JP2001057647A - Device and method for image pickup - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly decide a number of consecutively picked-up sheets in the middle of consecutive pickup operation without previously setting the number of the consecutively picked-up sheets by picking up the image of a subject for outputting an image pickup signal and monitoring the scanning situation of an image pickup button so as to control the number of the consecutively picked-up sheets in accordance with the operating state of the image pickup button. SOLUTION: An image data from an image pickup part 10 is inputted to a signal processing part 20 and a signal processing part 30 switches a first switch 31 so as to output the image data from the part 10 to a first memory 21 and writes the image data to the memory 21. Then, at the time of reproducing, the part 30 reads the image data from the memory 21, switches second and third switches so as to output this image data to a DV conversion part 35, DV-converts the image data inputted from the part 35 and outputs it to a display, etc., through an image output I/F3. In recording, the part 30 reads the image data from the memory 21 and outputs an image to a JPEG conversion part 36.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and an imaging method for recording an imaging signal obtained by imaging an object.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image pickup apparatus such as a digital still camera or a digital video camera can record an image pickup signal obtained by picking up an image of an object as image data on an external recording medium or reproduce the image data on a monitor of a main body. A digital still camera is mainly configured to capture a still image as image data, and a digital video camera is mainly configured to capture a moving image as image data.

Further, some digital still cameras can capture moving images as image data for a short time, and some digital video cameras can capture still images as image data. Some digital still cameras and video camcorders have a function of continuously shooting still images.

[0004] As a continuous shooting function in a digital still camera or the like, there is a fixed number continuous shooting function of a continuous shooting number switching type in which the number of continuous shots is set in advance and the number of continuous shots is always executed. Thus, the user can set the number of continuous shots in a digital still camera or the like in advance and press the shutter button once to obtain the set number of still images by continuous shooting. That is, the digital still camera or the like always performs the continuous shooting operation for the set number of images even when the shutter button is released, and obtains the still images of the number.

[0005]

By the way, the user has
In some cases, it is desired to determine the number of continuous shots while capturing the image without previously determining the number of continuous shots. However, in the above-described fixed number continuous shooting method of the continuous shooting number switching type, the number of continuous shots needs to be determined in advance, and continuous shooting cannot be stopped halfway.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and there is no need to previously set the number of continuous shots.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus and an imaging method capable of appropriately determining the number of continuous shots during a continuous shooting operation.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes an image pickup button, image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject and outputting an image pickup signal, and an operation state of the image pickup button. And a control unit for monitoring and controlling the number of continuous shots according to the operation state of the imaging button.

[0008] The imaging apparatus having such a configuration monitors the operation state of the imaging button, and controls the number of continuous shots by the control means in accordance with the operation state of the imaging button.

Thus, the imaging apparatus can stop the continuous shooting operation based on the operation state of the imaging button during the continuous shooting operation.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an imaging method according to the present invention includes an imaging step of imaging an object and outputting an imaging signal, and monitoring an operation state of the imaging button to operate the imaging button. Controlling the number of continuous shots according to the state.

In the imaging method having such a configuration, the operation state of the imaging button is monitored, and the number of continuous shots is controlled by the control means in accordance with the operation state of the imaging button.

Thus, the imaging apparatus can stop the continuous shooting operation based on the operation state of the imaging button during the continuous shooting operation.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a digital video camera that captures a subject and obtains image data.

The digital video camera includes an operation unit 1, a microcomputer 2, an imaging unit 10, and an image data processing unit 2.
0, an image output I / F (interface) 3, and an external memory control unit 4.

In this digital video camera, the shutter button 1a of the operation unit 10 is an imaging button. The imaging unit 10 constitutes imaging means for imaging an object and outputting an imaging signal. 1a by monitoring the operation state of the shutter button 1
A control means for controlling the number of continuous shots in accordance with the operation state of a.

This digital video camera has an imaging unit 10
In addition to capturing an image of a subject and recording a moving image, a still image can also be recorded. That is, the digital video camera can output a moving image from the image output I / F 3. For example, in a tape section, for example, a DV (Digital Video)
o) Video can be recorded on tape. Further, the digital video camera can record a still image on an external recording medium (external memory) mounted on the external memory control unit 4. For example, examples of the external recording medium include a detachable recording medium such as a floppy disk and a detachable semiconductor memory such as a so-called memory stick. Further, the digital video camera has a continuous shooting function in addition to a normal shooting function.

The digital video camera mainly functions to record a moving image. In the present embodiment, the operation of the still image recording function which the digital video camera has as a function is mainly described. Become. Therefore, the recording and reproduction of a moving image is performed by the recording and reproduction function of a general digital video camera unless otherwise specified.

The image pickup section 10 includes a lens section 11 and a camera section 12, as shown in FIG. The imaging unit 10 captures an image of a subject via the lens unit 11 and outputs image data including an imaging signal from the camera unit 12.

For example, the camera section 12 includes a charge-coupled device (CCD) as an image pickup element, a digital conversion section for converting an image pickup signal into a digital signal and outputting image data, and a camera control microcomputer as a control means. The digital conversion unit outputs an imaging signal output from the CCD as image data. Here, the camera control microcomputer controls the operation of each unit of the camera unit 11. Note that the digital conversion unit that converts the imaging signal from the CCD into a digital signal is provided by the imaging unit 10.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be provided in the image data processing unit 20 at the subsequent stage of the imaging unit 10. Also,
The imaging signal is output as a signal corresponding to a so-called megapixel image of 1152 × 864 pixels (hereinafter, referred to as a megapixel image). The image data output from the imaging unit 10 is input to the image data processing unit 20.

The image data processing unit 20 includes a signal processing unit 3
0, a first memory 21, and a second memory 22. Further, regarding the signal processing unit 30, the first to third switches 31, 32, 33, VGA (Video Graphi
cs Array) converter 34, DV (Digital Video) converter 35, and JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Expe
(rts Groupe) conversion unit 36. For example, the signal processing unit 30 is CARILLON.

The image data input to the image data processing section 20 configured as described above is first input to the first and second switches 31 and 32. First switch 31
Is mainly processed as still image data, and the image data input to the second switch 32 is recorded as moving image data on a DV tape or reproduced on an image display unit.

The first switch 31 outputs image data from the image pickup section 10 to the first memory 21 by selecting the first selected terminal 31a, and performs VGA conversion by selecting the second selected terminal 31b. Output to the unit 34.

The VGA conversion unit 34 to which the image data is input from the second selected terminal 31b converts the image data of 1152 × 864 pixels into a 640 × 480 pixel VGA size image (hereinafter referred to as a VGA image). Convert. VGA
The image data subjected to the VGA conversion by the conversion unit 34 is the first image data.
Is input to the memory 21. Accordingly, the image data input to the first memory 21 is either the VGA image output from the VGA conversion unit 34 or the first switch 3.
It becomes a megapixel image output from one first selected terminal 31a.

The first memory 21 is an SDRAM (synchronous DRAM). The storage capacity of the first memory 21 is 64 Mbits. And the first memory 2
The writing and reading of image data to and from the device 1 are performed by the microcomputer 2 that controls each component of the image data processing unit 20.

During continuous shooting, the microcomputer 2 determines the upper limit of the number of continuous shots according to the image size of the megapixel image and the VGA image.
Here, the image size corresponds to a pixel value. Then, the microcomputer 2 converts the image data of a plurality of megapixel images or VGA images obtained by continuous shooting into a first image.
Of the memory 21 is controlled. Here, in the case of the VGA size, the microcomputer 2 controls the writing to the 64-Mbit first memory 21 so that a maximum of 16 VGA images are not overlapped. The writing control to the first memory 21 of 64 Mbits is performed so that the four megapixel images do not overlap. Therefore, 64 Mbits, which is the storage capacity of the first memory 21, is at least 16 in the case of a VGA image.
In the case of a single image or a megapixel image, four images are determined as the storage capacity that can be stored.

For writing the image data to the first memory 21 according to the image size, the microcomputer 2 specifically sets the upper limit of the number of continuous shots according to the storage capacity of the first memory 21 and the image size. Is determined, and a plurality of image data obtained by continuous shooting are stored in the first memory 21 while securing a storage area. For example, the microcomputer 2 is a 16-bit microcomputer provided with various peripherals.

More specifically, the microcomputer 2
When writing VGA-size image data into the first memory 21, the writing area is divided so that image data of 16 VGA images can be stored in the first memory 21, and each of the divided areas is divided. The VGA image is written into the inside. Alternatively, the microcomputer 2 writes the VGA image while shifting the storage position in the first memory 21 by an amount corresponding to the VGA size. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the microcomputer 2 starts from the start address A _V0 to the addresses A _V1 , A _V2 .
The address offsets are added by 4 M bits each as A _V14 and A _V15 , and the respective areas 21 ₁ , 21 ₂ ,..., 21 of the first memory 21 are added so that the 16 VGA images do not overlap.
₁₅ and 21 ₁₆ are written.

That is, the microcomputer 2 divides the storage capacity of the first memory 21 by the data size of one VGA image, secures a writing area for 16 VGA images, and takes in the data by continuous shooting. The incoming VGA image is written into each divided area.

Further, the digital video camera performs a continuous shooting operation only while the shutter button 1a is pressed, so that an arbitrary number of images can be obtained. That is, the microcomputer 2 detects the pressed state of the shutter button 1a, and performs imaging by the imaging unit 10 while the shutter button 1a is being pressed, thereby acquiring image data. For example, as described above, when 16 images are obtained as the maximum number of storage capacity of the first memory 21, the user who has used the function of continuously capturing an arbitrary number of images as described above, This can be said to be the result of pressing the shutter button 1a for a sufficient time.

As described above, the digital video camera can obtain an arbitrary number of images by performing the continuous shooting operation only while the shutter button 1a is pressed. Therefore, the digital video camera can perform continuous shooting within a range of 16 frames for a VGA size, and can perform continuous shooting within a range of four frames for a megapixel. More specifically, it will be described later.

It should be noted that the digital video camera may have a fixed number continuous shooting function of a continuous shot switching type as a continuous shooting function in a conventional digital video camera. The fixed number continuous shooting function of the continuous shooting number switching type is such that a continuously settable number of continuously shootable images is set in advance, and a single press of the shutter button 1a continuously shoots the set number of images. is there. Thus, the user sets 16 consecutive shots in this function of the digital video camera, and automatically presses the shutter button 1a once to automatically generate 16 consecutive shots as described above. A photographed image can be obtained.

When writing megapixel image data into the first memory 21, the microcomputer 2 stores the image data of four megapixel images in the first memory 21 as shown in FIG. The writing area is divided so that the image data can be stored in the storage area, and a megapixel image is written into each of the divided areas. Alternatively, the microcomputer 2 writes the megapixel image while shifting the storage position in the first memory 21 by an amount corresponding to the megapixel size. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the microcomputer 2 adds 16 Mbits of address offsets from the start address A _M0 to the addresses A _M1 , A _M2 , and A _M3 , thereby obtaining four megapixel images. Are written in the respective areas 21 ₁ , 21 ₂ , 21 ₃ , 21 ₄ of the first memory 21 so as not to overlap.

That is, the microcomputer 2 divides the storage capacity of the first memory 21 by the data size of one megapixel image to secure continuous writing while securing a writing area for four megapixel images. Is written in each divided area.

As described above, the microcomputer 2 stores the image data in the first memory 21 based on the image size, and the information on the image size is determined by the user's input through the operation unit 1.

The operation unit 1 as a part of a so-called user interface includes, for example, the above-described shutter button 1a, setting of a moving image recording mode and a still image recording mode,
It comprises a mode setting button for setting a normal shooting mode or a continuous shooting mode in the still image recording mode. The operation unit 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the operation unit 1 displays various menus on a liquid crystal monitor for image output provided in a digital video camera main body, and displays such menus. A desired operation can be designated by designating with a cursor or a pointer from various displayed menus.

The operation information of the operation of the operation unit 1 by the user is input to the microcomputer 2. The microcomputer 2 controls writing of image data to the first memory 21 according to the image size selected based on the operation information of the user.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the microcomputer 2 responds to selection information (operation information) selected by the user from the menu M displayed on the liquid crystal monitor, as shown in FIG. As described above, it is known that the image size of the VGA image or the megapixel image has been designated. Then, the microcomputer 2 writes the plurality of images which are successively captured and taken into the first memory 21.

As described above, the microcomputer 2 writes the image data into the first memory 21. Then, the image data is read from the first memory 21 and the image is recorded on the external recording medium.

The microcomputer 2 reads the image data from the first memory 21 for each storage area where the image data is stored, that is, when the image data is stored as a megapixel image. Is performed in four times by adding an offset by 16 M bits, and when image data is stored as a VGA image, the offset is added in 4 M bits and performed in 16 times.

In the continuous shooting function, image data is not always stored in all areas of the first memory 21. That is, in the case of megapixels, four images are not necessarily stored. In the case of the VGA size, 16 images are not necessarily stored. For example, in the function capable of continuous shooting of an arbitrary number of images as described above, the number of images may be less than 4 in the case of a megapixel image, and less than 16 in the case of a VGA image. Sometimes. In such a case, the microcomputer 2 reads out image data only from a predetermined area based on the information on which the image data has been written.

The output of the first memory 21 is connected to a third switch 33. The third switch 33 outputs the image data stored in the first memory 21 to the second switch 32 when the first selected terminal 33a is selected, and outputs the image data when the second selected terminal 33b is selected. A switch for outputting to the JPEG conversion unit 36.

The image data output from the first selected terminal 33a by the selection of the third switch 33 is, for example,
The image is displayed as a still image on the display device, and is specifically as follows.

The second selected terminal 3 of the second switch 32
Image data output from the imaging unit 10 is input to the second switch 3b as described above.
Reference numeral 2 denotes image data output from the imaging unit 10 as a second
The selected terminal 32b is output to the DV conversion unit 35 at the subsequent stage, and the image data from the first memory 21 output from the third switch 33 is selected by the first selected terminal 32a. Thus, the DV conversion unit 35 at the subsequent stage
Output to

The DV converter 35 is a digital video (DV) converter.
o) Convert image data by format. DV
Since a megapixel image of 1152 × 864 pixels or a VGA image of 640 × 480 pixels is input to the conversion unit 35, the DV conversion unit 35 converts the image size to D, for example.
A process for converting into V-size compression-encoded image data is performed. The image data DV-converted by the DV converter 35 is input to the image output I / F3.

The image output I / F 3 is an interface for outputting the input image data to a line output terminal, a DV (Digital Video) output terminal, a display device, or a tape unit.

Here, the display device is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor for image output provided integrally with the digital video camera, and outputs an image to the liquid crystal monitor by image data based on an output signal from the image output I / F3. Is performed. For example, the display device outputs a still image based on image data stored in the first memory 21, and outputs a still image based on image data directly input from the imaging unit 10 without passing through the first memory 21. Output an image.

The tape section is a data recording section using a DV tape or the like which is a tape recording medium, and the digital video camera records an output signal from the image output I / F 3 on the tape recording medium. Do. Digital video cameras, in addition to moving images, can also record image data of a still image on a tape-shaped recording medium, that is, for example, a digital video camera drives the tape-shaped recording medium in a moving image mode, the tape Still images can also be recorded on shape recording media.

On the other hand, when the third switch 33 is selected, the JPEG converter 36 to which the image data stored in the first memory 21 is inputted from the second selected terminal 33b,
The external memory control unit 4 converts image data for recording image data on a recording medium, and converts input image data into JPEG (Joint Photographic).
Coding Experts Group) and performs compression processing in accordance with the format, and outputs the result to the second memory 22.

In the second memory 22, the JPEG converter 3
6 temporarily stores the compressed image data. The second memory 22 is, like the first memory 21,
It is an SDRAM (synchronous DRAM). The storage capacity of the second memory 22 is smaller than the storage capacity of the first memory 21 and is 16 Mbits.
The storage capacity is sufficient to store the compressed image data compressed by the G conversion unit 36.

The external memory control section 4 is a section for storing image data in the external recording memory, and includes a mounting section to which the external recording memory is removably mounted, and an image data writing control section. Here, for example, when the external recording medium is a memory stick, the mounting unit is configured as a memory stick connector, and the writing control unit is configured as a memory stick controller.
The external memory control unit 4 having such a configuration
Writes the compressed image data stored in the second memory 22 by the memory stick controller to the memory stick connected to the memory stick connector.

The digital video camera configured as described above records and reproduces a moving image, and also converts megapixel still image data obtained by the imaging unit 10 as it is or in a VGA size image. , And can be JPEG-compressed and recorded on an external recording medium. In addition, the digital video camera converts image data of a megapixel still image obtained by imaging by the imaging unit 10 as it is or converts it into VGA size image data, and outputs it as DV data via the image output I / F3. You can also.

Then, the digital video camera captures still images one by one (hereinafter, referred to as normal shooting), continuously captures four still images (hereinafter, referred to as quadruple shooting), and Continuously capture 16 still images (hereinafter, referred to as
This is called 16-shot shooting. ). Here, the digital video camera acquires image data as a megapixel image in normal shooting and quadruple shooting,
In continuous shooting, image data is acquired as a VGA image. Then, the digital video camera outputs the image data as described above and records the image data on a recording medium.

Hereinafter, a series of processing steps of the digital video camera in the normal shooting, the 4-shot shooting, and the 16-shot shooting will be specifically described.

First, a series of processing steps of the digital video camera in normal photographing is as follows.

The image data from the imaging unit 10 is input to the signal processing unit 20. The signal processing unit 30 switches the first switch 31 so that the image data from the imaging unit 10 is output to the first memory 21, and writes the image data into the first memory 21.

At the time of reproduction, the signal processing unit 30
The image data is read from the first memory 21, and the second and third switches 32 and 33 are switched so that the image data is output to the DV conversion unit 35.
, Performs DV conversion on the input image data, and outputs the data to a display device or the like via the image output I / F3.

On the other hand, during recording, the signal processing unit 30 reads out image data from the first memory 21 and operates the second and third switches 32 and 33 so that the image data is output to the JPEG conversion unit 36. Switching is performed, and the input image data is JPEG-converted by the JPEG conversion unit 36 and stored in the second memory 22. Then, the external memory control unit 4 reads out the image data in the second memory 22 and records it on the external recording medium.

The above is a series of processing steps of the digital video camera in normal photographing. Further, a series of processing steps of the digital video camera in the four consecutive shootings is as follows.

The image data from the imaging unit 10 is input to the signal processing unit 20. The signal processing unit 30 switches the first switch 31 so that the image data from the imaging unit 10 is output to the first memory 21. The signal processing unit 30 writes the image data of the megapixel image output from the first switch 31 in a predetermined area of the first memory 21. For example, the signal processing unit 30 sets the offset of the address to be written to the 64-Mbit first memory 21 to 1
The data is added to the first memory 21 so that the four megapixel images are not overlapped by adding 6 Mbits.

At the time of reproduction, the signal processing unit 30
The image data is read from the first memory 21, and the second and third switches 32 and 33 are switched so that the image data is output to the DV conversion unit 35.
, Performs DV conversion on the input image data, and outputs the data to a display device or the like via the image output I / F3.

At this time, the image data of the megapixel image is read from the first memory 21 by the first memory 2.
This is performed for each predetermined area, that is, an offset is added by 16 M bits, and the image data is divided into four times.

On the other hand, during recording, the signal processing unit 30 reads out image data from the first memory 21 and operates the second and third switches 32 and 33 so that the image data is output to the JPEG conversion unit 36. Switching is performed, and the input image data is JPEG-converted by the JPEG conversion unit 36 and stored in the second memory 22. Then, the external memory control unit 4 reads out the image data in the second memory 22 and records it on the external recording medium.

At this time, as in the case of the reproduction, the reading of the image data of the megapixel image from the first memory 21 is performed for each predetermined area of the first memory 21, that is, for each 16 M bits. Add the offset,
The image data is divided into four times.

The above is a series of processing steps of the digital video camera in quadruple shooting. Further, a series of processing steps of the digital video camera in 16 continuous shootings is as follows.

The image data from the imaging unit 10 is input to the signal processing unit 20. The signal processing unit 30 switches the first switch 31 so that the image data from the imaging unit 10 is output to the VGA conversion unit 34. The VGA conversion unit 34
The VG conversion unit 34 converts the image data from the imaging unit 10 into V
After converting to a GA size, the VGA image is stored in the first memory 21.
Output to The signal processing unit 30 writes the image data of the VGA image output from the VGA conversion unit 34 in a predetermined area of the first memory 21. For example, the signal processing unit 30 adds the offset of the address to be written to the first memory 21 by 4 M bits, and writes the 16 VGA images to the first memory 21 so as not to overlap.

At the time of reproduction, the signal processing unit 30
The image data is read from the first memory 21, and the second and third switches 32 and 33 are switched so that the image data is output to the DV conversion unit 35.
, Performs DV conversion on the input image data, and outputs the data to a display device or the like via the image output I / F3.

At this time, the VGA from the first memory 21
The reading of the image data of the image is performed for each predetermined area of the first memory 21, that is, the image data is divided into 16 times by adding an offset of 4M bits.

On the other hand, during recording, the signal processing unit 30 reads out image data from the first memory 21 and operates the second and third switches 32 and 33 so that the image data is output to the JPEG conversion unit 36. Then, the image data input by the JPEG conversion unit 36 is JPEG-converted and stored in the second memory 22. Then, the external memory control unit 4 reads out the image data in the second memory 22 and records it on a recording medium.

At this time, as in the case of the reproduction, the reading of the image data of the VGA image from the first memory 21 is performed in the first memory 21.
Is performed for each predetermined area of the memory 21, that is, by adding an offset of 4 M bits, and dividing the image data into 16 times.

The above is a series of processing steps of the digital video camera in 16 consecutive shootings.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a series of processing from the time when a key (shutter button 1a) is operated (for example, pressed) to the time when image data is recorded on an external recording medium in 16 continuous shooting.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the microcomputer 2 detects a half-press of the key in step S1, it locks the AE (automatic aperture) and AF in step S2.

In the following step S3, the microcomputer 2 waits for full depression of the key. For example, when a remote controller having a key that can only be pressed fully is provided, the microcomputer 2 also waits for a full press of a key of the remote controller.

When detecting the full press of the key in step S3, the microcomputer 2 determines in step S4 whether the full press of the key is caused by the operation of the key of the remote controller or the key of the main body. . The microcomputer 2 proceeds to step S5 when the operation is performed by operating a key of the remote controller, and proceeds to step S6 when the operation is performed by operating a key of the main body. In step S5, the microcomputer 5 locks the AE and AF, and proceeds to step S6. The process in step S5 is because the key of the remote controller has only a full-press function, and the AE and AF are locked here. In other words, by providing the key of the remote controller with a half-press function, the processing in step S5 becomes unnecessary.

In step S6, the microcomputer 2 performs a recording process shown in FIG. In the recording process, as shown in FIG.
111 _1, step S11 _2, · · ·, step S1
1 _15, in step S11 _16, performed one after another capture process and writes the image data output from the imaging unit 10 in the first memory 21 via the VGA converter 34. The microcomputer 2 has 16 V
After writing the GA image in the first memory 21, as step S12, a process of writing image data to an external memory by performing compression processing such as JPEG compression is performed. For example, such a continuous shooting operation can be said to be a case where 16 continuous shots are set in the above-described fixed number continuous shooting function of the continuous shot switching type.

Further, as described above, the digital video camera performs the continuous shooting operation only while the shutter button 1a is pressed, and can obtain an arbitrary number of images. In this case, the digital video camera performs a continuous shooting operation only while the shutter button 1a is pressed by the recording processing as shown in FIG. 7 to obtain an arbitrary number of images.

The digital video camera proceeds to step S22.
Until a predetermined condition is satisfied in step S21, the image data output from the imaging unit 10 in VGA
A capture process of writing data into the first memory 21 via the conversion unit 34 is performed.

Here, the condition in step S22 is a condition such as whether the maximum number of continuous sheets has been reached, whether the user has released the button, or whether the remaining number of sheets has been reached. The capture process is performed until one of the conditions is satisfied.

For example, in the digital video camera, the number of continuous shots can be set in advance even in the function of continuously shooting an arbitrary number of shots, that is, in the case of a VGA image, a range of 16 shots is set. In the case of a megapixel image, the number of continuous shots can be set in advance within the range of four images. Thus, in step S22, it is determined whether or not the maximum number of continuous shots has been reached.

In some cases, the recording capacity of the external recording medium mounted on the external memory control unit 4 is limited, and the first data remains in the first memory 21 or the second memory 22. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the writable image data. For this reason, in step S22, the remaining storage capacity of the external memory and the remaining storage capacities of the first and second memories 21 and 22 are monitored to determine whether or not the number of records that can be written to them is reached. That is, it is determined whether or not the remaining number has been reached. Thus, for example, when the remaining capacity is such that only three images can be recorded in the external memory, when three images are obtained by continuous shooting, and when the shutter button 1a is pressed, the continuous shooting function is performed. To stop. By such a stop operation, the user can know that the expected number of images have not been recorded. For example, by knowing this, the user cannot obtain the image that could not be obtained as image data. Can be imaged and reliably recorded as image data in an external recording memory. For example, monitoring the pressing operation of the shutter button 1a, the first and second memories 2
Monitoring of the capacities of the storage media 1, 2 and the external recording medium is performed by the microcomputer 2.

When at least one of the conditions described above is satisfied in step S22, the microcomputer 2 determines in step S23 that only a predetermined area is connected based on the information on which the image data has been written. Image data obtained by copying is read, and the read image data is subjected to compression processing such as JPEG compression and the like, and is written to an external memory.

FIG. 8 shows a recording process on a recording medium in a conventional digital video camera during quadruple shooting. As shown in FIG. 7, the conventional digital video camera writes image data from an imaging unit into a memory by a capture process (Step S).
31) The image data written in the memory is output from the memory (step S32), and the image data output from the memory is compressed (step S3).
3). Then, the conventional digital video camera performs the capture processing, the memory output, and the image compression for only four images obtained by continuous shooting. The conventional digital video camera performs step S after performing such processing.
At 43, the image data was recorded in the external memory.

As can be seen from such processing, the digital video camera to which the present invention is applied can capture images one after another without going through the compression process, as compared with the conventional digital video camera.

As described above, the digital video camera
Normal shooting, 4 continuous shootings, and 16 continuous shootings can be performed.

As described above, the digital video camera can change the number of continuous shots according to the image size to be handled. In the case of a megapixel image of 1152 × 864 pixels, it can perform four continuous shots. , VGA × 640 × 480 pixels, 16 continuous shots can be performed.

Further, the digital video camera performs a continuous shooting operation only while the shutter button 1a is pressed, so that an arbitrary number of images can be obtained. Therefore, the digital video camera can perform continuous shooting within a range of 16 frames for a VGA size, and can perform continuous shooting within a range of four frames for a megapixel. Thus, the user can determine the number of continuous shots while imaging the digital still camera without determining the number of continuous shots in advance.

The storage capacity and the image size of the first memory 21 are not limited to the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the number of images to be written to the first memory 21 can be determined according to the storage capacity of the first memory 21 and the image size when writing to the first memory 21.

[0088]

The image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes a control means for monitoring the operation state of the image pickup button and controlling the number of continuous shots in accordance with the operation state of the image pickup button. The continuous shooting operation can be stopped based on the operation state of the button.

Thus, the imaging apparatus can appropriately determine the number of continuous shots during the continuous shooting operation without having to set the number of continuous shots in advance.

Further, the imaging method according to the present invention includes a continuous shooting number control step of monitoring the operation state of the imaging button and controlling the continuous shooting number according to the operation state of the imaging button. The continuous shooting operation can be stopped based on the operation state of the imaging button during the shooting.

Thus, in the imaging method, the number of continuous shots can be appropriately determined during the continuous shooting operation without having to set the number of continuous shots in advance.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital video camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating division of a storage area of a first memory when a VGA image is stored.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating division of a storage area of a first memory when a megapixel image is stored.

FIG. 4 is a diagram used to explain that the microcomputer knows that a VGA size or a megapixel has been selected as an image size used for continuous shooting based on operation information of an operation unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a series of processing when operating a key in the digital video camera.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a series of processing steps of recording processing to an external memory of the digital video camera at the time of 16 continuous shooting.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a series of processing steps when the digital still camera performs a continuous shooting operation according to the operation state of the shutter button and the like.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a recording process to an external memory when a conventional digital video camera performs continuous shooting.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 operation unit, 2 microcomputer, 10 imaging unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/781 (72) Inventor Sachiyo Noguchi 6-35 Kita Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation F term (reference) 2H020 MA06 MA07 MB00 MC41 MC62 MC71 MD02 ME07 ME34 2H054 AA01 5C022 AA13 AB00 AC00 AC31 AC52 AC69

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup button, an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject and outputting an image pickup signal, and a control for monitoring the operation state of the image pickup button and controlling the number of continuous shots in accordance with the operation state of the image pickup button An imaging apparatus comprising: 2. A continuous shooting mode selecting means for setting a continuous shooting mode, wherein the control means, when the continuous shooting mode is selected,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation state of the imaging button is monitored, and the number of continuous shots is controlled according to the operation state of the imaging button. 3. A storage unit for storing the image pickup signal, and a writing unit for writing the image pickup signal corresponding to the number of continuous shots in accordance with an operation state of the image pickup button into the storage unit; Monitors the remaining storage capacity of the storage means,
2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of continuous shots is limited according to the remaining storage capacity. 4. A recording medium recording means for recording the image pickup signal corresponding to the number of continuous shots in accordance with an operation state of the image pickup button on a recording medium detachably mounted, and the remaining recording of the recording medium 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the capacity is monitored, and the number of continuous shots is limited according to the remaining recording capacity. 5. An image capturing step of capturing an image of a subject and outputting an image capturing signal, and a continuous image capturing number controlling step of monitoring an operation state of the image capturing button and controlling a continuous image capturing number according to the operation state of the image capturing button. An imaging method characterized by having. 6. The continuous shooting number control step is characterized in that when the continuous shooting mode is selected, the operation state of the imaging button is monitored and the number of continuous shootings is controlled in accordance with the operation state of the imaging button. The imaging method according to claim 5, wherein 7. A writing step of writing the image pickup signal corresponding to the number of continuous shots in accordance with an operation state of an image pickup button to a storage means, wherein in the continuous shot number control step, the remaining storage capacity of the storage means is also reduced. 6. The imaging method according to claim 5, wherein monitoring is performed and the number of continuous shots is controlled according to the remaining storage capacity. 8. A recording medium recording step of recording the image pickup signal corresponding to the number of continuous shots according to an operation state of an image pickup button on an external recording medium. 6. The imaging method according to claim 5, wherein the remaining recording capacity is monitored, and the number of continuous shots is controlled according to the remaining recording capacity.