JP2006098589A - Imaging method, imaging apparatus, mobile phone with camera, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing method, an image pickup apparatus, a camera-equipped mobile phone, and a program capable of quickly photographing another subject while in an autofocus mode. The eyes are shot with autofocus, and if the user presses the shutter key 9 all at once (that is, within a very short time) within a predetermined time after taking the first picture, the previous time without performing autofocus control again. Since the AF value of the first image (ie, the first image) can be used as it is, the shutter generated near the imaged subject after the first image is captured in the autofocus mode selected. You can take a picture that is in focus without missing the opportunity.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging method, an imaging apparatus, and a program suitable for an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera, a mobile phone with a camera function, and the like.

When shooting with the camera, press the shutter button halfway to autofocus (autofocus: AF
In general, when the shutter is fully pressed, the image is shot under the shooting conditions. Conventionally, when using a camera that has an autofocus (AF) function, if you want to use it in a snap or if it is difficult to focus using the AF method, the AF function is used as a means of shooting quickly without failure. Instead, it is considered that shooting is performed as a fixed focus having a certain depth of field (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, in the camera disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to arbitrarily select an autofocus (autofocus) mode and a panfocus (fixed focus) mode by switching modes. Therefore, immediately after the autofocus mode is selected, However, it was impossible to shoot quickly in the pan focus mode, and there was a possibility of missing an important photo opportunity. In addition, since autofocus processing takes some time, there is a problem that a defocused picture can be taken if the shutter button is pressed before focusing.
JP 2002-90823 A

  Here, if you want to shoot a nearby subject after shooting a subject for which autofocus processing is being performed, shooting using the previous AF shooting data as is will result in faster shooting than with autofocus control. And a good quality picture can be obtained.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging method, an imaging apparatus, a camera-equipped mobile phone, and a program that can quickly shoot another subject in the autofocus mode.

In order to solve the above-described problem, in the invention described in claim 1, in accordance with an imaging instruction by an operation of the imaging instruction input unit, an imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, and a memory that records the generated image In an imaging apparatus having an autofocus function for performing autofocusing when shooting a subject, an autofocus control is performed by a first stroke operation of an imaging instruction input unit to obtain a focus value, and then an imaging instruction input is performed. The first shot is taken by the second stroke operation of the means, the time from the first shot to the second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means is within a predetermined time, and the imaging instruction input means Provided is a shooting method characterized in that when the second stroke operation time is performed within a predetermined short time, the second image is shot using the focus value obtained at the time of shooting the first image. To do.
As a result, when the imaging apparatus performs a stroke operation of the imaging instruction means (shutter key) all at once (that is, within a predetermined time (very short time)) within a predetermined time after taking the first image, autofocus control is again performed. Since the second and subsequent images can be taken using the previous (that is, the first) focus value without any change, the same subject or a subject close to it after shooting a certain subject with autofocus For example, when several children are lined up and take pictures sequentially, it is possible to shoot using the previous AF shooting data as it is without performing autofocus, and perform autofocus control one by one. You can shoot faster and get better quality photos. That is, in the state where the autofocus mode is selected, after the first image is taken, a photograph that is in focus can be taken without missing a photo opportunity near the photographed subject.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in accordance with an imaging instruction by an operation of the imaging instruction input unit, an imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a memory that records the generated image, and a photographic subject An imaging method in an imaging apparatus having an autofocus function for performing automatic focusing, wherein after a focusing value is obtained by performing automatic focusing control by a first stroke operation of an imaging instruction input unit, an imaging instruction input unit When the first image is shot by the second stroke operation and the second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means is performed after the first image is shot, the second image is shot based on predetermined focus necessity determination information. When the focus necessity determination at the time of shooting is performed, and the focus necessity determination result indicates that the focus control is unnecessary, and the second stroke operation time is performed within a predetermined short time, The focus value obtained at the time of the first shot Performing the second photographed by have to provide a photographing method characterized by.
As a result, if the result of the focus necessity determination performed after the first image is taken means that the focus control is not required, the image pickup apparatus moves the image pickup instruction means at once (that is, within a certain time (very short time). When the stroke operation is performed in (1)), it is possible to take a picture using the first in-focus value as it is without performing autofocus control again, and thus the same effect as in the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

Further, in the invention described in claim 3, the focus necessity determination information is detection information on the movement of the camera body, and the focus necessity determination is performed when the difference in the position of the camera body is equal to or less than a threshold based on the detection information. 3. The photographing method according to claim 2, wherein the focus necessity determination result does not require focus control.
As a result, the image pickup apparatus performs autofocus control again when a stroke operation is performed on the image pickup instruction unit at a stroke (that is, within a predetermined time (very short time)) without moving the image pickup apparatus body after taking the first image. Since it is possible to shoot using the previous focus value (that is, the first image) as it is, the same effect as the first invention can be obtained.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with an imaging instruction by an operation of the imaging instruction input unit, an imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a memory that records the generated image, and at the time of shooting the subject An imaging method for a folding mobile phone with a camera having an autofocus function for performing autofocusing, and when the lid of the mobile phone is in an open state, automatic focus control is performed by a stroke operation of an imaging instruction input means. After obtaining the in-focus value, the first picture is taken. After the first picture is taken, when the cover of the mobile phone is in the open state, the first picture is taken by the stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means. Provided is a photographing method characterized in that the next photographing is performed using a focus value obtained at times.
As a result, the foldable mobile phone with the camera function can shoot the second and subsequent images under the shooting conditions such as the focus value obtained by the first image while the lid is open. In a mobile phone in which the CPU performs an operation other than the camera function such as “standby”, it is not necessary to perform autofocusing with a CPU load every time shooting is performed, so that the CPU load can be reduced.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with an imaging instruction by an operation of the imaging instruction input unit, an imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a memory that records the generated image, and a photographic subject An imaging method for a camera-equipped cellular phone having an autofocus function for performing autofocusing, wherein after performing autofocus control by a stroke operation of an imaging instruction input means to obtain a focus value, the first sheet When shooting is performed and a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input unit is performed after the first image is shot, whether or not the next shooting needs to be focused is determined based on predetermined focusing necessity determination information. Provided is a photographing method characterized in that the next photographing is performed using a focusing value obtained at the time of photographing the first sheet when focusing control is unnecessary.
As a result, the camera-equipped mobile phone can shoot the second and subsequent images under the shooting conditions such as the focus value obtained at the time of shooting the first image if the content of the focus necessity determination information does not change. When shooting the same subject or a subject close to it after shooting a certain subject by autofocus, it is possible to shoot faster and to obtain a picture with better image quality than to perform autofocus control one by one. That is, in the state in which the autofocus mode is selected, after the first image is taken, a photograph that is in focus can be taken without missing a photo opportunity near the photographed subject.

In the invention described in claim 6, the focusing necessity determination information is the shooting mode, and the focusing necessity determination is performed by matching the focusing necessity determination result when the shooting mode is the same at the time of the second shooting. 6. The photographing method according to claim 5, wherein no focus control is required.
As a result, the foldable mobile phone with the camera function can shoot the second and subsequent images with the focus value obtained at the time of shooting the first image until it exits the selected shooting mode. The same effects as those of the invention can be obtained.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there are provided an imaging instruction input means for giving an imaging instruction, an autofocus means for performing automatic focusing control at the time of shooting by a first stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, and an imaging instruction input means. An image capturing unit that captures an image by performing a second stroke operation, generates image data thereof, an image recording unit that records and saves the generated image data, number determination information indicating whether the number of captured images is the first image, and one sheet Imaging interval measuring means for measuring time from imaging of the eye to second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, operation time measuring means for measuring the second stroke operation time of the imaging instruction input means, and number determination information Means that the first shot is taken and then the automatic focusing control is performed by the autofocus means by the first stroke operation, and then the second stroke of the imaging instruction input means is performed. When the image pickup means is controlled to take a picture and the number determination information means the second shot, if there is a second stroke operation of the image pickup instruction input means, the shooting by the shooting interval measuring means Only when the interval measurement time is within a predetermined time and the second stroke operation time of the imaging instruction input means by the operation time measuring means is performed within a predetermined short time, it is obtained at the time of shooting the first picture. There is provided an imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging control unit that controls the imaging unit to perform imaging on the second sheet using the in-focus value.
As a result, the imaging apparatus takes the imaging instruction means at a stroke within a predetermined time after taking the first picture (that is, if the stroke is operated within a certain period of time, the focus value of the first picture is obtained without performing autofocus control again. Since the image can be taken as it is, the same effect as the first invention can be obtained.

In the invention according to claim 8, there is provided an imaging instruction input means for giving an imaging instruction, an autofocus means for performing automatic focusing control at the time of shooting by a first stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, and an imaging instruction input means. An image capturing unit that captures an image by performing a second stroke operation, generates image data thereof, an image recording unit that records and saves the generated image data, number determination information indicating whether the number of captured images is the first image, and one sheet After photographing the eye, the second stroke operation time of the focusing necessity determining means for performing the focusing necessity determination at the time of photographing the second image and the imaging instruction input means based on the predetermined focusing necessity determination information. When the operation time measuring means to be measured and the number determination information mean the first photographing, the second focusing of the imaging instruction input means is performed after performing the automatic focusing control by the autofocus means by the first stroke operation. Stro When the image pickup means is controlled to take a picture by the image operation and the number determination information means that the second and subsequent pictures are taken, if there is a second stroke operation of the image pickup instruction input means, the necessity of focusing is determined. The determination means determines whether or not focusing is required at the time of shooting the second image, and the focusing necessity determination result indicates that focusing control is not required, and the second stroke operation time is within a predetermined short time. An imaging control means for controlling the imaging means so that the second image is captured using the in-focus value obtained at the time of capturing the first image only when Providing the device.
As a result, if the result of the focus necessity determination performed after the first image is taken means that focus control is not necessary, the image pickup device does not perform autofocus control again when the image pickup instruction unit is stroked at once. Since the second and subsequent images can be photographed using the first in-focus value as it is, the same effect as the first invention can be obtained.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with an imaging instruction by an operation of the imaging instruction input unit, an imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a memory that records the generated image, and a photographic subject In a foldable mobile phone with a camera having an autofocus function for performing automatic focusing, an open / close detection means for detecting the open / closed state of the lid of the mobile phone, and in an imaging mode, by a stroke operation of an imaging instruction input means After obtaining the in-focus value by performing automatic focusing control, the imaging means is controlled so that the first picture is taken. After the first picture is taken, an imaging instruction is input when the lid of the mobile phone is open. And a photographing control means for controlling the imaging means so that the second image is photographed using the focus value obtained at the time of photographing the first image. With mobile To provide a talking machine.
As a result, the folding mobile phone 100 with a camera function examines the open / close detection signal from the open / close detection unit 120 to capture the in-focus value and the like obtained in the first image while the lid is open. Since the second and subsequent shots can be taken under certain conditions, in a mobile phone in which the CPU performs operations other than the camera function such as “standby”, it is not necessary to perform autofocus with a burden on the CPU every time shooting is performed. Can be reduced.

According to the invention described in claim 10, in accordance with the imaging instruction by the operation of the imaging instruction input means, the imaging means for shooting the subject and generating the image data, the memory for recording the generated image, and the time of shooting the subject In a camera-equipped mobile phone equipped with an autofocus function for performing automatic focusing, focusing necessity determination means for performing focusing necessity determination at the time of shooting the second image based on predetermined focusing necessity determination information; Then, after performing the automatic focusing control by the stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means to obtain the in-focus value, the first picture is taken, and after the first picture is taken, if there is a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, When the focus necessity determination unit performs the focus necessity determination at the time of shooting the second image, and the focus necessity determination result indicates that the focus control is not necessary, the first image is shot by the stroke operation of the imaging instruction input unit. Shooting the second shot using the focus value obtained sometimes And imaging control means for controlling the imaging means to perform, to provide a camera-equipped mobile phone, characterized in that it comprises a.
As a result, the camera-equipped mobile phone can shoot the second and subsequent images under the shooting conditions such as the focus value obtained at the time of shooting the first image if the content of the focus necessity determination information does not change. When shooting the same subject or a subject close to it after shooting a certain subject by autofocus, it is possible to shoot faster and to obtain a picture with better image quality than to perform autofocus control one by one.

In the invention described in claim 11, there are provided an imaging instruction input means for giving an imaging instruction, an autofocus means for performing automatic focusing control at the time of shooting by a first stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, and an imaging instruction input means. A program that can be executed in an imaging apparatus that includes an imaging unit that performs imaging by the second stroke operation and generates image data thereof, and an image recording unit that records and saves the generated image data. A program step for setting the first sheet, a program step for measuring the time from the first photographing to the second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, and a program for measuring the second stroke operation time of the imaging instruction input means If the first stroke operation is performed when the number of shots and the number of shots is the first, automatic focusing control is performed on the autofocus means. A program step to be performed, a program step to cause the imaging unit to take the first image, a program step to set the number of images to be taken after the first image is taken, and a case where the number of images to be taken is 2 or more If there is a second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, the time from the first image capture to the second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means is within a predetermined time, and the first of the imaging instruction input means The program step for determining whether or not the second stroke operation time is performed within a predetermined time, and the determination result is that the time from the first image capturing to the second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means is within a predetermined time. In addition, only when the second stroke operation time of the imaging instruction input unit is performed within a predetermined time, the imaging unit performs the second imaging using the focus value obtained at the time of the first imaging. line A program step of, providing a program characterized by comprising a.
Thus, in the imaging apparatus, if the imaging instruction means is stroked at a stroke within a predetermined time after the first image is shot, the second image is used without changing the autofocus control again. The following can be photographed.

According to the invention of claim 12, there are provided an imaging instruction input means for giving an imaging instruction, an autofocus means for performing automatic focusing control at the time of shooting by a first stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, and an imaging instruction input means. A program that can be executed in an imaging apparatus that includes an imaging unit that performs imaging by the second stroke operation and generates image data thereof, and an image recording unit that records and saves the generated image data. When there is a program step to be set for the first image, a program step for measuring the second stroke operation time of the imaging instruction input means, and the number of shots is the first image, if there is a first stroke operation, the autofocus means A program step for performing automatic focusing control, a program step for causing the imaging means to perform the first image capturing, and the first image capturing If there is a program step for setting the number of shots after the second shot and a second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means when the number of shots is greater than or equal to the second number, based on predetermined focus necessity determination information A program step for determining whether or not focusing is necessary at the time of shooting the second image, and a case where the focusing necessity determination result indicates that focusing control is unnecessary, and the second stroke operation time of the imaging instruction input means There is provided a program characterized by comprising: a program step for causing the imaging means to perform the second image capturing using the focus value obtained at the time of the first image capturing only within a predetermined time.
As a result, in the imaging apparatus, when the result of focusing necessity determination performed after the first image is taken means that focusing control is not required, autofocus control is not performed again when the imaging instruction means is stroked at once. It is possible to shoot using the first in-focus value as it is.

According to the invention of claim 13, in accordance with an imaging instruction by a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, an imaging means for photographing the subject and generating image data thereof, a memory for recording the generated image, and photographing of the subject A program that can be executed in a foldable mobile phone equipped with an imaging device having an autofocus function that sometimes performs automatic focusing, and in the imaging mode, if there is a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, the imaging means automatically A program step for performing focusing, a program step for performing first shooting after automatic focusing, a program step for detecting the open / closed state of the mobile phone after the first shooting, and opening the mobile phone In the state, if there is a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, the second picture is obtained using the focus value obtained at the time of photographing the first picture in the imaging means. It provides a program characterized by comprising: a program step to perform the photographing.
As a result, in the foldable mobile phone with a camera function, the second and subsequent pictures can be taken under the photographing conditions such as the in-focus value obtained by the first picture while the lid is open.

In the invention according to claim 14, in accordance with an imaging instruction by an operation of the imaging instruction input means, an imaging means for capturing an image of the subject and generating image data thereof, a memory for recording the generated image, and at the time of capturing the subject A program that can be executed in a foldable mobile phone equipped with an imaging device having an autofocus function for performing autofocusing, and is in focus at the time of shooting the second image based on predetermined focus necessity determination information Focusing necessity determining means for performing necessity determination, program step for causing the imaging means to perform automatic focusing when a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means is performed, and a program for performing the first photographing after automatic focusing If there is a step operation and a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means after the first image is taken, a program step for determining whether or not focusing is required at the time of shooting the second image, and a result of in-focus necessity determination are in focus A program step for causing the image capturing means to perform the second image capturing using the focus value obtained at the time of the first image capturing when there is a stroke operation of the image capturing instruction input means when it is unnecessary. A program characterized by
I will provide a.
Accordingly, the camera-equipped mobile phone can perform the second and subsequent photographing under the photographing condition such as the focusing value obtained at the time of photographing the first image if the content of the focus necessity determination information does not change.

According to the present invention, when shooting the same subject or a subject close to it after shooting a subject that is autofocused, it is possible to take a photo with better image quality that can be taken more quickly than with autofocus control. Obtainable. That is, it is possible to take a photograph that is in focus without missing a photo opportunity near the photographed subject.
Also, in the camera-equipped mobile phone, the second and subsequent pictures can be taken using the previous (that is, the first picture) focus value as it is by simply performing autofocus control on the first picture. In a mobile phone in which the CPU performs an operation other than the camera function or the like, it is not necessary to perform autofocusing with a CPU load every time shooting is performed, and the CPU load can be reduced.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described. In this embodiment, the digital camera performs autofocus on the first image when shooting in the autofocus mode, and presses the shutter key within a predetermined time after the first image is shot (that is, within a certain time). When fully pressed (within a very short time)), the second and subsequent images can be photographed using the previous (that is, the first) AF value (focus value) as it is without performing autofocus control again.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of a digital camera. Here, the configuration of a front surface and an upper surface is mainly shown. The digital camera 1 has a photographing lens 2 and a strobe light emitting unit 6 disposed on the front surface of a substantially rectangular thin plate-shaped metal exterior body, and a power key 8 and a shutter key 9 are arranged on the right side (for the user) of the upper surface. .

The photographic lens 2 has a zoom function and an AF function for steplessly changing the focal length, and is retracted into the body when the power is turned off and during reproduction in the basic mode.
The power key 8 is a key operated every time the power is turned on / off, and the shutter key 9 is a photographing instruction means for instructing photographing timing in the photographing mode.

  Although not shown here, a mode switch, a menu key, a cross key, an optical viewfinder, a strobe charge lamp, a display unit, and the like are arranged on the back of the digital camera 1. Furthermore, the bottom surface is provided with a memory card slot for attaching and detaching a memory card used as a recording medium, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, for example, as a serial interface connector for connecting to an external personal computer or the like. It shall be.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the electronic circuit configuration of the digital camera 1.
In FIG. 2, a digital camera 1 includes a motor 11 that moves a focus position and an aperture position in a photographing mode that is a basic mode, a lens optical system 12 that constitutes a photographing lens 2, a CCD 13 that is an image sensor, a timing generator (TG). ) 14, vertical driver 15, sample hold circuit (S / H) 16, A / D converter 17, color process circuit 18, DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller 19, DRAM interface (I / F) 20, DRAM 21, control Unit 22, VRAM controller 23, VRAM 24, digital video encoder 25, display unit 26, JPEG circuit 27, memory card 28, built-in memory 29, and key input unit 30.
In addition, you may make it provide AF necessity determination information acquisition means, such as the motion detection part 31 (for example, acceleration sensor) which detects the motion of the camera 1 so that it may be used in Embodiment 2 (after-mentioned).

  In the monitoring state in the shooting mode, the focus position and the aperture position are moved by driving the motor (M) 11, and the imaging element is arranged behind the shooting optical axis of the optical system 12 constituting the shooting lens 1. The CCD 13 is scanned and driven by a timing generator (TG) 14 and a vertical driver 15, and outputs a photoelectric conversion output corresponding to a light image formed at regular intervals for one screen.

  The photoelectric conversion output is appropriately gain-adjusted for each primary color component of RGB in the state of an analog value signal, sampled and held by a sample hold circuit (S / H) 16, and digital data by an A / D converter 17. The color process circuit 18 performs color process processing including image interpolation processing and γ correction processing in the color process circuit 18 to generate a digital luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cb and Cr, and a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller 19. Is output.

  The DMA controller 19 uses the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the color process circuit 18 once by using the composite synchronization signal, the memory write enable signal, and the clock signal from the color process circuit 18 once. DMA transfer is performed via an interface (I / F) 20 to a DRAM 21 used as a buffer memory.

  The control unit 22 includes a CPU, a ROM that fixedly stores an operation program to be executed by the CPU including processing for the operation of the shutter key 9 in the shooting mode, as will be described later, a RAM that is used as a work memory, and the like After the DMA transfer of the luminance and chrominance signals to the DRAM 21 is completed, the luminance and chrominance signals are read from the DRAM 21 via the DRMA interface 20 and the VRAM controller. 23 to the VRAM 24.

  The digital video encoder 25 periodically reads the luminance and color difference signals from the VRAM 24 via the VRAM controller 23, generates a video signal based on these data, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 26.

As described above, the display unit 26 functions as a monitor display unit (electronic finder) in the shooting mode. By performing display based on the video signal from the digital video encoder 25, the display unit 26 receives from the VRAM controller 23 at that time. An image based on the stored image information is displayed in real time.
In this way, in the display state of the so-called through image in which the image at that time is displayed in real time as the monitor image on the display unit 26, the shutter key 9 constituting the key input unit 30 at the timing when the still image display is desired is displayed. A trigger signal is generated when operated.

  In response to the trigger signal, the control unit 22 immediately stops the path from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 after the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals for one screen being captured from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 at that time, and the recording is performed. Transition to saved state.

In this stored recording state, the control unit 22 transmits the luminance and color difference signals for one frame written in the DRAM 21 through the DRAM interface 20 to each of Y, Cb, and Cr components of 8 pixels × 8 pixels horizontally. Are read out in units called basic blocks and written into a JPEG (Joint Photograph Cording Experts Group) circuit 27. The JPEG circuit 27 uses ADCT (Adaptive Discrete Cosine Transform), a Huffman code which is an entropy coding system. Data compression is performed by processing such as conversion.
The obtained code data is read out from the JPEG circuit 27 as a data file of one image, and is recorded and stored in either the memory card 28 or the built-in memory 29 that is detachably mounted as a recording medium of the digital camera 1.
Then, along with the compression processing of the luminance and color difference signals for one frame and the completion of writing all the compressed data to the memory card 28 or the built-in memory 29, the control unit 22 activates the path from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 again.

  The key input unit 30 includes the power key 8, the shutter key 9, the mode switch, the menu key, the cursor key, the set key, and the like described above, and signals associated with these key operations are directly sent to the control unit 22. . The strobe driving unit 32 charges a large-capacity strobe capacitor (not shown) during still image shooting, and then activates the strobe flashing unit 6 under the control of the control unit 22.

  Further, when shooting a moving image, while the shutter key 9 is continuously operated, the still image data file obtained by compressing the above-described still image data by the JPEG circuit 27 is recorded on the memory card 28 or the built-in memory 29 in terms of time. When the operation of the shutter key 9 is completed or when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses, the series of image data files are collectively processed as a video JPEG data file (AVI) file. Set again.

  In the playback mode, which is the basic mode, the control unit 22 selectively reads out the image data recorded in the memory card 28 or the built-in memory 29, and is completely opposite to the procedure in which the data is compressed in the image shooting mode by the JPEG circuit 27. The image data compressed in the procedure is expanded, the expanded image data is expanded and stored in the VRAM 24 via the VRAM controller 23, and is periodically read out from the VRAM 24. A signal is generated and reproduced by the display unit 26.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the digital camera in the photographing mode. The processing shown below is basically executed by the control unit 22 according to a program fixedly stored in advance. In this embodiment, the shutter key 9 is operated by a two-stage stroke operation. As a basic operation, the first-stage stroke operation, that is, the AF operation is executed with the shutter key 9 in the “half-pressed” state. The focus state and the exposure state are locked, and then the second stage stroke operation, that is, the photographing in the in-focus state and the exposure state locked in the “full press” state of the shutter key 9 is performed. When the user “should fully press” the shutter key 9 within a predetermined time after taking the first time, it is assumed that shooting is performed in the focused state and the exposure state based on the AF value in the previous shooting. For example, it is desirable that the values of the internal counters t1 and t2 provided in the DRAM 21 can be arbitrarily set in advance by the user.

  In FIG. 3, when the digital camera 1 is turned on, the control unit 22 first counts the number of shots. For example, the value of the internal counter K provided in the DRAM 21 is set to 1 and the values of the internal counters t1 and t2 are set to 0 (step S1), and the zoom position of the photographing lens 2 selected at that time is corresponded. AE processing is executed at the focal length, an appropriate exposure value is obtained, and an aperture value and shutter speed are set (step S2).

  Next, if the set shutter speed is a value corresponding to the frame rate in this monitor state, for example, if the frame rate is 30 frames / second, the CCD 13 adjusts the shutter speed so that it is sufficiently higher than 1/30 second. After obtaining the image data and adjusting the color process circuit 18 so that the white balance corresponding to the color speed of the light source is obtained by automatic white balance (AWB) processing (step S3), a through image is displayed on the display unit 26. While (step S4), it is checked whether or not the value of the photographing number counter K is 2 or more. When K = 1, the process proceeds to step S6, and when K ≧ 2, the process proceeds to step S8 (step S5).

  When K = 1, the control unit 22 checks whether or not the shutter key 9 of the key input unit 30 is half-pressed. If the shutter key 9 is half-pressed, the process proceeds to step S7. If not, step S2 is performed. (Step S6).

  When the shutter key 9 is pressed halfway, AF processing is performed so that a predetermined focus area is in focus and the focus position is locked. At the same time, the aperture value and the shutter speed acquired by the AE process in the immediately preceding step S2 are locked. These photographing conditions (focus position, proper exposure value, aperture value, shutter speed, etc.) are held (temporarily stored) in the RAM (step S7). Further, the count operation of the internal counter t1 that measures the time for which the shutter key 9 is fully pressed is started (step S8).

  The controller 22 checks whether or not the shutter key 9 has been fully pressed and whether or not the shutter key 9 has been pressed halfway from the state where the shooting conditions are locked as described above, and the shutter key 9 has been pressed halfway. If YES in step S10, the flow advances to step S10. If fully pressed, the flow advances to step S11 (step S9).

  When the shutter key 9 is pressed halfway, the focus position, the aperture value, and the shutter speed are unlocked, the value of the internal counter K for counting the number of shots is set to 1, and the values of the internal counters t1 and t2 are set. The value is reset to 0 and the process returns to step S2 (step S10).

  When the shutter key 9 is fully pressed, the value of the internal counter t2 that counts the time from the previous shooting (that is, the recording process in step S14) to the current shooting instruction (full pressing of the shutter key 9) is set. It is determined whether or not the value of t2 is within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). If it is within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S12, and if it exceeds the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S17 (step S11). .

  When the value of the internal counter t2 is within the predetermined time, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the shutter key 9 is fully pressed at once, that is, the value of the internal counter t1 is equal to or less than a certain count value (very short time (for example, It is checked whether the shutter key 9 is pressed at a count value equal to or less than 0.5 seconds), and if the shutter key 9 is fully pressed below a certain count value, the process proceeds to step S13. Advances to step S17 (step S12).

  When the shutter key 9 is pressed all at once, the control unit 22 performs shooting according to the shooting conditions held in the RAM in step S7, that is, the in-focus state and the exposure state based on the AF value acquired in the first shooting. Then, the image data is taken into the DRAM 21 via the optical system 12, the CCD 13 to the color process circuit 18 to the DRAM interface 20 (step S13), and the taken image data is subjected to data compression processing to form a file and then the memory card 28 or built-in memory. 29 is recorded and saved (step S14).

  Next, the control unit 22 checks whether or not the user has performed a shooting end operation. If the shooting end operation has been performed, the control unit 22 ends the shooting process. If not, the process proceeds to step S16 (step S15). In order to prepare for shooting of the subject, the internal counter t2 that counts the time of the next shooting instruction (full pressing of the shutter key 9) from the current shooting (that is, the recording process in step S14) is cleared to zero and then starts counting. At the same time, the value of the internal counter t1 is set to 0, 1 is added to the internal counter K for counting the number of shots, and the process returns to step S2 (step S16).

  When the shutter key 9 is fully pressed for a certain time, the control unit 22 takes a picture in the in-focus state and the exposure state based on the AF value acquired in the current AF process, and the optical system 12, the CCD 13 to the color process. The image data is fetched into the DRAM 21 via the circuit 18 to the DRAM interface 20 (step S17), the fetched image data is subjected to data compression processing to be filed and recorded and stored in the memory card 28 or the built-in memory 29 (step S18). In order to prepare for shooting the next subject, the focus position, aperture value, and shutter speed are unlocked, and 1 is added to the internal counter K, the internal counter t1 is cleared to zero, and the next shooting from the current shooting is performed. The count of the internal counter t2 that counts the time until the shooting instruction is started, and the process returns to step S2 ( Step S19).

  With the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, when the user presses the shutter key 9 all at once after taking the first picture in the autofocus mode, the digital camera 1 takes the photographing conditions such as the AF value at the time of the first picture. Since the second shot can be taken, if you want to shoot the same subject or a subject close to it after shooting a certain subject with autofocus, for example, take several children side by side in order. In such a case, it is possible to shoot using the previous AF shooting data as it is without performing autofocus, and it is possible to shoot faster and to obtain a picture with better image quality than to perform autofocus control one by one. That is, in the state where the autofocus mode is selected, after the first image is taken, a photograph that is in focus can be taken without missing a photo opportunity near the photographed subject.

  Also, after shooting the second image without autofocus using the previous AF data as it is, the third image without autofocus only when the shutter key 9 is fully pressed within a predetermined time t2. It is possible to shoot using the previous AF shooting data as it is. The same applies to the fourth and subsequent sheets. In other words, from the viewpoint of image quality, it is naturally better to autofocus correctly every time, but when shooting continuously, the autofocus process is not complete and it is rather beautiful (= focus is better than shooting with halfway focus) I) Can take images.

  Note that the shooting method of the present embodiment described above is the AF shooting data immediately before the second image without autofocus only when the shutter key 9 is fully pressed within a predetermined time t2 after taking the first image. Is used as it is, and this is a different shooting method from continuous shooting in which a plurality of images are shot with the AF value after autofocusing first.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the shooting condition such as the AF value of the first image is obtained according to the time from when the first image is shot after the auto-focus is performed by half-pressing the shutter key 9 until the shutter key 9 is fully pressed. The method for determining whether or not to shoot with the shooting conditions such as the first AF value is the method of the first embodiment (step S11 in FIG. 3). It is not limited.
That is, the AF necessity determination information acquisition means (for example, the motion detection unit 31 that detects the movement of the camera body as shown in FIG. 2) is provided in the digital camera 1, and the AF necessity determination information immediately after the first image is taken. The AF necessity determination information obtained by the acquisition unit is held, and the current AF necessity determination information obtained by the AF necessity determination information acquisition unit when the shutter key 9 is fully pressed at the time of shooting the second image and 1 It is possible to determine whether or not to shoot the second image under shooting conditions such as the AF value of the first image by comparing with the AF necessity determination information held immediately after shooting the first image.
In the following description of the present embodiment, the external view of the camera is the same as that of the digital camera 1 of FIG. 1, and the electronic circuit configuration example of the camera includes a motion detection unit 31 that detects the motion of the camera body in the digital camera 1 of FIG. It is set as the structure added, and the code | symbol is also made the same about the same component.

  In the present embodiment, the camera position information obtained by the motion detection unit 31 when the shutter key 9 is fully pressed at the time of shooting the second picture is compared with the position information of the camera held immediately after the first picture is taken. A description will be given of an example of determining whether or not to shoot under the shooting conditions such as the AF value obtained by the autofocus performed at the time of shooting the second image, and acquisition of AF necessity determination information other than the motion detection unit 31 is described. Several examples of determining whether or not to shoot the second image under shooting conditions such as the AF value of the first image will be described as modified examples.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the digital camera in the shooting mode. The processing shown below is basically executed by the control unit 22 according to a program fixedly stored in advance. In the present embodiment, the motion detection unit 31 indicated by the broken line frame in FIG. 2 is used as the above-described AF necessity determination information acquisition unit. As the motion detection unit 31, for example, an acceleration sensor can be used. Also, an electronic detection method, for example, motion detection by comparing background images may be performed.

  The shutter key 9 is operated by a two-stage stroke operation. As a basic operation, the first-stage stroke operation, that is, the AF operation is executed when the shutter key 9 is “half-pressed”, and the in-focus state and the exposure are performed. The camera position information obtained by the motion detection unit 31 is obtained by performing the second stage stroke operation after the state is locked, that is, photographing in the in-focus state and the exposure state locked when the shutter key 9 is “fully pressed”. The shutter key 9 is “fully pressed” all at once when it is determined that the second image is to be photographed under photographing conditions such as the AF value of the first image as compared with the camera position information held immediately after the first image is photographed. In addition, it is assumed that shooting is performed based on an in-focus state and an exposure state based on the AF value in the previous shooting. It is desirable that the value of the internal counter t is configured so that the user can arbitrarily set it in advance.

  In FIG. 4, when the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on, the control unit 22 first sets the value of the internal counter K for counting the number of shots to 1 and the value of the internal counter t to 0 (step) T1), AE processing is executed at a focal length corresponding to the zoom position of the photographing lens 2 selected at that time, an appropriate exposure value is obtained, and an aperture value and a shutter speed are set (step T2).

  Next, if the set shutter speed is a value corresponding to the frame rate in this monitor state, for example, if the frame rate is 30 frames / second, the CCD 13 adjusts the shutter speed so that it is sufficiently higher than 1/30 second. After obtaining the image data and adjusting the color process circuit 18 so as to achieve white balance corresponding to the color speed of the light source by automatic white balance (AWB) processing (step T3), a through image is displayed on the display unit 26. While (step T4), it is checked whether or not the value of the photographing number counter K is 2 or more. When K = 1, the process proceeds to step T6, and when K ≧ 2, the process proceeds to step T8 (step T5).

  When K = 1, the control unit 22 checks whether or not the shutter key 9 of the key input unit 30 is half-pressed. If the shutter key 9 is half-pressed, the control unit 22 proceeds to step T7. (Step T6).

  When the shutter key 9 is pressed halfway, AF processing is performed so that a predetermined focus area is in focus and the focus position is locked. At the same time, the aperture value and the shutter speed acquired by the AE process in the immediately preceding step T2 are locked. These photographing conditions (focus position, proper exposure value, aperture value, shutter speed, etc.) are held (temporarily stored) in the RAM (step T7). In addition, the count operation of the internal counter t that measures the total pressing time of the shutter key 9 is started (step T8).

  The controller 22 checks whether or not the shutter key 9 has been fully pressed and whether or not the shutter key 9 has been pressed halfway from the state where the shooting conditions are locked as described above, and the shutter key 9 has been pressed halfway. If YES in step T10, the flow advances to step T10. If fully pressed, the flow advances to step T11 (step T9).

  When the shutter key 9 is pressed halfway, the focus position, aperture value, and shutter speed are unlocked, and the value of the internal counter K for counting the number of shots is set to 1, and the value of the internal counter t is set to 0. It resets and returns to step T2 (step T10).

  When the shutter key 9 is fully pressed, the control unit 22 determines whether AF is necessary. That is, the difference in the position of the camera 1 is checked from the position information of the camera 1 obtained by the motion detection unit 31 and the position information of the camera 1 held immediately after the first image is taken, and the absolute value of the difference in the position of the camera 1 is predetermined. If the absolute value of the position difference exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to step T17 (step S17). Step T11).

  When the absolute value of the difference in position of the camera 1 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 2 determines whether or not the shutter key 9 is fully pressed at once, that is, the value of the internal counter t1 is equal to or smaller than a certain count value ( It is checked whether the shutter key 9 is pressed for a very short time (for example, 0.5 seconds or less), and if the shutter key 9 is fully pressed for a certain count value or less, the process proceeds to step T13. If it exceeds the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step T17 (step T12).

  If the shutter key 9 is fully pressed at a certain count value or less in step T12, that is, if the user presses the shutter key 9 all at once while the camera is hardly moving after taking the first picture, the control is performed. The unit 22 performs shooting according to the shooting conditions held in the RAM in step T7, that is, the in-focus state and the exposure state based on the AF value acquired in the first shooting, and the optical system 12, the CCD 13 to the color process circuit 18 Image data is fetched into the DRAM 21 via the DRAM interface 20 (step T13), and the captured image data is subjected to data compression processing to form a file and recorded and saved in the memory card 28 or the built-in memory 29 (step T14).

  Next, the control unit 22 checks whether or not the user has performed a shooting end operation. If the shooting end operation has been performed, the control unit 22 ends the shooting process. If not, the control unit 22 proceeds to step T16 (step T15). In order to prepare for photographing the subject, 1 is added to the internal counter K that counts the number of shots and the value of the internal counter t is set to 0, and then the process returns to step T2 (step T16).

  When the shutter key 9 has been fully pressed for a certain time, the control unit 22 performs shooting based on the in-focus state and the exposure state based on the AF value acquired in the current AF process (step T7), and the optical system 12, The image data is taken into the DRAM 21 via the CCD 13 to the color process circuit 18 to the DRAM interface 20 (step T17), and the obtained image data is subjected to data compression processing to be filed and recorded in the memory card 28 or the built-in memory 29 ( Step T18) In order to prepare for shooting the next subject, the focus position, aperture value, and shutter speed are unlocked, 1 is added to the internal counter K, the internal counter t is cleared to zero, and then motion detection is performed. The current position information of the camera 1 detected by the unit 31 is held in the RAM as AF necessity determination information, and the step Back to 2 (step T19).

  By the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the digital camera 1 causes the shooting condition of the first image when the user presses the shutter key 9 halfway to shoot the first image with autofocus and then presses the shutter key 9 all at once. Thus, the second image can be taken, and the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Modification)
In the following, some examples of determining whether or not to shoot the second image under shooting conditions such as the AF value of the first image by the AF necessity determination information acquisition means other than the motion detection unit 31 will be described.
<Modification 1>
If the zoom is not changed, it is assumed that the distance to the subject has not changed, the zoom value is held immediately after the first image is taken, and this time when the shutter key 9 is fully pressed at the time of the second image. This zoom value is compared with the zoom value held immediately after shooting the first image, and it can be determined whether or not the second image is shot under shooting conditions such as the first AF value.

In other words, step T19 in the flowchart of FIG. 4 indicates that “in order to prepare for shooting the next subject, the focus position, the aperture value, and the shutter speed are unlocked and 1 is added to the internal counter K. After t is cleared to zero, the zoom value at the time of shooting is stored in the RAM as AF necessity determination information, and the process returns to step T2, and step T11 is set to “all the shutter keys 9 are below a certain count value. When the button is pressed, the control unit 22 determines whether or not AF is necessary, that is, the current zoom value is compared with the zoom value held in the RAM immediately after the first image is taken. The process proceeds to step T13 in order to shoot under the shooting conditions such as the first AF value, and proceeds to step T17 if the zoom value is different. In this case, since the control unit 22 corresponds to the AF necessity determination information acquisition unit, the digital camera 1 may not include a detection unit (such as the motion detection unit 31).
With this configuration, the digital camera 1 allows the user to press the shutter key 9 halfway to perform autofocus, and when the shutter key 9 is fully pressed, the first image is taken and then the shutter key 9 is pressed all at once. In the case of the first embodiment, the second image can be shot under the shooting conditions such as the AF value obtained at the time of shooting the first image, and if the zoom value does not change, the distance to the subject can be regarded as almost the same. And substantially the same effect can be obtained.

<Modification 2>
If the change in the image in the focus area is within the threshold value, the distance to the subject is considered to be almost the same, and the image data in the focus area is held immediately after the first image is taken. Whether the second image is shot under shooting conditions such as the first AF value by comparing the current image data in the focus area with the image data held immediately after shooting the first image when is fully pressed You can decide whether or not.

That is, in the configuration of the digital camera 1 of FIG. 2, an image acquisition unit that extracts image data in the focus area is provided instead of the motion detection unit 31, and step T19 in the flowchart of FIG. In order to do this, the focus position, aperture value, and shutter speed are unlocked, the internal counter K is incremented by 1, the internal counter t is cleared to zero, and the image acquisition unit acquires within the focus area during shooting. Is stored in the RAM as AF necessity determination information, and the process returns to step T2. The control unit 22 determines whether or not AF is necessary when the shutter key 9 is fully pressed. That is, the image data of the image in the current focus area acquired by the image acquisition unit and the focus error stored in the RAM immediately after the first image is taken. If the magnitude of the change in the image is within a predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to step T13 to shoot the second image under shooting conditions such as the first AF value. If the magnitude of the change exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to step T17. Note that comparison of images in the focus area can be performed using a known image comparison technique.
With this configuration, the digital camera 1 is obtained at the time of shooting the first image when the user presses the shutter key 9 halfway to shoot the first image with autofocus and then presses the shutter key 9 all at once. Since the second image can be shot under the shooting conditions such as the AF value, and the change in the image in the focus area is not so large, the distance to the subject can be regarded as almost the same, so that it is almost the same as in the first embodiment. Similar effects can be obtained.

<Modification 3>
If the magnitude of the change in the image around the focus area frame (peripheral image) is within the threshold, the distance to the subject is considered to be substantially the same, and the image data of the peripheral image (peripheral image data) is taken immediately after the first image is taken If the shutter key 9 is fully pressed at the time of shooting the second image, the peripheral image data of this time is compared with the peripheral image data held immediately after the first image is shot. It can be determined whether or not to shoot under shooting conditions such as an AF value.

That is, in the configuration of the digital camera 1 in FIG. 2, an image acquisition unit that extracts peripheral image data is provided instead of the motion detection unit 31, and step T <b> 19 in the flowchart of FIG. The focus position, aperture value, and shutter speed are unlocked, and 1 is added to the internal counter K, the internal counter t is cleared to zero, and the peripheral image data at the time of shooting acquired by the image acquisition unit is required for AF. It is configured so that it is stored in the RAM as rejection determination information and returns to step T2, and step T11 is set to “when the shutter key 9 is fully pressed, the control unit 22 determines whether AF is necessary. Compare the current peripheral image data acquired in this section with the peripheral image data stored in the RAM immediately after shooting the first image, and if the size of the change in the peripheral image is within a predetermined threshold The process proceeds to step T13 in order to shoot the second image under shooting conditions such as the AF value of the first image, and proceeds to step T17 if the magnitude of the change in the surrounding image exceeds a predetermined threshold. Good. It should be noted that the comparison of the peripheral images can be performed using a known image comparison technique as in Modification 2 described above.
With this configuration, the digital camera 1 is obtained at the time of shooting the first image when the user presses the shutter key 9 halfway to shoot the first image with autofocus and then presses the shutter key 9 all at once. The second image can be shot under shooting conditions such as an AF value, and when the change in the surrounding image is not so great, the distance to the subject can be considered to be almost the same, so the effect is almost the same as in the first embodiment. Can be obtained.

<Modification 4>
If the shooting mode set by the user at the start of shooting of the first image has not been changed, the shooting conditions for the second image are considered to be the same, and the shooting mode is maintained immediately after shooting the first image. When the shutter key 9 is fully pressed at the time of shooting, the current shooting mode is compared with the shooting mode held immediately after the first shooting, and the second shot is shot under shooting conditions such as the first AF value. You may make it determine whether to do.

In other words, step T19 in the flowchart of FIG. 4 indicates that “in order to prepare for shooting the next subject, the focus position, the aperture value, and the shutter speed are unlocked and 1 is added to the internal counter K. After t is cleared to zero, the shooting mode is stored in the RAM as AF necessity determination information and the process returns to step T2. Step T11 is set to “if the shutter key 9 is fully pressed, the control unit 22 In this case, the current shooting mode is compared with the shooting mode held in the RAM immediately after shooting the first image, and when the mode is the same, the second image is shot for the first AF value, etc. The process proceeds to step T13 in order to shoot under conditions, and to step T17 if the shooting mode is different. In this case, since the control unit 22 corresponds to the AF necessity determination information acquisition unit, the digital camera 1 may not include a detection unit (such as the motion detection unit 31).
With this configuration, the digital camera 1 is obtained at the time of shooting the first image when the user presses the shutter key 9 halfway to shoot the first image with autofocus and then presses the shutter key 9 all at once. The second image can be shot under shooting conditions such as an AF value.

<Modification 5>
In the menu displayed at the start of shooting of the first image, a menu indicating that “the second image is not AF” is displayed. When the user selects this menu, the shutter key 9 is used when shooting the second image. When is fully pressed, the second image may be shot under shooting conditions such as the first AF value.

In other words, step T19 in the flowchart of FIG. 4 indicates that “in order to prepare for shooting the next subject, the focus position, the aperture value, and the shutter speed are unlocked and 1 is added to the internal counter K. “T is cleared to zero and then returns to step T2.” Step T11 is set to “if the shutter key 9 is fully pressed, the control unit 22 determines whether AF is necessary. It is checked whether or not a menu meaning “no AF” is selected, and if it is selected, the process proceeds to step T13 in order to shoot the second image under shooting conditions such as the first AF value. If not, proceed to step T17 ". In this case, since the control unit 22 corresponds to the AF necessity determination information acquisition unit, the digital camera 1 may not include a detection unit (such as the motion detection unit 31).
With this configuration, the digital camera 1 is obtained at the time of shooting the first image when the user presses the shutter key 9 halfway to shoot the first image with autofocus and then presses the shutter key 9 all at once. The second image can be shot under shooting conditions such as an AF value.

<Modification 6>
The function “Take subject at the same distance” is one scene of the best shot (described later), the user selects the best shot mode at the start of the first shot, and “ If the user selects this menu when the user selects this menu, if the shutter key 9 is fully pressed during shooting of the second image, the shooting conditions such as the AF value of the first image will be displayed. You may comprise so that it may image | photograph. Here, the best shot mode is to display samples such as landscape, sunset, fireworks, people, etc., and to support each sample as a set with optimum shooting conditions (eg shutter speed, exposure, white balance, etc.) When the attached user selects a sample, the corresponding optimum photographing condition can be automatically set as the photographing condition and photographing can be performed. That is, the best shot mode is a set of shooting condition settings.

In other words, step T19 in the flowchart of FIG. 4 indicates that “in order to prepare for shooting the next subject, the focus position, the aperture value, and the shutter speed are unlocked and 1 is added to the internal counter K. t is cleared to zero and then returns to step T2 ”. In step T11,“ when the shutter key 9 is fully pressed, the control unit 22 determines whether AF is necessary. It is checked whether or not the best shot scene “Take a picture” is selected, and if it is selected, the process proceeds to step T13 to shoot the second picture under the shooting conditions such as the first AF value. If not, proceed to step T17 ". In this case, since the control unit 22 corresponds to the AF necessity determination information acquisition unit, the digital camera 1 may not include a detection unit (such as the motion detection unit 31).
By configuring in this way, when shooting the same subject or a subject close to it after shooting a certain subject, if the user selects the “shoot the subject at the same distance” scene in the best shot mode, The digital camera 1 is in the best shot mode. When the user presses the shutter key 9 halfway to shoot the first image with autofocus and then presses the shutter key 9 all at once, the AF value obtained at the time of shooting the first image, etc. The second image can be taken under the shooting conditions.

Further, in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and each modification, a condition for determining whether or not to shoot the second image under the photographic conditions such as the first AF value may be combined.
In other words, in the first embodiment, the length of time from the end of shooting of the first image to the full press of the second shutter key 9 is changed. In the embodiment, the movement of the camera body is large. 2 indicates the degree of change in the image in the focus area, Modification 3 indicates the degree of change in the image around the focus area frame, Modification 4 indicates whether the shooting mode has changed, and Modification 5 indicates that “the second image is not AF”. Whether to shoot the second shot under the shooting conditions such as the first AF value is determined based on whether or not the function is selected, and in the sixth modification, whether or not the “shoot the subject at the same distance” scene selection in the best shot mode is selected. However, the second image may be combined under appropriate shooting conditions such as the first AF value.

(Embodiment 3)
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a foldable mobile phone with a camera function will be described. In the present embodiment, when the shutter key 107 is pressed in the shooting mode, an AF operation is executed to lock the in-focus state and the exposure state, and the cover 102 of the mobile phone 100 is closed for the second and subsequent images. A description will be given of an example in which shooting is performed in a focused state and an exposed state based on the first AF value each time the shutter key 107 is pressed until a state is reached, and the second one is determined depending on a predetermined state of the mobile phone 100. Some examples of photographing under photographing conditions such as AF values will be described as modified examples.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a mobile phone. FIG. 5A is a front view showing the appearance of the mobile phone (open state), and FIG. ) Is a rear view.
In FIG. 5, the mobile phone 100 is large and includes a lid portion 102 and a main body portion 103. The lid portion 102 is configured to be foldable toward the main body portion 103 side. The antenna 104 is provided on the back surface of the lid 102 and is extendable.

  The speaker 105 is provided on the front side of the lid 102 and performs audio output. A display unit (main display unit) 106 is a color liquid crystal, and displays a through image when detecting the shift to the camera mode in the open state. The shutter key 107 is provided on the side surface of the main body 103, and instructs imaging by an imaging lens 112 described later by a user's pressing operation in the camera mode. The key input unit 108 is provided on the front surface of the main body unit 103 and includes various function keys and a numeric keypad. The microphone 109 is provided in the lower part of the main body 103 and performs voice input.

  The sub display unit 110 is provided on the back surface of the lid unit 102. The display surface of the sub display unit 110 is disposed so as to be substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of an imaging lens 112 described later. The rear key 111 is made of a transparent or translucent member and incorporates an LED that emits light when an incoming call is received. The imaging lens 112 is provided on the back surface of the lid portion 102 and below the sub display portion 110. The battery pack 113 is detachably provided on the back surface of the main body portion 103 and is fixed by a lock portion 114. The lock part 114 is for fixing the battery pack 113 to the main body part 103. The notification speaker 115 notifies an incoming call or the like, and is arranged on the back surface of the main body 103 so that the notification sound can be heard even when the lid 102 is closed to the main body 103.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the mobile phone 100 according to the present embodiment.
The wireless transmission / reception unit 1 16 transmits and receives voice and data via the antenna 4 and modulates / demodulates wirelessly. The wireless signal processing unit 117 performs processing necessary for wireless communication, such as demodulating the voice and data received by the wireless transmission / reception unit 116 or modulating the voice and data transmitted from the wireless transmission / reception unit 116.

The control unit 118 includes a CPU, a ROM in which an operation program including a shooting operation in a shooting mode to be described later is stored, a RAM used as a work memory, and the like. The operation and the overall operation of the mobile phone 100 are controlled.
For example, in the shooting mode, the control unit 118 controls the control unit 118 to perform shooting with the same AF value from the opening / closing detection unit 120 until the mobile phone 100 is opened until the closed state. I do. That is, when the mobile phone 100 is in the open state and the shooting mode is selected, autofocus is performed when the first image is captured, and from the second image, the first AF value is controlled to be captured (second image is controlled). (See FIG. 7).

  The detection unit 119 detects that the shutter key 107 has been operated. The open / close detection unit 120 includes an optical sensor, a mechanical switch, and the like. Whether the mobile phone 100 is in an open state (a state in which the lid portion 102 and the main body portion 103 are open) or in a closed state (the main body portion 103 is covered with the lid portion). And the detection signal is sent to the control unit 118.

  The driver 121 drives the display unit 106. The driver 122 drives the sub display unit 110. The subscriber information storage unit 123 stores profile data such as a telephone number for calling the mobile phone 100 and a user (subscriber) ID.

  The ROM 124 stores various programs that control the control unit 118. The RAM 125 stores various data necessary as a wireless communication terminal, stores data necessary for the operation of the control unit 118, and stores captured image data. The audio signal processing unit 126 encodes the audio signal input from the microphone 109 or decodes the signal output from the wireless signal processing unit 117 and outputs the decoded signal from the speaker 105.

The DSP 127 performs encoding processing on the image data captured by the imaging module 128. The photographing module 128 is configured by a CCD or a CMOS, and captures a subject image via the imaging lens 112. The photographing module 128 has a zoom function and an autofocus (AF) function that can change the focal length steplessly. Note that the zoom function is not essential.
The notification device 129 is a driver for driving the speaker 115, vibrator 130, and LED 211.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the mobile phone 100 in the photographing mode. The processing shown below is basically executed by the control unit 118 according to a program fixedly stored in advance.
Here, the shutter key 107 operates by a one-step stroke operation, and the basic operation is a stroke operation, that is, when the shutter key 107 is pressed, an AF operation is executed to lock the in-focus state and the exposure state, and shooting is performed. For the second and subsequent images, every time the shutter key 107 is pressed until the cellular phone 100 is closed, shooting is performed in the focused state and the exposure state based on the first AF value. Further, it is assumed that the mobile phone 100 can record and reproduce not only a still image but also a moving image, like the digital camera 1 of the first and second embodiments.

  In FIG. 7, when the cellular phone 100 is opened, the control unit 118 first checks whether or not the shooting mode is selected. If the shooting mode is selected, the control unit 118 counts the number of shots. After the value is set to 1 (step U1), AE processing is executed at a focal length corresponding to the zoom position of the photographing lens 112 selected at that time, an appropriate exposure value is obtained, and the aperture value and shutter speed are set. Set (step U2).

Next, image data is obtained from the imaging module 128 and a through image is displayed on the main display unit 106 (step U3), and it is checked whether or not the shutter key 107 has been pressed. Proceed to U5, otherwise return to step U2 (step U4).
When the shutter key 107 is pressed, it is checked whether or not the value of the photographing number counter K is 2 or more. When K = 1, the process proceeds to Step U6, and when K ≧ 2, the process proceeds to Step U7 (Step U5).

  When K = 1, the control unit 118 performs AF processing so as to focus on a predetermined focus area, and locks the focus position. At the same time, the aperture value and the shutter speed acquired by the AE process in the immediately preceding step U2 are locked. These photographing conditions (focus position, proper exposure value, aperture value, shutter speed, etc.) are held (temporarily stored) in the RAM (step U6).

  In the case of K ≧ 2, the control unit 118 determines whether or not AF is necessary to determine whether or not the second image is to be imaged under the imaging conditions such as the first AF value. That is, the signal from the open / close detection unit 120 is checked to check whether the mobile phone 100 is in an open state (= the lid 102 is open). The process proceeds to step U8 to shoot under the shooting conditions such as the AF value of the first sheet, and if it is closed (= the lid 102 is closed), the process returns to step U1 (step U7).

  When AF is unnecessary, that is, when the mobile phone 100 is in the open state, the control unit 118 is in a focused state based on the shooting conditions held in the RAM in step U6, that is, the AF value acquired in the first shooting. The photograph is taken according to the exposure state, and the image data is taken into the DRAM 21 through the optical system 12, the CCD 13 to the color process circuit 18 to the DRAM interface 20 (step U8), and the taken image data is subjected to data compression processing to form a file. The data is recorded and saved in the memory card 28 or the built-in memory 29 (step U9).

  Next, the control unit 118 checks whether or not the user has performed the photographing end operation within a predetermined time. When the photographing end operation is performed, the focus position, the aperture value, and the shutter speed are unlocked, and The shooting process ends. If the photographing end operation is not performed within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step U11 (step U10), and 1 is added to the internal counter K for counting the number of shots in order to prepare for photographing the next subject. The process returns to U2 (step U11).

    By the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the foldable mobile phone 100 with the camera function checks the open / close detection signal from the open / close detection unit 120, so that the first picture is taken while the lid 102 is open. Since the second and subsequent shots can be taken under the shooting conditions such as the obtained AF value, autofocus with a burden on the CPU is taken every time a mobile phone in which the CPU performs operations other than the camera function, such as “standby”. The burden on the CPU can be reduced.

(Modification)
Hereinafter, some examples of determining whether or not to shoot the second image under the shooting conditions such as the AF value of the first image by the AF necessity determination information acquisition means other than the open / close detection unit 120 will be described.
<Modification A>
There are various modes in a mobile phone, and unlike a camera, it is rare to keep a shooting mode continuously. Therefore, if the shooting mode is not changed, it is assumed that the shooting conditions for the second image may be the same, and the shooting mode is held immediately after shooting the first image, and the shutter key 107 is fully pressed when shooting the second image. In this case, the current shooting mode is compared with the shooting mode held immediately after shooting the first image to determine whether or not the second image is shot under shooting conditions such as the first AF value. May be.

In other words, step U11 in the flowchart of FIG. 7 indicates that “in order to prepare for shooting the next subject, the current shooting mode is overwritten and held in the RAM as AF necessity determination information, and the internal counter K that counts the number of shots is used. 1 is added, and then the process returns to step U2. ”Step U11 is set to step U7, and if“ K ≧ 2, the control unit 118 sets the second AF value for the first shot in the next shooting. AF determination is performed to determine whether or not to shoot under shooting conditions such as, etc. That is, the current shooting mode is compared with the shooting mode held in the RAM immediately after shooting the first image, and the shooting mode is the same. In such a case, the process proceeds to step U7 in order to shoot the second image under shooting conditions such as the first AF value. If the shooting mode is different, the process proceeds to step U1. In this case, since the control unit 118 corresponds to the AF necessity determination information acquisition means, the mobile phone 100 is not limited to a foldable mobile phone provided with the open / close detection means 120.
With this configuration, the mobile phone 100 can perform the second image capturing under the image capturing conditions such as the AF value obtained at the time of the first image capturing until the selected image capturing mode is exited. The effect similar to the case of 3 can be acquired.

<Modification B>
It is assumed that the mobile phone 100 has a zoom function, and when the zoom is not changed, it is assumed that the distance to the subject has not changed, and the zoom value is held immediately after the first image is taken. When the shutter key 107 is fully pressed during shooting, the current zoom value is compared with the zoom value held immediately after shooting the first image, and the second image is shot under shooting conditions such as the first AF value. Or not.

In other words, step U11 in the flowchart of FIG. 7 indicates that “in order to prepare for shooting the next subject, the zoom value is overwritten in the RAM and 1 is added to the internal counter K that counts the number of shots. In step U7, if “K ≧ 2, the control unit 118 determines whether or not the second image is to be imaged under the imaging conditions such as the first AF value in the next imaging. In other words, the current zoom value is compared with the zoom value held in the RAM immediately after the first image is taken, and if the zoom value is the same, the second AF value for the first image is compared. The process proceeds to step U7 in order to shoot under the shooting conditions such as “If the zoom value is different, the process proceeds to step U1”. In this case, since the control unit 118 corresponds to the AF necessity determination information acquisition means, the mobile phone 100 is not limited to a foldable mobile phone provided with the open / close detection means 120.
With this configuration, if the zoom value does not change, the user of the mobile phone 100 can perform the second shooting under the shooting conditions such as the AF value obtained during the first shooting, and the zoom value changes. If there is not, the distance to the subject can be regarded as almost the same, so if you want to shoot the same subject or a nearby subject after shooting a certain subject with autofocus, it will be faster than using autofocus control one by one You can shoot and get good quality photos. That is, in the state where the autofocus mode is selected, after the first image is taken, a photograph that is in focus can be taken without missing a photo opportunity near the photographed subject.

<Modification C>
When the change in the image in the focus area is within the threshold value, the distance to the subject is considered to be substantially the same, and the image data in the focus area is held immediately after the first image is taken, and the shutter key 107 is used when the second image is taken. Whether the second image is shot under shooting conditions such as the first AF value by comparing the current image data in the focus area with the image data held immediately after shooting the first image when is fully pressed You can decide whether or not.

That is, an image acquisition unit that extracts image data in the focus area is provided in the configuration of the mobile phone 100 in FIG. 6, and step U11 in the flowchart in FIG. The acquired image in the focus area at the time of shooting is overwritten and held in the RAM as AF necessity determination information, and 1 is added to the internal counter K that counts the number of shots, and the process returns to step U2. When “K ≧ 2”, the control unit 118 determines whether or not AF is necessary for determining whether or not the second image is to be imaged under the imaging conditions such as the first AF value. That is, the image in the current focus area acquired by the image acquisition unit is compared with the image in the focus area held in the RAM immediately after the first image is taken, and the magnitude of the change in the image is predetermined. If it is within the threshold value, the process proceeds to step U7 to shoot the second image under the shooting conditions such as the first AF value. If the magnitude of the image change exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the process returns to step U1. What is necessary is just to comprise. Note that comparison of images in the focus area can be performed using a known image comparison technique. In this example, since the control unit 118 corresponds to the AF necessity determination information acquisition unit, the mobile phone 100 is not limited to a foldable mobile phone provided with the open / close detection unit 120.
With this configuration, the mobile phone 100 can perform the second image capturing under the imaging conditions such as the AF value obtained at the time of the first image capture, and thus the change in the image in the focus area is very large. If not, the distance to the subject can be considered to be substantially the same, so that the same effect as in the case of Modification B can be obtained.

<Modification D>
If the magnitude of the change in the image around the focus area frame (peripheral image) is within the threshold, the distance to the subject is considered to be substantially the same, and the image data of the peripheral image (peripheral image data) is taken immediately after the first image is taken. If the shutter key 107 is fully pressed at the time of shooting the second image, the current peripheral image data is compared with the peripheral image data held immediately after the first image is shot, and the second image is compared with the first image. It can be determined whether or not to shoot under shooting conditions such as an AF value.

That is, an image acquisition unit that extracts peripheral image data is provided in the configuration of the mobile phone 100 in FIG. 6, and step U <b> 11 in the flowchart in FIG. 7 is changed to “shooting acquired by the image acquisition unit to prepare for shooting the next subject. The peripheral image at the time is overwritten and held in the RAM as AF necessity determination information, and 1 is added to the internal counter K for counting the number of shots, and then the process returns to step U2. In this case, the control unit 118 determines whether or not AF is necessary. That is, the current peripheral image acquired by the image acquisition unit is compared with the peripheral image held in the RAM immediately after the first image is taken, and the peripheral image When the magnitude of the change is within a predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to step U8 to shoot the second picture under the shooting conditions such as the first AF value, and the magnitude of the change in the surrounding image exceeds the predetermined threshold value Ha Back-up to U1 "may be configured so. The comparison of the peripheral images can be performed using a known image comparison technique as in the modification C described above. In this example, since the control unit 118 corresponds to the AF necessity determination information acquisition unit, the mobile phone 100 is not limited to a foldable mobile phone provided with the open / close detection unit 120.
By configuring in this way, the mobile phone 100 can perform the second image capturing under the imaging conditions such as the AF value obtained at the time of the first image capture, so the change in the image around the focus area frame is very large. If not, the distance to the subject can be considered to be substantially the same, so that the same effect as in the case of Modification B can be obtained.

<Modification E>
If the mobile phone 100 has the best shot function, which is a set of shooting condition settings, the function of “shooting subjects at the same distance” is set as one scene of the best shot and the user at the start of shooting the first picture If the user selects the best shot mode and displays a menu of a scene in which “shoot a subject at the same distance” is displayed in the best shot selection menu, and the user selects this menu, the shutter key 107 is used when the second picture is taken. When is fully pressed, the second image may be shot under shooting conditions such as the first AF value.

That is, in step U7 of the flowchart of FIG. 7, “when K ≧ 2, the control unit 118 determines whether AF is necessary, that is, whether or not the best shot scene“ shoot a subject at the same distance ”is selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to step U8 to shoot the second image under the shooting conditions such as the first AF value, and if not selected, the process returns to step U1. . In this case, since the control unit 118 corresponds to the AF necessity determination information acquisition means, the mobile phone 100 is not limited to a foldable mobile phone provided with the open / close detection means 120.
By configuring in this way, when shooting the same subject or a subject close to it after shooting a certain subject, if the user selects the “shoot the subject at the same distance” scene in the best shot mode, The mobile phone 100 is in the best shot mode, and when the user presses the shutter key 107, the second picture is taken under the photographing conditions such as the AF value obtained when the first picture is taken.

Further, in the mobile phone 100, the conditions for determining whether or not to shoot the second image under the photographic conditions such as the AF value of the first image in the third embodiment and each modification may be combined.
That is, in the first embodiment, the open / close state of the mobile phone 100, in the modified example A, whether there is a change in the shooting mode, in the modified example B, whether there is a zooming change, in the modified example C, the degree of change in the image in the focus area, the modified example D Shows the degree of change of the image around the focus area frame, and in the modified example E, whether or not the “shoot the subject at the same distance” scene selection in the best shot mode is selected under the shooting conditions such as the first AF value. The condition for determining whether or not to do so is taken as appropriate, but these may be combined as appropriate so that the second image may be shot under shooting conditions such as the first AF value.

  In the description of each of the embodiments and the modifications (FIGS. 3, 4, and 7), the shooting number counter K is used to determine whether the first shooting or the second and subsequent shootings are performed. However, the means for determining whether the first shot or the second and subsequent shots is not limited to the shot number counter. For example, K may be used as a shooting flag (or a switch means on a program) that always takes a value of K = 1 for the first image and K = 1 for the second image and thereafter.

  As mentioned above, although several Example of this invention was described, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to said each Example, A various deformation | transformation implementation is possible. In the first and second embodiments, a digital camera is taken as an example of the imaging device, but the imaging device is not limited to a digital camera.

It is a figure which shows an example of an external appearance structure of a digital camera. It is a figure which shows one Example of the electronic circuit structure of the digital camera of FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera in a shooting mode according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera in a shooting mode according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance structure of a mobile telephone. It is a block diagram which shows one Example of the circuit structure of a mobile telephone. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the mobile phone in a shooting mode.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital camera (imaging device)
9, 107 Shutter key (imaging instruction means)
22, 118 Control unit (shooting control means, focus necessity determination means)
28 Memory card (image recording means)
29 Internal memory (image recording means)
31 Motion detection unit (focus information acquisition means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Camera-equipped mobile phone 120 Open / close detection means 128 Imaging module (autofocus means, imaging means)
K internal counter (number determination information)
t, t1 Internal counter (operation time measuring means)
t2 Internal counter (photographing interval measuring means)

Claims (14)

An imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and generates image data in response to an imaging instruction by an operation of an imaging instruction input unit, a memory that records the generated image, and an autofocus function that performs automatic focusing when the subject is captured In the imaging device
After obtaining an in-focus value by performing automatic focusing control by the first stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, the first image is taken by the second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means,
The time from the first image capture to the second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means is within a predetermined time, and the second stroke operation time of the imaging instruction input means is performed within a predetermined short time. In such a case, the second image is shot using the focus value obtained at the time of shooting the first image. An imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and generates image data in response to an imaging instruction by an operation of an imaging instruction input unit, a memory that records the generated image, and an autofocus function that performs automatic focusing when the subject is captured An imaging method in an imaging device,
After obtaining an in-focus value by performing automatic focusing control by the first stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, the first image is taken by the second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means,
If there is a second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means after shooting the first image, the necessity of focusing at the time of shooting the second image is determined based on predetermined focusing necessity determination information, and focusing is required. When the determination result is that focus control is unnecessary and the second stroke operation time is performed within a predetermined short time, the focus value obtained at the time of shooting the first image is used. And taking a second image. The in-focus necessity determination information is detection information on the movement of the camera body, and the in-focus necessity determination is based on the detection information, and when the difference in the position of the camera body is equal to or less than a threshold, the in-focus necessity determination result 3. The photographing method according to claim 2, wherein no focus control is required. In accordance with an imaging instruction by operating an imaging instruction input unit, an imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a memory that records the generated image, and an autofocus function that performs automatic focusing when shooting the subject A photographing method in a foldable mobile phone equipped with a camera,
When the cover of the cellular phone is in the open state, after obtaining the focus value by performing the automatic focus control by the stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, the first picture is taken,
After the first picture is taken, when the lid of the mobile phone is in the open state, the next picture is taken using the focus value obtained at the time of the first picture by the stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means. Characteristic shooting method. In accordance with an imaging instruction by operating an imaging instruction input unit, an imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a memory that records the generated image, and an autofocus function that performs automatic focusing when shooting the subject A photographing method for a camera-equipped mobile phone, comprising:
After obtaining an in-focus value by performing automatic focusing control by a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, taking the first image,
If there is a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means after the first image is taken, it is determined whether or not the next shooting is in focus based on predetermined focus necessity determination information, and the focus necessity determination result is the focus control. A shooting method characterized in that the next shooting is performed using the in-focus value obtained at the time of shooting the first image when unnecessary. The in-focus necessity determination information is a shooting mode, and the in-focus necessity determination determines that the in-focus necessity determination result does not require in-focus control when the shooting mode is the same when the second image is shot. The imaging method according to claim 5. An imaging instruction input means for giving an imaging instruction, an autofocus means for performing automatic focusing control at the time of shooting by a first stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, and a shooting by a second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means Imaging means for generating the image data, image recording means for recording and storing the generated image data,
Number determination information indicating whether or not the number of shots is the first shot, shooting interval measuring means for measuring the time from the first shot to the second stroke operation of the shooting instruction input means, and the shooting instruction input means An operation time measuring means for measuring the second stroke operation time;
When the number-of-sheets determination information means that the first image is shot, the first focusing operation is performed by the first focusing operation, and then the second focusing operation of the imaging instruction input unit performs the second focusing operation. When the imaging unit is controlled to perform imaging, and the number determination information means the second imaging, if the second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input unit is performed, the imaging interval measuring unit The one image is taken only when the measurement time of the shooting interval is within a predetermined time and the second stroke operation time of the imaging instruction input means by the operation time measuring means is within a predetermined short time. Photographing control means for controlling the imaging means so as to photograph the second image using the focus value obtained at the time of photographing the eye;
An imaging apparatus comprising: An imaging instruction input means for giving an imaging instruction, an autofocus means for performing automatic focusing control at the time of shooting by a first stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, and a shooting by a second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means Imaging means for generating the image data, image recording means for recording and storing the generated image data,
Focus required to determine whether or not to focus on the second shot based on the number determination information indicating whether the number of shots is the first or not and the predetermined focus necessity determination information after the first shot. A non-determination means; an operation time measuring means for measuring a second stroke operation time of the imaging instruction input means;
When the number-of-sheets determination information means that the first image is shot, the first focusing operation is performed by the first focusing operation, and then the second focusing operation of the imaging instruction input unit performs the second focusing operation. When the image pickup means is controlled to take a picture and the number determination information means that the second and subsequent shots are taken, if there is a second stroke operation of the image pickup instruction input means, the focus is required. The determination unit determines whether or not focusing is necessary at the time of shooting the second image, and when the focusing necessity determination result indicates that focusing control is unnecessary, the second stroke operation time is a predetermined short time. Shooting control means for controlling the imaging means so as to take a second image using the focus value obtained at the time of shooting the first image only when
An imaging apparatus comprising: In accordance with an imaging instruction by operating an imaging instruction input unit, an imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a memory that records the generated image, and an autofocus function that performs automatic focusing when shooting the subject In the camera-equipped foldable mobile phone,
Open / close detecting means for detecting the open / closed state of the lid of the mobile phone;
In the imaging mode, after obtaining an in-focus value by performing an automatic focusing control by a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, the imaging means is controlled to take the first picture, and after the first picture is taken, If there is a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means when the lid of the cellular phone is in the open state, the imaging means is configured to perform the second imaging using the focus value obtained at the time of the first imaging. A camera-equipped mobile phone comprising: an imaging control means for controlling the camera. In accordance with an imaging instruction by operating an imaging instruction input unit, an imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a memory that records the generated image, and an autofocus function that performs automatic focusing when shooting the subject In the mobile phone with camera provided,
An in-focus necessity determining means for determining whether or not the second image is in focus based on predetermined in-focus necessity determination information;
After obtaining an in-focus value by performing automatic focusing control by a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, taking the first image,
If there is a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means after the first picture is taken, the focus necessity judgment means performs the focus necessity judgment at the time of the second picture, and the focus necessity judgment result is obtained. A shooting control unit that controls the imaging unit to perform shooting of the second image using the focus value obtained at the time of shooting of the first image by the stroke operation of the imaging instruction input unit when focus control is unnecessary;
A mobile phone with a camera, comprising: An imaging instruction input means for giving an imaging instruction, an autofocus means for performing automatic focusing control at the time of shooting by a first stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, and a shooting by a second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means A program that can be executed in an imaging apparatus including an imaging unit that generates the image data and an image recording unit that records and stores the generated image data,
A program step for setting the number of shots to the first shot, a program step for measuring the time from the first shot to the second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, and the second stroke of the imaging instruction input means A program step for measuring the operation time;
A program step for causing the autofocus means to perform automatic focusing control when the first stroke operation is performed when the number of shots is the first, and a program step for causing the imaging means to perform the first shooting. And a program step for setting the number of shots after the first shot to the first and subsequent shots;
If the second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means is performed when the number of shots is the second or more, the time from the first shooting to the second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means is within a predetermined time And a program step for determining whether or not the second stroke operation time of the imaging instruction input means is performed within a predetermined time;
The determination result is that the time from the first image capture to the second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means is within a predetermined time, and the second stroke operation time of the imaging instruction input means is within a certain time A program step for causing the imaging means to perform the second image capturing using the focus value obtained at the time of the first image capturing only when
A program characterized by comprising: An imaging instruction input means for giving an imaging instruction, an autofocus means for performing automatic focusing control at the time of shooting by a first stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, and a shooting by a second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means A program that can be executed in an imaging apparatus that includes an imaging unit that generates the image data and an image recording unit that records and stores the generated image data.
A program step for setting the number of shots to be the first, a program step for measuring a second stroke operation time of the imaging instruction input means,
A program step for causing the autofocus means to perform automatic focusing control when the first stroke operation is performed when the number of shots is the first, and a program step for causing the imaging means to perform the first shooting. And a program step for setting the number of shots after the first shot to the second and subsequent shots,
If the number of shots is greater than or equal to the second shot and there is a second stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, it is determined whether or not to focus on the second shot based on predetermined focus necessity determination information. The above-described imaging step is performed only when the program step to be performed and the result of determining whether or not focusing is required do not require focusing control and the second stroke operation time of the imaging instruction input unit is within a predetermined time. A program step that causes the second image to be shot using the focus value obtained at the time of shooting the first image;
A program characterized by comprising: An imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and generates image data according to an imaging instruction by a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input unit, a memory that records the generated image, and an autofocus function that performs automatic focusing when the subject is captured A program that can be executed in a foldable mobile phone with a camera,
In the imaging mode, when there is a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, a program step for causing the imaging means to perform automatic focusing, a program step for causing the first image to be taken after automatic focusing,
After the first picture is taken, if there is a program step for detecting the open / closed state of the mobile phone and a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means when the mobile phone is in the open state, A program step for causing the second image to be shot using the focus value obtained at the time of shooting;
A program characterized by comprising: In accordance with an imaging instruction by operating an imaging instruction input unit, an imaging unit that shoots a subject and generates image data thereof, a memory that records the generated image, and an autofocus function that performs automatic focusing when shooting the subject A program executable on a camera-equipped mobile phone,
An in-focus necessity determining means for determining whether or not the second image is in focus based on predetermined in-focus necessity determination information;
A program step for causing the imaging means to perform automatic focusing when there is a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means; a program step for causing the first image to be taken after automatic focusing;
After the first image is taken, if there is a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input means, a program step for determining whether or not the focus is required at the time of shooting the second image, and the focus necessity / unnecessity determination result does not require focus control. In this case, when there is a stroke operation of the imaging instruction input unit, a program step for causing the imaging unit to perform the second image capturing using the focus value obtained at the time of the first image capturing,
A program characterized by comprising:

Images