JP4104443B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus using an imaging element such as a CCD.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an image pickup apparatus equipped with an image pickup device such as a CCD, a method of performing an operation of detecting a defect position of an image pickup device automatically after power-on of the image pickup device or when a dedicated mode is selected (hereinafter, in this specification, This defect position detection operation is sometimes referred to as “pixel mapping” or “defect detection recording” (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-57656).
[0003]
However, in the above method, for example, when performing pixel mapping automatically after turning on the power or when performing pixel mapping automatically when the battery is installed, the pixel mapping is performed without requiring a special operation. Although no special operation is required, even if it is desired to immediately perform an operation relating to shooting or reproduction, it is difficult to use because it will wait for several seconds, for example. Further, in the method of selecting the dedicated mode, when performing pixel mapping, operations are required one by one, which may be annoying and forget the pixel mapping.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that does not require a special operation for pixel mapping and that does not affect the photographing operation and the reproduction operation.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an imaging apparatus including an imaging device and a communication unit for communicating with an external device, wherein the external device is connected to the communication unit. Based on a connection detection means to be detected, an instruction means for instructing to start an acquisition operation of the fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor according to a result of connection detection by the connection detection means, and an instruction from the instruction means And obtaining means for obtaining fixed pattern noise data of the imaging device, and storage means for storing the fixed pattern noise data obtained by the operation by the instruction means as new pattern noise data. .
[0006]
An image pickup apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus including an image pickup element and a recording medium that can be inserted and removed, and that can record and read image data, and is picked up by the image pickup element. Storage means for temporarily storing image data, communication means for communicating with an external device, connection detection means for detecting that the external device is connected to the communication means, and a first connection to which the storage means is connected 1 bus line, a second bus line to which the communication means and the recording medium are connected, and photographing data for acquiring fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor based on a detection result by the connection detecting means First control for temporarily storing the image data in the storage means via the first bus line, and reading the image data recorded on the recording medium to the external device via the second bus line. It and a control means for executing a to second control parallel to said.
[0007]
An imaging apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is an imaging apparatus including an imaging element and a communication unit for communicating with an external device, and in a state where connection with the external device is established, When a specific request is received from an external device, instruction means for instructing the image sensor to start a fixed pattern noise acquisition operation, and fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor based on an instruction from the instruction means An acquisition means for acquiring, and a storage means for storing fixed pattern noise obtained by the acquisition operation by the acquisition means as new noise data are provided.
[0008]
An imaging device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an imaging device including an imaging device and a communication unit for communicating with an external device, wherein the connection between the external device and the communication unit is disconnected. A disconnection detecting means for detecting the occurrence of an error, an instruction means for giving an instruction to start an acquisition operation of fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor after detecting the disconnection by the connection disconnection detecting means, and the instruction means On the basis of the instruction, acquisition means for acquiring fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor, and storage means for storing fixed pattern noise obtained by the acquisition operation by the acquisition means as new noise data. Features.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic camera according to the present invention (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “camera”).
[0010]
In FIG. 1, an optical image of a subject that has passed through a photographic lens system 11 including a lens 11 a and a shutter 11 b is converted into an electrical signal by an imaging device 12 made of, for example, a CCD, and converted into an analog image signal by an imaging circuit 13. The analog image signal is converted into a digital image signal (hereinafter also referred to as “image information”) by the A / D converter 14 and temporarily stored in the volatile built-in memory 25. The built-in memory 25 is a high-speed SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory), for example, and is also used as a work area for image processing to be described later.
[0011]
The compression / decompression circuit 22 is a known image processing circuit (not shown), for example, JPEG compresses image information subjected to image processing such as color information conversion processing and pixel number conversion of image information temporarily stored in the built-in memory 25. Or decompress compressed image information.
[0012]
The image information compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 22 is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 26 for IF. Then, it is recorded in the removable memory 20 such as smart media via the interface 21 (IF).
[0013]
When a captured image is displayed, the image information decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit 22 is subjected to image processing, and then the image information is temporarily stored in the video memory 31, and a video output signal is displayed by the video output circuit 32. Then, the image is displayed on the image display LCD 30. The output from the video memory 31 is also output to the external video signal output terminal 33. An image can be displayed on an external monitor (not shown) connected to the external video signal output terminal 33.
[0014]
When displaying an image recorded in the removable memory 20, the image information read from the removable memory 20 is expanded by the compression / decompression circuit 22, and for example, predetermined image processing is performed by the image processing circuit. Later, an image is displayed on the image display LCD 30 in the same manner as in the case of shooting.
[0015]
A system controller 45 (hereinafter referred to as “syscon”) reads out a basic control program of the electronic camera from a nonvolatile memory 43 such as a flash memory and controls the entire electronic camera.
[0016]
The syscon 45 receives an input from the operation unit 46 (including a release button and a cross key (not shown)), and performs control according to the input. The syscon 45 also controls the power supply unit 47 to perform power management of the entire electronic camera. Further, the syscon 45 drives and controls the photographing lens system 11 via a lens driving circuit (not shown). Specifically, the syscon 45 controls the driving of the lens 11a (zoom lens and focus lens) and the shutter 11b, respectively. Under the control of the syscon 45, the zoom lens enlarges the subject with a zoom lever (not shown). The focus lens performs focus adjustment. A diaphragm (not shown) adjusts the F value by changing the size of the opening in accordance with an output from an AE circuit (not shown) or setting with a cross key. The shutter 11b blocks light from the taking lens system.
[0017]
The syscon 45 also displays the current camera state on the mode LCD 41 (for example, a mode display such as a shooting mode and a playback mode) or a strobe when there is insufficient exposure based on a signal from the AE circuit. On / off control of the strobe light emitting unit 42 that emits light is performed.
[0018]
Furthermore, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention is externally connected via an external interface 36 (hereinafter referred to as “external IF”) such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), a serial interface, or an interface conforming to the IEEE standard. The device can communicate with the device and is connected to the external device via the external device connection terminal 35. In this case, when the normal imaging device is connected to an external device such as a personal computer via the external IF 36, the imaging device is recognized as a storage device from the personal computer.
[0019]
An imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, an external device connected to the camera is a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”), a display device, an output device such as a printing device, or the like, and the camera is stored (ie, externally). All devices that can be handled as storage devices) are included, but in the following description, it is assumed to be a personal computer. First, in FIG. 2A, connection detection between the PC and the camera is performed (step A1). Then, details of the process when connecting between the PC and the camera will be described later (step A2). When the process at the time of connection between the PC and the camera is completed, a pixel mapping analysis process is performed in parallel with the process during the connection between the PC and the camera (step A3).
[0020]
The connection process between the PC and the camera in step A2 is performed as follows (see FIG. 2B). First, after the camera is initialized (step A21), shooting for pixel mapping is performed (step A22). Subsequently, an icon indicating that the camera is connected is displayed on the PC (step A23).
[0021]
Subsequently, a pixel mapping analysis process (step A3 in FIG. 2A) as shown in FIG. 2C is performed. For details, a PC-camera connecting process described later (step A31) and a PC-camera disconnection process are performed (step A32). In the above, an icon indicating that the camera is connected to the PC is displayed in step A23. However, in connection with connection detection, connection processing, that is, initialization of the camera, photographing for pixel mapping, or The notification may be made so as to notify each operation.
[0022]
With reference to FIG. 3, the PC-camera connecting process in step A31 of FIG. In the PC-camera connection process, the camera functions as a storage when viewed from the PC. On the other hand, in the present invention, the pixel mapping analysis process is performed during the PC-camera connection process. First, the flow of pixel mapping analysis processing will be described with reference to FIG.
[0023]
When the connection between the PC and the camera is detected, the defect detection recording process is started (step A311). Here, it is detected whether or not the operation mode has been changed to the shooting mode (step A312). If the shooting mode is not set in step A312, pixel mapping is executed until the defect detection recording process is completed (step A313). If it is detected in step A312 that the operation mode has been changed to the shooting mode, the pixel mapping is interrupted and the pixel mapping analysis process is terminated (step A314).
[0024]
Next, a flowchart when the camera functions as a storage will be described with reference to FIG.
[0025]
When the camera is connected to the PC by communication means such as USB, the camera functions as a storage. In the following description, it is assumed that the communication means is USB for simplicity. In this case, the camera first determines whether or not there is USB data communication (step A315). If there is data communication by USB, it functions as a storage (when viewed from the PC, an external storage device of the PC) (step A316). The camera functions as a storage until communication ends (step A317). In step A315, when there is no USB data communication, the presence or absence of USB data communication (or establishment of communication) is monitored every predetermined period until the USB is disconnected from the PC (step A318).
[0026]
The post-PC-camera disconnection process in step A32 will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is detected whether or not it is a photographing mode (step A321). Then, if it is detected that the photographing mode is set, the pixel mapping is interrupted (step A322). If it is detected in step A321 that the operation mode is a mode other than the shooting mode, the defect detection / recording process (step A324) and the current work are in progress until the detection and recording of the defect are completed (step A323). A notification to that effect is made (step A325). Of course, this notification may be notified that the connection is being made, and the notification can also be applied to other embodiments in the same manner, such as notification by voice or light emission.
[0027]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a specific command is detected during the PC-camera connection process. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the camera is the same as that in FIG. Further, with regard to the same processing as that of the first embodiment, the illustration and description of the processing flow are omitted.
[0028]
First, as shown in FIG. 6A, when a connection between the PC and the camera is detected (step B1), a PC-camera connection process described later in detail is performed (step B2). Next, a command (specific command) for executing the pixel mapping analysis process is detected (step B3), and the pixel mapping analysis process is started based on the command (step B4).
[0029]
The PC-camera connection process in step B2 in FIG. 6A is performed as follows. As shown in FIG. 6B, first, initialization of the memory and the like in the camera is performed (step B21). Next, when a response indicating that the connection from the camera to the PC has been made (that is, communication has been established) is returned (step B22), the PC recognizes the camera as a storage, and the connection processing is completed. Thus, bidirectional communication becomes possible.
[0030]
Then, the pixel mapping process in step B4 in FIG. 6A after the specific command is detected is performed as follows. As shown in FIG. 6C, first, the mechanical shutter is closed, and pixel mapping photographing is performed (step B41). Thereafter, the PC-camera connection in-process (step B42) similar to the PC-camera connection in-process described in step A31 and step A32 of FIG. A post-cutting process (step B43) is executed.
[0031]
The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment and the second embodiment except for the PC-camera connecting process, and therefore the illustration and description of the same parts are omitted. In the third embodiment, pixel mapping is started from the point of time when the connection between the PC and the camera is disconnected.
[0032]
First, when the connection process is started, connection detection between the PC and the camera is performed (step C1). When it is detected that the connection has been established, a connection process between the PC and the camera is performed, and the connection between the PC and the camera is established (step C2). Next, whether or not the USB of the camera is disconnected is appropriately monitored (step C3). If not disconnected, the presence or absence of USB data communication is monitored (step C5).
[0033]
If there is USB data communication in step C5, the camera functions as a storage when viewed from the PC side (step C6), and performs data communication with the PC until the communication is completed (step C7). In step C5, when there is no USB data communication, it is monitored whether or not the camera USB disconnection is detected (step C3), and the pixel mapping process is started when the USB disconnection is detected (step C3). C4).
[0034]
Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, but in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. After C41), PC-camera disconnection post-processing (C42) is executed.
[0035]
The following inventions can be extracted from the above embodiments. Each of the following inventions may be applied alone or in appropriate combination.
[0036]
An imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an imaging apparatus including an imaging device and a communication unit for communicating with an external device, wherein the external device is connected to the communication unit. Based on a connection detection means to be detected, an instruction means for instructing to start an acquisition operation of the fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor according to a result of connection detection by the connection detection means, and an instruction from the instruction means And obtaining means for obtaining fixed pattern noise data of the imaging device, and storage means for storing the fixed pattern noise data obtained by the operation by the instruction means as new pattern noise data. . No special operation is required for pixel defects that occur later. In addition, an image with good image quality can be obtained without missing a photo opportunity at the time of shooting.
In the first aspect, preferred embodiments are as follows.
(1) The instructing unit instructs to establish communication after the photographing operation for acquiring the fixed pattern noise data by the acquiring unit is completed.
(2) After the acquisition operation of the fixed pattern noise data by the instruction unit is started, the acquisition unit acquires the fixed pattern noise data regardless of the result of subsequent connection detection. Even if the communication is performed for a short time, the fixed noise pattern data can be updated without affecting the photographing operation.
(3) When there is a specific command during the acquisition operation of the fixed pattern noise data by the acquisition means, the acquisition of the fixed pattern noise data is interrupted. An automatic fixed pattern noise data update operation in which priority is given to a photo opportunity becomes possible.
[0037]
An image pickup apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus including an image pickup element and a recording medium that can be inserted and removed, and that can record and read image data, and is picked up by the image pickup element. Storage means for temporarily storing image data, communication means for communicating with an external device, connection detection means for detecting that the external device is connected to the communication means, and a first connection to which the storage means is connected 1 bus line, a second bus line to which the communication means and the recording medium are connected, and photographing data for acquiring fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor based on a detection result by the connection detecting means First control for temporarily storing the image data in the storage means via the first bus line, and reading the image data recorded on the recording medium to the external device via the second bus line. It and a control means for executing a to second control parallel to said. Since the update process of the fixed pattern noise data of the camera and the process of the function as a storage for the external device can be executed in parallel, the update process of the fixed pattern noise data can be executed at high speed.
In the first and second aspects, preferred embodiments are as follows.
(1) It further comprises notification means for performing notification of connection by the connection detection means and storage of the fixed pattern noise data acquired in the storage means.
(2) It further includes notification means for continuously notifying the result of the storage of the fixed pattern noise data acquired in the storage means regardless of the detection result by the connection detection means.
[0038]
An imaging apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is an imaging apparatus including an imaging element and a communication unit for communicating with an external device, and in a state where connection with the external device is established, When a specific request is received from an external device, instruction means for instructing the image sensor to start a fixed pattern noise acquisition operation, and fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor based on an instruction from the instruction means An acquisition means for acquiring, and a storage means for storing fixed pattern noise obtained by the acquisition operation by the acquisition means as new noise data are provided. Since the fixed pattern noise data is updated after an instruction with a low probability of receiving an access to the imaging apparatus, it is possible to secure the imaging processing time.
[0039]
An imaging device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an imaging device including an imaging device and a communication unit for communicating with an external device, wherein the connection between the external device and the communication unit is disconnected. A disconnection detecting means for detecting the occurrence of an error, an instruction means for giving an instruction to start an acquisition operation of fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor after detecting the disconnection by the connection disconnection detecting means, and the instruction means On the basis of the instruction, acquisition means for acquiring fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor, and storage means for storing fixed pattern noise obtained by the acquisition operation by the acquisition means as new noise data. Features. Since the fixed pattern noise data is updated after the communication operation is completed, the idle time before the next operation can be used effectively.
[0040]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention at the stage of implementation. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements.
[0041]
In addition, for example, even if some structural requirements are deleted from all the structural requirements shown in each embodiment, the problem described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effect described in the effect of the invention Can be obtained as an invention.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus that does not require a special operation for pixel mapping and that does not affect the shooting operation and the reproduction operation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of a PC-camera connecting process in step A31 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart when the camera functions as a storage in the PC-camera connecting process.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of post-PC-camera disconnection processing in step A32 of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of pixel mapping analysis processing in step C4 of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11a ... Lens 11b ... Shutter 11 ... Shooting lens system 12 ... Imaging element 13 ... Imaging circuit 14 ... D converter 20 ... Detachable memory 21 ... Interface 22 ... Compression / decompression circuit 25 ... Built-in memory 26 ... Buffer memory 30 ... Image display LCD
31 ... Video memory 32 ... Video output circuit 33 ... External video signal output terminal 35 ... External device connection terminal 36 ... External interface 41 ... Mode LCD
42 ... Strobe light emitting unit 43 ... Non-volatile memory 45 ... System controller 46 ... Operation unit 47 ... Power supply unit

Claims (9)

An imaging apparatus comprising an imaging element and communication means for communicating with an external device,
Connection detecting means for detecting that the external device is connected to the communication means;
Instructing means for instructing to start the acquisition operation of the fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor according to the result of the connection detection by the connection detecting means;
An acquisition means for acquiring fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor based on an instruction of the instruction means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: storage means for storing fixed pattern noise data obtained by the operation of the instruction means as new pattern noise data. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction unit issues an instruction to establish communication after a photographing operation for acquiring fixed pattern noise data by the acquisition unit. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein after the acquisition operation of the fixed pattern noise data by the instruction unit is started, the acquisition unit acquires the fixed pattern noise data regardless of a result of subsequent connection detection. An imaging apparatus characterized by the above. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition of the fixed pattern noise data is interrupted when a specific command is issued during the operation of acquiring the fixed pattern noise data by the acquisition unit. An imaging device comprising an imaging device and a recording medium that can be inserted and removed and that can record and read image data,
Storage means for temporarily storing image data captured by the image sensor;
A communication means for communicating with an external device;
Connection detecting means for detecting that the external device is connected to the communication means;
A first bus line to which the storage means is connected;
A second bus line to which the communication means and the recording medium are connected;
A first control for temporarily storing imaging data for an operation of acquiring fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor in the storage unit via the first bus line based on a detection result by the connection detection unit; An image pickup apparatus comprising: control means for executing in parallel a second control for reading image data recorded on the recording medium to the external device via the second bus line. 6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for performing notification of connection by the connection detection means and notification of storage of the fixed pattern noise data acquired in the storage means. An imaging device. 6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixed pattern noise data acquired in the storage unit is continuously stored regardless of a detection result by the connection detection unit. An image pickup apparatus, further comprising: a notification unit that An imaging apparatus comprising an imaging element and communication means for communicating with an external device,
Instructing means for instructing the imaging device to start a fixed pattern noise acquisition operation when a specific request is received from the external device in a state where the connection with the external device is established;
An acquisition means for acquiring fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor based on an instruction of the instruction means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: storage means for storing fixed pattern noise obtained by the obtaining operation by the obtaining means as new noise data. An imaging apparatus comprising an imaging element and communication means for communicating with an external device,
A disconnection detecting means for detecting that the connection between the external device and the communication means is disconnected;
An instruction means for instructing to start an acquisition operation of the fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor after detecting the connection disconnection by the connection disconnection detection means;
An acquisition means for acquiring fixed pattern noise data of the image sensor based on an instruction of the instruction means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: storage means for storing fixed pattern noise obtained by the obtaining operation by the obtaining means as new noise data.

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