JP5600935B2 - Image recording apparatus, image recording method, and image recording program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus , an image recording method, and an image recording program.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, before the continuous shooting is started, the amount of image data to be obtained by continuous shooting is compared with the free space of the memory, and the free space of the memory is smaller. In addition, a technique is disclosed in which continuous shooting is performed after a free space is secured by deleting thumbnail images stored in a memory. According to the technique of Patent Document 1, continuous shooting can be executed without being limited by the free space of the memory.

JP 2009-44296 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, it is obtained by continuous shooting according to the shooting situation (refers to the acquisition situation of still images (including the change situation of images) and does not include the situation such as the remaining amount of memory). It is not possible to adjust the amount of still image data.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an image recording apparatus , an image recording method, and an image that can adjust the data amount of a still image obtained by continuous shooting according to shooting conditions. The purpose is to provide a recording program.

In order to solve the above problem, an image recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
First still image data representing a first still image and second still image data representing a second still image photographed after the first still image are obtained by performing continuous still image photographing using a photographing unit. A still image acquisition means for acquiring
Determining whether the first still image represented by the first still image data and the second still image represented by the second still image data acquired by the still image acquisition unit have a predetermined relationship; When one still image and the second still image have a predetermined relationship, the first still image data and the second still image data are individually recorded in a storage unit, and the first still image and the second still image are recorded. When the second still image does not have a predetermined relationship, the second still image data is converted into difference data representing a difference on the image from the first still image data, and the converted difference data and the first still image Recording means for recording image data in the storage unit;
With
That the first still image and the second still image have the predetermined relationship is that (1) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (2) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, and the first An image change between the still image and the second still image satisfies the fifth criterion;
That the first still image and the second still image are not in the predetermined relationship is that (3) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (4) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, Ri der that a change in the image between the images of the second still image and the first still image does not satisfy the fifth criterion,
Wherein the fourth reference, shorter than the length defined by the third reference, and, Ru longer der than a predetermined length,
It is characterized by that.
An image recording method according to the first aspect of the present invention includes:
An image recording method using an apparatus including a photographing unit,
First still image data representing a first still image and second still image data representing a second still image photographed after the first still image by photographing a continuous still image using the photographing unit. And a still image acquisition step for acquiring
Determining whether the first still image represented by the first still image data and the second still image represented by the second still image data acquired in the still image acquisition step have a predetermined relationship; When one still image and the second still image have a predetermined relationship, the first still image data and the second still image data are individually recorded in a storage unit, and the first still image and the second still image are recorded. When the second still image does not have a predetermined relationship, the second still image data is converted into difference data representing a difference on the image from the first still image data, and the converted difference data and the first still image A recording step of recording image data in the storage unit;
Including
That the first still image and the second still image have the predetermined relationship is that (1) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (2) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, and the first An image change between the still image and the second still image satisfies the fifth criterion;
That the first still image and the second still image are not in the predetermined relationship is that (3) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (4) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, Ri der that a change in the image between the images of the second still image and the first still image does not satisfy the fifth criterion,
Wherein the fourth reference, shorter than the length defined by the third reference, and, Ru longer der than a predetermined length,
It is characterized by that.
An image recording program according to the first aspect of the present invention includes:
Computer
First still image data representing a first still image and second still image data representing a second still image photographed after the first still image are obtained by performing continuous still image photographing using a photographing unit. A still image acquisition means for acquiring
Determining whether the first still image represented by the first still image data and the second still image represented by the second still image data acquired by the still image acquisition unit have a predetermined relationship; When one still image and the second still image have a predetermined relationship, the first still image data and the second still image data are individually recorded in a storage unit, and the first still image and the second still image are recorded. When the second still image does not have a predetermined relationship, the second still image data is converted into difference data representing a difference on the image from the first still image data, and the converted difference data and the first still image Recording means for recording image data in the storage unit;
A program that functions as
That the first still image and the second still image have the predetermined relationship is that (1) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (2) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, and the first An image change between the still image and the second still image satisfies the fifth criterion;
That the first still image and the second still image are not in the predetermined relationship is that (3) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (4) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, Ri der that a change in the image between the images of the second still image and the first still image does not satisfy the fifth criterion,
Wherein the fourth reference, shorter than the length defined by the third reference, and, Ru longer der than a predetermined length,
It is characterized by that.

In order to solve the above problems, an image recording apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention provides:
First still image data representing a first still image and second still image data representing a second still image photographed after the first still image are obtained by performing continuous still image photographing using a photographing unit. A still image acquisition means for acquiring
Determining whether the first still image represented by the first still image data and the second still image represented by the second still image data acquired by the still image acquisition unit have a predetermined relationship; When one still image and the second still image have a predetermined relationship, the first still image data and the second still image data are individually recorded in a storage unit, and the first still image and the second still image are recorded. When the second still image does not have a predetermined relationship, the second still image data is converted into difference data representing a difference on the image from the first still image data, and the converted difference data and the first still image Recording means for recording image data in the storage unit;
With
That the first still image and the second still image have the predetermined relationship is that (1) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (2) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, An image change between images of still image data acquired before the acquisition means acquires the first still image data satisfies a sixth criterion;
That the first still image and the second still image are not in the predetermined relationship is that (3) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (4) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, der that a change in the image between the images of the still image data obtained before the still image acquisition unit acquires the first still image data does not satisfy the sixth reference is,
Wherein the fourth reference, shorter than the length defined by the third reference, and, Ru longer der than a predetermined length,
It is characterized by that.
An image recording method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes:
An image recording method using an apparatus including a photographing unit,
First still image data representing a first still image and second still image data representing a second still image photographed after the first still image by photographing a continuous still image using the photographing unit. And a still image acquisition step for acquiring
Determining whether the first still image represented by the first still image data and the second still image represented by the second still image data acquired in the still image acquisition step have a predetermined relationship; When one still image and the second still image have a predetermined relationship, the first still image data and the second still image data are individually recorded in a storage unit, and the first still image and the second still image are recorded. When the second still image does not have a predetermined relationship, the second still image data is converted into difference data representing a difference on the image from the first still image data, and the converted difference data and the first still image A recording step of recording image data in the storage unit;
Including
That the first still image and the second still image have the predetermined relationship is that (1) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (2) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, An image change between images of still image data acquired before the acquisition means acquires the first still image data satisfies a sixth criterion;
That the first still image and the second still image are not in the predetermined relationship is that (3) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (4) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, der that a change in the image between the images of the still image data obtained before the still image acquisition unit acquires the first still image data does not satisfy the sixth reference is,
Wherein the fourth reference, shorter than the length defined by the third reference, and, Ru longer der than a predetermined length,
It is characterized by that.
An image recording program according to the second aspect of the present invention includes:
Computer
First still image data representing a first still image and second still image data representing a second still image photographed after the first still image are obtained by performing continuous still image photographing using a photographing unit. A still image acquisition means for acquiring
Determining whether the first still image represented by the first still image data and the second still image represented by the second still image data acquired by the still image acquisition unit have a predetermined relationship; When one still image and the second still image have a predetermined relationship, the first still image data and the second still image data are individually recorded in a storage unit, and the first still image and the second still image are recorded. When the second still image does not have a predetermined relationship, the second still image data is converted into difference data representing a difference on the image from the first still image data, and the converted difference data and the first still image Recording means for recording image data in the storage unit;
A program that functions as
That the first still image and the second still image have the predetermined relationship is that (1) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (2) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, An image change between images of still image data acquired before the acquisition means acquires the first still image data satisfies a sixth criterion;
That the first still image and the second still image are not in the predetermined relationship is that (3) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (4) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, der that a change in the image between the images of the still image data obtained before the still image acquisition unit acquires the first still image data does not satisfy the sixth reference is,
Wherein the fourth reference, shorter than the length defined by the third reference, and, Ru longer der than a predetermined length,
It is characterized by that.

According to the image recording apparatus , the image recording method, and the image recording program according to the present invention, the data amount of a still image obtained by continuous shooting can be adjusted according to the shooting situation.

It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the image recording device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the hardware constitutions of the image recording apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the image recording process (1) which the image recording device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention performs. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the example of the still image data and difference data which were recorded on the storage medium by the image recording process (1). It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the other example of the still image data and difference data which were recorded on the storage medium by the image recording process (1). It is a flowchart for demonstrating the image recording process (2) which the image recording device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention performs. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the example of the still image data and difference data which were recorded on the storage medium by the image recording process (2). It is a flowchart for demonstrating the image recording process (3) which the image recording device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention performs. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the example of the still image data and difference data which were recorded on the storage medium by the image recording process (3).

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

(Embodiment 1)
First, the configuration of the image recording apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image recording apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is a photographing apparatus such as a digital camera. The image recording apparatus 100 performs continuous shooting at a predetermined frame rate (the number of still images generated per second). The continuous shooting is continuous shooting of still images, for example, continuous shooting of still images (moving image shooting is also included as appropriate) performed when the user continues to press the shutter key. The image recording apparatus 100 acquires a series of continuous still image data by continuous shooting. The frame rate is set by a user operation or automatically set in a predetermined case. The image recording device 110 records the acquired still image data in a storage unit. In a predetermined case, the image recording device 110 converts still image data into difference data that is data representing a difference between still images, and converts the still image data into the still image data. Record in the storage unit as a substitute.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image recording apparatus 100 includes a control unit 110, an I / F unit 120, a photographing unit 130, an operation unit 140, and a display unit 150.

  The control unit 110 controls the entire image recording apparatus 100. The control unit 110 includes a still image acquisition unit 110a and a recording unit 110b. The still image acquisition unit 110a and the recording unit 110b perform an image recording process, which will be described later.

  The still image acquisition unit 110a performs continuous shooting at a predetermined frame rate using the imaging unit 130 in an image recording process to be described later, and acquires a series of still image data each representing a series of still images. For example, the still image acquisition unit 110a controls the photographing unit 130 to cause the photographing unit 130 to perform photographing. The imaging unit 130 generates original image data by imaging, and supplies the generated original image data to the still image acquisition unit 110a. The still image acquisition unit 110a generates (acquires) still image data based on the original image data supplied from the imaging unit 130. Such a series of processing is performed at a predetermined frame rate.

  The recording unit 110b records a series of still image data acquired by the still image acquisition unit 110a in the storage unit in an image recording process described later. At this time, at least one of the still image data to be recorded is recorded in a predetermined case. Are converted into difference data representing a difference between still images, and recorded in the storage unit instead of the still image data before conversion.

  The I / F unit 120 is an interface (I / F) with the outside. The I / F unit 120 is used when the recording unit 110 b reads and writes data from and to the storage medium 50. For example, the recording unit 110 b is used when recording data such as still image data and difference data in the storage medium 50.

  The imaging unit 130 generates original image data representing an image (that is, a captured image) captured by a user's imaging operation under the control of the control unit 110, and supplies the generated original image data to the control unit 110.

  Under the control of the control unit 110, the operation unit 140 receives an operation input from the user (a start input for instructing the start of continuous shooting and an end input for instructing the end of the continuous shooting). A corresponding operation signal is supplied to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 performs processing according to the supplied operation signal. The operation unit 140 is also used for setting a frame rate for continuous shooting, for example.

  The display unit 150 displays a menu screen, a setting screen, a live view image, and the like necessary for operating the image recording apparatus 100 under the control of the control unit 110.

  The storage medium 50 is an external storage device of the image recording device 100 that is connected to the image recording device 100. The storage medium 50 is constituted by, for example, a memory card equipped with a flash memory. The recording unit 110 b records still image data, difference data, and the like generated by the image recording process on the storage medium 50 via the I / F unit 120.

  Note that the control unit 110 (still image acquisition unit 110a and recording unit 110b) temporarily stores still image data, difference data, and the like acquired by an image recording process described later, but still image data and difference data to be temporarily stored. Etc. may be temporarily recorded in the storage medium 50. In this case, the control unit 110 reads / writes still image data, difference data, and the like from / to the storage medium 50 as appropriate.

  In the present embodiment, the storage medium 50 constitutes a storage unit. The storage unit is configured by a storage device that finally records (saves) still image data, difference data, and the like. A hard disk, a flash memory, or the like may be formed in the image recording apparatus 100, and these storage devices may be used as a storage unit instead of the storage medium 50. A storage device (for example, a storage device in the server) external to the image recording unit 100 that can communicate with the image recording device 100 is prepared, and this storage device may be used as a storage unit instead of the storage medium 50.

  Next, a hardware configuration of the image recording apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image recording apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 114, a media controller 121, an imaging element 131, an imaging lens group 132, and an imaging. A drive unit 133, an AFE (Analog Front End) 134, a TG (Timing Generator) 135, a driver 136, an operation key group 141, a display 151, and a bus 199 are provided. The CPU 111 and the like are appropriately connected to the bus 199 and the like.

  The imaging unit 130 in FIG. 1 includes an imaging element 131, an imaging lens group 132, an imaging drive unit 133, an AFE 134, a TG 135, and a driver 136.

  The imaging lens group 132 includes a lens group including a focus lens and a zoom lens.

  The plurality of lenses constituting the imaging lens group 132 are each driven by a lens driving unit included in the imaging driving unit 133. The lens driving unit includes a motor that moves the imaging lens group 132 in the optical axis direction and a motor driver that drives the motor. The lens driving unit drives the motor by a motor driver under the control of the CPU 111 to move the imaging lens group 132 in the optical axis direction.

  Further, the imaging drive unit 133 includes an aperture / shutter unit. The diaphragm / shutter unit includes a diaphragm / shutter and a drive circuit. The drive circuit operates the aperture / shutter under the control of the CPU 111. This aperture / shutter functions as an aperture and shutter. The diaphragm is a mechanism that controls the amount of light incident through the imaging lens group 132, and the shutter is a mechanism that controls the time during which light is applied to the imaging element 131, that is, the time during which the light receiving element receives light. I mean.

  The image sensor 131 is configured by, for example, various CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensors having a Bayer color filter. The image sensor 131 may be another image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor.

  In accordance with the drive signal supplied from the driver 136, the image sensor 131 captures an image of light incident through the image pickup lens group 132, performs photoelectric conversion for each pixel, and amplifies the charge for each pixel generated by the photoelectric conversion by an amplifier. Then, the amplified signal is supplied to the AFE 134 as a photographing signal. In this way, the image sensor 131 is controlled by the CPU 111 and supplies the image signal to the AFE 134.

  The TG 135 is controlled by the CPU 111, generates a pulse signal for operating the driver 136, and supplies the pulse signal to the driver 136. That is, the interval (shutter speed) at which the imaging signal for one frame (that is, one image) is supplied from the image sensor 131 described later depends on the pulse signal supplied from the TG 135 to the driver 136. The TG 135 also supplies a similar pulse signal to the AFE 134. The TG 135 synchronizes operation timings of the AFE 134 and the driver 136 by supplying a pulse signal. In this way, the AFE 134 and the driver 136 are controlled by the CPU 111 via the TG 135.

  The driver 136 is a drive circuit that supplies a drive signal to the image sensor 131 in accordance with a pulse signal from the TG 135.

  The AFE 134 performs a predetermined process (hereinafter referred to as process A) on the imaging signal supplied from the image sensor 131 to generate data representing the image captured by the image sensor 131 (original image data, the same applies hereinafter). Output. The AFE 134 includes, for example, an OB (Optical Black) clamp unit, a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) circuit, an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) circuit, an A / D (Analog / digital) converter, and the like (not shown). Do A.

  The OB clamp unit receives a photographic signal supplied from the image sensor 131, performs a clamp process on the received photographic signal, and supplies a signal after the clamp process (hereinafter referred to as a post-clamp signal) to the CDS circuit. The CDS circuit performs correlated double sampling on the post-clamped signal supplied from the OB clamp unit, and supplies a signal after the correlated double sampling (hereinafter referred to as a post-sampling signal) to the AGC circuit. The AGC circuit performs automatic gain adjustment on the sampled signal supplied from the CDS circuit, and supplies a signal after automatic gain adjustment (hereinafter referred to as an adjusted signal) to the A / D converter. The CPU 111 can also control the gain of the AGC circuit. The A / D converter converts the adjusted signal, which is an analog signal supplied from the AGC circuit, into a digital signal, and records original image data based on the converted digital signal in the RAM 114.

  Here, the original image data is image data for one frame expressed by pixel values of each effective pixel (pixels contributing to image reproduction excluding OB and the like) of the image sensor 131. The original image data is, for example, RGB (Red-Green-Blue) data, Bayer data, or the like.

  The control unit 110 (still image acquisition unit 110a and recording unit 110b) in FIG. 1 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 114.

  The CPU 111 controls each component of the image recording apparatus 100. In addition, the CPU 111 follows the image recording program 113 recorded in the ROM 112 and further uses various data recorded in the ROM 112 to perform control unit 110 (still image acquisition unit 110a and The processing performed by the recording unit 110b) is executed. The image recording program 113 and various data recorded in the ROM 112 may be once read into the RAM 114.

  At least a part of the functions of the CPU 111 may be realized by various dedicated circuits. That is, at least a part of the control unit 110 (the still image acquisition unit 110a or the recording unit 110b) may be configured by various dedicated circuits. Examples of various dedicated circuits include a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an encoder, and a decoder.

  The ROM 112 is configured by an appropriate semiconductor storage device. The ROM 112 stores various programs such as the image recording program 113 and various data used by the CPU 111.

  The RAM 114 is configured by an appropriate semiconductor memory device. The RAM 114 functions as a working memory of the CPU 111 and temporarily stores data used by the CPU 111, data generated by the CPU 111 (still image data, difference data, etc.), data supplied to the CPU 111, and the like.

  The image recording program 113 may cause the CPU 111 to perform an image recording process described later in cooperation with an OS (Operation System). In this case, the OS is also recorded in the ROM 112. The image recording program 113 is recorded on a portable storage medium (for example, CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory)), and is supplied to the image recording apparatus 100. May be. Further, the image recording program 113 may be supplied to the image recording apparatus 100 via a network.

  The ROM 112, RAM 114, or portable storage medium in which the image recording program 113 is recorded is a computer-readable program product (a computer-readable storage medium that stores the program). The image recording program 113 may operate a computer in which at least a part of the functions is realized by a dedicated circuit. That is, the computer as a whole is only required to perform image recording processing described later, and the image recording program 113 may be any program that operates such a computer.

  The CPU 111 reads the original image data recorded in the RAM 114 as appropriate. The CPU 111 performs various processes (hereinafter referred to as process B) on the acquired original image data as necessary, and converts the original image data into still image data in the YUV (luminance / color difference) format. The process B includes a process for improving the image quality, such as contour enhancement, auto white balance, and auto iris. The CPU 111 records the still image data converted by the process B in the RAM 114. As described above, the CPU 111 acquires still image data by generating still image data.

  When the control unit 110 includes a DSP, the DSP receives the original image data from the AFE 134, converts the received original image data into still image (YUV format) data by the same process as the process B, and converts the received image data. Still image data is recorded in the RAM 114.

  The CPU 111 appropriately converts still image data recorded in the RAM 114 into display data and records it in the RAM 114. The CPU 111 supplies the display data recorded in the RAM 114 to the display 151. Further, the CPU 111 appropriately generates display data (the template image data is recorded in the ROM 112) representing a menu screen, a setting screen, and the like, and records the generated display data in the RAM 114. The CPU 111 supplies the display data recorded in the RAM 114 to the display 151. The display data is, for example, RGB data.

  The CPU 111 appropriately compresses the still image data recorded in the RAM 114 and records the compressed image data (which is also an example of still image data) in the RAM 114. When the control unit 110 includes an encoder, the encoder may perform compression. The CPU 111 appropriately records the compressed image recorded in the RAM 114 on a storage medium via the media controller 121. The compressed image is, for example, a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) image.

  Further, the CPU 111 appropriately generates difference data representing a difference between still images based on a plurality of still image data recorded in the RAM 114, and records this difference data in the RAM 114 (details will be described later). ). Further, as necessary, the CPU 111 appropriately records the difference data recorded in the RAM 114 on the storage medium via the media controller 121. When generating the difference data, the CPU 111 appropriately converts each of the plurality of still image data into RGB data or the like (this is also an example of still image data). The CPU 111 is not limited to the generation of difference data, and when performing various processes, the still image data is appropriately converted into RGB data or the like (which is also an example of still image data) as necessary.

  Here, the difference data is data representing a difference between still images. The original still image of the difference data is represented by the still image data (reference image data) of the reference still image and the difference data. As the technique for the difference data, an appropriate known technique can be adopted. For example, the CPU 111 extracts a motion vector based on a reference image represented by reference image data serving as a reference and an image represented by still image data for which difference data is to be generated, and the difference data representing the difference by the motion vector. May be generated. In this case, if the difference (motion vector) represented by the difference data is synthesized based on the reference image, the original still image is expressed. Further, the difference data may be difference image data represented by a difference between the pixels of the reference image data and the still image data for which difference data is to be generated. The original still image is expressed by adding the difference image data and the reference image data and performing various correction processes.

  The I / F unit 120 in FIG. 1 includes a media controller 121. Under the control of the CPU 111, the media controller 121 receives data (still image data, difference data, etc.) from the CPU 111, and stores (records) the received data in the storage medium 50. To do. Thereby, still image data and difference data are recorded in the storage unit.

  Note that still image data, difference data, and the like recorded in the RAM 114 and processed by the CPU 111 may be temporarily recorded in the storage medium 50. In this case, the CPU 111 records still image data, difference data, and the like on the storage medium 50 through the media controller 121 at an appropriate timing, and the CPU 111 reads these data from the storage medium 50 as necessary.

  The operation unit 140 in FIG. 1 includes an operation key group 141. The operation key group 141 includes a plurality of operation keys such as a shutter key, a mode switching key, a cross key, a zoom key, a menu key, a set key, and a power key that can be operated in two steps by half-pressing and full-pressing. The operation key group 141 further includes a signal output unit (configured by a substrate, a contact, etc.) that outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation of each key. The operation key group 141 is controlled by the CPU 111 and supplies an operation signal corresponding to the operation of each key to the CPU 111.

  The display unit 150 in FIG. The display 151 includes a display panel and a display controller. Display data stored in the RAM 114 is supplied to the display controller under the control of the CPU 111. The display controller converts the supplied display data into an analog signal under the control of the CPU 111, and displays an image on the display panel based on the converted analog signal. That is, the display 151 displays an image (a menu screen, a setting screen, a live view image, etc.) represented by this image based on the supplied image under the control of the CPU 111.

  Next, an example of image recording processing (1) performed by the image recording apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. This process is started when the operation unit 140 of the image recording apparatus 100 is operated and the continuous shooting mode is selected.

  Note that the frame rate in the continuous shooting mode is set in advance. This frame rate is set by the user operating the operation unit 140, for example. The frame rate is changed by the user operating the operation unit 140 or automatically even during continuous shooting. The still image acquisition unit 110a initially sets a preset frame rate as an initial frame rate (step S101).

  When the continuous shooting mode is selected, the still image acquisition unit 110a controls the shooting unit 130 to generate original image data in the shooting unit 130 at a rate interval higher than the set frame rate, for example. (Process A described above) and output. This original image data is recorded in the RAM 114. The still image acquisition unit 110a performs processing B on the original image data to generate still image data. The still image acquisition unit 110a converts still image data into display data, supplies the converted display data to the display unit 150, and causes the display unit 150 to display an image represented by the display data. The still image acquisition unit 110a displays a so-called live view image on the display unit 150 by repeating such processing. At this time, the still image acquisition unit 110a holds the still image data appropriately by temporarily storing the still image data in the RAM 114 or temporarily storing it in the storage medium 50 as necessary.

  The still image acquisition unit 110a determines whether to start continuous shooting (step S102). For example, the user presses the shutter key at a timing when continuous shooting is desired to start. When the shutter key of the operation unit 140 is operated (pressed), the operation unit 140 supplies an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the still image acquisition unit 110a. If this operation signal is supplied, the still image acquisition unit 110a means that the user has instructed continuous shooting, and therefore determines that continuous shooting is to be started (step S102; YES). Note that the still image acquisition unit 110a may measure time with a timer or the like and automatically start continuous shooting at a predetermined timing. In this case, the still image acquisition unit 110a determines that continuous shooting is started at a timing when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time (step S102; YES).

  If the still image acquisition unit 110a determines that continuous shooting is not started, for example, because an operation signal is not supplied (step S102; NO), the process of step S102 is performed again. In this way, the still image acquisition unit 110a waits until the time when continuous shooting is started.

  When the still image acquisition unit 110a determines that continuous shooting is started in the process of step S102 (step S102; YES), the still image acquisition unit 110a controls the shooting unit 130 (controls the shutter speed and the like), and The image capturing unit 130 generates original image data at a time interval corresponding to the frame rate set in the still image acquisition unit 110a, performs processing B on the original image data supplied from the image capturing unit 130, and converts the still image data into Generate (step S103). The still image acquisition unit 110a holds the still image data by temporarily storing the still image data generated in this step in the RAM 114 or temporarily storing it in the storage medium 50 as necessary. The still image data is deleted when the main image recording process is completed.

  The still image acquisition unit 110a determines whether the set frame rate is high (step S104). For example, the still image acquisition unit 110a determines that the frame rate is high when the set frame rate is greater than or equal to the first threshold (step S104; YES), and the set frame rate is the first If it is less than the threshold, it is determined that the frame rate is low (step S104; NO).

  The first threshold is a reference for the high frame rate. When the frame rate is high, the time interval T when a series of still images taken continuously is shot is short. This time interval is an interval at which a still image is acquired (an interval at which a still image is captured). The frame rate is the reciprocal of this time interval. The first threshold value is, for example, 30 fps (frame per second).

  When the frame rate is high, the time interval between the still images is narrow, so there are many cases where there is little change in the subject (change in the position or state of the subject). For such an image, the change in the image between the previous still image and the subsequent still image can be easily predicted, so the subsequent still image can be the previous still image (the reference image, not the previous still image). In many cases, there is no problem as an image.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, if the still image acquisition unit 110a determines that the frame rate is high in step S104 (step S104; YES), the recording unit 110b generates difference data (step S105), and the process of step S106. I do.

  In this embodiment, the recording unit 110b does not generate difference data in the process of step S105 that is first performed after it is determined in step S104 that the frame rate is high and the process of step S105 that is performed first after continuous shooting is started. . At this time, the still image acquisition unit 110a specifies and holds the generated still image data as reference image data serving as a reference for difference data.

  After the still image acquisition unit 110a determines in step S104 that the frame rate is high (step S104; YES), the recording unit 110b performs the second and subsequent steps in step S105, and the reference stored in the still image acquisition unit 110a The image data is compared with the still image data generated in the immediately preceding step S103, and the difference data is generated and held.

  If the still image acquisition unit 110a determines in step S104 that the frame rate is not high (step S104; NO), the recording unit 110b performs the process of step S106. When the frame rate is not high, the time interval between the still images becomes long, so that the image change between the still images may be large. In this case, if difference data is generated and an original still image is to be reproduced using the difference data, there may be a case where the original still image cannot be reproduced due to a large image change between the images. Therefore, the recording unit 110b skips the process of step S105 on the assumption that no difference data is generated.

  The recording unit 110b determines whether the set frame rate has been changed in step S106 (step S106).

  The frame rate is appropriately changed in parallel with the main image recording process. For example, the frame rate is changed when the user operates the cross key or the like of the operation unit 140. When such an operation is performed, the operation unit 140 supplies an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the still image acquisition unit 110a. When such an operation signal is supplied from the operation unit 140, the still image acquisition unit 110a changes the currently set frame rate to a frame rate corresponding to the operation signal. For example, the still image acquisition unit 110a increases the frame rate by a predetermined value when an operation signal for increasing the frame rate is supplied.

  For example, the still image acquisition unit 110a may automatically change the frame rate. For example, the still image acquisition unit 110a increases the frame rate when there is a large change in the image of a still image that is continuously shot or when the generated latest still image is an interesting image. As a result, the user is less likely to fail to capture a scene (landscape, subject, etc.) that the user wants to capture. The still image acquisition unit 110a reduces the frame rate when the change in the image of the still image taken continuously is small, or when the latest generated still image is not interesting. . As a result, unnecessary still image data is not generated, and the storage capacity of the RAM 114 or the like is saved.

  The still image acquisition unit 110a is obtained by, for example, SAD (Sum of Absolute Difference), SSD (Sum of Squared Difference), for example, using the latest still image data and previous still image data held therein. If the value is greater than or equal to the second threshold value (below the third threshold value) or the like, there is a high possibility that these images have large (small) image changes. .

  For example, the still image acquisition unit 110a detects the smile level of the latest still image data held, and if the smile level is equal to or higher than the fourth threshold value (lower than the fifth threshold value), the latest still image is stored. Is an image that attracts interest (not an image that attracts interest), the still image acquisition unit 110a increases (decreases) the frame rate. For example, the degree of smile is a similarity (for example, SAD, SSD, etc.) between a template of a predetermined smile image (this data is also recorded in the ROM 112) and a predetermined area in the still image represented by the still image. Calculated by template matching).

  In step S106, the recording unit 110b monitors the still image acquisition unit 110a. When the still image acquisition unit 110a changes the frame rate (step S106; YES), the recording unit 110b adds a new frame rate to the still image acquisition unit 110a. The frame rate is set as a correct frame rate (step S107), and the process of step S108 is performed. Thereafter, in the process of step S103, the still image acquisition unit 110a generates still image data at a new frame rate. In addition, when the still image acquisition unit 110a has not changed the frame rate (step S106; NO), the recording unit 110b performs the process of step S108.

  The recording unit 110b determines whether or not to end the continuous shooting (step S108). For example, the user stops pressing the shutter key at the timing when continuous shooting is desired to be finished. In this way, when the shutter key provided in the operation unit 140 is operated, the operation unit 140 supplies an operation signal corresponding to this operation to the recording unit 110b. If this operation signal is supplied, the recording unit 110b means that the user has instructed the end of the continuous shooting, and therefore determines that the continuous shooting is to be ended (step S108; YES). Note that the still image acquisition unit 110a may measure the time with a timer or the like, and may automatically end the continuous shooting at a predetermined timing, or the continuous shooting when a predetermined number of still images are shot. May be automatically terminated. In this case, the still image acquisition unit 110a ends the continuous shooting at the timing when the measured time (period) reaches a predetermined time (period) or when a predetermined number of still images are captured. Determination is made (step S108; YES).

  If the recording unit 110b determines that continuous shooting is not to be ended, for example, because no operation signal is supplied (step S108; NO), the still image acquisition unit 110a performs the process of step S103 again. In this way, the still image acquisition unit 110a generates (acquires) still image data at the set frame rate until the continuous shooting is finished. That is, the still image acquisition unit 110a performs continuous shooting at a predetermined frame rate.

  When the recording unit 110b determines that continuous shooting is to be ended (step S108; YES), the recording unit 110b records still image data and difference data on the storage medium 50 via the I / F unit 120 (step S109). The recording unit 110b stores the difference data held by the recording unit 110b and still image data other than the still image data from which the difference data is generated among the still image data held by the still image acquisition unit 110a. Record 50. At this time, the difference data is recorded so that the reference image data can be specified as the still image data. Note that the recording unit 110b compresses still image data and records it as, for example, JPEG data (an example of still image data).

  The still image data and difference data recorded in the storage medium 50 as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 4 (assuming that the lower side is new in time series), the image data generated during the period in which the frame rate is not high, that is, the period less than the first threshold, Still image data that can be expressed. In still image data that is captured and generated during a period in which the frame rate is high, that is, a period that is equal to or greater than the first threshold, data other than the reference image data (here, the first still image data) is converted into difference data. Here, each difference data following the standard image data is data that can reproduce a still image with reference to the standard image data.

  The frame rate may be fixed. In this case, the process of step S106 and step S107 can be omitted.

  Further, the recording unit 110b may generate difference data and record it in the storage medium 50 in step S109. In this case, when acquiring the still image data, the still image acquisition unit 110a holds the frame rate at this time and the still image data in association with each other. In step S109, the recording unit 110b generates difference data based on the still image data held by the still image acquisition unit 110a when the frame rate is high. In this case, the processes in steps S104 and S105 are not necessary. Further, the difference data may be generated with reference to the preceding and following still image data. As such a method, a technique such as motion compensation may be used.

  Further, the reference image data may be still image data immediately before the frame rate is increased.

  Note that after the still image acquisition unit 110a determines that the frame rate is high in step S104, the recording unit 110b does not generate difference data in the process of step S105 every predetermined number of times, and the still image acquisition unit 110a The still image data generated sometimes may be specified and held as reference image data serving as a reference for difference data. As the difference data increases, the difference between the reference image and the still image for which difference data is to be generated may increase. If the reference image data is specified every predetermined number of times, it is possible to prevent the difference from becoming too large. At this time, the recording unit 110b generates difference data using the latest reference image data.

  The still image data and difference data recorded in the storage medium 50 in this way will be described. As shown in FIG. 5 (assuming that the lower side is new in time series), still image data captured and generated during a period in which the frame rate is not high, that is, a period less than the first threshold, is a still image alone. It is data that can express. Still image data captured and generated during a period when the frame rate is high, that is, a period equal to or greater than the first threshold, is converted into differential data except for a plurality of reference image data (here, a predetermined number of still image data). Has been.

  In the present embodiment, with the configuration as described above, the image recording apparatus 100 shoots a continuous still image using the photographing unit 130, and the first still image data representing the first still image and the first still image. The still image acquisition unit 110a that acquires the second still image data representing the second still image that is taken next to the first still image and the first still image that is acquired by the still image acquisition unit 110a and that is represented by the first still image data. It is determined whether or not the second still image represented by the two still image data has a predetermined relationship, and when the first still image and the second still image have a predetermined relationship, the first still image data and the second still image When the image data is individually recorded in the storage unit and the first still image and the second still image are not in a predetermined relationship, the second still image data becomes the first still image data (becomes reference image data). Change to difference data that represents the difference in the image And, and a recording unit 110b for recording the converted differential data and the first still image data in the storage unit.

  The difference data naturally has a smaller data amount than the still image data. According to the present embodiment, the recording unit 110b generates difference data and records it in the storage unit (here, the storage medium 50) when the first still image and the second still image are not in a predetermined relationship. The storage capacity of the storage unit can be saved according to the relationship between the first still image and the second still image. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the data amount of the still image obtained by continuous shooting is adjusted according to the shooting situation (frame rate).

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the length of the interval (shooting interval) between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is long (satisfying the first reference) by the configuration as described above, That is, here, when the frame rate is less than the first threshold, the recording unit 110b records the first still image data and the second still image data individually in the storage unit. In addition, when the length of the interval (shooting interval) between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is short (does not satisfy the first reference), that is, here, the frame rate is the first When the threshold value is equal to or greater than the threshold, the recording unit 110b converts the second still image data into difference data representing an image difference from the first still image data, and stores the converted difference data and the first still image data in the storage unit. Record.

  In this way, when the shooting interval is long (that is, when there is a possibility that the change in the image between the still images is large), the first still image data and the second still image data are individually recorded. . As a result, even if the change in the image is large, each can individually represent the first still image and the second still image, so that the first still image data and the second still image data are used to Each of the still image and the second still image can be reproduced with a certain degree of accuracy.

  When the shooting interval is short, the second still image data is converted into difference data and recorded. In this case, since it is highly possible that the change in the image between still images is small, there are many cases where there is no problem as an image even if the image is expressed by the difference. This reduces the overall data volume.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the data amount is adjusted by the frame rate (that is, the shooting interval).

  In the present embodiment, even if the frame rate is changed by the above configuration, difference data is generated and recorded corresponding to the latest frame rate, or still image data is individually recorded. Thus, in the present embodiment, with the above configuration, the recording unit 110b captures the second still image represented by the second still image data and the third still image represented by the third still image data (after the second still image). The second still image data and the third still image data are individually determined when the second still image and the third still image are in a predetermined relationship. When the second still image and the third still image are not in a predetermined relationship, the third still image data is converted into difference data representing a difference on the image from the second still image data. The converted difference data and the second still image data are recorded in the storage unit. Thus, even if the frame rate or the like is changed, the data amount of the still image is adjusted.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In the first embodiment, difference data is generated when the frame rate is high, but in the second embodiment, difference data is generated when a change between still images is not large. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described. The same components as those in the first embodiment, components having the same functions, and the like will be described with the same reference numerals.

  Since the configuration of the image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the image recording apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described as the image recording apparatus 100.

  The image recording apparatus 100 (the still image acquisition unit 110a and the recording unit 110b) performs an image recording process (2). This image recording process (2) will be described with reference to FIG. This image recording process (2) is substantially the same as the image recording process (1) in the first embodiment, but the process for the frame rate related to the difference data is the process for the change between still images. Replace. In the following, only the steps that are typically changed will be described, and the description of the other steps will be in accordance with the image recording process (1). .

  In step S <b> 211, the still image acquisition unit 110 a determines whether the image change between the still images is large. The still image acquisition unit 110a uses, for example, the latest still image data held by the still image acquisition unit 110a and the previous still image data, for example, SAD (Sum of Absolute Difference), SSD (Sum of Sum). If the value obtained by (Squared Difference) or the like is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold, the change in the image is large, so it is determined that these images have a large change in the image (step S211; YES). For example, it is determined that the change in the image of these images is not large (here, small) (step S211; NO).

  The still image acquisition unit 110a detects the movement of the image recording apparatus 100 itself using a sensor such as a gyro sensor (not shown) provided in the image recording apparatus 100. If the movement is large (the value of the detected movement is If the seventh threshold value is exceeded, it may be determined that the image change between the still images is large. When the movement of the image recording apparatus 100 itself is large, for example, the orientation of the image recording apparatus 100 is changed, so that the direction in which the image recording apparatus 100 captures is changed, and the change in image between still images becomes large.

  In step S211, when the still image acquisition unit 110a determines that the image change between the still images is large (step S211; YES), the recording unit 110b performs the process of step S106. If the still image acquisition unit 110a determines in step S211 that the change in the image between the still images is small (step S211; NO), the recording unit 110b performs the process of step S105 to obtain the difference data. Generate.

  In the present embodiment, still image data and difference data recorded in the storage medium 50 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7 (assuming that the lower side is new in time series), the image data captured and generated during a period in which it is determined that the image change between the still images is large can represent a still image alone. Still image data. In still image data that is shot and generated during a period when it is determined that the change in image between still images is small, data other than the reference image data is converted into difference data.

  Here, with the configuration described above, the recording unit 110b has a large image change between the first still image (see Embodiment 1) and the second still image (see Embodiment 1) (second reference). 1st still image data and second still image data are individually recorded in the storage unit. Further, when the recording unit 110b determines that the image change between the images is not large (does not satisfy the second reference), the recording unit 110b converts the second still image data into difference data representing a difference on the image from the first still image data. Then, the converted difference data and the first still image data are recorded in the storage unit. When the image change between images is large, it is difficult to represent a still image with difference data. As described above, here, the second still image data is converted into difference data when it is determined that the change in the image is not large. Therefore, the data amount of the still image is appropriately adjusted for the shooting state (image change). it can.

  Since other description of this embodiment is based on Embodiment 1, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. In the first embodiment, difference data is generated when the frame rate is high, but in the third embodiment, difference data is generated in a predetermined case even if the frame rate is not high. Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described. The same components as those in the first embodiment, components having the same functions, and the like will be described with the same reference numerals.

  Since the configuration of the image recording apparatus according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as that of the image recording apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the image recording apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described as being the image recording apparatus 100.

  The image recording apparatus 100 (the still image acquisition unit 110a and the recording unit 110b) performs an image recording process (3). This image recording process (3) will be described with reference to FIG. This image recording process (3) is substantially the same process as the image recording process (1) in the first embodiment, but a process of a predetermined step is further added to the image recording process (1). In the following, only the steps that are typically changed will be described, and the description of the other steps will be in accordance with the image recording process (1). .

  If the still image acquisition unit 110a determines in step S104 that the frame rate is not high (step S104; NO), it determines whether the frame rate is low (step S311). For example, the still image acquisition unit 110a determines that the frame rate is low when the set frame rate is less than the eighth threshold (step S311; YES), and the set frame rate is the eighth. If it is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the frame rate is not low (step S311; NO, in this case, the frame rate is intermediate).

  The eighth threshold is a reference for the low frame rate. When the frame rate is low, the time interval T at which a series of still images taken continuously is taken is long. The eighth threshold is, for example, 10 fps.

  When the frame rate is low, the time interval between the still images is wide, so the change in the subject (change in the position or state of the subject) is often large. For such an image, since it is difficult to predict a change in the image between the previous still image and the subsequent still image, the subsequent still image cannot often be expressed well by the difference from the previous still image. For this reason, when the still image acquisition unit 110a determines that the frame rate is low (step S311; YES), the recording unit 110b performs the process of step S106.

  When the frame rate is neither high nor low (intermediate), the time interval between each still image is neither wide nor narrow, so the subsequent still image may not be represented well by the difference from the previous still image In some cases, the subsequent still image can be expressed by a difference from the previous still image. Therefore, in this embodiment, the still image acquisition unit 110a determines whether or not to generate difference data depending on whether the change between the still images is large in such a case.

  When the still image acquisition unit 110a determines that the frame rate is not low (step S311; NO), the still image acquisition unit 110a determines whether the change in the image between the still images is large (step S312). Since this determination step is the same as the processing in step S211 of the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted. When the still image acquisition unit 110a determines in step S312 that the change in the image between the still images is small (step S312; NO), the recording unit 110b performs the process of step S105 to generate difference data. . If the still image acquisition unit 110a determines in step S312 that the image change between the still images is large (step S312; YES), the recording unit 110b performs the process of step S106. If there is a high possibility that the subsequent still image can be expressed by the difference from the previous still image by such processing, the difference data is generated, so that the data amount of the still image data can be adjusted.

  In the present embodiment, still image data and difference data recorded in the storage medium 50 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9 (the lower side is new in time series), each still image data is individually recorded in a period in which the frame rate is low, and difference data is generated and recorded in a period in which the frame rate is high. The When the frame rate is intermediate, the data that is captured and generated during a period in which it is determined that the image change between the still images is large is still image data that can represent a still image independently. Data other than the reference image data is converted into difference data in the data generated during the period when it is determined that the change in the image between the still images is small.

  Here, with the configuration described above, the recording unit 110b causes (1) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image (see Embodiment 1) and the shooting time of the second still image (see Embodiment 1). (2) The length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third reference, but the fourth Still image data is stored individually when the criteria are met (the frame rate is intermediate) and the image change between the first still image and the second still image satisfies the fifth criteria (the change is large) Recording on the medium 50.

  In addition, the recording unit 110b determines whether the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the fourth reference (whether the frame rate is high), or (4) The length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third reference but satisfies the fourth reference (the frame rate is intermediate), and the first still image and the second still image When the image change between the still image and the image does not satisfy the fifth criterion (the change is small), difference data is generated and recorded in the storage medium 50.

  As described above, when the frame rate is intermediate, the subsequent still image may not be represented well by the difference from the previous still image, and the subsequent still image may be represented by the difference from the previous still image. is there. In such a case, the recording unit 110b may or may not generate the difference data based on the change in the image between the images, so that the data amount of the still image data can be adjusted according to the shooting situation. Record still images in an appropriate manner.

Note that the still image acquisition unit 110a, in the process of step S312, still image data immediately before starting continuous shooting (the latest still image data held by the still image acquisition unit 110a before the start of continuous shooting and this still image). It may determine the change in the image between the still images based on even one old still image data) than is greater (the sixth reference full Tasca) data (determination method in the same manner as described above.). In this case, it is possible to fix the determination result regarding the change in the image between still images. However, as described above, the data amount of a still image can be adjusted more appropriately by discriminating a change in the image between the latest still image and a still image one older than this.

  Since the other description of this embodiment is based on Embodiment 1 and 2, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Image recording apparatus, 110 ... Control part, 110a ... Still image acquisition part, 110b ... Recording part, 111 ... CPU, 112 ... ROM, 113 ... Image recording program , 114 ... RAM, 120 ... I / F unit, 121 ... media controller, 130 ... shooting unit, 131 ... imaging device, 132 ... imaging lens group, 133 ... imaging Drive unit, 134 ... AFE, 135 ... TG, 136 ... driver, 140 ... operation unit, 141 ... operation key group, 150 ... display unit, 151 ... display

Claims (6)

First still image data representing a first still image and second still image data representing a second still image photographed after the first still image are obtained by performing continuous still image photographing using a photographing unit. A still image acquisition means for acquiring
Determining whether the first still image represented by the first still image data and the second still image represented by the second still image data acquired by the still image acquisition unit have a predetermined relationship; When one still image and the second still image have a predetermined relationship, the first still image data and the second still image data are individually recorded in a storage unit, and the first still image and the second still image are recorded. When the second still image does not have a predetermined relationship, the second still image data is converted into difference data representing a difference on the image from the first still image data, and the converted difference data and the first still image Recording means for recording image data in the storage unit;
With
That the first still image and the second still image have the predetermined relationship is that (1) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (2) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, and the first An image change between the still image and the second still image satisfies the fifth criterion;
That the first still image and the second still image are not in the predetermined relationship is that (3) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (4) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, Ri der that a change in the image between the images of the second still image and the first still image does not satisfy the fifth criterion,
Wherein the fourth reference, shorter than the length defined by the third reference, and, Ru longer der than a predetermined length,
An image recording apparatus. First still image data representing a first still image and second still image data representing a second still image photographed after the first still image are obtained by performing continuous still image photographing using a photographing unit. A still image acquisition means for acquiring
Determining whether the first still image represented by the first still image data and the second still image represented by the second still image data acquired by the still image acquisition unit have a predetermined relationship; When one still image and the second still image have a predetermined relationship, the first still image data and the second still image data are individually recorded in a storage unit, and the first still image and the second still image are recorded. When the second still image does not have a predetermined relationship, the second still image data is converted into difference data representing a difference on the image from the first still image data, and the converted difference data and the first still image Recording means for recording image data in the storage unit;
With
That the first still image and the second still image have the predetermined relationship is that (1) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (2) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, An image change between images of still image data acquired before the acquisition means acquires the first still image data satisfies a sixth criterion;
That the first still image and the second still image are not in the predetermined relationship is that (3) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (4) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, der that a change in the image between the images of the still image data obtained before the still image acquisition unit acquires the first still image data does not satisfy the sixth reference is,
Wherein the fourth reference, shorter than the length defined by the third reference, and, Ru longer der than a predetermined length,
An image recording apparatus. An image recording method using an apparatus including a photographing unit,
First still image data representing a first still image and second still image data representing a second still image photographed after the first still image by photographing a continuous still image using the photographing unit. And a still image acquisition step for acquiring
Determining whether the first still image represented by the first still image data and the second still image represented by the second still image data acquired in the still image acquisition step have a predetermined relationship; When one still image and the second still image have a predetermined relationship, the first still image data and the second still image data are individually recorded in a storage unit, and the first still image and the second still image are recorded. When the second still image does not have a predetermined relationship, the second still image data is converted into difference data representing a difference on the image from the first still image data, and the converted difference data and the first still image A recording step of recording image data in the storage unit;
Including
That the first still image and the second still image have the predetermined relationship is that (1) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (2) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, and the first An image change between the still image and the second still image satisfies the fifth criterion;
That the first still image and the second still image are not in the predetermined relationship is that (3) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (4) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, Ri der that a change in the image between the images of the second still image and the first still image does not satisfy the fifth criterion,
Wherein the fourth reference, shorter than the length defined by the third reference, and, Ru longer der than a predetermined length,
An image recording method. Computer
First still image data representing a first still image and second still image data representing a second still image photographed after the first still image are obtained by performing continuous still image photographing using a photographing unit. A still image acquisition means for acquiring
Determining whether the first still image represented by the first still image data and the second still image represented by the second still image data acquired by the still image acquisition unit have a predetermined relationship; When one still image and the second still image have a predetermined relationship, the first still image data and the second still image data are individually recorded in a storage unit, and the first still image and the second still image are recorded. When the second still image does not have a predetermined relationship, the second still image data is converted into difference data representing a difference on the image from the first still image data, and the converted difference data and the first still image Recording means for recording image data in the storage unit;
A program that functions as
That the first still image and the second still image have the predetermined relationship is that (1) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (2) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, and the first An image change between the still image and the second still image satisfies the fifth criterion;
That the first still image and the second still image are not in the predetermined relationship is that (3) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (4) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, Ri der that a change in the image between the images of the second still image and the first still image does not satisfy the fifth criterion,
Wherein the fourth reference, shorter than the length defined by the third reference, and, Ru longer der than a predetermined length,
An image recording program characterized by the above. An image recording method using an apparatus including a photographing unit,
First still image data representing a first still image and second still image data representing a second still image photographed after the first still image by photographing a continuous still image using the photographing unit. And a still image acquisition step for acquiring
Determining whether the first still image represented by the first still image data and the second still image represented by the second still image data acquired in the still image acquisition step have a predetermined relationship; When one still image and the second still image have a predetermined relationship, the first still image data and the second still image data are individually recorded in a storage unit, and the first still image and the second still image are recorded. When the second still image does not have a predetermined relationship, the second still image data is converted into difference data representing a difference on the image from the first still image data, and the converted difference data and the first still image A recording step of recording image data in the storage unit;
Including
That the first still image and the second still image have the predetermined relationship is that (1) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (2) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, An image change between images of still image data acquired before the acquisition means acquires the first still image data satisfies a sixth criterion;
That the first still image and the second still image are not in the predetermined relationship is that (3) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (4) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, der that a change in the image between the images of the still image data obtained before the still image acquisition unit acquires the first still image data does not satisfy the sixth reference is,
Wherein the fourth reference, shorter than the length defined by the third reference, and, Ru longer der than a predetermined length,
An image recording method. Computer
First still image data representing a first still image and second still image data representing a second still image photographed after the first still image are obtained by performing continuous still image photographing using a photographing unit. A still image acquisition means for acquiring
Determining whether the first still image represented by the first still image data and the second still image represented by the second still image data acquired by the still image acquisition unit have a predetermined relationship; When one still image and the second still image have a predetermined relationship, the first still image data and the second still image data are individually recorded in a storage unit, and the first still image and the second still image are recorded. When the second still image does not have a predetermined relationship, the second still image data is converted into difference data representing a difference on the image from the first still image data, and the converted difference data and the first still image Recording means for recording image data in the storage unit;
A program that functions as
That the first still image and the second still image have the predetermined relationship is that (1) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (2) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, An image change between images of still image data acquired before the acquisition means acquires the first still image data satisfies a sixth criterion;
That the first still image and the second still image are not in the predetermined relationship is that (3) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image is Or (4) the length of the interval between the shooting time of the first still image and the shooting time of the second still image does not satisfy the third criterion but satisfies the fourth criterion, der that a change in the image between the images of the still image data obtained before the still image acquisition unit acquires the first still image data does not satisfy the sixth reference is,
Wherein the fourth reference, shorter than the length defined by the third reference, and, Ru longer der than a predetermined length,
An image recording program characterized by the above.

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