JP2009272903A - Imaging device and imaging method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device capable of promptly finding out and recording a still image for which omission of imaging or a timing mistake occurs; and an imaging method. <P>SOLUTION: This imaging device includes: a release switch for starting an imaging operation; an operation part 4 detecting the state of the release switch; an imaging part 1 imaging a continuous image before the operation of the release switch is executed to convert the imaged continuous image to image data; a moving image tentatively-recording part 2a temporarily recording continuous image data representing the continuous image; a still image recording part 2b recording a still image selected from the continuous image data; and a slow tracing-back reproduction part 3 reproducing the continuous image tentatively recorded in the moving image recording part 2a in response to long depression of the release switch. Image data selected from the continuous image are recorded in the still image recording part 2b in accordance with the operation state of the release switch during the reproduction of the continuous image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup method, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup method that make it easy to photograph a fast moving subject.

  Conventionally, a camera has been a device for taking a still image. However, in recent years, since image signals have been digitized, moving images can be shot by performing inter-frame compression on images that have been acquired continuously. It has become possible to use as a device. For this reason, recent digital cameras are capable of shooting moving images as well as still images.

Conventionally, various techniques for preventing an image from being missed due to a response delay of a photographer have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a video camera or the like in which when a photographer starts a recording operation by operating a button toward a subject, the ring buffer is overwritten sequentially, and recording is stopped when an image to be stored is obtained. An imaging apparatus is disclosed. In this imaging apparatus, a moving image or a still image is recorded on a recording medium for storage from images stored in a ring buffer.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-99628

Patent Document 2 captures an image at a cycle corresponding to the frame rate of a moving image when shooting processing is started, and synthesizes and displays an image every second when the timing for displaying a past image arrives. There is disclosed a moving picture recording apparatus that records a moving picture consisting of a series of still pictures when a person gives a recording / saving instruction. Further, Patent Document 3 discloses an image pickup apparatus that starts recording several seconds before a shooting start operation and displays a delayed image and a current image on a parent-child screen to prevent a missed shooting due to a delay in the shooting start operation. Is disclosed.
JP 2006-174188 A JP 2006-166184 A

  The imaging device disclosed in Patent Document 1 lacks quick response because a still image is selected while being played back by frame advance. Further, the imaging device disclosed in Patent Document 2 generates a moving image from a series of still images, and does not disclose that a still image missed is quickly selected. Furthermore, the image pickup apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 3 determines the shooting timing while simultaneously displaying the current image and the delayed image in moving image shooting, and quickly searches for a still image that has been missed or missed. Not for recording.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus and an imaging method capable of quickly searching for and recording still images that have been missed or missed timing.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a release switch for starting a shooting operation, a detection unit for detecting a state of the release switch, and an operation after the release switch is operated. An imaging unit that captures a continuous image including at least one frame image and converts it into image data, a first image recording unit that temporarily records continuous image data representing the continuous image, and the first image recording unit A playback control unit that reads out continuous image data and plays back the continuous image, and selects predetermined image data from the continuous image data in response to a change in the state of the release switch during playback of the continuous image. And a second image recording unit for recording.

In the imaging apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the reproduction control unit reproduces the continuous image over a longer time than the continuous image photographing time when reproducing the continuous image.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the imaging unit includes an image of one frame after the release switch is operated, and is predetermined before the release switch is operated. Take a number of continuous images.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the imaging unit includes an image of one frame after the release switch is operated, and the predetermined number before and after the release switch is operated. Take a number of continuous images.

An imaging apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after detecting the operation of the release switch in the first invention, wherein the determination unit is the predetermined unit. When it is determined that time has elapsed, the second image recording unit records image data corresponding to the image being reproduced.
In the imaging device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, when the detection unit detects that the operation of the release switch is released during the reproduction, the second image recording unit is performing the reproduction. The image data corresponding to the image is recorded.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect, when the detection unit detects that the release switch is operated again during the reproduction, the second image recording unit performs the reproduction. Image data corresponding to the image is recorded.
An imaging apparatus according to an eighth invention is the imaging device according to the first, sixth, or seventh invention, wherein the detection unit continues to operate the release switch even after the reproduction of the continuous image. When this is detected, the reproduction of the continuous image is started again.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging method for capturing a continuous image including at least one frame image after the release switch is operated and converting the image into image data; A step of temporarily recording the first image; a step of reading the continuous image data from the first image recording unit to reproduce the continuous image; and a change in a state of the release switch during the reproduction of the continuous image And selecting and recording predetermined image data from the continuous image data.

  An image pickup apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the invention is an image pickup device that takes a continuous image including a release switch for starting a shooting operation and at least one frame image after the operation of the release switch and converts the image into image data. A first image recording unit that temporarily records the continuous image data, and reproduction control that reads out the continuous image data from the image recording unit and performs reproduction over a time longer than the shooting time of the continuous image A portion.

  An image pickup apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the invention, in response to a change in the state of the release switch during reproduction of the continuous image and a detection unit that detects the state of the release switch. And a second image recording unit that selects and records predetermined image data from the image data.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging method in which a continuous image including at least one frame image is taken and converted into image data after the release switch is operated, and the continuous image data is temporarily recorded. And a step of reading the continuous image data from the image recording unit and playing back the continuous image data over a longer time than the shooting time of the continuous image.

  An image pickup apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus in which a release switch for starting a shooting operation, a detection unit for detecting the state of the release switch, and continuous images are taken before the release switch is operated. An image capturing unit that converts data, a first image recording unit that temporarily records continuous image data representing the continuous image, a second image recording unit that records an image selected from the continuous image data, A reproduction control unit that reads out and reproduces the image data of the continuous image recorded in the first image recording unit according to a first operation state of the release switch, and the release during the reproduction by the reproduction control unit. An image recording control unit that records image data selected from the continuous images in accordance with a second operation state of the switch in the second image recording unit.

In the imaging device according to a fourteenth aspect based on the thirteenth aspect, the reproduction control unit reproduces the image in a longer time than the continuous image capturing time.
In the imaging device according to a fifteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect, the first operation state is a state in which the release operation continues for a predetermined time.
In the imaging device according to a sixteenth aspect based on the thirteenth aspect, the second operation state is a state where the release operation is released.

In the imaging device according to a seventeenth aspect based on the thirteenth aspect, the second operation state is a state in which the release operation is performed again after the release operation is released.
In an imaging apparatus according to an eighteenth aspect based on the thirteenth aspect, the first image recording unit temporarily records the image data of the continuous image only before or after the release operation.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus and an imaging method that can quickly find and record a still image that has been missed or missed timing.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment will be described using a camera to which the present invention is applied according to the drawings. The camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention has an imaging unit capable of acquiring a moving image composed of continuous still images, and a memory that starts acquiring moving image data before operating the release button, and temporarily stores the data. Part. It is possible to reproduce a moving image temporarily stored by a predetermined release operation and record a still image selected from the moving image on a recording medium. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to quickly find an image that has been missed or missed timing immediately after shooting, and record it as a still image.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A camera 10 is a digital camera that captures an image of a subject. The camera 10 includes a photographing unit 1, an image recording control unit 2, a slow backward reproduction unit 33, an operation unit 4, and a display unit 8.

  The photographing unit 1 is provided with an optical system for forming a subject image, an image sensor that photoelectrically converts the subject image, an image processing unit that processes an image signal output from the image sensor, and the like, and outputs image data To do.

  The image recording unit 2 performs overall control of the camera 10 and records image data output from the photographing unit 1. As the recording unit, it has a moving image temporary recording unit 2a and a still image recording unit 2a, and the moving image temporary recording unit 2a temporarily records a moving image composed of a series of still images captured every frame period, This temporary recording of the moving image is started before the release button of the operation unit 4 is operated. However, since the recording capacity is limited, a motion delay portion of the photographer or camera, for example, a moving image of about 1 second is recorded, and images before that are erased (erasure by overwriting). Since the images recorded in the moving image temporary recording unit 2a are continuously shot and reproduced continuously, they are called moving images because they appear to move.

  The still image recording unit 2b captures and records still image image data output from the photographing unit 1 when the release button is operated. Further, a timer unit 5 is provided in the image recording control unit 2. The timekeeping unit 5 has a timekeeping function, and performs a timekeeping operation when determining whether or not to perform slow-back playback at the time of playback of a moving image recorded in the moving image temporary recording unit 2a.

  The operation unit 4 includes an operation member such as a release button provided on the upper part of the camera 10 and detects the state of the operation member. When the photographer presses the release button, a release switch that is linked to the release button is pressed. As described above, when the release button is operated, the camera 10 captures a still image, and is also used for selecting a still image during a playback operation performed following the shooting operation. The operation state of the operation unit 4 is transmitted to the image recording control unit 2.

  The display unit 8 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor disposed on the back surface of the camera 10, and reproduces and displays moving images and still images temporarily recorded in the image recording control unit 2. In addition, the moving image captured by the photographing unit 1 is displayed as a so-called live view for observing a subject image before photographing.

  When a predetermined release button operation is performed after the end of still image shooting performed in response to the release operation, the slow-back playback unit 3 displays a series of still images temporarily recorded in the moving image temporary recording unit 2a. Display image data for reproduction at a slow speed is generated. This image data is sent to the display unit 8 to perform slow-back playback display.

  Thus, since the camera 10 of the present embodiment is configured, when the photographer presses the release switch of the operation unit 4, the image recording control unit 2 records a still image in the still image recording unit 2b at this timing. . However, before the release switch is operated, images are temporarily recorded continuously in the moving image temporary recording unit 2a. In this case, as described above, if recording is performed unnecessarily, the recording capacity becomes full immediately, so that only the response delay of the photographer or camera is recorded, and the previous image is erased.

  The moving image obtained in this way (actually a group of still images taken continuously) is subjected to slow backward playback that is played back at a slow speed by the slow backward playback unit 3 when the photographer needs it. Search and record missed images. Even if a subject is missed in the case of an actual fast motion, if it is played back slowly, it will not be missed. Whether or not to perform the slow backward reproduction is determined based on the time measured by the time measuring unit 5 whether or not the release switch of the operation unit 4 has been operated for a predetermined time.

  Next, the operation in the slow backward reproduction mode in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows a timing chart of the camera 10. Here, it is assumed that the photographer's release operation (pressing the release switch) results in an H level.

  In FIG. 2, when a release operation is performed at timing t2, a still image is captured and recorded at timings t2 to t3 in response to this operation. That is, the image data output from the photographing unit 1 is recorded in the still image recording unit 2b. In FIG. 2, imaging and recording are shown at the H level (the same applies to moving images). Prior to the release operation, a moving image consisting of a series of still images is temporarily recorded in the moving image temporary recording unit 1a from timing t1.

  When the recording of the still image is finished, the still image is subsequently reproduced and displayed on the display unit 8 (timing t3 to t4). In FIG. 2, execution of still image reproduction display is shown at the H level (same for moving image reproduction). At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the photographer can confirm the still image reproduced and displayed on the display unit 8. If the photographer performs the release operation at the timing t2 and the release switch is kept depressed even after the timing t4, the three backward playback unit 3 starts the slow backward playback.

  The display in this slow backward reproduction is shown in FIG. (A) to (e) shown in the upper part of FIG. 4 are moving images including a series of still images recorded in the moving image temporary recording unit 2a between timings t1 and t2. FIG. 4E corresponds to the timing (t2) when the release switch is operated. (F) shown in the lower part of FIG. 4 is a group of images constituting a moving image reproduced and displayed from timing t4 to t5.

  As described above, when the release switch is kept depressed after the timing t4, the slow backward reproduction is started. In this slow backward reproduction, FIG. 4 (g) corresponding to FIG. 4 (d) is reproduced, subsequently FIG. 4 (h) corresponding to FIG. 4 (c) is reproduced, and sequentially corresponds to FIG. 4 (b). 4 (i) is reproduced, and FIG. 4 (j) corresponding to FIG. 4 (a) is reproduced. That is, the temporarily recorded images are sequentially reproduced and displayed at a slow speed so as to go back from the timing t2 when the release operation is performed.

  When the slow-start playback is started, the photographer looks at FIGS. 4G to 4J and at the timing when an image to be recorded as a still image is displayed (in the example of FIG. 2, at timing t5). ) Release the release switch. The reproduction at this time is performed so as to go back from the previously obtained still image, and since the still image is continuously reproduced so as to start moving, it is easy to find the part missed by the sense.

  When the target image is displayed, when the release switch is released (timing t5), the still image at that time is recorded in the still image recording unit 2b (timing t5 to t6).

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, since the photographer missed the shooting at the timing of FIG. 4D, the release switch is released when the image shown in FIG. It is recorded as a still image. In FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, (h) to (j) are also shown, but when the release switch is released in FIG. 4 (g), the images of FIGS. 4 (h) to (j) are not displayed. The recorded still image is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 8 from timing t7 to t8 at timing t5.

  It is difficult to photograph a subject that changes at high speed such as a golf swing shown in FIG. 4 at the timing as expected. Even when aiming at the timing of FIG. 4D, it is often possible to take only a photograph as shown in FIG. 4E due to the delay of the photographer's reaction and the time lag of the camera. In the present embodiment, since the playback is displayed by going back in time by slow backward playback, it is possible to perform pseudo-imaging again by releasing the release switch while watching this.

  Next, the operation of the camera 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. If the camera control flow is entered, it is first determined whether or not the camera 10 is set to the shooting mode (S1). The camera 10 can be set in a shooting mode and a playback mode by a photographer. If the result of determination in step S <b> 1 is that the shooting mode has been selected, video shooting and temporary recording are started (S <b> 2).

  In this step S2, the continuous still image group output from the photographing unit 1 is recorded in the moving image temporary recording unit 2a. In the present embodiment, for simplification, moving image shooting and recording are performed at the same time as mode setting. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be started, or the image data output from the photographing unit 1 may be monitored, and temporary recording of a moving image may be started when there is no change in the image data. Further, it may be detected whether or not the release switch is half-pressed, and when the release switch is half-pressed, moving image shooting and recording may be started.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a release operation has been performed (S3). This step is performed by detecting whether or not the release switch has been pushed. If the result of this determination is that the release switch has not been depressed, it is determined whether or not the recording amount of the moving image temporary recording portion 2a has exceeded a predetermined amount (S4). The predetermined amount is, for example, an amount capable of recording a moving image for about one second, but is not limited thereto, and may be changed as appropriate.

  If the result of determination in step S4 is that the recorded amount does not exceed the predetermined amount, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, as a result of this determination, if the recording amount exceeds the predetermined amount, the oldest one is deleted. The erasure is not limited to complete erasure, but may be overwritten. If deleted, the process returns to step S1.

  If the result of determination in step S3 is that a release operation has been made, still image shooting and recording are carried out (S11). This step corresponds to the timing t2 in FIG. 2, and the image data output by the photographing unit 1 is recorded in the still image recording unit 1b. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the release switch remains depressed (S12).

  If the result of determination in step S12 is that the release switch has not been pressed, processing returns to step S1. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is that the release switch has been pressed, the still image shot in step S11 is reproduced and displayed for a predetermined time (S13). This reproduction display corresponds to the display from the timing t3 to t4 in FIG. 2, and the photographer can confirm whether there is no missed shooting as shown in FIG.

  In step S13, the time counting unit 5 displays and reproduces the still image until a predetermined time elapses with the release switch being pressed after the recording of the still image is completed. The predetermined time here corresponds to the time from the timing t3 to t4 in FIG.

  When a predetermined time has elapsed since the still image was displayed, it is then determined whether or not the release switch is still depressed (S14). If the result of this determination is that the release switch has been released, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is that the release switch has been depressed, playback of the moving image by slow backward playback is started (S15).

  As described with reference to FIG. 4, the reproduction of the moving image sequentially reproduces and displays a series of still images constituting the moving image so as to go back in time from the time when the still image was taken. The playback speed at this time is slower than the actual speed. For example, if a slow motion of about 10 seconds is used to play back one second, it is possible to prevent the photographer from missing.

  When the reproduction of the moving image is started, it is subsequently determined whether or not a release operation has been performed (S16). The determination of the release operation here is whether or not the release switch pressing operation has been canceled. If the result of this determination is that it has not been canceled, the process proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if the release operation is released as a result of this determination, image recording is performed when the hand is released from the release switch (S17). That is, it corresponds to the timing t5 in FIG. 2, and the selected still image is recorded in the still image recording unit 2b.

  When the image recording is performed, the still image is reproduced and displayed for a predetermined time (S18). The predetermined time here corresponds to the timings t7 to t8 in FIG. 2, and the photographer can confirm the selected still image. When the predetermined time has elapsed and the reproduction of the still image is finished, the process returns to step S1.

  If the result of determination in step S16 is that the release switch has not been depressed, it is determined whether or not playback of the recorded moving image has ended (S19). If the result of this determination is that it has not ended, processing returns to step S16, and playback of the moving image by slow backward playback is continued. On the other hand, when the reproduction of the recorded moving image is completed, the process returns to step S1. Since the recorded moving image lasts only about 1 second, there are cases where the desired image is not left because the time for taking a picture is too long. In this case, the process immediately returns to step S1 when the moving image reproduction is completed so that the photographer can immediately move to the next shooting.

  If the result of determination in step S1 is not shooting mode, it is playback mode. In this case, it is determined whether or not a playback image has been selected (S21). In this step, it is determined whether or not a reproduction image is selected from a plurality of moving images by a reproduction operation member (not shown) of the operation unit 4. If the result of this determination is that a replay image has not been selected, processing returns and the processing is executed again from step S1.

  If the result of determination in step S3 is that a playback image has been selected, it is determined whether or not playback is to be performed (S4). If the result of this determination is not playback, processing returns to step S21. On the other hand, in the case of reproduction, the image is reproduced (S23). In this step, the image recorded in the image recording control unit 2 is reproduced.

  As the image reproduction in this step S23, in addition to the still image recorded in the still image recording unit 2b, the moving image temporarily recorded in the moving image temporary recording unit 2a can be reproduced. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a recording instruction is given (S24). In this step, it is determined whether or not a release switch or a recording instruction operation member (not shown) of the operation unit 4 has been operated during slow backward reproduction.

  If the result of determination in step S24 is that a recording instruction has been made, the instructed image is recorded in the still image recording unit 2b. If there is no recording instruction as a result of the determination in step S24, or if an instruction image is recorded in step S25, the process returns and executes from step S1. If a still image is reproduced in step S23 and a recording instruction is issued in step S24, this still image may be recorded again. However, even if a recording instruction is issued in step S24 during reproduction of the still image. By determining No and skipping step S25, duplicate recording of images may be avoided.

  If a desired image cannot be found during the moving image reproduction in step S15, the temporarily recorded moving image is displayed as a thumbnail on the display unit 8 in step S23 as shown in FIG. The image may be reproduced and displayed, and an image at a desired timing may be selected from the images in step S24 and recorded as a still image.

  When the release switch is released (S16 → S17, timing t5), the moving image playback is stopped. In this case, if the release switch is pressed again within a predetermined time, the slow playback is performed again. May be resumed, or may be played back without going back. In this case, the flowchart of FIG. 5 is modified, and as shown in FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the reproduction of the recorded moving image has been completed (S19). (S20 YES), the process may return to step 15 to reproduce the recorded moving image. Except for the addition of step S20, the process is the same as that shown in FIG.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described using the timing chart shown in FIG. In the first embodiment, still image recording was performed at the timing when the release button was released during slow retro play, but it seems that some photographers feel this operation unnatural. The still image is recorded when the release button is pressed.

  The configuration in this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, but the timing chart shown in FIG. 2 is replaced with the timing chart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the operation from timing t1 to t4 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the release switch is pushed in at timing t2 and timing t4 is reached, the slow-back playback unit 3 starts playback of the moving image. In the present embodiment, when the reproduction of the moving image is started, it is not necessary to hold down the release button thereafter, and the release operation may be canceled. In the example shown in FIG. 7, at the timing t11, the release button is released and the release operation is released.

  When the reproduction of the moving image is started, the images as shown in FIG. 4 are sequentially reproduced and displayed as in the first embodiment. When the image desired by the photographer is displayed (t12 in FIG. 7), when the release switch is pressed again (release operation), the image at that time becomes a still image and the still image recording unit 2b. To be recorded. The still image recorded here is displayed until timing t13.

  As described above, the slow backward reproduction can be as long as 10 seconds, and the user is tired if the release switch is held down. In the present embodiment, the release button may be released, the finger does not get tired, and when a desired image is displayed, shooting and recording can be performed by the same pressing operation as in a normal release, so there is a sense of incongruity. Absent. However, as in the first embodiment, if the release switch is released, the responsiveness that the next shooting can be started immediately is sacrificed.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described using the timing chart shown in FIG. In the first and second embodiments, when a desired image cannot be selected and recorded in the slow backward reproduction immediately after the release operation, pseudo re-photographing is performed in the reproduction mode. It was. However, since re-photographing may also fail, in this embodiment, failure in re-photographing is prevented.

  The configuration in this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, but the timing chart shown in FIG. 7 is replaced with the timing chart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the operation from timing t1 to t13 is the same as that in the second embodiment, and thus detailed description is omitted.

  When the release switch is pushed in again for pseudo re-photographing at timing t12, the image displayed at that timing is recorded as a still image in the still image recording unit 2b (up to this point, the second embodiment). Is the same). At this time, the pressing image of the release switch is continued for a longer time than the predetermined time, and when the timing t24 is exceeded, the recording of the still image is performed again.

  When the recording of the still image is performed again, the reproduction display of the moving image by the slow backward reproduction is resumed (t24). After this, it is the same as in the second embodiment, and again, the image at the timing when the release switch is pushed is recorded as a still image in the still image recording unit 2b.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, even if re-shooting is performed, if the release button is continuously pressed, the video playback can be started again and repeated, so that shooting without failure can be performed. . That is, as in the other embodiments, it is possible to prevent a desired timing from being missed even if the subject moves fast.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first to third embodiments, when shooting is missed due to a time lag or reaction delay, the image desired by the photographer is displayed by playing back the time from the still image during the release operation by slow backward playback. Was selected. However, since the photographer is too conscious of the time lag and reaction delay, the photographer sometimes takes a picture early and out of timing as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, moving image shooting is continued even after shooting performed in response to the release operation, and a desired image can be selected from the moving images before and after the release operation. The configuration in this embodiment is almost the same as that shown in FIG. 1, but the timing chart shown in FIG. 2 is replaced with the timing chart shown in FIG. 10, and the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is the flowchart shown in FIG. Replace with In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the same step number is assigned to the step performing the same process as FIG. 5, and the same timing number is assigned to the same timing as FIG. 2 in the timing chart shown in FIG. Detailed description will be omitted.

  In the camera control flow in this embodiment, steps S1 to S11 are the same as those in the first embodiment. In step S3, a release operation is detected, a still image is photographed, and image data of the still image is recorded (S11). In the present embodiment, a moving image is photographed for a predetermined time and temporarily recorded (S11a). That is, shooting of a moving image is continued even after the release operation.

  Thereafter, if the result of determination in step S <b> 14 is that the release switch has been pressed, moving image reproduction by slow backward reproduction is performed as in the first embodiment (S <b> 15). When the slow backward playback is started, the images are continuously played back in the same manner as in the first embodiment while going back from the time when the still image was recorded in step S3. That is, the image in FIG. 11A is a still image recorded in response to the release operation, and the image in FIG. 11B is an image when the time goes back. When the slow backward playback is started, the moving image playback is continued even if the photographer releases the release button.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the release switch has been pressed (S31). When the photographer finds a desired image while watching the reproduced moving image, the photographer presses the release switch at that time. If the result of determination is that the release switch has been pressed, the image at the time of pressing is recorded in the still image recording unit 2b (S32). When the image recording is finished, the process returns and the process is executed again from step S1.

  If it is determined in step S31 that the release switch has not been pressed, it is determined whether or not the release switch has been clicked (S33). This click is performed by turning the release button on / off. If the result of this determination is that a click has been made, the moving image playback mode is switched in the reverse direction (S34).

  That is, between FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b), an image is displayed retroactively, but when it is clicked in FIG. 11 (c), the image is displayed along the time from that point. In step S15, when the moving image is reproduced and displayed in the slow backward reproduction mode, but the image at the moment the photographer wants to take is not found when going back in time, the release button is clicked to display FIG. 11C. → (d) → (e) The playback display is performed in slow motion along the time. If the moment that the photographer is aiming for is found during the reproduction and display of the moving image along this time, the image can be recorded in the still image recording unit 2b by pushing the release switch at that time (S31) ( S32). In the fourth embodiment, the slow-back playback unit 3 also enables playback at a slow speed over time.

  If it has not been clicked in step S33, or if it is switched to the reverse direction moving image playback mode in step S34, it is determined whether or not the recorded moving image is ended as in step S19. If the result of this determination is that it has not ended, processing returns to step S31. On the other hand, if processing has ended, processing returns and executes from step S1.

  FIG. 10 is a timing chart in the present embodiment. Since timings t1 to t3 are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, detailed description thereof is omitted. In the first to third embodiments, the temporary recording of the moving image is stopped at the time of the release operation (timing t2). However, in this embodiment, the moving image is captured and temporarily recorded for a predetermined time after the release operation. Is continued until timing t31 (in FIG. 9, S2 to S11a).

  When the shooting and provisional recording of the moving image are completed, the still image recorded at the time of the release operation is reproduced and displayed again (t31 to t32, S13 in FIG. 9). When the release operation has not been released when the still image reproduction is finished, slow backward reproduction is performed (t32, S14 and S15 in FIG. 9). When the reproduction of the moving image by the slow backward reproduction is started, the moving image reproduction is continued even if the release operation is released. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the release operation is released at timing t33.

  Thereafter, when the release button is clicked at timing t34 (S33 in FIG. 9), moving image reproduction by slow reproduction is performed along the time (S34 in FIG. 9). If there is an image desired by the photographer during image reproduction by slow reproduction, a release operation, that is, pressing the release switch is performed at that point, and the depression continues for a predetermined time (timing t34, FIG. 9). S31Y), the image at that time is recorded as a still image.

  The release switch is usually important at the moment when it is turned on, and it is difficult to give meaning to the difference in the operation method of clicking and long pressing, but in this embodiment, the video is slow motion playback, This usage can be used. In this embodiment, moving image shooting is continued even after the release operation, and if the release switch is kept depressed after still image shooting (step S15), as shown in FIG. 11 (a) → (b). Are reproduced retroactively from the photographed still image (FIG. 11A). If the moment when the user wants to take a picture in the backward direction is not found, the direction of the reproduction time is changed by clicking the release switch (steps S33 → S34), as shown in FIGS. 11 (c) → (d). Slow motion shooting can be performed in time. Therefore, by operating the release switch, reproduction can be performed again and again, and shooting can be performed again and again. For this reason, even if the photographing timing does not match, it is possible to perform photographing that pursues the decisive moment.

  As described above, in each embodiment of the present invention, continuous image data representing a continuous image is temporarily recorded, and during the reproduction of the continuous image, in response to a change in the state of the release switch, The image data selected from among them is recorded. For this reason, in particular, when a fast-moving subject is photographed, a continuous image before or after the release can be reproduced, and the photographer can select and record the desired image from among them, and the fast-moving subject But you can get the image you want. Further, it is sufficient to concentrate on the operation of the release switch and concentrate on it, and no other operation is required, so it is possible to reduce shooting failures.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, when a continuous image is reproduced after shooting, it is slowly played back over a longer time than the continuous image shooting time. For this reason, it is possible to reliably select a target image even for a fast-moving subject.

  Furthermore, in each embodiment of the present invention, the continuous images recorded in the moving image temporary recording unit 2a are temporarily recorded only before and after the release operation. Therefore, even if the shooting timing is advanced or delayed due to the response delay of the imaging device or the response of the photographer, the desired image is reliably selected from the reproduced images. be able to.

  Furthermore, in each embodiment of the present invention, by operating the release button, a continuous image recorded in the moving image temporary recording unit 2a is reproduced and displayed immediately after shooting, and an image to be left as a still image from the reproduced image. You can select and delete others. For this reason, the storage capacity of the moving image temporary recording unit 2a can be reduced.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, when a continuous image temporarily recorded in the moving image temporary recording unit 2a is reproduced, the slow-rearward reproduction unit 3 reproduces and displays the image retroactively or sequentially along the time. However, as a reproduction display, it is of course possible to display continuous images as thumbnails as shown in FIG. In addition, a display method that shifts the playback position of each frame of a moving image also expresses the transition of time in an easy-to-understand manner and a part of the previous image can be seen. Therefore, in each embodiment of the present invention, moving image playback Sometimes this method may be adopted to search for the desired shooting moment.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, a digital camera has been described as an apparatus for photographing. However, the camera may be a digital single-lens reflex camera or a compact digital camera, and a mobile phone or a portable information terminal. Of course, a camera built in (PDA: Personal Digital Assist) or the like may be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a mode that a photographer confirms the still image image | photographed after imaging | photography in 1st Embodiment of this invention. In the first embodiment of the present invention, (a) to (e) are continuous images temporarily recorded before the release operation, and (f) to (g) are after the release operation. It is a continuous image that is played back slowly. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the camera control of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which an image temporarily recorded during reproduction is displayed as a thumbnail on a display unit in the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the camera concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the camera concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the camera concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention. In 4th Embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows slow reproduction | regeneration, (a)-(b) is a continuous image displayed retroactively, (c)-(e) is reproduced | regenerated along time. It is a continuous image displayed. In 4th Embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows a mode that a photographer confirms a picked-up image, and shows the case where a photographing timing is too early. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the operation | movement of the camera control of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image pick-up part, 2 ... Image recording control part, 2a ... Moving image temporary recording part, 2b ... Still image recording part, 3 ... Slow backward reproduction part, 4 ... Operation part, 5 ... Timekeeping unit, 8 ... Display unit, 10 ... Camera

Claims (18)

Release switch to start shooting operation,
A detection unit for detecting the state of the release switch;
An imaging unit that captures a continuous image including an image of at least one frame after the operation of the release switch and converts the image into image data;
A first image recording unit for temporarily recording continuous image data representing the continuous image;
A reproduction control unit that reads the continuous image data from the first image recording unit and reproduces the continuous image;
A second image recording unit that selects and records predetermined image data from the continuous image data in response to a change in the state of the release switch during reproduction of the continuous image;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction control unit reproduces the continuous image by taking a longer time than a shooting time of the continuous image.   2. The image capturing unit according to claim 1, wherein the image capturing unit captures a predetermined number of continuous images before the release switch is operated, including an image of one frame after the release switch is operated. Imaging device.   The image pickup unit picks up a predetermined number of continuous images before and after the release switch is operated, including an image of one frame after the release switch is operated. Imaging device.   After detecting the operation of the release switch, it further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, and when the determination unit determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the second image recording unit The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data corresponding to the image being reproduced is recorded.   The second image recording unit records image data corresponding to the image being reproduced when the detection unit detects that the release switch is released during the reproduction. The imaging apparatus according to 1.   2. The second image recording unit records image data corresponding to the image being reproduced when the detection unit detects that the release switch is operated again during the reproduction. The imaging device described in 1.   7. The reproduction of the continuous image is started again when the detection unit detects that the operation of the release switch is continued even after the reproduction of the continuous image is completed. 8. The imaging device according to 7. Photographing a continuous image including at least one frame image after the release switch is operated and converting the image into image data;
Temporarily recording continuous image data representing the continuous image in a first image;
Reading the continuous image data from the first image recording unit to reproduce the continuous image;
Selecting and recording predetermined image data from the continuous image data in response to a change in the state of the release switch during playback of the continuous image;
An imaging method comprising: Release switch to start shooting operation,
An imaging unit that captures a continuous image including an image of at least one frame after the operation of the release switch and converts the image into image data;
A first image recording unit for temporarily recording the continuous image data;
A reproduction control unit that reads out the continuous image data from the image recording unit and performs reproduction over a time longer than a shooting time of the continuous image;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   A detector for detecting a state of the release switch; and a second unit that selects and records predetermined image data from the continuous image data in response to a change in the state of the release switch during reproduction of the continuous image. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an image recording unit. Photographing at least a continuous image including an image of one frame after the operation of the release switch and converting it into image data;
Temporarily recording the continuous image data;
Reading the continuous image data from the image recording unit and performing playback over a longer time than the shooting time of the continuous image;
An imaging method comprising: Release switch to start shooting operation,
A detection unit for detecting the state of the release switch;
An imaging unit that captures a continuous image and converts it into image data before the release switch is operated;
A first image recording unit for temporarily recording continuous image data representing the continuous image;
A second image recording unit for recording an image selected from the continuous image data;
A reproduction control unit that reads out and reproduces the image data of the continuous image recorded in the first image recording unit in accordance with a first operation state of the release switch;
An image recording control unit for recording, in the second image recording unit, image data selected from the continuous images according to a second operation state of the release switch during the reproduction by the reproduction control unit;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the reproduction control unit reproduces the continuous image in a longer time than the imaging time of the continuous image.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first operation state is a state in which a release operation continues for a predetermined time.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the second operation state is a state in which the release operation is released.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the second operation state is a state where the release operation is performed again after the release operation is released.   14. The imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first image recording unit temporarily records the image data of the continuous image only before the release operation or before and after the release operation.