JP2008124896A - Imaging apparatus and program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of easily obtaining the time lag of depressing a shutter button and to provide a program therefor. <P>SOLUTION: When a deviation timing is not recorded among a plurality of frame images obtained by consecutive imaging, a frame image which is picked up when a shutter is fully pressed, is displayed first (S9). When the deviation timing is recorded, a frame image corresponding to the deviation timing from the frame image which is picked up when the shutter is fully pressed, is displayed (S10). When a cross key is operated before operating a set key, a frame image to be displayed is changed in accordance with the operation (S12, S13). When the set key is operated, the frame image being displayed is recorded and a deviation of imaging timings between the recorded frame image and the frame image in fully pressing the shutter is recorded (S15). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a program thereof.

In an imaging apparatus such as an electronic camera, when a user deems that a photo opportunity is present and presses the shutter button, a still image shooting process is performed in response to the operation. The timing of the time slightly deviated, and it was not possible to obtain an image taken at the timing that the user wanted to take.
In view of such problems, a time lag measurement mode is provided to measure the time from when the lamp shines until the shutter button is pressed. In the still image shooting mode, the measured time from when the shutter button is fully pressed. A technique of recording an image that is traced back has been developed (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-271673

  However, according to the conventional technique, it is troublesome to measure the time lag of pressing the shutter button in the measurement mode.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of easily obtaining a time lag of pressing a shutter button and a program thereof.

In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises continuous image pickup control means for continuously picking up images of a subject,
Timing instruction means for the user to instruct an arbitrary timing;
Image acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of image data captured by the continuous imaging control means at a timing instructed by the timing instruction means;
Selection means for selecting arbitrary image data from among the image data acquired by the image acquisition means in response to a user operation;
A deviation timing acquisition means for acquiring deviation timing information indicating a deviation between a timing at which the image data selected by the selection means is imaged by the continuous imaging control means and a timing instructed by the timing instruction means;
Control means for executing predetermined processing using the deviation timing information acquired by the deviation timing acquisition means and the image data acquired by the image acquisition means;
It is provided with.

For example, as described in claim 2, the control means includes
You may make it perform predetermined | prescribed predetermined | prescribed using the average value of the deviation timing information acquired by the said deviation timing acquisition means, or the deviation timing information acquired most recently.

For example, as described in claim 3, the image acquisition unit includes:
A plurality of pieces of image data captured by the continuous imaging control unit may be acquired before or after the timing instructed by the timing instruction unit, or before or after the instructed timing.

For example, as described in claim 4, the control means includes
A display control unit that controls display of the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit according to a timing instruction by the timing instruction unit based on the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing acquisition unit may be included.

For example, as described in claim 5, the display control means includes
The image data captured at the timing determined based on the deviation timing information acquired by the deviation timing acquisition means may be displayed first as a single image.

For example, as described in claim 6, the display control unit includes:
A plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition means may be single-displayed sequentially.

For example, as described in claim 7, the display control unit includes:
Image data captured near the timing determined based on the deviation timing information acquired by the deviation timing acquisition means is displayed at a speed slower than the reproduction speed of the image data captured at a timing other than the timing vicinity. May be.

For example, as described in claim 8, the display control means includes
A plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition unit may be displayed in a multi display manner, and image data captured at a timing determined based on the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing acquisition unit may be displayed differentially. Good.

Further, for example, as described in claim 9, the image processing apparatus includes a specifying unit that specifies arbitrary image data among the image data acquired by the image acquiring unit,
The display control means includes
When image data is designated by the designation means, the image data to be displayed in a single display or differently may be changed to the designated image data and displayed.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 10, a recording control unit that records the image data selected by the selection unit in the recording unit may be provided.

For example, as described in claim 11, the selection unit includes:
You may make it select the image data by which the display control means performed the single display or the discrimination display, when a user's operation is performed.

In addition, for example, as described in claim 12, an instruction unit that instructs the user to record the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit;
When recording of image data is instructed by the instruction unit, a recording control unit that records the image data acquired by the acquisition unit in a recording unit;
With
The selection means includes
When recording of image data is instructed by the instructing unit, image data that is single-displayed or discriminated by the display control unit may be selected.

For example, as described in claim 13, the recording control unit includes:
When recording of image data is instructed by the instructing means, image data that is displayed in a single or discriminative manner by the display control means may be recorded when recording of the image data is instructed. .

For example, as described in claim 14, the recording control unit includes:
When recording of image data is instructed by the instructing means, a plurality of pieces of image data acquired by the image acquiring means are processed, and at a timing determined based on the misalignment timing information acquired by the misalignment timing acquiring means. Discrimination information may be associated with the captured image data and recorded.

Further, for example, as described in claim 15, the image display apparatus includes reproduction display control means for reproducing and displaying the image data recorded by the recording control means,
The reproduction display control means includes
The display of the image data may be controlled based on the discrimination information recorded in association with the image data recorded by the recording control means.

For example, as described in claim 16, the control means includes
A recording control unit that controls recording of the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit according to a timing instruction by the instruction unit based on the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing acquisition unit may be included.

For example, as described in claim 17, the recording control unit includes:
You may make it record the image data imaged at the timing defined based on the shift timing information acquired by the said shift timing acquisition means.

For example, as described in claim 18, the recording control unit includes:
A plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition means is recorded, and discrimination information is recorded in association with image data captured at a timing determined based on the deviation timing information acquired by the deviation timing acquisition means. You may do it.

For example, as described in claim 19, the recording control unit includes:
A plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition means may be recorded as one group.

For example, as described in claim 20, the control means includes
Based on the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing acquisition unit, a combined image for controlling generation of combined image data in which images of the plurality of image data are laid out from the plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition unit You may make it include a production | generation means.

For example, as described in claim 21, the control means includes
A print control unit that controls printing of the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit based on the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing acquisition unit may be included.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the invention of claim 22 includes a continuous imaging process of continuously imaging a subject,
A timing instruction process for instructing an arbitrary timing according to a user operation;
An image acquisition process for acquiring a plurality of image data captured by the continuous imaging process at a timing instructed by the timing instruction process;
A selection process for selecting arbitrary image data from the image data acquired by the image acquisition process in response to a user operation;
A deviation timing acquisition process for obtaining deviation timing information indicating a deviation between the timing at which the image data selected by the selection process is imaged by the continuous imaging process and the timing instructed by the timing instruction process;
A control process for executing a predetermined process using the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing acquisition process and the image data acquired by the image acquisition process;
And each of the above processes is executed by a computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain a time lag between the timing at which an actual shooting is instructed and the best shooting timing.

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.
[Embodiment]
A. Configuration of Digital Camera FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a digital camera 1 that implements the imaging 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, a zoom lens, and the like that are constituted by a plurality of lens groups (not shown). A lens driving block 3 is connected to the photographing lens 2. The lens driving block 3 includes a focus motor and a zoom motor that drive the focus lens and the zoom lens along the optical axis direction, respectively, and a focus motor driver that drives the focus motor and the zoom motor according to a control signal sent from the CPU 10. 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 diaphragm 4 is a mechanism that controls the amount of light that enters from the photographing 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 processing such as γ correction processing and white balance processing on the image data sent from the unit circuit 8, generates a luminance color difference signal (YUV data), and generates the generated luminance color difference. The image data of the 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 controls each part of the digital camera 1. In particular, the CPU 10 has a function of continuously capturing a plurality of image data of a subject (continuous imaging control means), and the image data that has been continuously captured. A function to acquire (image acquisition means), a function to select arbitrary image data from the acquired continuously captured image data in accordance with a user operation (selection means), and image data selected by the user A function of acquiring deviation timing information indicating a deviation between the designated timing and the timing at which photographing is instructed (a deviation timing obtaining unit). Also, a function (control means) that executes a predetermined process using the acquired deviation timing information and continuously captured image data, for example, a function (display control means) that displays continuously captured image data, It also has a function (recording control means) for recording captured image data.

The key input unit 11 includes a plurality of operation keys such as a shutter button that can be half-pressed and fully pressed, a power on / off key, a mode switching key, a cross key, and a SET key, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to a user's key operation to the CPU 10. To do. The key input unit 11 functions as a timing instruction unit, selection unit, designation unit, and instruction unit of the present invention.
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 its drive circuit, and displays the subject imaged by the CCD 5 as a through image when in a shooting standby state, and is read out from the flash memory 14 and decompressed when a recorded image is reproduced. Display the recorded image.

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 mode switching key of the user key input unit 11, the CPU 10 starts imaging with the CCD 5 at a predetermined frame rate (for example, 30 fps), and sequentially captures images by the CCD 5. The so-called through image display is started in which the image data of the luminance color difference signal sequentially generated by the generation unit 9 is stored in the buffer memory (DRAM 13) and the stored image data is displayed on the image display unit 15 (step S1). .

Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the shutter button has been pressed halfway (step S2). This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to a half-press operation of the shutter button is sent from the key input unit 11.
At this time, the user performs a half-press operation of the shutter when he / she thinks that a photo opportunity will soon come.

If it is determined in step S2 that the shutter button is not half-pressed, it remains in step S2 until it is half-pressed. If it is determined in step S2 that the shutter button is half-pressed, the CPU 10 performs AE processing and AF processing (step S3). ).
In this AE process, an appropriate shutter speed and aperture value are automatically determined according to the brightness of the subject, and the amount of light received is determined. Specifically, the most recently captured image data A proper exposure value is calculated on the basis of the luminance component, and an aperture value and a shutter speed are determined based on the calculated proper exposure value.
The AF process is to move the focus lens to a focusing lens position where the subject is in focus. As the AF processing method, various methods such as a contrast detection method and a phase difference method can be used. Here, the AF processing is performed by the contrast detection method.

Next, in step S4, the CPU 10 performs continuous imaging processing (continuous imaging control means). This continuous imaging process refers to a process of continuously capturing still images. Here, since the imaging interval of the continuous imaging process is 60 frames per second, the subject is continuously imaged at 1/60 second intervals.
FIG. 3 shows a state of images displayed on the image display unit 15 at a certain timing, and it is assumed that the time of these images has elapsed such as A → C → B.
FIG. 3A shows a state of an image first captured and displayed by the continuous imaging process immediately after the shutter button is half-pressed.

Next, in step S5, the CPU 10 performs a process of sequentially storing successively captured image data in the first storage area of the buffer memory (image acquisition means).
Further, the image data sequentially captured at this time is cyclically stored in the buffer memory. In this cyclic storage, the captured image data is stored and accumulated in order until there is no free space in the first storage area, and when the free space in the first storage area is exhausted, a newly captured image is stored. The data is overwritten on the oldest image data among the plurality of image data stored in the buffer memory. As a result, the image data from the most recently captured image data to a certain time before is stored.
Note that the image data may be circularly recorded to fill the buffer memory instead of being circularly stored in the first storage area of the buffer memory.

Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the shutter button has been fully pressed (step S6). This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the full pressing operation of the shutter button is sent from the key input unit 11.
At this time, when the user determines that the photo opportunity has come, the user fully presses the shutter button.

If it is determined in step S6 that the shutter button is not fully pressed, the process stays in step S6 until it is fully pressed. If it is determined that the shutter button is fully pressed in step S6, the CPU 10 captures an image when the shutter button is fully pressed. The image data is stored with identification information for identifying that it is image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed (step S7).
Next, in step S8, the CPU 10 continuously captures images for a predetermined time from when the shutter button is fully pressed, and stores the captured image data in the second storage area of the buffer memory (image acquisition means). ). Thereby, a plurality of image data captured before and after the shutter button is fully pressed can be stored.

At this time, the second storage area of the buffer memory has a storage capacity sufficient to store image data captured for a predetermined time by the continuous imaging process.
Here, the storage capacity of the first storage area and the shutter are set so that the number of image data recorded before the shutter button is fully pressed and the number of image data captured after the shutter button is fully pressed are substantially the same. A predetermined time for continuous imaging after the button is fully pressed is determined. Thereby, even when the shutter button is fully pressed earlier than the photo opportunity or when the shutter button is fully pressed later, the image data of the photo opportunity can be stored.
Note that the number of image data captured before the shutter button is fully pressed is not necessarily the same as the number of image data captured after the shutter button is fully pressed. Further, in step S5, the image data obtained by the continuous imaging may be stored in the full buffer memory. In this case, when the buffer memory is full, newly captured image data is overwritten and stored on the oldest image data among the plurality of image data stored in the buffer memory.

  Next, the CPU 10 determines whether or not there is a deviation timing (step S9). The determination as to whether or not there is a shift timing is made based on whether or not the shift timing information is stored in the shift storage area of the memory 11. This shift timing information will be described later. Briefly, the shift timing when the user wants to shoot (shutter chance) and when the shutter button is actually pressed down, that is, the time difference. means.

In other words, there is a time lag that varies depending on the person from when it is determined that the user has a photo opportunity until the user fully presses the shutter button.
For example, even if the image shown in FIG. 3C (C in FIG. 4) is considered to be a photo opportunity, the image actually taken when the shutter button is fully pressed is shown in FIG. 3B (FIG. 4B). Will result in a time lag.

In addition, when the movement of the subject is fast, the shutter button may be fully pressed earlier than the photo opportunity.
For example, even if an image as shown in FIG. 4C is considered to be a photo opportunity, the movement of the subject is too fast, and the shutter button is fully pressed earlier than the photo opportunity by predicting the movement. In addition, an image captured when the shutter button is fully pressed may become an image as shown in FIG. 4D, and there is a deviation between the shutter chance and the timing when the shutter button is actually fully pressed.

  If it is determined in step S9 that there is no misalignment timing information, the process proceeds to step S10, and the CPU 10 automatically selects image data when the shutter button is fully pressed from among a plurality of image data stored in the buffer memory. Of the image data stored in the buffer memory, the image data with identification information is selected, and the selected image data is displayed on the image display unit 15 (control means, display control means), Proceed to step S12. That is, when the deviation timing information is not recorded, the image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed is first displayed as a recommended image.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that there is a deviation timing, the process proceeds to step S11, and the CPU 10 attaches image data when the shutter button is fully pressed, that is, identification information, among the plurality of image data stored in the buffer memory. The image data corresponding to the deviation timing is automatically selected from the image data being displayed, the selected image data is displayed on the image display unit 15 (control means, display control means), and the process proceeds to step S12. That is, when the shift timing information is recorded, image data corresponding to the shift timing from the image when the shutter button is fully pressed is first displayed as a recommended image.
Thereby, it is possible to display the image data that seems to have been captured at the timing at which it is desired to be captured first.

Here, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an image of each image data stored in the buffer memory.
When FIG. 4 is seen, it can be seen that the images of the person swinging the bat are sequentially captured.
C in FIG. 4 shows image data captured when the user determines that a photo opportunity has arrived, and B or D in FIG. 4 shows image data actually captured when the shutter button is fully pressed. . C in FIG. 4 and C in FIG. 3 are taken at the same timing, and B in FIG. 4 and B in FIG. 3 are taken at the same timing.
4B shows image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed later than the photo opportunity, and FIG. 4D shows image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed earlier than the photo opportunity. Is shown.

  If the deviation timing information is not stored in the deviation storage area, the image data actually captured when the shutter button is fully pressed, that is, the image data B in FIG. When the shift timing information is stored in the shift storage area, the image data is selected and displayed based on the shift timing information and the image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed. For example, when 1/30 seconds before is stored as the shift timing information, the image data captured 1/30 seconds before the image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed, that is, in FIG. C image data is selected and displayed. Here, since the image data is continuously captured at an interval of 1/60 seconds, 1/30 seconds ago means image data of 2 frames before.

Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 2, when the process proceeds to step S <b> 12, the CPU 10 determines whether or not an operation of the SET key has been performed. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the set key is sent from the key input unit 11.
At this time, if the user determines to record the selected and displayed image data as still image data, the user operates the set key.
If it is determined in step S12 that the SET key is not operated, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the cross key is operated (step S13). This determination is made as to whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the cross key is sent from the key input unit 11.

If it is determined in step S13 that the operation of the cross key has been performed, the CPU 10 newly selects image data in accordance with the operation, and displays the selected image data on the image display unit 15 (step S14). Return to step S12.
For example, when the operation of the “↓” key of the cross key is performed, the image data captured next to the selected and displayed image data is newly selected and displayed, and the “↑” key of the cross key is displayed. When the above operation is performed, image data captured before the image data selected and displayed is newly selected and displayed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the cross key is not operated, the process directly returns to step S12.
As a result, the user can change the image data to be selected and displayed by operating the cross key, can recognize the image of the continuously captured image data, and from the recognized You can select the image data that you really want to record.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the SET key has been operated, the process proceeds to step S15, and the CPU 10 records the selected image data in the flash memory 14 as a still image (recording control means).
Next, in step S16, the CPU 10 selects the recorded image data as an image captured at the best timing (shutter chance) (selection means), and the selected image data and image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed. Is stored in the shift storage area of the memory 12 as shift timing information (shift timing acquisition means). At this time, if deviation timing information is stored in the deviation timing storage area, it is overwritten and stored. As a result, the latest shift timing information is stored, and in the next shooting, the image data is selected and displayed in step S11 through step S9 based on the shift amount indicated by the shift timing information.

  For example, when the user operates the set key in a state where the image of C of FIG. 3 (C of FIG. 4) is displayed on the image display unit 15, the displayed image data of C of FIG. In addition to recording as a still image, information indicating 1/30 second before, which is the timing of deviation between the recorded image data and the image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed, is recorded.

C. As described above, in the embodiment, when the deviation timing information is recorded, it corresponds to the deviation timing from the image data obtained when the shutter button is fully pressed among the image data obtained by continuous imaging. Image data to be displayed first as a recommended image, and when the deviation timing information is not recorded, the image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed is displayed. Image data can be displayed first.
Also, since the timing information of the deviation between the image data selected and recorded by the user among the plurality of image data obtained by continuous imaging and the image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed is recorded, It is possible to easily obtain a time lag between the timing of instructing shooting and the best shooting timing.

[Modification]
D. The above embodiment may be the following modes.
(1) In the above embodiment, when the deviation timing information is stored in the deviation timing storage area in step S16, the deviation timing information is overwritten and stored, but is stored without being overwritten. It may be. As a result, the history of misalignment timing is known.
In this case, in step S9, the image data is automatically obtained using the average value of past deviation timings (for example, the average value of all the deviation timings stored, the average value of deviation timings of a predetermined number of times). You may make it select. That is, the image data corresponding to the average value of the past deviation timing is automatically selected from the image data when the shutter button is fully pressed, that is, the image data with identification information. Thereby, the image data selected as the recommended image becomes image data closer to a photo opportunity.

(2) In the above embodiment, if it is determined in step S12 that the set key is not operated, it is determined in step S13 whether or not the cross key is operated, and it is determined that the cross key is operated. The image data is selected according to the operation and the selected image data is displayed. However, the image data obtained by continuous imaging is automatically selected and displayed in order, that is, continuous imaging. The display of the image data picked up by the above may be automatically switched. The captured image data is repeatedly displayed until the set key is operated. When the set key is operated, the process proceeds to step S15, and the image data displayed (selected) at the time of the set key operation is displayed. May be recorded. This automatic switching display may be displayed at a longer interval (slow display) than the imaging interval at which the image data was captured. When the imaging interval of continuously captured image data is 1/60 seconds, the display interval is displayed at intervals of 1/10 seconds, for example.
Even in the case of automatic switching display in this case, in principle, if there is a deviation timing, the process of step S11 is performed. If there is no deviation timing, the process of step S10 is performed, that is, the recommended image is first displayed. However, the recommended image may not be displayed first. For example, the oldest image data may be displayed in order from the plurality of image data stored in the buffer memory.
Thereby, a user's effort is lost and it can enjoy also as a moving image.

(3) In the above modification (2), when the automatic switching display is performed, the image data displayed in step S11 or step S10 (that is, the timing at which the shutter button is fully pressed and the stored shift timing) When the image data captured near the timing when the recommended image data is captured is displayed at a speed slower than the playback speed of the image data captured at a timing other than the vicinity of the timing when the recommended image data is captured ( It may be displayed at a reduced rate). As a result, the image data captured in the vicinity of the timing at which it is desired to be captured can be displayed slowly, and the user can easily select the image data captured at the best timing.
Also, the image data captured in the vicinity of the timing when the image data displayed in step S11 or step S10 (that is, image data based on the timing when the shutter button is fully pressed and the stored shift timing) is captured is displayed. In this case, the image is captured near the best timing instead of being reproduced (slow reproduction) at a speed slower than the reproduction speed of the image data captured at a timing other than the timing at which the recommended image data is captured. You may make it alert | report to the user that it is an image imaged in the vicinity of the best timing by displaying the effect on the image display part 15, or emitting a sound. Thereby, it can be recognized that the image data captured at the best timing is displayed, and the image data captured at the best timing can be easily selected.
In addition, when displaying image data captured near the timing when the image data based on the timing when the shutter button is fully pressed and the stored deviation timing) is displayed, the vicinity of the timing when the recommended image data is captured It may be displayed at a speed slower than the reproduction speed of image data captured at a timing other than the above, and the user may be notified that the image data is captured near the best timing by sound or the like.

(4) In the embodiment and the modification (1), the image data picked up by the continuous image pickup process is displayed as a single image. It may be.
In this case, if it is determined in step S9 that there is a deviation timing, a plurality of image data captured by the continuous imaging process are displayed in a multi display manner, and image data when the shutter button is fully pressed, that is, identification information is added. Image data corresponding to the deviation timing is automatically selected as the recommended image from the existing image data, and the selected image data is differentially displayed and the cursor is selected (the cursor is selected and matched with the image data to be differentially displayed) ).
If it is determined in step S9 that there is no deviation timing, the image data when the shutter button is fully pressed is automatically selected, the selected image data is displayed as a recommended image, and a cursor is selected.
In step S13, when an operation of the cross key is performed, an image is selected according to the operation, and the selected image is displayed in a different manner and a cursor is selected.
Thereby, image data captured at the best timing can be selected from a plurality of displayed image data.

(5) In the above-described embodiment and modifications (1) to (4), when the shutter button is half-pressed, the image data continuously captured in step S5 is sequentially stored, and in step S6. When the shutter button is fully pressed, continuous imaging is performed for a predetermined time in step S8 and the captured image data is stored. When the shutter button is fully pressed, continuous imaging is performed. May be terminated and the process may proceed to step S9 as it is. In this case, image data before the image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed is stored, and this is particularly effective when the user fully presses the shutter button later than the timing at which the user wants to shoot.
Further, even if the shutter button is half-pressed, the continuously captured image data may not be sequentially stored, and the continuously captured image data may be sequentially stored for the first time after the shutter button is fully pressed. . In this case, image data after the image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed is stored, which is particularly effective when the user fully presses the shutter button earlier than the timing at which the user wants to shoot.
Thereby, it is not necessary to store the image data of a useless part.

(6) In the above modification (5), when the user selects the fast-press mode, the slow-press mode, and the normal mode, and the normal mode is selected, the shutter button half is used as in the above embodiment. The image data captured from the press is stored, and when the fast press mode is selected, the image data captured after the shutter button is fully pressed is stored, and when the slow press mode is selected. The image data captured from when the shutter button is half-pressed may be stored, and the storage may be terminated when the shutter button is fully pressed, that is, the image data captured before the shutter button is fully pressed may be stored.
In this case, the shift timing information of each mode of the fast press mode, the slow press mode, and the normal mode may be stored. This is because the timing when the shutter button is fully pressed is different between the normal mode, the fast press mode, and the slow press mode.

(7) Also, in the above embodiment and modifications (1) to (6), when the set key is operated, the image data currently selected in step S15 is recorded as a still image. However, the image data may be automatically recorded based on the currently recorded deviation timing information.
More specifically, if it is determined in step S9 in FIG. 2 that there is a deviation timing, among the plurality of image data stored in the buffer memory by continuous imaging, image data when the shutter button is fully pressed, that is, identification information The image data corresponding to the deviation timing is automatically selected from the image data marked with and the selected image data is recorded in the flash memory 14.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that there is no deviation timing, the image data when the shutter button is fully pressed is automatically selected from the plurality of image data stored in the buffer memory by the continuous imaging, that is, the buffer memory stores the image data. Among the stored image data, image data with identification information is selected, and the selected image data is recorded in the flash memory 14.
Thereby, an image of a photo opportunity can be obtained based on the blur timing.

(8) Also, in the above embodiment and modifications (1) to (7), when the set key is operated, the image data currently selected in step S15 is recorded as a still image. However, when the same image data is selected and displayed for a predetermined time, the selected and displayed image data may be automatically recorded.
In this case, the determination in step S12 in FIG. 2 determines whether or not the same image data is selected and displayed for a predetermined time.

  (9) Further, in the above-described embodiment and modifications (1) to (8), when the SET key is operated in step S15, the selected image data is recorded as a still image. However, instead of recording only selected image data, a plurality of image data captured by continuous imaging may be recorded as one group. In this case, the best image information (discrimination information) indicating that the image is selected at the best timing in the image data selected (displayed) when the SET key is operated in step S15. Record in association. At this time, the identification information recorded in association with the image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed is not recorded in the flash memory 14.

  Further, as shown in the modified example 7, in the case of automatically recording image data, a plurality of image data captured by continuous imaging is automatically recorded, and image data when the shutter button is fully pressed, That is, the best image information is recorded in association with the image data corresponding to the deviation timing from the image data to which the identification information is attached, and the image data selected and displayed for a predetermined time is automatically displayed as shown in the modified example 8. When recording is performed, the best image information is recorded in association with the image data selected and displayed for the predetermined time. Also in this case, the identification information recorded in association with the image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed is not recorded in the flash memory 14.

The plurality of image data to be recorded as one group may be all the image data captured by continuous imaging and stored in the buffer memory, or all the image data stored in the buffer memory. Of these, a predetermined number of image data may be used, but the predetermined number of image data to be recorded always includes the image data selected at the time of the set key operation.
Although a plurality of image data captured by continuous imaging is recorded as one group, it may not be recorded as a group or may be recorded as a plurality of groups.

In this case, when the group is selected in the playback mode, the CPU 10 displays a plurality of image data belonging to the group on the image display unit 15 based on the associated best image information (playback display). Control means).
For example, among the recorded image data, the image data recorded in association with the best image information is displayed first, and when an operation of the cross key is performed, the image data is displayed according to the operation.
Further, when the recorded image data is automatically switched and displayed, the image data recorded in association with the best image information is displayed first as in the modified examples (2) and (3). You may make it not display. Also, slow playback (displayed at an interval longer than the continuous shooting interval) may be performed, or slow playback may not be performed. In addition, an image associated with the best image information at a speed slower than the reproduction speed of the image data captured at a timing other than the timing when the image data associated with the best image information is captured (at a lower rate). Image data captured near the timing when the data was captured may be displayed, or image data captured near the timing when the image data associated with the best image information is captured may be displayed. May notify the user that the image is picked up near the best timing, for example, by emitting a sound. Further, the image associated with the best image information at a speed slower than the reproduction speed of the image data captured at a timing other than the timing when the image data associated with the best image information is captured (at a lower rate). The image data captured near the timing when the data was captured may be displayed, and the user may be notified that the image data is captured near the best timing using sound or the like.
As a result, an image taken at the best timing in a series of image reproduction can be easily understood, and the interest of the user can be enhanced.

(10) Also, based on a plurality of image data obtained by the continuous imaging process, group image data in which images of the plurality of image data are laid out may be generated (group image generation means).
The group image data may be generated such that the group image data is generated so that the image data selected at the time of the set key operation in step S12 becomes the main image, or from the image data when the shutter button is fully pressed. The combined image data may be generated so that the image data corresponding to the stored shift timing becomes the main image.
Further, as in the modification (8), the combined image data may be generated so that the image data selected and displayed for a predetermined time becomes the main image, or one group can be generated in the modification (9). When the combined image data is generated based on the plurality of image data recorded as the image data, the image data recorded with the best image information associated therewith may be generated as the main image.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an image of the generated combined image data. In particular, the combined image data generated when the image data illustrated in C of FIG. 4 is selected when the set key is operated. Is shown.
As can be seen from FIG. 5, it can be seen that the image shown in C of FIG. 4 is displayed large in the center so that it becomes the main image.
As a result, an image of a photo opportunity can be obtained, and images before and after (including only the front and the back) can be clearly recognized.

  (11) In the above embodiment and modifications (1) to (10), the recording of image data has been described. However, the present invention may also be applied to printing. That is, the present invention may be applied to the case where the image data to be recorded and the generated combined image data described above are printed. In this case, image data may be recorded or not recorded. As a result, a photo opportunity image can be printed.

(12) In the above-described embodiment and modifications (1) to (11), when the condition that the shutter button is half-pressed is satisfied, the captured image data is stored. The image data may be stored according to other conditions.
Other conditions include, for example, whether the shooting mode is set by operating the mode switching key, and whether the subject's face is imaged during through image display or whether the front of the face is imaged by image recognition. When it is determined that the face or the front of the face has been imaged, when an object enters the AF area, or when an image in the AF area changes, the image data that has been imaged before is captured When the difference from the image data becomes large (when the subject comes within the angle of view) or when an instruction to store the image data is given, a predetermined sound is further emitted from the microphone by sound recognition. There are a case where the sound is recognized, a case where a sound higher than a predetermined volume is recognized from the microphone, a case where a predetermined instruction is received from the user, and the like.
The point is that the image data may be stored under a predetermined condition.

(13) In the above embodiment and the modified examples (1) to (12), it is determined whether or not the shutter button is fully pressed. If it is determined whether or not the other condition is satisfied, the identification information is stored in association with the image data captured when the other condition is satisfied, and when the other condition is satisfied. A moving image may be taken for a predetermined time.
Other conditions include, for example, when it is determined that the facial expression of the subject being imaged by image recognition has changed, or when the subject has entered the AF area (when the image in the AF area has changed). If the image in the AF area changes, the difference between the currently captured image data and the previously captured image data is detected, and if the area with the difference has moved to the center, There are a case where a predetermined sound is recognized from the microphone by sound recognition, a case where a sound of a predetermined volume or higher is recognized from the microphone, a case where a predetermined instruction is given from the user, and the like.
In short, any mode may be used as long as identification information is recorded in association with image data captured when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

(14) In the embodiment and the modifications (1) to (13), the moving image is automatically captured for a predetermined time in step S8 of FIG. 2 when the shutter button is fully pressed. The moving image may be taken until the shutter button is fully pressed. That is, when the shutter button is fully pressed, continuous imaging may be terminated and the process may proceed to step S9.
Further, the moving image capturing may be terminated when other conditions are satisfied, instead of ending the moving image capturing by releasing the shutter button fully.
Other conditions include, for example, when the face of the subject is no longer imaged or when the accuracy of the front of the face has changed significantly from the state of imaging the front of the face (for example, the back of the head of the face) ), The subject disappears from the AF area, the difference between the currently captured image data and the previously captured image data disappears or becomes smaller (the subject disappears) ) Or a predetermined instruction from the user.

(15) Also, in the above-described embodiment and modification examples (1) to (14), the difference between the time when the image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed and the recorded image data is captured as the shift timing. However, the number of blurs may be stored as a deviation timing.
For example, as shown in FIG. 4, assuming that the image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed is B and the recorded image data is C, the C image data is captured two images before the B image data. Therefore, the difference in the number of sheets may be recorded such that the deviation timing is “second sheet”.

When recording the number of sheets as the shift timing, it is necessary that the frame rate captured by each continuous imaging is constant. This is because when the frame rate changes, the time difference differs even if the number of frames is the same.
In addition, the shift timing is relative information indicating how much the shift is from the timing with reference to the timing when the shutter button is fully pressed. The timing at which the image is captured may be used as a reference, and the difference between the reference timing and the timing at which the recorded image data was captured may be indicated.

  (16) In the embodiment and the modifications (1) to (15), the continuous imaging process is performed. However, the moving image imaging process may be performed instead of the continuous imaging process. In this case, the imaging control (for example, the frame rate) of the moving image imaging process before the shutter button is half-pressed and the moving image imaging process after the shutter button is half-pressed may be different.

  (17) Finally, in the above embodiment, the case where the imaging apparatus of the present invention is applied to the digital camera 1 has been described. However, a camera-equipped mobile phone, a camera-equipped PDA, a camera-equipped personal computer, a camera-equipped IC recorder, The present invention may be applied to a digital video camera or the like as long as it can capture a subject.

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 embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mode of the image displayed on the image display part 15 at a certain timing. It is a figure which shows the mode of the image of each image data memorize | stored in the buffer memory. It is a figure which shows the mode of the image of the produced | generated group image data.

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 (22)

Continuous imaging control means for continuously imaging a subject;
Timing instruction means for the user to instruct an arbitrary timing;
Image acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of image data captured by the continuous imaging control means at a timing instructed by the timing instruction means;
Selection means for selecting arbitrary image data from among the image data acquired by the image acquisition means in response to a user operation;
A deviation timing acquisition means for acquiring deviation timing information indicating a deviation between a timing at which the image data selected by the selection means is imaged by the continuous imaging control means and a timing instructed by the timing instruction means;
Control means for executing predetermined processing using the deviation timing information acquired by the deviation timing acquisition means and the image data acquired by the image acquisition means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The control means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined predetermined is executed using an average value of the deviation timing information acquired by the deviation timing acquisition unit or the latest deviation timing information acquired. The image acquisition means includes
The plurality of pieces of image data captured by the continuous imaging control unit are acquired before, after, or after the timing instructed by the timing instruction unit. Imaging device. The control means includes
And a display control unit configured to control display of the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit according to a timing instruction by the timing instruction unit based on the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing acquisition unit. The imaging device according to claim 1. The display control means includes
5. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 4, wherein image data picked up at a timing determined based on the deviation timing information acquired by the deviation timing acquisition means is first displayed as a single image. The display control means includes
6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition means are displayed in a single order one after another. The display control means includes
Displaying image data captured at a timing determined based on the timing information acquired by the timing deviation acquisition means at a speed slower than the reproduction speed of the image data captured at a timing other than the timing vicinity. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the imaging apparatus is characterized in that: The display control means includes
A plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition unit are displayed in a multi-display manner, and image data captured at a timing determined based on the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing acquisition unit is displayed differentially. The imaging device according to claim 4. Among the image data acquired by the image acquisition means by the user, a specification means for specifying any image data,
The display control means includes
9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the image data is designated by the designation means, the image data to be displayed in a single display or differently is changed to the designated image data and displayed. . The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a recording control unit that records the image data selected by the selection unit in a recording unit. The selection means includes
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 10, wherein when the user's operation is performed, image data that is displayed as a single display or a differential display is selected by the display control unit. An instruction means for a user to instruct recording of image data acquired by the image acquisition means;
When recording of image data is instructed by the instruction unit, a recording control unit that records the image data acquired by the acquisition unit in a recording unit;
With
The selection means includes
10. The imaging according to claim 4, wherein when the recording of the image data is instructed by the instructing unit, the image data that is displayed in a single display or in a differential display is selected by the display control unit. apparatus. The recording control means includes
When recording of image data is instructed by the instructing means, the display control means records image data that is single-displayed or differentially displayed when instructed to record the image data. The imaging device according to claim 12. The recording control means includes
When recording of image data is instructed by the instructing means, a plurality of pieces of image data acquired by the image acquiring means are processed, and at a timing determined based on the misalignment timing information acquired by the misalignment timing acquiring means. 14. The imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein discrimination information is recorded in association with captured image data. Reproduction display control means for reproducing and displaying the image data recorded by the recording control means,
The reproduction display control means includes
15. The imaging apparatus according to claim 14, wherein display of the image data is controlled based on discrimination information recorded in association with the image data recorded by the recording control means. The control means includes
And a recording control unit that controls recording of the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit according to a timing instruction by the instruction unit based on the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing acquisition unit. The imaging device according to claim 1. The recording control means includes
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the image data picked up at a timing determined based on the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing acquisition means is recorded. The recording control means includes
A plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition means is recorded, and discrimination information is recorded in association with image data captured at a timing determined based on the deviation timing information acquired by the deviation timing acquisition means. The imaging apparatus according to claim 16. The recording control means includes
19. The imaging apparatus according to claim 18, wherein a plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition unit is recorded as one group. The control means includes
Based on the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing acquisition unit, a combined image for controlling generation of combined image data in which images of the plurality of image data are laid out from the plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition unit The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a generation unit. The control means includes
21. The print control unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a print control unit that controls printing of the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit based on the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing acquisition unit. The imaging device described. A continuous imaging process that continuously images a subject;
A timing instruction process for instructing an arbitrary timing according to a user operation;
An image acquisition process for acquiring a plurality of image data captured by the continuous imaging process at a timing instructed by the timing instruction process;
A selection process for selecting arbitrary image data from the image data acquired by the image acquisition process in response to a user operation;
A deviation timing acquisition process for obtaining deviation timing information indicating a deviation between the timing at which the image data selected by the selection process is imaged by the continuous imaging process and the timing instructed by the timing instruction process;
A control process for executing a predetermined process using the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing acquisition process and the image data acquired by the image acquisition process;
A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the processes described above.

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