JP2007013277A - Photographing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing apparatus capable of saving its energy at less expense in time and labor in the case of carrying out interval photographing. <P>SOLUTION: The photographing apparatus inhibits the interval photographing for a photographing inhibit period preset by a user or when a luminance value is low. As a result, for example, photographing at night is inhibited, improper photographing with a low exposure can be prevented, and no unnecessary power is consumed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus capable of setting an interval photographing mode.

For example, in a photographing apparatus such as a camera, generally, a desired subject can be photographed by performing a release operation with a shutter chance intended by the photographer. On the other hand, a camera is known that can set an interval shooting mode in which shooting is automatically performed at predetermined time intervals regardless of the intention of the photographer (see Patent Document 1). According to such a camera, it is possible to perform photographing for observing, for example, the state of plant growth over a long period of time with low power consumption by cutting off power to unnecessary circuits during photographing.
JP-A-9-197546

  However, according to the camera of Patent Document 1, energy saving can be achieved to some extent, but there are cases where further energy saving is desired, such as shooting for a long period of time. Here, for example, at night, the subject brightness is low and it is difficult to perform appropriate shooting. Further, in the case of shooting a plant or the like, there is a situation in which shooting is not necessarily required because the growth is weakened at night. However, there is a problem that if the user operates the power switch of the photographing apparatus every time in order to stop the night photographing, the usability is poor.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that can save energy and save energy in interval imaging.

An imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an imaging apparatus capable of setting an interval imaging mode in which imaging is repeatedly performed at predetermined imaging intervals regardless of a release operation.
In the interval shooting mode, the shooting time is obtained based on the shooting interval, and when the obtained shooting time is included in the shooting prohibited time, shooting at the shooting time is prohibited.

The imaging device of the second aspect of the present invention is an imaging device capable of setting an interval imaging mode in which imaging is repeatedly performed at predetermined imaging intervals regardless of a release operation.
In the interval shooting mode, subject luminance is obtained before photographing, and when the obtained subject luminance is less than a predetermined luminance value, photographing is prohibited.

  According to the photographing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, in the interval photographing mode, the photographing time is obtained based on the photographing interval, and when the obtained photographing time is included in the photographing prohibited time, the photographing time For example, if the shooting prohibition time is set from 6 pm to 4 am, which is not suitable for shooting because the subject brightness is low, shooting within that time is automatically prohibited, and energy saving is achieved accordingly. be able to.

  An input unit for inputting a shooting interval, and when the shooting interval input by the input unit exceeds a predetermined time, even if the obtained shooting time is included in the shooting prohibited time Is preferable. For example, if the user can arbitrarily set the shooting interval using the input means, a more user-friendly shooting device can be provided, but on the other hand, the user may accidentally input the shooting interval. Even in such a case, the photographing apparatus compares the input photographing interval with a predetermined time, and if the photographing interval exceeds a predetermined time (for example, one day), the obtained photographing time is the photographing prohibited time. Even if it is included, it is possible to avoid troubles such as not being shot due to a user's mistake by allowing the shooting.

  In the interval shooting mode, when the first shooting time is included in the shooting prohibited time, it is preferable to perform the first shooting.

  In the interval shooting mode, it is preferable not to perform the first shooting when the first shooting time is included in the shooting prohibited time.

  According to the photographing apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, in the interval photographing mode, the subject brightness is obtained before photographing, and when the obtained subject brightness is less than a predetermined brightness value, the photographing is prohibited. For example, if the subject brightness is less than the brightness value of the subject in the evening or early morning, shooting at night is automatically prohibited, and energy saving can be achieved accordingly.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1A and 1B are external views showing an electronic camera which is an example of a photographing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1A is a view of the camera viewed from the front, and FIG. 1B is a rear view of the camera.

  In FIG. 1A, reference numeral 81 denotes a photographic lens, which is a zoom optical system having an internal bending optical system. Reference numeral 82 denotes a main switch, 83 denotes a release button, 84 denotes a flash light emitting unit, and 86 denotes a flash reflected light receiving sensor window.

  The release button 83 performs a shooting preparation operation of the camera, that is, a focusing operation and a photometric operation, by pressing the first step (S1), and a shooting exposure operation is performed by pressing the release button 83 (S2).

  Further, in FIG. 1B, reference numeral 93 denotes a zoom button, which is a button for zooming up and down. 95 is a menu button, 96 is a selection button, which is a four-way switch, and 97 is a set button. Reference numeral 100 denotes an image display unit which displays an image and other character information on an image display device such as an LCD or an organic EL.

  The menu button 95 has a function of displaying various menus on the image display unit 100, selecting with the four-way switch of the selection button 96, and confirming with the set button 97. Reference numeral 98 denotes a main dial, which can be rotated to select a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, a playback mode, a setup mode, or the like. The mode can be set with the menu button 95, the desired shooting interval can be input with the selection button 96, and the value can be determined with the set button 97. In such a case, the selection button 96 and the set button 97 constitute input means.

  Reference numeral 99 denotes a flash mode selection button, which can select a mode such as an auto mode in which flash emission is automatically performed and a light emission inhibition mode under low luminance.

  Although not shown, a tripod hole and a battery / card cover are arranged on the bottom surface. Inside the battery / card cover, there are a battery for supplying power to the camera and a card slot for recording captured images. A card-type recording memory for recording images can be inserted and removed. In addition, external input / output terminals, audio / video output terminals, and the like are arranged on the side.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the electronic camera according to the present embodiment. In the present invention, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) type image sensor, or the like can be applied as an image pickup element. In this example, a CCD type image sensor is used as the image pickup element. This will be explained using

  In the figure, reference numeral 40 denotes a control unit (hereinafter also referred to as CPU) that controls each unit. The imaging lens 81 includes a lens unit 1, an aperture shutter unit 2, an optical filter 3 in which an infrared light cut filter and an optical low-pass filter are stacked, a first motor 4, a second motor 5, and an aperture shutter actuator 6.

  More specifically, the lens unit 1 is configured as a lens system having a plurality of lenses, and the position of the plurality of lenses on the optical axis is moved by driving the first motor 4 so that zooming is performed. It has become. Of these lenses, a lens used for focusing is driven by the second motor 5 to perform focus adjustment. Further, the aperture shutter unit is opened and closed by the aperture shutter actuator 6 to adjust the exposure amount. The first motor 4, the second motor 5, and the aperture shutter actuator 6 are respectively connected via a first motor drive circuit 7, a second motor drive circuit 8, and an aperture shutter drive circuit 9 controlled by control signals from the CPU 40. Driven.

  The timing generator 10 generates a drive control signal for the CCD 12 based on a clock sent from the timing control circuit 11. For example, a timing signal for starting and ending charge accumulation in the CCD 12 and a readout control signal for the charge accumulation amount of each pixel. A clock signal such as (horizontal synchronization signal, vertical synchronization signal, transfer signal) is generated and output to the CCD 12. The imaging circuit 13 photoelectrically converts subject light by the CCD 12 and, for example, in the case of a CCD using a primary color filter, it outputs image analog signals of each color component of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Output to the processing unit 14.

  The signal processing unit 14 performs signal processing on the analog image signal output from the imaging circuit 13. The signal processing unit 14 performs noise reduction and gain adjustment of the image analog signal by correlated double sampling (CDS) and auto gain control (AGC), and outputs the result to the A / D conversion unit 15.

  The A / D converter 15 performs A / D conversion on the input image analog signal based on the A / D conversion clock from the timing control circuit 11 and converts it into a digital signal (hereinafter referred to as pixel data). Next, after storing the pixel data in the buffer memory 16, the pixel data is sent to the CPU 40. The CPU 40 corrects the black level of the pixel data, and then performs white balance (WB) adjustment, γ correction, and YCbCr conversion.

  The VRAM 17 is a buffer memory for images displayed on the image display unit 100, and has a storage capacity that is at least equal to or greater than the integrated value of the number of pixels of the image display unit 100 and the number of bits necessary for display. For the image display unit 100, for example, a display device such as an LCD or an organic EL is used. A D / A conversion unit that D / A converts pixel data is provided between the VRAM 17 and the image display unit 100 according to the display device used.

  Thereby, at the time of framing at the time of shooting, pixel data captured at a predetermined time interval is stored in the buffer memory 16 and transferred to the VRAM 17 and displayed on the image display unit 100 to check the subject image. It can be used as a viewfinder (referred to as a through image display or a preview image display).

  The photographed image recorded on the removable image recording memory card 50 is transferred to the compression / decompression circuit 49, and is transferred to the VRAM 17 after predetermined signal processing by the CPU 40, and displayed on the image display unit 100. It can be played back.

  The interface 32 exchanges signals with an external personal computer or printer, and communicates with an external personal computer or printer via an external input / output terminal (for example, USB terminal) 88.

  The flash control circuit 21 is a circuit that controls the light emission of the flash light emitting unit 84. The flash control circuit 21 is controlled by the CPU 40 to control the presence / absence of flash light emission, the light emission timing, the charging of the light emission capacitor, etc., and the light emission input from the light receiving circuit 24 connected to the flash reflected light receiving sensor 23. The light emission is stopped based on the stop signal.

  The clock circuit 25 has a built-in clock, and may operate by receiving power supply from the power supply circuit 27 that supplies power to each unit, but it is desirable to operate with a separate power source (not shown).

  The power supply circuit 27 supplies power to the CPU 40 and each unit. The power supply circuit 27 is supplied with power from the A / C adapter 29 via the battery 26 or the DC input terminal 28.

  The operation switch group (hereinafter also referred to as operation SW group) 30 is turned on / off by various operation buttons such as a main switch, a main dial, a release button, a zoom button, a flash mode selection button, a menu button, a set button, and a selection button. It is a switch group. The ON / OFF signal of the operation SW group 30 is sent to the CPU 40, and the CPU 40 controls the operation of each unit according to the operation SW that is turned on.

  The EEPROM 31 is a non-volatile memory, and is used for storing different characteristic values for each camera. The individually different characteristic values are, for example, information on the infinite position of the focusing lens at each focal length of the imaging lens 81, and are written in the manufacturing process. The CPU 40 reads out the characteristic values that are different for each camera from the EEPROM 31 as necessary, and uses them for controlling each part.

  The CPU 40 performs not only data exchange and timing control of each unit, but also various other functions based on software stored in the ROM 20. For example, the subject brightness is acquired based on the pixel data obtained from the buffer memory 16, the exposure sensitivity of the image sensor is set, the aperture value at the time of shooting and the exposure condition of the shutter speed are determined (AE preparation operation), and the focusing lens is set. It is moved in small increments, image data is generated from the pixel data obtained by each, evaluation is performed based on this image data, and control of determining an optimal focusing lens position (focusing operation) and the like are provided.

  The CPU 40 includes a main CPU (also referred to as a main control circuit) and a sub CPU. When an interval shooting mode to be described later is set, the power supply to the main CPU is stopped and the sub power consumption is low. The power supply is continued only to the CPU, and a so-called sleep mode is entered. During the execution of the sleep mode, the sub CPU detects the elapse of a predetermined time set based on the clock signal output from the clock circuit 25, and then detects the main CPU according to the signal output from the sub CPU. The CPU is activated and interval shooting can be performed.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the transition operation to each mode used in the electronic camera according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, description will be given according to the flow shown in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, when the main switch 82 is turned on (step S101), the CPU 40 confirms in which position the main dial 98 is set.

  Here, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the main dial 98 is set to the still image shooting mode (step S102). When the still image shooting mode is set (Yes in step S102), the mode is shifted to the still image shooting mode (step S112), and a predetermined operation in this mode is performed. If the still image shooting mode is not set (No in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103.

  Next, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the moving image shooting mode is set (step S103). When the moving image shooting mode is set (Yes in step S103), the moving image shooting mode is entered (step S113), and a predetermined operation in this mode is performed. If the moving image shooting mode is not set (No in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104.

  Next, the CPU 40 determines whether or not the playback mode is set (step S104). When the reproduction mode is set (Yes in step S104), the reproduction mode is entered (step S114), and a predetermined operation in this mode is performed. When the playback mode is not set (No in step S104), the setup mode is entered (step S105), and various settings including the interval shooting mode can be performed in this mode.

  In this example, the main dial 98 has been described as an example in which four types of a still image shooting mode, a moving image shooting mode, a playback mode, and a setup mode are set. However, the type of mode and the order of determination are not limited thereto. . In addition, a camera may be used in which a selection menu is displayed on the image display unit instead of setting with the main dial and selection is made from now on.

  Further, the interval shooting mode will be described in more detail below. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation in the interval shooting mode of the electronic camera according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, description will be given according to the flow shown in FIG. Hereinafter, unless otherwise noted, the operation of the CPU 40 is performed by the main CPU.

  As shown in step S201 in FIG. 4, the photographer can set the conditions for the interval shooting mode in the setup mode. Here, the conditions that can be set are the shooting interval, the number of shots, the shooting start timing, and the shooting prohibited time. Here, the time prohibition mode is set as a default.

  At this stage, the photographer can use the selection button 96 and the set button 97 to input a desired shooting interval, number of shots, shooting start timing, and shooting prohibited time.

  The CPU 40 sets TIME = shooting start time in step S202, and sets a start timer in step S203.

  Further, the CPU 40 sets the sleep mode in step S204, and then stops the power supply to the main CPU. In the sleep mode, only the sub CPU operates.

  Unless the photographer operates the main switch 82 in step S205, the sub CPU repeats the following start timer operation. Specifically, in step S206, the signal from the clock circuit 25 is input, and the process returns to step S205 to continue the sleep state until the predetermined time to be photographed, and at the predetermined time to be photographed. Only when it is determined that it has become, the main CPU is started and the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S207, the activated main CPU determines whether the set mode is the time prohibition mode or the luminance value prohibition mode. When the set mode is the time prohibition mode, the process proceeds to step S210, and the main CPU moves the lens unit 1 to a position where the subject is in focus by performing distance measurement, and performs shooting. In S211, image data obtained by photographing is stored in a memory card.

  When the set mode is the time prohibition mode and the first shooting time is within the shooting prohibition time, the main CPU may execute the flow from step S212 without performing the first shooting. . Furthermore, if the input shooting interval is longer than a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours), it may be determined that there is an error in the input, and interval shooting may be performed regardless of the shooting prohibition time.

  In step S212, the main CPU adds a shooting interval to the shooting time (TIME) to determine the next shooting time. In step S213, the main CPU determines whether the determined shooting time is within the shooting prohibited time. Judging. Here, if the determined shooting time is within the shooting prohibition time, the main CPU returns to step S212, adds the shooting interval to the determined shooting time (TIME), and performs the next shooting. In step S213, it is determined whether or not the determined shooting time is within the shooting prohibited time. This operation is continued until the determined shooting time is outside the shooting prohibited time.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S213 that the determined shooting time is outside the shooting prohibited time, the main CPU proceeds to step S214. In step S214, the main CPU sets the activation timer to the next shooting time. Furthermore, since the power supply to the main CPU is stopped by setting the sleep mode in step S215, the flow returns to step S205, and only the sub CPU continues to operate until the next shooting time.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S207 that the set mode is the luminance value inhibition mode, the activated main CPU proceeds to step S216 and performs photometry to obtain the subject luminance. Here, if the determined subject brightness is less than a predetermined brightness value, the main CPU determines that shooting is inappropriate, and in step S222, further sets a shooting interval at the shooting time (TIME). In addition, the next shooting time is determined. Further, in step S223, the main CPU sets the activation timer to the next shooting time. By setting the sleep mode in step S224, the power supply to the main CPU is stopped, the flow returns to step S205, and only the sub CPU continues to operate until the next shooting time.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S217 that the calculated subject brightness is equal to or higher than the predetermined brightness value, the main CPU determines in step S220 that the lens unit is in a position where the subject is in focus by performing distance measurement. 1 is moved to perform shooting, and in step S221, image data obtained by shooting is stored in a memory card.

  In step S222, the main CPU adds a shooting interval to the shooting time (TIME) to determine the next shooting time. In subsequent step S223, the main CPU sets the start timer to the next shooting time. Further, after setting the sleep mode in step S224, the power supply to the main CPU is stopped, the flow is returned to step S205, and only the sub CPU continues to operate until the next photographing time is reached.

  In the present embodiment, the end of the interval shooting mode is performed in accordance with the operation of the main switch 82 of the photographer during the sleep mode. When the CPU 40 detects that shooting has been performed for the number of times of shooting, the interval shooting mode may be immediately terminated.

  According to the present embodiment, when the shooting prohibition time or brightness value set by the user is low, interval shooting is prohibited. For example, by prohibiting night shooting, inappropriate shooting with low exposure can be performed in advance. In addition, energy saving can be achieved. Note that the shooting prohibition time can be set not by time but by day. For example, it is possible to distinguish by day of the week, such as prohibiting shooting on weekends and allowing shooting only on weekdays.

  The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified or improved as appropriate. For example, the electronic device is not limited to an electronic camera, but includes a mobile phone with a camera, a PDA (Personal Digital (Data) Assistants), and a silver salt camera.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an electronic camera which is an example of a photographing apparatus according to the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the internal structure of the electronic camera which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the transfer operation | movement to each mode used with the electronic camera which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement outline | summary of the interval imaging | photography mode of the electronic camera which concerns on this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lens part 2 Shutter unit 3 Optical filter 4 1st motor 5 2nd motor 6 Shutter actuator 7 1st motor drive circuit 8 2nd motor drive circuit 9 Shutter drive circuit 10 Timing generator 11 Timing control circuit 13 Imaging circuit 14 Signal processing part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Conversion part 16 Buffer memory 21 Flash control circuit 23 Sensor for light reception of flash reflected light 24 Light receiving circuit 25 Clock circuit 26 Battery 27 Power feeding circuit 28 Input terminal 29 Adapter 30 Operation switch group 32 Interface 40 CPU
49 Compression / Expansion Circuit 50 Image Recording Memory Card 81 Imaging Lens 82 Main Switch 83 Release Button 84 Flash Light Emitting Unit 95 Menu Button 96 Selection Button 97 Set Button 98 Main Dial 100 Image Display Unit

Claims (5)

In a photographing apparatus capable of setting an interval photographing mode in which photographing is repeatedly performed at predetermined photographing intervals irrespective of a release operation,
In the interval shooting mode, a shooting time is obtained based on the shooting interval, and when the obtained shooting time is included in the shooting prohibited time, shooting at the shooting time is prohibited. .   An input unit for inputting a shooting interval, and when the shooting interval input by the input unit exceeds a predetermined time, even if the obtained shooting time is included in the shooting prohibited time The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing apparatus is permitted.   3. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the interval photographing mode, the first photographing is performed when a time at which the first photographing is performed is included in the photographing prohibition time.   3. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the interval photographing mode, the first photographing is not performed when a time at which the first photographing is performed is included in the photographing prohibition time. In a photographing apparatus capable of setting an interval photographing mode in which photographing is repeatedly performed at predetermined photographing intervals irrespective of a release operation,
In the interval shooting mode, an imaging device characterized in that subject brightness is obtained before shooting, and shooting is prohibited when the determined subject brightness is less than a predetermined brightness value.

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