JP2010011416A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent only a still picture from being captured when a setting value for imaging is adjusted by half-pressing a release button during a video mode. <P>SOLUTION: In a camera for adjusting a setting value for imaging by half pressing a release button, when a video mode is set and the half-press time of the release button exceeds a predetermined time, a still picture is captured and video imaging is started. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus capable of recording moving images and still images.

Conventionally, digital cameras that can capture both moving images and still images are known. In this type of imaging device, for example, when the digital camera itself automatically determines whether it is video shooting or still image shooting by the operation until imaging, and determines that it is still image shooting, only the still image is captured. Some are designed to record. Specifically, if the release button is pressed halfway and then fully pressed after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that still image shooting is being performed, and only still images are shot (for example, patents). Reference 1).
JP-A-11-215429

  In such a video camera, for example, when a still image is shot, the release button is pressed halfway to perform autofocus and adjust the focus lens position, ISO sensitivity, aperture, white balance, and the like. . However, in recent years, even when shooting a moving image, the focus button position, ISO sensitivity, aperture adjustment, white balance, and the like are adjusted by performing autofocus and the like by pressing the release button halfway.

  Therefore, as in Patent Document 1 described above, if the release button is pressed halfway and then fully pressed after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that still image shooting is performed, and only the still image is recorded. Inconvenient. In other words, even when the user is preparing on the premise of moving image shooting, if the set value for shooting is adjusted by half-pressing the release button, only a still image is automatically shot.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems. For example, even in the moving image shooting mode, even if the setting value for shooting is adjusted by half-pressing the release button, a moving image is shot and a still image is captured. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device capable of photographing.

In order to solve such problems, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that acquires an optical image of a subject and converts it into an image signal, and still image data or moving image data from the image signal obtained by the imaging unit. Generating means for generating, a release button having a half-pressed position and a fully-pressed position, a detecting means for detecting whether the release button is in the half-pressed position or the fully-pressed position, and the release button being half-pressed Measuring means for measuring time at a position; selecting means for selecting a still image shooting mode or a moving image shooting mode from a plurality of modes; and still image data and moving image data generated in the still image shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode. Recording means for recording on a recording medium, adjustment means for adjusting a setting value relating to an imaging operation of the imaging means, and detection that the release button is in a half-pressed position And a control unit that controls the adjustment unit to adjust a setting value related to an imaging operation in response to the image capturing operation. When the still image shooting mode is selected, the control unit The generation unit is controlled to generate still image data in response to being detected as being in the fully pressed position, and the control unit, when the moving image shooting mode is selected,
When the time when the release button measured by the measuring means is in the half-pressed position is less than a predetermined time, generation of moving image data is started in response to the detection that the release button is in the fully-pressed position. Alternatively, the generation unit is controlled to end, and when the release button measured by the measurement unit is in a half-pressed position for a predetermined time or more, it is detected that the release button is in the fully-pressed position. Accordingly, the generation unit is controlled to start or end the generation of moving image data, and the generation unit is controlled to generate still image data.

  According to the present invention, for example, in the moving image shooting mode, by pressing the release button halfway for a predetermined time or longer, a moving image can be shot and a still image can be shot according to the shooting mode. In this way, when the user is aiming to shoot a movie, even if the setting value for shooting is adjusted by half-pressing the release button, not only a still image but also a movie is shot. Can do.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  An imaging apparatus capable of capturing moving images and still images and recording them as moving image data and still image data will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the video camera of this embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a control unit that controls each block in accordance with various functions of the video camera. Reference numeral 102 denotes an operation unit for inputting an external instruction to the video camera. The operation unit 102 includes a power switch, a selection switch for selecting a still image recording mode and a moving image shooting mode, a release button for instructing start / end of shooting, and the like. In this embodiment, the release button has a half-pressed position and a fully-pressed position, and a switch corresponding to each position is provided. And the signal from the switch corresponding to each position of a release button is received, and the control part 101 detects the full-pressing position and half-pressing position of a release button. Also, the time when the release button is in the half-pressed position is measured. Reference numeral 103 denotes a control signal bus through which a control signal from the control unit 101, an instruction signal from the operation unit 102, and the like come and go. Reference numeral 104 denotes an image / audio data bus through which image data and audio data pass between the blocks.

  An imaging unit 105 includes an imaging lens (including a focus lens) that acquires an optical image of a subject, an aperture that controls the amount of light, an imaging device that converts the optical image into an electrical signal, and the like. A video signal (image signal) Is input. The focus lens is adjusted so that the subject is in focus according to an instruction from the control unit 101. The image sensor adjusts the sensitivity of the pixels of the image sensor in accordance with the ISO sensitivity set by the control unit 101. Reference numeral 106 denotes a video processing unit that converts the video signal input from the imaging unit 105 to an appropriate signal level, converts it into digital data, and performs processing necessary for the video recording method. The video processing unit 106 generates moving image data and still image data according to a set value such as white balance set by the control unit 101.

  A sound collection unit 107 includes a microphone that captures sound, an amplifier that amplifies the captured sound signal to an appropriate level, and the like. Reference numeral 108 denotes an audio processing unit that converts an audio signal obtained from the sound collection unit 107 into digital data and performs processing necessary for the audio recording method.

  109 displays video data obtained from the video processing unit 106 during recording, and displays video played back by the video playback processing unit 113 described later during playback, as well as various menus. The display unit may be an external display device. Also, the video data obtained from the video processing unit 106 is displayed during standby for shooting. Reference numeral 110 denotes a display control unit for controlling display on the display unit 109.

  Reference numeral 111 denotes a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as a recording medium) for recording moving image data, still image data obtained from the video processing unit 106, audio data obtained from the audio processing unit 108, and other data in association with each other as necessary. , HDD). An access unit 112 accesses the HDD 111 and reads / writes the above moving image data, still image data, audio data, and other data.

  A video reproduction processing unit 113 processes the moving image data of the HDD 111 read by the access unit 112 according to a video recording method, and converts the processed data into a predetermined format. Also, the video reproduction processing unit 113 can process the still image data of the HDD 111 read by the access unit 112 in accordance with a video recording method and convert it into a predetermined form. Reference numeral 114 denotes a video terminal for outputting the video signal reproduced by the video reproduction processing unit 113 to the outside.

  Reference numeral 115 denotes an audio reproduction processing unit that reproduces the audio data of the HDD 111 read by the access unit 112 according to an audio recording method. Reference numeral 116 denotes an audio terminal for outputting the audio signal reproduced by the audio reproduction processing unit 115 to the outside.

  Reference numeral 117 denotes a USB terminal for communicating with an external device such as a PC and exchanging moving image data, still image data, audio data, and the like recorded in the HDD 111 with the external device. A USB controller 118 controls data exchange with an external device connected to the USB terminal 117.

  In this embodiment, the HDD 111 is used as a storage medium, but this is not limited to a hard disk, and a magnetic (or magneto-optical) recording medium can be considered.

  Further, although the USB terminal 117 is used as the external connection terminal, this is not limited to the USB terminal, and a terminal capable of inputting / outputting digital data such as IEEE 1394 is conceivable.

  First, a method for selecting a plurality of modes of the video camera of this embodiment will be described.

  When the power switch of the operation unit 102 is operated by the user and the power switch of the video camera is turned on, first, the still image shooting mode or the moving image shooting mode is selected by the selection switch of the operation unit 102 The control unit 101 confirms the above. Here, the control unit 101 sets each block of the video camera to the setting for the shooting mode selected by the selection switch of the operation unit 102.

  Next, normal moving image shooting when the moving image shooting mode is selected by the selection switch of the operation unit 102 will be described.

When the moving image shooting mode is selected, the video camera enters a moving image shooting standby state. In this state, when the user half-presses the release button of the operation unit 102,
Auto focus and the like are performed to adjust the position of the focus lens, ISO sensitivity, aperture, white balance, and the like. That is, the setting value relating to imaging is adjusted by half-pressing the release button.

  In addition, when the user fully presses the release button of the operation unit 102, the video camera is instructed to start moving image shooting. In response to the moving image shooting start instruction, the control unit 101 transmits a shooting start instruction signal to the imaging unit 105, the video processing unit 106, and the like.

  When shooting starts, the light from the subject incident through the shooting lens of the imaging unit 105 is controlled in light amount by the diaphragm and converted into an electrical signal by the imaging element. The electrical signal is adjusted to an appropriate signal level by the video processing unit 106 and converted into digital data. The image data converted into digital data is adjusted to an appropriate number of pixels by a pixel number adjustment circuit or the like of the video processing unit 106, is compressed and encoded by a predetermined video recording method, and becomes moving image data.

  The audio signal captured by the sound collection unit 107 is amplified by the amplifier of the audio processing unit 108 and converted into digital data.

  Then, the control unit 101 synthesizes the above moving image data and the above audio data to form a data stream, and outputs the data stream to the access unit 112. Based on an instruction from the control unit 101, the access unit 112 starts writing a data stream of moving image data and audio data to the HDD 111 as one moving image file under file system management such as UDF or FAT. The file system means a structure system composed of management information and file data for managing files. By sharing this file system, recording and reproduction can be performed on different storage media or recording / reproduction devices.

  The data stream is sent to the video terminal 114 as necessary, or displayed on the display unit 109 through the display control unit 110.

  Then, when the user operates the shutter button of the operation unit 102 again and the video camera is instructed to end moving image shooting, the control unit 101 ends shooting to the imaging unit 105, the video processing unit 106, and the like. The instruction signal is transmitted.

  In response to receiving the instruction signal for ending the moving image shooting, the imaging unit 105 and the video processing unit 106 end the shooting operation. Under the instruction of the control unit 101, the access unit 112 makes a series of moving image data and audio data recorded from the start of shooting to the end of shooting as one file, and the access unit 112 writes all the files to the HDD 111. The recording operation is finished. The control unit 101 shifts the video camera to a shooting standby state.

  Next, a recording operation when the still image recording mode is selected with the selection switch of the operation unit 102 will be described.

  When the still image shooting mode is selected, the video camera enters a still image shooting standby state. In this state, when the user presses the release button of the operation unit 102 halfway, auto focus or the like is performed, and the position of the focus lens, ISO sensitivity, aperture, white balance, and the like are adjusted. That is, the setting value relating to imaging is adjusted by half-pressing the release button.

  When the user fully presses the release button of the operation unit 102, the video camera is instructed to start shooting. In response to this shooting start instruction, the control unit 101 transmits a shooting start instruction signal for shooting one still image to the imaging unit 105, the video processing unit 106, and the like.

  When shooting starts, the light from the subject incident through the shooting lens of the imaging unit 105 is controlled in light amount by the diaphragm and converted into an electrical signal by the imaging element. The electric signal is adjusted to an appropriate signal level by the video processing unit 106, converted into digital data, compressed by a predetermined still image recording method, and becomes still image data. Under the instruction of the control unit 101, the access unit 112 converts the still image data obtained by this one-time operation of the shutter button as one still image file under file system management such as UDF or FAT. , One still image data is written to the HDD 111. Thereafter, the control unit 101 sets the state of the video camera to the shooting standby state again.

  Next, a normal reproduction operation of the image pickup apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. At this time, the playback mode is selected by the selection switch of the operation unit 102.

  The control unit 101 controls the access unit 112 to read moving image data and still image data from the HDD 111 in response to the reproduction mode being designated by the selection switch of the operation unit 102. Then, the display control unit 110 is controlled so that a thumbnail screen in which thumbnails of the read moving image data and still image data are arranged and a file name of the moving image data and still image data are displayed on the display unit 109. In addition, the display control unit 110 may be controlled so that the last captured moving image data, still image data, or the like is displayed on the display unit 109.

  When the user operates the operation unit 102 in a state where the thumbnail screen is displayed and gives an instruction to reproduce moving image data or still image data, the control unit 101 controls each block to reproduce each image data. To do.

  When reproducing the still image data, the control unit 101 expands the amount of information decoded by the video reproduction processing unit 113 from the still image data read from the HDD 111 in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit 102. The expanded still image data is displayed as one still image on the display unit 109 by the display control unit 110. Further, it may be output from the video terminal 114.

  When reproducing moving image data, the control unit 101 separates audio data and moving image data from the content data read from the HDD 111 in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit 102. The moving image data is decompressed by the video reproduction processing unit 113 and displayed as video on the display unit 109 by the display control unit 110. Further, it may be output from the video terminal 114. The audio data is transmitted to the audio reproduction processing unit 115, and the decoded information amount is expanded and output from the audio output terminal 116.

  Here, a directory structure in which moving image data, still image data, and the like are recorded in the HDD 111 of the video camera of this embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the HDD 111 stores captured still image / moving image data in a DCIM directory 201 which is a top directory. The DCIM directory 201 stores a “100 IMAGE” directory (hereinafter referred to as an IMG directory 202). The DCIM directory 201 also includes a “TEMP” directory (hereinafter referred to as a TMP directory 203) that stores still image data taken together with moving image data at the start of moving image recording and at the end of moving image recording, as will be described later. Stored.

  The relationship between the recording mode of the video camera of the present embodiment and the above directory will be described. Still image data obtained by fully pressing the release button when the still image recording mode is selected is recorded in the IMG directory 202. In addition, moving image data obtained by fully pressing the release button when the moving image shooting mode is selected is recorded in the IMG directory 202. Further, as will be described later, still image data taken together with moving image data at the start of moving image recording and at the end of moving image recording is recorded in the TMP directory 203. That is, when recording still image data, the control unit 101 identifies whether the still image recording mode or the moving image shooting mode is selected, and changes the recording directory depending on the selected recording mode. The access unit 112 is controlled.

  The files in the TMP directory 203 are not displayed in the playback mode unless they are operated in a predetermined manner, unlike the above-described normal playback instruction. Specifically, when the playback mode is selected, the control unit 101 displays a thumbnail screen of files stored in the IMG directory 202 among files recorded on the HDD. Also, thumbnails of files stored in the TMP directory 203 are not displayed. Also, the thumbnails and file names of still image data recorded in the TMP directory 203 are not displayed unless a predetermined operation is performed.

  In the IMG directory 202, a still image file (extension “jpg”) in JPEG format that conforms to Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) is stored. In addition, in the IMG directory 202, a motion-JPEG format moving image file (extension “avi”) and the like are also stored.

  The video camera of this embodiment starts or ends moving image shooting when the release button is fully pressed in the moving image shooting mode. When the release button is fully pressed and the half-pressed time exceeds the predetermined time, the video camera of the present embodiment performs still image shooting with the start or end of moving image shooting. It is configured. That is, when the control unit 101 detects that the release button is in the fully-pressed position, if the predetermined time has been exceeded for the half-pressed position, the video processing unit 106 starts or ends the generation of moving image data. At the same time, it instructs to generate still image data.

  In this way, the user can select shooting settings for recording still image data in reserve. This function is called a provisional shooting function. The user can turn on / off the temporary recording function before shooting using a menu screen or the like displayed on the display unit 109.

  When the temporary shooting function is turned on, when the release button is fully pressed in the movie shooting mode and the half-pressed time exceeds the predetermined time, the movie shooting starts or ends, Still image shooting will be performed. The captured still image data is captured in the TMP directory 203 and is still image data that is prohibited from being reproduced and displayed unless a predetermined operation is performed in the reproduction mode. The moving image data photographed at the same time is recorded in the IMG directory 202. This moving image data is moving image data normally displayed in the reproduction mode.

  The recording procedure when the temporary photographing function is turned on will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the power is turned on, the control unit 101 determines the state of the selection switch of the operation unit 102 and determines one of a playback mode, a still image recording mode, and a moving image shooting mode (S301). Here, the case of the moving image shooting mode will be described (moving image shooting mode in S301).

  In the moving image shooting mode, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the release button of the operation unit 102 has been fully pressed after the time when the release button has been in the half-pressed position exceeds a predetermined time (S302). When the release button is pressed halfway after a predetermined time exceeds the predetermined time (Yes in S302), the control unit 101 causes the imaging unit 105 and the video processing unit 106 to capture one still image. An instruction is issued (S303).

  In response to receiving a still image shooting instruction from the control unit 101 in S303, the electrical signal obtained by the imaging unit 105 is converted into still image data by the video processing unit 106, and is stored in the HDD 111 by the access unit 112. Written. At this time, the control unit 101 generates management data for associating the moving image data to be subsequently captured with the still image data captured this time, and the management data is written to the HDD 111 by the access unit 112. These still image data and management data are recorded in the TMP directory 203 shown in FIG. 2 (S304). This still image data is not displayed in the playback mode unless a predetermined operation is performed.

  When the recording of the still image data is completed, the control unit 101 next instructs the imaging unit 105 and the video processing unit 106 to perform moving image shooting (S305). In the moving image shooting, recording is continued until the shutter button of the operation unit 102 is operated again to stop recording or the power switch of the operation unit 102 is operated. Here, if it is determined in S302 that the release button is half-pressed while the time when it is half-pressed is shorter than the predetermined time (No in S302), still image data is not recorded and the moving image is recorded. Shooting is started (S305).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the release button has been fully pressed after a predetermined time has passed (S306). When the release button is fully pressed after the time when the release button has been half-pressed exceeds a predetermined time (Yes in S306), the control unit 101 causes the imaging unit 105 and the video processing unit 106 to take a still image again. An instruction is given to do this (S307).

  The electrical signal obtained by the imaging unit 105 is converted into still image data by the video processing unit 106 and written to the HDD 111 by the access unit 112. At this time, the control unit 101 updates the contents of the previously recorded management data so as to associate the currently captured moving image data with the previously recorded still image data and the currently captured still image data. . The updated management data and the still image data captured this time are recorded in the TMP directory 203 of the HDD 111 (S308).

  Next, the control unit 101 instructs the imaging unit 105 and the video processing unit 106 to stop moving image shooting. The generated moving image data is recorded in the IMG directory 202 of the HDD 111 by the access unit 112 (S309). The photographing standby state is maintained until the power is turned off by pressing the power switch of the operation unit 102 (S310).

  In this state, the moving image data captured this time is recorded in the IMG directory 202, and the still image data captured at the start and end of the current shooting is recorded in the TMP directory 203. . Further, the management data for associating these moving image data and still image data is also recorded in the TMP directory 203.

  Further, a case will be described in which the power switch of the operation unit 102 is operated during moving image recording to instruct the power OFF.

  In response to the operation of the power switch of the operation unit 102, the control unit 101 instructs the imaging unit 105 and the video processing unit 106 to end the moving image shooting, and records the obtained moving image data in the HDD 111. . The moving image data is recorded in the IMG directory of the HDD 111.

  In this state, the moving image data captured this time is recorded in the IMG directory 202, and only the still image data captured at the start of the current shooting is recorded in the TMP directory 203. Further, the management data for associating these moving image data and still image data is also recorded in the TMP directory 203.

  When the release button is fully pressed and the half-pressed time exceeds the predetermined time, the control unit 101 is in the video shooting mode, but the fact that the still image has been shot is displayed. An instruction may be issued to the display control unit 110 so that the display is performed on the display unit 109. In this way, it is possible to notify the user that the still image data is recorded and also notify the user that the video shooting mode is set.

  Here, the case where still image shooting is performed before the start of moving image recording has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the moving image shooting mode, after the time when the release button is half-pressed exceeds a predetermined time. In response to being fully pressed, still image shooting may be performed. The same applies to the end of shooting.

  A temporary recording state of still image data obtained as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a case where moving image data is recorded in the IMG directory 202 by operating the release button of the operation unit 102 in order to start moving image shooting and end moving image shooting in the moving image shooting mode. It is. This is because a still image is shot when the time when the release button of the operation unit 102 is half-pressed exceeds a predetermined time at the start of moving image shooting or at the end of moving image shooting. In this case, still image data is recorded in the TMP directory 203. The TMP directory 203 also records management data for associating the above-described moving image data with still image data captured at the start of moving image shooting and at the end of moving image shooting.

  FIG. 5 shows a case where still image shooting is performed when the release button of the operation unit 102 at the half-pressed position at the start of moving image shooting has reached the full-pressed position after a predetermined time has elapsed. Data is recorded in the TMP directory 203. In the TMP directory 203, management data for associating the above-described moving image data with still image data captured at the start of moving image recording is also recorded.

  First, the case of FIG. 4 will be described. In FIG. 4, 401 indicates the structure of the recorded directory.

  First, when the release button is fully pressed at the timing of 402 and the half-pressed time exceeds a predetermined time, shooting of the moving image 404 is started and still image 405 is shot. The captured still image 405 is temporarily recorded in the TMP directory 203 together with the management data 407.

  Next, at the timing of 403, after the time that the release button has been in the half-pressed position exceeds a predetermined time, the shooting of the moving image 404 is stopped and the shooting of the still image 406 is performed in response to being fully pressed. . Then, the management data 407 is updated, and the photographed still image 406 is recorded in the TMP directory 203. The moving image 404 is recorded in the IMG directory 202.

  Here, the management data 407 stored in the TMP directory 203 will be described. As described above, the management data 407 is generated when the moving image data 404 is shot and recorded in the TMP directory 203. This management data 407 is data indicating the relationship between the still image 405 captured at the start of capturing the movie 404 and the movie 404. Further, it is data indicating the relationship between the still image 406 shot at the end of shooting the moving image 404 and the moving image 404. That is, the management data 407 indicates the relationship between the moving image 404, the still image 405, and the still image 406. Further, the same file name as that of the moving image data is added so that the association between the management data 407 and the moving image data 404 can be understood on the file system.

  The case of FIG. 5 will be described. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes the structure of a recorded directory.

  First, when the release button is fully pressed at the timing 502, and the half-pressed time exceeds a predetermined time, shooting of the moving image 504 is started and still image 505 is shot. The captured still image 505 is provisionally recorded in the TMP directory 203 together with the management data 506.

  Next, when the release button is fully pressed at the timing of 503 and the half-pressed time is shorter than a predetermined time, the shooting of the moving image 504 is stopped. The moving image 504 is recorded in the IMG directory 202. That is, when the release button is pressed halfway for less than a predetermined time and then fully pressed, the process is terminated without taking a still image.

  Here, the management data 506 stored in the TMP directory 203 will be described. As described above, the management data 506 is generated when the moving image 504 is shot and recorded in the TMP directory 203. The management data 506 is data indicating the relationship between the still image 505 captured at the start of capturing the movie 504 and the movie 504. That is, the management data 506 indicates the relationship between the moving image 504 and the still image 505. In addition, the same file name as that of the moving image data is added so that the correspondence between the management data and the moving image data can be understood on the file system.

  By performing such recording, it is possible to record a still image captured at the start of shooting in the moving image shooting mode or at the end of shooting in a form that is not displayed in the playback mode.

  Next, a description will be given of a reproduction mode in which the above-described operation is repeated to reproduce and display recorded moving image data and still image data.

  In the playback mode, the video camera of this embodiment can normally play back moving image data and still image data recorded in the IMG directory 202. Then, in the playback mode, when receiving an instruction for deletion processing for deleting the moving image data recorded in the IMG directory 202, it is confirmed whether or not management data exists in the TMP directory 203. If management data exists, still image data associated with the moving image data to be deleted is displayed on the screen, and the user can select whether or not to move the still image data to the IMG directory 202. it can. Then, the still image data moved from the TMP directory 203 to the IMG directory 202 in accordance with a user instruction is displayed in the playback mode. In addition, thumbnails and file names of the still image data are also displayed.

  As described above, in response to the instruction for the deletion process for deleting the moving image data in the reproduction mode, the operation for allowing the still image data associated with the moving image data to be displayed in the reproduction mode is shown in FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 denotes a directory structure in the HDD 111. In FIG. 6, the IMG directory 202 records a moving image 602 shot in the moving image shooting mode. Furthermore, a still image 603 and a still image 604 captured in the still image recording mode are recorded in the IMG directory.

  Further, management data 605, a still image 606, and a still image 607 are stored in the TMP directory 203. The still image 606 is a recorded still image in response to the release button being pressed halfway for a predetermined time or more and then fully pressed at the start of shooting the movie 602 in the movie shooting mode. The still image 607 is a still image that is recorded when the release button is pressed halfway for a predetermined time or more at the end of shooting of the moving image 602 and is recorded in response to the full press. The management data 605 is data for indicating the relationship between the moving image 602, the still image 606, and the still image 607.

  6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 when the user instructs to delete the moving image 602 in the playback mode among the files recorded on the HDD 111 in the state shown in FIG.

  When the user instructs to delete the moving image 602 by operating the operation unit 102, first, the control unit 101 detects whether there is management data 605 corresponding to the moving image 602 in the TMP directory (S701).

  If there is no management data 605 (No in S702), the moving image 602 is deleted (S707), and the screen returns to the thumbnail display screen or the like.

  If there is management data 605 (Yes in S702), still image data associated with the moving image 602 is displayed on the display unit 109 using the management data (S703). On this screen, the user can select a still image to be stored in the IMG directory 202 instead of the moving image 602 from the displayed still images. FIG. 8 shows an example of this screen display.

  In FIG. 6, the still image data associated with the moving image 602 by the management data is a still image 606 and a still image 607. Therefore, in FIG. 8, a screen for selecting the still image 606 and the still image 607 is displayed on the display unit 109. In FIG. 8, 801 is a thumbnail showing a still image 606 taken at the start of moving image shooting, and 802 is a thumbnail showing a still image 607 shot at the end of moving image shooting. Reference numerals 803 and 804 denote check boxes for the user to select a still image. Reference numeral 803 denotes a state in which the thumbnail 801 is not designated, and reference numeral 804 denotes a state in which the thumbnail 802 is designated. Reference numeral 805 denotes an OK button for causing the selected still image (here, the still image 607 corresponding to the thumbnail 802) to be moved to the IMG directory 202 so that it can be displayed in the reproduction mode. In response to the operation of the OK button 805, the moving image 605 is deleted. Reference numeral 806 denotes a cancel button for canceling deletion of the moving image 605.

  Here, in the display of FIG. 8, when the OK button 805 is operated in a state where the user has checked the check box 804 (a state in which the still image 607 is selected) (Yes in S704), the following operation is performed. Do.

  The control unit 101 changes the file name of the selected still image 607 and moves to the IMG directory 202. (S705) As shown in FIG. 6, since the still image 603 and the still image 604 are recorded in the IMG directory 202, the file names of the still images are not duplicated in this embodiment. For example, in this embodiment, a file name that is the last when the file names of still image files in the IMG directory 202 are viewed in order is added. In the present embodiment, the file name obtained by incrementing the numeric part of the file name of the still image data recorded last in the IMG directory 202 is set to one.

  When the file name change and recording of the still image data is completed, the management data 605 becomes unnecessary and is deleted (S706). Subsequently, the moving image 602 instructed to be deleted is deleted (S707), and the thumbnail display screen is displayed again.

  In the display of FIG. 8, when the OK button 805 is operated (No in S704) when the user does not check any of the check boxes 803 and 804 (still image is not selected), The following operations are performed.

  The control unit 101 deletes the management data 605 (S706), deletes the moving image 602 designated for deletion (S707), and returns to the thumbnail display screen or the like.

  Through the above flow, the content data in the HDD 111 having the directory structure shown in FIG. 6 can be changed to the directory structure shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 901 denotes a directory structure in which the file name of the still image 606 is changed from the directory structure 601 in FIG. 6 and moved from the TMP directory 203 to the IMG directory 202 by the above-described flow.

  In FIG. 9, a still image 603 and a still image 604 captured in the still image recording mode are recorded in the IMG directory 202. Further, the still image 902 that has been renamed and moved in the above flow is recorded in the IMG directory.

  Further, since the management data 605 has been deleted, only the still image 606 is stored in the TMP directory 203.

  By performing processing according to the flow shown in FIG. 7, the still image data captured at the start or end of recording of moving image data can be re-recorded so that it can be displayed in the playback mode. it can.

  In this embodiment, the still image data that has not been selected in the display of FIG. 8 may be recorded in the TMP directory 203 or may be deleted at the same time as the moving image data is deleted.

  Further, in this embodiment, still image data captured at the start or end of recording of moving image data in the moving image shooting mode is recorded in the TMP directory 203 so as not to be displayed in the playback mode. However, the method for preventing display in the playback mode is not limited to this. For example, it may be controlled so that what is recorded in the IMG directory 202 and recorded as a still image file in conformity with Exif is not displayed unless a predetermined operation is performed. In this case, a code indicating that the still image file is not displayed unless the predetermined operation is performed in the playback mode is written together with the still image data in the maker note part in the Exif-compliant still image file. In addition to this, it may be recorded as an attribute that is treated as a hidden file on the computer. In this case, the control unit 101 of the video camera may be controlled not to display the hidden file unless a predetermined operation is performed in the playback mode. In order to record a still image as described above, the control unit 101 needs to identify whether the recording mode when the still image is recorded is the still image recording mode or the moving image shooting mode. Then, the access unit 112 determines whether to write data that is not displayed in the playback mode for the still image recorded in the selected recording mode, and the access unit 112 stores the data together with the still image data. Write to the HDD 111.

  In this embodiment, the still image data in the TMP directory 203 associated with the management data is displayed on the display unit 109 when an instruction to delete the moving image data is given. However, in the normal playback mode, it is confirmed whether there is management data corresponding to the moving image data. If there is management data, a display indicating that there is a still image associated with the moving image data may be displayed.

  When video data is selected, it is checked whether there is management data corresponding to the video data. If there is management data, a message indicating that there is a still image associated with the video data is displayed. May be. Further, the information indicating the corresponding still image may be reduced and displayed.

  Also, when playing back video data, check whether there is management data corresponding to the video data. If there is management data, the still image associated with the video data is You may make it display after reproduction | regeneration. Alternatively, all the still images associated before reproduction may be displayed. Or, you can display all the still images associated after playback, display the still images recorded at the start of movie recording before playback, and display the still images recorded at the end of movie recording after playback. Also good. That is, when an instruction to reproduce the moving image data is given, the management data may be confirmed and still image data associated with the moving image data may be displayed.

  Further, at the end of moving image shooting, it is confirmed whether there is management data corresponding to the moving image data. If there is management data, a still image associated with the moving image data may be displayed. That is, when an instruction to finish recording of moving image data is given, the management data may be confirmed and still image data associated with the moving image data may be displayed.

  In this embodiment, the still image data in the TMP directory 203 associated with the management data is displayed on the display unit 109 when an instruction to delete the moving image data is given. However, it may be possible to display the still image data in the TMP directory 203 by designating a separate menu or the like. Further, in a state where the still image data in the TMP directory 203 is displayed, the control unit 101 may move the still image data recording folder so that the still image data is displayed in the reproduction mode in accordance with a user instruction.

  In this embodiment, the storage capacity of the HDD 111 is used by the image data in the IMG directory 202 and the image data and management data in the TMP directory 203. In the video camera of the present embodiment, the storage area used by the data in the TMP directory 203 may be notified to the user as free space. When the remaining storage capacity of the HDD 111 becomes a predetermined amount or less, the files in the TMP directory 203 may be overwritten with the moving image data stored next in the order of the recording date and time. Further, when the remaining storage capacity of the HDD 111 becomes a predetermined ratio or less, the files in the TMP directory 203 may be overwritten by the moving image data stored next in the order of the recording date and time. However, the newly recorded moving image data or the like is recorded not in the TMP directory 203 but in the IMG directory 202.

In addition, the files in the TMP directory can be overwritten with the moving image data to be recorded next in the order of recording date and time. However, the files may not be in the oldest order.
For example, it is possible to preferentially overwrite two still image data associated with the management data so that one still image indicated by the management data remains as much as possible. This is because if the user takes a mistake in still image shooting and moving image shooting, the user often ends the operation by operating the power switch without pressing the shutter button again. In this case, in the video camera of this embodiment, only the still image data recorded at the same time when the moving image shooting is started is recorded, and the still image data recorded at the same time when the moving image shooting is ended is not recorded. Therefore, one piece of still image data associated with the management data is kept as much as possible.

  Also, in this embodiment, when deleting moving image data, the user selects whether or not still image data associated with the moving image data can be displayed in the playback mode every time the moving image data is deleted. But you don't have to. For example, still image data automatically associated when moving image data is deleted may be displayed in the playback mode. This function switching can be realized by setting in advance on a menu screen or the like.

  In this embodiment, the video camera having the moving image shooting mode and the still image shooting mode has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a video camera having a moving image shooting button and a still image shooting button. In this case, since the start of shooting and the end of shooting are instructed by pressing the moving image shooting button, still image shooting is performed at each timing, and the still image data is recorded in the TMP directory 203. .

(Other examples)
In the embodiments, the video camera has been described as an imaging device capable of capturing and recording moving images and still images. However, other devices may have a function of capturing moving image data and still image data. It is applicable to any device that has it.

  Needless to say, the object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus. At this time, the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the supplied system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  Further, the OS (basic system or operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Needless to say, cases are also included.

  Further, the program code read from the storage medium may be written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized. Needless to say, it is included. At this time, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing.

1 is a block diagram of a video camera according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a directory structure in the hard disk according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a recording operation of the video camera according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram for describing image recording in a moving image shooting mode according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing image recording in a moving image shooting mode according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the directory structure before the moving image data deletion of Example 1. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement at the time of the moving image data deletion of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining display on a display unit according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the directory structure after the moving image data deletion of Example 1. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Control part 102 Operation part 103 Control bus 104 Image / audio bus 105 Imaging part 106 Video processing part 107 Sound collection part 108 Audio | voice processing part 109 Display part 110 Display control part 111 Hard disk 112 Access part 113 Video | video reproduction | regeneration processing part 114 Video terminal 115 Audio reproduction processing unit 116 Audio terminal 117 USB terminal 118 USB controller

Claims (3)

Imaging means for acquiring an optical image of a subject and converting it into an image signal;
Generating means for generating still image data or moving image data from the image signal obtained by the imaging means;
A release button having a half-pressed position and a fully-pressed position; and detecting means for detecting whether the release button is in a half-pressed position or a fully-pressed position;
Measuring means for measuring the time when the release button is in a half-pressed position;
A selection means for selecting a still image shooting mode or a movie shooting mode from a plurality of modes,
Recording means for recording still image data and moving image data generated in the still image capturing mode and the moving image capturing mode on a recording medium;
Adjusting means for adjusting a set value relating to the imaging;
Control means for controlling the adjusting means so as to adjust a setting value relating to imaging in response to detection that the release button is in a half-pressed position;
The control means controls the generation means to generate still image data in response to the detection that the release button is in a fully pressed position when the still image shooting mode is selected,
When the moving image shooting mode is selected, the control means determines when the release button measured by the measurement means is in the half-pressed position when it is detected that the release button is in the fully-pressed position. When the time is shorter than the time, the generation unit is controlled to start or end the generation of the moving image data, and when the release button measured by the measuring unit has a half-pressed position exceeds a predetermined time, An image pickup apparatus that controls the generation unit to start or end generation and controls the generation unit to generate still image data.   In a case where the moving image shooting mode is selected, it has notification means for notifying that the still image data has been generated when the time when the release button measured by the measurement means is half pressed exceeds a predetermined time. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   When the moving image shooting mode is selected, the control means detects that the release button measured by the measuring means is half-pressed for a predetermined time when it is detected that the release button is in the fully pressed position. 3. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when exceeding, the recording unit is controlled to record the still image data and the moving image data generated by the generation unit in association with each other.

Images