JP6632236B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, and more particularly, to an imaging device that captures, records, and reproduces a still image and a moving image.

  In the conventional imaging apparatus, when the shooting mode is the sports mode, the driving method of the imaging sensor is set to high-speed reading, and when the shooting mode is other than the sports mode, the driving method of the imaging sensor is set to high-definition reading. By changing the reading method in such a manner, there is a method in which the driving method of the image sensor is appropriately adjusted according to the shooting mode (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-86499 A

  However, from the viewpoint of the display quality such as the display frame rate and the display resolution, the display device is optimally selected depending on the shooting mode in which the live view display is performed and the playback mode in which the image is played back to confirm the shot image. Drive method is different. Therefore, in the above-described related art, in an imaging apparatus including a display device having a plurality of driving methods, if the display device is driven at a low resolution in the reproduction mode, a problem such as poor visibility of a reproduced image occurs. .

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that can improve display quality by optimizing a driving method of a display device according to a shooting mode, a reproduction mode, or the like.

The image capturing apparatus according to the present invention has an image capturing unit that captures an image of a subject to generate image data, and a plurality of display modes having different combinations of a display frame rate and a resolution, and a display that displays the image data generated by the image capturing unit Means, control means for controlling the display means in accordance with the display mode, recording means for recording an image taken by the imaging means, and image reproducing means for reproducing the image recorded by the recording means A first selection unit capable of selecting a shooting mode in which imaging is performed by the imaging unit and a reproduction mode in which image reproduction is performed by the image reproduction unit; and recording capable of instructing recording start and stop of a moving image. comprising an instruction unit, a case where the imaging mode is selected, the control means, said display means frame rate than the second display mode There is operated in the first display mode, the playback if the mode is selected by operating the display means in the display mode of the second higher resolution than the display mode of said first, said display means in the photographing mode Is operated in the first display mode, when the recording instructing unit instructs the start of moving image recording, the recording unit transmits the moving image at a frame rate lower than the frame rate of the first display mode. A moving image is recorded, and the control unit does not change the display mode in the first display mode .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus capable of improving display quality by optimizing a driving method of a display device according to a mode such as a shooting mode and a reproduction mode.

Configuration block diagram of an embodiment for carrying out the present invention The figure which shows the relationship between two display modes of the display part 50. Flowchart of display mode switching processing of display unit 50 from normal mode to high-speed mode Flowchart of display mode switching processing of display unit 50 from high-speed mode to normal mode A table showing the relationship between the display mode of the display unit 50, the driving method of the imaging unit 13, and the live view sensation display frame rate that the user can experience, according to the selection of the shooting screen display setting. Flowchart of display mode switching processing of the display unit 50 at the time of switching between the shooting mode and the reproduction mode in the first embodiment. 11 is a flowchart of a display mode switching process of the display unit 50 when the focus operation mode is switched in the second embodiment. Flowchart of moving image recording start processing according to the third embodiment 5 is a timing chart showing a relationship between driving of the imaging unit 13, moving image encoding and recording on the recording medium 200, generation of live view display data, and display mode of the display unit 50 in the moving image recording start process according to the third embodiment. Flow chart of moving image recording start processing when the display mode of the display unit 50 is changed when moving image recording is started by operating a moving image button or the like 10 is a timing chart showing the relationship between driving of the imaging unit 13, moving image encoding and recording on the recording medium 200, live view display data generation, and the display mode of the display unit 50 in the moving image recording start process shown in FIG. 10. Flowchart of Still Image Shooting Processing in Embodiment 4 Flowchart of a still image capturing process when the display mode of the display unit 50 is changed when displaying a review image after capturing a still image

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging device 100 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a photographing lens 11 is a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens. The shutter 12 has an aperture function. The imaging unit 13 is an imaging device configured by a CCD or a CMOS device that converts an optical image into an electric signal. The A / D converter 14 converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The A / D converter 14 is used to convert an analog signal output from the imaging unit 13 into a digital signal. The barrier 10 covers the imaging system including the imaging lens 11 of the imaging device 100, thereby preventing the imaging system including the imaging lens 11, the shutter 12, and the imaging unit 13 from being stained or damaged.

  The image processing unit 20 performs resizing processing and color conversion processing such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction on data from the A / D converter 14 or data from the memory control unit 21. Further, in the image processing unit 20, predetermined calculation processing is performed using the captured image data, and the system control unit 30 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the obtained calculation results. Thus, AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing of the TTL (through the lens) method are performed. The image processing unit 20 further performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic results.

  Output data from the A / D converter 14 is written directly to the memory 40 via the image processing unit 20 and the memory control unit 21 or via the memory control unit 21. The memory 40 stores image data obtained by the imaging unit 13 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 14, and image data to be displayed on the display unit 50. The memory 40 has a sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still images, moving images and audio for a predetermined time.

  The memory 40 also serves as a memory for displaying images. The display unit 50 is an image display unit composed of an LCD or the like. Data for image display written in the memory 40 is displayed by the display unit 50 via the memory control unit 21. The system control unit 30 controls each unit of the imaging device 100 to generate a display control signal according to a program, generate a video signal to be displayed on the display unit 50, and output the video signal to the display unit 50. The display unit 50 displays an image based on the output image signal. Note that the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 itself may include an interface for outputting a video signal to be displayed on the display unit 50, and the display unit 50 may be configured with an external monitor (such as a television). If the captured image data is sequentially displayed using the display unit 50, an electronic finder function can be realized. The display unit 50 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display in accordance with an instruction from the system control unit 30. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the imaging device 100 can be significantly reduced. .

  The nonvolatile memory 41 is a memory that can be electrically erased and recorded, and for example, an EEPROM or the like is used. The non-volatile memory 41 stores constants, programs, and the like for the operation of the system control unit 30. Here, the program is a program for executing various flowcharts described later in the present embodiment.

  The system control unit 30 controls the entire imaging device 100. By executing the program recorded in the non-volatile memory 41 described above, each process of the present embodiment described later is realized. Reference numeral 31 denotes a system memory, and a RAM is used. In the system memory 31, constants and variables for operation of the system control unit 30, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 41, and the like are developed. The system control unit 30 also performs display control by controlling the memory 40 and the display unit 50.

  The system timer 32 is a time measuring unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of a built-in clock.

  The operation unit 53 is an operation unit for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 30.

  Each operation member of the operation unit 53 is appropriately assigned a function for each scene by, for example, selecting and operating various function icons displayed on the display unit 50, and functions as various function buttons. The function buttons include, for example, an end button, a return button, a mode changeover switch for switching a shooting mode / playback mode / other special shooting modes, a moving image button for starting / stopping moving image recording, an image feed button, a jump button, and a refinement button. , An attribute change button, and the like. For example, when a menu button is pressed, a menu screen on which various settings can be made is displayed on the display unit 50. The user can intuitively perform various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 50 and the four-way buttons (up, down, left, and right) and the SET button.

  The power control unit 60 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like, and detects whether or not a battery is mounted, the type of the battery, and the remaining battery level. In addition, the power supply control unit 60 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and the instruction of the system control unit 30, and supplies a necessary voltage to each unit including the recording medium 200 for a necessary period.

  The power supply unit 70 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery and a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, and a Li battery, and an AC adapter. The recording medium I / F 55 is an interface with the recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording a captured image, and includes a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 13, illustrating the operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the embodiment, it is assumed that the display unit 50 has two display modes having different display frame rates and display resolutions. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the two display modes of the display unit 50. Reference numeral 201 denotes a normal mode in which the display frame rate is 60 fps and the display resolution is 1024 × 768 pixels. A high-speed mode 202 has a display frame rate of 120 fps and a display resolution of 1024 × 384 pixels.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a display mode switching process of the display unit 50 from the normal mode to the high-speed mode. Each process in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 30 expanding a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 41 into the system memory 31 and executing the program.

  In S301, the system control unit 30 first displays a black image so as not to lose quality due to display disturbance or the like that may occur during switching of the display mode from the normal mode to the high-speed mode.

  In S302, the system control unit 30 changes the video signal generation frame rate from 60 fps to 120 fps and outputs it to the display unit 50.

  In S303, the system control unit 30 changes the display mode of the display unit 50 from the normal mode to the high-speed mode.

  In S304, the system control unit 30 cancels the black image displayed in S301.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a display mode switching process of the display unit 50 from the high-speed mode to the normal mode. Each process in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 30 expanding a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 41 into the system memory 31 and executing the program.

  Steps S401 and S404 are the same as steps S301 and S304 in FIG. 3 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In S402, the system control unit 30 changes the video signal generation frame rate from 120 fps to 60 fps, and outputs it to the display unit 50.

  In S403, the system control unit 30 changes the display mode of the display unit 50 from the high-speed mode to the normal mode.

  In the embodiment, a plurality of operation modes that can be selected by the user and have different display modes of the display unit 50 and driving methods of the imaging unit 13 are provided. The setting items that can be selected by the user are shooting screen display settings. The shooting screen display setting can select between power saving priority and standard and high speed display priority.

  FIG. 5 is a table showing the relationship between the display mode of the display unit 50, the driving method of the imaging unit 13, and the bodily sensation display frame rate of the live view that the user can experience, according to the selection of the shooting screen display setting.

  For example, when high-speed display priority is selected in the shooting screen display setting, the display mode of the display unit 50 is the high-speed mode (501). The driving method of the imaging unit 13 is such that the frame rate is 120 fps and low resolution (502), and the live view bodily display frame rate is 120 fps (503). Thereby, the operability in the case of following a moving subject is enhanced.

  When the standard is selected in the shooting screen display setting, the display mode of the display unit 50 is the normal mode (504). The driving method of the imaging unit 13 is a frame rate of 60 fps, a high resolution (505), and a live view experience display. The frame rate is 60 fps (506). As a result, operability in a scene that requires a display resolution, such as when accurate focusing is performed, is enhanced.

  When the power saving priority is selected in the shooting screen display setting, the display mode of the display unit 50 is the normal mode (507). The driving method of the imaging unit 13 is such that the low power consumption frame rate is 30 fps, the resolution is between 502 and 504 (hereinafter, referred to as medium resolution) (508), and the live view sensation display frame rate is 30 fps (509). . As a result, the number of images that can be shot is increased while suppressing power consumption.

  In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which the display mode of the display unit 50 is changed when the mode is switched between the shooting mode and the reproduction mode in a state where high-speed display priority is selected in the shooting screen display setting.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a display mode switching process of the display unit 50 when the shooting mode / reproduction mode is switched in the first embodiment. Each process in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 30 expanding a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 41 into the system memory 31 and executing the program.

  In step S601, the system control unit 30 determines whether to switch from the shooting mode to the playback mode or to switch from the playback mode to the shooting mode. In the case of switching from the shooting mode to the reproduction mode, the process proceeds to S602. In the case of switching from the reproduction mode to the shooting mode, the process proceeds to S610.

  In step S <b> 602, the system control unit 30 first displays a black image so as not to lose quality due to display disturbance or the like that may occur during switching of the display mode of the display unit 50.

  In step S603, the system control unit 30 stops generating live view display data (1024 × 384 pixels) for displaying an image for a predetermined time.

  In S604, the system control unit 30 stops driving the imaging unit 13.

  In S605, the system control unit 30 changes the display mode of the display unit 50 from the high-speed mode to the normal mode.

  In S606, the system control unit 30 reads an image recorded in the recording medium 200.

  In step S607, the system control unit 30 decodes the image read in step S606, and generates reproduction image display data (1024 × 768 pixels).

  In step S608, the system control unit 30 releases the black image displayed in step S602, and ends the process.

  In step S609, the system control unit 30 first displays a black image so as not to lose quality due to display disturbance or the like that may occur during switching of the display mode of the display unit 50.

  In S610, the system control unit 30 changes the display mode of the display unit 50 from the normal mode to the high-speed mode.

  In S611, the system control unit 30 starts driving the imaging unit 13.

  In S612, the system control unit 30 starts generation of live view display data (1024 × 768 pixels).

  In S613, the system control unit 30 cancels the black image displayed in S609, and ends this processing.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the shooting mode, the operability in tracking a moving subject is enhanced, and in the playback mode, the image is displayed and displayed at a high display resolution to improve the visibility. It becomes possible.

  In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the display mode of the display unit 50 is changed when the focus operation mode is switched between the auto focus mode and the manual focus mode in a state where high-speed display priority is selected in the shooting screen display setting.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a display mode switching process of the display unit 50 when the focus operation mode is switched in the second embodiment. Each process in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 30 expanding a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 41 into the system memory 31 and executing the program.

  In S701, the system control unit 30 determines a focus operation mode. In the case of switching to the manual focus mode, the process proceeds to S702. In the case of switching to the auto focus mode, the process proceeds to S707.

  In S702, the system control unit 30 stops driving the focus lens.

  In step S703, the system control unit 30 first displays a black image so as not to lose quality due to display disturbance or the like that may occur during switching of the display mode of the display unit 50.

  In S704, the system control unit 30 stops generating the live view display data (1024 × 384 pixels).

  In step S705, the system control unit 30 changes the driving method of the imaging unit 13 to a driving method for a high-resolution manual focus at a frame rate of 30 fps.

  In S706, the system control unit 30 changes the display mode of the display unit 50 from the high-speed mode to the normal mode.

  In step S707, the system control unit 30 starts generating live view display data (1024 × 768 pixels).

  In step S708, the system control unit 30 releases the black image displayed in step S702, and ends the processing.

  In step S709, the system control unit 30 first displays a black image so as not to lose quality due to display disturbance or the like that may occur during switching of the display mode of the display unit 50.

  In step S710, generation of live view display data (1024 × 768 pixels) is stopped.

  In step S711, the system control unit 30 changes the driving method of the imaging unit 13 to a low-resolution autofocus driving method with a frame rate of 120 fps.

  In S712, the system control unit 30 changes the display mode of the display unit 50 from the normal mode to the high-speed mode.

  In S713, the system control unit 30 starts generation of live view display data (1024 × 384 pixels).

  In S714, the system control unit 30 performs the black image displayed in S709.

  In S715, the system control unit 30 starts driving the focus lens and ends the processing.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, in the autofocus mode, the operability in a case of following a moving subject can be improved by the live view display at the display frame rate of 120 fps. In the manual focus mode, the operability such as in the case of accurate focusing can be enhanced by the live view display with a high display resolution (1024 × 768 pixels).

  In the third embodiment, when the high-speed display priority is selected in the shooting screen display setting and the moving image recording is started by operating the moving image button during the live view display of the shooting mode, the display mode of the display unit 50 is changed. Here are some examples. Here, the recording rate of the moving image to be recorded is 60 fps.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a moving image recording start process according to the third embodiment. Each process in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 30 expanding a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 41 into the system memory 31 and executing the program.

  FIG. 9 illustrates driving of the imaging unit 13 in the moving image recording start process (901), moving image encoding and recording on the recording medium 200 (902), live view display data generation (903), and display on the display unit 50 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a relationship between modes (904).

  In step S801, the system control unit 30 stops driving the imaging unit 13 (120 fps, low resolution) (905).

  In S802, the system control unit 30 stops generating the live view display data (1024 × 384 pixels) (906).

  In S803, the system control unit 30 changes the driving method of the imaging unit 13 to a moving image (60 fps, high resolution) and starts driving (907).

  In S804, the system control unit 30 starts encoding the image captured by the image capturing unit 13 and recording the image on the recording medium 200 (908).

  In step S805, the system control unit 30 starts generating live view display data (1024 × 768 pixels) and ends the process (909).

  On the other hand, when the high-speed display priority is selected in the shooting screen display setting, when the moving image recording is started by the operation of the moving image recording instruction with the moving image button during the live view display of the shooting mode, the display unit 50 is displayed. FIG. 10 shows a moving image recording start process when the display mode is changed. FIG. 11 shows driving of the imaging unit 13 in the moving image recording start processing shown in FIG. 10 (1101), moving image encoding and recording on the recording medium 200 (1102), generation of live view display data (1103), and display on the display unit 50. It is a figure showing mode (1104).

  In step S1001, the system control unit 30 first displays a black image so as not to lose quality due to display disturbance or the like that may occur during switching of the display mode of the display unit 50 (1105).

  In S1002, the system control unit 30 stops driving (120 fps, low resolution) of the imaging unit 13 (1106).

  In S1003, the system control unit 30 stops generating the live view display data (1024 × 384 pixels) (1107).

  In S1004, the system control unit 30 changes the display mode of the display unit 50 from the high-speed mode to the normal mode (1108).

  In S1005, the system control unit 30 changes the driving method of the imaging unit 13 to a moving image (60 fps, high resolution) and starts driving (1109).

  In S1006, the system control unit 30 starts encoding the image captured by the imaging unit 13 and recording the image on the recording medium 200 (1110).

  In step S1007, the system control unit 30 starts generating live view display data (1024 × 768 pixels) (1111).

  In step S1008, the system control unit 30 cancels the black image displayed in step S1001, and ends the process. 1112).

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, in the moving image recording start processing shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the processing steps S1001, S1004, and S1008 in FIG. 10 are not performed, so that a black image is displayed at the start of moving image recording. Will not be. In addition, it is possible to prevent a time delay from the button operation to the start of the moving image recording, thereby improving the convenience of the moving image recording operation.

  In the fourth embodiment, an example will be described in which the display mode of the display unit 50 is not changed when displaying a review image after capturing a still image in a state where high-speed display priority is selected in the capturing screen display setting.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a still image photographing process according to the fourth embodiment. Each process in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 30 expanding a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 41 into the system memory 31 and executing the program.

  In step S1201, the system control unit 30 stops driving the imaging unit 13 for live view display (120 fps / low resolution).

  In step S1202, the system control unit 30 stops generating the live view display data (1024 × 384 pixels).

  In step S1203, the system control unit 30 changes the driving method of the imaging unit 13 for still image recording and starts driving.

  In S1204, the system control unit 30 generates a still image from the image captured in S1203.

  In S1205, the system control unit 30 records the still image on the recording medium 200.

  In S1206, the system control unit 30 reads the still image of the recording medium 200 recorded in S1205 into the memory 40 and decodes the same.

  In step S1207, the system control unit 30 generates review image display data (1024 × 384 pixels) from the image decoded in step S1206.

  In S1208, the system control unit 30 displays the review image display data generated in S1207 on the display unit 50.

  In S1209, the system control unit 30 starts a review image display timer. Assuming that the display time of the review image can be set to 2 seconds, 4 seconds, and 10 seconds in the menu, for example, the value set in the timer is a value corresponding to the set number of seconds held in the memory 40.

  In S1210, the system control unit 30 determines whether the timer started in S1209 has timed out, that is, whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the display of the review image. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S1211.

  In step S1211, the system control unit 30 changes the driving method of the imaging unit 13 to live view display (120 fps, low resolution) and starts driving.

  In step S1212, the system control unit 30 starts generating live view display data (1024 × 384 pixels).

  In S1213, the system control unit 30 displays the live view display data generated in S1212 on the display unit 50, and ends the processing.

  On the other hand, in the state where the high-speed display priority is selected in the shooting screen display setting, when displaying the review image after shooting the still image, the flowchart of the still image shooting process when the display mode of the display unit 50 is changed Is shown in FIG.

  Steps S1301 to S1307 are the same as steps S1201 to S1307 in FIG.

  In step S1308, the system control unit 30 first displays a black image so as not to lose quality due to display disturbance or the like that may occur during switching of the display mode of the display unit 50.

  In S1309, the system control unit 30 changes the display mode of the display unit 50 from the high-speed mode to the normal mode.

  Steps S1310 to S1311 are the same as steps S1208 to S1209 in FIG.

  In S1312, the system control unit 30 cancels the black image displayed in S1308.

  Steps S1313 to S1316 are the same as steps S1210 to S1213 in FIG. 12 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in the still image photographing process illustrated in FIG. 12, the black image is not displayed at the start of the review image display and at the end of the review image display, and the convenience of the still image photographing operation is improved. Can be increased.

  The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus via a network or various storage media. This is a process in which a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads out and executes the program code. In this case, the program and a storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

Claims (6)

Imaging means for imaging a subject to generate image data;
A display unit having a plurality of display modes having different combinations of display frame rates and resolutions, and displaying image data generated by the imaging unit;
Control means for controlling the display means in accordance with the display mode;
Recording means for recording an image taken by the imaging means;
Image reproducing means for reproducing an image recorded in the recording means,
A first selection unit capable of selecting a shooting mode in which imaging is performed by the imaging unit and a reproduction mode in which image reproduction is performed by the image reproduction unit;
Recording instruction means capable of instructing recording start and stop of a moving image,
Has,
When the shooting mode is selected ,
The control means causes the display means to operate in a first display mode having a higher frame rate than the second display mode. Operating in the high second display mode ,
When the recording instruction unit instructs to start recording a moving image while operating the display unit in the first display mode in the shooting mode,
The recording means records the moving image at a frame rate lower than the frame rate of the first display mode,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit does not change the display mode in the first display mode . A second selection unit capable of selecting between a manual focus mode for setting a focus position according to a user operation and an auto focus mode for setting a focus position based on image data generated by the imaging unit; Have
When the manual focus mode is selected while the display unit is operating in the first display mode in the shooting mode, the control unit sets the display unit to a resolution higher than the first display mode. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation is changed so as to operate in the second display mode having a higher display speed. The image reproducing unit has a review function of displaying the image recorded immediately after recording on the recording unit for a predetermined time,
The control unit is configured to change the display mode to the first display mode when the image is reproduced by the review function while operating the display unit in the first display mode in the shooting mode. the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that no changes remain. A third selection unit capable of selecting high-speed display priority in the shooting mode;
Wherein, when the photographing mode is selected, claims 1 to any one of the 3, characterized in that to operate the display means in the case of the fast display priority in the first display mode An imaging device according to item 13. It said control means, the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that displaying a black image when switching the display modes. The display means, the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an electronic viewfinder.

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