JP2007259304A - Imaging apparatus, its control method, computer program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the time required for still image photographing while recording moving images and to prevent the image quality degradation of both. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus comprises: an imaging element for photoelectrically converting an object image image-formed by an imaging lens and generating video signals; a color filter formed for each pixel on the imaging element for acquiring the color information of an object; an imaging means for obtaining digital image data corresponding to the array of the color filters from the imaging element; a memory means for temporarily preserving the digital image data obtained from the imaging means; and a signal processing means for executing signal processing to the digital image data preserved in the memory means. The signal processing means is controlled so as to execute the signal processing different from the one for the time of moving images to the digital image data preserved already in the memory means in order to fetch the moving images when still image recording is instructed while recording the moving images. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, a control method thereof, a computer program, and a storage medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a digital camera that records and reproduces a still image obtained by imaging with a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD using a memory card as a recording medium is commercially available. Many of these digital cameras are capable of recording moving images, and some models are capable of taking still images while recording moving images.

In such a digital camera, there are the following two methods for driving the image sensor when a still image recording instruction is given during moving image recording.
(1) Still image recording method without switching the imaging drive (see Patent Document 1)
(2) A method of recording a still image after switching the imaging drive (see Patent Document 2).

  However, in the method (1), since the driving method of the image sensor is not switched between moving image recording and still image recording, one image of image data already processed for moving images is used as still image data. Yes. In this case, there is an advantage that the time lag from when the still image recording instruction is issued to when the still image recording is performed can be reduced. There is also an advantage that still image recording is possible without interrupting moving image recording. On the other hand, the parameters at the time of development processing, including the image size and compression rate, are set according to the moving image, which is somewhat disadvantageous in terms of image quality compared to the case where only still image shooting is performed from the beginning.

On the other hand, in the method (2), recording can be performed by an imaging driving method for still image recording, which is different from the moving image recording performed so far, and therefore, development processing suitable for still image recording becomes possible. . This is advantageous in terms of the quality of the recorded image as compared with the method (1). On the other hand, since it takes time to switch the imaging drive method, there is a time lag from when a still image instruction is received during moving image recording until when still image shooting is actually performed. In addition, since the moving image recording is interrupted until the still image shooting during the moving image recording is completed, there is a problem in terms of the storage property of the moving image data.
JP 09-233410 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-298783

  Thus, conventionally, it has been difficult to achieve still image shooting during moving image recording with high quality and no time lag.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to realize still image shooting during moving image recording with high quality and no time lag.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an imaging unit that images a subject and generates first digital image data in a first color space, and the first digital image data obtained from the imaging unit. Storage means for storing the image data, conversion processing means for converting the first digital image data stored in the storage means into second digital image data in the second color space, and a first instruction for receiving a moving image recording instruction. Receiving means and a second receiving means for receiving an instruction for recording a still image. The moving picture recording instruction is received by the first receiving means, and the first digital image data of the imaging means is received. When performing at least one of generation, storage in the storage unit, and first conversion processing using the first parameter for moving images by the conversion processing unit, the second receiving unit Wherein when receiving a still image recording instruction further of Ri, the conversion means further performs the second conversion processing using a second parameter for different still picture from said first parameter.

  According to the present invention for solving the above-described problems, the storage unit includes at least two areas for storing the first digital image data, and the conversion processing unit further performs the second conversion process. The first digital image data related to the first and second conversion processes is stored in the at least two areas until the first and second conversion processes are completed. The first image data further obtained from the imaging unit may be stored in a different area.

  Further, the second conversion process is preferably executed at a timing when the first conversion process is not performed, and the conversion process includes a white balance process, a digital gain conversion process, a sharpness process, and At least one of the contrast processing may be included.

  According to the present invention, still image shooting during moving image recording can be realized with high quality and no time lag.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an imaging device. This imaging apparatus can be realized as a digital camera or a digital video camera, for example.

  Reference numeral 10 denotes a photographing lens, and 11 denotes an optical viewfinder for confirming a subject image. The angle of view can be changed according to zoom control. Reference numeral 12 denotes a diaphragm combined shutter having a diaphragm function, and reference numeral 14 denotes an image sensor that converts an optical image into an electrical signal. A primary color mosaic filter is disposed on the element. A pre-processing unit 15 includes a CDS (correlated double sampling) unit and an AGC (automatic gain control) unit for removing output noise of the image sensor 14 inside. Reference numeral 16 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output from the preprocessing unit 15 into a digital signal.

  Reference numeral 18 denotes a timing generator (TG) that supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14 and the A / D converter 16, and these timings are controlled by the signal processing IC 22.

  The signal processing IC 22 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing, color conversion processing, enlargement / reduction, and image data format conversion on the data from the A / D converter 16 or the data from the DRAM 30 according to an instruction from the CPU 50. Also, a DMA controller, a D / A converter, and a compression / decompression unit that compresses and decompresses image data are incorporated. Further, the signal processing IC 22 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and stores the obtained arithmetic result in the DRAM 30. The CPU 50 performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing, AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, and EF (strobe pre-flash) processing based on the calculation result.

  Reference numeral 28 denotes an image display unit composed of a TFT LCD or the like. Display image data written in the DRAM 30 is displayed by the image display unit 28 via a D / A converter (not shown) in the signal processing IC 22. The image display unit 28 is used to display various information / mode setting statuses in addition to images.

  If the image data captured using the image display unit 28 is sequentially displayed, the electronic viewfinder function can be realized. Further, the image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the CPU 50. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the imaging apparatus 100 can be significantly reduced.

  Further, the image display unit 28 is coupled to the camera body by a rotatable hinge unit, and can use an electronic finder function, a reproduction display function, and various display functions by setting a free orientation and angle. . The display portion of the image display unit 28 can be stored while being directed toward the camera body. In this case, the storage state is detected by the detection SW 98 and the display of the image display unit 28 is displayed. The operation can be stopped.

  The DRAM 30 is a memory used for temporary storage of photographed uncompressed data, retention of AF / AE / AWB / EF calculation results, retention of images for display on the image display unit 28, retention of compressed image data, and the like. The DRAM 30 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of moving images.

A zoom control unit 44 controls zooming of the photographing lens 10 and the optical viewfinder 11. A connector 46 is also called an accessory shoe and includes an electrical contact with the external strobe device 400 and mechanical fixing means.
A built-in flash 48 has a TTL light control function.

  Reference numeral 50 denotes a CPU that controls the entire imaging apparatus 100. Based on the calculation result of AF / AE / AWB / EF stored in the DRAM 30 by the signal processing IC 22, AF / AE / AWB / EF control is performed. Data flow control for the signal processing IC 22, various key scan operations, zoom control, communication with peripheral modules, and the like are performed.

  A memory 52 stores variables for operating the CPU 50 and the like. Reference numeral 54 denotes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device or a speaker that displays an operation state, a message, or the like using characters, images, sounds, or the like in accordance with execution of a program by the CPU 50. The display unit 54 is installed in a single or a plurality of positions near the operation unit of the imaging device 100 so as to be easily visible, and is configured by a combination of an LCD, an LED, a sounding element, and the like.

  Display contents of the display unit 54 include single shot / continuous shooting display, self-timer display, compression rate display, number of recorded pixels, number of recorded pixels, number of remaining shots displayed, shutter speed display, aperture value display, and exposure correction. Display, strobe display, red-eye reduction display, macro shooting display, buzzer setting display, clock battery level display, battery level display, error display, information display with multiple digits, display / removal status display of recording medium 200, communication I / F operation display, date / time display, etc.

  Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable flash memory in which programs necessary for operating the CPU 50, camera-specific adjustment data, and the like are written in advance.

  Hereinafter, a specific description of the main operation unit will be given. Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode dial switch having a two-stage structure, and the lower stage has three states of power off (OFF), photographing mode, and reproduction mode. In the upper row, various shooting modes set by the user according to the purpose and scene are assigned at the time of shooting. This mode includes, for example, fully automatic shooting mode (AUTO), program shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, manual shooting mode, pan focus mode, portrait mode, landscape mode, night scene mode, color effect There are modes, stitch assist mode, and video shooting mode, and each mode can be switched.

  A shutter switch 64 is composed of two-stage switches SW1 and SW2. When the shutter button is half-pressed, the switch becomes SW1-ON, and commands to start operations such as AD (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing). Further, when the shutter button is fully pressed, the switch becomes SW2-ON, and the signal read from the image sensor 12 is written into the DRAM 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the signal processing IC 22. Next, the signal processing IC 22 reads image data from the DRAM 30 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 50, performs image processing such as color correction, pixel interpolation, and color conversion, and then performs compression processing and writes the image data to the recording medium 200.

  Reference numeral 68 denotes a strobe switch SW (switch), which switches the strobe light emission mode at the time of shooting to forced light emission / non-light emission / auto light emission. Reference numerals 72, 74, and 76 denote a menu key, a set key, and a cross key, respectively. By changing these keys, various settings can be changed during shooting or playback, or a function can be executed while viewing the image display unit 28. Can do. Of these, the cross key is a composite key composed of four directional keys.

  By pressing the menu key 72 once, a menu screen is displayed on the image display unit 28. This menu screen differs depending on the current mode indicated by the mode dial switch 60. After that, the menu item displayed is selected using the cross key 76 and determined by pressing the set key 74.

  For example, menu items when the shooting mode is the program shooting mode include, for example, a recording pixel size, a compression rate, a recording format, sensitivity, an AF mode, whether or not shooting is confirmed, an image quality tuning parameter, and the like.

  The menu items at the time of reproduction include image erasure (one or all), image protection (protect), image rotation setting, and the like.

  The cross key 76 is also used for other than menu setting. For example, when the shutter speed priority mode is set by the mode dial switch 60, the shutter speed can be changed using the left / right direction key of the cross key. In the playback mode, the left / right direction keys are used to advance the image.

  Reference numeral 78 denotes a drive mode switching button that switches between single shooting / continuous shooting / self-timer every time the button is pressed. 70 is a summary of the operation unit other than the above, zoom lever, metering mode switching button, macro button, AE lock button, multi-screen playback page break button, exposure correction button, dimming correction button, date / time setting button, There is a select / switch button for setting selection and switching of various functions when performing shooting and playback in a panorama mode or the like. There is also an image display ON / OFF switch for setting ON / OFF of the image display unit 28. Items with a relatively high frequency of use are assigned to the operation unit for the items included in the menu.

  A power control unit 80 includes a battery detection unit, a DC-DC converter, a switch unit that switches a block to be energized, and the like. Further, the presence / absence of the battery, the type of the battery, and the remaining battery level are detected, and the DC-DC converter is controlled based on the detection result and the instruction of the CPU 50. Further, a necessary voltage is supplied to each unit including the recording medium for a necessary period, and the remaining battery level is displayed on the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 as necessary.

  Reference numerals 82 and 84 denote connectors, and 86 denotes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, NiMH battery, or Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like. A connector 92 connects to a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that there is one interface and connector for attaching a recording medium. Of course, the interface and the connector for attaching the recording medium may have a single or a plurality of systems and any number of systems. Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with combining the interface and connector of a different standard.

  The interface and connector may be configured using a PCMCIA card, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, or the like that conforms to a standard.

  Reference numeral 98 denotes a detection SW (switch), which includes an image display unit open / close detection unit that can detect whether or not the display portion of the image display unit 28 is stored in the image pickup apparatus 100. included. Also included are a battery lid open / close detection unit for detecting that the battery lid has been opened, a mounting state detection unit for the external strobe 404, and the like.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, and the like, an interface 204 with the imaging device 100, and a connector 206 that connects to the imaging device 100.

  Reference numeral 400 denotes an external strobe device. In this embodiment, in addition to the built-in strobe 48, an external strobe can be attached later, and TTL light control photography is possible as with the built-in strobe. Reference numeral 402 denotes a connector for connecting to an accessory shoe of the imaging apparatus 100. An external strobe 404 has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a strobe light control function.

  2 and 3 show a data flow when the moving image recording and still image recording during moving image recording of the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. A detailed operation at the time of moving image recording and still image recording during moving image recording in the imaging apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[When recording movies]
When the start of moving image recording is instructed by the operation unit 70, the subject image is output as an electrical signal from the image sensor 14 and converted into digital image data by the A / D converter 16. This digital image data is raw data (hereinafter referred to as RAW data) having RGB color information corresponding to the arrangement of each pixel of an on-chip color filter (not shown) pasted on the image sensor. This RAW data is temporarily stored in the RAW buffer 203. The RAW buffer 203 can be secured by dividing an area in the DRAM 30, for example.

  Thereafter, the RAW data read from the RAW buffer 203 is subjected to development processing in the development processing unit 205 based on the moving image white balance coefficient 215 and the moving image development processing parameter 216.

  Here, the moving image white balance coefficient is not determined by only one piece of RAW data, but is controlled by the CPU 50 so as to follow with some delay in consideration of a time-series change of the light source. The moving image development processing parameters 216 include, for example, parameters for contrast processing, sharpness processing, or digital gain conversion processing that are tuned for moving images. These parameters are stored in the flash memory 56 in advance, and some of them may be selected by the user.

  Through development processing by the development processing unit 205, image data in the RGB color space is converted into luminance / color difference data (hereinafter referred to as YUV data), which is image data in another color space. One of the image data converted into YUV data is converted into a size suitable for display on the display unit 54 by the resizing unit 1 (208), temporarily stored in the display memory 209, and then transferred to the display unit 54. Is done.

  The other is converted into a moving image size by the resizing unit 2 (211), compressed by the compression unit 212, stored in the moving image buffer 213, and finally recorded in the recording unit 202 in the recording medium 200. The resize parameter 217 and the compression parameter 218 for moving image recording at this time are also stored in advance in the flash memory 56, and may be selectable by the user.

  The functions of the development processing unit 205, the resizing unit 1 (208), the resizing unit 2 (211), and the compression unit 212 are realized by the signal processing IC 22, respectively. Further, the display memory 209 and the moving image buffer 213 can be secured by dividing an area in the DRAM 30, for example.

[When recording still images during movie recording]
When the shutter switch 64 is operated during the moving image recording and a still image recording instruction is issued, still image recording processing is performed using the RAW data in the RAW buffer 203 already stored for moving images. The RAW data read from the RAW buffer 203 is subjected to development processing 205 using a still image white balance coefficient 315 and a still image development processing parameter 316.

  Here, unlike the case of moving image recording, the still image white balance coefficient 315 can be determined from only one piece of RAW data. The still image development processing parameters 316 include, for example, parameters for contrast processing, sharpness processing, or digital gain conversion processing that are tuned for still images. These parameters are stored in advance in the flash memory 56, and some of them may be selectable by the user. Such development processing can be performed in the signal processing IC 22.

  Through this development processing, the image data in the RGB color space is converted into luminance / color difference data (hereinafter referred to as YUV data), which is image data in another color space. One of the image data converted into YUV data is converted into a size suitable for display on the display unit 54 by the resizing unit 1 (208), temporarily stored in the display memory 209, and then transferred to the display unit 54. The

  The other is converted into a still image size by the resizing unit 2 (211), compressed by the compression unit 212, stored in the still image buffer 313, and finally stored in the recording unit 202 in the recording medium 200. To be recorded. The resize parameter 317 and the compression parameter 318 for recording a still image at this time may be stored in advance in the flash memory 56 and selectable by the user.

  As in the case of moving image recording, the still image buffer 313 can be secured by dividing an area in the DRAM 30, for example.

  In this way, when a still image recording instruction is received during moving image recording, the time lag is minimized by performing signal processing for the still image using RAW data temporarily stored during moving image recording. However, high-quality still image recording can be performed.

  Of course, in the above-described embodiment, there may be a plurality of areas in the DRAM 30 in which RAW data can be temporarily stored.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the development timing of a moving image and a still image when a still image recording instruction is issued during moving image recording will be described.

  In FIG. 4, VD 401 is a synchronization signal generated from the timing generator 18. In synchronization with the synchronization signal VD 401, captured data 402 is captured from the image sensor 14 via the A / D converter 16. At times t <b> 1 to t <b> 3, the RAW data 1 is captured as the captured data 402 into the area A that is the first area in the RAW buffer 203. A used RAW buffer area 403 indicates an area used as a take-in destination of the take-in data 402.

  At time t <b> 2 to t <b> 4, moving image development processing for the RAW data 1 captured in the area A is performed by the development processing unit 205. Then, the next vertical synchronization period is started based on VD 401, and RAW data 2 is taken into region A of RAW buffer 203 between times t 5 and t 7.

  Here, a case where a still image shooting instruction is received at time t0 during the vertical synchronization period is considered. In this case, after the still image development process is performed at times t6 to t9, the moving image development process is performed between times t9 and t10. Note that the execution timing of the still image development process is not limited to the execution timing of the moving image development process, and is not limited to the example shown in FIG. Thereby, both a still image and a moving image can be recorded using the same RAW data 2.

  Here, the next vertical period starts from time t8 based on the VD 401, and the RAW data 3 is captured. At this time, since the development process for the RAW data 2 has not been completed, the development process for the RAW data 2 may fail if the RAW data 3 newly taken into the area A is overwritten.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when a still image recording instruction is received during moving image recording, the used RAW buffer area 403 is changed until the still image developing process and the moving image developing process using the same captured data 402 are completed. . In FIG. 4, the used RAW buffer area 403 of the RAW data 3 is changed from the area A to the area B. Thereby, during the moving image development of the RAW data 2 in the area A, the development can be normally completed without being overwritten by the RAW data 3. Also, the RAW data 3 captured in the area B is subjected to moving image development processing at times t11 to t13.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the development process for the still image is performed during the period when the development process for the moving image is not performed, and the corresponding RAW buffer area is processed until the development processing for the moving image and the still image is completed. Overwriting with new RAW data is restricted. Thereby, still image recording during moving image recording is possible without interrupting moving image recording.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus corresponding to the present embodiment, when a still image recording instruction is issued during moving image recording, new image data is stored using the image data already stored in the RAW buffer for moving image capture. In addition, signal processing for still images can be performed. Thereby, the time lag from the still image shooting instruction during moving image recording can be minimized. Furthermore, since development processing using appropriate parameters is performed for moving images and still images, the image quality of both can be maximized. In addition, since switching of imaging drive does not occur between moving image recording and still image recording during moving image recording, still image shooting is possible without interrupting moving image recording.

[Other Embodiments]
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, and a printer), and a device (for example, a copying machine and a facsimile device) including a single device. You may apply to.

  The object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the above-described functions to the system, and the system reading and executing the program codes. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. In addition, an operating system (OS) running on a computer performs part or all of actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the above-described functions are realized by the processing.

  Furthermore, you may implement | achieve with the following forms. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Then, based on the instruction of the program code, the case where the above-described functions are realized by the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performing part or all of the actual processing is also included.

  When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the imaging device corresponding to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data flow at the time of the moving image recording in the imaging device corresponding to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data flow at the time of the still image recording during the moving image recording in the imaging device corresponding to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the development processing timing chart at the time of the still image recording in the moving image recording in the imaging device corresponding to embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Shooting lens 11: Optical finder 12: Shutter / shutter 14: Image sensor 15: Pre-processing part 16: A / D converter 18: Timing generator 22: Signal processing IC
28: Image display unit 30: DRAM
48: Built-in flash 50: CPU
52: Memory 54: Display 56: Flash memory 60: Mode dial 64: Shutter switch 68: Strobe switch SW
70: operation unit 72: menu key 74: set key 76: cross key 78: drive mode switching button 80: power control unit 82: connector 84: connector 86: power source 100: imaging device 200: recording medium 202: recording unit 204: Interface 206: Connector 400: External strobe device 402: Connector 404: External strobe

Claims (10)

Imaging means for imaging a subject and generating first digital image data in a first color space;
Storage means for storing the first digital image data obtained from the imaging means;
Conversion processing means for converting the first digital image data stored in the storage means into second digital image data in a second color space;
First receiving means for receiving an instruction to record a moving image;
Second receiving means for receiving a still image recording instruction,
The moving image recording instruction is received by the first receiving unit, the first digital image data is generated by the imaging unit, stored in the storage unit, and the first moving image is generated by the conversion processing unit. When at least one of the first conversion processes using parameters is being performed and the still image recording instruction is further received by the second reception unit, the conversion processing unit is configured to display the first parameter. An image pickup apparatus further performing a second conversion process using a second parameter for a still image different from the first parameter. The storage means includes at least two areas for storing the first digital image data,
In the case where the second conversion process is further performed by the conversion processing unit, the first and second conversion processes of the at least two regions are performed until the first and second conversion processes are completed. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first image data further obtained from the imaging unit is stored in an area different from an area in which the first digital image data is stored. .   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second conversion process is executed at a timing when the first conversion process is not performed.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conversion process includes at least one of a white balance process, a digital gain conversion process, a sharpness process, and a contrast process. A first receiving step for receiving an instruction to record a moving image;
An imaging step of imaging a subject by an imaging unit and generating first digital image data of a first color space;
A storage step of storing the first digital image data obtained in the imaging step in a storage unit;
A conversion processing step for converting the first digital image data stored in the storage unit into second digital image data in a second color space;
The moving image recording instruction is received in the first receiving step, the first digital image data generation in the imaging step, the storage in the storing step, and the first parameter for moving image in the conversion processing step are set. A second receiving step for receiving an instruction to record the still image when at least one of the used first conversion processes is performed,
When the still image recording instruction is received, a second conversion process using a second parameter for a still image different from the first parameter is further performed in the conversion processing step. Control method of imaging apparatus. The storage unit includes at least two areas for storing the first digital image data,
In the conversion processing step, when the second conversion processing is further performed, in the storage step, the first and second of the at least two regions until the first and second conversion processing are completed. 6. The first image data further obtained from the imaging unit is stored in a region different from a region in which the first digital image data related to the conversion process 2 is stored. The control method of the imaging device described in 1.   The method of controlling an imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second conversion process is executed at a timing when the first conversion process is not performed.   8. The method according to claim 5, wherein the conversion process includes at least one of a white balance process, a digital gain conversion process, a sharpness process, and a contrast process.   The computer program for making a computer perform the control method of the imaging device in any one of Claims 5 thru | or 8.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program according to claim 9.

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