JP4940901B2 - Imaging apparatus, imaging control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus that captures an image of a subject and records it as image data, an imaging control method thereof, and a program that causes a computer to execute the method.

  In an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera or a digital video camera, various processes are performed on an image captured through an optical system, and the image data is recorded on a recording medium. As processing at that time, there are correlated double sampling processing, A / D conversion processing, white balance processing, gamma conversion processing, encoding processing, and the like. Since a certain amount of time is required for these processes, the next imaging cannot be performed during that time, and there is a possibility of missing a photo opportunity.

In view of this, a buffer memory has been proposed in which image data to be recorded on a recording medium is temporarily stored so that the next imaging can be performed. For example, the number of images that can be recorded in the buffer is set, and the buffer is managed by increasing the count of images each time image data is taken into the buffer and decreasing the count of images each time it is read. An imaging device has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-152573 A (FIG. 1)

  In the above-described prior art, the image data to be recorded on the recording medium is temporarily held in the buffer memory. However, this buffer memory is generally small in capacity, and if several image data are held, the capacity is filled. Therefore, when continuous shooting is performed after continuous shooting, there is a wait for subsequent imaging. End up. On the other hand, increasing the capacity of the buffer memory is not realistic from the viewpoint of system balance. Further, in order to speed up the processing itself until recording on the recording medium, the circuit becomes complicated and the operating frequency increases.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to shorten an imaging interval without increasing the hardware scale in an imaging apparatus.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a first aspect of the present invention is to record an image signal of a captured image as final format data and at an intermediate format in the middle of reaching the final format data. A recording medium for recording data; first image processing means for recording an image signal of the captured image on the recording medium as the intermediate format data; and the intermediate format data read from the recording medium. Second image processing means for performing predetermined image processing and recording the final format data on the recording medium, and processing by the first image processing means is preferentially executed, and the first image processing means An image pickup apparatus comprising: a control unit that executes the processing by the second image processing unit only while the processing according to (2) is not performed. This brings about the effect that the interval of the intermediate format data recording by the first image processing means is shortened.

  In the first aspect, the intermediate format data is assumed to be RAW data or image data obtained by performing at least one of demosaic processing, white balance processing, gain control processing, or gamma conversion processing on the RAW data. Can do. Further, the final format data can be JPEG format image data.

  In the first aspect, the control means causes the first image processing means to execute processing only while a free area for recording the intermediate format data remains on the recording medium. Also good. As a result, as long as an empty area remains in the recording medium, there is an effect that the processing by the first image processing means is continuously executed.

  In this first aspect, the control means causes the second image processing means to execute processing only while the intermediate format data that has not been subjected to the predetermined image processing remains on the recording medium. You may do it. Thus, after the intermediate format data is recorded by the first image processing unit, the second image processing unit can immediately execute the process.

  In the first aspect, the control means may execute the processing by the first image processing means and the processing by the second image processing means at the same time only when the image signals are different. Good. This brings about the effect that the processing by the second image processing means is executed at an early stage.

  In the first aspect, when the control unit is instructed to turn off the power during the processing by the second image processing unit, the control unit turns off the power until the processing by the second image processing unit is completed. You may control not to perform. This brings about the effect of guaranteeing the correctness of the operation.

  In this first aspect, the control means leaves a power source necessary for processing by the second image processing means when an instruction to turn off the power is given during the processing by the second image processing means. It is also possible to control to turn off other power sources. As a result, it appears that the power is quickly turned off in appearance, and the correctness of the operation is guaranteed.

  In the first aspect, when an instruction to turn off the power is given during the processing by the second image processing means, the processing by the second image processing means is interrupted and the power is turned on again. You may control so that the process by the said 2nd image processing means may be restarted later. As a result, the power is quickly turned off, and the correctness of the operation is guaranteed.

  In the first aspect, when the control means is instructed to reproduce or transfer the final format data for an image signal that has not been processed by the second image processing means, the control means You may control so that the process by the said 2nd image processing means may be performed with priority over the process by the said 2nd image processing means of another image signal. As a result, the necessary image signal is preferentially executed.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium that records an image signal of a captured image as final format data and also records intermediate format data in the middle of the final format data, and the captured image. First image processing means for recording the image signal as the intermediate format data on the recording medium, and applying the predetermined image processing to the intermediate format data read from the recording medium as the final format data In an imaging apparatus comprising a second image processing means for recording on the recording medium, a first image processing procedure for preferentially executing the processing by the first image processing means, and the first image processing means A second image processing procedure for executing the processing by the second image processing means only while the processing is not being performed, or an imaging control method, Is a program for executing these steps on a computer. This brings about the effect that the interval of the intermediate format data recording by the first image processing means is shortened.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve an excellent effect that the imaging interval can be shortened in the imaging apparatus.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This imaging apparatus includes a lens group 111, an imaging element 112, an A / D converter 113, a preprocessing unit 114, a signal processing unit 121, an encoder / decoder 122, and a recording medium mounting unit 131. , A display unit 141, an operation reception unit 142, and a control unit 191. In addition, the preprocessing unit 114, the signal processing unit 121, the encoder / decoder 122, the recording medium mounting unit 131, the display unit 141, the operation receiving unit 142, and the control unit 191 are connected to each other via a bus 181.

  The lens group 111 collects light from the subject and supplies it to the image sensor 112 as a captured image. The image sensor 112 converts a captured image based on the optical signal supplied from the lens group 111 into an electric signal (analog signal). The A / D converter 113 quantizes the analog signal converted by the image sensor 112 and converts it into a digital signal. The preprocessing unit 114 outputs the digital signal converted by the A / D converter 113 as RAW data. The RAW data output by the preprocessing unit 114 is held in the recording medium 132 that is mounted on the recording medium mounting unit 131.

  The signal processing unit 121 reads out RAW data held in the recording medium 132 and performs various signal processing. This signal processing includes demosaic processing, white balance processing, gain control processing, gamma conversion processing, and the like. The demosaic process is a process for generating RGB pixels by generating insufficient color components for each pixel from RGB component data in the RAW data. The white balance process is a process for obtaining a white reference value in accordance with the light source. The gain control process is a process for correcting the gain of each signal to a constant level. The gamma conversion process is a process of correcting so that the gradation is correctly reproduced when output to the display unit 141.

  The encoder / decoder 122 encodes the image data subjected to the signal processing in the signal processing unit 121 and records it on the recording medium 132, or reads and decodes the image data recorded on the recording medium 132. It is. In the case of a still image, a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format is often used as a method for encoding image data. The JPEG format is also assumed in the embodiment of the present invention, but other formats may be used. In the case of moving images, MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) format is often used as a method for encoding image data.

  The recording medium mounting unit 131 is an interface for mounting the recording medium 132. As the recording medium 132, for example, a flash memory or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) can be used.

  The display unit 141 displays a captured image and is realized by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

  The operation reception unit 142 is a user interface that receives an operation input from a user. As this operation reception part 142, an imaging button (shutter button in a digital still camera), a power switch, etc. are provided, for example.

  The control unit 191 controls the entire imaging apparatus. The control unit 191 is realized by a microcontroller, a processor, or the like. The contents of control by the control unit 191 will be described later.

  In this imaging apparatus, light from the subject is continuously input to the lens group 111 as a captured image. In the digital video camera, input captured images are continuously recorded on the recording medium 132. In the digital still camera, a captured image when the shutter button is pressed is recorded on the recording medium 132.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, the functions of the imaging device are divided into an image processing unit A210, an image processing unit B220, a recording medium 230, an operation receiving unit 240, a power supply control unit 250, and a processing control unit 290.

  The image processing unit A210 captures a subject and records intermediate format data on the recording medium 230. In the configuration example of FIG. 1, since the intermediate format data is RAW data, the lens group 111, the image sensor 112, the A / D converter 113, and the preprocessing unit 114 correspond to the image processing unit A210. However, this intermediate format data is not limited to pure RAW data. For example, at least one process such as a demosaic process, a white balance process, a gain control process, or a gamma conversion process may be performed on the RAW data and used as intermediate format data. .

  The image processing unit B220 reads intermediate format data recorded on the recording medium 230, performs image processing on the intermediate format data, and records the intermediate format data on the recording medium 230 as final format data. In the configuration example of FIG. 1, since the intermediate format data is RAW data, the signal processing unit 121 and the encoder / decoder 122 correspond to the image processing unit B220. However, since the intermediate format data is not limited to RAW data as described above, the processing already performed in the image processing unit A210 is excluded from the processing of the image processing unit B220. As the final format data, a JPEG format of a still image is assumed, but other formats may be used. In the case of a moving image, the MPEG format is used.

  The recording medium 230 records the intermediate format data generated by the image processing unit A210 and also records the final format data generated by the image processing unit B220. 1 corresponds to the recording medium 132.

  The operation reception unit 240 is a user interface that receives an operation input from a user, and corresponds to the operation reception unit 142 in the configuration example of FIG.

  The power control unit 250 controls power supply to the imaging apparatus. The processing control unit 290 controls processing in the image processing units A 210 and B 220. The power control unit 250 and the processing control unit 290 correspond to the control unit 191 in the configuration example of FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure example of steady processing by the processing control unit 290 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The process control unit 290 repeats the following process while the imaging apparatus is powered on (power on) (step S911).

  If there is a free area for recording the intermediate format data on the recording medium 230 (step S912), the interrupt prohibition flag is reset and an interrupt is permitted (step S913). On the other hand, if there is no free space in the recording medium 230 (step S912), an interrupt prohibition flag is set and interruption is prohibited (step S914).

  If there is intermediate format data recorded on the recording medium 230 by the image processing unit A210 and not processed by the image processing unit B220 (step S915), the processing control unit 290 performs image processing on the intermediate format data. Part B220 is processed (step S918).

  These processes are repeated as a steady process, and during that time, when an interrupt is generated by pressing the shutter button, an interrupt process described below is executed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of interrupt processing by the processing control unit 290 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In this interrupt processing, an interrupt prohibition flag is first set and interrupt is prohibited (step S923). Thus, until the interruption is permitted again, no other interruption processing is executed even if the shutter button is pressed.

  Then, processing by the image processing unit A210 is executed (step S925). That is, the subject is imaged and the intermediate format data is recorded on the recording medium 230.

  When the processing by the image processing unit A210 is completed, the interrupt prohibition flag is reset and an interrupt is permitted (step S927). Thereafter, the process returns to the position where the interruption occurred in the steady process, and the steady process is resumed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation timing in the single shooting mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. An arrow at the start of recording indicates the pressing timing of the shutter button. Further, the interrupt disable waveform indicates an interrupt disabled state when it is at a high level. Further, the processing by the image processing unit A210 is represented as image processing A, and the processing by the image processing unit B220 is represented as image processing B, and the numbers in each are the image numbers.

  When the shutter button is first pressed, an interrupt is generated, and the processing is performed by the image processing unit A210 after being set to the interrupt disabled state. In this example, after the processing by the image processing unit A210 is performed on the image 1, the interrupt is permitted. Thereby, the processing by the image processing unit B220 is performed on the image 1.

  Next, when the shutter button is pressed, an interrupt is generated again, the interrupt disabled state is set, and the image processing unit A210 performs processing on the image 2. When the processing by the image processing unit A210 is completed, the interrupt permission state is set, whereby the image 2 is processed by the image processing unit B220.

  If the shutter button is pressed while the processing by the image processing unit B220 is being performed on the image 2, an interrupt is generated, and the processing by the image processing unit B220 is interrupted. Then, after being set to the interrupt disabled state, the image processing unit A210 performs processing on the image 3. When the processing by the image processing unit A210 is completed, the interrupt permission state is set, whereby the processing by the image processing unit B220 regarding the image 2 is resumed.

  Then, after the processing by the image processing unit B220 regarding the image 2 is completed, the processing by the image processing unit B220 regarding the image 3 is performed.

  As described above, the processing by the image processing unit A210 is executed with priority over the processing by the image processing unit B220. Conventionally, imaging was prohibited during the processing corresponding to the image processing unit B220. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, imaging is prohibited only during processing by the image processing unit A210. is there. Therefore, the imaging prohibition period is greatly shortened.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation timing in the continuous shooting mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, it is assumed that the operation in the continuous shooting mode is set so that three captured images are continuously recorded when the shutter button is pressed.

  When the shutter button is first pressed, an interrupt is generated, and the processing is performed by the image processing unit A210 after being set to the interrupt disabled state. In this example, the images 1 to 3 are continuously processed by the image processing unit A210, and then set to the interrupt permission state. Thereby, the processing by the image processing unit B220 is performed on the images 1 to 3.

  When the shutter button is pressed next after the processing by the image processing unit B220 is completed, an interrupt is generated again, and the processing is performed by the image processing unit A210 on the images 4 to 6 after being set to the interrupt disabled state. . When the processing by the image processing unit A210 is completed, the interrupt permission state is set, and the processing by the image processing unit B220 is performed on the images 4 to 6.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the operation timing in the continuous shooting mode in the embodiment of the present invention. The operation in the continuous shooting mode is the same as the example of FIG. 6 in that it is assumed that three captured images are continuously recorded when the shutter button is pressed.

  When the shutter button is first pressed, an interrupt is generated, and the processing is performed by the image processing unit A210 after being set to the interrupt disabled state. In this example, the images 1 to 3 are continuously processed by the image processing unit A210, and then set to the interrupt permission state. As a result, the image processing unit B220 performs processing on the images 1 to 3.

  However, here, it is assumed that the shutter button is pressed while image 2 is being processed by image processor B220. As a result, an interrupt occurs, and the processing by the image processing unit B220 is interrupted. Then, after being set to the interrupt disabled state, the image processing unit A210 performs processing on the images 4 to 6. When the processing by the image processing unit A210 is completed, the interrupt permission state is set, whereby the processing by the image processing unit B220 regarding the image 2 and later is resumed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the processing procedure of the steady processing by the processing control unit 290 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the example of steady processing in FIG. 3, both imaging prohibition and recording prohibition are controlled simultaneously by the interrupt prohibition flag. However, in this example, an imaging prohibition flag and a recording prohibition flag are newly provided, and management is performed independently of the interrupt. .

  Also in this example, the process control unit 290 repeats the following process while the imaging apparatus is powered on (power on) (step S931).

  If there is an empty area for recording the intermediate format data on the recording medium 230 (step S932), the recording prohibition flag is reset and recording on the recording medium 230 is permitted (step S933). On the other hand, if there is no free space on the recording medium 230 (step S932), a recording prohibition flag is set and recording on the recording medium 230 is prohibited (step S934).

Also, if there is intermediate format data recorded on the recording medium 230 by the image processing unit A210 and not processed by the image processing unit B220 (step S935),
When imaging is not prohibited by the imaging prohibition flag (step S936) and recording is not prohibited by the recording prohibition flag (step S937), the processing control unit 290 processes the intermediate format data to the image processing unit B220. (Step S938).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another processing procedure example of the interrupt processing corresponding to the example of FIG. 8 in the embodiment of the present invention.

  When an interrupt occurs, it is confirmed that imaging is not prohibited by the imaging prohibition flag (step S941) and that recording is not prohibited by the recording prohibition flag (step S942). If the imaging is prohibited or the recording is prohibited, the interruption process ends.

  If neither imaging prohibition nor recording prohibition is set, the imaging prohibition flag is set to prohibit new imaging (step S943), and the recording prohibition flag is set to prohibit new recording. (Step S944).

  Then, the processing by the image processing unit A210 is executed (step S945). That is, the subject is imaged and the intermediate format data is recorded on the recording medium 230.

  When the processing by the image processing unit A210 is completed, the recording prohibition flag is reset and new recording is permitted (step S946), and the imaging prohibition flag is reset and new imaging is permitted (step S947).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing still another processing procedure example of the steady processing by the processing control unit 290 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the example of the steady process in FIGS. 3 and 8, while the process by the image processing unit A210 is being executed, the process by the image processing unit B220 is completely prohibited. In the example of FIG. With respect to each other, the processing by the image processing unit A210 and the processing by the image processing unit B220 are allowed to be executed simultaneously in parallel.

  However, in the case of the same captured images, they cannot be executed simultaneously as in the case of the steady process in FIGS. Since the intermediate format data is not recorded on the recording medium 230 until the processing by the image processing unit A210 is completed, this relationship is always secured.

  In the example of FIG. 10, the imaging prohibition flag and the recording prohibition flag are used as in FIG.

  The example of FIG. 10 differs from FIG. 8 in that the imaging prohibition flag check (step S936 in FIG. 8) is not performed at the start of the processing by the image processing unit B220 (step S958). As a result, the processing by the image processing unit A210 and the processing by the image processing unit B220 can be performed simultaneously. Other processes are the same as those in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a processing procedure example of interrupt processing corresponding to the example of FIG. 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The example of FIG. 11 differs from FIG. 9 in that other recording is not prohibited (steps S944 and S946 in FIG. 9) during the processing by the image processing unit A210. As a result, the processing by the image processing unit A210 and the processing by the image processing unit B220 can be performed simultaneously. Other processes are the same as those in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation timing according to the example of FIG. 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. When the shutter button is first pressed, processing is performed by the image processing unit A210 after being set to an imaging prohibited state. In this example, after the processing by the image processing unit A210 is performed on the image 1, the imaging permitted state is set. Thereby, the processing by the image processing unit B220 is performed on the image 1.

  Next, when the shutter button is pressed, the image processing unit A <b> 210 performs processing on the image 2 after the imaging prohibition state is set. When the processing by the image processing unit A210 is completed, the imaging permission state is set, whereby the image 2 is processed by the image processing unit B220.

  Even if the shutter button is pressed while the processing by the image processing unit B220 is being performed on the image 2, the processing by the image processing unit B220 is not interrupted in this example, and the processing by the image processing unit A210 regarding the image 3 Run in parallel.

  Next, the operation of the power supply control unit 250 in the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of the power-off timing in the embodiment of the present invention. If the operation accepting unit 240 gives a power-off (disconnect) instruction while the processing by the image processing unit B220 is being performed, in this example, the power supply control unit 250 waits until the processing by the image processing unit B220 is completed. Turn off the power later. Thereby, even if there is a power-off instruction during the processing by the image processing unit B220, it is possible to guarantee the correctness of the operation.

  In this case, until the power is turned off, it is preferable to display on the display unit 141 that “power is being prepared” or display with an indicator. In the meantime, it is desirable to speed up the internal processing and shorten the time until the power is turned off as much as possible. In order to increase the speed of the internal processing, it is conceivable to increase the priority of image processing or increase the operation clock.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a second example of the power-off timing in the embodiment of the present invention. If the operation accepting unit 240 gives a power-off instruction while the processing by the image processing unit B220 is being performed, in this example, the power-supply control unit 250 sets the apparent power-off state and performs background processing or internal processing. As processing, the processing by the image processing unit B220 is continuously executed. That is, an unnecessary unit such as the display unit 141 is turned off to supply only necessary power. As a result, it is possible to prompt the user as if the power has been quickly turned off and to guarantee the correctness of the operation.

  In this case, display with an indicator or the like may be performed while internal processing is being performed. During the execution of internal processing, power consumption can be reduced by operating only the minimum necessary part.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a third example of the power-off timing in the embodiment of the present invention. If the operation accepting unit 240 gives a power-off instruction while the processing by the image processing unit B220 is being performed, in this example, the processing control unit 290 interrupts the processing by the image processing unit B220 and saves the state. . Further, the power control unit 250 turns off the power. However, in this case, when the processing by the image processing unit A210 is being performed, the power is turned off after the processing by the image processing unit A210 is completed.

  Then, when the power is turned on again, the processing control unit 290 resumes the processing by the image processing unit B220. As a result, the power can be quickly turned off and the correctness of the operation can be guaranteed.

  In order to prevent the battery of the power source from being removed by the user during processing (including execution of internal processing) by the image processing unit A210 or the image processing unit B220, it is conceivable to provide a lock mechanism for the battery. It is also effective to provide a backup capacitor. Moreover, it should be possible to resume the processing after the battery is restored in case the battery is removed.

  Further, when the recording medium 230 is a removable (detachable) medium, the recording medium 230 is prevented from being taken out during processing (including execution of internal processing) by the image processing unit A210 or the image processing unit B220. It is conceivable to provide a lock mechanism in In addition, it should be possible to resume the processing after the recording medium 230 is restored in case the recording medium 230 is taken out.

  As another modification, it is conceivable to change the order of captured images to be processed by the image processing unit B220. The processing of the image processing unit B220 is normally performed in the order in which captured images are captured. However, when a user attempts to reproduce an unprocessed image, it is desirable that the processing of the image be performed with priority. Thereby, image display can be performed promptly. In addition, when the user tries to transfer an unprocessed image to the outside of the imaging apparatus, it is desirable to preferentially process the image. Thereby, image transfer can be performed promptly.

  As another modified example, the processing of the image processing unit B220 may be executed a plurality of times for a single image with a plurality of parameters. Thereby, the most preferable image for the user can be selected as the final format data. Further, by storing the intermediate format data without deleting it, the processing of the image processing unit B220 may be executed with parameters selected by the user thereafter.

  As another modification, the processing by the image processing unit A210 and the processing by the image processing unit B220 may be executed in different modes. For example, only the processing by the image processing unit A210 may be performed in the shooting mode, and the processing by the image processing unit B220 may be performed after switching to the reproduction mode. In addition to the shooting mode and the playback mode, an image processing mode is provided as a third mode. In the shooting mode, only processing by the image processing unit A210 is performed, and processing by the image processing unit B220 is performed in the image processing mode. Good. In the shooting mode, only the processing by the image processing unit A210 may be performed, and the processing by the image processing unit B220 may be performed when the power is turned off. Further, the processing by the image processing unit B220 may be performed when the imaging apparatus is connected to an external power source by being mounted on a cradle (dock). As a result, power consumption during photographing can be reduced, and the number of images that can be photographed by the battery can be increased.

  Thus, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the process of recording intermediate format data on the recording medium 230 by the image processing A210 and the process of recording final format data on the recording medium 230 by the image processing unit B220 are separated. As a result, the imaging interval can be shortened to avoid missing a photo opportunity as much as possible. In addition, since the processing time of the image processing for converting from the intermediate format data to the final format data does not affect the shooting interval restriction, the circuit scale can be reduced by using a slower circuit than in the past, The operating frequency of the circuit can be made lower than before, and the power consumption can be reduced.

  The embodiment of the present invention is an example for embodying the present invention and has a corresponding relationship with the invention-specific matters in the claims as shown below, but is not limited thereto. However, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In other words, in claim 1, the recording medium corresponds to the recording medium 230, for example. The first image processing means corresponds to, for example, the image processing unit A210. The second image processing means corresponds to, for example, the image processing unit B220. The control means corresponds to the processing control unit 290 or the power supply control unit 250, for example.

In claim 10 or 11 , the recording medium corresponds to the recording medium 230, for example. The first image processing means corresponds to, for example, the image processing unit A210. The second image processing means corresponds to, for example, the image processing unit B220. The first image processing procedure corresponds to, for example, step S925. The second image processing procedure corresponds to step S918, for example.

  The processing procedure described in the embodiment of the present invention may be regarded as a method having a series of these procedures, and a program for causing a computer to execute these series of procedures or a recording medium storing the program May be taken as

It is a figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the imaging device in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function structural example of the imaging device in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a process sequence of the steady process by the process control part 290 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a process sequence of the interruption process by the process control part 290 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation | movement timing by single shooting mode in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation timing by the continuous shooting mode in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the operation timing by the continuous shooting mode in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of a process sequence of the steady process by the process control part 290 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of another process sequence of the interrupt process corresponding to the example of FIG. 8 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the further another process sequence example of the steady process by the process control part 290 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a process sequence of the interruption process corresponding to the example of FIG. 10 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation timing by the example of FIG. 10 in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the power-off timing in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the power-off timing in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of the power-off timing in embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 111 Lens group 112 Image pick-up element 113 A / D converter 114 Pre-processing part 121 Signal processing part 122 Encoder / decoder 131 Recording medium mounting part 132 Recording medium 141 Display part 142 Operation reception part 181 Bus 191 Control part 210 Image processing Part A
220 Image processor B
230 Recording Medium 240 Operation Accepting Unit 250 Power Supply Control Unit 290 Processing Control Unit

Claims (11)

A recording medium that records the image signal of the captured image as final format data and also records intermediate format data in the middle of the final format data;
First image processing means for recording an image signal of the captured image on the recording medium as the intermediate format data;
Second image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on the intermediate format data read from the recording medium and recording the final format data on the recording medium;
The processing by the first image processing means is preferentially executed, the processing by the second image processing means is executed only while the processing by the first image processing means is not performed, and the second When the reproduction or transfer of the final format data is instructed for an image signal that has not been processed by the image processing means, the processing of the image signal by the second image processing means is performed for the other image signal. to that imaging device and a control unit that Ru is executed in priority to the processing by the image processing means. The intermediate format data, demosaicing to the RAW data or the RAW data, white balance processing, gain control processing or at least one processing Ru Oh image data subjected to the 請 Motomeko first imaging apparatus according to gamma conversion processing. The final form data, the imaging apparatus of Ah Ru請 Motomeko 1, wherein the image data of the JPEG format. Said control means, said recording medium to the intermediate format data imaging device 請 Motomeko 1, wherein only Ru to execute the processing by said first image processing means while remaining free space for recording the. Wherein, the predetermined image processing is not performed the intermediate format data is the recording medium in the remaining between only said second image processing means by the imaging apparatus 請 Motomeko 1 wherein Ru to execute the process . Wherein, said only when the image signal is different from the first image processing means by the processing and the second image processing means by the processing and imaging apparatus 請 Motomeko 1 wherein simultaneously Ru to execute the. Wherein, when said instruction of middle power-off processing by the second image processing means is, the second such to execute the power-off until the processing is completed by the image processing unit I請 Motomeko 1 The imaging device described. Wherein if said is a second indication of the way in power-off processing by the image processing means, you power off the other, leaving the power required for processing by said second image processing means 請 Motomeko 1 imaging device according. The control means interrupts the processing by the second image processing means when an instruction to turn off the power is given during the processing by the second image processing means, and after the power is turned on again, imaging device 請 Motomeko 1, wherein you restart the process by the image processing means. A recording medium that records the image signal of the captured image as final format data and also records intermediate format data in the middle of the final format data, and the recording of the image signal of the captured image as the intermediate format data First image processing means for recording on a medium, and second image processing for performing predetermined image processing on the intermediate format data read from the recording medium and recording the final format data on the recording medium An imaging device comprising means,
A first image processing procedure for preferentially executing the processing by the first image processing means;
Only when the processing by the first image processing means is not performed, the processing by the second image processing means is executed, and the final format for the image signal that is not processed by the second image processing means the if the reproduction or the transfer of data is designated Ru is executed in priority to the processing process by the second image processing means of the image signal by said second image processing means of the other image signals 2 the image processing procedure to that iMAGING control method comprising the. A recording medium that records the image signal of the captured image as final format data and also records intermediate format data in the middle of the final format data, and the recording of the image signal of the captured image as the intermediate format data First image processing means for recording on a medium, and second image processing for performing predetermined image processing on the intermediate format data read from the recording medium and recording the final format data on the recording medium An imaging device comprising means,
A first image processing procedure for preferentially executing the processing by the first image processing means;
Only when the processing by the first image processing means is not performed, the processing by the second image processing means is executed, and the final format for the image signal that is not processed by the second image processing means the if the reproduction or the transfer of data is designated Ru is executed in priority to the processing process by the second image processing means of the image signal by said second image processing means of the other image signals 2 image processing procedures and Help program cause the computer to execute the.

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