JP2000041170A - Image capturing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To confirm a still image to be recorded before recording it on a recording medium even when a still image is captured using a continuous shooting function. SOLUTION: Detecting means for detecting a pressing state of a shutter button pressed in two stages of a first stage and a second stage, an imaging unit for capturing a still image, and a plurality of images captured by the imaging unit Storage means for storing a still image, synthesizing means for synthesizing a plurality of still images stored in the storage means,
Display means for displaying a still image synthesized by the synthesizing means; and a plurality of still images within a predetermined period according to a detection signal from the detecting means indicating that a shutter button has been pressed to a first stage. The control unit controls the imaging unit so as to perform continuous shooting in which the plurality of still images captured by the imaging unit are displayed on the display unit, and the shutter button is pressed to the second stage. And control means for performing a process of storing a still image continuously shot in the first stage on a recording medium in response to a detection signal from the detection means indicating the above.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image display apparatus and method for displaying an image when continuous shooting is performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a digital camera device for capturing a still image, a shutter switch operated by a user with a finger has two stages, and an auto focus lock or an AE lock is achieved by pressing the shutter switch to the first stage. And a still image in the locked state at the first stage is recorded by pressing down to the second stage.

Further, in a digital camera device having a continuous shooting function for capturing a plurality of still images within a predetermined period, when a continuous shooting mode for performing continuous shooting is selected, the digital camera device presses down to the first stage to perform the above operation. The auto focus lock and the AE lock are performed in the same manner as described above, and a still image to be recorded is displayed on the display monitor when the second stage is pressed, and a plurality of still images captured using the continuous shooting function are recorded. Was.

[0004]

However, in the digital camera device having the above-described continuous shooting function, the user checks the still image captured using the continuous shooting function on a display monitor before recording the still image on a recording medium. I couldn't do that. That is, in the conventional digital camera device, the still image to be recorded on the recording medium is displayed when the shutter switch is pressed to the second stage, so that the still image displayed by the user before recording on the recording medium is selected. It was not possible to decide whether or not to record according to.

Accordingly, the present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described circumstances, and even when a still image is captured using a continuous shooting function, the still image is recorded before recording on a recording medium. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image capturing apparatus and a method capable of confirming a still image.

[0006]

An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems has a detection device for detecting a pressed state of a shutter button pressed in two stages, a first stage and a second stage. Means, imaging means for imaging a still image, storage means for storing a plurality of still images captured by the imaging means, synthesizing means for synthesizing the plurality of still images stored in the storage means, and the synthesizing means A display means for displaying a still image synthesized in the step (a), and a plurality of still images for capturing a plurality of still images within a predetermined period according to a detection signal from the detection means indicating that the shutter button has been pressed to the first stage. Controlling the imaging means so as to take a picture and controlling the display means to display a plurality of still images taken by the imaging means, indicating that the shutter button has been pressed to a second stage In response to the detection signal from the serial detection means it is characterized in that a control means for controlling to perform the process of storing in the recording medium the still images continuous shooting in the first stage.

[0007] In the image pickup apparatus configured as described above, when the shutter button is pressed to the first stage, the synthesized still image is displayed on the display means, and the shutter button is pressed to the second stage. Sometimes, each still image displayed on the display means is recorded on a recording medium.

[0008] Further, the image pickup method according to the present invention comprises the following steps:
A process of performing continuous shooting for capturing a plurality of still images within a predetermined period when the shutter button is pressed until the stage of;
A process of synthesizing the plurality of captured still images and displaying them on a display monitor; and, when the shutter button is pressed to a second stage, each still image continuously shot in the first stage when the shutter button is pressed. Storage processing.

In such an image capturing method, a plurality of still images are captured and displayed on a display monitor when the shutter is pressed to the first stage, and displayed on the display monitor when the shutter is pressed to the second stage. The plurality of displayed still images are recorded on a recording medium.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

A camera device 1 to which the present invention can be applied is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a camera processing unit 2 for imaging a subject to generate a video signal, a signal processing unit 3 for performing predetermined signal processing on the video signal from the camera processing unit 2, and a video signal from the signal processing unit 3 , A first memory 5 for storing a video signal from the signal processing unit 3, a compression / decompression processing unit 6 for performing compression / decompression processing on the video signal, and a compression / decompression processing unit 6. A second memory 7 for storing the video signal subjected to the compression / expansion processing;
CMCIA (personal computer memory card internat
and a memory interface (hereinafter, referred to as a memory I / F) that manages input and output of a recording medium 8 detachably connected via a connector and a video signal indicating a still image recorded on the recording medium 8. 9), an operation input unit 10 operated by a user to generate an operation signal, and a control unit 11 for controlling these units.

In the camera device 1, a control unit 11 and each unit controlled by the control unit 11 are connected via a bus 12, and a control signal from the control unit 11 is transmitted to each unit via the bus 12. It is configured to be input.

Further, the camera device 1 includes a signal processing unit 3
And a recording unit 13 to which a video signal indicating a moving image and a control signal indicating a still image, which have been subjected to predetermined signal processing and converted into a predetermined format, are input. This recording unit 1
Reference numeral 3 incorporates a tape-shaped recording medium, and records video signals indicating moving images and still images on the tape-shaped recording medium.

The camera processing unit 2 includes, for example, a CCD imager having a solid-state image sensor, and generates a video signal in accordance with the incident light. The imaging unit 2 generates a video signal indicating a still image or a video signal indicating a moving image according to a control signal from the control unit 12 indicating an operation mode of the camera device 1. The camera processing unit 2 outputs the generated video signal to the signal switching unit 3.

Further, the camera processing unit 2 includes a control unit 11
Is set to a continuous shooting mode in which a plurality of still images are captured within a predetermined period according to a control signal from the camera. This camera processing unit 2
Captures, for example, nine still images in a AE locked or focus locked state within a predetermined period when a control signal for operating in the continuous shooting mode is input from the control unit 11.

Further, the camera processing section 2 has an acoustic mechanism (not shown) for outputting a shutter sound when capturing a still image. In the sound mechanism, an operation signal indicating that a still image is captured by an operation input unit 10 described later is transmitted to the control unit 1.
The shutter sound is output in response to a control signal from the control unit 11 which is input in response to the input to the control unit 1.

The signal processing unit 3 receives a control signal via the bus 12 and, in response to the control signal, performs processing for displaying a moving image or a still image indicated by a video signal on the display unit 6, for example. A conversion process for converting the format of the indicated video signal, a compression / decompression process, and the like are performed. Further, when video signals indicating still images captured in the continuous shooting mode are sequentially input, the signal processing unit 3 synthesizes each still image by performing predetermined signal processing on each video signal. A process for generating a video signal indicating a thumbnail image is performed.

The display unit 4 displays a moving image and a still image based on a video signal indicating a moving image or a still image input via the signal processing unit 3, and displays the still image stored in the first memory 5. Display an image. Also, the display unit 4
When a still image is captured by the camera processing unit 2 in a continuous shooting mode described later, a plurality of still images captured within a predetermined period are displayed as thumbnail images as shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows still images displayed on the display unit 4 when nine still images are continuously shot within a predetermined period in the continuous shooting mode.

The first memory 5 receives a video signal indicating a still image subjected to predetermined signal processing via the signal processing unit 3 and stores the video signal. In the first memory 5, a video signal indicating a still image to be displayed on the display unit 4 is read by the signal processing unit 3 in response to a control signal from the control unit 11. Further, the first memory 5 includes a controller 11
The video signal indicating the still image to be recorded on the recording medium 8 is read out by the signal processing unit 3 in response to the control signal from.

The compression / expansion processing section 6 receives a video signal indicating a still image via the signal processing section 3 and performs compression processing on the video signal by, for example, the JPEG method. The compression / expansion processing unit 6 performs a compression process on a video signal in accordance with a control signal indicating a predetermined compression ratio specified by an operation signal from the operation input unit 10. Further, the compression / decompression processing unit 6 performs decompression processing on the video signal input from the recording / reproduction unit 8 in response to a control command from the control unit 11 indicating, for example, displaying a still image. Then, the compression / decompression processing unit 6 outputs the decompressed video signal to the signal processing unit 3.

The second memory 7 receives, via the signal processing unit 3, a video signal indicating a still image subjected to the expansion processing by the compression / expansion processing unit 6. Further, the video signal indicating the stored still image is read out from the second memory 7 by the signal processing unit 3 as appropriate.

The recording medium 8 is composed of, for example, a card memory or a floppy disk, and stores a video signal indicating a still image captured by the camera processing unit 2. The recording medium 7 may be detachable from the housing of the camera device 1 for the convenience of the user.

The memory I / F 9 reads out a video signal indicating a still image stored in the recording medium 7 and outputs the video signal to the bus 12, or receives the video signal compressed by the compression / decompression processing unit 6 from the bus 12 and Is written to the recording medium 8 after converting the data into the format.

The operation input unit 10 includes, for example, a switch panel, a keyboard, and the like, and generates an operation signal when operated by a user. The operation input unit 10 outputs an operation signal for capturing a still image in the continuous shooting mode to the control unit 11 when a user designates continuous shooting to record a still image.

The operation input unit 10 is provided with a shutter button (not shown) for generating an operation signal indicating a timing of capturing a still image when the user presses with a finger. The shutter button is a two-stage switch in the pressing direction. When the shutter button is pressed to the first-stage pressing position, a so-called “half-pressed” state is established, and when the shutter button is pressed to the second-stage pressing position. A so-called "full push" state is established.

The operation input unit 10 having such a shutter button outputs an operation signal indicating that the half-pressed state is performed by the user to the control unit 11 and the user is brought into the fully-pressed state. And an operation signal indicating that fact is output to the control unit 11.

The control unit 11 generates control signals for controlling the above-described signal processing unit 3, compression / decompression processing unit 6, second memory 7, and memory I / F 9, and sends these signals to the bus 12
And outputs a control signal via the. The detailed processing of the control unit 11 will be described later.

The control unit 11 stores a DMA (direct memory access) program in a memory provided therein, and stores the program in the compression / decompression unit 6 and the second memory 7. Output. Thus, in the camera device 1, the compression / decompression processing unit 6
The input and output of the video signal between the control unit 11 and the second memory 7 are performed without the control unit 11.

Next, an example in which a still image is captured by the above-described camera device 1 and a video signal indicating the still image is recorded on the recording medium 8 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

According to this flowchart, first, in step S1, an operation signal indicating the operation mode from the operation input unit 10 is input to the control unit 11. When the control unit 11 determines that the continuous shooting mode for capturing a plurality of still images within a predetermined period has been selected based on the operation signal, the process proceeds to step S2, and only one still image is displayed based on the operation signal. When it is determined that the normal mode for imaging is selected, the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S2, when the control unit 11 determines that the user has input an operation signal indicating that the shutter button of the operation input unit 10 has been pressed and the shutter button has been half-pressed, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S3. When no operation signal indicating that the execution has been input has not been input, the apparatus enters a standby state.

In step S3, the control unit 11
The camera processing unit 2 is controlled so as to perform E lock, auto focus, and the like. When the AE lock, the auto focus, and the like are performed, the camera processing unit 2 performs the above-described step S2.
A freeze state is set with a still image taken at the time when the button is half-pressed.

In step S4, the control section 11 controls the camera processing section 2 so as to capture a plurality of still images within a predetermined period. Thereby, the camera processing unit 2
For example, nine still images are generated at predetermined time intervals within a predetermined period, and video signals indicating the respective still images are sequentially output to the signal processing unit 3. At this time, the control unit 11 controls an acoustic mechanism provided in the camera processing unit 2 so as to output a shutter sound corresponding to imaging in the continuous shooting mode.

In step S5, the control unit 11 performs predetermined signal processing on the video signal indicating each still image captured in step S4 in the signal processing unit 3, and the signal processing unit 3 sends the first memory 5 And to the display unit 4. Here, the signal processing unit 3 performs a process of synthesizing video signals indicating a plurality of still images captured in the continuous shooting mode to convert the video signals into thumbnail images so as to be displayed as shown in FIG. To the display unit 4 and the first memory 5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of still images captured within a predetermined period are displayed on the display unit 4 as thumbnail images divided within one screen,
The user is shown a still image captured in the continuous shooting mode.

In step S6, the control section 11 determines whether or not an operation signal indicating that the full-press state has been input is input from the operation input section 10, and the operation signal indicating that the full-press state has been input is input. If it has, the process proceeds to step S7, and if no operation signal to the effect that the full-press state has been made is input, the process returns to step S1.

In step S7, the control unit 11 outputs a control signal to the signal processing unit 3 in response to determining that the operation signal indicating that the full-press state has been achieved in step S6 has been input. The video signal indicating each still image captured in the continuous shooting mode stored in the first memory 5 is compressed by the compression / decompression processing unit 6 via the signal processing unit 3 and is processed via the memory I / F 9 Control is performed so as to record on the recording medium 8.

On the other hand, in step S11 when it is determined in step S1 that the normal mode has been selected, in step S11, the control unit 11 determines that the pressing mechanism of the operation input unit 10 has been pressed by the user to a half-pressed state. When it is determined that the operation signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S12,
When the operation signal to the effect that the half-push state has been made is not input, the apparatus enters the standby state.

In step S12, the control unit 11
As in step S3, the camera processing unit 2 is controlled to perform AE lock, autofocus, and the like. When the AE lock, the auto focus, and the like are performed, the camera processing unit 2 sets the still image captured at the time when the camera is half-pressed in step S2 to a frozen state.

In step S13, the control unit 11
A video signal indicating a still image at the time of the freeze state in step S <b> 12 is output to the first memory 5 via the signal processing unit 3 and to the display unit 4.

In step S14, the control unit 11
It is determined whether or not an operation signal indicating that the full-press state has been input is input from the operation input unit 10, and when the operation signal indicating that the full-press state has been input is input, the process proceeds to step S15, and the full-press state is determined. If no operation signal has been input, the process returns to step S1.

In step S15, the control unit 11
By outputting a control signal to the signal processing unit 3 in response to determining that the operation signal indicating that the full-press state has been performed in step S14, the serial number stored in the first memory 5 is output. A video signal indicating each still image captured in the shooting mode is compressed and decompressed by a signal processing unit 3 through a signal processing unit 3.
And performs control to record the data on the recording medium 8 via the memory I / F 9.

As described above, in the camera device 1 to which the present invention is applied, when the operation signal for imaging in the continuous shooting mode is input from the operation input unit 10 to the control unit 11, the camera processing unit is pressed halfway. In step 2, a plurality of still images are captured within a predetermined period and displayed on the display unit 4 as thumbnail images. Therefore, the user can be presented with a still image captured in the continuous shooting mode before being recorded on the recording medium 8. it can.

In the description of the camera device 1 described above,
An example has been described in which a still image is captured by so-called multi-screen continuous shooting in which a video signal indicating nine still images is continuously shot and a nine-divided still image is displayed on one screen of the display unit 14. Of course, the present invention is also applicable to continuous shooting of video signals indicating up to four still images.

[0044]

As described above in detail, the image pickup apparatus method according to the present invention performs continuous shooting for picking up a plurality of still images within a predetermined period when pressed to the first stage. Before the still images are recorded on the recording medium, the still images continuously shot in the first stage are stored in the recording medium when the plurality of still images captured by the first step are displayed until the second stage is pressed. Allows the user to confirm a still image captured by continuous shooting.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera device to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating that still images shot in a continuous shooting mode are displayed on a display unit as thumbnail images.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing when a still image is recorded by a camera device to which the present invention has been applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 camera device, 2 camera processing unit, 3 signal processing unit,
4 display unit, 8 recording medium

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A detecting means for detecting a pressing state of a shutter button pressed in two stages of a first stage and a second stage; an imaging unit for capturing a still image; and a plurality of images captured by the imaging unit. Storage means for storing a plurality of still images stored in the storage means, display means for displaying the still images synthesized by the synthesis means, and a shutter to a first stage In response to a detection signal from the detection unit indicating that the button has been pressed, the imaging unit is controlled to perform continuous shooting for capturing a plurality of still images within a predetermined period and imaged by the imaging unit. Controlling a plurality of still images to be displayed on the display means;
Control means for performing a process of storing a still image continuously shot in the first step on a recording medium in accordance with a detection signal from the detection means indicating that the shutter button has been pressed until the step An image pickup apparatus comprising: 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a sound unit configured to generate sound in response to capturing a still image, wherein the control unit responds to a detection signal indicating that a shutter button has been pressed to a first stage. 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sound means is controlled to pick up a plurality of still images within a predetermined period and generate said sound. 3. A process for performing continuous shooting for capturing a plurality of still images within a predetermined period when a shutter button is pressed to a first stage, and combining the plurality of captured still images with a display monitor. And a process for storing, on a recording medium, each still image continuously shot in the first stage when the shutter button is pressed until the second stage. Method. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a process of capturing a plurality of still images and generating sound within a predetermined period when the shutter button is pressed until a first stage. Image imaging method.