JP3516071B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup device such as a video camera capable of shooting both moving images and high-quality still images, and more particularly, it relates to images of moving images and still images. The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus that realizes shooting of a moving image and a still image at an angle of view intended by a photographer without changing the angle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a video camera which is one of image pickup devices capable of shooting both moving images and high-quality still images, one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-154212 is known. .

The video camera described in this publication is provided with a solid-state image pickup device in which a shake correction area is added to the image pickup area for one frame, and in the moving image shooting mode, the camera shake correction function is activated to eliminate the need for horizontal movement. By discarding the scanning lines to obtain a horizontal scanning line for one field and stopping the camera shake correction function in the still image mode, horizontal scanning is performed from the entire area of the solid-state image sensor including the camera shake correction area in the reading period for two fields. By reading out a line and using all of the horizontal scanning line data, it is possible to realize high image quality of a still image.

[0004]

However, in the above-described video camera technology, the number of horizontal scanning lines used is different between when a moving image is shot and when a still image is shot, so that the angle of view of the shot image is a moving image or a still image. There was a problem that it changed from drawing to drawing. Therefore, for example, if the photographer wants to perform still image shooting in a shooting scene that he or she likes while shooting in the movie shooting mode, if the video camera has a view angle adjustment function such as a zoom lens, It is necessary to operate and adjust the angle of view before shooting a still image. In such a case, there is a possibility that the user may miss the opportunity to take a picture because of the zoom operation when switching between the moving image mode and the still image mode. If the user does not like this and does not perform a zoom operation, he or she has no choice but to shoot a still image having a different angle of view from that at the time of shooting a moving image.

Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, that is, an object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus capable of shooting a high-quality still image without changing the angle of view between moving image shooting and still image shooting. And

[0006]

In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a solid-state image sensor by controlling the drive of an optical system at the time of transition from moving image shooting to still image shooting or vice versa. The size of the received image is changed so that the angle of view of the output video signal does not change between moving image shooting and still image shooting. As a result, the output image is moved to the wide-angle side by reading out the horizontal scanning lines from the entire area of the solid-state image sensor and using all the horizontal scanning line data when shooting still images, compared to when shooting moving images. By setting the captured image to the telephoto side depending on the system,
The angle of view of the output video signal can be the same for both moving images and still images.

In addition, a structure is also proposed in which exposure is not performed or another image is output during the drive control of the optical system, whereby an image in which disturbance is generated during the drive control of the optical system is proposed. An image pickup apparatus that does not output as a video signal is also proposed.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is a solid-state image sensor having a larger number of pixels than a standard solid-state image sensor adapted to a broadcasting system, and a magnification of an image received by the solid-state image sensor. And an optical system having a zoom function for changing, when shooting a moving image, a video signal is created from a part of the image received by the solid-state image sensor, and when shooting a still image, Of the images received by the solid-state image sensor, a video signal is created from a wider range of images than in the case of shooting a moving image, and when moving from shooting a moving image to shooting a still image, or vice versa. In the case of the shift of 1, the size of the image received by the solid-state image pickup device is changed by driving and controlling the optical system at the same time or substantially at the same time.

As a result, the optical system is driven and controlled to the telephoto side in response to the change in the angle of view of the video signal during shooting of a still image due to the use of an image in a wider range than when shooting a moving image (touched to the wide angle side). This has the effect of enlarging the captured image and making the angle of view of the video signal the same for both moving and still images.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a solid-state image sensor having a larger number of pixels than a standard solid-state image sensor adapted to a broadcasting system and a zoom function for changing a magnification of an image received by the solid-state image sensor are provided. In the case of shooting a moving image having an optical system, a video signal is created from a part of the image received by the solid-state image sensor, and when shooting a still image,
Of the images received by the solid-state image sensor, a video signal is created from a wider range of images than when capturing a moving image, and among the horizontal scanning lines on the solid-state image sensor, the video signal is finally created. Let r be the ratio of the number of horizontal scanning lines corresponding to the used portion during moving image shooting and still image shooting (the number of horizontal scanning lines during still image shooting / the number of horizontal scanning lines during moving image shooting). When the magnification of the image by the optical system can be set from 1 to R (R> 1), a moving image is captured when the magnification is set to R / r or less at the time of shooting. When a transition is made to a state in which a still image is captured, the optical system is driven and controlled simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with the transition to enlarge the image received by the solid-state image sensor r times, and the magnification of the image is set at the time of capturing. R / r
When the number exceeds twice, still image shooting is not performed, or at least one of the number of horizontal scanning lines and the number of horizontal pixels on the solid-state image sensor finally used for creating the video signal is taken during moving image shooting. And the same or substantially the same when capturing a still image.

As a result, the photographed image is enlarged by controlling the drive of the optical system to the telephoto side in response to the change in the angle of view of the video signal at the time of photographing the still image by using the image in a wider range than that at the time of photographing the moving image. However, if the angle of view of the video signal can be made the same for both moving and still images, and the angle of view of the moving image and still image cannot be made the same simply by enlarging the image with the optical system (magnification setting of the optical system Is equal to or greater than R / r), the shooting of the still image itself is stopped, or the number of horizontal scanning lines used during still image shooting is the same as during moving image shooting, and the change in the angle of view caused by still image shooting is Has the effect of eliminating.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a solid-state image sensor having a larger number of pixels than a standard solid-state image sensor adapted to a broadcasting system and a zoom function for changing a magnification of an image received by the solid-state image sensor are provided. When shooting a moving image, a video signal is created from a part of the image received by the solid-state image sensor, and when shooting a still image,
Of the images received by the solid-state image sensor, a video signal is created from a wider range of images than when capturing a moving image, and among the horizontal scanning lines on the solid-state image sensor, the video signal is finally created. Let r be the ratio of the number of horizontal scanning lines corresponding to the used portion during moving image shooting and still image shooting (the number of horizontal scanning lines during still image shooting / the number of horizontal scanning lines during moving image shooting). When the magnification of the image by the optical system can be set from 1 to R (R> 1), a moving image is captured when the magnification is set to R / r or less at the time of shooting. When moving from the state to the state of shooting a still image, the zoom lens is driven and controlled at the same time or almost at the same time, the image received by the solid-state imaging device is magnified r times, and the magnification ratio is set to R /
When the zoom magnification R ′ exceeds r times, the optical system is drive-controlled to change the enlargement magnification setting to R times,
When capturing a still image, at least one of the number of horizontal scanning lines and the number of horizontal pixels on the solid-state image sensor finally used for creating the video signal is set to (R / R ') times.

As a result, the photographed image is enlarged by controlling the drive of the optical system to the telephoto side in response to the change in the angle of view of the video signal at the time of photographing a still image by using an image in a wider range than that at the time of photographing a moving image. However, if the angle of view of the video signal can be made the same for both moving and still images, and the angle of view of the moving image and still image cannot be made the same simply by enlarging the image with the optical system (magnification setting of the optical system Is greater than R / r), the magnification setting of the optical system is controlled to the maximum magnification (R times), and the number of horizontal scanning lines used during still image shooting is (R / R ' ), The change in the angle of view caused by still image shooting can be suppressed and the angle of view of the video signal can be made the same for both moving images and still images.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a solid-state image sensor having a larger number of pixels than a standard solid-state image sensor adapted to a broadcasting system and a zoom function for changing a magnification of an image received by the solid-state image sensor are provided. An optical system and adjusting means for adjusting the exposure time of the solid-state image sensor, and when shooting a moving image, a video signal is created from a part of the image received by the solid-state image sensor, When a still image is taken, a video signal is created from a wider range of images received by the solid-state image sensor than when a moving image is taken, and the still image is taken from the state where the moving image is taken. In the case of transitioning to the state, or in the case of the reverse transition, the drive control of the optical system is performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with the transition, and the size of the image received by the solid-state imaging device is changed. Drive control completed Period until the can, by the adjustment means, in which exposure in said solid-state imaging device was to not performed.

This has the effect of not capturing an image in which disturbance has occurred during the drive control of the optical system.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the adjusting means is means for controlling the charge storage time by sweeping out the stored charges of the photodiode of the solid-state image pickup device, or a mechanical shutter mechanism. It is a thing.

This has the effect of not capturing an image in which disturbance has occurred during the drive control of the optical system.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a solid-state image sensor having a larger number of pixels than a standard solid-state image sensor adapted to a broadcasting system and a zoom function for changing a magnification of an image received by the solid-state image sensor are provided. And a specific image output means for outputting a predetermined image, when shooting a moving image,
When a video signal is created from a part of the image received by the solid-state image sensor and a still image is captured, the range of the image received by the solid-state image sensor is wider than that when a moving image is captured. When a video signal is created from an image and the state of shooting a moving image is changed to the state of shooting a still image, or vice versa, the optical system is drive-controlled at the same time or substantially at the same time, The size of the image received by the solid-state image sensor is changed, and a video signal is not created from the image received by the solid-state image sensor during the period until the drive control of the optical system is completed. The specific image output means outputs a predetermined image as a video signal.

With this, there is an effect that the image in which the disturbance is generated during the drive control of the optical system is not output as a video signal.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the predetermined image is an image indicating that the drive control for the optical system is not completed, and the image includes any one of a character, a pattern, and a symbol mark. Alternatively, the image is a plain image.

Thus, there is an effect that the image in which the disturbance is generated during the drive control of the optical system is not output as a video signal.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the specific image output means comprises an image memory for storing a video signal photographed before the drive control for the optical system is started, and the drive control for the optical system is completed. Until then, the video signal that was captured and stored in the image memory before the drive control was started is output.

Thus, the image signal before the start of the optical system drive control is output instead of the disturbed image during the drive control of the optical system, and the image in which the disturbance is generated during the drive control of the optical system is used as the video signal. It has the effect of not outputting.

In the ninth aspect of the present invention, when capturing a moving image, the number of horizontal scanning lines necessary for conforming to the broadcasting system among the horizontal scanning lines on the solid-state image pickup device is used for creating a video signal. However, when capturing a still image, the number of horizontal scanning lines that is larger than that when capturing a moving image is used for creating a video signal.

As a result, when a still image is taken,
Compared with the case of shooting a moving image, many horizontal scanning lines can be used, and it has an effect that a high quality still image can be taken.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when a still image is taken, a video signal is created from all effective horizontal scanning lines that can be read from the solid-state image pickup device.

As a result, when a still image is taken, the maximum number of horizontal scanning lines on the solid-state image pickup device can be used, and a high quality still image can be taken.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, an optical system 1 is an optical system including a plurality of lens groups for forming a captured image on the solid-state image sensor 2, and has a zoom function. Note that the zoom magnification is continuously variable from 1 × to R × (R> 1).

The solid-state image pickup device 2 is an image pickup device having a larger number of pixels (marginal pixels) than the standard number of pixels conforming to the broadcasting system. In the first embodiment, as an example, CC
It is assumed that D (charge coupled device) is used. The extra pixels are used for camera shake correction when capturing a moving image.

The analog signal processing circuit 3 performs processing such as gain adjustment, noise removal, and gamma correction on the video signal obtained from the solid-state image pickup device 2, and after these processing, the video signal is A / D conversion means 4 Are converted into digital signals by.

The digital signal processing means 5 is a means for performing digital processing such as aperture processing, knee processing, electronic zoom processing, etc. on the output of the A / D conversion means 4, and particularly for converting the number of scanning lines at the time of photographing a still image. Interpolation processing is performed to output a still image for one frame. In addition, in the first embodiment, scanning line number conversion or the like is performed at the time of still image shooting,
A mode for outputting a still image of one frame will be referred to as a "still image processing mode [1]", and a mode for outputting a moving image during normal moving image shooting will be referred to as a "moving image processing mode".

The zoom drive control means 6 drives and controls a part of the lenses in the optical system 1 to arbitrarily set the zoom magnification of the optical system 1.

The solid-state image pickup device drive control means 7 is a means for driving the solid-state image pickup device 2 to control signal reading and charge storage time. In the first embodiment, a mode for reading a signal from the solid-state image sensor 2 during still image shooting is called a "still image read mode [1]", and a mode for reading a signal during normal moving image shooting is called a "moving image read mode". I will decide.

The system control means 8 controls the zoom drive control means 6, the solid-state image pickup device drive control means 7 and the digital signal processing means 5 in an integrated manner. It is a means for giving a command to perform various operations, and comprises, for example, a microcomputer and a control program stored therein.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an image reading range from the solid-state image pickup device 2. As shown in the figure, with respect to the entire image pickup range of the solid-state image pickup device 2, a part of the image pickup range is read out from the solid-state image pickup device 2 at the time of moving image shooting (moving image reading mode), and this read-out position is adjusted in accordance with camera shake. It is possible to perform camera shake correction by moving it. Further, in still image shooting (still image read mode [1]), it is possible to obtain a high-quality still image by reading an image from a wider range than in moving image shooting.

The number of horizontal scanning lines read from the solid-state image pickup device 2 is, for example, in the case of the NTSC system, about 480 lines are required for one frame. Therefore, in the description of the first embodiment, the number of horizontal scanning lines read from the solid-state imaging device 2 at the time of shooting a moving image is 480, and the total number of effective horizontal scanning lines of the solid-state imaging device 2 is 6 as an example.
00 lines, and all the effective horizontal scanning lines are read during still image shooting.

However, in the case of the NTSC system, the number of horizontal scanning lines per field is about 2 by interlaced scanning.
Since it is 40 lines (one frame is composed of two fields), the solid-state image sensor 2 combines the upper and lower two lines on the image sensor into one line at the time of capturing a moving image, and a signal of 240 lines is output for each field. Further, it is assumed that interlaced scanning is supported by changing the combined pair for each field.

Therefore, the horizontal scanning lines read from the solid-state image pickup device 2 will be described below as the number of lines in field units. Further, the ratio of the number of horizontal scanning lines read from the solid-state imaging device 2 during moving image shooting and still image shooting (the number of horizontal scanning lines during still image shooting / the number of horizontal scanning lines during moving image shooting) is r Therefore, in the first embodiment, r is 1.25 (= 300/240).

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the appearance of an image read out from the solid-state image pickup device 2 at the time of shooting a moving image, converted into a television signal and viewed on a TV monitor. Of the image received on the solid-state image sensor 2, 240 horizontal scanning lines are read out as a video signal for each field at the time of capturing a moving image, which is 480 horizontal scanning lines / frame by interlaced scanning on the TV monitor. It is displayed as an image.

The specific operation of the first embodiment will be described below.

At the time of shooting a moving image, the solid-state image pickup device 2 is used as shown in FIG.
As shown in, the 240 horizontal scanning lines are read out for each field. In addition, at this time, if camera shake correction is performed, the position of the image read from the solid-state image sensor 2 is moved according to the camera shake amount obtained by the camera shake detection means (not shown) that detects motion by angular velocity sensor or image matching. As a result, camera shake correction is executed.

Image stabilization is stopped when a still image is taken,
3 corresponding to the total number of effective horizontal scanning lines of the solid-state image sensor 2
00 line is read. When using a standard solid-state image sensor adapted to the broadcasting system, the number of horizontal scanning lines read in one field is 240 lines. Therefore, in order to make this a still image of one frame, 240 I have no choice but to make the line 480 lines.
In the first embodiment, the number of horizontal scanning lines read from the solid-state image sensor 2 is 300 as described above.
Combining 00 to 480 lines by interpolation,
Compared to the case of combining 480 lines from 240 lines,
A higher quality still image can be obtained.

The method for reading out 300 horizontal scanning lines from the solid-state image pickup device 2 can be the following two methods, for example.

One is, for example, that the television system is NTS.
In the case of the C method, since the number of lines that can be read in one field period is about 240 lines, this is a method in which 300 horizontal scanning lines are read in two field periods instead of in one field period. This will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, (1) represents a vertical synchronizing signal, and (2) represents a charge read pulse and a signal read from the solid-state imaging device 2.

At the time of shooting a moving image, 240 horizontal scanning lines are read out in each field, but when moving to still image shooting, 240 horizontal scanning lines are first read out in the first field after the transfer. Then, the remaining 60 lines are read in the next field, and 300 horizontal scanning lines are read from the solid-state image sensor 2 in a total of 2 field periods. In this case, in order to avoid multiple exposure, it is necessary to stop the charge reading pulse to stop the charge transfer from the photodiode of the solid-state imaging device 2, and to use the electronic shutter function or the mechanical shutter function. Needless to say.

The second method of reading out 300 horizontal scanning lines from the solid-state image pickup device 2 is a method of using different drive frequencies when shooting a moving image and when shooting a still image. Figure 5
In the same figure, (1) represents a vertical synchronizing signal, (2) represents a charge read pulse and a video signal read from the solid-state imaging device 2, and (3) represents a drive frequency.
At the time of shooting a moving image, the drive control of the solid-state image sensor 1 is performed at the drive frequency CLK1 that conforms to the standard television system.
Switching to K2 (CLK2 = CLK1 * 300/240), 300 horizontal scanning lines are read out within one field period.

For example, 3 read by the above method
The signal of the 00 horizontal scanning line passes through the analog signal processing means 3 and the A / D conversion means 4 and then the digital signal processing means 5
Then, scanning line interpolation processing for converting 300 lines into a frame signal of 480 lines is performed here, and is output as a still image of one frame.

Next, the operation of the entire system when moving image shooting is shifted to still image shooting will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the control program stored in the system control means 8.

In FIG. 6, in the moving image shooting state (step 100), when a switch (not shown) for instructing still image shooting is operated to instruct still image shooting (step 101), the system control means. 8 confirms that the charge accumulated in the photodiode is transferred to the vertical transfer stage by the charge read pulse instructing the start of signal reading from the solid-state image sensor 2 (step 10).
2) Immediately, the zoom drive control means 6 is instructed to set the zoom magnification of the optical system 1 to the r-telephoto side from the current magnification, that is, to set the zoom magnification to “current magnification × r” times. Send (step 103). The zoom drive control means 6 drives the lens constituting the optical system 1 by this command and controls so as to obtain a predetermined magnification.

Next, after the lens is driven, the completion of exposure in the solid-state image sensor 2 is detected (step 104), the solid-state image sensor drive control means 7 is set to the still image read mode [1], and the digital signal processing means 5 is stopped. The image processing mode [1] is set (steps 105 and 106), and the solid-state image sensor 2 is set.
300 horizontal scanning lines are read out, and the digital signal processing means 5 starts the still image composition using this. After the exposure by the solid-state image sensor 2 is completed, the zoom magnification of the optical system 1 is returned to the original magnification (step 107).

Thereafter, after waiting for the completion of signal reading from the solid-state image sensor 2 (step 108), the solid-state image sensor drive control means 7 is returned to the moving image read mode (step 10).
9) Upon completion of the still image synthesizing process, the digital signal processing means 5 is also returned to the moving image processing mode (step 110), and the moving image shooting is continued.

The effect of the above operation will be described. As shown in FIG.
When a horizontal scanning line is read and one frame of a still image is combined by interpolation processing, the captured image appears to be reduced by 0.8 (= 240/300) times due to the transition from moving image capturing to still image capturing. However, at this time, the size of the image on the solid-state image sensor 2 is changed to 1.25 by the zoom function of the optical system 1.
If the image is magnified twice (= 1 / 0.8 times), the size of the image does not change even when the moving image shooting is shifted to the still image shooting as shown in FIG.

By controlling the zoom function of the optical system 1 when shifting to still image shooting as described above, it is possible to shoot a subject at the same angle of view during both moving image shooting and still image shooting. It is not necessary to manually adjust the angle of view when moving from moving image shooting to still image shooting, and it is possible to avoid missing a photo opportunity due to manual zoom operation.

Note that the configuration for automatically returning to moving image shooting after moving from moving image shooting to still image shooting and completing still image shooting has been described with reference to FIG. 6, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be considered in which a predetermined number of still images are continuously shot (continuously shot). In this case, after shooting a predetermined number of still images, the zoom magnification of the optical system 1 is returned to the original magnification, and solid-state imaging is performed. It goes without saying that the element drive control means 7 and the digital signal processing means 5 may be set to the mode for shooting a moving image.

(Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 relates to an improvement of Embodiment 1, and the overall configuration is shown in FIG.
Is the same as. However, the system control means 8 shown in FIG.
Since the operation in is different, only that part different from the first embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the system control means 8 peculiar to the second embodiment. In the figure, steps having the same contents as the steps shown in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, when the moving image shooting shifts to the still image shooting, the zoom magnification setting of the optical system 1 is automatically changed to change the angle of view between the moving image and the still image. Although the configuration that can be eliminated is shown, if the zoom magnification setting of the optical system 1 at the time of capturing a moving image exceeds R / r, inconvenience occurs.

For example, the maximum zoom magnification R = 10, r =
When set to 1.25, when the zoom magnification setting when shooting a moving image is 9 times (> R / r = 8), when set to still image shooting, the zoom magnification is 11.25 times (= 9 × 1.25) Must be set to. However, the maximum zoom magnification (R) of the optical system 1 is 10.
5x zoom is not possible.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined in step 201 whether or not the zoom magnification setting at the time of shooting a moving image exceeds R / r. The still image is not taken.

Thus, it is possible to provide an image pickup apparatus capable of taking a still image only when a change in the angle of view caused by taking a moving image and taking a still image can be absorbed by changing the zoom magnification. it can.

The zoom magnification setting at the time of shooting a moving image is
If the still image shooting is not performed because R / r is exceeded, some information is displayed on the viewfinder attached to the imaging device or the warning lamp attached to the imaging device is turned on to inform the photographer of the fact. It is also conceivable that the warning buzzer is sounded.

(Third Embodiment) The third embodiment relates to an improvement of the second embodiment, and the overall configuration is shown in FIG.
Is the same as. However, the system control means 8 shown in FIG.
Since the operation in is different, only that part different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described below focusing on that part.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the system control means 8 peculiar to the third embodiment. In the figure, steps having the same contents as the steps shown in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The second embodiment shows a configuration in which the still image shooting can be performed only when the change in the angle of view between the moving image shooting and the still image shooting can be absorbed by changing the zoom magnification. However, conversely, in this configuration, when the zoom magnification setting of the optical system 1 at the time of moving image shooting exceeds R / r, still image shooting cannot be performed at all.

The third embodiment has been made in view of this point, and it is possible to take a still image even when the zoom magnification setting of the optical system 1 at the time of taking a moving image exceeds R / r. Is.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, it is determined in step 301 whether or not the zoom magnification setting at the time of shooting a moving image exceeds R / r. The number of horizontal scanning lines to be read out is 240 lines, which is the same as that at the time of shooting a moving image, and a still image for one frame is synthesized by the digital signal processing means 5 from the video signal of 240 lines. In addition, the mode for synthesizing a still image for one frame from 240 lines in this way is referred to as a “still image processing mode [2]”, and is distinguished from the “still image processing mode [1]” described in the first embodiment. Step 30
2, 303 sets the digital signal processing means 5 to the still image processing mode [2], and sets the digital signal processing means 5 to the moving image processing mode after the completion of the still image combining processing.

Thus, if the change in the angle of view between the moving image shooting and the still image shooting can be absorbed by changing the zoom magnification, it is possible to shoot a high quality still image and change the view angle. It is possible to provide an image pickup apparatus capable of shooting a still image with normal image quality when it cannot be absorbed by changing the zoom magnification.

(Fourth Embodiment) The fourth embodiment relates to an improvement of the third embodiment, and the overall configuration is shown in FIG.
Is the same as. However, the system control means 8 shown in FIG.
Since the operation in is different, only that part different from the first, second and third embodiments will be described below.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the system control means 8 peculiar to the fourth embodiment. In the figure, steps having the same contents as the steps shown in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, when the change in the angle of view between the moving image shooting and the still image shooting can be absorbed by changing the zoom magnification, a high quality still image is shot and the view angle change is performed. Although a configuration is shown in which a still image is captured with normal image quality when it cannot be absorbed by changing the zoom magnification, with this configuration, a still image is displayed when the zoom magnification setting when capturing a moving image is R / r. However, the image quality of the image changes greatly, and it is unavoidable that a sense of incongruity is caused by this at the time of shooting.

The fourth embodiment is made in view of this point, and when the zoom magnification setting of the optical system 1 at the time of shooting a moving image exceeds R / r, the solid-state image pickup element is adjusted according to the magnification. By changing the number of horizontal scanning lines read from No. 2, a configuration is proposed in which the image quality of a still image does not suddenly change at the point where the zoom magnification setting of the optical system 1 exceeds R / r at the time of shooting a moving image.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined in step 401 whether or not the zoom magnification setting at the time of shooting a moving image exceeds R / r. If it exceeds, the zoom drive control means 6 Then, a command is sent to set the zoom magnification of the optical system 1 to the maximum magnification of R (step 40).
2). The zoom drive control means 6 receives this command and the optical system 1
The lens constituting the above is driven and controlled so as to obtain a predetermined magnification. Next, in step 403, the maximum number of read lines that can absorb the change in the angle of view when the zoom magnification of the optical system 1 is changed to the maximum magnification of R is calculated. For example, the zoom magnification immediately before shifting to still image shooting is R
If '(> R / r), the maximum number of horizontal scanning lines that can be read from the solid-state image sensor 2 is obtained in step 403 according to the following equation (1).

(R / R ′) × the number of horizontal scanning lines when capturing a moving image (1) Then, after confirming the completion of exposure in step 404, step 4
In 05, the solid-state image sensor drive control means 7 is set to the “still image read mode [2]”, and signals are read from the solid-state image sensor 2 by the number of lines calculated in step 403. Here, the mode for reading the video signal from the solid-state imaging device 2 by the number of lines determined from the calculation result of step 403 in this way is the “still image read mode [2]”, and the “still image” shown in the first embodiment is shown. It will be distinguished from the read mode [1] ”. Next, in step 406, the digital signal processing means 5 is set to the "still image processing mode [3]", and one frame of still image is synthesized from the horizontal scanning line read from the solid-state image sensor 2. Here, in the first and third embodiments, the mode for synthesizing a still image for one frame from the number of lines determined from the calculation result of step 403 is referred to as “still image processing mode [3]”. It will be distinguished from the "still image processing mode [1]" and "still image processing mode [2]" shown.

Thus, when the change in the angle of view between the moving image shooting and the still image shooting can be absorbed by changing the zoom magnification (when the zoom magnification setting during moving image shooting is R / r or less). Is the highest quality still image that can be captured, and if the change in the angle of view cannot be absorbed only by changing the zoom magnification (when the zoom magnification setting during video recording exceeds R / r times), First, the change in the angle of view is absorbed by changing the zoom magnification to the maximum, and the amount that cannot be absorbed is dealt with by reducing the number of horizontal scanning lines read from the solid-state image sensor 2. It is possible to shoot a subject with the same angle of view both when shooting a moving image, and the image quality of a still image gradually increases as the distance to the telephoto side is set at the boundary of the zoom magnification setting of R / r times when shooting a moving image. Change when shooting, It is possible to provide a sensitive little imaging device.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 12 shows a fifth embodiment.
3 is a block diagram of the imaging device in FIG. In the figure, with respect to the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
Since the only difference is that a mechanical shutter mechanism is added, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted, and only the portions different from the first embodiment will be described below. explain.

In FIG. 12, reference numeral 9 is a mechanical shutter mechanism as an adjusting means, and its opening / closing is controlled by the system control means 8.

Next, the specific operation of the fifth embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart for explaining charge accumulation, signal reading, etc. in the solid-state image pickup device 2 when moving image shooting shifts to still image shooting. In the figure, the operation flow from when the still image shooting switch is turned on to when the still image is shot is the same as in the first embodiment.
As described above, since it actually takes some time from the start to the completion of the zoom drive control, the solid-state image sensor 2 can display an image in the middle of which the size changes due to the zoom operation. Exposure, and this will appear in the output video as image distortion.

In the fifth embodiment, the purpose is to prevent the disturbance of the image during zooming from appearing in the video signal, and the shutter mechanism 9 is provided as a means therefor.

The operation and effect of this shutter mechanism 9 are as follows.
It is as follows. First, the still image shooting switch is ON
Then, before the zoom drive control is started, the system control means 8 controls the shutter mechanism 9 to close the shutter, and after confirming that the shutter is completely closed, the zoom drive control is started.

After the zoom driving is completed, the shutter is opened. As a result, the image being zoomed is not exposed, and it is possible to prevent the disturbance of the image being zoomed from appearing in the video signal.

In the fifth embodiment, the mechanical shutter mechanism has been described as the means for stopping the exposure during the zoom drive control, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the electronic shutter function of the solid-state image pickup device is used. It is also possible to realize the same effect by using. This is shown in FIG.
14A shows an exposure time (charge accumulation time) when the electronic shutter is used for a normal 1/60 second, and FIG. 14B shows an example when the electronic shutter is used for an electronic shutter of 1/120 second. Exposure time (charge storage time). As shown in the figure, when an electronic shutter operation is performed in the solid-state imaging device 2, if a charge sweep pulse for sweeping the accumulated charge of the photodiode during the exposure period is applied during a period in which it is not desired to expose, Good. That is, as shown in the figure, if the charge sweep pulse is continuously applied during a half period of 1/60 seconds, the same effect as when the shutter is released at 1/120 seconds can be obtained. Obviously, if the electric charge is swept out and the exposure is stopped during the zoom drive by using the electronic shutter function, the same effect as in the case of using the mechanical shutter mechanism can be obtained.

As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the mechanical shutter mechanism 9 or the electronic shutter function of the solid-state image pickup device 2 is used to stop the exposure during the zoom driving, and the image during the zoom driving is stopped. It is possible to realize an image pickup device in which the disturbance of the image signal does not appear in the video signal.

It should be noted that a configuration in which the fifth embodiment is combined with the second to fourth embodiments is also conceivable, and in that case, it is clear that the same effect as described in the above description can be obtained.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 15 shows a sixth embodiment.
3 is a block diagram of the imaging device in FIG. In the figure, with respect to the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
Since the only difference is that the specific image output means 10 is added,
Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Only the portions different from the first embodiment will be described below.

In FIG. 15, the specific image output means 10 is
It is a means for generating an image including at least one of characters, a specific pattern or a symbol mark, or a solid image, and is controlled by the system control means 8.

Next, the specific operation of the sixth embodiment will be described below.

As described in the fifth embodiment, the image disturbance occurs during the zoom operation, but the influence can be eliminated by the mechanical shutter mechanism and the electronic shutter function of the solid-state image pickup device.

However, when high-speed zoom driving is performed, zoom driving cannot be executed at high speed in reality because of motor vibration or noise, or power consumption increase due to high-speed driving, and therefore, it cannot be performed for one field period or more. It is not impossible for the zoom drive to be extended. In such cases, 1
If the exposure is stopped by the shutter for more than the field period, the image output cannot be obtained within that period, and the photographer may judge that this is an abnormal operation of the device.

In view of the above, the sixth embodiment has a specific image output means 10 as a means for solving the problem when the zoom drive is performed for one field period or more.

The operation and effect of this specific image output means 10 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the still image shooting switch is turned on in the Nth field, the zoom drive control is started from the (N + 1) th field, and this continues for one field period or more, if the exposure is stopped by the shutter as in the fifth embodiment, The subject image cannot be captured for more than one field period. When the shutter is not used, the image disturbed by zoom driving is continuously output from the (N + 2) th field for one field period or more.

Therefore, in such a case, the system control means 8 digitally processes the image signal generated by the specific image output means 10 from the field where a normal video signal cannot be obtained by zoom driving, that is, from the (N + 2) th field. The video signal is output from the means 5.

At this time, as the image output by the specific image output means 10, for example, a message is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 17, or a specific pattern prepared in advance or a symbol indicating the shift to still image shooting. Marks etc. are conceivable.

It is also conceivable to display a chromatic or achromatic plain image without any particular display.

Further, the image to be displayed is not limited to one kind, and a combination of a plurality of images may be used to make a message flash and appear, or mechanical wings appear to open and close. It is also possible to do so.

As described above, in a field where a normal video signal cannot be obtained by zoom driving, the video signal output of the digital signal processing means 5 is used as the image signal generated by the specific image output means 10, so that the photographer can use the equipment. Can be confirmed to be operating normally, and there is no risk of erroneously determining abnormal operation.

In the sixth embodiment, the image signal generated by the specific image output means 10 is a message prepared in advance, a specific symbol, a symbol mark indicating a shift to still image shooting, or the like, but is not limited to this. Not something
For example, as shown in FIG.
An image memory 11 having a capacity capable of storing video signals for more than one field and a memory control means 12 for controlling read / write of this image memory are provided, and the image output by the digital signal processing means 5 for each field in the image memory 11 In the field where a signal is stored and a normal video signal cannot be obtained by zoom driving, the past video signal stored in the image memory 11 until then is read from the image memory 11, and this is read by the digital signal processing means. A configuration in which the video signal of No. 5 is output is also conceivable.

However, for example, the video signal generated from the signal read from the solid-state image sensor 2 is stored in the image memory 11 in the (N + 1) th field of FIG.
In the case of outputting as a video signal of the digital signal processing means 5 in two fields, in a television system which performs interlaced scanning, images in even or odd fields are continuously output, and therefore scanning lines are generated by interpolation processing or the like. It may be necessary to interpolate to synthesize images corresponding to even fields to odd fields, or vice versa.

In the sixth embodiment, the object is to improve the problem when the zoom driving is performed for one field period or more. However, the present invention is not limited to the case where the zoom driving is performed for one field period or more. For example, even if the zoom driving is within one field period and the exposure during zooming is stopped by the shutter means described in the fifth embodiment, the S / N of the signal is reduced because the exposure period is short.
It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to the case where the deterioration occurs.

In the sixth embodiment, the specific image output means 10 replaces another image in the image pickup device in a field where a normal video signal cannot be obtained. However, the present invention is not limited to this. , A monitor means such as a viewfinder and a TV monitor, and a VT
In a device combined with a recording means such as R, the image pickup apparatus performs normal image pickup even in a field where a normal video signal cannot be obtained by zoom driving, and displays this in the viewfinder, monitor means and recording means. Alternatively, when recording, a configuration in which another image is replaced as shown in the sixth embodiment is also conceivable.

Further, a configuration in which the sixth embodiment is combined with the second to fourth embodiments is also conceivable, and in that case, it is obvious that the same effect as described in the above description can be obtained.

In the first to sixth embodiments, the total number of effective horizontal scanning lines of the solid-state image pickup device 2 is 60 as an example.
The description has been made assuming that the number of horizontal scanning lines read from the solid-state imaging device 2 is 0 line and 480 lines when the moving image is taken.
It is not limited to this.

Further, in the first to sixth embodiments, the solid-state image pickup device 2 and the CCD have been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even when a MOS type image pickup device is used as the solid-state image pickup device, the present invention is applied. It goes without saying that all inventions are valid.

In the first to sixth embodiments, the NTSC system has been described as an example of the broadcasting system, but it is clear that the present invention is effective in the image pickup apparatus based on any broadcasting system. Further, it is clear that the scanning method is also effective in both the interlaced method and the non-interlaced method.

It is needless to say that all aspect of the present invention is effective with respect to the aspect ratio of the solid-state image pickup device 2 including any aspect ratio of 4: 3 and 12: 9.

In the first to sixth embodiments, the number of pixels in the horizontal direction required to create a video signal is not particularly mentioned, but for example, the number of horizontal pixels of a solid-state image pickup device is generally 510 pixels. 670 pixels, 720 pixels, etc. are used in the image pickup apparatus, and the first to sixth embodiments are used.
Also in the above, the video signal may be created from the signals for the number of pixels at the time of shooting the moving image, but it is not limited to this.

Further, the number of horizontal pixels used in still image shooting is naturally used in moving image shooting and still image shooting if the aspect ratios of output images in moving image shooting and still image shooting are the same. It needs to be changed according to the number of horizontal scanning lines. For example, when shooting a moving image 240 vertical lines
When a video signal is created from 720 horizontal pixels, the number of horizontal pixels required is 900 if 300 vertical lines are used when capturing a still image.
In 6, the solid-state image sensor 2 is a solid-state image sensor having 900 horizontal pixels.

In particular, in the fourth embodiment, similarly to the number of horizontal scanning lines used in still image shooting being obtained by the above equation (1), the number of horizontal pixels used in still image shooting is expressed by the following equation (2). It is clear that what is required in).

(R / R ′) × horizontal pixel number used in moving image shooting (2) In order to obtain a signal for a desired number of pixels from the horizontal scanning line read from the solid-state image sensor 2, for example, A signal read from the image pickup device 2 is temporarily stored in a storage unit such as a one-line memory or an image memory, and a signal reading position from the storage unit is controlled, or only a desired pixel is directly read from the solid-state image pickup device. It goes without saying that a method of reading out can be considered.

[0111]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a high quality still image can be taken, and the shooting angle of view is the same both during moving image shooting and still image shooting. The effect of being able to be obtained is obtained.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a high quality still image can be captured, and the angle of view for capturing a moving image is
It is possible to obtain the same effect when shooting a still image, and when the angle of view of the moving image and the still image cannot be made the same by only enlarging the image by the optical system (when the magnification setting of the optical system is R / In the case of r or more), the shooting of the still image itself is stopped, or the number of horizontal scanning lines used during still image shooting is the same as during moving image shooting to eliminate the change in the angle of view caused by still image shooting, The effect is obtained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to take a high-quality still image, and the shooting angle of view can be the same both during moving image shooting and still image shooting. , If the angle of view of the moving image and the still image cannot be made the same only by enlarging the image by the optical system (when the magnification setting of the optical system is R / r or more), set the magnification setting of the optical system to the maximum magnification (R times). ), And the number of horizontal scanning lines used during still image shooting is (R /
R ′) times makes it possible to suppress the change in the angle of view caused by still image shooting, and to obtain the effect that the angle of view of the video signal can be the same for both moving images and still images.

Further, in the inventions of claims 4 and 5, it is possible to obtain the effect of not capturing an image in which disturbance has occurred during the drive control of the optical system.

Further, in the inventions of claims 6 to 8, it is possible to obtain the effect that the image in which the disturbance is generated during the drive control of the optical system is not output as a video signal.

Further, according to the invention of claim 9, when capturing a still image, more horizontal scanning lines can be used than when capturing a moving image, and a high quality still image can be captured. The effect of becoming is obtained.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, when a still image is taken, the maximum number of horizontal scanning lines on the solid-state image pickup device can be used, and it is possible to take a high-quality still image. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an image reading range from a solid-state image sensor 2.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing how an image looks on a TV monitor when capturing a moving image.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining horizontal scanning line reading from the solid-state image sensor 2.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining horizontal scanning line reading from the solid-state image sensor 2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a control program stored in the system control means 8 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing how an image looks on a TV monitor.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing how an image looks on a TV monitor.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a control program stored in the system control means 8 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a control program stored in the system control means 8 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of a control program stored in the system control means 8 according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an image pickup apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart for explaining zoom drive and shutter operation according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart for explaining an electronic zoom function in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an imaging device according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a specific image output unit 10 according to the sixth embodiment.
Chart to explain the functions of

FIG. 17 is a specific image output unit 10 according to the sixth embodiment.
Output image example

FIG. 18 is a specific image output unit 10 according to the sixth embodiment.
Block diagram of an example

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Optical system 2 ... Solid-state image sensor 3 ... Analog signal processing means 4 ... A / D conversion means 5 ... Digital signal processing means 6 ... Zoom drive control means 7. Solid-state image sensor drive control means 8 ... System control means

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-9-37142 (JP, A) JP-A-9-326960 (JP, A) JP-A-8-154212 (JP, A) (58) Field (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 5/232

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A solid-state imaging device having a larger number of pixels than a standard solid-state imaging device adapted to a broadcasting system, and an optical system having a zoom function for changing a magnification of an image received by the solid-state imaging device, When capturing a moving image, a video signal is created from a part of the image received by the solid-state image sensor, and when capturing a still image, a moving image is captured from the image received by the solid-state image sensor. When a video signal is created from a wider range of images than when shooting, and when moving from a moving image shooting state to a still image shooting state or vice versa, at the same time or approximately the same time An image pickup apparatus characterized in that the size of an image received by the solid-state image pickup device is changed by drivingly controlling a system. 2. A solid-state image sensor having a larger number of pixels than a standard solid-state image sensor adapted to a broadcasting system, and an optical system having a zoom function for changing a magnification of an image received by the solid-state image sensor, When capturing a moving image, a video signal is created from a part of the image received by the solid-state image sensor, and when capturing a still image, a moving image is captured from the image received by the solid-state image sensor. A video signal is created from a wider range of images than in the case of shooting, and a moving image of a horizontal scanning line corresponding to a part finally used for creating the video signal among the horizontal scanning lines on the solid-state image sensor is taken. Let r be the number ratio between the time and still image shooting (the number of horizontal scanning lines during still image shooting / the number of horizontal scanning lines during moving image shooting), and the magnification of the image by the optical system from 1 to R. Can be set up to double (R> 1) In the case where the magnification is set to R / r times or less at the time of shooting, the optical system is changed at the same time or almost at the same time when the moving image shooting state is changed to the still image shooting state. Drive control is performed to magnify the image received by the solid-state imaging device by r times, and when the magnification ratio of the image exceeds R / r times at the time of shooting, still image shooting is not executed or the image signal creation is performed. An image pickup device characterized in that at least one of the number of horizontal scanning lines and the number of horizontal pixels on the solid-state image pickup device finally used is the same or substantially the same during moving image shooting and still image shooting. . 3. A solid-state image sensor having a larger number of pixels than a standard solid-state image sensor adapted to a broadcasting system, and an optical system having a zoom function for changing a magnification of an image received by the solid-state image sensor. When capturing a moving image, a video signal is created from a part of the image received by the solid-state image sensor, and when capturing a still image, a moving image is captured from the image received by the solid-state image sensor. A video signal is created from an image in a wider range than the case of shooting, and a moving image of a horizontal scanning line corresponding to a portion finally used for creating the video signal among the horizontal scanning lines on the solid-state image sensor. Let r be the ratio of the number of lines during shooting and still image shooting (the number of horizontal scanning lines during still image shooting / the number of horizontal scanning lines during moving image shooting), and the magnification of the image by the optical system from 1 × Can be set up to R times (R> 1) In the case where the zoom lens is set to R / r times or less at the time of shooting, the zoom lens is moved at the same time or almost at the same time when the moving image is taken to the still image taking state. The drive control is performed and the image received by the solid-state image sensor is r
If the zoom magnification is set to a zoom magnification R'that exceeds R / r times at the time of shooting, the optical system is drive-controlled to change the magnification ratio to R, and a still image is captured. In this case, at least one of the number of horizontal scanning lines and the number of horizontal pixels on the solid-state image sensor finally used for creating the video signal is set to (R / R
') Image pickup device characterized by double. 4. A solid-state image sensor having a larger number of pixels than a standard solid-state image sensor adapted to a broadcasting system, an optical system having a zoom function for changing a magnification of an image received by the solid-state image sensor, and the solid-state image sensor. When capturing a moving image, a video signal is created from a part of the image received by the solid-state image sensor, and a still image is captured. A case where a video signal is created from a wider range of images received by the solid-state image sensor than a case where a moving image is taken, and a state where a moving image is taken is changed to a state where a still image is taken, or In the case of the reverse transition, the drive control of the optical system is performed at the same time or substantially simultaneously with the transition, the size of the image received by the solid-state imaging device is changed, and further, the drive control of the optical system is completed. The period is before By adjusting means, imaging apparatus, characterized in that to make exposure at the solid-state imaging device not performed. 5. The adjusting means is a means for controlling a charge storage time by sweeping out a stored charge of a photodiode of a solid-state image pickup device, or a shutter mechanism for opening and closing mechanically. The imaging device described. 6. A solid-state image sensor having a larger number of pixels than a standard solid-state image sensor adapted to a broadcasting system, an optical system having a zoom function for changing a magnification of an image received by the solid-state image sensor, When a moving image is taken, a video signal is created from a part of the image received by the solid-state image sensor, and when a still image is taken, Of the images received by the solid-state image sensor, a video signal is created from a wider range of images than when shooting a moving image, and when moving from shooting a moving image to shooting a still image, or vice versa. In the case of the transition, the drive control of the optical system is performed at the same time or substantially at the same time as the transition, the size of the image received by the solid-state imaging device is changed, and further, during the period until the drive control of the optical system is completed. To the solid picture Without creating a video signal from the image received by the device, from said specific image output unit in place, the imaging device and outputs a video signal a predetermined picture. 7. The predetermined image is an image showing that the drive control for the optical system has not been completed, and is an image including any one of a character, a pattern, a symbol mark or a plain image. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 6, wherein. 8. The specific image output means includes an image memory for storing a video signal photographed before the drive control of the optical system is started, and the drive control is performed until the drive control of the optical system is completed. 7. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the video signal that has been captured and stored in the image memory before the start of is output. 9. When capturing a moving image, a number of horizontal scanning lines necessary for conforming to a broadcasting system among the horizontal scanning lines on the solid-state image sensor are used for video signal generation, and a still image is captured. In this case, the number of horizontal scanning lines, which is larger than the number of horizontal scanning lines used for capturing a moving image, is used for image signal generation, and the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 10. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when a still image is taken, a video signal is created from all effective horizontal scanning lines that can be read from the solid-state image pickup device. .