JP2010034614A - Imaging apparatus and imaging method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus for easily capturing a desired best scene, and to provide an imaging method. <P>SOLUTION: An image of one or more frames including image data A is initially displayed on a display section 18, the image data being captured before detecting a release operation by a response delay time peculiar to a photographer. Then, image data are read from a built-in memory 12 in order of the shooting time close to that of the image data A, according to a predetermined operation of the photographer. A corresponding image is displayed while the image initially displayed on the display section 18 is updated. Then, a desired image is selected from the images displayed on the display section 18, and corresponding image data are recorded on a removable memory 17. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and an imaging method for easily searching an image corresponding to a desired best scene from images of a plurality of frames that are continuously captured and recording corresponding image data on a recording medium.

  There is known an imaging apparatus that captures images of a plurality of frames before and after the release operation is detected, selects an image corresponding to the best scene from the images, and records it on a recording medium.

An electronic still camera has been proposed in which images of a plurality of frames before and after the photographer presses the shutter button are stored in a semiconductor memory, and an image with the least blur is automatically selected from these images and recorded on a recording medium. (Patent Document 1).
In addition, the user-specific time lag (time from when the shutter chance was considered to when the shutter release button is actually pressed) is recorded in advance, and the image data captured before the time lag is recorded after the release button is pressed. A technique for recording on a medium has been proposed (Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-178580 JP 2003-92702 A

By applying the technique described in Patent Document 1 that simply stores a plurality of frames before and after the shutter operation (release operation) in the memory, a desired image is selected from the plurality of frame image data stored in the memory. When recording on a recording medium such as a memory card, it is not possible to select a desired image because the time of response delay until the shutter operation is actually detected after the photographer visually captures the subject to be imaged is unknown. take time.
A technology that captures images of multiple frames before and after the shutter release operation, selects a desired image from these images, and records the corresponding image data on a recording medium is a subject (for example, a high-speed object) that makes it difficult to visually capture a shutter chance. This is convenient when applied to the imaging of a moving subject). Therefore, when such a subject is imaged, the number of frames to be imaged per unit time generally increases, so that it takes more time to select a desired image.

  In the technique of Patent Document 2, the image data stored (captured) in the memory is read out and recorded on the recording medium immediately after the release button is pressed and immediately before the time lag unique to the photographer. However, the best shot image data is not necessarily recorded on the recording medium due to variations in the time lag unique to the photographer or due to a mistake in the release operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and easily retrieves an image corresponding to a desired best scene from a plurality of images captured continuously, and corresponding image data. It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus and an imaging method capable of recording the image on a recording medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging device according to a first invention includes an imaging unit that images a subject and converts it into image data, an image storage unit that temporarily stores image data, and image data A non-volatile recording medium for recording the desired scene, a response delay time information storage unit for storing information about a response delay time from when the desired scene is captured by the photographer until the release operation is detected, and a desired A release operation detecting unit that detects that a release operation for capturing image data corresponding to the scene of the image is performed, and continuous imaging by the image capturing unit until it is detected that the release operation is performed. Each time the predetermined number of frames of image data is stored in the image storage unit, the image data is circulated so as to be sequentially overwritten from the address stored in the image storage unit. An image storage control unit that repeatedly controls to store in the image storage unit, an image display unit that displays an image corresponding to the image data stored in the image storage unit, and a plurality of frames stored in the image storage unit An image selection unit for selecting an image to be displayed on the image display unit from images corresponding to each of the image data, and the image data stored in the image storage unit based on the information on the response delay time. The time when the image A was captured after the image data A corresponding to the desired scene is identified from the inside, and one or more frames including the image A corresponding to the image data A are displayed on the image display unit. The image selection is performed on the image B captured after the image A or the image C captured before the time when the image A is captured, in the order in which the image capturing time of these images is closer to the image A capturing time. An image display control unit that controls the display to be displayed on the image display unit according to a predetermined operation by; a confirmation key that selects and confirms a desired image from the images displayed on the image display unit; And a recording control unit for recording image data corresponding to the confirmed image on the recording medium. Here, the recording medium is a non-volatile memory, and includes a memory capable of holding data for a long time by a backup power source. Moreover, the memory which can be attached or detached from a digital camera may be sufficient, and the thing built in the imaging device may be used. By configuring in this way, it is possible to easily select an image corresponding to the best scene from a plurality of images taken continuously, and to record the corresponding image data on a recording medium.

  The image pickup apparatus according to a second invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the first invention, wherein the image display control unit displays the image B or the image C after displaying the image A on the image display unit. Control is performed so that images are displayed on the image display unit one by one every time a predetermined operation is performed by the image selection unit in the order in which the imaging times of the images are close to the imaging time of the image A. With this configuration, it is possible to easily select an image corresponding to the best scene from a plurality of frames of images that are continuously captured.

  An image pickup apparatus according to a third aspect is the image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the image selection unit is a pointer operation unit for moving the position of a pointer indicating an image displayed on the image display unit. The image display unit divides the image corresponding to each of a plurality of frames of image data including image data corresponding to the desired scene and displays the image after the imaging by the imaging unit is completed. The image display control unit includes the image A in the center of the plurality of images displayed by dividing the screen, the image B and the image C, and the image capturing times of the images B and C. When the image A is initially displayed so as to sandwich the image A in the order close to the imaging time of A, and the pointer is moved to the edge of the screen and further operation for moving the pointer is continued, the image B or the above An image C in the order in which the images are captured, and displaying by scrolling the screen. With this configuration, it is possible to easily select an image corresponding to the best scene from a plurality of frames of images that are continuously captured.

  An imaging device according to a fourth invention is the imaging device according to the third invention, wherein the first release switch using the switch for performing the first operation for starting the imaging operation and the confirmation key together, and A release operation unit including a second release switch that is operated by a second operation following the first operation and records desired image data on the recording medium, and the pointer operation unit includes a plurality of pointer operation units sandwiching the release operation unit. The image display control unit controls the image display unit to display a pointer that moves according to the operation of the plurality of selection keys, and the recording control unit The image data corresponding to the image indicated by the pointer displayed on the image display unit when the confirmation operation with the key is performed is recorded on the recording medium. Characterized in that the Gosuru. With this configuration, it is possible to select an image corresponding to the best scene from a plurality of images captured continuously by a simple operation.

  An image pickup apparatus according to a fifth invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the third invention, wherein the image display control unit controls the image A and the pointer to be initially displayed at the center of the screen of the image display unit. It is characterized by that. With this configuration, it is possible to quickly select an image corresponding to the best scene from among a plurality of images that are continuously captured by a simple operation.

    An image pickup apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the first release switch uses both the switch for performing the first operation for starting the image pickup operation and the confirmation key, and the above A release operation unit including a second release switch that operates in a second operation following the first operation and records desired image data on the recording medium, and the image selection unit includes a pair of the release operation units. The image display control unit is configured to capture the image A when the image B is captured in response to a selection operation by one of the pair of selection keys. Control is performed so that the images are displayed on the image display unit in the order close to the time, and the time when the image C is picked up is increased according to the selection operation by the other selection key of the pair of selection keys. And controls so as to display on the image display unit in order of proximity to the imaging time of the image A. With this configuration, it is possible to select an image corresponding to the best scene from a plurality of images captured continuously by a simple operation.

  An image pickup apparatus according to a seventh invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the first invention, wherein a response delay time measurement image display unit for displaying a response delay time measurement image and a response delay time measurement image display unit are provided. A response delay time measurement unit that measures a time from when a predetermined image is displayed until an operation for capturing the subject image is detected; and the response delay time information storage unit is configured to measure the response delay time. The information on the time measured by the unit is stored. With this configuration, it is possible to easily measure response delay time information unique to a photographer.

  In the imaging device according to an eighth aspect of the invention, the image display control unit further has a function of sequentially displaying the images captured by the imaging unit on the image display unit in the order of imaging, and the image A is a release. The image is displayed on the image display unit by the response delay time before the time when the operation is detected. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably select a desired scene intended by the photographer.

    An image pickup apparatus according to a ninth invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the eighth invention, wherein the image display control unit detects the release operation from a plurality of frames of image data stored in the image storage unit. Images corresponding to each of a plurality of frames of image data captured within a preset time, including image data corresponding to the image displayed on the image display unit before the response delay time by the response delay time. Control is performed so that the image is displayed on the image display unit. By configuring in this way, it is possible to easily select a desired scene even when there is a variation in response delay time or a desired best scene originally intended.

  An image pickup apparatus according to a tenth invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the eighth invention, wherein the image display control unit detects the release operation from a plurality of frames of image data stored in the image storage unit. An image corresponding to each of image data having a predetermined number of frames is displayed on the image display unit, including image data corresponding to an image displayed on the image display unit before the response time by the response delay time. It controls to do. By configuring in this way, it is possible to easily select a desired scene even when there is a variation in response delay time or a desired best scene originally intended.

  An image pickup apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, further comprising an optical viewfinder that allows a photographer to observe the subject during image pickup, and the image A includes the subject at the response delay time. It is an image picked up before the time which added the time from the start of image pick-up to the time the image data picked-up is stored in the image storage unit. With such a configuration, a desired best scene can be easily captured even in a digital camera having an optical viewfinder.

  An image pickup apparatus according to a twelfth aspect is the image pickup apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the image display control unit detects the release operation from a plurality of frames of image data stored in the image storage unit. An image corresponding to each of a plurality of frames of image data captured within a preset time including image data captured before the response delay time before the response time is displayed on the image display unit. Features. By configuring in this way, it is possible to easily select a desired scene even when there is a variation in response delay time or a desired best scene originally intended.

    An image pickup apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect is the image pickup apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the image display control unit detects the release operation from a plurality of frames of image data stored in the image storage unit. An image corresponding to each of image data having a predetermined number of frames, including image data captured before the response delay time before the response time, is displayed on the image display unit. By configuring in this way, it is possible to easily select a desired scene even when there is a variation in response delay time or a desired best scene originally intended.

  An imaging device according to a fourteenth aspect of the invention is the imaging device according to the first aspect of the invention, further comprising a response delay time information selection unit that selects information related to a predetermined response delay time by a photographer's operation, and the response delay time. The information storage unit stores information on the predetermined response delay time selected by the response delay time information selection unit. With this configuration, it is possible to select and store a photographer-specific response delay time without measuring the response delay time.

The imaging method according to the fifteenth aspect stores image data of a predetermined number of frames continuously captured until it is detected that a release operation for imaging image data corresponding to a desired scene has been performed. Each time the image data is stored in the image storage unit repeatedly and repeatedly in order to overwrite and store the image data from the memory at the address where the image data was first stored, and the image data stored in the image storage unit An image display unit for displaying an image to be
An image selection unit for selecting an image to be displayed on the image display unit from among image data stored in the image storage unit, and until a release operation is detected after a desired scene is captured by a photographer The image data A corresponding to the desired scene is identified from the image data stored in the image storage unit on the basis of the information related to the response delay time, and the image data including one or more frames is included in the image data A. After displaying the corresponding image on the image display unit, the image B captured after the time when the image A was captured, or the image C captured before the time when the image A was captured, A step of controlling to display on the image display unit in accordance with a predetermined operation by the image selection unit in order from the image capture time of the image A to the image capture time, and display on the image display unit Wherein the step of determining to select the desired image from the image, and recording on a recording medium image data corresponding to said determined image to include. By configuring in this way, it is possible to easily select an image corresponding to the best scene from a plurality of images taken continuously, and to record the corresponding image data on a recording medium.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily search for an image corresponding to a desired best scene from a plurality of consecutively captured images and record the corresponding image data on a recording medium.

[First embodiment]
The first embodiment is a digital camera as an example of an imaging apparatus that performs imaging while observing a subject image displayed on an EVF (Electoric View Finder), and after capturing images of a plurality of frames continuously, The plurality of frames are displayed one by one on the display unit, a desired best scene image is selected from the images displayed on the display unit, and the corresponding image data is stored in the removable memory. .

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera as an example of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera shown in FIG. 1 includes an imaging lens 1, a lens driving system 2, an aperture 3, a diaphragm driving system 4, an imaging element 5, an imaging element driver 6, and a timing generator (TG) circuit 7. A double sampling (CDS) circuit 8, an amplifier circuit 9, an analog / digital (A / D) converter 10, a data bus 11, a built-in memory 12, an image processor 13, an AE processor 14, An AF processing unit 15, a compression / decompression unit 16, a removable memory 17, a display unit 18, a nonvolatile memory 19, a CPU 20, an operation unit 21, and a power supply unit 22 are included.

  The imaging lens 1 is an optical system for forming an optical image of a subject (subject image) on the imaging surface of the imaging element 5. The lens driving system 2 is a driving system for driving a focus adjustment lens included in the imaging lens 1. The focus adjustment of the imaging lens 1 can be performed by driving a focus adjustment lens via the lens drive system 2. If the imaging lens 1 is a zoom lens, zooming can be performed by driving the imaging lens 1 by the lens driving system 2.

  The diaphragm 3 is provided to adjust the amount of light incident on the image sensor 5 via the imaging lens 1. The aperture drive system 4 is a drive system for driving the aperture 3. The amount of light incident on the image sensor 5 is adjusted by opening and closing the aperture 3 via the aperture drive system 4. Thereby, the exposure amount of the image sensor 5 can be controlled. The configuration of the image sensor 5 will be described later.

  The image sensor driver 6 performs an image capturing operation by the image sensor 5 and a signal reading operation from a pixel of the image sensor 5. The TG circuit 7 supplies a timing signal for determining the operation timing of the image sensor 5, the CDS circuit 8, and the A / D converter 10 to the image sensor driver 6, the CDS circuit 8, and the A / D converter 10.

  The CDS circuit 8 removes noise in the image data by performing CDS processing on the image data output from the image sensor 5 in accordance with the timing signal from the TG circuit 7. The amplifying circuit 9 amplifies the image data output from the CDS circuit 8 with a predetermined amplification factor according to the ISO sensitivity specified by the CPU 20. The A / D converter 10 converts the image data output as an analog signal from the amplifier circuit 9 into a digital signal.

  The data bus 11 is a transfer path for transferring various data generated inside the digital camera to each unit in the digital camera. The built-in memory 12 is a storage unit that temporarily stores various data such as image data obtained by the A / D conversion unit 10 and image data processed by the image processing unit 13 and the compression / decompression unit 16.

  The image processing unit 13 performs image processing such as synchronization processing, white balance correction processing, YC separation processing, color conversion processing, and gradation conversion processing.

  The AE processing unit 14 performs a photometric process for measuring the luminance of the subject. Note that the luminance of the subject may be detected using a dedicated sensor, or may be detected from image data. The AF processing unit 15 calculates information related to the distance from the digital camera to the subject. The subject distance may be detected based on the output of a dedicated sensor, or may be calculated from the amount of extension of the imaging lens 1 at the time of focus adjustment.

  When recording the image data, the compression / decompression unit 16 compresses the image data processed by the image processing unit 13 according to a predetermined compression method such as a JPEG compression method. When reproducing the image data, the compression / decompression unit 16 reads and decompresses the compressed image data recorded in the removable memory 17.

  The removable memory 17 is a recording medium composed of an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory that can be attached to and detached from the digital camera body. The response delay time storage unit 19a included in the non-volatile memory 19 captures image data corresponding to the desired image after the photographer visually recognizes that the desired image is displayed on the display unit 18. 17 is for storing a response delay time τm until a release operation (recording a later-described second release switch 21b is closed) is detected. In addition to this, the nonvolatile memory 19 stores a program for controlling the operation of the digital camera, various adjustment information at the time of manufacturing the digital camera, and the like. The CPU 20 is a processor that comprehensively controls the operation of the entire digital camera, and has a timer counter 20a that counts the response delay time τm.

  The display unit 18 is provided on the back of the digital camera, displays imaging information such as shutter speed, aperture value, ISO sensitivity, displays a subject image to be imaged, and measures a response delay time described later. In this case, a predetermined image is displayed.

  The operation unit 21 is for a photographer to perform various operations of the digital camera. The operation unit 21 is closed by a first push-in operation for starting an image-pickup operation, and the first release switch 21a is pushed in. A second release switch 21b that is closed by a pressing operation following the operation, an imaging information input unit 21c that sets imaging information such as a shutter speed, an aperture value, and ISO sensitivity, and an image displayed on the display unit 18 after imaging is completed. To an image selection unit 21d for selecting a desired image. Image data corresponding to a desired image selected by the image selection unit 21d is recorded in the removable memory 17. The power supply unit 22 is a power supply for the digital camera shown in FIG. The CPU 20 supplies the power supplied from the power supply unit 22 to each block shown in FIG.

  The imaging element 5 is configured by disposing a plurality of different color filter segments in a predetermined periodic array (for example, a Bayer array) on the front surface of an imaging surface configured by two-dimensionally arranging a plurality of pixels. Has been. This image sensor 5 is a well-known interline type CCD solid-state image sensor. A vertical transfer CCD (VCCD) is arranged in a set with a row of photodiodes, and the VCDD is connected to a horizontal transfer CCD (HCCD) arranged below the image sensor.

  The signal charges photoelectrically converted by the photodiodes constituting each pixel of the image sensor 5 are accumulated in the respective junction capacitors by the charge accumulation operation. When the accumulation period (exposure period) ends, a shift pulse is applied to the transfer gate (TP), and the charges accumulated in the junction capacitance of each pixel are simultaneously shifted to the adjacent VCCD. When the signal charge is read, the photodiode is biased again, and signal charge can be accumulated. The signal charge read out to the VCCD is transferred downward in synchronization with a clock pulse applied to the transfer electrode of the VCCD. When the signal is transferred to the lowermost end, the signal charge for each row of the VCCD is sent to the HCCD and sequentially transferred to the output end of the HCCD. The signal charge transferred to the output terminal of the HCCD is read out of the image sensor through an output circuit including an FD (Floating Diffusion) and an amplifier circuit. When the signal charge for one screen is read, the VCCD becomes empty, and the next signal charge stored in the photodiode can be read again.

  As the image sensor 5, a known vertical overflow structure CCD solid-state image sensor is employed. This comprises a photodiode (PD) in a p-type diffusion region (p-well) formed on the surface of an n-type substrate (for example, an n-type silicon substrate). The p-well is completely depleted by the reverse bias voltage Vsub. By applying a high voltage pulse to this Vsub, the charge accumulated in the photodiode can be discharged to the substrate side. Accordingly, the charge accumulation time of the photodiode can be controlled by controlling the reverse bias voltage Vsub.

  In the present embodiment, the photographer performs a release operation (an operation to close the second release switch 21b) for capturing a desired subject image while observing an image displayed on the display unit 18. .

  Next, the operation of the digital camera according to this embodiment will be described.

  When the CPU 20 detects that the first release switch 21a is closed at time tr1, the AE processing unit 14 calculates the aperture value and exposure time (Texp) of the aperture 3 based on the photometric value. Then, the diaphragm 3 is narrowed down based on this diaphragm value (aperture control). Also, information regarding the distance to the subject is calculated by the AF processing unit 16, and the focus state of the imaging lens 1 is adjusted via the lens driving system 2 under the control of the CPU 20 based on the information regarding the distance to the subject. (AF control). Further, when it is detected that the first release switch is closed, a high voltage pulse is applied to Vsub of the image sensor 5, and the charge accumulated in the photodiode is discharged to the substrate side.

  When the aperture control and the AF control are finished, the application of the high voltage pulse to Vsub is stopped, and exposure of the image sensor 5 (charge accumulation by the photodiode) is started. When the time Texp elapses from the start of exposure and the exposure ends, a transfer pulse (TP) is applied to transfer the charge accumulated in the photodiode to the vertical CCD (VCCD). The charge transferred to the VCCD is read out as image data from the image sensor 5 by known reading control. The read image data is subjected to predetermined processing by the CDS circuit 8, the amplifier circuit 9, the A / D conversion unit 10, and the image processing unit 13, and can be operated at high speed as digital image data. It is temporarily stored in the memory 12. Thereafter, until the CPU 20 detects that the second release switch 21b is closed, the imaging operation of storing the image data in the built-in memory 12 from the charge accumulation by the photodiode is repeatedly executed. Here, the time period when the high voltage is applied to Vsub (Tsub) and the subsequent exposure time (Texp) is the frame period Tf.

  Since the memory capacity of the built-in memory 12 is not infinite, the CPU 20 overwrites and stores the image data again from the memory address stored first every time a predetermined amount of image data is stored in the built-in memory 12. As described above, the address control of the built-in memory 12 and the timing of image data storage are controlled. In this way, by overwriting and storing the image data in the built-in memory 12 having a limited capacity, the image data of a predetermined number of frames can be repeatedly and efficiently stored with a small capacity of the built-in memory 12. The image data temporarily stored in the built-in memory 12 is sequentially read and displayed on the display unit 18. Next, a desired image is selected from the images displayed on the display unit 18, and corresponding image data is recorded in the removable memory 17.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  The built-in memory 12 has a time Δt1 stored in advance in the non-volatile memory 19 with reference to a time tr3 that is at least a response delay time τm before the time tr2 at which the second release switch 21b is detected to be closed by the CPU 20. It has a memory capacity for storing image data captured during time tb after time Δt2 (Δt2 ≧ τm) stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 19 from time ta before (Δt1 ≧ τd). Yes. Here, τd is the time (hereinafter referred to as “display delay time”) from when the image data stored in the built-in memory 12 is read and the corresponding image is displayed on the display unit 18. Then, until an operation to close the second release switch 21b is detected, the image data is circulated in order from the memory address where the image data is first recorded, and is overwritten and stored. Specifically, among the image data stored in the built-in memory 12, the center time of the exposure time Texp related to the image data is stored in the built-in memory 12 from the image data (DATAm) closest to the time ta. Among the image data, the image data up to the image data (DATAk) whose center time of the exposure time Texp related to the image data is closest to the time tb is temporarily stored in the built-in memory 12. Note that the values of Δt1 and Δt2 may be arbitrarily selected by a photographer's operation.

  The response delay time τm is the time from when the subject image is captured (recognized) by the photographer's vision until the release operation for capturing the subject image is detected. The desired image is the image displayed on the display unit 18 at the time tr3 that is the response delay time τm before the time tr2 at which the CPU 20 detects that the second release switch 21b is closed (release operation) (see FIG. In the example of 2, DISPn). The image data corresponding to the image displayed on the display unit 18 at the time tr3 is image data (DATAn in the example of FIG. 2) read from the built-in memory 12 at the time tr4 which is the display delay time τd before. . This image data (DATAn) is likely to correspond to the image most desired by the photographer, but it cannot be said to be reliable. Therefore, in the present embodiment, after an instruction for recording the captured image data in the removable memory 17 is issued, the image data captured between time ta and time tb temporarily stored in the built-in memory 12. Are preferentially read out from image data that is highly likely to be image data corresponding to the image most desired by the photographer, and displayed on the display unit 18. The order in which the image data temporarily stored in the built-in memory 12 is read out and displayed on the display unit 18 will be described in detail later with reference to the image data selection flowchart of FIG. To do.

  Next, the flow of the imaging operation of the digital camera including the imaging method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the first release switch 21a is closed (step S301). When it is detected that the first release switch 21a is closed, the AE processing unit 14 calculates the aperture value and exposure time (Texp) of the aperture 3 based on the photometric value. Then, the diaphragm 3 is narrowed down based on this diaphragm value (step S302). Next, information regarding the distance to the subject is calculated by the AF processing unit 15, and the focus state of the imaging lens 1 is adjusted via the lens driving system 2 under the control of the CPU 20 based on the information regarding the distance to the subject. (Step S303).

  Next, based on the control of the high voltage pulse Vsub, after the charge is accumulated by the photodiode for the exposure time Texp calculated in step S302, the charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion unit of the image sensor is the image sensor. 5 is subjected to predetermined signal processing and converted into digital image data (step S304). The image data captured in step S304 is then temporarily stored in the built-in memory 12 (step S305). Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the second release switch 21b is closed (step S306). When it is determined that the second release switch 21b is not closed, the process returns to step S304, and the operations of imaging (step S304) and storing image data (step S305) are repeatedly executed until the second release switch 21b is closed. .

  When it is detected in step S306 that the second release switch 21b is closed, the CPU 20 next determines whether or not both the first release switch 21a and the second release switch 21b are opened (step S307). ). This is because, in the next image data selection step (step S308), since the first release switch 21a is used together with a confirmation key described later, it is necessary to once release the release operation that has been performed. If it is determined in step S307 that both the first release switch 21a and the second release switch 21b have been opened, a subroutine for image data selection processing is next executed (step S308).

  Next, the configuration of the image selection unit 21d in the operation unit 21 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a plan view of the grip portion 24 provided on the upper surface of the main body 23 of the digital camera. The upper part of the page represents the photographer side, and the lower side of the page represents the subject side. The selection keys (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) constituting the cross key are arranged concentrically around the confirmation key 25. Among the cross keys, the selection key 26a (right button) and the selection key 26b (left button) are operation members that give instructions for reading a predetermined image from the built-in memory 12 and displaying it on the display unit 18. Among the cross keys, the selection key 26c and the selection key 26d are keys for resetting the selection operation by the selection key 26a and the selection key 26b. The selection key 26c and the selection key 26d have exactly the same reset function. This reset operation will be described later. The confirmation key 25 is for selecting a desired image from the images displayed on the display unit 18 and recording it in the removable memory 17. The confirmation key 25 is used in combination with the first release switch 21a (the first release switch 21a and the second release switch 21b are configured to operate in conjunction with each other, and thus include the second release switch 21b in appearance).

  Next, the image data selection operation in step S308 (FIG. 3) will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the CPU 20 displays the image data stored in the built-in memory 12 at a time tr3 that is a response delay time τm before the time tr2 at which the second release switch 21b is detected to be closed (release operation). Image data A corresponding to the image (DISPn in the example of FIG. 2) displayed on the unit 18 is read (step S401). The image data A is read from the built-in memory 12 as follows. That is, the frame period is Tf, and the time from the start of storage of image data (DATAn + 2 in FIG. 2) stored in the internal memory 12 at time tr2 to time tr2 is Δtr, and N = “(τm + τd−Δtr) / Tf "is calculated. Here, “x” represents a symbol for calculating an integer value obtained by rounding up x. Then, the image data A is the image data (in the example of FIG. 2) stored in the internal memory 12 N frames before the image data (DATAn + 2 in FIG. 8) stored in the internal memory 12 at time tr2. DATAn). This image data (DATAn) is likely to correspond to the image that the photographer wanted to capture most. Next, the image A corresponding to the image data A read from the built-in memory 12 is displayed on the display unit 18 (step S402). FIG. 7 shows a state in which the image A is displayed on the screen of the display unit 18. When the enter key 25 is pressed (step S403), the image data corresponding to the image A is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 16 as necessary, and then recorded in the removable memory 17 (step S404). When the process of step 404 is completed, the process returns from the subroutine of FIG.

  If the confirmation key 25 is not pressed in step S403, the CPU 20 next determines whether or not the selection key 26a is pressed (step S405). If the selection key 26a has not been pressed, the process of step S408 is executed next. When the selection key 26a is pressed in step S405, the CPU 20 reads the image data B (DATAn-1 in FIG. 2) captured immediately before the image data A is captured from the built-in memory 12 (step S405). S406), the corresponding image B is displayed on the display unit 18 (step S407). FIG. 8 shows a state in which the image B is displayed on the screen of the display unit 18.

  Next, in step S408, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the selection key 26b is pressed (step S408). When the selection key 26b is not pressed, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the reset is performed next, that is, whether or not the selection key 26c or the selection key 26d is pressed (step S409). If the reset has not been performed, the process returns to step S403, and the operation described above is repeatedly executed. In this way, each time the selection key 26a is pressed, the image data B captured before the image data A is captured sequentially (in the example of FIG. 2, DATAn-1 → DATAn-2 → DATAn-3... Read out from the built-in memory 12 and display corresponding images one frame at a time on the display unit 18.

  If it is determined in step S409 that the reset has been performed by the CPU 20, the process returns to step S401, and the history of the operation of the selection key 26a and the operation of the selection key 26b is canceled and the initial state is restored.

  If it is determined in step S408 that the selection key 26b has been pressed, the CPU 20 reads the image data C (DATAn + 1 in FIG. 2) captured immediately after the image data A is captured from the built-in memory 12 ( In step S410, the corresponding image C is displayed on the display unit 18 (step S411). FIG. 9 shows a state in which the image C is displayed on the screen of the display unit 18.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a reset has been performed (step S409). If the reset has not been performed, the process returns to step S403, and the operation described above is repeatedly executed. In this way, every time the selection key 26b is pressed, the image data C captured after the image data A is captured is sequentially built in (in the example of FIG. 2, in the order of DATAn + 1 → DATAn + 2 → DATAn + 3...). The image is read from the memory 12 and the corresponding image is displayed on the display unit 18 one frame at a time.

  When it is detected in step S403 that the confirmation key 25 has been pressed by the CPU 20 (step S403), an image corresponding to the image currently displayed on the image display unit 18 under the control of the CPU 20 is displayed. The data is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 16 as necessary, and then recorded in the removable memory 17 (step S404). When the process of step 404 is completed, the process returns from the subroutine shown in the figure.

  In the above description, when the confirmation key 25 is pressed, the image data corresponding to the image displayed on the image display unit 18 at that time is recorded in the removable memory 17, but if necessary, A confirmation message as to whether or not to record in the removable memory 17 may be displayed. This is because there is a possibility of erroneous operation.

  Next, returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 3, the series of imaging operations is completed.

  Next, measurement of response delay time in the digital camera according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the photographer operates a predetermined switch of the operation unit 21 to switch to the response delay time measurement mode, first, 0 is stored in the memory [n] that stores the response delay time measurement count n (step S501). Here, [x] represents a memory storing the variable x.

  Next, the CPU 20 resets the timer counter 20a (step S502). Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the first release switch 21a is closed (step S503). If it is detected in step S503 that the first release switch 21a is closed, the CPU 20 next sets the display timing of the measurement image in the timer counter 20a (step S504). This measurement image is a special image displayed for measuring the response delay time of the photographer. For example, a flying object may appear suddenly during the display of a landscape image, or a mark completely different from a normal image may appear. Alternatively, the number displayed on the display unit 18 may be counted down or counted up to prompt the release operation when a predetermined number is displayed.

  Next, in order to measure the response delay time τm, a predetermined moving image is displayed on the display unit 18 provided on the back of the digital camera, and counting by the timer counter 20a is started (step S505). Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the display timing of the measurement image set in step S504 has elapsed since the timer counter 20a started counting (step S506). If the CPU 20 determines that the measurement image display timing has come, the CPU 20 displays the measurement image on the display unit 18 and resets the timer counter 20a to start counting (step S507).

  Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the second release switch 21b is closed (step S508). If it is determined in step S508 that the second release switch 21b is closed, then the timer counter 20a stops counting (step S509). That is, the timer counter 20a holds the response delay time τm from when the measurement image is displayed in step S507 until the second release switch 21b is closed. This time is equal to a response delay time from when the photographer visually recognizes a predetermined image until the CPU 20 detects that the second release switch 21b is closed.

  Next, the CPU 20 stores n + 1 in the memory [n] that stores the number of times of measurement of the response delay time (step S510). Next, the CPU 20 temporarily stores the response delay time held in the timer counter in step S408 as τm (n) in the memory (step S511). Next, the CPU 20 displays a message “Continue? Y, N” on the display unit 18 (S512). Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the photographer has selected “Y” or “N” by operating a predetermined switch of the operation unit 21 (step S513). Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not “Y” (continuation of measurement) has been selected in step S513 (step S514). If it is determined that “Y” has been selected, the process returns to step 502 and is described above. Repeat the operation. Next, the CPU 20 calculates an average value τm of the response delay time, τm (1), τm (2), τm (3)... Τm (n) stored in the memory, and stores the memory [τm ] (Step S515), and the response delay time measurement is terminated.

  In the present embodiment, information regarding the response delay time τm from when the subject image is captured by the photographer's vision until it is detected that the second release switch 21b for capturing the subject image is closed is nonvolatile. Pre-stored in the memory 19. Then, the second release switch 21b is selected from among a plurality of frames of image data repeatedly captured and temporarily stored in the built-in memory 12 until it is detected that the second release switch 21b is closed (release operation). The image data A corresponding to the image A displayed on the display unit 18 is selected by the response delay time τm before the point in time when the close is detected. Next, after displaying the image A on the display unit 18, the image B captured before the time when the image A was captured, or the image C captured after the time when the image A was captured, Every time a predetermined operation is performed by the image selection unit 21d in the order in which the imaging time is closer to the imaging time of the image A, one frame is displayed. Therefore, the best scene can be selected easily and reliably and recorded on the recording medium.

  In the present embodiment, the image selection unit 21d includes a pair of selection keys 26a and 26b with the release switch 21a (confirmation key 25) interposed therebetween, and the display unit 18 includes a pair of selection keys. Each time a selection operation using one of the selection keys 26a and 26b is performed, the image B is displayed one frame at a time in the order in which the time when the image A was captured is closer to the time when the image A was captured. Further, each time a selection operation is performed using the other selection key of the pair of selection keys, the image C is displayed one frame at a time in the order in which the time when the image A was captured is closer to the time when the image A was captured. . Then, when the enter key 25 used together with the first release switch 21a is pressed, image data corresponding to the image displayed on the display unit 18 is stored in the removable memory. Therefore, the operability is good, and the operation of imaging → selecting an image → recording an image can be performed smoothly.

  In the present embodiment, the response delay time measurement unit that measures the time from when the predetermined response delay time measurement image is displayed on the display unit 18 until it is detected that the second release switch 21b is closed. Therefore, it is possible to easily measure response delay time information unique to the photographer.

  In the present embodiment, the display unit 18 includes the response delay time from the time when the second release switch 21b is detected to be closed among the plurality of frames of image data stored in the built-in memory 12. An image corresponding to each of a plurality of frames of image data captured within a preset time, including image data corresponding to the image displayed on the display unit 18 before τm, is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently and reliably include an image most likely to be a scene that the photographer wants to take in the image of the plurality of frames displayed on the display unit 18.

  In the present embodiment, the display unit 18 includes the response delay time from the time when the second release switch 21b is detected to be closed among the plurality of frames of image data stored in the built-in memory 12. An image corresponding to each of image data having a preset number of frames, including image data corresponding to the image displayed on the display unit 18 before τm, is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to easily and reliably include an image most likely to be a scene that the photographer wants to take in the images of a plurality of frames displayed on the display unit 18.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the built-in memory 12 corresponds to an image displayed on the display unit 18 at a time point at least before the response delay time τm from the time point when the release operation is detected. It has a storage capacity capable of storing image data of the number of frames taken up to the time when the image data is taken. Therefore, when the image capture is completed, the image data before the response delay time τm from the time when it is detected that the release operation has been performed can be reliably stored in the built-in memory 12.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The present embodiment is a digital camera as an example of an imaging apparatus that performs imaging while observing a subject via an optical viewfinder (hereinafter referred to as “OVF” (Optical View Finder)), and continuously captures images of a plurality of frames. After the images are taken, the images of the plurality of frames are displayed one by one on the display unit, the desired best scene image is selected from the images displayed on the display unit, and the corresponding image data is stored in the removable memory. It is something to remember. Others are the same as the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera as an example of an imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. Constituent parts having the same functions as those in FIG. In the following description, only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  The digital camera according to the present embodiment includes an OVF including a movable mirror 27, a focus glass 28, a penta roof prism 29, and an eyepiece 30 as components having functions different from those in FIG. .

  The movable mirror 27 is for guiding the luminous flux from the subject that has passed through the imaging lens 1 to the OVF in the imaging preparation stage. The movable mirror 27 moves to the position indicated by the dotted line in FIG. Thereby, the light beam transmitted through the imaging lens 1 is guided to the imaging element 5 during imaging. The focus glass 28 is disposed at the focus position of the imaging lens 1 and forms a subject image. The penta roof prism 29 is a prism for guiding a subject image formed on the focus glass 28 as an erect image through the eyepiece 30 to the photographer's eyes. The configuration of the display unit 18 is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, imaging is performed while observing the subject via the OVF, so that the subject image being captured is not displayed on the display unit 18. .

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the desired image that the photographer wants to capture is a subject image observed by the photographer via the OVF. Therefore, a method of selecting image data corresponding to a desired image that the photographer wants to capture from the image data stored in the built-in memory 12 based on the response delay time τm is different from the first embodiment. Others are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore only the differences will be described in the following description.

  The response delay time τm is the time from when the subject to be imaged is captured by the photographer's vision until the release operation for imaging this subject is detected. The captured image data is stored in the built-in memory 12 at the response delay time τm from the time tr2 when the CPU 20 detects that the second release switch 21b is closed (release operation). 11 is an image (DATAn in the example of FIG. 11) captured before time τm ′ (hereinafter referred to as “response delay time τm ′”) to which time τi (hereinafter referred to as “imaging delay time τi”) is added. .

  Since the imaging operation of the digital camera in this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, in the following description, referring to the flowchart showing the flow of the image data selection operation of the digital camera in FIG. The description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 4, first, the response delay time τm ′ from the time tr2 when the CPU 20 detects that the second release switch 21b is closed (release operation) among the image data stored in the built-in memory 12 by the CPU 20. Just before the time tr5, the image data A (DATAn in the example of FIG. 11) having the closest center time of the exposure time Texp is read from the built-in memory 12 (step S401). Image data A is read from the built-in memory 12 as follows. That is, the frame period is Tf, the time from the start of storage of the image data (DATAn + 2 in FIG. 11) stored in the internal memory 12 at time tr2 to time tr2, and N = “τm′−Δtr) / Tf”. Is calculated. Here, “x” represents a symbol for calculating an integer value obtained by rounding up x. Then, the image data A is the image data (in the example of FIG. 11) stored in the internal memory 12 N frames before the image data (DATAn + 2 in FIG. 11) stored in the internal memory 12 at time tr2. DATAn). This image data A (DATAn) is likely to correspond to the image that the photographer wanted to capture most.

  Note that, as the image data A, the image data having the closest time in the middle of the exposure time Texp is selected at the time tr5 which is the response delay time τm ′ before the time tr2, but the strictness is not necessarily required. The time at which the exposure time Texp is started or the time at which the exposure time Texp ends may be the time tr5 that is earlier than the time tr2 by the response delay time τm ′. In short, any image data may be used as long as it is imaged before and after the time tr5 which is the response delay time τm ′. This is because there is a variation in the response delay time of the photographer, and in this embodiment, on the premise of this, the best scene is selected after imaging from among a plurality of image data with priority given to the image data A.

  The processing flow after step 402 is the same as that in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the process for measuring the response delay time τi is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, in a digital camera equipped with an optical viewfinder, it is detected that the second release switch 21b for capturing the subject image is closed after the subject image is captured by the photographer's vision. Information regarding the response delay time τm is stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 19. Then, the second release switch 21b is selected from the plurality of frames of image data temporarily stored in the built-in memory 12 by repeatedly capturing images until it is detected that the second release switch 21b is closed (release operation). The image data A corresponding to the image captured before the response delay time τm ′ obtained by adding the imaging delay time τi to the response delay time τm is selected from the time point when it is detected that 21b is closed. Next, after displaying the image A on the display unit 31, the image B captured after the time when the image A was captured, or the image C captured before the time when the image A was captured are those images. Are displayed one by one every time a predetermined operation is performed by the image selection unit 21d in the order from the image capturing time of the image A to the image capturing time. Therefore, the best scene can be selected easily and reliably and recorded on the recording medium.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

  In the first and second embodiments, when the CPU 20 detects that the second release switch 21b is closed, one or more frames of image data stored in the built-in memory 12 are stored in a predetermined order. Are read out one frame at a time, and an image corresponding to each image data is displayed on the display unit 18, a desired image is selected from the images displayed on the display unit 18, and the corresponding image data is stored in the removable memory 17. Recorded. In contrast, in the present embodiment, when the CPU 20 detects that the second release switch 21b is closed, an image corresponding to a plurality of frames of image data stored in the built-in memory 12 is displayed on the display unit 18. It differs from the first embodiment or the second embodiment in that a desired image is selected from the images displayed simultaneously and displayed on the display unit 18 and the corresponding image data is recorded in the removable memory 17. . Others are the same as the first embodiment or the second embodiment. In the following description of the present embodiment, only differences from the first embodiment or the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the image data selection process (step S308 in FIG. 3) of the present embodiment.

  First, the image data of a plurality of frames stored in the built-in memory 12 is read out and divided and displayed on the display unit 18 (step S701). FIGS. 13 and 14 show a state in which images of three frames are displayed in a horizontal row in the center of the screen. A rectangular area at the top of each image is a portion for displaying a pointer, and this rectangular area is filled with a predetermined color to indicate that the corresponding image is selected. Here, the image A described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment is displayed in the center of the screen. An image B captured immediately before the image data A is displayed on the right side of the screen, and an image C captured immediately after the image data A is displayed on the left side of the screen.

  Next, a pointer is displayed in the rectangular area 31 at the top of the central screen (step S702, FIG. 13). This pointer is moved left and right by the selection key 26a or 26b in FIG. While the selection key 26a is pressed, the pointer moves one frame at a predetermined time interval, and while the selection key 26b is pressed, the pointer moves one frame at a predetermined time interval to the left side of the screen. In step S703, based on the above-described operation, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the pointer has moved. If the CPU 20 determines that the pointer has not moved, it is next determined whether or not the enter key 25 has been pressed (step S707).

  On the other hand, when the CPU 20 determines in step S703 that the pointer is moving, it is next determined whether or not the pointer has reached the screen edge (step S704). When the pointer reaches the screen edge, the pointer is fixed at the screen edge. When the selection key 26a or the selection key 26b is continuously pressed while the pointer has reached the screen edge, the CPU 20 scrolls the screen one frame at a time interval in a direction corresponding to the position of the pointer (step S705). ). FIG. 14 shows the state where the pointer has reached the right edge of the screen, and the screen scrolls to the left. Depending on the direction in which the screen is scrolled, images corresponding to the image data B or the image data C are displayed on the display unit 18 in order from the time when the image data A was captured. For example, when the selection key 26a is continuously pressed, the CPU 20 scrolls the screen to the left and displays the data at the end of the screen in the order of DATAn-1 → DATAn-2 → DATAn-3. If the selection key 26b is continuously pressed, the CPU 20 scrolls the screen to the right and displays the data at the end of the screen in the order of DATAn + 1 → DATAn + 2 → DATAn + 3.

  If the pointer is not at the screen edge in step S704, the pointer is moved to a predetermined position by the CPU 20 (step S706). Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the confirmation key 25 has been pressed. When the enter key 25 is not pressed, the process returns to step S703 and the above-described operation is repeatedly executed.

  If it is determined in step S707 that the confirmation key 25 has been pressed by the CPU 20, the CPU 20 next stores the image data corresponding to the image pointed to (overlapped with the pointer) in the removable memory 17. Record (step S708) and return from the subroutine.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, three frames of images are displayed in a horizontal line on the screen of the display unit 18. Further, a plurality of images may be displayed on the entire vertical and horizontal screen instead of one horizontal row. Even in this case, at the center of the screen, the display unit is displayed at a time tr3 that is a response delay time τm (FIG. 2) before the time tr2 at which the second release switch 21b is detected to be closed (release operation). The image displayed at 18 is displayed. Alternatively, in the center of the screen, an image captured at a time before the response delay time τm ′ (FIG. 11) is displayed before the time tr2 at which the second release switch 21b is closed (release operation). The Further, since the image displayed at the center of the screen is most likely the best scene image, the pointer is also initially displayed at the center of the screen.

  In the present embodiment, the response delay time τm (FIG. 2) stored in the nonvolatile memory 19 or the response delay time is displayed on the display unit 18 from the time when the second release switch 21b is detected to be closed. A plurality of frames of images including an image captured before τm ′ (FIG. 11) are displayed in a divided manner. When the photographer selects a desired image from the divided and displayed images, image data corresponding to the selected image is recorded in the removable memory 17. Therefore, the best scene can be efficiently and reliably selected and recorded on the recording medium.

  The present embodiment includes a first release switch 21a that operates in accordance with a first operation for starting an imaging operation, and a second release switch 21b that operates following the first operation for capturing a desired image. A release operation unit is provided, and the image selection unit 21d is provided with a plurality of selection keys sandwiching the release operation unit, and the display unit 18 is a position that indicates each of the divided and displayed images. A pointer that moves in accordance with the operation of a plurality of selection keys is displayed. Then, image data corresponding to the image indicated by the pointer displayed on the display unit 18 when the enter key 25 is pressed is stored in the removable memory 17. Therefore, the operability is good, and the operation of imaging → selecting an image → recording an image can be performed smoothly.

  In the present embodiment, it is detected that the second release switch 21b is closed from the image data of a plurality of frames stored in the built-in memory 12 at the center of the screen among the plurality of divided images. The response delay time τm ′ (FIG. 10) than the image displayed on the display unit 18 before the response delay time τm (FIG. 2) or the time when the second release switch 21 b is detected to be closed. ) Is displayed, and the pointer is initially displayed at the center of the screen. Therefore, the photographer can quickly select a desired image and record it in the removable memory 17. This is because the image displayed in the center of the screen is most likely the best scene image.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes modifications exemplified below. Below, the modification contained in this invention is illustrated. The contents described in each modification can be arbitrarily combined as long as there is no contradiction.

[Modification 1]
In the first to third embodiments, after temporarily recording the image data of a plurality of frames taken in response to the closing operation of the first release switch 21a in the built-in memory 12 capable of high-speed operation, this Desired image data is selected from the image data temporarily stored in the built-in memory 12 and recorded in the removable memory 17. The built-in memory 12 can be rewritten as a MRAM (Magnetic Random Access Memory) or the like and operates at high speed. A nonvolatile memory may be adopted and used in combination with the removable memory 17. Of course, even in this case, image data other than the image data finally selected and stored in the MRAMA is updated and used every time a new imaging operation is performed. By doing so, the configuration of the digital camera can be simplified.

[Modification 2]
In the first to third embodiments, from the image data (DATAm) whose exposure time Texp is closest to the time ta, the image data (DATAk) whose exposure time Texp is closest to the time tb. ) Is temporarily stored in the built-in memory 12, but from the image data (DATAm) whose exposure start or end time is closest to the time ta, the exposure start or end center time is the time tb. The image data up to the image data (DATAk) closest to may be temporarily stored in the built-in memory 12.

[Modification 3]
In the first to third embodiments, in response to the closing operation of the first release switch 21a, images of a plurality of frames are taken and this image data is temporarily recorded in the built-in memory 12 capable of high-speed operation. However, instead of the first release switch 21a, imaging may be started in response to the operation of the power switch of the digital camera or other switches. In this case, the release switch is only the second release switch 21b. Further, in this case, the confirmation key 25 in FIG. 6 is used in combination with the second release switch 21b.

[Modification 4]
In the first to third embodiments, the response delay time information is actually measured by the response delay time measurement unit and stored in the response delay time information storage unit 19a. A mode for selecting information is provided, a desired response delay time is selected from the response delay time information displayed on the display unit 18, and the selected response delay time information is stored in the response delay time information storage unit. You may make it memorize | store in 19a.

[Modification 5]
In the first to third embodiments, a known interline type CCD solid-state image pickup device is applied as the image pickup device 5, but it is needless to say that a frame transfer type CCD solid-state image pickup device may be applied. Further, an XY address type solid-state imaging device may be applied. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the charge accumulation of all the pixels of the image sensor 5 is started simultaneously, and when the exposure is completed, the charge accumulation of all the pixels is simultaneously transferred to the vertical transfer path and read out. The global shutter is adopted. However, when an XY address type solid-state imaging device is adopted, a rolling shutter that sequentially reads out the charge of each pixel is adopted. The exposure time in this case refers to the time from the start of charge accumulation of the pixel from which charge is first read from the image sensor to the end of charge accumulation of the pixel to be read last.

[Modification 6]
In the first to third embodiments, the confirmation key 25 also serves as the first release switch 21a, but may also serve as the second release switch 21b.

[Modification 7]
In the first to third embodiments, the time before the response delay time τm from the time point when the second shutter switch 21a is detected to be closed among the plurality of frames of image data stored in the built-in memory 12. Images corresponding to each of a plurality of frames of image data stored in the built-in memory 12 are displayed on the display unit 18 within a predetermined time determined with reference to tr3, but the second shutter switch 21b is closed ( Before or after the time tr3 (first embodiment) that is earlier than the response delay time τm or the time tr5 (second embodiment) that is earlier than the response delay time τm ′ than the time tr2 when the release operation is detected. You may make it display the image corresponding to each of the image data of the predetermined frame number imaged beforehand on the display part 18. FIG.

[Modification 8]
In the first embodiment, the display screen of the display unit 18 is disposed on the back surface of the digital camera. However, the display screen may be disposed in a peep-type EVF (Electric View Finder). .

[Modification 9]
In the first embodiment, a first image display unit that displays an image captured until a release operation for recording desired image data in the removable memory 17 is performed (until the second release switch 21b is closed). After the release operation is performed, a second image display unit that displays an image for selecting desired image data and recording it on a recording medium is used in combination by a display unit 18 disposed on the back of the digital camera. However, for example, the first image display unit may be a peep-type EVF, and the second image display unit may be a display unit provided on the back of the digital camera.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera as an example of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an imaging operation of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the image data selection operation | movement of the digital camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the measurement of the response delay time in the digital camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of the image selection part in the digital camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image display of the digital camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image display of the digital camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image display of the digital camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera as an example of the imaging device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the image data selection operation | movement of the digital camera which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state by which the image display of the digital camera which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and the pointer are displayed on the screen center. It is a figure which shows the state in which the image display of the digital camera which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and the pointer are displayed on the screen right end.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Imaging lens, 2 ... Lens drive system, 3 ... Diaphragm, 4 ... Diaphragm drive system, 5 ... Image sensor, 6 ... Image sensor driver, 7 ... Timing generator (TG) circuit, 8 ... Correlated double sampling (CDS) Circuit: 9: Amplifier circuit, 10: Analog / digital (A / D) conversion unit, 11: Data bus, 12: Built-in memory, 13: Image processing unit, 14: AE processing unit, 15: AF processing unit, 16 ... Compression / decompression unit, 17 ... removable memory, 18 ... display unit, 19 ... non-volatile memory, 19a ... response delay time information storage unit, 20 ... CPU, 20a ... timer counter, 21 ... operation unit, 21a ... first release switch 21b ... second release switch, 21c ... imaging information input unit, 21d ... image selection unit, 22 ... power supply unit, 23 ... main body, 24 ... gripping unit, 25 ... confirmation key, 26a-26d ... selection key, 7 ... movable mirror, 28 ... focusing glass, 29 ... pentagonal roof prism, 30 ... eyepiece, 31 ... pointer

Claims (15)

An imaging unit for imaging a subject and converting it into image data;
An image storage unit for temporarily storing image data;
A non-volatile recording medium for recording image data;
A response delay time information storage unit for storing information on a response delay time from when the desired scene is captured by a photographer until the release operation is detected;
A release operation detecting unit for detecting that a release operation for capturing image data corresponding to a desired scene has been performed;
Each time the image data of a predetermined number of frames continuously captured by the imaging unit is stored in the image storage unit until it is detected that the release operation has been performed, the image storage unit stored first An image storage control unit that controls to repeatedly store image data in the image storage unit in a repetitive manner so as to sequentially overwrite and store image data from the address of
An image display unit for displaying an image corresponding to the image data stored in the image storage unit;
An image selection unit for selecting an image to be displayed on the image display unit from images corresponding to each of the plurality of frames of image data stored in the image storage unit;
One or more frames including the image A corresponding to the image data A are identified from the image data stored in the image storage unit based on the information related to the response delay time. After the image is displayed on the image display unit, the image B captured after the time when the image A is captured or the image C captured before the time when the image A is captured An image display control unit for controlling the image display time to be displayed on the image display unit in order from the image pickup time of the image A,
A confirmation key for selecting and confirming a desired image from the images displayed on the image display unit;
A recording control unit for recording image data corresponding to the determined image on the recording medium;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The image display control unit displays the image A on the image display unit, and then displays the image B or the image C in the order in which the image capturing times of these images are close to the image A capturing time. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each time a predetermined operation is performed, the image display unit is controlled to display one frame at a time.   The image selection unit has a pointer operation unit for moving the position of a pointer that points to an image displayed on the image display unit, and the image display unit is configured to finish imaging by the imaging unit. The image corresponding to each of the plurality of frames of image data including the image data corresponding to the desired scene is displayed by dividing the screen, and the image display control unit displays the plurality of images displayed by dividing the screen. Among the images, the image A is initially displayed in the center of the screen, and the images B and C are initially displayed with the image A sandwiched in the order in which the image capturing times of the images are closest to the image capturing time of the image A, and the pointer is displayed on the screen. If the operation for further moving the pointer is continued after moving to the end, the image B or the image C is scrolled and displayed in the order in which the images were captured. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.   The first release switch that uses both the switch for performing the first operation for starting the imaging operation and the confirmation key, and the second operation following the first operation operate the desired image data on the recording medium. A release operation unit including a second release switch for recording, wherein the pointer operation unit has a plurality of selection keys arranged across the release operation unit, and the image display control unit includes the plurality of release keys. The pointer that moves according to the operation of the selection key is controlled to be displayed on the image display unit, and the recording control unit displays the pointer displayed on the image display unit when the confirmation operation is performed with the confirmation key. 4. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 3, wherein control is performed so that image data corresponding to an image indicated by is recorded on the recording medium.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image display control unit performs control so that the image A and the pointer are initially displayed at a center of a screen of the image display unit.   The first release switch that uses both the switch for performing the first operation for starting the imaging operation and the confirmation key, and the second operation following the first operation operate the desired image data on the recording medium. A release operation unit including a second release switch for recording, wherein the image selection unit is provided with a pair of selection keys across the release operation unit, and the image display control unit includes In accordance with the selection operation by one of the pair of selection keys, the image B is controlled to be displayed on the image display unit in the order in which the time when the image B was captured is close to the imaging time of the image A, and the pair Control is performed so that the time when the image C is captured is displayed on the image display unit in order of the time when the image A is captured in accordance with the selection operation by the other selection key. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in Rukoto.   A response delay time measurement image display unit for displaying a response delay time measurement image, and an operation for capturing the subject image after a predetermined image is displayed on the response delay time measurement image display unit are detected. 2. The response delay time measurement unit that measures the time until the response delay time information storage unit, wherein the response delay time information storage unit stores information on the time measured by the response delay time measurement unit. Imaging device.   The image display control unit further has a function of sequentially displaying the images captured by the imaging unit on the image display unit in the order in which the images were captured, and it is detected that the release operation has been performed on the image A. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the imaging apparatus is an image displayed on the image display unit before the response time by the response delay time.   The image display control unit is configured to display an image displayed on the image display unit before the response delay time from the time when the release operation is detected among the plurality of frames of image data stored in the image storage unit. 9. The control according to claim 8, wherein an image corresponding to each of a plurality of frames of image data captured within a preset time including the corresponding image data is controlled to be displayed on the image display unit. Imaging device.   The image display control unit is configured to display an image displayed on the image display unit before the response delay time from the time when the release operation is detected among the plurality of frames of image data stored in the image storage unit. 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein control is performed so that an image corresponding to each of image data having a predetermined number of frames including corresponding image data is displayed on the image display unit.   The imaging apparatus further includes an optical finder that allows a photographer to observe the subject during imaging, and the image A stores the image data captured after the imaging of the subject is started during the response delay time. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image pickup device is an image picked up by a time before adding a time until it is stored.   The image display control unit includes preset image data including a plurality of frames of image data stored in the image storage unit, the image data captured before the response delay time before the time when the release operation is detected. 12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein an image corresponding to each of a plurality of frames of image data captured within a specified time is displayed on the image display unit.   The image display control unit includes a plurality of frames of image data stored in the image storage unit, the image display control unit including image data captured before the response delay time before the time when the release operation is detected. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 11, wherein an image corresponding to each of the image data of the specified number of frames is displayed on the image display unit.   A response delay time information selection unit that selects information related to a predetermined response delay time by a photographer's operation; and the response delay time information storage unit is configured to select the predetermined response delay selected by the response delay time information selection unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information relating to time is stored. The image data is first stored every time the predetermined number of frames of image data are stored until it is detected that the release operation for capturing the image data corresponding to the desired scene is performed. Circulating and repeatedly storing the image data in the image storage unit sequentially from the memory at the address that has been stored,
An image corresponding to the desired scene out of the image data stored in the image storage unit based on information on a response delay time from when the desired scene is captured by the photographer until the release operation is detected. After the data A is specified and an image corresponding to one or more frames including the image data A is displayed on the image display unit, the image B captured after the time when the image A was captured, or the image An image C captured before the time when A is captured is displayed on the image display unit in accordance with a predetermined operation by the photographer in the order in which the image capturing time of these images is closest to the image A capturing time. Step to control,
Selecting and confirming a desired image from the images displayed on the image display unit;
Recording image data corresponding to the confirmed image on a recording medium;
An imaging method comprising: