JP2009128840A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To change and set a rapid shooting speed by a simpler operation. <P>SOLUTION: When the rotation of a rotary switch is detected, the angle of the rotation is detected (step S106), and a frame rate corresponding to the detected angle of the rotation is read (step S107) and set (step S108). When the frame rate is changed during rapid shooting in which a loop from steps S109 to S112 is repeated, the rotary switch is operated to rotate. The determination in a step S112 is then made YES. The flow returns thereby from step S112 to step S106, and the angle of the rotation of the rotary switch is detected in the same manner as described above. A frame rate corresponding to the detected angle of the rotation is read from a frame rate data table 121 (step S107), and the read frame rate is set (step S108). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device having a continuous shooting function, an imaging control program and an imaging control method used in the imaging device.

Conventionally, a camera capable of changing a continuous shooting speed (frame rate) during continuous shooting has been proposed. This camera has a release button that is urged in the protruding direction, and a plurality of detection switches that are turned on according to the pressing depth of the release button. The plurality of detection switches detect the pressing state of the release button, and variably control the continuous shooting speed according to the detected pressing state of the release button (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-148893 A

  However, in the camera described above, when the user adjusts the continuous shooting speed, a downward operation to increase the operation depth of the release button by operating the finger pressing the release button downward, Conversely, a toe action operation with an upward operation that reduces the operation depth of the release button by moving a finger upward is required. For this reason, when the finger should be operated upward to reduce the continuous shooting speed, it can be operated downward, or when the finger should be operated downward to increase the continuous shooting speed. Therefore, it is difficult to set the continuous shooting speed according to the user's intention.

  The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and provides an imaging device capable of variably setting the continuous shooting speed by a simpler operation, an imaging control program used for the imaging device, and an imaging control method. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a rotatable operation means provided in the apparatus body, a detection means for detecting the rotation of the operation means, and a subject are sequentially imaged according to a set frame rate. Imaging means for controlling, and control means for variably setting the frame rate of the imaging means according to the rotation of the operation means detected by the detection means.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the detection means is a rotation angle detection means for detecting a rotation angle of the operation means, and the control means is the rotation angle detection means. The frame rate of the imaging means is variably set in accordance with the rotation angle detected by.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the control means sets a higher frame rate as the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection means becomes larger. And

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the detecting means is a rotational speed detecting means for detecting a rotational speed of the operating means, and the control means is the rotational speed detecting means. The frame rate of the image pickup means is variably set according to the rotation speed detected by.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the control means sets a higher frame rate as the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed output means increases. To do.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control means responds to the first rotation detection of the operation means by the detection means, and the imaging means It is characterized by comprising an activation control means for activating.

  An invention according to claim 7 is an image storage having a predetermined storage capacity for sequentially storing image data picked up at the frame rate by the image pickup means in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Means for determining whether or not the storage state of the image storage means is full, and the storage state of the image storage means is filled by the storage state determination means. And a stop control means for stopping the operation of the image pickup means when judged.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time since the last rotation of the operating means was detected by the detecting means. And the control means determines whether or not the elapsed time has become a predetermined time or more, and when the determination means determines that the elapsed time has become the predetermined time or more, the operation of the imaging means And stop control means for stopping the operation.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control means determines whether the first mode or the second mode is set. And determining that the first mode is set, executing control for variably setting the frame rate of the imaging means, and setting the second mode. If it is determined that the frame rate is determined, control other than variably setting the frame rate of the imaging means is executed.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising first frame rate storage means for storing a frame rate corresponding to the rotation angle of the operation means, wherein the control means is The frame rate corresponding to the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection unit is read from the first frame rate storage unit, and the frame rate of the imaging unit is variably set.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising second frame rate storage means for storing a frame rate corresponding to the rotational speed of the operation means, wherein the control means comprises: The frame rate corresponding to the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed detecting means is read from the second frame rate storage means, and the frame rate of the imaging means is variably set.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the image data picked up by the image pickup means and sequentially stored in the image storage means in the invention of the seventh aspect together with a frame rate when the image data is picked up. Storage control means for storing in a storage medium is provided.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotatable operating means provided in the apparatus body, a detecting means for detecting the rotation of the operating means, and an imaging means for sequentially imaging the subject according to a set frame rate. A computer included in the imaging apparatus provided is caused to function as a control unit that variably sets a frame rate of the imaging unit according to the rotation of the operation unit detected by the detection unit.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotatable operating means provided in the apparatus body, a detecting means for detecting the rotation of the operating means, and an imaging means for sequentially imaging the subject according to a set frame rate. An imaging control method in an imaging apparatus comprising: a control step of variably setting a frame rate of the imaging unit according to the rotation of the operation unit detected by the detection unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to variably set the continuous shooting speed by a simpler operation.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image pickup apparatus 1 common to the respective embodiments of the present invention. The imaging device 1 includes a control unit 3 connected to each unit via a bus line 2, and the control unit 3 is a one-chip microcomputer that controls each unit of the imaging device 1. The imaging unit 4 is disposed on the optical axis of an imaging lens 5 that is composed of an image sensor such as a CMOS and includes a focus lens, a zoom lens, and the like. The unit circuit 6 is a circuit to which an analog imaging signal corresponding to the optical image of the subject output from the imaging unit 4 is input, and a CDS that holds the input imaging signal and a gain adjustment that amplifies the imaging signal. An amplifier (AGC), an A / D converter (ADC) that converts the amplified imaging signal into a digital imaging signal, and the like are configured. The output signal of the imaging unit 4 passes through the unit circuit 6 and is sent to the signal processing unit 7 as a digital signal.

  The sent digital signal is subjected to various signal processing by the signal processing unit 7, then sent to the image processing unit 8, subjected to various image processing, and supplied to the display unit 9. Displayed as an image. Further, at the time of image recording, the signal processed by the image processing unit 8 is further encoded and recorded in an image recording unit (including an external recording medium) 10 and read out from the image recording unit 10 at the time of image reproduction. The processed image data is decoded by the image processing unit 8 and displayed on the display unit 9.

  Further, a TG (Timing Generator) 11, a ROM (program memory) 12, and a buffer memory 13 are connected to the bus line 2. The TG 11 drives the imaging unit 4 and the unit circuit 6 at a timing according to the frame rate set by the control unit 3. The ROM 12 has a program diagram showing a combination of an aperture value (F) corresponding to an appropriate exposure value (EV) and a shutter speed at the time of each shooting such as still image shooting, continuous shooting, and through image shooting. Program AE data and EV value table to be stored are also stored. Then, the charge accumulation time set by the control unit 3 based on the shutter speed set by the program diagram is supplied as a shutter pulse to the imaging unit 4 via the TG 11, and the imaging unit 4 operates in accordance with this to accumulate the charge. The time or exposure time is controlled. That is, the imaging unit 4 functions as an electronic shutter. Further, the ROM 12 stores a program shown in a flowchart to be described later and various programs necessary for functioning as a digital camera. The buffer memory 13 is a buffer for temporarily storing image data and the like, and is also used as a working memory for the control unit 3.

  That is, the image processing unit 8 performs processing such as pedestal clamping on the Bayer data sent from the signal processing unit 7, converts it into RGB data, and further converts the RGB data into a luminance (Y) signal and a color difference ( UV) signal. The YUV data converted by the image processing unit 8 stores data for one frame in the buffer memory 13. One frame of YUV data stored in the buffer memory 13 is sent to the display unit 9, where it is converted into a video signal and then displayed as a through image.

  In addition, when a shutter key operation by the user is detected in the still image shooting mode, the still image is switched by switching the imaging unit 4 and the unit circuit 6 to a still image shooting drive system or drive timing different from that for through-image shooting. The photographing process is executed, and one frame of the YUV data stored in the buffer memory 13 by the still image photographing process is encoded by the image processing unit 8 after being compressed by the JPEG method or the like, and converted into a file in the buffer memory 13 After that, it is recorded as still image data (still image file) in the image recording unit 10 via the bus line 2.

  In addition, when a continuous shooting start instruction is detected in the continuous shooting (moving image shooting) mode, continuous shooting processing is started, and YUV data for a plurality of frames until a continuous shooting end instruction is detected is stored in the buffer memory 13. . The YUV data for a plurality of frames stored in the buffer memory 13 is sent to the control unit 3 after an instruction to end continuous shooting, and is encoded after data compression by the JPEG method or the like (a predetermined MPEG codec in the case of moving image shooting). Then, the file name is given as frame data via the buffer memory 13 and the bus line 2 and written to the image recording unit 10. In addition, the control unit 3 decompresses still image data or continuous shot (moving image) data read from the image recording unit 10 during reproduction of still images or continuous shot images (moving images), and generates still image data or continuous shot images ( (Moving image) frame data is developed in the image data work area of the buffer memory 13. When a recording start instruction is detected in the continuous shooting (moving image shooting) mode, the continuous shooting process is started by switching the imaging unit 4 and the unit circuit 6 to a driving timing different from the driving timing at the time of capturing a through image.

  Further, an input detection unit 14 is connected to the bus line 2. A key input unit 17 is connected to the input detection unit 14, and a rotary switch 15 is connected via a switch detection unit 16. The key input unit 17 includes a plurality of operation keys such as a shutter key, a mode setting key, and a power key, and the input detection unit 14 detects a key input signal corresponding to the key operation by the user and outputs it to the control unit 3. .

  The rotary switch 15 has a disk-shaped operation unit 151 that is rotatably provided in an apparatus main body (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2, a movable contact 152 is provided on the back side of the operation unit 151, and a predetermined voltage is applied to the movable contact 152. On the other hand, on the side of the apparatus main body, the operation unit 151 is fixed at positions of 5 °, 60 °, 90 °, 120 °, 180 °, 210 °, 270 ° to (over 270 °). Settings 153 to 159 are provided. These fixed settings 153 to 159 are connected to the switch detection unit 16 via resistors R1 to R7 each having a different resistance value. Therefore, when the switch detection unit 16 detects the resistance values R1 to R7 based on the input voltage or detects the voltages corresponding to the resistance values R1 to R7, the rotary switch 15 is 5 °, 60 °, 90 °, 120 It is possible to detect which rotation angle is in the range of °, 180 °, 210 °, and 270 °.

  In addition, the ROM 12 stores a frame rate data table 121 shown in FIG. In the frame rate data table 121, for each of the resistors “R1” to “R7” and the corresponding rotation angles “5 °” to “270 °” of the rotary switch 15, the corresponding frame rate “1FPS” is stored. , “10 FPS”, “20 FPS”, “30 FPS”, “40 FPS”, “50 FPS”, and “60 FPS” are stored.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the first embodiment of the present invention. When a mode setting key provided in the key input unit 17 is operated to set a photographing mode, the control unit 3 executes control as shown in this flowchart according to a program stored in the ROM 12. That is, the TG 11 is controlled to drive the imaging unit 4 at the frame rate at the time of the through image, and the through image is displayed on the display unit 9 based on the frame image data obtained at this frame rate (step S101).

  Next, it is determined whether or not rotation of the rotary switch 15 has been detected (step S102). If not detected, other processing is executed (step S103). If the rotation of the rotary switch 15 is detected, it is determined whether or not the continuous shooting mode is set (step S104). If the continuous shooting mode is not set and the still image shooting mode (single shooting mode) is set, other rotary switch processing is executed (step S105). Here, the other rotary switch processing refers to a zoom processing for driving and controlling the zoom lens included in the imaging lens 5 or a selection menu displayed on the display unit 9 according to the rotation operation of the rotary switch 15. Display control.

  Therefore, when the continuous shooting mode is set, the rotary switch 15 functions as an operation key for changing the frame rate (continuous shooting speed) as described later, and the still image shooting mode is set. In some cases, it can function as a zoom key or the like. Thereby, multi-functioning of the rotary switch 15 can be achieved.

  As a result of the determination in step S104, when the continuous shooting mode is set, that is, when the rotary switch 15 is rotated in the state where the continuous shooting mode is set, the switch detector 16 detects the input voltage. The rotation values (5 °, 60 °, 90 °, 120 °, 180 °) of the rotary switch 15 are detected by detecting the resistance values R1 to R7 detected based on the resistance values or by detecting the voltages corresponding to the resistance values R1 to R7. , 210 °, 270 °) are detected (step S106).

  Next, the frame rate corresponding to the detected rotation angle is read from the frame rate data table 121 (step S107). Then, the read frame rate is set and stored in the buffer memory 13 (step S108). By setting the read frame rate in step S108, the TG 11 drives the imaging unit 4 and the unit circuit 6 at a timing according to the set frame rate.

  Therefore, shooting processing is executed, frame image data is acquired via the imaging unit 4, the unit circuit 6, and the signal processing unit 7 at the set frame rate (step S109), and the acquired frame image data is stored in the buffer memory. 13 are sequentially stored (step S110). Next, it is determined whether or not the buffer memory 13 is full by sequentially storing the frame image data in this way (step S111). If the buffer memory 13 is not full, it is determined whether or not the rotation of the rotary switch 15 is detected (step S112). If the rotation of the rotary switch 15 is not detected, the process returns to step S109.

  Therefore, until the buffer memory 13 is full, the loop of steps S109 to S112 is repeated at a timing corresponding to the frame rate set in step S108 until the rotary switch 15 is operated again. Thereby, the frame image data photographed at the frame rate set according to the rotation angle of the rotary switch 15 is sequentially stored in the buffer memory 13.

  Therefore, the user can easily set a desired frame rate by rotating the rotary switch 15 to an arbitrary angle by a simple one-action operation.

  In addition, since continuous shooting is started by operating the rotary switch 15 without operating the shutter key, the continuous shooting start operation and the continuous shooting speed setting operation can be performed with one action.

  When the frame rate is changed during continuous shooting in which the loop of steps S109 to S112 is repeatedly executed, the rotary switch 15 is rotated. Then, the determination in step S112 is YES. Accordingly, the process returns from step S112 to step S106, and the rotation angle of the rotary switch 15 is detected as described above, and the frame rate corresponding to the detected rotation angle is read from the frame rate data table 121 (step S107). The read frame rate is set and stored in the buffer memory 13 (step S108). Thereafter, the loop of steps S109 to S112 is repeated.

  Therefore, the continuous shooting speed (frame rate) can be variably set by a simple operation of rotating the rotary switch 15.

  Further, during continuous shooting in which the loop of steps S109 to S112 is repeatedly executed, when the buffer memory 13 becomes full by sequentially storing the frame rate and the frame image data captured at the frame rate. The determination in step S111 is YES. Accordingly, the process proceeds from step S111 to step S113, and the continuous shooting is terminated.

  Therefore, continuous shooting can be automatically ended when the buffer memory 13 is full without requiring a continuous shooting end instruction.

  In step S114 following step S113, image data (YUV data) for a plurality of frames stored in the buffer memory 13 is compressed and encoded by a predetermined MPEG codec. In addition, a file name is assigned to the series of compressed and encoded frame image data and recorded in the image recording unit 10 (step S115). At this time, in step S115, every time the frame rate is changed in step S108, the frame rate stored in the buffer memory 13 is written and recorded in the header of the first frame image data photographed at the frame rate.

  Therefore, when a continuous shooting file (moving image file) recorded in the image recording unit 10 is played back and displayed, the playback frame rate is controlled according to the frame rate stored in the header even if the shooting frame rate changes midway. be able to. Therefore, even if continuous shooting is performed while changing the frame rate at the time of shooting, it is possible to reproduce the continuous shooting portion shot at different frame rates without any trouble so that all of the continuous shooting portions have a natural motion.

  When the recording process is executed in step S115, the image data in the buffer memory 13 is no longer necessary, so the buffer memory 13 is cleared in preparation for the next continuous shooting (step S116), and the process returns to step S101.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment of the present invention, the rotary switch 15 includes a fixed contact 160 as shown in FIG. 5 and a movable contact that contacts the fixed contact 160 once every 30 degrees of rotation of the operation unit 151. 161 is provided. A predetermined voltage is applied to the movable contact 161. The fixed contact 160 is connected to the bus line 2 via a counter 162 and a rotation speed calculation unit 163, and a timer unit 164 is connected to the rotation speed calculation unit 163.

  The counter 162 counts the number of times that the movable contact 161 contacts the fixed contact 160. The timer 164 operates under the control of the control signal from the controller 3, generates a clock signal having a constant period, and measures the elapsed time. The rotational speed calculation unit 163 is based on the number of contacts counted by the counter 162 and the clock signal from the time measuring unit 164, and the rotational speed of the rotary switch 15 that is the number of contacts per unit time, that is, rotational speed = number of contacts / second. = C / sec is calculated.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the ROM 12 stores a frame rate data table 122 shown in FIG. The frame rate data table 122 includes “1 time / second”, “2 times / second”, “3 times / second”, “4 times / second”, “5 times / second” as rotation speeds (C / second). For each "second", "6 times / second", and "7 times / second", the corresponding frame rate "1 FPS", "10 FPS", "20 FPS", "30 FPS", "40 FPS", "50 FPS", "60 FPS" Is stored.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the second embodiment of the present invention. When a mode setting key provided in the key input unit 17 is operated to set a photographing mode, the control unit 3 executes control as shown in this flowchart according to a program stored in the ROM 12. That is, the TG 11 is controlled to drive the imaging unit 4 at the frame rate at the time of the through image, and the through image is displayed on the display unit 9 based on the frame image data obtained at this frame rate (step S201). Further, the timer unit 164 is started (step S202).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the rotation of the rotary switch 15 has been detected based on whether or not the count value of the counter 162 has changed (step S203). When the count value of the counter 162 is not changed and the rotation of the rotary switch 15 is not detected, other processing is executed (step S204). When the count value of the counter 162 is changed and the rotation of the rotary switch 15 is detected, it is determined whether or not the continuous shooting mode is set (step S205). If the continuous shooting mode is not set and the still image shooting mode (single shooting mode) is set, other rotary switch processing is executed (step S206). The other rotary switch processing in step S206 is the same as that in the first embodiment described above.

  Therefore, when the continuous shooting mode is set, the rotary switch 15 functions as an operation key for changing the frame rate (continuous shooting speed) as described later, and the still image shooting mode is set. In some cases, it can function as a zoom key or the like. Thereby, multi-functioning of the rotary switch 15 can be achieved.

  If the result of determination in step S205 is that the continuous shooting mode is set, that is, if the rotary switch 15 is rotated while the continuous shooting mode is set, the rotational speed (C / second). The calculation process is executed (step S207). That is, based on the count value C of the counter 162 and the unit time (1 second) measured by the clock of the time measuring unit 164, the rotational speed (C / second) is calculated and acquired. Further, the counter 162 is reset to “0” (step S208).

  Next, the frame rate corresponding to the detected rotation speed (C / second) is read from the frame rate data table 122 (step S209). Then, the read frame rate is set and stored in the buffer memory 13 (step S210). By setting the read frame rate in step S210, the TG 11 drives the imaging unit 4 and the unit circuit 6 at a timing according to the set frame rate.

  Therefore, shooting processing is executed, frame image data is acquired via the imaging unit 4, the unit circuit 6, and the signal processing unit 7 at the set frame rate (step S211), and the acquired frame image data is stored in the buffer memory. 13 are sequentially stored (step S212). Next, it is determined whether or not the buffer memory 13 is full by sequentially storing the frame image data in this way (step S213). If the buffer memory 13 is not full, it is determined whether or not the rotation of the rotary switch 15 has been detected based on whether or not the count value of the counter 162 has changed (step S212).

  When the count value of the counter 162 is not changed and the rotation of the rotary switch 15 is not detected, the time when the count value of the counter 162 is not changed based on the time measured by the time measuring unit 164, that is, the rotary switch 15 is turned on. It is determined whether or not the non-operation left unrotated has continued for a predetermined time (step S215). If the non-operation in which the rotary switch 15 is left unrotated is not continued for a predetermined time or longer, the process returns to step S211.

  Therefore, the loop of steps S211 to S215 is performed until the buffer memory 13 is full, secondly the rotary switch 15 is operated again, thirdly, the non-operation is longer than a predetermined time, Repeated at the timing corresponding to the frame rate set in S210. Thereby, the frame image data photographed at the frame rate set according to the rotational speed of the rotary switch 15 is sequentially stored in the buffer memory 13.

  Therefore, the user can set a desired frame rate by rotating the rotary switch 15 to an arbitrary angle by a one-action operation.

  In addition, since continuous shooting is started by operating the rotary switch 15 without operating the shutter key, the continuous shooting start operation and the continuous shooting speed setting operation can be performed with one action.

  When the frame rate is changed during continuous shooting in which the loop of steps S211 to S215 is repeatedly executed, the rotary switch 15 is rotated. Then, a change occurs in the value of the counter 162, and the determination in step S214 is YES. Accordingly, the process returns from step S214 to step S207, and the rotational speed (C / second) of the rotary switch 15 is calculated, and the frame rate corresponding to the calculated rotational speed (C / second) is set to the frame rate in the same manner as described above. Reading from the data table 122 (step S209), setting the read frame rate and storing it in the buffer memory 13 (step S210). Thereafter, the loop of steps S211 to S215 is repeated.

  Therefore, the continuous shooting speed (frame rate) can be variably set by a simple operation of rotating the rotary switch 15.

  Further, during sequential shooting in which the loop of steps S211 to S215 is repeatedly executed, when the buffer memory 13 becomes full by sequentially storing the frame rate and the frame image data captured at the frame rate. The determination in step S213 is YES. Accordingly, the process proceeds from step S213 to step S216, and the continuous shooting is terminated.

  Therefore, continuous shooting can be automatically ended when the buffer memory 13 is full without requiring a continuous shooting end instruction.

  Further, during the continuous shooting in which the loop of steps S211 to S215 is repeatedly executed, if the non-operation in which the rotary switch 15 is left unrotated continues for a predetermined time or more, the determination in step S215 becomes YES. . Accordingly, the process proceeds from step S215 to step S216, and the continuous shooting is terminated.

  Therefore, if the rotary switch 15 is left for a predetermined time or longer without rotating, continuous shooting can be automatically terminated. Further, if the rotary switch 15 is left without rotating, the continuous shooting is automatically terminated, so that unnecessary continuous shooting can be prevented in advance.

  In step S217 following step S216, image data (YUV data) for a plurality of frames stored in the buffer memory 13 is compressed and encoded by a predetermined MPEG codec. Further, a file name is assigned to the series of compressed and encoded frame image data and recorded in the image recording unit 10 (step S218). At this time, in step S218, every time the frame rate is changed in step S210, the frame rate stored in the buffer memory 13 is written and recorded in the header of the first frame image data photographed at the frame rate.

  Therefore, when a continuous shooting file (moving image file) recorded in the image recording unit 10 is reproduced and displayed, even if the shooting frame rate changes during the process, it is stored in the header as in the first embodiment. The playback frame rate can be controlled according to the frame rate. Therefore, even if continuous shooting is performed while changing the frame rate at the time of shooting, it is possible to reproduce the continuous shooting portion shot at different frame rates without any trouble so that all of the continuous shooting portions have a natural motion.

  When the recording process is executed in step S218, the image data in the buffer memory 13 is no longer necessary, so the buffer memory 13 is cleared in preparation for the next continuous shooting (step S219), and the process returns to step S201.

  In the description of the present embodiment and the like, the term “continuous shooting” is used exclusively, but continuous shooting is a synonym for moving image shooting and can be read as moving image shooting. Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an imaging apparatus that is a dedicated device has been described. However, any device having a continuous shooting function can be applied to various devices such as a mobile phone. Of course.

1 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a circuit diagram which shows the detail of the rotary switch in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the frame rate data table in the same embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the embodiment. It is a circuit diagram which shows the detail of the rotary switch in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the frame rate data table in the same embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging device 3 Control part 4 Imaging part 5 Imaging lens 6 Unit circuit 7 Signal processing part 8 Image processing part 9 Display part 10 Image recording part 11 TG
12 ROM
13 Buffer Memory 14 Input Detection Unit 15 Rotary Switch 16 Switch Detection Unit 17 Key Input Unit 121 Frame Rate Data Table 122 Frame Rate Data Table 151 Operation Unit 162 Counter 163 Rotational Speed Calculation Unit 164 Timekeeping Unit

Claims (14)

A rotatable operation means provided in the apparatus body;
Detecting means for detecting rotation of the operating means;
Imaging means for sequentially imaging the subject according to the set frame rate;
Control means for variably setting the frame rate of the imaging means according to the rotation of the operation means detected by the detection means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The detection means is a rotation angle detection means for detecting a rotation angle of the operation means,
2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit variably sets a frame rate of the imaging unit according to the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit sets a higher frame rate as the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection unit increases. The detection means is a rotation speed detection means for detecting a rotation speed of the operation means,
2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit variably sets a frame rate of the imaging unit according to the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed detection unit.   3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit sets a higher frame rate as the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed output unit increases.   6. The imaging according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes an activation control unit that activates the imaging unit in response to detection of the first rotation of the operation unit by the detection unit. apparatus. Image storage means having a predetermined storage capacity for sequentially storing image data imaged at the frame rate by the imaging means;
The control means includes
Storage state determination means for determining whether or not the storage state of the image storage means is full;
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a stop control unit that stops the operation of the imaging unit when the storage state determination unit determines that the storage state of the image storage unit is full. The imaging device described in 1. A time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time since the last rotation of the operating means is detected by the detecting means;
The control means determines whether or not the elapsed time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time;
7. The imaging according to claim 1, further comprising: a stop control unit configured to stop the operation of the imaging unit when the determination unit determines that the elapsed time has reached a predetermined time or more. apparatus. The control means includes
A determination means for determining whether the first mode or the second mode is set;
When it is determined by the determination means that the first mode is set, control for variably setting the frame rate of the imaging means is executed, and when it is determined that the second mode is set The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control other than variably setting a frame rate of the imaging unit is executed. First frame rate storage means for storing a frame rate corresponding to the rotation angle of the operation means;
The control means reads out a frame rate corresponding to the rotation angle detected by the rotation angle detection means from the first frame rate storage means, and variably sets the frame rate of the imaging means. Item 4. The imaging device according to Item 2 or 3. Second frame rate storage means for storing a frame rate corresponding to the rotation speed of the operation means;
The control means reads out a frame rate corresponding to the rotational speed detected by the rotational speed detection means from the second frame rate storage means, and variably sets the frame rate of the imaging means. Item 6. The imaging device according to Item 4 or 5.   8. A storage control unit that stores image data picked up by the image pickup unit and sequentially stored in the image storage unit together with a frame rate when the image data is picked up, on a storage medium. The imaging device described. A computer having an imaging device comprising: a rotatable operating means provided in the apparatus body; a detecting means for detecting rotation of the operating means; and an imaging means for sequentially imaging a subject according to a set frame rate;
An imaging control program that functions as a control unit that variably sets a frame rate of the imaging unit according to the rotation of the operation unit detected by the detection unit. An imaging control method in an imaging apparatus, comprising: a rotatable operation means provided in an apparatus main body; a detection means for detecting rotation of the operation means; and an imaging means for sequentially imaging a subject according to a set frame rate. ,
An imaging control method comprising a control step of variably setting a frame rate of the imaging means according to the rotation of the operation means detected by the detection means.

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