JP5359299B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus imaging a motion picture caused by a luminance change in accordance with user intention even when the luminance of a subject image is varied. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus includes an imaging device 1, an image signal processing section 2 and storage sections 3. The imaging device 1 images a subject image and outputs an image signal. The image signal processing section 2 performs signal processing in parallel on image signals input from the imaging device 1 with a plurality of imaging sensitivities, then stores the image signals into storage regions corresponding to the plurality of imaging sensitivities, respectively. The storage regions corresponding to the plurality of imaging sensitivities are provided in the plurality of independent storage sections different from each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging device.

  Conventionally, in an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, exposure correction is automatically performed in order to obtain an appropriate exposure according to a subject to be photographed. By the way, in such an imaging apparatus that automatically performs exposure correction, a technique is known in which imaging is performed while avoiding failure of a moving image due to a luminance change during moving image shooting (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-197236 A

  However, in the imaging device according to the prior art, although it is possible to capture an image while avoiding the failure of the moving image due to the luminance change at the time of moving image shooting, it is possible that the moving image when the luminance change occurs cannot be imaged according to the user's intention There was a problem of having sex.

This onset bright object is to provide a product capable of imaging device a video that reflects the intention of the User chromatography THE.

The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein an imaging element that captures a subject image and outputs an image signal, an acquisition unit that acquires luminance of the subject image, and when the first luminance is acquired by the acquisition unit, When the pixel signal output from the image sensor is processed with a first amplification factor and the second luminance different from the first luminance is acquired by the acquisition unit, the pixel signal output from the image sensor is converted to the first signal. The first processing for generating a first moving image by processing at a second amplification factor different from the amplification factor, and the imaging even when either the first luminance or the second luminance is acquired by the acquisition unit A second process for processing a pixel signal output from the element with a third amplification factor different from the first amplification factor and the second amplification factor to generate a second movie different from the first movie ; an image signal processing unit for executing in parallel to, the image signal processing unit A control unit that stores the first moving image generated in the first storage unit and controls the second moving image generated by the image signal processing unit to be stored in the second storage unit, and the image signal processing unit And a first operation unit operated by a user to lock an exposure value while the first process is being performed, and the control unit performs the first process from the start of the execution of the first process. When the first operation unit is operated by the user until the end of the execution of the first moving image, the first moving image generated by the image signal processing unit without storing the second moving image in the second storage unit Control is performed so as to be stored in the storage unit .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the imaging device which can produce | generate the moving image reflecting a user's intention can be provided.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the imaging device in the case of imaging. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the imaging device in the case of selecting and deleting the imaged moving image. It is a figure which shows the example of a display as an example in the case of displaying a some moving image. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the imaging device when a moving image is transferred or deleted. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an imaging device when the free space of an internal memory becomes small.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a case will be described in which the imaging apparatus captures images with two imaging sensitivities of fixed imaging sensitivity and automatic imaging sensitivity as a plurality of imaging sensitivities. The imaging device includes an imaging device 1, an image signal processing unit 2, a storage unit 3, an imaging sensitivity setting unit 4, a fixed imaging sensitivity determination unit 5, an automatic imaging sensitivity determination unit 6, a main subject detection unit 7, an image management unit 8, An operation unit 9, a display unit 10, and a control unit 11 are included.

  The image sensor 1 captures a subject image and outputs an image signal. The imaging device 1 is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The optical signal from the subject image is received through the imaging element 1 and the imaging lens, and the received optical signal is converted into an electrical signal and output to the image signal processing unit 2 as an image signal.

  The image signal processing unit 2 performs signal processing on the image signal input from the image sensor 1 in parallel with a plurality of imaging sensitivities, and then stores them in a storage area corresponding to each of the plurality of imaging sensitivities. A storage area corresponding to each of the plurality of photographing sensitivities is provided in a plurality of independent storage units different from each other.

  For example, the storage unit 3 includes a plurality of independent storage units including a first storage unit 31 built in the self-imaging device and a second storage unit 32 that can be attached to and detached from the self-imaging device. The first storage unit 31 is a built-in memory such as a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) built in the imaging apparatus or a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. And this 1st memory | storage part 31 functions as a memory area corresponding to the fixed imaging sensitivity mentioned later as an example.

  The second storage unit 32 is an external memory such as a memory card. For example, the imaging device has a socket, and the second storage unit 32 is detachably attached to the imaging device through the socket. As an example, the second storage unit 32 functions as a storage region corresponding to a variable imaging sensitivity described later and a storage region corresponding to a storage unit for storage.

  The imaging sensitivity setting unit 4 sets a plurality of imaging sensitivity values. The imaging sensitivity setting unit 4 sets any imaging sensitivity of the plurality of imaging sensitivities as a fixed imaging sensitivity that is always constant during the imaging period of the image signal.

  The fixed imaging sensitivity determination unit 5 determines the fixed imaging sensitivity based on the first image signal at which imaging is started or the image signal before imaging is started. The imaging sensitivity setting unit 4 described above sets one of the plurality of imaging sensitivities to the fixed imaging sensitivity determined by the fixed imaging sensitivity determination unit 5.

  The above-described fixed imaging sensitivity determination unit 5 determines the fixed imaging sensitivity based on, for example, an average photometric result for the image signal input from the image sensor 1. Further, the fixed imaging sensitivity determination unit 5 determines the fixed imaging sensitivity based on the photometric result for a partial image region of the image based on the input image signal.

  Based on the image signal input from the image sensor 1, the automatic imaging sensitivity determination unit 6 determines the imaging sensitivity by a method that is determined in advance as automatic imaging sensitivity. The imaging sensitivity setting unit 4 described above sets any one of the plurality of imaging sensitivities other than the fixed imaging sensitivity to the automatic imaging sensitivity determined by the automatic imaging sensitivity determination unit 6.

  Similar to the fixed imaging sensitivity determination unit 5, the automatic imaging sensitivity determination unit 6 may determine the automatic imaging sensitivity based on the average photometric result for the image signal. Similarly to the fixed imaging sensitivity determination unit 5, the automatic imaging sensitivity determination unit 6 may determine the fixed imaging sensitivity based on the photometric result for a partial image area of the image based on the input image signal. Good.

  The main subject detection unit 7 detects the image area of the main subject in the image based on the input image signal. The main subject detection unit 7 detects an image region where the face is detected, an image region where the focus is detected, or an automatically tracked image region as the image region of the main subject.

  Then, the fixed imaging sensitivity determination unit 5 described above determines the fixed imaging sensitivity with the image area of the main subject detected by the main subject detection unit 7 as a partial image area. Similarly to the fixed imaging sensitivity determination unit 5, the automatic imaging sensitivity determination unit 6 described above also determines automatic imaging sensitivity using the image area of the main subject detected by the main subject detection unit 7 as a partial image area.

  The image management unit 8 associates a plurality of images subjected to signal processing with a plurality of imaging sensitivities and stores them individually in storage areas corresponding to the plurality of imaging sensitivities. In addition, the image management unit 8 displays an image stored in a storage area corresponding to each of the plurality of imaging sensitivities, and stores an image selected from the displayed images in the storage unit for storage. This storage unit for storage is, for example, the second storage unit 32. Further, when deleting any image selected from the stored images, the image management unit 8 also deletes an image associated with the image to be deleted.

  The operation unit 9 includes a plurality of buttons, dials, and a touch panel, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 11 when operated by the user. The operation unit 9 also has an imaging button. The operation unit 9 outputs an imaging start signal indicating that imaging is started to the control unit 11 in response to the imaging button being pressed by the user.

  The display unit 10 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and is a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal attached to the back surface of the imaging device.

  The control unit 11 controls the entire imaging apparatus in accordance with an operation signal input via the operation unit 9 by a user operation. In the description of this embodiment, the control unit 11 controls the fixed imaging sensitivity determination unit 5, the automatic imaging sensitivity determination unit 6, and the image management unit 8. For example, the control unit 11 starts imaging by controlling the fixed imaging sensitivity determination unit 5, the automatic imaging sensitivity determination unit 6, and the image management unit 8 in response to the imaging start signal input from the control unit 11. In addition, the control unit 11 controls the focus and stop of the imaging lens.

  In addition, the control unit 11 reads an image stored in the storage unit 3 through the image management unit 8 in accordance with an operation signal input through the operation unit 9 by a user operation, and displays the read image. Displayed on the unit 10. Further, the control unit 11 deletes the image stored in the storage unit 3 via the image management unit 8 in accordance with an operation signal input via the operation unit 9 by a user operation.

  Note that the imaging apparatus may have an imaging mode storage unit in which a plurality of imaging modes determined in advance are stored in advance. The automatic imaging sensitivity determination unit 6 may determine the automatic imaging sensitivity described above according to the imaging mode selected and read from the imaging mode storage unit.

  For example, the control unit 11 reads out from the imaging mode storage unit the imaging mode selected through the operation unit 9 by the user's operation from the imaging modes stored in the imaging mode storage unit. Then, the automatic imaging sensitivity determining unit 6 determines the imaging sensitivity as an automatic imaging sensitivity based on the image signal input from the imaging device 1 in accordance with the imaging mode read by the control unit 11. To do.

<Configuration of Image Signal Processing Unit 2>
Next, a configuration as an example of the image signal processing unit 2 will be described. The image signal processing unit 2 includes a plurality of amplification units 21, a plurality of analog-digital conversion units 22, and a plurality of image processing units 23. For example, the image signal processing unit 2 includes an amplification unit 21A and an amplification unit 21B, an analog / digital conversion unit 22A and an analog / digital conversion unit 22B, and an image processing unit 23A and an image processing unit 23B. The amplification unit 21A, the analog-digital conversion unit 22A, and the image processing unit 23A correspond to the configuration of the image signal processing unit 2 in the case of imaging with fixed imaging sensitivity. The amplification unit 21B, the analog-digital conversion unit 22B, and the image processing The unit 23B corresponds to the configuration of the image signal processing unit 2 when imaging is performed with automatic imaging sensitivity.

  The plurality of amplifying units 21 electrically amplify the input image signal with each imaging sensitivity. The plurality of analog-digital conversion units 22 perform analog-to-digital conversion on the image signals amplified by the associated amplification units 21 among the plurality of amplification units 21. The image processing unit 23 performs image processing on the image signals analog-digital converted by the plurality of analog-digital conversion units 22 and stores them as images in storage areas corresponding to the plurality of imaging sensitivities.

  For example, the image processing unit 23A causes the first storage unit 31 to store an image processed by itself. In addition, for example, the image processing unit 23B causes the second storage unit 32 to store an image processed by itself.

  In FIG. 2, the image signal from the image sensor 1 is directly input to each of the plurality of amplifying units 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image pickup apparatus includes an image signal amplifier that amplifies the image signal from the image pickup device 1, and the image signal amplified by the image signal amplifier is input to each of the plurality of amplification units 21. You may make it do.

  The imaging sensitivity setting unit 4 described above controls the plurality of imaging sensitivities by controlling the gains of the plurality of amplification units 21 respectively.

  In addition, although the case where it has the some image processing part 23 corresponding to each of several imaging sensitivity is demonstrated here, it is not restricted to this. For example, a plurality of image processing units 23 may be integrally configured corresponding to each of a plurality of imaging sensitivities. The integrated image processing unit 23 performs time-division image processing on the image signals analog-to-digital converted by a plurality of analog-digital conversion units 22, that is, image signals corresponding to a plurality of imaging sensitivities in order. Thus, it may be stored as an image in a storage area corresponding to each of a plurality of imaging sensitivities.

<Operation of Imaging Device for Imaging>
Next, an operation as an example when the imaging apparatus described with reference to FIG. 1 performs imaging will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the first storage unit 31 is referred to as an internal memory, and the second storage unit 32 is referred to as an external memory. In the drawings, the imaging device is referred to as a camera.

  First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to start moving image shooting (step S201). If it is determined in step S201 that moving image shooting has not started, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S201. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that moving image shooting has started, the control unit 11 holds the current luminance information (step S202).

  Next, the control unit 11 starts moving image shooting (step S203). During the period of shooting the moving image, the control unit 11 stores the moving image in the internal memory while saving the moving image in the external memory with the exposure specified by the user ( Step S204).

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the moving image shooting is finished (step S205). If it is determined in step S205 that moving image shooting has not ended, the control unit 11 repeats the processing from step S204 and continues moving image shooting. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that the moving image shooting has ended, the control unit 11 determines whether the moving image captured by the user has been AEL (Auto Exposue Lock) from the beginning to the end (step S205). S206).

  Here, the AEL is a function for locking the automatic exposure value obtained once. For example, when the operation unit 9 described with reference to FIG. 1 has an AEL lock button and the user presses the AEL lock button, the control unit 11 controls the imaging sensitivity (automatic imaging sensitivity determination unit 6). That is, imaging is performed in a state of AEL by controlling exposure. Note that imaging in this AEL state is the same as imaging with fixed imaging sensitivity. The imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described as having such an AEL function.

Returning to the description of FIG. 2, when it is determined in step S206 that the moving image captured by the user is AEL from the beginning to the end, the control unit 11 deletes the moving image stored in the built-in memory. (Step S207), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S206 that the moving image captured by the user has not been AELed from the beginning to the end, the control unit 11 ends the process.

  With the operation described above with reference to FIG. 2, the moving image stored in the built-in memory is a moving image captured with fixed imaging sensitivity based on the luminance information acquired before shooting. In addition, the moving image stored in the external memory is a moving image captured with automatic imaging sensitivity based on the luminance information acquired during shooting. Therefore, the user can capture a moving image in parallel with a plurality of imaging sensitivities of fixed and automatic.

  Note that the imaging device described with reference to FIG. 2 does not delete the moving image from the built-in memory if the user has taken a moving image AEL from the beginning to the end. For this reason, similarly, moving images captured with fixed imaging sensitivity, that is, with a fixed luminance are not stored in the storage unit 3 in a duplicated manner, so that the storage capacity of the storage unit 3 can be reduced to record a moving image.

<Operation of Imaging Device when Selecting Captured Movie>
Next, using FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a moving image that matches the user's intention is selected from among moving images captured in parallel with a plurality of imaging sensitivities by the operation of the imaging apparatus described with reference to FIG. 2. An example method will be described. Here, as an example method for selecting a moving image, an operation of the imaging apparatus when the captured moving image is confirmed and deleted will be described.

  First, the user of the imaging device inputs an operation for confirming the moving image stored in the external memory with the imaging device (step S301). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a moving image for the built-in memory (step S302). If it is determined in step S302 that there is no moving image for the built-in memory, the control unit 11 ends the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that there is a moving image for the built-in memory, the control unit 11 displays the fixed imaging sensitivity stored in the built-in memory on the display unit 10 as the rear TFT via the image management unit 8. Both moving images and the automatic imaging sensitivity stored in the external memory are displayed (presented) (step S303).

  FIG. 4 shows an example when both moving images are displayed on the display unit 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 11 reduces both moving images and displays them side by side side by side. That is, moving images captured in parallel with fixed imaging sensitivity and automatic imaging sensitivity are displayed side by side. This makes it easy for the user to compare moving images captured in parallel with the fixed imaging sensitivity and the automatic imaging sensitivity. In order to make it easier for the user to check the shooting conditions of a moving image, which of the two moving images is a moving image captured with a fixed imaging sensitivity or a moving image captured with an automatic imaging sensitivity? May be displayed together with the corresponding video. In FIG. 4, as an example, character information indicating “fixed imaging sensitivity” and “automatic imaging sensitivity” is displayed together with a moving image captured with the corresponding imaging sensitivity.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 3, following step S <b> 303, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it is selected to save the moving image in the built-in memory (step S <b> 304). If it is determined in step S304 that the video in the internal memory is selected to be saved, the control unit 11 deletes the video in the external memory via the image management unit 8 and removes the video in the internal memory. The data is moved to the attached memory (step S305). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S304 that the moving image in the built-in memory is not selected to be saved, the control unit 11 deletes the moving image in the built-in memory via the image management unit 8 (step S306). .

  Through the operation described above with reference to FIG. 3, the imaging apparatus selects one of the moving images stored in the built-in memory and the external memory, and stores the selected moving image in the external memory. You can save and delete unselected videos. The moving images stored in the built-in memory and the external memory are moving images in parallel with the fixed imaging sensitivity and the automatic imaging sensitivity as described with reference to FIG.

  Therefore, the user can select a moving image that matches the user's intention from among moving images captured in parallel with a plurality of imaging sensitivities of the fixed imaging sensitivity and the automatic imaging sensitivity described with reference to FIG. In addition, a moving image that matches a user's intention can be selected from moving images that are captured in parallel with a plurality of imaging sensitivities of fixed imaging sensitivity and automatic imaging sensitivity after imaging.

  By doing in this way, there exist the following effects. For example, when the brightness suddenly becomes bright for a short period in the imaged period, the automatic imaging sensitivity determination unit 6 tries to take an image by adjusting the imaging sensitivity to the brightness that suddenly becomes bright for a short period. To do. For this reason, a moving image captured with automatic imaging sensitivity may be difficult to view because the luminance of the entire screen fluctuates before and after the luminance is suddenly increased for a short period of time.

  On the other hand, the moving image captured with the fixed imaging sensitivity determination unit 5 by the fixed imaging sensitivity determination unit 5 is fixed based on the first image signal at which imaging is started or the image signal before imaging is started. The image is picked up with image pickup sensitivity. For this reason, even if the brightness suddenly increases for a short period during the imaged period, the moving image captured with the fixed imaging sensitivity is easy to view without the possibility that the luminance of the entire screen fluctuates. .

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a period during which an image is picked up without selecting an image pickup mode in which the image pickup mode has a fixed image pickup sensitivity from the beginning or picking up an image using the AEL. Even when the brightness suddenly increases for a short period of time, it is possible to easily capture an easy-to-view video without the possibility that the brightness of the entire screen fluctuates.

  Although the case where the brightness suddenly increases for a short period in the imaged period has been described here, conversely, the case where the brightness suddenly becomes dark for a short period in the imaged period is also captured. Similar to the case where the brightness suddenly increases for a short period during the displayed period, the brightness of the entire screen may fluctuate, resulting in a movie that is difficult to see. Even in this case, according to the present embodiment, as in the case where the brightness suddenly increases for a short period in the imaged period, the moving image captured with the fixed imaging sensitivity varies in the brightness of the entire screen. The video will be easy to watch.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily display an easy-to-view video without the possibility that the brightness of the entire screen fluctuates even in the case where the brightness is suddenly shortened for a short period in the imaged period. There is an effect that an image can be taken.

  In addition, in the case where the luminance does not change in a short time during the imaged period, a moving image imaged with automatic imaging sensitivity may be easier to see. Also, depending on various other imaging conditions, a moving image captured with fixed imaging sensitivity may be easier to see, or a moving image captured with automatic imaging sensitivity may be easier to view.

In any of the cases described above, according to the present embodiment, after capturing an image, the user selects a moving image that matches the user's intention from a moving image captured with fixed imaging sensitivity and a moving image captured with automatic imaging sensitivity. be able to. In addition, after confirming the captured moving image, a moving image that matches the user's intention can be selected. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the luminance of the subject image fluctuates, there is an effect that a moving image due to the luminance change can be captured in accordance with the user's intention.

Also, for example, when shooting a scene where the subject moves from a bright place to a dark place, if you want to take a picture of the subject according to the change in the brightness of the entire screen, or if you want to take a picture of the subject without depending on the change in the brightness of the entire screen You may want to. Even in such a case, according to the present embodiment, imaging is performed with automatic imaging sensitivity in accordance with the change in luminance of the entire screen, and imaging is performed in parallel with fixed imaging sensitivity without depending on the luminance change of the entire screen. Can do. Then, after the image is captured, the captured moving image can be confirmed, and a moving image that matches the user's intention can be selected and stored. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the luminance of the subject image fluctuates, there is an effect that a moving image due to the luminance change can be captured in accordance with the user's intention.

  In the case of the operation shown in FIG. 3, the selected moving image can be stored in the external memory, and the unselected moving image can be deleted. Even if any moving image is selected by the user, the moving image stored in the built-in memory is deleted, so that the capacity of the built-in memory can be secured.

  2, after the imaging is completed by the operation of FIG. 2, the control unit 11 activates the process in the case of selecting a moving image as described with reference to FIG. 3, and the fixed imaging sensitivity and the automatic imaging sensitivity are set in parallel. You may make it make a user select a moving image from the imaged moving image. By doing in this way, the user can confirm a moving image immediately after imaging, and can select a moving image that matches the user's intention. In addition, regardless of which movie is selected, the movie stored in the built-in memory is deleted, so the capacity of the built-in memory can be secured, and the next image can be captured using the built-in memory. can do.

  Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus when data transfer or deletion is performed from the external memory will be described with reference to FIG. The data referred to here is the moving image described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and is data of a moving image as a file.

  First, the control unit 11 determines whether the moving image in the external memory has been transferred to a PC (personal computer) or deleted in the imaging apparatus (step S501).

  For example, the imaging apparatus has an interface unit for transferring data with a PC. In response to the input of a transfer instruction that is an instruction to transfer a moving image or an instruction to delete a moving image from the PC via the interface unit, the control unit 11 performs an external operation via the image management unit 8. Transfer or delete movies stored in the memory.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 5, if it is determined in step S501 described above that the moving image in the external memory has not been transferred to the PC or deleted in the imaging device, the control unit 11 performs processing. Is returned to step S501.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that the moving image in the external memory has been transferred to the PC or deleted in the imaging device, the control unit 11 stores a pair of moving images in the built-in memory. It is determined whether or not it exists (step S502).

  If it is determined in step S502 that there is a pair of moving images in the built-in memory, the control unit 11 deletes the paired moving images in the built-in memory via the image management unit 8 (step S503). The process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that there is no paired moving image in the built-in memory, the control unit 11 ends the process.

  Through the operation described above with reference to FIG. 5, when the moving image shot by the user stored in the external memory is transferred to the PC or deleted in the imaging device, the imaging device is paired in the built-in memory. Delete stored videos. Other moving images remain in the built-in memory until the user explicitly deletes them. This is because it is necessary to leave a moving image that has not been transferred and deleted. By doing so, even if a moving image stored in an external memory that is a different memory card is transferred or deleted by the imaging device, the moving image stored in the built-in memory is not deleted by mistake. There is an effect.

Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus as an example when the capacity of the built-in memory becomes full will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the control unit 11 of the imaging apparatus determines whether moving image shooting has been started (step S601). If it is determined in step S601 that moving image shooting has not started, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S601.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S601 that moving image shooting has started, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a margin (free space) for the shooting capacity of the moving image shooting in the built-in memory (step S602). . If it is not determined in step S601 that the video recording capacity is sufficient in the built-in memory, the control unit 11 deletes the video with the oldest shooting date and time from the built-in memory (step S603), and the process is performed in step S602. Repeat from. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S601 that the built-in memory has enough room for moving image shooting, the control unit 11 ends the process.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 6, the imaging apparatus checks the capacity of the built-in memory at the start of moving image capturing, and if the built-in memory does not have a capacity for storing the maximum capacity of moving image capturing, Perform deletion. At that time, the moving image is deleted until the maximum capacity for moving image capturing is secured. Thus, even when the built-in memory does not have a capacity capable of storing the maximum capacity for moving image capturing at the start of moving image capturing, it is possible to secure the maximum capacity for moving image capturing.

  In addition, as an example of a method for selecting a moving image to be deleted, a moving image whose shooting date is old is deleted. Here, in general, the older the date and time, the lower the importance of saving. Therefore, when the maximum capacity for moving image capturing is ensured, it is possible to secure the maximum capacity for moving image capturing by deleting from the moving image having the lowest importance among the captured moving images.

  As a result, even if there is not enough free space in the built-in memory to capture a movie at the start of movie capture, the user can easily secure free space in the built-in memory to capture a movie without manually deleting the movie in the built-in memory. can do. Further, as described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the imaging apparatus can capture a moving image with a fixed imaging sensitivity using the built-in memory that easily secures this free space.

<Multiple fixed imaging sensitivities and multiple automatic imaging sensitivities>
In the image pickup apparatus described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, a case has been described in which shooting is performed with two image pickup sensitivities, that is, a fixed image pickup sensitivity and an automatic image pickup sensitivity, as a plurality of image pickup sensitivities. is not. The imaging apparatus may shoot with a plurality of imaging sensitivities of a plurality of fixed imaging sensitivities and a plurality of automatic imaging sensitivities as a plurality of imaging sensitivities. In this case, it is desirable that the plurality of imaging sensitivities have different imaging sensitivities. The plurality of automatic imaging sensitivities are preferably different imaging modes.

Thus, by imaging with a plurality of fixed imaging sensitivities, the possibility that the user is imaging as desired increases. In addition, by capturing images with a plurality of automatic imaging sensitivities in this way, the possibility that images are captured as desired by the user increases. Then, after the image is captured, the user can select a moving image that matches the user's intention from among the moving images captured with a plurality of imaging sensitivities of a plurality of fixed imaging sensitivities and a plurality of automatic imaging sensitivities. Therefore, even when the luminance of the subject image fluctuates, a moving image due to the luminance change can be captured in accordance with the user's intention.

  Note that the imaging apparatus may shoot only with a plurality of fixed imaging sensitivities as a plurality of imaging sensitivities. Even in this case, the user can select a moving image that matches the user's intention from the moving images captured with the plurality of fixed imaging sensitivities. Conversely, the imaging apparatus may shoot only with a plurality of automatic imaging sensitivities as a plurality of imaging sensitivities. Even in this case, the user can select a moving image that matches the user's intention from the moving images captured with the plurality of automatic imaging sensitivities.

  In the above description, the image processing unit 23A stores the image processed by itself in the first storage unit 31, and the image processing unit 23B stores the image processed by itself in the second storage unit 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, conversely, the image processing unit 23A may store the image processed by itself in the second storage unit 32, and the image processing unit 23B may store the image processed by itself in the first storage unit 31. Further, the image processing unit 23A stores the image processed by itself in a first storage area provided in the first storage unit 31, and the image processing unit 23B stores the image processed by itself by the first storage unit 31. You may memorize | store in memory | storage in the 2nd storage area provided in the inside.

  3 and 4, the control unit 11 displays the reduced moving images side by side, but the control unit 11 may display the moving images side by side. When two or more moving images are displayed side by side, the control unit 11 may display the moving images side by side vertically and horizontally. The arrangement by the control unit 11 is arbitrary, but it is desirable that the arrangement is made so that the luminances of a plurality of moving images can be compared. Displaying two or more moving images in this way is suitable for shooting with a plurality of imaging sensitivities of a plurality of fixed imaging sensitivities and a plurality of automatic imaging sensitivities as described above. Further, the control unit 11 may sequentially switch the moving images according to the operation of the operation unit 9 and display the moving images on the display unit 10 in order.

  By the way, in this embodiment described above, for example, a moving image captured with fixed imaging sensitivity is a moving image having meaning as insurance for a moving image captured with automatic imaging sensitivity. That is, according to the present embodiment, the imaging device captures a moving image in parallel with a fixed imaging sensitivity as insurance while capturing a moving image in an arbitrary shooting mode.

  For this reason, for example, even in the case of an arbitrary shooting mode, even if the luminance in imaging is broken and the image is captured, the moving image captured with the fixed imaging sensitivity that was captured in parallel as insurance may be captured normally. On the other hand, the captured moving image may be normal in any shooting mode.

In any case, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment stores a moving image captured in an arbitrary shooting mode and a moving image captured in parallel as insurance. Can select one of the videos after shooting. Therefore, even when the luminance of the subject image fluctuates, a moving image due to the luminance change can be captured in accordance with the user's intention.

  In the above description, the case where the imaging apparatus captures a moving image has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment can also be applied when capturing a still image. In the case of capturing a still image, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment can capture images with different imaging sensitivities in parallel, that is, at the same time, instead of imaging with different imaging sensitivities at regular time intervals. The user can select a still image captured with a suitable imaging sensitivity from among a plurality of still images captured simultaneously with different imaging sensitivities after imaging. Therefore, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment can capture a still image with a suitable imaging sensitivity without depending on the luminance for an imaging scene at the same timing.

  Note that each configuration of the imaging sensitivity setting unit 4, the fixed imaging sensitivity determination unit 5, the automatic imaging sensitivity determination unit 6, the main subject detection unit 7, the image management unit 8, or the control unit 11 in FIG. These components may be realized by hardware, and each of these components is configured by a memory and a CPU (central processing unit), and a program for realizing the function of each component is loaded into the memory and executed. The function may be realized by this.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes design and the like within a scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Imaging device, 2 ... Image signal processing part, 3 ... Memory | storage part, 4 ... Imaging sensitivity setting part, 5 ... Fixed imaging sensitivity determination part, 6 ... Automatic imaging sensitivity determination part, 7 ... Main subject detection part, 8 ... Image Management unit, 9 ... operation unit, 10 ... display unit, 11 ... control unit, 21, 21A, 21B ... amplification unit, 22, 22A, 22B ... analog-digital conversion unit, 23, 23A, 23B ... image processing unit, 31 ... 1st memory | storage part, 32 ... 2nd memory | storage part

Claims (5)

An image sensor that captures a subject image and outputs an image signal;
An acquisition unit for acquiring the luminance of the subject image;
When the first luminance is acquired by the acquisition unit, the pixel signal output from the image sensor is processed with the first amplification factor, and the second luminance different from the first luminance is acquired by the acquisition unit Is a first process for generating a first moving image by processing the pixel signal output from the image sensor at a second amplification factor different from the first amplification factor, and the acquisition unit obtains the first luminance and the second luminance. What is the first moving image by processing the pixel signal output from the image sensor with a third amplification factor different from the first amplification factor and the second amplification factor regardless of which of the luminance is acquired? a second process of generating another second video image signal processing unit for executing in parallel,
A control unit configured to store the first moving image generated by the image signal processing unit in a first storage unit and to control the second moving image generated by the image signal processing unit to be stored in a second storage unit;
A first operation unit operated by a user to lock an exposure value while the first processing is being executed by the image signal processing unit;
When the first operation unit is operated by the user from the start of execution of the first process to the end of execution of the first process, the control unit does not store the second moving image in the second storage unit. An image pickup apparatus that controls to store the first moving image generated by the image signal processing unit in the first storage unit . The imaging device according to claim 1,
The apparatus further comprises a mounting portion on which a storage medium can be mounted,
The first storage unit is the storage medium mounted on the mounting unit;
The second storage unit is a built-in memory built in the imaging device.
An imaging apparatus characterized by the above. In the imaging device according to claim 1 or 2,
A first amplifier for amplifying the image signal output from the image sensor;
A first analog-to-digital converter that performs analog-to-digital conversion on the image signal amplified by the first amplifier;
A first image processing unit that performs image processing on the image signal that has been analog-to-digital converted by the first analog-to-digital conversion unit to generate the first moving image;
A second amplification unit that is separate from the first amplification unit and amplifies the image signal output from the imaging device;
A second analog-to-digital conversion unit that is separate from the first analog-to-digital conversion unit and performs analog-to-digital conversion on the image signal amplified by the second amplification unit;
A second image processing unit that is separate from the first image processing unit and that performs image processing on the image signal analog-digital converted by the second analog-digital conversion unit to generate the second moving image; To prepare
An imaging apparatus characterized by the above. In the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The acquisition unit acquires the luminance of a subject image based on an image signal corresponding to an automatically tracked region of the image signal output from the image sensor.
An imaging apparatus characterized by the above. In the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A second operation unit operated by a user;
When the second operation unit is operated by a user, the control unit executes the first process and the second process in parallel.
An imaging apparatus characterized by the above.

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