JP2008136074A - Camera and photography program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To constitute a digital camera capable of extracting image data at required timing and of required expression from a plurality of pieces of image data acquired by continuously photographing a plurality of frames. <P>SOLUTION: A photography control part 26 performs continuous shooting by fixing exposure conditions based on an operation of a release button 4, the plurality of pieces of image data acquired from a photoelectric conversion part 11 are temporarily stored in an image temporary storage part 23 in the continuous shooting and after that, an image storage processing part 24 extracts the image data matched to set conditions to store the extracted image data in media M. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides an exposure setting for adjusting an exposure condition at the time of photographing at least one of a photographing process for guiding a light beam from a photographing lens to a photoelectric conversion unit and obtaining it as image data, and an aperture or a shutter provided in the optical system of the photographing lens. More specifically, the present invention relates to a camera that performs continuous shooting.

  As described in Patent Document 1, the camera configured as described above performs focus setting and pre-metering in the half-pressed state of the shutter. Based on the pre-metering, the reference luminance and the main part luminance are determined. Is detected, and auto bracket exposure conditions are set based on this (the exposure condition for each frame is set differently), and when the shutter is pressed, bracket shooting is executed based on the exposure conditions, A plurality of image data is acquired. Next, as the feature amounts of the plurality of image data, for example, the processing mode is set so that image data is selected based on conditions such as skin color and displayed on a monitor or stored on a medium.

JP 2003-348438 A (paragraph numbers [0047] to [0052], FIGS. 1 to 3)

  As described in Patent Document 1, when shooting a plurality of frames by setting different exposure conditions for each frame, it is possible to extract image data shot under an optimal exposure condition, which is good It is possible to obtain image data with high image quality. However, in a situation where a person is photographed indoors as a subject, there is almost no need to change the exposure conditions, and it is often desirable to extract image data obtained by photographing a specific timing or a good expression.

  As a specific example, in a scene where a candle is lit on an anniversary such as a birthday party, and the child who celebrates the birthday blows out the candle, images taken at the timing when the child blows out the candle Similarly, when photographing a young child or the like, image data obtained by photographing a good expression like a smile is necessary.

  Considering such a real situation, as described in Patent Document 1, in the case where a plurality of frames are continuously photographed by bracket photographing, the possibility of photographing the best timing and the best facial expression is to some extent. On the other hand, there is room for improvement because it is difficult to obtain image data required by the photographer.

  An object of the present invention is to rationally configure a camera that can extract image data of a required timing and a required facial expression while taking advantage of the effectiveness of continuously shooting a plurality of frames.

A feature of the present invention is that a photographing process for guiding a light beam from a photographing lens to a photoelectric conversion unit and acquiring it as image data, and adjusting an exposure condition at the time of photographing at least one of an aperture or a shutter provided in the optical system of the photographing lens. A camera for performing exposure setting processing;
As the exposure setting process, a continuous shooting unit that acquires a plurality of image data by continuously shooting with a fixed exposure condition and a plurality of image data acquired by the continuous shooting unit are set in advance. An image extracting unit is provided that extracts an image that meets the conditions and records the extracted image data in a recording unit.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to shoot a plurality of image data including a required timing and a required facial expression under the set exposure conditions by performing continuous shooting with the exposure conditions fixed. Accordingly, it is possible to extract an image that meets the required timing and the required facial expression and other conditions by the image extracting means and record it on the recording means. As a result, while taking advantage of the effectiveness of continuously shooting multiple frames, image data of frames that meet the conditions required by the photographer, such as the required timing and required facial expressions, is extracted and recorded as recording means. A recording camera was configured.

The present invention comprises mode execution means for executing an anniversary mode when it is determined that a light beam from a candle is included in an image acquired by the photoelectric conversion unit during non-photographing. By executing the anniversary mode before operating the release button, or by executing the anniversary mode after starting the release button operation, continuous shooting by the continuous shooting means is performed, and a plurality of image data acquired by the continuous shooting is performed. In the temporary image storage section,
The image extraction means extracts image data at a shooting timing set based on a timing at which the amount of light from the candle decreases among a plurality of image data stored in the image temporary storage unit by continuous shooting. , It may be recorded in the recording means.

  According to this configuration, for example, when shooting a scene where a candle is turned on at a birthday party and the child blows out the candle, the anniversary mode is automatically set without operating the camera switches. After this setting, continuous shooting in the anniversary mode is executed by operating the release button. Thereafter, the image extraction means extracts image data at a set timing from a plurality of image data stored in the image temporary storage unit after continuous shooting with reference to a timing at which the candle is started to blow out. For example, it is possible to extract image data at a timing immediately before and after the candle is blown out and record it in the recording means.

The present invention comprises mode execution means for setting an anniversary mode when it is determined that a light beam from a candle is included in an image acquired by the photoelectric conversion unit at the time of non-photographing. Execute the anniversary mode before operating the release button, or execute the anniversary mode after starting the release button to perform continuous shooting with the continuous shooting means, and make the flash fire during the continuous shooting. , Save multiple image data acquired in this continuous shooting in the image temporary storage unit,
The image extracting means may extract image data at a timing when a strobe emits light during shooting from a plurality of image data stored in the image temporary storage unit by continuous shooting, and record the extracted image data in the recording means.

  According to this configuration, for example, when shooting a scene where a candle is turned on at a birthday party and the child blows out the candle, the anniversary mode is automatically set without operating the camera switches. After this setting, by operating the release button, continuous shooting in the anniversary mode is executed, and a strobe is emitted during this continuous shooting, so that the scene where the amount of light is originally insufficient Even so, it becomes possible to compensate for the shortage of light. Thereafter, the image extracting means can extract the image data at the timing when the strobe light is emitted from the plurality of image data stored in the image temporary storage section after the continuous shooting, and can record it in the recording means.

  In the present invention, the image extraction means may extract a person's face from the plurality of image data and extract the extracted face information that satisfies a preset condition.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to extract image data photographed with a facial expression that meets the conditions by extracting the face information of the plurality of image data that matches the preset conditions.

  In the present invention, the image extraction unit may be configured such that the left and right eyes can be confirmed based on the face information, and the teeth are confirmed at the mouth region.

  According to this configuration, when the left and right eyes are confirmed, the face turns to the front, and teeth that are smiling can be extracted by confirming the teeth at the mouth.

  In the present invention, the continuous photographing means may perform continuous photographing while the release button is operated or for a time set from the start of operation of the release button.

  According to this configuration, continuous shooting can be performed while the photographer operates the release button according to his / her own intention, or for a set time from the start of operation of the release button.

The present invention is an exposure function for adjusting exposure conditions at the time of photographing at least one of a photographing function for guiding light rays from a photographing lens to a photoelectric conversion unit and acquiring them as image data and an aperture or a shutter provided in the optical system of the photographing lens. A shooting program that causes a computer to realize the functions,
As the exposure setting function, a continuous shooting function for acquiring a plurality of image data by continuously shooting with a fixed exposure condition and a plurality of image data acquired by the continuous shooting function are set in advance. You may make a computer implement | achieve the image extraction function which extracts what suits conditions.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to shoot a plurality of image data including a required timing and a required facial expression under the set exposure conditions by performing continuous shooting with the exposure conditions fixed. Accordingly, it is possible to extract the image that matches the required timing, the required facial expression and other conditions by the image extraction means. As a result, a shooting program that extracts the image data of the frames that meet the conditions required by the photographer, such as the required timing and required facial expressions, while configuring the effectiveness of continuously shooting multiple frames is configured. It was done.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
〔Digital camera〕
As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the camera body 1 is provided with a photographing lens 2 and a strobe light emitting unit 3, and the camera body 1 is provided with a release button 4 and is provided with a camera body. 1 is provided with a liquid crystal type monitor 5 functioning as an electronic viewfinder, a zooming button 6 and a control button 7 on the rear surface of the camera body 1, and a media M insertion portion 9 as an example of a recording means on the side of the camera body 1. A still image acquired by photographing is recorded on the medium M as image data by providing the photoelectric conversion unit 11 in which the light from the photographing lens 2 is guided inside the body 1 and the main controller C functioning as a computer ( A digital camera capable of storing) is configured.

  In FIG. 1, a digital camera having only a photographing function is shown. However, the present invention covers all cameras that acquire light rays from a photographing lens as image data in a photoelectric conversion unit. The present invention is not limited to a digital camera provided in a device having a function other than shooting, such as a digital camera provided or a digital camera provided in a PDA.

  The photographing lens 2 includes an exposure setting unit 2A including an aperture for setting the amount of light to be captured by changing the postures of the plurality of blade-shaped members arranged in an annular shape and a shutter for setting the time for capturing light rays. The focal length can be adjusted by moving the photographing lens 2 in the optical axis direction to perform a focusing operation (focusing operation) and moving the photographing lens 2 in the optical axis direction of a part of the lenses constituting the photographing lens 2. It incorporates a focusing / zooming unit 2B that realizes a smooth zooming operation.

  From the panel interface 13 that acquires operation information from the release button 4, zooming button 6, control button 7 and information from the touch panel T formed on the display surface of the monitor 5 to the main control device C. An input signal system for inputting operation information and a photographed image from the photoelectric conversion unit 11 is formed.

  The main controller C includes an exposure setting unit 2A, a focusing / zooming unit 2B, an LCD driver 14 for controlling the monitor 5, and a strobe control unit 15 for controlling the strobe light emitting unit 3. An output signal system for outputting information is provided. Further, the main control device C includes a signal system for accessing information with the medium M inserted into the card interface 16 through the insertion unit 9.

  The photoelectric conversion unit 11 includes an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) type, and outputs an image of a subject acquired by the image sensor to the main controller C. At the time of shooting, information acquired by photoelectric conversion by the image sensor is output to the main controller C as bitmap image data of the three primary colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue).

  The media M (recording means) is a compact flash (registered trademark), smart media (registered trademark), memory stick (registered trademark), an SD memory card (SanDisk, Matsushita Electric Industrial, a memory card jointly developed by Toshiba and Toshiba). Standard), but may use a disk-type medium such as a CD-R or MO (Magnet Optical Disk).

  The control button 7 can detect the operation in the cross direction, and the operation of the control button 7 makes it possible to acquire information necessary for shooting, and the image data stored in the medium M is stored in the monitor 5. Allows processing to be displayed. In particular, in this digital camera, a normal mode in which shooting is performed in units of one frame every time the release button 4 is operated by operating the control button 7 or the touch panel T, and continuous shooting is performed when the release button 4 is operated. It is possible to shoot in any of the continuous shooting modes that realizes shooting of a plurality of frames by (continuous shooting) (details of this control mode will be described later).

  When photographing in the normal mode, the main controller C detects the focus area set in the image data acquired by the photoelectric conversion unit 11 when the operation of the release button 4 is started (in a half-pressed state). Focusing is performed based on the information, and an exposure amount is set based on the photometric area information set in the image data. Thereafter, when the release button 4 is completely operated, the exposure setting unit 2A sets an aperture value and a shutter speed based on the exposure amount information and performs an exposure operation. Further, the main control device C realizes zooming when the zooming button 6 is operated.

[Control structure]
Although not shown in the drawing, the main controller C temporarily stores a microprocessor, a semiconductor memory in which a program for realizing processing is expanded, and captured image data acquired by the photoelectric conversion unit 11. 2 and an operating system for managing them, an outline of a processing system comprising this program can be shown as shown in FIG.

  That is, an image acquisition unit 21 that acquires image data from the photoelectric conversion unit 11, a display processing unit 22 that reduces the number of pixels of the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 21 and outputs it to the LCD driver 14, An image temporary storage unit 23 composed of a video memory for temporarily storing the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 21, and an image storage for compressing the image data stored in the image temporary storage unit 23 and storing it in the medium M And a processing unit 24 (an example of an image extracting unit).

  The main controller C includes an exposure setting processing unit 25 that sets the exposure condition of the exposure setting unit 2A based on the brightness information of the photometric area preset in the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 21. The exposure setting processing unit 25 controls the strobe control unit 15 that sets the light emission amount of the strobe light emitting unit 3.

  The main control device C is operated by a shooting control unit 26 (an example of continuous shooting means) that controls shooting based on the operation of the release button 4, information from the shooting control unit 26, and the zoom button 6. And a focusing / zooming setting unit 27 for controlling the focusing / zooming unit 2B. The in-focus / zooming unit 2B also performs in-focus based on information on an in-focus area preset in the image data.

  Further, the main control device C includes a shooting execution unit 28 (an example of a mode execution unit) that executes shooting based on information from the control button 7 and the touch panel T, and setting information by the shooting execution unit 28. Is output to the monitor 5 via the display processing unit 22.

  The image acquisition unit 21 and the image temporary storage unit 23 are configured to include a semiconductor memory for storing captured image data. Software for managing the image acquisition unit 21 and the image temporary storage unit 23 is provided. Including the display processing unit 22, the image storage processing unit 24, the exposure setting processing unit 25, the imaging control unit 26, the focusing / zooming setting unit 27, the imaging execution unit 28, and the setting information output unit 29. Can be configured by software expanded in a memory that constitutes the hardware, logic hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[Control form / flow chart]
The photographing process (processing by the photographing program) by the main controller C is shown as a flowchart in FIG. In this flowchart, an anniversary mode is set in advance, an image from the photographing lens 2 is acquired by the photoelectric conversion unit 11, and further, image data from the photoelectric conversion unit 11 is acquired by the image acquisition unit. 21 is sent to the display processing unit 22 and displayed as a finder image on the monitor 5 in the same way as a moving image (# 01 step).

  Next, the photographing execution unit 28 determines conformity / non-conformance of the conditions of the anniversary mode. Only when the photographing execution unit 28 meets the conditions, the photographing execution unit 28 sets the anniversary mode as the photographing mode (# 02, # 07 step).

  The anniversary mode is a shooting mode that automatically fires a candle on the cake on an anniversary, such as a birthday party, and identifies the scene where the child who has reached the birthday blows out the candle. is there. More specifically, when the shooting execution unit 28 determines that the cake candle is lit (when it meets the conditions of the anniversary mode), the anniversary mode is in the standby state. To reach. In addition, when the conditions of the anniversary mode are not met, shooting is performed in one of a plurality of shooting modes described later. Further, when the anniversary mode is in the standby state, after the operation of the release button 4 is started (in a half-pressed state), the photographing execution unit 28 starts control in the anniversary mode (to other control). Further, when the release button 4 is completely operated, continuous shooting in the anniversary mode is started. In the present invention, before the operation of the release button 4 is started, the processing mode may be set such that the control in the anniversary mode is started based on, for example, operating the switches.

  As means for discriminating the presence of a candle fire from image data, it is possible to use a known technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-326090. In addition to this technique, a phenomenon in which a shadow caused by a candle fire shakes. The processing form may be set so as to determine the presence of a candle fire since the shadow areas are the same.

  In addition, if the conditions of the anniversary mode are not met, the selection of the shooting mode is determined, and if not selected, the normal mode (default) is set as the shooting mode. When a shooting mode other than the normal mode is selected, a corresponding shooting mode is set as the shooting mode (steps # 02 to # 07).

  That is, in step # 04, the photographing execution unit 28 displays the photographing condition setting screen 31 shown in FIG. 5 on the monitor 5 based on the operation of the control button 7. By moving the cursor CS displayed on this screen up and down with the control button 7 or by designating one of a plurality of shooting modes displayed on this screen via the touch panel T, “normal mode”, “ Any one of “anniversary mode”, “smile shot mode”, “blur elimination mode”, “best focus mode”, “multi-mode” can be selected (these modes will be described later). The shooting execution unit 28 sets the shooting mode.

  As a specific example, when the photographer selects the anniversary mode, the imaging execution unit 28 displays the anniversary mode setting screen 32 shown in FIG. 6 on the monitor 5 and the cursor CS displayed on the screen is displayed on the control button 7. It is possible to set whether or not to use the strobe by moving it up and down or operating the touch panel T. When this anniversary mode is selected, it functions automatically when the presence of a candle flame in the subject is detected. Is taken. In particular, when the use of the strobe is selected, the candle is blown out, and the strobe automatically emits light at a timing when the brightness is lowered to a value lower than a preset threshold value.

  As an example of a shooting mode for performing continuous shooting other than the anniversary mode, when the smile shot mode is selected, a smile shot mode setting screen 33 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the monitor 5, and the first cursor CS1 is displayed on this screen. Can be moved up and down with the control button 7 or the touch panel T is operated, and the continuous shooting mode is set so that continuous shooting is performed when the release button 4 is operated, and after the release button 4 is operated. It is possible to select one of continuous shooting for a time (3 seconds in the figure). Further, by moving the second cursor CS2 up and down with the control button 7, it is possible to select the number of frames (one frame and three frames in the figure) to be extracted from a plurality of image data acquired by continuous shooting.

  Although not shown in the drawing, even when any one of the blur elimination mode, the best focus mode, and the multi mode is selected, a corresponding screen is displayed on the monitor 5, and a smile shot mode setting screen 33 shown in FIG. Similarly, the continuous shooting mode and the number of extracted frames can be set. As a continuous shooting mode, 3 seconds is given as an example of a setting time for continuing continuous shooting after the release button 4 is operated. However, this setting time is not limited to 3 seconds, and this setting time is arbitrarily set. It may be possible to set to. As an example, the number of extracted frames is 1 frame and 3 frames, but 2 frames or an arbitrary number of frames may be set as the number of frames.

  In such a state where the shooting mode is set, the focus / zooming setting unit 27 of the main control device C causes the shooting to be performed by pressing the release button 4 halfway to shoot the subject. The focusing operation of the lens 2 is performed so that the image of the subject is focused (focused) on the photoelectric conversion surface of the image sensor of the photoelectric conversion unit 11, and the exposure setting processing unit 25 sets the exposure amount. (Steps # 08 and # 09).

  Thereafter, when the release button 4 is completely pressed, the shooting process in the shooting mode described above is executed in the shooting process routine (step # 100).

[Shooting mode]
The normal mode is a general shooting in which one frame is shot every time the release button 4 is operated, and image data acquired by shooting is stored in the medium M. In the smile shot mode, blur elimination mode, best focus mode, and multi mode, including the anniversary mode described earlier, continuous shooting is performed at a relatively short interval (several frames per second) based on the operation of the release button 4. The plurality of image data acquired by the continuous shooting is stored in the image temporary storage unit 23, and necessary data is automatically extracted from the plurality of image data stored in the image temporary storage unit 23 in this way. A process of saving in the medium M is performed.

  In the smile shot mode, a face of a person is discriminated from a plurality of image data acquired by continuous shooting, and a process of extracting the face pattern closest to a smile is performed. In the blur elimination mode, a blurring state of a plurality of image data acquired by continuous shooting is determined, and processing for extracting the one with the smallest blurring is performed. The best focus mode performs a process of extracting the best focus from a plurality of image data acquired by continuous shooting. In the multi mode, processing is performed for extracting a plurality of image data acquired by continuous shooting with small blurring and excellent focus.

[Flowchart / Subroutine]
This shooting process routine (step # 100) is set as a subroutine as shown in FIG. 4, and when shooting is performed, the shooting mode is acquired, and in the normal mode, the shutter is opened with the set exposure conditions. The image data of one frame is acquired by operating only once, and the image data is stored in the medium M (# 101 to # 103, steps # 114).

  When the shooting mode is set to continuous shooting (except for the normal mode), the shutter is continuously operated (with continuous shooting) (with fixed aperture value and shutter speed). ), A plurality of image data is stored in the image temporary storage unit 23 (step # 104, continuous shooting function).

  When continuous shooting is performed by continuously operating the shutter in this way, if the anniversary mode is set and the strobe is set to be used, the candle is blown out and the amount of light from the candle is reduced. Control to make the strobe emit light at the lowered timing is performed. In the best focus mode and the multi mode, shooting is performed by changing the in-focus position for each frame on the basis of the in-focus position set by the in-focus / zooming setting unit 27.

  After acquiring a plurality of image data by this continuous shooting, when the shooting mode is the anniversary mode, among the plurality of image data stored in the image temporary storage unit 23, the amount of light of the candle fire has decreased. When the image data at the shooting timing set with reference to the timing or the image data at the timing when the flash fires is extracted, and the number of extracted frames is 3, the image data of the frames before and after that is extracted. Extract (steps # 105 and # 106).

  When an example of a plurality of image data acquired by shooting in this anniversary mode (using a strobe) is shown with numbers (1) to (5) in the shooting order as shown in FIG. Among the plurality of stored image data, the brightness of the image data becomes appropriate when the strobe emits light at the timing when the brightness is reduced by blowing out the candle, and the strobe emits light as shown in (5) The timing image data is extracted as an extraction target.

  In this digital camera, during continuous shooting described above, data according to Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) is stored in the image position temporary storage unit 23 in a form associated with each image data. In this Exif data, data such as shooting date / time data, shutter speed at the time of shooting, use / non-use of a strobe at the time of shooting, and the like are stored according to a set format. Therefore, in the process of extracting the image data at the timing when the strobe light is emitted from the plurality of image data stored in the image temporary storage unit 23, data stored in accordance with the Exif format is used. When the extracted image data is stored in the medium M, Exif data associated with the image data is recorded in the header portion of the image data.

  Similarly to this, when an example of a plurality of image data acquired by shooting in the anniversary mode (not using the strobe) is shown with numbers (1) to (5) in the shooting order as shown in FIG. Of the plurality of image data stored in the image temporary storage unit 23, the image data taken at the timing when the brightness is reduced by blowing out the candle, that is, the image data of (2) as a reference. The image data before the image data was captured (for example, image data captured immediately before) and the image data after the image data was captured (for example, image data captured immediately after) are extracted. it can.

  In the process of extracting the image data based on the image data taken at the timing when the brightness is reduced in this way, the candle of the image data does not necessarily need to be extinguished. When the brightness is important, it is sufficient to extract the image data immediately before the image data taken at the timing when the brightness decreases (or several frames earlier), and the scene where the candle is blown out is important. In this case, it is only necessary to extract image data immediately after the image data photographed at the timing when the brightness is lowered (may be several frames later). Furthermore, even when extracting image data shot in a situation where the brightness is reduced, it is possible to correct the image to a brightness suitable for printing and viewing by image processing technology. The processing mode may be set so as to correct the brightness.

  If the shooting mode is the smile shot mode after acquiring a plurality of image data by this continuous shooting, the face of the person can be identified from the plurality of image data, and the left and right eyes can be confirmed on the face. A part whose teeth can be confirmed is extracted (steps # 107 and # 108).

  An example of a plurality of image data acquired by shooting in the smile shot mode is shown with numbers (1) to (5) in the order of shooting as shown in FIG. The image data shown in (4) is the extraction target assuming that the left and right eyes can be confirmed on the face and that the most teeth can be confirmed on the mouth, that is, the best smile. Incidentally, in this smile shot mode, the confirmation of teeth is not essential as an extraction condition, and the processing form may be set so as to determine the best smile based on the shape of the lips and the shape of the eyebrows.

  Note that the processing of discriminating a person's face from image data and performing extraction based on the face is realized by a known technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 8-63597 and 2000-48184. .

  After acquiring a plurality of image data by this continuous shooting, if the shooting mode is the blur elimination mode, the one with the smallest blur is extracted from the plurality of image data and the number of extracted frames is three. Extracts the image data of the preceding and succeeding frames (steps # 109, # 110 and # 109 correspond to the exposure setting function).

  As a specific example of the process for determining blurring, attention is paid to a specific pixel of image data, and data (R (red), G (green) of a plurality of pixels existing in a line-connected region with the pixel as a reference. ), B (blue) value) is substantially equal to the pixel data of interest, it can be determined that the image was taken with the camera shaken. Small ones will be extracted.

  When the shooting mode is the best focus mode after acquiring a plurality of image data by continuous shooting, the best focus is extracted from the plurality of image data, and the number of extracted frames is 3. The image data of the frames before and after that is extracted (steps # 111 and # 112). As an example of the process for determining the focus, the image data having the highest contrast is extracted.

  As a specific process for determining the focus state, the image data is divided into small areas. For example, the image data having the highest contrast at the center is determined to be in the best focus state. It is possible to extract them.

  After acquiring a plurality of image data by this continuous shooting, if the shooting mode is a multi-mode, a plurality of image data is extracted with low blur and good focus, and the number of extracted frames is 3. If there is, the image data of the preceding and succeeding frames are extracted (steps # 111 and # 112).

  The processes of steps # 106, # 108, # 110, and # 112 for extracting a plurality of pieces of image data that meet the conditions correspond to the image extraction function. Also, if the blur is the smallest but the focus is inferior to other image data, or conversely, the blur is inferior to the other image data but the focus is the best, the degree of blur And the degree of focus may be converted into a numerical value and used as a reference for extraction.

  The extracted image data is compressed into the JPEG format (format established by the Joint Photographic Experts Group) or the like by the image storage processing unit 24 and stored in the medium M (step # 114). After this processing, the image data stored in the image temporary storage unit 23 is deleted. Note that the image data storage format is not limited to the JPEG format, but may be a TIFF (Tag Image File Format) format or a GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) format.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in a state where the exposure conditions are fixed, a plurality of image data is acquired by continuous shooting, and image data that conforms to conditions such as the best timing and the best facial expression is extracted from the acquired image data. Thus, since the image is stored in the medium M, for example, shooting at a better timing than that for shooting one frame at a time is realized, and shooting with a good expression is realized. In addition, although continuous shooting is performed, an image that matches the conditions is automatically extracted, so that it takes more time than the operation of extracting image data while the photographer checks on the monitor 5. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the medium as compared with the case of storing all the continuous shot image data.

  In particular, in the anniversary mode, the anniversary mode automatically functions on the basis of the presence or absence of a candle, and in such a state, the user can operate the release button 4 in a scene using the candle. Optimal image data can be extracted.

[Another embodiment]
The present invention may be configured as follows in addition to the embodiment described above.

(A) Zooming is performed during continuous shooting, and extraction is performed based on the size of the face included in the image data as a condition for extracting the image data. With this configuration, it is also possible to extract image data in which a person's face is appropriate.

(B) Instead of automatically functioning the anniversary mode, a shooting mode for forcibly functioning the anniversary mode is set. By configuring in this way, even when it is difficult to distinguish the candle fire, by blowing out the candle fire, the image data at the timing when the brightness was reduced, or the brightness was reduced It becomes possible to extract image data at the timing when the strobe light is emitted later.

(C) As in the multi mode, the processing mode is set so that processing in at least two shooting modes can be combined from the anniversary mode, the smile shot, the anti-blur mode, and the best focus mode.

Perspective view showing a digital camera Block diagram of control system Flow chart of shooting process Flowchart of shooting processing routine Figure showing the shooting condition setting screen Figure showing the anniversary mode setting screen Figure showing the smile shot mode setting screen Diagram showing multiple image data taken in anniversary mode using a strobe Diagram showing multiple image data taken in anniversary mode without a strobe Diagram showing multiple image data shot in smile shot mode

Explanation of symbols

2 Imaging lens 3 Strobe (strobe flash unit)
4 Release button 11 Photoelectric conversion unit 20 Continuous shooting means (shooting control unit)
23 Image temporary acquisition unit 24 Image extraction means (image storage processing unit)
28 Mode execution means (shooting execution unit)
M Recording means (media)

Claims (7)

A photographing process for guiding the light beam from the photographing lens to the photoelectric conversion unit and obtaining it as image data, and an exposure setting process for adjusting an exposure condition at the time of photographing with at least one of an aperture or a shutter provided in the optical system of the photographing lens are performed. A camera,
As the exposure setting process, a continuous shooting unit that acquires a plurality of image data by continuously shooting with a fixed exposure condition and a plurality of image data acquired by the continuous shooting unit are set in advance. A camera provided with an image extracting means for extracting an image that meets the conditions and recording the extracted image data in a recording means. When it is determined that a light beam from a candle is included in the image acquired by the photoelectric conversion unit at the time of non-photographing, a mode execution unit that executes an anniversary mode is provided. By executing the anniversary mode before, or by executing the anniversary mode after starting the release button operation, continuous shooting is performed by the continuous shooting means, and a plurality of image data acquired by the continuous shooting is temporarily stored. To save
The image extraction means extracts image data at a shooting timing set based on a timing at which the amount of light from the candle decreases among a plurality of image data stored in the image temporary storage unit by continuous shooting. The camera according to claim 1, wherein recording is performed on said recording means. When it is determined that a light beam from a candle is included in the image acquired by the photoelectric conversion unit at the time of non-photographing, a mode execution unit for setting an anniversary mode is provided, and the mode execution unit operates the release button. By executing the anniversary mode before, or by executing the anniversary mode after starting the release button operation, continuous shooting by the continuous shooting means is performed, and the strobe is emitted during the continuous shooting, and this continuous shooting is performed. Save the multiple image data acquired in step 1 to the temporary image storage unit.
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the image extracting unit extracts image data at a timing at which a strobe emits light during shooting from among a plurality of image data stored in an image temporary storage unit by continuous shooting, and records the image data in the recording unit.   The camera according to claim 1, wherein the image extracting unit extracts a human face from the plurality of image data, and extracts the extracted face information that satisfies a preset condition.   The camera according to claim 4, wherein the image extracting unit is configured such that the left and right eyes can be confirmed based on the face information, and teeth are confirmed at a mouth part.   6. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the continuous photographing unit performs continuous photographing while the release button is operated or for a time set from the start of operation of the release button. A computer having a photographing function for guiding light rays from the photographing lens to the photoelectric conversion unit and acquiring it as image data, and an exposure setting function for adjusting exposure conditions at the time of photographing at least one of an aperture or a shutter provided in the optical system of the photographing lens A shooting program to be realized
As the exposure setting function, a continuous shooting function for acquiring a plurality of image data by continuously shooting with a fixed exposure condition and a plurality of image data acquired by the continuous shooting function are set in advance. An imaging program that causes a computer to implement an image extraction function that extracts the one that meets the conditions.

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