JPH06165100A - Storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent important storage information from being erased by erroneous operation by deleting a picture signal only when it is confirmed by reproducing the stored picture signal. CONSTITUTION:An electronic camera C consists of an imaging part C1 and a storage part C2 detachable each other. The imaging part C1 produces a picture signal corresponding to a subject. The picture signal is sent to the storage section C2 and stored in the storage system incorporated therein. The storage part C2 is removed from the imaging part C1 and connected to the external storage means such as VTR. The picture signal stored in the storage system can be transferred there. In this case, it is provided with a storage means with a storage area storing picture signals, display means D visualizing the stored picture signal, and erasing means to be operated to erase the stored picture signal. When an operation is applied to the erasing means when the picture signal is visualized on the display means D, the picture signal stored in the storage area is erased.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention relates to electronic cameras. More specifically, it relates to screen composition. Conventionally, it is known that a still camera or a movie camera using a silver salt film can perform multiple exposure shooting. This is to obtain an image in which some desired subjects are superimposed by re-exposing the film that has already been exposed. However, in this shooting, it was difficult to superimpose the subject image that was exposed first and the subject image that was exposed later, and when the film was developed, it was often different from what was intended. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera having the function of obtaining a composite image such as this multiple-exposure image, and moreover, to provide the composite image simply and without failure.

To achieve this object, the present invention combines the first still image signal from the storage means or the image pickup means and the second still image signal from the storage means to produce a third still image signal. Means for selecting the second still image signal from the storage means, and selecting means for selecting a new second still image signal from the storage means each time the manual operation is performed; New reading of the second still image signal from the image means, transmission of the second still image signal to the synthesizing means by the reading operation, creation of a third still image signal, display means of the third still image signal. And a control means for controlling a series of visualization operations by sending to the selection means in accordance with a manual operation of the selection means, wherein the storage means is capable of storing an arbitrary third still image signal. is there.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Note that the description based on the present invention is (multiple exposure / first combination mode) (multiple exposure / second combination mode) (first chroma key /
1st composition mode) (1st chroma key / 2nd composition mode)
(Second chroma key / first combination mode) (second chroma key / second combination mode) and (display). The arrows between the constituent elements in the block diagrams (FIGS. 3 and 4) referred to below simply indicate a signal transmission / reception relationship.
It does not show only the case where each component is connected by one signal line, nor does it show only the case where one type of signal is transmitted and received.

(Structure of the present electronic camera) In FIG. 1, an electronic camera C includes an image pickup section C ₁ and a storage section C _{2 which} are separable from each other.
It consists of and. The imaging section C ₁ produces an image signal corresponding to the subject. This image signal is sent to the storage unit C ₂ and stored in a storage system (described in detail later) built therein. The storage unit C ₂ can be detached from the image pickup unit C ₁ and connected to an external storage means (not shown) such as a VTR to transfer the image signal stored in the storage system thereto.

These configurations will be described in detail below. A trigger button 1 is provided on the upper surface of the image pickup section C ₁ .
The button 1 is pressed to start the operation of the camera C, and can be pressed with the first stroke and the second stroke deeper than the first stroke. (Hereinafter, the pressing of the first stroke is referred to as half-pressing, and the pressing of the second stroke is referred to as full-pressing.) On the front side, a photographing optical system L that is detachable from the image pickup unit C ₁ , and a pressing force that is pressed to start self-timer photographing The button 2, the flash light emitting section 3, and the objective section 4a of the optical finder 4 are provided. On the side surface, a slider 5 that is operated when the storage unit C ₂ is detached from the image pickup unit C ₁ is provided.

(Operating device of this electronic camera) In FIG.
The image pickup unit C₁The eyepiece of the optical viewfinder is above the back of the
Part 4b, a clear button pressed to redo the shooting operation
Button 6, switching lever for selecting various shooting modes
7. An access button 8 is provided at the center of rotation of the lever 7.
Has been. When the switching lever 7 is switched to the "A" position,
Dynamic access mode, hand when switching to the "MAN" position
Dynamic access mode, many when switched to the "MUL" position
Double exposure mode, and in the "ch1" and "ch2" positions
When switching, the first and second chroma key modes will be
To be selected. These shooting modes will be described in detail later.
To do. The access button 8 is the storage unit C₂Built in
Image signal for multiple frames stored in memory
It is pressed to sequentially and cyclically access each one. It
The image pickup section C₁On the upper back side of the
Mode, that is, multiple exposure mode, chroma key mode
Mode is selected when image mode is selected
Switching slider 9 operated for
7-segment that displays the type of image that is imaged in
Display element including an electro-optical element such as a liquid crystal display element
A child 10 is provided. Liquid crystal matrix on the lower back
Composed of electro-optical elements such as
A monitor D for converting an image signal of one frame into an image,
Pressed to turn monitor D on and off
Push button 11, exposure mode selection slider 12, during exposure
Interval setting slider 13, aperture value setting slider 14, brightness adjustment
Section slider 15 and chroma key mode selected
The color designation slider 16 that is sometimes operated is arranged.
It The exposure mode selection slider 12 changes this to "T".
Shutter has priority when adjusted to position, and aperture is excellent when position is "A".
At the "P" position, each automatic exposure mode of the program
When selected and adjusted to the “M” position, the manual exposure mode
Mode is selected. Imaging unit C ₁Image signal on the side of
Output to external storage device such as VTR or CRT display device
Input from an external storage device or external imaging device.
Nectar 17 is provided.

_On the back surface of the storage section C _2, a display element 1 composed of an electro-optical element such as an electrochromic display element is constructed so that the usage status of the storage system described later can be seen at a glance.
8 are provided. (Explanation of image signal path) In FIG. 3, light coming from a subject (not shown) is imaged by an image pickup optical system L on an image pickup element I such as a CCD. The image pickup element I has a color mosaic filter on its image pickup surface, and photoelectrically converts this subject image. The electric signal corresponding to the subject image is repeatedly read out as a video signal by a drive signal from the recording processing system W at a moving image cycle (for example, a cycle of 30 frames per second). (Hereinafter, this image signal is called a raw image signal)
The recording processing system W amplifies this raw image signal, and A when the storage system M and buffer memory B described later are digital memories.
A process such as D conversion is performed and output. The raw image signal is input to the changeover switch circuit S1 via the first input terminal S1a, and when passing through the circuit S1, the raw image signal is input to the delay circuit De1 and delayed. (The reason for providing this circuit De1 will be described later.) After passing through the gate circuit G1, it is sent to the adder circuit A through its first input terminal Aa.

The circuit A also has a second input terminal Ab,
The image signals respectively sent to both terminals Aa and Ab are added, and a composite image in which both signals are superimposed is output. However, when there is only one input signal, that input signal is output as it is. Further, the circuit A includes the brightness adjusting slider 1
5 is connected to the brightness adjusting signal generating means 15a, which changes the brightness level of the image signal input to the circuit A in accordance with the operation of the slider 15. When the raw image signal is directly output from the adding circuit A, the raw image signal is branched into four, which are respectively sent to the reproduction processing system R, the storage system M, the first input terminal S2a of the changeover switch circuit S2, and the connector 17. .

The reproduction processing system R amplifies the input image signal and, when the image signal is input in the form of a digital signal, performs processing such as DA conversion and sends it to the monitor D. The monitor D is controlled by the drive signal from the reproduction processing system R and images the input image signal. Therefore, when the raw image signal is input to the reproduction processing system R, the subject image formed on the image sensor 1 is reproduced as a moving image on the monitor D.

The path (I-W-S1-De1-G1-) of the raw image signal from the image pickup device I to the monitor D described above.
A-R-D) is hereinafter referred to as an ID path. The raw image signal sent from the image sensor I through the adder circuit A to the first input terminal S2a of the changeover switch circuit S2 becomes writable in the buffer memory B when passing through it. This buffer memory has a capacity of one frame. Only one arbitrary frame of the continuously transmitted raw image signals is written and stored in the memory B. (Hereinafter, a one-frame raw image signal stored in the memory B is referred to as a captured image signal.) A route of the raw image signal from the image sensor I to the buffer memory B (I-W-S1-De1-G1-A-) S
2-B) is hereinafter referred to as IB route.

The raw image signal written from the image sensor I through the adder circuit A to the storage system M is stored therein. The storage system M is built in the storage unit C ₂ , has a capacity to store the input image signal for a plurality of frames, and stores an image signal for any one frame stored (hereinafter, this image signal is stored image (Referred to as a signal) can be randomly accessed. For example, it has a plurality of memories such as a video RAM magnetic bubble having a capacity capable of storing an image signal for one frame. Then, any memory can be randomly accessed, and the accessed memory can be connected to the input terminal and the output terminal of the storage system M.

Each memory is composed of an extremely large number of memory cells, and one memory cell is assigned to an image signal for one pixel. The path of the raw image signal from the image sensor I to the storage system M (I-W-S1-De1-G1-A-
M) is hereinafter referred to as IM route. The stored image signal read from the storage system M is supplied to the delay circuit De2 and the changeover switch circuit S.
2 to the second input terminal S2b.

The stored image signal input to the delay circuit De2 is delayed there and sent to the gate circuit G2.
The stored image signal (the reason for providing the circuit De2 will be described later) is input to the adder circuit A through the second input terminal Ab when passing through the circuit G2, and the input signal is present at the first input terminal Aa. In the case, it is output in the form added with the input signal, or in the form as it is when it is not added.

The stored image signal sent from the adder circuit A to the reproduction processing system R is subjected to the same processing as described above and sent to the monitor D. Then, it is imaged as a still image there. The path (M-De2-G2-A-R-D) of the stored image signal from the storage system M to the display element D will be referred to as M
It is called D route.

The stored image signal written in the storage system M from the storage system M through the adder circuit A is stored therein.
The path (M-De2-G2-A-M) of the stored image signal from the storage system M to the storage system M is hereinafter referred to as the MM path. The stored image signal read from the storage system M and input to the second input terminal S2b of the changeover switch circuit S2 is the circuit S
After passing 2, the buffer memory B can be written.
The image signal written in the memory B is stored there.

The path (MS-2-B) of the stored image signal from the storage system M to the buffer memory B will be referred to as an MB path hereinafter. Further, the stored image signal read from the storage system M, sent through the adder circuit A, and sent to the first input terminal S2a of the switch circuit S2 passes through the buffer memory B.
Can be written to. The path (MD) of the stored image signal from the storage system M to the buffer memory B via the adder circuit A
e2-G2-A-S2-B) is hereinafter referred to as MAB route.

The image signal (captured image signal or stored image signal) stored in the buffer memory B is input to the changeover switch circuit S1 via the second input terminal S1b. When it passes, it is input to the gate circuit G1 via the delay circuit De1, and when it passes, it is input to the adder circuit A via the first input terminal Aa. The image signal input from the adder circuit A to the reproduction processing system R is then subjected to the same processing as described above and sent to the monitor D. The monitor D images the image signal as a still image signal.

An image signal path (B-S1-De1-G1-A-R-) from the buffer memory B to the monitor D
D) is hereinafter referred to as the BD path. The image signal written from the buffer memory B to the storage system M via the adder circuit A is stored therein. The signal path (B-S1-De1-G1-A-M) from the buffer memory B to the storage system M is hereinafter referred to as a BM path.

(Structure of the present electronic camera) In FIG. 3, changeover switches Sw1, Sw2, Sw3, color discrimination circuit CD,
Inverter Iv, gate circuits G1 and G2, delay circuit De
1. De2 constitutes a chroma key mechanism. The common terminal of the changeover switch Sw1 is connected to the input terminal of the color discrimination circuit CD, the terminal ch1 is connected to the output terminal of the changeover switch circuit S1, and the terminal ch2 is connected to the output terminal of the storage system M. The changeover switch Sw2 has a common terminal connected to the output terminal of the circuit CD and the input terminal of the inverter Iv, and a terminal ch.
1'is the first control input terminal G2c of the gate circuit G2, and the terminal ch2 'is the first control input terminal G1c of the gate circuit G1.
It is connected to the. The changeover switch Sw3 has a common terminal as an output terminal of the inverter Iv, a terminal ch1 ″ as a first control input terminal G1c of the gate circuit G1, and a terminal ch2 ″.
Is connected to the first control input terminal G2c of the gate circuit G2. The switches Sw1, Sw2, and Sw3 are switched in conjunction with the switching lever 7. When the lever 7 is in the "A" / "MAN" / "MUL" position, it is neutral (no connection), and when it is in the "ch1" position, it is connected to the terminals ch1, ch1 ', ch1 ", respectively. "Ch
When in the 2 "position, the terminals are ch2 and ch2 ', respectively.
・ Connected to ch2 ".

The input terminal of the color discriminating circuit CD is a switch S.
Depending on the switching connection of w1, the switch circuit S1 or the memory system M
Can be connected to either one of the output terminals. Circuit CD
Receives an image signal from the switch circuit S1 or the storage system M and detects color information of the image signal. When it is detected that the image signal corresponds to a predetermined color, Hi
When the gh level (hereinafter abbreviated as H) output is not detected, the Low level (hereinafter abbreviated as L) output is generated. The circuit CD is connected to a color designation signal generating means 16a for designating a color to be detected in association with the slider 16. The output of the circuit CD is the first control input terminal G of the gate circuits G1 and G2 by the switching connection of the switch Sw2.
It can be sent to either 1c or G2c. The switch Sw3 is connected to the input terminal G2c when the switch Sw2 is connected to the input terminal G1c.
Input terminal G1 when w2 is connected to input terminal G2c
It is connected to c. Therefore, the output of the inverter Iv that receives the output of the circuit CD, that is, the inverted output of the circuit CD is sent to the input terminal G2c when the output of the circuit CD is sent to the input terminal G1c, and the output of the circuit CD is sent to the input terminal G2c. When it is opened, it is sent to the input terminal G1c.

The gate circuits G1 and G2 are open (conductive) when the input to the first control input terminal is H, and closed (non-conductive) when the input is L. The switches Sw1, Sw2, Sw
Both input terminals G when 3 is neutral and when the circuit CD is inactive
An H output is applied to 1c and G2c from a power supply line (not shown). Therefore, the gate circuits G1 and G2 are complementarily controlled to be opened / closed by the colors H / L of the outputs of the color discrimination circuit CD and the inverter Iv, and the image signals output from the delay circuits De1 and De2 are passed or not passed.

The delay circuits De1 and De2 are color discrimination circuits C
It is provided in order to match the image signal of which the color is detected in D with the image signal which is made conductive / non-conductive by the gate circuits G1 and G2. (Control of this electronic camera) In FIG. 4, the control circuit CC is
The operation of each component of this embodiment is controlled. Switch 1a
Is connected to the input terminal i1 of the circuit CC when the trigger button 1 is half-pressed and to the input terminal i2 when the trigger button 1 is fully pressed, and notifies the circuit CC of the depression of the trigger button 1. The switch 6a is
When the clear button 6 is pressed, it is closed, and a clear signal is sent to the circuit CC via the input terminal i3. The switch 7a is
It is closed when the switching lever 7 is set to the positions of "ch1" and "ch2", and notifies the circuit CC via the input terminal i4 that the chroma key mode has been selected. Switch 7b
Is closed when the lever 7 is set to a position other than "A". The switch 8a is closed when the access button 8 is pressed, and if the switch 7b is closed at this time, a manual access signal is sent to the input terminal i5 of the circuit CC. The switch 7C includes an input terminal i6 of the circuit CC when the switching lever 7 is set to the position "A", an input terminal i7 when the switching lever 7 is set to the position "M", and "MUL" or "ch1" / "ch".
When it is set to the position "2", it is connected to the common terminal of the switch 8a, and the selected photographing mode is transmitted to the control circuit CC. The switch 9a is connected to the input terminal i8 of the circuit CC when the switching slider 9 is in the "CM" position and to the input terminal i9 when the switching slider 9 is in the "MM" position. At this time, the switching lever 7 is set to "M
If the switch 7C and the switch 9a are connected in the position of "UL" or "ch1" / "ch2", the selected combination mode is transmitted to the circuit CC. The output terminal of the memory system M is connected to the input terminal i10 of the circuit CC,
The output terminal of the AND circuit An shown in FIG. 6 is connected to the input terminal i11.

The output terminal O1 of the control circuit CC is connected to the control terminal Wc of the storage processing system W, and outputs an operation signal for operating this and a synchronizing signal for reading an image signal from the image pickup device I. The output terminal O2 is connected to the control terminal Rc of the reproduction processing system R, and also outputs an operation signal and a synchronization signal for converting the image signal into an image on the monitor D. The output terminal O3 is connected to the control terminal Mc of the storage system M.

When the memories constituting the storage system M are memories such as video RAMs, an image signal is written to any memory from the output terminal O3 of the circuit CC to the storage system M, or from any memory. A signal for reading the image signal is sent. That is, a first address signal for accessing an arbitrary memory (there are as many types as there are memories), and a write signal for writing an image signal to the accessed memory via an input terminal. A read signal for reading the stored image signal from the accessed memory through the output terminal, and an image signal for one pixel is sequentially written to or read from each memory cell over one frame. A second address signal to send out is sent.

The output terminals O4 and O5 of the control circuit CC are the second control input terminals G1c 'and G2 of the gate circuits G1 and G2.
They are connected to c ', respectively, and output control signals for controlling opening and closing of these. Therefore, the gate circuits G1 and G2 are
Opening and closing are controlled by both the chroma key system and the circuit CC. The gate circuit is in an open state when an H input signal is sent to both the first and second control input terminals. The output terminals O6-O7 of the circuit CC are connected to the control input terminals S1c and S2c of the changeover switch circuits S1 and S2, respectively, and issue signals for making these changeover control.

The output terminal O8 is connected to the control terminal Bc of the buffer memory B. This memory B has, for example, a video RA having a capacity for storing an image signal for one frame.
If it is M, the image signal is output from the output terminal O8 to the memory B.
To the memory B, a read signal for reading from the memory B, and an address signal for reading and writing an image signal (this corresponds to the second address signal). To be done.

The output terminal O9 is connected to the control terminal CDc of the color discriminating circuit CD and sends an operation signal to the circuit CD. The exposure calculation circuit E includes a slider 13 shown in FIG.
14 are provided with variable resistors 13a and 14a which are respectively interlocked with each other, a switch 12a which is interlocked with the exposure mode selection slider 12, and a photometric device Pd which receives the subject light passing through the photographing optical system L and the diaphragm Stp. There is.
The variable resistors 13a and 14a transmit to the circuit E the exposure time information and the aperture value information which are manually set by the sliders 13 and 14, respectively. The photometric element Pd transmits subject brightness information to the circuit E.

The switch 12a is set to the terminal T when the exposure mode switching slider 12 is set to the position "T" and the shutter priority automatic exposure is selected, and to the terminal A when the aperture priority automatic exposure is selected to the position "A". , If the program automatic exposure is selected according to the position of "P", "M" is displayed at terminal P.
When manual exposure is selected according to the position of, the terminals are connected to the respective terminals. The exposure calculation circuit E includes a switch 12
When a is connected to the terminal T, an appropriate aperture value is calculated from the information from the variable resistor 13a and the photometric element Pd, and when connected to the terminal A, the appropriate aperture value is calculated from the information from the variable resistor 14a and the photometric element Pd. The exposure time is calculated, and when it is connected to the terminal P, a preset combination of the proper exposure time and the aperture value corresponding to the information from the photometric element Pd is selected, and when it is connected to the terminal M, the variable resistor 13a is selected. 14a and the information from 14a are accepted as it is.

The exposure calculation circuit E sends manually or automatically set aperture value information from the output terminal E ₄ to the aperture drive device SD. Further, a diaphragm drive completion signal is input from the device SD to the input terminal E
_{When it} is received via ₃ , the exposure start signal is simultaneously sent to the input terminal i12 of the circuit CC via the output terminal E ₁ , and at the same time, the timing is started based on the synchronization signal supplied from the output terminal O10 of the circuit CC. An exposure end signal is sent to the input terminal i12 via the output terminal E ₁ after the elapse of the manually or automatically set exposure time. The drive device SD is a circuit C
When the diaphragm drive start signal is received from the output terminal O11 of C,
The diaphragm Stp is driven according to the diaphragm value signal input from the output terminal E ₄ of the circuit E, and when the diaphragm driving is completed, the circuit E
A diaphragm drive completion signal is issued to the input terminal E _{3 of} .

The flash light emission circuit F has its input terminal connected to the output terminal E ₅ of the exposure calculation circuit E, and receives a light emission start signal and a light emission stop signal from the circuit E when the subject brightness is low. The circuit F enables automatic light control photography in which the light emission amount is regulated by the both signals. Returning to the control circuit CC, the display element 1 of the image pickup section C ₁ is connected to the output terminal O12 thereof.
0 is connected, and a drive signal for displaying the type of the image signal imaged by the display element D is issued.
The display mode is shown in FIG. 5, but will be described later.

The output terminal O13 of the circuit CC is connected to the storage section C ₂
Is connected to the display element 18 and outputs a drive signal.
The element 18 thus displays at a glance whether or not each memory of the storage system M has been used. The display element 18 is
Even if the storage unit C ₂ is removed from the image pickup unit C _1, its display state is retained. Therefore, a display state holding circuit is provided in the storage section C ₂ . Further, when the element 18 is composed of an electrochromic element, this circuit is unnecessary because the element itself has a memory property.

In FIG. 6, the output terminal of the AND circuit An is connected to the input terminal i11 of the control circuit CC.
The circuit CC has an output terminal O2 when the output of the circuit An is L.
From sending the operation signal to the control terminal Rc of the reproduction processing system R to disable the operation of the processing system R. The T flip-flop T is connected to one input terminal of the circuit An. The flip-flop T alternately outputs L and H outputs each time the push button 10 is pressed.

The first input terminal Sto of the self-timer circuit St is connected to the other input terminal of the circuit An.
The output of the terminal Sto is inverted from H to L in response to the pressing of the push button 2 for starting self-timer photographing, and returns to H after a predetermined time elapses. The circuit St further has a second output terminal Sto '. The terminal Sto ′ is a circuit CC
Is connected to the input terminal i1 and outputs L at a predetermined time after the button 2 is pressed.

(Operation of the Electronic Camera) Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, a case where the automatic access mode is selected and shooting is described. In the automatic access mode, the control circuit CC sequentially and automatically accesses an unused one of the memories of the storage system M every time the trigger button 1 is pressed, and writes a captured image signal in the accessed memory cell. Mode.

Initially all components are inactive.
As shown in FIG. 2, the switching lever 7 is set to the "A" position. Then, the switch 7C of FIG. 4 is connected to the input terminal i6 of the control circuit CC, and it becomes possible to transmit to the circuit CC that the automatic access mode has been selected. The exposure mode selection slider 16 is selected to a desired mode. Here, description will be made assuming that the shutter priority mode is selected. Adjust the slider 12 to the position of "T" and set the exposure time setting slider 1
Slide 3 to select the desired exposure time. In response to this, the switch 12a of FIG. 4 is connected to the terminal T to enable the circuit E to transmit that the shutter priority mode is selected,
Then, the manually set exposure time information can be transmitted to the circuit E.

When the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway (first time), the switch 1a shown in FIG. 4 is connected to the input terminal i1 of the circuit CC. Then, accordingly, the output terminal O of the circuit CC
1, 1, O2, and O10 respectively generate an operation signal and a synchronization signal, and the recording processing system W, the reproduction processing system R, and the exposure calculation circuit E are activated. At the same time, the changeover switch circuit S1 is switched to the first input terminal S1 by the control signal from the output terminal O6.
The signal from a is passed, that is, the output terminal is connected to the input terminal S1a, and the gate circuit G1 is changed from the closed state to the open state by the control signal from the output terminal O4.

Therefore, the raw image signal flows through the ID path. At this time, the recording processing system W and the reproduction processing system R operate at a predetermined moving picture cycle (for example, a cycle of 30 frames / second), so that the image currently formed on the image pickup element I is reproduced as a moving picture on the monitor D. To be done. Observing this, the subject is determined. At this time, the exposure time (charge accumulation time) is determined by the slider 1
It is fixed to a predetermined value that is irrelevant to the exposure time set in 3, and the exposure calculation circuit E sends to the diaphragm drive device SD an appropriate aperture value signal calculated based on this value and the photometric output of the photometric element Pd. send. The device SD uses this signal and control circuit C
In response to the aperture drive start signal from C, the aperture S is always open during shooting.
The tp is controlled so as to have an appropriate aperture value.

The signal path opened in response to the pressing of the trigger button 1 does not change its state even if the finger is released after the button 1 is pressed. Press button 1 halfway again (second
Then, the circuit E calculates the appropriate aperture value based on the subject brightness information from the photometric element Pd and the exposure time information manually set by the slider 12. That is, circuit E
Operates in the shutter priority automatic exposure mode. Then, the calculated proper aperture value signal is sent to the aperture drive device SD. At the same time, the circuit CC sends a diaphragm drive start signal to the device SD. Upon receiving this signal, the device SD drives the aperture stop Stp according to the appropriate aperture value signal. When this diaphragm driving is completed, the device Sd outputs a diaphragm driving completion signal to the circuit E. The circuit E receives this signal and at the same time the control circuit C
An exposure start signal is sent to the C input terminal i12. Circuit CC
At the same time when this signal is received, an exposure start signal is sent to the recording processing system W via the output terminal O1, and the recording processing system W exposes the image sensor I (when the image sensor I is a CCD, the charge accumulation in the light receiving portion is performed. ) To start. The circuit E sends an exposure end signal to the input terminal i12 of the circuit CC when the exposure time set by the slider 13 has elapsed after outputting the exposure start signal. At the same time as receiving the signal, the circuit CC sends an exposure end signal to the processing system W, and the processing system W ends the exposure of the image sensor I. For example, when the image sensor I is a CCD, the electric charge accumulated in the light receiving section is transferred to the accumulating section by this exposure end signal. Subsequently, the circuit CC issues a control signal from the output terminal O7 to make the switch circuit S2 pass the image signal from the first input terminal S2a, and issues a write signal from the output terminal O8 to write the buffer memory B to the writable state. And Then, the image signal captured in the shutter priority mode is read out from the image sensor I by the synchronization signal continuously sent from the output terminal O1 to the recording processing system W. Further, in synchronization with this reading, an address signal for accessing all the memory cells once from the output terminal O8 to the buffer memory B is issued. Therefore, the image signal read from the image sensor I flows through the IB path and is written in the buffer memory B. When the image signal for one frame is written in the buffer memory B, the circuit CC stops sending the operation signal from the output terminal O1 to the recording processing system W, deactivates it, and outputs the control signal from the output terminal O6. The switch circuit S1 so that the image signal from the second input terminal S1b can pass therethrough, and the read signal from the output terminal O8 and the address signal for repeatedly accessing all the memory cells of the memory B at a cycle of 30 frames / second are issued. To be Therefore, the picked-up image signal written in the memory B is repeatedly read and BD
It flows through the route and is imaged on the monitor D as a still image.

If the photographed image on the monitor D is to be recorded, the trigger button 1 is fully pressed. Then, in response thereto, the first address signal for accessing the unused memory to the memory system M and the write signal are generated from the output terminal O3 of the control circuit CC by the above-described access operation, and at the same time, the output terminal O8 outputs from the output terminal O8. , A second address signal for writing the captured image signal into the accessed memory cell is issued in synchronization with the address signal repeatedly sent to the memory B. Therefore, the raw image signal for one frame, that is, the captured image signal, stored in the memory B is written in the memory of the storage system M which is automatically accessed through the BD path and the BM path. When this writing is completed, the transmission of the second address signal is stopped, and all the components of the camera return to the state in which they do not input / output the image signal before the first half-press of the trigger button 1.

The operation of this mode is summarized in Table 1. Switching lever "7" = "A"

[0041]

[Table 1]

Next, the case where the manual access mode is selected and an image is taken will be described. The manual access mode is a mode in which the memory of the storage unit M is manually accessed regardless of whether it has been used, and the captured image signal is written in the accessed memory cell. Initially all components shall be inactive.

When the switching lever 7 of FIG. 2 is set to the "MAN" position, the switch 7b of FIG. 4 is closed and the switch 8a interlocking with the access button 8 is connected to the input terminal i5 of the circuit CC. The switch 7c is connected to the input terminal i6.
And enables the circuit CC to communicate that the manual access mode has been selected. Exposure mode selection slider 12
To select the desired exposure mode. Here, the aperture priority mode is selected. The slider 12 is set to the position "A" and the aperture value setting slider 14 is slid to select a desired aperture value. In response to this, the switch 12a of FIG.
Is connected to the terminal A so that the circuit E can be informed that the aperture priority mode has been selected, and the manually set aperture value information can be transmitted to the circuit E.

When the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway (first time), the ID path is opened by the same operation as in the automatic access mode described above, and the subject is displayed as a moving image on the monitor D. Then half-press the trigger button again (second time)
Then, the IB path is first opened by the same operation as in the automatic access mode described above, and when the writing of the raw image signal to the buffer memory B is completed, the IB path is closed. And BD
The route is opened.

Since the aperture priority mode is selected in this photographing, the aperture drive device SD drives the aperture stop Stp according to the aperture value signal manually set by the slider 14 from the circuit E. The circuit E calculates an appropriate exposure time based on the subject brightness information from the photometric element Pd and the aperture value information manually set by the slider 14, and outputs an exposure start signal to the input terminal i12 of the circuit CC. To send an exposure end signal to the terminal i12 when the appropriate exposure time has elapsed. The image on the monitor D is taken by this exposure control.

When the trigger button 1 is half-pressed again (third time), the output of the read signal and the address signal from the output terminal O8 of the circuit CC to the buffer memory B is stopped. Therefore, the image reproduction of the captured image signal on the BD path is stopped. Then, from the output terminal O5 to the gate circuit G2, H
Is sent to open the circuit G2. At the same time, a first address signal for re-accessing the memory that was accessed in the previous photographing from the output terminal O3 to the storage system M, a read signal for reading the contents of this memory, and a second address repeatedly. A signal is emitted, the stored image signal stored in the memory is repeatedly read out through the MD path, and is imaged on the monitor D. Then, if necessary, the access button 8 is appropriately pressed to advance the address of the memory to be accessed one by one, and the buffer memory B
The memory of the desired address for writing the photographed image signal stored in is accessed. For example, while observing the monitor D, the memory in which the stored image signal which is considered unnecessary is stored is accessed.

Next, when the trigger button 1 is fully pressed, the BM path is opened by the same operation as in the automatic access mode, and the image signal stored in the buffer memory B is written in the manually accessed memory cell. . When this writing is completed, all the components of the camera will have the first trigger button 1
Returns to the state before half-pressing. Table 2 summarizes the operation of this mode.

Switching lever "7" = "MAN"

[0049]

[Table 2]

(Multiple exposure / first combination mode) Next, the switching lever 7 in FIG. 2 is switched to the "MUL" position to select the multiple exposure mode, and the switching slider 9 is set to the "CM" position to set the first exposure mode. The photographing operation when the combination mode of is selected will be described. The image obtained in this case is a combination of the captured image signal from the buffer memory B and the stored image signal from the storage unit M.

Initially all components of the camera are inactive. When the lever 7 is moved to the "MUL" position, the switch 7b shown in FIG. 4 is closed and the switch 7c is turned to the switch 9a.
Connected to the common terminal of. When the slider 9 is set to the "CM" position, the switch 9a switches the input terminal i8 of the circuit CC.
Connected to. This allows the circuit CC to transmit that the multiple exposure mode is selected in the first combination mode. Here, it is assumed that the exposure mode selection slider 12 is set to the position of "P" and the program mode is selected. In response to this selection, the switch 12a in FIG. 4 is connected to the input terminal P of the circuit E, and the exposure time and aperture value information by the variable resistors 13a and 14a cannot be transmitted to the circuit E.

When the first half-press of the trigger button 1 is performed, the ID operation is performed in the same manner as in the automatic access mode described above.
The route is opened. Therefore, the raw image signal is sent to the monitor D and the subject is imaged as a moving image. When the second half-press of the trigger button is performed, the IB route is first opened by the same operation as in the automatic access mode described above. When the writing of the raw image signal into the buffer memory B is completed,
Then, the BD path is opened, and the raw image signal, that is, the captured image signal stored in the memory B is repeatedly read and reproduced as a still image on the monitor D. Since the program mode is selected in this photographing, the aperture drive device SD receives from the output terminal E ₄ of the circuit E an appropriate aperture value signal that is automatically set based on the subject brightness information, and accordingly the aperture S
Drive tp. The circuit E calculates an appropriate exposure time based on the subject brightness, outputs an exposure start signal to the input terminal i12 of the circuit CC, and then outputs an exposure end signal to the terminal i12 when the exposure time has elapsed. The image on the display device D is taken by this exposure control.

When the third half-press of the trigger button 1 is performed, the MD route is opened by the same operation as in the above-mentioned manual access mode with the BD route left open, and the MD route is accessed in the previous photographing. The image signal of the existing memory is read. Therefore, the captured image signal is sent from the memory B to the first input terminal Aa of the adder circuit A, and the stored image signal accessed from the storage section M is sent to the second input terminal Ab.
The adder circuit A adds both inputs under perfect synchronization by the circuit CC and outputs the result. The monitor D receives the added output, that is, the multiple-exposure image signal of the captured image signal and the stored image signal, and displays the multiple-exposure image.

If necessary, while observing the monitor D, the access button 8 is appropriately pressed to access the used memory in which the appropriate stored image signal is stored by superimposing it on the first stored image signal. To record this image, press the trigger button 1 fully. Then the circuit CC
First, while maintaining the switch circuit S1, the gate circuits G1 and G2, and the reproduction processing system R in the state before being fully pressed, first, the output terminal O3
Output a first address signal for accessing a memory in which a stored image signal is stored, a read signal, and a second address signal for accessing a memory cell at an address in which an image signal corresponding to a first pixel is stored. To do. Output terminal O at the same time
8 outputs a read signal and an address signal for accessing the memory cell at the corresponding address of the buffer memory B in synchronization with the second address signal. The captured image signal and the stored image signal corresponding to the first pixel output from the memory B and the storage system M are delayed by delay circuits De1 and De2, respectively. Meanwhile, a first address signal for accessing an unused memory is output from the output terminal O3 of the circuit CC to the storage system M. Therefore, both the MM path and the BM path are opened, the projected image signal corresponding to the first pixel and the stored image signal are added by the adder circuit A, and then written in the memory cell of the corresponding address of the unused memory. . Then the circuit CC
Is a first address signal for accessing the memory storing the stored image signal again from the output terminal O3, and a second address signal for accessing the memory cell of the address storing the stored image signal corresponding to the second pixel of the read signal. Output address signal,
At the same time, the output terminal O8 also outputs an address signal for accessing the memory cell at the address corresponding to the buffer memory B. Then, similarly to the above, the image signal corresponding to the second pixel of the captured image signal and the stored image signal is written in the memory cell of the corresponding address of the unused memory.

The above operation is repeated for all the pixels for one frame, and the projection image signal corresponding to the last pixel and the stored image signal are added and written to the last address of the unused memory. The component returns to the inoperative state where it does not input or output image signals. Table 3 summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = “MUL” Switching slider = “CM”

[0056]

[Table 3]

(Multiple exposure / second combination mode) Next, the selection lever 7 is set to the position of "MUL" to select the multiple exposure mode, and the slider 9 is set to the position of "MM" to set the second combination mode. The operation when selected is described. The image signal obtained in this case is a combination of the first stored image signal and the second stored image signal stored in the storage unit M.

When the lever 7 is set to the "MUL" position,
The switch 7b in FIG. 4 is closed and the switch 7c is connected to the common terminal of the switch 9a. Slider 9 to "MM"
Switch 9a is connected to the input terminal i9 of the circuit CC. This makes it possible to inform the circuit CC that the multiple exposure mode is selected in the second combination mode.

Here, since the image pickup by the image pickup device I is not performed, it is not necessary to select the exposure mode. When the first half-press of the trigger button 1 is performed, the same operation as when the third half-press of the trigger button 1 is performed in the manual access mode described above is performed. That is, a signal is issued from the circuit CC to each of the storage unit M and the gate circuit G2, and the used memory that was accessed in the previous shooting is accessed. At the same time, the stored image signal stored in the memory cell is repeatedly read out through the MD path and imaged on the monitor D. Then, if necessary, the access button 8 is appropriately pressed until the desired stored image appears on the monitor D. Then, the stored image signal of the used memory accessed last becomes the first stored image signal.

Next, when the trigger button is half-pressed for the second time, the MD path remains open, and the circuit CC newly sends a control signal from the output terminal O7 to the switch circuit S2 to output the switch circuit S2. The terminal is the second input terminal S2b
A write signal and an address signal for accessing all memory cells once are sent from the output terminal O8 to the memory B. As a result, the MB path is opened, and the first stored image signal is read and written in the memory B. At this time, the storage unit M
The second address signal to the memory B and the address signal to the memory B are synchronized. When writing to memory B is completed,
The circuit CC stops the above-mentioned signals to the switch circuit S2 and the memory system M, and the output of the write signal to the memory B, and instead, the read signal to the memory B, the address signal repeatedly issued, and the switch circuit S1. And a control signal to the gate circuit G1. Therefore, the MB path is closed and the BD path is opened instead. At the same time, the circuit CC opens the MD path in the same operation as when the trigger button 1 is half-pressed for the first time in this mode. However, the accessed memory is the used memory next to the used memory in which the first stored image is stored. At this time, the circuit CC to the memory B
The address signal sent to the storage system M and the second address signal sent to the storage system M are synchronized. Therefore, in the same manner as when the trigger button 1 is half-pressed for the third time in the above-described first addition mode, the BD route and the MD route are simultaneously opened, and the monitor D displays the first stored image and the second stored image. An image in which the image and the image are superimposed appears.

If necessary, the access button 8 is appropriately pressed while observing the monitor D to access a more suitable used memory in which the second stored image signal is stored.
If you intend to record this image, press trigger button 1 fully. Then, the multiple-exposure image signal is written in the unused memory in the BM path and the MM path by the same operation as in the above-described first combining mode. When this writing is completed, the camera returns to the state before the first half-press.

Table 4 summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = “MUL”, switching slider = “MM”

[0063]

[Table 4]

(First chroma key / first combination mode) Next, the switching lever 7 of FIG. 2 is switched to the position of "ch1" to perform the first
The operation when the chroma key mode is selected, the slider 9 is aligned with the position of "CM" and the first combination mode is selected will be described. The image obtained in this case is a composite image obtained by cutting out the designated color portion of the photographed image and fitting the portion corresponding to the position of the stored image in that portion.

Initially all components of the camera are inactive. When the lever 7 is set to the position of "ch1", the changeover switches Sw1, Sw2, Sw3 in FIG. 3 are connected to the terminals ch1, ch1 ', ch1 "respectively, and the switches 7a, 7b of FIG. 7c is connected to the common terminal of the switch 9a.
The switch 9a is connected to the input terminal i9 of the circuit CC when aligned with the position "M". As a result, the setting of the first chroma key mode and the first composite mode is performed by the chroma key system of FIG.
This is done by the circuit CC of FIG. Further, the slider 16 is operated to specify the color to be cut out in the captured image.

Here, it is assumed that the exposure mode 11 is set to the position of "M" and the manual mode is selected. According to this selection, the switch 12a of FIG. 4 is connected to the input terminal M of the circuit E, and the exposure time and aperture value information by the variable resistors 13a and 14a can be transmitted to the circuit E. When the first half-press of the trigger button 1 is performed, the ID path is opened by the same operation as in the automatic access mode described above. Therefore, the raw image signal is sent to the display element D, and the subject is imaged as a moving image.

When the second half-press of the trigger button is performed, the same operation as that in the automatic access mode described above is performed first.
The B route is opened. Then, when the writing of the raw image signal to the buffer memory B is completed, the BD path is subsequently opened, and the raw image signal for one frame stored in the memory B, that is, the captured image signal is repeatedly read, and the still image is displayed on the display element D. Is reproduced as.

Since the manual mode is selected in this photographing, the aperture drive device SD receives the aperture value signal manually set by the slider 13 from the output terminal E ₃ of the circuit E, and drives the aperture stop Stp accordingly. The circuit E outputs an exposure start signal to the input terminal i12 of the circuit CC and then sends an exposure end signal to the terminal i10 when the exposure time set manually by the slider 12 has elapsed. The image on the display element D is taken by this exposure control. When the third half press of the trigger button 1 is performed, the BD route remains open, and the MD route is opened by the same operation as in the manual access mode described above, and the MD route was accessed in the previous shooting. The image signal of the memory is read. At the same time, an operation signal is issued from the output terminal O9 to activate the color discrimination circuit CD. Therefore, the captured image signal and the stored image signal are read from the storage unit M and the memory B.

The color discrimination circuit CD sends the output of L to the inverter Iv and the switch Sw2 until the photographed image signal of the color designated by the slider 16 is input from the memory B via the switch circuit S1 and the switch Sw1. And sends it to the first control input terminal G2c of the gate circuit G2. Therefore, the inverter Iv sends the output of H to the first control input terminal G1c of the gate circuit G1 via the switch Sw3 to keep the gate circuit G1 in the open state and keep the BD path open. The gate circuit G2 is closed and the MD path is closed. Therefore, the photographed image signal stored in the memory B is repeatedly sent to the monitor D, and the signal is imaged.

When the photographed image signal changes to the designated color, the color discriminating circuit CD sends the output of H to the inverter Iv and also to the first control input terminal G2c of the gate circuit G2 via the switch Sw2. The inverter Iv outputs the output of L via the switch Sw3 to the first control input terminal G1 of the gate circuit G1.
Then, the gate circuit G1 is closed and the photographed image signal of the designated color which is about to flow through the BD path is cut off. On the other hand, the gate circuit G2 is opened and the MD path is opened. Therefore, the stored image signal is imaged on the display element D instead of the captured image signal.

After all, in the display element D, the portion of the designated color of the photographed image signal is cut out, and the portion corresponding to the position of the stored image signal is fitted into that portion, that is, the chroma key image signal is imaged. If necessary, the access button 8 is appropriately pressed while observing the monitor D to access the used memory in which a more appropriate stored image signal is stored.

To record this chroma key image, the trigger button 1 is fully pressed. Then, the same operation as in the above-described multiple exposure / first combining mode, but the chroma key image signal which selectively flows through the BM path and the MM path is written in the unused memory. When this writing is completed, the camera returns to the state before the first half-press. Table 5 summarizes the operation of this mode.

Switching lever 7 = “ch1”, switching slider = “CM”

[0074]

[Table 5]

(First chroma key / second combination mode) Next, the switching lever 7 in FIG. 2 is moved to the position of "ch1" and the slider 9 is moved.
The operation when the first chroma key mode is selected in the second combination mode by aligning with the position of "MM" will be described.
The image obtained in this case is a composite image in which the designated color portion of the first stored image that was accessed first is cut out and the portion corresponding to the position of the second stored image that is accessed later is fitted. Become.

Initially, all components of the camera are in a non-operational state in which no image signal is input or output. When the lever 7 is set to the position of “ch1”, the changeover switch Sw1 · S in FIG.
w2 and Sw3 are terminals ch1, ch1 ', and ch, respectively.
1 ", switches 7a and 7b in FIG. 4 are closed,
Further, the switch 7c is connected to the common terminal of the switch 9a. When the slider 9 is set to the position "MM", the switch 9a is connected to the input terminal i9 of the circuit CC. As a result, the setting of the first chroma key / second composite mode is performed by the chroma key system of FIG. 3 and the circuit CC of FIG.

The slider 16 is operated to specify the color to be cut out in the first stored image. Here, since the image pickup by the image pickup device I is not performed, it is not necessary to select the exposure mode. When the first half-press of the trigger button 1 is performed, the MD path is opened by the same operation as when the trigger button 1 is half-pressed the third time in the manual access mode described above. Therefore, the stored image signal stored in the used memory cell that has been accessed in the previous shooting to the monitor D is repeatedly read,
It is imaged there. Then, the access button 8 is appropriately pressed until the desired stored image in which the portion of the designated color is cut out appears on the monitor D. Here, the stored image signal of the used memory accessed last becomes the first stored image signal.

When the second half-press of the trigger button 1 is performed next, the first stored image signal is first written in the MB path, and when this is completed, the MB path is closed. Then, in the same operation as in the first chroma key / first combination mode, the color discrimination circuit CD is activated and the chroma key system is activated. Then, either the BD route or the MD route is opened. However, the memory accessed by the storage system M is a used memory next to the used memory storing the first stored image signal. When the first stored image signal, which is about to flow through the BD path, has a designated color, the chroma-key circuit CD detects this and closes the gate circuit G1 to disconnect the BD path. Then, instead, the chroma key gate circuit G2 is opened, and the second stored image flows through the MD path.

Therefore, on the monitor D, a portion of the designated color of the first stored image signal is cut out, and a portion corresponding to the position of the second stored image signal corresponding to the position is fitted and a composite image signal, that is, a chroma key image signal is displayed on the monitor D. Be converted. If necessary, the access button 8 is appropriately pressed while observing the monitor D to access a more suitable used memory in which the second stored image signal is stored.

To record this chroma key image, the trigger button 1 is fully pressed. Then, in the same operation as in the above-described multiple exposure / first composition mode, the chroma key image signal which selectively flows through the BM route and the MM route is written in an unused memory cell in which the image signal is not stored. . When this writing is completed, the camera returns to the state before the first half-press.

Table 6 summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = “ch1”, switching slider = “MM”

[0082]

[Table 6]

(Second Chroma Key / First Synthesis Mode) FIG. 2
A description will be given of the operation when the switching lever 7 of is set to the position of "ch2", the slider 9 is switched to the position of "CM", and the second chroma key mode is selected in the first combination mode. The image obtained in this case is a composite image obtained by cutting out the designated color portion of the stored image and fitting a portion corresponding to the position of the photographed image in that portion.

When the lever 7 is set to the position of "ch2",
The changeover switches Sw1, Sw2, Sw3 in FIG. 3 are connected to the terminals ch2, ch2 ', ch2 ", respectively, the switches 7a, 7b in FIG. 4 are closed, and the switch 7c is further closed.
Is connected to the common terminal of the switch 9a. When the slider 9 is set to the "CM" position, the switch 9a is connected to the input terminal i9 of the circuit CC. As a result, the setting of the second chroma key / first composition mode is performed by the chroma key system of FIG. 3 and the circuit CC of FIG. Further, the slider 16 is operated to specify the color for cutting out the stored image. Note that the description of the exposure mode setting is omitted here.

The operation sequence by half-pressing the trigger button 1 up to the first and second times is exactly the same as in the above-described first chroma key / first combination mode. However, the difference is that a stored image signal that is suitable for cutting out a specified color portion is accessed, and a captured image signal that is suitable for fitting in that portion is captured. When the third half-press of the trigger button 1 is performed, the color discrimination circuit CD is activated by the same operation as in the above-described first chroma key / first composition mode, and the storage unit M and the memory B are routed through the MD route or the BD route. The image signal is read out from either one of.

The color discriminating circuit CD outputs the output of L to the gate circuit G1 via the inverter Iv and the switch Sw3 until the stored image of the color designated by the slider 16 is input from the storage system M via the switch Sw1. First control input terminal G
Send to 1c. Therefore, the inverter Iv sends the output of H to the first control input terminal G2c of the gate circuit G2 through the switch Sw3, and keeps the gate circuit G2 in the open state.
Leave the D path open. The gate circuit G1 is closed and the BD path is closed. Therefore, the storage image signal stored in the accessed memory cell of the storage system M is repeatedly sent to the display circuit D, and the signal is imaged.

When the stored image signal changes to the designated color, the circuit CD
Produces an output of H. Therefore, the gate circuit G2 is closed by the L output of the inverter Iv, the stored image signal of the designated color which is about to flow through the MD path is blocked, and instead the gate circuit G1 is opened and the captured image signal is output through the BD path. Flowing. Therefore, the captured image signal is imaged on the display circuit D. After all, the monitor D reproduces a chroma key image in which the designated color portion of the stored image signal is cut out and a portion corresponding to the position of the photographed image signal is fitted into the portion.

If necessary, the access button 8 is appropriately pressed while observing the monitor D to access the used memory in which a more appropriate stored image signal is stored. When the trigger button 1 is fully pressed, this chroma key image is written in the unused memory in which the image signal is not stored by the same operation as in the above-mentioned first chroma key / first composition mode. Then, when this writing is completed, the camera returns to the state before the first half-press of the trigger button 1.

Table 7 summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = “ch2”, switching slider = “CM”

[0090]

[Table 7]

(Second chroma key / second combination mode) Next, the switching lever 7 of FIG. 2 is moved to the position of "ch2" and the slider 9 is moved.
The operation when the second chroma key mode is selected in the second combination mode by aligning with the position of "MM" will be described.
The image obtained in this case is a composite image in which the designated color portion of the second stored image accessed later is cut out and the portion corresponding to the position of the first stored image accessed earlier is fitted. Become.

Initially, all components of the camera are in a non-operational state in which no image signal is input or output. When the lever 7 is set to the position of “ch2”, the changeover switch Sw1 · S in FIG.
w2 and Sw3 are terminals ch2, ch2 ', and ch, respectively.
2 ", switches 7a and 7b in FIG. 4 are closed,
Further, the switch 7c is connected to the common terminal of the switch 9a. When the slider 9 is set to the position "MM", the switch 9a is connected to the input terminal i9 of the circuit CC. As a result, the setting of the second chroma key / second combined mode is performed by the chroma key system of FIG. 3 and the circuit CC of FIG.

The slider 16 is operated to specify the color to be cut out in the first stored image. The operation sequence by half-pressing the trigger button 1 up to the first time is exactly the same as in the above-described first chroma key / second combination mode. However, the difference is that the first stored image signal is photographed so as to be suitable for fitting in the cut-out portion of the designated color portion of the second stored image signal.

Next, when the second half-press of the trigger button 1 is performed, the first stored image signal is first written in the MB path, and when this is completed, the MB path is closed. Then, in the same operation as in the first chroma key / first combination mode, the color discrimination circuit CD is activated and the chroma key system is activated. Then, either the BD route or the MD route is opened. However, the memory accessed by the storage system M is a used memory next to the memory storing the first stored image signal. M
When the second stored image signal that is about to flow in the D path becomes the designated color, the chroma-key circuit CD detects this and closes the gate circuit G2 to disconnect the BD path. Then, instead, the chroma key system gate circuit G1 is opened, and the first stored image flows through the BD path.

Therefore, on the monitor D, a portion of the designated color of the second stored image signal is cut out, and a portion corresponding to the position of the first stored image signal in position is fitted and a composite image signal, that is, a chroma key image signal is displayed on the monitor D. Be converted. If necessary, the access button 8 is appropriately pressed while observing the monitor D to access a more suitable used memory in which the second stored image signal is stored.

To record this chroma key image, the trigger button 1 is fully pressed. Then, the same operation as in the above-described multiple exposure / first composition mode, but the chroma key image signal which selectively flows through the BM route and the MM route is written in an unused memory in which the image signal is not stored. When this writing is completed, the camera returns to the state before the first half-press.

Table 8 summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = “ch2”, switching slider = “MM”

[0098]

[Table 8]

(Automatic access mode fully pressed) With each component in the inoperative state, the lever 7 was in the "A" position, and it became necessary to urgently and continuously photograph the subject for several frames. In this case, the composition may be determined by the optical finder 4 and the trigger button 1 may be fully pressed from the beginning.

At this time, when the lever 7 is in the "A" position, the operation signal / synchronization signal is sent from the output terminal O1 of the circuit CC to the recording processing system W and the output signal is sent from the output terminal O6 to the switch circuit S1 when the lever 7 is fully pressed. Control signal for connecting the output terminal to the first input terminal S1a, from the output terminal O4 to the gate circuit G1
And a first address signal / write signal / second address signal for accessing an unused memory to the storage system M from the output terminal O3. Therefore, one frame of raw image signal corresponding to the subject image formed on the image sensor I when the trigger button 1 is fully pressed flows through the IM path and is written in the accessed unused memory. When writing is completed, the above output terminals O1 ・ O6 ・
The output of each signal from O4 is stopped, the read signal is output from O3 in place of the write signal, and the second address signal is repeatedly output. At the same time, the output signal from the output terminal O2 to the reproduction processing system R and the synchronization signal synchronized with the second address signal to the storage system M are sent from the output terminal O5 to the G2.
Output signal is sent. Therefore, the IM path is cut off, and the image signal just written in the storage system M flows through the MD path and is imaged on the monitor D. By observing this, the shooting result can be confirmed.

Table 9 summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = "A"

[0102]

[Table 9]

(Multiple exposure / first composition mode full push) When each component is in the inoperative state, the lever 7 is "MUL",
The operation when the trigger button 1 is fully pressed from the beginning when the button 9 is at the “CM” position and the multiple exposure / first composition mode is selected will be described. When the trigger button 1 is fully pressed, the circuit CC transfers to the reproduction processing system W, the switch circuit S1, the gate circuit G1, and the switch circuit S2.
Each signal for opening the B path, the first address signal, the read signal, and the second address signal for accessing the memory accessed from the output terminal O3 to the storage system M in the previous photographing, and the gate circuit from the output terminal O5. An H control signal for opening it to G2 is output. Therefore IB route and M
From the memory accessed in the previous shooting of the storage system M and the raw image signal for one frame corresponding to the subject image formed on the image sensor I when the button AB is fully pressed together with the AB path. And the stored image signal are stored in the adder circuit A under perfect synchronization and are written into the memory B as a multiple-exposure image signal. As soon as this writing is completed, the BD path and the BM path are opened. (At this time, the memory system M
The memory accessed at is an unused memory), so the multiple-exposure image signal is imaged on the monitor D and stored in the memory system M.

Table 10 summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = “MUL”, switching slider = “CM”

[0105]

[Table 10]

(Chroma Key / First Composite Mode) Lever 7
Is set to “ch1” or “ch2”, the button 9 is set to the position of “CM”, and the chroma key / first composition mode is selected. The same signal as at the time of and the operation signal is issued from the output terminal O9. Therefore, the chroma key system operates, and the gate circuit G1 is detected by the detection output of the color discrimination circuit CD.
-G2 is complementarily controlled to be opened and closed, and either one of the IB route and the MAB route is opened. As soon as the writing to the buffer memory B is completed, the BD path and the BM path are opened in the same manner as in the multiple exposure / first composition mode described above.
Therefore, the chroma key image signal of the raw image signal for one frame corresponding to the subject image formed when the trigger button 1 is fully pressed and the stored image signal stored in the memory accessed in the previous photographing are The image is displayed on the display element D and stored in a memory which is not used.

Table 11 summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = "ch1" "ch2", switching slider = "CM"

[0108]

[Table 11]

(Other Functions of the Electronic Camera) The brightness adjustment signal generator 15 is operated by appropriately operating the brightness adjustment slider 15 while observing the display element D during the photographing operation.
By changing the output of a, the brightness level of the image signal passing through the adder circuit A can be adjusted. According to this, for example, in the case of multiple-exposure shooting, it is possible to weight two images to be superimposed.

When the clear button 6 is pressed during the photographing operation, the switch 6a is closed and a clear signal is sent to the circuit CC via the input terminal i3. Then, the control circuit CC issues a control signal for returning the operation of each component and the path of the image signal to the previous state. For example, when the clear button 6 is pressed after the first half-press of the trigger button 1, each component of the camera returns to the inoperative state in which no image signal is input / output.

When the BD path is opened by the second half-press of the trigger button 1 in the automatic access mode,
When the photographed image displayed on the display element D is unsatisfactory, when the clear button 6 is pressed, the circuit CC causes the first
Send the same control signal to each component as after the half-press of the second time. As a result, the ID path is opened, and the raw image signal is displayed as a moving image on the monitor D. Therefore, the photographed image signal can be retaken.

If the trigger button 1 is fully pressed to write the image signal in the memory system M, a half-press is performed, and the path of the image signal returns to the state when the first half-press is performed. Therefore, for example, when the user selects the multiple exposure mode and presses the trigger button 1 three and a half times, the multiple exposure image displayed on the monitor D does not have to be written in the storage system M, and the user wants to take another shot. You can press halfway instead of full press.

(Display) The display element 10 in FIG. 2 is imaged on the monitor D by the drive signal from the output terminal O12 of the control circuit CC. In other words, whether the image signal passing through the adder circuit A is the raw image signal from the image sensor I,
A display is provided so that the photographed image signal from the buffer memory B or the stored image signal from the storage system M or the buffer memory B can be identified.

In FIG. 5, the respective aspects are shown.
(A) is a raw image signal, (b) is a captured image signal, (c) is a stored image signal (the numbers indicate the address of the memory in which the stored image signal is stored), and (D) shows the case of a captured image signal and a stored image signal. The above (a) to (d) are the displays that appear one by one each time the trigger button 1 is half-pressed when the multiple exposure or chroma key mode is selected in the first combining mode. (E)
(F) is a display that appears when the second composition mode is selected, (e) is the first stored image signal, and (f) is the first
And the case of the second stored image signal.

When the imaging on the monitor D is unnecessary, the push button 11 shown in FIG. 2 may be pressed. In FIG. 6, when the switch 11a is closed by pressing the button 11, the T flip-flop T, which has been outputting H with the first pressing of the trigger button 1, outputs L. Therefore, the AND circuit An outputs the output of L to the control circuit C shown in FIG.
The output of L is sent to the input terminal i11 of C. As a result, the circuit CC stops the output of the operation signal from the output terminal O2 to the reproduction processing system R, and deactivates the processing system R. Therefore, the image signal is not sent to the monitor D, and the imaging on the monitor D is stopped. When the automatic access mode, manual access mode, multiple exposure / first composition mode, chroma key / first composition mode is selected, self-timer photographing can be performed. For that purpose, first, the first half-press of the trigger button 1 is performed to open the ID path, the raw image is observed on the monitor D, and the composition is determined. Then, instead of half-pressing the trigger button 1 for the second time, the button 2 shown in FIG. 1 is pressed. Then, the switch 2a shown in FIG.
Is closed, and when a predetermined time has elapsed after that, an L output is issued from the second input terminal Sto 'of the self-timer circuit St to the input terminal i1 of the circuit CC, and the circuit CC is half-pressed for the second time. Then, the IB route is opened by performing the same operation as that when the self-timer photographing is completed.

When the switch 2a is closed, the circuit St inverts the output of H from the first output terminal Sto in response to the first half-press of the trigger button 1 to L for the above predetermined time. During that time, the AND circuit An sends the output of L to the input terminal i11 of the circuit CC, so that the reproduction processing system R and the monitor D are disabled during the self-timer photographing in which the monitor D cannot be observed. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed.

(Connection with External Storage Device) When the image signal is written in all the memories of the storage system M and is used, the storage section C ₂ is removed from the image pickup section C ₁ and external to the VTR or the like. Connected to a storage device (not shown), to which the image signals stored in each memory are kept as digital signals,
Alternatively, it can be reused by converting it into an analog signal by a DA converter provided in an external storage device and transferring it to another recording medium such as a magnetic tape. The image signal in the memory is read by the first address signal, the read signal, and the second address signal sequentially output from the external storage device to the storage system M. By this operation, each memory of the storage system M can be used again as an unused memory.

Each memory has a number of memory cells larger than the total number of pixels in one frame by one (for example, memory cells are 4
It is a bit configuration. ). For example, assuming that the total number of pixels is 10 ⁶ , the total number of memory cells is 10
^{It is 6} + 1. This is stored cue signal to the memory cells of address 0, because the image signal of one frame for the address 10 ⁶ 1 address is stored. This cue signal is detected by the circuit CC, and whether or not the accessed memory has been used, that is, an image signal not transferred to the external storage device in the memory (hereinafter referred to as an untransferred image signal). It is for determining whether or not it is stored.
The cue signal is added to the head of the image signal for each frame by the recording processing system W, and is distinguishable from the image signal. The cue signal is erased when the storage section C ₂ is connected to an external storage device and the transfer of the image signal in the memory, that is, the reading of the image signal from the memory and the writing to another recording medium are completed. More specifically, when the transfer is completed, the external storage device stores the first address signal, the write signal, and the cue signal for accessing the memory that has completed the transfer to erase the cue signal to the storage system M. The second address signal for accessing the address of the cell, that is, the address 0 is transmitted. Then, the external storage device writes a signal different from the cue signal, for example, if the cue signal is (0000) into the memory cell at address 0, the signal of (1111) is erased.

When the control circuit CC detects the cue signal, an unused memory (a memory in which no image signal has been written or a memory which has already transferred an image signal to an external storage device) is detected. The operation when accessing the (. Here some memory in dirty First, some of the memory is unused storage unit C _2, short and of course use the storage unit C ₂ is attached to the imaging unit C _1. The circuit CC first outputs from the output terminals O3 to M
To the first memory, a first address signal for accessing the first memory, a read signal, and a second address signal for accessing the memory cell at address 0 are sent. If a cue signal is output from the output terminal of the storage system M, the circuit CC receives it via the input terminal i11, and an untransferred image signal is stored in this memory, which is a used memory. To judge. Therefore, the circuit CC outputs from the output terminal O3 to the storage system M the first address signal for accessing the second memory, the read signal, and the same second address signal as described above. Therefore, if the queue signal is also stored in this memory, the first access signal for accessing the third memory, the read signal, and the same second address signal as described above are issued. The above access operation is sequentially performed until the memory in which the queue signal is not stored is accessed.

It is assumed that the cue signal is not input from the output terminal of the storage system M to the input terminal i11 when the nth memory is accessed. The circuit CC detects that this memory is an unused memory because no untransferred image signal is stored in this memory. When writing an image signal for one frame in this memory, the circuit CC changes the read signal into a write signal and sequentially accesses all memory cells from address 0 to address 10 ^{6 by} the second address signal. . Along with this, the circuit CC stores the address of the nth memory, that is, the address of the last accessed memory.

Next, when the unused memory is accessed again, the circuit CC starts the above access operation from the memory next to the nth memory accessed in the previous photographing, that is, the (n + 1) th memory. If the entire memory is accessed and the cue signal is stored in any memory, the circuit CC deactivates each component and warns of this.

The address of the memory stored in the circuit CC is erased by removing the storage section C ₂ from the image pickup section C ₁ . When accessing a memory in which an untransferred image signal is stored, that is, a used memory, the circuit CC
Performs the same operation as the above-described access operation until the queue signal is output from the storage system M to the input terminal i11. When the used memory is accessed and the image signal is read out from this memory, the circuit CC outputs the second address signal from the address 1 already output to access the queue signal, followed by the address 1 to the end. The data up to the address of 10 ⁶ are sequentially output.

The access operation of the circuit CC described above is
It is performed in response to the depression of the trigger button 1 or the depression of the access button 8. The camera of the present embodiment is not provided with a power switch, but this is to activate each component of the camera by pressing the trigger button button 1, and to operate the camera for a certain period of time after a certain operation is applied. If not, the control circuit CC is configured so that all the components are in the inoperative state, and thus is unnecessary.

The switches Sw1, Sw2 and Sw3 are
Instead of a mechanical switch, it is preferable to employ a semiconductor switch which is opened and closed by a control signal from the control circuit CC. In the present embodiment, the image signal path is cyclically switched each time the trigger button 1 is pressed, but an independent manual operation member is provided for each signal path, and an arbitrary signal path can be set by operating these. It may be opened at any time. For example, after pressing the button to select the multiple exposure mode, the button to open the IB / BD route and the MB / BD
A multiple-exposure image in which the captured image and the stored image are superimposed may be displayed on the monitor D by pressing the path opening button.

The relationship between the depression of the trigger button 1 and the switching of the signal path may be as follows. (1) The first half-press of the trigger button 1 opens the IB path first, and then the BD path. Therefore, on the monitor D, the subject imaged on the image sensor I when the first half-press is performed appears as a still image (captured image). However, this state is maintained as long as half-push is continued. (2) If the captured image on monitor D is unsatisfactory, just release the finger from trigger button 1. Then, the ID path is opened and the subject is imaged as a moving image on the monitor D. (3) While observing the monitor D, the operation of (1) and (2), that is, half-pressing of the trigger button 1 (IB / BD path), half-press release (ID
Repeat the route). (4) If the desired captured image appears on monitor D and you intend to record it, further press trigger button 1 and fully press it. Then, the BM path is opened and the captured image signal is written in the memory of the storage system M.

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the first still image signal from the storage means (B or M) or the image pickup means (I) and the second still image signal from the storage means (M or B). Thirdly, the image signal and the image signal are combined by the combining means (A).
Synthesizing means (A) for producing a still image signal (multiple exposure image signal or chroma key image signal), manually operated to select the second still image signal from the storage means,
Further, a selection means (8) for selecting a new second still image signal from the storage means each time the manual operation is performed, a reading of the new second still image signal from the storage means, and a reading operation 2) Transmission of still image signal to the synthesizing means, 3rd
A control means for controlling each operation of creation of a still image signal and visualization by transmitting the third still image signal to the display means (D) in series in accordance with a manual operation of the selecting means,
An electronic camera capable of storing the third still image signal can be obtained as the storage means. That is, it is possible to select from a plurality of screens in which the second still image signal to be combined with the first still image signal is stored, and the image is automatically displayed by only one operation of selecting the second still image signal. Since the third still image signal is generated by synthesizing and visualized, it is possible to observe the synthesized image corresponding to the third still image signal without performing an operation other than the selecting operation.
Furthermore, this third still image mixture can be stored optionally.

In this embodiment, the storage means (B,
Although the solid-state memory is adopted in M), the present invention is not limited to this, and a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape or the like may be adopted.
Further, the image pickup means (I) is not limited to a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD, and an image pickup tube may be adopted. A CRT color display can also be used as the display means (D).

Further, the storage means (M) may be of a form connected to the image pickup means (I) and the display means (D) by a cable.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of this embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a display mode of the display element of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit for turning on / off a monitor operation.

[Explanation of symbols for main parts]

 Photographing optical system ……………… L image pickup means ……………… I display means …………………… D storage means ……………… B or M control means …… ……………… CC

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] February 19, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Claims]

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The present invention relates to a reproducing device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a storage device including an erasing control means for erasing the image signal stored in the storage means. In the reproducing apparatus of this type, if the information can be immediately erased in response to the operation of the erasing means, the necessary recording which is not desired to be erased is erroneously lost. An object of the present invention is to provide a reproducing apparatus in which important stored information is not erased by an erroneous operation by erasing after confirming the content of the stored information in the storage means.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0002

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

In order to achieve this object, the present invention has a storage means having a storage area for storing an image signal and a display means for visualizing the stored image signal, and stores the stored image signal. Erasing means to be operated for erasing, and erasing control means for erasing the image signal stored in the storage area when the erasing means is operated while the image signal is visualized on the display means. And a configuration including.

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0003

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The description based on the present invention is (configuration of the present electronic camera).
(Operation device of this electronic camera) (Control of this electronic camera)
(Operation of the electronic camera) and (display). In the block diagrams (FIGS. 3 and 4) to be referred to below, the arrows between the constituent elements simply indicate the signal transmission / reception relationship, and the constituent elements are connected by a single signal line. It does not indicate only that, nor does it indicate only when one type of signal is transmitted and received.

[Procedure correction 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0126

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, the image signal can be erased only when it is confirmed by reproducing the image signal stored in the storage means. The fear of erasing important memory information is eliminated.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Yutaka Ichihara 2-4-11-209 Susukino, Midori-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (72) Inventor Akira Miyaji 4-16-11 Kaminoge, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A photographing optical system, and an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the optical system into a still image signal.
In an electronic camera having a display means for visualizing the still image signal and a storage means for storing the still image signal for a plurality of screens, the first camera from the storage means or the image pickup means
Synthesizing means for synthesizing the still image signal and the second still image signal from the storage means to generate a third still image signal,
Selecting means for manually selecting the second still image signal from the storage means and selecting a new second still image signal from the storage means each time the manual operation is performed; Reading the new second still image signal,
Manual operation of the selecting means for each operation of sending the second still image signal to the synthesizing means by the reading operation, creating a third still image signal, and visualizing by sending the third still image signal to the display means. The electronic camera is characterized in that the storage means stores an arbitrary third still image signal.