JP2005204258A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of automatically creating a print order file in an excellent way without affecting a photographing timing even when a photographing operation is continuously and repetitively carried out. <P>SOLUTION: A digital camera 1 includes a photographing control section 53 and a print setting processing section 55. The print setting processing section 55 automatically applies print setting to an image recorded on a memory card 90, linked with the photographing operation and records the print order file to the memory card 90. When the photographing control section 53 consecutively and repetitively carries out photographing operations, the print setting processing section 55 is configured to apply print setting to images acquired by a plurality of the photographing operations after the consecutive photographing operations for a plurality of number of times are finished. Moreover, the print setting processing section 55 is configured to apply print setting to each of a plurality of the images obtained by photographing operations for a plurality of number of times. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus configured to record an image obtained by shooting on a recording medium such as a memory card.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technique for recording a print order file called a DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) file or the like on a recording medium in order to automatically print a captured image in a digital camera (for example, Patent Document 1). .

  In the digital camera of Patent Document 1, in order to eliminate the troublesome print setting operation for each frame, when the user knows in advance that print designation is performed, when one frame image is captured, it is linked to that. The image can be automatically added to the print order file.

JP 2002-44577 A

  In the digital camera disclosed in Patent Document 1, the print order file recorded on the recording medium is updated every time one frame of image is taken. Therefore, the continuous shooting and bracket shooting are performed at regular time intervals. Problems arise when it is necessary to repeat the shooting operation continuously. In other words, if the print order file is updated every time one frame shooting operation is performed, there is a problem that the file update process becomes a burden, and the shooting operation cannot be repeated at regular intervals. Therefore, in the conventional digital camera, there is a possibility that the photographing operation cannot be repeated at a timing desired by the user even when continuous photographing such as continuous photographing or bracket photographing is performed. As a result, even when an image is printed based on the automatically created print order file, a print image desired by the user may not be obtained.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and eliminates troublesome print setting operations for each frame and affects shooting timing even when shooting operations are continuously repeated. It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus capable of creating a print order file satisfactorily.

  An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is configured to record an image obtained by shooting on a recording medium, and controls the shooting operation in response to a shooting instruction, and the recording in conjunction with the shooting operation. Print setting means for performing print setting for an image recorded on a medium and recording a print order file on the recording medium, and the print setting means repeatedly performs photographing operation by the control means. In such a case, after a plurality of continuous shooting operations are completed, print settings are made for an image acquired by a plurality of shooting operations.

  The imaging apparatus further includes a display unit that displays a plurality of images obtained by a plurality of shooting operations after a plurality of continuous shooting operations are completed, and the print setting unit includes the display unit. In response to the determination of the image to be recorded on the recording medium from among the plurality of displayed images, the print setting for the image designated for recording is enabled, and the print order file is stored in the recording medium. It is preferably configured to perform recording.

  In addition, it is preferable that the control unit performs control so that the shooting operation is repeatedly performed while changing the shooting conditions when the shooting operation is continuously repeated.

  Further, the imaging apparatus includes a combining unit that generates a composite image by combining a plurality of images acquired by a plurality of shooting operations when the control unit continuously performs a shooting operation. Further, it is preferable that the print setting unit is configured to perform print setting for the composite image.

  Furthermore, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention is configured to record an image obtained by shooting on a recording medium, and in conjunction with the shooting operation, a control unit that controls the shooting operation in response to a shooting instruction, A print setting unit configured to perform print setting for an image recorded on the recording medium and record a print order file on the recording medium, and the print setting unit continuously and repeatedly performs photographing operation by the control unit. Is performed, print setting is performed for each of a plurality of images obtained by a plurality of photographing operations.

  In this imaging apparatus, the print setting unit may perform print settings for a plurality of images acquired until the shooting standby state occurs when a shooting standby state occurs during the repetition of continuous shooting operations. It is preferred to do so.

  According to the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the complexity of having to perform a print setting operation for each frame even when the shooting operation is continuously repeated, and to affect the shooting timing. The print order file can be automatically created well.

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

<Outline of configuration>
1 and 2 are diagrams showing an external configuration of a digital camera 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view seen from the front side, and FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view seen from the back side. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the digital camera 1 has a thin, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 1 includes a photographing lens 2, an optical viewfinder 4, and a flash 6 on the front side thereof. The photographing lens 2 is an optical system for capturing light from a subject in front, and the optical viewfinder 4 is a viewing window for confirming a framing state during photographing operation. The flash 6 is a light source for illuminating a subject during photographing. The digital camera 1 also includes a power button 3 and a shutter button (release button) 9 on the upper surface side. The power button 3 is used for receiving a power on operation and an off operation. Specifically, every time the power button 3 is pressed, the transition to the on state and the transition to the off state are alternately repeated. The shutter button 9 is a two-stage push-in switch that can be detected by distinguishing between a half-pressed state (hereinafter also referred to as S1 state) and a fully-pressed state (hereinafter also referred to as S2 state) by the user (operator). In the half-pressed state S1, automatic focusing control for starting the subject image in the in-focus state is started in the digital camera 1, and in the fully-pressed state S2, a main photographing operation for photographing a recording image is started. The

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 1 is provided with a lid 14 that can be opened and closed on the side surface thereof, and by opening the lid 14, a memory card incorporating a storage element such as a semiconductor memory is provided. 90 can be attached to the digital camera 1. That is, the memory card 90 is a recording medium that is detachable from the digital camera 1. When the digital camera 1 performs a shooting operation with the memory card 90 attached, the digital camera 1 stores a recording image obtained thereby in the memory card 90. The recording medium is not limited to the memory card, and may be a magnetic disk card or the like.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera 1 has a preview display (also referred to as a live view display) for displaying a subject image before photographing on the back side, and reproduction of a recorded image obtained by the photographing operation. A liquid crystal display unit (hereinafter referred to as LCD) 5 for performing display or the like is provided. The LCD 5 has a predetermined number (for example, 320 × 240) of display pixels, and can display a color image.

  After the digital camera 1 is turned on or after the main photographing operation for acquiring a recording image is completed, the digital camera 1 repeatedly performs a photographing operation at a low resolution every 1/30 seconds in the photographing mode, for example. Images sequentially obtained thereby are displayed on the LCD 5 in a moving image form as a live view display. Thereby, the user can perceive the position and size of the subject in the captured image by the live view display on the LCD 5 and can perform the framing operation. It is also possible to perform the framing operation using only the optical viewfinder 4 without using the LCD 5.

  On the back side of the digital camera 1, button groups 7, 8, a switch button 11, and a print button 13 are provided as operation members for performing various operations.

  The button group 7 is composed of cross cursor buttons 7a to 7e (hereinafter, 7a is also referred to as an up button, 7b as a down button, 7c as a left button, 7d as a right button, and 7e as a center (execution) button). For example, it is used when a selection operation or a determination operation is performed on a menu screen or the like displayed on the LCD 5.

  The button group 8 includes a menu button 8a, a liquid crystal monitor button 8b, and a flash mode button 8c.

  The menu button 8 a has a function of switching between displaying and hiding the menu on the LCD 5. For example, every time the menu button 8a is pressed on the initial screen of each operation mode, the menu screen and the non-menu screen (display screen for live view or reproduced image) are alternately displayed on the LCD 5. Further, the display cursor on the menu screen displayed on the LCD 5 can be moved in four directions by using the cross cursor buttons 7a to 7d. Further, by pressing the execution (center) button 7e in a state where a desired option is selected, a setting operation corresponding to the option is executed. By such an operation, various shooting parameters can be set.

  The liquid crystal monitor button 8b is a button for switching display / non-display of the LCD 5, which is a liquid crystal monitor. Each time the liquid crystal monitor button 8b is pressed, the state in which an image or the like is displayed on the LCD 5 (display state) and the state in which it is not displayed (non-display state) are alternately switched. Power consumption can be reduced if it is not displayed.

  The flash mode button 8c is a button for determining the mode of the flash 6. Each time the flash mode button 8c is pressed, the flash mode is switched in the order of automatic light emission, forced light emission, and light emission inhibition.

  The switch button 11 is an operation member for switching the operation mode and the like of the digital camera 1. The user can set the operation mode of the digital camera 1 to the shooting mode or the playback mode by pressing the switch button 11. The shooting mode is a mode for taking a picture, and performs an operation of acquiring a recording image and recording it on the memory card 90. The reproduction mode is a mode for reproducing and displaying the captured image recorded on the memory card 90 on the LCD 5. In the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, the shooting mode is set when the power is turned on by pressing the power button 3.

  The print button 13 is a button for shifting the operation mode of the digital camera to the print mode. In the print mode, when the user manually operates the digital camera 1, print settings can be made for the captured image already recorded on the memory card 90. However, the digital camera 1 can automatically perform print settings in conjunction with shooting operations in addition to print settings by manual operation in the print mode. In this case, the digital camera 1 is set in advance to automatically perform print settings for an image acquired by the photographing operation in conjunction with a photographing operation for photographing a recording image. become.

  Next, the internal configuration of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal functions of the digital camera 1.

  In the photographing mode, the digital camera 1 is configured to perform a photographing operation for photographing a recording image in response to a photographing instruction when the shutter button 9 is pressed, for example. Such a photographing operation is realized by subjecting a subject image incident through the photographing lens 2 to photoelectric conversion in a CCD (imaging device) 20.

  The CCD (imaging device) 20 functions as an imaging unit that captures a subject image and generates an electronic image signal. The CCD 20 has, for example, 1600 × 1200 pixels and is imaged by the imaging lens 2. An optical image of a subject is converted into an image signal of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color components for each pixel (a signal composed of a signal sequence of pixel signals received by each pixel) and output. To do.

  An image signal obtained from the CCD 20 is supplied to an analog signal processing circuit 21, and predetermined analog signal processing is performed on the image signal (analog signal) in the analog signal processing circuit 21. The analog signal processing circuit 21 includes a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) and an auto gain control circuit (AGC). The correlated double sampling circuit performs noise reduction processing of the image signal, and the auto gain control circuit performs gain. The level of the image signal is adjusted by adjusting.

  The A / D converter 22 converts each pixel signal of the image signal into a 12-bit digital signal. The converted digital signal is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54 in the RAM 50a as image data. The image data stored in the buffer memory 54 is subjected to WB (white balance) processing, γ correction processing, color correction processing, and the like by the image processing unit 51, and then compressed by the compression / decompression unit 52. Processing is performed. The buffer memory 54 of the RAM 50a can store a plurality of image data so as to be compatible with continuous shooting.

  The operation unit 30 is an operation unit including the power button 3, the button groups 7 and 8, the shutter button 9, the switching button 11, and the like described above, and performs a shooting operation when the user changes the setting state of the digital camera 1. Used for occasions.

  The overall control unit 50 is constituted by a microcomputer having an internal RAM 50a and a ROM 50b, and the microcomputer controls the above-described units centrally by executing a predetermined program. The RAM 50a is a semiconductor memory (for example, DRAM) that can be accessed at high speed, and the ROM 50b is configured as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (for example, flash ROM) that can electrically rewrite data. A part of the area in the RAM 50a functions as a temporary storage buffer area. Here, this buffer area is referred to as a buffer memory 54. The buffer memory 54 temporarily stores image data and the like.

  The overall control unit 50 functions as an image processing unit 51, a compression / decompression unit 52, a shooting control unit 53, and a print setting processing unit 55. Each of these processing units 51, 52, 53, and 55 is a functional unit that is realized by a microcomputer executing a predetermined program.

  The image processing unit 51 is a processing unit that performs various digital image processing such as WB processing and γ correction processing. The WB process is a process of adjusting the color balance by performing level conversion of each color component of R, G, and B, and the γ correction process is a process of correcting the gradation of the pixel data. Further, the image processing unit 51 is a processing unit that executes an image composition process to be described later.

  The compression / decompression unit 52 is a processing unit that performs compression processing and decompression processing of image data. For example, compression processing is performed when recording images are recorded on the memory card 90, and expansion processing is performed when images recorded on the memory card 90 are reproduced and displayed. As the compression method, for example, the JPEG method is adopted.

  The photographing control unit 53 controls the photographing operation in the digital camera 1 by controlling the CCD 20, the analog signal processing circuit 21, and the A / D converter 22 in the photographing mode. In the shooting mode, there are a single frame shooting operation and a continuous shooting operation as shooting operations executed in response to a shooting instruction. The single-frame shooting operation is a shooting operation for performing a single shooting operation in response to a shooting instruction and acquiring a shot image of one frame (one frame). The continuous shooting operation is a shooting operation for continuously capturing a plurality of times in response to a shooting instruction and acquiring a plurality of frames of captured images. Therefore, when single-frame shooting is set, the shooting control unit 53 controls each unit to perform one shooting operation in response to a shooting instruction, while the continuous shooting operation is set. In some cases, each unit is controlled so as to repeatedly perform a plurality of shooting operations in response to a shooting instruction. The continuous shooting operation includes continuous shooting and bracket shooting, and the shooting control unit 53 controls each unit so as to realize a continuous shooting operation selected from continuous shooting and bracket shooting. Note that continuous shooting is a shooting operation in which shooting conditions such as shutter speed are fixed and the shooting operation is repeated at regular intervals. Bracketing is a shooting operation at regular intervals while changing the shooting conditions. Is a shooting operation for acquiring a plurality of images shot under different shooting conditions. Further, when a shooting instruction is continuously given, the single frame shooting operation is repeated, and as a result, the digital camera 1 may perform a continuous shooting operation.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of state transition of the digital camera 1 in the shooting mode. When the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on, the mode is switched to the single frame shooting mode GN1. The single frame shooting mode GN1 is a mode for shooting a single frame image in response to a shooting instruction, and a single frame recording image generated in conjunction with the shooting operation is automatically recorded in the memory card 90. . When the user presses the menu button 8a in the single frame shooting mode GN1, the shooting menu display GN2 for performing various settings related to shooting operations is displayed on the LCD 5. In the shooting menu display GN2, it is possible to select bracket shooting or image combining processing for combining a plurality of images after shooting a plurality of images. In the shooting menu display GN2, an automatic print setting function for automatically performing print settings for an image acquired by a shooting operation can be turned on / off.

  When the user selects bracket shooting and performs a determination operation on the shooting menu display GN2, the digital camera 1 shifts to the bracket shooting mode GN3. In the bracket shooting mode GN3, when the user performs a full pressing operation of the shutter button 9 to give a shooting instruction, in response to the shooting instruction, for example, the shooting operation is repeated a plurality of times at regular intervals while changing the shutter speed. A plurality of images shot under different shooting conditions are acquired. In the bracket shooting mode GN3, when the user presses the menu button 8a, the display shifts to the shooting menu display GN2. When the selection state of bracket shooting is canceled and a determination operation is performed, the mode returns to the single frame shooting mode GN1. If the automatic print setting function is turned on and the determination operation is performed, the process returns to the bracket shooting mode GN3, and after the bracket shooting, a process for automatically performing print settings is executed.

  When the user selects an image composition process and performs a determination operation on the shooting menu display GN2, the digital camera 1 shifts to an image composition process mode GN4 in the single frame shooting mode. In the image composition processing mode GN4, the user performs a full pressing operation of the shutter button 9 a plurality of times to acquire a plurality of captured images. For example, when image composition for two frames is set, two photographing operations are performed, and the photographed images for two frames are stored in the RAM 50 a of the digital camera 1. Then, after the predetermined number of times of shooting, the image processing unit 51 automatically functions, and the two frames of the captured images stored in the RAM 50a are combined based on a predetermined combining condition, whereby a one-frame recording image is obtained. Generate. By performing such processing, it is possible to generate a composite image such as generating a panoramic image from two-frame images in which the visual field range is moved in the horizontal direction, and record the composite image on the memory card 90. can do.

  In such an image composition processing mode GN4, when the user presses the menu button 8a, the display shifts to the shooting menu display GN2. When the selection state of the image composition processing is canceled and the determination operation is performed, the single frame shooting mode GN1 is restored. If the automatic print setting function is turned on and a determination operation is performed, the process returns to the image composition processing mode GN4, the image composition process is performed, and then the print setting is automatically performed on the generated composite image. Will be executed.

  In any state of the single frame shooting mode GN1, the bracket shooting mode GN3, and the image composition processing mode GN4, the digital camera 1 shifts to the continuous shooting mode GN5 in response to the user pressing the switch button 11. To do. In the continuous shooting mode GN5, when the user performs a full pressing operation of the shutter button 9 to give a shooting instruction, a shooting operation is started in response to the shooting instruction, and while the shutter button 9 is fully pressed, The photographing operation is repeatedly performed a plurality of times at preset time intervals, and a plurality of images photographed at different timings are acquired.

  In the continuous shooting mode GN5, if the user presses the menu button 8a, the display shifts to the shooting menu display GN6. In the shooting menu display GN6, an automatic print setting function for automatically performing print settings for a plurality of images acquired by a shooting operation can be turned on / off. In the shooting menu display GN6, when the user turns on the automatic print setting function and performs a determination operation, the user returns to the continuous shooting mode GN5, and print settings are automatically made for a plurality of images obtained by continuous shooting. It becomes like this.

  In the continuous shooting mode GN5, when the user presses the switch button 11, the operation mode of the digital camera 1 shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode. When the switch button 11 is further pressed in the playback mode, the screen returns to the single frame shooting mode GN1 as in the case of power-on.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the print setting processing unit 55 performs print setting for an image recorded on the memory card 90, writes a print order file to the memory card 90, or updates the print order file. It is. For example, in the print mode, when the user instructs print setting for an image recorded on the memory card 90 by manual operation, the print setting processing unit 55 executes print setting processing based on an input instruction from the user. Then, the print order file is written in the memory card 90. When the automatic print setting function is turned on in the shooting mode, the print setting processing unit 55 functions in conjunction with the shooting operation by the shooting control unit 53, and the shot image stored in the RAM 50 a is stored in the memory card 90. In conjunction with the recording, the print setting for the recorded image (captured image) recorded in the memory card 90 is automatically executed, and the print order file is written in the memory card 90. The print order file is a file similar to a so-called DPOF file or the like, and is a file that stores print setting information for each image recorded on the memory card 90.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data storage state in the memory card 90. A captured image folder Fa and a print order file folder Fb are created in the memory card 90. The photographed image folder Fa stores a plurality of image files Gf acquired by the photographing operation, and the folder Fb different from the photographed image folder Fa stores a print order file Pf. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the print order file Pf is composed of general information Df1, user information Df2, print job information Df3, image source information Df4, various setting information Df5, and vendor information Df6. Here, the vendor information Df6 is information uniquely defined by each manufacturer that manufactures the digital camera. By recording such a print order file Pf on the memory card 90, when the print processing of the image recorded on the memory card 90 is performed, the contents of the print order file Pf are analyzed, and the memory card 90 is analyzed. Any recorded image can be automatically printed.

  The overall control unit 50 as described above implements internal processing when the digital camera 1 is in each of the operation modes of the shooting mode, the playback mode, and the print mode.

  For example, when live view display is performed in the shooting mode, as a relatively simple shooting operation, the resolution of the CCD 20 is set to a low resolution, and the shooting operation for live view display is repeated. When the shutter button 9 is half-pressed (S1 state), an AF evaluation value for automatic focusing control (AF) is obtained based on the image data output from the CCD 20, and the image is taken at the in-focus position by a known hill-climbing method. Move the lens. Further, based on the luminance information of the subject read by the CCD 20, the shutter speed (SS) and the aperture value during the actual photographing operation are obtained, automatic exposure control (AE) is performed, and gain setting for adjusting the white balance is performed. The value is determined and auto white balance control (AWB) is performed.

  Thereafter, when the shutter button is fully pressed (S2 state), the overall control unit 50 performs a shooting operation for acquiring a recording image after setting the resolution of the CCD 20 to a high resolution, and the shooting acquired by the CCD 20 is performed. A compression / decompression unit 52 generates a compressed image based on the image data. The compressed high resolution image data is recorded on the memory card 90.

  When the shooting button is switched to the playback mode by pressing the switch button 11, the overall control unit 50 reads out the data of the image with the largest frame number in the memory card 90, that is, the data of the most recently shot image, and compresses / compresses the data. The decompression unit 52 decompresses data and displays an image on the LCD 5. In this playback mode, the frame can be forwarded / returned by pressing the left button 7c / right button 7d.

  Next, the card interface (card I / F) 60 is an interface for writing and reading image data to and from the memory card 90 mounted on the insertion mounting portion on the side of the digital camera 1. When the overall control unit 50 reads / writes image data from / to the memory card 90, the compression / decompression unit 52 performs image data compression processing or decompression processing using, for example, the JPEG method, and the image data is stored in the buffer memory via the card interface 60. 54 and the memory card 90 are transmitted and received.

  Using the card interface 60, the digital camera 1 can not only transmit and receive image data, but can also import programs that operate on the digital camera 1. For example, the control program recorded in the memory card 90 can be taken into the RAM 50a or ROM 50b of the overall control unit 50. Thereby, it is possible to update the control program executed by the overall control unit 50.

<Auto print settings>
Next, automatic print settings linked to the shooting operation will be described. 7 to 14 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure for performing automatic print setting in conjunction with the shooting operation. In particular, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the single frame shooting mode GN1 of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of print order file creation processing. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure in the bracket shooting mode GN3 of FIG. 4, and FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure in the image composition processing mode GN4. These are flowcharts showing a processing procedure in the continuous shooting mode GN5. In any mode, it is assumed that the automatic print setting function is turned on in advance in the shooting menu display GN2 or GN6.

  First, the case of the single frame shooting mode GN1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, when the mode is switched to the single frame shooting mode GN1, live view display is performed on the LCD 5 (step S100). The user performs framing in this state, and half-presses the shutter button 9 at a desired timing. In the digital camera 1, in response to the shutter button 9 being half-pressed, the overall control unit 50 executes AF, AE, and AWB processes, and the user performs a full-press operation of the shutter button 9. (Step S102). When the shutter button 9 is fully pressed, exposure of the CCD 20 is started and a photographing operation for acquiring a recording image is performed (step S104). Image data acquired by the shooting operation is stored in the RAM 50a (step S106), and recording processing to the memory card 90 is performed (step S108). Then, the print setting for the image recorded in conjunction with the recording process is automatically performed (step S110), and the print order file creation process is executed (step S112).

  In the print order file creation process, as shown in FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the print order file Pf has already been recorded on the memory card 90 (step S121). A process for updating the print order file Pf is performed by adding the print setting to the image recorded in 90 (step S122). On the other hand, if the print order file Pf is not yet recorded on the memory card 90, the print setting is automatically performed on the image recorded on the memory card 90, and the print order file Pf describing the print setting is obtained. Newly created and recorded on the memory card 90 is performed (step S123).

  Note that after the print order file creation process (step S112) in FIG. 7 is completed, the process returns to step S100 again, and the live view display for the next shooting is resumed.

  Through the processing as described above, in the single frame shooting mode GN1, a shot image of one frame is acquired and recorded in the memory card 90 by the shooting operation in response to the shooting instruction, and the print setting for the single frame image is set. The print order file Pf is automatically recorded and recorded in the memory card 90. Therefore, the user does not have to perform a complicated print setting operation for each image by shifting the digital camera 1 to the print mode after performing the photographing operation, and the operability is improved.

  Next, the case of the bracket shooting mode GN3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, when the bracket shooting mode GN3 is entered, live view display is performed on the LCD 5 (step S200). The user performs framing in this state, and half-presses the shutter button 9 at a desired timing. In the digital camera 1, in response to the shutter button 9 being half-pressed, the overall control unit 50 executes AF, AE, and AWB processes (step S202). In the process of step S202, the shutter speed SS for realizing proper exposure is obtained by the AE process.

  When the shutter button 9 is fully pressed, for example, the shutter speed SS is lowered by one step from an appropriate value as the first photographing condition (step S204), the exposure of the CCD 20 is started, and the first photographing operation is performed. This is performed (step S206). The image data acquired at this time is stored in the RAM 50a (step S208).

  Subsequently, the shutter speed SS is set to an appropriate value as the second shooting condition (step S210), exposure of the CCD 20 is started, and a second shooting operation is performed (step S212). The image data acquired at this time is also stored in the RAM 50a (step S214).

  Subsequently, as a third imaging condition, the shutter speed SS is increased by one step from the appropriate value (step S216), exposure of the CCD 20 is started, and a third imaging operation is performed (step S218). The image data acquired at this time is also stored in the RAM 50a (step S220).

  As described above, in bracket shooting, a plurality of shooting operations are continuously repeated while changing shooting conditions in response to a shooting instruction. Although FIG. 9 illustrates the case where the shooting operation is performed three times while changing the shutter speed SS, the shooting conditions other than the shutter speed may be changed, and the number of shootings may be increased to four times or more. It may be set.

  When the photographing operation for the predetermined number of times of photographing is completed, the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. 10, and after view display is performed on the LCD 5 (step S222). FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the after view display in the bracket shooting mode. As shown in FIG. 15, in the after-view display, the three frames of captured images stored in the RAM 50 a are displayed on the LCD 5. In general, bracket shooting is a shooting method in which shooting is performed a plurality of times while changing shooting conditions, and an image to be recorded on the memory card 90 is selected after shooting from a plurality of images having different shooting conditions. Therefore, in the after view display in step S222, an operation for selecting an image to be recorded is performed. Specifically, by operating the button group 7, the thick frame display indicating the selected image is moved to an arbitrary image, and the liquid crystal to which the selection function is assigned while the image to be recorded has a thick frame. A selection operation is performed by pressing the monitor button 8b.

  When a selection operation is performed in the after view display, the overall control unit 50 deletes an image not to be recorded from the RAM 50a (step S224). Then, a process for recording the selected image to be recorded on the memory card 90 is performed (step S226). Thereafter, the print setting processing unit 55 functions in the overall control unit 50, and automatically performs print setting for the image recorded in step S226, and executes print order file creation processing for the memory card 90 (step S228). . The details of the print order file creation process in step S228 are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG.

  After the print order file creation process (step S228) in FIG. 10 is completed, the process returns to step S200 in FIG. 9 again, and the live view display for preparing for the next shooting is resumed.

  Through the above processing, in the bracket shooting mode GN3, the shooting operation is repeated a plurality of times in response to the shooting instruction. When an image to be recorded is selected after all shooting operations are completed, print settings for the selected image are automatically performed, and the print order file Pf is recorded in the memory card 90. Therefore, the user does not need to perform a print setting operation again after selecting an image to be recorded, and the operability is improved. In addition, since the print setting process that is automatically performed is performed after all shooting operations are completed, the print setting process does not hinder the progress of the shooting operation, and it is possible to suppress a significant shift in shooting timing in bracket shooting. ing.

  Next, the case of the image composition processing mode GN4 will be described. The following image composition processing mode GN4 exemplifies a case where two frames of images are synthesized.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the image composition processing mode GN4 is entered, live view display is performed on the LCD 5 (step S300). In this state, the user performs the first framing and presses the shutter button 9 halfway at a desired timing. In the digital camera 1, in response to the shutter button 9 being half-pressed, the overall control unit 50 executes AF, AE, and AWB processes, and the user performs a full-press operation of the shutter button 9. (Step S302). When the shutter button 9 is fully pressed, exposure of the CCD 20 is started, and a first photographing operation for acquiring an image to be a first composition target is performed (step S304). Image data acquired by the first photographing operation is stored in the RAM 50a (step S306).

  Then, live view display is again performed on the LCD 5 (step S308). In this state, the user performs the second framing and presses the shutter button 9 halfway at a desired timing. In the digital camera 1, in response to the shutter button 9 being half-pressed, the overall control unit 50 executes AF, AE, and AWB processes, and the user performs a full-press operation of the shutter button 9. (Step S310). When the shutter button 9 is fully pressed, a second shooting operation for acquiring an image to be second combined is performed (step S312). The image data acquired by the second photographing operation is also stored in the RAM 50a (step S314).

  When the first and second photographing operations are completed and two frames of images are stored in the RAM 50a, the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. In the overall control unit 50, the image processing unit 51 functions and generates a composite image such as a panoramic image by combining the two-frame images stored in the RAM 50a (step S316). Then, a process for recording the generated composite image on the memory card 90 is performed (step S318). The operation and processing procedure of the panorama synthesizing process are well known, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  Thereafter, the print setting processing unit 55 functions in the overall control unit 50, and automatically performs print setting for the composite image recorded in step S318 (step S320), and executes print order file creation processing for the memory card 90. (Step S322). The details of the print order file creation process in step S322 are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG.

  After the print order file creation process (step S322) in FIG. 12 is completed, the process returns to step S300 in FIG. 11 again, and the live view display for preparing for the next shooting is resumed.

  Through the processing as described above, in the image composition processing mode GN4, a shooting instruction is repeatedly given from the user, and the shooting operation is repeated in response to each shooting instruction. After all photographing operations are completed, an image composition process is performed to generate a composite image to be recorded. When the composite image is generated, in response to this, the print setting for the composite image is automatically performed, and the print order file Pf is recorded in the memory card 90. Therefore, the user need not perform another print setting operation after giving a plurality of shooting instructions, and the operability is improved. Further, since the print setting process that is automatically performed is performed after all the shooting operations are completed, the print setting process does not hinder the shooting operation.

  Next, the case of the continuous shooting mode GN5 will be described. In continuous shooting mode, after shooting is completed, after-view display is used to select an image for automatic print setting from multiple images obtained by continuous shooting, and after-view display is not performed. There are cases where print settings are made for all of a plurality of images obtained by continuous shooting, and in the flowcharts of FIGS. 13 and 14 described below, it is determined whether or not there is after-view setting and is suitable for each. The case where automatic print setting is performed is illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the continuous shooting mode GN5 is entered, live view display is performed on the LCD 5 (step S400). The user performs framing in this state, and half-presses the shutter button 9 at a desired timing. In the digital camera 1, in response to the shutter button 9 being half-pressed, the overall control unit 50 executes AF, AE, and AWB processes, and the user performs a full-press operation of the shutter button 9. (Step S402). When the shutter button 9 is fully pressed, exposure of the CCD 20 is started and a photographing operation for acquiring an image is performed (step S404). The image data acquired by this photographing operation is temporarily stored in the RAM 50a (step S406).

  When the storage process of the acquired image data is finished, the overall control unit 50 determines whether or not the shutter button 9 is fully pressed (step S408), and if the fully pressed state is continued. Proceed to step S410.

  In step S410, it is determined whether or not the area that can be stored in the buffer memory 54 in the RAM 50a is filled with image data acquired by continuous shooting. For example, if there is an area that can store an image for one frame in the buffer memory 54, “No” is determined, and if there is no area that can store an image for one frame, “Yes” is determined. If the buffer memory 54 has enough capacity to store the next image (“No” in step S410), the process returns to step S404 again to perform the next photographing operation. That is, when the shutter button 9 is fully pressed and the remaining storage capacity of the buffer memory 54 is sufficient, the processes of steps S404, S406, S408, and S410 are repeatedly executed to the RAM 50a. The sequentially acquired images are accumulated.

  If the full-pressing operation of the shutter button 9 is released during the repetition of steps S404, S406, S408, and S410, “No” is determined in step S408, and continuous shooting for continuous shooting is performed. Repeating the photographing operation is stopped, and the process proceeds to step S418. In step S418, a recording process for recording the image accumulated in the RAM 50a by the continuous shooting up to that time on the memory card 90 is performed.

  On the other hand, if the full pressing operation of the shutter button 9 is continued and the remaining storage capacity of the RAM 50a is insufficient, “Yes” is determined in step S410, the process proceeds to step S412 and the continuous shooting up to that point is performed. Recording processing for recording a plurality of images accumulated in the RAM 50a by shooting on the memory card 90 is started. Then, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 9 is fully pressed (step S414). If the shutter button 9 has been fully pressed, an image recorded on the memory card 90 in parallel with the recording process started in step S412. Is subjected to print setting processing (step S416).

  The recording process in step S412 is a process for creating an empty area in the RAM 50a in order to continue the continuous shooting. When the recording to the memory card 90 is completed by the recording process, the image is erased from the RAM 50a. The The print setting process (step S416) is executed in parallel with the recording process (step S412), so that the print setting is automatically performed on the image recorded on the memory card 90. This print setting process is performed in the background of the recording process (step S412). When the recording process is completed, the print setting process is also ended in response thereto.

  When the recording process (step S412) and the print setting process (step S416) are completed, the process returns to step S410. At this time, since the RAM 50a is empty, “No” is determined in Step S410, and the process returns to Step S404 to perform the next photographing operation.

  As described above, in continuous shooting, since the shooting operation is repeated while the shutter button 9 is fully pressed, the buffer memory 54 in the RAM 50a may become full by repeating the continuous shooting operation. When the buffer memory 54 in the RAM 50a becomes full, it becomes impossible to store the next photographed image. Therefore, a recording process is performed on a plurality of images accumulated in the buffer memory 54 in the RAM 50a, and the RAM 50a The buffer memory 54 is configured to create a free area. For this reason, the recording process (step S412) is a factor that causes a shooting standby state during the repetition of continuous shooting operations from the viewpoint of continuity of shooting operations. Also, the print setting process (step S416) performs print settings for a plurality of images stored in the buffer memory 54 in the RAM 50a until the shooting standby state occurs in this shooting standby state in parallel with the recording process. It has become.

  When the fully pressed state of the shutter button 9 is released and the recording process is completed, the process proceeds to step S420 in FIG. In step S420, it is determined whether after-view settings are set.

  When the after view setting is not performed, the process proceeds to step S426, and the print setting is automatically performed for all the images recorded on the memory card 90 by the continuous shooting. However, the print setting process (step S416) is executed during the continuous shooting, and the print setting process in step S426 may be omitted for an image for which print setting has already been performed.

  On the other hand, when the after view setting is performed, the process proceeds to step S422, and the after view display is performed on the LCD 5. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the after view display in the continuous shooting mode. As shown in FIG. 16, in the after-view display, all the captured images acquired by continuous shooting are arranged and displayed on the LCD 5. Note that the example in FIG. 16 illustrates a case where six frames of captured images are acquired by continuous shooting. In general, in continuous shooting, a plurality of similar images are acquired, and an image that the user desires to print may be one of the images of the plurality of frames. The after-view display in step S422 is an image display for allowing the user to make a print designation in such a case. Therefore, in the after-view display in step S422, an operation for selecting an image to be printed is performed. Specifically, by operating the button group 7, the thick frame display indicating the selected image is moved to an arbitrary image, and the liquid crystal to which the selection function is assigned while the image to be recorded has a thick frame. A selection operation is performed by pressing the monitor button 8b. Note that the number of images for which print designation is performed by after-view display is not limited to one frame, and may be a plurality of frames.

  When the selection operation is performed in the after view display, the overall control unit 50 identifies the designated image from the images recorded on the memory card 90, and performs print settings for the image (step S424). At this time, if print settings have already been made for other images in the print setting process in step S416, those images are specified and the already defined print settings are invalidated. Then, a print order file creation process for the memory card 90 is executed (step S428). The details of the print order file creation process in step S428 are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG.

  After the print order file creation process (step S428) in FIG. 14 is completed, the process returns to step S400 in FIG. 13 again, and the live view display for preparing for the next continuous shooting is resumed.

  Through the above processing, in the continuous shooting mode GN5, the shooting operation is continuously and repeatedly executed while the shutter button 9 is fully pressed. If there is no shortage of the remaining storage capacity of the RAM 50a until the shutter button 9 is fully pressed, it is acquired by continuous shooting after all the continuous shooting operations are completed. The print settings for the selected image are made. For this reason, the print order file Pf is not updated each time a single frame shooting operation is performed, so the shooting operation can be repeated at regular intervals, and continuous shooting desired by the user can be realized. . In addition, since the print order file Pf is automatically recorded on the memory card 90 after the continuous shooting is completed, it is not necessary to manually set the print settings after the shooting by shifting the digital camera 1 to the print mode. A digital camera 1 with high operability is realized.

  Further, if a situation occurs in which the remaining storage capacity of the RAM 50a becomes insufficient before the shutter button 9 is fully pressed, a plurality of images accumulated in the RAM 50a until that time are recorded on the memory card 90. By doing so, an empty area is created in the RAM 50a, and continuous shooting is continued. This recording process causes a temporary shooting standby state during continuous shooting, and the print setting is executed in parallel with the recording process in the shooting standby state, and print setting is performed for each of a plurality of images. ing. In other words, since the print setting process is performed for each of the plurality of images using the processing time for creating an empty area in the RAM 50a, the print setting process is automatically performed without affecting individual shooting operations for continuous shooting. The print settings can be set in

  As described above, in the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, the shooting operation is continuously repeated in response to the shooting instruction in both the bracket shooting mode GN3 and the image composition processing mode GN4. After a plurality of continuous shooting operations, print settings are made. Also in the continuous shooting mode GN5, as long as the remaining capacity of the RAM 50a is not insufficient, the print setting is performed after the repeated continuous shooting operation is completed. Therefore, in the digital camera 1, when the print setting is automatically performed in conjunction with the shooting operation, the print setting process does not affect the shooting timing of each shooting operation even if the shooting operation is continuously repeated. Absent.

  In the continuous shooting mode GN5, if a temporary shooting standby state occurs while the shooting operation for continuous shooting is continued, print settings are performed for each of a plurality of images in the shooting standby state. Therefore, the print setting process does not affect individual shooting operations.

  Therefore, when the shooting operation is continuously repeated, the digital camera 1 that can eliminate the troublesome print setting operation for each frame and can automatically create a print order file satisfactorily without affecting the shooting timing. Realized.

<Modification>
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said content.

  For example, the case where the digital camera 1 has a configuration in which print designation can be performed for each image by manual operation in the print mode is illustrated, but the digital camera 1 may not have a function for performing such manual operation. Good.

  Further, the transition mode of the operation mode shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example, and transition between modes may be performed by a transition mode other than FIG.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure which looked at the digital camera from the front side. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure which looked at the digital camera from the back side. It is a block diagram which shows the internal function of a digital camera. It is a figure which shows an example of the state transition of a digital camera at the time of imaging | photography mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the data storage state in a memory card. It is a figure which shows an example of the information recorded on a print order file. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for performing automatic print setting in conjunction with a shooting operation. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for performing automatic print setting in conjunction with a shooting operation. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for performing automatic print setting in conjunction with a shooting operation. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for performing automatic print setting in conjunction with a shooting operation. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for performing automatic print setting in conjunction with a shooting operation. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for performing automatic print setting in conjunction with a shooting operation. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for performing automatic print setting in conjunction with a shooting operation. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for performing automatic print setting in conjunction with a shooting operation. It is a figure which shows an example of the after view display in bracket imaging | photography mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the after view display in continuous shooting photography mode.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital camera (imaging device)
5 LCD (display means)
50 Overall control unit 51 Image processing unit (compositing means)
53 Shooting control unit (control means)
55 Print setting processing section (print setting means)
90 Memory card (recording medium)

Claims (6)

An imaging device for recording an image obtained by shooting on a recording medium,
Control means for controlling the shooting operation in response to the shooting instruction;
In conjunction with the shooting operation, print setting is performed for an image recorded on the recording medium, and a print order file is recorded on the recording medium; and
With
The print setting unit performs print setting for an image acquired by a plurality of shooting operations after a plurality of continuous shooting operations are finished when the control unit continuously performs the shooting operation. An imaging device characterized in that it performs. The imaging device according to claim 1,
Display means for displaying a plurality of images obtained by a plurality of shooting operations after a plurality of continuous shooting operations are completed;
Further comprising
The print setting means validates the print setting for the image designated for recording in response to the determination of the image to be recorded on the recording medium from among the plurality of images displayed on the display means. An image pickup apparatus for recording the print order file on the recording medium. The imaging device according to claim 2,
The image pickup apparatus, wherein the control unit performs control so that the shooting operation is repeatedly performed while changing the shooting condition when the shooting operation is continuously repeated. The imaging device according to claim 1,
A combining unit that generates a combined image by combining a plurality of images acquired by a plurality of shooting operations when the control unit continuously performs a shooting operation;
Further comprising
The image pickup apparatus, wherein the print setting unit performs print setting for the composite image. An imaging device for recording an image obtained by shooting on a recording medium,
Control means for controlling the shooting operation in response to the shooting instruction;
In conjunction with the shooting operation, print setting is performed for an image recorded on the recording medium, and a print order file is recorded on the recording medium; and
With
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print setting unit performs print setting for each of a plurality of images obtained by a plurality of shooting operations when the control unit continuously and repeatedly performs a shooting operation. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5,
The print setting unit is configured to perform print settings for a plurality of images acquired until the shooting standby state occurs when a shooting standby state occurs in the middle of repetition of continuous shooting operations. An imaging device.

Images