JPH11150679A - Image pickup device and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable bracketing photography even where there is mechanical limitation. SOLUTION: Light from an object which is made incident by a CCD 9 through a lens 1 a diaphragm 2 and a half mirror 3 is photoelectrically converted, after it is set to prescribed diaphragm value by a diaphragm driving device 7 that is controlled by a control circuit 14. The photoelectrically converted electric signal is corrected in signal processing circuit 11, is stored in prescribed memory and a 1st bracketing photographing is performed. Next, a 2nd photographing is performed after diaphragm value is changed and a 3rd photographing is performed after the diaphragm value is further changed. When the change of diaphragm value receives mechanical limitation, the circuit 14 changes the gain of the CCD 9 and a gamma characteristic to perform photographing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus and a recording medium, and more particularly to an image pickup apparatus and a recording medium capable of performing bracketing photographing even under mechanical restrictions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An imaging device such as a digital camera is a CCD.
(Charge Coupled Device) An image of a subject is captured by an image sensor, and image data as a shooting result is converted into digital data, which is then recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card. An image corresponding to the recorded data is displayed on a monitor externally connected to the digital camera or on a monitor such as a liquid crystal display built in the digital camera.

[0003] Some digital cameras can perform bracketing photography in which a plurality of images are photographed by changing an aperture value or the like for each predetermined correction step.

[0004]

However, there has been a problem that bracketing photography may not be performed due to mechanical restrictions such as an aperture and a shutter.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and it is an object of the present invention to enable bracketing photography even if there is a mechanical restriction.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus for picking up an image of a subject.
CCD 9), aperture control for adjusting the amount of light from a subject incident on the imaging means, and aperture value setting means for setting a predetermined aperture value (for example, aperture drive circuit 7 in FIG. 7); Shutter speed setting means for controlling a shutter for adjusting an incident time of light from a subject to be set and setting a predetermined shutter speed (for example, a shutter driving circuit 8 in FIG. 7)
Correction step setting means for setting a correction step in bracketing (for example, step S14 in FIG. 8,
The control circuit 14 of FIG. 7 that performs the processing of S15) and a determination unit (for example, a determination unit that determines whether the aperture value or the shutter speed corresponding to the correction step set by the correction step setting unit is within a predetermined limit range) Step S in FIG.
The control circuit 14 of FIG. 7 that performs the processing of S16 and S18) and a correction unit that corrects the correction step set by the correction step setting unit based on the determination result by the determination unit (for example, steps S4 and S6 of FIG. 8). FIG. 7 which performs the processing of
Control circuit 14).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup device for picking up an image of a subject (for example, a CCD shown in FIG. 7).
An aperture setting unit (for example, an aperture driving circuit 7 in FIG. 7) for controlling an aperture for adjusting the amount of light from the subject incident on the imaging unit and setting a predetermined aperture value, and a light from the subject incident on the imaging unit. Control the shutter that adjusts the incident time of
Shutter speed setting means (for example, shutter driving circuit 8 in FIG. 7) for setting a predetermined shutter speed, and gain adjusting means (for example, CCD driving circuit 10 in FIG. 7) for adjusting the gain of an image sensor constituting the imaging means. Determining means for determining whether the aperture value or the shutter speed is within a predetermined limit range (for example, steps S34 and S35 in FIG. 9)
And the control means for controlling the gain adjusting means to change the gain of the image sensor based on the determination result by the determining means (for example, the processing in steps S37 and S39 in FIG. 9). The control circuit 14 of FIG.
And characterized in that:

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup device for picking up an image of a subject (for example, CDD9 in FIG. 7);
Gamma characteristic changing means for changing the gamma characteristic of the signal corresponding to the image captured by the imaging means (for example, FIG. 13
The control circuit 14 in FIG. 7 that performs the process of step S70)
Step setting means for setting a gamma characteristic changing step to be changed by the gamma characteristic changing means (for example, FIG.
The control circuit 14 in FIG. 7 that performs the process of step S65 of step 3)
And photographing control means for photographing in the changing step set by the step setting means (for example, step S67 in FIG. 13).
And a control circuit 14) of FIG.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus, comprising: a storage unit (eg, a frame memory 51 in FIG. 7) for temporarily storing a plurality of bracketed images; and a plurality of images stored in the storage unit. Is displayed on a predetermined screen (for example, the control circuit 14 in FIG. 7 that performs the process of step S87 in FIG. 15). The display control means divides the predetermined screen into a plurality of Is displayed in the area.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup device having an image pickup device for picking up an image of a subject (for example, FIG.
CCD 9), mechanical adjustment means (for example, aperture 2 in FIG. 7) for mechanically adjusting the amount of light from the subject incident on the imaging means, and when the amount of light from the subject exceeds the limit range of the adjustment means. And a gain adjusting means for adjusting the gain of the image sensor (for example, the control circuit 14 in FIG. 7 for performing the processing in steps S37 and S39 in FIG. 9).

An image pickup device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention has an image pickup device and an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject (for example, FIG.
CCD 9), gain adjusting means for adjusting the gain of the image sensor (for example, the control circuit 14 in FIG. 7 for performing the processing of steps S49 and S51 in FIG. 10), and an adjusting step for adjusting the gain of the image sensor. Step setting means (for example, the control circuit 14 in FIG. 7 for performing the processing in steps S48 and S50 in FIG. 10) and photographing control means (for example, for performing photographing in the adjustment step set by the step setting means)
The control circuit 1 of FIG. 7 that performs the process of step S45 of FIG.
4).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a recording medium controls an imaging step of capturing an image of a subject, and an aperture for adjusting the amount of light from the subject incident upon the imaging in the imaging step.
An aperture value setting step of setting a predetermined aperture value; a shutter speed setting step of controlling a shutter for adjusting an incident time of light from a subject incident upon imaging in the imaging step to set a predetermined shutter speed; A correction step setting step of setting a correction step in ketting, a determination step of determining whether an aperture value or a shutter speed corresponding to the correction step set in the correction step setting step is within a predetermined limit range,
A control program including a step correction step for correcting the correction step set in the correction step setting step based on the determination result in the determination step is recorded.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a recording medium controls an imaging step of capturing an image of a subject, and an aperture for adjusting the amount of light from the subject that is incident upon the imaging in the imaging step.
An aperture value setting step of setting a predetermined aperture value; a shutter speed setting step of controlling a shutter for adjusting an incident time of light from a subject incident upon imaging in the imaging step to set a predetermined shutter speed; A gain adjustment step of adjusting the gain of the imaging element performing the imaging in the step, a determination step of determining whether the aperture value or the shutter speed is within a predetermined limit range, and a determination result in the determination step, And a control step of controlling the adjustment in the gain adjustment step and changing the gain of the image sensor.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium, wherein: an imaging step of capturing an image of a subject; a gamma characteristic changing step of changing a gamma characteristic of a signal corresponding to the image captured in the imaging step; The control program includes a step setting step of setting a change step of the gamma characteristic to be changed in step (a), and a photographing control step of performing photographing in the change step set in the step setting step.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium, a storage step of temporarily storing a plurality of bracketed images and a display control step of displaying the plurality of images stored in the storage step on a predetermined screen In the display control step, a control program for dividing a predetermined screen into a plurality of areas and controlling display of an image in the areas is recorded.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium, comprising: an image pickup step of picking up an image of a subject by using an image pickup device; And a gain adjustment step of adjusting the gain of the image sensor when the light amount from the subject exceeds the limit range in the adjustment step.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium, comprising: an imaging step of capturing an image of a subject using an imaging element; a gain adjustment step of adjusting a gain of the imaging element; and an adjustment step of adjusting a gain of the imaging element. A control program including a step setting step for setting and a photographing control step for photographing in the adjusting step set in the step setting step is recorded.

In the image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect, the aperture value setting means includes an image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject,
A diaphragm for adjusting the amount of light from the subject incident on the imaging means is controlled, a predetermined aperture value is set, and a shutter speed setting means controls a shutter for adjusting an incident time of light from the subject incident on the imaging means. A predetermined shutter speed, a correction step setting unit sets a correction step in bracketing, and a determination unit determines that an aperture value or a shutter speed corresponding to the correction step set by the correction step setting unit is a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not it is within the limit range, and the correction unit corrects the correction step set by the correction step setting unit based on the determination result by the determination unit.

In the image pickup apparatus according to the second aspect, the image pickup means picks up an image of a subject, and the aperture value setting means includes:
A diaphragm for adjusting the amount of light from the subject incident on the imaging means is controlled, a predetermined aperture value is set, and a shutter speed setting means controls a shutter for adjusting an incident time of light from the subject incident on the imaging means. A predetermined shutter speed is set, the gain adjustment means adjusts the gain of the image sensor constituting the imaging means, and the determination means determines whether the aperture value or the shutter speed is within a predetermined limit range. The control means controls the gain adjustment means based on the determination result by the determination means to change the gain of the image sensor.

In the image pickup apparatus according to the third aspect, the image pickup means picks up an image of the subject, and the gamma characteristic change means changes the gamma characteristic of a signal corresponding to the image picked up by the image pickup means. The setting unit sets a gamma characteristic changing step to be changed by the gamma characteristic changing unit, and the imaging control unit performs imaging at the changing step set by the step setting unit.

In the imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the storage means temporarily stores a plurality of bracketed images, and the display control means stores the plurality of images stored in the storage means in a predetermined manner. The image is displayed on a screen, and the display control means divides the predetermined screen into a plurality of regions and controls to display an image in the region.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image pickup apparatus, the image pickup means has an image pickup element, picks up an image of the subject, and the mechanical adjustment means mechanically measures the amount of light from the subject incident on the image pickup means. The gain adjusting means adjusts the gain of the image sensor when the light amount from the subject exceeds the limit range of the adjusting means.

In the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, the image pickup means has an image pickup element, picks up an image of a subject, the gain adjustment means adjusts the gain of the image pickup element, and the step setting means sets the image pickup element. An adjustment step for adjusting the gain of the element is set, and the imaging control means performs imaging in the adjustment step set by the step setting means.

In the recording medium according to the present invention, an image pickup step of picking up an image of a subject, and a stop for adjusting the amount of light from the subject incident upon the image pickup in the image pickup step are controlled to set a predetermined stop value. An aperture value setting step, a shutter speed setting step for setting a predetermined shutter speed by controlling a shutter for adjusting an incident time of light from a subject incident upon imaging in the imaging step, and a correction step in bracketing are set. A determining step of determining whether an aperture value or a shutter speed corresponding to the correcting step set in the correcting step setting step is within a predetermined limit range; and hand,
The control program includes a step correction step for correcting the correction step set in the correction step setting step.

In the recording medium according to the present invention, an image capturing step of capturing an image of the subject, and a diaphragm for adjusting the amount of light from the subject incident upon the image capturing in the image capturing step are controlled to set a predetermined aperture value. An aperture value setting step, a shutter speed setting step of setting a predetermined shutter speed by controlling a shutter for adjusting an incident time of light from a subject incident upon imaging in the imaging step, and an imaging step of performing imaging in the imaging step A gain adjusting step of adjusting the gain of the element, a determining step of determining whether or not the aperture value or the shutter speed is within a predetermined limit range, and adjusting in the gain adjusting step based on the determination result in the determining step , And a control step of changing the gain of the image sensor.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium, an image capturing step of capturing an image of a subject, a gamma characteristic changing step of changing a gamma characteristic of a signal corresponding to the image captured in the image capturing step, and a gamma characteristic changing step A control program including a step setting step for setting a gamma characteristic changing step to be changed in steps and a shooting control step for shooting in the changing step set in the step setting step was recorded.

[0027] In the recording medium according to the tenth aspect,
A storage step of temporarily storing a plurality of bracketed images, and a display control step of displaying the plurality of images stored in the storage step on a predetermined screen, wherein the display control step includes: A control program for dividing the image into a plurality of areas and displaying images in the areas was recorded.

[0028] In the recording medium according to the eleventh aspect,
An imaging step of capturing an image of a subject using an imaging element, a mechanical adjustment step of mechanically adjusting the amount of light from the subject incident upon imaging in the imaging step, and a limit range of the amount of light from the subject in the adjustment step Is exceeded,
And a gain adjustment step of adjusting the gain of the image sensor.

In the recording medium according to the twelfth aspect,
An imaging step of capturing an image of a subject using the imaging element, a gain adjustment step of adjusting the gain of the imaging element, a step setting step of setting an adjustment step of adjusting the gain of the imaging element, and a step setting step. The control program includes a photographing control step of performing photographing in the adjusting step.

[0030]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a digital camera (electronic still camera) to which the imaging apparatus of the present invention is applied (hereinafter, referred to as a digital camera).
FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention (abbreviated as a camera as appropriate). Here, an example in which a lens 1 (FIG. 7) described later is not mounted is shown. Whether or not the lens 1 is mounted on the camera body 100 is determined by a control circuit 14 described later between the lens 1 and the lens 1 via a CPU signal contact 28 provided on a lens mounting portion 27 for mounting the lens 1 on the camera body 100. Is detected by exchanging signals. A quick return mirror 3, which will be described later, is provided behind the lens mounting portion 27. The aperture dial 39 is used when setting an aperture value.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the camera shown in FIG. The card insertion / ejection lever 29 can open and close the back cover (card insertion portion) 31 by sliding while pressing the ejection lever lock button 30. The back cover 31 is provided with a memory card confirmation window 32 so that it can be visually confirmed whether or not the memory card 13 is inserted into the main body.

The command dial 33 can be rotated endlessly and can be clicked. When this is used alone, a shutter speed value can be set, and when used together with each setting button, predetermined information can be set. The finder display unit 46 is an LCD
And a light emitting diode (LED), etc., are provided in the viewfinder 45 (FIG. 2) to display various information.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the camera shown in FIG. The sensitivity switch 21 is a command dial 3
3, the sensitivity can be switched. Exposure compensation switch 2
Reference numeral 3 indicates that an exposure correction value can be set by using the command dial 33 together.
The light metering mode switch 22 can be used in combination with the command dial 33 to switch the light metering mode. Thus, for example, in multi-pattern photometry, an object to be measured can be selected and determined.

When the release button 34 is half-pressed, a switch 17 described later with reference to FIG.
4 controls focus. Also, when fully pressed, the shutter is released. The display device (external LCD (liquid crystal display) panel) 15 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, various information is displayed. The display area A has a compression mode, the display area B has the sensitivity at the time of photographing, that is, the sensitivity of the CCD 9 described later, and the display area C has a white balance setting mode.
Indicates an exposure mode, and the display area E indicates whether or not exposure correction has been performed. Also, the metering mode can be recorded in the display area F, the remaining battery power can be recorded in the display area G, the aperture value can be recorded in the display area H, the shutter speed can be recorded in the display area I, and the memory card 13 can be recorded in the display area J. The remaining number is displayed in the display area K, and the frame number for the next shooting is displayed.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the camera shown in FIG.
When the command dial 33 is turned to the left or right while pressing the command lock button 35, the set shutter speed value displayed on the display device 15 is locked.
When the aperture dial 39 is turned to the left or right while pressing the command lock button 35, the set aperture value displayed on the display device 15 is locked.

In FIG. 5, three buttons as shown in FIG. 6 are provided in the lid 40. The button at the top and the middle button constitute a batch erase switch 38. By pressing simultaneously, all data recorded on the memory card 13 can be erased collectively. In addition, the middle button (frame erase button 25
A) and the lowermost button (frame erase button 25B) constitute a frame erase switch 25, and when these buttons are pressed simultaneously, among the data recorded on the memory card 13,
The last data (frame) recorded immediately before is erased.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the electronic still camera shown in FIGS. The lens 1 focuses a light beam from a subject. The diaphragm 2 adjusts the amount of light from the lens 1. The quick return mirror 3 reflects a part of the light flux from the subject that enters through the lens 1 and the aperture 2, guides the light to a multi-segment SPD (silicon photo diode) 4, and transmits a part of the light. . The multi-segment SPD 4 is composed of a plurality of photometric elements, and divides an object field into a plurality of regions to perform photometry. The photometric amplifier 6 amplifies the output of each photometric element.

The aperture driving circuit 7 changes the aperture amount of the aperture 2. The shutter drive circuit 8 controls opening and closing of the shutter 5. CCD (c
The harge coupled device 9 receives a light beam from a subject in accordance with opening and closing of the shutter 5, accumulates signal charges corresponding to the amount of received light, and outputs the accumulated signal charges as image data. CCD drive circuit 10
Are adapted to control charge accumulation and charge transfer by the CCD 9. The signal processing circuit 11 performs correction processing such as white balance adjustment, γ correction, and contour correction on the image data output from the CCD 9.

The frame memory 51 includes a signal processing circuit 11
, The image data subjected to the correction processing is temporarily stored. The compression / expansion circuit 12 converts the image data from the frame memory 51 into a JPEG (Joint P
(Hotographic Experts Group) and the like, and supply the compressed data to the memory card 13. Also,
The image data read from the memory card 13 is expanded and output to an external monitor 56 connected to the connector 55. The memory card 13 stores the image data supplied from the compression / expansion circuit 12 and supplies the stored image data to the compression / expansion circuit 12.

The control circuit 14 controls the aperture drive circuit 7, the shutter drive circuit 8, the CCD drive circuit 10 and the like, and performs arithmetic processing such as exposure calculation.
In addition, the motor 26 is controlled, and the quick return mirror 3 is controlled.
Is rotated, and the quick return mirror 3 is retracted outside the light beam incident through the lens 1 and the stop 2. Further, the control circuit 14 controls the auto focus (AF) motor 43 to perform focus control. Further, it detects whether the lens 1 is mounted on the camera body 100 or not.

As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the display device 15 is constituted by, for example, an LCD or the like, and is configured to display various information necessary for photographing and reproduction. It is provided at the top.

The switch 16 switches whether or not to supply power to each part of the camera. The switch 17 is turned on when the release button 34 is half-pressed. The switch 18 is a release button 3
4 is turned on when fully pressed.

The photographing / reproduction selection switch 19 is operated when switching between photographing and reproduction.
The pulse generator 20 outputs a pulse signal every time the command dial 33 is rotated by a predetermined amount. The sensitivity switch 21 is operated when the sensitivity of the CCD 9 is switched. The photometry mode switch 22 is operated when switching the photometry mode.
The exposure compensation changeover switch 23 is operated when switching the exposure compensation.

The photographing mode changeover switch 24 is operated when switching the photographing modes such as the program mode, the aperture priority mode, and the shutter priority mode. As shown in FIG. 6, two of the frame erasure buttons 25A and 25B constitute a frame erasure switch 25, and are operated when erasing image data from the memory card 13.

The above-mentioned CCD 9, signal processing circuit 11, CCD
An imaging system is configured by the drive circuit 10 and the compression / expansion circuit 12. A photometric system is composed of the multi-split SPD 4 and the photometric amplifier 6.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A processing procedure when automatically changing the bracketing correction step will be described. First, in the S mode (shutter priority mode), in step S1, whether or not the calculation result of (EV (exposure value) -TV (time value (shutter speed): Time Value)) is smaller than 0 Is determined. If it is determined that the calculation result of (EV-TV) is smaller than the value 0, the process proceeds to step S4, where AV
AVMIN (AV minimum value when the aperture is opened) is set in (Aperture Value). Next, the process proceeds to step S5, where a predetermined underflow flag is set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8.

On the other hand, in step S1, (EV-T
If it is determined that the value of V) is 0 or more, step S
Proceed to 2 (EV-TV-AVMAX (maximum aperture value))
It is determined whether or not the calculation result of is larger than 0. (E
(V-TV-AVMAX), if it is determined that the result is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S6, where AVMA
X is set. Next, in step S7, a predetermined overflow flag is set.

In step S2, (EV-TV-A
If it is determined that the calculation result of (VMAX) is equal to or less than 0, the process proceeds to step S3, and (EV-TV) is set to AV.

When any one of steps S3, S7, and S5 is completed, the process proceeds to step S8, where the release button 34 is pressed by the photographer, and photographing is performed. In step S9, it is determined whether the shooting performed in step S8 is bracketing shooting. In step S9, it is determined whether bracketing shooting has been completed or not at the same time as whether bracketing shooting has been completed. Whether the bracketing shooting has been completed means that the set number of shots have been taken or the bracketing has been canceled before the set number of shots have been completed. When it is determined that the shooting is the bracketing shooting, the process proceeds to step S10, and it is determined whether or not the first shooting is properly performed. That is, in step S5 or step S7, it is determined whether the underflow flag or the overflow flag has been set. If it is determined that the first image has been properly captured, the process proceeds to step S13, and it is determined whether or not the image captured in step S8 is an image with + correction.
At first, shooting is performed with an appropriate value, so here it is determined that the correction is not + correction, and the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, AV is set to (AV
+ Correction step) is set. On the other hand, step S1
In 3, when it is determined that the shooting is performed with + correction,
Proceed to step S15 to change to AV (AV-correction step)
Is set. Step S14 or step S15
When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S16, if the value of AV is A
It is determined whether the value is greater than the value of VMAX. That is, A
It is determined whether V (opening value) is mechanically restricted. If it is determined that the AV is larger than AVMAX, the process proceeds to step S17, the overflow flag is set, the process returns to step S6, and the processes after step S6 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that AV is smaller than or equal to AVMAX, step S1
Proceed to 8. In step S18, AV is AVMI
It is determined whether it is smaller than N.

When it is determined that the AV is smaller than the AVMIN, the underflow flag is set in step S19, and the process returns to step S4, and the processing after step S4 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, AV is AVMIN
If it is determined that the values are greater than or equal to each other, the process returns to step S8, and the processes after step S8 are repeatedly executed.

If it is determined in step S9 that the shooting is not the bracketing shooting, or if it is determined that the bracketing shooting is completed, the process proceeds to step S1.
Proceeding to 1, it is determined whether the underflow flag or the overflow flag is set. If it is determined that the underflow flag or the overflow flag has been set, the AV setting is automatically changed in step S12, and a display indicating that is made. When the processing in step S12 ends, or when it is determined in step S11 that the underflow flag or the overflow flag has not been set,
Alternatively, if it is determined in step S10 that the first captured image is not appropriate, the process ends.

As described above, in bracketing, the correction steps may be set at equal intervals on the + side and the − side, or may be set only on the + side and only on the − side.
For example, when the correction step is set to “0.5 steps” on the + side and the − side, bracketing shooting such as “+0.5 steps, proper, −0.5 steps” is performed.

However, there are cases where the proper exposure value is close to the mechanical limit and the + or-correction is not effective. In such a case, the exposure control becomes impossible, and one of the images is taken one step before the control is possible, in this case, with the proper exposure.

For example, it is assumed that an appropriate exposure can be obtained with the following settings. Shooting mode: Shutter priority mode (S mode) Shutter speed (TV): Arbitrary Aperture value (proper value): f1.7 Correction step: 1 step Open: f1.4

In this case, the following control is performed. +1 step: Aperture value = f1.4 or less Appropriate: Aperture value = f1.7 -1 step: Aperture value = f2.4

As described above, since the aperture value of the +1 step (f1.4 or less) exceeds the aperture value limit (f1.4), control becomes impossible, and the aperture value is controlled to an appropriate f1.7. .

Therefore, as described above, even if the setting cannot be controlled in one step, control can actually be performed up to the mechanical limit, and if the control value becomes uncontrollable, the mechanical Automatically changes the correction step to control up to the limit, and for the automatically changed step, displays a message to notify the photographer that the setting step has been changed, and records the data I am trying to do it.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A method for enabling bracketing by changing the gain of the image sensor and the shutter speed of the electronic shutter when mechanical limitations are imposed will be described.

First, in the S mode, step S
At 21, the control circuit 14 determines whether EV-TV is less than the value 0. When it is determined that the calculation result of (EV-TV) is smaller than 0, the process proceeds to step S24, and the value of AVMIN is set as the value of AV. Next, in step S25, an underflow flag is set. On the other hand, when it is determined that the calculation result of (EV-TV) is 0 or more, the process proceeds to step S22.

In step S22, (EV-TV
-AVMAX) is determined as to whether or not the result is greater than 0. If it is determined that the calculation result of (EV-TV-AVMAX) is larger than 0, the process proceeds to step S26, where the value of AVMAX is set as the value of AV.
Next, the process proceeds to step S27, where an overflow flag is set. On the other hand, when it is determined that the calculation result of (EV-TV-AVMAX) is 0 or less, step S23
And the value of (EV-TV) is set as the value of AV.

Step S23 or step S25,
Alternatively, when the process of step S27 is completed,
Proceed to 28.

In step S28, the release button 34 is pressed by the photographer, and photographing is performed. Step S
In 29, it is determined whether the shooting performed in step S28 is bracketing shooting or whether bracketing shooting is completed. Step S
If it is determined that the shooting at 28 is bracketing shooting, or if it is determined that bracketing shooting is to be continued, the process proceeds to step S30, and it is determined whether the first shooting is appropriate. If it is determined that the first image has been properly captured, the process proceeds to step S31.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the first image has not been properly photographed, or if it is determined in step S29 that it is not bracketing photographing, or if it is determined that bracketing photographing has ended, The process ends.

In step S31, it is determined whether or not the first bracketing shooting is + correction. If it is determined that it is not + correction, A is determined in step S32.
The value of (AV + correction step) is set as the value of V. On the other hand, when it is determined that the first bracketing shooting is the + correction, the process proceeds to step S33, and the value of (AV-correction step) is set as the value of AV. When the processing in step S32 or S33 ends, the process proceeds to step S34.

In step S34, if the value of AV is A
It is determined whether it is greater than VMAX. AV value is A
If it is determined that it is larger than VMAX, step S36
The calculation result of (AV-AVMAX) is converted to the gain of the CCD 9. Next, in step S37,
The gain of the CCD 9 is reduced by the number n of stages converted in step S36.

At step S34, if the value of AV is AV
If it is determined that the value is smaller than or equal to MAX, the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, AV
Is smaller than AVMIN. AV
Is smaller than AVMIN, the process proceeds to step S38, and the calculation result of (AVMIN-AV) is
It is converted to the gain of CD9. Next, in step S39, the gain of the CCD 9 is increased by the number n of stages corresponding to the gain of the CCD 9 converted in step S38.

In step S35, if the value of AV is AV
When it is determined that the value is smaller than MIN, when the process of step S39 is completed, or when the process of step S37 is completed, the process returns to step S28, and the processes after step S28 are repeatedly performed.

Normally, if there is a mechanical restriction, control becomes impossible, and photographing is performed only in a range that can be controlled by a set value. That is, no photographing is performed with the settings intended by the photographer. However, as described above, when a mechanical restriction is imposed, bracketing shooting can be made possible by changing the gain of the image sensor and the shutter speed of the electronic shutter.

Next, with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 10, a processing procedure of bracketing photographing in manual photographing (M mode) will be described. First, in step S41, it is determined whether or not the calculation result of (EV-TV-AV) is greater than 0. (EV-TV-A
When it is determined that the calculation result of V) is larger than 0, the process proceeds to step S43, and the overflow flag is set. On the other hand, when it is determined that the calculation result of (EV-TV-AV) is equal to or smaller than 0, the process proceeds to step S42.

In step S42, (EV-TV
It is determined whether or not the calculation result of (−AV) is smaller than the value 0. When it is determined that the calculation result of (EV-TV-AV) is smaller than 0, the process proceeds to step S44, and the underflow flag is set.

On the other hand, in step S42, (EV-
(TV-AV) is determined to be greater than or equal to 0, the process of step S44 is completed, or
When the processing in step S43 is completed, step S45
The photographer presses the release button 34 to take a picture.

Next, in step S46, it is determined whether the photographing performed in step S45 is bracketing photographing or whether bracketing photographing is completed. If it is determined that bracketing shooting is to be performed or bracketing shooting is to be continued, the process proceeds to step S47, and it is determined whether the correction at the time of shooting is + correction.
If it is determined to be + correction, the process proceeds to step S50, and the gain of the CCD 9 is increased by the correction step. Next, in step S51, a value obtained by converting the gain of the CCD 9 into an EV value is added to the EV value.

If it is determined in step S47 that the correction at the time of photographing is not + correction, the process proceeds to step S48, and the gain of the CCD 9 is reduced by the correction step. Next, in step S49, the value obtained by converting the gain of the CCD 9 into an EV value is subtracted from the EV value.

When the processing in step S49 or the processing in step S51 ends, step S41
Then, the processing after step S41 is repeatedly executed. If it is determined in step S46 that bracketing shooting has not been performed or bracketing shooting has been completed, the process ends.

At the time of manual shooting, the photographer sets both the aperture value and the shutter speed. Generally, bracketing during manual photographing is performed by fixing the aperture value and changing the shutter speed. However, if the shutter speed is changed, photographing is not performed at the set value set by the photographer. Therefore, as described above, during manual shooting, bracketing is performed by changing only the gain of the image sensor without changing the aperture value and shutter speed set by the photographer.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing a general gamma characteristic. For example, the emission characteristic of a cathode ray tube is about 2.2.
When a signal from an image pickup tube whose gamma is almost 1 is input to show a power curve, the image becomes a black-filled image. In order to suppress this, a gamma characteristic is obtained by adding a compensation characteristic to the camera side, and a curve inverse to the 2.2 power curve, that is, a 0.45 power curve, which is a light emission characteristic of a CRT, is defined as the gamma characteristic. As a result, the total gamma characteristic obtained by combining the gamma characteristic of the camera and the gamma characteristic of the CRT becomes 1.

FIG. 12 shows graphs of different gamma characteristics. The gamma characteristic of FIG.
More gray levels exist for black than the gamma characteristic of (A). Therefore, an optimal image can be captured by changing the gamma characteristic according to the image to be captured.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for photographing while changing the gamma characteristic according to the image to be photographed. First, in step S61, the control circuit 14
Supplies power to each part of the camera. Next, step S6
In 2, the photographing operation such as the bracketing method is set. Next, in step S63, it is determined whether or not exposure bracketing, that is, bracketing is performed by controlling the exposure value. When it is determined that the exposure bracketing is performed, the process proceeds to step S66, and a correction step and the like are set.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the exposure bracketing is not performed, the process proceeds to step S64, and it is determined whether or not gamma bracketing, that is, bracketing is performed by changing the gamma characteristic. When gamma bracketing is determined, a gamma table representing a predetermined gamma characteristic is selected from several gamma characteristics as shown in FIG. 14, for example. This selection can be made by the control circuit 14 depending on whether the image to be captured is an image with many dark parts, an image with many bright parts, or backlight.

If the processing in step S65 is completed, or if it is determined in step S64 that gamma bracketing is not to be performed,
When the process at 66 ends, the process proceeds to step S67.

In step S67, the release button 34 is pressed by the photographer, and photographing is performed. next,
Proceeding to step S68, it is determined whether the shooting performed in step S67 is bracketing shooting or whether bracketing shooting is completed. If it is determined that the shooting is not the bracketing shooting or that the bracketing shooting is completed, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that bracketing shooting is to be performed or bracketing shooting is to be continued, the process proceeds to step S69.

In step S69, step S6
It is determined whether the bracketing shooting performed in step 7 is gamma bracketing. If it is determined that the gamma bracketing is performed, the process proceeds to step S70, and the gamma table is changed to the gamma table selected in step S65. On the other hand, when it is determined that gamma bracketing is not performed, the process proceeds to step S71, and the exposure condition is changed. Step S70 or step S7
When the process in 1 is completed, the process returns to step S67,
The processing after step S67 is repeatedly executed.

Normal bracketing is performed by changing the exposure control value, that is, one of the aperture value and the shutter speed. Further, by changing the gamma characteristic, a desired gradation can be obtained. When the gain of the CCD 9 is changed, the entire screen changes, so that the gamma characteristic is changed to obtain better gradation.

As a table representing gamma characteristics, tables of various types of gamma characteristics such as broken lines may be prepared. The gamma characteristic table of the polygonal line has one or more breakpoints, and for those having a plurality of breakpoints, by changing each breakpoint, a desired gradation can be obtained more reliably. Becomes

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure for recording the selected image in the preview screen after the bracketing shooting is completed. First, step S8
In 1, the first bracketing shooting is performed.
Next, in step S82, the first image captured in step S81 is stored in the frame memory 51.

Next, in step S83, the second bracketing photographing is performed. Next, step S84
In step S83, the second image bracketed and photographed in step S83 is stored in the frame memory 51. In step S85, the third bracketing shooting is performed, and in step S86, step S86 is performed.
At 85, the third image bracketed and taken is stored in the frame memory 51.

Next, in step S87, under the control of the control circuit 14, the image data corresponding to the three bracketed images is supplied to the monitor 56 and displayed. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, the screen of the monitor 56 is divided, and three images are sequentially displayed in each of the divided display areas. And step S
At 88, the cursor blinks on the predetermined image. In the case of this example, the cursor is displayed on the first image (the image captured by the + correction).

In step S89, it is determined whether the command dial 33 as a selection switch has been pressed. If it is determined that the command dial 33 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S90, and it is determined whether the cursor is currently blinking and displayed. If it is determined that the cursor is blinking, the process proceeds to step S91,
Control is performed so that the blinking cursor is illuminated. Thereby, the image where the cursor is located is selected. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cursor is not displayed blinking, the process proceeds to step S92, and control is performed so that the lit cursor is displayed blinking. Thereby, the selection of the image where the cursor is located is canceled.

If it is determined in step S89 that the command dial 33 has not been pressed, or if the processing in step S91 has been completed, or if the processing in step S92 has been completed, the process proceeds to step S9.
Proceed to 3. In step S93, it is determined whether the recording button has been pressed. The recording button can be replaced with an existing button such as a release button 34, or a new recording button can be provided. here,
The release button 34 is used as a recording button.

If it is determined that the release button 34 has not been pressed, the flow advances to step S94 to execute the command dial 3
It is determined whether 3 has been turned. If it is determined that the command dial is turned, the process proceeds to step S95, where the control circuit 14 controls the cursor to move to the next image. Therefore, by turning the command dial 33 a predetermined number of times, for example, as shown in FIG.
The cursor can be positioned on the rightmost image (the image taken in the -correction).

If the process in step S95 is completed, or if it is determined in step S94 that the command dial 33 has not been turned, the process proceeds to step S95.
Returning to step 89, the processing of step S89 and thereafter is repeatedly executed.

If it is determined in step S93 that the release button 34 has been pressed, the flow advances to step S96 to record an image in which the cursor is lit on the memory card 13, and the process ends.

As described above, by turning the command dial 33 right and left while the cursor is blinking, the cursor is positioned above the desired image, and the command dial 33 is pressed to select the image. Can be. This causes the cursor to light, indicating that the image has been selected. Next, by pressing the release button 34, the image under the lit cursor is recorded on the memory card 13.

In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera with a detachable lens has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to other digital cameras.

In the above embodiment, the case where bracketing shooting is performed by changing the aperture value and the gamma characteristic has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to the case where bracketing shooting is performed by changing the shutter speed. Can be.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, three images to be bracketed are taken, but it is also possible to take five images. Alternatively, any other number of images can be taken.

[0099]

According to the image pickup apparatus of the first aspect and the recording medium of the seventh aspect, a diaphragm for adjusting the amount of light from an incident subject is controlled, and a predetermined diaphragm value is set.
A shutter for adjusting the incident time of light from an incident subject is controlled, a predetermined shutter speed is set, a correction step in bracketing is set, and an aperture value or shutter speed corresponding to the set correction step is set to a predetermined value. Or not, and the set correction step is corrected based on the determination result. Therefore, even if there is a mechanical restriction, bracketing shooting can be performed.

According to the image pickup apparatus of the second aspect and the recording medium of the eighth aspect, the aperture for adjusting the amount of light from the incident object is controlled, a predetermined aperture value is set, and the incident object is set. Control the shutter to adjust the incident time of light from, set a predetermined shutter speed, adjust the gain of the image sensor, determine whether the aperture value or shutter speed is within a predetermined limit range, Since the gain of the image sensor is changed based on the determination result, bracketing shooting can be performed even if there is a mechanical restriction.

According to the image pickup apparatus of the third aspect and the recording medium of the ninth aspect, the gamma characteristic is controlled so as to be changed, so that it is possible to perform photographing at a desired gradation. Becomes

According to the image pickup apparatus of the fourth aspect and the recording medium of the tenth aspect, a predetermined screen is divided into a plurality of areas, and an image is displayed in the area. A plurality of captured images can be previewed and any image can be easily selected.

According to the imaging device of the fifth aspect and the recording medium of the eleventh aspect, the gain of the imaging element is adjusted when the amount of light from the subject exceeds the limit range. Even if there are any restrictions, bracketing shooting can be performed with the settings intended by the photographer.

According to the imaging device of the sixth aspect and the recording medium of the twelfth aspect, the gain of the image sensor is set in the adjustment step, and shooting is performed in the set adjustment step. It is possible to shoot with the settings intended by the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a digital camera to which an imaging device according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a rear view of a digital camera to which the imaging device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a digital camera to which the imaging device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the display device 15;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of a digital camera to which the imaging device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a batch erase switch and a frame erase switch.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of a digital camera to which the imaging device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure during bracketing shooting.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another processing procedure during bracketing shooting.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure during bracketing shooting in a manual mode.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a gamma characteristic.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a gamma characteristic.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when bracketing is performed by changing a gamma characteristic.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a gamma characteristic curve of a gamma characteristic table.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for displaying a preview screen after bracketing is completed.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of a preview screen.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a preview screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lens 2 Aperture 3 Quick return mirror 4 Multi-segment SPD 5 Shutter 6 Photometric amplifier 7 Aperture drive circuit 8 Shutter drive circuit 9 CCD 10 CCD drive circuit 11 Signal processing circuit 12 Compression / expansion circuit 13 Memory card 14 Control circuit 15 Display device 16 to Reference Signs List 18 switch 19 shooting / playback selection switch 20 pulse generator 21 sensitivity switch 22 photometry mode switch 23 exposure compensation switch 24 shooting mode switch 25 frame erase switch 25A, 25B frame erase button 26 motor 27 lens mounting unit 28 CPU signal Contact 29 Card insertion eject lever 30 Eject lever lock button 31 Card insertion part 32 Memory card confirmation window 33 Command dial 34 Release button 35 Command lock button 36 Raw terminal 37 the digital output terminal 38 collectively erase switch 39 aperture dial 40 lid 42 connector 43 AF motor 45 viewfinder 46 finder display unit 51 frame memory 55 Connector 56 monitors

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An imaging apparatus for performing bracketing photographing, wherein: an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject; and a diaphragm that adjusts the amount of light from the subject incident on the imaging unit are controlled to set a predetermined diaphragm value. Aperture value setting means; shutter speed setting means for controlling a shutter for adjusting the incident time of light from the subject incident on the imaging means to set a predetermined shutter speed; correction for setting a correction step in bracketing Step setting means; determining means for determining whether an aperture value or a shutter speed corresponding to the correction step set by the correction step setting means is within a predetermined limit range; and Correction means for correcting the correction step set by the correction step setting means. Characteristic imaging device. 2. An image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject, an aperture value setting means for controlling an aperture for adjusting the amount of light from the object incident on the image pickup means and setting a predetermined aperture value, and the image pickup means Controlling a shutter that adjusts an incident time of light from the subject incident on the shutter, setting a predetermined shutter speed, a shutter speed setting unit, and a gain adjusting unit that adjusts a gain of an image sensor that constitutes the imaging unit; Determining means for determining whether the aperture value or shutter speed is within a predetermined limit range; and controlling the gain adjusting means based on a determination result by the determining means to change a gain of the image sensor. An imaging apparatus comprising: a control unit. 3. An image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject, a gamma characteristic change means for changing a gamma characteristic of a signal corresponding to an image picked up by the image pickup means, and a gamma characteristic change means for changing the gamma characteristic by the gamma characteristic change means. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a step setting unit that sets a change step; and a photographing control unit that performs photographing in the change step set by the step setting unit. 4. An imaging apparatus for performing bracketing shooting, a storage unit for temporarily storing a plurality of bracketed images, and displaying the plurality of images stored in the storage unit on a predetermined screen. An imaging apparatus, comprising: display control means, wherein the display control means divides the predetermined screen into a plurality of regions and controls the image to be displayed in the regions. 5. An imaging apparatus for performing bracketing photographing, comprising: an imaging device having an imaging element for capturing an image of a subject; and a mechanical adjustment for mechanically adjusting the amount of light from the subject incident on the imaging device. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a unit; and a gain adjusting unit that adjusts a gain of the image sensor when a light amount from the subject exceeds a limit range of the adjusting unit. 6. An image pickup device having an image pickup device for picking up an image of a subject, a gain adjustment device for adjusting a gain of the image pickup device, and a step setting device for setting an adjustment step for adjusting a gain of the image pickup device. And an imaging control unit for performing imaging in the adjustment step set by the step setting unit. 7. A control program used in an imaging apparatus that performs bracketing imaging, comprising: an imaging step of imaging an image of a subject; and an aperture for adjusting the amount of light from the subject that is incident upon the imaging in the imaging step. An aperture value setting step of setting a predetermined aperture value, and a shutter for controlling a shutter for adjusting an incident time of light from the subject incident upon imaging in the imaging step, and setting a predetermined shutter speed. A speed setting step, a correction step setting step of setting a correction step in bracketing, and determining whether an aperture value or a shutter speed corresponding to the correction step set by the correction step setting step is within a predetermined limit range. A judging step of judging, and the correction based on a judgment result in the judging step. A recording medium on which a control program comprising a step correction step for correcting the correction step set in the step setting step is recorded. 8. A control program for use in an imaging apparatus, comprising: an imaging step of imaging an image of a subject; and a diaphragm for adjusting a light amount from the subject incident upon imaging in the imaging step. An aperture value setting step of setting a value; a shutter speed setting step of setting a predetermined shutter speed by controlling a shutter for adjusting an incident time of light from the subject incident upon imaging in the imaging step; A gain adjustment step of adjusting a gain of an image sensor that performs imaging in a step; a determination step of determining whether the aperture value or the shutter speed is within a predetermined limit range; and a determination result of the determination step. Controlling the adjustment in the gain adjustment step and changing the gain of the image sensor. A recording medium on which a program is recorded. 9. A control program used in an imaging apparatus, comprising: an imaging step of imaging an image of a subject; and a gamma characteristic changing step of changing a gamma characteristic of a signal corresponding to the image captured in the imaging step. A control program comprising: a step setting step of setting a gamma characteristic change step to be changed in the gamma characteristic change step; and a photographing control step of performing photographing in the change step set in the step setting step. Recording medium. 10. A control program used in an imaging apparatus that performs bracketing shooting, comprising: a storage step of temporarily storing a plurality of bracketed images; and a plurality of the plurality of images stored in the storage step. A display control step of displaying an image on a predetermined screen, wherein the display control step divides the predetermined screen into a plurality of regions and records a control program for controlling the image to be displayed in the region. Recording medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 11. A control program used in an imaging apparatus that performs bracketing imaging, comprising: an imaging step of imaging an image of a subject using an imaging element; Recording a control program comprising a mechanical adjustment step of mechanically adjusting the light amount, and a gain adjustment step of adjusting the gain of the image sensor when the light amount from the subject exceeds the limit range in the adjustment step. A recording medium characterized in that: 12. A control program used in an imaging device, comprising: an imaging step of capturing an image of a subject using an imaging element; a gain adjustment step of adjusting a gain of the imaging element; and a gain of the imaging element. A recording medium having recorded thereon a control program comprising: a step setting step of setting an adjusting step of adjusting the distance; and a photographing control step of performing photographing in the adjusting step set in the step setting step.