JP2014135609A - Image-capturing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image-capturing apparatus achieving automatic exposure control at bulb image-capturing.SOLUTION: An image-capturing apparatus includes: an imaging unit composed of an imaging optical system 26 and an imaging element 13; a recording unit 14 for recording an image signal; a display unit 18 for displaying an image; a selection designation unit 18b for selectively designating a target region in the display image displayed on the basis of the image signal and for designating a brightness target in the target region; a storage control unit 11b for storage processing a plurality of image signals acquired by the imaging unit; and a signal processing control unit 11 including an image signal processing unit for performing image signal processing and a control unit for controlling the imaging unit, the recording unit, the display unit, the image signal processing unit, and the storage control unit. The signal processing control unit presets: a position of the target region in all image region, displayed on the display unit on the basis of the image signal output from the imaging unit upon receiving an input from the selection designation unit; and the brightness target in the target region. Then, the signal processing control unit determines the brightness target of the target region to be the completion timing of the storage processing by the storage control unit accompanying image-capturing operation.

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus that performs automatic exposure control during long-time exposure photography such as bulb photography, time photography, or composite photography.

  Conventionally, an optical image formed by a photographing optical system is sequentially converted into an image signal by a photoelectric conversion element or the like, and the obtained image signal can be recorded on a recording medium as image data in a predetermined form. An image display device that reproduces and displays image data recorded on a medium as an image, for example, a photographing device configured with a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, such as a digital camera or a video camera (hereinafter collectively referred to as a camera) Are generally put into practical use and widely used.

  When shooting with this type of conventional camera, if the shooting environment including the subject to be shot is extremely dark, for example, fireworks are used as the main subject or the penlight is swung around in the dark space. When shooting a so-called penlight art that forms figures and fixing the light trajectory as a photograph, or when shooting a headlight trajectory of a vehicle traveling on the road with long exposure In many cases, long exposure (that is, bulb photography or time photography) in which the shutter mechanism of the camera is opened, composite photography, or the like is performed. In this case, it is normal that exposure information (aperture value, exposure time, etc.) cannot be determined at the start of photographing. Therefore, when performing bulb photography, time photography, or the like, the photographer must always stay near the camera and adjust the photographing end timing.

  Also, when taking bulb shots, time shots, composite shots, etc., it is usually impossible to see the shooting progress during the shot, so the exposure depends on the photographer's intuition or actually shot. It was necessary to determine the exposure while trying.

  Therefore, in a camera disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-140484, when a photographer captures an image to be photographed, the accumulated image data during exposure is displayed so that the photographer can shoot while photographing. It can be confirmed.

JP 2004-140484 A

  However, in the camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-140484, the photographer who is performing bulb photography must continuously check the screen of the display device that displays the accumulated image data. The photographer needs to appropriately determine the shooting end timing and perform the end operation, and there is a problem that the operation is complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a photographing device that realizes automatic exposure control in bulb photographing, time photographing, composite photographing, or the like. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, a photographing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a photographing optical system that forms a subject image and an image sensor that photoelectrically converts the optical image formed by the photographing optical system and outputs an image signal. An image capturing unit including: a recording unit that records an image signal acquired by the image capturing unit; a display unit that displays an image based on the image signal acquired by the image capturing unit or the image signal recorded in the recording unit; Selecting and specifying a target area in a display image displayed based on an image signal acquired by the imaging unit, and specifying a brightness target in the target area, and a plurality of acquisitions acquired by the imaging unit An accumulation control unit that accumulates image signals, an image signal processing unit that performs signal processing based on the image signals acquired by the imaging unit, the imaging unit, a recording unit, a display unit, and an image signal processing unit A signal processing control unit having a control unit for controlling the accumulation control unit, the signal processing control unit receiving an input from the selection designating unit and based on an image signal output from the imaging unit The position of the target area in the entire image area displayed on the display unit and the brightness target in the target area are set in advance, and the brightness target in the target area is set as an image by the accumulation control unit accompanying a shooting operation. This is the end timing of the signal accumulation process.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a photographing apparatus that realizes automatic exposure control during bulb photographing, time photographing, composite photographing, or the like.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of a photographing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the setting process sequence at the time of performing imaging | photography operation | movement by "semi-automatic valve mode" using the camera of FIG. The figure explaining the setting process sequence of FIG. The figure which shows the example of a display of the live view image in the case of "partial luminance mode" among the effects | actions of the camera of FIG. 1 (step S19 of FIG. 2). The figure which shows the example of a display of the live view image in the case of "light spot detection mode" among the effect | actions of the camera of FIG. 1 (step S16 of FIG. 2). Flowchart of the photographing process sequence of the camera of FIG. The conceptual diagram which shows the live view image in the case of "partial luminance mode" among the effect | actions of the camera of FIG. 1 according to imaging | photography progress. The conceptual diagram which shows the live view image in the case of "light spot detection mode" among the effect | actions of the camera of FIG. 1 according to imaging | photography progress. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a photographing process sequence in the “pen light mode” in the operation of the camera of FIG. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which the camera is being prepared for shooting in the “pen light mode” among the actions of the camera of FIG. Conceptual diagram of practice mode when shooting in "pen light mode" among the actions of the camera of FIG. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing how the camera of FIG. 1 works during the confirmation mode in practice mode when shooting in “pen light mode”. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a state at the start of photographing when photographing is performed in “pen light mode” in the operation of the camera of FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a setting operation of “end point indication” setting performed before shooting in “pen light mode” in the operation of the camera of FIG.

The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.
In one embodiment of the present invention, for example, an optical image formed by an optical lens is photoelectrically converted using a solid-state imaging device, and an image signal obtained thereby is acquired as digital data representing a still image or a moving image, An example of a photographing device (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) configured to be able to record and reproduce a still image or a moving image using a display device based on digital image data recorded on a recording medium and recorded on the recording medium. To do.

  In each drawing used for the following description, each component may be shown with a different scale in order to make each component large enough to be recognized on the drawing. Therefore, according to the present invention, the number of constituent elements, the shape of the constituent elements, the ratio of the constituent element sizes, and the relative positional relationship of the constituent elements described in these drawings are limited to the illustrated embodiments. It is not a thing.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of a photographing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a camera 1 that is a photographing apparatus according to this embodiment includes a camera body 10 and a lens barrel 20. The camera 1 is a so-called interchangeable lens camera in which a lens barrel 20 is detachably attached to a camera body 10. In the present embodiment, an explanation will be given by taking an interchangeable lens camera as an example. However, a camera to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the camera body 10 and a lens barrel are used. The present invention can be applied in exactly the same manner even if the camera 20 is configured integrally with the camera 20.

  The camera body 10 includes a signal processing control unit 11, a body side communication unit 12, an image sensor 13, a recording unit 14, an operation unit 15, an orientation sensor 16, an acceleration sensor 17, a display unit 18, and a touch panel. 18b, a clock unit 19 and the like.

  The signal processing control unit 11 has a function as a control unit that comprehensively controls the overall operation of the camera 1. The signal processing control unit 11 processes the control signals of the various constituent units and also obtains image signals (image data acquired by the image sensor 13). ) Is a circuit unit having a function as a signal processing unit for performing various signal processing and the like.

  The signal processing control unit 11 includes various circuit units such as an accumulation control unit 11b, a touch determination unit 11c, a light level determination unit 11d, and a display control unit 11e.

  Among these, the accumulation control unit 11b acquires an image signal periodically transmitted from the image sensor 13 of the imaging unit, and adds the acquired image signal (for example, logical operation such as logical sum or maximum luminance selection ( A control circuit unit that performs signal processing (such as comparative bright synthesis).

  The touch determination unit 11c is a signal processing circuit that receives an instruction input signal from the touch panel 18b that is a selection specification unit and determines the content of the instruction. The signal processing control unit 11 performs various controls on the determination result by the touch determination unit 11c.

  The light level determination unit 11d is a light value (for example, a luminance value based on pixel information or the like) of a predetermined region (a partial region selected and set by the photographer and a target image region) out of all image regions acquired by the imaging unit. , Brightness, etc.).

  The display control unit 11 e is a control circuit unit that drives and controls the display unit 18. The display control unit 11e receives the image signal acquired by the imaging unit including the imaging element 13 and the lens 26 (described later), and performs control for displaying the image signal on the display panel of the display unit 18 as an image. This is performed by controlling the drive of 18.

  The imaging unit receives a lens 26 (described later) that transmits light from a subject to form an optical image of the subject, and receives a subject image formed by the lens 26 to perform photoelectric conversion processing. The unit includes the image sensor 13.

  The imaging device 13 is a solid-state imaging such as a CCD image sensor using a circuit element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a MOS type image sensor using a MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or the like. The photoelectric conversion element etc. which are elements are applied. The analog image signal generated by the image sensor 13 is output to the signal processing control unit 11, and various signal processing is performed in the signal processing control unit 11.

  The recording unit 14 includes a circuit unit that converts an image signal output from the image sensor 13 into a predetermined form, a recording medium that records image data generated by the circuit unit, and a control unit that controls driving of the recording medium. And the like. As the image signal conversion processing performed here, for example, signal compression processing or the like is performed to convert image data in a recording form, or image data recorded on a recording medium is read and decompressed to perform image signal conversion. For example, signal processing to be restored. Note that this type of compression / decompression processing is not limited to the recording unit 14, and may be executed by, for example, the signal processing control unit 11.

  The display unit 18 is a component that displays an image under the control of the display control unit 11e based on the image signal output from the image sensor 13, the image signal expanded by the recording unit 14, or the like.

  The operation unit 15 is a variety of operation members such as a normal push button type, a slide type, or a dial type provided on the exterior of the camera body 10 of the camera 1, for example, a cross key or a four-way instruction key 15 b, This is an operation component that collectively refers to various general operation members such as the shutter release button 15a (see FIG. 3 and the like). Separately from this, the operation unit 15 includes a touch panel 18b, for example. Note that the touch panel 18b is disposed on the display panel of the display unit 18, and various operation instruction signals are generated when the user performs a touch operation or a slide operation on a predetermined area corresponding to the display screen of the display panel. An operating member configured to be generated. The instruction input signal from the touch panel 18b is sent to the signal processing control unit 11 via the touch determination unit 11c.

  The clock unit 19 is an internal clock of a computer called a so-called real-time clock (RTC). The clock unit 19 is used, for example, for giving date / time information such as a data file, or for measuring time or controlling time during control processing.

  The direction sensor 16 is a detection circuit unit that detects the direction of the camera 1. The acceleration sensor 17 is a detection circuit unit that determines the posture of the camera 1 such as the tilt state, the vertical position, and the horizontal position.

  The body side communication unit 12 exchanges control signals, information signals, and the like between the camera body 10 and the lens barrel 20 by being electrically connected to a lens side communication unit 22 described later. Side communication circuit section.

  The lens barrel 20 includes a lens control unit 21, a lens side communication unit 22, a lens side operation unit 23, a zoom drive unit 24a, a focus drive unit 24b, a zoom lens position detection unit 25a, and a focus lens position detection. It is mainly configured by the portion 25b, the lens 26, and the like.

  The lens control unit 21 is a control unit that controls the operation of each constituent unit on the lens barrel 20 side under the control of the signal processing control unit 11 on the camera body 10 side.

  The operation unit 23 performs a switching operation on the lens side, for example, switching between a normal shooting mode and a close-up shooting mode, an automatic focus adjustment operation (auto focus (AF) operation), a manual focus adjustment operation (manual focus (MF) operation), and the like. , A focus ring that performs a focus adjustment operation, and a zoom ring that performs a zoom operation.

  The zoom drive unit 24a is a drive unit that drives the zoom optical system involved in the zoom operation of the lens 26. The focus drive unit 24b is a drive unit that drives the focus optical system involved in the focus operation of the lens 26.

  The zoom lens position detection unit 25a is a position detection circuit that detects a position on the optical axis of the zoom optical system. The focus lens position detection unit 25b is a position detection circuit that detects a position on the optical axis of the focus optical system.

  The recording unit 27 is a circuit unit including a storage medium in which various information regarding the lens barrel 20 is stored in advance. Various information recorded in the recording unit 27 is transmitted from the lens control unit 21 to the camera body 10 via the communication units 22 and 12, and is used as necessary.

  Inside the lens 26, a photographing optical system configured by a plurality of optical lenses or the like for forming an optical image of a subject, a plurality of lens barrel members that respectively hold individual optical lenses of the photographing optical system, a plurality of these In addition to a driving lens barrel that individually advances and retracts each of the lens barrel members in the optical axis direction, a zoom control unit 26a that controls a zoom optical system that is a part of the imaging optical system, A focus control unit 26b that controls a part of the focus optical system, a diaphragm mechanism that adjusts the amount of light beam that passes through the photographing optical system, and a diaphragm control unit 26c that drives and controls the diaphragm mechanism are provided. As described above, the lens 26 and the imaging element 13 of the camera body 10 constitute an imaging unit.

  The lens side communication unit 22 is electrically connected to the body side communication unit 12 to exchange control signals, information signals, and the like between the lens barrel 20 and the camera body 10. Side communication circuit section.

  The camera body 10 and the lens barrel 20 are configured to include other various configuration units in addition to the configuration units described above, and these various configuration units are directly included in the present invention. Since the configuration is not related, the detailed description and illustration thereof are omitted as having the same configuration as that of a conventional general camera.

  For example, illustration and description of a shutter mechanism for opening and closing the optical path of the photographing optical system and adjusting the amount of light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system during photographing operation are omitted, but the camera 1 of the present embodiment. Also has a normal shutter mechanism similar to a conventional camera. The shutter mechanism may be a focal plane shutter disposed on the camera body 10 side or a lens shutter disposed on the lens barrel 20 side. When the shutter mechanism is disposed on the camera body 10 side, the shutter mechanism is mainly controlled by the control unit on the body side. When the shutter mechanism is disposed on the lens barrel 20 side, the shutter mechanism is controlled via the lens control unit 21 mainly under the control of the control unit on the body side.

  The operation when shooting is performed using the camera 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below. In the camera 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to an operation mode in which a general shooting operation is normally performed, as an operation mode mainly used in a low illumination environment, a normal “bulb shooting mode”, “semi-automatic valve mode”, Various operation modes such as “pen light mode” are provided.

  In the “semi-automatic bulb mode”, the photographer can set the bulb shooting end condition in advance, such as long-time exposure shooting such as bulb shooting or time shooting, composite shooting, etc. These are collectively referred to as “bulb photography”, and after the start, the bulb photography can be automatically terminated according to the set end condition. That is, the shooting start timing is performed by an arbitrary operation by the photographer, and the shooting end timing can be set in advance (see FIGS. 2 to 8).

  The above-mentioned “pen light mode” is an operation mode corresponding to shooting so-called pen light art, etc., in which a figure or the like is formed in the space by swinging the pen light or the like in the dark space and the locus of the light is fixed as a photograph. (See FIGS. 9 to 14).

  Hereinafter, the two operation modes (“semi-automatic valve mode” and “penlight mode”) will be described in detail. First, the case where the photographing operation is performed in the “semi-automatic valve mode” will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a setting process sequence when performing a photographing operation in the “semi-automatic valve mode” using the camera of the present embodiment.

  First, it is assumed that the camera 1 is in a power-on state and is set in a shooting mode in which a shooting operation can be performed immediately, that is, in a shooting standby state. The setting process sequence in FIG. 2 starts when the photographer performs a predetermined operation for setting while in the shooting standby state.

  For example, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the setting processing sequence of FIG. 2, and is a diagram showing a display screen when setting operation is performed on the camera of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the back side of the camera 1. A display unit 18 is disposed on the back side of the camera 1, and various operation members included in the operation unit 15 are disposed on the periphery thereof. 3A to 3E, the four-way instruction key 15b disposed at a predetermined portion on the back side among the various operation members included in the operation unit 15 and the predetermined on the upper surface side of the camera 1. Only the shutter release button 15a arranged at the position is shown. The display unit 18 is provided with a touch panel 18b on the outer surface thereof.

  When the camera 1 is in the shooting standby state, the photographer operates a menu button (not shown) among the operation members included in the operation unit 15 to display a menu screen (not shown) for performing various settings. Next, the photographer performs a touch operation or a slide operation on the four-way instruction key 15b or the touch panel 18b shown in FIG. 3A, and selects a shooting operation mode switching menu. Then, a shooting operation mode switching menu (not shown) is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 18. Further, the photographer selects the bulb photographing mode from a photographing operation mode switching menu (not shown) being displayed on the display unit 18 with the finger 101 or the like. Thereby, the bulb photographing menu 50 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 18.

  Here, in the bulb shooting menu 50, a display indicating that, that is, a menu name display column 51, and a mode name display column 52 for displaying one of bulb shooting operation modes selectable in the bulb shooting menu 50, A selection direction display 53 for selecting an item is displayed. Note that the display forms shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are merely display examples, and are not limited to this form.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the photographer performs a selection operation using the selection direction display 53 of the bulb shooting menu 50. Specifically, if it is the touch panel 18b, the selection direction display 53 on the screen is slid up and down. In the case of the four-direction instruction key 15b, the vertical operation key is pressed. As a result, the display of the mode name display field 52 appears as “half valve” representing “semi-automatic valve mode” as shown in FIG. 3A, or “pen” as shown in FIG. “Pen light” which is a display indicating “light mode” appears. Thus, the operation mode desired by the photographer is displayed in the mode name display field 52. Then, in order to confirm the selected setting item, an OK key pressing operation (not shown) or a touch operation on the touch panel 18b is performed. As a result, the currently displayed setting item is confirmed. At the same time, the shooting end condition setting screen 54 shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D is displayed (steps S11 to S12 in FIG. 2; described later).

  In step S11 shown in FIG. 2, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation unit 15 and the instruction input of the touch panel 18b via the touch determination unit 11c, and the operation mode selected and set by the above operation. Check whether or not is in “semi-automatic valve mode”. Here, when it is confirmed that the operation mode selected and set is the “semi-automatic valve mode”, the process proceeds to the next step S12. If it is confirmed that the operation mode selected and set is other than the “semi-automatic valve mode”, the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S12, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 via the display control unit 11e to display the photographing end condition setting screen 54 (see FIGS. 3C and 3D). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S13.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the shooting end condition setting screen 54 is a display indicating that, ie, an item name display field 55 and one of the selectable target setting methods. Is displayed, and a selection direction display 53 for selecting a setting name is displayed. Note that the display forms shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D are merely display examples, and are not limited to this form.

  In step S13 of FIG. 2, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors an instruction signal from the operation unit 15 or an instruction input from the touch panel 18b via the touch determination unit 11c, and detects an instruction signal from an OK key (not shown). Alternatively, a touch signal is detected. In accordance with the detection result, the display control unit 11e controls the display unit 18 to change the display of predetermined items.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3C, the photographer performs a selection operation using the selection direction display 53 on the shooting end condition setting screen 54. Specifically, if it is the touch panel 18b, the selection direction display 53 on the screen is slid up and down. In the case of the four-direction instruction key 15b, the vertical operation key is pressed. Thereby, the display of the setting name column 56 shows an item display for selecting the “partial luminance mode” as shown in FIG. 3C, or the “light spot detection mode” as shown in FIG. The item display for selecting "" appears. Here, in the “partial luminance mode”, a partial area (target area) of all image areas that can be acquired by the camera 1 is selected, and the brightness of the selected partial area (target area) is described later. This is a photographing operation mode in which the time point when the target brightness (also referred to as the target brightness) set by the means for performing is the photographing end timing. In the “light spot detection mode”, a part of the entire image area that can be acquired by the camera 1 (target area) is selected, and a part of the subject is selected in the selected partial area (target area). This is a photographing operation mode in which the time when the light spot enters or passes is the photographing end timing. The means for selecting and specifying a part of the entire image area (target area) is, for example, the touch panel 18b as a selection specifying unit.

  In this way, the operation mode desired by the photographer is displayed in the setting name column 56. Then, an OK key (not shown) is pressed or a touch operation on the touch panel 18b is performed to confirm the selected setting item. As a result, the currently displayed setting item is confirmed. At the same time, the display is switched to the display in FIG. 4 or 5 (steps S16 and S19 in FIG. 2; described later).

  Next, in step S <b> 14 of FIG. 2, the signal processing control unit 11 confirms whether or not the item of the target setting method selected by the above-described operation is “light spot detection mode”. Here, when it is confirmed that the item of the target setting method is set to the “light spot detection mode”, the process proceeds to the next step S16. If the target setting method item is set to other than “light spot detection mode”, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S <b> 15, the signal processing control unit 11 checks whether or not the item of the target setting method selected by the above operation is “partial luminance mode”. If it is confirmed that the item of the target setting method is set to “partial luminance mode”, the process proceeds to the next step S19. If the item of the target setting method is other than “partial luminance mode”, the process returns to step S11. In the present embodiment, only “light spot detection mode” and “partial luminance mode” are shown as items of the target setting method, and illustration of other methods is omitted.

  In step S16 (in the case of “light spot detection mode”) and step S19 (in the case of “partial luminance mode”), the signal processing control unit 11 controls the imaging unit to acquire an output signal from the imaging element 13. Then, the live view image display processing is executed by controlling the display unit 18 via the display control unit 11e. For this live view image, a guide display such as “tap a screen area to set a target” is superimposed and displayed (not shown).

  Subsequently, in step S17 (in the case of “light spot detection mode”) and step S20 (in the case of “partial luminance mode”), the signal processing control unit 11 monitors the instruction input of the touch panel 18b via the touch determination unit 11c. To detect the tap operation. Here, the tap operation refers to a series of operations including a finger touch operation (finger contact operation on the screen) and a finger lift-off operation (operation to move the touched finger away from the screen) following the touch operation. To do.

  Subsequently, in step S18 (in the case of “light spot detection mode”) and step S21 (in the case of “partial luminance mode”), the signal processing control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 via the display control unit 11e. The frame 58 surrounding the predetermined area including the coordinates of the area where the tap operation is detected in each of the above-described steps S17 and S20 is displayed. The brightness of the partial image in the frame 58 becomes the target brightness for completing the photographing (details will be described later).

  Here, a display example of the live view image in the “partial luminance mode” (step S19 in FIG. 2) is shown in FIG. 4A, and the live view in the “light spot detection mode” (step S16 in FIG. 2). An example of image display is shown in FIG.

  First, FIG. 4A and FIG. 5A show a state where the live view image 57 is displayed on the display unit 18 of the camera 1. In this case, since the environment of the subject to be photographed is assumed to be in a low illuminance environment, the live view image 57 at this time is also dark overall. To represent this, FIGS. 4 (a) and 5 (a) show that almost the entire area of the screen is in a blackened state, and that the subject to be photographed can be recognized slightly. .

  In a state where the live view image 57 is displayed on the display unit 18 (steps S16 and S19 in FIG. 2), the photographer touches the touch panel of the display unit 18 as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 5 (a). A tap operation is performed on a desired area on 18b, that is, a desired area of the subject on the screen where a brightness target is to be set (steps S17 and S20 in FIG. 2). Then, a frame 58 having a predetermined area is displayed in the area where the tap operation is performed, superimposed on the live view image 57 being displayed (steps S18 and S21 in FIG. 2).

  Accordingly, although not shown, when displaying the live view image 57 of FIGS. 4A and 5A, a display unit 11e controls, for example, “target” on the screen. It is sufficient that the words such as “specify the area” and “specify the target position” and the guide display are superimposed on the live view image 57 to encourage the photographer to operate.

  In the “light spot detection mode”, after the process of step S18 in FIG. 2, that is, the display of the frame 58, as shown in FIG. 5B, a predetermined area of the live view image 57 is displayed. For example, a confirmation display 60 such as “Is this area OK?” Is displayed. The photographer looks at this and operates an OK key (not shown) if it is good. By this operation, the position of the frame 58 is determined, and the setting processing sequence is completed. Thereafter, the camera 1 returns to the shooting standby state.

  5B, if the photographer feels that the position of the frame 58 is not satisfactory, an operation member other than an OK key (not shown), for example, a menu, is used to perform a specified redo operation. The display of the frame 58 is canceled by operating a button or the like. Then, it returns to the process of step S17, and will be in a tap detection standby state again.

  On the other hand, in the “partial luminance mode”, after the process of step S21 in FIG. 2, that is, the display of the frame 58, the process proceeds to the next step S22.

  In step S22, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 via the display control unit 11e, and displays the slider display 59 as shown in FIG. . The slider display 59 is appropriately displayed in an area that does not hide the display portion of the frame 58 displayed in the process of step S21 described above. The slider display 59 includes a region 59a having a predetermined width of the display unit 18 and having a length in the short side direction of the screen, and a rectangular slider unit 59b moving in the long side direction of the region 59a. When the user slides the slider portion 59b in the long side direction of the region 59a using the finger 101 or the like, the slider portion 59b moves accordingly. Then, a tap operation is performed to release the slider portion 59b at a desired position (lift-off operation). The series of touch operation, slide operation, and lift-off operation is a brightness target setting operation. In the operation on the slider display 59, in addition to the operation method using the touch panel 18b as described above, the same slide operation can be performed using, for example, the four-way instruction key 15b. In this case, a setting confirmation instruction can be made by pressing an OK key (not shown) instead of the lift-off operation.

  In step S23 of FIG. 2, the signal processing control unit 11 performs touch determination on the touch panel 18b by the touch determination unit 11c, signal processing such as gain increase processing for the output signal acquired from the image sensor 13 by controlling the imaging unit, and display control. The display unit 18 is controlled via the unit 11e to perform control processing such as displaying a live view image based on the image signal of the gain-up processing result.

  That is, as a result of the touch operation, slide operation, and tap operation on the slider portion 59b of the slider display 59 by the photographer, gain increase processing or the like is performed according to the determined position of the slider portion 59b, and the processing result is displayed in the live view. This is reflected in the image 57.

  For example, in the state of FIG. 4B, the slider portion 59b is disposed at one end (in this example, the lower end of the screen) in the long side direction of the region 59a. At this time, the live view image 57 is displayed in a dark state because the subject environment to be imaged is a low-light environment. In this state, when the photographer slides the slider portion 59b in the arrow Y direction in FIG. 4B using the finger 101 or the like, the slider portion 59b moves within the region 59a as shown in FIG. 4C. Move in a predetermined direction (direction in which the slide operation is performed). In accordance with the amount of movement of the slider portion 59b at this time, the above gain-up processing and the like are performed. As a result, the live view image 57 becomes bright according to the amount of movement of the slider portion 59b, and a subject in darkness (such as a building in the example shown in FIG. 4C) appears to be visible. Further, when the slider 59b is similarly slid in the direction indicated by the arrow Y in FIG. 4C from the state of FIG. 4C, the slider 59b is predetermined within the region 59a as shown in FIG. 4D. It moves in the direction (direction in which the slide operation is performed), and the result of gain-up processing or the like is reflected in the live view image 57 according to the amount of movement of the slider portion 59b. The photographer adjusts the position of the slider portion 59b while viewing the live view image 57 so that the area within the frame 58 of the subject to be photographed has a desired brightness. In this case, the touch panel 18b functions as a selection designation unit that selectively designates the brightness within the frame 58 that is the target area.

  Therefore, although not shown here, when the live view image 57 of FIGS. 4B, 4C, and 4D is displayed, the slider display 59 is controlled by the control of the display control unit 11e. At the same time, a device such as “Please specify the brightness of the specified area” or a guide display is superimposed on the live view image 57 at a predetermined part of the screen to encourage the photographer to operate. I just need it.

  In the brightness target setting process, as described above, a gain-up process is performed on the live view image so that a guideline of brightness is displayed on the display unit 18. Therefore, as will be described later, the accumulation control unit 11b may perform the addition process using the gain increase amount in the gain increase process at this time as a guide.

  In step S24 of FIG. 2, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors an instruction signal from the operation unit 15 or an instruction input from the touch panel 18b via the touch determination unit 11c, and detects an instruction signal from an OK key (not shown). Alternatively, a touch signal is detected. Here, when the detection of the tap signal accompanying the finger lift-off operation or the detection of the instruction signal of the OK key is confirmed, it is assumed that the setting of the brightness target is confirmed, and a series of setting processing sequences is completed. . Then, the camera 1 enters a shooting standby state.

  Even in the “partial luminance mode”, after the process of step S21 (display of the frame 58) in FIG. 2 and before proceeding to the next process of step S22 (display of the slider display 59), the display of the frame 58 is performed. You may make it perform the confirmation display 60 (refer FIG.5 (b)) about a position. Even in this case, when the operator presses an OK key (not shown) to determine the position of the frame 58 and the photographer does not care about the position of the frame 58, an operation member other than the OK key (not shown) is used. Control such as canceling the display of the frame 58 by operating (a menu button or the like) and returning the processing sequence to the processing of step S20 (tap detection standby) may be performed.

  By the way, when it is confirmed in step S11 described above that the mode is set to other than “semi-automatic valve mode”, the process proceeds to step S31. Similarly to the above, the instruction signal from the operation unit 15 and the touch determination unit 11c are monitored to check whether the set operation mode is the “pen light mode”. If it is confirmed that the set operation mode is “pen light mode”, the process proceeds to the next step S32. If it is confirmed that the set operation mode is other than the “pen light mode”, the process proceeds to a processing sequence corresponding to another mode. In the present embodiment, only the “semi-automatic valve mode” and the “penlight mode” are described in detail, and the other modes are not mentioned.

  In step S32, the signal processing control unit 11 executes a penlight photographing process. The details of this penlight photographing process are the process sequence shown in FIG. Details thereof will be described later.

  Note that the signal processing control unit 11 constantly monitors the instruction signal from the operation unit 15 and the touch determination unit 11c even during execution of the penlight photographing process. When it is confirmed that some instruction signal has been generated, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, the signal processing control unit 11 confirms whether or not the instruction signal confirmed in the processing in step S32 described above is a power-off signal associated with a power-off operation, for example. Here, when the power-off signal is confirmed, a predetermined power-off process is executed, and then a series of processes are ended (end). If the instruction signal is other than the power off signal, the process returns to the above-described step S11.

  The setting process sequence is completed through the above procedure, and the brightness target in the “partial luminance mode” or the target position in the “light spot detection mode” has been set, and the camera 1 in the shooting standby state has taken a picture. The operation at this time will be described with reference to the flowchart of the photographing processing sequence in FIG. Note that the photographing performed here and the photographing in “partial luminance mode” or “light spot detection mode” in “semi-automatic valve mode”.

  The photographing operation is started by pressing the shutter release button 15a in the operation unit 15 of the camera 1 in the photographing standby state. Here, it is assumed that the camera 1 has various settings for performing photographing in the “semi-automatic valve mode”. Therefore, when the shutter release button 15a is pressed, for example, a shutter mechanism (not shown) enters a so-called valve state in which an open state for opening the optical path of the photographing optical system is maintained. However, in normal bulb photography, an operation in which the shutter is released is generally maintained only while the user continues to press the shutter release button 15a. On the other hand, in the camera 1 of the present embodiment, when the “semi-automatic valve mode” is set, if the photographer presses the shutter release button 15a once, the shutter is released even if the pressing operation is released. The open state is assumed to be maintained. That is, the timing of the start of shooting is triggered by an operation by the photographer's intention.

  When the shooting operation is started in this way, in step S41 of FIG. 6, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the imaging unit to periodically acquire an image signal from the imaging element 13.

  Next, in step S42, the signal processing control unit 11 performs addition processing of the image signal periodically acquired by the accumulation control unit 11b in the processing of step S41 described above. As a result, the acquired image signal is sequentially sent to the display unit 18 via the display control unit 11e and continuously displayed on the display screen of the display unit 18. The image displayed on the display unit 18 at this time is referred to as an acquired image (see reference numeral 67 in FIGS. 7 and 8).

  Subsequently, in step S43, the signal processing control unit 11 selects the designated area (target area) selected and set in the above-described setting process sequence (flowchart in FIG. 2), that is, the area surrounded by the frame 58 for which setting has been confirmed. Image signal processing for extracting a partial image is performed.

  Next, in step S44, the signal processing control unit 11 confirms whether or not the target setting item set in the above setting processing sequence (the flowchart in FIG. 2) is a brightness target in the partial luminance mode. Do. If it is confirmed that the set item is the brightness target of the partial luminance mode, the process proceeds to the next step S45. If it is confirmed that the set item is not the brightness target of the partial luminance mode, the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S <b> 45, the signal processing control unit 11 calculates an average luminance value (average brightness) for the image signal in the area of the frame 58 whose setting has been confirmed.

  Next, in step S46, the signal processing control unit 11 checks whether or not the brightness in the frame 58 has exceeded the set brightness target. Here, when it is confirmed that the brightness in the frame 58 has exceeded the brightness target, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the shutter mechanism (not shown) to close the optical path of the photographing optical system. To. If the brightness in the frame 58 does not exceed the brightness target, the process returns to step S41.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the process of step S44 described above that the set item is not the brightness target of the partial luminance mode and the process proceeds to step S47, in step S47, the signal processing control unit 11 It is confirmed whether or not the target setting item set in the above-described setting processing sequence (the flowchart in FIG. 2) is the light spot position in the light spot detection mode. If it is confirmed that the set item is the target position in the light spot detection mode, the process proceeds to the next step S48. If it is confirmed that the set item is not the target position in the light spot detection mode, a series of imaging sequences is completed.

  In step S48, the signal processing control unit 11 calculates an average luminance (brightness) value for the image signal in the area of the frame 58 whose setting has been confirmed (the same processing as in step S45 described above).

  Next, in step S49, the signal processing control unit 11 confirms whether or not there is a sudden change in luminance (brightness) value in the area of the frame 58 by the light level determination unit 11d. Here, if it is confirmed that there has been a sudden change in luminance (brightness) value, it is assumed that a light spot has been detected at the target position, and a series of imaging sequences is completed. On the other hand, if no sudden change in luminance (brightness) value is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S <b> 50, the signal processing control unit 11 temporarily stores the pixel information in the area of the frame 58 in the recording unit 14 or a temporary storage unit (not shown) in the camera body 10. Here, the temporarily stored pixel information is information used as a comparison target in the next process of step S49. Thereafter, the process returns to step S41.

  As described above, in the photographing processing sequence of FIG. 6, in the “partial luminance mode”, the pixel addition processing is repeated by the accumulation control unit 11b until the brightness target is exceeded, and each time the acquired image is displayed on the display unit 18. To display. Then, the photographing operation is terminated at a timing exceeding the brightness target, and the acquired image data is recorded.

  That is, FIG. 7A shows the acquired image 67 immediately after the start of shooting. FIG. 7B shows an acquired image 67 obtained as a result of pixel addition after FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C shows an acquired image 67 as a result of further pixel addition after FIG. 7B. FIG. 7D shows an acquired image 67 as a result of further pixel addition after FIG. 7C. At this time, the brightness in the area of the frame 58 is assumed to have exceeded the preset brightness target, and the state immediately before the end of shooting is shown. After this state, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 via the display control unit 11e to display a final acquired image, that is, an image based on an image signal to be recorded, and a recording unit 14 to generate image data for recording based on the image signal, and execute the recording operation.

  In the imaging process sequence of FIG. 6, in the “light spot detection mode”, the imaging completion timing is set after waiting for a change in the brightness of the target position. Until then, the pixel addition process is performed by the accumulation controller 11b. And the acquired image is displayed on the display unit 18 each time. Then, the photographing operation is terminated at the timing when a sudden change in the target position is detected, and the acquired image data is recorded.

  That is, FIG. 8A shows the acquired image 67 immediately after the start of shooting. Here, a subject to be photographed is denoted by reference numeral 100. Specifically, an automobile 110 traveling on the road 111 from the back of the screen toward the photographer is assumed. The automobile 110 is running with the headlights on. If it is photographed with long exposure, the trajectory of the headlight can be photographed.

  FIG. 8B shows an acquired image 67 obtained as a result of the pixel addition being advanced after the subject automobile 110 has moved after FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C shows an acquired image 67 obtained as a result of further pixel addition after the subject automobile 110 has moved after FIG. 8B. FIG. 8D shows an acquired image 67 obtained as a result of further subjecting the subject to be imaged (the automobile 110) to the target position after the movement of FIG. At this point, the headlight proof of the automobile 110 has entered into the area of the frame 58, and shows a state immediately before the photographing is finished when a sudden change in brightness in the area of the frame 58 is detected. Yes. After this state, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 via the display control unit 11e to display a final acquired image, that is, an image based on an image signal to be recorded, and a recording unit 14 to generate image data for recording based on the image signal, and execute the recording operation.

  In this “light spot detection mode”, as described above, the shooting is completed at the timing shown in FIG. 8D, that is, when the subject (car 110) to be shot enters the target position. If, for example, strobe light emission control is performed at the timing immediately before the completion of photographing, the subject (the automobile 110) at that position can be photographed at the same time. By doing so, it is possible to clearly capture the state of the subject (automobile 110) immediately before the completion of photographing, and simultaneously to capture the trajectory of the headlight that is the light emitting part of the subject (automobile 110). In other words, during bulb shooting, the moving subject (car 110) itself is not copied, but only the trajectory of light is copied, and the subject (car 110) in the state immediately before the shooting is completed is captured at one end of the track. Images can be acquired.

  Next, the operation in the “pen light mode” will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a photographing process sequence showing an operation in the “pen light mode”. The photographing process when the “pen light mode” is set corresponds to the process of step S31 in FIG.

  10 to 13 show an outline of the flow of procedures when shooting in the “pen light mode”. Of these, FIG. 10 shows a state where the camera is being prepared. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of the practice mode. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state during the confirmation operation in the practice mode. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state at the start of photographing in the “pen light mode”.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a setting operation of “end point instruction” setting performed prior to photographing in the “pen light mode”.

  In order to perform photographing in the “pen light mode” using the camera 1 of the present embodiment, first, the photographer 100 places the camera 1 on a tripod 120 as shown in FIG. Even when shooting in the “penlight mode”, the surrounding environment for shooting is a low-light environment. Therefore, it is difficult to confirm the shooting range of the camera 1 only with the live view image (naturally dark image, sometimes dark). Therefore, first, the photographing range is confirmed in a state where the power state of the camera 1 is turned on and the photographing standby state is set. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, a person 100 (or the photographer himself / herself) that is the subject is located in front of the camera 1 and at a certain distance from the camera 1 in the optical axis direction of the photographing optical system. Stand up and try to swing around the penlight 102 to be photographed. A symbol 102a in FIG. 11 represents a locus when the penlight is swung. Such an action is referred to as “practice mode” in the present embodiment. Thus, as a result of the trial in the practice mode, the camera 1 performs display corresponding to the case where it is confirmed that the locus of the penlight in the practice mode fits in the screen, or in the case of nonconformity. As a display in this case, the photographer is notified by, for example, a confirmation notification sound indicated by reference numeral 140 in FIG. 12, a confirmation display on the display unit 18 or the like (not shown). Here, if notification using sound or the like is performed, even if the photographer 100 stands at a position away from the camera 1 and tries the practice mode as a subject, it is easy to confirm the notification to that effect. Can be.

  Thus, when the conformity by the notice display is confirmed, the photographer 100 starts photographing in the “pen light mode” as shown in FIG. The shooting start timing in the “pen light mode” may be a time point within a predetermined time after the conformity confirmation display is made following the practice mode, for example, or a shutter release operation of the camera 1 by the photographer 100 or the like. It is good also as a trigger. Further, the photographing end timing in the “pen light mode” is determined by setting an end instruction area in the screen in advance.

  The setting of the end instruction area for determining the shooting end timing in the “pen light mode” is performed as follows. Before that, the switching operation to the “pen light mode” is performed by the selection direction display 53 of the bulb photographing menu 50 in FIG. 3A as described above. Here, using the operation member such as the touch panel 18b or the four-way instruction key 15b, the display of the mode name display field 52 is displayed as “pen light” representing “pen light mode” shown in FIG. Thereafter, the setting is confirmed by pressing an OK key (not shown) or touching the touch panel 18b.

  Then, a submenu display 70 shown in FIG. 14A is displayed on the display unit 18. Here, selectable items are displayed. One of the selectable items in the submenu display 70 is an “end point indication” setting for setting a position for determining the photographing end timing, and the other is a “practice mode” for starting the practice mode. This is a start instruction setting.

  Now, while the screen of FIG. 14A is being displayed, if the photographer performs a touch operation with the finger 101 or the like or a selection operation using the four-way instruction key 15b, the camera 1 performs an “end point instruction” setting operation process. Execute. When the “end point indication” setting operation process is executed, a live view image is displayed on the display unit 18, for example, as shown in FIG. In this live view image, for example, a display indicating that it is an end point instruction setting screen (characters such as “end point instruction”) and a guide display such as “Please specify the end point position by tapping” are displayed. . In FIG. 14B, in consideration of the complexity of the drawing, a specific illustration of a guide display to that effect is omitted. The photographer designates a desired position on the screen and sets the position of the end instruction area by a tap operation with the finger 101 or the like. The completion of the setting may be, for example, a finger lift-off operation in a tap operation or an OK key (not shown) operation. When the setting of the “end instruction” area (position) is thus completed, the display on the display unit 18 returns to the display of FIG. 14A again. The photographer then selects and instructs the “practice mode” on this screen, and enters the actual photographing action.

  When the “pen light mode” is selected and set in the bulb photographing menu 50 of FIG. 3A described above, the signal processing control unit 11 starts executing the processing sequence of FIG.

  In step S61 in FIG. 9, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the imaging unit and also controls the display unit 18 and the like via the display control unit 11e to start live view image display. At the same time, the submenu display 70 of FIG. 14A is displayed.

  Subsequently, in step S62, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation unit 15 and the touch determination unit 11c to confirm whether or not “end point instruction” is selected. If it is confirmed that “end point instruction” is selected, the process proceeds to step S71. If “end point instruction” is not selected, the process proceeds to the next step S63.

  In step S63, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation unit 15 and the touch determination unit 11c, and confirms whether or not “practice mode” is selected. If it is confirmed that the “practice mode” is selected, the process proceeds to step S64. If the “practice mode” is not selected, the process returns to step S61.

  In step S64, the signal processing control unit 11 starts the light spot determination process by the light level determination unit 11d. This light spot determination process is based on a continuous image signal displaying a live view image, and a light spot moving within the screen (for example, a person performs an act of swinging a penlight in front of the camera 1 as an exercise). This is a processing sequence for determining the trajectory of the light spot of the penlight caused by this.

  Subsequently, in step S65, the signal processing control unit 11 determines the starting point, the ending point, and the process of the light spot in the above-described light spot determination process, and confirms whether all fit within the screen. If the OK determination is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S66. If the OK determination is not confirmed, the process returns to the step S63 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  Next, in step S66, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 via the display control unit 11e and superimposes it on the live view image being displayed, and there is no problem in the trial in the practice mode (OK). Is displayed). Further, as described above, at this time, the sounding member (not shown) is controlled to generate the confirmation notification sound or the like. Subsequently, monitoring of a shooting start instruction signal for executing a shooting operation is started, and the camera 1 enters a shooting start standby state.

  In step S67, the signal processing control unit 11 confirms whether or not a shooting start instruction signal has been received from the operation unit 15 or the touch determination unit 11c. Here, the confirmation is repeated until the imaging start instruction signal is received. When the imaging start instruction signal is received, the process proceeds to the next step S68. In the process of step S67, when an instruction signal other than the imaging start instruction signal from another operation member or the like is received, the operation mode may be canceled. Further, when the time is counted up by using the clock unit 19 and the time is up, the operation mode may be canceled.

  In step S68, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the accumulation control unit 11b to execute exposure accumulation processing.

  In step S69, the signal processing control unit 11 performs the light spot determination process by the light level determination unit 11d, and the light spot (penlight trajectory) to be imaged in the region including the preset end point position. Confirm whether or not has entered. If it is confirmed that the light spot has entered the area including the end point position, the process proceeds to the next step S70. On the other hand, when the invasion of the light spot into the region including the end point position is not confirmed, the process returns to the process of step S68 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  In step S70, the signal processing control unit 11 ends the exposure accumulation process by the accumulation control unit 11b, and ends the photographing operation. The display unit 18e controls the display unit 18 to display the photographing result for a predetermined time. At the same time, the recording unit 14 is controlled to generate and record image data for recording based on the image signal of the photographing result. Perform the action. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S73.

  In step S <b> 73, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation unit 15 and the touch determination unit 11 c and confirms the power-off signal accompanying the power-off operation. Here, when the power-off signal is confirmed, a predetermined power-off process is executed, and then a series of processes are ended (end). If the power off signal is not confirmed, the process returns to step S61.

  On the other hand, when the selection of “end point instruction” is confirmed in the process of step S62 described above and the process proceeds to step S71, the signal processing control unit 11 performs the “end point instruction” setting operation process (step S71). 14 (b)) is executed to check whether or not an end point instruction setting operation has been performed. Here, when the instruction signal by the end point instruction setting operation is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S72. If the instruction signal by the end point instruction setting operation is not confirmed within a predetermined time, the process returns to step S61.

  In step S72, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation unit 15 and the touch determination unit 11c, and sets a predetermined area including the position specified on the screen as the end point instruction position. Thereafter, the process returns to step S61.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, when performing bulb photography in a low illumination environment, a predetermined area in the photographing screen is designated in advance as a target area, and a brightness target in the target area is set. By setting in advance, the camera automatically determines the shooting end timing. As a result, the photographer can only perform the photographing start operation on the camera, can automate the photographing end timing even in bulb photographing, and can acquire an image having a desired brightness.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which one target area is set in advance when shooting in the “partial luminance mode” and the “light spot detection mode”. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of target areas may be set in advance. Then, in the set target areas, for example, control may be performed such that the photographing operation is completed, for example, at the timing when the brightness becomes equal at the same time, for example, at the timing when a sudden brightness change is detected at the same time.

  Each processing sequence described in each of the above-described embodiments can allow a procedure to be changed as long as it does not contradict its nature. Therefore, for each of the above-described processing sequences, for example, the order of the processing steps is changed each time the processing order is changed, the processing steps are executed simultaneously, or a series of processing sequences are executed. It may be.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications can of course be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if several constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the above-described embodiment, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effect of the invention can be obtained, this constituent requirement is deleted. The configured structure can be extracted as an invention.

  The present invention is not limited to a photographing device that is an electronic device specialized in a photographing function such as a digital camera, and other forms of electronic devices having a photographing function, such as a mobile phone, a recording device, an electronic notebook, and a personal computer. The present invention can be widely applied to various electronic devices with photographing functions such as computers, game devices, televisions, watches, navigation devices using GPS (Global Positioning System).

1 …… Camera,
10 …… Camera body,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Signal processing control part, 11b ... Accumulation control part, 11c ... Touch determination part, 11d ... Light level determination part, 11e ... Display control part, 12 ... Body side communication part, 13 ... Imaging element , 14... Recording section, 15... Operation section, 15 a... Shutter release button, 15 b... Four-way instruction key, 18.
20: Lens barrel,
21 …… Lens control unit, 22 …… Lens side communication unit, 23 …… Lens side operation unit, 24a …… Zoom drive unit, 24b …… Focus drive unit, 25a …… Zoom lens position detection unit, 25b …… Focus Lens position detection unit 26... Lens 26, 26 a.
26b: Focus control unit, 26c: Aperture control unit, 27: Recording unit,

Claims (4)

An imaging unit comprising an imaging optical system that forms a subject image, and an imaging device that photoelectrically converts the optical image formed by the imaging optical system and outputs an image signal;
A recording unit for recording the image signal acquired by the imaging unit;
A display unit that displays an image based on an image signal acquired by the imaging unit or an image signal recorded in the recording unit;
A selection designation unit for selecting and specifying a target area in a display image displayed based on an image signal acquired by the imaging unit, and for specifying a brightness target in the target area;
An accumulation control unit for accumulating a plurality of image signals acquired by the imaging unit;
Signal processing control having an image signal processing unit that performs signal processing based on an image signal acquired by the imaging unit, and a control unit that controls the imaging unit, recording unit, display unit, image signal processing unit, and accumulation control unit And
Comprising
The signal processing control unit
In response to the input from the selection specifying unit, the position of the target region in the entire image region displayed on the display unit based on the image signal output from the imaging unit, and the brightness target in the target region are determined. Set in advance,
An imaging apparatus, wherein the brightness target of the target area is set as an end timing of an image signal accumulation process by the accumulation control unit in accordance with an imaging operation.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection specifying unit is a touch panel arranged on the display screen of the display unit. The target area is selected and specified by a tap operation on the touch panel,
The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the brightness target of the target area is set by a touch, slide, and lift-off operation of a slider display displayed on the display unit. A light level determination unit for determining a light level in the target area,
3. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a change in light level in the target area during a photographing operation is determined and used as an end timing of image signal accumulation processing by the accumulation control unit.