JP2004104600A - Image pickup device, data processing method in image pickup device, storage medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly photograph a next image after photographing an image, while obtaining a desired image. <P>SOLUTION: The image data of a photographed image obtained by a photographing operation corresponding to a photographing instruction is recorded on a recording medium, unprocessed image data of the photographed image is stored inside so as to be recordable on the recording medium, and the stored unprocessed image data is recorded on the recording medium according to an inputted recording instruction. When an image relating to the image data recorded on the recording medium is confirmed after photographing, if the image is not the desired image, unprocessed image data for obtaining a desired image is promptly recorded on the recording medium to quickly photograph the next image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus, a data processing method in the image pickup apparatus, a storage medium, and a program. It is a thing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in an electronic camera that converts a photographed subject image into an electrical signal and records the image data on a recording medium, a photographing operation has been performed as described below.
First, when an imaging record command is input by a switch (SW) or the like, the shutter is driven to perform exposure, and after an appropriate period of exposure, the image sensor is read. An image signal from the image sensor is converted into image data by an A / D converter and stored in a memory. Image data in which image processing such as irreversible compression processing is not performed on the image signal from the image sensor is referred to as “RAW image data”.
[0003]
Thereafter, the RAW image data stored in the memory is read again, subjected to signal processing in accordance with a preset image quality setting, further subjected to compression processing, and stored again in the memory.
Thereby, the processing of the image data is completed, and the processed image data is recorded on the recording medium.
[0004]
In addition, in a conventional electronic camera, the compressed image data is expanded and resized to be displayed on a display device so that the photographed image can be confirmed immediately after photographing (resizing). The displayed image was displayed. In addition, after shooting, a playback operation is performed by changing the operation mode of the electronic camera to a playback mode, the image data compressed in the same manner as described above is decompressed, resized, and displayed on the display device.
[0005]
Since the conventional electronic camera performs the photographing operation and the reproduction operation as described above, when the image processing parameters such as the image quality setting used in the image processing are not appropriate, that is, the preset image quality setting is not appropriate. In some cases, a desired photographed image could not be obtained.
As a countermeasure for the problem, after storing the RAW image data in the memory by the photographing operation, various desired image quality settings are performed, the RAW image data in the memory is read, and signal processing such as image processing according to the image quality setting is performed. And display and confirm the image on the display device. If the displayed image is not finished in the desired image, various image quality settings are performed again on the RAW image data, and the image subjected to signal processing such as image processing according to the image quality setting is displayed on the display device. Display and confirm. When a desired image is obtained, there has been proposed one that operates to record image data of this image on a recording medium (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-251551 A
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the electronic camera, the amount of data recorded by shooting one image is enormous, and the time required to record the image data on the recording medium is increased, which hinders a light shooting operation. . In addition, a large capacity or a plurality of recording media must be carried, which increases the burden on the user in terms of cost.
[0008]
Further, in an electronic camera that records and processes the signal-processed image data on a recording medium after displaying and confirming an image related to the image data obtained by performing signal processing such as image processing according to the image quality setting, photographing is performed. The image quality setting and the like must be performed every time the image is performed, and if the desired image is not finished, the image quality setting, signal processing, and image checking operations must be repeated again. For this reason, it takes a long time from taking an image to recording the image data, and it takes a long time to take the next photo, and there is a problem that a photo opportunity (photo opportunity) is missed. .
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is capable of capturing a next image promptly after capturing an image while allowing a desired image to be obtained. Objective.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The imaging device of the present invention performs imaging in accordance with an input imaging instruction, records image data obtained by irreversible compression processing of a captured image obtained by the imaging in a recording medium in advance, and also processes an unprocessed image of the captured image The data is stored inside, and the raw image data corresponding to the irreversibly compressed image data recorded on the recording medium is recorded on the recording medium according to the recording instruction of the raw image data inputted It has a control means.
[0011]
The data processing method of the present invention performs shooting according to an input shooting instruction, records image data obtained by irreversible compression processing of a shot image obtained by the shooting in advance on a recording medium, and unprocesses the shot image The image data is held in a holding unit inside the imaging apparatus, and the raw image data corresponding to the irreversibly compressed image data recorded on the recording medium is stored in accordance with the input recording instruction of the raw image data. It records on the said recording medium, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0012]
The computer-readable storage medium of the present invention pre-records image data obtained by instructing image capturing means to perform image capturing in accordance with an input image capturing instruction and image data obtained by irreversible compression processing of the captured image obtained in the image capturing step. In accordance with a first recording step of recording the raw image data of the photographed image in a holding unit inside the imaging apparatus, and recording the raw image data on the recording medium in response to a recording instruction of the raw image data input thereto A program for causing a computer to execute a second recording step for recording raw image data corresponding to recorded irreversibly compressed image data on the recording medium is stored.
[0013]
The program of the present invention records an image step of instructing the image capturing unit to perform image capturing in accordance with an input image capturing instruction, and image data obtained by irreversible compression processing of the captured image obtained in the image capturing step on a recording medium, A first recording step for holding raw image data of the photographed image in a holding unit inside the imaging apparatus, and an irreversible compression recorded on the recording medium in accordance with a recording instruction for the raw image data to be input And a second recording step of recording raw image data corresponding to the image data on the recording medium.
[0014]
According to the present invention configured as described above, image data obtained by irreversible compression processing of a photographed image obtained by photographing is recorded in a recording medium in advance, and raw image data of the photographed image is obtained in accordance with a recording instruction. Since it is held internally so that it can be recorded on a recording medium, it is not the desired image when the captured image recorded on the recording medium is confirmed after performing image processing such as image processing according to the image quality setting. In this case, the raw image data of the photographed image can be easily recorded on the recording medium immediately.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic camera to which an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. The electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 converts a photographed subject image into an electrical signal and records it as image data on a recording medium, reads out the image data from the recording medium, and displays an image related to the image data on a display device. It has a playback function to display.
[0016]
In FIG. 1, 1 is a lens, 2 is a shutter, 3 is an image sensor, 4 is a signal processing circuit unit, and performs various corrections, clamps, etc. on the image signal output from the image sensor 3.
[0017]
Reference numeral 5 denotes an A / D (analog / digital) converter that performs analog / digital conversion, and converts an analog image signal output from the signal processing circuit unit 4 into digital image data. An image processing circuit unit 6 performs various signal processing such as image processing on the digital image data input from the A / D converter 5 and performs compression / decompression processing of the digital image data.
[0018]
Reference numeral 7 denotes a memory inside the electronic camera for storing digital image data and various data. The memory 7 outputs image data in a state in which the color filter information for each pixel output from the image sensor 3 and digitized by the A / D converter is held as it is, that is, image processing or the like is performed in the image processing circuit unit 6. It has at least two raw data areas 71 and 72 for storing raw image data that has not been subjected to various signal processing (hereinafter, this raw image data is referred to as “RAW image data”). The RAW data areas 71 and 72 can store RAW image data of one (one) image.
[0019]
Further, the memory 7 has an image file area 73 for performing various processes on the RAW image data and temporarily storing the image data immediately before recording on the recording medium. The image file area 73 can store a plurality of image data (for a plurality of images).
[0020]
Reference numeral 8 denotes an image display device such as a liquid crystal display device mounted on or attached to the electronic camera body. The image display device 8 includes an image display circuit, and displays an image related to digital image data supplied from the A / D converter 5 or the memory 7 via the image processing circuit unit 6.
[0021]
A timing generator 11 outputs various timing signals to the image sensor 3 and the A / D converter 5. Reference numeral 10 denotes an overall control unit, which includes a CPU that controls the entire apparatus in accordance with a program.
[0022]
14 is an EEPROM for storing the operation program of the overall control unit 10, 12 is a removable recording medium for recording or reading image data, and 13 is a recording medium control for transferring data to and from the recording medium 12. An interface unit (hereinafter referred to as a “recording medium control I / F unit”).
[0023]
15 is an internal timer incorporated in the overall control unit 10, 16 is a RAM incorporated in the overall control unit 10, and 9 is a switch group (SW group) for instructing various operations and operation modes of the apparatus. 10 detects the state and performs a control operation. In the present embodiment, the form of the SW group 9 (push buttons, dials, etc.) is not limited here.
[0024]
The SW group 9 is configured to be able to instruct at least a power-off mode, a recording mode, and a reproduction mode as operation modes of the electronic camera in the present embodiment. The SW group 9 includes a photographing instruction unit and a recording instruction unit, and at least includes a recording medium lid detection unit and a battery lid detection unit that respectively detect opening and closing of a lid that covers the recording medium 12 and a battery (not illustrated). ing.
[0025]
<Electronic viewfinder operation>
The operation of the electronic camera in the electronic viewfinder mode for checking the subject in the above configuration will be described. When an operation instruction in the electronic finder mode by the SW group 9 is input to the overall control unit 10, the overall control unit 10 opens the shutter 2. The exposure is appropriately controlled by the electronic shutter that controls the exposure time in accordance with the timing signal output from the timing generator 11, and the image sensor 3 is read.
[0026]
The analog image signal is subjected to various processing such as gain correction and clamping for each color in the signal processing circuit unit 4. Thereafter, analog / digital conversion is performed by the A / D converter 5, and the image size is adjusted to a size suitable for various signal processing such as image processing and display on the image display device 8 by the image processing circuit 6. It is changed (hereinafter also referred to as “resizing”) and temporarily stored in the memory 7. The image data stored in the memory 7 is read again and the image display device 8 displays the image.
By repeating the above-described processing operations such as reading of the image sensor 3, an electronic finder function (hereinafter also referred to as “EVF”) in the electronic camera is realized.
[0027]
<Shooting operation>
In the above configuration, the operation at the time of shooting will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
When an imaging recording command (imaging instruction) by the SW group 9 is input to the overall control unit 10, the overall control unit 10 executes an imaging operation.
[0028]
That is, the overall control unit 10 first drives the shutter 2 to perform exposure (step S200), and after exposure for an appropriate period, starts reading the image sensor 3 (step S201). The analog image signal is subjected to various processing such as gain correction and clamping for each color in the signal processing circuit unit 4, and further subjected to analog / digital conversion by the A / D converter 5, and then the image processing circuit unit 6 and stored in one of the RAW data areas 71 and 72 of the memory 7.
[0029]
At this time, the image processing circuit unit 6 does not perform signal processing such as image processing on the digital image data input from the A / D converter 5 but only stores them in the RAW data areas 71 and 72 of the memory 7. It is. Therefore, the image data (RAW image data) of the image substantially obtained by the image sensor 3 is stored as it is in the RAW data areas 71 and 72 of the memory 7.
[0030]
Next, this captured image data is processed (step S202).
Note that the electronic camera according to the present embodiment is irreversible in accordance with the JPEG method, which is one of image data compression / decompression methods, as a recording format for automatically recording image data of captured images on a recording medium. It is assumed that any recording method of a JPEG format for recording compressed image data and a RAW format for recording RAW image data can be arbitrarily selected.
[0031]
・ When the recording format of the captured image data on the recording medium is JPEG format
The RAW image data stored in the memory 7 is read once, subjected to signal processing such as image processing in the image processing circuit unit 6, passes through YUV data, and is further subjected to compression processing (JPEG method). Is stored in the image file area 73. At the same time, the YUV data is resized to a small size, further compressed, and stored in the image file area 73 of the memory 7 as image data of a thumbnail image.
[0032]
Further, various shooting condition data of the image is added and stored in the image file area 73 of the memory 7. As a result, an image file composed of JPEG format image data for the final photographed image, thumbnail image data, photographing condition data, and the like is completed in the image file area 73. Note that the structure of the image file in the present embodiment is not limited to this.
[0033]
Further, this image file data is read again from the image file area 73 of the memory 7 and recorded on the recording medium 12 via the image processing circuit unit 6 and the recording medium control I / F unit 13 (step S203).
[0034]
Next, the state (data storage state) of the RAW data areas 71 and 72 of the memory 7 at this time is displayed on the image display device 8.
Referring to FIG. 4A, in FIG. 4A, the RAW data areas 71 and 72 of the memory 7 are expressed as internal buffers B1 and B2 for convenience of explanation, and the last photographed image is displayed. The fact that RAW image data exists in the internal buffer B1 is represented by ““ ”. At this time, since only one image is taken, “−” indicates that there is no RAW image data recordable on the recording medium 12 in the internal buffer B2.
[0035]
・ When the recording format of captured image data on the recording medium is RAW format
The RAW image data stored in the memory 7 is once read, subjected to a reversible compression process in the image processing circuit unit 6, and stored in the image file area 73 of the memory 7. The RAW image data is read again and signal processing is performed in the image processing circuit unit 6. The YUV data obtained by the signal processing is resized to a small size, and further subjected to compression processing to be stored as image data of thumbnail images. 7 image file area 73.
[0036]
Further, various shooting condition data of the image is added and stored in the image file area 73 of the memory 7. As a result, the image file composed of the RAW image data for the final captured image, the image data of the thumbnail image, the imaging condition data, and the like is completed in the image file area 73. Note that the structure of the image file in the present embodiment is not limited to this. Further, it is not necessary to perform lossless compression processing on RAW image data.
[0037]
Further, this image file data is read again from the image file area 73 of the memory 7 and recorded on the recording medium 12 via the image processing circuit unit 6 and the recording medium control I / F unit 13 (step S203). At this time, the image data recorded on the recording medium 12 may be image data obtained by performing lossless compression processing on RAW image data or raw image data that has not been subjected to lossless compression processing.
[0038]
Next, the state of the RAW data areas 71 and 72 of the memory 7 at this time is displayed on the image display device 8.
Here, since the recording format of the last captured image data is the RAW format, the RAW image data of the image is already recorded on the recording medium 12. Accordingly, “−” indicates that there is no RAW image data recordable on the recording medium 12 in the internal buffer B1. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the same RAW image data from being recorded on the recording medium 12 in duplicate. Since only one image is taken at this time, “-” indicates that there is no RAW image data recordable on the recording medium 12 in the internal buffer B2.
[0039]
As described above, the photographing operation for the first image is completed.
Further, the second and subsequent images are shot in the same manner as described above using the RAW data areas 71 and 72 in the memory 7 using areas different from those at the previous shooting. That is, the RAW data areas 71 and 72 are alternately used for each photographing.
Therefore, when a predetermined number of images are captured, the RAW data areas 71 and 72 of the memory 7 include the RAW image data of the last captured image and the RAW image data of the second captured image. Each will be remembered.
[0040]
FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the image display device 8 when two images are captured when the recording format of the captured image data is the JPEG format. In FIG. 4 (b), the fact that the RAW image data of the last photographed image exists in the internal buffer B2 by photographing the second image is indicated by “◎”, and the RAW image data of the previously photographed image is internal. The presence in the buffer B1 is indicated by “◯”.
[0041]
Here, when the switch for inputting the imaging / recording command in the SW group 9 to the overall control unit 10 is continuously pressed even after shooting, the overall control unit 10 simplifies the last shot image. Perform playback. Hereinafter, the simple reproduction operation will be described.
[0042]
The image data of the last photographed image stored in the image file area 73 of the memory 7 is read again (step S205), and the compressed image data is decompressed by the image processing circuit unit 6 ( In step S206, the image size is changed to an optimum size for display on the image display device 8 and stored again in the memory 7 (step S207).
The image data stored in the memory 7 is read again and the image is displayed on the image display device 8 (step S208).
[0043]
Here, the simple reproduction operation may be performed by other methods as described below. The RAW image data stored in the RAW data area 71 or 72 of the memory 7 is once read out, subjected to signal processing in the image processing circuit unit 6, passed through YUV data, and further displayed on the image display device 8. The image size is changed to the optimum size and stored in the memory 7 again. The image data stored in the memory 7 is read again and an image is displayed on the image display device 8.
[0044]
Next, when the captured image displayed on the image display device 8 is confirmed and an instruction to record RAW image data from the SW group 9 is input to the overall control unit 10 (step S209), the overall control unit 10 The RAW image data of the last photographed image stored in the RAW data area 71 or 72 is read again and subjected to lossless compression processing by the image processing circuit unit 6, and then via the recording medium control I / F 13. Recording is performed on the recording medium 12 (step S210).
[0045]
Note that the RAW image data is read from the memory 7, and the RAW image data is recorded in the recording medium 12 through the recording medium control I / F 13 without being subjected to the reversible compression processing by the image processing circuit unit 6 without being processed. Also good.
The details of the recording operation of the RAW image data on the recording medium 12 are the same as the recording operation in the photographing operation.
[0046]
At this time, the overall control unit 10 causes the image display device 8 to display information that allows the user to confirm that the RAW image data has been recorded on the recording medium 12. For example, “Recording starts” when the RAW image data recording instruction is given, “Recording” at the start of RAW image data writing (recording), or “Recording” at the end of RAW image data writing. The image display device 8 displays information that allows the user to confirm any one of the states.
[0047]
Simultaneously with the recording of the RAW image data on the recording medium 12, the overall control unit 10 re-records the RAW image data of the last photographed image existing in the internal buffer B2 (RAW data area 72) on the recording medium 12. Make records administratively disallowed.
[0048]
FIG. 4C is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the image display device 8 after RAW image data is recorded on the recording medium 12 as described above.
As shown in FIG. 4C, since the RAW image data existing in the internal buffer B2 is recorded in the recording medium 12, the recording medium 12 of the RAW image data of the last photographed image existing in the internal buffer B2. “−” Indicates that the re-recording is not permitted. Further, “◯” indicates that the previously captured RAW image data exists in the internal buffer B1.
[0049]
Therefore, when the RAW image data recording instruction from the SW group 9 is input again to the overall control unit 10, the overall control unit 10 stores the RAW image data of the last photographed image existing in the internal buffer B2 as the recording medium 12. It is determined that the operation recorded in (1) is invalid (not permitted). Then, the overall control unit 10 causes the image display device 8 to display information notifying that the recording instruction such as “cannot be recorded” is rejected.
[0050]
Note that when a RAW image data recording instruction is input, such as when the RAW image data in the RAW data areas 71 and 72 of the memory 7 has not been recorded on the recording medium 12 or the like. It is the same.
[0051]
Next, when an instruction to reproduce an image for the previous shooting by the SW group 9 is input to the overall control unit 10, the overall control unit 10 similarly performs simple reproduction of the previously taken image. After confirming this captured image, when an instruction to record RAW image data from the SW group 9 is further input to the overall control unit 10, the overall control unit 10 is stored in the RAW data area 71 or 72 of the memory 7. The RAW image data of the previously captured image is read again and recorded on the recording medium 12 via the image processing circuit unit 6 and the recording medium control I / F 13.
[0052]
The operation at this time is the same as the operation at the time of recording the RAW image data of the last photographed image on the recording medium 12 described above.
Naturally, on the display screen of the image display device 8, “−” is displayed to indicate that the re-recording of the RAW image data of the previously captured image existing in the internal buffer B1 onto the recording medium 12 is not permitted. .
[0053]
When the recording format of the captured image data on the recording medium 12 is the RAW format, the overall control unit 10 does not record on the recording medium 12 when an instruction to record the RAW image data is input. Information indicating that the recording instruction such as “cannot be recorded” is rejected is displayed on the image display device 8.
In the above case, “−” indicates that the re-recording of the RAW data in the internal buffer B2 on the recording medium 12 is not permitted on the display screen of the image display device 8 at the end of photographing. To express.
[0054]
In the above description, after the captured image is displayed on the image display device 8 and confirmed, a recording instruction of the RAW image data to the recording medium 12 is input. However, the RAW image of the last captured image is input. By providing the SW group 9 with a dedicated SW such as a data recording instruction SW and a RAW image data recording instruction SW of the image taken last time (second from the last) in the SW group 9, recording is performed without confirming the target image during EVF operation or the like RAW image data may be recorded on the medium 12.
[0055]
Also, at this time, “Recording starts” when the RAW image data recording instruction is input, “Recording” when RAW image data writing starts, “Recording” when RAW image data writing ends, etc. Information that can be confirmed by the user in any state may be displayed on the image display device 8. Further, when the recording format of the captured image data is the RAW format, or when the RAW image data has already been recorded on the recording medium 12, information indicating that the recording instruction such as “cannot be recorded” has been rejected is displayed on the image. You may make it display on the display apparatus 8. FIG.
[0056]
In any of the cases described above, the overall control unit 10 does not accept the RAW image data recording instruction from the SW group 9 at least during the photographing operation from the start of exposure until the reading of the image sensor 3 is completed. To work. At this time, information notifying that the recording instruction is rejected may be displayed on the image display device 8.
[0057]
<Playback operation>
The operation at the time of reproducing the image data recorded on the recording medium 12 in the above configuration will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
When a recorded image playback command from the SW group 9 is input to the overall control unit 10, the overall control unit 10 executes a playback operation.
That is, the image data recorded on the recording medium 12 is read out via the recording medium control I / F unit 13 and temporarily stored in the memory 7 (step S300).
[0058]
The image data stored in the memory 7 is read out, the image data compressed by the image processing circuit unit 6 is expanded (step S301), and the image size is optimized to be displayed on the image display device 8. After the size is changed, it is stored again in the memory 7 (step S302). The image data stored in the memory 7 is read again and the image is displayed on the image display device 8 (step S303).
[0059]
Next, when an instruction for frame advance by the SW group 9 is input to the overall control unit 10, the image recorded next to the image currently being reproduced (the image displayed on the image display device 8) is displayed. Replay is done in the same way. When an instruction to return the frame by the SW group 9 is input to the overall control unit 10, the image recorded before the currently reproduced image is reproduced in the same manner.
[0060]
Here, by the frame advance / return operation in accordance with the instruction, the last captured image or the last captured image (second from the last) is displayed, and the RAW image data recording operation is performed for the displayed image. Suppose you are not going. In this case, a user such as “RAW data can be recorded” indicating that RAW image data stored in the RAW data area 71 or 72 of the memory 7 can be recorded on the recording medium 12 is displayed. Is displayed on the image display device 8 so as to be superimposed on the reproduced image.
[0061]
At this time, when the RAW image data recording instruction from the SW group 9 is input to the overall control unit 10 (step S304), the overall control unit 10 does not display information indicating that the RAW image data can be recorded. (Erased) The reproduced image is displayed on the image display device 8. Then, the RAW image data of the reproduced image stored in the memory 7 is read again, subjected to lossless compression processing by the image processing circuit unit 6, and then recorded on the recording medium 12 via the recording medium control I / F 13. (Step S305).
Note that the RAW image data may be read from the memory 7, and the RAW image data may be recorded on the recording medium 12 via the recording medium control I / F 13 without being subjected to the reversible compression processing by the image processing circuit unit 6.
The details of the recording operation of the RAW image data on the recording medium 12 are the same as the recording operation in the photographing operation.
[0062]
In the above description, the RAW image data is recorded on the recording medium 12 after the last captured image or the previous (second to last) image is reproduced and confirmed. The SW group 9 is provided with dedicated SWs such as a RAW image data recording instruction SW for the last photographed image and a RAW image data recording instruction SW for the last (second to last) photographed image, thereby displaying other images. In this case, the RAW image data may be recorded without confirming the target image.
[0063]
Also, at this time, “Recording starts” when the RAW image data recording instruction is input, “Recording” when RAW image data writing starts, “Recording” when RAW image data writing ends, etc. Information that can be confirmed by the user in any state may be displayed on the image display device 8. Further, when the recording format of the captured image data is the RAW format, or when the RAW image data has already been recorded on the recording medium 12, information indicating that the recording instruction such as “cannot be recorded” has been rejected is displayed on the image. You may make it display on the display apparatus 8. FIG.
[0064]
<Other operations>
In addition, when a battery (not shown) is used as the power source of the electronic camera in the present embodiment and when it is detected that the voltage level of the battery is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, it is stored in the RAW data areas 71 and 72. After the RAW image data being recorded is automatically recorded on the recording medium 12, control is performed so that the power supply of the entire apparatus is cut off.
[0065]
Even when an error occurs during the operation of the electronic camera in the present embodiment, the RAW image data stored in the RAW data areas 71 and 72 is automatically recorded on the recording medium 12, and then the entire apparatus is operated. Control to cut off power supply.
[0066]
Even when it is detected that a cover (not shown) that covers the recording medium 12 or the battery is opened, the RAW image data stored in the RAW data areas 71 and 72 is automatically recorded on the recording medium 12. The power supply for the entire apparatus may be controlled to be cut off.
[0067]
As described above, in the electronic camera, when a drop in voltage level is detected or an error in operation occurs, the RAW image data stored in the RAW data areas 71 and 72 is not supplied with power. By automatically recording on the recording medium 12, loss of RAW image data can be prevented and recording on the recording medium 12 can be ensured.
[0068]
Conventionally, when shooting is performed by recording in a JPEG format on a recording medium, the image size can be obtained even if a shot image can be obtained by shooting under desired shooting conditions such as exposure amount, focus, and composition. If desired signal processing such as compression ratio, color effect, aperture, contrast, color density, and white balance is not performed, the desired signal processing is performed without causing deterioration of the image quality in the captured image. It was impossible to obtain the same images that were performed.
[0069]
In addition, in an electronic camera having a shooting mode capable of shooting black and white images, sepia images, etc. of color effects, when shooting in the shooting mode, a normal color image of the shot image is obtained after shooting. Was impossible. Further, it has been impossible to obtain an image having a compression rate lower than that of a captured image in the JPEG format from the captured image.
[0070]
On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, all of the above-described conventional drawbacks are eliminated, and a photographed image recorded in JPEG format after photographing is recorded with respect to a photographed image in which image data is recorded on the recording medium 12 in JPEG format. When the desired image is not confirmed, the RAW image data of the captured image can be easily recorded on the recording medium 12. Therefore, it is possible to immediately perform the next shooting so that a photo opportunity is not missed, and a signal processing or the like can be performed later by a personal computer or the like, so that a desired image can be obtained with certainty. .
[0071]
Further, according to the present embodiment, the RAW image data is not recorded on the recording medium 12 instead of always recording the image data of the photographed image on the recording medium 12 in both the JPEG format and the RAW format. Only when the recording instruction is input (only when the recording format on the recording medium 12 is not the RAW format), and the RAW image data is additionally recorded on the recording medium 12, one image recorded on the recording medium 12 The increase in the amount of data per hit can be suppressed.
[0072]
In the above description, the user is informed that the RAW image data recording instruction has been rejected by displaying “not recordable” or the like on the image display device 8. May be used to issue a warning.
[0073]
Further, the various instruction means have been described as the switches of the SW group 9, but the present invention is not limited to this. The menu display including items corresponding to the respective instructions is displayed on the image display device 8, and the menu display is performed. Various instruction means may be realized by selecting predetermined items by SW operation while watching.
[0074]
In addition, the RAW data areas 71 and 72 of the memory 7 are expressed as internal buffers B1 and B2 for convenience, and the state of each internal buffer is expressed by “◎”, “◯”, “−”, etc. However, any display method can be used as long as the internal buffers B1 and B2 and the state thereof can be identified and the user can check the state of the buffer.
[0075]
In the present embodiment, the JPEG format for recording image data compressed according to the JPEG method is used as the recording format of the captured image data on the recording medium 12 different from the RAW format. It is not limited.
[0076]
In the present embodiment, the shooting operation and the reproduction operation in the case where the memory 7 includes the RAW data areas 71 and 72 for storing RAW image data for two sheets in total have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The same effect can be obtained in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, regardless of whether the number of RAW data areas is one or more.
[0077]
(Other embodiments of the present invention)
In order to operate various devices to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, program codes of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments are provided to an apparatus or a computer in the system connected to the various devices. What is implemented by operating the various devices according to a program supplied and stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is also included in the scope of the present invention.
[0078]
In this case, the program code of the software itself realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, means for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, a storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for storing the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.
[0079]
Further, by executing the program code supplied by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) or other application software in which the program code is running on the computer, etc. It goes without saying that the program code is also included in the embodiment of the present invention even when the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with the embodiment.
[0080]
Further, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory provided in the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit based on the instruction of the program code Needless to say, the present invention includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing.
[0081]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, image data obtained by irreversible compression processing of a photographed image obtained by photographing according to a photographing instruction is recorded in a recording medium in advance, and raw image data of the photographed image is held inside. The raw image data corresponding to the irreversibly compressed image data recorded on the recording medium is recorded on the recording medium in accordance with the recording instruction of the raw image data.
[0082]
As a result, when the image related to the image data recorded on the recording medium after photographing is confirmed, if it is not a desired image, the raw image data of the photographed image can be easily stored on the recording medium immediately by the recording instruction. Can be recorded. Therefore, the next image can be taken immediately after the image is taken, and the chance of taking a photo is not missed. For example, the signal processing is performed later on a personal computer or the like, thereby ensuring the desired image. Can get to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic camera to which an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an operation at the time of photographing by the electronic camera in the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation during playback of the electronic camera according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on the image display device of the electronic camera in the present embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 lens
2 Shutter
3 Image sensor
4 Signal processing circuit
5 A / D converter
6 Image processing circuit
7 memory
8 Image display device
9 Switch (SW) group
10 Overall control unit
11 Timing generator
12 Recording media
13 Recording medium control interface section
14 EEPROM
15 Internal timer
16 RAM
71, 72 RAW data area
73 Image file area

Claims (24)

Shooting is performed in accordance with an input shooting instruction, image data obtained by irreversible compression processing of a captured image obtained by the shooting is recorded in advance on a recording medium, and raw image data of the captured image is held inside In accordance with a recording instruction for the raw image data that is input, control means for recording raw image data corresponding to the irreversibly compressed image data recorded on the recording medium to the recording medium. An imaging device. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit records the latest raw image data on the recording medium in response to the recording instruction. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit records raw image data of a photographed image last taken on the recording medium in accordance with the recording instruction. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit records image data obtained by performing a reversible compression process on the raw image data on the recording medium according to the recording instruction. 5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit invalidates the recording instruction during a shooting operation according to the shooting instruction. 6. The control means, when the recording instruction is accepted, when recording of the raw image data to the recording medium is started, and when recording of the raw image data to the recording medium is completed The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation state is displayed on the display unit in at least one operation state. The control means includes at least one of information indicating whether or not there is raw image data not recorded on the recording medium and information indicating whether or not the raw image data is recorded on the recording medium for each raw image data. The information is updated when the predetermined raw image data is recorded on the recording medium in accordance with the recording instruction. Imaging device. 8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein information managed by the control unit is displayed on a display unit. When the control means determines that there is no raw image data recordable on the recording medium based on the information when the recording instruction is input, the recording medium of the raw image data The image pickup apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a display means displays that no recording is performed or no recording is performed on the recording medium. When the raw image data is recorded on the recording medium as the image data of the photographed image obtained by the photographing, the control means stores the raw image data of the photographed image corresponding to the recording instruction to the recording medium. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein recording of the image is prohibited. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising instruction means for generating the recording instruction when at least one of a decrease in power supply level supplied to the imaging apparatus and an operation error in the imaging apparatus is detected. The imaging device according to any one of the above. An imaging means for performing imaging in accordance with an input imaging instruction;
Holding means for holding raw image data of a captured image obtained by the imaging means;
In accordance with the photographing instruction, image data of a photographed image obtained by the imaging unit is recorded on a recording medium, and in accordance with a recording instruction for the raw image data that is input, An imaging apparatus comprising: a recording unit that records processed image data on the recording medium. 13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the latest raw image data held by the holding unit is recorded on the recording medium in response to the recording instruction. A compression processing means for compressing the raw image data;
14. The raw image data held in the holding unit in accordance with the recording instruction is subjected to compression processing by the compression processing unit and then recorded on the recording medium. The imaging device described. Take pictures according to the shooting instructions that are entered,
The image data obtained by irreversible compression processing of the captured image obtained by the imaging is recorded in advance on a recording medium, and the raw image data of the captured image is held in a holding unit inside the imaging apparatus,
An image pickup apparatus that records raw image data corresponding to irreversibly compressed image data recorded on the recording medium on the recording medium in response to an input recording instruction of the raw image data. Data processing method. 16. The data processing method in the image pickup apparatus according to claim 15, wherein raw image data of the last photographed image is recorded on the recording medium in response to the recording instruction. An imaging step for instructing the imaging means to shoot in response to an input shooting instruction;
A first recording step in which image data obtained by irreversible compression processing of a captured image obtained in the imaging step is recorded in a recording medium in advance, and raw image data of the captured image is held in a holding unit inside the imaging device; ,
A second recording step of recording, on the recording medium, raw image data corresponding to the irreversibly compressed image data recorded on the recording medium in response to an input recording instruction of the raw image data. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program to be executed by a computer. 18. A program for causing a computer to execute a second recording step of recording raw image data of a photographed image last taken on the recording medium in response to the recording instruction is stored. The computer-readable storage medium described. An imaging step for instructing the imaging means to shoot in response to an input shooting instruction;
A first recording step of recording image data obtained by irreversible compression processing of the captured image obtained in the imaging step on a recording medium, and holding raw image data of the captured image in a holding unit inside the imaging device;
A second recording step of recording, on the recording medium, raw image data corresponding to the irreversibly compressed image data recorded on the recording medium in response to an input recording instruction of the raw image data. A program that causes a computer to execute. The program according to claim 19, which causes a computer to execute a second recording step of recording raw image data of a photographed image last taken on the recording medium in response to the recording instruction. 15. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the raw image data recorded on the recording medium includes image data that has been subjected to lossless compression processing. 17. The data processing method in the imaging apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the raw image data recorded on the recording medium includes image data that has been subjected to lossless compression processing. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the raw image data recorded on the recording medium includes reversible compressed image data. The program according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the raw image data recorded on the recording medium includes image data subjected to a reversible compression process.

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