JP2001136436A - Image pickup device and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device and its control method without causing any deviation of view angle due to a change in a read area of its CCD. SOLUTION: The image pickup device that can conduct zoom photographing in a plurality of photographing modes, is provided with a multi-pixel CCD (2) having a plurality of pixels that convert an optical image of an object into an electric signal, an optical zoom device (1), an electronic zoom reduction circuit (6), an electronic zoom expansion circuit (8), a mode changeover switch (12) that selects any of a plurality of the photographing modes, a zoom switch (10) to enter a magnification factor, a read area control circuit (13) that controls that electric signals of different ranges of the multi-pixel CCD are read depending on the selected photographing mode and the entered magnification factor, and a zoom control circuit (11) that controls the optical zoom device, an electronic zoom reduction circuit and an electronic zoom magnification circuit so as not to change the view angle of the pictures after and before the photographing mode revision when no photographing mode is revised.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus mounted on a video camera or the like. The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus that is operated by switching between.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 16 shows a schematic configuration of a conventional imaging apparatus capable of switching between still image shooting and moving image shooting, and shows an imaging apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-191172.

In FIG. 16, reference numeral 101 denotes a CCD of an all-pixel readout system; 102, an A / D converter for converting a signal output from the CCD 101 into a digital signal;
Is a line memory block that forms a delay signal; 104 is a camera signal generation circuit that generates a video signal from a digital signal; 105 is an image for one frame output from the camera signal generation circuit 104; A frame memory for storing and performing non-interlaced and interlaced conversion; 106, a selection circuit;
A recording circuit 107 records the input video signal on a recording medium such as a tape.

Further, reference numeral 111 denotes a mode changeover switch for switching between a still image mode and a moving image mode; 110, a control circuit for controlling the operation of each section according to the mode selected by the mode changeover switch 111; 109, a clock generation circuit;
Reference numeral 108 denotes a CCD control circuit that controls reading of signals from the CCD 101.

According to this conventional example, when the user operates the mode changeover switch 111 to switch between the still image mode and the moving image mode, the read frequency of the signal from the CCD 101 and the read control of the signal from the line memory block 103 are controlled. Change, CC in still image mode
A high-quality image using signals from all pixels of D101 can be obtained, and in the moving image mode, a moving image can be obtained by interlaced reading.

On the other hand, a multi-pixel CCD having an imaging range wider than an effective scanning range of a conventional video signal is used, and an image blur correction device of a video camera or the like is used by using a partial image of the read signal. (JP-A-07-274058). In this video camera, image blur correction is realized by reading video signals in the entire range of the CCD, recording the video signals in a memory, and changing the position where some of the signals are read. Further, wide-angle processing is realized by performing reduction processing to a size effective as a video signal.

By using this multi-pixel CCD and changing the method of reading from the CCD in accordance with the still image mode and the moving image mode, the moving image mode requires a portion of the multi-pixel CCD that is necessary for video moving images. Video signal can be obtained,
In the still image mode, a high-resolution image can be obtained using the video signal of the entire range of the multi-pixel CCD.

The operation of the above-described multi-pixel CCD will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 17A, a portion surrounded by a broken line indicates an image range read out in a moving image mode from among images photographable by the multi-pixel CCD, and a portion surrounded by a solid line (FIG. 17A ()) Indicates an image range read in the still image mode. When the imaging mode is set to the moving image mode, the read image is a CCD image as shown in FIG.
Part of the image. When switching to the still image mode from this state, an image including the periphery of the image illustrated in FIG. 17B is obtained as illustrated in FIG.

[0010]

As described above, in the conventional read control from the multi-pixel CCD, the read range of the multi-pixel CCD differs between the still image mode and the moving image mode.
When the user switches the mode, there is a problem that the range (angle of view) of the image to be shot changes.

Conventionally, a multi-pixel C
Even when performing enlargement processing on a part of the video information obtained from the CD, it is necessary to increase the clock speed because all the information of the CCD having a wide light receiving range is read out.
There is a problem that power consumption increases.

Further, since the reduction process is performed only when the optical zoom exceeds the wide-angle end, there is a problem that the zoom area in which a high-quality image can be obtained is narrow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an image pickup apparatus which does not cause a shift in an angle of view due to a change in a readout range of a CCD, and a control method thereof.

[0014]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image pickup apparatus of the present invention having a plurality of photographing modes is provided.
An imaging unit having a plurality of pixels for converting an optical image of a subject into an electric signal; a zoom unit; a mode selection unit for selecting one of the plurality of photographing modes; and an electric signal in a predetermined range of the imaging unit. An imaging control unit for reading, and the zoom unit such that, when an electric signal is read from a different range of the imaging unit by changing the imaging mode by the mode selection unit, an angle of view of an image before and after the imaging mode change is not changed. Zoom control means for controlling the

Further, the control method of the present invention for an image pickup apparatus which includes an image pickup means having a plurality of pixels for converting an optical image of a subject into an electric signal and which can be photographed in a plurality of photographing modes and a zoom means, comprises: A mode selection step of selecting one of the photographing modes, an image pickup control step of controlling the image pickup means to read out a predetermined range of electric signals, and a change of the photographing mode by the mode selection step. When reading electrical signals from different ranges,
A zoom control step of controlling the zoom means so that the angle of view of the image before and after the change of the shooting mode does not change.

Preferably, the zoom control means sets an enlargement / reduction ratio set in the zoom means.
In the zoom control step, an enlargement / reduction ratio set in the zoom unit is set.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the plurality of shooting modes include a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode. Preferably, when shooting in still image mode,
The imaging control means controls so as to read out electric signals in the entire range of the imaging means.

According to the above configuration, the reading range of the multi-pixel CCD is set wider when capturing a still image to obtain a higher-resolution image than when capturing a moving image, and each zoom circuit magnification is controlled by switching the imaging mode. Thus, it is possible to prevent the angle of view from shifting due to a change in the CCD readout range. Also, by switching the read range of the multi-pixel CCD, it is possible to record images of a large number of resolutions, and by controlling each zoom circuit enlargement ratio by switching the imaging mode, it is possible to change the read range of the CCD. It is possible to prevent the angle of view from shifting.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a camera-shake correction unit and a camera-shake correction control unit that switches between energization and de-energization of the camera-shake correction unit in accordance with a mode selected by the mode selection unit. And wherein the plurality of photographing modes include a mode in which photographing is performed with the camera shake correction unit being activated, and a mode in which photographing is performed with the camera shake correction unit deactivated. The control method of the imaging apparatus further includes a camera shake correction step, and a camera shake correction control step of switching between energization and deenergization of the camera shake correction step according to a mode selected in the mode selection step. The photographing modes include a mode in which photographing is performed in a state in which the camera shake correction step is activated, and a mode in which photographing is performed in a state in which the camera shake correction step is deactivated. Preferably, when the camera shake correction is activated, an electric signal of the entire range of the image pickup means is read.

According to the above configuration, when the image stabilization is OFF, all the images of the multi-pixel CCD are read out, so that a higher resolution image quality can be obtained than in a normal CCD. Normal CC than pixel CCD
It is possible to perform camera shake correction with a video having the same image quality as D. Further, even when the user switches ON / OFF of the camera shake correction function, it is possible to take an image without changing the angle of view.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the zoom unit includes an optical zoom unit, an electronic zoom enlargement unit, and an electronic zoom reduction unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit having a plurality of pixels for converting an optical image of a subject into an electric signal; Means, zoom means, imaging control means for controlling to read out an electric signal from any one of a plurality of different ranges of the imaging means based on the magnification input by the magnification input means, and the magnification And zoom control means for controlling the zoom means based on the enlargement ratio input by the input means.

The control method of the present invention for an image pickup apparatus having a plurality of pixels for converting an optical image of a subject into an electric signal and an image pickup apparatus having a zoom means includes a magnifying power inputting step for inputting a magnifying power; An imaging control step of controlling an electric signal to be read out from any of a plurality of different ranges of the imaging unit based on the magnification input in the magnification input step; and an enlargement input in the magnification input step. And a zoom control step of controlling the zoom means based on the ratio.

According to the above configuration, an image using all the image information of the multi-pixel CCD can be obtained, so that a higher quality image can be obtained than an image device using a normal CCD.

Further, by changing the reading range of the multi-pixel CCD so as to be in a range necessary for photographing in accordance with the zoom magnification, high image quality can be realized in a wide zoom range and the entire system can be realized. Power consumption can be reduced.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the zoom unit includes an optical zoom unit, an electronic zoom enlargement unit, and an electronic zoom reduction unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, when the readout range of the image pickup means changes by the image pickup control means, the zoom control means changes the angle of view of the image before and after the readout range change. The zoom means is controlled so as not to be performed. In the control unit of the imaging device, in the zoom control step, when the readout range of the imaging unit changes in the imaging control step, the zoom unit is controlled so that the angle of view of the image before and after the readout range change does not change. Control.

As a result, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus and a control method thereof that do not cause a shift in the angle of view.

[0029]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an image pickup apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an optical zoom device comprising a plurality of lenses capable of performing zoom processing, and drives the lenses in accordance with an optical zoom magnification specified by a zoom control circuit 11 described later.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a multi-pixel CCD having an imaging range wider than an effective scanning range (a range necessary for obtaining a video image of a TV standard such as NTSC or PAL), and a video signal is read out according to the CCD control circuit 15. Reference numeral 3 denotes an A / D converter that converts a signal output from the multi-pixel CCD 2 into a digital signal. Reference numeral 4 denotes a camera signal generation circuit that generates a video signal from the digital signal. Reference numeral 5 denotes an image output from the camera signal generation circuit. This is a low-pass filter (LPF) circuit for removing a high-frequency component of a signal.

Reference numeral 6 denotes an electronic zoom reduction circuit for performing reduction processing on an output signal from the LPF circuit 5, according to an electronic zoom reduction ratio specified by a zoom control circuit 11, which will be described later. Reduction processing is performed by performing thinning and the like on the video signal of the entire range.

A selection circuit 7 switches between an image reduced through the electronic zoom reduction circuit 6 and an image not reduced according to a switching signal output from a read range control circuit 13 described later.

Reference numeral 8 denotes an electronic zoom enlargement circuit for electrically enlarging the output signal from the selection circuit 7, and performs interpolation and the like in accordance with an electronic zoom enlargement ratio designated by a zoom control circuit 11, which will be described later. Perform enlargement processing.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a recording circuit for recording an input video signal on a recording medium such as a tape, and reference numeral 12 denotes a mode switch for switching between a plurality of imaging modes. Note that the first embodiment has a still image mode and a moving image mode.

A read range control circuit 13 generates a read range switch signal for the multi-pixel CCD 2 based on the selection result of the mode switch 12. Reference numeral 14 denotes a clock generation circuit, which operates based on the first frequency clock when reading a part of the light receiving range of the multi-pixel CCD 2 based on the switching signal, and uses the first clock when reading the entire range of information. A clock having a second frequency higher than the frequency is generated. Reference numeral 15 denotes a CCD control circuit which controls reading of a video signal in a partial range or the entire range of the multi-pixel CCD 2, and performs high-speed transfer when reading a partial range of the CCD 2 based on the switching signal. Perform processing.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a zoom switch for instructing enlargement / reduction of an image from outside the apparatus, and designates an enlargement ratio of the entire apparatus.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a zoom control circuit, which instructs the enlargement ratio and reduction ratio of the optical zoom device 1, the electronic zoom reduction circuit 6, and the electronic zoom enlargement circuit 8 according to the enlargement ratio specified by the zoom switch 10. At this time, the zoom control circuit 11 controls the enlargement ratio and reduction ratio of each zoom circuit according to the selection result of the mode changeover switch 12 so that the angle of view does not change depending on the mode.

The concept of the operation of the imaging apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing an image on a multi-pixel CCD. In FIG. 17A, a portion surrounded by a broken line is an image range read out in a moving image mode of an image photographable by the multi-pixel CCD 2, and a portion surrounded by a solid line is an image range read out in a still image mode. I do. When the imaging mode is set to the moving image mode, the read video is a partial image of the CCD 2 as shown in FIG. When the mode is switched to the still image mode from this state, if the enlargement processing is not performed as described in the related art, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 17C, the image includes the periphery of the image shown in FIG. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the imaging mode is switched from the moving image mode to the still image mode or from the still image mode to the moving image mode, the optical zoom or the electronic zoom processing is performed according to the change in the imaging range. Thus, for example, when the mode is changed from the moving image mode to the still image mode, the angle of view does not change as shown in FIG.

That is, if the range read in the moving image mode is 768 pixels horizontally and 485 pixels vertically, and the range read in the still image mode is 948 pixels wide and 648 pixels vertically, the mode is switched from the moving image mode to the still image mode. Sometimes,
What is necessary is just to perform the enlargement process of about 1.3 times. Conversely, when switching from the still image mode to the video mode,
Make it 13 times.

Next, the operation of the zoom control circuit 11 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the zoom control circuit 11. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CC changed over according to the imaging mode designated by the mode changeover switch 12.
4 is a graph showing the enlargement ratio set in the optical zoom device 1, the electronic zoom reduction circuit 6, and the electronic zoom enlargement circuit 8 to realize the enlargement ratio k specified by the zoom switch 10 for each of the readout ranges D.

For simplicity of explanation, the optical zoom magnification is 1 to p times, the ratio of the magnification for equalizing the angle of view in the moving image mode and the still image mode is 1: n, and the magnification by the electronic zoom is used. Suppose there is no limit on the extent of the reduction.

In the first embodiment, the enlargement factor is the wide-angle end of the zoom of the image pickup apparatus (ie, the enlargement factor k =
In the still image mode, the optical zoom magnification ratio is set to 1, the electronic zoom magnification ratio is set to 1, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is set to 1, and the reading range of the CCD 2 is set to the entire range. The angle of view is adjusted by setting the optical zoom magnification to 1 ×, the electronic zoom magnification to 1 ×, the electronic zoom reduction to 1 / n times, and the reading range of the CCD 2 as a partial range.

First, in step S101, the magnification k specified by the zoom switch 10 is detected, and in the next step S102, the imaging mode specified by the mode switch 12 is determined.

If it is determined in step S102 that the imaging mode is the still image mode, the flow advances to step S103 to compare the designated enlargement factor k with the maximum value p of the optical zoom enlargement factor. If k <p, step S106
To increase the electronic zoom magnification by 1x, reduce the electronic zoom by 1x,
The reading range of the CCD is fixed to the entire range, and the magnification of the optical zoom is set to k times. This is because in the graph of FIG.
Corresponds to the range indicated by.

If k.gtoreq.p, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is increased by 1 and the optical zoom enlargement ratio is increased by p in step S107.
The reading range of the CCD is fixed to the entire range, and the electronic zoom magnification is set to k / p times. This corresponds to the range indicated by b in the graph of FIG.

If it is determined in step S102 that the imaging mode is the moving image mode, step S104 is performed.
Then, the designated enlargement ratio k is compared with the ratio n of the enlargement ratio between the still image mode and the moving image mode.

When k <n, the process proceeds to step S108,
1x optical zoom magnification, 1x electronic zoom magnification, C
The reading range of the CD is fixed to the entire range, and the reduction ratio of the electronic zoom is set to k / n times. This corresponds to the range indicated by c in the graph of FIG.

If k ≧ n, the enlargement ratio k is compared with a value n · p obtained by multiplying the ratio n of the enlargement ratio between the still image mode and the moving image mode by the maximum enlargement ratio p of the optical zoom in step S105.
If k <n · p, in step S109, the electronic zoom enlargement ratio is set to 1, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is set to 1, the reading range of the CCD 2 is fixed to a partial range, and the optical zoom enlargement ratio is set to k.
/ N times. This corresponds to the range indicated by d in the graph of FIG.

If k.gtoreq.n.p, step S1
Proceeding to 10, the enlargement ratio of the optical zoom is set to p times, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is set to 1 time, the readout range of the CCD 2 is fixed to a partial range, and the electronic zoom enlargement ratio is set to k / (n · p) times. .
This corresponds to the range indicated by e in the graph of FIG.

By performing the above-described processing, the user switches between the moving image capturing mode and the still image capturing mode in a video camera equipped with, for example, a multi-pixel solid-state imaging device and capable of recording both moving images and still images. In this case, it is possible to capture an image without changing the angle of view.

(Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the operation of the zoom control circuit 11 in the first embodiment is changed so as to correspond to three or more imaging modes.

The operation of the zoom control circuit 11 is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the zoom control circuit 11, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CC switched according to the imaging mode designated by the mode switch 12.
4 is a graph showing the enlargement ratio set in the optical zoom device 1, the electronic zoom reduction circuit 6, and the electronic zoom enlargement circuit 8 for realizing the enlargement ratio k specified by the zoom switch 10 for each of the readout ranges D.

For the sake of simplicity, the optical zoom magnification is 1 to p times, and the ratio of the magnification for equalizing the angle of view of mode A, image mode B and mode C is 1: 1 / n. : 1 /
m, it is assumed that there is no limit on the range of enlargement / reduction by the electronic zoom.

Further, in the second embodiment, the zoom ratio of the zoom of the image pickup apparatus is at the wide-angle end (ie, the zoom ratio k =
In mode A, the optical zoom magnification is set to 1 ×, the electronic zoom magnification is set to 1 ×, the electronic zoom reduction is set to 1 ×, and the reading range of the CCD 2 is set to the entire range.
The optical zoom magnification is 1x and the electronic zoom magnification is 1
X, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is 1 / n times, the reading range of the CCD 2 is a partial range, and in the mode C, the optical zoom magnification ratio is 1
1x, electronic zoom magnification rate 1x, electronic zoom reduction rate 1 /
The angle of view is adjusted by a factor of m, with the CCD reading range as a partial range.

First, in step S201, the enlargement factor k specified by the zoom switch 10 is detected, and in the next step S202, the imaging mode specified by the mode switch 12 is determined.

If it is determined in step S202 that the imaging mode is mode A, the flow advances to step S203 to compare the designated enlargement factor k with the maximum value p of the optical zoom enlargement factor. If k <p, in step S208, the electronic zoom enlargement ratio is set to 1, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is set to 1, and C
The read range of the CD is fixed to the entire range, and the magnification of the optical zoom is set to k times. This corresponds to the range indicated by a in the graph of FIG.

If k ≧ p, in step S209, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is set to 1, the optical zoom enlargement ratio is set to p times, and
The reading range of the CCD is fixed to the entire range, and the electronic zoom magnification is set to k / p times. This corresponds to the range indicated by b in the graph of FIG.

If it is determined in step S202 that the imaging mode is mode B, the flow advances to step S204 to compare the designated enlargement ratio k with the ratio n of the enlargement ratio between mode B and mode A.

When k <n, the process proceeds to step S210,
1x optical zoom magnification, 1x electronic zoom magnification, C
The reading range of the CD is fixed to the entire range, and the reduction ratio of the electronic zoom is set to k / n times. This corresponds to the range indicated by c in the graph of FIG.

If k ≧ n, the enlargement ratio k is compared with a value n · p obtained by multiplying the ratio n of the enlargement ratio between mode B and mode A by the maximum enlargement ratio p of the optical zoom in step S205. k <n
If p, in step S211, the electronic zoom enlargement ratio is set to 1, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is set to 1, the reading range of the CCD 2 is fixed to a partial range, and the optical zoom enlargement ratio is set to k / n times. Set. This corresponds to the range indicated by d in the graph of FIG.

If k.gtoreq.n.p, step S2
Proceeding to 12, the enlargement ratio of the optical zoom is set to p times, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is set to 1 time, the reading range of the CCD 2 is fixed to a partial range, and the electronic zoom enlargement ratio is set to k / (n · p) times. .
This corresponds to the range indicated by e in the graph of FIG.

Further, if it is determined in step S202 that the imaging mode is mode C, the flow advances to step S206 to compare the designated enlargement ratio k with the ratio m of the enlargement ratio between mode C and mode A.

When k <m, the process proceeds to step S213,
1x optical zoom magnification, 1x electronic zoom magnification, C
The read range of the CD is fixed to the entire range, and the reduction ratio of the electronic zoom is set to k / m times. This corresponds to the range indicated by f in the graph of FIG.

If k.gtoreq.n, in step S207, the enlargement ratio k is compared with a value m.p obtained by multiplying the ratio m of the enlargement ratio between mode C and mode A by the maximum enlargement ratio p of the optical zoom. k <m
If p, in step S214, the electronic zoom enlargement ratio is set to 1, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is set to 1, the reading range of the CCD 2 is fixed to a partial range, and the optical zoom enlargement ratio is set to k / m times. Set. This corresponds to the range indicated by g in the graph of FIG.

If k ≧ mp, step S2
Proceeding to 15, the enlargement ratio of the optical zoom is set to p times, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is set to 1 time, the reading range of the CCD 2 is fixed to a partial range, and the electronic zoom enlargement ratio is set to k / (mp). .
This corresponds to the range indicated by h in the graph of FIG.

By performing the processing described above, for example, in a video camera or digital camera equipped with a solid-state image pickup device having a large number of pixels and capable of recording images with a large number of resolutions, the user can set up a large number of image pickup modes with different resolutions. Even in the case of switching, it is possible to capture an image without changing the angle of view.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described.

In the third embodiment, an imaging device having a camera shake correction function will be described. The image pickup apparatus according to the third embodiment includes a camera shake correction O instead of a mode changeover switch.
A camera shake correction switch for switching between N / OFF is provided. When the camera shake correction is ON, a part of the image of the multi-pixel CCD is read, and when the camera shake correction is OFF, the entire range of the multi-pixel CCD is read. The image is read and reduced and displayed.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an image pickup apparatus according to the third embodiment. Components similar to those described with reference to FIG. 1 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. The description is omitted.

Reference numeral 21 denotes an image stabilization switch for the user to specify ON / OFF of the image stabilization function from outside. 1
Reference numeral 3 'denotes a read range control circuit,
A switching signal for the read range of the multi-pixel CCD 2 is generated based on the selection result of (1). Reference numeral 15 'denotes a CCD control circuit for reading out a video signal in a partial range or the entire range of the multi-pixel CCD.
Read the image from D.

Numeral 11 'denotes a zoom control circuit for instructing the enlargement and reduction ratios of the optical zoom device 1, the electronic zoom reduction circuit 6 and the electronic zoom enlargement circuit 8 according to the enlargement ratio specified by the zoom switch 10. . At this time, according to the selection result of the camera shake correction switch 21, the enlargement ratio and the reduction ratio of each zoom circuit are controlled so that the angle of view does not change by ON / OFF of the camera shake correction function.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a motion detection circuit for detecting image blur information using the video signal obtained from the camera signal generation circuit 4. As a method of motion detection, a matching method that has a memory inside a motion detection circuit and detects a motion amount by comparing images between two frames or two fields is generally used. A known motion detection method is not limited and a known motion detection method can be used.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a camera shake correction circuit. When the designation of the camera shake correction switch 21 is ON, a motion detection circuit 19 is provided.
The read address of the multi-pixel CCD is calculated so that the image can be seen without any camera shake by correcting the motion according to the motion amount detected in step (1).

The zoom control circuit 11 'of the imaging apparatus having the above configuration performs the same operation as the operation described in the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. However, in the third embodiment, the still image mode in which signals in the entire range of the CCD 2 are read corresponds to the case where the camera shake correction is set to OFF by the camera shake correction switch 21, and the moving image mode in which a part of the signals of the CCD 2 is read. Indicates that camera shake correction is ON
Corresponds to the case specified in.

By performing the above processing, when the camera shake correction is OFF, all the images of the multi-pixel CCD are read out, so that a higher resolution image quality can be obtained than in a normal CCD, and the camera shake correction is ON. When is a multi-pixel CCD
Thus, it is possible to perform camera shake correction with an image having the same image quality as a normal CCD. Also. Even when the user switches ON / OFF of the camera shake correction function, it is possible to capture an image without changing the angle of view.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 7 shows a configuration of an image pickup apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows the first embodiment of FIG.
And the D / A converter 30 is provided instead of the recording device 9. Further, the operation of the zoom control circuit and the operation of the readout range control circuit are different because the mode changeover switch 12 is not provided. The other configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and thus the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 30 denotes a D / A converter for converting a digital video signal output from the electronic zoom enlargement circuit into an analog video signal, and 31 denotes a zoom control circuit, which is a magnification designated by a zoom switch. , The enlargement ratio and the reduction ratio of the optical zoom device 1, the electronic zoom reduction circuit 6, and the electronic zoom enlargement circuit 8 are instructed, and whether the image information of the entire photographing range of the multi-pixel CCD 2 is required depending on the enlargement ratio, Alternatively, it is determined whether the video information in a part of the range is sufficient, and the result is notified to the read range control circuit 13. A read range control circuit 33 generates a read range switching signal for the multi-pixel CCD based on the determination result of the zoom control circuit 31.

Next, the operation of the zoom control circuit 31 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the zoom control circuit 31, and FIG. 9 is an optical zoom apparatus 1, an electronic zoom reduction circuit 6, and an electronic zoom enlargement for realizing the enlargement factor k specified by the zoom switch 10. 9 is a graph showing the enlargement ratio set in the circuit 8 and the switching timing of the CCD reading range.

In order to simplify the explanation, the optical zoom magnification is 1 to n times and the electronic zoom reduction is 1 / n to 1 times.
It is assumed that the magnification and the electronic zoom magnification can be changed in the range of 1 to n times. In this case, the enlargement ratio k can be specified by the zoom switch 10 is 1 / n to n ^3.
Of course, the range of enlargement / reduction is not limited to this.

Also, in the fourth embodiment, the magnification of the zoom of the image pickup apparatus is at the wide-angle end (that is, the magnification k =
1), the optical zoom magnification ratio is 1 ×, the electronic zoom magnification ratio is 1 ×, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is 1 / n times, and C is set.
An image when the read range of the CD is set to the entire range is displayed. At this time, since a multi-pixel image is reduced and displayed as compared with a wide-angle end image using a normal CCD, a higher definition image can be obtained.

First, in step S401, the enlargement factor k specified by the user operating the zoom switch 10 is detected. Next, the enlargement factor k detected in step S402 is compared with n, and if k <n, step S4
In step 04, the electronic zoom enlargement ratio is set to 1x, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is set to 1 / n times, the CCD reading range is fixed to the entire range, and the optical zoom enlargement ratio is set to k times.

If k ≧ n, step S403
Go to k and n²Compare. k <n²Step if
Proceed to step S405 and increase the electronic zoom magnification by 1x
The magnification of the system is n times, and the CCD reading range is fixed to the entire range.
And the electronic zoom reduction ratio is k / n. ²Set to double.

[0090] In addition, in the case of k ≧ ^{n 2} step S406
Then, the enlargement ratio of the optical zoom is set to n times, the reduction ratio of the electronic zoom is set to 1 time, the reading range of the CCD is fixed to a partial range, and the enlargement ratio of the electronic zoom is set to ² times k / n.

With this setting, optical zoom is performed when the enlargement ratio is 1 to n times, electronic zoom is reduced when n to n ² times, and electronic zoom enlargement is performed when n is larger than n ^2. Do it. Further, the enlargement ratio k specified by the previous and current is, if were magnification varying across the ^double n, as shown in FIG. 9, the read range control circuitry 33 switches the reading range of CCD2 .

[0092] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the number of pixels of the CCD reading range is ^{n 2} times ~n ³ times CC
Since the clock generated by the clock generation circuit 14 is set to a part of the range, the frequency of the clock generated by the clock generation circuit 14 can be set to a lower frequency than that obtained by reading the entire range. , The power consumption can be reduced.

(Fifth Embodiment) In the fifth embodiment, an example in which the operation of the zoom control circuit 31 in the fourth embodiment is changed will be described.

The operation of the zoom control circuit 31 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the zoom control circuit 31, and FIG. 11 is an optical zoom apparatus 1, an electronic zoom reduction circuit 6, and an electronic zoom enlargement for realizing the enlargement factor k specified by the zoom switch 10. 9 is a graph showing the enlargement ratio set in the circuit 8 and the switching timing of the CCD reading range.

First, in step S501, the magnification ratio k specified by the user operating the zoom switch 10 is detected. Next, the enlargement factor k detected in step S502 is compared with n, and when k <n, step S5
In step 04, the magnification of the optical zoom is set to 1, the magnification of the electronic zoom is set to 1, the reading range of the CCD is fixed to the entire range, and the reduction ratio of the electronic zoom is set to k / n.

If k.gtoreq.n, step S503 is executed.
To proceed, to compare the k and ^{n 2.} k <proceeds to step 505 in the case of n ^2, 1-fold electronic zoom magnification, 1-fold electronic zoom reduction ratio, to secure the read area of the CCD in a part of the range, the magnification of the optical zoom k / n Set to double.

[0098] In addition, in the case of k ≧ ^{n 2} step S506
Then, the enlargement ratio of the optical zoom is set to n times, the reduction ratio of the electronic zoom is set to 1 time, the reading range of the CCD is fixed to a part of the range, and the enlargement ratio of the electronic zoom is set to ² times k / n.

[0099] By setting in this manner, the electronic zoom reduction when the enlargement ratio is 1 times ~n times, n times ~n optical zoom ^twice, the zoom processing with the electronic zoom in the n ² times ~n ³ times Do it. When the enlargement ratio k specified in the previous time and the current time is a magnification that changes with n times therebetween, as shown in FIG.
The switching of the reading range of No. 2 is performed.

[0100] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, magnification in the range of some reading range of CCD2 becomes n times ~n ³ times, so spread than the fourth embodiment consumption Power can be further reduced.

(Sixth Embodiment) In the sixth embodiment, an example will be described in which the operation of the zoom control circuit 31 in the fourth embodiment is further changed.

The operation of the zoom control circuit 31 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the zoom control circuit 31, and FIG. 13 is an optical zoom apparatus 1, an electronic zoom reduction circuit 6, and an electronic zoom enlargement for realizing the enlargement factor k specified by the zoom switch 10. 9 is a graph showing the enlargement ratio set in the circuit 8 and the switching timing of the CCD reading range.

First, in step S601, the user operates the zoom switch 10 to detect a magnification k specified by the user. Next, the enlargement factor k detected in step S602 is compared with n, and when k <n, step S6 is performed.
In step 04, the electronic zoom enlargement ratio is set to 1x, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is set to 1 / n times, the CCD reading range is fixed to the entire range, and the optical zoom enlargement ratio is set to k times.

If k ≧ n, step S603
To proceed, to compare the k and ^{n 2.} k <proceeds to it if step S605 is n ^2, 1-fold electronic zoom magnification, 1-fold electronic zoom reduction ratio, to secure the read area of the CCD in a part of the range, the magnification of the optical zoom k / n Set to double.

[0106] In addition, in the case of k ≧ ^{n 2} step S606
Then, the enlargement ratio of the optical zoom is set to n times, the reduction ratio of the electronic zoom is set to 1 time, the reading range of the CCD is fixed to a partial range, and the enlargement ratio of the electronic zoom is set to ² times k / n.

[0107] By setting in this manner, magnification zooming processing by the electronic zoom in the optical zoom, n ² times ~n ³ times ^twice 1x ~n. When the enlargement ratio k specified in the previous time and the current time is a magnification that changes with n times, the read range control circuit 33 switches the read range of the CCD 2 as shown in FIG.

In the enlargement / reduction processing using the electronic zoom, when the enlargement ratio is gradually changed, the resolution unevenness occurs due to the interpolation processing and the thinning processing. However, as described in the sixth embodiment, the sixth embodiment is not limited to this. In this case, since the enlargement ratio of the optical zoom is instantaneously switched at the same time when the reading range of the CCD 2 is switched, it is not necessary to perform the zoom process using the electronic zoom reduction process. Accordingly, the fourth and as compared with the case of performing the control shown in the fifth embodiment, the enable beautiful zoom processing, since the enlargement ratio in the range of some reading range of CCD2 is ³ times n times ~n The power consumption can be reduced as compared with the fourth embodiment.

(Seventh Embodiment) In the seventh embodiment, an example in which the operation of the zoom control circuit 31 in the fourth embodiment is further changed will be described.

The operation of the zoom control circuit 31 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the zoom control circuit 31, and FIG. 15 is an optical zoom apparatus 1, an electronic zoom reduction circuit 6, and an electronic zoom enlargement for realizing the enlargement factor k specified by the zoom switch 10. 9 is a graph showing the enlargement ratio set in the circuit 8 and the switching timing of the CCD reading range.

First, in step S701, the user operates the zoom switch 10 to detect the enlargement factor k specified. Next, the enlargement ratio k detected in step S602 is compared with n. If k <n1 ^{/ 2} , the process proceeds to step S705, where the electronic zoom enlargement ratio is set to 1, the electronic zoom reduction ratio is set to 1 / n, The reading range of the CCD is fixed to the entire range, and the magnification of the optical zoom is set to k times.

If k.gtoreq.n, step S703 is executed.
Go to and compare k and n. Step S if k <n
Proceeding to step 706, the electronic zoom magnification is fixed to 1, the readout range of the CCD is fixed to the entire range, and the magnification of the optical zoom is
And the electronic zoom reduction ratio is set to k ² / n ² times.

If k ≧ n, step S704
To proceed, to compare the k and ^{n 2.} k <proceeds to it if step S707 is n ^2, 1-fold electronic zoom magnification, 1-fold electronic zoom reduction ratio, to secure the read area of the CCD in a part of the range, the magnification of the optical zoom k / n Set to double.

[0115] In addition, in the case of k ≧ ^{n 2} step S708
Then, the enlargement ratio of the optical zoom is set to n times, the reduction ratio of the electronic zoom is set to 1 time, the reading range of the CCD is fixed to a partial range, and the enlargement ratio of the electronic zoom is set to ² times k / n.

By setting in this way, the enlargement ratio becomes 1
Times to n^1/2At 2x optical zoom, n ^1/2Double to n times
Electronic zoom reduction, n²Times to n³At 2x, with electronic zoom magnification
Perform zoom processing. Also, specified in the previous and this time
When the enlargement ratio k is a magnification that changes across n times
In addition, as shown in FIG.
The reading range of the CCD 2 is switched.

As described above, in the seventh embodiment, the magnification of the optical zoom is switched at the same time as the readout range of the CCD is switched, but it is difficult to actually switch the optical zoom instantaneously. In the present embodiment, by using the electronic zoom reduction process only during the switching of the optical zoom, a beautiful zoom process can be performed as compared with the case where the control shown in the fourth and fifth embodiments is performed, and the sixth zoom process can be performed.
Zoom processing can be performed more smoothly than in the embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the switching of the magnification of the optical zoom and the electronic zoom reduction processing are performed in the range of n ^{1/2 to} n. However, the movement of the optical zoom is performed in the narrowest possible range. It is desirable to do.

[0118]

As described above, according to the present invention, when capturing a still image, the readout range of the image capturing area is set wider to obtain a higher resolution image than when capturing a moving image, and each zoom circuit is switched by switching the image capturing mode. By controlling the magnification,
A shift in the angle of view due to a change in the readout range can be prevented.

Further, by switching the readout range of the image pickup area, it is possible to record images with a large number of resolutions, and by controlling the zoom circuit magnification by switching the image pickup mode, the readout range of the CCD can be reduced. It is possible to prevent a shift in the angle of view due to the change.

Further, when the camera shake correction is OFF, the image in the entire image pickup area is read out, so that a higher resolution image quality can be obtained than in a normal CCD. It is possible to perform camera shake correction with a video having the same image quality as a CCD. Further, even when the user switches ON / OFF of the camera shake correction function, it is possible to take an image without changing the angle of view.

Further, since an image using all the image information in the image pickup area can be obtained, an image with higher image quality can be obtained than an image apparatus using a normal CCD.

Further, by changing the readout range of the image pickup area so as to be in a range necessary for photographing in accordance with the zoom magnification, high image quality can be realized in a wide zoom area, and the consumption of the entire system can be improved. The power can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a zoom control circuit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing an enlargement ratio at the time of mode switching according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a zoom control circuit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing an enlargement ratio at the time of mode switching according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a zoom control circuit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing a magnification and a switching timing of a CCD reading range according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a zoom control circuit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing a magnification and a switching timing of a CCD reading range in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a zoom control circuit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing a magnification and a switching timing of a CCD reading range according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a zoom control circuit according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing a magnification and a switching timing of a CCD reading range according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional imaging device.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram of an image on a CCD due to a change in an imaging mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical zoom apparatus 2 Multi-pixel CCD 3 A / D converter 4 Camera signal generation circuit 5 LPF 6 Electronic zoom reduction circuit 7 Selection circuit 8 Electronic zoom enlargement circuit 9 Recording device 10 Zoom switch 11, 11 ', 31 Zoom control circuit 12 Mode changeover switch 13, 13 ', 33 Read range control circuit 14 Clock generation circuit 15, 15' CCD control circuit 19 Motion detection circuit 20 Camera shake compensation circuit 21 Camera shake compensation switch 30 D / A converter

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. An imaging apparatus having a plurality of shooting modes, comprising: an imaging unit having a plurality of pixels for converting an optical image of a subject into an electric signal; a zooming unit; and selecting one of the plurality of shooting modes. Mode selection means for performing, an imaging control means for reading out an electric signal in a predetermined range of the imaging means,
An imaging apparatus comprising: a zoom control unit that controls the zoom unit so that an angle of view of an image before and after a change in a shooting mode does not change when an electric signal is read from a different range of the imaging unit. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the zoom control unit sets an enlargement / reduction ratio set in the zoom unit. 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of shooting modes include a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode. 4. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, when photographing is performed in a still image mode, the image pickup control means controls to read out an electric signal in a whole range of the image pickup means. 5. A camera shake correction unit, and according to a mode selected by the mode selection unit,
The camera further includes a camera shake correction control unit that switches between energization and deenergization of the camera shake correction unit, wherein the plurality of photographing modes include: The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a mode in which shooting is performed in a deenergized state. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, when said camera shake correction means is activated by said camera shake correction control means, said image pickup control means controls to read out the entire range of electric signals of said image pickup means. An imaging device according to claim 1. 7. The optical system according to claim 7, wherein the zoom unit includes: an optical zoom unit;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an electronic zoom enlarging unit and an electronic zoom reducing unit. 8. An image pickup means having a plurality of pixels for converting an optical image of a subject into an electric signal, a magnification input means for inputting a magnification, a zoom means, and an input from the magnification input means. Imaging control means for controlling to read out an electric signal from any one of a plurality of different ranges of the imaging means based on an enlargement rate; and the zoom means based on an enlargement rate input by the enlargement rate input means. An imaging apparatus, comprising: a zoom control unit for controlling. 9. The zoom unit according to claim 9, wherein the zoom unit is an optical zoom unit.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising an electronic zoom enlargement unit and an electronic zoom reduction unit. 10. The zoom control means controls the zoom means so that the angle of view of the image before and after the change of the read range does not change when the read range of the image pickup means changes by the image control means. The imaging device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein 11. Photographing is possible in a plurality of photographing modes.
What is claimed is: 1. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit having a plurality of pixels for converting an optical image of a subject into an electric signal; and a zooming unit, wherein: a mode selection step of selecting one of the plurality of imaging modes; An imaging control step of controlling to read an electric signal in a predetermined range of the means, and by changing a shooting mode by the mode selecting step,
A control method for controlling the zoom unit so that the angle of view of the image before and after the change of the photographing mode does not change when reading out the electric signal from a different range of the imaging unit. . 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein in the zoom control step, an enlargement / reduction ratio set in the zoom unit is set. 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of shooting modes include a still image shooting mode and a moving image shooting mode. 14. The control of the image pickup apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when photographing is performed in a still image mode, in the image pickup control step, control is performed such that electric signals of the entire range of the image pickup means are read. Method. 15. The plurality of photographing modes, further comprising: a camera shake correction step; and a camera shake correction control step of switching between energization and deenergization of the camera shake correction step in accordance with a mode selected in the mode selection step. 13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: a mode in which photographing is performed in a state in which the camera shake correction step is activated, and a mode in which photographing is performed in a state in which the camera shake correction step is deactivated. Control method. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein when the camera shake correction step is activated in the camera shake correction control step, the image pickup control step controls to read out the entire range of the electric signal of the image pickup means. The control method of an imaging device according to claim 1. 17. The control method according to claim 11, wherein the zoom unit includes an optical zoom unit, an electronic zoom enlargement unit, and an electronic zoom reduction unit. 18. A control method for an image pickup apparatus having an image pickup means having a plurality of pixels for converting an optical image of a subject into an electric signal and a zoom means, comprising: a magnifying power inputting step for inputting a magnifying power; An imaging control step of controlling an electric signal to be read out from any of a plurality of different ranges of the imaging means based on the magnification input in the magnification input step; and a magnification input in the magnification input step. And a zoom control step of controlling the zoom unit based on the control method. 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the zoom unit includes an optical zoom unit, an electronic zoom enlargement unit, and an electronic zoom reduction unit. 20. In the zoom control step, when the read range of the imaging unit changes in the imaging control step, controlling the zoom unit so that the angle of view of the image before and after the change of the read range does not change. The method for controlling an imaging device according to claim 18, wherein: