JP2005117388A - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device capable of easily and quickly imaging the whole object with appropriate exposure at the first imaging while imaging each part of the object with an appropriate exposure condition corresponding to the brightness of the part. <P>SOLUTION: This imaging device 10 is provided with an imaging means (camera unit) which includes an imaging sensor having a pixel array part with a plurality of pixels for imaging arrayed and can change exposure conditions for imaging, an area designating means (the number of lines register, etc., ) for designating a plurality of areas in the pixel array part of the imaging sensor in accordance with the brightness of each part of the object, an exposure condition setting means (first and second AE (auto exposure) condition setting parts, etc., ) for setting an exposure condition for imaging in each area, an area switching detecting means (line counter, a counter comparing part, etc., ) and a means (the counter comparing part, output selection switch, etc., ) for switching exposure conditions on the basis of area switching timing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that can be used for a digital camera, a surveillance camera, various video apparatuses, a scanner, a digital copying machine, and the like.

  Today, as an imaging device, a subject image is photoelectrically converted into an analog electrical signal, the electrical signal is converted into a digital signal, and various image processing is performed to obtain predetermined image data. Various imaging devices using a solid-state imaging device have been developed and put into practical use.

  For this type of imaging device, the difficulty of having a narrow dynamic range has been pointed out. In other words, when imaging a subject that includes a bright part to a dark part, when the exposure is adjusted to the dark part, the bright part is captured as white (so-called whiteout), and when the exposure is adjusted to the bright part, the dark part is black. If the image is taken in a crushed state and the image is picked up based on the brightness of the entire subject, there is a problem that the bright part and the dark part cannot be picked up well.

  In imaging with this type of imaging apparatus, the normal exposure is controlled to be based on the brightness of the entire subject, although there are variations such as center weighting. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, when imaging a subject including a dark room with a safe and a person entering the room from a bright place outside the entrance, the room is overexposed and the room is overcast. It will be a weird image. In the illustrated example, the face of a person is not visible in white, and the state of the indoor safe and its surroundings is dark and difficult to understand.

  In FIG. 7, a plurality of imaging pixels are arranged in the row direction X and the column direction Y, respectively, and the pixel arrangement portion in which the matrix is arranged as a whole is turned sideways, that is, the row direction X is set up and down, and the column direction Y is set up. After the image is taken in the horizontal orientation, the imaging screen is returned to the original posture. If the line L can be imaged with the exposure adjusted to the outdoor brightness for one area and the exposure set indoors for the other area, the line L can be used as a boundary to obtain an ideal subject image. Show.

  In order to solve such a problem, it has been conventionally studied to obtain a plurality of subject images with different exposure conditions and to synthesize one image in which each part of the subject is appropriately captured. For example, in Japanese Patent No. 3382359, a plurality of images with different exposure amounts are obtained by imaging the same subject with different exposure amounts using a plurality of imaging elements arranged with pixels shifted from each other. Alternatively, a plurality of images with different exposure amounts can be obtained by performing multiple times of imaging on the same subject while performing pixel shifting at the time of imaging by the image sensor and varying the exposure amount. It discloses that a single image based on an image is synthesized with an exposure that is generally appropriate.

Japanese Patent No. 3382359

However, such a method of obtaining a plurality of images with different exposure conditions for the same subject and then combining these images complicates the processing, and the subject cannot be imaged easily and quickly.
Therefore, the present invention provides an imaging apparatus capable of imaging an entire subject simply and quickly with appropriate exposure while imaging each part of the subject with appropriate exposure conditions commensurate with the brightness of the portion. Is an issue.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention
An imaging unit including an image sensor having a pixel array unit in which a plurality of imaging pixels for obtaining image data of an object are arranged; and an exposure unit capable of changing an exposure condition for imaging an object;
Area designating means for designating a plurality of areas in the imaging sensor pixel arrangement unit according to the brightness of each part of the subject;
Exposure condition setting means for setting, for each area, an exposure condition for image data obtained from each area of the imaging sensor pixel array unit specified by the area specifying means;
Area switching detection means for detecting the switching timing of the area for sending image data in the imaging sensor pixel array section in subject imaging by the imaging means;
Based on the switching timing of the area where image data transmission is detected by the area switching detection means, the exposure condition is changed from the exposure condition for the area before switching set by the exposure condition setting means to the area after switching. There is provided an imaging apparatus including an exposure condition switching means for switching to an exposure condition for the purpose.

  According to this imaging apparatus, a plurality of areas can be designated in advance in the pixel array portion of the imaging sensor according to the brightness (luminance) of each part of the subject by the area designating unit. In other words, it is possible to designate an area for imaging the bright part of the subject in charge of this area of the pixel arrangement unit and imaging the dark part of the object in charge of this area of the pixel arrangement unit.

  The exposure condition can be set in advance by the exposure condition setting means for each area so that the subject part corresponding to each area is imaged under the exposure condition corresponding to the brightness of the subject part. When imaging a subject, the switching timing of the area where image data is transmitted in the imaging sensor pixel array unit is detected by the area switching detection means, and based on the detection, the exposure condition switching means sets the exposure condition to the exposure condition setting means. In real time, the exposure condition for the area before switching is set in real time from the exposure condition for the area before switching set.

  Thus, during one imaging of the subject, the entire subject can be imaged easily and quickly while imaging each part of the subject under appropriate exposure conditions according to the brightness of the portion.

The following can be exemplified as the area specifying means and the area switching detecting means.
(1) One that uses the number of pixel array lines.
Area designation means: The area designation unit performs area designation by setting the number of pixel arrangement lines counted with reference to a pixel arrangement line from which image data transmission in the imaging sensor pixel arrangement unit is started. Area switching detection means: set by the area designating means and the number of pixel array lines that sent image data counted from the synchronization signal input for starting the transmission of image data from the image sensor pixel array section in the image pickup means Detecting the area switching timing based on the number of pixel array lines.
(2) Items that use the number of pixels Area designation means: sets the number of pixels to be sequentially transmitted based on the imaging pixels for starting the transmission of image data in the imaging sensor pixel array unit. This is the area designation.
Area switching detection means: the number of pixels that have transmitted image data counted from the synchronization signal input for starting the transmission of image data from the image sensor pixel array section in the imaging means and the pixels set by the area designating means Detecting the area switching timing based on the number.
In this case, as a reference pixel for specifying the region, the first pixel that transmits image data in the image sensor pixel array unit, or the first pixel that transmits image data first in each pixel array line of the image sensor pixel array unit A pixel etc. can be illustrated. Further, as a synchronization signal serving as a reference for counting the number of pixels to which image data has been transmitted, a synchronization signal for starting transmission of image data from a pixel serving as a reference for region designation can be exemplified.

(3) Using the number of pixel array lines and the number of pixels Area designation means: the number of pixel array lines counted on the basis of the pixel array line from which image data is sent out in the image sensor pixel array section and the image sensor Area designation is performed by setting the number of pixels that sequentially transmit image data in the line counted on the basis of imaging pixels that start transmitting image data in a pixel array line in the pixel array section.
Region switching detection means: the number of pixel array lines that have transmitted image data counted from the first synchronization signal input for starting image data transmission from the image sensor pixel array section in the image pickup means and the region specifying means Based on the number of pixel array lines to be set, the number of pixels that have performed image data transmission on the lines counted from the second synchronization signal input for starting transmission of image data from each pixel array line And a region switching timing based on the number of pixels set by the region designating means.

(4) Obtaining the number of pixel lines and / or the number of pixels indirectly using a timer.
Area designation means: The area designation is performed by setting an elapsed time from the start of imaging in the imaging means.
Area switching detection means: detecting the area switching timing based on the elapsed time counted from the synchronization signal input for starting imaging in the imaging means and the elapsed time set by the area designating means.

  In any case, examples of the image sensor include a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD solid-state image sensor. A typical example is a CCD solid-state imaging device. Further, in this case, examples of the imaging unit include such an imaging sensor and an analog-digital conversion unit that converts an analog electrical signal output from the imaging sensor into a digital electrical signal.

  When such an image pickup means is employed, the exposure condition includes the charge accumulation time (electronic shutter time) in each image pickup pixel of the CCD type solid-state image pickup device and / or the analog gain at the time of analog-digital conversion by the analog-digital conversion unit. can do.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to capture an entire subject easily and quickly with a proper exposure while capturing an image of each part of the subject under an appropriate exposure condition corresponding to the brightness of the portion. It is possible to provide an imaging device having a characteristic.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.
The illustrated imaging apparatus 10 includes a camera unit, an image processing unit, and the like. The camera unit includes an image sensor, a correlated double sampling circuit CDS, and an analog / digital conversion unit (AD conversion unit).

  The imaging sensor converts an object image formed by an optical system (not shown) into an analog electrical signal. Here, the imaging sensor is a CCD solid-state imaging device that performs color imaging using a RGB three-primary color filter arranged in a Bayer arrangement. It is possible to adjust the charge accumulation time (electronic shutter time) of the imaging pixels. This charge accumulation time is set by an AE setting unit described later. The circuit CDS removes the reference noise from the image sensor output and reads the component corresponding to the image of the analog electric signal. The AD converter converts the analog electric signal into raw data. The AD conversion unit includes an amplifier capable of increasing / decreasing an analog gain at the time of analog / digital conversion. Such analog gain is set by an AE setting unit described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging sensor has a pixel array unit in which n × m imaging pixels (n and m are positive integers) are arrayed. The pixel arrangement in the pixel arrangement unit is arranged in m in each row direction X and n in each column direction Y perpendicular to the row direction X, and is arranged in a matrix as a whole. In this example, the transmission of the image data of the subject starts from the leftmost pixel P ₁₁ in the uppermost row in FIG. 2, and is sequentially performed along the row to the right P ₁₂ , P ₁₃ ... P _1m. , then the next stage row of the leftmost pixel P _21, the rightward made with P ₂₂ ··· P _2m, the thus last image data transmission of one frame in P _n1, P _n2 ··· P _nm finish.

  The start of image data transmission related to one frame is started by the input of one vertical synchronization signal VD and the input of the horizontal synchronization signal HD instructing the start of image data transmission from the uppermost row pixel. Each time data transmission is completed, a horizontal synchronization signal HD for starting image data transmission by the next row is input. Transmission of pixel data from each pixel in one row based on one horizontal synchronization signal HD is performed based on a synchronization signal PCLK generated by a clock.

  Input of such various synchronization signals for driving the image sensor is performed under the control of the control unit CONT that controls the operation of the camera unit. Note that a clock for generating the signal PCLK is built in the control unit CONT.

The image processing unit includes a pixel interpolation unit, a WB (white balance) processing unit, a pixel correction unit, and a color system conversion unit, and further includes an AE (Auto Exposure) setting unit and an AE condition input unit. Contains.
The pixel interpolation unit executes Bayer interpolation for interpolating the raw data from the AD conversion unit into RGB data.
The WB processing unit adjusts the color balance of the entire image by applying each WB gain to the raw color data.
The pixel correction unit performs image correction such as gradation correction of each color, offset correction, and noise removal. The color system conversion unit converts the RGB image into general YCbCr data by JPEG or the like which is an image data compression method. The YCbCr data is used for file storage, data transfer to the outside, etc. after JPEG compression.

  The AE setting unit stores the charge accumulation time of the CCD image sensor so that the average value of the luminance signal Y of the entire designated region image corresponding to the designated region described later in the pixel array unit of the image sensor becomes a predetermined value (target value). The analog gain of the AD converter is calculated and set for each. Details will be described later.

  An instruction for AE setting is given to the AE condition input unit from the AE condition instruction unit. Examples of the AE condition instructing unit include an instructing unit including an AE condition instructing switch provided in the image pickup apparatus 10, but in addition, a GUI (grapfical user interface) on a monitor connected to the image pickup apparatus 10 It is also possible to adopt a method by inputting numerical values in setting software of a host computer to which the imaging device is connected. The AE condition input unit sends parameters for AE setting to the AE setting unit in accordance with the instruction.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an AE setting unit (automatic exposure setting unit).
As illustrated, the AE setting unit includes a line number register, a first AE condition setting unit, a second AE condition setting unit, a line counter, a counter comparison unit, and an output selection switch.

The line number register starts the image data transmission in the pixel array unit of the image sensor shown in FIG. 2 based on an area designation input (here, an input indicating the number of lines for area designation) from the AE condition input unit. 2, that is, the number of pixel array lines (number of rows) counted based on the line including the uppermost pixels P ₁₁ , P ₁₂ ... P _1m in the example of FIG. is there. This setting is performed in order to designate a plurality of areas in the imaging sensor pixel array unit according to the brightness of each part of the subject.

  For example, when the subject shown in FIG. 7 is to be imaged, the line number register shown in FIG. 7 is set by setting the required number of row lines in the pixel array portion corresponding to the bright portion of the subject above the line L shown in FIG. It is possible to designate a pixel array area corresponding to a bright part of a subject above L and a pixel array area corresponding to a dark part of a subject below the object.

  The first AE condition setting unit and the second AE condition setting unit calculate an exposure amount based on an exposure condition designation input (here, an input indicating the target value of the luminance signal Y) from the AE condition input unit, and enter the line number register. AE conditions suitable for capturing an image of the subject in one area and the other area of the pixel array portion designated by the number of lines are set. For example, when the subject shown in FIG. 7 is imaged, the first AE condition setting unit is set with a charge accumulation time and an analog gain suitable for imaging a bright part of the subject above the line L in FIG. In the setting unit, a charge accumulation time and an analog gain suitable for imaging a dark part of a subject below the line L in FIG. 7 are set. The exposure amount calculation in each AE condition setting unit will be described later.

  The line counter counts the number of horizontal synchronization signals HD that are input once at the beginning of each row line from the vertical synchronization signal VD that is input once for the start of imaging for one frame. The counted number indicates the number of pixel array lines in the row direction where the image signal (image data) is transmitted. The counter comparison unit compares the count value of the counter with the number of lines held in the line number register.

  While the count value does not reach the number of lines in the register, the charge accumulation time and analog gain set in the first AE condition setting unit are set in the camera unit via the control unit CONT, and the count value reaches the number of lines in the register. Then, the condition setting unit is switched from the first condition setting unit to the second condition setting unit by the output selection switch, and the charge accumulation time and analog gain set in the second AE condition setting unit are transferred to the camera unit via the control unit CONT. Set.

  For example, when the subject shown in FIG. 7 is imaged, as described above, the first AE condition setting unit is set with a charge accumulation time and an analog gain suitable for imaging a bright part of the subject, and the second AE condition setting unit. Since the charge accumulation time and the analog gain suitable for imaging the dark part of the subject are set, the bright part and the dark part of the subject are respectively imaged under appropriate exposure conditions, and are illustrated in FIG. In this way, each part of the subject is imaged under appropriate exposure conditions that match the brightness of the part, and for an outdoor person, an easy-to-see image with no overexposure on the face, a bright image that clearly shows the state of the indoor safe and its surroundings Is obtained.

As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 10, it is possible to capture the entire subject easily and quickly with proper exposure while capturing each part of the subject under appropriate exposure conditions corresponding to the brightness of the portion.
If the counter comparison unit and the line number register are added to increase the number of line switching points, it can be divided into more designated areas. In this case, the number of AE condition setting units may be increased as necessary.

An example of exposure amount calculation in the first and second AE condition setting units will be described by taking as an example the case of imaging the subject shown in FIG.
In the same manner as described above, the first AE condition setting unit sets the exposure condition of the pixel array area for imaging the outdoor, and the second AE condition setting unit sets the exposure condition of the pixel array area for imaging the room. And

FIG. 4 shows a program diagram of the charge accumulation time and the analog gain with the exposure amount on the horizontal axis (the exposure amount on the horizontal axis represents the exposure amount as it goes to the right).
In the exposure amount calculation, first, an average value of the output of the luminance signal Y of the color system conversion unit is calculated for each designated area corresponding to the first and second AE condition setting units. The difference between the average value of the signal Y and the target value of Y, that is, the target value of the average value of the luminance signals of the entire image corresponding to the designated area is calculated. In this case, as the Y average value, the Y average value of the pixels in the region in which the exposure conditions by the first and second AE condition setting units in the previous imaging are reflected is adopted. Then, the target exposure amount is obtained based on the ratio between the average value and the target value using the following equation.
Target exposure = current exposure + log ₂ (Y target value / Y average value)

  In FIG. 4, when b is the current exposure amount and the target exposure amount is at the position a, in this example, the Y average of b is lower than the target, so the exposure amount is increased accordingly. The AE setting unit sets the charge accumulation time and the analog gain at the position a in the CCD image sensor and the AD conversion unit of the camera unit.

  When there is a considerable difference from the target, for example, even when b is considerably dark at the current value and the exposure amount is changed to c by moving the difference, the AE setting unit similarly calculates the charge accumulation time at the position of c and the analog value. Set the gain to the camera unit. The reason why not only the analog gain but also the charge accumulation time is simply changed is that image noise becomes conspicuous when only the analog gain is increased.

  As in the imaging apparatus now described, when a plurality of areas are designated in the imaging sensor pixel array unit according to the brightness of each part of the subject and the exposure condition is changed for each designated area, the first, In the second AE condition setting unit, the charge accumulation time cannot be set to a different value. Therefore, for example, when setting the first AE condition setting unit in b of FIG. 4 and setting the second AE condition setting unit in d, the charge accumulation time of b having a short time is selected, and d is analog for that. Increase the gain. When the charge accumulation time is doubled, it corresponds to a gain of 6 dB, so that the dotted line in FIG. 4 is obtained.

  Next, another example of the AE setting unit will be described with reference to FIG. The AE setting unit can switch the exposure condition during scanning of the row line in the pixel array unit of the image sensor. The AE setting unit shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the AE setting unit shown in FIG. 3 except that a PCLK counter that counts the number of synchronization signals PCLK generated by a clock built in the control unit CONT, a PCLK number register that holds a predetermined number of PCLKs, A PCLK counter comparison unit and a condition control unit for comparing the number counted by the counter with the number held in the PCLK number register are included.

The line number register, the first and second AE condition setting units, the line counter, and the counter comparison unit have the same functions as those in the AE setting unit in FIG.
The PCLK number register transmits image data in each row line in the pixel array unit of the image sensor shown in FIG. 2 based on an area designation input (here, an input indicating the number of pixels for area designation) from the AE condition input unit. The number of pixels on the line counted with reference to the leftmost pixel to start is set and held. This setting is performed in order to specify a plurality of regions in the image sensor pixel array unit according to the brightness of each part of the subject using the pixel positions in the row lines in addition to the number of row lines.

  The PCLK counter is reset every time the horizontal synchronization signal H is input from the vertical synchronization signal VD that is input once for the start of imaging of the one frame, that is, at the head of each row line, and the count is performed. Start. The counted PCLK number indicates the number of pixels that have transmitted image signals in the row line to be counted. The PCLK counter comparison unit compares the count value of the PCLK counter with the PCLK number held in the PCLK number register.

The exposure condition is switched according to the output of the counter comparison unit, the output of the PCLK counter comparison unit, and the switching condition set in the condition control unit.
In the case where the pixel array portion of the imaging sensor has the origin at the pixel P ₁₁ at the upper left in the drawing as shown in FIG. 2, for example, in the row line of (number of lines held in the line number register −1). Two regions are designated: a region including a pixel obtained by adding the number of pixels corresponding to the PCLK number held in the PCLK number register in the row line counted last to the number of included pixels and a region including the remaining pixels. For example, the exposure condition can be switched by the following condition control. Note that such area designation corresponds to designation of the area by designating the number of pixels that sequentially transmit the image data counted based on the origin pixel P ₁₁ depending on the way of view.

  That is, while the count value of the number of lines by the line counter does not reach the number held in the line number register, and while the count value by the PCLK counter does not reach the number of the PCLK number register, the first AE condition setting unit The set charge accumulation time and analog gain are set in the camera unit. When the count value of the line number by the line counter reaches the number held in the line number register and the count value by the PCLK counter reaches the number of the PCLK number register, this is confirmed by the condition control unit, and the condition control unit In response to the instruction, the condition selection unit is switched from the first AE condition setting unit to the second AE condition setting unit by the output selection switch, and the charge accumulation time and analog gain set in the second AE condition setting unit are set in the camera unit.

  In addition, when [the counter comparison section of the line is counting up] AND [the PCLK counter comparison section is not counting up], the exposure condition by the first AE condition setting section is adopted, and in the other cases, the second AE condition setting is adopted. If the switching condition is to adopt the exposure condition by the part, the lower left area of the four divided areas of the image is the exposure condition by the first AE condition setting part, and the other area is the exposure condition by the second AE condition setting part. Exposure compensation will be performed.

  If the comparison unit and the register are added to increase the number of lines and / or PCLK switching points, it can be divided into more designated areas. If the exposure condition can be switched for each line by providing the PCLK number register for all lines, it is also possible to switch the exposure condition in an area of an arbitrary shape.

  FIG. 6 shows still another example of the AE setting unit. The AE setting unit shown in FIG. 6 outputs the result of calculating the exposure amount based on different parameters after a predetermined time from the vertical synchronization signal VD by a timer as the set value of the charge accumulation time and analog gain in the camera unit. Is set to The predetermined elapsed time (alarm time) is (the number of horizontal synchronizing signals counted from the vertical synchronizing signal VD) × t, where t is the scanning time of one row line (in other words, the interval of the horizontal synchronizing signal HD). , (Alarm time) / t corresponds to the number of row lines taken and corresponds to the exposure condition switching position in the image. In addition, a plurality of designated areas are set in the pixel array portion of the image sensor by the alarm time.

  The AE setting unit in FIG. 6 includes the same first and second AE condition setting units and output selection switches as those in the AE setting unit in FIG. 3, and additionally includes a timer and an AE condition selection switch. .

  The timer generates a switching timing of the first and second AE condition setting units, and is set by an area designation input (here, an input indicating an alarm time for area designation) from the AE condition input unit. And the elapsed time from the vertical synchronization signal VD, and when the elapsed time from the vertical synchronization signal VD becomes an alarm time, the exposure condition output from the first AE condition setting unit is switched to the exposure condition output from the second AE condition setting unit. To the AE condition selection switch. The elapsed time from the signal VD is measured by the clock signal CLK from the control unit CONT.

  The AE condition selection switch operates the output selection switch so as to switch from the exposure condition output by the first AE condition setting unit to the exposure condition output by the second AE condition setting unit according to an instruction from the timer. Thereby, the charge accumulation time and the analog gain initially set in the first AE condition setting unit are set in the camera unit. When the timer measures the alarm time, the condition setting unit is switched from the first AE condition setting unit to the second AE condition setting unit by the output selection switch, and the charge accumulation time and analog gain set in the second AE condition setting unit are stored in the camera unit. Is set.

  The image pickup apparatus according to the present invention can be used in a digital camera, a surveillance camera, various video apparatuses, a scanner, a digital copying machine, and the like.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one example of the imaging device which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the arrangement part etc. of the pixel for an imaging of the imaging sensor in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the AE setting part in FIG. It is the figure which showed the program diagram of charge accumulation time and an analog gain by making exposure amount into a horizontal axis. It is a block diagram which shows the other example of a structure of the AE setting part in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the further another example of a structure of the AE setting part in FIG. It is a figure which shows the prior art example of a to-be-photographed object. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an image obtained by capturing the same subject as in FIG. 7 with the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

10 Imaging devices P ₁₁ , P ₁₂ , P _1m , P ₂₁ , P ₂₂ , P _2m , P _n1 , P _n2 , P _nm Imaging pixels VD Vertical synchronization signal HD Horizontal synchronization signal PCLK, CLK Clock signal X Pixel array row Direction Y Pixel array column direction CONT control unit

Claims (6)

An imaging unit including an image sensor having a pixel array unit in which a plurality of imaging pixels for obtaining image data of an object are arranged; and an exposure unit capable of changing an exposure condition for imaging an object;
Area designating means for designating a plurality of areas in the imaging sensor pixel arrangement unit according to the brightness of each part of the subject;
Exposure condition setting means for setting, for each area, an exposure condition for image data obtained from each area of the imaging sensor pixel array unit specified by the area specifying means;
Area switching detection means for detecting the switching timing of the area for sending image data in the imaging sensor pixel array section in subject imaging by the imaging means;
The exposure condition is changed from the exposure condition for the area before switching set by the exposure condition setting means based on the switching timing of the area where image data transmission is detected by the area switching detection means. An imaging apparatus comprising: exposure condition switching means for switching to an exposure condition for the purpose.   The area designation means performs area designation by setting the number of pixel array lines counted with reference to a pixel array line that starts transmission of image data in the imaging sensor pixel array section, and the area switching The detection means is set by the number of pixel array lines that have transmitted image data counted from the synchronization signal input for starting the transmission of image data from the image sensor pixel array section in the image pickup means and the area specifying means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the region switching timing is detected based on the number of pixel array lines.   The area designating unit designates the area by setting the number of pixels to be sequentially transmitted based on the imaging pixels for starting image data transmission in the imaging sensor pixel array unit. The area switching detecting means includes the number of pixels that have transmitted image data counted from a synchronization signal input for starting transmission of image data from the image sensor pixel array section in the imaging means, and the area designating means. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the region switching timing is detected based on the number of pixels set by. The area designating unit transmits the image data in the pixel array line in the image sensor pixel array unit and the number of pixel array lines counted with reference to the pixel array line from which image data transmission in the image sensor pixel array unit is started. The region designation is performed by setting the number of pixels on which the image data is sequentially transmitted in the line counted with respect to the imaging pixels that start the image processing,
The area switching detection means includes the number of pixel array lines that have transmitted image data counted from the first synchronization signal input for starting image data transmission from the image sensor pixel array section in the imaging means and the area designation. Based on the number of pixel array lines set by the means, the pixels that have performed image data transmission in the lines counted from the second synchronization signal input for starting image data transmission from each pixel array line The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein region switching timing is detected based on the number of pixels and the number of pixels set by the region designating unit.   The area designating unit performs the area designation by setting an elapsed time from the start of imaging in the imaging unit, and the area switching detection unit is configured to input a synchronization signal for starting imaging in the imaging unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the area switching timing is detected based on the elapsed time counted and the elapsed time set by the area specifying means.   The imaging sensor is a CCD solid-state imaging device, and the imaging means includes the imaging sensor and an analog-digital conversion unit that converts an analog electrical signal output from the imaging sensor into a digital electrical signal, and the exposure condition 6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, which is a charge accumulation time related to each imaging pixel of the imaging sensor and / or an analog gain at the time of analog-digital conversion by the analog-digital conversion unit.