JP2008054130A - Imaging apparatus and program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of improving the convenience of a lock of a photographing condition, and to provide its program. <P>SOLUTION: A digital camera 1 includes a shutter button 21 for instructing at least photographing and a photographing condition holding button 22 provided separately from the shutter button 21 to instruct the holding and the release of a photographing condition, locks the value of a photographing condition such as an AE when the photographing condition holding button 22 is pressed down, and performs still picture photographing processing under the photographing condition of the locked value when the shutter button is pressed down during the value is locked. Thus, even a user who can not perform subtle operations such as half-pressing of the shutter button and full pressing can perform photographing while locking a photographing condition and can perform photographing under the same photographing condition as many times as the user wants unless the photographing condition holding button 22 releases the holding of the photographing condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a program thereof, and more particularly, to an imaging apparatus and a program thereof that can perform imaging while locking imaging conditions.

  A conventional imaging apparatus, for example, a digital camera, includes a shutter button that can perform a two-step operation of half-pressing and full-pressing as shown in Patent Document 1 below. When the shutter button is fully pressed in this state, the AF lock and the AE lock are continued, and still image shooting is performed under the shooting conditions obtained based on the lock.

JP Patent Publication No. 2006-157348

However, according to the above technique, the following problems occur.
For example, it is difficult for a user who has difficulty in properly using the subtle operation difference between half-pressing and full-pressing the shutter button, and it is difficult to continue the half-pressing operation. It was not easy to shoot under certain conditions, and the usability was bad.
Even if shooting conditions are obtained based on AE lock executed by half-pressing the shutter button, once shooting is performed by fully pressing the shutter button, the shooting conditions obtained based on the lock are canceled. As a result, the user cannot perform shooting as many times as desired under the same shooting conditions obtained based on the lock, and the usability is poor.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device and a program thereof that can improve the usability of locking of imaging conditions.

In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a shutter button that instructs shooting,
Instruction means provided separately from the shutter button and instructing to hold and release predetermined photographing conditions;
Detecting means for detecting an appropriate value as the predetermined photographing condition;
A holding control unit that controls to hold an appropriate value as the predetermined shooting condition detected by the detection unit when holding of the predetermined shooting condition is instructed by the instruction unit;
When an appropriate value is held by the holding control means when shooting is instructed by the shutter button, a still image of the subject is shot under shooting conditions including the held appropriate value, and the shooting is performed. Photographing recording control means for recording the recorded still image data;
It is provided with.

For example, as described in claim 2, the holding control unit includes:
Even when the still image data of the subject is shot and recorded by the shooting / recording control means, control may be performed so as to hold the appropriate value of the predetermined shooting condition.

Further, for example, as described in claim 3, the predetermined shooting condition is at least an exposure amount for still image shooting,
The detection means includes
An appropriate exposure value for still image shooting may be calculated, and at least the aperture value and the shutter speed may be detected as appropriate values.

For example, as described in claim 4, the predetermined shooting condition is at least white balance,
The detection means includes
At least the white balance coefficient may be detected as an appropriate value.

Further, for example, as described in claim 5, the predetermined photographing condition is at least a focus of a focus lens,
The detection means includes
At least the focusing lens position may be detected as an appropriate value.

For example, as described in claim 6, the holding control unit includes:
When the instruction means instructs to cancel the holding of the predetermined photographing condition, a means for controlling to release the holding of the appropriate value of the predetermined photographing condition may be included.

For example, as described in claim 7, the detection unit includes:
Until holding of the predetermined photographing condition is instructed by the instruction means, or until holding of the predetermined photographing condition is instructed by the instruction means after the holding of the appropriate value is canceled by the holding control means. The appropriate value as the predetermined photographing condition is periodically detected,
The holding control means includes
When holding of the predetermined photographing condition is instructed by the instruction unit, control may be performed so as to hold an appropriate value as the predetermined photographing condition detected most recently by the detecting unit.

Further, for example, as described in claim 8, the photographing recording control unit includes:
Before the instruction unit instructs the holding of the predetermined photographing condition, or after the holding control unit releases the holding of the appropriate value and before the instruction unit instructs the holding of the predetermined photographing condition. In addition, when shooting is instructed by the shutter button, a still image of the subject is shot under shooting conditions having an appropriate value detected most recently by the detection means, and the shot still image data is recorded. It may be.

For example, as described in claim 9, the detection unit includes:
When holding of the predetermined shooting condition is instructed by the instruction means, an appropriate value as the predetermined shooting condition is detected,
The holding control means includes
When the instruction means instructs to hold the predetermined photographing condition, control may be performed so as to hold an appropriate value as the predetermined photographing condition detected by the detecting means.

For example, as described in claim 10, the detection unit includes:
Before the instruction unit instructs the holding of the predetermined photographing condition, or after the holding control unit releases the holding of the appropriate value and before the instruction unit instructs the holding of the predetermined photographing condition. In addition, when shooting is instructed by the shutter button, an appropriate value as the predetermined shooting condition is detected,
The photographing record control means includes:
A still image of the subject may be photographed under photographing conditions having an appropriate value detected by the detection means, and the photographed still image data may be recorded.

Further, for example, as described in claim 11, the instruction means is
When the operation is performed, the holding of the predetermined shooting condition may be instructed, and when the operation is released, the release of the holding of the predetermined shooting condition may be instructed.

Further, for example, as described in claim 12, the instruction means includes
Each time the operation is performed, the holding of the predetermined shooting condition and the cancellation of the holding of the predetermined shooting condition may be instructed alternately.

To achieve the above object, a program according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention includes a shutter button for instructing photographing,
Instruction means provided separately from the shutter button and instructing to hold and release predetermined photographing conditions;
A program for executing an imaging apparatus comprising:
A detection process for detecting an appropriate value as the predetermined photographing condition;
A holding process for controlling to hold an appropriate value as the predetermined shooting condition detected by the detection process when holding of the predetermined shooting condition is instructed by the instruction unit;
If an appropriate value is held by the holding process when shooting is instructed by the shutter button, a still image of the subject is shot under the shooting conditions including the held appropriate value, and the shot is taken. Shooting process to record still image data,
It is characterized by including.

  According to the present invention, even a user who is difficult to properly use the subtle difference between half-pressing and full-pressing of the shutter button, for example, an elderly person, can easily take a picture while locking the shooting conditions.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as an example in which the imaging apparatus of the present invention is applied to a digital camera.
[First embodiment]

A. Configuration of Digital Camera FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic external view of a digital camera 1 that implements the photographing apparatus of the present invention, and particularly shows the front of the digital camera 1.
A photographing lens 2 is provided in front of the digital camera 1, and a shutter button 21 and a photographing condition holding button 22 provided separately from the shutter button 21 are provided on the top surface of the digital camera 1.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the digital camera 1 that implements the moving image processing apparatus of the present invention.
The digital camera 1 includes a photographing lens 2, a lens driving block 3, an aperture 4, a CCD 5, a driver 6, a TG (timing generator) 7, a unit circuit 8, an image generation unit 9, a CPU 10, a key input unit 11, a memory 12, a DRAM 13, A flash memory 14, an image display unit 15, and a bus 16 are provided.

  The photographing lens 2 includes a focus lens 2b composed of a plurality of lens groups, a zoom lens 2a, and the like. A lens driving block 3 is connected to the photographing lens 2. The lens drive block 3 includes a focus motor and a zoom motor that drive the focus lens 2b and the zoom lens 2a along the optical axis direction, respectively, and a focus that drives the focus motor and the zoom motor according to a control signal sent from the CPU 10. It is composed of a motor driver and a zoom motor driver (not shown).

The diaphragm 4 includes a drive circuit (not shown), and the drive circuit operates the diaphragm 4 in accordance with a control signal sent from the CPU 10.
The aperture is a mechanism that controls the amount of light that enters from the photographic lens 2.

  The CCD 5 is driven by the driver 6 and photoelectrically converts the intensity of light of each color of the RGB value of the subject image for every fixed period and outputs it to the unit circuit 8 as an imaging signal. The operation timing of the driver 6 and the unit circuit 8 is controlled by the CPU 10 via the TG 7. The CCD 5 has a Bayer color filter and also functions as an electronic shutter. The shutter speed of the electronic shutter is controlled by the CPU 10 via the driver 6 and TG7.

  A TG 7 is connected to the unit circuit 8, a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) circuit that holds the imaged signal output from the CCD 5 by correlated double sampling, and an AGC that performs automatic gain adjustment of the imaged signal after the sampling. An (Automatic Gain Control) circuit and an A / D converter that converts an analog image pickup signal after the automatic gain adjustment into a digital signal, the image pickup signal output from the CCD 5 passes through the unit circuit 8 as a digital signal. It is sent to the image generator 9.

  The image generation unit 9 performs γ correction processing, WB measurement processing for calculating a WB coefficient, and white balance processing based on the measured WB coefficient on the image data sent from the unit circuit 8, as well as a luminance color difference signal. (YUV data) is generated, and the generated image data of the luminance color difference signal is sent to the CPU 10. That is, the image generation unit 9 performs image processing on the image data output from the CCD 5.

The CPU 10 is a one-chip microcomputer that has a function of recording still image shooting processing, recording processing, and image data sent from the image generation unit 9 and controls each unit of the digital camera 1.
In particular, the CPU 10 has functions of performing AE (automatic exposure control) processing, AF (autofocus control) processing, AWB (auto white balance control) processing, and AE lock, AF lock, and AWB lock.

The key input unit 11 includes a shutter button 21, a shooting condition holding button 22 provided separately from the shutter button 21, a plurality of operation keys such as a mode key, a set key, a cross key, and a zoom key. A corresponding operation signal is output to the CPU 10.
The memory 12 stores a control program and necessary data necessary for the CPU 10 to control each unit, and the CPU 10 operates according to the program.

The DRAM 13 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data sent to the CPU 10 after being imaged by the CCD 5 and also as a working memory for the CPU 10.
The flash memory 14 is a recording medium that stores compressed image data.

  The image display unit 15 includes a color LCD and a driving circuit thereof, and displays a subject imaged by the CCD 5 as a through image when in a shooting standby state, and displays a moving image of the subject imaged by the CCD 5 even during moving image shooting. Display. If still image shooting processing is performed during moving image shooting, the still image shot with the moving image is displayed.

B. Operation of Digital Camera 1 The operation of the digital camera 1 in the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the still image shooting mode is set by the operation of the user's mode key, the CPU 10 starts imaging with the CCD 5 at a predetermined frame rate, is sequentially output from the CCD 5, and the luminance color difference signal sequentially generated by the image generation unit 9. Is stored in the buffer memory (DRAM 13), and the stored image data of the subject is displayed on the image display unit 15, so-called through image display is started (step S1).

  Next, the CPU 10 starts AE processing for still images (step S2). That is, the appropriate exposure value for the still image is sequentially calculated based on the luminance component of the image data sequentially output from the CCD 5 and sequentially stored in the buffer memory, and the aperture value, shutter speed, Then, the value of the AGC amplification factor of the unit circuit 8 is calculated (a proper exposure value, an aperture value based on the value, a shutter speed, and an amplification factor are detected). As a result, the calculated aperture value, shutter speed, and amplification value change each time image data is sequentially output.

Next, in step S3, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to maintain the shooting conditions (step S3). This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to pressing of the shooting condition holding button 22 is sent from the key input unit 11.
If it is determined in step S3 that the shooting conditions are maintained, the CPU 10 ends the still image AE process and locks the shooting conditions AE (step S4). That is, the appropriate exposure value (aperture value, shutter speed, amplification factor) calculated immediately before is locked (held).

When the AE lock is performed, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the shutter button 21 has been pressed (step S5). This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to pressing of the shutter button 21 is sent from the key input unit 11.
If it is determined in step S5 that the shutter button 21 has not been pressed, it is determined whether or not to hold the shooting condition (step S6). This determination is made to release the holding of the shooting condition when an operation signal corresponding to pressing of the shooting condition holding button 22 is sent from the key input unit 11 again. That is, every time the photographing condition holding button 22 is pressed, holding and releasing are alternately switched as follows: photographing condition holding → shooting condition holding release → shooting condition holding.

  It should be noted that while the shooting condition holding button 22 is pressed, it is determined that the shooting condition is held, and when the shooting condition holding button 22 is released, it is determined that the holding of the shooting condition is released. . That is, while the operation signal corresponding to the pressing of the shooting condition holding button 22 is sent from the key input unit 11, it is determined that the shooting condition is held, and the operation signal corresponding to the pressing of the shooting condition holding button 22 is sent. If it is no longer available, it is determined that the shooting condition holding has been canceled.

If it is determined in step S6 that the shooting condition holding is not canceled, the process returns to step S5. If it is determined that the shooting condition holding is canceled, the process returns to step S2 to restart the AE process and the above-described operation is repeated.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the shutter button 21 has been pressed, a still image shooting process is performed under the shooting conditions of the value locked in step S4 (step S7). That is, the light from the subject is exposed to the CCD 5 with the locked aperture value and shutter speed, and the image data (still image data) obtained from the CCD 5 by the exposure is AGC of the unit circuit 8 with the locked amplification factor. Automatic gain in the circuit.

Next, the CPU 10 records the still image data obtained by the photographing process in the flash memory 14 (step S8), restarts the through image display of the subject (step S9), and returns to step S5. That is, even if the still image shooting is performed with the shooting conditions held, the shooting conditions are not reset, and the still image shooting can be performed any number of times under the locked shooting conditions.
If it is determined in step S3 that the shooting conditions are not retained, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the shutter button 21 has been pressed (step S10).

If it is determined in step S10 that the shutter button 21 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S3. Thereby, the appropriate exposure value ((aperture value, shutter speed, amplification factor) calculated every moment changes.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that the shutter button 21 has been pressed, a still image shooting process is performed under the shooting conditions of the most recently calculated value (step S11). That is, the still image shooting process is performed based on the most recently calculated appropriate exposure value (aperture value, shutter speed, amplification factor). Thereby, it is possible to perform still image shooting processing based on the most recently calculated appropriate exposure value without performing any special operation.
Next, the still image data obtained by the photographing process is recorded in the flash memory 14 (step S12), and the process returns to step S1.
In step S11, a still image shooting process may be performed based on a preset reference exposure value (aperture value, shutter speed, amplification factor). In this case, no special operation is performed. The still image shooting process can be performed based on a preset reference exposure value.

C. As described above, in the first embodiment, the button for instructing to hold and release the shooting conditions is a button different from the shutter button 22, so that the shutter button is half-pressed and fully pressed. Even a user who is difficult to properly use the difference in operation, for example, an elderly person, can easily shoot with the shooting conditions locked.
In addition, since the button for instructing to hold and release the shooting condition is a button separate from the shutter button 22, even if the shutter button is fully pressed to perform shooting, the shooting condition is unlocked accordingly. However, as long as the lock is not released by the shooting condition holding button 22, a number of subjects can be shot under the same shooting conditions.
Furthermore, the still image shooting process can be performed based on the most recently calculated appropriate exposure value or based on a preset reference exposure value without performing any special operation.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the AE process is continuously performed until the shooting condition holding button 22 is pressed, and the AE lock is performed when the shooting condition holding button 22 is pressed. In the second embodiment, when the photographing condition holding button 22 is pressed, the AE process is performed for the first time and the AE lock is performed.

D. Operation of Digital Camera 1 The second embodiment also implements the imaging apparatus of the present invention by using the digital camera 1 having the same configuration as that shown in FIG.
Hereinafter, the operation of the digital camera 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the still image shooting mode is set by the user's operation of the mode key, the CPU 10 starts imaging by the CCD 5 and starts processing to display a through image of the imaged subject (step S51).
Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to hold the shooting conditions (step S52).

If it is determined in step S52 that the shooting conditions are to be maintained, the CPU 10 performs AE processing for still images and performs AE lock (step S53). That is, the appropriate exposure value is calculated based on the luminance component of the image data that has been output from the CCD 5 and stored in the buffer memory, and the aperture value, shutter speed, and unit circuit 8 are calculated based on the calculated appropriate exposure value. The gain of AGC is calculated, and the calculated value is locked.
Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the shutter button 21 has been pressed (step S54).

If it is determined in step S54 that the shutter button has not been pressed, the CPU 10 determines whether or not to cancel holding of the shooting conditions (step S55).
If it is determined in step S55 that the holding of the shooting condition is not released, the process returns to step S54, and if it is determined that the holding of the shooting condition is released, the process returns to step S52.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S54 that the shutter button has been pressed, still image shooting processing is performed under the shooting conditions of the value locked in step S53 (step S56). That is, the light from the subject is exposed to the CCD 5 with the locked aperture value and shutter speed, and the image data (still image data) obtained from the CCD 5 by the exposure is AGC of the unit circuit 8 with the locked amplification factor. Automatic gain in the circuit.

  Next, the CPU 10 records the still image data obtained by the photographing process in the flash memory 14 (step S57), restarts the through image display of the subject (step S58), and returns to step S54. That is, even if the still image shooting is performed with the shooting conditions held, the shooting conditions are not reset, and the still image shooting can be performed any number of times under the locked shooting conditions.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S52 that the photographing condition is not held, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the shutter button 21 is pressed (step S59).
If it is determined in step S59 that the shutter button 21 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S52.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S59 that the shutter button 21 has been pressed, the CPU 10 performs AE processing for still images (step S60). That is, the appropriate exposure value is calculated based on the luminance component of the image data that has been output from the CCD 5 and stored in the buffer memory, and the aperture value, shutter speed, and unit circuit 8 are calculated based on the calculated appropriate exposure value. The value of the amplification factor of AGC is calculated.

Next, the CPU performs still image shooting under the shooting condition of the calculated value (step S61). That is, still image shooting is performed based on the most recently calculated appropriate exposure value (aperture value, shutter speed, amplification factor). Thereby, it is possible to perform still image shooting processing based on the most recently calculated appropriate exposure value without performing any special operation.
Next, the CPU 10 records still image data obtained by the photographing process in the flash memory 14 (step S62), and returns to step S51.
In step S61, a still image shooting process may be performed based on a preset reference exposure value (aperture value, shutter speed, amplification factor). In this case, no special operation is performed. The still image shooting process can be performed based on a preset reference exposure value.

E. As described above, in the second embodiment, since the button for instructing to hold and release the shooting condition is a button different from the shutter button 22, the shutter button is half-pressed and fully pressed. Even a user who is difficult to properly use the difference in operation, for example, an elderly person, can easily shoot with the shooting conditions locked.
In addition, since the button for instructing to hold and release the shooting condition is a button separate from the shutter button 22, even if the shutter button is fully pressed to perform shooting, the shooting condition is unlocked accordingly. However, as long as the lock is not released by the shooting condition holding button 22, a number of subjects can be shot under the same shooting conditions.
Furthermore, the still image shooting process can be performed based on the most recently calculated appropriate exposure value or based on a preset reference exposure value without performing any special operation.

[Modification]
F. The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows.

(1) In the first embodiment, when the photographing condition holding button 22 is pressed, the AE is locked (the appropriate exposure value obtained based on the AE process is held). Other photographing conditions may be locked (the appropriate values obtained based on other processes are held).
For example, a case of a WB coefficient obtained based on AWB processing as another imaging condition will be described.
When the AWB is locked based on the pressing of the photographing condition holding button 22 (the appropriate value of the WB coefficient obtained based on the AWB process is held), in step S2 of FIG. To start the AWB process. That is, for each color (R, G, B) of Bayer data, which is image data sequentially output from the CCD 5, the pixel values are integrated to sequentially calculate the WB coefficient (the WB coefficient is detected as an appropriate value). To go). That is, each time image data is sequentially output, the value of the calculated WB coefficient changes. The white balance is adjusted based on the sequentially calculated WB coefficient values.

  If it is determined in step S3 that an instruction to hold the shooting conditions has been given, the most recently calculated WB coefficient value is locked in step S4. When the shutter button 21 is pressed in step S5, the lock is performed in step S7. The still image shooting process is performed under the shooting condition of the value, that is, the white balance is adjusted for the still image data obtained by the shooting process based on the value of the WB coefficient locked to the image generation unit 9. This is recorded in step S8. If the shutter button 21 is pressed in step S10, the still image shooting process is performed under the shooting conditions of the value calculated most recently in step S11, that is, the WB calculated most recently by the image generation unit 9 is performed. Based on the value of the coefficient, white balance adjustment is performed on the still image data obtained by the photographing process, and recording is performed in step S12.

In addition, a case of a focusing lens position (focus lens position) obtained based on AF processing as another imaging condition will be described.
When the AF is locked based on the pressing of the photographing condition holding button 22 (the appropriate value of the in-focus lens position obtained based on the AF process is held), in step S2 in FIG. AS AF processing is started. Since the contrast detection method is adopted as the AF processing method, the AF processing by the contrast detection method is performed intermittently and continuously. That is, the focus lens position is detected as an appropriate value.
If it is determined in step S3 that the photographing condition holding is instructed, AF lock is performed in step S4, that is, the focus lens 2b is moved to the peak value position (focus lens position) of the AF evaluation value detected most recently. When the shutter button 21 is pressed in step S5, a still image shooting process is performed under the locked value shooting conditions in step S7, that is, the locked focusing lens position. The subject is picked up by the CCD 5 via the focus lens 2b, and the picked-up image data generated by the image generator 9 is stored in the buffer memory, and this is recorded in step S8. If the shutter button 21 is pressed in step S10, the focus lens 2b is moved and fixed to the peak value position (focusing lens position) of the AF evaluation value detected most recently in step S11, and is stationary. An image shooting process is performed, and the image data obtained by the still image shooting process is recorded in step S12.

(2) In the second embodiment, when the photographing condition holding button 22 is pressed, the AE is locked (the appropriate exposure value obtained based on the AE process is held). Other photographing conditions may be locked (the appropriate values obtained based on other processes are held).
For example, a case of a WB coefficient obtained based on AWB processing as another imaging condition will be described.
When AWB is locked (holding the appropriate value of the WB coefficient obtained based on the AWB process) based on pressing of the shooting condition holding button 22, it is determined in step S52 in FIG. 4 that the shooting condition is held. In step S53, the CPU 10 causes the image generation unit 9 to perform AWB processing and AEB lock. That is, for each color (R, G, B) of Bayer data, which is the image data most recently output from the CCD 5, the pixel value is integrated to calculate the value of the WB coefficient (the WB coefficient is detected as an appropriate value). ), And locks the calculated WB coefficient value. Then, auto white balance is performed based on the value of the locked WB coefficient.
When the shutter button 21 is pressed in step S54, in step S56, a still image shooting process is performed under the locked shooting conditions, that is, the value of the WB coefficient locked in the image generation unit 9. The white balance is adjusted for the still image data obtained by the photographing processing based on the above, and this is recorded in step S57. If the shutter button 21 is pressed in step S59, the CPU 10 performs AWB processing in step S60. That is, the WB coefficient is calculated by integrating the pixel value for each color of the Bayer data that is the image data most recently output from the CCD 5.
In step S61, still image shooting is performed under the shooting condition of the calculated value. That is, the still image data obtained by the shooting process based on the value of the WB coefficient calculated by the image generation unit is performed. The white balance is adjusted, and recording is performed in step S12.

In addition, a case of a focusing lens position (focus lens position) obtained based on AF processing as another imaging condition will be described.
When the AF is locked based on the pressing of the shooting condition holding button 22 (the appropriate value of the in-focus lens position obtained based on the AF process is held), the shooting condition is held in step S52 of FIG. Upon determination, in step S53, the CPU 10 causes the image generation unit 9 to perform AF processing and AF lock. That is, AF processing by the contrast detection method is performed, and the focus lens 2b is moved and fixed (locked) at the peak value position (focusing lens position) of the AF evaluation value detected by the AF processing. That is, the focus lens position is detected as an appropriate value and locked.
When the shutter button 21 is pressed in step S54, in step S56, a still image shooting process is performed under the locked shooting condition, that is, the focus lens 2b at the locked focus lens position is moved. Then, the CCD 5 is caused to pick up an image of the subject, and the image data that has been picked up and generated by the image generation unit 9 is stored in the buffer memory, and is recorded in step S57. If the shutter button 21 is pressed in step S59, the CPU 10 performs AF processing in step S60. That is, the focus lens 2b is moved to the peak value position of the detected AF evaluation value. In step S61, still image shooting is performed under the shooting condition of the calculated value, and recording is performed in step S62.

(3) Moreover, the aspect which combined the said 1st Embodiment and the said modification (1) or the said 2nd Embodiment and the said modification (2) arbitrarily may be sufficient.
In this case, if it is determined that the shooting condition holding button 22 has been pressed, a plurality of processes such as the AE process, the AWB process, and the AF process are simultaneously locked, so that each appropriate value obtained based on each process can be obtained. It is also possible to hold the shooting condition for each processing (shooting condition) such as a shooting condition holding button for AE lock, a shooting condition holding button for AWB lock, a shooting condition holding button for AF lock, etc. A button may be provided.

  (4) In each of the above embodiments, as processing for automatically deriving and updating the appropriate value of the photographing condition, processing such as AE processing, AWB processing, AF processing, etc. is temporarily performed. Although AE lock, AWB lock, AF lock, etc. have been described as the lock to be stopped, other processing (shooting conditions) or lock (for example, color enhancement, sharpness, saturation, etc.) may be substituted.

  (5) In the above-described embodiments, the shooting condition holding button 22 is used to operate and instruct to hold and release the shooting conditions. You may make it provide the operation key of both buttons.

  (6) Further, in the modified examples (1) and (2), the contrast detection method is adopted as the AF method, but the AF processing may be performed by other methods such as a phase difference method and an infrared method. .

  (7) The digital camera 1 in the above embodiment is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be a mobile phone with a camera, a PDA with a camera, a personal computer with a camera, a digital video camera, etc. Any device provided with a function for imaging may be used.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the digital camera of embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera 1 of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera 1 of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital Camera 2 Shooting Lens 3 Lens Drive Block 4 Aperture 5 CCD
6 Driver 7 TG
8 Unit circuit 9 Image generator 10 CPU
11 Key input section 12 Memory 13 DRAM
14 Flash memory 15 Image display unit 16 Bus

Claims (13)

A shutter button for instructing shooting;
Instruction means provided separately from the shutter button and instructing to hold and release predetermined photographing conditions;
Detecting means for detecting an appropriate value as the predetermined photographing condition;
A holding control unit that controls to hold an appropriate value as the predetermined shooting condition detected by the detection unit when holding of the predetermined shooting condition is instructed by the instruction unit;
When an appropriate value is held by the holding control means when shooting is instructed by the shutter button, a still image of the subject is shot under shooting conditions including the held appropriate value, and the shooting is performed. Photographing recording control means for recording the recorded still image data;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The holding control means includes
2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so that an appropriate value of the predetermined shooting condition is maintained even when still image data of a subject is shot and recorded by the shooting and recording control unit. The predetermined shooting condition is at least an exposure amount for still image shooting,
The detection means includes
3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an appropriate exposure value for still image shooting is calculated, and at least an aperture value and a shutter speed are detected as appropriate values. The predetermined photographing condition is at least white balance,
The detection means includes
4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a white balance coefficient is detected as an appropriate value. The predetermined photographing condition is at least a focus of a focus lens;
The detection means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a focusing lens position is detected as an appropriate value. The holding control means includes
6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising means for controlling to release the holding of the appropriate value of the predetermined photographing condition when the instruction means instructs to release the holding of the predetermined photographing condition. The imaging device according to any one of the above. The detection means includes
Until holding of the predetermined photographing condition is instructed by the instruction means, or until holding of the predetermined photographing condition is instructed by the instruction means after the holding of the appropriate value is canceled by the holding control means. The appropriate value as the predetermined photographing condition is periodically detected,
The holding control means includes
The control unit is configured to control to hold an appropriate value as the predetermined photographing condition detected most recently by the detecting unit when the instruction unit instructs the holding of the predetermined photographing condition. The imaging device according to any one of 1 to 6. The photographing record control means includes:
Before the instruction unit instructs the holding of the predetermined photographing condition, or after the holding control unit releases the holding of the appropriate value and before the instruction unit instructs the holding of the predetermined photographing condition. In addition, when shooting is instructed by the shutter button, a still image of the subject is shot under shooting conditions having an appropriate value detected most recently by the detection means, and the shot still image data is recorded. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7. The detection means includes
When holding of the predetermined shooting condition is instructed by the instruction means, an appropriate value as the predetermined shooting condition is detected,
The holding control means includes
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the holding of the predetermined photographing condition is instructed by the instruction unit, control is performed to hold an appropriate value as the predetermined photographing condition detected by the detecting unit. 6. The imaging device according to any one of 6. The detection means includes
Before the instruction unit instructs the holding of the predetermined photographing condition, or after the holding control unit releases the holding of the appropriate value and before the instruction unit instructs the holding of the predetermined photographing condition. In addition, when shooting is instructed by the shutter button, an appropriate value as the predetermined shooting condition is detected,
The photographing record control means includes:
10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a still image of a subject is photographed under a photographing condition having an appropriate value detected by the detection means, and the photographed still image data is recorded. The instruction means includes
11. The holding of the predetermined photographing condition is instructed when operated, and the release of the holding of the predetermined photographing condition is instructed when the operation is released. The imaging device described. The instruction means includes
11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each time an operation is performed, the holding of the predetermined shooting condition and the cancellation of the holding of the predetermined shooting condition are alternately instructed. A shutter button for instructing shooting;
Instruction means provided separately from the shutter button and instructing to hold and release predetermined photographing conditions;
A program for executing an imaging apparatus comprising:
A detection process for detecting an appropriate value as the predetermined photographing condition;
A holding process for controlling to hold an appropriate value as the predetermined shooting condition detected by the detection process when holding of the predetermined shooting condition is instructed by the instruction unit;
If an appropriate value is held by the holding process when shooting is instructed by the shutter button, a still image of the subject is shot under the shooting conditions including the held appropriate value, and the shot is taken. Shooting process to record still image data,
The program characterized by including.

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