JP3437501B2 - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an electronic camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Electronic cameras, unlike silver halide cameras,
The feature is that you can check the image on the spot where you took the picture.
Taking advantage of these features, the LCD is automatically displayed after shooting.
An electronic camera having a function of displaying a photographed image (hereinafter, referred to as a rec view function) has also been proposed.

[0003]

However, when a plurality of images are continuously shot at a short time interval in the normal shooting mode (hereinafter referred to as "quick shooting"), if the REC VIEW function is applied as it is, it is remarkably user-friendly. Will get worse. That is, the captured images are displayed on the screen one after another at short time intervals corresponding to quick shooting,
There is a problem that the photographed image cannot be sufficiently confirmed.

In particular, in quick shooting, an image which does not need to be recorded on a recording medium is often photographed. However, when the photographed image is displayed in the above-described state, it is determined that the image needs to be recorded on the recording medium. It becomes extremely difficult to distinguish it from unnecessary images.

Further, unlike so-called continuous shooting, since quick shooting is performed in a normal shooting mode, if it is unclear where to treat as one set of quick shooting, it is difficult to perform image display or image recording. This makes it difficult to handle image data.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera which is excellent in usability and handling of image data when a set of images is taken by means of quick photography. There is.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An electronic camera according to the present invention includes an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image to generate electronic image data, and a plurality of image data temporarily obtained by the image pickup means. , A recording means for recording the image data stored in the temporary storage means on a recording medium, an image display means for displaying an image based on the image data, and a photographing instruction for instructing one photographing. Means and above
Multiple operations at short time intervals by the shooting instruction means
Determining whether or not the plurality of captured images obtained is group shooting, and group shooting determination having start determination means for determining the start of the group shooting and end determination means for determining the end of the group shooting Means and are provided .

The electronic camera further includes the following configuration.
You may have.

Images and images for storing image data in a recording medium
To distinguish the image data from the image that is not stored on the recording medium
And the control means for displaying an image based on each image data obtained by the group photographing on the image display means after the group photographing is finished, and in parallel with the control, the image obtained by the group photographing The image is controlled so that the data is recorded on the recording medium by the recording device, and the image is classified based on the instruction of the instruction device so as not to store the image data among the image data obtained by the group photographing. Control means for controlling so as not to store the image data of the above.

Images and images for storing image data in a recording medium
To distinguish the image data from the image that is not stored on the recording medium
And the control means for displaying an image based on each image data obtained by the group photographing on the image display means after the group photographing is finished, and after the display is finished, the image data obtained by the group photographing is recorded as described above. The image data of the image is selected from the image data obtained by the group photographing by the control means so as not to save the image data based on the instruction of the instructing means. Control means for controlling so as not to save in a recording medium.

In the electronic camera , the following means can be used as the start determination means.

(A) The number of frames of the image corresponding to the image data which has not been recorded on the recording medium among the plurality of image data stored in the temporary storage means at the time of the shooting instruction is a predetermined number or more. In this case, start determination means for determining that the group shooting has started.

(B) A start judging means for judging that the group photographing is started when the next photographing is started before the recording of the image data of the image photographed immediately before on the recording medium is completed.

[0014]

(C) A start determination unit that determines the start of combined shooting when the shooting time interval is within a predetermined time. In this case, a changing means for changing the predetermined time may be further provided.

(D) A start determination unit that determines that the group shooting is started when a start instruction operation is performed by the photographer.

In the electronic camera , the following means can be used as the end determination means.

(A) End determination means for determining the end of group shooting when the shooting time interval is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. In this case, a changing means for changing the predetermined time may be further provided.

(B) An end judging means for judging the end of the group shooting when the end instruction operation is performed by the photographer.

As a preferable mode of the electronic camera ,
Furthermore, the following can be listed.

(A) The image display means displays each image based on each image data obtained by the group photographing at a constant time interval, and further comprises a display time interval setting means for setting the time interval. I have it.

(B) The image display means displays the respective images based on the respective image data obtained by the group photographing in the photographing order at a constant time interval, and when the instruction means gives a predetermined time. The image in the next order is displayed even before.

(C) The above-mentioned control means controls to return to the image-capable state after the end of recording the image data on the recording medium.

(D) The image display means displays a plurality of images based on the respective image data obtained by the group photographing into small screens and displays them as a collective image.

(E) Group shooting display means for displaying that group shooting is in progress is further provided.

(F) The image display means displays photographing information at the time of group photographing, together with an image based on image data obtained by group photographing or alone.

(G) The recording means, when recording the image data of the images obtained by the group photographing on the recording medium,
Information indicating that the image data is image data of an image obtained by group photographing is also recorded.

(H) The image display means enlarges and displays the image.

Further, the electronic camera according to the present invention includes an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image to generate electronic image data, and a temporary storage for temporarily storing a plurality of image data obtained by the image pickup means. a storage unit, a recording means for recording the image data stored in the temporary storage means, image display means for displaying an image based on image data, a shooting instruction means for instructing one shot, the Shooting finger
Obtained by multiple operations at short time intervals
Group shooting instruction means for instructing a plurality of shots taken as group shooting, and an image taken by the instruction of the shooting instruction means while the group shooting instruction means is operated is determined to be an image of group shooting. And a group photographing determination means.

[0030]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic camera according to the present embodiment.

The basic structure of the image pickup unit is similar to that of a normal electronic camera, and is composed of a lens unit 11, an image pickup device 12 including a photoelectric conversion device such as a CCD, an image pickup circuit 13, and an A / D conversion circuit 14. ing. That is, the lens unit 11
By subjecting the subject image formed by the image pickup device 12 to photoelectric conversion and inputting the photoelectrically converted image signal to the A / D conversion circuit 14 via the image pickup circuit 13, a digitally converted image signal is obtained. Is configured.

System controller (syscon) 15
Controls each part of the electronic camera.
It has an image processing function for performing white balance processing, matrix calculation, and the like, and a compression / expansion function for compressing and expanding image data. Further, it also has a function of judging whether or not to consider a series of continuous shooting (group shooting) such as quick shooting as group shooting.

A buffer memory (DRAM) 16 temporarily stores image data and the like obtained by the image pickup unit, and stores a series of image data obtained by the group photographing at the group photographing. Also, this buffer memory 1
6 is also used as a work area for image processing such as white balance processing, and is further used as a work area for compression / decompression processing of image data and thinning processing when displaying an image.

The memory interface 17 is a removable memory (memory card) 1 inserted in the card slot 18.
9 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from 9, and through this memory interface 17, writing of image information to the removable memory 19 and the removable memory 19
The image information is read from.

The video memory (VRAM) 20 holds display data. The display data held in the video memory 20 is sent to the video conversion circuit 21, and the video conversion circuit 21 performs predetermined processing for displaying an image on the image display LCD 22. On the image display LCD 22, in addition to the normal display,
At the time of REC VIEW, simple display and multi-screen display by image processing (γ conversion processing, etc.) that is simpler than normal display are performed. Also, the video conversion circuit 2
The output signal from 1 can be sent to an external device via the video-out terminal 23.

The external interface 24 is an interface for communicating with an external device via the external input / output terminal 25.
As a result, various information such as image information can be transmitted / received to / from an external device such as a personal computer.

The operation unit 26 gives various instructions to the electronic camera, and includes a release switch 26a, a shooting mode selection switch 26b for selecting various shooting modes (normal shooting mode, continuous shooting mode, etc.), and after shooting. Display / recording mode selection switch 26c for pre-selecting various modes for recording / card recording, and an unnecessary image selection switch (cancel switch) for selecting an image for which recording (storing) of image data in a memory card is not necessary after shooting. ) 26d, a display time interval setting switch 26e for setting a time interval in the case of sequentially displaying a series of images obtained by the group shooting in the rec view after the shooting, a time interval of the release operation for determining the start or end of the group shooting, etc. Time setting switch 26 for setting the time when judging with
f, a break switch 26g used when the start or end of group shooting is determined by a photographer's input instruction (hereinafter referred to as break input), a cross key 26h for performing a desired selection operation on the screen, and the like. . Instead of the cancel switch (unnecessary image selection switch) 26d, a necessary image selection switch for selecting an image for which recording of image data on the memory card is necessary may be provided.

The mode display LCD 27 is for displaying various modes, and the strobe light emitting section 28 is for causing the strobe to emit light when performing flash photography. Further, the LED display unit 29 indicates that the group photographing is being performed.

The power supply unit 30 supplies electric power to each unit of the electronic camera, and the battery 31 is connected to the power supply unit 30. Further, an external power source can be connected to the power source unit 30 via an external power source terminal 32.

The operation example of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG.

In the flowchart of FIG. 2, it is assumed that a desired photographing mode has been selected in advance by the photographing mode selection switch 26b of the operation unit 26 (S10). First,
The shooting mode is determined (S11), and if the shooting mode is the continuous shooting mode, a predetermined continuous shooting process is performed (S1).
2).

In the case of the normal photographing mode (S13), it is judged whether or not the group photographing is started (S14, S15), and when it is judged that it is not the group photographing, the normal photographing process is performed (S16). Further, even when it is determined that the group shooting is performed, if the release operation is not performed for a predetermined time T (for example, 1 minute) (S17, S18), the group shooting is forcibly released and the normal shooting process is performed ( S16).

In group shooting, the release switch 26
A predetermined imaging process is performed every time a is pressed (S19),
The image data obtained by each shooting is the buffer memory 1
Sequentially stored in 6 (S20). The group photographing period is continued until it is judged that the group photographing is finished (S22), when the group photographing is judged to be finished (S21). Also, during the group shooting period, L
The ED display unit 29 displays that the group shooting period is in progress.

Here, the start determination and the end determination of the group photographing will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The start determination of the group photographing is performed as shown in FIG. 3 (a) or 3 (b). In the example of FIG. 3A, when the release interval, that is, the time interval of continuous shooting is within a predetermined time interval t1, it is determined that the group shooting is started, and it is determined that the group shooting is started from the immediately preceding shooting. To be done. In the example of FIG. 3B, it is determined that the group photographing is started when the start instruction operation is performed by the photographer. The start instruction operation is performed by pressing the break switch 26g, and it is determined that the group photographing is started from the photographing after the start instruction operation.

The judgment of the end of the group photographing is made as shown in FIG. 4 (a) or 4 (b). In the example of FIG. 4A, when the release operation is not performed for a certain time t2 or more, it is determined that the group shooting has ended. In the example of FIG. 4B, it is determined that the group photographing is finished when the photographer performs a termination instruction operation. The end instruction operation is performed by pressing the break switch 26g.

In the example of FIGS. 3A and 4A, the set times t1 and t2 are variable, and the time setting switch 26f
It can be set in advance by the above. Specifically, t1 and t2 can be set as follows. By pressing the time setting switch 26f, the time setting mode is set, and the set time t1 (for example, 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds) and the set time t2 (for example, 2) are displayed on the image display LCD 22.
Seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds) is displayed. These set time t
1 and t2 can be selected by the cross key 26h, and are confirmed by pressing the release switch 26a after selecting a desired set time by the cross key 26h. By pressing the time setting switch 26f again,
The time setting mode is cleared. The default values of the set time are, for example, t1 = 2 seconds and t2 = 5 seconds.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the above-mentioned start and end judgments. In this example, the start judgment is made by the method of FIG. 3A and the end judgment is made by the method of FIG. 4B. . r1-r6 have shown each release operation. Since the time interval between r1 and r2 is longer than t1, it is not determined that the group shooting has started. On the other hand, the time interval between r3 and r4 is t1
Since it is shorter than that, it is determined that the group shooting has started at the time point r4, and the group shooting is processed at the time point r3. In this example, once group shooting is started, the group shooting period continues even if the release interval is longer than t1, and the group shooting ends when the photographer presses the break switch 26g.

In the flow chart of FIG. 2, when the group photographing is completed (S22), the display / recording mode selection switch 26c of the operation unit 26 is selected in advance.
The operation shifts to recording modes 1 to 5 (S23).

First, the operation when the display / recording mode 1 is selected will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this display / recording mode 1, (S10
0), after the group photographing is finished, the display (rec view) process and the card recording process are performed in parallel in time.

In the simple display processing (S101), the display is performed by the simple display by the image processing (γ conversion processing or the like) which is simpler than the normal display. That is, the simplified image processing is performed on the image data of the captured image stored in the buffer memory 16, and the simplified display image is displayed on the image display LCD 22 based on the image data subjected to the image processing.

Each image (frame) obtained by group shooting
Are sequentially displayed on the image display LCD 22 at predetermined time intervals (in this example, time interval t0 = 1 second). This time interval is variable, and the display time interval setting switch 26
preset by e (S104, S10
6). The photographer can see the image displayed on the image display LCD 22 and determine which image is desired to be recorded (stored) in the memory card (removable memory 19) and which is not desired. The designation of an image that is not desired to be recorded on the memory card, that is, the designation of an unnecessary frame can be performed by pressing the cancel switch 26d while the image is displayed on the image display LCD 22 (S102, S103). The cancel switch 2
When 6d is pressed, the display shifts to the display of the next frame before the display time (t0 = 1 second) elapses, so the waiting time until the display of the next frame can be omitted.

In this way, when the display of the last frame obtained by the group photographing is finished (S105), the simple display is finished (S107).

It should be noted that after the display of the last frame is completed, the display may be cyclically performed again from the first frame. Further, when displaying each image, zoom processing may be performed by the image processing function of the system controller 15 to enlarge and display the image at a predetermined magnification. The enlarged display makes it easier to check the focus.

In the card recording process (S111), the image data stored in the buffer memory 16 is subjected to predetermined image processing (for example, formal γ conversion processing is performed instead of simplified γ conversion processing), Further, JPEG compression processing or the like is performed, and the compressed image data is recorded in the memory card (detachable memory 19) via the memory interface 17.

The image data of each image (frame) obtained by the group photographing is sequentially recorded in the memory card (S11).
5) When the image data of each frame is recorded in the memory card, if the recording unnecessary instruction is given in the simple display process (S112), the recording of the frame in the memory card is stopped (S113). ). In this way, the processing is sequentially performed up to the last frame (S114).

Since the simple display process and the card recording process are independently performed in parallel, a frame which has already been recorded on the memory card may be instructed as an unnecessary frame after the recording is completed. . In addition, an unnecessary frame may be instructed after the processing for the last frame is completed. Therefore, after the processing for the last frame is finished, the presence / absence of an unnecessary frame instruction is determined again, and thereafter, the presence / absence of an unnecessary frame instruction is continuously determined until the simple display is finished (S116). For a frame designated as an unnecessary frame, the image data of the frame once recorded in the memory card is erased, and the image data of the frame is not finally recorded (saved) in the memory card (S117). When the simple display period has elapsed (S118), the card recording process ends (S119),
The state again shifts to the image-capable state (step S14 in FIG. 2).

When the image data is stored in the memory card, identification information indicating that the image data to be recorded is the image data obtained by the group photographing may be recorded together. Specifically, information indicating the combined shooting is recorded in the header part of the file of each image data. In this way, by additionally recording the identification information, it is possible to collectively process the image data obtained by the group photographing.

Next, the operation when the display / recording mode 2 is selected will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Even in this display / recording mode 2, (S20
0), after the group photographing is finished, the display (rec view) process and the card recording process are performed in parallel in time.

In the multi-screen display process (S201), a plurality of images obtained by the group photographing are displayed in a multi-screen display, which is displayed as a group image with a small screen. That is, the processing for multi-screen display is performed on the image data stored in the buffer memory 16,
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, images of a plurality of frames obtained by the group photographing are displayed on the image display LCD 22 as a multi-screen.

The photographer can judge which image is desired to be recorded in the memory card (detachable memory 19) and which is not desired by looking at the multi-screen display image displayed on the image display LCD 22. Images that are not desired to be recorded on the memory card, that is, unnecessary frames, can be selected using the cross key 26h or the like. In the example of FIG. 11, each image (frame number SE1 to SE
The mark "E" is displayed at the lower left of the selected image in 5) (S202). In this way, the unnecessary frame can be designated by selecting the unnecessary frame on the screen and further pressing the cancel switch 26d (S20).
3, S204). The designation of the unnecessary frame is accepted within the display period of the multi-screen display (S205), and when the display period elapses, the multi-screen display ends (S20).
6).

Each operation in the card recording process (S 211 to S
219), the display / recording mode 1 shown in FIG.
Each operation (S111 to S119) is the same. That is, the image data of each frame obtained by the group shooting is sequentially recorded in the memory card, but for the frame for which the recording is not required in the simple display processing, the recording of the image data in the memory card is stopped or the memory is not stored. The image data once recorded on the card is erased.

As described above, in the display / recording modes 1 and 2, since the photographed image is displayed after the group photographing is finished, it is possible to easily confirm the unnecessary image. Particularly, in the display / recording mode 1, since each image is displayed by the simple display, there is an advantage that the display range of one image is wide and the image is easy to see. Further, in the display / recording mode 2, since the images obtained by the group photographing are simultaneously displayed by the multi-screen display, there is an advantage that the images can be easily compared.

Further, in the display / recording modes 1 and 2, the display process and the card recording process are performed in parallel in time, so that the card recording process can be completed in a short time. Furthermore, by issuing an instruction to select an unnecessary image within the display period, it is possible to easily stop recording the image data on the memory card or erase the image data recorded on the memory card. It is possible to prevent unnecessary recording on the card.

Next, the operation when the display / recording mode 3 is selected will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this display / recording mode 3, (S30
0), a display (rec view) process is performed after the group shooting is completed, and a card recording process is performed after the display process.

Each operation in the simple display processing (S301 to S3
07) is the same as each operation (S101 to S107) in the display / recording mode 1 shown in FIG. That is, each image (frame) obtained by the group photographing is sequentially displayed on the image display LCD 22 at a predetermined time interval, and it is unnecessary by pressing the cancel switch 26d while the image is being displayed on the image display LCD 22. The frame is specified.

Also regarding the card recording process, S311 to S3
Regarding the operation of 315, S111 to S1 shown in FIG.
It is similar to the operation of 15. However, in this mode, since the card recording process is performed after the simple display process is completed, the unnecessary frame designation operation (S302, S303) has already been completed at the stage of starting the card recording process.
Therefore, steps S116 to S118 shown in FIG. 6 are omitted. Therefore, in this mode, the card recording is ended by the end of the process for the last frame (S316).

Next, the operation when the display / recording mode 4 is selected will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Even in this display / recording mode 4, (S40
0), a display (rec view) process is performed after the group shooting is completed, and a card recording process is performed after the display process.
Further, in the display processing, the display is performed by multi-screen display.

Each operation in the multi-screen display processing (S401
~ S406) is the same as each operation (S201 to S206) of the display / recording mode 2 shown in FIG. 7. That is, the unnecessary frame is selected by selecting the unnecessary frame on the multi-screen and further pressing the cancel switch 26d.

Regarding the card recording process, S411 to S
Regarding the operation of 415, S211 to S2 shown in FIG.
It is similar to the operation of 15. However, in this mode, since the card recording process is performed after the multi-screen display process is completed, steps S216 to S218 shown in FIG. 7 are omitted, and the card recording is completed by the end of the process for the last frame. (S416).

As described above, also in the display / recording modes 3 and 4, as in the display / recording modes 1 and 2, since the photographed image is displayed after the end of the group photographing, unnecessary images can be easily determined. .

Next, the operation when the display / recording mode 5 is selected will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In this display / recording mode 5, (S50
0), image display is not performed, and card recording processing is performed immediately after the group shooting is completed (S501). When the image data of each image obtained by the group photographing is recorded in the memory card, the card recording is finished (S502), and the state shifts to the photographable state (step S14 in FIG. 2) again.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The configuration of the electronic camera is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment.

In the flowchart of FIG. 12, it is assumed that the desired photographing mode has been selected in advance by the photographing mode selection switch 26b (S600). When the shooting mode is determined (S601) and the continuous shooting mode is determined, a predetermined continuous shooting process is performed (S60).
2).

In the normal photographing mode (S603), when the release switch 26a is pressed (S604), a predetermined photographing process is performed (S605), and the image data obtained by photographing is stored in the buffer memory 16 (S6).
06). Subsequently, it is determined whether to start the group shooting (S60
7, S608), when it is determined that it is not the group shooting,
Normal shooting processing is performed (S609), and the image data of the shot image is recorded in the memory card (S61).
0).

Here, as to the start determination of the group photographing, FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In the example of FIG. 13A, when the number of frames of the image of which the recording on the memory card is not completed among the image data stored in the buffer memory is equal to or more than a predetermined number, it is determined that the group photographing is started, It is determined that the group shooting has started from the shooting immediately before that. In the example of FIG. 13B, when the next shooting is started before the recording of the image captured immediately before on the memory card is completed, it is determined that the group shooting is started, and the shooting immediately before the group shooting is performed. Is judged to have started.

If it is determined that the group photographing is started (S60
8) The image data stored in the buffer memory is recorded in the memory card (S614), and the image capturing process and the image data storing process in the buffer memory are performed until the end of the group shooting is determined (S615 and S616). Is repeated (S612, S613). The method of FIG. 4A or 4B described in the first embodiment can be applied to the determination of the end of group shooting.

FIG. 14 shows an example of the above-mentioned start and end judgments. In this example, the start judgment is made by the method of FIG. 13 (b) and the end judgment is made by the method of FIG. 4 (b). . For example, the processing P1 (each processing such as gamma conversion, color conversion, compression, etc. and the recording processing to the memory card, the processing time for one frame varies depending on the image quality mode etc.) performed after the release operation r1 is the release operation r2. Since it is completed before the release operation, it is not determined that the group shooting is started at the time of the release operation r2. On the other hand, since the process P3 performed after the release operation r3 is not completed at the time of the release operation r4, it is determined that the group shooting is started at the time of the release operation r4, and the group shooting is started at the time of r3. Is treated as. Once the group shooting is started, the group shooting period is continued even if the processing of the previous frame is completed at the time when a certain release operation is performed, and the photographer sets the break switch 2
Pressing 6g ends the group shooting period.

In the flowchart of FIG. 12, when the group photographing is completed (S616), the display processing is started, and the images (frames) obtained by the group photographing are sequentially arranged at predetermined time intervals (for example, one second intervals). It is displayed on the image display LCD 22 (S617). The photographer looks at the image displayed on the image display LCD 22 and looks at the memory card (removable memory 1
It is possible to determine which image is desired and which image is not desired to be recorded in 9). To specify images that you do not want to record on the memory card, that is, to specify unnecessary frames,
This can be done by pressing the cancel switch 26d while the image is displayed on the image display LCD 22.

For a frame designated as an unnecessary frame, the image data of the frame once recorded in the memory card is erased, and the image data of the frame is not finally recorded (saved) in the memory card (S618). , S61
9). In this way, the processing is sequentially repeated until the last frame (S620, S621), and the display of the images obtained by the group shooting and the erasing of unnecessary frames are completed (S62).
2).

In the above-mentioned example, the images obtained by the group photographing are sequentially displayed on the image display LCD 2 at a predetermined time interval.
However, the images obtained by the group photographing may be simultaneously displayed on the image display LCD 22 by the multi-screen display described in the first embodiment.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The configuration of the electronic camera is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment.

In the flowchart of FIG. 15, it is assumed that a desired photographing mode has been selected in advance by the photographing mode selection switch 26b (S700). When it is determined that the shooting mode is the continuous shooting mode by the determination of the shooting mode (S701), a predetermined continuous shooting process is performed (S70).
2).

In the normal photographing mode (S703),
A determination is made to switch to the combined shooting mode (S704, S70).
5) If the group shooting is not to be performed, normal shooting processing is performed (S706). Figure 1 shows the transition to the group shooting mode.
As shown in the timing chart of No. 6, this can be done by double-clicking the shooting mode selection switch 26b.

After shifting to the group photographing mode (S707),
The group shooting period starts by pressing the shooting mode selection switch 26b (S708). As shown in FIG. 16, when the release switch 26a is pressed while the shooting mode selection switch 26b is continuously pressed (S709), a predetermined imaging process is performed (S710), and the image data obtained by the shooting is stored in the buffer memory. It is stored in 16 (S711). In this way, the group shooting period continues while the shooting mode selection switch 26b is continuously pressed, and the group shooting is performed every time the release switch 26a is pressed during the period.

When the photographing mode selection switch 26b is no longer pressed (S712), the group photographing period ends (S71).
3) The operation shifts to the display / recording modes 1 to 5 preselected by the display / recording mode selection switch 26c (S714). Each operation of the display / recording modes 1 to 5 is the same as the operation described in the first embodiment.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the group photographing is performed only while the photographing mode selection switch 26b is kept pressed. Therefore, the photographer must definitely discriminate the group photographing from the normal photographing. You can

In each of the embodiments described above, the image obtained by the group photographing is displayed on the image display LCD 22, but the image obtained at the group photographing may be taken together with the image obtained by the group photographing or alone. Information may be displayed. Hereinafter, an example of such a display will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19.

In the example shown in FIG. 17, the brightness information of each image (three images in this example) obtained by group photographing is displayed on the image display LCD 22.

FIGS. 17 (a) to 17 (c) show the luminance distributions of the respective images obtained by the group photographing. The horizontal axis represents the brightness of pixels included in the AE measurement area, and the vertical axis represents the frequency of occurrence of each brightness. The measurement area may be the entire screen.

Taking group shots by consciously changing the exposure conditions,
When only the best results are recorded in the memory card, it may not be possible to perform sufficient evaluation just by displaying the image, but by displaying the brightness information as in this example, it is possible to obtain accurate results. It becomes possible to make an evaluation.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, various kinds of shooting information of each image (three images in this example) obtained by group shooting are digitized and displayed on the image display LCD 22.

In the "recording memory" portion, each image (NO
1 to NO3) is displayed on the memory card. In the "AF" part, the AF evaluation amount of each shooting is displayed numerically (100 is the highest value, the higher the value, the better the focus). In the "AE" part,
The shutter speed and aperture value of each shot are displayed.
In the "GV" portion, the flash emission amount of each shooting at the time of flash shooting is converted into a guide number and displayed.

For example, when the group photographing is performed while consciously changing the focus and only the one having the best result is recorded in the memory card, it may not be possible to perform sufficient evaluation only by displaying the image. However, by displaying numerical information as in this example, it is possible to perform accurate evaluation.

In the example shown in FIG. 19, for each image (three images in this example) obtained by the group photographing, the focused area is displayed on the image display LCD 22 in a distinguishable manner.

For example, an image portion having a spatial frequency equal to or higher than a certain value is determined to be in focus, and that portion is displayed in a distinguishable manner. It is possible to use a method in which only a focused area is changed to a special color and displayed, or halftone is displayed. In the example shown in the figure, (a) is a state in which the person in the far left is in focus, (b) is in a state in which the person in the center is in focus, and (c) is in focus on any person. Each of them shows a state where they are out of focus, and the red portion is emphasized in the focused portion.

As described above, by displaying the photographing information at the time of group photographing on the screen, it is possible to perform an accurate evaluation even when the evaluation is difficult with a photographed image. Therefore, it is possible to easily select an image that needs to be recorded in the memory card or an image that does not need to be recorded in the memory card.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0101]

According to the present invention, a plurality of shootings can be combined shooting.
Since it is possible to determine whether or not there is an image, it is possible to easily distinguish between an image that needs to be recorded (saved) in the recording medium for group shooting and an image that does not need to be recorded. It is possible to obtain an electronic camera.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a start determination of group shooting according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing determination of termination of group shooting according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of determination of start and end of group shooting according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a display / recording mode 1 in the first embodiment.
The flowchart which showed the operation example when is selected.

FIG. 7 shows a display / recording mode 2 in the first embodiment.
The flowchart which showed the operation example when is selected.

FIG. 8 shows a display / recording mode 3 in the first embodiment.
The flowchart which showed the operation example when is selected.

FIG. 9 shows a display / recording mode 4 in the first embodiment.
The flowchart which showed the operation example when is selected.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example when the display / recording mode 5 is selected in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a multi-screen display when the display / recording mode 2 or the display / recording mode 4 is selected in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a start determination of group shooting according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing an example of determination of start and end of group shooting according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a switch operation for performing group shooting in the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying shooting information during group shooting in each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of displaying shooting information during group shooting in each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of displaying shooting information at the time of group shooting in each embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... Lens part 12 ... Image sensor 13 ... Imaging circuit 14 ... A / D conversion circuit 15 ... System controller 16 ... Buffer memory 17 ... Memory interface 18 ... Card slot 19 ... removable memory 20 ... Video memory 21 ... Video conversion circuit 22 ... Image display LCD 23 ... Video-out terminal 24 ... External interface 25 ... External input / output terminal 26 ... Operation unit 27 ... Mode display LCD 28 ... Strobe light emission unit 29 ... LED display section 30 ... Power supply unit 31 ... Battery 32 ... External power supply terminal

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 5/76-5/956 H04N 5/225-5/243 H04N 101: 00

Claims (20)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image to generate electronic image data, a temporary storage means for temporarily storing a plurality of image data obtained by the image pickup means, and the temporary storage means. A recording means for recording the image data stored in the recording medium on a recording medium, an image display means for displaying an image based on the image data, a photographing instruction means for instructing one photographing, and a short time interval by the photographing instruction means. Multiple operations
And a start determination means for determining whether or not the plurality of shots obtained by the step S1 are group shots, and
An electronic camera, comprising: a group photographing determination means having an end determination means for determining the end of the group photographing. 2. An instruction means for distinguishing between an image in which image data is stored in a recording medium and an image in which image data is not stored in a recording medium, and based on each image data obtained by group shooting after group shooting is completed. Control is performed to display an image on the image display means, and in parallel with the control, control is performed so that the image data obtained by the group photographing is recorded on the recording medium by the recording means, and the group photographing is performed. For each of the obtained image data, which has been discriminated not to store the image data based on the instruction of the instruction means, a control means for controlling not to store the image data of the image in a recording medium is further provided. Claim 1 characterized in that
Electronic camera described . 3. An instruction means for distinguishing between an image in which image data is stored in a recording medium and an image in which image data is not stored in a recording medium, and based on each image data obtained by group shooting after group shooting is completed. The control is performed to display the image on the image display means, and after the display is finished, the image data obtained by the group photographing is controlled to be recorded on the recording medium by the recording means, and each of the images obtained by the group photographing is controlled. and control means for controlling so as not to store the image data of the image on the recording medium for differentiated images so as not to store the image data based on an instruction of the instruction means of the image data, the
The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: 4. The start determination means determines the number of frames of an image corresponding to image data which has not been recorded on a recording medium among a plurality of image data stored in the temporary storage means when a shooting instruction is given. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein when the number of images is equal to or more than a predetermined number, it is determined that the group photographing is started. 5. The start judging means judges that the group photographing is started when the next photographing is started before the recording of the image data of the image photographed immediately before on the recording medium is completed. The electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic camera is provided. 6. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the start judging means judges that the group photographing is started when the photographing time interval is within a predetermined time. . 7. The electronic camera according to claim 6, further comprising changing means for changing the predetermined time. 8. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the start judging means judges that the group photographing is started when a start instruction operation is performed by a photographer. . 9. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the end judging means judges that the group photographing ends when the photographing time interval is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. . 10. The electronic camera according to claim 9, further comprising changing means for changing the predetermined time. 11. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the end judging means judges that the group photographing is ended when the end instruction operation is performed by the photographer. . 12. The image display means displays each image based on each image data obtained by group photographing at fixed time intervals, and further comprises display time interval setting means for setting the time interval. Claim 1 characterized by the above.
12. The electronic camera according to any one of 1 to 11 . 13. The image display means displays each image based on each image data obtained by group photographing at a fixed time interval in the order of photographing, and when a predetermined time elapses when an instruction is given by the instruction means. The electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the electronic camera displays the next images. 14. The electronic camera according to claim 2 , wherein the control means controls to return to a photographable state after recording the image data on the recording medium. 15. The image display means, 請 characterized in that is for displaying a plurality of images based on the image data obtained by the set captured as a set image by small screen of
The electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . 16. set is being captured and further comprising a set photographing display means for displaying the claims 1 to 1
5. The electronic camera according to any one of 5 . 17. The image display means, with or independent image based on image data obtained by the set photographing according to claim 1 to 11, characterized in that to display the shooting information at the time set shooting Electronic camera according to any one. 18. The recording means, when recording the image data of the image obtained by the group photographing on a recording medium, provides information indicating that the image data is the image data of the image obtained by the group photographing. 18. The electronic camera according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic camera is also recorded. 19. The image display means according to claim, characterized in that is for displaying an enlarged image 12 or 13
The electronic camera described in. 20. An image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image to generate electronic image data, a temporary storage means for temporarily storing a plurality of image data obtained by the image pickup means, and the temporary storage means. recording means for storing image data recorded on the recording medium, and image display means for displaying an image based on image data, a shooting instruction means for instructing one shot, at short time intervals according to the photographing instruction means Multiple operations
Group shooting instruction means for instructing a plurality of shootings obtained as a group shooting, and an image shot by the instruction of the shooting instruction means while the group shooting instruction means is operated as a group shooting image. An electronic camera, comprising: a group photographing judgment means for judging.