JP2000209477A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera capable of easily obtaining moving images and still images singly or simultaneously obtaining both data and also obtaining the still images of high image quality. SOLUTION: The electronic camera is provided with a first image pickup means 55 for the moving images, a second image pickup means 30 for the still images provided with a second image pickup element 27 of a multi-pixel type, a first recording means for generating moving image data, a second recording means for generating still image data, an optical path change means for changing the optical path of an object luminous flux, a luminous flux division means for bisecting the object luminous flux and a control means for controlling the movement of the optical path change means and the luminous flux division means. The control means performs control so as to withdraw the optical path change means and the luminous flux division means from the optical path at the time of recording only the still images, to arrange the optical path change means on the optical path and withdraw the luminous flux division means at the time of recording only the moving images and to withdraw the optical path change means from the optical path and arrange the luminous flux division means on the optical path at the time of simultaneously recording the moving images and the still images.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera, and more particularly, to recording image data representing a moving image and / or a still image by using an image pickup device for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by a photographing optical system. The present invention relates to an electronic camera capable of recording on a medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a subject image formed by a photographing optical system such as a photographing lens has been changed to a CCD (Charge Coupled Dele).
vice (charge-coupled device) and the like, photoelectrically converted into an electric signal using an image pickup device and the like, and the obtained electric image signal can be recorded on a recording medium or the like as image data such as digital data. Digital still cameras, digital video cameras, and the like (hereinafter simply referred to as electronic cameras) are widely used.

In such a conventional electronic camera,
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-28400 discloses a configuration in which image data representing a moving image can be recorded on a recording medium and image data representing a still image can be recorded on a recording medium.
Various proposals have been made in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5 (1993) -205, and generally put to practical use.

The electronic camera disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-284005 has one image pickup device for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by a photographing optical system, and uses this single image pickup device. Image data representing a moving image (hereinafter also referred to as moving image data) and image data representing a still image (hereinafter also referred to as still image data) are simultaneously generated based on the generated image signal, and these image data are generated. It is recorded on a predetermined recording medium. By separately providing a moving image dedicated recording system that handles image signals for generating moving image data and a still image dedicated recording system that handles image signals for generating still image data, The data and the still image data can be recorded simultaneously.

[0005] On the other hand, a proposal for an electronic camera system including a plurality of camera units each having an image sensor or the like has been made in the past, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-237648.

[0006] The electronic camera disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-237648 includes a moving object priority camera optimized for capturing a moving object and a still object priority camera optimized for capturing a still object. It has two camera sections. When photographing is performed, a predetermined switching operation is performed so as to use one of these two cameras according to the subject, thereby obtaining image data of optimal image quality.

Further, conventionally, a desired image is obtained by exposing a subject image formed by a photographing optical system to a photographic film, and at the same time, the same subject image is received and photoelectrically converted to obtain a desired image. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8 (1994) proposes a so-called composite camera in which an image sensor for acquiring a simple image signal is separately provided, and moving image data generated by the obtained moving image signal is recorded on a predetermined recording medium. No. 125895.

Meanwhile, in a general conventional electronic camera, the quality of an image generated based on an image signal obtained by an image pickup device, that is, the so-called image quality, depends on the number of pixels of the applied image pickup device. Thus, a high-quality image can be obtained in proportion to the number of pixels of the image sensor. Therefore, it is generally desirable to use a multi-pixel type image sensor in order to obtain an image signal representing a higher quality image.

Further, in an electronic camera mainly configured to acquire and record still image data representing a still image,
In recent years, a demand for higher image quality of a still image generated based on an image signal obtained by an image sensor has been particularly strongly desired in recent years. For this reason, in an electronic camera that handles only still image data, a multi-pixel type imaging device having a larger number of pixels has been used in recent years.

However, on the other hand, an image file constituting an image signal obtained by a multi-pixel type image sensor has a large file size. Display speed, reading speed when reading (loading) an image file, time required for predetermined image processing to be applied to an image signal acquired by an image sensor, and recording speed when recording image data on a recording medium Etc. will be delayed.

On the other hand, in a conventional electronic camera, when a subject image formed by a photographing optical system is photoelectrically converted by using an image pickup device and moving image data is thereby obtained,
The following means are usually used: That is, the imaging element sequentially photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the photographing optical system, and sequentially outputs an image signal representing a still image obtained by the photoelectric conversion. Then, after performing predetermined signal processing on the output signal from the image sensor, the series of image signals is recorded on a recording medium as moving image data. That is, the moving image data is
It is composed of a plurality of still image data.

A plurality of still image data constituting the moving image data recorded in this way are subjected to predetermined signal processing so as to be continuously displayed at a predetermined rate (for example, 30 images per second; fps). The above is output to a display device or the like, whereby it can be displayed as a moving image.

Further, in the conventional electronic camera, separately from the moving image data recorded as described above, the output from the image pickup device during the photographing operation is output to the display device via the signal processing circuit. Usually, a moving image for observation is displayed.

In other words, the display device of the conventional electronic camera functions as an electronic viewfinder for displaying the moving image for observation to confirm the composition and the state of the image at the time of photographing, and to record the image. It also has a role as an image reproducing device for displaying a completed image.

[0015]

However, in an electronic camera capable of acquiring high-quality still image data by using a multi-pixel type image pickup device, it is configured to acquire moving image data. In such a case, the following problem occurs.

That is, in an electronic camera to which a multi-pixel type image pickup device is applied, since an image file size per image becomes large as described above, image signals are read out by a display circuit or the like for controlling a display device. Since the speed and the processing speed are reduced, the display speed on the display unit of the display device is also reduced. Then, during a shooting operation, a predetermined display speed for displaying an image signal obtained by the image sensor as a moving image cannot be secured, and thus a smooth moving image is displayed on the display unit of the display device. You will not be able to do it.

In addition, when performing playback display, smooth display and playback of moving images cannot be performed for the same reason, and the display speed when displaying a desired still image is reduced. There is a problem that the usability of the electronic camera itself is impaired.

Further, since a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is mainly used as a display device in a conventional electronic camera, if the reproduction display speed is low, the time for driving the LCD becomes longer, which is accompanied by this. And wasteful power is consumed.

Therefore, in a conventional electronic camera or the like using a multi-pixel type image pickup device, as a means for displaying a moving image at a predetermined speed during a shooting operation, for example, an image signal suitable for display is provided by a display circuit. In performing image processing for generating the image file, means for performing so-called thinning-out processing or the like to reduce an image file has been considered.

However, when such a thinning process is performed, deterioration of the image quality of the display image displayed on the display device is inevitable. Therefore, it is possible to confirm the composition and the like using the image displayed on the display unit of the display device during the photographing operation, but it is not possible to confirm the exposure state, the focus adjustment state, and the like. It cannot be said that.

On the other hand, according to the means disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-284005, since the configuration of the image pickup system including the image pickup optical system and the image pickup element is made to be a single unit, it is simply a multi-pixel system. Obviously, the application of the type of image sensor causes the various problems described above. Therefore, in order to secure a comfortable operation speed and the like by the means, it is necessary to use an image sensor having a relatively small number of pixels.

This means that the reproduction display operation and the recording operation of the moving image can be performed comfortably, but the image quality of the still image that can be obtained is considerably higher than that obtained by using a multi-pixel type image sensor. It will be inferior. In this regard, according to the means, it is very difficult to improve the image quality of a still image generated from the acquired still image data.

According to the means disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-237648, a moving object priority camera optimized for capturing a moving object and a still object priority camera optimized for capturing a still object are provided. Because it is configured to have two cameras with a camera, the system becomes large,
It is not suitable for portable use.
In addition, since the electric switching is performed so that the signal processing suitable for the selected camera is performed in conjunction with the operation of switching the camera to be used, a moving image and a still image cannot be simultaneously recorded. Configuration.

Further, the means disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-125895 records a still image on a photographic film, and generates and records only moving image data from an image signal obtained by an image sensor. There is no description about obtaining still image data using an image sensor.

It is to be noted that the means disclosed in the above publication has a configuration in which still image data can be recorded together using an image sensor provided for acquiring moving image data. Is also possible. However, in this case, similar to the means disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-284005, since the camera has a single image sensor, it is necessary to handle moving images. Then, it is difficult to apply a multi-pixel type image sensor and perform high-speed processing. Therefore, it can be said that acquiring image data representing a high-quality still image is a difficult configuration.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of recording moving image data and still image data. Despite the use of a multi-pixel type image sensor that is optimal for acquiring still image data representing a high-quality still image, moving image data can be saved without complicating operations during shooting and recording operations. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic camera capable of recording still image data independently and recording both data simultaneously.

Further, when recording only still image data alone, it is possible to acquire and record still image data representing a higher quality still image by a simple operation without particularly complicated switching operation. It is intended to provide an electronic camera.

[0028]

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic camera according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a photographing lens unit having a photographing optical system for forming a subject image, and a photographing optical system. A first moving image pickup means having a first image pickup element for receiving a formed subject image and photoelectrically converting the formed subject image into an electric image signal; A second image pickup unit for a still image, comprising: a second image pickup device having a larger number of pixels than the first image pickup device, the image pickup device performing photoelectric conversion into a general image signal; A first recording unit for a moving image that generates moving image data in an optimal form for receiving and recording an output signal of the unit, and an optimal form for receiving and recording the output signal of the second imaging unit Second still image data for generating still image data of Recording means, a first position disposed behind the photographing lens unit and reflecting a light beam from the subject transmitted through the photographing optical system toward the first imaging means, and on a light path of the light beam from the subject. And an optical path changing means movably disposed between a second position for passing the light flux and a second position for allowing the light flux to pass therethrough. At the same time as dividing the light beam and guiding one of the light beams to the second imaging means, the other position is directed to the first imaging means and the first position where the light beam is directed to the side of the first imaging means. Retreating, a light beam splitting means movably disposed between a second position for passing the light beam, and a control means for controlling the movement of the light path changing means and the light beam splitting means,
When recording only an image signal representing a still image, the control means moves the light path changing means to the second position and simultaneously moves the light beam splitting means to the second position to record an image representing a moving image. When recording only the signal, the optical path changing means is moved to the first position and the light beam dividing means is moved to the second position at the same time, so that the image signal representing the moving image and the image signal representing the still image are changed. When recording at the same time, it is characterized in that the optical path changing means is moved to the second position, and simultaneously, the light beam dividing means is moved to the first position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, at a predetermined position immediately before the second image sensor, a light beam incident on the second image sensor is shielded. And further comprising shutter means that operates mechanically.

The electronic camera according to the third invention is
The control means, when recording only an image signal representing a still image, retreats from a light path of a light flux which is a light flux from a subject and travels toward the second imaging means, and The optical path changing means is controlled to be moved to a predetermined position for blocking a light beam traveling toward the means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera, comprising: a photographic lens unit having a photographic optical system for forming an image of a subject; A first image pickup unit for a moving image having a first image pickup element for photoelectric conversion, and an image pickup element for receiving a subject image formed by the photographing optical system and photoelectrically converting the image into an electric image signal; A second still image including a second image sensor having a larger number of pixels than the first image sensor.
Imaging means, a first recording means for a moving image that generates moving image data in an optimal form for receiving and recording an output signal of the first imaging means, and an output signal of the second imaging means A second recording unit for a still image that generates still image data in a form most suitable for receiving and recording, and a luminous flux from a subject disposed behind the photographing lens unit and transmitted through the photographing optical system. At the same time, the first light beam is guided to the first image pickup means, and the other light beam is guided to the second image pickup means, and the light is retreated from the optical path of the light beam from the subject. And a control means for controlling the movement of the light beam splitting means movably disposed between the light beam splitting means and a second position through which the light beam passes. When recording only the image signal representing When the step is moved to the second position and the image signal representing the moving image and the image signal representing the still image are simultaneously recorded, control is performed to move the light beam dividing means to the first position. And

[0032]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. 1 and 2 are block diagrams showing the internal configuration of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the first half and FIG. 2 shows the second half.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic camera 1
Is a block that forms an imaging system that forms a desired subject image by optical means (optical system) and photoelectrically converts the formed subject image into an electric signal, and a light flux ( A focus detection operation and a photometric operation are performed in response to a subject light beam (hereinafter referred to as a subject light beam) to perform AF processing, AE processing, and the like.
A block forming an F system and an AE system, a block forming a signal processing system that performs predetermined processing on image signals obtained by an optical system and an imaging system, and performs a recording process, a reproduction process, and the like; The electronic camera 1 is configured by a power supply block and the like including components related to the electronic camera 1.
Are controlled by a control circuit 61 which is a control means.

The first half block of the electronic camera 1 including the optical system, the imaging system, the AF system, the AE system, etc. (FIG. 1)
Is configured as follows. That is, a photographing optical system which is an optical system capable of converging a light beam of a subject to form a subject image, and a photographing lens unit 1 including various driving units and driving means for driving each member constituting the photographing optical system.
5, a first imaging unit 55 that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by a photographing optical system and mainly acquires an image signal representing a moving image, and similarly performs a photoelectric conversion of a subject image to mainly obtain a still image A second imaging unit 30 for acquiring an image signal representing
An AF unit 5 that constitutes an AF system that detects a focal position of a subject image formed by a photographing optical system and performs a focusing operation and the like.
4 and A constituting an AE system for performing a photometry operation on a desired subject based on the subject light flux transmitted through the photographing optical system.
An E unit 23, and an optical finder unit 73 configured by an observation optical system including, for example, an objective and an eyepiece, for optically observing a desired subject image;
The first mirror 16, which is an optical path changing unit that reflects the subject light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system to bend its optical path and guides it toward the first imaging unit 55, and the subject light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system. A fifth mirror 72, which is a light beam splitting unit that divides and guides the light to both the first imaging unit 55 side and the second imaging unit 30 side, and the first imaging unit by the first mirror 16 or the fifth mirror 72. A second mirror 17 that bends the optical path of the subject light beam guided to the side 55 and changes its irradiation direction;
4, a third mirror 18 that transmits the other part, and splits a subject light beam that has passed through the third mirror 18 into a first mirror.
Of the subject light beam between the fourth mirror 19, which is a finder light beam splitting device, and the second mirror 17 and the third mirror 18, which guide the image pickup device 55 to both the AE unit 23 and the optical finder unit 73. It consists of components such as a magnifying relay optical system 71 fixed on the road and composed of a lens or the like for magnifying a subject image, and these components are arranged at predetermined positions inside the electronic camera 1. .

The photographing lens unit 15 includes various optical lenses constituting a photographing optical system, that is, a zoom lens group 12 as a variable power optical system and an AF as a focusing optical system (AF optical system).
A lens unit 14 and the like, and a diaphragm unit 13 which is a light amount limiting unit for limiting the light amount of the subject light beam condensed by the photographing optical system.
And a zoom motor 24 for driving the zoom lens group 12
, An AF motor 26 for driving the AF lens group 14, an aperture actuator 25 for driving the aperture section 13, and the like.

The zoom motor 24, the aperture actuator 25, and the AF motor 26 are controlled by a drive circuit 62, which is a drive means controlled in response to a command from a control circuit 61 (see FIG. 2). I have.

The first mirror 16 constitutes a quick return mirror formed by a total reflection mirror. That is, the first mirror 16 has one end 16a rotatably supported by a fixing member (not shown) inside the electronic camera 1, and in a normal state, the first mirror 16 is located on the optical path of the subject light flux. The first image pickup means transmits the subject light flux having an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis O of the photographing optical system (see FIGS. 1 and 3) and having its reflection surface transmitted through the photographing optical system. 55
(The second mirror 17). The first mirror 16 is driven and controlled by a first mirror actuator 63 via a drive circuit 62 controlled by a control circuit 61 in response to a predetermined control signal.

Therefore, the first mirror 16 is on the optical path of the light beam of the subject in a normal state, totally reflects the light beam of the subject irradiated on the reflection surface, and bends the optical path of the same light beam at an angle of about 90 degrees. The first image pickup means 55 converts the object light beam
(Second mirror 17) to change its optical path. On the other hand, when the first mirror 16 is driven and controlled by the first mirror actuator 63 and rotates in a predetermined direction, the first mirror 16 moves to a position where the first mirror 16 is retracted from the optical path of the subject light beam. The light beam serves as an optical path changing device that passes the light beam by traveling straight back from the position where the first mirror 16 was, and guides the light beam toward the second imaging device 30.

The second mirror 17 has its reflection surface disposed on the optical path of the subject light beam bent at an angle of about 90 degrees by the first mirror 16 toward the first mirror 16. It has an inclination of about 45 degrees with respect to the axis O2 (see FIG. 3), and is constituted by a fixed total reflection mirror. Therefore, this second mirror 17
The subject light flux bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees by the first mirror 16 is further bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to form a third mirror 1.
It is arranged so as to guide the subject light beam toward the object 8.

The third mirror 18 is disposed on the optical path of the subject light beam which is further bent at an angle of about 90 degrees by the second mirror 17, and has an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis O2 (see FIG. 3) of the light beam. It is composed of a semi-transmissive mirror (hereinafter, referred to as a half mirror) fixed to have an inclination and the like. Accordingly, the third mirror 18 reflects a part of the subject light beam to bend the optical path of the same light beam at an angle of approximately 90 degrees and guides the light beam to the AF unit 54 side, and at the same time, transmits the other part to allow the fourth light beam to pass therethrough. Mirror 19 and AE unit 2
3. It is configured to guide to the optical finder unit 73 side.

The fourth mirror 19 is disposed on the optical path of the subject light beam transmitted through the third mirror 18, and has the optical axis O2 of the same light beam.
It is constituted by a half mirror or the like fixed to have an inclination of about 45 degrees with respect to (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the fourth mirror 19 reflects a part of the subject light beam, bends its optical path at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, guides the light path to the first imaging means 55, and simultaneously transmits another part of the same light beam. AE unit 23 and optical finder unit 73
It leads to.

On the optical path of the subject light beam between the fourth mirror 19 and the optical viewfinder unit 73, a focusing screen 20 for confirming the in-focus state of the subject image observable by the optical viewfinder unit 73 is provided. Are located. The focusing screen 20 is the same as that applied to a general single-lens reflex camera or the like, and is made of, for example, a plate-shaped optical member having a ground glass-like mat surface.

The fifth mirror 72 is disposed near the first mirror 16 and constitutes a quick return mirror formed by a half mirror or the like. That is, the fifth mirror 72 has one end 72a rotatably supported by a fixing member (not shown) inside the electronic camera 1, and
In a normal state, it is located at a position retracted from the optical path of the subject light beam. Further, the fifth mirror 72 receives the predetermined control signal and controls the driving circuit 6 controlled by the control circuit 61.
The second mirror actuator 64 is driven and controlled via the second mirror actuator 64. As a result, the fifth mirror 72
Normal state. In other words, when the light beam is at a position retracted from the optical path of the subject light beam, the light beam is allowed to pass straight by traveling straight to be guided to the second imaging means 30. On the other hand, the fifth mirror 72 receives the predetermined control signal and
When driven in a predetermined direction by driving control of the mirror actuator 64, the mirror actuator 64 moves to a predetermined position on the optical path of the subject light flux, and has an angle of approximately 45 with respect to the optical axis O1 (see FIG. 3) of the photographing optical system. The reflecting surface is arranged so as to have a degree inclination and facing the subject side. As a result, the subject luminous flux applied to the reflecting surface of the fifth mirror 72 is divided into two parts, and a part of the luminous flux is reflected, so that the optical path has an angle of about 90 degrees.
The second mirror 1 (the second mirror 1).
7), and another part of the subject light flux is transmitted through the fifth mirror 72 and guided to the second imaging means 30 side. Thus, the fifth mirror 72
Serves as a beam splitting means.

When the first mirror 16 is retracted from the optical path of the subject light beam, the second image pickup means 30 receives the subject image formed by the subject light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system, and Is a photoelectric conversion element that performs a photoelectric conversion process on a charge-coupled device (Charge-coupled device) of a relatively large number of pixels.
A second image pickup device 28 composed of a Coupled Device (CCD) or the like, and a low-pass filter (LPF) 8 for removing high-frequency components from a subject light beam received by the second image pickup device 28
2, an IR cut filter 83 for removing an infrared light component from the light beam, and a mechanical shutter means for limiting the light amount of the object light beam irradiated on the light receiving surface of the second image sensor 28, for example, a focal plane method And a driving means for driving the second image pickup device 28 in response to a command from the control circuit 61. And a second image pickup circuit 31 which is a signal processing means for mainly generating an image signal representing a still image by performing the above signal processing. The drive of the mechanical shutter 27 is controlled by a shutter actuator 29 via a drive circuit 62 which is controlled in response to a command from a control circuit 61.

In the electronic camera 1 of this embodiment, the mechanical shutter 27 is constituted by a focal plane type shutter or the like. This is for more effectively restricting the subject luminous flux received by the light receiving surface of the second image sensor 28 for acquiring a still image. For that reason, a mechanical shutter of a focal plane method is applied based on the reason that it is desirable to provide a shutter means near the light receiving surface of the image sensor.

That is, immediately after the operation of photographing and recording a still image in a general electronic camera or the like, in order to prevent unnecessary light beams from the subject from irradiating the light receiving surface of the image sensor, the light beams from the subject are emitted using shutter means or the like. Light path. That is, by closing the shutter means, the optical path of the luminous flux of the subject is shielded, thereby preventing noise components and the like generated by harmful light and the like from being mixed into the image signal to be acquired by the image sensor.

In a conventional general electronic camera, the photographing optical system and the observation optical system (finder optical system) are generally configured to be separate from each other.
In such a configuration, a desired effect can be obtained by configuring the diaphragm means provided inside the photographing lens unit 15 to also serve as a shutter means, or by providing a shutter means near the diaphragm means. I'm trying to get.

However, in this case, the distance between the position where the shutter means is provided and the light receiving surface of the image sensor becomes long, so that harmful light or the like may not be effectively shielded. is there. Therefore, it is desirable that the distance between the shutter means and the light receiving surface of the image sensor be arranged as short as possible.

In consideration of this, in the electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment, the mechanical shutter 27 is provided near the light receiving surface of the second image sensor 28. According to this, the second
Since it is possible to more effectively prevent noise components and the like from being mixed into an image signal acquired by the image sensor 28, the image quality of a still image generated based on the image signal is improved. There is an effect that can be easily performed.

Further, the electronic camera 1 of the present embodiment is of a so-called single-lens reflex system in which a photographing optical system and an observation optical system (finder optical system) are used. Therefore, the following problem arises in the case where the shutter means is disposed inside the taking lens unit as in a conventional electronic camera.

That is, as described above, the shutter means
Immediately after the photographing / recording operation by the image pickup device, the shutter is closed in order to block incident light (subject light flux) to the image pickup device. In this case, the shutter is closed for a predetermined time immediately after the photographing / recording operation. The operation interrupts the optical path of the subject light flux.

At this time, in a conventional electronic camera in which the photographing optical system and the observation optical system are configured separately from each other, only the light path of the subject light beam from the photographing optical system to the image pickup device is cut off. In addition, a state in which a subject image can be observed by using an imaging optical system separately provided is always ensured.

However, in the case of the single-lens reflex system such as the electronic camera 1, when the shutter means is provided inside the photographing lens unit, the object transmitted through the photographing optical system for a predetermined time immediately after the photographing and recording operation is performed. Since the light flux is blocked at the position of the shutter means, the light flux of the subject to the second imaging means 30 is blocked as intended,
At the same time, the subject luminous flux to be guided to the optical finder unit 73 and a first imaging unit 55 described later is also blocked.

Therefore, in a single-lens reflex camera, when the shutter means is disposed inside the taking lens unit 15, the subject image is observed for a predetermined time while the shutter means is closed. It is said that there will be no means at all.

Therefore, in the electronic camera 1, the second
By disposing the mechanical shutter 27 near the light receiving surface of the image sensor 28, such a problem is solved. According to this, it is possible to block the subject light flux incident on the second imaging means 30 immediately after the shooting and recording operation, and to set the optical path of the subject light flux to the optical finder unit 73, the first imaging means 55, and the like. Since it can always be ensured, there is an effect that a desired subject image can always be observed even during execution of a still image shooting / recording operation.

On the other hand, the first imaging means 55 receives a command from the control circuit 61 and a first imaging element 46 which is a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD having a smaller number of pixels than the second imaging element 28. A first image pickup circuit which is a driving means for driving the first image pickup element 46 and a signal processing means for receiving an output from the first image pickup element 46 and performing predetermined signal processing to generate an image signal. 47, and a reduction optical system 45 that forms a subject image reduced by receiving the subject light flux guided by the fourth mirror 19 on the light receiving surface of the first image sensor 46.
And an opening provided on an optical path of a subject light beam to the first image pickup means 55 so that the light beam can be transmitted therethrough.
And a transparent member 75b such as a protective glass, which is a dustproof means capable of preventing dust and foreign matter from entering the image pickup means 55. Note that also in the first imaging element 46,
Similarly to the above-described second image sensor 28, an IR cut filter, a low-pass filter, and the like are provided on the light receiving surface side thereof, but illustration thereof is omitted.

As the first image pickup device 46, for example, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS: C
and the like can be used. The CMOS has the same function as a general CCD or the like, but can be driven with lower power consumption than the CCD. Since it can be manufactured at a lower cost than a CCD, it is a photoelectric conversion element suitable for application to the first imaging element 46.

The reduction optical system 45 includes the photographing lens unit 1
5, the object light beam that has reached the first image pickup means 55 via the first mirror 16, the second mirror 17, the magnifying relay optical system 71, the third mirror 18, and the fourth mirror 19 is condensed, and thereby the first light beam is converged. The object image is re-imaged on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 46. In the reduction optical system 45, the subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the first image sensor 46 is substantially the same as the subject image transmitted through the photographing optical system and formed on the light receiving surface of the second image sensor 28. This is for reducing and re-forming an equivalent image, that is, a subject image corresponding to the number of pixels of the imaging element.

As described above, based on the image signal acquired by the first image pickup means 55, the angle of view (view angle or view angle) of the image displayed on the display device 53 (see FIG. 2) which is image display means described later. The shooting range) and the angle of view (viewing angle or shooting range) of an image that can be displayed based on the image signal acquired by the first imaging unit 30 are made to substantially match. Therefore, it is possible to use the display device 53 as a so-called electronic viewfinder for observing a subject image separately from the optical viewfinder unit 73 without any problem.

The AF unit 54 is an AF mechanism used for a general single-lens reflex camera or the like, and is constituted by focus detection means (TTL-AF) of a phase difference detection system using a so-called separator lens. .

The configuration of the AF unit 54 will be briefly described as follows. That is, the AF unit 54 divides the aerial image of the subject image, which is substantially equivalent to the subject image formed on the light receiving surface of each of the second image sensors 28 described above and is enlarged by the magnifying relay optical system 71, into two parts. Pupil division lens (separator lens) 42 for forming a pair of subject images
An A including an image pickup device such as a CCD for receiving a pair of subject images formed by the pupil division lens 42 and performing photoelectric conversion.
It comprises an F sensor 43, an AF circuit 44 that receives an output from the AF sensor 43, and performs predetermined signal processing for focus detection.

The AE unit 23 also employs an automatic exposure mechanism (AE mechanism) used for a general single-lens reflex camera or the like, and a condensing lens 80 for condensing a light beam of a subject.
And an AE sensor 21 composed of a light receiving element and the like, and an AE circuit 22 for detecting the output of the AE sensor 21 and performing predetermined signal processing.

On the other hand, the signal processing system of the electronic camera 1 is composed of the following members (see FIG. 2).
That is, the signal processing system of the electronic camera 1 includes a first A / D conversion circuit 49 that converts an image signal (analog signal) generated by the first imaging circuit 47 into a digital signal, and the first A / D conversion circuit 49. A first DRAM 50 such as a buffer memory for temporarily storing an image signal digitized in response to the output of the / D conversion circuit 49 and an image signal (analog signal) generated by the second imaging circuit 31 A first A / D conversion circuit 32 for converting the signal into a signal, and a second DRAM 33 such as a buffer memory for temporarily storing a digitized image signal in response to the output of the first A / D conversion circuit 32
A first recording medium 48 for electrically recording image data (mainly moving image data) generated based on an image signal acquired by the first imaging unit 55, and a second imaging unit 30 A second recording medium 40 for electrically recording image data (mainly still image data) generated based on the obtained image signal, and an image signal temporarily stored in the first DRAM 50 are read out. And performs predetermined signal processing (for example, compression processing, encoding processing, etc.) and outputs the processed signal to a first recording / reproducing circuit 39 (described later). A first compression / expansion circuit 38 that performs predetermined signal processing (for example, decoding processing and decompression processing) on the read image data
Then, the image signal temporarily stored in the second DRAM 33 is read out, subjected to predetermined signal processing (for example, compression processing, encoding processing, and the like), and output to the second recording / reproducing circuit 36 (described later). In addition, the second recording / reproducing circuit 36
A second compression / decompression circuit 35 for performing predetermined signal processing (for example, a decoding process or a decompression process) on the image data read from the second recording medium 40, and a first compression / decompression circuit 38. Is a first recording means for generating image data (moving image data) optimal for recording upon receiving the output of the first recording medium and recording the generated image data in a predetermined area of the first recording medium 48 in a predetermined procedure. A first recording / reproducing circuit 39 for reading out image data recorded on the first recording medium 48 and outputting this to the first compression / expansion circuit 38 and an output from the second compression / expansion circuit 35 Second image data (still image data) optimal for receiving and recording is generated, and is recorded in a predetermined area of the second recording medium 40 in a predetermined procedure.
And a second recording / reproducing circuit 36 for reading out image data recorded on the second recording medium 40.
A first display processing circuit 51 for reading out an image signal temporarily stored in the first DRAM 50 and generating an image signal in a form optimal for reproducing and displaying an image; A second display processing circuit 41 for generating an image signal in an optimal form for reading out an image signal stored in memory and reproducing and displaying an image, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, which is generated from the image signal. Upon receiving output signals from the display device 53, which is an image display means for displaying an image, and the first display processing circuit 51 and the second display processing circuit 41, a predetermined display mode on the display device 53 is determined based on the output signals. It is configured by a selection / combination circuit 52 or the like, which is a display control means for performing a predetermined process.

As the first and second recording media 48 and 40, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like having a card shape or a stick shape, a magnetic recording medium such as a floppy disk, a small hard disk, a magnetic tape, or an MO (Magneto
-Optical) Magneto-optical recording media such as discs and MDs (Mini Disks) are applied.

The power supply system of the electronic camera 1 includes a power supply circuit 56 for controlling the entire power supply system,
And a power supply battery 92 such as a storage battery for supplying power to the entire electronic camera 1 and the camera 1 and the external power supply for electrically acquiring the power to be supplied to the electronic camera 1 from an external power supply or the like (not shown). External power supply terminal 91 as connection means for connecting to
And a battery state detection circuit 57 for detecting the state of supplied power, for example, the remaining capacity of the battery 92 and the like.

Further, an operation system including various operation members and the like is connected to the control circuit 61. As various switches interlocked with an operation member (not shown) constituting the operation system, a power SW5 for performing an on / off operation of a power supply is provided.
8 and an operation mode of the electronic camera 1, for example, a recording (REC) mode for performing a photographing operation, and a reproduction (PLAY) mode for reading image data recorded on a recording medium and performing a reproduction display operation on the display device 53. A recording / reproducing SW (REC / PLAY-SW) 59 for selectively switching;
A REC mode switching SW 70 for switching a mode during a shooting / recording operation, that is, a mode of a recording (REC) mode, and for reproducing or displaying an image based on moving image data or reproducing an image based on still image data during reproduction.
That is, a reproduction mode switching SW 60 for selectively switching a recording medium (either the first recording medium 48 or the second recording medium 40) as a target when reading image data,
AE operation and A
A first (1st.) Release SW 65 for generating a command signal for instructing the start of the F operation and the like, and a still image shooting / recording operation (actual (2nd.) Release S for generating a command signal to start exposure operation)
W66 and a mode switch 67 for generating a signal for selecting and instructing a display mode of an image displayed on the display device 53.
A zoom SW 68 for changing a shooting magnification by the zoom lens group 12, a moving image recording SW 74 for generating a command signal for starting a moving image shooting operation using the first imaging means 55, and the like. Switches.

1st. Release SW65 and 2nd. The release SW 66 is composed of a two-stage switch, similar to that applied to a conventional general camera or the like.
st. A command signal for instructing the start of the AE operation, the AF operation, and the like is generated by the release SW 65, and the 2nd. The release SW 66 generates a command signal for instructing the start of a still image shooting / recording operation (actual exposure operation). And this 1st. Release SW65 and 2nd. The release SW 66 is configured to interlock with a pressing operation of a release button (not shown) among a plurality of operation members provided on an exterior member (not shown) of the electronic camera 1. I have.

The moving image recording SW 74 is a switch for generating a command signal for starting a moving image photographing operation as described above, and includes a plurality of switches provided on an exterior member of the electronic camera 1. This is linked with the operation of a moving image recording button (not shown) of the operation member.

In the recording mode of the electronic camera 1, a moving image and a still image can be individually recorded, and when the moving image is recorded using the first image pickup means 55. In particular, by performing a release operation arbitrarily without performing a switching operation, that is, by simultaneously operating the release button and the moving image recording button, the photographing and recording operation of the moving image data being executed is not interrupted. The normal recording mode in which the photographing and recording operation of still image data using the second image pickup means 30 can be executed in parallel with the image recording operation of only moving image data using the first image pickup means 55 alone. There is a single recording mode in which the second recording unit 30 executes the photographing / recording operation of only the still image data by itself.

The switching between the normal recording mode and the single recording mode is performed by switching an operation member (not shown) interlocked with the REC mode switching SW 70 so as to select one of the recording modes. ing.

The operation of the electronic camera 1 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIGS. 3 to 5 are main block diagrams showing only main components constituting the optical system and the imaging system of the electronic camera. The first mirror and the fifth mirror move during a photographing / recording operation. In this state, the optical path of the light beam from the subject in each state is also shown. That is, FIG. 3 shows an initial state when the electronic camera 1 is set to the single recording mode, and FIG. 4 shows shooting and recording of still image data when the electronic camera 1 is set to the single recording mode. This shows a state where the operation is being executed. FIG.
Indicates a state in which the electronic camera 1 is set to the normal recording mode.

First, when an operation member interlocked with the power SW 58 is operated, a command signal for starting power supply is transmitted from the power SW 58 to the control circuit 61, and the control circuit 61 receiving the command signal transmits the command signal to the power circuit. Control the battery 9
2 or an external power supply connected via the external power supply terminal 91 to start supplying power to each circuit of the electronic camera 1. Thus, the power supply state of the electronic camera 1 is turned on.

In this case, REC / PLAY-S
When W59 is set to the recording (REC) position, the camera 1 starts in the recording mode, and the REC / PLA
When the Y-SW 59 is set to the playback (PLAY) position, the camera 1 starts in the playback mode. Also,
REC / PLA when the electronic camera 1 is activated
By operating the Y-SW 59, the recording mode and the reproduction mode can be arbitrarily switched.

As described above, the recording mode of the electronic camera 1 includes the single recording mode and the normal recording mode. When the electronic camera 1 is started in the recording mode, the normal mode is set. To automatically set the single recording mode.

When the electronic camera 1 is activated in the single recording mode in this manner, the first mirror 16 reflects the subject light beam in the optical path of the subject light beam as shown in FIGS. It is arranged at a reflection position (first position) which is a predetermined position for guiding this toward the first imaging means 55. The fifth mirror 72 is disposed at a retracted position (second position) retracted from the optical path of the subject light beam.

In this state, almost all the subject light beams transmitted through the photographing optical system follow the optical path indicated by the one-dot chain line O2 in FIG. That is, the subject luminous flux is totally reflected by the first mirror 16 and is bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees toward the second mirror 17, and further bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees by the second mirror 17. Next, the subject luminous flux passes through the magnifying relay optical system 71 and then passes through the third mirror 1.
Go to 8.

Since the third mirror 18 is a half mirror as described above, the third mirror 1
A part of the light beam is reflected by the reflection surface by 8 and guided to the AF unit 54. Another part of the subject light beam passes through the third mirror 18 and travels to the fourth mirror 19.

The fourth mirror 19 is transmitted through the third mirror 18.
A part of the subject light flux that has reached the first mirror 19 is guided to the first imaging means 55 by the fourth mirror 19.
Another part of the subject light flux passes through the fourth mirror 19 and then travels through the focusing screen 20 toward the optical viewfinder unit 73 and the AE unit 23.

The subject light flux guided to the first image pickup means 55 passes through the transparent member 75b and the reduction optical system 45, and
By the reduction optical system 45, a subject image is re-formed on the light receiving surface of the first image sensor 46. In response to this, the first imaging element 46 performs a photoelectric conversion process on the subject image, generates an image signal, and outputs the image signal to the first imaging circuit 47. The first imaging circuit 47 performs predetermined image processing on the same image signal and outputs the same to a first A / D conversion circuit 49. The image signals converted into digital signals by the first A / D conversion circuit 49 are sequentially output to the first DRAM 50 and temporarily stored therein.

The image signals temporarily stored in the first DRAM 50 are sequentially output to the first display processing circuit 51, where they are displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the display device 53. After the optimal predetermined form of signal processing has been performed,
The image is output to the display device 53 via the selection / combination circuit 52, and an image corresponding to the display unit of the display device 53 is displayed in a predetermined form. At this time, the image displayed on the display unit of the display device 53 is mainly a moving image for observation. That is, the display device 53 functions as an electronic viewfinder.

At this time, the luminous flux transmitted through the photographing optical system is totally reflected by the first mirror 16 and follows the optical path indicated by the alternate long and short dash line O2 in FIG. The second imaging unit 30 (see the optical path indicated by the dotted line O1 in FIG. 3) is not irradiated.

Next, in this single recording mode, when the release button (not shown) is operated at the first stage,
1st. The release SW 65 generates a command signal for instructing the start of the AE operation and the AF operation and the like.

In response to this, the control circuit 61 controls the AF unit 54 to start the AF operation. Here, a part of the subject light flux is guided to the AF unit 54 by the third mirror 18 as described above. The subject light beam first enters the pupil splitting lens 42, where a pair of subject images are formed, and then formed on a pair of light receiving surfaces of the corresponding AF sensor 43.

The AF sensor 43 detects a subject image received on its light receiving surface, photoelectrically converts the detected image into an electric signal, and outputs the signal to the AF circuit 44. In response to this, the AF circuit 44 performs predetermined signal processing for focus detection, and outputs this to the control circuit 61. Then, in response to this, the control circuit 61 controls the drive of the AF motor 26 and the like via the drive circuit 62, thereby executing an AF operation for driving the AF lens group 14 by a predetermined amount.

As described above, a part of the subject light flux is guided to the AE unit 23 by the fourth mirror 19. This subject light flux passes through the condenser lens 80 and
The light enters the E sensor 21.

The AE sensor 21 photoelectrically converts the luminous flux of the subject received on the light receiving surface and converts the signal into an AE circuit 2.
Output to 2. In response to this, the AE circuit 22 performs predetermined signal processing on the detected signal, and outputs the signal to the control circuit 61. In response, the control circuit 61
The diaphragm actuator 25 and the like are drive-controlled via the drive circuit 62, thereby driving the diaphragm unit 13 to have an opening of a predetermined size, and the first image sensor 46 or the second image sensor 28 and the like. By driving the light-receiving surface, the light-receiving amount on the light-receiving surface is electrically adjusted, and the AE operation for recording an image is executed.

The other part of the luminous flux reaching the fourth mirror 19 passes through the fourth mirror 19 and the focusing screen, and then travels to the optical finder unit 73. In the optical viewfinder unit 73, the subject image is re-formed based on the incident subject light flux, and is in a state where it can be visually recognized as an observation image for confirming the shooting range at the time of shooting and the state of the subject. Thus, the optical finder unit 73 always functions as an optical finder for observing a subject image.

Subsequently, in the single recording mode, when the release button (not shown) is operated at the second stage, the 2nd. The release SW 66 generates a command signal for instructing the start of the photographing / recording operation (actual exposure operation).

Then, upon receiving this signal, the control circuit 61
Is connected to the first mirror actuator 6 via the drive circuit 62.
3, the first mirror 16 is rotated in the direction of the arrow X1 shown in FIG. 3 around the one end 16a as a rotation center, and the first mirror 16 is retracted from the optical path of the subject light beam (the retracted position ( (Second position). This results in the state shown in FIG.

In this state, the luminous flux of the subject transmitted through the photographing optical system follows the optical path indicated by the alternate long and short dash line O1 in FIG. The state at this time is a state in which the first mirror 16 is retracted from the optical path of the subject light flux as shown in FIG. 4 and the optical path toward the first imaging means 55 (shown by a dotted line O2). (See optical path). Therefore, the luminous flux of the subject toward the first imaging means 55 is completely blocked.

That is, the luminous flux of the subject entering the electronic camera 1 is first restricted to a predetermined light amount by the diaphragm unit 13 inside the photographing lens unit 15 and then guided to the second image pickup means 30. A subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the second image sensor 28.

At this time, the mechanical shutter 27 is set at the same time as the start of the photographing operation, that is, at the time of 2nd. The control circuit 61 controls the drive of the shutter actuator 29 via the drive circuit 62 in response to a command signal from the release SW 66, and the shutter actuator 29 is opened, and then closed after a predetermined exposure time. This prevents an unnecessary light component such as a noise component from being mixed into an image signal to be acquired by the second image sensor 28.

Then, from the subject luminous flux irradiated on the light receiving surface of the second image sensor 28, a low-pass filter 82
The high frequency component is removed by the IR cut filter 83, and the infrared light component is removed by the IR cut filter 83. The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the second image sensor 28 receives the subject light beam in the state shown in FIG. 3, that is, the initial state when the electronic camera 1 is set to the single recording mode. 1
Is substantially equivalent to a subject image to be formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 46.

The light component forming the subject image which is irradiated onto the light receiving surface of the second image sensor 28 for a predetermined time in this way is subjected to photoelectric conversion by the second image sensor 28 and converted into a predetermined image signal. Is done. The image signal generated here is output to the second imaging circuit 31 and subjected to predetermined signal processing, and then output to the second A / D conversion circuit 32.
The signal is converted into a digital signal by the second A / D conversion circuit 32. And this digitized image signal is
The data is output to the second DRAM 33 and is temporarily stored here.

The image signal temporarily stored in the second DRAM 33 is used as a display signal in the second display processing circuit 4.
1, after the second display processing circuit 41 performs a predetermined form of signal processing that is optimal for display by a display unit (not particularly shown) of the display device 53, The image is output to the display device 53 via the display device 53, and a predetermined image (still image for recording) is displayed on the display unit of the display device 53 in a predetermined form.

The image signal of the second DRAM 33 is
The signal is output to the second compression / expansion circuit 35 as a signal for recording. The image signal for recording is supplied to a second compression / expansion circuit 3.
In 5, the data is subjected to predetermined signal processing to be converted into data, and then output to the second recording / reproducing circuit 36. In response to this, the second recording / reproducing circuit 36 generates predetermined still image data in a form optimal for recording the same image signal, and records this in a predetermined area of the second recording medium 40.

When the predetermined exposure time to the second image pickup device 28 is completed, the mechanical shutter 27 is driven by the shutter actuator 29 so as to be closed, and at the same time, the first mirror 16 is moved to the first mirror actuator. Driven by 63 returns to the state shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 3, when the moving image recording button is operated, the moving image recording
W74 generates a command signal to start the shooting and recording operation of the moving image data.

In response to this, the control circuit 61 controls the AF unit 54 and the AE unit 23 to perform AF operation and A
While executing the E operation for each frame, a corresponding image signal is obtained by using the first imaging means 55, and the obtained image signal is sequentially and continuously transmitted to the first DR through the first A / D conversion circuit 49.
Output to AM50.

The image signals temporarily stored in the first DRAM 50 are sequentially transferred to the first display processing circuit 51.
, And after being subjected to predetermined processing in each circuit, the selection / combination circuit 52
Is output to the display device 53 via the display unit, and is displayed on the display unit as an image for observation. At the same time, the image signal is sent to the first recording medium 4 via the first recording / reproducing circuit 39.
8 is recorded as moving image data in a predetermined area. The single shooting recording operation of the still image data and the moving image data in the single recording mode in the electronic camera 1 is performed as described above.

As described above, when the electronic camera 1 is started in the recording mode, the single recording mode is set. In this state, when an operation member (not shown) interlocked with the REC mode switch SW 70 is operated. The electronic camera 1 switches to the normal recording mode.

In the normal recording mode of the electronic camera 1, the still image data and the moving image data can be independently photographed and recorded, and even during the photographing and recording operation of the moving image data, the photographing can be performed. This allows the user to arbitrarily execute the photographing and recording operation of still image data when desired without interrupting the recording operation.

Here, the photographing / recording operation in the normal recording mode will be described below. First, when the electronic camera 1 is in a power-on state and is in a state in which a single recording mode is set in the recording mode (a state shown in FIG. 3), an operation member linked to the REC mode switching SW 70 A predetermined operation (not shown) is performed. Then, a command signal for switching the mode of the recording mode is generated from the SW 70.

In response to the command signal, the control circuit 61 controls the driving of the first mirror actuator 63 via the driving circuit 62, and moves the first mirror 16 to a predetermined retracted position (second position). In this case, the first mirror 16
First moves to the retreat position (second position) shown in FIG. 4, and further turns in the X2 direction shown in FIG. 4, and moves to the retreat position shown in FIG.

The fifth mirror 72 is connected to the first mirror 16.
Starts the rotation operation slightly after the start of the rotation. That is, the fifth mirror 72 is connected to the first mirror 16
At the same time as the state shown in FIG. 4 starts rotating about one end 72a in the direction of arrow X3 shown in FIG. Then, the fifth mirror 72 is arranged at the position shown in FIG. 5, that is, substantially at the same position as the reflection position (first position) of the first mirror 16 in the single recording mode, and stops its movement.

In this state, the luminous flux of the object passes through the photographing optical system and is then split by the fifth mirror 72, and a part of the light is shown in FIG.
5 is guided toward the first imaging means 55 by following the optical path indicated by the dashed-dotted line O2, and the other part is guided toward the second imaging means 30 by following the optical path indicated by the dashed-dotted line O1 in FIG. I will At this time, since the mechanical shutter 27 is in the closed state, the subject light flux cannot enter the second image sensor 28. Thus, the present electronic camera 1
Switches to the normal recording mode.

In the electronic camera 1, the first mirror 16 and the fifth mirror 72 are rotated in predetermined directions, respectively, so that the start timings for starting the movement of the two mirrors are different from each other. Is set. This is a measure taken in order to avoid an accident or the like in which the two mirrors 16 and 72 move because the moving ranges of the mirrors overlap and the two mirrors 16 and 72 interfere and collide during the movement.

That is, a part of the luminous flux of the subject is bent by approximately 90 degrees by the fifth mirror 72 in the same manner as in the initial state in the above-mentioned single recording mode, and then the second
The light reaches the fourth mirror 19 via the mirror 17, the magnifying relay optical system 71, the third mirror 18, and the like. Then, a part of the subject light beam is incident on the first imaging means 55 by the fourth mirror 19. Here, a moving image signal is generated by performing photoelectric conversion by the first imaging element 46 based on the subject light flux. This moving image signal is subjected to a predetermined process by the first image pickup circuit 47, is output to the first DRAM 50 via the first A / D conversion circuit 49, and is temporarily stored therein. After that, it is output to the first display processing circuit 51. This first display processing circuit 5
The image signal output to 1 is output to the display device 53 via the selection / combination circuit 52, and is displayed on the display device 53 as a moving image for observation.

The image signal temporarily stored in the first DRAM 50 is output to the first compression / expansion circuit 38 in response to a command signal of the moving image recording SW 74, and this image signal is output to the first recording circuit. After predetermined data processing is performed in the reproduction circuit 39, the data is sequentially recorded in a predetermined area of the first recording medium 48. Then, the shooting and recording operation of the moving image data being executed can be stopped only by arbitrarily operating the moving image recording button when desired.

On the other hand, when the electronic camera 1 is set in the normal recording mode, as described above, the fifth mirror 7
The other part of the subject light beam divided into two by 2 is transmitted through the fifth mirror 72 and guided to the second imaging unit 30. Therefore, in the electronic camera 1, when the release button is arbitrarily operated in this state, the photographing and recording operation of the still image data can be executed.

In other words, when the electronic camera 1 is in the normal recording mode and the moving image recording button is operated to execute the moving image recording operation, the moving image recording button Simultaneously operate the release button when desired while maintaining the ON state. Then, the photographing and recording operation of the still image data is performed in parallel with this without any influence such as interrupting the moving image recording operation being performed. Thus, desired still image data is recorded in a predetermined area of the second recording medium 40.

At this time, the operation of photographing and recording still image data is substantially the same as the operation in the above-described single recording mode. However, in the normal recording mode, the first mirror 16 and the fifth mirror 72 do not move, and the state shown in FIG. 5 is always maintained.

On the other hand, in a state where the electronic camera 1 is set to the normal recording mode, even when the photographing and recording operation of the moving image data is not executed, it is possible to arbitrarily operate the release button when desired. Thus, the photographing and recording operation of desired still image data can be executed.
In this case, when the mechanical shutter 27 is opened by a command signal from the release button, a predetermined subject light flux transmitted through the imaging optical system and transmitted through the fifth mirror 72 enters the second image sensor 28. I do. Therefore, the still image data obtained by using the second imaging means 30 is recorded in a predetermined area of the second recording medium 40 through the above-described predetermined procedure.

At the same time, the subject luminous flux reflected by the fifth mirror 72 and guided to the first image pickup means 55 is converted into moving image data through a predetermined procedure, and then is displayed on the display device 53. To be displayed on the display unit as a moving image for observation.

The operation of photographing and recording a still image in this case is also substantially the same as the operation in the above-described single recording mode.
The first mirror 16 and the fifth mirror 72 do not move together,
The state of FIG. 5 is always maintained.

In the normal recording mode,
The output signal from the first display processing circuit 51 is always sequentially input to the display device 53 via the selection / combination circuit 52, and the display unit displays a moving image for observation. .

That is, when the release button is operated in the normal recording mode to execute a still image shooting / recording operation, the second image pickup means 30 obtains the still image data at that time, and the output signal is Second A / D
The data is temporarily stored in the second DRAM 33 via the conversion circuit 32. The image signal temporarily stored in the second DRAM 33 is output to the selection / combination circuit 52 via the second display processing circuit 41.

As a result, the selection / combination circuit 52
The output signal from the display processing circuit 51 and the output signal from the second display processing circuit 41 are input. Therefore, in the selection / synthesis circuit 52, predetermined image processing, for example, synthesis processing, is performed on each image signal so as to have a predetermined display mode set in advance by the mode switch 67. Thereafter, the image signal after the signal processing is output to the display device 53. On the display unit, instead of displaying a moving image for observation based on a moving image signal from the first display processing circuit 51, an image is displayed in a desired display mode selected and instructed by the mode switch 67.

Therefore, when only the moving image data representing the moving image is acquired by the electronic camera 1, the moving image is set in the normal recording mode or the single recording mode in the recording mode of the electronic camera 1. By simply operating the image recording button, it is possible to automatically shoot and record only the moving image data alone.

When only the still image data representing the still image is to be obtained, it is only necessary to operate the release button while the electronic camera 1 is set to the normal recording mode or the single recording mode among the recording modes. It is possible to automatically shoot and record only the still image data independently.

When the electronic camera 1 is set to the normal recording mode, the moving image recording button and the release button are simultaneously operated to automatically simultaneously record moving image data and still image data. be able to.

In this manner, the first and second recording media 4
The moving image data and the still image data recorded in 8 and 40, respectively, can arbitrarily reproduce and display a desired image. That is, by operating the operation member linked to the REC / PLAY-SW 59 to set the playback (PLAY) mode, the display unit 53 of the electronic camera 1 is used to reproduce and display a desired image on the display unit. Can be done.

In this case, first, the electronic camera 1
REC / PLAY-SW5 when is in the power-on state
9 is operated and set to the playback (PLAY) position,
Alternatively, the REC / PLAY-SW 59 is operated to reproduce (P
When the power switch 58 of the electronic camera 1 is turned on in the state where the electronic camera 1 is set to the (LAY) position, the electronic camera 1 starts up in a state where the electronic camera 1 is set to the reproduction mode.

Next, when a predetermined operation (details are omitted) for selecting a desired image is performed by the reproduction mode switching SW 60 or the like, the first and second recording / reproducing circuits 39,
36, predetermined moving image data or still image data forming a corresponding image signal is stored in the first and second recording media 4.
Data is read from the predetermined areas 8 and 40.

The image data read in this way is the first image data.
Is output to the compression / expansion circuit 38 or the second compression / expansion circuit 35, where the signal is subjected to predetermined signal processing.
The data is output to the AM 50 or the second DRAM 33 and is temporarily stored therein.

That is, when a predetermined operation for selecting and reproducing a desired image is performed while the electronic camera 1 is in the reproduction mode, a recording medium (the first image) on which the selected image data is recorded is stored. Recording medium 48 or second recording medium 40
), The first and second recording / reproducing circuits 39,
36, and the first and second recording / reproducing circuits 3
After signal processing suitable for the image data is performed in the first and second compression expansion circuits 9 and 36 and the first and second compression / expansion circuits 38 and 35,
The signal is output to either the first DRAM 50 or the second DRAM 33.

The image signals temporarily stored in the first and second DRAMs 55 and 33 are output to the first display processing circuit 51 or the second display processing circuit 41 and then to the selection / combination circuit 52. Is output. In the selection / combination circuit 52, predetermined signal processing is performed so as to obtain a desired display mode selected and instructed by the mode switch 67, and thereafter, the same image signal is output to the display device 53 and is displayed on the display unit. Is displayed.

By the way, the display form of the image displayed on the display unit of the display device 53 in the electronic camera 1 is as follows, for example. That is, when the power is turned on by the power SW 58 and the operation mode is set to the recording (REC) mode and the normal recording mode by the REC / PLAY-SW 59, the display device 53 is activated.
In the display section, a moving image for observation is displayed in the entire display area.

At this time, when a predetermined operation of the moving image recording button linked with the moving image recording SW 74 is performed to execute the photographing and recording operation of the moving image data, the display unit of the display device 53 displays the first recording medium. An image based on an image signal equivalent to the image signal corresponding to the moving image data recorded in 48 is displayed. That is, no change occurs in the display form itself.

Here, when the release button is operated while maintaining the recording state of the moving image recording button, the photographing and recording operation of the desired still image data starts without interrupting the moving image recording operation being executed at that time. And the display device 53
The display mode on the display unit is as follows according to the command signal from the mode switch 67.

As described above, the image in the predetermined form displayed on the display unit of the display device 53 is an image based on the image signal generated by the selection / combination circuit 52. The selection / combination circuit 52 receives the input image signals and performs predetermined image processing so as to obtain a desired display mode set in advance by the mode switch 67.

This display mode includes, for example, (1) replacing the still image corresponding to the still image data acquired by the second image pickup means 30 with the moving image data being displayed during the display of the moving image. A mode in which the video is displayed for a predetermined time and then the video is continuously displayed again. (2) While the video is being displayed,
A reduced image of a still image corresponding to the still image data acquired by the second imaging unit 30 is displayed for a predetermined time in a form superimposed on a predetermined partial area of the moving image being displayed, and thereafter, A mode in which only moving images are continuously displayed again,
(3) Characters and pictograms indicating that the still image recording operation has been performed are displayed at a predetermined position on the display screen of the displayed moving image, or an identification display such as blinking display is performed. Or a form that informs the user to that effect.

When the electronic camera 1 is set to the single recording mode and activated, the first display processing circuit 5 is displayed on the display unit of the display device 53 as in the normal recording mode.
A moving image for observation based on the moving image signal from No. 1 is displayed.

In this state, when a still image is captured and recorded by operating the release button, the first mirror 16 moves to block the light path of the subject light beam to the first image pickup means 55 side. Therefore, the image on the display unit of the display device 53 temporarily disappears. Instead, the image is displayed on the display unit by image data to be recorded by the second imaging unit 30 and recorded on the second recording medium 40. An image equivalent to the still image is displayed on the display device 53. Then, after the still image is displayed for a predetermined time, the moving image acquired by the first imaging unit 55 is displayed again.

Therefore, in the single recording mode, a still image based on the still image data to be recorded can be confirmed using the display device 53 immediately after the shooting and recording operation of the still image.

In the single recording mode, power supply to the first recording means such as the first imaging means 55 and the first recording / reproducing circuit 39 is stopped in consideration of suppressing power consumption. You may do it.

In this case, as the finder means for observing the subject image, the photographing is performed using the optical finder unit 73 without using the display device 53. If a still image for confirmation is displayed for a predetermined time using the display device 53 immediately after the shooting and recording operation of the still image, it is easy to contribute to power saving without disturbing usability. Becomes

In the case described in the above item (1), a still image displayed on the display unit of the display device 53 is based on an image signal obtained by the second imaging means 30. become. However, separately from this, at the time when the release button is operated, a still image for observation may be generated using the image signal acquired by the first imaging unit 55. With this configuration, a data amount smaller than the data amount of the image signal acquired by the second imaging unit 30 is displayed, so that the time required for processing the data amount can be reduced. Therefore, a lighter display operation can be ensured. On the other hand, the image data actually recorded on the second recording medium 40 is based on the image signal acquired by the second imaging unit 30 including a multi-pixel type imaging device (the second imaging device 28) and the like. Since the image data is image data, image data representing a high-quality still image can be easily obtained.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the moving image data and the still image data can be individually recorded, and the moving image data and the still image data can be recorded even during the execution of the photographing and recording operation of the moving image data. The photographing and recording operations of the still image data can be executed simultaneously in parallel without interruption (normal recording mode).

When the mode is switched to the single recording mode, when recording the moving image data or the still image data independently, the light amount of substantially all of the subject light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system is reduced by the second imaging means. Since the process is led to 30, the image data representing a higher quality image can be obtained and recorded.

That is, in the electronic camera 1, in the normal recording mode, still image data generated by the second image pickup means 30 and the like based on the luminous flux of the subject transmitted through the fifth mirror 72, which is a half mirror, is recorded. I have to.

On the other hand, when the mode is switched to the single recording mode, when the photographing and recording operation of the still image data is performed alone, the first mirror 16 and the fifth mirror 72 are retracted from the optical path of the subject light beam during the photographing and recording operation. Thus, the subject light flux transmitted through the photographing optical system is directly guided to the second image pickup means 30, and the still image data generated thereby is recorded.

In the single recording mode, when the photographing and recording operation of the moving image data is performed alone, substantially all of the subject light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system is totally reflected by the first mirror 16 and the first image pickup means 55 , And the moving image data generated thereby is recorded.

Therefore, in the present electronic camera 1,
In the normal recording mode, it is possible to simultaneously record still image data at a desired time without interrupting the acquisition of moving image data by only a simple operation without performing a complicated switching operation or the like.

Further, by performing an operation of switching from the normal recording mode to the single recording mode, a higher operation than a still image (data) that can be acquired in the normal recording mode can be performed without particularly complicated operation. Still image data representing a high-quality still image can be easily obtained.

Further, the mechanical shutter 2 for shielding the light beam incident on the still image pickup device (second image pickup device 28).
7 was arranged near the light receiving surface of the image sensor, the photographing and recording operation of still image data was executed to drive the mechanical shutter 27 during photographing and recording of moving image data in the normal recording mode. Even in such a case, it is possible to reliably prevent harmful light such as flare in the image signal for the still image without interrupting the shooting and recording operation of the moving image data or losing the observation image. High quality still image data can be obtained.

In the single recording mode, the first mirror 16 is located at a position where the first mirror 16 is retracted from the optical path of the luminous flux of the subject (the optical path indicated by the one-dot chain line O in FIG. 4 and corresponds to the optical axis of the photographing optical system). Since the optical path of the subject light beam to the first imaging unit 55 (the optical path indicated by the alternate long and short dash line O2 in FIG. 4) is arranged to be shielded, the harmful light component that is reversely incident from the first imaging unit 55, the optical finder unit 73, and the like. And the like are surely shielded, and the harmful light component is prevented from circling to the second imaging means 30 side. Therefore, it is possible to acquire and record still image data representing a still higher quality still image.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a main block diagram illustrating only the main members constituting the optical system and the imaging system in the electronic camera according to the present embodiment, and illustrates a state where the fifth mirror moves during a shooting and recording operation. The optical paths of the subject light flux in each state are also shown. FIG. 6 shows an initial state of the present electronic camera, and FIG. 7 shows a state in which the present electronic camera is performing a shooting and recording operation of still image data.

The electronic camera of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as that of the above-described first embodiment. The configuration of the electronic camera is the same as that of the above-described first mirror 16 and the first mirror actuator for driving the same. The difference is that 63 has been removed. Further, in the present electronic camera, the modes in the recording modes such as the normal recording mode and the still image recording mode in the first embodiment described above are eliminated, and the recording mode is simply set at the time of the photographing / recording operation. In other words, the operation mode of the electronic camera includes a recording mode and a reproduction mode.
This is performed by the AY-SW59. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same components and the like, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The fifth mirror 72 of the electronic camera is
A quick return mirror formed by a half mirror or the like is configured similarly to the first embodiment described above. In a normal state, the light beam splitter serves as a light splitter that splits the subject light flux transmitted through the photographing optical system and guides the split light to both the first imaging means 55 and the second imaging means 30. It is.

The electronic camera is set to start in the recording mode when the power switch 58 is turned on. In the state where the electronic camera is activated in the recording mode, the luminous flux transmitted through the photographing optical system becomes the fifth light.
The light is split into two parts by a mirror 72, a part of which is reflected by a fifth mirror 72, and its optical path is bent at an angle of about 90 degrees.
First, the light reaches the fourth mirror 19 via the third mirror 18 and the like. In the fourth mirror 19, the subject light beam is further split, and a part of the light is guided to the first imaging unit 55 and another part is guided to the optical finder unit 73. On the other hand, the other part of the subject light beam split by the fifth mirror 72 is guided to the second imaging means 30 side (see FIG. 6).

In this state, the luminous flux of the subject is incident on both the first imaging means 55 and the second imaging means 30, so that it is the same as in the normal recording mode in the first embodiment. In addition, moving image data and still image data can be independently obtained and recorded. At the same time, by operating a release button (not shown) or the like during the shooting and recording operation of the moving image data, the shooting and recording operation of the still image data is executed without interrupting the shooting and recording operation being performed. can do.

When the release button is operated while the moving image data is not being shot or recorded, that is, in a so-called shooting preparation state, the fifth mirror 72 is retracted from the optical path of the subject light beam in conjunction with this operation. Retreat position (second
7; the position shown in FIG. 7), and the mechanical shutter 27 is driven and controlled to an open state. Thereby, the second imaging means 30 (the second imaging element 28) includes:
The subject light beam is directly irradiated. And
When a series of still image data shooting / recording operations is completed, the fifth mirror 72 is returned to the position shown in FIG. 6 by a quick return mechanism (not shown).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the moving image data and the still image data can be individually recorded, and the moving image data and the still image data can be interrupted even during the shooting operation of the moving image data. In addition, the photographing and recording operation of still image data can be executed in parallel when desired.

Further, when only still image data is recorded, the fifth mirror 72 is retracted to the retracted position only by operating the release button without any complicated operation such as switching operation, and photographing is performed. Almost all subject light beams transmitted through the optical system are converted to a multi-pixel type image sensor (second image sensor 2).
8). As a result, still image data representing still higher quality still images can be easily obtained, and the operability can be improved.

[0156]

As described above, according to the present invention, an electronic camera capable of recording moving image data and still image data and acquiring still image data representing a high-quality still image. Despite having been configured to use a multi-pixel type imaging device that is optimal to perform, the moving image data and the still image data are each independently recorded without forcing a complicated operation at the time of the shooting and recording operation, Also, an electronic camera capable of recording both data simultaneously can be provided.

Further, when recording only still image data alone, it is possible to acquire and record still image data representing a still higher quality still image by simple operation without particularly complicated switching operation. An electronic camera can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the first half of an electronic camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the rear half of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a main block diagram showing only main components constituting an optical system and an imaging system in the electronic camera of FIGS. 1 and 2, when the electronic camera is set to a single recording mode; The figure which shows an initial state.

FIG. 4 is a main block diagram showing only main components constituting an optical system and an imaging system in the electronic camera of FIGS. 1 and 2 when the electronic camera is set to a single recording mode; The figure which shows the state in which the imaging | photography recording operation | movement of the still image data of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a main block diagram showing only main components constituting an optical system and an imaging system in the electronic camera of FIGS. 1 and 2, in a state where the electronic camera is set to a normal recording mode; FIG.

FIG. 6 is a main block diagram showing only main members constituting an optical system and an image pickup system in an electronic camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing an initial state in a recording mode of the electronic camera. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a main block diagram showing only main components constituting an optical system and an imaging system in an electronic camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and shows still image data of the electronic camera. The figure which shows the state in which the operation is being performed.

[Description of Signs] 1 ... Electronic camera 15 ... Capturing lens unit 16 ... First mirror (optical path changing means) 27 ... Mechanical shutter (shutter means) 28 ... Second image sensor (for still image) 29 ... Shutter actuator (shutter means) 30... Second imaging means (for still images) 31... Second imaging circuit (for still images) 46... First imaging element (for moving images) 47. First imaging circuit (for moving image) 53 Display device 55 First imaging means (for moving image) 58 Power SW 59 Recording / playback SW (REC / PLAY-SW) 60 Reproduction mode switch SW 61 Control circuit (control means) 63 First mirror actuator 64 Fifth mirror actuator 65 1st. Release SW 66 2nd. Release SW 67 Mode switch 70 Mode switch 72 Fifth mirror (beam splitting means) 73 Optical finder unit 74 Moving image recording switch 92 Power battery

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A photographing lens unit having a photographing optical system for forming an image of a subject, and a first lens that receives the subject image formed by the photographing optical system and photoelectrically converts the image into an electric image signal. A first image pickup unit for a moving image having an image pickup element, and an image pickup element that receives a subject image formed by the photographing optical system and photoelectrically converts the image into an electric image signal. A second image pickup device for a still image having a second image pickup device having a large number of pixels, and moving image data in an optimal form for receiving and recording an output signal of the first image pickup device. A first recording unit for a moving image; a second recording unit for a still image for generating still image data in an optimal form for receiving and recording an output signal of the second imaging unit; Located behind the unit, Move between a first position where the passed light beam from the subject is reflected toward the first imaging unit and a second position where the light beam from the subject is retracted from the optical path of the light beam and passes this light beam. An optical path changing means freely disposed; and a light flux from an object, which is disposed behind the photographing lens unit and which has passed through the photographing optical system, is guided to one of the light fluxes toward the second image pickup means. At the same time, it is freely movable between a first position for guiding the other light beam toward the first image pickup means and a second position for retreating from the optical path of the light beam from the subject and passing this light beam. Light beam splitting means, and control means for controlling the movement of the light path changing means and the light beam splitting means.The control means, when recording only an image signal representing a still image, Moving the optical path changing means to the second position. When the light beam splitting means is moved to the second position and only the image signal representing the moving image is recorded, the light path changing means is moved to the first position and at the same time, the light beam splitting means is moved to the second position. When the image signal representing the moving image and the image signal representing the still image are simultaneously recorded, the optical path changing means is moved to the second position, and at the same time, the light beam dividing means is moved to the first position. An electronic camera, wherein the electronic camera is controlled to be moved to a position. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a shutter unit which is mechanically operated at a predetermined position immediately before the second image sensor to block a light beam incident on the second image sensor. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The control means, when recording only an image signal representing a still image, retreats from a light path of a light flux from a subject and heading toward the second imaging means, and 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera is controlled to move the optical path changing unit to a predetermined position that blocks a light beam traveling toward the first imaging unit. 3. 4. A photographing lens unit having a photographing optical system for forming a subject image, and a first lens for receiving the subject image formed by the photographing optical system and photoelectrically converting the received image into an electric image signal. A first image pickup unit for a moving image having an image pickup element, and an image pickup element that receives a subject image formed by the photographing optical system and photoelectrically converts the image into an electric image signal. A second image pickup device for a still image having a second image pickup device having a large number of pixels, and moving image data in an optimal form for receiving and recording an output signal of the first image pickup device. A first recording unit for a moving image; a second recording unit for a still image for generating still image data in an optimal form for receiving and recording an output signal of the second imaging unit; Located behind the unit, A light beam from the subject is split, and one of the light beams is guided to the first imaging unit, and the other light beam is guided to the second imaging unit. A light beam splitting means evacuated from the light path of the light beam and movably disposed between the second position through which the light beam passes, and a control means for controlling the movement of the light beam splitting means. When recording only an image signal representing a still image, the control means moves the light beam dividing means to the second position, and simultaneously records an image signal representing a moving image and an image signal representing a still image. In this case, the electronic camera is controlled to move the light beam splitting means to the first position.