JP2003069893A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus by which the number of sequential photographing is set to be larger compared with interlace reading which has necessity to store the image signals of whole pixels by utilizing a merit in progressive thinning reading and also by which memory management is prevented from becoming complicated by the co-existence of the image signals by the two reading systems in a memory. SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus is constituted to change-over the both interlace reading and progressive reading systems. When a CCD reading change- over means 4 changes-over the interlace reading system or the progressive reading system, the setting of the number in sequential photographing is changed in response to the change-over. In other words, the number of sequential photographing by the progressive reading is set to be larger than that by the interlace reading.

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, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus capable of switching between an interlaced read method and a progressive read method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Imaging devices such as video cameras have been widely used. In recent years, electronic still cameras that mainly capture and record still images have come into widespread use especially as digital cameras, and video movies that were mainly used for recording moving images have come to have a still image capturing and recording function.

As an image pickup device, an interlaced readout (interlaced scanning) type CCD imager having a vertical transfer stage which is half the number of vertical pixels (the number of lines) of all the pixels (one frame image) used since the moving image era ( Hereinafter, with respect to an interlaced imager), a progressive reading (sequential scanning) in which charges of pixels corresponding to one frame can be simultaneously transferred by providing the same number of vertical transfer stages as the number of vertical pixels (the number of lines) of one frame image ) A compatible CCD imager (hereinafter referred to as a progressive imager) is known.

In the interlaced imager, the image picked up by the CCD is sequentially transferred at different timings for each of the first and second fields by the vertical transfer path, so that the pixel information corresponding to one frame is read out twice and RG is read.
In contrast to obtaining the B image, in the case of the progressive imager, the RGB image can be taken out by one reading, so that it is possible to realize an ultra-high-speed shutter that is impossible with a mechanical shutter, for example.

On the other hand, CC of interlaced read system
A digital camera capable of progressive reading using the D has also been developed. Such a camera capable of both interlaced reading and progressive reading has a CCD capable of accumulating charges of pixels corresponding to one frame as an image sensor, and the CCD is driven in interlaced reading. Then, the charges of all the pixels corresponding to one frame are divided into the first and second fields, and the charges are sequentially transferred at different timings for each of the first and second fields to be transferred by the vertical transfer path to correspond to one frame. Pixel information to be read is field-sequentially read.
On the other hand, in the progressive reading, the CCD is driven to thin out and read out all the pixels corresponding to one frame, and the charges due to the lines of a required number of pixels for obtaining RGB information are simultaneously read in the vertical direction. It is transferred to the transfer path and read. In progressive reading in this case, the number of vertical transfer paths is limited to the number of field lines for interlaced reading because the vertical transfer path is also used for interlaced reading, and the number of driven pixels is 1/2 of the total number of pixels. The thinning-out reading is limited to.

The advantage of performing progressive reading using the CCD of the interlaced reading system is that an RGB image can be taken out by one reading as in the case of the original progressive imager, so that an ultra-high-speed shutter is realized. It is possible. As a result, it is possible to increase the continuous shooting speed by using the progressive reading method, for example, during continuous shooting.

[0007]

By the way, in the image pickup apparatus which is also capable of progressive reading by using the CCD of the interlaced reading method, the progressive reading method is the thinning reading, and thus the thinned pixels are finally obtained. It is necessary to interpolate the signal of (1) using the output signals of the peripheral pixels to expand the signal. However, if the above interpolation is performed every time one frame is photographed and this interpolated image signal is stored in the memory, the number of frames that can be photographed will decrease and the interpolation calculation will increase because the memory capacity per frame will increase due to the interpolation. Because of this, the shooting interval becomes longer and the quick-shooting property is lost.

Further, since the image signal read by the progressive method and the image signal read by the interlace method need to perform different memory mapping, the image signals of both read methods are simultaneously stored in the memory. And memory management becomes complicated.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in an image pickup apparatus capable of both interlaced readout and progressive readout,
Taking advantage of the thinning readout by progressive,
Memory management becomes complicated by setting a larger number of continuous shooting images than in the case of interlaced readout, which requires storing image signals of all pixels, and by mixing image signals of both readout methods in the memory. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image pickup device capable of preventing such a situation.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an image pickup apparatus capable of continuous shooting, and an image pickup element capable of accumulating charges of pixels corresponding to one frame, and driving the image pickup element. By dividing the charges of all the pixels corresponding to the one frame into a plurality of fields and sequentially transferring the plurality of fields through the vertical transfer paths at different timings, the all pixel information corresponding to the one frame is field-sequentially. And interlaced read-out means for performing interlaced read-out, and progressive read-out for progressively reading out charges of a required number of pixels of all the pixels corresponding to the one frame by simultaneously transferring the charges to the vertical transfer path. Read-out means and switching for switching between the progressive reading and the interlaced reading A step, storage means for temporarily storing image signals by the progressive reading and the interlaced reading, and setting means for setting the number of consecutively shot images by the progressive reading more than the number of consecutively shot images by the interlace reading. ,
With.

In the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, since the progressive reading method is the thinning-out reading, it is finally necessary to interpolate the signals of the thinned-out pixels by using the output signals of peripheral pixels to enlarge the signals. When the interpolated image signal is stored in the memory, the memory capacity increases and the shooting interval also increases, but in the present invention, the image signal by the progressive reading method read from the image sensor is stored in the memory as it is without being enlarged. By doing so, it is possible to set a larger number of continuous shooting images than in the case of the interlaced reading method in which it is necessary to store the image signals of all pixels.

Further, the present invention is an image pickup apparatus capable of continuous shooting, and an image pickup element capable of accumulating electric charges of pixels corresponding to one frame, and the image pickup element driven as described above.
Interlace for reading out all pixel information corresponding to one frame in a field-sequential manner by dividing the charges of all pixels corresponding to a frame into a plurality of fields and transferring the plurality of fields by vertical transfer paths at sequentially different timings. An interlaced read means for reading, and a progressive read means for progressive read that drives the image sensor and simultaneously transfers the charges of a required number of pixels out of all pixels corresponding to the one frame to the vertical transfer path to read the charges. Switching means for switching between the progressive reading and the interlaced reading, a storage means for temporarily storing shooting data captured by the continuous shooting, and the switching means for a period during which the shooting data remains in the storage means. Switching of read method by And inhibiting means for inhibiting the one in which having a.

In the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, the image signal read by the progressive method and the image signal read by the interlace method need to perform different memory mappings. Although the memory management becomes complicated when it is stored in the memory, the present invention prevents the complicated memory management by prohibiting the switching to the other reading method while the image signal by one reading method remains in the memory. It becomes possible to do.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Before describing an embodiment of an image pickup apparatus of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, interlaced readout and progressive readout of a CCD will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

3 and 4, an interline transfer type CCD is used as the image pickup device. CCD
Is a two-dimensionally arrayed in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and the light receiving portion 11 composed of a photodiode having a photoelectric conversion function for accumulating the electric charge by incident light, and the electric charge accumulated in the light receiving portion 11. It has a vertical transfer unit 12 that sequentially transfers in the vertical direction by using a vertical transfer pulse, and a horizontal transfer unit 13 that sequentially transfers the charges transferred by the vertical transfer unit 12 in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining interlaced reading in the CCD. FIG. 3A shows the read state of the first field, and FIG. 3B shows the read state of the second field. The pixel array of the CCD is a Bayer array. The Bayer array is
G that requires high resolution is arranged in a checkered pattern, and R, and
Each B is arranged in a checkered pattern.

In the interlaced read mode,
As shown in FIG. 3 (a), GRGR ... Lines are read in the first field, and then GBGB ... Lines are read in the second field in the vertical transfer path shielded from aluminum as shown in FIG. 3 (b). RG of one frame is obtained by these two readings.
The B image data will be read. Here, mechanical light shielding is required so as not to be exposed during the reading of the first field and the second field. That is, in the interlaced read mode, it is necessary to use a mechanical shutter as the shutter. Therefore, the high speed limit of the mechanical shutter becomes the high speed limit of the shutter speed. For example, 1/500 seconds is the high speed limit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining progressive reading in the CCD. Progressive read is
Although the thinning-out reading is performed, as shown in FIG. 4, GRGBG is read so that the RGB image data can be read by one reading.
Since the RGB ... Lines are read onto the vertical transfer path shielded from aluminum, the shutter speed can be determined by reading the electronic shutter onto the vertical transfer path. That is,
In the progressive reading mode, a high-speed shutter with an electronic shutter can be realized.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image pickup apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging device is, for example, a digital camera.

In FIG. 1, an image pickup device includes a charge-coupled device (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 1 as an image pickup device, and a CCD.
1 for interlace reading the image-capturing charge of the CCD 1, progressive reading means 3 for progressively reading the image-capturing charge of the CCD 1, CCD reading method switching means 4 for switching the reading method, and CCD reading method switching means 4 A CCD reading method changing means 5 by a menu setting or the like for issuing a switching command to the user to instruct switching between the progressive reading method and the interlaced reading method, and the image signals by the progressive reading means 3 and the interlaced reading means 2 are temporarily stored. It is possible to record and reproduce the storage means 6, the continuous shooting number changing means 7 that changes the setting of the continuous shooting number according to the change of the reading method, and the image data from the storage means 6 to a recording medium such as a memory card. It is configured to include a recording and reproduction means 8.

The CCD 1 as an image pickup device is capable of accumulating charges of pixels corresponding to one frame.

The interlaced reading means 2 is a CCD
1 is driven to divide the charges of all pixels corresponding to the 1 frame into a plurality of (usually 2) fields, and the charges are transferred by the vertical transfer paths at different timings for each of the plurality of fields to form one frame. Is a driving means for performing interlaced reading in which pixel information corresponding to is read out in a field sequential manner. As described above, in the interlaced read mode, the mechanical shutter is used as the shutter for adjusting the exposure, so the shutter speed of the image pickup device is determined by the speed of the mechanical shutter.

The progressive reading means 3 is a CCD
1 is driven to perform field reading by thinning out pixels out of all pixels corresponding to one frame.
It is a driving means for performing progressive reading in which charges by a predetermined number of pixel lines necessary for obtaining B information are simultaneously transferred to the vertical transfer path and read out. As described above, in the progressive reading mode, the electronic shutter functions as a shutter for adjusting the exposure, and thus a high-speed shutter is realized.

The reading method switching means 4 is a means for switching between the progressive reading and the interlaced reading.

The CCD reading method changing means 5 as a selecting means makes the progressive reading method and the interlaced reading method selectable, and issues a switching command to the reading method switching means 4 to switch between the two reading methods. Give instructions.

The storage means 6 is composed of a frame memory, and temporarily stores image signals obtained by progressive reading and interlaced reading.

The continuous shooting number changing means 7 as the setting means,
By issuing an instruction according to the change of the reading method and changing the memory mapping of the storage means 6, the number of continuous shooting by progressive reading is set to be larger than the number of continuous shooting by interlaced reading.

The recording / reproducing means 8 compresses the image data from the storage means 6 and records it on a recording medium such as a memory card, or expands the recorded image data and reproduces it. The recorded signal or the reproduced signal may be displayed on a display means such as a liquid crystal monitor.

According to the configuration of FIG. 1, since the progressive reading method is the thinning-out reading, it is necessary to finally interpolate the signals of the thinned-out pixels by using the output signals of the peripheral pixels to enlarge the signals. However, in the present embodiment, the image signal obtained by progressive reading is stored in the storage unit 6 such as a frame memory as it is without being enlarged, so that the number of continuous shooting images obtained by progressive reading is stored as the image signal of all pixels. It is possible to set more than in the case of interlaced reading that needs to be performed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an image pickup apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. The parts having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the image pickup device is
CCD 1 as an image sensor, interlaced readout means 2 for interlaced readout of the imaged charge of CCD 1, progressive readout means 3 for progressively read out the imaged charge of CCD 1, and CCD readout method switching means 4 for switching the readout method. A CCD read method changing means 5 by a menu setting or the like for issuing a switching command to the CCD read method switching means 4 to instruct switching between the progressive read method and the interlace read method, and the progressive read means 3 and the interlace read means 2. Storage means 6 for temporarily storing image signals
And a recording / reproducing means 8 capable of recording and reproducing the image data from the storage means 6 on a recording medium such as a memory card.
And a prohibiting means 9 for prohibiting the switching of the reading method by the switching means 4 while the photographing data remains in the storage means 6.

The prohibiting means 9 is processing the imaged data photographed by, for example, continuous shooting during the period when the imaged data remains in the storage means 6, in other words, in the state where the interlaced reading or the progressive reading is selected. (For example, when the process of converting Bayer data to YC data is being performed), switching of the currently set read method is prohibited.
The other configuration is similar to that of FIG.

According to the configuration of FIG. 2, switching to the other reading method is prohibited while the image signal according to the one reading method remains in the storage means 6 such as a frame memory. As a result, it is necessary to perform different memory mappings for the image signal read by the progressive method and the image signal read by the interlace method. It is possible to prevent the trouble that the management becomes complicated.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of a digital camera as an image pickup apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 5, a subject image from a subject 21 passes through an image pickup lens 22 and a mechanical shutter 23, and then a CCD.
An image is formed on the light receiving surface of the image pickup device 24 such as. The image pickup signal photoelectrically converted by the image pickup device 24 is transferred to the digital process circuit 2
5 is supplied. The digital process circuit 25 has the above-mentioned progressive (PS) read function and interlace (IS) read function, and electronic shutter control (readout transfer control based on vertical transfer pulses in PS, IS reading) for the image sensor 24. The read signal is stored in the frame memory 26 and, at the same time, displayed on the image information display unit 27 such as a liquid crystal panel.
Then, the image data stored in the frame memory 26 is compressed by the compression / expansion circuit 28, passes through, for example, the first card interface circuit 36 selected by the selector 29, and then passes through the first memory card in the first slot 37. It is recorded in 38 as compressed image data. This camera is
It has the second two card interface circuits 36 and 40 and can be selected by the selector 29. The second card interface circuit 40 is connected to the second memory card 42 mounted in the second slot 41. The system controller 30 includes the digital process circuit 25, a shutter control circuit 31 for controlling opening / closing of the mechanical shutter 23, a memory controller 33 for controlling the frame memory 26, an EEPROM 34 as a non-volatile memory, and a user interface including a menu. Switch (SW) means 32, calendar circuit 35 for counting date and time, first slot 3
The first slot mounting detecting means 39 of No. 7 and the second slot mounting detecting means 43 of the second slot 41 are connected. The system controller 30 reads the digital process circuit 25 in the PS read mode or IS
The SW means 3 is instructed whether to read in the read mode.
It detects what kind of settings are made including the menu from 2 and controls the hardware based on this.

By setting the control register in the digital process circuit 25 by the system controller 30,
The CCD read mode can be changed. That is,
It is possible to switch between IS reading and PS reading. As the control registers, there are a timing counter for resetting a CCD, a transfer path high-speed sweep timing counter, a vertical transfer timing counter, and an IS / PS read mode set register. By setting these values, the system controller 30 can set the IS / PS Control read control.

FIG. 6 shows a timing chart for interlaced reading. Figure 6 (a) shows the vertical transfer pulse,
6 (b) shows opening / closing of the mechanical shutter 23, FIG. 6 (c) shows a shutter closing signal from the shutter control circuit 31, and FIG. 6 (d).
Indicates the interlaced read operation.

In the interlaced read mode shown in FIG. 6, the CCD charges are constantly discharged during the CCD reset period until the release button (shutter button) is pressed, and the charge is in a zero state. This is done with the mechanical shutter open. Then, when the release button is pressed, exposure is performed for a predetermined period until the CCD reset is released and the mechanical shutter is completely closed, and then the shutter control signal is output from the shutter control circuit 31, and the shutter is closed. The mechanical shutter 23 is closed as shown in FIG. Then, the mechanical shutter 23 is kept completely shielded from light, and during the shutter-closed maintaining period, the transfer path is quickly swept out (the unnecessary charges accumulated in the transfer path are swept out at high speed), and then FIG. The vertical transfer operation is performed by the vertical transfer pulse as shown in (a), and the first field is read. Next, as in the case of the first field, after the high-speed sweeping of the transfer path is performed, the vertical transfer is performed by the second vertical transfer pulse to read the second field, and then the mechanical shutter 23 Open again.

FIG. 7 shows a timing chart for progressive reading. Figure 7 (a) shows the vertical transfer pulse,
7 (b) shows opening / closing of the mechanical shutter 23, FIG. 7 (c) shows a shutter closing signal from the shutter control circuit 31, and FIG. 7 (d).
Indicates a progressive read operation, respectively.

In the progressive read mode shown in FIG. 7, the CCD charges are constantly discharged during the CCD reset period until the release button (shutter button) is pressed, and the charge is in a zero state. This is done with the mechanical shutter open. Then, when the release button is pressed, CCD reset is released and exposure is performed for a very short period (for example, 1/15000 seconds), and then high-speed sweeping of unnecessary charges accumulated in the transfer path is performed. Progressive field reading (progressive reading of the number of field lines excluding thinned pixel lines) is performed by sending the exposure charge at a time to a vertical transfer path not exposed to light by a vertical transfer pulse as shown in FIG. 7A. Also in this case, the shutter close signal is output from the shutter control circuit 31 after the exposure, but the electronic shutter has already been turned off by the high-speed sweeping of the transfer path and the vertical transfer operation performed after the exposure. In the read mode, the mechanical shutter 23 is triggered by the shutter close signal.
Close timing does not require precise timing. That is,
The exposure charge is instantaneously transferred to the transfer path that is shielded by the electronic shutter operation, and progressive reading is performed from the transfer unit subsequently. Therefore, the mechanical shutter 23 in this mode plays a role of generating strong light during the reading period. It suffices if it plays a role of preventing incident light from entering the light-shielded transfer path.

Next, interlaced reading (hereinafter referred to as I) in the image pickup apparatus capable of both the above-mentioned reading methods of interlaced reading and progressive reading.
The memory mapping operation in the S) mode and the memory mapping operation in the progressive read (PS) mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 shows an image capturing process (memory mapping) in the IS mode. The CCD 24 has a Bayer array and has, for example, 5 megapixels (M pixels). The Bayer data read from the CCD 24 is digital process circuit 25.
Can be stored in four IS Bayer buffers 1 to 4 that can be stored in the frame memory 26 and can store four frames (that is, eight fields). The size of each IS Bayer buffer is a value determined by the effective screen size of the CCD 24. C
Assuming that the CD 24 has 5 M pixels, each of the IS Bayer buffers 1 to 4 has 5 megabytes (M
It has the capacity of each byte). Frame memory 26
In such a case, by securing such four IS Bayer buffer areas, the Bayer data of the CCD 24 captured by the continuous shooting can be taken into the Bayer buffer area as it is, in the case of continuous shooting. In this way, four frames can be continuously shot and loaded into each IS Bayer buffer area 1 to 4, and the quick shooting performance of the camera can be secured.

The Bayer data from the CCD 24 is the IS Bayer buffer (Bayer) as indicated by the thick dotted line.
Buffer) 1 to 4 and thumbnail buffer (T
humnail Buffer) 1 to 4 is also sent.

Thumbnail Buffer
1 to 4 are IS Bayer buffers (Bayer Bu
ffer) 1 to 4 is a buffer area for thumbnail images, which is separately secured in the frame memory 26 for creating thumbnail images (reference images).

Once the IS Bayer Buffer
) The CCD image data entered in 1 to 4 are converted into YC data by the arithmetic circuit in the digital process circuit 25. YC data includes Y, Cb, Cr (brightness, color difference b,
The data described by the color difference r) is data that can be viewed as an image on a personal computer monitor or the like. The data amount of the converted YC data is the IS Bayer buffer (Bayer buffer).
Buffer) 1 The amount of data stored in 1 has increased.

Then, this YC data enters the YC buffer (YCBuffer) 1 secured in the frame memory 26,
Here, data that can be displayed on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 27 (64
After being resized to 0 × 480 pixels, it is stored in one of the video buffers 1 and 2.

And a video buffer
Then, it is combined with on-screen information and finally TFT
It is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 27 as a photographed image.

Further, the YC buffer 1
The YC data is resized for recording on the memory card, temporarily stored in the file buffer, and then sent to the memory card 38 (or 42). At this time, the data is written into the memory card 38 (or 42) from the file buffer while compressing little by little by applying a compression engine such as JPEG. The recording size is set by a setting menu (not shown).

A through buffer (THRU Buffer) secured on the frame memory 26 is an area for displaying a through image (moving image) read from the CCD for photographing while looking at the liquid crystal monitor 27.

The above buffer memory arrangement, in particular a plurality of I's.
By securing the S-Bayer buffer area, the Bayer buffer can be loaded as it is, so that a plurality of frames can be continuously shot in a short time, and the quick-shooting performance of the camera can be improved. This is the Bayer buffer (BayerBuf
This is because, after importing the data into the fer. area, the time-consuming conversion to YC data is performed thereafter.

Next, the case of switching to the PS mode and photographing is described. CC when in PS mode
The amount of Bayer data read from D24 is I
It is half that of S mode.

The size of the IS Bayer buffer is a value determined by the effective screen size of the CCD, whereas the size of the PS Bayer buffer in the PS mode is basically
Only half the memory area in IS mode is required. As a result, when switching to the PS mode, the Bayer buffer size can be changed to half that in the IS mode, and the number of frames that can be continuously shot (the number of consecutive shots) can be doubled.

FIG. 9A shows the image capturing process (memory mapping) in the PS mode. However, the image capturing process of the thumbnail image is omitted.

In this case, on the frame memory 26,
Eight PS bayer buffers (PS Bayer Buffers) 1 to 8 are secured for four sheets in the IS mode. However,
The PS Bayer buffer size is the same as the IS Bayer buffer size described above.

CC that once entered PS Bayer buffers 1-8
The D image data is converted into YC data in the same manner as in the IS mode, then enters the YC buffer (YC Buffer) 1 and is resized for display on the liquid crystal monitor 27, and then the video buffer (Video Buffer) 1, Stored in one of the two. Then, in the video buffer, it is combined with the on-screen information and finally displayed as an image photographed on the TFT liquid crystal monitor 27.

However, if the Bayer data from the PS Bayer buffer is converted to YC data and resized in the same manner as in the IS mode, an image that is vertically crushed in half is obtained.
As shown in, it is necessary to resize the image only twice in the vertical direction. Further, since edge enhancement is also performed when converting to YC data, in the PS mode, since the distance between pixels in the vertical direction is large, the degree of change in brightness is large, so the same edge enhancement is performed. When applied, the edge enhancement in the vertical direction tends to be too effective. Therefore, in the PS mode, it is necessary to change the edge emphasis degree.

As described above, in the PS mode, it is necessary to change the memory mapping, the data flow thereof, and the data processing such as edge enhancement for the IS mode.

Further, the YC buffer 1
The YC data is resized for recording on the memory card, temporarily stored in the file buffer, and then sent to the memory card 38 (or 42). At this time, the data is written into the memory card 38 (or 42) from the file buffer while compressing little by little by applying a compression engine such as JPEG.

The above-mentioned buffer memory arrangement, especially a plurality of P
By securing the S Bayer Buffer area, the buffer area of the same capacity as in IS mode is secured, and the number of frames double the number in IS mode (the number of consecutive shots) is continuously shot in a short time. Therefore, it is possible to improve the quick shooting performance of the camera and increase the number of continuous shootings. Moreover, as compared with the IS mode, necessary RGB image data (Bayer data) can be taken out from the CCD image data once, so that an ultra-high-speed shutter can be realized and continuous shooting speed can be increased. It is possible.

Next, the setting menu of the CCD reading method changing means described in FIG. 1 and the prohibition state of the switching prohibition means shown in FIG. 2 and its state display will be described. Here, the menu display of the liquid crystal panel which is the image information display unit on the back surface of the digital camera, the CCD mode selection operation in the menu display, and the display of the availability of the Bayer buffer displayed on the control panel will be described.

FIG. 10 shows a rear view of the camera. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 50 denotes a camera body, on the back of which a display unit 51 such as a liquid crystal panel, a menu button 52, a cross key 53, an OK button 54 as a decision button, and a finder 55 are arranged, and an upper portion of the body 50. An exposure mode dial 56 is provided in. With such a structure, when the menu button 52 is pressed, a menu screen as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 51.

On this menu screen (see FIG. 12), the white selection frame 70 shown in the figure corresponding to the cursor is displayed on the cross key 53.
Each menu can be confirmed by moving by the operation of and pressing the OK button 54 at the position of the appropriate selection frame 70. Code 8
This indicates that the display of the concave shape shown in 0 is confirmed.

FIG. 11 shows an indicator of the availability of the IS Bayer buffer (see FIG. 8) displayed on the liquid crystal panel as the control panel. Here, the IS Bayer buffers 1 to 4 will be described, but the PS Bayer buffers 1 to 8 can be similarly displayed. FIG. 11A shows a state in which the four IS Bayer buffers 1 to 4 are all filled with shooting data due to continuous shooting.
(b) is a state in which the processing of one frame of the IS Bayer buffers 1 to 4 is completed and the IS Bayer buffer 1 is empty (the other 3 IS Bayer buffers 2 to 3 are not processed. Fig. 11 (c)
Indicates that IS Bayer buffers 1 to 4 are all empty. In the state of FIG. 11 (c), it is possible to open the above menu and switch the CCD reading method (CCD mode).

FIG. 12 shows the procedure for switching the menu display screen and CCD mode.

In FIG. 12A, reference numeral 61 indicates a menu for setting the type and volume of the shutter sound. The shutter sound can be selected from "1" or "2".
Regarding the volume, the volume of the sound can be selected by setting it to “OFF” or by setting the position of the point 611 on the volume bar. Reference numeral 62 indicates ON / OFF setting of the beep sound during AF (automatic focusing control). Code 6
Reference numeral 3 indicates ON / OFF setting of noise reduction (NR), and it is possible to set whether to remove (ON) or not (OFF) noise that stands out when the screen is dark.

Reference numeral 64 indicates a CCD read mode setting menu (CCDMODE) which is an essential part of the present invention. In FIG. 12A, the selection frame 70 is located above the'CCD MODE '. If the right side of the cross key 53 is pressed in this state, the selection frame 70 does not move unless the shooting data is empty in the Bayer buffer. Then, if at least one of the Bayer buffers becomes emptied of shooting data, FIG.
When the right side of the cross key 53 is pressed as shown in FIG. 12C, the selection frame 70 sequentially moves to the right, and when the selection frame 70 selects'PS 'as shown in FIG. 12C. , Press the OK button 54 to display'PS 'as shown in Fig. 12 (d).
The position becomes concave and the selection of PS mode is confirmed.

[0067]

As described above, according to the present invention, the number of consecutively shot images is increased compared to the case of interlaced reading in which it is necessary to store the image signals of all pixels by taking advantage of the progressive thinning-out reading. It is possible to set, and when the image signal by one reading method exists in the memory, switching to the other reading method can be prohibited, and image signals of both methods are mixed in the memory, which hinders memory management. It is possible to prevent it.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image pickup apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an image pickup apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating interlaced reading in a CCD.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating progressive reading by a CCD.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera as an image pickup apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart of interlaced reading.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart of progressive reading.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing memory mapping in interlaced read mode.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing memory mapping in a progressive read mode.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the camera.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an indicator of the availability of the IS Bayer buffer displayed on the control panel.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a procedure of a menu display screen and a CCD mode switching operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... CCD (imaging device) 2 ... Interlaced reading means 3 ... Progressive reading means 4 ... CCD reading method switching means 5 ... CCD reading method changing means 6 ... Storage means 7: means for changing the number of continuous shots 9 ... Switching prohibition means

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup apparatus capable of continuous shooting, comprising: an image pickup element capable of accumulating charges of pixels corresponding to one frame; and an image pickup element which drives the image pickup element and corresponds to one frame. Interlaced reading for performing interlaced reading for reading out all pixel information corresponding to the one frame in a field-sequential manner by dividing the electric charge of a pixel into a plurality of fields and transferring the plurality of fields by vertical transfer paths at sequentially different timings. Means for driving the image sensor, progressive reading means for progressively reading out charges of a required number of pixels out of all pixels corresponding to the one frame to the vertical transfer path simultaneously, and the progressive reading means; Switching means for switching the interlaced reading, and the progress Storage means for temporarily storing the image signal by blanking the read and the interlaced reading, the number of shots of continuous shooting by the progressive read-out,
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a setting unit that sets a larger number than the number of continuous shots by the interlaced reading. 2. An image pickup apparatus capable of continuous shooting, comprising: an image pickup element capable of accumulating charges of pixels corresponding to one frame; and an image pickup element for driving the image pickup element for all frames corresponding to the one frame. Interlaced reading for performing interlaced reading for reading out all pixel information corresponding to the one frame in a field-sequential manner by dividing the electric charge of a pixel into a plurality of fields and transferring the plurality of fields by vertical transfer paths at sequentially different timings. Means for driving the image sensor, progressive reading means for progressively reading out charges of a required number of pixels out of all pixels corresponding to the one frame to the vertical transfer path simultaneously, and the progressive reading means; Switching means for switching the interlaced readout, and the continuous shooting A storage unit for temporarily storing the captured image data; and a prohibition unit for prohibiting the switching of the reading method by the switching unit during a period when the captured data remains in the storage unit. Image pickup device.