JP5509781B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

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

  The moving speed of the moving body is detected based on the image of the moving body included in the moving image from the image sensor. When the moving speed of the detected moving body is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the standard image sensor is 30 sheets / second. There has been proposed an imaging apparatus that operates at a frame rate and operates at a frame rate higher than a standard frame rate when it is larger than a predetermined value (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-358984 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, a frame rate switching effect cannot be obtained, such as switching to a frame rate different from the standard frame rate when a moving body located far from the imaging device is moving far and fast. In some cases, the frame rate may be switched.

  By the way, when shooting a moving image, a moving image having an impressive video effect such as a moving image in which a subject moving at a substantially constant speed changes so that it is moving far away and fast and close and slow. Therefore, a technique that can be easily acquired is desired. However, when a user tries to photograph a moving image having an impressive video effect as described above by manually operating a video camera or the like, an advanced operation technique is required.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of easily creating moving image data including a moving image having an impressive video effect.

The imaging apparatus according to the present invention starts imaging a moving image formed by an imaging element that images light from a subject and a plurality of frame images based on imaging signals from the imaging element, and then captures the moving image. until completed, the size information detector that detects information on the relative size for the imaging screen of the Utsushitai image that put in the shooting screen, the imaging detected by the size information detector Based on the size information of the subject image with respect to the screen, a recording frame rate indicating the number of the frame images recorded per unit time is changed from the first recording frame rate to the second recording frame different from the first recording frame rate. A switching unit that switches to a rate, and a copy that is recorded between the start of shooting of the moving image and the end of shooting of the moving image through switching by the switching unit. Based on the frame image, characterized in that it comprises a moving image data creation unit for creating moving image data.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to easily create moving image data including a moving image having an impressive video effect.

It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the electronic camera which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process at the time of imaging | moving a moving image in the electronic camera which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display part which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display part which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display part which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process at the time of performing the setting for image | photographing a moving image in the electronic camera which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display part which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows a template. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process at the time of imaging | moving a moving image in the electronic camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a time chart for demonstrating the process at the time of image | photographing a moving image in the electronic camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating creation of a moving image file. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process at the time of imaging | moving a moving image in the electronic camera which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a time chart for demonstrating the process at the time of image | photographing a moving image in the electronic camera which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process at the time of imaging | moving a moving image in the electronic camera which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display part which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display part which concerns on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an electronic camera as an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The electronic camera according to this embodiment is an interchangeable lens type electronic camera and is described as being equipped with a photographic lens (not shown), but may be an electronic camera integrated with a lens. In this embodiment, an electronic camera capable of capturing still images and moving images will be described as an example. However, an electronic camera capable of capturing only moving images may be used.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the electronic camera 2 includes a microprocessor and the like, and includes a control unit 4 that comprehensively controls each unit of the electronic camera 2. The control unit 4 includes an imaging device 6, an amplifier / A / D conversion unit 8, a moving image buffer memory 12, a still image buffer memory 14, an audio buffer memory 16, a recording medium 18, a display unit 20, a speaker 22, and an operation. The unit 24 and the size information detection unit 26 are connected.

  The image sensor 6 is configured by a CCD, a CMOS, or the like, images light from a subject through a photographing lens (not shown), and outputs an image signal to the control unit 4. The amplifier / A / D conversion unit 8 converts the analog signal of the sound around the electronic camera 2 collected by the microphone 10 into a digital signal and outputs the converted digital signal of the sound to the control unit 4.

  The moving image buffer memory 12 is created based on the image pickup signal from the image pickup device 6, and is resized to a moving image resolution (from a large resolution to a small resolution) via a reduction circuit (not shown) in the control unit 4. Store data temporarily. The still image buffer memory 14 temporarily stores still image data created based on the imaging signal from the imaging device 6. The audio buffer memory 16 temporarily stores audio data created based on the audio digital signal output from the amplifier / A / D converter 8.

  The recording medium 18 is a portable recording medium that is detachably mounted in a card slot (not shown) provided in the electronic camera 2, and for example, a CF card, an SD card, smart media, or the like is used. On the recording medium 18, moving image data generated in the control unit 4 is subjected to image processing for moving images by a moving image signal processing circuit (not shown) in the control unit 4, and a moving image compression (not shown) in the control unit 4 is performed. The moving image data subjected to the moving image compression processing by the circuit is recorded. Similarly, the recording medium 18 includes still image data in which still image data generated by the control unit 4 is subjected to still image compression processing by a still image signal processing circuit (not shown) in the control unit 4 and control. Audio data and the like created in the section 4 and added to the corresponding moving image data are recorded.

  The display unit 20 is configured by a monitor configured by an LCD or the like disposed on the back surface of the electronic camera 2, EVF, or the like, and is a through image based on an imaging signal from the imaging device 6 and an image recorded on the recording medium 18. Still images and moving images based on the data, sample moving images stored in a memory (not shown) in the camera as sample moving image data for each scenario moving image shooting mode to be described later, information on shooting, and the like are displayed. The speaker 22 is based on the audio data recorded in the recording medium 18 and the audio data recorded in the memory (not shown) accompanying the sample moving image data stored in the memory (not shown) in the camera. Output audio.

  The operation unit 24 includes a power switch for turning on / off the power of the electronic camera 2, a recording start button (for example, a REC button, a shutter button, etc.) operated when starting recording of still images, moving images, and audio, Recording end button (for example, REC button, shutter button, etc.) operated when ending image and sound recording, selection of menu button, menu item, etc. for displaying menu etc. on display unit 20 and various settings It is configured to include an OK button or the like for selecting a cross key, menu items, etc., which are sometimes operated, and for confirming various settings.

  The size information detection unit 26 is information regarding the relative size of the main subject image in the shooting screen from the start of moving image shooting to the end of moving image shooting in the electronic camera 2. (Hereinafter referred to as size information). Specifically, a template for the main subject is created in advance, and the created template is stored in a memory or the like (not shown). Then, when shooting a moving image, a known image processing technique such as specifying a main subject from a template stored in a memory or the like and calculating the number of pixels of the main subject image with respect to the number of pixels of the entire shooting screen, for example. The size information of the main subject image is detected. The size information includes the relative area of the main subject image to the shooting screen, the vertical length of the main subject image relative to the shooting screen, and the horizontal direction of the main subject image relative to the shooting screen. At least one of the lengths is included.

  In the electronic camera 2 according to this embodiment, by controlling the number of frame images recorded per unit time based on the imaging signal from the imaging device 6, a subject moving at a substantially constant speed can be transferred to the electronic camera 2. On the other hand, it is possible to automatically shoot a moving image to be played as if it is moving fast when it is far away and moving slowly when it is close. Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, processing when the above-described moving image is captured by the electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  First, the control unit 4 displays, for example, a moving image shooting menu screen 27 as shown in FIG. 3 on the display unit 20 when the user gives an instruction to display a moving image shooting menu (for example, pressing a menu button) (step 3). S10). The moving image shooting menu screen 27 displays items (in FIG. 3, scenario moving image shooting modes A, B, C, D, and E) from which various moving image shooting modes can be selected. When one moving image shooting mode (scenario moving image shooting mode B in FIG. 3) is selected by the user using the cross key or the like and the OK button is pressed, the control unit 4 is displayed on the display unit 20, for example, FIG. A screen 28 as shown is displayed. The screen 28 displays a message such as “Do you want to display a sample moving image?” And items for selecting an answer to the message (“Yes” and “No” in FIG. 4).

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the scenario moving image shooting mode B is a mode for shooting a moving image that is played slowly when a moving subject approaches. The sample video is created in advance for each scenario video shooting mode and stored in a memory (not shown) in the electronic camera 2 in order to accurately show the user the characteristic video effects of each scenario video shooting mode. By visually recognizing the sample moving image, the user can easily understand what form (aspect) the moving image that can be shot in the selected scenario moving image shooting mode is.

  When “Yes” is selected by the user using the cross key or the like and the OK button is pressed (step S11, Yes), the control unit 10 displays a sample moving image as shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 20, for example. Is displayed (the display is switched from FIG. 4 to FIG. 5). On the screen 29, a sample moving image display area 29a for displaying a sample moving image, and a simple explanatory text for explaining the selected scenario moving image shooting mode B (in FIG. A message display area 29b for displaying “)” and icons for selecting redisplay of the sample video or transition to video shooting (“Redisplay” and “To” in FIG. 5) Is displayed. And the control part 4 displays the sample moving image of scenario moving image shooting mode B in the sample moving image display area 29a (step S12).

  The scenario movie shooting mode is not limited to the movie shooting mode described in the explanatory note in FIG. 5, for example, a movie is shot while sequentially switching the focus on subjects with different shooting distances on the shooting screen. Video shooting modes that can be played back and displayed under different scenarios for each mode, such as a mode for shooting and a mode for shooting video while changing the focus state and zoom state simultaneously (other scenario video shooting) Modes A, C to E) are provided.

  When “redisplay” is selected by the user using the cross key or the like and the OK button is pressed (step S13, Yes), the control unit 4 displays the scenario in the sample moving image display area 29a on the screen 29 shown in FIG. The sample moving image corresponding to the moving image shooting mode B is displayed again (step S12). On the other hand, when “No” is selected by the user on the screen 28 shown in FIG. 4 (step S11, No), or when “To shoot” is selected by the user on the screen 29 shown in FIG. 5 (No at step S13). ), The control unit 4 shifts to a scenario moving image shooting mode B, that is, a setting for shooting a moving image that is slowly reproduced when a moving subject approaches (step S14).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing when setting for shooting a moving image in scenario moving image shooting mode B is performed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 4 displays a through image 30 on the display surface of the display unit 20, a designation frame (designating four corners in FIG. 7) 32 for designating the main subject, and a user at the top of the display surface. A message prompting the user to designate the main subject ("Move the main subject into the frame with the cross key" in FIG. 7) 34a, and after designating the main subject to the user at the lower right of the display screen A message 34b indicating that the OK button is pressed is displayed (step S20). The user designates a main subject (a car in FIG. 7) on the through image 30 displayed on the display surface of the display unit 20. Note that the size of the designation frame 32 can be changed. When the main subject is designated by the user and the OK button is pressed, the control unit 4 sets the subject in the designation frame 32 as the main subject (step S21), and in step S21 as shown in FIG. The set main subject template (car template in FIG. 8) 36 is stored in a memory (not shown) or the like (step S22). At this time, a message such as “The template has been stored” can be displayed on the display surface of the display unit 20.

  In this embodiment, the processing of steps S20 to S22 shown in FIG. 6 is performed immediately before capturing the moving image in the scenario moving image shooting mode B. However, the template 36 of the main subject is created and stored in advance. You can also keep it.

  After the setting for moving image shooting (template setting) is completed, the control unit 4 shifts to moving image shooting (step S15 in FIG. 2). The moving images in the scenario movie shooting mode B include “moving images in which the main subject moves from far to near with respect to the electronic camera 2” and “the main subjects move from near to far with respect to the electronic camera 2”. Moving image "exists.

  First, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 9 and the time chart in FIG. 10, a process for capturing a “moving image in which the main subject moves from far to near with respect to the electronic camera 2” in the scenario movie shooting mode B will be described. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 9, first, the control unit 4 displays a through image on the display surface of the display unit 20 and a message such as “Start shooting with the REC button” prompting the user to start recording on the display surface. In addition, a message indicating that the recording start button (REC button in this embodiment) is pressed when starting the recording of the moving image is displayed to the user in the lower right part of the display surface (step S30).

  Next, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the recording start button (REC button) has been pressed by the user (step S31). If it is determined in step S31 that the recording start button has been pressed (step S31, Yes), the control unit 4 starts moving image recording at the recording frame rate before switching (step S32, time in FIG. 10). t1).

  The recording frame rate indicates the number of frame images recorded per unit time. The recording frame rate before switching (hereinafter referred to as the first recording frame rate) and after switching which is different from the first recording frame rate. A recording frame rate (hereinafter referred to as a second recording frame rate) is set in advance and stored in a memory (not shown) or the like. “Moving image in which main subject moves from far to near with respect to electronic camera 2”, that is, moving image in which the size of the subject image changes from a value smaller than a predetermined threshold (described later) to a larger value The first recording frame rate is set to a recording frame rate lower than the second recording frame rate. In this embodiment, the first recording frame rate is set to 6 frames / second, and the second recording frame rate is set to 30 frames / second.

  In step S <b> 32, the control unit 4 selects only 6 frame / second (first recording frame rate) frame images 40 and 42 from 30 frame / second frame images output based on the image pickup signal from the image sensor 6. Record. That is, only one frame image 40, 42 out of the five frame images output based on the imaging signal from the image sensor 6 is recorded. In this case, the control unit 4 controls to store only the frame images 40 and 42 to be recorded in the moving image buffer memory 12. Alternatively, all the frame images output based on the image pickup signal from the image pickup device 6 are temporarily stored in the moving image buffer memory 12 and recorded from the moving image buffer memory 12 when a moving image file to be described later is created (step S39). Only the power frame images 40 and 42 may be read and recorded.

  Next, the control unit 4 detects size information of the main subject image (step S33). Specifically, the control unit 4 outputs a control signal to the size information detection unit 26, and the size information detection unit 26 is a template stored in a memory or the like according to the control signal from the control unit 4. 36 (see FIG. 8), for example, by performing template matching on the frame image 42, the main subject image (car image) 42a in the shooting screen is specified. For example, the number of pixels of the main subject image with respect to the number of pixels of the entire shooting screen The relative size information of the main subject image with respect to the shooting screen is detected by using a known image processing technique such as calculating. In this embodiment, the relative area of the car image with respect to the shooting screen is detected. Then, the size information detection unit 26 outputs a detection result to the control unit 4.

  Next, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the size information (relative area with respect to the shooting screen) of the car image detected in step S33 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S34). The predetermined threshold is preset and stored in a memory (not shown) or the like. If it is determined in step S34 that the threshold value is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value (No in step S34), the control unit 4 returns to the process in step S33 and steps S33 and S34 until it is determined in step S34 that the threshold value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value. Repeat the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S34 that it is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (step S34, Yes), the control unit 4 switches the recording frame rate from the first recording frame rate to the second recording frame rate (step S35). In FIG. 10, time t2). That is, the control unit 4 uses all the 30 frames / second frame images (in FIG. 10, 30 frames / second (second recording frame rate) frame images 44 and 46 output based on the imaging signal from the imaging device 6. , 48, 50).

  Next, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the recordable time has elapsed (step S36). The recordable time is the maximum time for recording one moving image, and is preset based on the capacity of the recording medium 18 and stored in a memory (not shown). If it is determined in step S36 that the recordable time has not elapsed (No in step S36), the control unit 4 determines whether or not the recording end button (REC button in this embodiment) is pressed by the user. Is discriminated (step S37). When it is determined in step S37 that the recording end button has not been pressed (No in step S37), the control unit 4 returns to the process in step S36 and repeats the processes in steps S36 and S37.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S36 that the recordable time has elapsed (step S36, Yes), or if it is determined in step S37 that the recording end button has been pressed (step S37, Yes), the control unit 4 Ends the recording of the moving image (step S38, time t3 in FIG. 10), and as shown in FIG. 11, the frame images 40 and 42 recorded under the first recording frame rate, and the second recording frame rate. The moving image file 52 is created based on the moving image formed by sequentially connecting the frame images 44, 46, 48, and 50 recorded in step S39 (step S39). Then, the moving image file 52 created in step S39 is recorded on the recording medium 18. Before the processing in step S39, a message for confirming recording on the recording medium 18 such as “Can I record” and whether or not there is recording on the recording medium 18 such as “Yes / No” are displayed. You may display the choice to select.

  In addition, when the recordable time has elapsed during the processing of steps S31 to S35, or when the user presses the recording end button, the control unit 4 ends the recording of the moving image ( The process proceeds to step S38) and step S39.

  When playing back a moving image in the moving image file 52, the control unit 4 reads the moving image file 52 from the recording medium 18 and sequentially displays the frame image 40 on the display surface of the display unit 20. That is, in the moving image recorded between time t1 and time t2, only one frame image out of the five frame images output based on the imaging signal from the imaging element 6 is displayed. 5x speed playback is performed, and a moving image is reproduced in which the vehicle approaches at a speed five times faster than the actual speed. In the moving image recorded from time t2 to t3, all the frame images output based on the image pickup signal from the image pickup device 6 are displayed. Is reproduced at a real speed. That is, the vehicle is displayed at a high speed from time t1 to t2, and the vehicle is displayed at a slower speed from time t1 to time t2 from time t2 to t3.

  Next, processing for shooting a “moving image in which the main subject moves from near to far with respect to the electronic camera 2” in the scenario moving image shooting mode B will be described. After performing the processes of steps S30 and S31 shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 4 starts recording a moving image at the recording frame rate before switching (step S32). When shooting a “moving image in which the main subject moves from near to far with respect to the electronic camera 2”, that is, a moving image in which the size of the subject image changes from a value larger than a predetermined threshold value to a smaller value, The recording frame rate is set to a recording frame rate lower than the first recording frame rate. Specifically, the first recording frame rate is set to 30 frames / second, and the second recording frame rate is set to 6 frames / second.

  The control unit 4 records all 30 frame / second (first recording frame rate) frame images output based on the imaging signal from the imaging device 6. Then, after performing the process of step S33 shown in FIG. 9, instead of the process of step S34, it is determined whether or not the size information of the subject image detected in step S33 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined that the value is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 4 switches the recording frame rate from the first recording frame rate to the second recording frame rate. That is, only one frame image among the five frame images output based on the imaging signal from the imaging device 6 is recorded. Then, after performing the processing of steps S36 to S38 shown in FIG. 9, the frame image recorded at the first recording frame rate (30 frames / second) and the second recording frame rate (6 sheets / second). A moving image file is created based on a moving image formed by sequentially connecting the recorded frame images (step S39).

  In this case, a moving image recorded between time t1 and t2 is reproduced at 1 × speed (constant speed), and a moving image in which the subject moves at the actual speed is reproduced. Then, the moving image recorded between time t2 and t3 is reproduced at 5 × speed, and a moving image in which the subject moves away at a speed 5 times higher than the actual speed is reproduced.

  According to the electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment, since the recording frame rate can be automatically switched based on the size information of the subject image, the subject moving at a substantially constant speed can be detected by the electronic camera 2. In contrast, it is possible to easily create a moving image that is played back as if it was moving far away and moved slowly as it was closer, that is, a moving image having an impressive video effect. In other words, when the vehicle is far from the electronic camera 2, it is played back at several times speed, and when it is close to the camera, it is played back at the same speed so that the details of the approaching vehicle can be viewed over time. Can be easily created.

  Next, an electronic camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the electronic camera according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the configuration of the electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted and the same configuration is used. The description will be made using the same reference numerals.

  Also in the electronic camera according to the second embodiment, when the subject moving at a substantially constant speed is far from the electronic camera, as in the electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment, it is fast and close. Can automatically shoot moving images that are played back as if they were moving slowly. In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the controller 4 proceeds to the process of step S15 after finishing the processes of steps S10 to S14 shown in FIG. FIG. 12 illustrates a process for shooting a “moving image in which a main subject moves from far to near with respect to the electronic camera 2” in the scenario video shooting mode B in the electronic camera according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a time chart for this purpose. In addition, since the process of step S40 and S41 is the same as the process of step S30 and S31 shown in FIG. 9, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, the control unit 4 detects size information of the main subject image (step S42). That is, the same process as the process of step S33 shown in FIG. 9 is performed. Then, based on the size information of the main subject image detected in step S42, the first recording frame rate at the start of moving image recording is set (step S43). In this embodiment, a first recording frame rate table corresponding to the size information of the main subject image is stored in a memory (not shown), and the first recording frame rate is set based on the table. Specifically, when the size information of the main subject image sequentially increases within a range not exceeding a predetermined threshold, the first recording frame rate is also increased. For example, as the area of the main subject image increases to 10%, 20%, and 30% with respect to the shooting screen, the first recording frame rate is increased to 6 frames / second, 12 frames / second, and 18 frames / second. . Note that the first recording frame rate is increased within a range not exceeding the second recording frame rate.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the area of the main subject image is detected to be 10% with respect to the shooting screen in step S42, and the first recording frame rate is set to 6 frames / second in step S43.

  Next, the control unit 4 starts moving image recording at the first recording frame rate set in step S43 (step S44, time t10 in FIG. 13). That is, only the 6 frames / second frame image 54 is recorded from the 30 frames / second frame image output based on the imaging signal from the image sensor 6. Next, the control unit 4 detects size information of the main subject image (step S45), and determines whether or not the detected size information of the main subject image is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S46). If it is determined in step S46 that it is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (No in step S46), the control unit 4 determines whether or not to increase the first recording frame rate (step S47). That is, when the area of the main subject image detected in step S45 is 10% or more and less than 20% with respect to the shooting screen, it is determined that the first recording frame rate is not increased, and is 20% or more. In this case, it is determined that the first recording frame rate is increased.

  When it is determined in step S47 that the first recording frame rate is to be increased (step S47, Yes), the control unit 4 increases the first recording frame rate (step S48). For example, when it is detected that the area of the main subject image is 20% of the shooting screen at time t20 shown in FIG. 13 (step S45), the first recording frame rate is changed from 6 frames / second to 12 frames / second. Increase to seconds (step S48). Similarly, when it is detected that the area of the main subject image is 30% of the shooting screen at time t30 shown in FIG. 13 (step S45), the first recording frame rate is changed from 12 frames / second to 18 frames. / Second (step S48).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S47 that the first recording frame rate is not increased (No in step S47), the process returns to step S45, and step S45 is performed until it is determined in step S46 that the first recording frame rate is not less than the predetermined threshold value. Repeat the process of S48. In addition, since the process of step S46, S49-S52 is the same as the process of step S34-S38 shown in FIG. 9, the description is abbreviate | omitted. A time t40 shown in FIG. 13 is a time when the recording frame rate is switched in step S49, and a time t50 is a time when the recording of the moving image is finished in step S52.

  Then, the control unit 4 records the frame images 54, 56, and 58 recorded at the first recording frame rate (6 frames / second, 12 frames / second, 18 frames / second) and the second recording frame rate (30 frames). The moving image file 62 is created based on the moving image formed by sequentially connecting the frame images 60 recorded under (/ sec) (step S53).

  In this case, the movie is played at 5 times speed from time t10 to t20, at 2.5 times speed from time t20 to t30, at about 1.7 times speed from time t30 to t40, and at 1 time speed (constant speed) from time t40 to t50. The image is reproduced.

  Next, in the electronic camera according to the second embodiment, a process for shooting a “moving image in which a main subject moves from near to far with respect to the electronic camera 2” in scenario moving image shooting mode B will be described.

  After performing the processes of steps S40 and S41 shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 4 starts recording a moving image at the recording frame rate before switching without performing the processes of steps S42 and S43 (step S44). That is, all 30 frame / second (first recording frame rate) frame images output based on the imaging signal from the imaging device 6 are recorded. Then, after performing the process of step S45 shown in FIG. 12, instead of the process of step S46, it is determined whether or not the size information of the subject image detected in step S45 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined that the value is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 4 switches the recording frame rate from the first recording frame rate to the second recording frame rate.

  Next, the control unit 4 detects the size information of the main subject image, and determines whether or not to lower the second recording frame rate based on the detected size information of the main subject image. In this embodiment, a second recording frame rate table corresponding to the size information of the main subject image is stored in a memory or the like (not shown), and the second recording frame rate is set based on the table. Specifically, when the size information of the main subject image is sequentially decreased within a range equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the second recording frame rate is also decreased sequentially. For example, as the area of the main subject image decreases to 30%, 20%, and 10% with respect to the shooting screen, the second recording frame rate is decreased to 18 frames / second, 12 frames / second, and 6 frames / second. . Note that the second recording frame rate is lowered within a range less than the first recording frame rate. As described above, the control unit 4 controls the second recording frame rate until the recordable time has elapsed (step S50, Yes) or until the recording end button is pressed (step S51, Yes).

  Then, the control unit 4 performs the frame image recorded at the first recording frame rate (30 frames / second) and the second recording frame rate (18 frames / second, 12 sheets / second, 6 frames / second). A moving image file is created based on a moving image formed by sequentially connecting the recorded frame images (step S53).

  According to the electronic camera according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment, the first recording frame rate can be increased as the subject image becomes larger. It is possible to easily create a moving image in which a vehicle moving nearby can be reproduced at a double speed without discomfort and the details of the approaching vehicle can be appreciated. Also, as the subject image becomes smaller, the second recording frame rate can be lowered, so that the details of the car moving near the electronic camera can be appreciated, and the car moving far from nearby is uncomfortable. Therefore, it is possible to easily create a moving image that can be reproduced at double speed.

  In the first and second embodiments, the first recording frame rate is switched to the second recording frame rate based on the size information of the main subject image. A configuration may be adopted in which the first recording frame rate is switched to the second recording frame rate based on the position of the main subject image in the screen. In this case, a position detector that detects the position of the main subject image is further provided, and the recording frame rate is switched based on the detection results of the size information detector and the position detector. The position detection unit identifies the main subject image in the shooting screen from the template and detects the position of the main subject image in the shooting screen. When the main subject is moving from far to near with respect to the electronic camera, for example, it is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and the position detection unit positions the main subject image at the center in the shooting screen. When it is detected, the recording frame rate is switched. In addition, when the main subject is moving from left to right (or from right to left) with respect to the shooting screen, for example, it is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and the position of the main subject image is within the shooting screen by the position detection unit. When it is detected that it is located on the right side (left side), the recording frame rate is switched.

  In the first and second embodiments, the first recording frame rate and the second recording frame rate are set in advance, but at least one of the first recording frame rate and the second recording frame rate is changed. It can also be configured. In this case, an item for setting at least one of the first recording frame rate and the second recording frame rate is added to the menu item in the menu, and the menu screen is displayed on the display unit 20 before shooting the moving image. Then, at least one of the first recording frame rate, the second recording frame rate, and the predetermined time is set by operating using the cross key or the like.

  Next, an electronic camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the electronic camera according to the third embodiment is obtained by removing the size information detection unit 26 (see FIG. 1) from the configuration of the electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, an electronic camera according to the third embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals for the same configuration as the configuration of the electronic camera 2 shown in FIG.

  Also in the electronic camera according to the third embodiment, when the subject moving at a substantially constant speed is far from the electronic camera, as in the electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment, it is fast and close. Can automatically shoot moving images that are played back as if they were moving slowly. In the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the control unit 4 finishes the processes of steps S10 to S13 shown in FIG. 2, and then performs step S14 (steps S20 to S22 shown in FIG. 6). The process proceeds to the process of step S15 without performing the process of. FIG. 14 illustrates a process for shooting a “moving image in which the main subject moves from far to near with respect to the electronic camera 2” in the scenario video shooting mode B in the electronic camera according to the third embodiment. It is a flowchart for. In addition, since the process of step S60-S62 is the same as the process of step S30-S32 shown in FIG. 9, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, the control unit 4 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of moving image recording (step S63). The predetermined time is a time for recording a moving image at the first recording frame rate (6 frames / second), and is preset and stored in a memory (not shown) or the like. When it is determined in step S63 that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S63, Yes), the control unit 4 changes the recording frame rate from the first recording frame rate to the second recording frame rate (30 frames / second). Switching (step S64). In addition, since the process of step S65-S68 is the same as the process of step S36-S39 shown in FIG. 9, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In addition, in the electronic camera according to the third embodiment, the process for shooting the “moving image in which the main subject moves from near to far from the electronic camera” in the scenario video shooting mode B is On the other hand, the processing is the same as the processing (steps S60 to S68 shown in FIG. 14) for photographing the “moving image in which the main subject moves from far to close”. Note that when shooting “moving images in which the main subject moves from near to far with respect to the electronic camera”, the first recording frame rate is set to 30 frames / second and the second recording frame rate is set to 6 frames / second. ing.

  According to the electronic camera of the third embodiment, since a predetermined time, which is a time for recording a moving image at the first recording frame rate, is set in advance, even if the size information detection unit 26 is not provided, the first A moving image similar to that taken in the first embodiment can be easily taken.

  In the electronic camera according to the third embodiment, a moving image (moving image that gradually increases the first recording frame rate or the second recording frame rate is gradually increased) captured by the electronic camera according to the second embodiment. (Moving image to be lowered) can also be taken. In this case, a time shorter than the predetermined time is set, and the first recording frame rate is gradually increased (or the second recording frame rate is gradually decreased) every time that time elapses.

  In the third embodiment, the first recording frame rate, the second recording frame rate, and the predetermined time are set in advance, but the first recording frame rate, the second recording frame rate, and the predetermined time are set in advance. It is also possible to configure at least one of the times as a default and change at least one of the first recording frame rate, the second recording frame rate, and the predetermined time. In this case, an item for setting at least one of the first recording frame rate, the second recording frame rate, and the predetermined time is added to the menu item in the menu, and the menu screen is displayed before shooting the moving image. 20, and at least one of the first recording frame rate, the second recording frame rate, and the predetermined time is set by operating using the cross key or the like.

  Further, in the case of shooting “a moving image in which the main subject moves from far to near with respect to the electronic camera”, the first recording frame rate as shown in FIG. 15 is performed before the process of step S60 shown in FIG. A setting screen 70 for setting the predetermined time may be displayed on the display unit 20. The user sets a predetermined time (3 seconds in FIG. 15) and a first recording frame rate (3 times speed (10 frames / second in FIG. 15)) using the cross key or the like on the setting screen 70, When the OK button is pressed, the control unit 4 proceeds to the process of step S60.

  Also, when “moving images in which the main subject moves from near to far with respect to the electronic camera” is shot, the second recording frame rate as shown in FIG. 16 is performed before the processing of step S60 shown in FIG. A setting screen 72 for setting a predetermined time may be displayed on the display unit 20. The user sets a predetermined time (3 seconds in FIG. 16) and a second recording frame rate (3 times speed (10 frames / second in FIG. 16)) using the cross key or the like on the setting screen 72, When the OK button is pressed, the control unit 4 proceeds to the process of step S60.

  Instead of using the cross key or the OK button, the electronic camera includes a touch panel I / F and a touch panel connected to the touch panel I / F and provided on the display screen of the display unit 20. The first recording frame rate, the second recording frame rate, and a predetermined time may be set on 70 and 72. In this case, the control unit 4 recognizes via the touch panel I / F by touching the touch panel (display screen of the display unit 20) with, for example, a user's finger or a pen, and performs processing based on the recognition result. .

  In the first and second embodiments, the template is set using the cross key or the OK button (step S21 shown in FIG. 6). However, the template is set using the touch panel described above. May be. In this case, the main subject image is designated by the user's finger, pen, or the like on the touch panel.

  Also, all the moving images are stored in the moving image buffer memory 12, and after the moving images are captured, the first recording frame rate, the second recording frame rate, a predetermined time, etc. are set, and the moving images are set based on the settings. An image file may be created.

  As described above, when manually setting at least one of the first recording frame rate, the second recording frame rate, and the predetermined time, a recording frame rate outside the settable range (for example, from the imaging device 6). It may be configured to control such that the user cannot set a frame rate higher than the frame rate that can be output) and time (for example, a predetermined time longer than the recordable time).

  In each of the above-described embodiments, “a moving image in which the main subject moves from far to near with respect to the electronic camera” and “a moving image in which the main subject moves from near to far with respect to the electronic camera” A moving image that combines these, that is, “a moving image in which the main subject moves from far to near and further away from the electronic camera” and “the main subject is close to the electronic camera. It is also possible to take a “moving image moving from far to far and from far to near”.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the recordable time is set in advance, and recording for a time longer than the recordable time is prohibited. However, the present invention relates to the present invention until the recording end button is pressed by the user. It can also be configured to continue recording of moving images. It is also possible to configure the recordable time as a default by changing the recordable time as a default.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, audio can be recorded simultaneously with recording of a moving image.

  When recording audio simultaneously with moving image recording, the period of shooting at the same frame rate of 30 frames / second (high frame rate) as during playback is the same as the recording of moving images in real time. It is preferable to record audio simultaneously. With this configuration, when playing back a moving image during this high frame rate shooting period, video and real-time sound can be played back together, further deepening the impression of the movie shot in this scenario movie mode. I can do it.

  On the other hand, for a period of shooting at a low frame rate (low frame rate) such as 6 frames / second, if the playback frame rate is a high frame rate (for example, 30 frames / second), recording is performed during the shooting period. It is preferable that no sound is generated because the reproduced sound has no effect even if it is reproduced (there is a high possibility that the sound will be reproduced at a high speed or an unpleasant sound reproduction). Alternatively, during this period, sound (such as sound effects and music stored in advance in the camera memory) corresponding to high-speed image playback is associated with moving image data during this shooting period (low frame rate shooting period). May be recorded.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Electronic camera, 4 ... Control part, 6 ... Image pick-up element, 8 ... Amplifier and A / D conversion part, 10 ... Microphone, 12 ... Movie buffer memory, 14 ... Still image buffer memory, 16 ... Audio buffer memory , 18 ... a recording medium, 20 ... a display unit, 22 ... a speaker, 24 ... an operation unit, 26 ... a size information detection unit.

Claims (4)

An image sensor for imaging light from a subject;
During the period from the start of imaging of the moving picture formed by a plurality of frame images based on the imaging signals from the imaging element to exit the shooting of the moving image, said of the Utsushitai image that put into the photographing screen A size information detector that detects information about the size relative to the shooting screen;
Based on the size information of the subject image with respect to the shooting screen detected by the size information detection unit, a recording frame rate indicating the number of the frame images recorded per unit time is calculated from the first recording frame rate. A switching unit for switching to a second recording frame rate different from the first recording frame rate;
Create moving image data based on a plurality of the frame images recorded from the start of shooting of the moving image until the end of shooting of the moving image through switching by the switching unit. A moving image data creation unit;
An imaging apparatus comprising: A setting unit for setting at least one of the first recording frame rate and the second recording frame rate;
In the first case where the size information of the subject image changes from a value smaller than a predetermined threshold value to a value larger than the predetermined threshold value, the setting unit changes the first recording frame rate to the second recording frame rate. Set to a lower recording frame rate,
In the second case where the size information of the subject image changes from a value larger than the predetermined threshold value to a value smaller than the predetermined threshold value, the second recording frame rate is a recording frame that is less than the first recording frame rate. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is set to a rate. The setting unit
In the first case, and when the size information of the subject image sequentially increases, the first recording frame rate exceeds the second recording frame rate in accordance with the change in the size information. Gradually increase within the range
On the other hand, in the second case, and when the size information of the subject image is sequentially reduced, the second recording frame rate is set to the first recording frame rate according to the change in the size information. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging apparatus is sequentially lowered within a range of less than. A position detector for detecting the position of the subject image in the shooting screen;
The switching unit switches the recording frame rate from the first recording frame rate to the second recording frame rate based on the position of the subject image detected by the position detection unit. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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