JP2002116477A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device capable of acquiring a picked-up image having accurate quality within the longest photographing time by rapidly controlling an image pickup condition based on image blur caused at the time of picking up an image. SOLUTION: When the image blur exceeds an allowable value, exposure is repeated until the longest photographing time is attained, and when the image blur does not exceed the allowable value even when allowable exposure time (2nd exposure time) elapses, the image processing of image pickup data in an allowable underexposure state and the recording thereof on a recording medium are performed, and when the repetition of the exposure exceeds the longest photographing time, image pickup is stopped. By such control, the appropriately exposed picked-up image having high quality, where the image blur is within the allowable value, is obtained in appropriate exposure time (1st exposure time) basically. When the image blur is not within the allowable value because of repeating the exposure until the longest photographing time is attained after the allowable exposure time elapses, the image processing and the recording of the image pickup data in the allowable underexposure state are performed instead of the appropriately exposed picked-up image having high quality, and the underexposed picked-up image having allowable quality is rapidly and accurately acquired.

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 having a solid-state image pickup device for picking up an image of a subject and recording the image on a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In imaging an object by an imaging apparatus having a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD, an exposure time (shutter speed) and an aperture value for the solid-state imaging device are set and set in accordance with the brightness of the object. Imaging is performed under imaging conditions such that a high-quality captured image is obtained based on the exposure time and the aperture value. In imaging with this type of imaging device, the aperture is set in the opening direction and the exposure time is set long as the brightness of the subject decreases, but if the exposure time is long, camera shake is caused by camera shake. There is a problem that shake easily occurs. To solve this problem, JP-A-9-98337 and JP-A-11-041515 disclose that the exposure time is reduced under a predetermined condition when the exposure time is longer than a preset reference value. There is disclosed an image capturing method in which image blur is prevented by increasing the amplification degree of an amplifier circuit that performs image capturing and amplifies a subject image signal output from a solid-state imaging device in accordance with a reduction in exposure time.

[0003]

However, in the systems disclosed in the above-mentioned JP-A-9-98337 and JP-A-11-041515, image blurring may occur even if the exposure time is shortened. Also, it is not taken into consideration that the appearance of image blur differs depending on the photographer, the photographing method, and the like even under the same exposure condition. On the other hand, the amplification factor of the imaging signal is uniformly determined by the exposure condition. Therefore, there is a problem that the noise component included in the amplified signal is also amplified at the same amplification factor and the image quality is deteriorated.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the current state of image blur compensation of this type of conventional image pickup apparatus as described above.
An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of appropriately controlling imaging conditions and obtaining a high-quality captured image.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus for picking up an object and recording the image on a recording medium. Imaging means for converting and acquiring a subject image signal by charge accumulation, recording means for recording subject image data on the recording medium based on the subject image signal, and vibration detecting means for detecting a vibration of the apparatus at the time of imaging. Photometric means for detecting the luminance of the subject and outputting a luminance signal; and exposure time setting means for setting a first exposure time and a second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time based on the luminance signal. During the exposure, if the vibration exceeds a preset allowable value after the lapse of the second exposure time and before the lapse of the first exposure time, the exposure is terminated and the electric charge accumulated in the imaging means is changed. The subject image It is characterized in that a first control means for controlling so as to record the read Te in the recording medium as No..

According to such means, the first exposure time and the second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time are set by the exposure time setting means based on the brightness of the subject detected by the photometric means. In this state, the subject is imaged by the imaging unit, and the obtained optical image is photoelectrically converted and accumulated in charge to obtain a subject image signal. However, at the time of exposure, the first control unit controls the vibration detection unit. When the detected vibration of the apparatus at the time of imaging exceeds a preset allowable value after the lapse of the second exposure time and before the lapse of the first exposure time, the exposure is terminated and the accumulated charge is read from the imaging means as a subject imaging signal. The control is performed so that the recording medium is recorded as object image data on the recording medium by the recording unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus for imaging a subject and recording the image on a recording medium by photoelectrically converting a light image obtained by capturing the subject. Imaging means for acquiring the subject image by charge accumulation; recording means for recording subject image data on the recording medium based on the subject image signal; vibration detecting means for detecting vibration of the apparatus at the time of imaging; Photometric means for detecting the luminance of the image and outputting a luminance signal; and a first exposure time and a second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time, based on the luminance signal.
Exposure time setting means for setting an exposure time, and during the exposure, when the vibration exceeds a preset allowable value after the second exposure time has elapsed and before the first exposure time has elapsed. And a second control means for performing control so as to sweep out charges accumulated in the means and repeat exposure again.

According to such means, the first exposure time and the second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time are set by the exposure time setting means based on the brightness of the subject detected by the photometric means. In this state, the subject is imaged by the imaging unit, and the obtained light image is photoelectrically converted and accumulated in charge to obtain a subject image signal. At the time of exposure, however, the second control unit causes When the detected vibration of the apparatus at the time of imaging exceeds a predetermined allowable value after the lapse of the second exposure time and before the lapse of the first exposure time, the exposure is terminated and the electric charge accumulated in the imaging means is swept out. Is controlled so that exposure is repeated again.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus for imaging a subject and recording the image on a recording medium by photoelectrically converting a light image obtained by capturing the subject. Imaging means for acquiring the subject image by charge accumulation; recording means for recording subject image data on the recording medium based on the subject image signal; vibration detecting means for detecting vibration of the apparatus at the time of imaging; Photometric means for detecting the luminance of light; exposure time setting means for setting a first exposure time and a second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time based on the luminance signal; and incident light from the object. A light-shielding unit that shields light when the vibration exceeds a preset allowable value after the second exposure time elapses and before the first exposure time during exposure. It is characterized in that a third control means for performing control so that stop.

According to such means, the first exposure time and the second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time are set by the exposure time setting means based on the brightness of the subject detected by the photometric means. In this state, the subject is imaged by the imaging unit, and the obtained light image is photoelectrically converted and accumulated in charge to obtain a subject image signal. However, at the time of exposure, the third control unit controls the vibration detection unit. If the detected vibration of the apparatus at the time of imaging exceeds a preset allowable value after the lapse of the second exposure time and before the lapse of the first exposure time, the incident light from the subject is blocked by the light shielding means and the exposure is stopped. The control is performed as follows.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus for picking up an object and recording the image on a recording medium by photoelectrically converting an optical image obtained by imaging the object. Imaging means for acquiring the subject image by charge accumulation; recording means for recording subject image data on the recording medium based on the subject image signal; vibration detecting means for detecting vibration of the apparatus at the time of imaging; Photometric means for detecting the luminance of light, exposure time setting means for setting a first exposure time and a second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time based on the detected luminance signal, and incident light from the object. A light-shielding unit that shields light when the vibration exceeds a preset allowable value after the second exposure time elapses and before the first exposure time elapses. The imaging If the accumulated charge in the step is discarded and there is no charge in the transfer path, exposure is repeated while the accumulated charge is sent to the transfer path, and in the course of repeating the exposure, a preset longest imaging time has elapsed. By the time, when the vibration becomes equal to or less than the permissible value, the light is blocked by the light blocking means to end the exposure, and the charge accumulated in the image pickup means is controlled to be recorded on the recording medium. In the process, if the vibration does not become equal to or less than the allowable value by the elapse of the longest imaging time, the light blocking means cuts off the incident light, ends the exposure, reads out the charge in the transfer path, and records it on the recording medium. And a fourth control means for performing control to perform the control.

According to such means, the first exposure time and the second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time are set by the exposure time setting means based on the brightness of the subject detected by the photometric means. In this state, the subject is imaged by the imaging unit, and the obtained light image is photoelectrically converted and accumulated in charge to obtain a subject image signal. At the time of exposure, control by the fourth control unit is performed. This fourth
In the control by the control means, the vibration of the device at the time of imaging detected by the vibration detection means is changed to the first vibration after the lapse of the second exposure time.
If the charge exceeds the preset allowable value before the exposure time elapses, the accumulated charge of the imaging means is discarded if there is a charge in the transfer path, and the accumulated charge is sent to the transfer path if there is no charge in the transfer path. Repeat exposure in the state, in the process of repeating exposure,
When the vibration of the apparatus becomes equal to or less than the allowable value by the elapse of the preset longest imaging time, the light is blocked by the light shielding means to end the exposure, and the accumulated charge of the imaging means is recorded on the recording medium as a subject image signal. Control is performed. In this case, if the image blur does not become less than the allowable value by the elapse of the longest imaging time in the process of repeating the exposure, the light is blocked by the light shielding means to end the exposure, and the charges in the transfer path are transferred to the subject. Control is performed so that the image signal is recorded on a recording medium.

[0013] Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 5 relates to an image pickup apparatus according to claim 4,
A longest imaging time setting means for changing and setting the longest imaging time is provided.

According to such a means, the longest imaging time is set by changing the longest imaging time by the longest imaging time setting means, so that the optimum longest imaging time is set. It is executed more effectively by adapting to the type, purpose of use of data, and user's preference.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the vibration tolerance is changed and set. It is characterized in that an allowable value setting means is provided.

According to the above-mentioned means, the operation of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is effected by changing and setting the allowable value of the vibration by the allowable vibration value setting means. It is more effectively executed by adapting to the purpose of use of the data and the taste of the user.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the exposure time setting means includes the first exposure apparatus. The ratio of time to the second exposure time is set.

According to such a means, the ratio between the first exposure time and the second exposure time is set by the exposure time setting means, so that the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is provided. Is performed while preventing blackening of the image.

[0020] Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 8 provides an image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in correspondence with an exposure time executed. A variable amplifying unit for adjusting the level of an image signal output from the imaging unit is provided.

According to such a means, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the output from the image pickup means in accordance with the exposure time executed by the variable amplifying means. The image pickup signal level to be adjusted is adjusted, and the underexposure state is corrected more accurately.

Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 9 provides the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A signal level adjusting means for adjusting the level of the A / D converted image signal is provided.

According to such means, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, AD conversion is performed by the signal level adjusting means in accordance with the exposure time executed. The level of the image signal is adjusted, and the underexposure state is more accurately corrected.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the present embodiment, and FIG.
4 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a first exposure time and a second exposure time set in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation in a single exposure processing mode of the present embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation in the exposure repetition mode of the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation in the exposure repetition mode for a predetermined time in the present embodiment.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a lens system 11 for forming a light image of a photographed object is provided, and a filter 5 comprising a low-pass filter and an infrared cut filter is provided downstream of the lens system 11. Is arranged and the filter 5
A solid-state imaging device 10 on which a captured light image of a subject is formed is provided at a subsequent stage, and an output terminal of the solid-state imaging device 10 is provided with a correlated double sampling for an imaging signal output from the solid-state imaging device 10. To perform AD conversion
The DS / AD conversion circuit 15 is connected. And C
The DS / AD conversion circuit 15 performs image processing such as compression, contour correction, DC reproduction, gamma correction, false color signal suppression, high luminance coloring prevention, and low saturation compression on the AD-converted imaging signal. The image processing unit 16 is connected, a recording unit 17 for recording a captured image is connected to the image processing unit 16, and a recording medium 18 for recording the captured image data is connected to the recording unit 17.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, an overall control unit 14 for performing overall control is provided, and the overall control unit 14 includes the solid-state imaging device 10 already described.
The CDS / AD conversion circuit 15, the image processing unit 16, and the recording unit 17 are connected. In addition, a motor driver 13 is connected to the overall control unit 14, and a lens drive motor 12 for adjusting the optical operation of the lens system 11 is connected to the motor driver 13. Similarly, the overall control unit 14 includes a vibration detection unit 20 that detects vibration caused by camera shake of the apparatus main body at the time of imaging, a release button, a mode setting button, and the like. The display unit 21 is connected to a display unit 22 that displays a subject image and photographing data and includes a liquid crystal panel.
In this case, the vibration detection unit 20 detects a rotational acceleration or a linear acceleration of the apparatus main body using a gyro or an acceleration sensor, and calculates an image shake amount from a detected value, or detects a motion of a subject image using an image sensor. The detection type is used.

In this embodiment, the overall control unit 14 is operated to select a single exposure processing mode, an exposure repetition mode, or an exposure repetition mode for a predetermined time by operating the operation unit 21. A mode selection executing means for executing the imaging operation in the set mode. Furthermore, the first exposure time T
an exposure time setting button for setting the second exposure time Tb for a by an EV value or a sign such as long / medium / short, an image blur allowable value to a pixel pitch, a ratio to a side of the imaging screen, large / medium /
An image blur allowable value setting button set by a code such as small and a longest shooting time setting button for setting the longest shooting time are provided. Although not shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, a photometric unit for detecting the luminance of the subject is provided.

The operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be described. First, based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
The operation in the single exposure processing mode of the present embodiment will be described. When capturing an image of a subject according to the present embodiment, the operator sets the single exposure processing mode from the operation unit 21 and sets the operation unit 2 in step S1 of the flowchart in FIG.
When the first release button is operated to set the first release ON, the process proceeds to step S2, and the entire control unit 14
The luminance of the subject is detected by a photometric unit (not shown) and photometric data is acquired. And step S
In FIG. 3, based on the detected luminance, as shown in FIG. 2, a first exposure time Ta for performing an appropriate exposure and a second exposure time for performing an allowable underexposure exposure shorter than the first exposure time Ta. Is set, and the second release ON set of the release button is set in a standby state.

From this state, the operation proceeds to step S5, in which the operator operates the release button of the operation unit 21 to set the second release ON, and the operation proceeds to step S6, where exposure is started, and the photographic light image of the subject is obtained. Is incident on the lens system 11, is converged, and passes through the filter 5, a low-pass filter prevents the generation of a false color in a high-frequency component of the subject, and an infrared cut filter prevents a change in color information due to infrared rays. Is done. In this state, the captured light image of the subject transmitted through the filter 5 is formed on the solid-state imaging device 10, the photoelectric conversion is performed by the solid-state imaging device 10, and the charge corresponding to the captured light image is accumulated in the solid-state imaging device 10. . Next, in step S7, the overall control unit 14 determines whether or not the first exposure time Ta has been reached and the appropriate exposure time has elapsed. S
In step S8, the vibration detection unit 20 operates according to a command from the overall control unit 14, and the amount of camera shake at the time of exposure is detected. In step S9, the overall control unit 14 determines the amount of camera shake based on the detected amount of camera shake. An image shake amount is calculated. In this calculation, the square root of the sum of the square of the shift amount of the pixel unit in the horizontal direction and the square of the shift amount of the pixel unit in the vertical direction is calculated as the image shake amount.

Then, the process proceeds to step S10, in which it is determined whether or not the image blur calculated in step S9 exceeds a preset allowable value of the image blur. In this determination, for example, the image blur is determined. Is set to 6 pixels, the shift amount in the horizontal direction is 4 pixels, and the shift amount in the vertical direction is 3 pixels.
If the pixel is a pixel, 5 of the square root of 16 + 9 = 25 is compared with the allowable value 6, and in this case, it is determined that the image blur does not exceed the allowable value. The operations from S7 to S10 are repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S7 that the first exposure time Ta has been reached and the proper exposure time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S12, and the accumulated charge from the solid-state imaging device 10 is controlled by the overall control unit 14. The image signal is read as an image signal, and the image signal is subjected to correlated double sampling by the CDS / AD conversion circuit 15 and AD converted. Further, the image processing unit 16 performs image processing such as compression, contour correction, DC reproduction, gamma correction, false color signal suppression, high luminance coloring prevention, and low chroma compression on the AD-converted imaging signal. After that, the image-processed image signal is input to the recording unit 17, and the image signal is recorded on the recording medium 18 by the recording unit 17.

On the other hand, if the horizontal shift amount is 5 pixels and the vertical shift amount is 4 pixels at the time of determination in step S10, the square root of 25 + 16 = 41 is approximately 6.4, which is the allowable value of 6 Therefore, it is determined that the image blur exceeds the allowable value, the process proceeds to step S11, and it is determined whether the second exposure time Tb has been reached and the allowable exposure time has elapsed. If it is determined that the exposure time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S12, where the imaging signal is read from the solid-state imaging device 10 as described above,
Processing and recording of the image data are performed. Step S
If it is determined in step 11 that it is before the elapse of the allowable exposure time, an alarm indicating that the photographing has failed is issued and the imaging operation is immediately stopped.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment in the exposure repetition mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation in the exposure repetition mode according to the present embodiment is started when the operator sets the exposure repetition mode from the operation unit 21. The operations from step S21 to step S30 in the exposure repetition mode are already described in FIG. 3 are the same as the operations from step S1 to step S10 in the single exposure processing mode described based on No. 3, and therefore, the description of these operations will not be repeated.

In the operation in the exposure repetition mode, it is determined in step S31 whether or not the second exposure time Tb has been reached and the allowable exposure time has elapsed. If determined, step S32
In the same manner as in the single exposure processing mode, the imaging signal is read from the solid-state imaging device 10, and image processing of the imaging signal and recording of imaging data are performed. However, if it is determined in step S31 that the permissible exposure time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S33, which is different from the single exposure processing mode, in which the solid-state imaging device 10 The accumulated charges are swept away, and the process returns to step S26 to repeat the exposure. The same operation is repeated until it is determined in step S27 that the first exposure time has been reached and the proper exposure time has elapsed.

Here, the operation in the exposure repetition mode for a predetermined time according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation in the predetermined-time exposure repetition mode according to the present embodiment is started when the operator sets the predetermined-time exposure repetition mode from the operation unit 21. However, the operation in the predetermined-time exposure repetition mode shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the operation, the operations in steps S41 to S45 are the same as the operations in steps S21 to S25 of the operation in the exposure repetition mode already described with reference to FIG. Similarly, FIG.
In the operation in the exposure repetition mode for a predetermined time shown in the flowchart of FIG.
Are the same as the operations in steps S26 to S33 of the operation in the exposure repetition mode described with reference to FIG. A duplicate description of the same operation corresponding to these two modes will not be given.

In the predetermined time exposure repetition mode, a step S46 determines whether or not a preset maximum photographing time has elapsed between the steps S45 and S47.
Is newly provided, and from step S54, step S46 is performed.
The operation is performed so as to return to step S46.
Step S55 is newly provided to proceed when it is determined that the longest photographing time has elapsed. For this reason, in this exposure repetition mode for a predetermined time, if the accumulated charges are swept away in step S54, the process returns to step S46, and it is determined whether or not a preset maximum photographing time has elapsed. If the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S55, and a warning of imaging failure is issued. The operation of the other portions of the exposure repetition mode for the predetermined time is the same as the operation in the exposure repetition mode already described with reference to FIG.

In this exposure repetition mode for a predetermined time, the repetition of the exposure is stopped when a preset maximum photographing time is reached, and if the image blur does not fall within the allowable value by that time, a photographing failure is warned and processed. Is terminated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the operation in the single exposure processing mode, if the image blur exceeds the allowable value in the state where the second exposure time Tb has elapsed, the allowable underexposure is possible. Image processing of the imaging signal in the state and recording of imaging data are performed, and in the operation of the exposure repetition mode, when the image blur exceeds an allowable value, the exposure is repeated until the second exposure time Tb elapses, If the image blur does not exceed the permissible value even after the exposure time Tb of 2, the image processing of the imaging signal in the allowable underexposure state and the recording of the imaging data are performed, and the operation in the exposure repetition mode within the predetermined time is performed. In addition, in addition to the operation in the exposure repetition mode, when the repetition of the exposure exceeds a preset maximum photographing time, the imaging is stopped.

For this reason, according to the present embodiment, a captured image with an appropriate exposure of image blur within the allowable value can be basically obtained in the first exposure time Ta, but the image blur does not fall within the allowable value. If not, processing corresponding to each mode is executed before the second exposure time Tb elapses, and the image blur does not fall within the allowable value even after the second exposure time Tb elapses. The image processing and recording of the imaging signal in the underexposure state that are acceptable are performed to quickly and accurately obtain the acceptable underexposure imaging image in place of the high-quality imaging image with proper exposure. It becomes possible to do.

[Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the present embodiment, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the present embodiment in a single exposure determination mode, and FIG. 8 is an operation of the present embodiment in a predetermined time exposure repetition mode. It is a flowchart which shows.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a CCD 10A is used as a solid-state imaging device in comparison with the first embodiment already described with reference to FIG.
Between the lens system 11 and the filter 5, there is provided a light-shielding shutter 23 for shielding the photographic light image from the lens system 11 from entering the filter 5, and the overall control unit 14 has a light-shielding shutter for controlling the operation of the light-shielding shutter 23. The control circuit 24 is connected. As the light shielding shirt 14, for example, IT-
CCD (interline transfer CCD)
In the case where a light-shielding means driven at the time of transferring electric charges is provided, the light-shielding control circuit 24 can perform the light-shielding operation even before the predetermined time (first exposure time). And the light-shielding means can also be used as the exposure canceling means. Further, in the present embodiment, the imaging operation in the selected mode is performed by the overall control unit 14 by selecting one of the single exposure processing mode and the exposure repetition mode for a predetermined time from the operation unit 21. Is provided. The configuration of other parts of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment already described with reference to FIG.

First, the operation of the present embodiment in the single exposure processing mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation in the single exposure processing mode according to the present embodiment is started when the operator sets the single exposure processing mode from the operation unit 21. From the step S61 to the step S72 in the single exposure processing mode, the operation is started. Are the same as the operations from step S1 to step S12 in the single exposure processing mode according to the first embodiment already described with reference to FIG. 3, respectively. Is not performed.

In the operation in the single exposure processing mode according to the present embodiment, step S70 in the flowchart of FIG.
When it is detected that the image blur exceeds the allowable value and the process proceeds to step S71, it is determined whether the second exposure time Tb has been reached and the allowable exposure time has elapsed, and it is determined that the allowable exposure time has elapsed. Then, the process proceeds to step S73, in which the light-shielding control circuit 24 that operates according to a command from the overall control unit 14
As a result, the light shielding operation by the light shielding shutter 23 is performed, and the exposure is stopped. When it is determined in step S71 that the allowable exposure time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S74, in which the CCD 1
The accumulated charge of 0A is swept away, and the process returns to step S67 to repeat the same operation.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment in the exposure repetition mode for a predetermined time will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation of the predetermined time exposure repetition mode according to the present embodiment is started by the operator performing setting of the predetermined time exposure repetition mode from the operation unit 21. The operation of steps S81 to S92 in the predetermined time exposure repetition mode is performed. The operation is performed in the steps S41 to S5 in the predetermined time exposure repetition mode of the first embodiment already described based on FIG.
Since these operations are the same as the operations up to 2, respectively, a duplicate description of these operations will not be given.

In the exposure mode repeated within a predetermined time,
In step S92 of the flowchart in FIG.
When the exposure time Tb has been reached and it is determined that the allowable exposure time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S93, where it is determined whether or not there is a charge in the transfer path. After proceeding to stop the exposure by the light shielding shutter 23 and sweeping out the accumulated charges in step S96, returning to step S86, the same operation is repeated, and if it is determined in step S93 that there is no charge in the transfer path, Proceeding to step S94, after the accumulated charges have been transferred to the transfer path, the process returns to step S86 and the same operation is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S92 that the permissible exposure time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S95, in which the exposure is stopped by the light shielding shutter 23, and step S9 is performed.
After the accumulated charge is swept away in step 6,
Returning to 86, the same operation is repeated.

If it is determined in step S88 that the first exposure time Ta has been reached and the proper exposure time has elapsed, the flow advances to step S97, where the exposure is stopped by the light shielding shutter 23, and in step S98 the transfer path is stopped. The electric charge is read out, and in step S99, the accumulated electric charge of the CCD 10A is read out, and the signal processing of the image pickup signal is performed based on the electric charge read out in step S100, and the process proceeds to step S101 to record the image pickup data on the recording medium 18. Is performed.

Further, if it is determined in step S86 that the longest photographing time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S102, where it is determined whether or not electric charges exist in the transfer path. Proceeding to step S106, a warning of imaging failure is issued. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an electric charge in the transfer path, the process proceeds to step S103, the exposure is stopped by the light shielding by the light shielding shutter 23, and the electric charge in the transfer path is read out in step S104.
At 05, processing and recording of the image data are performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the CDD 1 is controlled by the light shielding shutter 23 and the light shielding control circuit 24.
Exposure is stopped by interrupting the photoelectric conversion of 0A, preventing leakage of light and preventing discharge of electric charges, enabling charge to be discharged to the transfer path. Is obtained, but in the single exposure processing mode,
If the image blur exceeds the allowable value when the allowable exposure time has elapsed, the light-shielding shutter 23 can promptly interrupt the exposure at that point. In the exposure repetition mode for a predetermined time, if the image blur exceeds an allowable value before the second exposure time Tb elapses, the exposure is stopped by the light shielding shutter 23, the accumulated charge is swept out, and the exposure is performed again. If the image blur exceeds the allowable value after the lapse of the second exposure time Tb, if there is no charge in the transfer path, the accumulated charge is sent to the transfer path and the exposure is started again. Exposure is stopped by the light-blocking shutter 23, accumulated charges are swept out, and exposure is performed again. In this manner, a captured image with an appropriate exposure of image blur within an allowable value is basically obtained at the first exposure time Ta, and after the lapse of the second exposure time Tb, until the elapse of the longest shooting time If the image blur does not fall within the allowable range, it is possible to quickly and accurately acquire a tolerable underexposed captured image.

Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the present embodiment.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the output terminal of the solid-state imaging device 10 is connected to the CDS / AD conversion circuit 1 of the first embodiment already described with reference to FIG.
5, a CDS circuit 25 is connected, and the CDS circuit 2
5 is connected to an AGC amplifier 26 that performs automatic gain adjustment, an AGC amplifier 26 is connected to an A / D converter 27, and an A / D converter 27 is connected to an A / D converter 27.
The image processing circuit 16A is connected, a recording unit 17 is connected to an output terminal of the image processing unit 16A, and a recording medium 18 is connected to the recording unit 17. Then, the CDS circuit 25, A
The overall control unit 14 is connected to the GG amplifier 26, the AD converter 27, the image processing unit 16A, and the recording unit 17. The overall control unit 14 includes a gain correction mode control unit that performs a control operation in the gain mode according to the setting of the gain correction mode from the operation unit 21 and an image correction mode according to the setting of the image correction mode from the operation unit. Image correction mode control means for performing a control operation is provided. This embodiment is incorporated and used in the first embodiment already described, and the configuration of other parts of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment already described with reference to FIG. , Will not be described again.

The operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be described. First, the operation in the gain correction mode will be described. When the gain correction mode is set from the operation unit 21,
In order to prevent image blur, if the exposure is terminated after the lapse of the second exposure time Tb and before the lapse of the first exposure time Ta, the imaging signal read from the solid-state imaging device 10 , CDS circuit 25 performs a correlated double sampling process, and then is amplified by AGC amplifier 26 and input to an AD conversion circuit. In this case, for example, the first exposure time T
Assuming that the exposure is completed in 0.2 seconds due to image shake under the imaging condition in which the appropriate exposure time as ａa is set to ４ second, the gain of the AGC amplifier 26 becomes 0.25 second / 0.
2 seconds = 1.25 times, and the imaging signal from the CDS circuit 25 is amplified by the AGC amplifier 26 with a gain of 1.25.

In the operation in the image correction mode, when the image correction mode is set from the operation unit 21, the gain of the AGC amplifier 26 is set to 1.0, and the imaging signal from the solid-state imaging device 10 After the correlated double sampling processing is performed in the circuit 25, the A
It is D-converted and input to the image processing unit 16A. And
The operator adjusts the brightness of the captured image to obtain a high-quality image while determining the degree of underexposure and the degree of superimposition of noise while watching the captured image displayed on the display unit 22, and adjusts the adjustment data. Are recorded as subsequent reference data.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first exposure time Tb is passed after the second exposure time Tb to prevent the image blur.
If the exposure is terminated before the exposure time Ta has elapsed, the gain of the AGC amplifier 26 is changed to the first exposure time Ta.
And the second exposure time Tb are set in accordance with the ratio to amplify the imaging signal from the solid-state imaging device 10 to compensate for the underexposure, or
The image signal is input to the image processing unit without amplification, and the operator views the display image on the display unit 22, judges the degree of underexposure and the degree of superimposition of noise, and adjusts the brightness. It is possible to obtain a high-quality captured image by performing compensation signal processing on an imaging signal of a subject captured in a shortage state.

[0052]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first exposure time and the second exposure shorter than the first exposure time are set by the exposure time setting means based on the luminance of the subject detected by the photometric means. In a state where the time is set, the subject is imaged by the imaging unit, the obtained light image is photoelectrically converted and charge is accumulated to obtain a subject image signal, but at the time of exposure, the first control unit When the vibration of the apparatus at the time of imaging detected by the vibration detecting means exceeds a preset allowable value after the second exposure time has elapsed and before the first exposure time has elapsed, the exposure is terminated and the accumulated charge is transferred from the imaging means to the subject. The image data is read out as an image signal, and is controlled by the recording means so as to be recorded as object image data on a recording medium. For this reason, basically, when the first exposure time elapses, a high-quality subject image with proper exposure is obtained in which the image shake based on the vibration of the apparatus is within an allowable value. When the allowable value is reached, the exposure is terminated in an allowable underexposure state, and the obtained subject image signal is recorded as the subject image data on the recording medium, so that usable subject image data can be obtained quickly and accurately. become.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first exposure time and the second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time are set by the exposure time setting means based on the luminance of the subject detected by the photometric means. Is set, the subject is imaged by the imaging means, the obtained light image is photoelectrically converted and charge is accumulated to obtain a subject image signal. At the time of exposure, the second control means controls the vibration detection. If the vibration of the apparatus at the time of imaging detected by the means exceeds a predetermined allowable value after the lapse of the second exposure time and before the lapse of the first exposure time, the exposure is completed and the electric charge accumulated in the imaging means is swept. Control is performed so that exposure is repeated again. For this reason, in addition to the effect obtained by the invention according to claim 1, even if the image blur due to the vibration of the apparatus at the time of exposure reaches an allowable value, if the second exposure time has not elapsed, the exposure is redone. As a result, it is possible to obtain a subject image signal under the condition that the image blur is equal to or less than the allowable value, and obtain a high quality subject image.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first exposure time and the second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time are set by the exposure time setting means based on the luminance of the subject detected by the photometric means. In the state where is set, the subject is imaged by the imaging means, and the obtained light image is photoelectrically converted and accumulated in electric charge to obtain the subject image signal. At the time of exposure, the third control means controls the vibration detection. When the vibration of the apparatus at the time of imaging, which is detected by the means, exceeds a predetermined allowable value after the second exposure time elapses and before the first exposure time elapses, the light from the subject is blocked by the light shielding means, and the exposure is stopped. Control is performed so as to be stopped. For this,
When the image blur due to the vibration of the apparatus at the time of exposure reaches an allowable value after the lapse of the second exposure time, the exposure is stopped, and the recording of defective-quality subject image data in which the image blur exceeds the allowable value can be prevented. become.

According to the present invention, the first exposure time and the second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time are set by the exposure time setting means based on the luminance of the subject detected by the photometric means. In the state where is set, the subject is imaged by the imaging means, the obtained light image is photoelectrically converted and charge is accumulated to obtain the subject image signal. At the time of exposure, control by the fourth control means is performed. Will be According to the control by the fourth control means, when the vibration of the apparatus at the time of imaging detected by the vibration detection means exceeds an allowable value set in advance after the second exposure time and before the first exposure time, the transfer is performed. If there is a charge in the path, the accumulated charge of the imaging means is discarded.If there is no charge in the transfer path, exposure is repeated with the accumulated charge sent to the transfer path. If the vibration of the apparatus becomes equal to or less than the allowable value by the elapse of the longest imaging time, the light is blocked by the light blocking means to end the exposure, and the control is performed so that the charge accumulated in the imaging means is recorded as a subject image signal on the recording medium. Will be In this case, if the image blur does not become less than the allowable value by the elapse of the longest imaging time in the process of repeating the exposure, the incident light is blocked by the light blocking means to end the exposure, and the charges in the transfer path are transferred to the subject image signal. Is controlled to be recorded on a recording medium. For this reason, when the image blur based on the camera shake at the time of exposure reaches an allowable value, a subject image signal of an appropriate exposure whose image blur is equal to or less than the allowable value by re-exposure until the preset maximum imaging time is reached, Exposure is terminated in an underexposure state where the image blur does not fall below an allowable value by the time the maximum imaging time is reached. The signal can be recorded on the recording medium as usable captured image data.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the optimum longest imaging time is set by changing and setting the longest imaging time by the longest imaging time setting means. The type of subject, the purpose of the data,
It is possible to achieve more effectively by adapting to the user's preference.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the effect of the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is obtained by changing and setting the allowable value of the vibration by the vibration allowable value setting means. More effectively by adapting to the type of data, the purpose of use of the data, and the taste of the user.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the ratio between the first exposure time and the second exposure time is set by the exposure time setting means. It is possible to realize the effect of the invention of the third aspect while preventing blackening of the image.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention,
Since the level of the imaging signal output from the imaging unit is adjusted by the variable amplification unit in accordance with the exposure time to be executed, the underexposure state can be corrected more accurately.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention,
Since the level of the A / D converted image signal is adjusted by the signal level adjusting means in accordance with the exposure time to be executed, the underexposure state can be more accurately corrected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a first exposure time and a second exposure time set in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation in a single exposure processing mode of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation in an exposure repetition mode of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation in a predetermined-time exposure repetition mode of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation in a single exposure determination mode of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation in a predetermined time exposure repetition mode of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 solid-state imaging device 10A CCD 11 lens system 14 overall control unit 15 CDA / AD conversion circuit 16 image processing circuit 17 recording unit 20 vibration detection unit 21 operation unit 23 light shielding shutter 24 light shielding control circuit 25 CDS circuit 26 AGC amplifier 27 AD converter

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/335 H04N 5/335 Q (72) Inventor Masayoshi Kato 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo No. Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Sato 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Saburo Sasaki 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Ricoh Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2H002 BB10 FB71 JA07 2H054 AA01 BB11 5C022 AA13 AB02 AB13 AB17 AB20 AB55 AC03 AC13 AC32 AC42 AC52 AC54 AC69 AC74 5C024 AX01 BX01 CX51 CY21 DX04 EX04 EX11 EX31 EX34 EX51 GY04 HX18H46

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An imaging apparatus for capturing an image of a subject and recording the image on a recording medium, comprising: an imaging unit configured to photoelectrically convert a light image obtained by capturing the subject and obtain a subject image signal by charge accumulation; Recording means for recording subject image data on the recording medium, vibration detecting means for detecting vibration of the apparatus at the time of imaging, photometric means for detecting luminance of the subject and outputting a luminance signal, and the luminance signal Exposure time setting means for setting a first exposure time and a second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time, based on the following, and in the exposure, after the lapse of the second exposure time, the first exposure time
If the vibration exceeds a preset allowable value before the exposure time elapses, control is performed so as to end the exposure, read out the electric charge accumulated in the imaging means as the subject image signal, and record it on the recording medium. An imaging device comprising: a first control unit. 2. An imaging apparatus for capturing an image of a subject and recording the image on a recording medium, wherein: an imaging unit configured to photoelectrically convert a light image obtained by capturing the subject and acquire the subject image by charge accumulation; Recording means for recording subject image data on the recording medium based on a signal; vibration detecting means for detecting vibration of the apparatus at the time of imaging; photometric means for detecting luminance of the subject and outputting a luminance signal; Exposure time setting means for setting a first exposure time and a second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time based on a signal; and during the exposure, the first exposure time after the lapse of the second exposure time.
Before the exposure time elapses, when the vibration exceeds a preset allowable value, a second control unit that performs control so as to sweep out charges accumulated in the imaging unit and repeat exposure again. Imaging device. 3. An imaging apparatus for capturing an image of a subject and recording the image on a recording medium, comprising: an imaging unit configured to photoelectrically convert a light image obtained by capturing the subject and acquire the subject image by charge accumulation; Recording means for recording subject image data on the recording medium based on the signal; vibration detecting means for detecting vibration of the device at the time of image capturing; photometric means for detecting the luminance of the subject; Exposure time setting means for setting the first exposure time and a second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time; light shielding means for shielding incident light from the subject; After a lapse of time, the first
An imaging apparatus comprising: a third control unit that performs control so that exposure is stopped by light shielding by the light shielding unit if the vibration exceeds a preset allowable value before the exposure time elapses. 4. An imaging apparatus for imaging a subject and recording the image on a recording medium, wherein: an imaging unit configured to photoelectrically convert a light image obtained by imaging the subject and acquire the subject image by charge accumulation; Recording means for recording subject image data on the recording medium based on the signal; vibration detecting means for detecting vibration of the apparatus at the time of imaging; photometric means for detecting the luminance of the subject; An exposure time setting means for setting a first exposure time and a second exposure time shorter than the first exposure time; a light shielding means for shielding light incident from the object; If the vibration exceeds a preset allowable value after the lapse of time and before the lapse of the first exposure time, if there is a charge in the transfer path, the accumulated charge of the imaging means is discarded, and the charge is transferred to the transfer path. Absent In this case, the exposure is repeated while the accumulated charge is sent to the transfer path. In the process of repeating the exposure, when the vibration becomes equal to or less than the allowable value by the elapse of a preset longest imaging time, the light shielding unit The exposure is terminated by interrupting the incident light, and control is performed so that the accumulated charge of the imaging means is recorded on the recording medium.In the course of the repetition of the exposure, the vibration is suppressed until the elapse of the longest imaging time. And a fourth control means for controlling so as to block incident light by the light-shielding means and terminate exposure, and to read out the electric charges in the transfer path and record the electric charges in the recording medium if the light intensity does not fall below the allowable value. Characteristic imaging device. 5. An imaging apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a longest imaging time setting means for changing and setting said longest imaging time. 6. An imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a vibration allowance value setting unit configured to change and set the vibration allowance value. apparatus. 7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said exposure time setting means sets a ratio between said first exposure time and said second exposure time. Imaging device. 8. An image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
An imaging apparatus comprising: a variable amplifying unit that adjusts an image signal level output from the imaging unit. 9. An image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
An imaging apparatus comprising: signal level adjusting means for adjusting the level of an A / D converted image signal.