output when the moving image output based on the read signal size in 2nd read-out mode is displayed. It is a figure which shows a Bayer arrangement | sequence.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Diaphragm 2 Diaphragm drive circuit 3 AF drive circuit 4 Lens system control circuit 5 Lens 6 Communication terminal 10 Communication terminal 11 AF sensor 12 Quick return mirror 13 Focusing screen 14 Penta prism 15 AE sensor 16 Eyepiece unit 17 Focal plane shutter 18 Optical filter 20 Image sensor 21 A / D conversion circuit 22 Image processing circuit 23 Liquid crystal drive circuit 24 Liquid crystal display unit 25 Buffer memory 26 Memory controller 27 Memory 28 External interface 29 AC power supply unit 30 Secondary battery unit 31 Timing control circuit 32 Power supply type detection circuit 33 Power supply state detection circuit 34 Power supply control circuit 35 Attitude detection circuit 36 Shutter control circuit 38 External device signal detection circuit 39 Microcomputer

Claims (7)

An imaging device,
An image sensor for converting a subject image into an electrical signal;
A first readout mode in which signals of pixels in the entire range of the image sensor are read out at a certain thinning rate and a signal in pixels in a part of the range of the image sensor are read out in the first readout mode. Switching means for switching between the second reading mode for reading at a lower thinning rate than
An imaging apparatus comprising:   It further comprises posture detection means for detecting the posture of the imaging device, and the switching means switches to the first readout mode when the posture detection means detects that the imaging device is in landscape orientation, The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the orientation detection unit detects that the imaging apparatus is in a portrait orientation, the imaging apparatus is switched to the second readout mode.   If the orientation detection unit detects that the imaging device is in the vertical orientation before the imaging device starts moving image recording, in the second readout mode, a part of the range of the imaging element is detected. 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pixel signal is read out without being thinned out.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a manual operation unit for instructing the switching unit to switch between the first readout mode and the second readout mode.   5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a thinning rate in the first reading mode and a thinning rate in the second reading mode can be set by a user. A method for controlling an imaging device including an imaging device that converts a subject image into an electrical signal,
A first readout mode in which signals of pixels in the entire range of the image sensor are read out at a certain thinning rate and a signal in pixels in a part of the range of the image sensor are read out in the first readout mode. A control method for an imaging apparatus, comprising: a switching step of switching between a second readout mode for readout at a lower thinning rate.   A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 6.

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