JP2006101057A - Photographing method in shutter chance, electronic still camera, cellular phone with camera, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing method and an electronic still camera capable of reliably photographing an image in shutter chance, and to provide a cellular phone with a camera and program. <P>SOLUTION: If the output period of a CCD 13 is set at 1/2 (sec.) when the digital camera is in a "self-photographing" mode as shown in Fig. (b), the number of frames of monitor display is 2 frames/sec. If it takes 0.5 second after a photographer senses a shutter chance by glancing at a monitor image G'1 to a shutter operation, the monitor image is still the image G'1 after a time of 0.5 second elapses after a time point T when the photographer has sensed the shutter chance after the glance at the monitor image G'1, and since the image G'1 is overwritten on a DRAM 21 even if a photographing instruction S is issued in 0.5 second, a still image to be recorded is the image G'1. Meanwhile, this method is applicable to "opposite party photographing". <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging method, an imaging device, a camera-equipped mobile phone, and a program that can reliably capture an image at a photo opportunity.

An electronic still camera is equipped with a monitor screen, and it is common to see a through image of the subject on the monitor screen for a chance to take a picture and press the shutter key to shoot. You are asked to press the key for a moment, and beginners and non-professional photographers who are not professional photographers may miss taking a `` good expression '' before they can decide to press the shutter key. Even if you press the shutter key at the moment, you often miss a photo opportunity.
In addition, since it takes a certain amount of time from when a photographer senses an image as a photo opportunity when the photographer sees the image as a photo opportunity, the image taken is slightly different from the image taken when the photo was taken as a photo opportunity. In some cases, such a phenomenon may occur depending on the speed of change of the subject.

  As a conventional technique capable of recording an image at the time of a photo opportunity retroactively when a photo opportunity is missed, there is a past photo technique for taking a past image (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). This past shooting technology captures and saves subject images in a work memory in a cyclic manner, and when the shutter key is pressed, closes the eyes and restores the past images to record the desired images. It can be done. That is, a plurality of images are taken at a predetermined time interval from the past to the present (when the shutter key is pressed) by one shutter operation, and a desired image can be selected from them.

In addition, an application made by the applicant of the present application, that is, a low-resolution video is always taken, and when an important scene (referred to as an event) occurs, a high-resolution image can be taken by pressing the shutter key at that moment. Event photography techniques have been proposed (Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2003-418096 and 2003-433444). Even in this event shooting technique, a high-resolution still image is stored from an image a little before the time when the shutter key is pressed, in case a missed shutter opportunity is missed.
Japanese Patent No. 3042485

Since the monitor display of an electronic still camera is normally displayed at 20 to 30 frames / second, it can smoothly follow changes in moving subjects and facial expressions, but the photographer displays on the monitor as described above. Since it takes a long time to see the captured image as a photo opportunity and press the shutter down, if the subject's movement changes too quickly, such as a change in facial expression, think it is a photo opportunity There is a problem that an image with a different facial expression and a different posture from the captured image is captured.
For example, when the monitor display is set to 20 frames / second as shown in FIG. 3A, an image of one frame is displayed through in 0.05 seconds. Assuming that it takes 0.5 seconds from the detection of a photo opportunity to the end of pressing the shutter key, the 10th image is recorded from the photo opportunity, and the movement of the subject is too fast. In some cases, the first frame image and the tenth frame image do not match, and the player feels uncomfortable during reproduction.

As a specific example, when shooting a photographer's own face with "Self-portrait", even if you press the shutter key when you think that it is a "good expression", your eyes will be closed or your expression will change when you try to play it. In some cases, it was trapped. Also, even when the subject moves quickly or when the subject itself does not move, the subject's attention area changes quickly, such as a facial expression. Different images may be displayed.
Such a phenomenon is not caused by the slow response speed of the camera, but by the fact that the photographer's own reaction is not in time.

  As described above, since the monitor display of the electronic still camera is displayed at 20 to 30 frames / second, it can smoothly follow a moving subject and a change in facial expression, but the video displayed on the monitor The through image itself displays a coarse image thinned out appropriately due to the limitation of memory capacity. However, the still image actually recorded when the shutter key is pressed is a high-definition image. The monitor is an image for confirmation and does not record the image itself, so there is no problem even if it is somewhat rough.

  In the past photographing technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a plurality of images can be stored at a predetermined time interval from the past to the present by one shutter operation, and a desired image can be selected from the images. When shooting, select one of the saved images as a shot image, and you need to save multiple images temporarily for recording, and you must save multiple high-definition images that can withstand recording. There is a problem that a large memory capacity for temporary storage is necessary because it is not necessary, and that it takes time and effort to select an image retroactively.

  Further, by high-speed shooting or continuous shooting, it is possible to shoot a fast-moving subject or a subject whose attention portion changes rapidly and record an image having a large number of frames per second. The same problem as the past imaging technology disclosed in the above, that is, a large temporary storage because a large number of high-definition images that can withstand the recording must be stored in order to temporarily store a plurality of images for recording. In addition to the problem that a large amount of memory is required and the time and effort required to select a suitable image from many images, a suitable image can be obtained from a large number of images. However, since the photographer did not take a photo with a photo opportunity, there is a problem that there may be no suitable image that can be said to be a photo opportunity for the photo shooter. That.

  In addition, in the event shooting technology (Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2003-418096 and 2003-433444) filed by the applicant of the present application, a high-resolution still image is displayed from the time when the shutter key is pressed in order to miss a photo opportunity. Since it is necessary to save from a slightly previous image, there is a problem similar to that of the past photographing described in Patent Document 1 in terms of memory capacity. In addition, there is a problem similar to the past imaging technique described in Patent Document 1 in that it takes time to select a past image when a photo opportunity is missed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a shooting method at the time of a photo opportunity, an electronic still camera, a mobile phone with a camera, and a program capable of solving the above-described problems of the prior art and reliably shooting an image at the time of a photo opportunity.

In order to solve the above-described problem, in the invention described in claim 1, an imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a display memory for displaying the generated image data on a display unit, and a recording An electronic still camera having a recording memory for recording image data to be recorded on a medium has a first shooting mode and a second shooting mode, and a predetermined frame rate is set in the first shooting mode. In the second shooting mode, the display memory is rewritten at a frame rate slower than the predetermined frame rate, and the subject video through image is displayed on the display unit. The image corresponding to the image that is displayed through when the image capturing instruction is detected and the image capturing unit detects the image capturing instruction. Be recorded in the recording memory is taken out over data from the image memory, a method of photographing photo opportunity, wherein.
As a result, when the electronic still camera enters the second shooting mode, the display memory is rewritten at a slower frame rate than in the first shooting mode, so that the through image displayed on the monitor is displayed for a longer time than usual. Also, if there is an imaging instruction, the image data corresponding to the image that was displayed through at the time of the imaging instruction is taken out of the image memory and recorded in the recording memory, so it takes a little time until the imaging instruction by the photographer's shutter operation. However, it is possible to shoot and record an image at a photo opportunity. In other words, by controlling the number of frames displayed in the through image, the through image is often used when shooting a fast-moving subject such as a facial expression as well as shooting a stationary subject or a slow-moving subject. Even when the shutter operation is performed after viewing, the image when the photo opportunity is detected can be recorded. Further, it does not take time to select and select an image to be recorded.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and generates image data thereof, a display memory that displays the generated image data on the display unit, and a recording medium that records the image data An electronic still camera having a recording memory for recording image data, wherein the imaging direction and the display direction of the display unit are configured to be movable, and the imaging direction and the display direction of the display unit are approximately If they match, the frame rate is determined to be self-portrait and the video memory of the subject is displayed by rewriting the display memory at a slower frame rate than in the case of partner shooting where the imaging direction and the display direction of the display are opposite. And when the shooting instruction is detected, the image data that was displayed through at the time of shooting instruction is taken out of the image memory and recorded in the recording memory. To provide a method of shooting shutter chance to.
As a result, when the electronic still camera enters the “selfie” state in which the shooting direction matches the display direction of the display unit in the shooting mode, the number of frames displayed on the monitor is reduced and the image is displayed for a longer time than usual. Even if it takes a little time from the time when the image is sensed to the time when the image is instructed by the shutter operation, the image at the time of the photo opportunity can be taken and recorded. Therefore, in the case of “self-photographing”, the photographer's own “good expression” can be easily photographed and recorded without selecting operation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the image data stored in the image memory has a higher resolution than the image data stored in the display memory. Provide a shooting method.
Thereby, it is not necessary to increase the load on the capacity of the display memory for temporarily storing the video through image.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a display memory that displays the generated image data on a display unit, and a recording medium that records the image data. An electronic still camera having a recording memory for recording image data has a first shooting mode and a second shooting mode, and sets the frame rate to a predetermined value in the first shooting mode. In the first frame rate setting means and in the second shooting mode, the second frame rate setting means for setting the frame rate slower than a predetermined value and the display memory are rewritten at the set frame rate in the display unit. Through-image display means for displaying a video-through image of a subject, image data storage control means for temporarily storing image data from an imaging unit in an image memory, and detection of a shooting instruction Imaging instruction detection means, and image data recording control means for taking out image data corresponding to an image that was displayed through when the imaging instruction was detected from the image memory and recording it in the recording memory. An electronic still camera is provided.
Thereby, the electronic still camera can obtain the same effect as that of the first invention at the time of shooting in the second shooting mode.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the electronic still camera is an electronic still camera in which the imaging direction of the subject and the display direction of the display unit are configured to be movable, and the imaging direction and the display direction of the display unit are not matched. A direction detecting unit for detecting, and a unit for determining a self-portrait and shifting to the second shooting mode when the direction detecting unit detects a substantially coincidence between the imaging direction and the display direction of the display unit. An electronic still camera according to claim 4 is provided.
Thereby, the electronic still camera can obtain the same effect as the second invention in the second photographing mode.

In the invention described in claim 6, when the second shooting mode is selected by the mode selection means for selecting the first or second shooting mode and the mode selection means, the second shooting mode is set. 5. An electronic still camera according to claim 4, further comprising means for shifting.
Thereby, the electronic still camera can obtain the same effect as that of the first invention in the second photographing mode.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging unit for photographing a subject and generating the image data, a display memory for displaying the generated image data on the display unit, and a recording medium for recording on the recording medium. A mobile phone with a camera function having a recording memory for recording image data, having a first shooting mode and a second shooting mode, wherein the frame rate is set to a predetermined value in the first shooting mode. The first frame rate setting means for setting, and the second frame rate setting means for setting the frame rate slower than a predetermined value in the second shooting mode, and the display memory is rewritten and displayed at the set frame rate. A live view image display means for displaying a video live image of the subject on the screen, an image data storage control means for temporarily storing the image data from the imaging section in the image memory, And an image data recording control means for extracting image data corresponding to the image that was displayed through when the imaging instruction was detected and recording the image data in the recording memory. A mobile phone is provided.
Thus, when the mobile phone enters the second shooting mode, the display memory is rewritten at a slower frame rate than in the first shooting mode, so that the through image displayed on the monitor is displayed for a longer time than usual. Also, if there is an imaging instruction, the image data corresponding to the image that was displayed through at the time of the imaging instruction is taken out of the image memory and recorded in the recording memory, so it takes a little time until the imaging instruction by the photographer's shutter operation. However, it is possible to shoot and record an image at a photo opportunity. In other words, by controlling the number of frames displayed in the through image, the through image is often used when shooting a fast-moving subject such as a facial expression as well as shooting a stationary subject or a slow-moving subject. Even when the shutter operation is performed after viewing, the image when the photo opportunity is detected can be recorded.

In the invention according to claim 8, the mobile phone with a camera function is a foldable mobile phone, and includes an open / close detection means for detecting whether or not the cover of the mobile phone is closed, and an open / close detection means. The mobile with camera function according to claim 7, further comprising means for determining that self-portrait is taken and shifting to the second shooting mode when it is detected that the lid of the mobile phone is closed. Provide a phone.
As a result, when the foldable mobile phone with camera function is in the closed state with the lid closed, the number of frames displayed on the monitor is reduced as the “selfie” state and displayed for a longer time than usual. Even if it takes a little time from sensing to an imaging instruction by a shutter operation, an image at the time of a shutter chance can be taken and recorded. Therefore, in the case of “self-photographing”, the photographer's own “good expression” can be easily photographed and recorded without selecting operation.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the second photographing mode is selected by the mode selecting means for selecting the first or second photographing mode, and the second photographing mode is selected by the mode selecting means, the second photographing is performed. The electronic still camera according to claim 7, further comprising means for shifting to a mode.
Thereby, the mobile phone with a camera function can obtain the same effect as that of the first invention in the second shooting mode.

In the invention described in claim 10, an imaging unit for capturing an image of a subject and generating the image data, a display memory for displaying the generated image data on the display unit, and a recording medium for recording the recording data A program executable in an electronic still camera having a recording memory for recording image data, a program step for detecting the first shooting mode or the second shooting mode, and the first shooting mode detected When the second shooting mode is detected, the program step for setting the frame rate to a predetermined value, the program step for setting the frame rate slower than the predetermined value, and the display memory being rewritten at the set frame rate. Program step, program step for displaying a video-through image of the subject on the display unit, and imaging unit The program step for temporarily storing the image data in the image memory, the program step for detecting the shooting instruction, and the image data corresponding to the image that was displayed through at the time of the shooting instruction when the imaging instruction is detected is extracted from the image memory. And a program step for recording in a recording memory.
As a result, when the electronic still camera enters the second shooting mode, the display memory can be rewritten at a slower frame rate than in the first shooting mode, so that the through image displayed on the monitor is displayed for a longer time than usual. be able to. Also, if there is an imaging instruction, the image data corresponding to the image that was displayed through at the time of the imaging instruction can be taken out from the image memory and recorded in the recording memory, so it takes a little time until the imaging instruction by the photographer's shutter operation. Even if it takes, you can shoot and record images at the time of a photo opportunity.

In the invention described in claim 11, an imaging unit for photographing a subject and generating image data thereof, a display memory for displaying the generated image data on the display unit, and a recording medium for recording on the recording medium A program that can be executed in a mobile phone with a camera function including a recording memory that records image data, the program step for detecting the first shooting mode or the second shooting mode, A program step for setting the frame rate to a predetermined value; a program step for setting the frame rate slower than the predetermined value in the second shooting mode; and a program step for rewriting the display memory at the set frame rate. A program step for displaying a video-through image of the subject on the display unit, and an image from the imaging unit A program step for temporarily storing data in the image memory, a program step for detecting a shooting instruction, and image data corresponding to an image that was displayed through at the time of shooting instruction when the imaging instruction is detected is extracted from the image memory. And a program step for recording in a recording memory.
As a result, when the camera-equipped mobile phone enters the second shooting mode, the display memory can be rewritten at a slower frame rate than in the first shooting mode, so that the through image displayed on the monitor can be displayed longer than usual. Can be displayed. Also, if there is an imaging instruction, the image data corresponding to the image that was displayed through at the time of the imaging instruction can be taken out from the image memory and recorded in the recording memory. Even if it takes time, it is possible to take and record an image at a photo opportunity.

  According to the present invention, when the electronic still camera and the mobile phone are in the second shooting mode, the display memory is rewritten at a slower frame rate than in the first shooting mode, so the through image displayed on the monitor is longer than usual. Since the time is displayed, the photographer can determine whether it is a photo opportunity by looking closely at the displayed video-through image. Also, if there is an imaging instruction, the image data corresponding to the image that was displayed through at the time of the imaging instruction is taken out of the image memory and recorded in the recording memory, so it takes a little time until the imaging instruction by the photographer's shutter operation. However, since the image at the time of the photo opportunity can be taken and recorded, the image at the time of the photo opportunity of the subject that moves quickly or the subject that changes the attention part can be recorded.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the description of the first embodiment, a lens unit rotation type electronic still camera (hereinafter referred to as a digital camera) in which the lens unit is rotatable with respect to the main body will be described as an example. As described in the second embodiment, the present invention can also be applied to a normal digital camera in which the lens unit does not rotate, that is, a digital camera in which the lens unit is in the main body. Further, as described in Embodiments 3 and 4, the present invention can also be applied to a camera-equipped mobile phone.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an external configuration of a lens unit rotating digital camera 1 to which the photographing method of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 1A is a front view of the digital camera 1. The digital camera 1 is a rotating digital camera in which a lens unit 5 and a main body unit 2 are configured to be rotatable with respect to each other. A strobe light emitting unit 6 and an imaging lens 7 are disposed on the lens unit 5 of the digital camera 1. . FIG. 1B is a rear view, in which a liquid crystal screen 4 is provided on the back, and a power key 8 and a shutter key 9 are arranged on the top.
FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a state in which the lens unit 5 is rotated counterclockwise with the left hand (that is, a state in which the lens unit 5 is turned to the far side). FIG. 1D is a diagram illustrating a state in which the lens unit 5 is rotated clockwise with the left hand (that is, a state in which the lens unit 5 is rotated to the front side).
FIG. 1E shows a state in which the lens unit 5 is turned 180 ° counterclockwise or clockwise with respect to the main body unit 2 and the lens unit 5 faces the back side of the digital camera 1. In this state, the photographer can perform “self-portrait” to photograph himself / herself as a subject.

  In other words, the digital camera 1 is a camera in which the imaging direction by the imaging lens 7 and the display direction of the liquid crystal screen 4 are configured to be movable, and the imaging direction of the subject by the imaging lens 7 is substantially coincident with the display direction of the liquid crystal screen 4. Then, the photographer is in a “selfie” state in which the photographer can photograph himself / herself or behind the photographer.

The photographic lens 7 is assumed to have a zoom function and an autofocus (AF) function for changing the focal length steplessly. The power key 8 is a key operated every time the power is turned on / off, and the shutter key 9 is a photographing instruction means for instructing photographing timing in the photographing mode.
Although not shown here, a mode switch, a menu key, a cross key, an optical viewfinder, a strobe charge lamp, and the like are arranged on the back of the digital camera 1. Note that the zoom function and the autofocus function are not essential.

  Furthermore, the bottom surface is provided with a memory card slot for attaching and detaching a memory card used as a recording medium, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, for example, as a serial interface connector for connecting to an external personal computer or the like. It shall be.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the electronic circuit configuration of the digital camera 1.
In FIG. 2, a digital camera 1 includes a motor 11 that moves a focus position and an aperture position in a photographing mode that is a basic mode, a lens optical system 12 that constitutes a photographing lens 7, a CCD 13 that is an image sensor, a timing generator (TG). ) 14, vertical driver 15, sample hold circuit (S / H) 16, A / D converter 17, color process circuit 18, DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller 19, DRAM interface (I / F) 20, DRAM 21, control Unit 22, VRAM controller 23, VRAM 24, digital video encoder 25, display unit 26, JPEG circuit 27, memory card 28, built-in memory 29, key input unit 30, and changes in the positional relationship between lens unit 5 and main unit 2 are detected. Then, a rotation detection unit (for example, a micro switch) that sends a detection signal to the control unit 22 Composed Chi) 31 lens unit 5 side (or, provided in the body portion 2 side). The CCD is an example of an image sensor and may be another element such as a CMOS.

  In the monitoring state in the shooting mode, the focus position and the aperture position are moved by driving the motor (M) 11, and the imaging element is arranged behind the shooting optical axis of the optical system 12 constituting the shooting lens 1. The CCD 13 is scanned and driven by a timing generator (TG) 14 and a vertical driver 15, and outputs a photoelectric conversion output corresponding to a light image formed at regular intervals for one screen.

    When the lens unit 5 of the digital camera 1 is rotated to the back side of the main body unit 2 (the same side as the liquid crystal screen 4), that is, the control unit 22 detects that the lens unit 5 performs “self-photographing” based on a detection signal from the rotation detection unit 31. 3, the output period of the photoelectric conversion output from the CCD 13 is set longer than the case other than “self-portrait” under the control of the control unit 22 as shown in the example of FIG. , If the output cycle in shooting other than “self-photographing” (that is, when the lens unit 5 is on the front side (hereinafter referred to as “other-photographing”)) is 1/20 (seconds) to 1/30 (seconds) In the case of “self-portrait”, the time is extended from 1/2 (second) to 1/3 (second).

  The photoelectric conversion output is appropriately gain-adjusted for each primary color component of RGB in the state of an analog value signal, sampled and held by a sample hold circuit (S / H) 16, and digital data by an A / D converter 17. The color process circuit 18 performs color process processing including image interpolation processing and γ correction processing in the color process circuit 18 to generate a digital luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cb and Cr, and a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller 19. Is output.

  The DMA controller 19 uses the DRMA interface (I) once for the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the color process circuit 18 by using the composite synchronization signal, the memory write enable signal, and the clock signal from the color process circuit 18. / F) DMA transfer to the DRAM 21 used as an image memory or work memory via the 20.

  The control unit 22 has a microprocessor configuration including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM for program storage in which a program to be executed by the CPU is fixedly stored, a timer, and the like. It is connected to a switch or the like via a bus line and controls the entire digital camera 1 by a control program stored in a program storage ROM. After the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals to the DRAM 21 is completed, The luminance and color difference signals are read from the DRAM 21 via the DRMA interface 20, and the captured image data is displayed in order to display a so-called video through image (photographing standby image) in which the image at that time is displayed in real time as a monitor image. Is thinned out and sent to the VRAM 24 as a display memory.

  The control unit 22 rewrites the VRAM 24 at a predetermined frame rate (for example, 20 to 30 frames per second) and displays a video-through image on the display unit 26 in the case of “opposite shooting” which is a normal shooting mode. When the control unit 22 detects the detection signal from the rotation detection unit 31, the lens unit 5 is rotated 180 ° with respect to the main body unit 2 (the lens unit 5 faces the back side of the digital camera 1 (that is, “ If it is determined that the “shooting” state)) has occurred, the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD 13 is controlled as described above, and the VRAM 24 is rewritten at a frame rate slower than a predetermined frame rate (for example, 2 to 3 frames per second)). The video through image is displayed on the display unit 26 (see the timing chart in FIG. 3). When the lens unit 5 is returned to the “partner” state, the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD 13 is controlled, and the VRAM 24 is rewritten at the above-described predetermined frame rate to display a video through image on the display unit 26.

  The control unit 22 also retrieves a processing program and menu data corresponding to each mode stored in the program storage ROM in response to the status signal from the key input unit 30 and executes each function of the digital camera 1. In addition to performing control, for example, execution of an imaging or recorded image playback function, display of a function selection menu at the time of function selection, control corresponding to rotation of the lens unit 5, a selection function menu or image designated by a cursor, etc. Make a selection decision.

  The digital video encoder 25 periodically reads the luminance and color difference signals from the VRAM 24 via the VRAM controller 23, generates a video signal based on these data, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 26.

As described above, the display unit 26 functions as a monitor display unit (electronic finder) in the shooting mode. By performing display based on the video signal from the digital video encoder 25, the display unit 26 receives from the VRAM controller 23 at that time. An image based on the stored image information is displayed in real time.
In this way, in the display state of the so-called through image in which the image at that time is displayed in real time as the monitor image on the display unit 26, the shutter key 9 constituting the key input unit 30 at the timing when the still image display is desired is displayed. When fully pressed, a trigger signal (imaging instruction signal) is generated.

  In response to the trigger signal, the control unit 22 immediately stops the path from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 after the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals for one screen being captured from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 at that time, and the recording is performed. Transition to saved state.

In this stored recording state, the control unit 22 transmits the luminance and color difference signals for one frame written in the DRAM 21 through the DRAM interface 20 to each of Y, Cb, and Cr components of 8 pixels × 8 pixels horizontally. Are read out in units called basic blocks of JPEG and written in a JPEG (Joint Photgraph Cording Experts Group) circuit 27. The JPEG circuit 27 uses ADCT (Adaptive Discrete Cosine Transform) and a Huffman code which is an entropy coding system. Data compression is performed by processing such as conversion.
The obtained code data is read out from the JPEG circuit 27 as a data file of one image, and is recorded and stored in either the memory card 28 or the built-in memory 29 that is detachably mounted as a recording medium of the digital camera 1.
Then, along with the compression processing of the luminance and color difference signals for one frame and the completion of writing all the compressed data to the memory card 28 or the built-in memory 29, the control unit 22 activates the path from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 again.

The JPEG circuit 27 supports a plurality of compression ratios, and a mode for storing in correspondence with the compression ratio is a mode and compression corresponding to a high resolution (generally called high precision, fine, normal, etc.) with a low compression ratio. There is a high rate low resolution (commonly called economy) mode.
It also supports high to low pixel counts. For example, there are pixel sizes called SXGA (1600 × 1200), XGA (1024 × 786), SVGA (800 × 600), VGA (640 × 480) and the like.

  The key input unit 30 includes the power key 8, the shutter key 9, the mode switch, the menu key, the cross key, the set key, and the like described above, and signals associated with these key operations are directly sent to the control unit 22. . The strobe driving unit 32 charges a large-capacity strobe capacitor (not shown) during still image shooting, and then activates the strobe flashing unit 6 under the control of the control unit 22.

  In the playback mode, which is the basic mode, the control unit 22 selectively reads out the image data recorded in the memory card 28 or the built-in memory 29, and is completely opposite to the procedure in which the data is compressed in the image shooting mode by the JPEG circuit 27. The image data compressed in the procedure is expanded, the expanded image data is expanded and stored in the VRAM 24 via the VRAM controller 23, and is periodically read out from the VRAM 24. A signal is generated and reproduced by the display unit 26.

  The rotation detection unit 31 detects a change in the positional relationship between the lens unit 5 and the main body unit 2 configured to be rotatable (for example, the rotation angle θ of the lens unit 5) and sends a detection signal to the control unit 22. The rotation detection unit 30 is provided on the main body 2 side (or the lens unit 5 side). Here, when the rotation angle θ of the lens unit 5 is approximately 0, it is assumed that the lens unit 5 is on the front side of the main body unit 2 and is in the “other party shooting” position, and the rotation angle θ of the lens unit 5 is approximately π (= 180). When the lens portion 5 is in the “selfie” position on the back side of the main body 2. In other words, when the imaging direction of the subject and the direction of the liquid crystal screen 4 substantially match, it is determined as the “self-shooting” state.

  Although not described in detail, the digital camera 1 can record and reproduce not only a still image but also a moving image.

  FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the timing of the shutter operation linked to the detection of the photo opportunity and the number of frames displayed on the monitor, and the upper half of FIG. 3, that is, FIG. An example of the number of frames displayed on the monitor (20 frames / second) in (first shooting mode) is shown, and the lower half, that is, FIG. 3B shows the number of frames (2 frames according to the present invention in the second shooting mode). / Second) example.

As shown in FIG. 3A, when the output period of the CCD 13 of the conventional example is 1/20 (second), the VRAM 24 as a display memory is written 20 times per second with through display image data generated at the output timing of the CCD 13. Since the number of frames is changed, the number of frames displayed on the monitor is 20 frames / second. If it takes 0.5 seconds from when the photographer sees the monitor image G to sense the shutter chance until the shutter key 9 is pressed, the time from the time T when the photographer senses the shutter chance by looking at the monitor image G1 is 0. Although the shooting instruction S is issued on the monitor image G10 after 5 seconds, since the image G10 is overwritten in the DRAM 21, the recorded still image is the image G10. Incidentally, image data based on the photoelectric conversion output of the CCD 13 is overwritten and stored every 0.05 seconds in the image data temporary storage area (not shown) of the DRAM 21 in this example.
Therefore, in the conventional photographing method, when photographing a stationary subject or a slow-moving subject, there is no problem because there is no deviation between the image G1 and the image G8, but a subject that changes quickly such as a facial expression is photographed. In such a case, there is a possibility that a shift occurs between the image G1 and the image G8.

  When the camera 1 is in the “self-photographing” state in the photographing method of the present invention, if the output period of the CCD 13 is ½ (seconds) as shown in FIG. Since the image data for through display generated in the above is rewritten 20 times per second, the number of frames displayed on the monitor is 2 frames / second. When it takes 0.5 seconds from when the photographer sees the monitor image G ′ to sense a shutter chance until the shutter key 9 is pressed, the time T when the photographer sees the monitor image G′1 and senses the shutter chance. The Nita image remains G′1 even after 0.5 seconds from the start, and the image G′1 is overwritten in the DRAM 21 even if the shooting instruction S is issued 0.5 seconds after sensing the photo opportunity. Therefore, the recorded still image is the image G′1.

  As described above, according to the shooting method at the time of a photo opportunity according to the present invention, by controlling the number of frames of the monitor image, not only when shooting a stationary subject or a slow-moving subject, the facial expression etc. Even when a subject that changes rapidly is photographed, an image when a photo opportunity is detected can be recorded. Thus, even if the shutter key 9 is pressed after looking closely at the monitor image, it is possible to shoot and record an image at a photo opportunity. As is apparent from the drawing, the present invention is not limited to the “self-portrait” case but can also be applied to the “other-portrait” case.

  More specifically, in the present invention, the monitor display is a so-called frame drop, but at first glance, it seems that it seems like the old technology that could not be processed at high speed, but in the present invention, The photographer confirms the momentary facial expression displayed on the monitor screen by performing apparent frame dropping by lengthening the monitor display time for each frame, and even if the shutter key is pressed after that, An image, that is, an image at the time of sensing a photo opportunity displayed on the monitor screen as described above is recorded. In other words, it is a “devise to cut out a moment”.

  In the conventional technique, as shown in the example of FIG. 3A, the shutter key is 0.5 seconds after the moment when “good expression” is displayed on the monitor screen in the “selfie” state (this is defined as 0 seconds). If is pressed, an image 0.5 seconds after “good expression” is recorded, but in the present invention, an image 0.5 seconds after “good expression” is recorded as shown in the example of FIG. Instead, an image of 0 seconds is stored, and an image of 0 seconds that is a “good expression” is recorded by pressing the shutter key. In other words, it gives 0.5 seconds to let the photographer decide the shutter chance. If there is a time of 1 second until the next frame is shot, the image is updated to the next image after 1 second.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the digital camera in the shooting mode. The processing shown below is basically executed by the control unit 22 according to a program fixedly stored in advance. In this embodiment, the shutter key 9 is operated by a two-stage stroke operation. As a basic operation, the first-stage stroke operation, that is, the AF operation is executed with the shutter key 9 in the “half-pressed” state. It is assumed that the focus state and the exposure state are locked, and then the second stage stroke operation, that is, the photographing in the in-focus state and the exposure state locked in the “full press” state of the shutter key 9 is performed.

  4, in the imaging mode, the control unit 22 first checks the signal from the rotation detection unit 31 to determine whether the rotation angle θ of the lens unit 5 is 0 or π, and when the rotation angle θ is π, the lens It is determined that the portion 5 is in the “selfie” state where the body portion 2 is located on the back side of the main body portion 2, and the process proceeds to step S <b> 2. It is determined that the “other party shooting” state is present, and the process proceeds to step S3 (step S1).

  In the case of “self-portrait”, the control unit 22 controls the timing generator (TG) 14 and the vertical driver 15 to set the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD 13 to ½ (second) and to set the frame rate of the video through image. The (display frame number) is set to 2 frames / second (that is, 2 frames / second), and the process proceeds to step S4 (step S2).

  On the other hand, in the case of “other party shooting”, the control unit 22 controls the timing generator (TG) 14 and the vertical driver 15 to set the photoelectric output period of the CCD 13 to 1/20 (second) and to frame the video through image. The rate is set to 20 frames / second and the process proceeds to step S4 (step S3).

  Next, AE processing is executed at a focal length corresponding to the zoom position of the photographing lens 7 selected at that time, an appropriate exposure value is obtained, and an aperture value and a shutter speed are set (step S4).

  The set shutter speed is adjusted to a value corresponding to the frame rate of the monitor state, that is, a high speed sufficiently exceeding 1/20 second to obtain image data from the CCD 13, and the light source is obtained by automatic white balance (AWB) processing. After adjusting the color process circuit 18 so as to achieve a white balance corresponding to the color speed (step S5), the VRAM 24 is processed through image data from the CCD 13 at the frame rate set in step S2. While rewriting the image data and displaying the video-through image on the display unit 26 (step S6), the control unit 22 checks whether or not the shutter key 9 of the key input unit 30 is half-pressed, and the shutter key 9 is half-pressed. If yes, go to Step S8, otherwise return to Step S4 (Step Flop S7).

  When the shutter key 9 is pressed halfway, AF processing is performed so that a predetermined focus area is in focus and the focus position is locked. At the same time, the aperture value and the shutter speed acquired by the AE process in the immediately preceding step S4 are locked (step S8).

  The controller 22 checks whether or not the shutter key 9 has been fully pressed from the state where the shooting conditions are locked as described above. If the shutter key 9 has been fully pressed, the process proceeds to step S10 (step S9). .

  When the shutter key 9 is fully pressed, the control unit 22 obtains image data by imaging (step S10), and then captures the image data, that is, the captured image storage area of the DRAM 21 when the shutter key 9 is fully pressed. Data compression processing is performed on the stored image data to form a file, which is recorded and saved in the memory card 28 or the built-in memory 29 (step S11). Next, the control unit 22 checks whether or not the user has performed a photographing end operation. If the photographing end operation has been performed, the photographing process is terminated, and if not, the process returns to step S1 (step S12).

  By the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, when the digital camera 1 is in the “self-photographing” state in which the lens unit 5 is reversed in the shooting mode, the number of frames of the through image displayed on the monitor is reduced and displayed for a longer time than usual. Even if it takes a little time from when the photographer senses a photo opportunity to when an image is instructed by pressing down the shutter key 9, an image at the photo opportunity is taken and recorded as shown in FIG. Can do. Further, when the lens unit 5 of the digital camera 1 is reversed again and enters the “other party shooting” state, the number of frames displayed on the monitor can be returned to the normal number of frames and photographing can be performed. Therefore, in the case of “self-photographing”, the photographer's own “good expression” can be easily photographed and recorded without selecting operation.

  In addition, the image data to be captured in the DRAM 21 is always rewritten and temporarily stored by overwriting, and corresponds to the video through image displayed immediately before the imaging instruction by the shutter operation. There is no need to perform an image selection operation at the time of recording as in the technique.

  Further, although the resolution of the recorded image to be recorded is relatively high, since the video through image is thinned out, the resolution is relatively low, so that the memory capacity of the VRAM 24 can be saved.

  In the description of the flowchart of FIG. 4, in the case of “self-shooting”, the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD 13 is set to 1/2 (second), the monitor frame rate is set to 2 frames / second, In this case, the frame rate of the monitor is set to 1/20 (second) and 20 frames / second, but the photoelectric output period of the CCD 13 in the case of “self-portrait” is not limited to ½ (second). For example, it may be 1/3 (second), but may be longer than 1/3 (second). Similarly, the frame rate of the monitor is not limited to 2 frames / second. For example, it may be 3 frames / second, but may be slower than 2 frames / second. Further, the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD 13 in the case of “other party shooting” is not limited to 1/20 (second). For example, it may be 1/30 (second) or shorter. Similarly, the frame rate of the monitor is not limited to 20 frames / second. For example, it may be 30 frames / second or faster.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the lens unit 5 is configured to be rotatable by 180 ° with respect to the main body unit 2 and the digital camera 1 including the rotation detection unit 31 is used, and the lens unit 5 is on the back surface of the main body unit 2. In the “selfie” state, when the lens unit 5 is in front of the main body 2, the “other party” state, and in the case of “selfie”, the display time of the through image displayed on the monitor screen is lengthened. "Frame dropout" with a reduced number of frames displayed on the monitor is performed to give the photographer time to check the image at the photo opportunity (photographer's own "good expression"), and "good expression" images can be recorded reliably In the present embodiment, the photographer is given a time to check the image at the photo opportunity, and the image at the photo opportunity can be surely recorded in this embodiment. Constitution It described examples.

As described above, by “photographing the other party”, a fast-moving subject or a subject whose attention area changes rapidly is photographed at high speed, and a large number of frames are recorded per second, and a suitable image is selected by selection. However, the photographer does not take a picture by sensing a photo opportunity.
Therefore, in the second embodiment, as a shooting mode, a “frame dropping mode” in which the display time of the video through image displayed on the monitor screen is lengthened to reduce the number of frames is provided, and the fast-moving subject and the attention portion change quickly. A photographing method capable of recording an image when the subject has a photo opportunity will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of a digital camera in which a camera unit is provided in a main body unit, and here, mainly a configuration of a front surface and an upper surface is illustrated. In addition, the component which attached | subjected the same code | symbol as the digital camera 1 shown in Example 1 shall have the same function and usage method as the component of the same code | symbol of the digital camera 1. FIG.

  In the digital camera 50, a photographing lens 7, an optical viewfinder window 4, a strobe light emitting unit 6, and a photographing lens 7 are disposed on the front surface of a substantially rectangular thin plate-shaped metal exterior body, and a power supply is provided on the right end of the upper surface (for the user). A key 8 and a shutter key 9 are arranged.

The photographic lens 7 has a zoom function and an AF function that change the focal length steplessly, and is retracted in the body when the power is turned off and in the basic mode of reproduction.
The power key 8 is a key operated every time the power is turned on / off, and the shutter key 9 is a photographing instruction means for instructing photographing timing in the photographing mode.

Although not shown here, a mode switch, a menu key, a cross key, an optical viewfinder, a strobe charge lamp, a display unit, and the like are arranged on the back of the digital camera 50. Furthermore, it is assumed that a memory card slot for attaching and detaching a memory card used as a recording medium and a serial interface connector for connecting to an external personal computer or the like are provided on the bottom surface, for example, a USB connector.
The electronic circuit configuration of the digital camera 50 is the same as the configuration of the digital camera 1 of the first embodiment except for the rotation detection unit 31, and the components having the same reference numerals have the same functions as those of the digital camera 1 of the first embodiment. It shall work.

  Although not described in detail, the digital camera 50 can record and reproduce not only still images but also moving images.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the digital camera in the shooting mode. The processing shown below is basically executed by the control unit 22 according to a program fixedly stored in advance. In this embodiment, the shutter key 9 is operated by a two-stage stroke operation. As a basic operation, the first-stage stroke operation, that is, the AF operation is executed with the shutter key 9 in the “half-pressed” state. The focus state and the exposure state are locked, and then the second stage stroke operation, that is, the photographing in the in-focus state and the exposure state locked in the “full press” state of the shutter key 9 is performed. When the user “should fully press” the shutter key 9 within a predetermined time after taking the first time, it is assumed that shooting is performed in the focused state and the exposure state based on the AF value in the previous shooting.

  In FIG. 6, in the shooting mode, the control unit 22 first sends mode selection menu data including “frame drop mode” to the display unit 26 and displays it on the liquid crystal screen 4 (not shown) to prompt the selection of the mode. Therefore, the control unit checks the signal sent from the key input unit 30, and proceeds to step T2 if "frame drop mode" is selected, and if a shooting mode other than "frame drop mode" is selected, step T5. (Step T1).

  When the “frame dropping mode” is selected, the control unit 22 controls the timing generator (TG) 14 and the vertical driver 15 to set the photoelectric output period of the CCD 13 to ½ (second), and to video through The frame rate of the image is set to 2 frames / second and the process proceeds to step T3 (step T2).

  Shooting operations similar to steps S4 to S11 in the flowchart of FIG. 4 (AE processing, white balance processing, through image display, half-pressing of the shutter key 9, autofocus, full pressing of the shutter key 9 in a photo opportunity, shooting, photo opportunity Image recording operation) (step T3), and after the recording process is completed, the presence / absence of the photographing end operation is checked. If the photographing end operation is performed, the photographing mode is terminated. Otherwise, the process returns to step T1 (step T1). T4).

  On the other hand, when a mode other than the “frame dropping mode” is selected, the control unit 22 controls the timing generator (TG) 14 and the vertical driver 15 to set the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD 13 to 1/20 (second). At the same time, the frame rate of the video through image is set to 20 frames / second (step T5), and the shooting operation in the selected shooting mode is performed (step T6).

  By the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, when the “frame drop mode” is selected as the shooting mode, the digital camera 50 reduces the number of frames displayed on the monitor and displays it for a longer time than usual. Even if it takes a little time for the shutter key 9 to be fully depressed after it is sensed, an image at the time of the photo opportunity can be taken and recorded. Accordingly, even in the case of “other party shooting”, it is possible to capture an image at the time of a photo opportunity and record it without a selection operation for a fast-moving subject or a subject whose attention portion changes rapidly.

  In the description of the flowchart of FIG. 6, in the “frame drop mode”, the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD 13 is set to 1/2 (second) and the frame rate of the monitor is set to 2 frames / second in step T2. In shooting modes other than “frame drop mode”, the frame rate of the monitor is set to 1/20 (seconds) and 20 frames / second in step T5, but the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD 13 in “frame drop mode” is 1 It is not limited to / 2 (second). For example, it may be 1/3 (second), but may be longer than 1/3 (second). Similarly, the frame rate of the monitor is not limited to 2 frames / second. For example, it may be 3 frames / second, but may be less than 2 frames / second. Further, the photoelectric output period of the CCD 13 in the photographing mode other than the “frame drop mode” is not limited to 1/20 (second). For example, it may be 1/30 (second) or shorter. Similarly, the frame rate of the monitor is not limited to 20 frames / second. For example, it may be 30 frames / second or faster.

  In the description of the second embodiment, the digital camera 50 dedicated to “other party shooting” has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to the digital camera 1 of the lens unit rotation type described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Needless to say. In other words, if the lens rotating digital camera 1 is provided with “self-shooting” and “frame-dropping mode” regardless of the other party shooting, it is possible to easily capture an image at a photo opportunity with the same operation as shown in the flowchart of FIG. You can shoot and record.

(Embodiment 3)
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a foldable mobile phone with a camera function will be described.

7A and 7B are diagrams showing an example of the external configuration of the folding mobile phone with a camera function. FIG. 7A is a front view showing the external appearance of the mobile phone (open state), and FIG. FIG.
In FIG. 7, the mobile phone 100 is large and includes a lid portion 102 and a main body portion 103. The lid portion 102 is configured to be foldable toward the main body portion 103 side. The antenna 104 is provided on the back surface of the lid 102 and is extendable.

  The speaker 105 is provided on the front side of the lid 102 and performs audio output. A display unit (main display unit) 106 is a color liquid crystal display unit, and includes a display memory for temporarily storing data for video-through images, and displays a video-through image when the shift to the camera mode is detected in the open state. The shutter key 107 is provided on the side surface of the main body 103, and instructs imaging by an imaging lens 112 described later by a user's pressing operation in the camera mode. The key input unit 108 is provided on the entire surface of the main body unit 103 and includes various function keys and a numeric keypad. The microphone 109 is provided in the lower part of the main body 103 and performs voice input. Although not shown, a memory card slot for attaching / detaching a memory card used as a recording medium is provided on the bottom surface of the main body 103.

  The sub display unit 110 is provided on the back surface of the lid unit 102. The display surface of the sub display unit 110 is disposed so as to be substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of an imaging lens 112 described later. The sub display unit 110 shares a display memory for temporarily storing data for video-through images with the main display unit 106, and when the mobile phone 100 is in the shooting mode, when the mobile phone 100 is in the closed state, the video is dropped in the “selfie” state. A through image is displayed.

  The rear key 111 is made of a transparent or translucent member and incorporates an LED that emits light when an incoming call is received. The imaging lens 112 is provided on the back surface of the lid portion 102 and below the sub display portion 110. The battery pack 113 is detachably provided on the back surface of the main body portion 103 and is fixed by a lock portion 114. The lock part 114 is for fixing the battery pack 113 to the main body part 103. The notification speaker 115 notifies an incoming call or the like, and is arranged on the back surface of the main body 103 so that the notification sound can be heard even when the lid 102 is closed to the main body 103.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the electronic circuit configuration of the mobile phone 100 of FIG. The wireless transmission / reception unit 1 16 transmits and receives voice and data via the antenna 4 and modulates / demodulates wirelessly. The wireless signal processing unit 117 performs processing necessary for wireless communication, such as demodulating the voice and data received by the wireless transmission / reception unit 116 or modulating the voice and data transmitted from the wireless transmission / reception unit 116.

The control unit 118 includes a CPU, a ROM in which an operation program including a shooting operation in a shooting mode to be described later is stored, a RAM used as a work memory, and the like. The operation and the overall operation of the mobile phone 100 are controlled.
For example, in the shooting mode, the control unit 118 sets a predetermined frame rate (for example, 20 frames to 30 frames / (second)) as the “other party shooting” state when the mobile phone 100 is in an open state based on a detection signal from the open / close detection unit 120 ), The video display is displayed on the main display unit 106, and when the shutter key 107 is pressed, the DSP 127 and the photographing module 128 are controlled so as to perform “other party photographing” photographing. Further, when the mobile phone 100 is in a closed state, a video through display is performed on the sub display unit 110 at a frame rate slower than the predetermined frame rate (for example, 2 frames to 3 frames / (second)) as a “selfie” state. When the shutter key 107 is pressed, the DSP 127 and the photographing module 128 are controlled so as to capture and record an image at a photo opportunity (see FIG. 9).

  The detection unit 119 detects that the shutter key 107 has been operated. The open / close detection unit 120 includes an optical sensor, a mechanical switch, and the like. Whether the mobile phone 100 is in an open state (a state in which the lid portion 102 and the main body portion 103 are open) or in a closed state (the main body portion 103 is covered with the lid portion). And the detection signal is sent to the control unit 118.

  The driver 121 drives the display unit 106. The driver 122 drives the sub display unit 110. The subscriber information storage unit 123 stores profile data such as a telephone number for calling the mobile phone 100 and a user (subscriber) ID.

  The ROM 124 stores various programs that control the control unit 118. The RAM 125 stores various data necessary as a wireless communication terminal, stores data necessary for the operation of the control unit 118, and stores image data captured as an image memory. The audio signal processing unit 126 performs an encoding process on the audio signal input from the microphone 109, decodes the audio signal based on the signal output from the wireless signal processing unit 117, and outputs the decoded signal from the speaker 105.

  The DSP 127 encodes the image data fetched by the photographing module 128, and sends the image data obtained by thinning the image data to the main display unit 106 or the sub display unit 110 so as to perform so-called video through display when photographing standby. The imaging module 128 includes a CCD or a CMOS, photoelectrically converts a subject light image captured via the imaging lens 112, and sends a photoelectric conversion output to the imaging module 128 at a predetermined cycle. The photographing module 128 has a zoom function and an autofocus (AF) function that can change the focal length steplessly. Note that the zoom function and the auto focus (AF) function are not essential.

  The memory card 129 is detachably attached to the mobile phone 100 as a recording medium. The notification device 130 is a driver for driving the speaker 115, vibrator 131, and LED 211.

When the mobile phone 100 is in an open state, the photographing module 128 outputs a photoelectric conversion output of a CCD or CMOS (hereinafter, referred to as CCD) to a predetermined value (for example, 1/20 (second) based on a control signal from the control unit 118. ) To 1/30 (second)), and the DSP 127 sets the frame rate of the video through image to be displayed through on the main display unit 106 to a predetermined frame rate (for example, 20 to 30 frames / (second)).
When the cellular phone 100 is in the closed state, the photographing module 128 outputs the photoelectric conversion output of the CCD to an output period (for example, 1/2 (seconds) to 1 shorter than the predetermined value based on a control signal from the control unit 118. / 3 (seconds), and the DSP 127 sets the frame rate of the video through image to be displayed through on the sub display unit 110 to a frame rate (for example, 2 to 3 frames / second) slower than the predetermined frame rate.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the mobile phone 100 in the shooting mode. The processing shown below is basically executed by the control unit 118 according to a program fixedly stored in advance.
Here, the shutter key 107 operates by a one-step stroke operation, and the basic operation is a stroke operation, that is, when the shutter key 107 is pressed, an AF operation is executed to lock the in-focus state and the exposure state, and shooting is performed. Do. Further, it is assumed that the mobile phone 100 can record and reproduce not only a still image but also a moving image, like the digital camera 1 of the first and second embodiments.

  In FIG. 9, when the mobile phone 100 is in the open state, the control unit 118 first checks whether or not the shooting mode is selected (step U1). If the shooting mode is selected, the opening / closing detection unit 120 is again selected. When the mobile phone 100 is in the closed state, the mobile phone 100 is determined to be in the “self-shooting” state and proceeds to step U3. In the open state, the mobile phone 100 is determined to be in the “partner shooting” state and proceeds to step U11 ( Step U2).

  In the case of “selfie”, the control unit 22 controls the imaging module 128 to set the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD to a second value (for example, ½ (second)), and also controls the DSP 127 to The frame rate of the video through image displayed on the display unit 110 is set to 2 frames / second, and the process proceeds to Step U4 (Step U3).

  Next, AE processing is executed at a focal length corresponding to the zoom position of the photographing lens 112 selected at that time, an appropriate exposure value is obtained, an aperture value and a shutter speed are set (step U4), and the photographing module 128 is obtained. The video through image data is obtained from the image data, and the display memory is rewritten at the frame rate set in step S2, and the through image is displayed at 2 frames / second on the video sub display unit 110 (step U5). AF processing is performed so that focus is achieved, and the focus position is locked. At the same time, the aperture value and the shutter speed acquired by the AE process in the immediately preceding step U2 are locked (step U6).

  The control unit 118 checks whether or not the shutter key 107 has been pressed. If the shutter key 107 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step U8. If not, the process returns to step U5 (step U7).

  When the shutter key 107 is pressed, the control unit 118 takes a picture in the in-focus state and the exposure state based on the AF value acquired in step U8 (step U8), and is taken into the DRAM 21 when the shutter key 107 is pressed down. The image data is subjected to data compression processing to form a file and recorded and stored in the memory card 129 (step U9). If no other mode is selected, the process returns to step U1, and if another mode is selected. The process proceeds to the selected mode (step U10).

  On the other hand, in the case of “other party shooting”, the control unit 22 controls the imaging module 128 to set the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD to the first value (for example, 1/20 (second)) and also controls the DSP 127. Then, the frame rate of the video through image displayed on the main display unit 106 is set to 20 frames / second, and the process proceeds to Step U12 (Step U11).

  Next, AE processing is executed at a focal length corresponding to the zoom position of the photographing lens 112 selected at that time, an appropriate exposure value is obtained, an aperture value and a shutter speed are set (step U12), and the photographing module 128 is obtained. The display memory is rewritten at the frame rate set in step S2 and the through image is displayed on the video main display unit 106 at 20 frames / second on the display unit 26 (step U13), and the shutter is obtained. It is checked whether or not the key 107 has been pressed. If the shutter key 107 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step U15, and if not, the process returns to step U13 (step U14).

  When the shutter key 107 is pressed, AF processing is performed so that a predetermined focus area is in focus and the focus position is locked. At the same time, the aperture value and shutter speed acquired by the AE process in the immediately preceding step U2 are locked, and the process proceeds to step U8 (step U15).

  By the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the folding mobile phone 100 with a camera function checks the open / close detection signal from the open / close detection unit 120 in the shooting mode to detect “frame dropout” while the lid 102 is closed. If the user presses the shutter key 107 when he / she sees the monitor display with a smaller number of frames than usual and thinks that the image is at the time of a photo opportunity, the “selfie” image at the time of the photo opportunity can be recorded.

  In the description of the flowchart of FIG. 9, in the case of “self-shooting”, the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD is set to 1/2 (second), the frame rate of the through image display is set to 2 frames / second, In the case of “Self-portrait”, the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD is set to 1/20 (second) and the frame rate of the through image display is set to 20 frames / second. It is not limited to (seconds). Similarly, the frame rate of the through image display is not limited to 20 frames / second. Further, the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD in the case of “other party shooting” is not limited to 1/20 (second). Similarly, the frame rate of the through image display is not limited to 20 frames / second.

(Embodiment 4)
In the third embodiment, when the cover 102 of the foldable mobile phone 100 with the camera function is closed in the shooting mode, it is determined as a “selfie” state and the through image displayed on the sub display unit 110 is displayed. “Frame drop” is performed by extending the display time and reducing the number of frames displayed on the monitor, giving the photographer time to check the image at the photo opportunity (photographer ’s own “good expression”), In the present embodiment, an example in which a “facial expression” image can be recorded has been described. However, in the present embodiment, even when “photographing the other party” is performed with the mobile phone 100, the photographer is given time to confirm the image at the time of the photo opportunity. An example in which an image at a photo opportunity is recorded is described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the mobile phone 100 in the shooting mode. The processing shown below is basically executed by the control unit 118 according to a program fixedly stored in advance. The function of the shutter key 107 is the same as that of the third embodiment.

  In FIG. 10, when the mobile phone 100 is opened, the control unit 118 first checks whether or not the shooting mode is selected (step V1). If the shooting mode is selected, the control unit 118 displays the main display unit 106. Since the mode selection menu data including “frame drop mode” is displayed (not shown) to prompt the selection of the mode, the control unit checks the signal sent from the key input unit 108 and “frame drop mode” is selected. If YES, the process proceeds to step V3. If a shooting mode other than the “frame drop mode” is selected, the process proceeds to step V6 (step V2).

  When the “frame drop mode” is selected, the control unit 118 sets the photoelectric output period of the CCD to ½ (second) and sets the frame rate of the video through image displayed on the sub display unit 110 to 2 frames / second. Set to seconds and go to step V4 (step V3).

  The same photographing operation as the steps U4 to U9 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 (AE processing, through image display, depressing the shutter key 107 at the photo opportunity, auto focus, photographing, image recording operation at the photo opportunity) is performed (step V4). After the recording process is completed, the presence / absence of the photographing end operation is checked. If the photographing end operation is performed, the photographing mode is terminated. Otherwise, the process returns to Step V2 (Step V5).

  On the other hand, when a shooting mode other than the “frame drop-off mode” is selected, the control unit 118 sets the photoelectric output period of the CCD to 1/20 (second) and the frame of the video through image displayed on the main display unit 106. The rate is set to 20 frames / second (step V6), and the same shooting operation as the steps U12 to U15, U8, U9 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 (AE processing, through image display, auto focus, shutter key 107 in photo opportunity) The image is depressed, photographed, and an image recording operation at a photo opportunity, and the process proceeds to step V5 (step V6).

  By the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, when “frame drop mode” is selected in the shooting mode, the mobile phone 100 reduces the number of frames displayed on the monitor and displays it for a longer time than usual. Even if it takes a little time for the shutter key 107 to be depressed after the detection, an image at the time of the photo opportunity can be taken and recorded. Accordingly, even in the case of “other party shooting”, it is possible to capture an image at the time of a photo opportunity and record it without a selection operation for a fast-moving subject or a subject whose attention portion changes rapidly.

  In the description of the flowchart of FIG. 6, in the “frame drop mode”, the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD is set to 1/2 (second) and the frame rate of the through image is set to 2 frames / second in step V3. In shooting modes other than “frame drop mode”, 1/20 (second) was set in step V6 and the frame rate of the through image was set to 20 frames / second. However, the photoelectric output cycle of the CCD in “frame drop mode” is set. Is not limited to 1/2 (second). Similarly, the frame rate of the through image is not limited to 2 frames / second. Further, the photoelectric output period of the CCD in the shooting mode other than the “frame drop mode” is not limited to 1/20 (second). Similarly, the frame rate of the through image is not limited to 20 frames / second.

  In the description of the fourth embodiment, the foldable mobile phone 100 has been described as an example. However, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a mobile phone with a camera function that is not a foldable type.

  As mentioned above, although several Example of this invention was described, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to said each Example, A various deformation | transformation implementation is possible.

It is a schematic explanatory drawing of the external structure of the lens part rotation type digital camera which can apply the imaging method of the present invention. It is a figure which shows one Example of the electronic circuit structure of the digital camera of FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a relationship between shutter operation timing linked to detection of a photo opportunity and the number of frames displayed on a monitor. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera in a shooting mode according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic explanatory drawing of the external structure of the digital camera which can apply the imaging method of the present invention in Embodiment 2. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera in a shooting mode according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows one Example of the external appearance structure of a mobile telephone. It is a block diagram which shows one Example of the electronic circuit structure of the mobile telephone of FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the folding mobile phone with a camera function in a shooting mode according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a mobile phone with a camera function in a shooting mode according to the fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 50 Digital camera (electronic still camera)
9, 107 Shutter key (imaging instruction means)
21 DRAM (image memory)
22, 118 Control unit (first frame rate setting means, second frame rate setting means, image data storage control means, photographing instruction detection means, image data recording control means)
24 VRAM (display memory)
26 Display section (through image display means)
28, 129 Memory card (recording memory)
29 Internal memory (recording memory)
31 Rotation detection unit (direction detection means)
100 Mobile phone with camera 106 Main display section (display memory, through image display means)
110 Sub display section (display memory, through image display means)
120 Open / close detection unit (open / close detection means)
125 RAM (image memory)
128 imaging module (autofocus means, imaging means)

Claims (11)

An imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a display memory for displaying the generated image data on a display unit, and a recording memory for recording image data for recording on a recording medium In the electronic still camera,
It has a first shooting mode and a second shooting mode,
In the first shooting mode, the display memory is rewritten at a predetermined frame rate to display a video through image of the subject on the display unit,
In the second shooting mode, the display memory is rewritten at a frame rate slower than the predetermined frame rate to display a video through image of the subject on the display unit, and image data from the imaging unit is displayed as the image data. Into memory,
Detecting the shooting instruction, taking out the image data corresponding to the image displayed through at the shooting instruction time point from the image memory and recording it in the recording memory;
A shooting method at the time of a photo opportunity. An imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a display memory for displaying the generated image data on a display unit, and a recording memory for recording image data for recording on a recording medium A photographing method at a photo opportunity in an electronic still camera configured to be movable in an imaging direction and a display direction of the display unit,
When the imaging direction and the display direction of the display unit are substantially the same, it is determined that the image is taken by self-portrait, and the display memory is rewritten at a slower frame rate than in the case of partner shooting where the imaging direction and the display unit display direction are opposite. Set the frame rate to display the video through image of the subject,
When the shooting instruction is detected, the image data that has been displayed through at the time of shooting instruction is taken out from the image memory and recorded in the recording memory;
A shooting method at the time of a photo opportunity. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the image data stored in the image memory has a higher resolution than the image data stored in the display memory. An imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a display memory for displaying the generated image data on a display unit, and a recording memory for recording image data for recording on a recording medium In the electronic still camera,
A first shooting mode and a second shooting mode;
In the first shooting mode, a first frame rate setting means for setting a frame rate to a predetermined value;
In the second shooting mode, second frame rate setting means for setting a frame rate slower than the predetermined value;
Through image display means for rewriting the display memory at the set frame rate and displaying a video through image of a subject on the display unit;
Image data storage control means for temporarily storing image data from the imaging unit in the image memory;
Imaging instruction detecting means for detecting a shooting instruction; and image data recording control means for extracting image data corresponding to an image that was displayed through when the shooting instruction was detected from the image memory and recording it in the recording memory; ,
An electronic still camera comprising: The electronic still camera is an electronic still camera configured such that an imaging direction of a subject and a display direction of the display unit are movable,
Direction detection means for detecting coincidence / mismatch between the imaging direction and the display direction of the display unit;
Means for determining a self-portrait when the direction detection means detects a substantially coincidence between the imaging direction and the display direction of the display unit and shifting to the second shooting mode;
The electronic still camera according to claim 4, further comprising: Mode selection means for selecting the first or second shooting mode; and means for shifting to the second shooting mode when the second shooting mode is selected by the mode selection means. The electronic still camera according to claim 4. An imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a display memory for displaying the generated image data on a display unit, and a recording memory for recording image data for recording on a recording medium Mobile phone with camera function
A first shooting mode and a second shooting mode;
In the first shooting mode, a first frame rate setting means for setting a frame rate to a predetermined value;
In the second shooting mode, second frame rate setting means for setting a frame rate slower than the predetermined value;
Through image display means for rewriting the display memory at the set frame rate and displaying a video through image of a subject on the display unit;
Image data storage control means for temporarily storing image data from the imaging unit in the image memory;
Imaging instruction detecting means for detecting a shooting instruction; and image data recording control means for extracting image data corresponding to an image that was displayed through when the shooting instruction was detected from the image memory and recording it in the recording memory; ,
A mobile phone comprising: The mobile phone is a foldable mobile phone,
Open / close detection means for detecting whether the lid of the mobile phone is closed;
Means for determining that the self-portrait is taken when the open / close detection means detects that the cover of the mobile phone is closed;
The mobile phone with a camera function according to claim 7, comprising: Mode selection means for selecting the first or second shooting mode; and means for shifting to the second shooting mode when the second shooting mode is selected by the mode selection means. The mobile phone with a camera function according to claim 7. An imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a display memory for displaying the generated image data on a display unit, and a recording memory for recording image data for recording on a recording medium A program executable on an electronic still camera,
A program step for detecting the first shooting mode or the second shooting mode;
A program step for setting a frame rate to a predetermined value when the first shooting mode is detected;
A program step for setting a frame rate slower than the predetermined value when the second shooting mode is detected;
A program step for rewriting the display memory at the set frame rate, and a program step for displaying a video through image of a subject on the display unit;
A program step of temporarily storing image data from the imaging unit in the image memory;
A program step for detecting a shooting instruction, and a program step for causing the image data corresponding to the image that is displayed through when the shooting instruction is detected to be extracted from the image memory and recorded in the recording memory;
A program characterized by comprising: An imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a display memory for displaying the generated image data on a display unit, and a recording memory for recording image data for recording on a recording medium A program executable on a mobile phone with a camera function,
A program step for detecting the first shooting mode or the second shooting mode;
A program step for setting the frame rate to a predetermined value in the first shooting mode;
In the second shooting mode, a program step for setting a frame rate slower than the predetermined value;
A program step for rewriting the display memory at the set frame rate, and a program step for displaying a video through image of a subject on the display unit;
A program step of temporarily storing image data from the imaging unit in the image memory;
A program step for detecting a shooting instruction, and a program step for causing the image data corresponding to the image that is displayed through when the shooting instruction is detected to be extracted from the image memory and recorded in the recording memory;
A program characterized by comprising:

Images