JP2007221536A - Image pickup device, image processing program, and image transmission program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device that controls a storage or deletion mode for each continuously photographed image regardless of a single photographing mode and a continuous photographing mode. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 18 of an electronic camera generates information which shows a number of integration times of releasing, a photographing time (an elapsed time from the time when photographing the last frame to the time when photographing the current frame), and a shutter second time when photographing the current frame, for each photographing. The CPU 18 calculates a photographing interval D by (photographing time)-((shutter second time)+prescribed value α), so as to treat images when the photographing interval D is in a prescribed range as continuously photographed images. The CPU 18 treats images when image similarity is high between the images in addition to that the photographing interval D is in the prescribed range as the continuously photographed images. The CPU 18 automatically determines the storage or deletion of an image group treated as the continuously photographed images even when a deletion operation is not performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that acquires an electronic image and a program that handles the electronic image.

  A technique for extracting a series of a plurality of images shot in the continuous shooting mode is known (see Patent Document 1). According to Patent Document 1, the electronic camera set to the continuous shooting mode assigns a common ID to each of a plurality of captured image files. If a file with a common ID is extracted from a plurality of image files, it can be handled as a series of continuous shot image files.

JP 2005-143020 A

  Even in the single-shot mode, single-shot shooting may be repeated like continuous shooting. In the technique of Patent Document 1, a file of an image shot in single shooting mode cannot be extracted as a series of continuous shot image files even when continuously shot. It takes time and effort.

An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a continuous-shot image determination unit that determines whether or not a plurality of images acquired regardless of the continuous-shot mode and the single-shot mode are continuous-shot images, and a continuous-shot image determination unit And a recording control means for controlling the mode of storage or deletion for each of a plurality of images determined as continuous shot images.
2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the continuous shot image determination unit calculates shooting intervals of a plurality of images in which the order of acquisition of the shot images is continuous, and the calculated shooting intervals are within a predetermined time. The image can also be determined as a continuous shot image.
The image pickup apparatus according to a second aspect may further include image information generation means for generating information indicating an acquisition order of captured images, an acquisition time difference, and a shutter time at the time of shooting. In this case, the continuous shot image determination unit preferably calculates the shooting interval using the information generated by the image information generation unit.
In the imaging apparatus according to claim 3, in addition to the information, the image information generation unit may generate information indicating an acquisition time difference for a predetermined number of images before the acquisition order continues. In this case, the continuous shot image determination means determines that the acquisition time difference between the discontinuous images matches the time based on the acquisition time difference for the predetermined number of images when the acquisition order of the plurality of images to be determined is discontinuous. In this case, it is preferable to determine the plurality of images as continuously shot images.
5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the continuous shot image determination means further calculates a similarity between the plurality of images, and continuously captures the plurality of images when the calculated similarity is higher than a predetermined determination threshold. It can also be determined as a captured image.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 may further include a recording circuit that records a captured image and information generated by the image information generation unit on a recording medium. In this case, the recording control means preferably controls the recording circuit so as to collectively delete the continuously shot images determined in accordance with the instructions and the information thereof.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 may further include a recording circuit that records a captured image and information generated by the image information generation unit on a recording medium. In this case, it is preferable that the recording control means controls the recording circuit so as not to store the determined continuous shot image and its information.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 may further include a recording circuit that records a captured image and information generated by the image information generation unit on a recording medium. In this case, it is preferable that the recording control means controls the recording circuit so as to store only the first acquired image and the information thereof among the determined continuous shot images.
In the image pickup apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the continuous shot image determination unit can use the lowest similarity between the deleted continuous shot images as a determination threshold value in the next determination.
An image processing program according to the present invention calculates a shooting interval calculation process for calculating shooting intervals of a plurality of images that are acquired regardless of the continuous shooting mode and the single shooting mode and the acquisition order is continuous. Continuous shooting image determination processing for determining the plurality of images as continuous shooting images when the shooting interval is within a predetermined time, and recording for controlling the mode of storage or deletion for each of the plurality of images determined to be continuous shooting images Control processing is executed.
The image processing program according to claim 10 may further execute a process of reading out information indicating the order of obtaining a plurality of captured images, an acquisition time difference, and shutter time at the time of photographing from a recording medium. In the shooting interval calculation process in this case, it is preferable to calculate the shooting interval using the read information.
In addition to the information, the image processing program according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention may further execute a process of reading information indicating an acquisition time difference for each of a predetermined number of images before the acquisition order continues from the recording medium. In the continuous shot image determination processing in this case, when the acquisition order of the plurality of images to be determined is discontinuous, the acquisition time difference between the discontinuous images matches the time based on the acquisition time difference for the previous predetermined number of images. In this case, it is preferable to determine the plurality of images as continuously shot images.
The image processing program according to claim 12, further comprising: calculating similarity between a plurality of images, and determining the plurality of images as continuous shot images when the calculated similarity is higher than a predetermined determination threshold. It may be executed.
In the image processing program according to claim 12 or 13, in the recording control process, it is preferable to collectively delete a plurality of images determined as continuous shot images and information thereof.
In the image processing program according to claim 12 or 13, in the recording control process, it is preferable to store only the image with the earliest acquisition order and the information thereof among a plurality of images determined to be continuously shot images.
The image processing program according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect may further execute a process of collectively transmitting a plurality of images determined as continuous shot images and information thereof to an external device.
An image transmission program according to the present invention includes an imaging interval calculation process that calculates imaging intervals of a plurality of images that are acquired regardless of the continuous shooting mode and the single shooting mode, and the acquisition order is continuous. Performs continuous shot image determination processing for determining the plurality of images as continuous shot images when the shooting interval is within a predetermined time, and processing for batch transmission of the plurality of images determined as continuous shot images to an external device It is characterized by making it.

In the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the mode of saving or deleting can be controlled for each continuously shot image regardless of the single shooting mode / continuous shooting mode.
Further, the image processing program according to the present invention can control the mode of saving or deleting for each of the continuously shot images of a plurality of images that are acquired regardless of the single shooting mode / continuous shooting mode and whose acquisition order is continuous.
In addition, the image transmission program according to the present invention can determine continuous shot images to be transmitted at once for a plurality of images that are acquired regardless of the single shooting mode / continuous shooting mode and the acquisition order is continuous.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a timing generator (TG) 15 generates a timing signal in response to an instruction sent from the main CPU 18, and gives timing to each of a driver 14, an AFE (Analog Front End) circuit 12, and an A / D conversion circuit 13. Supply signal. The driver 14 generates a drive signal necessary for the image sensor 11 to capture an image using the timing signal, and supplies the generated drive signal to the image sensor 11. The AFE circuit 12 performs analog processing (such as gain control) on the photoelectric conversion signal output from the image sensor 11. The A / D conversion circuit 13 converts the image pickup signal after analog processing into a digital signal.

  The main CPU 18 inputs a signal output from each block, performs a predetermined calculation, and outputs a control signal based on the calculation result to each block. The image processing circuit 16 is configured as an ASIC, for example, and performs image processing on the digital image signal input from the A / D conversion circuit 13.

  Image processing includes, for example, grouping processing for detecting subject brightness, contrast, and the like corresponding to each predetermined area on the image sensor 11, contour enhancement and color temperature adjustment (white balance adjustment) for the image signal from the image sensor 11. Processing, and format conversion processing for image signals.

  The image compression circuit 17 performs image compression processing on the image signal processed by the image processing circuit 16 at a predetermined compression ratio using the JPEG method. The display image creation circuit 20 creates display data for displaying the captured image on the external monitor 21. The external monitor 21 is composed of an LCD or the like.

  The recording medium 30 includes a memory card that can be attached to and detached from the electronic camera. The recording medium 30 records captured image data and an image file including the information in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 18. The image file recorded on the recording medium 30 can be read by an instruction from the main CPU 18. The buffer memory 19 temporarily stores data before and after image processing and during image processing, stores an image file before recording on the recording medium 30, and stores an image file read from the recording medium 30. Used for.

  A half-press switch 22 and a full-press switch 23 that are turned on / off in conjunction with a pressing operation of a release button (not shown) output an on signal or an off signal to the main CPU 18, respectively.

  The focus detection device 24 detects the focus adjustment state of the photographic lens (not shown) in response to an instruction sent from the main CPU 18 and sends a detection signal to the main CPU 18. The lens driving device 25 drives the focus lens to advance and retreat in the optical axis direction in response to an instruction from the main CPU 18. The lens information input unit 26 detects lens information such as an aperture value of the photographing lens and sends a detection signal to the main CPU 18.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of photographing processing performed by the main CPU 18. A program for performing the processing of FIG. 2 is stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown) in the main CPU 18 and is activated when an ON signal (half-press signal) is input from the half-press switch 22 to the main CPU 18.

  In step S1 of FIG. 2, the CPU 18 performs a camera power-on process and proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the CPU 18 performs its own initialization process such as port setting, and proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the CPU 18 performs initial setting and proceeds to step S4. Thereby, each block is initialized.

  In step S4, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the release button has been pressed halfway. When a half-press signal is input from the half-press switch 22, the CPU 18 makes an affirmative determination in step S4 and proceeds to step S5. If a half-press signal is not input, the CPU 18 makes a negative determination in step S4 and performs the determination process. repeat.

  In step S <b> 5, the CPU 18 powers on (starts energization) the image sensor 11 and its peripheral circuits (AFE circuit 12, A / D converter circuit 13, timing generator 15, driver 14), and initializes the image sensor 11. To go to step S6. In step S6, the CPU 18 sends an instruction to the focus detection device 24 and the lens driving device 25, detects the focus adjustment state of the taking lens and performs focus adjustment, and proceeds to step S7.

  In step S <b> 7, the CPU 18 starts imaging (charge accumulation) by the image sensor 11. The CPU 18 ends imaging when a predetermined time has elapsed, and causes the image sensor 11 to output an accumulated charge signal. Imaging in this case is for acquiring information such as subject luminance.

  In step S8, the CPU 18 sends an instruction to the image processing circuit 16, causes the image pickup device 11 to perform grouping processing on the captured image, and proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the CPU 18 performs an exposure calculation using the image after the grouping process, and proceeds to step S10.

  In step S10, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the release button has been fully pressed. When the full push signal is input from the full push switch 23, the CPU 18 makes an affirmative decision in step S10 and proceeds to step S11. If the full push signal is not inputted, the CPU 18 makes a negative decision in step S10 and proceeds to step S17. .

  In step S11, the CPU 18 starts a shooting sequence. Specifically, the image sensor 11 is initialized and the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S <b> 12, the CPU 18 starts imaging (charge accumulation) by the image sensor 11. The CPU 18 controls driving of a shutter and a diaphragm (not shown) based on the control exposure calculated by the exposure calculation, and terminates imaging when the control shutter time elapses and outputs an accumulated charge signal from the image sensor 11. Imaging in this case is for obtaining a captured image.

  In step S <b> 13, the CPU 18 sends an instruction to the image processing circuit 16 to perform image processing on the image captured by the image sensor 11, and proceeds to step S <b> 14. In step S14, the CPU 18 performs an image recording control process and proceeds to step S15. Details of the image recording control process will be described later.

  In step S15, the CPU 18 sends an instruction to the display image creation circuit 20, creates display data, and proceeds to step S16. Thereby, the captured image is reproduced and displayed on the external monitor 21.

  In step S16, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the release button has been fully pressed. When the full push signal is continuously input from the full push switch 23, the CPU 18 makes an affirmative decision in step S16 and proceeds to step S18, and when the full push signal from the full push switch 23 is released. A negative determination is made in step S16 and the process proceeds to step S17. When the process proceeds to step S17, a series of photographing operations is completed.

  In step S17, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the half-press timer has expired. When the state where no half-press signal is input from the half-press switch 22 is continued for a predetermined time, the CPU 18 makes a positive determination in step S17, performs a camera power-off process, and ends the process of FIG. On the other hand, when the half-press signal is input from the half-press switch 22 or when the time elapsed after the half-press signal is released is less than the predetermined time, the CPU 18 makes a negative determination in step S17 and proceeds to step S6. Return and repeat the above process.

  When the process proceeds to step S18, the next frame is continuously shot. In step S18, the CPU 18 sends an instruction to the image processing circuit 16, causes the image pickup device 11 to perform grouping processing on the picked-up image, and proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the CPU 18 performs an exposure calculation using the grouped image, returns to step S12, and repeats new photographing.

  Details of the image recording control process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S51 of FIG. 3, the CPU 18 counts the total number of releases during the frame shooting (current time), the shooting time (the elapsed time from the shooting time of the previous frame to the shooting time of the current frame), and the shutter during the frame shooting. Information indicating the second is recorded in the buffer memory 19, and the process proceeds to step S52. The shooting time of each frame is the time when the shot image is stored in the buffer memory 19. In the present embodiment, the shooting time includes the shooting time acquired for the current frame and the shooting time acquired for nine frames before the current frame (the shooting time acquired when shooting the previous nine images). That is, the shooting times for the last 10 images are stored. These pieces of information are included in the file together with information (such as shooting conditions) set in the electronic camera at the time of shooting when the shot image of this frame is recorded as an image file (for example, manufacturer note).

  The release integration number corresponds to the cumulative number of frames taken since the electronic camera was manufactured, and is configured to be held even when the camera is turned off or the CPU 18 is initialized. The shooting time of each frame indicates the difference in acquisition time between the image of each frame and the image of the previous frame.

In step S52, the CPU 18 calculates the shooting interval D according to the following equation (1) between the current frame image and the previous frame image in which the release integration count continues, and the process proceeds to step S53.
D = (shooting time)-((shutter time) + α) (1)
However, the shooting time is the shooting time acquired for the current frame, and the shutter time is the shutter time for the current frame. The predetermined value α is a time required for signal processing and the like, and a value corresponding to the number of recorded pixels and the presence / absence of image compression is stored in the CPU 18 in advance.

  In step S53, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the amount of change in the captured image is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold. The CPU 18 determines that the motion vector between frames (between frames) calculated from the captured image data of the previous frame and the captured image of this frame is a part of the shooting screen (at least one block obtained by dividing the shooting screen into a predetermined number). If it is detected and the magnitude is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, an affirmative decision is made in step S53 and the process proceeds to step S55. In this case, it is considered that the similarity of images is low between frames in which the acquisition order is continuous.

  On the other hand, the CPU 18 determines that the magnitude of the motion vector between frames (between frames) calculated from the data of the captured image of the previous frame and the captured image of the current frame is less than a predetermined value in all the blocks in the shooting screen. In this case, a negative determination is made in step S53, and the process proceeds to step S54. In this case, it is considered that the similarity of images is high between frames in which the acquisition order is continuous.

  In step S54, which proceeds after making a negative determination in step S53, the CPU 18 determines to delete the shot images whose calculated shooting interval D is within a predetermined value and returns to the flowchart of FIG. 2 to proceed to the next process. . In this case, the CPU 18 treats, as the continuous shot image, an image group in which the shooting interval D of images whose order of acquisition is before and after the data stored in the buffer memory 19 is within a predetermined range. A series of captured image data and an image file including the information are not stored in the recording medium 30.

  Further, the CPU 18 having proceeded from step S53 to step S54 determines to save the photographed image when the calculated photographing interval D exceeds the predetermined value, and returns to the flowchart of FIG. 2 to proceed to the next process. . In this case, the CPU 18 does not treat an image group in which the shooting interval D exceeds a predetermined range among the data stored in the buffer memory 19 as a continuous shot image, and a series of shootings constituting this image group. Image data and an image file including the information are recorded on the recording medium 30 as single shot images.

  When the shooting interval D is within the predetermined range, when the affirmative determination is made in step S16 in FIG. 2 and the next frame shooting is repeated, and the negative determination is made in step S16, the release button is fully pressed immediately thereafter. There are cases where the shooting is repeated by making an affirmative decision in step S10. The CPU 18 treats an image with the shooting interval D within a predetermined range as a continuously shot image, and does not handle it as a continuously shot image if the shooting interval D exceeds the predetermined range.

  In step S55, the CPU 18 determines whether or not deletion is instructed. When an operation signal indicating deletion (non-storage) is input from the operation member (not shown), the CPU 18 makes an affirmative determination in step S55 and proceeds to step S54, where an operation signal indicating deletion (non-storage) is input. If not, a negative determination is made in step S55, and the process proceeds to step S56.

  The CPU 18 that has affirmed the determination in step S55 determines to delete the captured images in which the calculated imaging interval D is within a predetermined value in the same manner as in the case of negative determination in step S53 (step S54). That is, among the data stored in the buffer memory 19, an image group in which the shooting interval D of images whose order of acquisition is before and after is within a predetermined range is treated as a continuous shot image, and a series of images constituting this image group The captured image data and the image file including the information are not stored in the recording medium 30. Further, the CPU 18 calculates a change amount between the captured images for the image group determined to be deleted, and updates the determination threshold value of the image change amount corresponding to the lowest image similarity as the next determination threshold value in step S53. .

  Further, the CPU 18 having proceeded from step S55 to step S54 deletes the data stored in the buffer memory 19 without treating the image group in which the shooting interval D exceeds the predetermined range as a continuous shot image. Only the instructed latest captured image data and the image file including the information are not stored in the recording medium 30.

  In step S56, the CPU 18 determines to save the photographed image, and returns to the flowchart of FIG. 2 to proceed to the next process. In this case, for the data stored in the buffer memory 19, the CPU 18 treats an image group in which the shooting interval D is within a predetermined range as a continuous shot image, and data of a series of shot images constituting the image group. And an image file including the information is recorded on the recording medium 30. In addition, the image group in which the shooting interval D exceeds the predetermined range is not handled as a continuous shot image, and a series of shot image data constituting the image group and an image file including the information are each taken as a single shot image. Recording is performed on the recording medium 30.

  The process shown in FIG. 3 may be ended (returned) if it is determined whether or not to record (save) the image file. The actual recording process is performed according to the access speed of the recording medium 30 as shown in FIG. Processed in parallel with the process. Therefore, the CPU 18 can perform the next shooting process without waiting for the image file to be recorded on the recording medium 30.

According to the first embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(1) Since the electronic camera generates information indicating the number of total releases, the shooting time (the elapsed time from the shooting time of the previous frame to the shooting time of the current frame), and the shutter time at the time of shooting the current frame for each shooting. (Step S51) Even when the control shutter speed is different for each shooting frame, the shooting interval D of the images whose order of acquisition is different can be obtained (Step S52).

(2) The electronic camera handles the case where the shooting interval D is within a predetermined range as a continuous shot image (step S54). As a result, regardless of the continuous shooting mode / single shooting mode, it is possible to handle a group of repeatedly shot images as a continuously shot image.

(3) In addition to the shooting interval D being within the predetermined range, the electronic camera treats a case where the image similarity is high between the images (determination is negative in step S53) as a continuous shooting image, and continuous shooting. The images are collectively deleted (not stored) (however, an image group having a low similarity is stored) (step S54). Even if no deletion operation is performed, the electronic camera automatically determines saving / deleting, which is easy for the user to handle. Further, the used capacity of the recording medium 30 can be reduced as compared with the case where all the image groups are stored.

(4) When the shooting interval D is within a predetermined range and the similarity between the images is low (Yes in step S53), the electronic camera selects the image group when a deletion instruction is input. Handled as continuous shot images. This makes it easy to delete a group of images that have been repeatedly shot.

(5) The similarity of the image group to be deleted is calculated in response to the deletion instruction, and the determination threshold corresponding to the lowest similarity is used for similarity determination in the case of proceeding to step S53 next time. The determination criterion can be matched with the determination criterion for image deletion / storage by the user.

(Modification 1)
In the above-described step S54, an example of deleting (not saving) a group of images handled as continuously shot images has been described. However, a part of an image group handled as a continuously shot image is deleted (not saved). May be. In this case, for example, the CPU 18 records, on the recording medium 30, only the image data including the data of the captured image acquired first (the oldest) and the information among the image groups stored in the buffer memory 19 ( The image file including the data of the other captured images constituting the image group and the information thereof is not recorded (saved).

  With the configuration of the first modification, when unnecessary continuous shooting is performed against the user's intention due to a mistake in the release operation, only the first frame of the series of images is recorded on the recording medium 30. The second and subsequent frames are not recorded. In general, the first frame often has a user's intention to shoot in such a mistake in the release operation, which is convenient for the user as compared with the case where the entire image group is deleted without being recorded on the recording medium 30. An electronic camera is obtained.

(Second embodiment)
The electronic camera treats a group of images that have been repeatedly photographed as continuous shot images even for image files that have been recorded on the recording medium 30. Details of the processing for the recorded image will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The process of FIG. 4 is started when an operation member that instructs a process for a recorded image file is operated, for example. In step S61 in FIG. 4, the CPU 18 starts from the image file recorded in the recording medium 30 and calculates the number of total releases, the shooting time (the elapsed time from the shooting time of the previous frame to the shooting time of the current frame), and the current frame shooting. Information indicating the shutter time of the hour is read for each file and stored in the buffer memory 19, and the process proceeds to step S62.

  In step S62, the CPU 18 calculates the shooting interval D by the above equation (1) between images with continuous release integration times, and proceeds to step S63. In step S63, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the release integration number is discontinuous. If there is a discontinuous release integration number, the CPU 18 makes a positive determination in step S63 and proceeds to step S64. If the discontinuous release integration number does not exist, the CPU 18 makes a negative determination in step S63 and proceeds to step S65. As described above, the discontinuous number of release integrations occurs when an image group that the electronic camera automatically handles as continuously shot images is deleted or deleted in response to a deletion instruction.

  In step S <b> 64, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the acquisition time difference between the images having the discontinuous number of release integration matches the time calculated based on the shooting time for the previous nine images. For example, three image files whose shooting dates and times are close to each other are recorded on the recording medium 30, and the release integration count N read from these image files is 0043, 0049, and 0050. In this case, the release integration counts 0043 and 0049 are discontinuous. In the image file of the release integration count 0049, the shooting time t49 of the 49th shot image and the shooting times t40 to t48 of the 40th to 48th images, which are the previous 9 shots, are recorded. For this reason, even if the image file corresponding to the release integration times 0044 to 0048 is deleted, the shooting times t44 to t48 of the 44th to 48th shot images can be known.

If the following expression (2) is satisfied, the CPU 18 makes a positive determination in step S64 and proceeds to step S65. If the following expression (2) is not satisfied, the CPU 18 makes a negative determination in step S64 and proceeds to step S67. If the determination in step S64 is affirmative, the CPU 18 sets the image group that has been continuously shot even if the release integration count is discontinuous.
(time 49) − (time 43) ≈ (t44 + t45 + t46 + t47 + t48 + t49) (2)
However, (time 49) − (time 43) is an acquisition time difference between the 49th photographed image and the 43rd photographed image. (Time 49) and (time 43) are shown in the time stamp of each image file.

  In step S65, the CPU 18 determines whether or not the amount of change in the captured image is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold. The contents of the determination are the same as in step S53. When the CPU 18 makes an affirmative determination in step S65 and proceeds to step S67, the CPU 18 considers that the degree of similarity of images is low between images that are close in shooting date and time. On the other hand, if the CPU 18 makes a negative determination in step S65 and proceeds to step S66, the CPU 18 considers that the degree of similarity of images is high between images with close shooting dates and times.

  In step S66, in which the determination is negative in step S65, the CPU 18 collects the captured image files when the calculated shooting interval D is within a predetermined value or when the release integration number is discontinuous and the above (2) is established. It is determined to be deleted, and the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. The CPU 18 treats the image file group determined to be deleted among the image file groups recorded on the recording medium 30 as a continuous shot image file, and deletes these image file groups from the recording medium 30.

  Further, the CPU 18 which has proceeded from step S65 to step S66 saves a captured image file when the calculated shooting interval D exceeds a predetermined value or when the number of release integrations is discontinuous and the above (2) is not established. The process according to the flowchart of FIG. 4 is terminated. The CPU 18 stores these image file groups without handling the image file groups recorded on the recording medium 30 as the continuous shot image file.

  In step S67, the CPU 18 determines whether or not a deletion instruction has been issued. When an operation signal indicating deletion (non-storage) is input from the operation member (not shown), the CPU 18 makes a positive determination in step S67 and proceeds to step S66, and an operation signal indicating deletion (non-storage) is input. If not, a negative determination is made in step S67, and the process proceeds to step S68.

  The CPU 18 having affirmed the determination in step S67 determines to delete the captured image files whose calculated imaging interval D is within a predetermined value (step S66). Further, the CPU 18 calculates a change amount between the captured images for the image group determined to be deleted, and updates the determination threshold value of the image change amount corresponding to the lowest image similarity as the next determination threshold value in step S65. .

  Further, the CPU 18 having proceeded from step S67 to step S66, among the image files recorded on the recording medium 30, only the image files instructed to be deleted for the image file group in which the shooting interval D exceeds the predetermined range. Are deleted from the recording medium 30.

  In step S68, the CPU 18 determines not to delete the captured image file, and ends the process according to the flowchart of FIG.

According to the second embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(1) The electronic camera stores information indicating the number of total releases, the shooting time (the elapsed time from the shooting time of the previous frame to the shooting time of the current frame), and the shutter time at the time of shooting in an image file for each shooting. include. The shooting time includes the shooting time for the last 10 images including the current frame. When the electronic camera performs processing on the image file recorded in 30 on the recording medium, it reads information indicating the release integration number, the shooting time, and the shutter time for the current frame shooting for each image file (step S61). Even when the control shutter speed differs for each shooting frame, it is possible to obtain the shooting interval D of images with close shooting dates and times (step S62).

(2) In the electronic camera, in addition to the shooting interval D being within the predetermined range (step S66), the acquisition time difference between the images having the discontinuous release integration number is based on the shooting time for the previous nine images. A case where the calculated time is coincident (Yes in step S64) is treated as a continuous shot image. As a result, even if a series of image files obtained by repeated shooting is acquired, even if a part of the files is deleted and the number of release integrations becomes discontinuous, it can be treated as a continuous shot image. it can.

(3) In addition to the above (2), the electronic camera treats the case where the image similarity is high between images close to each other in shooting date (determination is negative in step S65) as a continuously shot image, and It deletes collectively (however, the image group with low similarity is not deleted) (step S66). Even if no deletion operation is performed, the electronic camera automatically determines saving / deleting, which is easy for the user to handle. Further, the used capacity of the recording medium 30 can be reduced as compared with the case where all the image groups are stored.

(4) When the shooting interval D is within the predetermined range and the similarity between the images is low (Yes in step S65), the electronic camera selects the image group when a deletion instruction is input. Handled as continuous shot images. This makes it easy to delete a group of images that have been repeatedly shot.

(Modification 2)
In the above description, the electronic camera in which the programs shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 are stored in the CPU 18 in advance has been described as an example. In general, when upgrading the version of an electronic camera program, information stored in the electronic camera may be rewritten or new information may be added via the Internet or a portable recording medium. is there. The present invention can also be applied to such a version upgrade program.

(Modification 3)
The above-described electronic camera treats a series of images acquired by repeated shooting as a continuous shot image, and determines a storage or deletion mode for the series of images. In addition to saving or deleting, or instead of saving or deleting, transmission or non-transmission may be determined. In this case, the electronic camera transmits a series of images collectively handled as continuous shot images to an external device, transmits only a part of the series of images, or does not transmit the series of images. Even if no transmission operation is performed, since the electronic camera automatically determines transmission / non-transmission, it is easy for the user to handle. Further, compared to the case where all the image groups are transmitted, it is possible to suppress the transmission time and the used capacity of the transmission destination recording apparatus. Transmission may be wired communication via a network or the like, or wireless communication via a wireless terminal.

(Modification 4)
Although the case where the program is executed by the CPU 18 of the electronic camera has been described, an image processing program including the processing for the recorded image described in FIG. 4 is prepared, and this program is taken into a personal computer or the like and used as an image processing apparatus. be able to. In this case, the program is loaded into a data storage device of a personal computer and then executed to be used as an image processing device. The program may be loaded by setting a recording medium storing the program in the personal computer, or may be loaded into the personal computer by a method via a network.

  The above description is merely an example, and is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment.

It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the electronic camera by 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the imaging | photography process performed by CPU. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of an image recording control process. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the process with respect to the recorded image.

Explanation of symbols

11 ... Image sensor 16 ... Image processing circuit 18 ... Main CPU
19 ... Buffer memory 30 ... Recording medium

Claims (17)

Continuous shooting image determination means for determining whether a plurality of images acquired regardless of the continuous shooting mode and the single shooting mode are continuous shooting images;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a recording control unit that controls a mode of storage or deletion for each of a plurality of images determined as a continuous shot image by the continuous shot image determination unit. The imaging device according to claim 1,
The continuous shot image determination unit calculates shooting intervals of a plurality of images in which the order of acquisition of the shot images is continuous, and determines the plurality of images as continuous shot images when the calculated shooting interval is within a predetermined time. An imaging apparatus characterized by that. The imaging device according to claim 2,
Image information generating means for generating information indicating the acquisition order of the captured images, the acquisition time difference, and the shutter time at the time of shooting,
The imaging device, wherein the continuous shot image determination unit calculates the shooting interval using information generated by the image information generation unit. The imaging device according to claim 3.
In addition to the information, the image information generation means generates information indicating an acquisition time difference for each of a predetermined number of images before the acquisition order continues,
The continuous-shot photograph image determining means, when the acquisition order of the plurality of images to be determined is discontinuous, the acquisition time difference between the discontinuous images matches the time based on the acquisition time difference for the previous predetermined number of images. In this case, the image pickup apparatus determines that the plurality of images are continuous shot images. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4,
The continuous shot image determination unit further calculates a similarity between the plurality of images, and determines that the plurality of images are continuous shot images when the calculated similarity is higher than a predetermined determination threshold. An imaging device. In the imaging device according to claim 4 or 5,
A recording circuit for recording a captured image and information generated by the image information generating means on a recording medium;
The image pickup apparatus, wherein the recording control unit controls the recording circuit to collectively delete the determined continuous shot image and its information according to an instruction. In the imaging device according to claim 4 or 5,
A recording circuit for recording a captured image and information generated by the image information generating means on a recording medium;
The image pickup apparatus, wherein the recording control unit controls the recording circuit so that neither the determined continuous-shot photographed image nor its information is stored. In the imaging device according to claim 4 or 5,
A recording circuit for recording a captured image and information generated by the image information generating means on a recording medium;
The image recording apparatus, wherein the recording control unit controls the recording circuit so as to store only the first acquired image and the information thereof among the determined continuous shot images. The imaging device according to claim 6,
The continuous-shot photographed image determination means uses the lowest similarity between the deleted continuous-shot photographed images as a determination threshold value in the next determination. A shooting interval calculation process that calculates shooting intervals of a plurality of images that are acquired regardless of the continuous shooting mode and the single shooting mode, and the acquisition order is continuous;
Continuous shooting image determination processing for determining the plurality of images as continuous shooting images when the calculated shooting interval is within a predetermined time; and
An image processing program causing a computer device to execute a recording control process for controlling a mode of saving or deleting for each of a plurality of images determined to be the continuous shot images. The image processing program according to claim 10,
Further executing a process of reading out information indicating the acquisition order of the plurality of captured images, the acquisition time difference, and the shutter time at the time of shooting from the recording medium,
In the shooting interval calculation process, the shooting interval is calculated using the read information. The image processing program according to claim 11,
In addition to the information, a process of reading information indicating the acquisition time difference for each predetermined number of images before the acquisition order continues from the recording medium is further executed.
In the continuous shot image determination process, when the acquisition order of the plurality of images to be determined is discontinuous, the acquisition time difference between the discontinuous images matches the time based on the acquisition time difference for the previous predetermined number of images. In this case, the image processing program is characterized in that the plurality of images are determined as continuous shot images. In the image processing program according to claim 12,
An image processing program that calculates similarity between the plurality of images, and further executes a process of determining the plurality of images as continuous shot images when the calculated similarity is higher than a predetermined determination threshold. . The image processing program according to claim 12 or 13,
In the recording control process, a plurality of images determined as the continuous shot images and information thereof are collectively deleted. The image processing program according to claim 12 or 13,
In the recording control process, an image processing program storing only the first image in the order of acquisition among the plurality of images determined to be the continuously shot images and the information thereof. The image processing program according to claim 14 or 15,
An image processing program that further executes a process of collectively transmitting a plurality of images determined to be the continuously shot images and information thereof to an external device. A shooting interval calculation process that calculates shooting intervals of a plurality of images that are acquired regardless of the continuous shooting mode and the single shooting mode, and the acquisition order is continuous;
Continuous shooting image determination processing for determining the plurality of images as continuous shooting images when the calculated shooting interval is within a predetermined time; and
An image transmission program for causing a computer device to execute a process of collectively transmitting a plurality of images determined to be the continuously shot images to an external device.

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