JP2006238277A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image display apparatus which enables a best shot to be easily and speedily found from among a series of images resulting from high-speed consecutive photographing. <P>SOLUTION: A user performs predetermined operation using an image selection operating part 420 and outputs an instruction to select a reproduction display image onto a display data selecting part 424. Thus, in at least one of a focus data comparing part 426 and a luminance data comparing part 428 within the display data selecting part 424, based on focus data 412 or luminance data 418 recorded on a recording medium 404 in accordance with image data 406, the reproduction display image is selected. The reproduction display image selected by the focus data comparing part 426 is then reproduced and displayed on an image display part 422. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera, and more particularly to a digital camera that reproduces and displays an image acquired by photographing.

  In recent years, many digital cameras have a single shooting mode and a continuous shooting mode as operation modes at the time of shooting. The single shooting mode is an operation mode in which an image of one frame is taken in response to the user pressing the release button. On the other hand, the continuous shooting mode is an operation mode in which the shooting operation is repeated while the user presses the release button, thereby shooting a plurality of frames. Here, the continuous shooting speed in the continuous shooting mode tends to increase particularly in a single-lens reflex camera, and is expected to reach several tens of frames per second in the future. When shooting is performed in such an ultra-high speed continuous shooting mode, image files for several tens of frames are recorded on a recording medium in one continuous shooting.

  By the way, the biggest reason for photographing in the continuous shooting mode is to surely obtain the best shot. Therefore, after continuous shooting, it is important to be able to easily and quickly find the best shot image from a series of images obtained by continuous shooting. As a technique for searching for such a best shot image, a technique is generally known in which a button for image selection is operated and images are displayed one by one on a liquid crystal monitor or the like. However, with such a method, the confirmation work may become complicated if the number of images taken by continuous shooting increases.

  Therefore, various proposals have been made as techniques relating to reproduction display of images taken by continuous shooting. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 propose the following methods. In Patent Document 1, a plurality of images taken by continuous shooting are reduced and simultaneously displayed (multi-index display). In Patent Document 2, only the representative image (one or a plurality of images) is displayed in the first selection operation.

In addition to this, there is a method of displaying an image taken by continuous shooting as one moving image.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-304301 JP 2001-28579 A

  Here, in the case of the multi-index display proposed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to confirm the details of the image because the image is displayed in a reduced size. Further, the method of displaying the representative image proposed in Patent Document 2 is suitable for searching for a group of images including the best shot, but for searching for the best shot image, one image in the group is used. Since it is necessary to check images one by one, it is not very efficient. Furthermore, in the method of displaying an image obtained by continuous shooting as a moving image, it takes time to reproduce as the number of images increases, and accordingly, confirmation of the image also takes time.

  Here, since there is a high possibility that almost the same image is recorded on the recording medium in high-speed continuous shooting, it is like this to efficiently search for the best shot image from images taken by high-speed continuous shooting. It is desirable to be able to automatically discriminate substantially the same image.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image display device that can easily and quickly find a best shot from a series of images obtained by high-speed continuous shooting. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, a digital camera according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a focus calculation means for calculating a focus state of a taking lens, a plurality of image data shot in a continuous shooting mode, and the image data. Storage means for storing data, reading means for reading data stored in the storage means, display means for displaying image data read by the reading means, and display on the display means The first image, which is the middle image, and the second image, which is the image newly read by the reading means, are compared with respect to the calculation result of the focus calculating means. And display control means for controlling the display means to display the second image instead of the first image.

  In order to achieve the above object, a digital camera according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a photometric calculation means for calculating the luminance of a subject, a plurality of image data shot in the continuous shooting mode, and data related to the image data. Storage means for storing data, reading means for reading data stored in the storage means, display means for displaying image data read by the reading means, and display on the display means A first image that is an image and a second image that is newly read by the reading means are compared with respect to the calculation result of the photometric calculation means. Display control means for controlling the display means to display the second image instead of the first image.

  In order to achieve the above object, a digital camera according to the third aspect of the present invention is a camera that performs a photographing operation in a continuous photographing mode, a focal point computing unit that computes the focus state of a photographing lens, a photometric computing unit that computes the luminance of a subject A storage means for storing the plurality of image data and data related to the image data, a reading means for reading the data stored in the storage means, and the image data read by the reading means are displayed. Display means, a first image that is an image being displayed on the display means, and a second image that is a new image read by the reading means, and a calculation result of the focus calculation means and The calculation results of the photometric calculation means are respectively compared, and when it is determined that there is a difference greater than or equal to a predetermined value between the two calculation results, the second image is displayed instead of the first image. Characterized by comprising a display control means controls to display on.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image display device capable of easily and quickly finding a best shot from a series of images obtained by high-speed continuous shooting.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows an internal configuration that can be seen when a part of the digital camera body is cut to show the configuration of the digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the perspective view shown schematically. Here, as shown in the figure, in this embodiment, a single-lens reflex camera is used as the camera 1. Needless to say, the present embodiment is not limited to a single-lens reflex camera.

  The configuration of the camera according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, the camera 1 includes a lens barrel 100 and a camera body 200. In the lens barrel 100, a photographing optical system 102 composed of a plurality of optical lenses is disposed. The photographing optical system 102 is configured to be movable in the optical axis direction by a lens driving mechanism, which will be described later, and transmits a light beam from a subject (not shown) toward the inside of the camera body 200.

  An exposure opening having a predetermined aperture for guiding the light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system 102 to the inside of the camera body 200 is formed at a substantially central portion on the front side of the camera body 200. A photographing optical system mounting portion 200a is formed at the peripheral edge of the exposure opening. The lens barrel 100 is detachably attached to the camera body 200 through the photographing optical system mounting part 200a. Therefore, various lens barrels 100 can be attached to the camera body 200 according to the purpose at the time of shooting.

  Furthermore, various constituent members such as a viewfinder device 202, a shutter unit 208, an imaging unit 211, and a circuit board 200b are disposed at predetermined positions inside the camera body 200.

  The finder device 202 includes a quick return mirror (hereinafter referred to as a main mirror) 202a, a focusing screen 202b, a pentaprism 202c, and an eyepiece lens 202d.

  The main mirror 202a has a light incident surface that is a half mirror, and a position on the optical axis of the imaging optical system 102 (the position shown in FIG. 1, hereinafter referred to as a down position) and a position that is retracted from the optical axis (hereinafter, referred to as the following) (Referred to as an up position). In the normal state, the main mirror 202a is arranged with a predetermined angle, for example, 45 degrees from the optical axis of the photographing optical system 102. With such a configuration, when the camera 1 is in a normal state, a part of the light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system 102 is reflected by the main mirror 202a and a part of the light beam is transmitted through the main mirror 202a. Here, a sub mirror 203 is provided on the back surface of the main mirror 202a, and the light beam transmitted through the main mirror 202a enters an AF sensor unit described later.

  Further, the light beam reflected by the main mirror 202a forms an image on the focusing screen 202b. The image formed on the focusing screen 202b is inverted by the pentaprism 202c to become an erect image. The image formed by the pentaprism 202c is magnified by the eyepiece lens 202d. With such a configuration, the user can visually check the image of the subject.

  On the other hand, when the camera 1 is in the photographing operation state, the main mirror 202a is moved to a predetermined up position, which is a position retracted from the optical axis of the photographing optical system 102. At this time, a light beam from a subject (not shown) that has passed through the photographing optical system 102 enters the imaging unit 211 via the shutter unit 208. The shutter unit 208 is composed of, for example, a focal plane shutter mechanism. The shutter unit 208 is configured to be opened and closed by a shutter control circuit described later. By controlling the opening / closing time of the shutter unit 208, the exposure time and the like of the imaging unit 211 disposed behind the shutter unit 208 are controlled.

  The imaging unit 211 includes an imaging element 212, a dustproof filter (also referred to as dustproof glass) 213, and a piezoelectric element described later.

  The image sensor 212 includes a large number of photoelectric conversion elements (for example, photodiodes) that form a photoelectric conversion surface, and a light beam incident on the photoelectric conversion surface of the image sensor 212 is converted into an electrical signal.

  The dust filter 213 is disposed on the front side of the image sensor 212. Thus, the dust filter 213 can prevent dust from adhering to the photoelectric conversion surface of the image sensor 212. Further, the dustproof filter 213 is configured to be vibrated by a piezoelectric element described later, and dust attached to the dustproof filter 213 is removed by vibrating the dustproof filter 213. The dust filter 213 is made of a transparent member such as glass.

  Various electric circuits of the camera 1 are mounted on the circuit board 200b shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the circuit configuration inside the camera according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in detail the circuit configuration inside the camera according to the present embodiment. In addition, about the already-described component, the same referential mark as the referential mark attached | subjected at that time was attached | subjected.

  First, as described above, the camera 1 includes the lens barrel 100 and the camera body 200.

  Here, each part of the lens barrel 100 is controlled by a lens control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as Lucom) 101. On the other hand, each part of the camera body 200 is controlled by a body control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as Bucom) 201. Here, when the lens barrel 100 is attached to the camera body 200, the Lucom 101 and the Bucom 201 are communicably connected via the communication connector 101a. In this case, as a camera system, the Lucom 101 is operated so as to be subordinate to the Bucom 201.

  Further, as described above, the photographing optical system 102 is disposed inside the lens barrel 100. Here, in FIG. 2, a plurality of optical lenses constituting the photographing optical system 102 are representatively illustrated as one optical lens. The photographing optical system 102 is driven in the optical axis direction by a DC motor (not shown) existing in the lens driving mechanism 103.

  A diaphragm 104 is provided behind the photographic optical system 102. The diaphragm 104 is driven to open and close by a stepping motor (not shown) existing in the diaphragm drive mechanism 105. By controlling the opening and closing of the diaphragm 104, the amount of light flux from the subject incident on the camera body 200 via the photographing optical system 102 is controlled.

  Here, the control of the DC motor in the lens driving mechanism 103 and the control of the stepping motor in the aperture driving mechanism 105 are performed by the Lucom 101 that has received a command from the Bucom 201.

  In addition, a finder device including a main mirror 202a, a focusing screen 202b, a pentaprism 202c, and an eyepiece lens 202d is provided inside the camera body 200. When the camera 1 is in the normal state, as described above, a part of the light beam from the subject incident through the photographing optical system 102 is reflected by the main mirror 202a. As a result, an observation image is formed via the focusing screen 202b, the pentaprism 202c, and the eyepiece 202d.

  Here, a photometric circuit 204 is provided in the vicinity of the pentaprism 202c, and a part of the light beam that has passed through the pentaprism 202c is incident on a luminance sensor (not shown) in the photometric circuit 204. In the photometry circuit 204, a well-known photometry process is performed based on the light amount of the light beam detected by the luminance sensor. The result processed by the photometry circuit 204 is transmitted to the Bucom 201. In the Bucom 201, the exposure amount at the time of photographing is calculated based on the result input from the photometry circuit 204. This result is transmitted from Bucom 201 to Lucom 101. In the Lucom 101, drive control of the diaphragm 104 is performed based on the exposure amount notified from the Bucom 201.

  Further, the light beam transmitted through the main mirror 202a and reflected by the sub mirror 203 is guided to an AF sensor unit 205 for performing an automatic focus adjustment process (AF process). An AF sensor for performing, for example, phase difference AF is provided inside the AF sensor unit 205. The light beam incident on the AF sensor is converted into an electric signal. The output from the AF sensor of the AF sensor unit 205 is transmitted to the Bucom 201 via the AF sensor driving circuit 206. Then, ranging processing is performed in Bucom 201, and the focus state (defocus amount in the case of the phase difference method) of the photographing optical system 102 is calculated. This result is transmitted from Bucom 201 to Lucom 101. In the Lucom 101, drive control of the photographing optical system 102 is performed based on the focus state notified from the Bucom 201.

  Further, when the camera 1 is in the photographing operation state, the main mirror 202a is moved to a predetermined up position where it is retracted from the optical axis of the photographing optical system 102. Such driving of the main mirror 202 a is performed by the mirror driving mechanism 207. The mirror drive mechanism 207 is controlled by the Bucom 201. Here, when the main mirror 202a is moved to the up position, the sub mirror 203 is folded accordingly.

  When the main mirror 202 a is moved to the up position, the light beam from the subject that has passed through the photographing optical system 102 enters the direction of the shutter unit 208. The spring force for driving the front curtain and rear curtain constituting the focal plane type shutter unit 208 is charged by the shutter charge mechanism 209. The front curtain and the rear curtain are driven by the shutter control circuit 210. The shutter charge mechanism 209 and the shutter control circuit 210 are controlled by the Bucom 201.

  The light beam that has passed through the shutter unit 208 is incident on the image sensor 212 inside the imaging unit 211 disposed behind the shutter unit 208. Note that, as described above, the image sensor 212 is protected by the dust-proof filter 213 disposed between the image sensor 212 and the photographing optical system 102.

  Here, the piezoelectric element 214 is attached to the periphery of the dustproof filter 213 in order to vibrate the dustproof filter 213 at a predetermined vibration frequency. The piezoelectric element 214 has two electrodes and is driven by a dustproof filter driving circuit 215. The dust filter 213 is controlled by the Bucom 201. The dust filter 213 vibrates by vibrating the piezoelectric element 214 by the dust filter driving circuit 215. As a result, dust adhering to the surface of the dustproof filter 213 is removed.

  The imaging element 212 and the piezoelectric element 214 are integrally stored in a case having the dust filter 213 as one surface. Thereby, adhesion of dust to the image sensor 212 can be reliably prevented.

  A temperature measurement circuit 216 is provided in the vicinity of the imaging unit 211. Usually, the temperature affects the elastic modulus of a glass material. That is, since the change in temperature becomes one of the factors that change the natural frequency of the dust filter 213, the ambient temperature is always measured when the dust filter 213 is vibrated.

  The temperature measurement point of the temperature measurement circuit 216 is preferably set in the vicinity of the vibration surface of the dustproof filter 213. In this way, by controlling the vibration of the dustproof filter 213 in consideration of changes in temperature, the dustproof filter 213 can always be vibrated under optimum conditions.

  The electrical signal (image signal) obtained by the imaging device 212 is read out and digitized via the imaging interface circuit 217 at every predetermined timing. Image data obtained by digitization by the imaging interface circuit 217 is stored in a buffer memory 219 configured by SDRAM or the like via an image processing controller 218. Here, the buffer memory 219 is a memory for temporarily storing data such as image data, and is used as a work area when various processes are performed on the image data.

  When electronic viewfinder (EVF) display is performed, the image processing controller 218 reads out the image data read out via the imaging interface circuit 217 and stored in the buffer memory 219. The image data read by the image processing controller 218 is subjected to image processing such as white balance correction for EVF display, and then stored in the buffer memory 219. Thereafter, the image data stored in the buffer memory 219 is read out by the image processing controller 218 in units of frames and converted into video signals. This video signal is resized to a predetermined size for display and then displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 222 as a display means. The EVF display is performed only before the photographing operation, that is, when the main mirror 202a is at the up position.

  Further, after the photographing is finished, the image processing controller 218 reads out the image data read out via the imaging interface circuit 217 and stored in the buffer memory 219. The image data read by the image processing controller 218 is stored in the buffer memory 219 after being subjected to known image processing such as white balance correction, gradation correction, and color correction. Thereafter, the image data stored in the buffer memory 219 is read by the image processing controller 218, converted into a video signal, resized to a predetermined size for display, and then output and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222. The user can confirm the photographed image with the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222.

  At the time of image recording, the image data processed by the image processing controller 218 is compressed by a known compression method such as the JPEG method. JPEG data obtained by JPEG compression is stored in the buffer memory 219 and then recorded on the Flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221 as a JPEG file to which predetermined header information is added. Here, the Flash ROM 220 is assumed to be a memory built in the camera 1, and the recording medium 221 is assumed to be mounted outside the camera 1. As the recording medium 221, for example, a memory card or a hard disk drive configured to be detachable from the camera 1 is used.

  Further, when an image is reproduced from a JPEG file recorded on the Flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221, the JPEG data recorded on the Flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221 is read and decompressed by the image processing controller 218. Thereafter, the decompressed data is converted into a video signal, resized to a predetermined size for display, and output and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222.

  The Bucom 201 is connected to a nonvolatile memory 223 that stores predetermined control parameters necessary for camera control. The non-volatile memory 223 is composed of, for example, a rewritable EEPROM.

  Further, a battery 225 as a power source is connected to the Bucom 201 via a power circuit 224. In the power supply circuit 224, the voltage of the battery 225 is converted into a voltage required by each part of the camera system and supplied to each part of the camera system.

  Further, the Bucom 201 includes an operation display LCD 226 for notifying the user of the operation state of the camera 1 by display output, and a camera operation switch (SW) 227 for detecting operation states of various operation members of the camera 1. And are connected.

  Hereinafter, various operation members of the camera according to the present embodiment will be described. 3 to 6 are external views of the camera 1 for explaining the operation members of the camera according to the present embodiment. 3 shows a top view of the camera 1, FIG. 4 shows a front view of the camera 1, FIG. 5 shows a side view of the camera 1, and FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the camera 1.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, on the upper surface of the camera 1, a power switch lever 301, a release button 302, a mode dial 303, a sub dial 304, an ISO button 305, an exposure correction button 306, and a white balance are provided. A (WB) button 307, an image quality mode button 308, a flash mode button 309, and a LIGHT button 310 are provided.

  The power switch lever 301 is an operation member for turning on / off the power of the camera 1. By turning the power switch lever 301, the main power supply of the camera 1 is switched on / off.

  The release button 302 is a button for executing a shooting preparation operation and an exposure operation. This release button is composed of a two-stage switch of a first release switch and a second release switch. When the release button 302 is pressed halfway, the first release switch is turned on to perform photometry processing or distance measurement. A shooting preparation operation such as processing is executed. Further, when the release button 302 is fully pressed, the second release switch is turned on to perform the exposure operation.

  A mode dial 303 is an operation member for setting a shooting mode at the time of shooting. By rotating the mode dial 303, a shooting mode at the time of shooting is set. In the example of FIG. 3, for example, five modes of a program AE mode (P), an aperture priority AE mode (A), a shutter priority AE mode (S), a manual mode (M), and a scene mode (SCN) can be set. .

  The program AE mode is a mode in which an exposure operation is performed according to the exposure conditions (aperture value and shutter speed) calculated by the camera 1. The aperture priority AE mode is a mode in which exposure is performed with the shutter speed set according to the aperture value set by the user. The shutter priority AE mode is a mode in which exposure is performed with an aperture value set according to the shutter speed set by the user. The manual mode is a mode in which exposure is performed with an aperture value and shutter speed set by the user. The scene mode is a mode in which shooting is performed under conditions suitable for various shooting scenes. In the scene mode, it is necessary to set a desired scene on the menu screen with the mode dial 303 set to SCN.

  The sub dial 304 is an operation member that is operated in a state where another operation member is pressed. By rotating the sub dial 304, it is possible to change the setting of the function related to the operation member currently pressed by the user. Here, when the setting using the sub dial 304 is performed, the operation state of the camera 1 at that time is displayed on the operation display LCD 226. The user can change the setting while viewing this display.

  The ISO button 305 is a button for setting the imaging device sensitivity (corresponding to the ISO sensitivity of the film) during the exposure operation. When the dial operation is performed while the ISO button 305 is pressed, the setting of the image sensor sensitivity during the exposure operation is changed.

  The exposure correction button 306 is a button for setting an exposure correction value for correcting the exposure amount during the exposure operation. When the dial operation is performed while the exposure correction button 306 is pressed, the value of the exposure correction value is changed. By setting the exposure correction value, for example, even when the exposure amount automatically calculated by the camera 1 in the program AE mode or the like is not appropriate, it is possible to perform shooting while correcting this.

  The WB button 307 is a button for setting how white balance is performed. By performing a dial operation while the WB button 307 is pressed, the white balance setting is changed to auto white balance or preset white balance.

  In auto white balance, white balance correction is automatically performed by the camera 1. Further, in the preset light source white balance, white balance correction is performed under conditions set in advance according to various light sources such as sunlight in fine weather, fluorescent lamps, and light bulbs.

  The image quality mode button 308 is a button for setting an image quality mode (image size and compression rate) at the time of image recording. The image quality mode is changed by performing a dial operation while the image quality mode button 308 is pressed.

  The flash mode button 309 is a button for setting the light emission mode of the external flash device when an external flash device (not shown) is attached to the camera 1. By performing a dial operation while the flash mode button 309 is pressed, the light emission mode is changed in the order of, for example, an auto light emission mode, a red-eye reduction light emission mode, a slow sync mode, and a forced light emission mode.

  The auto light emission mode is a mode in which conditions such as the light emission amount of the external flash device are automatically set by the camera 1. The red-eye reduction flash mode is a mode in which pre-flash for red-eye reduction is performed prior to shooting. The slow sync mode is a mode in which flash emission is performed by using a low-speed shutter together, and is an effective mode for night scene shooting and the like. The forced light emission mode is a mode in which the flash is emitted regardless of shooting conditions.

  The LIGHT button 310 is a button for turning on or off the backlight of the operation display LCD 226.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a one-touch white balance (WB) button 311 is provided on the front of the camera 1. The one-touch WB button 311 is a button for registering white balance conditions that cannot be handled by auto white balance or preset white balance.

  As shown in FIG. 5, an auto bracket (BKT) button 312, a photometry mode button 313, a DRIVE mode button 314, and a focus mode lever 315 are provided on the side surface of the camera 1.

  The BKT button 312 is a button for setting the number of shots, exposure correction amount, and white balance gain during bracket shooting. In bracket shooting, a plurality of images with different exposure amounts and white balance gains are shot. When the dial operation is performed while the BKT button 312 is pressed, the number of shots, the exposure correction amount, and the white balance gain are changed.

  The photometry mode button 313 is a button for setting a photometry mode at the time of photometry processing. When a dial operation is performed while the photometry mode button 313 is pressed, the photometry mode is changed in the order of, for example, spot photometry mode, center-weighted average photometry mode, and evaluation photometry mode.

  The spot photometry mode is a mode in which photometry processing is performed based on the amount of light within an extremely narrow range on the screen. Further, the center-weighted average metering mode is a mode in which metering processing is focused on the center portion in the screen. Further, the evaluation photometry mode is a mode in which the final photometry result is obtained by dividing the inside of the screen into a plurality of areas and performing photometry processing and evaluating the result obtained for each divided area.

  The DRIVE mode button 314 is a button for setting the operation mode of the camera 1. When the dial operation is performed while the DRIVE mode button 314 is pressed, the operation mode is changed in the order of, for example, a single shooting mode, a continuous shooting (continuous shooting) mode, a self mode, and a remote control mode.

  The single shooting mode is a mode in which a single frame image is shot in response to a full pressing operation of the release button 302 by the user. Further, the continuous shooting mode is a mode in which the shooting operation is repeated while the user fully presses the release button 302, thereby shooting a plurality of frames. The self mode is a mode in which so-called self-timer shooting is performed in which an exposure operation is performed after a predetermined time after the release button 302 is fully pressed. The remote control mode is a mode for enabling the camera 1 to be operated by a remote controller (not shown).

  The focus mode lever 315 is an operation member for setting an AF mode at the time of shooting. By switching the focus mode lever 315, the AF mode is changed in the order of, for example, a single AF mode, a continuous AF mode, and a power focus (PF) mode.

  The single AF mode is a mode in which the focus state of the photographing optical system 102 is fixed until the half-press of the release button 302 is released after the focus control of the photographing optical system 102 is once performed. The continuous AF mode is a mode in which focus control of the photographing optical system 102 is performed following the movement of the subject. The PF mode is a mode in which the user can manually adjust the focus of the photographing optical system 102.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, on the back of the camera 1, there are a main dial 316, an AF frame button 317, an AE lock button 318, a playback mode button 319, an erase button 320, a protect button 321 and information. A display button 322, a menu button 323, a cross button 324, and an OK button 325 are provided.

  The main dial 316 is an operation member having the same function as that of the sub dial 304. When the main dial 316 is rotated, the setting of the function related to the operation member currently pressed by the user can be changed. Is possible.

  The AF frame button 317 is a button for selecting an AF method at the time of shooting. When the dial operation is performed while the AF frame button 317 is being pressed, the AF method is changed to, for example, multi AF or spot AF.

  In multi AF, the focus state of a plurality of ranging points in the screen is detected. On the other hand, in the spot AF, the focus state of one point (can be selected from a plurality of candidates) in the screen is detected.

  The AE lock button 318 is a button for fixing exposure conditions. While the AE lock button 318 is being pressed, the exposure amount calculated at that time is fixed.

  The playback mode button 319 is a button for switching the operation mode of the camera 1 to a playback mode in which an image can be played back from a JPEG file recorded on the Flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221.

  The delete button 320 is a button for deleting the image data (JPEG file) from the flash ROM 220 and the recording medium 221 during the playback mode.

  The protect button 321 is a button for protecting the image data so that the image data is not accidentally erased during the reproduction mode.

  The information display button 322 is a button for displaying image information based on additional information (for example, Exif information) of image data.

  The menu button 323 is a button for displaying a menu screen on the liquid crystal monitor 222. This menu screen is composed of menu items having a plurality of hierarchical structures. The user can select a desired menu item with the cross button 324 and can determine the item selected with the OK button 325. Here, the menu items include, for example, a setup menu for the Flash ROM 220 and the recording medium 221, a shooting menu capable of setting image data quality, image processing, scene mode, and the like, playback conditions during image playback, and settings during image printing. There are a playback menu that allows the user to perform various operations, a custom menu that allows various fine settings according to the photographer's preference, and a setup menu that sets the operating state of the camera such as the type of warning sound.

  For example, when setting the scene mode, a desired scene can be selected on the menu screen while the mode dial 303 is set to the scene mode (SCN). Examples of this scene include portrait, sports, commemorative photo, landscape, night view, and the like. In accordance with the selected scene, shooting conditions such as exposure conditions, flash emission conditions, photometry mode, AF method, and continuous shooting interval are set.

  The concept of the control flow in the camera according to this embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a control flow at the time of image recording and image reproduction display in the digital camera according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4A is a conceptual diagram regarding control during image recording (in continuous shooting mode), and FIG. 4B reproduces and displays data recorded in accordance with the control shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram regarding the control at the time of doing.

  First, the correspondence between each component shown in FIG. 7 and each component in FIG. 6 described above will be described.

  The imaging unit 400 corresponds to, for example, the imaging unit 211 and the imaging interface circuit 217 in FIG. Here, the imaging element 212 in the imaging unit 211 is driven by the imaging interface circuit 217 to image a subject and acquire imaging data.

  The image processing unit 402 corresponds to, for example, the image processing controller 218 in FIG. Here, image processing is performed on the imaging data that is the output of the imaging unit 400.

  The recording medium 404 corresponds to, for example, the recording medium 221 in FIG. The recording medium 404 records data.

  Image data 406 is image data that is output from the image processing unit 402. The image data is recorded on the recording medium 404.

  The focus detection sensor 408 corresponds to, for example, the AF sensor in the AF sensor unit 205 in FIG. Accordingly, the focus detection sensor 408 (AF sensor) is controlled by the AF sensor driving circuit 206 in the circuit configuration in FIG. 2, for example, and outputs predetermined focus detection data.

  For example, the body calculation microcomputer (Bucom) 201 and the lens control microcomputer (Lucom) 101 in FIG. Specifically, a signal detected by the focus detection sensor 408 (AF sensor in the AF sensor unit 205) is transmitted to the focus calculation unit 410 (Bucom 201) via the AF sensor drive circuit 206. In response, the focus calculation unit 410 (Bucom 201) performs distance measurement processing to calculate the focus state of the photographic optical system 102, and calculates the drive amount of the photographic optical system 102 (see FIG. 2) necessary for focus adjustment. Is done. Then, based on the drive amount calculated here, drive control of the photographing optical system 102 is performed by the focus calculation unit 410 (Lucom 101) to obtain a focused state.

  The focus data 412 is data related to the focus state of the photographing optical system 102 calculated by the focus calculation unit 410. The focus data 412 is recorded on the recording medium 404 together with the image data 406 as image related data of the image data 406.

  The luminance detection sensor 414 corresponds to, for example, the AE sensor (luminance sensor) in the photometry circuit 204 in FIG. Here, luminance detection is performed.

  For example, in FIG. 2, the luminance control unit 416 has the function of the body control microcomputer 201. Here, the luminance information of the subject is calculated from the output of the luminance detection sensor 414.

  The luminance data 418 is data relating to the luminance of the subject (not shown) calculated by the luminance calculation unit 416. The luminance data 418 is recorded on the recording medium 404 together with the image data 406 as image related data of the image data 406.

  The image selection operation unit 420 is a group of operation switches operated by the user when performing image reproduction display. Specifically, for example, a cross button 324 shown in FIG. 6 corresponds.

  The image display unit 422 corresponds to, for example, the liquid crystal monitor 222 in FIG.

  The display data selection unit 424 includes a focus data comparison unit 426 and a luminance data comparison unit 428 described later. Here, the image-related data relating to the latest image data read from the recording medium 404 is compared with the image-related data relating to the previous image data, and whether or not the latest image data is reproduced and displayed on the image display unit 422. Determine whether.

  The focus data comparison unit 426 performs the determination using the focus data 412 as the determination as to whether or not the display data selection unit 424 performs the reproduction display.

  The luminance data comparison unit 428 performs the determination using the luminance data 418 as the determination as to whether or not the display data selection unit 424 performs reproduction display.

  Next, the concept of the control flow in the camera according to the present embodiment by the above-described components will be described.

  First, with reference to FIG. 7A, a control flow at the time of image capturing and recording will be described. Here, for the purpose of conceptually explaining the flow of control at the time of image capturing and recording in the present embodiment, a detailed description of the control will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the imaging data captured and acquired by the imaging unit 400 is sent to the image processing unit 402 and subjected to predetermined image processing, and then recorded on the recording medium 404 as image data 406.

  Further, at the time of imaging by the imaging unit 400, focus detection is performed by the focus detection sensor 408 for each captured image, and based on the detection result, the focus data 412 subjected to calculation processing by the focus calculation unit 410 is obtained. It is recorded on the recording medium 404 in association with the image data 406.

  Further, at the time of imaging by the imaging unit 400, photometry is performed for each image by the luminance detection sensor 414, and based on the photometry result, the luminance data 418 subjected to arithmetic processing by the luminance calculation unit 416 is converted into the image. It is recorded on the recording medium 404 in association with the data 406.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the focus data 412 and the brightness data 418 corresponding to each image data 406 are recorded on the recording medium 404 together with the image data 406 at the time of image capturing.

  Note that the image data 406, the focus data 412 and the luminance data 418 may be recorded in any form as long as they are associated with each other and recorded on the recording medium 404. For example, the image data 406, the focus data 412 and the brightness data 418 may be recorded as separate files on the recording medium 404, or the focus data 412 and the brightness data may be included in the header information of the image data 406. Of course, the data 418 may be recorded.

  Here, as described above, it is assumed that image shooting is performed in the continuous shooting mode. Therefore, a large number of image data are captured and recorded in a short time. In this embodiment, the focus data 412 and the brightness data 418 recorded on the recording medium 404 as described above are image data to be reproduced and displayed when searching for the best shot from the large number of image data 406. This is used to determine selection of 406.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7B, the concept of the control flow in the image reproduction display during the best shot search will be described. In addition, here, for the purpose of conceptually explaining the flow of control in the present embodiment, a detailed description of the control will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  In the present embodiment, a case where a reproduction display image is selected based on the focus data 412 will be described. (In the second embodiment described later, a case where a reproduction display image is selected based on the luminance data 418 will be described. To do).

  First, the user performs a predetermined operation using the image selection operation unit 420 and instructs the display data selection unit 424 to select a reproduction display image. As a result, the focus data comparison unit 426 in the display data selection unit 424 selects a playback display image based on the focus data 412 recorded on the recording medium 404 in association with the image data 406 ( For details, refer to the explanation of the flowchart of the subroutine shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, the reproduction display image selected by the focus data comparison unit 426 is reproduced and displayed on the image display unit 422.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the operation control at the time of imaging | photography of the camera which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated. The process in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is started when the release button 302 is half-pressed by the user.

  First, when the release button 302 is half-pressed by the user, the first release switch is turned on. In response to this, the photometric circuit 204 performs photometric processing to generate luminance data. This result is transmitted to Bucom 201, and the exposure amount is calculated in Bucom 201 (step S1). Next, a signal detected by the AF sensor unit 205 is transmitted to the Bucom 201 via the AF sensor driving circuit 206. In response to this, the Bucom 201 performs distance measurement processing to calculate the focus state of the photographing optical system 102. Then, the drive amount of the photographing optical system 102 necessary for focus adjustment is calculated in the Lucom 101 according to the focus state. Then, the photographing optical system 102 is driven based on the driving amount calculated here (step S2).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the second release switch has been turned on by the user, that is, whether or not the release button 302 has been fully pressed (step S3). If the second release switch is not turned on in step S3, the process branches from step S3 to step S19 to determine whether or not the first release switch remains on (step S19). If it is determined in step S19 that the first release switch remains ON, the process returns from step S19 to step S3. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S19 that the first release switch has been turned off, the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  If the second release switch is turned on in step S3, the process branches from step S3 to step S4, and the main mirror 202a is moved to the up position (step S4).

  Subsequently, the aperture 104 is reduced based on the exposure amount calculated in step S1 (step S5). Next, the imaging operation of the image sensor 212 is started (step S6). Thereafter, the shutter 208 is opened / closed based on the exposure amount calculated in step S1 (step S7). After the shutter unit 208 is closed, the imaging operation of the imaging device 212 is stopped (step S8).

  The electric signal (image signal) obtained by the image pickup device 212 is read out and digitized via the image pickup interface circuit at every predetermined timing. Further, the image data obtained by digitization by the imaging interface circuit 217 is subjected to known image processing such as white balance correction, gradation correction, and color correction by the image processing controller 218 (S9).

  Thereafter, the image data is stored in the buffer memory 219 (step S10). The buffer memory 219 has a capacity sufficient to temporarily store a large number of image data shot by high-speed continuous shooting.

  Next, the diaphragm 104 is opened (step S11), and the main mirror 202a is moved to the down position (step S12).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the operation mode of the camera 1 is a continuous shooting mode (step S13). If it is determined that the continuous shooting mode is selected, the process branches to step S20 to determine whether or not the second release switch remains ON (step S20).

  If it is determined in step S20 that the second release switch remains ON, the next image is captured. First, the process branches to step S21, and the photometric circuit 204 performs photometric processing again to generate luminance data. This result is transmitted to Bucom 201, and the exposure amount is calculated in Bucom 201 (step S21).

  Further, in the subsequent step S <b> 22, a signal detected by the AF sensor unit 205 is transmitted to the Bucom 201 via the AF sensor driving circuit 206. In response to this, the Bucom 201 performs distance measurement processing to generate focus data, and based on this focus data, the driving amount of the photographing optical system 102 necessary for focus adjustment is calculated. Then, the photographing optical system 102 is driven based on the driving amount calculated here (step S22). Hereinafter, the processing after step S4 described above is followed again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that the second release has been turned off, the process branches to step S23, and the continuous shooting is terminated. In step S23, image files corresponding to the number of frames for shooting described above are created. That is, an image file corresponding to each frame shot by continuous shooting is created (step S23). Here, in the present embodiment, the focus data generated in steps S2 and S22 and the luminance data generated in steps S1 and S21 are recorded in the header information of the image file created for each frame. Like that.

  If it is determined in step S13 that the continuous shooting mode is not selected, the process branches to step S14. In step S14, an image file of image data is created by single shooting (step S14).

  The image file created in step S14 and step S23 is recorded on the recording medium 221 in step S15.

  Thereafter, in step S16, it is determined whether or not the first release switch remains ON (step S16). If it is determined in step S16 that the first release switch remains ON, the process returns from step S16 to step S1. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the first release switch has been turned OFF, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is terminated, and the process returns to the main process of the camera 1 (not shown).

  Hereinafter, processing when the image data recorded as described above is reproduced will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the processing in the flowchart shown in the figure is performed by the Bucom 201 and the image processing controller 218 constituting the display control means.

  When the playback mode button 319 is pressed by the user and the operation mode of the camera 1 is switched to the playback mode, the processing in FIG. 9 is started. First, among the plurality of images recorded on the Flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221, the latest image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 (step S101). Here, the latest image is the last image taken. However, when the image is the last image among images obtained by continuous shooting, the first image of continuous shooting is displayed as the latest image.

  After the latest image data is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222, the displayed image is set as a reference image (step S102). This reference image is an image that serves as a reference for image comparison in an image search process to be described later.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the right side of the cross button 324 has been pressed (step S103). If it is determined in step S103 that the right side of the cross button 324 has been pressed, step S103 is branched to step S111, and the image immediately before the image currently displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is displayed. (Step S111). If the image currently displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is the first image taken, the last image taken is displayed. After the previous image is displayed, the process proceeds to step S107.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the right side of the cross button 324 has not been pressed, step S103 is branched to step S104, and it is determined whether or not the left side of the cross button 324 has been pressed (step S104). ). If it is determined in step S104 that the left side of the cross button 324 has been pressed, step S104 is branched to step S121, and the image immediately after the image currently displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is displayed. (Step S121). If the image currently displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is the last image taken, the first image taken is displayed. After the next image is displayed, the process proceeds to step S107.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the left side of the cross button 324 has not been pressed, step S104 is branched to step S105, and it is determined whether or not the upper side of the cross button 324 has been pressed (step S105). ). If it is determined in step S105 that the upper side of the cross button 324 has been pressed, step S105 is branched to step S131, and the image search 1 process is performed (step S131). The processing of this image search 1 will be described later. After the end of the image search 1 process, the image searched for by the image search 1 process is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 (step S132). After the image is displayed, the process proceeds to step S107.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the upper side of the cross button 324 has not been pressed, step S105 is branched to step S106, and it is determined whether or not the lower side of the cross button 324 has been pressed (step S106). ). If it is determined in step S106 that the lower side of the cross button 324 is pressed, step S106 is branched to step S141, and the image search 2 process is performed (step S141). The processing of this image search 2 will be described later. After completion of the image search 2 process, the image searched by the image search 2 process is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 (step S142). After the image is displayed, the process proceeds to step S107.

  After the above processing, it is determined whether or not the playback mode button 319 or the release button 302 has been pressed (step S107). In step S107, if neither the playback mode button 319 nor the release button 302 is pressed, step S107 is branched to step S102, and the image currently displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is the next reference image. Set to On the other hand, if it is determined in step S107 that the playback mode button 319 or the release button 302 is pressed, the processing in FIG. 9 is terminated and the processing returns to the main processing of the camera 1.

  Hereinafter, the processing of the image search 1 in step S131 shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the process of image search 1, first, the previous image data displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is read out via the image processing controller 218 as a reading means (step S201). Note that if the image currently displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is the first photographed image, the last photographed image is read out.

  Next, the image data (that is, the reference image) currently displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is compared with the image data newly read in step S201 (hereinafter referred to as a comparison image), and the reference image and the comparison image are compared. Are compared with each other (step S202). The comparison process with the reference image will be described later.

  Next, as a result of the comparison process with the reference image, it is determined whether or not the degree of coincidence between the reference image and the comparison image is high (step S203). If it is determined in step S203 that the degree of coincidence is high, step S203 is branched to step S201, and the previous image is read out.

  On the other hand, if the degree of coincidence is low in the determination in step S203, step S203 is branched to step S204, and the image read in step S201 is selected as the next image to be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222. (Step S204).

  Hereinafter, the processing of the image search 2 in step S141 shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the process of image search 2, first, the next image data displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is read from the flash ROM 220 or the recording medium 221 via the image processing controller 218 (step S211). If the image currently displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is the last image taken, the first image taken is read out.

  Next, the reference image currently displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is compared with the comparison image, and the degree of coincidence between the reference image and the comparison image is determined (step S212). The comparison process with the reference image will be described later.

  Next, as a result of the comparison process with the reference image, it is determined whether or not the degree of coincidence between the reference image and the comparison image is high (step S213). If it is determined in step S213 that the degree of coincidence is high, step S213 is branched to step S211, and the next image is read out.

  On the other hand, if the degree of coincidence is low in the determination in step S213, step S213 is branched to step S214, and the image read in step S211 is selected as the next image to be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222. (Step S214).

  FIG. 12 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating a comparison process with the reference image illustrated in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11.

  In the comparison process with the reference image, first, focus data of the reference image is extracted (step S301). Next, focus data of the comparison image is extracted (step S302). Then, the difference between the focus data of the reference image and the focus data of the comparison image is calculated (step S303).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the difference in focus data calculated in step S303 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S304). It should be noted that a default value may be provided as the predetermined value, and it is of course possible for the user to set a desired number of stages (for example, three stages of large, medium, and small).

  If it is determined in step S303 that the difference in focus data is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the matching degree between the reference image and the comparison image is high (step S305). Specifically, in step S305, when the difference between the focus data of both images is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the degree of coincidence between both images is high, and a predetermined “high coincidence flag” is set. After that, the process returns to use the result of this step for the determination in S203 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 or S213 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the difference in focus data is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, it is determined that the degree of coincidence between the reference image and the comparison image is low (step S306). Specifically, in step S306, when the difference between the focus data of the two images is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the difference between the two images is large, that is, the matching degree between the two images is low. “Clear”. After that, the process returns to use the result of this step for the determination in S203 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 or S213 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S306, the image determined to have a low degree of coincidence is selected as the next image to be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 in the processing of FIGS. At the same time, the image is set as a reference image, and thereafter the above-described comparison is performed based on the image.

  It should be noted that to what extent dissimilar images are displayed is determined by the predetermined value in step S304 in FIG. The predetermined value may be set by the user.

  Next, an example of the focus data will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The graph shown in the figure is a graph showing time (imaging timing) on the horizontal axis and the absolute position of the imaging optical system 102 on the vertical axis when five images are continuously shot using the camera according to the present embodiment. is there. Note that the absolute position of the photographing optical system 102 indicates a position on a focus cam (not shown).

  Further, as a unit of position, a value indicated by a focus encoder (not shown) or the number of pulses of PI (photo interrupter) that generates a pulse with rotation of a lens driving motor in the lens driving mechanism 103 is used. . It goes without saying that values other than these may be used as position units. Here, it is assumed that the lens position value increases when the photographing optical system 102 is extended, and conversely, the lens position value decreases when it is retracted.

  Here, the lens position corresponding to the vertical axis in the graph shown in FIG. 13 is the position of the imaging optical system 102 in the following state. This state is a state in which the photographing optical system 102 is in a focused state. In this state, the focus state (defocus amount in the case of the TTL phase difference method) of the photographing optical system 102 calculated by the Bucom 201 is transmitted to the Lucom 101, and the Lucom 101 determines the drive motor in the lens drive mechanism 103 from the defocus amount. It is obtained by calculating the drive amount and driving the photographic optical system 102. Here, the Lucom 101 transmits the value of the lens position to the Bucom 201 as focus data.

  Hereinafter, the determination of the degree of coincidence in the focus data will be described with reference to the graph shown in FIG. The focus data here is the difference between the lens position when the reference image is captured and the lens position when the comparative image is captured. If this difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined that the degree of coincidence is low, and the reproduced display image is updated in S132 or S142 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  For example, the first image taken is a reference image. In this case, the lens position Y1 at the photographing time T1 is the lens position in the reference image. On the other hand, the second image taken is a comparative image, and the lens position Y2 at time T2 is the lens position in the comparative image. Here, the difference between the lens position Y1 and the lens position Y2 is determined by the focus data comparison unit 426 shown in FIG. Here, it is determined that the degree of coincidence is high, and the second captured image is not a reproduction display image.

  Thereafter, as shown in the figure, the third to fourth captured images are determined in the same manner as the second captured image, and are not reproduced display images. That is, it is a case where it is determined that the degree of coincidence is high in S305 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Here, in the fifth image taken at the lens position Y5 at the photographing time T5, for the first time, it is determined that the difference in the lens position from the lens position Y1 in the reference image is large, that is, the degree of coincidence is low. That is, it is determined that the degree of coincidence is low in S306 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Here, an example in which the position of the photographing optical system 102 is used as focus data has been shown, but other examples of focus data include the following.

  For example, when known external light passive AF is performed, the subject distance value can be used as focus data. In addition, when the TTL phase difference AF often used in the single-lens reflex camera shown in FIG. 1 is performed, the defocus amount and the phase difference value (left and right two-image interval values) can also be used as the focus data. .

  Next, a case where the best shot is searched from a series of images acquired by high-speed continuous shooting using the camera according to the present embodiment will be described in comparison with a similar case according to the prior art. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a case where the camera according to the present embodiment is used, and FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a case where the conventional technology is used. 14 and 15 are images obtained by continuously shooting the appearance of the approaching train as a subject.

  First, in the case of the prior art, as shown in FIG. 15, the five images (a) to (e) are sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal monitor, for example, by a user operation. Details of each image are as follows.

  The image of (a) is the first image, and the focus data at that time is AF_1 (in the second embodiment to be described later, luminance data is used instead of the focus data. Here, in (a), The luminance data is AE_1.)

  The image in (b) is the second image, and the focus data at that time is AF_2 (luminance data is AE_2). The train is a little closer.

  The image in (c) is the third image, and the focus data at that time is AF_3 (luminance data is AE_3). The train is closer than the position in (b).

  The image in (d) is the fourth image, and the focus data at that time is AF_4 (luminance data is AE_4). The train is closer than the position in (c).

  The image of (e) is the fifth image, and the focus data at that time is AF_5 (luminance data is AE_5). The train is closer than the position in (d).

  Here, in the conventional technique, it is necessary to search for the best shot while sequentially displaying all the image data taken for each operation by the user. In actual cases, the number of photographed images is not about five, and it is considered that the number of photographed images often reaches several tens by high-speed continuous shooting. Therefore, it can be said that the above-described prior art is very inefficient.

  Next, the case where the same imaging | photography as the case where the above-mentioned prior art was used using the camera which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated. Therefore, for the captured image shown in FIG. 14 and the captured image shown in FIG. 15, the captured images with the same alphabetical symbols are the same captured image.

  First, in the camera according to the present embodiment, the captured image shown in FIG. The image photographed next to the reference image is naturally a photographed image shown in FIG. Here, the captured image shown in FIG. 15B is a comparison image, and is compared with the reference image by the display data selection unit 424 (see FIG. 7B). Here, as a result of determining that the degree of coincidence is high, the captured image shown in FIG. 15B is not displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 (see FIG. 6).

  Thereafter, FIGS. 15C to 15D are not displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 as in the case of FIG. 15B.

  Thus, the captured image is sequentially compared with the reference image, and for the first time in the captured image shown in FIG. 15E (FIG. 14E), the display data selection unit 424 determines that the degree of coincidence is low. . Therefore, the captured image shown in FIG. 15E (FIG. 14E) is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222.

  That is, if the camera according to this embodiment is used, as can be seen from FIG. 15, immediately after the photographed image shown in FIG. 15 (a) (FIG. 14 (a)), FIG. 15 (e) (FIG. 14 (e)). ) Can be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222. As described above, in the camera according to the present embodiment, when searching for the best shot from the captured image, it is possible to save much labor compared to the conventional technique. Note that such an operation for displaying a reproduced image is performed by the user pressing the cross button 324 as described above. Of course, the operation may be performed by pressing another button.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when a plurality of images obtained by continuous shooting are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222, the right or left button of the cross button 324 is operated. Regardless of whether single shooting or continuous shooting, they are displayed one by one in order. On the other hand, when the upper side or the lower side of the cross button 324 is operated, only an image greatly different from the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is displayed (in the present embodiment, the selection of this greatly different image includes Using the focus data described above). In the present embodiment, this makes it possible to check the image efficiently even when a large number of images are taken by continuous shooting, and to easily find the best shot. Also, this effect works more effectively as the number of captured images by continuous shooting increases.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is the method of comparison processing between the reference image and the comparison image, which is step S202 shown in FIG. 10 and step S212 shown in FIG. Specifically, the comparison processing performed based on the focus data in the first embodiment is performed based on the luminance data in the present embodiment.

  The camera according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the camera according to the first embodiment, and the operation control is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the differences described above. Do. Therefore, in order to highlight the features of the camera according to the present embodiment, descriptions regarding the same configuration and operation control as those of the camera according to the first embodiment are omitted here.

  It is assumed that the luminance sensor included in the photometry circuit 204 shown in FIG. 6 is a multi-division photometry sensor capable of photometry in a plurality of areas of the shooting screen. Further, it is assumed that the brightness value of each area on the photographing screen is calculated by Bucom 201 based on the output of the multi-segment photometric sensor. Further, it is assumed that the AF sensor unit 205 shown in FIG. 6 supports multi-AF that detects the focal points of a plurality of regions.

  Hereinafter, the luminance data used in the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  First, some data that can be adopted as luminance data are listed below.

<< 1 >> Average Photometric Value of Photographing Screen The result of calculating the average value of the luminance values in a plurality of photometric areas is taken as luminance data. In this case, luminance data in which the luminance value at the center of the shooting screen is more important than the luminance values in other areas of the shooting screen can be obtained. This is called central area weighted average metering. In order to perform the center area weighted average metering, a calculation with a weight placed on the luminance value in the center area of the photographing screen may be performed.

<< 2 >> Photometric value of designated area Photometric measurement (spot photometry) is performed only in a predetermined area, and a luminance value in the area is calculated to obtain luminance data.

<< 3 >> Photometry value in AF selection area Photometry is performed in the photometry area closest to the focus detection area finally selected by the multi-AF described above, and the photometry result is used as luminance data. That is, the photometric value in the area near the focus detection area is adopted as the luminance data. This method is a method that takes into consideration that there is a high possibility that a main subject exists in the region selected by AF.

  In the present embodiment, the degree of coincidence is determined using the luminance data as described above. Needless to say, the data that can be adopted as the luminance data is not limited to the luminance data described above.

  Hereinafter, a comparison process between a reference image and a comparison image in the camera according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart of a subroutine shown in FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the comparison process with the reference image illustrated in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11.

  In the comparison process with the reference image, first, luminance data of the reference image is extracted (step S401). Next, luminance data of the comparison image is extracted (step S402). Then, the difference between the luminance data of the reference image and the luminance data of the comparative image is calculated (step S403).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the difference in luminance data calculated in step S403 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S404). It should be noted that a default value may be provided as the predetermined value, and it is of course possible for the user to set a desired number of stages (for example, three stages of large, medium, and small).

  If the difference in focus data is less than the predetermined value in the determination in step S403, it is determined that the degree of coincidence between the reference image and the comparison image is high (step S405). Specifically, in step S405, when the difference between the focus data of both images is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the degree of coincidence between both images is high, and a predetermined “high coincidence flag” is set. After that, the process returns to use the result of this step for the determination in S203 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 or S213 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the difference in luminance data is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, it is determined that the degree of coincidence between the reference image and the comparison image is low (step S406). Specifically, in step S406, when the difference between the focus data of the two images is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the difference between the two images is large, that is, the degree of coincidence between the two images is low. “Clear”. After that, the process returns to use the result of this step for the determination in S203 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 or S213 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S406, the image determined to have a low degree of coincidence is selected as the next image to be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 in the processing of FIGS. At the same time, the image is set as a reference image, and thereafter the above-described comparison is performed based on the image.

  It should be noted that to what extent dissimilar images are displayed is determined by the predetermined value in step S404 in FIG. The predetermined value may be set by the user.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when a plurality of images obtained by continuous shooting are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222, the right or left button of the cross button 324 is operated. Regardless of whether single shooting or continuous shooting, they are displayed one by one in order. On the other hand, when the upper side or the lower side of the cross button 324 is operated, only an image greatly different from the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 222 is displayed (in the present embodiment, the selection of this greatly different image includes The luminance data described above is used). In the present embodiment, this makes it possible to check the image efficiently even when a large number of images are taken by continuous shooting, and to easily find the best shot. This effect works more effectively as the interval between continuous shots is shorter.

  The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. . For example, by combining the first embodiment and the second embodiment, it is of course possible to use both the focus data and the luminance data for determining the degree of coincidence between the reference image and the comparison image.

  In addition, although a single-lens reflex camera has been described here as an example, the present invention is naturally applicable to a compact camera that employs hill-climbing AF. In this case, only the method for acquiring the focus data and the luminance data is changed. That is, the AF evaluation value and the AE evaluation value obtained by cumulatively adding the image signals of the predetermined area obtained by the image sensor can be used as the focus data and the luminance data, respectively.

  Further, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even when some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and described in the column of the effect of the invention. When an effect can be obtained, a configuration from which the configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing an internal configuration that can be viewed when a part of the digital camera body is cut to show the configuration of the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing in detail a circuit configuration inside a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a top view of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front view of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a rear view of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The conceptual diagram of the flow of control at the time of the image recording in the digital camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and an image reproduction display. (A) is a conceptual diagram regarding the control at the time of image recording (at the time of continuous imaging | photography mode). (B) is a conceptual diagram regarding the control at the time of image reproduction display. 3 is a flowchart of operation control during shooting by the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart shown about the process at the time of image data reproduction | regeneration. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of image search 1; The flowchart shown about the process of the image search 2. FIG. The flowchart of the subroutine shown about the comparison process of a reference image and a comparison image. 5 is a graph showing time (imaging timing) on the horizontal axis and the absolute position of the imaging optical system 102 on the vertical axis when five images are continuously shot using the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows an example in the case of searching for the best shot from the series of images acquired by imaging | photography by high-speed continuous shooting using the camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example in the case of searching for the best shot from the series of images acquired by high-speed continuous shooting by conventional technology. The flowchart of the subroutine shown about the comparison process of a reference image and a comparison image.

Explanation of symbols

    DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera, 100 ... Lens barrel, 101 ... Microcomputer for lens control, 101a ... Communication connector, 102 ... Shooting optical system, 103 ... Lens drive mechanism, 105 ... Aperture drive mechanism, 200 ... Camera body, 200a ... Shooting optics System mounting part, 200b ... Circuit board, 201 ... Body control microcomputer, 202 ... Finder device, 202a ... Main mirror, 202b ... Focusing screen, 202c ... Penta prism, 202d ... Eyepiece, 203 ... Sub mirror, 204 ... Photometric circuit 205 ... AF sensor unit, 206 ... AF sensor drive circuit, 207 ... mirror drive mechanism, 208 ... shutter unit, 209 ... shutter charge mechanism, 210 ... shutter control circuit, 211 ... imaging unit, 212 ... imaging 213 ... Dust-proof filter, 215 ... Dust-proof filter drive circuit, 216 ... Temperature measurement circuit, 217 ... Imaging interface circuit, 218 ... Image processing controller, 219 ... Buffer memory, 220 ... ROM, 221 ... Recording medium 222 ... Liquid crystal monitor, 223 ... Non-volatile memory, 224 ... Power supply circuit, 225 ... Battery, 226 ... LCD for operation display, 227 ... Camera operation switch, 301 ... Power switch lever, 302 ... Release button, 303 ... Mode dial, 304 ... Sub-dial, 305 ... ISO button, 306 ... Exposure compensation button, 307 ... White balance button, 308 ... Image quality mode button, 309 ... Flash mode button, 310 ... LIGHT button, 311 ... Wonta White balance button, 312 ... Auto bracket button, 313 ... Metering mode button, 314 ... DRIVE mode button, 315 ... Focus mode lever, 316 ... Main dial, 317 ... AF frame button, 318 ... AE lock button, 319 ... Playback mode 320, delete button, 321 ... protect button, 322 ... information display button, 323 ... menu button, 324 ... cross button, 325 ... OK button, 400 ... imaging unit, 402 ... image processing unit, 404 ... recording medium, 406 ... image data, 408 ... focus detection sensor, 410 ... focus calculation unit, 412 ... focus data, 414 ... luminance detection sensor, 416 ... luminance calculation unit, 418 ... luminance data, 420 ... image selection operation unit, 422 ... image table Department, 424 ... display data selection section, 426 ... focus data comparator, 428 ... luminance data comparator.

Claims (8)

Focus calculation means for calculating the focus state of the taking lens;
Storage means for storing a plurality of image data shot in the continuous shooting mode and data related to the image data;
Reading means for reading data stored in the storage means;
Display means for displaying the image data read by the reading means;
Based on the calculation result of the focus calculation means, the first image data which is image data being displayed on the display means and the second image data which is image data newly read by the reading means. A display control means for controlling the display means to display the second image data instead of the first image when there is a difference greater than or equal to a predetermined value;
A digital camera comprising: The data related to the image data includes the calculation result of the focus calculation means,
When the reading means reads the image data stored in the storage means, the calculation result of the focus calculation means is also read simultaneously.
The display control means includes a first calculation result of the focus calculation means corresponding to the first image data read by the reading means, and a first calculation result of the focus calculation means corresponding to the second image data. If the difference between the first calculation result and the second calculation result is more than a predetermined difference, the display means is substituted for the first image data. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the second image data is displayed. Photometric calculation means for calculating the brightness of the subject;
Storage means for storing a plurality of image data shot in the continuous shooting mode and data related to the image data;
Reading means for reading data stored in the storage means;
Display means for displaying the image data read by the reading means;
The first image data, which is image data being displayed on the display means, and the second image data, which is image data newly read by the reading means, are compared with respect to the calculation result of the photometry calculating means. Display control means for controlling the display means to display the second image data instead of the first image data when there is a difference greater than or equal to a predetermined value;
A digital camera comprising: The data relating to the image data includes the calculation result of the photometry calculation means,
When the reading means reads the image data stored in the storage means, the calculation result of the photometry calculating means is also read at the same time,
The display control means includes a first calculation result of the photometry calculation means corresponding to the first image data read by the reading means, and a first of the photometry calculation means corresponding to the second image data. If the difference between the first calculation result and the second calculation result is more than a predetermined difference, the display means is substituted for the first image data. The digital camera according to claim 3, wherein the second image data is displayed. Storage means for storing a plurality of image data shot in the continuous shooting mode, and image related data that is data related to the image data;
Image-related data calculation means for obtaining the image-related data;
Reading means for reading the image data stored in the storage means and image related data relating to the image data;
Display means for displaying the image data read by the reading means;
Comparing the image related data relating to the first image data which is the image data being displayed on the display means, and the image related data relating to the second image data which is the image data newly read by the reading means, Display control means for controlling the display means to display the second image instead of the first image when there is a difference between the two or more;
A digital camera comprising:   6. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein the image-related data calculation means is a focus calculation means for calculating a focus state of the photographing lens.   6. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein the image-related data calculating means is a photometric calculating means for calculating the luminance of the subject.   6. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein the image-related data calculation means includes a focus calculation means for calculating a focus state of the photographing lens, and a photometric calculation means for calculating the luminance of the subject.

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