JP2010068280A - Photographing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing apparatus capable of easily finding a target image among consecutively photographed images. <P>SOLUTION: When an image is photographed in a consecutive photographing mode, ambient sound is acquired by each frame at the same time with photographing of the each frame. The acquired sound by each frame is associated with an image of a corresponding frame and recorded with the image. Among images photographed in the consecutive photographing mode, images whose sound level is equal to or higher than a specified value are selected and displayed on a displaying part when the images are reproduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus, and more particularly, to a photographing apparatus having a continuous shooting function for continuously photographing images.

  A continuous shooting mode is known as a processing mode at the time of shooting. The continuous shooting mode is a mode in which a plurality of images are continuously shot by one release operation, and is mainly used when shooting a moving subject. That is, since it is difficult for a moving subject to obtain a target image by one shooting, a shooting mistake is prevented by continuously shooting images before and after the original target image.

  As described above, in the continuous shooting mode, a plurality of images are acquired by one release operation, and the images other than the target image are included. For this reason, after photographing in the continuous shooting mode, it is necessary to select a necessary image. Conventionally, this operation has been performed while the photographer confirms images one by one on the monitor after photographing.

  In recent years, digital cameras have been improved in performance, and high-speed continuous shooting is possible. For this reason, a large amount of images are acquired by one shooting, and the conventional method in which the photographer confirms one frame at a time has a problem that the efficiency is low. On the other hand, when all the captured images are recorded on a storage medium, there is a problem that the capacity of the storage medium is compressed.

Therefore, in Patent Document 1, when an image obtained by continuous shooting is displayed on a monitor, the image is displayed by moving the frame one frame at a time by operating the left / right buttons of the cross button. By displaying an image that is significantly different from the currently displayed image by operating the button, it is possible to efficiently find the target image.
JP 2006-238277 A

  However, the method of Patent Document 1 has a drawback in that it does not work effectively in a scene in which shooting is performed following a subject from the start of shooting because the change in the image is small.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a photographing apparatus capable of easily finding a target image from continuously shot images.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, in a photographing apparatus including photographing means and display means, the photographing instruction means for instructing photographing, and the photographing instruction by the photographing instruction means, An imaging control unit that controls the imaging unit to continuously capture images, an audio acquisition unit that acquires surrounding sounds for each frame during continuous shooting, an image obtained by imaging, and the image A recording control unit that records the sound obtained at the time of shooting in association with a recording medium, a selection instruction unit that instructs image selection, and one continuous operation according to a selection instruction by the selection instruction unit Image selection means for selecting an image having a sound level equal to or higher than a predetermined value from a series of images obtained by photographing; and display control means for displaying the image selected by the image selection means on the display means. Prepared Providing an imaging apparatus characterized by and.

  According to the present invention, when continuous shooting (continuous shooting) is performed, surrounding sounds are acquired for each frame simultaneously with shooting of each frame. The acquired audio for each frame is associated with the image of the corresponding frame and recorded in the storage unit together with the image. On the other hand, when a series of continuous images recorded in such a manner as described above are associated with the sound, when a sorting instruction is given by the sorting instruction means, an image whose sound level is equal to or higher than a specified value is sorted by the image sorting means and displayed on the display means. Is displayed. Thereby, it is possible to easily select an image to be noticed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 includes sound level information generating means for generating sound level information of each image acquired by the sound acquiring means, and the recording control means includes the recording control means, 2. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound level information generated by the sound level information generating means is added to the image data of the corresponding image and recorded in the storage medium.

  According to the present invention, information indicating the sound level is generated for each frame from the sound acquired for each frame. Then, the generated level information is added to the image data of the corresponding image and recorded on the storage medium. For example, when an image is recorded in the Exif format, the audio level information of the image is written in an Exif tag (for example, a manufacturer note tag), and the image is recorded. Thereby, it is possible to easily associate the sound and the image, and to prevent the storage capacity of the storage medium from being pressed. The information indicating the sound level may be generated from the sound at a specific moment in each frame (for example, at the start of exposure or at the end of exposure), and may be generated from the sound at this specific moment. The maximum sound at may be detected and generated from the detected maximum sound.

  The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in order to achieve the object, the sound acquisition means varies the sound acquisition start timing according to the distance to the subject. A photographing apparatus is provided.

  According to the present invention, when acquiring the sound of each frame, the sound acquisition start timing is varied according to the distance to the subject. That is, since the speed at which the sound reaches varies depending on the distance to the subject, the sound acquisition start timing is varied according to the distance to the subject. Thereby, the sound of each frame can be acquired appropriately.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the object, the display control means causes the display means to display the sound level of the selected image together with the image selected by the image selecting means. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the imaging device is provided.

  According to the present invention, the audio level of the selected image is displayed on the display unit together with the selected image. Thereby, the state of voice can be grasped visually, and the subsequent sorting process can be further facilitated.

  The invention according to claim 5 is provided with a prescribed value setting means for setting the prescribed value in order to achieve the object, the photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4. provide.

  According to the present invention, a user can arbitrarily set a specified value as a selection reference. Thereby, an image can be more appropriately selected according to the purpose of photographing.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is no continuity between the continuity determining means for determining the continuity of a series of images selected by the image selecting means and the continuity determining means in order to achieve the object. Image complementing means for complementing the image so that the determined series of images has continuity, and the display control means causes the display means to display the image complemented by the image complementing means The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is provided.

  According to the present invention, when a series of images sorted by the image sorting unit is not continuous (when there is a missing image on the way), the missing image is complemented so as to be continuous. Thereby, a selection mistake can be prevented effectively.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the display control means displays a sound level associated with each image when displaying the image selected by the image selection means on the display means. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the image is displayed on the display unit while changing a size of the image.

  According to the present invention, when displaying the image selected by the image selecting unit on the display unit, the size of the image is changed according to the sound level associated with each image and displayed on the display unit. For example, an image with a high sound level is displayed large, and a small image is displayed small. As a result, it is possible to easily determine an image to be noted.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 8 includes image extraction means for extracting an image with the highest sound level from among the images selected by the image selection means as the highest sound image, and the display The control means displays the highest sound image on the display means in a manner distinguishable from other images when the image selected by the image selection means is displayed on the display means. The imaging device according to any one of -6 is provided.

  According to the present invention, the image with the highest sound level is extracted as the highest sound image from the images selected by the image selecting means, and the highest sound image is displayed in the display means in a manner that can be distinguished from other selected images. Is displayed. As a result, it is possible to easily determine an image to be noted.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 9 switches between a continuous shooting mode in which images are continuously shot in accordance with a shooting instruction and a single shooting mode in which one image is shot in accordance with the shooting instruction. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mode switching unit, wherein voice acquisition is not performed in the single shooting mode.

  According to the present invention, the shooting mode of the shooting apparatus includes a continuous shooting mode and a single shooting mode, which can be arbitrarily switched, and obtains sound only in the continuous shooting mode (in the single shooting mode). , No audio acquisition). Thereby, useless processing can be omitted, processing speed can be improved, and power can be saved.

  According to the present invention, a target image can be easily found from continuously shot images.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a photographing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a system configuration of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in the figure, the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment includes a photographing optical system 12, an image sensor 14, an image sensor driving unit 16, an analog signal processing unit 18, an A / D converter 20, a memory control unit 22, Main memory 24, flash memory 26, digital signal processing unit 28, display control unit 30, display unit 32, compression / expansion processing unit 34, storage media control unit 36, storage media 38, audio signal processing unit 40, sound collection unit 42 , An audio output unit 44, an integrating unit 46, a flash light emitting unit 48, a flash dimming unit 50, a CPU 52, an operation unit 54, and the like.

  The operation of the entire camera is centrally controlled by the CPU 52, and the CPU 52 controls each part of the camera according to a predetermined program based on an input from the operation unit 54.

  The flash memory 26 stores a program to be executed by the CPU 52. The CPU 52 develops the program stored in the flash memory 26 in the main memory 24, and uses the main memory 24 as a working memory. Execute the process. In addition, the flash memory 26 stores various data (specified values of audio data) necessary for camera control, setting information, and the like.

  The operation unit 54 includes a release button, a power switch, a shooting / playback mode switch, a menu button, an OK button, a cancel button, a cross key, and the like. The digital camera 10 executes various processes according to the input from the operation unit 54.

  The photographing optical system 12 includes a zoom lens 12a, a focus lens 12b, an aperture 12c, an infrared cut filter 12d, an optical low-pass filter 12e, and the like.

  The zoom lens 12a is a lens group that performs zooming adjustment, and is driven by the zoom lens driving unit 13a to move back and forth on the optical axis. The CPU 52 performs zooming by controlling the movement of the zoom lens 12a via the zoom lens driving unit 13a.

  The focus lens 12b is a lens group that performs focus adjustment, and is driven by the focus lens driving unit 13b to move back and forth on the optical axis. The CPU 52 performs focusing by controlling the movement of the focus lens 12b via the focus lens driving unit 13b.

  The diaphragm 12c is constituted by, for example, an iris diaphragm, and is driven by the diaphragm driving unit 13c, so that the opening amount (aperture value) changes (changes continuously or stepwise). The CPU 52 controls the amount of light incident on the image sensor 14 by controlling the opening amount of the diaphragm 12c via the diaphragm driving unit 13c.

  The image sensor 14 is composed of a color CCD having a predetermined color filter array (for example, a Bayer array). Light incident on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 14 via the photographing optical system 12 is converted into signal charges of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by a number of photodiodes arranged two-dimensionally on the light receiving surface. The signal charges accumulated in each photodiode are read according to the timing signal applied from the image sensor driving unit 16 and sequentially output from the image sensor 14 as a voltage signal (image signal).

  The imaging element 14 is provided with a shutter gate and a shutter drain. By applying a shutter gate pulse to the shutter gate, signal charges accumulated in each photodiode can be swept out to the shutter drain. The CPU 52 controls the charge accumulation time of the signal charge accumulated in each photodiode (so-called shutter speed by the electronic shutter) by controlling the application of the shutter gate pulse to the shutter gate via the image sensor driving unit 16. .

  In addition, the imaging element 14 may be an imaging element having another configuration such as a CCD having a honeycomb pixel array or a CMOS.

  The analog signal processing unit 18 includes a CDS circuit and an analog amplifier. The CDS circuit performs correlated double sampling processing on the signal output from the image sensor 14. The analog amplifier amplifies the signal output from the CDS circuit with a gain set according to the photographing sensitivity.

  The A / D converter 20 converts the analog image signal output from the analog signal processing unit 18 into a digital image signal.

  The memory control unit 22 controls reading / writing of data from / to the main memory 24 and the flash memory 26 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 52. The memory control unit 22 stores the image signal for one frame output from the A / D converter 20 in the main memory 24 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 52.

  The digital signal processing unit 28 takes in the image signal (R, G, B RAW data) stored in the main memory 24 according to an instruction from the CPU 52, performs predetermined signal processing, and outputs the luminance signal (Y) and the color difference signal. An image signal (YC signal (YC data)) composed of (Cr, Cb) is generated. The generated image signal is stored in the main memory 24.

  In addition, when displaying a through image on the display part 32, an image is continuously picked up by the image pickup device 14, and the obtained image signal is continuously processed to continuously generate a YC signal. The generated YC signal is applied to the display control unit 30 via the main memory 24 under the control of the CPU 52. The display control unit 30 converts the input YC signal into a display signal format and outputs it to the display unit 32. As a result, a through image is displayed on the display unit 32.

  When recording an image, the image sensor 14 captures an image for recording in response to a shooting instruction from the release button (full release button (S2 ON)), and processes the obtained image signal. A YC signal for recording is generated. The generated YC signal is applied to the compression / decompression processing unit 34 via the main memory 24 under the control of the CPU 52. The compression / decompression processing unit 34 compresses the input YC signal in a predetermined compression format (for example, JPEG) in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 52. The compressed image signal is stored in the main memory 24, converted into an image file having a predetermined file format (for example, Exif), and then stored in the storage medium 38 via the storage medium control unit 36.

  The YC data can also be recorded without being compressed. In this case, the generated YC data is stored in the storage medium 38 as an image file having a predetermined file format without undergoing compression processing. Is done.

  Similarly, R, G, B image signals (so-called RAW data) output from the image sensor 14 and digitized can be recorded as they are, and in this case, conversion processing to YC signals is not performed. The image file is stored in the storage medium 38 as an image file having a predetermined file format.

  The image stored in the storage medium 38 in this way is read from the storage medium 38 in accordance with a reproduction instruction, and is converted into an uncompressed YC signal by the compression / decompression processing unit 34 (the image of the reproduction target image). When the data is compressed image data), the data is output to the display unit 32 via the display control unit 30. As a result, the image recorded on the storage medium 38 is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 32.

  Note that image playback is performed by setting the camera mode to playback mode. When the camera mode is set to playback mode, the image recorded last on the storage medium 38 is read from the storage medium 38 and displayed on the display unit. 32 is reproduced and displayed. Further, the operation unit 54 performs a frame advance / frame return operation (for example, a cross key right key (frame advance) / left key (frame reverse) operation), which is recorded in the storage medium 38. Images are played back in order of file number.

  The display unit 32 is configured by a color LCD, for example. The display control unit 30 controls display on the display unit 32 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 52.

  The audio signal processing unit 40 performs predetermined signal processing on the audio signal acquired by the sound collecting unit 42 under the control of the CPU 52 to generate audio data in a predetermined format. In addition, the audio data to be reproduced is subjected to predetermined signal processing and converted into a signal format that can be output from the audio signal output unit 44.

  The sound collection unit 42 includes a microphone, a microphone amplifier, an A / D converter, and the like, and collects surrounding sounds according to instructions from the CPU 52. As will be described later, in the digital camera of the present embodiment, ambient sounds are acquired during continuous shooting. Surrounding sound is collected by a microphone, amplified by a microphone amplifier, converted to a digital signal by an A / D converter, and output to the sound signal processing unit 40. The audio signal processing unit 40 performs necessary signal processing on the audio signal output from the sound collecting unit 42 to generate audio data for recording. The sound collecting unit 42 is also used during moving image shooting and voice memo.

  The audio output unit 44 includes a speaker, a speaker amplifier, a D / A converter, and the like, and outputs audio according to instructions from the CPU 52. The audio data is subjected to predetermined signal processing by the audio signal processing unit 40, added to the audio output unit 44, and output from the speaker. The audio data added to the audio output unit 44 is converted into an analog audio signal by the D / A converter, amplified by the speaker amplifier, and then output from the speaker.

  The integrating unit 46 calculates the integrated value of the image signal for each area necessary for AE control from the image signal (R, G, B RAW data) stored in the main memory 24 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 52. That is, one screen is divided into a plurality of areas (for example, 8 × 8 areas), and an integrated value of image signals (integrated value for each of R, G, and B) is calculated for each divided area.

  Information of the integrated value for each area calculated by the integrating unit 46 is output to the CPU 52. The CPU 52 calculates an EV value necessary for AE control based on the calculated integrated value information, the aperture value at the time of image signal acquisition, the shutter speed information, and the like. Then, based on the obtained EV value, the exposure at the time of actual photographing is determined. For example, by using a program diagram prepared in advance, the exposure (aperture and shutter speed) at the time of actual photographing is determined from the obtained EV value.

  Further, the information on the integrated value for each area calculated by the integrating unit 46 is output to the digital signal processing unit 28. The digital signal processing unit 28 calculates a white balance gain necessary for white balance correction of the image based on the calculated integrated value information.

  The flash light emitting unit 48 includes a flash and its light emission control circuit, and emits flash light according to an instruction from the CPU 52.

  The flash dimming unit 50 includes a dimming sensor and a dimming control circuit, and performs necessary dimming control in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 52. The flash light emitted from the flash light emitting unit 48 during flash photography is reflected by the subject and received by the light control sensor. The dimming control circuit outputs a light emission stop signal to the CPU 52 when the reflected light of the flash received by the dimming sensor reaches a preset specified light amount. In response to the light emission stop signal, the CPU 52 stops the flash light emission by the flash light emitting unit 48.

  Next, photographing and reproduction processing operations by the digital camera of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  First, a processing operation at the time of shooting will be described.

  Shooting is performed by setting the camera mode to the shooting mode. The shooting mode is set by a mode switch. The mode changeover switch is a switch that selectively switches between the photographing mode and the reproduction mode, and the camera mode is set to the photographing mode by setting the mode changeover switch to the photographing mode side.

  The digital camera set to the shooting mode performs the main shooting by pressing the release button (full pressing (S2 ON)).

  Here, in the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment, as a processing mode (shutter mode) at the time of shooting, a single shooting mode for shooting one image by one release operation (pressing the release button), and Two modes, a continuous shooting mode in which a plurality of images are continuously shot by one release operation, are provided, and shooting processing is executed in the set shutter mode.

  Selection of the shutter mode is performed on a menu screen displayed on the display unit 32. The menu screen is displayed on the display unit 32 by pressing a menu button. In the digital camera of the present embodiment, a shutter mode setting item is prepared as one of the menu items displayed on the menu screen. When the shutter mode setting item is selected, the single shooting mode and the continuous shooting mode are selected. And can be selected alternatively.

  Note that the method for selecting the shutter mode is not limited to this. For example, the shutter mode may be selected by a dedicated changeover switch.

  First, the procedure of the shooting process in the single shooting mode will be described.

  As described above, the single shooting mode is a mode in which one image is captured by one release operation.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the shooting process in the single shooting mode.

  First, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the release button has been turned on (S2 ON) (step S10). That is, it is determined whether or not the release button has been pressed.

  When the release button is pressed, the CPU 52 performs a process for capturing one image (step S11). That is, the image sensor 14 is exposed to capture an image signal for recording.

  The captured image signal is subjected to necessary signal processing and then recorded in the storage medium 38 as an image file of a predetermined format.

  Note that since it is in the single-shot mode, only one image is captured, and subsequent image capture is not performed even if the release button is kept pressed.

  Next, the procedure of the shooting process in the continuous shooting mode will be described.

  As described above, the continuous shooting mode is a mode in which a plurality of images are continuously captured by one release operation. Shooting is continuously performed while the release button is pressed, and images are continuously captured at regular intervals. In the digital camera according to the present embodiment, surrounding sounds are recorded simultaneously with the shooting of each frame.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the photographing process in the continuous shooting mode.

  First, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the release button has been turned on (S2 ON) (step S20). That is, it is determined whether or not the release button has been pressed (fully pressed (S2ON)).

  When the release button is pressed, the CPU 52 performs a process for capturing one image (step S21). That is, the image sensor 14 is exposed to capture an image signal for recording.

  Then, audio is captured simultaneously with the shooting of each frame (step S22). That is, an audio signal is captured from the sound collection unit 42.

  As described above, in the continuous shooting mode, as long as the release button is pressed, shooting is continuously performed. The CPU 52 determines whether or not the release button has been turned off (step S23). If it is determined that the release button has not been turned off, the CPU 52 returns to step S21 and repeatedly captures an image and audio. If it is determined that the release button has been released, the shooting process is terminated.

  The captured image signal is subjected to necessary signal processing and then recorded in the storage medium 38 as an image file of a predetermined format. The captured audio signal is subjected to necessary signal processing and then recorded in the storage medium 38 as an audio file of a predetermined format.

  At this time, the audio file is recorded in the storage medium 38 in association with the image file of the frame image from which the audio was acquired. In this example, a unique extension is assigned to each of the image file and the audio file, and the same file name is assigned to the corresponding image file and the audio file, which are recorded in the storage medium 38. For example, an extension “.IMG” is assigned to an image file, an extension “.AUD” is assigned to an audio file, and the same file name is assigned to the corresponding image file and the audio file.

  Note that the above extensions are merely examples, and any file can be used as long as it can distinguish between an image file and an audio file. For example, when the image file is generated in the Exif format, the extension can be “.JPG”, and when the audio file is generated in the MP3 format, the extension can be “.MP3”.

  For example, a file name of “DSCF ****. IMG” is given to the file name of the image file, and a numerical value (file number) from 0001 to 9999 is shot in the “****” part. It is given continuously in order. Thus, for example, the first captured image file is given the file name “DSCF0001.IMG”, and the next shot image file is given the file name “DSCF0002.IMG”. Is done. In addition, an audio file corresponding to the image file “DSCF0001.IMG” is given a file name “DSCF0001.AUD”, and an audio file corresponding to the image file “DSCF0002.IMG” is assigned “DSCF0002.IMG”. .AUD "file name is given.

  As a result, the image file of each frame image continuously shot and the corresponding audio file are recorded in the storage medium 38 in association with each other.

  FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the relationship between image capturing timing and audio acquisition timing.

  As shown in the figure, the audio data is taken in synchronization with the shooting of each frame. That is, every time one frame is shot, one frame of audio is captured.

  The shooting of each frame is performed in synchronization with a shooting synchronization signal output at a constant interval, and the sound corresponding to each frame is also captured in synchronization with this shooting synchronization signal. That is, shooting (specifically, exposure) is started in synchronization with the shooting synchronization signal, and at the same time, audio capture is started. Audio capture is continued until the next frame is shot. Then, a new audio capture is started simultaneously with the start of shooting the next frame.

  As described above, in the continuous shooting mode, images are continuously captured at regular intervals while the release button is pressed, and sound is continuously captured in conjunction with this.

  Note that a group of images obtained by one continuous shooting is recorded so as to be distinguishable from other images. In the digital camera of the present embodiment, it is recorded in the header portion of each image file as tag information that it is a continuous shot image, and is recorded so as to be distinguishable from other images (including another group of continuous shot images). The

  The method for discriminating image groups of continuous shot images is not limited to this. For example, a series of images may be recorded together in a folder, or file names related to each other may be assigned. Thus, a series of image groups may be distinguished. Further, a separate management file may be generated so that a series of images obtained by continuous shooting can be identified by this management file.

  Next, the procedure of the reproduction process of the image shot and recorded as described above will be described.

  The captured image is reproduced by setting the camera mode to the reproduction mode. As described above, the playback mode is set by the mode selector switch, and the camera mode is set to the playback mode by switching the mode selector switch to the playback mode side.

  As described above, the images captured by the digital camera according to the present embodiment include an image captured in the single shooting mode (single shooting image) and an image captured in the continuous shooting mode (continuous shooting image). There are two types of images.

  An image shot in the single shooting mode is displayed on the display unit 32 as it is, ie, in a normal playback process.

  On the other hand, the image captured in the continuous shooting mode is subjected to a predetermined selection process, and only the image selected as the target image is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 32.

  Here, the image selected as the target image is an image having an audio level equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and is determined based on audio data associated with each frame.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of playback processing in the digital camera of the present embodiment.

  When the camera mode is set to the playback mode, the last captured image is set as a playback target.

  The CPU 52 determines whether or not the image set as the reproduction target is a continuous shot image (step S30). In the digital camera of the present embodiment, predetermined identification information is recorded on the continuous shot image (recorded as tag information in the header portion of the image file). It is determined whether the captured image is a continuous shot image.

  When recording is performed so as to be identifiable by another method, it is determined whether or not the reproduction target image is a continuous shot image according to the recorded method.

  If it is determined that the image is a single image, normal reproduction processing is performed (step S31). In other words, the reproduction target image data is read from the storage medium 38, subjected to a required decompression process, and then output to the display unit 32 via the display control unit 30. As a result, the image is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 32.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the images are continuously shot, a predetermined sorting process is performed. That is, an image having a sound level (sound signal strength) of a predetermined value or more is selected as a target image from a series of images obtained by one release operation.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the sorting process.

  First, the CPU 52 sets the variable n to n = 1 (step S40), and reads the sound data of the image of the nth frame of continuous shooting (the first frame because it is the first) (step S41).

  Next, the maximum value of the audio level of the read audio data is detected and compared with a predetermined value set in advance. Then, it is determined whether or not the maximum value of the audio level exceeds a specified value (step S42).

  Here, if it is determined that the maximum value of the audio level exceeds the specified value, the image is selected as an attention image (step S43).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum value of the audio level does not exceed the specified value, the image is not selected as the image of interest and proceeds to the next step.

  Thereafter, the CPU 52 sets the variable n to n = n + 1 (step S44), and determines the presence or absence of the next image taken as a continuous shot image (step S45).

  If it is determined that there is a next image, the process returns to step S41, and determination processing for the next image is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no next image, it is determined that the selection of all images has been completed, and the process is terminated.

  As described above, the selection process is performed using the audio data recorded in association with the image of each frame, and the audio level of the audio data recorded in association with the image exceeds the specified value. Select as the image of interest.

Here, an example of the sorting process will be described. FIG. 7 is a continuous shot image that captures the moment when the ball falls to the floor and bounces back. The number at the upper left of the image of each frame is the file number, and the numerical value in the image (the numerical value on the right shoulder of the image) is the maximum value of the audio level (hexadecimal notation). The ball makes a sound at the moment it hits the floor. When the specified value is [99] ₁₆ , the images of the file numbers 0012 to 0020 are selected as the target images.

  When the sorting process is completed, the CPU 52 displays the sorting result on the display unit 32 (step S33).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the sorting result. As shown in the figure, the images selected as the target images are displayed as a list on the display unit 32.

  The example shown in the figure shows a case where nine images are selected. In this case, the nine selected images are displayed in a list in a 3 × 3 display column.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when four images are selected, the selected images are displayed in a list in a vertical and horizontal 2 × 2 display column. Also, as shown in FIG. 9B, when eight images are selected, the selected images are displayed in a list in a 3 × 3 display column, and the shortage is left blank. That is, according to the number of the selected images, the individual image sizes are scaled and adjusted and displayed on the display unit 32 as a list.

  Further, the maximum number of sheets displayed on one screen is nine, and when images exceeding nine are selected, they are displayed in a plurality of times as shown in FIG. Thereby, even when a large number of images are selected, each image can be confirmed efficiently.

  In addition, the individual sorted images displayed as a list in this way are enlarged and displayed according to a user instruction. That is, when one of the displayed images is selected, only that image is enlarged and displayed on the display unit 32. The image is selected in the selection frame. The selection frame is moved by the key operation of the cross key. As shown in FIG. 11A, the user moves the selection frame to the position of the image to be enlarged and presses the OK button to select the image to be enlarged. In response to this enlargement instruction, the CPU 52 enlarges and displays the corresponding image on the display unit 32 as shown in FIG. The return to the list display is performed by pressing a cancel button. When the cancel button is detected during image enlargement, the CPU 52 causes the display unit 32 to display a list of selected images.

  Thus, when the image to be reproduced is a continuous shot image, a predetermined sorting process is performed, and only the sorted image is displayed on the display unit 32.

  The list display of the selected images is ended by pressing a cancel button. When the cancel button is pressed, the next image (the next image in a series of images taken as a continuous image) is displayed. The reproduction process is performed.

  Based on the input from the operation unit 54, the CPU 52 determines whether or not an instruction to reproduce the next or previous frame is instructed (step S34). In the case of a single shot image, when frame advance or frame reverse is instructed, it is determined that the reproduction of the next or previous image is instructed. The instruction for frame advance and frame return is performed by, for example, the left and right key operations of the cross key. Based on the presence or absence of this key operation, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the frame advance or frame return is instructed.

  If the CPU 52 determines that an instruction to reproduce the next or previous frame is instructed, the CPU 52 returns to step 30 and re-executes the processing from step S30 described above.

  On the other hand, when determining that the reproduction of the next or previous frame image is not instructed, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the instruction to end the reproduction mode is instructed (step S35). When it is determined that the end of the playback mode has been instructed, the playback process ends.

  As described above, in the digital camera according to the present embodiment, sound is recorded in conjunction with shooting for each frame during continuous shooting. Then, at the time of image reproduction, using the sound recorded together with this image, only images having a sound level exceeding a certain level are selected and reproduced. As a result, it is possible to easily find a noticeable image from a large number of continuously shot images, and the usability of the camera can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, in the continuous shooting mode, the image is continuously taken while the release button is pressed. However, the upper limit is set and the release button is continuously pressed. However, it may be configured so that no further images are taken. Further, the upper limit value may be arbitrarily set by the user.

  Further, the shooting interval during continuous shooting may be arbitrarily set by the user.

  In the above embodiment, when the continuous shot images are reproduced, the sorting process is automatically performed so that only the sorted images are reproduced and displayed. However, before the sorting process, the sorting process is performed to the user. The screening process may be performed only when execution of the process is inquired and execution of the process is instructed.

  In addition, an instruction means for instructing execution of the sorting process is provided (for example, configured so that execution of the sorting process can be instructed as one of the reproduction menus), and the sorting process is executed in accordance with an instruction from the instruction means. It may be. For example, when the instruction means for instructing execution of the sorting process is instructed during reproduction of one continuous shot image, the sorting process can be performed.

  Alternatively, the sorting process may be executed immediately after the continuous shooting is completed, and the sorting result may be displayed on the display unit 32.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the maximum number of displayed images at one time is nine, but the upper limit of the number of displayed images is not limited to this. It is preferable to set the optimum display number according to the screen size of the display unit mounted on the camera. Further, this number setting means may be provided so that the user can arbitrarily set it.

  Also, the display layout and the like are preferably set to an optimal layout as appropriate according to the screen size and the like. For example, 10 images can be displayed in 2 × 5 vertical and horizontal directions, or 8 images can be displayed in 2 × 4 vertical and horizontal directions.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when acquiring sound, the sound is acquired individually for each frame, but the sound may be acquired continuously from the start of continuous shooting to the end of continuous shooting. In this case, one audio file is generated, but since shooting is performed at a constant interval, the audio data for each frame can be uniquely associated. Therefore, if an audio file is analyzed and a period in which the audio level exceeds a specified value is detected, a corresponding frame image can be detected.

  Also, the recording format of the audio data is not particularly limited, and may be ASCII or binary.

  Note that the image file is preferably generated in the Exif format and recorded in accordance with the DCf format in order to have versatility, but it is not always necessary to follow this.

  In addition, the image and sound recording processing (including image file and sound file generation processing) may be performed in parallel with shooting, or may be temporarily stored in a memory and collectively processed after shooting. May be recorded.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the maximum value of the sound level of the image of each frame is detected at the time of image selection, and this is selected by comparing with the specified value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to calculate an average value of the sound level and select it by comparing it with a specified value. It is also possible to extract the sound level at a specific moment (at the start of exposure, at the end of exposure) and compare it with a specified value for selection.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the capturing of the sound of each frame is started simultaneously with the start of shooting of each frame, but the timing of starting the capturing of the sound of each frame can be varied according to the distance to the subject. preferable. In other words, when the distance to the subject changes, the sound arrival time also changes accordingly, so the timing of starting to capture the sound of each frame is varied according to the distance to the subject. Thereby, the sound of each frame can be acquired more appropriately.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, when the distance to the subject is D [m], the start of capturing the sound of each frame is set to the start time of capturing each frame by Δt = D / V [s]. (V: sound velocity (V = 340 [m / s])).

  In this case, the information on the distance D to the subject may be obtained by measurement by separately providing a distance measuring unit in the camera, or the position information of the focus lens 12b obtained as a result of the AF control. May be obtained by calculation. Further, an image obtained from the image sensor 14 may be analyzed and acquired by calculation.

  Moreover, since the sound velocity V changes according to the surrounding environment (temperature, altitude, etc.), it is more preferable to correct appropriately in consideration of the surrounding environment. That is, the speed of sound V depends on the specific heat ratio of gas, gas constant, and temperature, and is expressed as sound speed V = √ (γRT) (where γ is the specific heat ratio of gas, R is the gas constant, and T is the gas temperature). In view of the above, it is preferable to appropriately correct and use. In this case, the camera is provided with a thermometer or the like so that these pieces of information can be acquired. Alternatively, the user can input such information.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the photographing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  In the first embodiment, when the sound for each frame is acquired in the continuous shooting mode, the sound is acquired while the image of each frame is captured (more specifically, the image of each frame is captured). Sound is acquired from when the image is started until the next frame image is taken.)

  In the present embodiment, sound at a specific moment while an image of each frame is being captured is acquired and recorded in association with the image of each frame. Specifically, the sound at the moment when shooting of the image of each frame is started is acquired, and the sound level information is recorded as tag information in the header portion of the image.

  Since the configuration of the camera and the process in the single shooting mode are the same as those of the digital camera of the first embodiment described above, only the procedure of the shooting process in the continuous shooting mode will be described here.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of shooting processing in the continuous shooting mode in the digital camera according to the second embodiment.

  First, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the release button has been turned on (step S50). That is, it is determined whether or not the release button has been pressed.

  When the release button is pressed, it is determined whether or not a shooting trigger output at a constant interval in synchronization with the shooting synchronization signal has been detected (step S51).

  If it is determined that a shooting trigger has been detected, the CPU 52 performs a process for capturing one image (step S52). At the same time, voice is captured (step S53).

  Thereafter, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the release button has been turned off (step S54). If it is determined that the release button has not been turned off, the CPU 52 returns to step S51, and repeatedly captures images and sounds. If it is determined that the release button has been released, the shooting process is terminated.

  FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing the relationship between image capturing timing and audio acquisition timing.

  As shown in the figure, the audio capture is performed in synchronization with the start of shooting of each frame. That is, sound is captured simultaneously with the start of photographing (start of exposure) of each frame, and the sound at the moment of starting photographing (moment of starting exposure) is collected by the sound collection unit 42.

  Each captured image data and each audio data is temporarily stored in the main memory 24, and after the photographing is completed, a required signal processing is performed and recorded in the storage medium 38.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the recording process.

  First, the image data is compressed according to a predetermined compression format (step S60). In this example, compression is performed using JPEG.

  Next, the voice data is read, and information (level information) in which the voice level is digitized is generated (step S61).

  Next, an image file is generated (step S62). In this example, an Exif format image file is generated, and necessary Exif information is generated to generate an image file.

  Here, the image file in the Eixf format can record predetermined management information in a tag format in the header portion, and arbitrary information can be recorded in the maker note tag.

  In the digital camera of the present embodiment, audio level information is recorded in the manufacturer note tag of the Exif file.

  As a result, the image and the audio information can be managed in one file.

  Then, the image file generated in this way is recorded in the storage medium 38 (step S63).

  The series of recording processes described above is performed on all image data shot in the continuous shooting mode.

  In the above example, the level information is generated from the sound data acquired at the time of shooting. However, the A / D converted data (8-bit or 10-bit data (1 to 2 bytes) of the sound signal acquired at the time of shooting is used. Data)) may be recorded as level information in the manufacturer note tag. In this case, the generation process of level information becomes unnecessary, so that the processing speed can be improved.

  In the above example, the image data and the audio data are processed in a lump after the shooting is completed. However, a configuration in which the image data and the sound data are sequentially processed in parallel with the shooting is also possible.

  Further, in the above example, the audio data is acquired at the start of shooting, but the timing of acquiring the audio data is not limited to this. It only needs to be acquired during the shooting of each frame.

  In addition, when acquiring the sound of each frame at the timing of starting shooting of each frame, it is preferable to vary the timing of capturing the sound of each frame according to the distance to the subject. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the distance to the subject is D [m], the audio capture timing of each frame is delayed from the shooting start timing of each frame by Δt = D / V [s]. .

  In the above example, the sound at a specific moment in each frame is acquired. However, as in the first embodiment, the sound during shooting of each frame may be continuously acquired. . In this case, an average value of the acquired voice levels may be obtained, and a numerical value of the obtained average value may be used as the level information. Alternatively, the maximum value of the acquired voice level may be detected, and the detected maximum value converted into a numerical value may be used as the level information.

  In the above example, the level information is recorded in the header portion of the image file. However, the level information may be recorded in the storage medium 38 in association with the image file as a separate file from the image file. Similarly, a separate management file may be generated and level information associated with an image may be recorded in the management file.

  Next, the procedure for reproducing the image recorded as described above will be described.

  Note that the procedure of the playback process when the playback target image is other than the continuous shot image is the same as that of the digital camera of the first embodiment described above, so here the playback process procedure when the playback target image is a continuous shot image Will be described.

  When the reproduction target image is a continuous shot image, a predetermined sorting process is performed. This is the same as the digital camera of the first embodiment described above.

  In the digital camera of the present embodiment, audio information (level information) is recorded in an image file.

  Therefore, in the digital camera according to the present embodiment, image selection processing is performed using the level information recorded in the image file. That is, an image whose level information recorded in the image file is equal to or greater than a specified value is selected as a target image. This process is performed on all the groups of images taken as continuous shot images.

  The selected results are displayed as a list on the display unit 32. The display method is the same as in the first embodiment described above.

  As described above, also in the digital camera according to the present embodiment, since the images are selected based on the audio information, it is possible to easily find a noticeable image from among a large number of images obtained by continuous shooting.

  Further, according to the digital camera of the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to record audio data as a separate file, file management becomes easy and the storage medium 38 can be used efficiently.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the photographing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  In the digital camera according to the present embodiment, when the selection result is displayed on the display unit 32, the audio level of the image is graphically displayed as a line drawing together with the image.

  Note that the configuration of the camera and the processing procedure at the time of shooting and sorting are the same as the configuration of the digital camera of the first embodiment described above, so here only the processing procedure at the time of displaying the sorting result is shown. explain.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the sorting result in the digital camera according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the audio level of each frame image is displayed in a graph overlaid on each frame image selected as the target image.

  As described above, the audio information of each frame is graphically displayed in a line drawing together with the selected image of each frame, so that the voice states before and after can be grasped at a glance. Thereby, it becomes possible to easily perform a sorting process visually by the user. That is, the user may further visually check and select the selected image. In such a case, the audio information is displayed graphically, so that the user can easily perform the selection process. It becomes like this.

  In the above example, the audio information of the image of each frame is displayed in a graph, but the audio information is recorded as level information as in the digital camera of the second embodiment. The level information (numerical information) may be displayed so as to overlap the image of each frame. Moreover, you may make it display with a bar graph.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the photographing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  In the digital camera according to the present embodiment, when the sorting result is displayed on the display unit 32, the size of the image is changed according to the sound level of the sorted image.

  Note that the configuration of the camera and the processing procedure at the time of shooting and sorting are the same as the configuration of the digital camera of the first embodiment described above, so here only the processing procedure at the time of displaying the sorting result is shown. explain.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the sorting result in the digital camera according to the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, when the images of the selected frames are displayed as a list on the display unit 32, they are displayed in a size corresponding to the sound level (maximum value or average value). That is, an image with a high sound level is displayed in a large size, and an image with a low sound level is displayed on the display unit 32 in a small size.

  In this way, by displaying the image with the image size changed according to the sound level, the sound states before and after can be grasped at a glance. Thereby, it becomes possible to easily perform a sorting process visually by the user.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the photographing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  In the digital camera of the present embodiment, when the sorting result is displayed on the display unit 32, an image with the maximum sound level is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other sorted images.

  Note that the configuration of the camera and the processing procedure at the time of shooting and sorting are the same as the configuration of the digital camera of the first embodiment described above, so here only the processing procedure at the time of displaying the sorting result is shown. explain.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the sorting result in the digital camera according to the fifth embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the image with the maximum audio level is displayed larger than the other images.

  When displaying the selected image on the display unit 32, the CPU 52 detects an image having the maximum sound level (maximum value or average value) from the selected images. Then, the selected images are displayed in a list on the display unit 32 so that the detected images are displayed larger than the other images.

  By displaying in this way, it becomes possible to easily perform a sorting process visually by the user. That is, it becomes possible to easily determine an image with a higher degree of attention.

  In addition, the aspect which displays an image with the largest audio | voice level so that it can distinguish with another selection image is not limited to this, What kind of method may be employ | adopted if it is an aspect which can be distinguished at a glance. . For example, as shown in FIG. 20, an image having the maximum sound level may be surrounded by a frame so that it can be distinguished from other selected images. Further, the color and shape of the frame of the image with the maximum sound level may be changed so that it can be distinguished from other selected images.

  When a plurality of images having the maximum sound level are detected, a display that can be distinguished from other images is performed on the plurality of images.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the photographing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  In the digital camera according to the present embodiment, if images are not continuously selected at the time of sorting, the missing images are automatically complemented.

  Note that the configuration of the camera and the procedure of processing at the time of shooting and playback are the same as the configuration of the digital camera of the first embodiment described above, so only the procedure of processing at the time of selection will be described here.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the selection process in the digital camera of the present embodiment.

  First, the CPU 52 sets the variable n to n = 1 (step S70), and reads the sound data of the image of the nth frame in the continuous shooting (the first frame because it is the first) (step S71).

  Next, the maximum value of the audio level of the read audio data is detected and compared with a predetermined value set in advance. Then, it is determined whether or not the maximum value of the audio level exceeds a specified value (step S72).

  Here, if it is determined that the maximum value of the audio level exceeds the specified value, the image is selected as a target image (step S73).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum value of the audio level does not exceed the specified value, the image is not selected as the image of interest and proceeds to the next step.

  Thereafter, the CPU 52 sets the variable n to n = n + 1 (step S74), and determines the presence or absence of the next image taken as a continuous shot image (step S75).

  If it is determined that there is a next image, the process returns to step S71, and determination processing for the next image is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no next image, the CPU 52 determines that the selection of all images has been completed, and then checks the continuity of the selected images (step S76). That is, it is checked whether the selected images are continuous. This process is performed, for example, by checking whether the file numbers of the selected images are continuous.

  Then, it is determined from the check result whether or not the selected images are continuous (step S77). If the continuity is satisfied, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the continuity is not satisfied, the missing image is complemented, and the complemented image group is set as a selected image (step S78).

  Thereafter, the CPU 52 causes the display unit 32 to display a list of sorting results.

  Here, an example of the sorting process in the digital camera of the present embodiment will be described.

It is assumed that a series of image groups shown in FIG. 7 are acquired as continuous shot images. In this case, if the specified value is [9A] ₁₆ , the images of the file numbers 0012 to 0018 and 0020 are selected as the target images.

  When the continuity of the selected images is checked after image selection, since it is detected that the image with the file number 0019 is missing, the images with the file number 0019 are complemented to form a series of selected images. That is, the images with file numbers 0012 to 0020 are selected images.

  Thus, if there is a missing image, it is automatically complemented to satisfy continuity. Thereby, the discontinuity of the selected image can be eliminated.

  In the above example, the case where an image is selected with one frame missing has been described as an example. However, when two or more images are continuously missing, the same is complemented to satisfy the continuity. It can also be. However, when too many images are continuously missing, it can be determined that the image groups before and after the image group are irrelevant, so that the continuity can be prevented from being satisfied. For example, when images are missing continuously for 5 frames or more, it is possible not to perform image complementation. Further, this setting can be arbitrarily made by the user.

  In the above example, the case where an image is missing at one place has been described as an example. However, when an image is missing at a plurality of places, complementation is similarly performed to satisfy continuity. .

  In the above example, after all the image sorting processing, the continuity check is performed collectively, but while performing the image sorting processing of each frame, the continuity of the images is sequentially checked, It is also possible to complement missing images.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the case where the continuity of sequential images is checked and a sorting process is performed.

  First, the CPU 52 sets the variable n to n = 1 (step S80), and reads the sound data of the image of the nth consecutively shot frame (the first frame because it is the first) (step S81).

  Next, the maximum value of the audio level of the read audio data is detected and compared with a predetermined value set in advance. Then, it is determined whether or not the maximum value of the audio level exceeds a specified value (step S82).

  Here, if it is determined that the maximum value of the audio level does not exceed the specified value, the image is not selected as the image of interest and proceeds to the next step.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum value of the audio level exceeds the specified value, the image is selected as a target image (step S83).

  Thereafter, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the image selected immediately before the selected image is an image of the previous frame (step S84).

  This determination is performed by, for example, comparing the file number of the image selected immediately before with the file number of the image of the frame that has been subjected to the selection determination process immediately before, and determining whether or not they match. Done. That is, if the two match, it can be determined that they are continuously selected, and thus the continuity of the selection is determined.

  As a result of this determination, if it is determined that the image selected immediately before the selected image is not the image of the previous frame, the CPU 52 selects the image in the meantime as the image of interest (step S85). That is, an image between the image selected this time and the image previously selected (an image having a file number between the file number of the image selected this time and the file number of the image selected immediately before ) Is selected as the target image.

For example, if the specified value is [9A] _{16 in} the example of FIG. 7, after the image with the file number 0018 is selected, the image with the file number 0020 is then selected. When the continuity is checked after selecting the image of the file number 0020, the file number of the image selected immediately before is 0018, which is different from the file number 0019 of the image subjected to the determination processing of the previous one. It turns out. Therefore, in this case, the image of the file number 0019, which is an image between the image selected this time and the image selected immediately before, is selected as the attention image. As a result, the continuity of the sorted images is maintained.

  Thereafter, the CPU 52 sets the variable n to n = n + 1 (step S86), and determines whether or not there is a next image taken as a continuous image (step S87).

  If it is determined that there is a next image, the process returns to step S81, and a determination process for the next image is performed.

  On the other hand, when determining that there is no next image, the CPU 52 determines that the selection of all images has been completed, and ends the selection process. Thereafter, the CPU 52 causes the display unit 32 to display a list of sorting results.

  In this way, it is possible to check the continuity of images sequentially during image selection to supplement missing images.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, a seventh embodiment of the photographing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  The digital camera according to the present embodiment is configured such that a user can arbitrarily set a prescribed value as a reference for image selection at the time of selection.

  Since the basic configuration of the camera is the same as that of the digital camera according to the first embodiment described above, only the specified value setting processing method will be described here.

  In the digital camera according to the present embodiment, ambient audio is actually captured and a specified value for the audio level is set. This process is performed by setting the camera mode to the specified value setting mode.

  The specified value setting mode is called, for example, on a menu screen. In other words, a specified value setting item is prepared as one of the menu items displayed on the menu screen. When the specified value setting item is selected, the camera mode is set to the specified value setting mode. In addition, dedicated operation means may be provided to call the specified value setting mode.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a specified value setting process in the specified value setting mode.

  First, the CPU 52 determines whether or not a setting cancellation operation has been performed (step S90). This operation is performed, for example, by pressing a cancel button.

  Next, the CPU 52 determines whether or not a specified value setting operation has been performed (step S91). This operation is performed, for example, by pressing the release button (full pressing (S2ON)) (other than this, it may be performed by pressing another button such as an OK button).

  If it is determined that the specified value setting operation has been performed, the CPU 52 captures sound from the sound collection unit 42 for a certain period (step S92). And the audio | voice level (maximum value) of the taken-in audio | voice is detected (step S93).

  As described above, the process of acquiring the sound level newly set as the specified value is completed, and thereafter, the CPU 52 displays a message asking whether or not to update the specified value on the display unit 32. At this time, the acquired sound level information may be displayed on the display unit 32. Further, the audio data may be reproduced according to an instruction from the user.

  The user confirms this message and determines whether or not updating is necessary. Then, when updating, the OK button is pressed, and when not updating, the cancel button is pressed.

  Based on the input from the operation unit 54, the CPU 52 determines whether or not updating is permitted (whether or not execution of updating is instructed) (step S94).

  If it is determined that the update is permitted, the acquired audio level is set to a new specified value, and the specified value is updated (step S95).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the update is not permitted, the acquired voice level is discarded (step S96), and the process ends.

  As described above, by allowing the specified value to be set and changed arbitrarily, an appropriate specified value can be set according to the shooting scene, and an appropriate sorting process can be performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the actual voice is acquired and the specified value is set. However, the user may set the specified value by inputting a numerical value. Alternatively, several audio samples may be prepared, and one of them may be selected to set a specified value.

  Further, the acquired audio level information may be stored in the flash memory 26 and may be recalled and set as appropriate.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the maximum value of the audio | voice level of the acquired audio | voice is set to a regulation value, you may make it set the average value of the audio | voice level of the acquired audio | voice to a regulation value.

  Further, the sound acquisition may be continuously executed while the release button is pressed.

[Eighth Embodiment]
Next, an eighth embodiment of the photographing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  In the present embodiment, a prescribed value is set for each shooting. That is, the surrounding sound is acquired immediately before shooting, and the specified value is acquired. Specifically, the specified value setting process is performed during shooting preparation executed by half-pressing the release button.

  This process is performed only when the specified value setting operation is set to ON. The ON / OFF setting of the specified value setting operation is performed, for example, on a menu screen, and the set information is stored in the flash memory 26. In addition, dedicated operation means may be provided so that the specified value setting operation can be set to ON / OFF.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the specified value setting process in the digital camera of the present embodiment.

  The CPU 52 determines whether or not the release button has been half-pressed (S1 ON) based on the input from the operation unit 54 (step S100).

  If it is determined that the release button is half-pressed, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the shutter mode is the continuous shooting mode (step S101). When the shutter mode is determined to be the continuous shooting mode, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the specified value setting operation is turned on (step S102).

  If it is determined that the specified value setting operation is ON, the CPU 52 captures sound from the sound collection unit 42 (step S103), and detects the sound level (maximum value) of the captured sound (step S103). S104).

  Then, the detected sound level is set to a specified value and stored (step S105).

  After that, the CPU 52 executes a main photographing process in response to a main photographing instruction (full release button pressing).

  In the above description, only the specified value setting process is described. However, when the release button is pressed halfway, in parallel with the specified value setting process, shooting preparation processes such as AE and AF are performed. Is called.

  Further, since the set specified value is unique to the captured continuous shot image, the information of the set specified value is stored in association with the shot continuous shot image. For example, it may be recorded in the tag format in the header portion of each image obtained by photographing, or may be recorded in the storage medium 38 or the flash memory 26 as a separate file in association with each image. Good.

  At the time of image sorting, sorting processing is performed using a specific value unique to each image.

[Other embodiments]
The functions described in the series of embodiments described above can be used in appropriate combination.

  The audio data is captured and recorded only in the continuous shooting mode and not in the single shooting mode. Thereby, it is possible to prevent unnecessary processing from being performed.

  In the above-described series of embodiments, only the point that the sorting result is displayed on the display unit 32 has been described. However, only the sorted image may be recorded on the storage medium 38. That is, only a selected image may be left in the storage medium 38 in accordance with a predetermined recording instruction, and other images (images that have not been selected in a series of continuous shot images) may be deleted. This makes it possible to easily manage images. In addition, only the selected image may be copied, moved, or the like.

1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a system configuration of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the imaging | photography process at the time of single shooting mode in the digital camera of 1st Embodiment 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of shooting processing in the continuous shooting mode in the digital camera of the first embodiment. Timing chart showing the relationship between image capture timing and audio acquisition timing A flowchart showing a procedure of reproduction processing in the digital camera of the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the selection process in the digital camera of 1st Embodiment Diagram showing an example of a continuous shot image Figure showing a display example of sorting results Figure showing a display example of sorting results Figure showing a display example of sorting results Figure showing a display example of sorting results Timing chart showing the relationship between image capture timing and audio acquisition timing when considering the speed of sound The flowchart which shows the procedure of the imaging | photography process at the time of the continuous shooting mode in the digital camera of 2nd Embodiment. Timing chart showing the relationship between image capture timing and audio acquisition timing Flow chart showing the procedure of the recording process Timing chart showing the relationship between image capture timing and audio acquisition timing when considering the speed of sound The figure which shows the example of a display of the selection result in the digital camera of 3rd Embodiment The figure which shows the example of a display of the selection result in the digital camera of 4th Embodiment The figure which shows the example of a display of the selection result in the digital camera of 5th Embodiment Figure showing a display example of sorting results The flowchart which shows the procedure of the selection process in the digital camera of 6th Embodiment Flowchart showing the procedure of processing when checking the continuity of sequential images and performing sorting processing The flowchart which shows the procedure of the setting process of the defined value in the digital camera of 8th Embodiment The flowchart which shows the procedure of the setting process of the defined value in the digital camera of 8th Embodiment

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 12 ... Imaging optical system, 14 ... Image sensor, 16 ... Image sensor drive part, 18 ... Analog signal processing part, 20 ... A / D converter, 22 ... Memory control part, 24 ... Main memory, 26 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Flash memory, 28 ... Digital signal processing part, 30 ... Display control part, 32 ... Display part, 34 ... Compression / decompression processing part, 36 ... Storage medium control part, 38 ... Storage medium, 40 ... Audio signal processing part, 42 ... Sound collecting unit, 44 ... Audio output unit, 46 ... Integrating unit, 48 ... Flash light emitting unit, 50 ... Flash dimming unit, 52 ... CPU, 54 ... Operation unit

Claims (9)

In a photographing apparatus provided with photographing means and display means,
Photographing instruction means for instructing photographing;
Shooting control means for controlling the shooting means to continuously take images in response to a shooting instruction from the shooting instruction means;
Sound acquisition means for acquiring surrounding sound for each frame shot during continuous shooting;
A recording control means for associating an image obtained by photographing with a sound obtained when the image is photographed and recording it in a storage medium;
A sorting instruction means for instructing sorting of images;
In accordance with a sorting instruction by the sorting instruction unit, an image sorting unit that sorts out an image having a sound level equal to or higher than a predetermined value from a series of images obtained by one continuous shooting;
Display control means for causing the display means to display the image selected by the image selection means;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   Audio level information generating means for generating audio level information of individual images acquired by the audio acquiring means; and the recording control means corresponds to the audio level information generated by the audio level information generating means. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing apparatus adds the image data to an image data and records the image data on the storage medium.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound acquisition unit varies a sound acquisition start timing according to a distance to a subject.   The said display control means displays the audio | voice level of the selected image on the said display means with the image selected by the said image selection means, The display means as described in any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Shooting device.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a prescribed value setting unit that sets the prescribed value. Continuity determining means for determining the continuity of a series of images selected by the image selecting means;
Image complementing means for complementing images so that a series of images determined to have no continuity by the continuity determining means have continuity;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display an image complemented by the image complementing unit.   The display control unit displays the image selected by the image selection unit on the display unit by changing the size of the image according to the sound level associated with each image when displaying the image on the display unit. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing apparatus is configured to perform the photographing. Image extraction means for extracting the image with the highest sound level from the images selected by the image selection means as the highest sound image,
The display control means causes the display means to display the highest sound image in a manner distinguishable from other images when the image selected by the image selection means is displayed on the display means. The imaging device according to any one of Items 1 to 6.   There is mode switching means that switches between continuous shooting mode that continuously captures images according to shooting instructions and single shooting mode that captures a single image according to shooting instructions. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is not performed.

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