JP2013110562A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To record a high definition and high accuracy slow motion dynamic image photographed in a predetermined term including a photographing timing of a high definition and high accuracy static image in association with the static image.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus comprises: a buffer memory 8 which sequentially stores plural images obtained in a time sequence based on an imaging signal from an imaging element 6 for imaging a subject; a dynamic image generating section 5b which generates a slow motion dynamic image reproduced at a second frame rate having a smaller number of images stored in the buffer memory in a unit time than that of a first frame rate based on the plural images stored in the buffer memory during a predetermined period including an acquisition time of a specific image after selecting at least the specific image from the stored plural images; a static image generating section 5c which generates a static image based on the selected specific image; and a control section 4 which records in a recording medium 10 the generated static image in association with the generated slow motion dynamic image.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus capable of recording a moving image.

  When set to the still image shooting mode with moving image, temporary storage of the moving image is started, and when the shutter button is pressed, the shot still image is recorded and the moving image temporarily stored before the still image shooting, There has been proposed a recording apparatus that generates and records one moving image from a moving image obtained by converting a captured still image and a moving image captured after the shutter button is pressed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

WO2006 / 028172

  By the way, in the conventional imaging device including the recording device described in Patent Document 1, a moving image having an impressive video effect, such as a slow motion moving image in which a subject moves more slowly than an actual movement, A technique for recording in association with a still image photographed within the photographing period is not disclosed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that records a high-definition and high-accuracy slow motion moving image captured in a predetermined period including a high-definition and high-accuracy still image capturing timing in association with a still image. is there.

  The present invention solves the above problems by the following means. In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, it attaches | subjects and demonstrates the code | symbol corresponding to embodiment of this invention, but this invention is not limited to this.

  The imaging apparatus of the present invention includes a storage unit (8) that sequentially stores a plurality of images obtained in time series based on an imaging signal from an imaging element (6) that images light from a subject, and the storage of the images. An instruction unit (14) for instructing start and end of storage in the unit, and starting storage of the image in the storage unit based on the storage start instruction by the instruction unit, and based on the storage end instruction The storage control unit (4) for terminating the storage of the image, the image selection unit (4) for selecting at least one specific image from the plurality of images stored in the storage unit, and the image selection unit. From the first frame rate indicating the number of images stored in the storage unit per unit time based on the plurality of images stored in the storage unit during a predetermined period including the acquisition time of the specific image Less second fl A moving image generation unit (5b) that generates a slow motion moving image that is reproduced at a rate, a still image generation unit (5c) that generates a still image based on the specific image selected by the image selection unit, A recording control unit (4) for recording the still image generated by the still image generating unit and the slow motion moving image generated by the moving image generating unit including the still image on a recording medium in association with each other It is characterized by providing.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to record a high-definition and high-accuracy slow motion moving image captured during a predetermined period including a high-definition and high-accuracy still image capturing timing in association with a still image.

It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the electronic camera which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the image taking-in process at the time of image | photographing a slow motion moving image and a still image in the electronic camera which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the production | generation process of the slow motion moving image data and still image data in the electronic camera which concerns on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an electronic camera as an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an electronic camera 2 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic camera 2 is configured by a microprocessor or the like, and includes a control unit 4 that comprehensively controls each unit of the electronic camera 2. The control unit 4 includes a video signal processing circuit 5. The video signal processing circuit 5 includes a display image generation unit 5 a that generates display image data to be displayed on a display unit 12 described later, and a moving image that generates moving image data. It has the production | generation part 5b and the production | generation image generation part 5c which produces | generates still image data. In addition, a buffer memory 8, a recording medium 10, a display unit 12, and an operation unit 14 are connected to the control unit 4.

  The buffer memory 8 temporarily stores image data created based on the imaging signal from the imaging element 6. Here, the image pickup device 6 is constituted by a CCD or a CMOS, and picks up light from a subject through a photographing lens (not shown), and the buffer memory 8 is output from the image pickup device 6 and has an A / D converter (not shown). The image data based on the imaging signal converted from the analog signal to the digital signal by passing through is temporarily stored.

  In addition, the buffer memory 8 is set in, for example, an image sensor 6 when the electronic camera 2 is set to a slow motion moving image capturing mode for capturing a later-described slow motion moving image (hereinafter referred to as a slow moving image). To a plurality of image data based on imaging signals output in synchronization with a moving image cycle (60 fps or the like), that is, a plurality of frame images constituting a slow moving image are sequentially stored in time series. In this embodiment, the buffer memory 8 stores a frame image having the number of pixels of the QFHD (Quad Full High Definition: 3840 × 2160 pixels) standard, that is, a high-resolution frame image in a FIFO (first in first out) system. Are sequentially stored. The buffer memory 8 has a capacity capable of storing 10 seconds of frame images (600 frame images when the moving image cycle is 60 fps).

  The recording medium 10 is a portable recording medium that is detachably mounted in a card slot (not shown) provided in the electronic camera 2, and for example, a CF card, an SD card, smart media, or the like is used. In the recording medium 10, each frame image stored in the buffer memory 8 is resized to a moving image resolution (from a large resolution to a small resolution) by the moving image generation unit 5 b in the control unit 4. Moving image data and slow motion moving image data generated by performing image processing for video and compression processing for video are recorded. Further, the recording medium 10 is generated by subjecting the frame image stored in the buffer memory 8 to image processing for still images and compression processing for still images by the still image generation unit 5 c in the control unit 4. Still image data, information related to shooting, and the like are recorded.

  The display unit 12 is configured by a monitor or EVF configured by an LCD or the like disposed on the back surface of the electronic camera 2, and a through image generated by the display image generation unit 5 a and a moving image recorded on the recording medium 10. A moving image based on the image data, a slow moving image based on the slow motion moving image data (hereinafter referred to as slow moving image data), a still image based on the still image data, information related to photographing, and the like are displayed.

  The operation unit 14 is a command for setting a shooting mode such as a power switch for turning on / off the power of the electronic camera 2, a moving image shooting mode for shooting a moving image, and a slow motion moving image shooting mode for shooting a slow moving image. Dial, release button for instructing start of shooting of moving image and still image, menu button for displaying menu etc. on display unit 12, cross key for selecting menu item and various settings, menu The screen includes an OK button for selecting items and confirming various settings, a playback button for displaying moving image data and still image data recorded on the recording medium 10 on the display unit 12, and the like. Yes.

  In the electronic camera 2 according to this embodiment, the slow video that is output from the image sensor 6 and reproduced at a second frame rate that is smaller than the first frame rate indicating the number of frame images that are stored in the buffer memory 8 per unit time. Still image data is generated and still image data based on at least one frame image of a plurality of frame images constituting the slow moving image data is generated, and the generated slow moving image data and still image data are recorded in association with each other. It can be recorded on the medium 10.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, an image capturing process when a slow moving image and a still image are captured in the electronic camera 2 according to this embodiment will be described. First, when the user operates the command dial to set the slow motion moving image shooting mode, the control unit 4 causes the slow motion moving image mode for shooting a slow motion moving image and a still image related to the slow motion moving image. Migrate to And it is discriminate | determined whether the release button was half-pressed by the user (step S10). If it is determined in step S10 that the release button has been half-pressed, the control unit 4 determines that an instruction for preparing to generate still image data and an instruction to generate slow moving image data have been issued. Then, focus adjustment processing (AF) for focusing on the main subject in the through image and exposure control processing (AE) for determining exposure based on the luminance of the main subject are performed (step S11).

  Next, the control unit 4 starts capturing (pre-capturing) a frame image for generating a slow moving image into the buffer memory 8 (step S12). Specifically, the control unit 4 starts storing a plurality of frame images in the buffer memory 8 based on the imaging signal output from the imaging element 6 in synchronization with the moving image cycle.

  Next, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the release button has been fully pressed by the user while the frame image is repeatedly stored in the buffer memory 8 (step S13). If it is determined in step S13 that the release button has been fully pressed, the control unit 4 ends the capture of the frame image after a predetermined time (for example, 0.4 seconds) has elapsed since the release button was fully pressed. (Step S14).

  On the other hand, if the release button is not fully pressed, it is determined whether or not the release button has been half-pressed (step S15). All the frame images are erased, and the frame image capturing process is terminated (step S17). Here, when the frame image fetched into the buffer memory 8 is deleted, the frame image may be deleted after displaying a warning to the effect that the frame image is deleted on the display unit 12. If the half-press of the release button is continued, it is determined whether or not the time since the start of storing the frame image in the buffer memory 8 has exceeded the time limit (step S16). Here, when the buffer memory 8 has a capacity capable of storing a frame image for 10 seconds, the time limit is a predetermined time from 10 seconds until the release of the release button until the frame image capturing ends (for example, 0.4 seconds). If it is determined in step S16 that the time limit has been exceeded, all the frame images captured in the buffer memory 8 are deleted, and the frame image capturing process is terminated (step S17).

  Next, processing for selecting a specific image from the frame image captured in the buffer memory 8 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the specific image is used to determine the range of the frame image used for creating the slow moving image data. Still image data stored in association with the slow moving image data is created from the specific image.

  First, the user designates a method for selecting a still image (best shot) to be a specific image by operating the operation unit 14 (step S20). Here, when a method for selecting a still image (best shot) as a specific image is specified as a selection method, the control unit 4 determines the frame rate (shooting frame rate) output from the image sensor 6. A frame image stored in the buffer memory 8 is read out at the same first frame rate (for example, 60 frames / second), display moving image data is generated by the display image generation unit 5a, and is continuously reproduced on the display unit 12. (Step S21). The user fully presses the release button when an image desired to be selected as the best shot is displayed among the moving images for display reproduced on the display unit 12. When it is determined that the release button is fully pressed (step S22), the control unit 4 selects a frame image corresponding to the display moving image data constituting the display moving image as the specific image, and selects the specific image as the specific image. The frame image thus stored is stored in a memory or the like (not shown) as a reference image for creating slow moving image data (step S24).

  On the other hand, when the method for selecting the still image (best shot) as the specific image by the electronic camera 2 is specified in step S <b> 20, the control unit 4 performs each frame image stored in the buffer memory 8. An evaluation score is calculated, a frame image having the highest evaluation score is selected as a specific image (step S23), and the frame image selected as the specific image is not shown as a reference image when creating slow moving image data. It memorize | stores in memory etc. (step S24). Here, the evaluation points calculated for each frame image are the sharpness of the image, the presence / absence of eye-meditation when the frame image includes a human face, the size of the face area and the smile level, and the movement of the subject. Calculated based on changes and the like.

  Next, based on the selected reference image, a frame image used for generating slow moving image data is determined from the frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 (step S25). Here, when the acquisition time of the reference image is a time when 0.6 seconds or more have elapsed from the acquisition time of the first frame image stored in the buffer memory 8, 0.6 0.6 before the acquisition time of the reference image. A frame image acquired for a second and 0.4 seconds after the acquisition time of the reference image is determined as a frame image used for generating slow moving image data. Further, when the acquisition time of the reference image is a time within 0.6 seconds from the acquisition time of the first frame image stored in the buffer memory 8, the interval between the acquisition time of the first frame image is 1 second. The acquired frame image is determined as a frame image used for generating slow moving image data.

  Next, the control unit 4 executes generation of slow moving image data and generation of still image data based on the plurality of frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 (step S26). First, the process of generating slow moving image data will be described. The control unit 4 slows down the frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 at a first frame rate (for example, 60 frames / second) equal to the frame rate (shooting frame rate) output from the image sensor 6. The buffer memory 8 uses a frame image determined as a frame image used for generating moving image data at a second frame rate lower than the first frame rate (for example, 24 frames / second which is 1 / 2.5 of the first frame rate). Read from. The read frame image is then resized (from high resolution to small) by the moving image generating unit 5b in the control unit 4 and processed for moving image (moving image compression processing). Slow motion image data is generated. Note that the value of the second frame rate is preset and stored in a memory (not shown) or the like, and is configured to be changeable.

  Next, still image data generation processing will be described. The control unit 4 reads out the frame image selected as the specific image from the buffer memory 8. Then, still image data is generated by subjecting the read frame image to image processing for still images (including still image compression processing) by the still image generation unit 5a in the control unit 4. In this embodiment, since a frame image having a number of pixels equal to or higher than the HDTV standard, that is, a high-resolution frame image is stored in the buffer memory 8, high-resolution still image data can be obtained. Note that the number of pixels of the generated still image data is larger than the number of pixels of the generated slow moving image data.

  Next, the control unit 4 records the slow moving image data and the still image data in the recording medium 10 in association with each other (adding information (shooting date and time, identification number, etc.) indicating that they are associated with each other) ( Step S27).

  When the slow motion image is played back by the electronic camera 2 according to this embodiment, the slow motion image data instructed to be played back is read from the storage medium 10 and the still image associated with the slow motion image data is read. After reading out the image data and reproducing the slow moving image based on the slow moving image data (after reproducing the slow moving image for 2.5 seconds), the reproducing of the still image based on the still image data is performed for 5 seconds. . Alternatively, the slow moving image based on the slow moving image data may be reproduced for 2.5 seconds after the still image based on the still image data is reproduced for 5 seconds. Further, the playback time of the still image can be changed as appropriate.

  According to the electronic camera 2 according to this embodiment, a high-definition and high-accuracy slow moving image captured in a predetermined period including a high-definition and high-accuracy still image capturing timing is recorded in association with a still image. Can do. Also, by reproducing the recorded slow moving image and still image, an impressive video effect can be given to the user.

  In the above-described embodiment, one still image data and one slow moving image data are generated based on a frame image of one specific image selected as the best shot. It is also possible to select and generate two or more slow moving image data and still image data based on each specific image. For example, when two slow moving image data and still image data are generated, the slow moving image is reproduced based on the first slow moving image data, and then associated with the first slow moving image data. The still image is reproduced based on the still image data being recorded, and then the slow moving image is reproduced based on the second slow moving image data. The still image may be reproduced based on the still image data that is stored, and the slow motion image based on the first slow moving image data is associated with the first slow moving image data before the reproduction. The second slow video after playing the still image based on the still image data, and then playing the slow video based on the second slow video data It may be to reproduce the still picture based on the still image data associated with the data. Further, after the slow moving image is reproduced based on the first slow moving image data, and subsequently the slow moving image is reproduced based on the second slow moving image data, the first slow moving image is reproduced. The still image is reproduced based on the still image data associated with the image data, and the still image is reproduced based on the still image data associated with the second slow moving image data. Also good.

  When selecting a specific image by the best shot selection function of the electronic camera 2, a plurality of specific images may be selected in descending order of evaluation score. Here, for example, three specific images are selected, the evaluation score of the first specific image is the highest, the evaluation score of the second specific image is the next highest, and the evaluation score of the third specific image is the next. If it is high, 1 second of slow moving image data is generated based on the first specific image, 0.5 seconds of slow moving image data is generated based on the second specific image, and The slow moving image data for 0.5 seconds is generated based on the third specific image, the three slow moving images are continuously played back, and then the still image generated based on the first specific image Still images generated based on the second specific image may be reproduced in sequence, still images generated based on the third specific image.

  In the above-described embodiment, after the slow moving image and the still image are preview-displayed on the display unit 12, the value of the second frame rate is changed, and the slow moving image is generated again at the changed second frame rate. You may make it the structure which can select this. In this case, it is effective when, for example, the user wants to display the slow moving image displayed later or slightly faster after viewing the preview display. Specifically, when the second frame rate value is changed by a user operation by the operation unit 14, the control unit 4 displays a series of frame images stored in the buffer memory 8 after the change. It reads again at the frame rate, and regenerates the slow moving image based on the read frame image. Thereafter, the slow moving image after the change in the frame rate is previewed on the display unit 12, and a confirmation screen for selecting whether or not the slow moving image data at the changed frame rate may be recorded in the recording medium 10 (selection Screen) is displayed on the display unit 12. Then, when the user performs an operation to record OK with the slow moving image via the operation unit 14, the slow moving image data generated at the second frame rate after the change operation is recorded on the recording medium 10. Is done.

  In the above-described embodiment, the slow moving image data is generated by reading the frame image stored in the buffer memory 8 at the first frame rate at the second frame rate. A configuration may be adopted in which moving image data is generated by reading at one frame rate, and slow moving image data is generated by adding information instructing reproduction to the generated moving image data at the second frame rate.

  In the above embodiment, when the release button is fully pressed by the user while the frame image is repeatedly stored in the buffer memory 8, the control unit 4 causes the release button to be fully pressed. After the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 0.4 seconds), the capturing of the frame image is finished. However, when the release button is fully pressed, the capturing of the frame image may be stopped immediately.

2 ... an electronic camera, 4 ... a control unit, 6 ... an image sensor, 8 ... a buffer memory, 10 ... a recording medium,
12 ... display unit, 14 ... operation unit.

Claims (11)

A storage unit that sequentially stores a plurality of images obtained in time series based on an imaging signal from an imaging device that captures light from a subject;
An instruction unit for instructing start and end of storage of the image in the storage unit;
A storage control unit for starting storage of the image in the storage unit based on the storage start instruction by the instruction unit, and ending storage of the image based on the storage end instruction;
An image selection unit that selects at least one specific image from the plurality of images stored in the storage unit;
The number of images stored in the storage unit per unit time based on the plurality of images stored in the storage unit during a predetermined period including the acquisition time of the specific image selected by the image selection unit A moving image generating unit that generates a slow motion moving image that is played back at a second frame rate lower than the first frame rate,
A still image generation unit that generates a still image based on the specific image selected by the image selection unit;
A recording control unit that records the still image generated by the still image generation unit and the slow motion moving image generated by the moving image generation unit including the still image on a recording medium in association with each other;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image selection unit selects the specific image based on a user instruction.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image selection unit selects the specific image in descending order of evaluation score calculated for each image.   The storage control unit starts storage of the image in the storage unit after a focus adjustment process and an exposure control process performed based on the storage start instruction, and stores the image after a predetermined time of the storage end instruction. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is terminated.   The storage control unit erases the image stored in the storage unit when the storage end instruction is not given within a predetermined time after the storage start instruction by the instruction unit. The imaging apparatus as described in any one of -4.   The storage control unit erases the image stored in the storage unit when the storage start instruction ends without the storage end instruction after the storage start instruction by the instruction unit. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of pixels of the frame image stored in the storage unit is the number of pixels equal to or higher than an HDTV standard.   The number of pixels of the still image generated by the still image generation unit is larger than the number of pixels of the slow motion moving image generated by the moving image generation unit. The imaging device according to item.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second frame rate is 1 / 2.5 of the first frame rate.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second frame rate is changeable.   The moving image generation unit generates the slow motion moving image by adding information instructing to play the moving image at the second frame rate to the moving image generated based on the plurality of frame images. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein

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