JP2011014970A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform proper consecutive shooting and recording in accordance with movement of an object.SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus includes: an imaging means 12 for imaging an object and outputting image signals corresponding to the object image; a recording means 22 for recording the image signals in a nonvolatile recording medium; and externally operable operation means (50, 28) for outputting instruction signals for operating the imaging means and the recording means and recording the image signals in the recording medium corresponding to the operation. The imaging apparatus is provided with a determination means 24 for, in consecutive shooting mode where a series of imaging and recording operations are continuously repeated by the imaging means and the recording means corresponding to the instruction signals, determining a consecutive shooting interval which is the repetitive interval of the series of imaging and recording operations. The determination means obtains speed information on the moving speed of the object on the basis of the image signals obtained in the imaging means before the instruction signals are output, and determines the consecutive shooting interval on the basis of the speed information.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus that captures an image of a subject and records it on a non-volatile recording medium.

  Conventionally, to observe a continuous movement of a subject (such as the moment of impact of a ball on a golf swing or bat swing), or to continuously shoot facial expressions and movements, and acquire the necessary images from those images In addition, there is an imaging device (camera) equipped with a continuous shooting mode capable of continuous shooting (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There is also known a camera that analyzes an image being captured to determine the amount of motion of a subject and increases or decreases the imaging frame rate in accordance with the amount of motion (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2009-021991 JP 2007-134991 A

  However, conventionally, since the continuous shooting interval in the continuous shooting mode is fixed to the continuous shooting interval that the camera itself has in advance by default or the interval set in advance by the user, for example, the movement of a turtle or a beetle is slow. If the subject movement is taken by continuous shooting, an enormous number of shots are required. Further, if a fast subject is photographed at a relatively slow continuous shooting interval, there is a possibility that an image required by the user cannot be photographed. In addition, in the method of changing the frame rate during continuous shooting, an unnecessarily large number of images are shot in the main shooting immediately after the start of continuous shooting (before the frame rate is changed), or the initial frame rate is set. There was a risk that the camera was too rough and missed a photo opportunity.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of continuous shooting and recording in accordance with the movement of a subject.

  The present invention includes an image pickup means (12) for picking up an image of a subject and outputting an image signal corresponding to the image of the subject, a recording means (22) for recording the image signal in a non-volatile recording medium (30), an external device An imaging apparatus comprising: operating means (28, 40) operable and outputting an instruction signal for operating the imaging means and the recording means to record the image signal on the recording medium according to the operation In (100), in a continuous shooting mode in which a series of imaging and recording operations by the imaging unit and the recording unit are continuously repeated according to the instruction signal, a continuous shooting interval that is a repetition interval of the series of imaging and recording operations Determining means (24) for determining the speed information relating to the moving speed of the subject based on the image signal obtained by the imaging means before the instruction signal is output. The calculated, which determines the continuous shooting interval based on the speed information.

  In this case, the imaging unit can change an imaging frame rate indicating an operation speed from the start of the accumulation operation of the subject light to the output of the image signal, and the recording unit can be used in the continuous shooting mode. The frame thinning rate indicating the ratio of the image signals to be recorded on the recording medium among the plurality of image signals continuously output from the imaging unit at the imaging frame rate can be changed, When the continuous shooting interval determined by the determining means is larger than a predetermined interval set in advance, at least one of the imaging frame rate and the frame decimation rate according to the determined continuous shooting interval Control means (26) for controlling the imaging means and the recording means can be provided so as to control the change.

  In this case, the control means first controls to change the imaging frame rate in accordance with the determined continuous shooting interval, and the frame when the continuous shooting interval cannot be obtained only by the change control of the imaging frame. The thinning rate change control may be performed together.

  The control means may control the imaging frame rate and / or the frame decimation rate so as to realize a continuous shooting operation at an interval closest to the determined continuous shooting interval.

  Further, the imaging means can control the accumulation start timing of the subject light, and the control means determines the determination in a predetermined situation in which change control of the imaging frame rate or the frame decimation rate is not preferable. The imaging unit may be controlled to delay the start timing of the accumulation operation by the imaging unit according to the continuous shooting interval. In this case, the predetermined situation may be a situation in which the imaging device included in the imaging unit is set to an all-pixel output mode for outputting signals of all pixels.

  In the present invention, the imaging unit can change an imaging frame rate indicating an operation speed from the start of the accumulation operation of the subject light to the output of the image signal, and the recording unit converts the image signal into the image signal. The image size and / or compression rate when recording on a recording medium can be changed, and the determined continuous shooting interval determined by the determining means is smaller than a predetermined interval set in advance. Control means (26) for controlling the imaging means and the recording means so as to change and control at least one of the imaging frame rate, the image size, and the compression rate in accordance with a continuous shooting interval. it can.

  In this case, the control means first controls to change the imaging frame rate according to the determined continuous shooting interval, and the continuous shooting interval cannot be obtained only by changing the imaging frame rate. The change control of the image size and / or the compression rate may be performed together.

  In addition, when the image sensor is set to an all-pixel output mode in which the image sensor outputs signals of all pixels, the control unit does not perform the imaging frame rate change control and determines the determined continuous shooting interval. The recording unit may be controlled to change the image size and / or the compression rate according to the control.

  In addition, in the case of changing and controlling the image size and the compression rate, the control means first changes and controls the compression rate according to the determined continuous shooting interval. When the continuous shooting interval cannot be obtained, the image size change control may be performed together.

  The imaging device described in this specification has an effect that continuous shooting and recording can be performed in accordance with the movement of the subject.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. Fig.2 (a)-FIG.2 (c) are figures which show the specific example of continuous shooting mode. 3 is a table showing a method for increasing and decreasing a continuous shooting interval in each mode of FIGS. 2 (a) to 2 (c). 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the frame thinning rate. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the imaging device which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the specific process of step S28 of FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. The imaging device 100 is a digital camera, and includes an imaging block 10, an engine 20, a nonvolatile memory 30, and a display panel 40, as shown in FIG.

  The imaging block 10 images a subject and outputs an image signal corresponding to the subject image, and includes a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor 12. In the following, the CMOS image sensor 12 is simply referred to as CMOS 12. As the image sensor, an image sensor other than a CMOS, such as a CCD, may be used.

  The engine 20 includes a recording processing unit 22, a determination unit 24, a control unit 26, and a release signal generation unit 28. The recording processing unit 22 executes processing for recording the image signal output from the CMOS 12 in the nonvolatile memory 30. Specifically, the recording processing unit 22 performs image data read processing, white balance processing, gradation correction processing, color reproduction processing, resizing processing, and compression processing, and then the processed image signal (or raw data ( RAW)) is stored in memory. The determination unit 24 calculates speed information (here, simply referred to as speed) regarding the moving speed of the subject from the image signal output from the CMOS 12 in a continuous shooting mode described later (in other words, from a plurality of images). The amount of motion is detected), and the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval (repetition interval of a series of imaging and recording operations in continuous shooting) is determined based on the speed. The control unit 26 performs setting change control of the CMOS 12 and the recording processing unit 22 so that the continuous shooting interval determined by the determination unit 24 is obtained.

  The release signal generator 28 is an instruction for recording an image signal in the nonvolatile memory 30 when a release button 50 provided in a part of the imaging apparatus 100 is pressed by the user (when the release button 50 is fully pressed). The signal is output to the CMOS 12 and the recording processing unit 22. Note that the release signal generator 28 also outputs an instruction signal to a shutter driving unit that drives a shutter (not shown). The release signal generator 28 outputs the information to the controller 26 when the release button 50 is pressed by the user (half pressed).

  The nonvolatile memory 30 is a built-in memory or an external connection memory (a flash memory such as an SD card). The display panel 40 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL, or the like, and the image (through image (or live view image) captured by the CMOS 12 before photographing (before recording in the nonvolatile memory 30) and once taken into the buffer memory. )), An image recorded in the nonvolatile memory 30, or various setting menus at the time of shooting.

  In the imaging apparatus 100 configured as described above, the user captures and records only one image every time the release button 50 is pressed, and every time the release button 50 is pressed. A continuous shooting mode in which a plurality of images (a plurality of frames) are continuously photographed and recorded can be set. The continuous shooting mode is used, for example, to enjoy the continuous movement of the subject (such as the moment of impact of a ball on a golf swing or bat swing), or continuously shooting facial expressions and movements from the image. It is used to acquire necessary images.

  Here, in this embodiment, there are three continuous shooting modes. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, while the release button 50 is kept pressed, signals of all pixels of the CMOS 12 are output, and full-size images are continuously photographed and recorded at predetermined intervals. Mode (all pixel output continuous shooting mode), as shown in FIG. 2B, while the release button 50 is kept pressed, for example, 1/16 of the full size image is continuously captured at a predetermined interval, As shown in FIG. 2C, a mode in which the captured image is embedded in the size image data and recorded in the nonvolatile memory 30 (multi-continuous shooting mode), and while the release button 50 is being pressed, It is assumed that there is a mode (UH continuous shooting mode) in which images with a small number of pixels are continuously photographed at a predetermined interval and recorded in the nonvolatile memory 30.

  FIG. 3 is a table showing a changing method when changing the continuous shooting interval in each mode. As shown in FIG. 3, in the all-pixel output continuous shooting mode, by increasing the compression rate at the time of image compression processing performed in the recording processing unit 22, or by reducing the image size at the time of recording, The continuous shooting interval can be shortened. On the other hand, the interval (wait time) for taking and recording an image is adjusted to be long, that is, after recording one image, the timing for starting the accumulation operation by the CMOS 12 is delayed (more specifically, the shutter by the shutter driving unit). By delaying the release of), the continuous shooting interval can be delayed.

  In multi-continuous shooting mode, the continuous shooting interval can be shortened by increasing (shortening) the shooting frame rate, increasing the compression rate, or reducing the image size during recording. . Here, the imaging frame rate means an operation speed from when the CMOS 12 starts an operation of accumulating light from a subject to when an image signal is output. That is, the larger the shooting frame rate, the greater the number of images that can be shot in a certain time. On the other hand, in the multi-continuous shooting mode, as shown in FIG. 3, the continuous shooting interval can be delayed by slowing down (decreasing) the shooting frame rate or increasing the frame decimation rate. Here, the frame decimation rate means a ratio of selecting an image signal to be recorded in the nonvolatile memory 30 among a plurality of image signals continuously output from the CMOS 12. Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, among the images (1, 2,..., 7, 8,...) Output from the CMOS 12, the ratio of images embedded in one full-size image data is set. means. In the case of FIG. 4A, since one image (one frame) out of two images (two frames) output from the CMOS 12 is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 30, the frame decimation rate is 1/2. Become.

  Also, in the UH continuous shooting mode, as shown in FIG. 3, the continuous shooting interval can be shortened earlier or later by the same method as in the multi-continuous shooting mode described above. FIG. 4B shows a conceptual diagram when the frame decimation rate is reduced to 1/3 when the continuous shooting interval is delayed in the UH continuous shooting mode. In FIG. 4B, a frame that is not hatched is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 30.

  In the above, the wait time is adjusted when the continuous shooting interval is delayed in the all-pixel output continuous shooting mode. However, in the all-pixel output continuous shooting mode, the number of readout pixels in the CMOS 12 is large. For this reason, it takes a certain amount of time for reading, and there is a possibility that the continuous shooting interval cannot be delayed at the shooting frame rate as in other modes.

  Next, photographing processing in the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described along the flowcharts of FIGS.

  In the imaging apparatus 100, the user can select either (a) continuous shooting mode or (b) single shooting mode as a shooting mode on the display panel 40. When the continuous shooting mode is selected, the user selects any one of (a1) all-pixel output continuous shooting mode, (a2) multi-continuous shooting mode, and (a3) UH continuous shooting mode. Further, when the continuous shooting mode is set, the user automatically specifies the continuous shooting interval (α), and the imaging device 100 automatically sets the continuous shooting interval according to the moving speed of the subject. (Β) Any one of the continuous shooting interval automatic adjustment modes to be adjusted is set.

  The flowchart in FIG. 5 starts when the imaging apparatus 100 is turned on and set in a state where photographing can be performed. First, in step S10 of FIG. 5, the control unit 26 determines whether (a) continuous shooting mode is set to (a) continuous shooting mode or (b) single shooting mode. If the determination here is negative, the process proceeds to step S30, and thereafter (b) shooting is performed in the single shooting mode. That is, when the release button 50 is half-pressed in step S30, the process proceeds to step S34, and after that, when the release button 50 is fully pressed in step S34, shooting is performed in step S36. Actually, after the release button 50 is half-pressed in step S34, processing such as autofocus is performed. On the other hand, if the determination in step S10 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, the control unit 26 determines whether (β) continuous shooting interval automatic adjustment mode is set in (α) continuous shooting interval designation mode or (β) continuous shooting interval automatic adjustment mode. When judgment here is denied, it transfers to step S30. Thereafter, the determinations in steps S30 and S34 are performed. When the determination in step S34 is affirmative, shooting is performed at the continuous shooting interval set by the user in the (α) continuous shooting interval designation mode (step S36). . On the other hand, if the determination in step S12 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S <b> 14, the determination unit 24 outputs an image signal output from the CMOS 12 (here, an image (through image) that is not recorded in the non-volatile memory 30 but is once captured in the buffer memory and then displayed on the display panel 40). Based on the above, the motion vector of the subject is detected. This motion vector is detected by detecting, for example, a change in the time axis direction of the imaging signal. Next, in step S16, the determination unit 24 calculates the speed of the subject based on the motion vector calculated in step S14. In step S18, the determination unit 24 calculates the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval from the speed of the subject. Specifically, the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval is calculated from the speed of the subject based on a predetermined mathematical expression. In this case, the faster the subject speed is, the smaller (faster) value is calculated as the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval. The slower the subject speed is, the larger (slower) value is the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval. Calculated. In addition, not only when calculating the optimum value using a predetermined mathematical formula, a table showing the relationship between the subject speed and the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval is created in advance and stored in an internal memory or the like. The optimum value of the continuous shooting interval may be determined from the table and the speed of the subject.

  Next, in step S20, the determination unit 24 determines whether or not the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval calculated in step S18 is less than or equal to the minimum value of the continuous shooting interval that can be set in the imaging apparatus 100. If the determination here is affirmed, it is impossible to set the continuous shooting interval to the calculated optimum value, and therefore the determination unit 24 determines the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval in step S22. The continuous shooting interval that can be set in the imaging apparatus 100 is set to the minimum value. On the other hand, if the determination in step S20 is negative, the calculated optimum value is maintained (step S24).

  Next, in step S26, the release signal generator 28 determines whether or not the release button 50 has been half-pressed by the user. If the determination here is negative, since shooting (continuous shooting) has not yet started, the process returns to step S10, and the processes and determinations from step S10 to step S26 are repeated thereafter. Since the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval is calculated one after another while the processes and determinations of steps S10 to S26 are repeated, the determination unit 24 sets the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval as a new optimum value at any time. Update.

  Then, when the determination in step S26 is affirmed, the release signal generation unit 28 outputs information that the release button 50 has been half-pressed to the control unit 26, and the control unit 26 performs the setting process in step S28. Execute. In this setting process, the process of the flowchart of FIG. 6 is executed. Note that pre-shooting processing such as auto-focusing that is performed after the release button 50 is half-pressed may be performed before or after step S28.

  In step S40 of FIG. 6, the control unit 26 switches to (a1) all-pixel output continuous shooting mode among (a1) all-pixel output continuous shooting mode, (a2) multi-continuous shooting mode, and (a3) UH continuous shooting mode. Determine whether it is set. When judgment here is affirmed, it transfers to step S42.

  In step S42, the control unit 26 compares the currently set continuous shooting interval with the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval, and determines whether or not to increase the continuous shooting interval. If the determination here is negative (that is, when the continuous shooting interval is delayed), the process proceeds to step S44, and the wait time is adjusted late according to the table of FIG. After the wait time is adjusted in step S44 as described above, the process proceeds to step S34 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S42 is affirmative, that is, if the continuous shooting interval is to be shortened, the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, the control unit 26 sets the compression rate and the image size at the time of recording to optimum values. Here, the optimum value means a value of a compression rate and an image size that have the least influence on the image quality and can set the continuous shooting interval to the optimum value. In this case, the control unit 26 creates a table showing the relationship between the continuous shooting interval value and the optimum values of the compression rate and the image size in advance, stores the table in the internal memory or the like, and sets the table to be set with the table. Based on the optimum value of the shooting interval, the optimum value of the compression ratio and the image size can be determined. After the optimum values of the compression ratio and the image size are set in step S46 as described above, the process proceeds to step S34 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S40 is negative, that is, if the continuous shooting mode is set to either (a2) multi-continuous shooting mode or (a3) UH continuous shooting mode, control is performed in step S48. The unit 26 determines whether or not to shorten the continuous shooting interval. If the determination here is negative, that is, if the continuous shooting interval is delayed, the control unit 26 sets the shooting frame rate and the frame decimation rate to optimum values in step S50. Here, a method for setting the optimum values of the shooting frame rate and the frame decimation rate will be specifically described.

  For example, it is assumed that the shooting frame rate can be set to 30 frames / second or 60 frames / second, and the frame thinning rate can be set to 1 / n (n is a positive integer). In this case, for example, when the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval is a value that makes the continuous shooting speed 12 frames / second, the frame decimation rate is set after the shooting frame rate is set to 60 frames / second. Is 1/5. That is, in order to make the continuous shooting speed close to 12 frames / second, the shooting frame rate is not set to 30 frames / second, but the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval, the setting value of the shooting frame rate, the frame The optimum shooting frame rate and frame decimation rate are determined from the relationship between the decimation rate settable values.

  Similarly, for example, when the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval is a value that results in a continuous shooting speed of 13 frames / second, the frame decimation rate is set after the shooting frame rate is set to 60 frames / second. When 1/5 (continuous shooting speed 12 frames / second) and when the shooting frame rate is set to 30 frames / second and the frame decimation rate is 1/2 or 1/3 (continuous shooting speed 15 frames) / Second or 10 frames / second). Then, the shooting frame rate (60 frames / second) and the frame decimation rate (1/5) that are closest to the continuous shooting speed of 12 frames / sec are determined as the optimum values of the shooting frame rate and the frame decimation rate.

  Note that the optimum values of the shooting frame rate and the frame decimation rate may be calculated by the control unit 26 each time, but are not limited to this, and the continuous shooting interval value and the optimum values of the shooting frame rate and the frame decimation rate are not limited thereto. A table indicating the relationship between the image capture rate and the internal memory or the like, and determining the optimum value of the shooting frame rate and the frame decimation rate based on the table and the continuous shooting interval to be set. good.

  After the optimum values of the shooting frame rate and the frame decimation rate are set in step S50 as described above, the process proceeds to step S34 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S48 is affirmative, that is, if the continuous shooting interval is increased, the control unit 26 adjusts the shooting frame rate earlier in step S52.

  Next, in step S54, the control unit 26 determines whether or not the continuous shooting interval has been changed to the optimum value. If the determination here is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step S34 in FIG. On the other hand, when the determination here is negative, in step S56, the control unit 26 sets the compression rate and the image size to the optimum values. Note that the method for setting the optimum values of the compression ratio and the image size is the same as in step S46 described above. Then, after step S56 ends, the process proceeds to step S34 in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in step S34, the release signal generator 28 determines whether or not the release button has been fully pressed. If the determination here is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S 36, and the release signal generation unit 28 sets the currently set mode and condition (wait time, compression rate, image size) for the CMOS 12 and the recording processing unit 22. , An instruction signal for instructing start of continuous shooting (shooting and recording) at a shooting frame rate and a frame decimation rate is output. As a result, in the imaging apparatus 100, continuous shooting in the set mode and conditions is executed.

  As described above in detail, according to the imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the determination unit 24 is the image signal (through image) output from the CMOS 12 before the instruction signal is output from the release signal generation unit 28. The speed of the subject is obtained based on the signal), the continuous shooting interval is determined based on the speed, and a series of imaging and recording operations by the CMOS 12 and the recording processing unit 22 are continuously repeated at the continuous shooting interval. Therefore, by determining the continuous shooting interval based on the moving speed of the subject before the start of continuous shooting, appropriate continuous shooting according to the movement of the subject is possible. In this case, the continuous shooting interval has already been determined before the start of continuous shooting, and it is not necessary to incorporate frame rate change processing and subject analysis processing therefor in the imaging sequence. Control can be made easier than in such a case.

  Further, when the continuous shooting interval is set before the continuous shooting as in the present embodiment, the following advantages are obtained as compared with the case where the continuous shooting interval is changed during the continuous shooting. In other words, when changing the continuous shooting interval during continuous shooting, for example, a process of starting the main shooting of a slow-speed subject at an early continuous shooting interval and then continuing the continuous shooting at a slower continuous shooting interval is performed. May cause the camera to record more images than necessary before changing the continuous shooting interval.On the other hand, it will start shooting the fast subject at the slow continuous shooting interval, and then the continuous shooting interval. If processing is performed so that the continuous shooting is continued earlier, if there is a photo opportunity in the period before the continuous shooting interval is changed, the photo opportunity may be missed. However, by setting the continuous shooting interval to an interval according to the movement of the subject before continuous shooting (before entering the main shooting) as in the present embodiment, it is possible to perform unnecessary shooting or shooting of necessary images as described above. It is possible to suppress mistakes.

  In the present embodiment, the continuous shooting mode is set to any one of (a2) multi-continuous shooting mode and (a3) UH continuous shooting mode, and the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval determined by the determining unit 24 is set in advance. When it is larger than the set interval (the continuous shooting interval is slow), the control unit 26 sets the imaging frame rate and the frame decimation rate to the optimal values according to the determined optimal value of the continuous shooting interval (step (S50), it is possible to set an appropriate continuous shooting interval while suppressing a decrease in image quality.

  In this embodiment, (a1) In the all-pixel output continuous shooting mode, the continuous shooting interval is adjusted to be slow by delaying the wait time (step S44). Can adjust the continuous shooting interval slowly.

  In the present embodiment, the continuous shooting mode is set to any one of (a2) multi-continuous shooting mode and (a3) UH continuous shooting mode, and the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval determined by the determining unit 24 is set in advance. When the interval is smaller than the set interval (the continuous shooting interval is fast), the shooting frame rate is first adjusted (step S52), and the compression rate when the continuous shooting interval cannot be set to the optimum value in the frame rate adjustment. The image size is set to an optimum value (step S56). Therefore, the shooting frame rate that has almost no effect on image quality deterioration is adjusted first, and only when the continuous shooting interval cannot be set by adjusting the shooting frame rate, the compression rate and image size that affect the image quality deterioration are changed. By doing so, it is possible to set an appropriate continuous shooting interval in consideration of deterioration in image quality.

  In the present embodiment, (a1) In the all-pixel output continuous shooting mode, the continuous shooting interval is adjusted quickly by setting the compression rate and the image size to the optimum values (step S46), so the frame rate cannot be changed. Even in the mode, the continuous shooting interval can be quickly adjusted by a simple method.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the imaging frame rate and the frame decimation rate are set to the optimum values in step S50 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the imaging frame rate is first set according to the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval. The frame thinning rate may be changed when the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval cannot be set only by changing the imaging frame.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the CMOS 12 is in the all-pixel output continuous shooting mode has been described as an example of delaying the continuous shooting interval by adjusting the wait time. Even in a situation where adjustment of the frame rate or the frame decimation rate is not preferable, the wait time may be adjusted to delay the continuous shooting interval.

  In the above embodiment, the continuous shooting mode is set to either (a2) multi-continuous shooting mode or (a3) UH continuous shooting mode, and the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval determined by the determining unit 24 is The case where the frame rate, compression rate, and image size are changed in the order of steps S54 and S56 when the interval is smaller than the set interval (the continuous shooting interval is fast) has been described. Only at least one of the rate and the image size may be adjusted. That is, only the compression rate and the image size may be adjusted. In addition, when the frame rate is changed first and the continuous shooting interval cannot be set to the optimum value by the change, only one of the compression rate and the image size may be changed. As a result, it is possible to set an appropriate continuous shooting interval in consideration of deterioration in image quality.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the compression rate and the image size are set to the optimum values in step S46 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and either the compression rate or the image size is changed to set the continuous shooting interval. It may be set early. Alternatively, the compression rate may be changed first, and the image size may be changed when the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval cannot be set only by changing the compression rate.

  In the above embodiment, the case where three modes ((a1) all-pixel output continuous shooting mode, (a2) multi-continuous shooting mode, (a3) UH continuous shooting mode) are described as the continuous shooting mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only two or one of the three modes may be provided. In the above embodiment, (α) continuous shooting interval designation mode and (β) continuous shooting interval automatic adjustment mode are selectable. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and (α) continuous shooting interval designation mode. May not be provided.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the determination unit 24 calculates the speed of the subject from the motion vector of the subject and calculates the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval based on this is described. Information about other speeds such as acceleration may be calculated, and the optimum value of the continuous shooting interval may be calculated based on the information.

  The above-described embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

12 CMOS
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 Recording processing part 24 Determination part 26 Control part 28 Release signal generation part 30 Non-volatile memory 50 Release button 100 Imaging device

Claims (10)

Imaging means for imaging a subject and outputting an image signal corresponding to the subject image;
Recording means for recording the image signal on a nonvolatile recording medium;
In an imaging apparatus comprising an operation unit that is externally operable and outputs an instruction signal for operating the imaging unit and the recording unit to record the image signal on the recording medium according to the operation.
A determination unit that determines a continuous shooting interval that is a repetition interval of the series of imaging and recording operations in a continuous shooting mode in which a series of imaging and recording operations by the imaging unit and the recording unit are continuously repeated according to the instruction signal. Have
The determining means obtains speed information relating to the moving speed of the subject based on the image signal obtained by the imaging means before the instruction signal is output, and determines the continuous shooting interval based on the speed information. An imaging apparatus characterized by: The imaging means can change the imaging frame rate indicating the operation speed from the start of the subject light accumulation operation to the output of the image signal,
In the continuous shooting mode, the recording unit is configured to select a ratio at which an image signal to be recorded on the recording medium is selected from the plurality of image signals continuously output from the imaging unit at the imaging frame rate. The frame decimation rate shown can be changed,
When the continuous shooting interval determined by the determining means is larger than a predetermined interval set in advance, at least one of the imaging frame rate and the frame decimation rate according to the determined continuous shooting interval The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the imaging unit and the recording unit so as to change and control the image.   The control means controls to change the imaging frame rate according to the determined continuous shooting interval, and changes the frame decimation rate when the continuous shooting interval cannot be obtained only by changing the imaging frame. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein control is performed together.   The control means controls the imaging frame rate and / or the frame decimation rate so that a continuous shooting operation at an interval closest to the determined continuous shooting interval can be realized. 3. The imaging device according to 3. The imaging means can control the accumulation start timing of the subject light,
The control means delays the start timing of the accumulation operation by the imaging means according to the determined continuous shooting interval in a predetermined situation in which the change control of the imaging frame rate or the frame decimation rate is not preferable. The imaging device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the imaging unit is controlled.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined situation is a situation where an imaging element included in the imaging unit is set to an all-pixel output mode for outputting signals of all pixels. The imaging means can change the imaging frame rate indicating the operation speed from the start of the subject light accumulation operation to the output of the image signal,
The recording means can change the image size and / or compression rate when recording the image signal on the recording medium,
When the continuous shooting interval determined by the determining unit is smaller than a predetermined interval set in advance, at least one of the imaging frame rate, the image size, and the compression rate according to the determined continuous shooting interval. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the imaging unit and the recording unit so as to change and control one.   The control means first controls to change the imaging frame rate according to the determined continuous shooting interval, and the image size and / or when the continuous shooting interval cannot be obtained only by changing the imaging frame rate. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the compression rate change control is performed together.   When the imaging device is set to an all-pixel output mode for outputting signals of all pixels, the control means does not perform the imaging frame rate change control and responds to the determined continuous shooting interval. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the recording unit is controlled so as to perform change control of the image size and / or the compression ratio. In the case of changing and controlling the image size and the compression rate,
The control means first controls the compression rate to be changed according to the determined continuous shooting interval, and if the continuous shooting interval cannot be obtained only by changing the compression rate, the change of the image size is performed. Control is performed together, The imaging device according to any one of claims 7 to 9 characterized by things.