JP2011087158A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

It is difficult to set various parameters when capturing a moving image.
An imaging unit that captures a subject image based on imaging parameters and outputs a video signal; a signal processing unit that performs signal processing on the video signal based on the signal processing parameters and outputs an output video signal; Control to display the video signal captured by the imaging unit on the display unit while sequentially changing at least one of the imaging parameter and the signal processing parameter for the display unit displaying the video signal and the imaging unit and the signal processing unit A display control unit, an input unit for selecting a video signal from output video signals displayed on the display unit controlled by the display control unit, and at least an imaging parameter and signal in the video signal selected by the input unit A control unit that sets any one of the processing parameters in the imaging unit and the signal processing unit.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more particularly, to an imaging apparatus that supports setting of various parameters when capturing a moving image.

  Conventionally, a person who operates an image pickup apparatus often sets the parameters of the image pickup apparatus when taking an image based on knowledge and experience, and desires for actual shooting. However, knowledge and experience related to camera operation cannot be easily acquired, and for those who are unfamiliar with the operation of the imaging device, such as when the imaging device is different, there is convenience for each device. Finding the optimum value of the setting parameter is a difficult task.

  Patent Document 1 accepts a trial shooting instruction from an input device, performs a plurality of trial shootings of a subject image while changing shooting conditions, displays a shot image of a plurality of trial shooting results on a display device, and Discloses a sticker creation apparatus that selects a desired photographed image and sets photographing conditions used in a photographing process in accordance with the selection instruction.

JP 2003-91043 A

  However, the sticker creation device is intended for still images, and in an imaging device such as a video camera that continuously captures and outputs moving images, it compares a plurality of moving images captured under different imaging conditions to obtain the optimum imaging. It is difficult to select conditions.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of finding an optimum value of a setting parameter so that a photographer with little experience in operating an imaging apparatus can obtain an intended video.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures a subject image based on imaging parameters and outputs a video signal, and a signal that performs signal processing on the video signal based on the signal processing parameters and outputs an output video signal A processing unit, a display unit for displaying the output video signal, and an image being captured while sequentially changing at least one of the imaging parameter and the signal processing parameter for the imaging unit and the signal processing unit A control unit that controls to display a signal on the display unit, and an operation unit that receives an operation of selecting a video signal at an arbitrary timing from video signals displayed on the display unit by the control unit. The control unit uses at least one of the imaging parameter and the signal processing parameter used in the video signal selected by the operation unit. Or a, is set to the imaging unit or the signal processing unit.

  With the above configuration, the photographer can check the captured video signal while changing the setting parameter, and select the parameter to be set. By performing actual shooting in a state where the setting is reflected, even a photographer who is unfamiliar with the handling of the apparatus can perform shooting as intended.

FIG. 3 illustrates an appearance of an imaging device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an imaging device in which a lens housing portion in Embodiment 1 is removable FIG. 4 shows an external appearance from the rear of the imaging device according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration of an imaging device including functional blocks in Embodiment 1. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the rehearsal REC sequence definition file in Embodiment 1 Flowchart illustrating the operation of the imaging apparatus according to the first modification of the first embodiment. Flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus in the second modification of the first embodiment The figure which shows an example of the rehearsal REC sequence definition file in the modification 3 of Embodiment 1. Flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus in the fourth modification of the first embodiment 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the imaging device according to the second embodiment.

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

(Embodiment 1)
(1-1. Configuration of Imaging Device)
1 to 4 are diagrams illustrating an overview of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment includes a lens housing unit 101, an LCD display unit 102, an EVF display unit 103, and a main body housing unit 209. The main body housing unit 209 of the imaging apparatus 100 is detachably attachable to the recording medium 105 and has a slot that is mechanically and electrically connected to the recording medium 105.

  The imaging apparatus 100 houses the above mechanism in an integral casing, but may have a structure in which the lens casing 101 can be removed as shown in FIG. When the lens case 101 can be removed as shown in FIG. 2, the lens receiving part of the paired main body case 209 has a lens information detection unit 208 for acquiring lens information.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the imaging apparatus 100 includes an external output unit 304.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the imaging apparatus 100 includes a camera control unit 405, a video recording / playback unit 406, and a back-end control unit 407 as function control units inside a main body housing unit 209.

  The lens housing unit 101 is generally composed of a plurality of lens groups, and has a focus mechanism, a zoom mechanism, and an iris mechanism.

  The camera control unit 405 controls a focus mechanism, a zoom mechanism, an iris mechanism, and the like for the lens housing unit 101 to realize a focus function, a zoom function, an iris function, and the like. The camera control unit 405 includes a light receiving element such as a CCD or a CMOS that converts light that has passed through the lens housing unit 101 into an electrical signal, and generates a video signal. The electronic shutter speed is controlled by controlling these light receiving elements. It is also possible to perform various conversions on the video signal and perform color temperature control, gain control, gamma curve control, knee point control, and the like.

  The video recording / playback unit 406 encodes the video signal output from the camera control unit 405 and records it as video data on the recording medium 105. The encoding process for converting a video signal into video data differs in encoding method and output video data depending on the encoding format and the difference in recording rate. The encoding process is, for example, MPEG-2 or H.264. The image data is compressed by a compression format conforming to the H.264 standard. However, MPEG-2, H.264, etc. The image data is not limited to H.264 format.

  The video recording / playback unit 406 decodes the video data into the video signal according to the format or the decoding method specified by the recording rate of the video data extracted from the recording medium 105. The decoded video signal is output to the LCD display unit 102, the EVF display unit 103, or the external output unit 304.

  The recording medium 105 is a semiconductor recording element, a hard disk drive, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic recording tape, or the like.

  The LCD display unit 102 and the EVF display unit 103 display the video signal generated by the video recording / playback unit 406. Also, the video generated by the back-end control unit 407 for displaying menus, setting values, device operating conditions, and the like can be superimposed on the video signal and output.

  The operation unit 106 includes various buttons and accepts various operations by the photographer. In the first embodiment, the operation unit 106 is described as being disposed below the LCD display unit 102. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation unit 106 may be disposed anywhere in the imaging apparatus 100.

  The external output unit 304 outputs the video signal generated by the video recording / playback unit from an external output terminal. Also, the video generated by the back-end control unit 407 for displaying menus, setting values, device operating conditions, and the like can be superimposed on the video signal and output.

  The back-end control unit 407 controls the camera control unit 405 and the video recording / playback unit 406 as a whole to realize the functions of the imaging apparatus 100. The back-end control unit 407 may perform video effect control such as color temperature control, gain control, gamma curve control, knee point control, etc., which are functions of the camera control unit 405 described above.

  The back-end control unit 407 refers to a rehearsal REC sequence definition file stored in a storage unit (not shown), and realizes a series of operations during the rehearsal REC. During rehearsal REC, color temperature control, gain control, gamma curve control, knee point control, shutter speed, focus, zoom, iris state, recording rate, recording format, etc. are controlled according to the sequence definition file. The controlled information is created as metadata linked to the recording stream together with the time code. The back end control unit 407 records the generated metadata on the recording medium 105.

  The back-end control unit 407 has a mechanism for adding lens information to metadata based on information acquired by the lens information detection unit 208 when lens replacement is involved. The back-end control unit 407 has a mechanism for outputting an image for displaying a menu, a setting value, an operation status of the device, and the like by superimposing the image on a video signal, and the reproduced video extracted from the metadata at the time of reproduction. It has a mechanism for acquiring and displaying stream recording setting parameters. Further, the back-end control unit 407 has a mechanism for reflecting the setting parameters acquired at this time to parameters used during normal recording.

(1-2. Operation of Imaging Device)
The operation of the imaging apparatus 100 when setting parameters used for imaging before imaging a subject will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the photographer presses a rehearsal REC start button, for example, the rehearsal REC is started (step 501).

  The back-end control unit 407 of the imaging apparatus 100 reads the rehearsal REC sequence definition file held on the storage unit (step 502). The rehearsal REC sequence definition file describes the change sequence of each parameter to be executed during the rehearsal REC operation. The type of parameter to be changed, the range of the maximum and minimum values, the change amount to be changed by one update, the change speed Etc. are described. FIG. 6 shows an example of the rehearsal REC sequence definition file. In this rehearsal REC sequence definition file, parameters such as color temperature control, gain control, gamma curve control, knee point control, shutter speed, focus, zoom, and iris state are changed.

  The imaging apparatus 100 starts imaging and records a video stream on the recording medium 105 (step 503). Thereafter, the back-end control unit 407 controls the camera control unit 405 based on the rehearsal REC sequence definition file, and performs imaging while changing video parameters such as iris, gain, and color temperature in a multidimensional manner over time. Perform (step 504). During rehearsal recording, the value of each parameter changed with time is created as metadata linked to the time code and the video stream by the back-end control unit 407 (step 505). When each parameter is changed by a series of sequences and the sequence is completed (Yes in Step 506), the imaging apparatus 100 ends the rehearsal REC, the recording of the video stream is completed, and the created metadata is stored in the recording medium. 105 is recorded (step 507).

  Next, the photographer operates the operation unit 106 to select and reproduce the video recorded by the rehearsal REC (step 508). The photographer or video supervisor who evaluates the recorded video checks the recorded video according to the change sequence, and operates the operation unit 106 to select a location where the intended video was shot (Yes in step 509). ). When an operation to reflect the imaging parameters at this time is performed at a location where the intended video is captured, the imaging device 100 acquires various parameters at the time of recording the video from the metadata, and these parameters are stored in the imaging device. This is reflected in the parameters during normal recording (step 510).

  Prompt to reflect the set parameters when the playback paused state is considered as a specific operation when selecting the location where the intended video was shot. By displaying and selecting a message, the photographer can decide to reflect the parameters.

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the photographer can check while reproducing the video recorded by the rehearsal REC, and set the setting parameters for the favorite video in the imaging apparatus. In addition, since the actual shooting can be performed in a state in which the setting is reflected, even a photographer who is unfamiliar with the handling of the apparatus can easily perform shooting as intended by the photographer. In addition, even a photographer skilled in handling an imaging device can understand the range of performance of the imaging device, understand the potential of the imaging device, and perform imaging, which can help widen the range of expression. . In the past, each parameter setting was often performed by a cameraman who is the operator of the imaging device. However, a video supervisor such as a producer can intuitively set the parameters while confirming the directly captured video. Since it can be set, it is easy to reflect the intention of the video supervisor directly on the video.

(Modification 1)
A first modification of the first embodiment will be described. The configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 in the first modification is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  The operation of the imaging apparatus 100 according to Modification 1 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the same operations as those in the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  As a difference from the first embodiment, the photographer confirms the rehearsal REC sequence definition file stored in the storage unit on the LCD display unit 102 or the EVF display unit 103 before starting the rehearsal REC, and operates the operation unit (FIG. The type and range of parameters in the rehearsal REC sequence definition file are set using (not shown) (step 701).

  When the rehearsal REC is started, the imaging apparatus 100 performs video recording based on the set rehearsal REC sequence definition file. The operation of the imaging apparatus 100 after the start of the rehearsal REC is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  In the first modification, the imaging apparatus 100 can previously limit the type and range of parameters to be changed, and can shorten the time required for the rehearsal REC.

(Modification 2)
A second modification of the first embodiment will be described. The configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 in Modification 2 is the same as that in Embodiment 1, and a description thereof is omitted.

  The operation of the imaging apparatus 100 according to Modification 2 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. As a difference from the first embodiment, the photographer selects a scene mode (sunny mode, cinema mode, night view mode, etc.) using the operation unit before starting the rehearsal REC (step 801). On the storage unit, parameter sets according to the scene, such as a clear sky mode, a cinema mode, and a night view mode, are stored in advance. The imaging apparatus 100 reads out a parameter set corresponding to the selected scene mode, and performs video recording based on the parameter set.

  In the second modification, the imaging apparatus 100 can change the parameters within the range of the use scene, and can shorten the time required for the rehearsal REC.

(Modification 3)
A third modification of the first embodiment will be described. The configuration and operation of the imaging apparatus 100 in Modification 3 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the third modification, the imaging apparatus 100 changes the recording rate, the frame rate, and the encoding format as necessary during a series of rehearsal RECs. An example of the rehearsal REC sequence definition file at this time is shown in FIG. When changing the recording rate, the frame rate, and the encoding, the imaging apparatus 100 does not need to separate the video stream when it is not necessary to stop the recording. However, in general, the storage rate is changed and the frame rate is changed. When the encoding format is changed, it is difficult to change these settings while continuing recording. Therefore, the imaging apparatus 100 needs to temporarily stop recording and change the setting.

  Based on the rehearsal REC sequence definition file, the back-end control unit 407 controls the camera control unit 405 to change video parameters such as iris, gain, and color temperature in a multi-dimensional manner, as well as recording rate, frame When changing the rate or the format to encode, the recording is temporarily stopped, the setting is changed, and the sequence of rehearsal REC is completed while repeating the operation of starting imaging again. Also in this case, acquisition of metadata at the time of reproduction and reflection of parameters can be performed by the same procedure as in the first embodiment.

(Modification 4)
A fourth modification of the first embodiment will be described. The configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 in the modification 4 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  The operation of the imaging apparatus 100 according to Modification 4 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. As a difference from the first embodiment, when reproducing a video recorded by the rehearsal REC, the imaging apparatus 100 acquires various parameters at the time of recording from the associated metadata (step 1001). The acquired parameters are superimposed on the video output to the LCD display unit 102 or EVF display unit 103 and displayed (step 1002). Further, the photographer can finely adjust the setting parameters after performing an operation that reflects the imaging parameters (step 1003).

  In the fourth modification, the photographer can visually confirm various parameters when confirming the video, and can perform fine adjustment manually after reflecting the parameters, so that more detailed parameter setting can be performed.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, processing when there is no intended video in the video recorded by the rehearsal REC will be described.

  In order to shorten the rehearsal REC time, the imaging apparatus 100 may increase the parameter changing step or increase the changing speed. However, if the parameter changing step is large or the parameter changing speed is fast, it is difficult to check whether the selected video is the optimum value when checking the video. In the second embodiment, the imaging apparatus 100 can repeatedly change the rehearsal REC and the setting parameters by the photographer's operation.

  The configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The operation of the imaging apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, the process from the start to the end of the rehearsal REC (step 501 to step 507) is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The photographer selects and plays back the video recorded in the rehearsal REC (step 508). The photographer confirms the recorded video according to the change sequence, and selects a location where the intended video was shot (Yes in step 509). In the playback pause state for reflecting the parameter, a message prompting the reflection of the parameter is displayed. At this time, a message prompting the retry of the rehearsal REC is displayed (step S1101).

  At this time, if the photographer selects retry (Yes in S1101), based on the parameters used in the selected shooting location (S1102), the parameter change type and range in the rehearsal REC sequence definition file are narrowed. The contents of the rehearsal REC sequence definition file are updated (S1103).

  As described above, according to the imaging apparatus 100 of the second embodiment, the photographer can perform more detailed settings by repeatedly performing the rehearsal REC and narrowing the range of parameters to be changed each time. It becomes.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, a mode has been described in which video captured while changing setting parameters is recorded on a recording medium. However, the imaging apparatus is not limited to this, and video captured while changing setting parameters is directly displayed on an LCD. It is also possible to select a location where an intended video is taken while displaying on the screen.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment can check the captured video signal while changing the setting parameter, select a parameter to be set, and perform actual shooting with the selected parameter, thereby handling the apparatus. Even a photographer who is unfamiliar with can take a photograph as intended by the photographer, which is useful.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Imaging device 101 Lens housing part 102 LCD display part 103 EVF display part 105 Recording medium 106 Operation part 208 Lens information detection part 209 Main body housing part 304 External output part 405 Camera control part 406 Video recording / reproducing part 407 Back end control part

Claims (7)

An imaging unit that captures a subject image based on imaging parameters and outputs a video signal;
A signal processing unit that performs signal processing on the video signal based on a signal processing parameter and outputs an output video signal;
A display unit for displaying the output video signal;
A control unit for controlling the imaging unit and the signal processing unit to display a video signal being captured on the display unit while sequentially changing at least one of the imaging parameter and the signal processing parameter;
An operation unit that receives an operation of selecting a video signal at an arbitrary timing from the video signals displayed on the display unit by the control unit;
With
The control unit sets at least one of the imaging parameter and the signal processing parameter used in the video signal selected by the operation unit in the imaging unit or the signal processing unit. A recording control unit for controlling the recording of the video signal on the recording medium;
A reproduction control unit that reads a video signal on the recording medium and displays the video signal on the display unit;
With
The controller is
Recording video signals captured while sequentially changing at least one of the imaging parameters and the signal processing parameters on the recording medium using the recording control unit, with respect to the imaging unit and the signal processing unit,
The operation unit is
The video signal recorded on the recording medium is displayed on the display unit using the reproduction control unit, and an operation for selecting a video signal at an arbitrary timing from the displayed output video signal is received. The imaging device described in 1. The controller is
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the video signal is displayed on the display unit, control is performed so that at least one of the changed imaging parameter and the signal processing parameter is displayed on the display unit. The controller is
The scenario for changing at least one of the imaging parameter and the signal processing parameter is held, and at least one of the imaging parameter and the signal processing parameter is changed based on the scenario. The imaging device according to any one of the above. The controller is
The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the content of the scenario is displayed on the display unit, and the content of the scenario is changed based on an operation received by the operation unit. The controller is
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the scenario is held for each scene mode at the time of shooting, and the scenario is selected based on a scene mode selection operation received by the operation unit. The controller is
The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the content of the scenario is changed based on an operation of selecting a video signal at an arbitrary timing from output video signals received by the operation unit.