JP6132486B2 - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic camera, and more particularly to an electronic camera that acquires images continuously.

  An example of this type of camera is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to this background art, when a plurality of image data are acquired by continuous shooting, each time one main image file is recorded on the memory card 208a, the memory card 208a after the main image file is recorded is recorded. Free space is determined. A capacity obtained by subtracting the estimated data size of the display image file generated based on the main image file from the available capacity is calculated as the estimated available capacity (capable image capture available capacity). Based on the calculated estimated free space, the expected data size of the main image file obtained by continuous shooting, and the expected data size of the display image file, the next shooting is performed when the next shooting is performed. It is determined whether or not the main image file and the display image file can be recorded on the memory card 208a. If it is determined that the main image file and the display image file cannot be recorded, the continuous shooting ends.

JP 2009-302902 A

  However, in the background art, there is only a description based on the free space of the memory card for determining whether or not to continue the continuous shooting, and the continuous shooting is paused and resumed based on the free space of the storage area where the image is temporarily captured. The operation of is unknown. For this reason, there is a possibility that continuous shooting may stop unexpectedly, and operability may be reduced.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera that can improve operability.

  The electronic camera according to the present invention (10: reference numeral corresponding to the embodiment; the same applies hereinafter) writes the electronic image output from the imaging means to the first storage area each time an acquisition operation is detected (S91, S119). ), Transfer means (S31, S37, S47, S53, S63) for transferring the electronic image stored in the first storage area to the second storage area by the writing means, and the free capacity of the first storage area exceeds the reference The first detection means (S23, S99) for detecting the acquisition operation at the first frequency during the first period shown, and the acquisition operation at the second period during which the free capacity of the first storage area is less than the reference than the first frequency Second detection means (S43) for detecting at a low second frequency and notification means (S13, S69, S75, S93, S121) for repeatedly notifying the free space in the first storage area are provided.

  Preferably, it further includes limiting means (S97, S99) for limiting the processing of the transfer means in relation to the detection of the acquisition operation by the first detection means.

  Preferably, the notification means notifies the free space in units of acquirable frames.

  Preferably, the transfer means includes an image generation means (S31, S47, S63) for generating an electronic image of a format different from the electronic image based on the electronic image stored in the first storage area by the writing means, and the image generation means. File creation means (S37, S53) for creating a file for storing the generated electronic image in the second storage area is included.

  Preferably, the first storage area corresponds to the main storage device (32), and the second storage area corresponds to the recording medium (42).

  The imaging control program according to the present invention writes the electronic image output from the imaging means to the processor (26) of the electronic camera (10) in the first storage area each time an acquisition operation is detected (S91, S119). , A transfer step (S31, S37, S47, S53, S63) for transferring the electronic image stored in the first storage area to the second storage area by the writing step, and the free space in the first storage area indicates a capacity greater than the reference First detection step (S23, S99) for detecting the acquisition operation at the first frequency in the first period, and the acquisition operation is less than the first frequency in the second period in which the free space in the first storage area indicates a capacity below the reference An imaging control program for executing a second detection step (S43) for detecting at a second frequency and a notification step (S13, S69, S75, S93, S121) for repeatedly notifying the free space in the first storage area .

  The imaging control method according to the present invention is an imaging control method executed by the electronic camera (10), and writes the electronic image output from the imaging means to the first storage area each time an acquisition operation is detected ( S91, S119), a transfer step (S31, S37, S47, S53, S63) for transferring the electronic image stored in the first storage area to the second storage area by the writing step, and the free space in the first storage area exceeds the reference A first detection step (S23, S99) for detecting an acquisition operation at a first frequency in a first period indicating the capacity of the first storage, and a first acquisition operation in a second period in which the free capacity of the first storage area is less than a reference A second detection step (S43) for detecting at a second frequency less than the frequency and a notification step (S13, S69, S75, S93, S121) for repeatedly notifying the free space in the first storage area are provided.

  An external control program according to the present invention is an external control program supplied to an electronic camera (10) including a processor (26) that executes processing according to an internal control program stored in a memory (44), and is output from an imaging unit. Writing step (S91, S119) for writing the electronic image to the first storage area each time an acquisition operation is detected, and a transfer step for transferring the electronic image stored in the first storage area by the writing step to the second storage area (S31, S37, S47, S53, S63), a first detection step (S23, S99) for detecting an acquisition operation at a first frequency in a first period in which the free capacity of the first storage area indicates a capacity greater than or equal to a reference, The second detection step (S43) of detecting the acquisition operation at a second frequency lower than the first frequency in the second period in which the free space of the one storage area is less than the reference, and the free space of the first storage area are repeated. News Notification step (S13, S69, S75, S93, S121) a for execution by the processor in cooperation with the internal control program, which is an external control program.

  An electronic camera (10) according to the present invention executes a process according to a receiving means (60) for receiving an external control program, and an external control program received by the receiving means and an internal control program stored in a memory (44). An electronic camera (10) comprising a processor (26), wherein the external control program writes the electronic image output from the imaging means to the first storage area each time an acquisition operation is detected (S91, S119) , A transfer step (S31, S37, S47, S53, S63) for transferring the electronic image stored in the first storage area to the second storage area by the writing step, and the free space in the first storage area indicates a capacity greater than the reference First detection step (S23, S99) for detecting the acquisition operation at the first frequency in the first period, and the acquisition operation is less than the first frequency in the second period in which the free space in the first storage area indicates a capacity below the reference A program for executing a second detection step (S43) for detecting twice and a notification step (S13, S69, S75, S93, S121) for repeatedly notifying the free space in the first storage area in cooperation with the internal control program It corresponds to.

  When the continuous shooting speed changes according to the free space in the first storage area, the free space in the first storage area is repeatedly notified. This improves operability.

  The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Example of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the allocation state of the evaluation area in an imaging surface. It is an illustration figure which shows a part of timing diagram of the process performed in the camera of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows another part of timing diagram of the process performed in the camera of this invention. (A) is an illustration figure which shows an example of the display of an LCD monitor, and the state of a buffer, (B) is an illustration figure which shows another example of the display of an LCD monitor, and the state of a buffer. (A) is an illustrative view showing another example of the display and buffer state of the LCD monitor, and (B) is an illustrative view showing still another example of the display and buffer state of the LCD monitor. (A) is an illustrative view showing another example of the display of the LCD monitor and the state of the buffer, and (B) is an illustrative view showing another example of the display of the LCD monitor and the state of the buffer. (A) is an illustrative view showing still another example of the display and buffer state of the LCD monitor, and (B) is an illustrative view showing another example of the display and buffer state of the LCD monitor. (A) is an illustrative view showing another example of the display and buffer state of the LCD monitor, and (B) is an illustrative view showing still another example of the display and buffer state of the LCD monitor. It is a flowchart which shows a part of operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 2 Example. It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 2 Example. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 2 Example. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 2 Example. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing yet another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the FIG. 2 Example. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another portion of behavior of the CPU applied to the embodiment in FIG. 2; It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the other Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of operation | movement of CPU applied to the other Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the other Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the further another Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of operation | movement of CPU applied to the other Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the other Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the other Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows further another part of operation | movement of CPU applied to the other Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of other operation | movement of CPU applied to the other Example of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[Basic configuration]

  Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic camera of this embodiment is basically configured as follows. The writing unit 1 writes the electronic image output from the imaging unit in the first storage area every time an acquisition operation is detected. The transfer unit 2 transfers the electronic image stored in the first storage area by the writing unit 1 to the second storage area. The first detection means 3 detects an acquisition operation at a first frequency in a first period in which the free space in the first storage area indicates a capacity greater than or equal to the reference. The second detection means 4 detects an acquisition operation at a second frequency that is less than the first frequency in a second period in which the free space in the first storage area indicates a capacity that is below the reference. The notification unit 5 repeatedly notifies the free space in the first storage area.

When the continuous shooting speed changes according to the free space in the first storage area, the free space in the first storage area is repeatedly notified. This improves operability.
[Example]

  Referring to FIG. 2, the digital camera 10 of this embodiment includes a focus lens 12 and an aperture unit 14 driven by drivers 18a and 18b, respectively. An optical image representing a scene that has passed through these members is irradiated onto the imaging surface of the image sensor 16 and subjected to photoelectric conversion. As a result, a charge representing the scene is generated.

  When the power is turned on, the CPU 26 instructs the driver 18c to repeat the exposure operation and the charge readout operation under the imaging main task in order to execute the moving image capturing process. In response to a vertical synchronization signal Vsync periodically generated from an SG (Signal Generator) (not shown), the driver 18c exposes the imaging surface and reads out the charges generated on the imaging surface in a raster scanning manner. From the image sensor 16, RAW image data (= raw image data) based on the read charges is periodically output.

  The signal processing circuit 20 performs processing such as digital clamping and gain control on the RAW image data output from the image sensor 16. The RAW image data subjected to these processes is written into the SDRAM 32 through the memory control circuit 30. The signal processing circuit 20 further reads out the RAW image data stored in the SDRAM 32 through the memory control circuit 30, and performs processing such as color separation processing, white balance adjustment processing, YUV conversion processing on the read RAW image data, and YUV Create the display image data according to the format. Display image data is written into the SDRAM 32 through the memory control circuit 30.

  The LCD driver 36 repeatedly reads the display image data stored in the SDRAM 32 through the memory control circuit 30 and drives the LCD monitor 38 based on the read image data. As a result, a real-time moving image (through image) representing the scene is displayed on the LCD monitor 38.

  In addition, a buffer BF for preparing the RAW image data output from the image sensor 16 based on the operation of the shutter button 28 sh provided in the key input device 28 is prepared in the SDRAM 32. The buffer BF is divided into a plurality of areas, and a plurality of pieces of RAW image data can be taken into these areas. In this way, the CPU 26 displays the number of areas of the buffer BF in which the RAW image data can be captured on the LCD monitor 38 so as to be superimposed on the through image as a continuously shootable number indicating the number of frames that can be continuously shot.

  Referring to FIG. 3, an evaluation area EVA is allocated at the center of the imaging surface. The evaluation area EVA is divided into 16 in each of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and 256 divided areas form the evaluation area EVA. In addition to the above-described processing, the signal processing circuit 20 executes simple RGB conversion processing that simply converts RAW image data into RGB data.

  The AE evaluation circuit 22 integrates RGB data belonging to the evaluation area EVA among the RGB data generated by the signal processing circuit 20 every time the vertical synchronization signal Vsync is generated. As a result, 256 integral values, that is, 256 AE evaluation values, are output from the AE evaluation circuit 22 in response to the vertical synchronization signal Vsync. The AF evaluation circuit 24 integrates the high frequency components of the RGB data belonging to the evaluation area EVA among the RGB data generated by the signal processing circuit 20 each time the vertical synchronization signal Vsync is generated. As a result, 256 integral values, that is, 256 AF evaluation values, are output from the AF evaluation circuit 24 in response to the vertical synchronization signal Vsync.

  When the shutter button 28sh is in the non-operating state, the CPU 26 executes a simple AE process based on the output from the AE evaluation circuit 22 and calculates an appropriate EV value. The simple AE process is executed in parallel with the moving image capturing process, and the aperture amount and the exposure time that define the calculated appropriate EV value are set in the drivers 18b and 18c, respectively. As a result, the brightness of the through image is appropriately adjusted.

  When the shutter button 28sh is half-pressed (= S1 state), the CPU 26 executes a strict AE process based on the output from the AE evaluation circuit 22. The aperture amount and the exposure time that define the optimum EV value calculated by the strict AE process are set in the drivers 18b and 18c, respectively. As a result, the brightness of the through image is adjusted strictly.

  When the strict AE process is completed, the CPU 26 executes the AF process based on the output from the AF evaluation circuit 24. As a result, the focus lens 12 is disposed at the focal point, and the sharpness of the through image is improved.

  When the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed (= S2 state), the display of the through image is stopped, the RAW image is captured, the freeze image is generated and displayed, and the RAW image data is converted to DNG (Digital Negative) image data. Each process of writing a DNG image file, converting RAW image data to JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) image data, and writing a JPEG image file is executed for one frame image. When the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed, a part of each process is executed in parallel as shown in the timing diagrams of FIGS.

  Referring to FIG. 4, when the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed, the RAW capture task is activated after the strict AE process and the AF process are completed. Further, the display of the number of continuous shots displayed on the LCD monitor 38 is updated to a value reduced by “1”.

  Under the RAW capture task, the CPU 26 instructs the driver 18c to perform an exposure operation for a period determined by the strict AE process. When the exposure process is completed, the CPU 26 commands the start of DMA (Direct Memory Access) transfer so that the RAW image data generated by the exposure process is taken into the buffer BF.

  If the full-press state of the shutter button 28sh is continued at the time when the acquisition of the RAW image data is completed, the CPU 26 activates a RAW acquisition task to acquire the RAW image data of the second frame. Further, the display of the number of continuous shots displayed on the LCD monitor 38 is updated to a value reduced by “1”.

  When the DMA transfer of the RAW image data of the second frame is started, the CPU 26 activates a freeze image task in order to create and display a freeze image in parallel with the capture of the RAW image data. Under the freeze image task, the CPU 26 performs zoom processing or the like on the RAW image data of the first frame captured in the buffer BF to create a freeze image. The created freeze image is displayed on the LCD monitor 38 instead of the through image.

  According to the example shown in FIG. 4, the fully pressed state of the shutter button 28 sh is released during the capture of the RAW image data of the third frame (= S2 to S1 to OFF). In this case, when the capture of the RAW image data for the third frame is completed, a freeze image for the third frame is created and displayed.

  Next, under the imaging main task, the CPU 26 executes a conversion process from the RAW image data of the first frame to the DNG image data and a pixel defect correction process. As a result, DNG format image data corresponding to the first frame is created in the SDRAM 32.

  In order to execute writing of an image file in the DNG format based on the created DNG image data, the CPU 26 activates a file writing task. Under the file write task, the CPU 26 starts writing the DNG image file to the recording medium 42 based on the DNG image data stored in the SDRAM 32.

  When the writing of the DNG image file is completed, the CPU 26 executes a conversion process from the RAW image data of the first frame to the JPEG image data under the imaging main task. As a result, JPEG image data corresponding to the first frame is created in the SDRAM 32.

  In order to execute writing of an image file in JPEG format based on the created JPEG image data, the CPU 26 activates a file writing task. Under the file writing task, the CPU 26 starts writing the JPEG image file to the recording medium 42 based on the JPEG image data stored in the SDRAM 32.

  In parallel with the writing of the JPEG image file of the first frame, the CPU 26 executes conversion processing from RAW image data of the second frame to DNG image data and pixel defect correction processing under the imaging main task. As a result, DNG format image data corresponding to the second frame is created in the SDRAM 32.

  When the writing of the JPEG image file is completed, the RAW image data of the first frame is cleared from the buffer BF. That is, since the vacant area of the buffer BF is increased by 1, the display of the number of continuous shots displayed on the LCD monitor 38 is updated to a value added with “1”.

  When the creation of the DNG image data is completed, the CPU 26 activates a file writing task and starts writing the DNG image file corresponding to the second frame to the recording medium 42.

  Referring to FIG. 5, when the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed again during writing of the DNG image file, that is, when a so-called continuous continuous shooting operation is performed, RAW image data of a new frame is captured. Freeze images are created and displayed.

  Here, when the number of areas of the buffer BF that can capture RAW image data is “4”, when 3 frames of RAW image data is captured into the buffer BF by the first full-press operation of the shutter button 28 sh, There is one free area. After that, the RAW image data of the first frame is cleared from the buffer BF when the writing of the JPEG image file is completed, so there are two free areas in the buffer BF at the start of the continuous shooting.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, even when the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed, the RAW image data capturing is completed twice. If the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed until the writing of the JPEG image file corresponding to the second frame is completed, a new empty area is generated in the buffer BF. Performed once.

  The display of the number of continuous shots can be changed in the following manner. Referring to FIG. 6A, when the number of areas of the buffer BF that can capture RAW image data is “4”, the number display area AR of the LCD monitor 38 is displayed while the shutter button 28sh is not operated. The number of continuous shots “4” is displayed on the through image.

  Referring to FIG. 6B, when the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed, the through image display is stopped, and the RAW image data of the first frame is taken into the first area of the buffer BF. As a result, the display of the number of continuous shots is reduced by “1” and changed to “3”.

  Referring to FIG. 7A, when the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed, the RAW image data of the second frame is taken into the second area of the buffer BF. As a result, the display of the number of continuous shots is reduced by “1” and changed to “2”. A freeze image for the first frame is created and displayed on the LCD monitor 38.

  Referring to FIG. 7B, when the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed, the RAW image data of the third frame is taken into the third area of the buffer BF. As a result, the display of the number of continuous shots is reduced by “1” and changed to “1”. A freeze image for the second frame is created and displayed on the LCD monitor 38.

  Referring to FIG. 8A, when the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed between the start of capturing the RAW image data for the third frame and the completion of capturing, the RAW image data is captured for the third frame. Stop at. Therefore, the display of the number of continuous shots does not change. A freeze image for the third frame is created and displayed on the LCD monitor 38.

  Referring to FIG. 8B, when the writing of the JPEG image file of the first frame is completed, the RAW image data of the first frame is cleared from the first area of the buffer BF. As a result, “1” is added to the display of the number of images that can be continuously shot, and the display changes to “2”. Further, the display of the freeze image in the third frame is continued.

  Referring to FIG. 9A, when the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed again in the state shown in FIG. 8B, the RAW image data of the fourth frame is taken into the fourth area of the buffer BF. . As a result, the display of the number of continuous shots is reduced by “1” and changed to “1”. Further, the display of the freeze image in the third frame is continued.

  Referring to FIG. 9B, when the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed, the RAW image data of the fifth frame is taken into the first area of the buffer BF. As a result, the display of the number of continuous shots is reduced by “1” and changed to “0”. A freeze image for the fourth frame is created and displayed on the LCD monitor 38.

  Referring to FIG. 10A, even when the shutter button 28sh is fully depressed, RAW image data is captured in all areas of the buffer BF, so that new RAW image data is captured. Is not done. A freeze image of the fifth frame is created and displayed on the LCD monitor 38. The display of the number of images that can be continuously shot is changed to “1”, “2”, and “3” by adding “1” every time writing of the JPEG image files of the second, third, and fourth frames is completed. .

  Referring to FIG. 10B, when the writing of the JPEG image file of the fifth frame is completed without a new full pressing operation of shutter button 28sh, “1” is added to the display of the number of continuously shootable images. It changes to “4”. In addition, the display of the through image is resumed.

  The CPU 26 executes in parallel a plurality of tasks including the imaging main task shown in FIGS. 11 to 15, the RAW capture task shown in FIG. 20, the freeze image task shown in FIG. 21, and the file writing task shown in FIG. 22. . Note that control programs corresponding to these tasks are stored in the flash memory 44.

  In the following description of the flow diagram, variables defined as follows are used. Referring to FIG. 11, variable “N” indicates the number of areas in use in the area of buffer BF. The maximum value of the variable N is set to “Nmax”, that is, Nmax corresponds to the number of areas prepared in the buffer BF.

  The variable “M” indicates an area number of the buffer BF, and particularly designates a target to be converted into the DNG format or JPEG format.

  The variable “P” indicates the area number of the buffer BF, and in particular, designates an area for capturing RAW image data.

  The variable “Q” indicates an area number of the buffer BF, and particularly designates a target for creating a freeze image.

  In step S1, the variable N is initially set to “0”, in step S3, the maximum value Nmax of the variable N is set to “4”, in step S5, the variable M is initially set to “1”, and in step S7, the variable P is set. "0" is initialized.

  In step S9, the driver 18c is instructed to repeat the exposure operation and the charge readout operation under the main imaging task in order to execute the moving image capturing process. As a result, raw image data based on the read charges is periodically output from the image sensor 16.

  In step S11, display of a through image on the LCD monitor 38 is started, and in step S13, the number Nmax of continuous shots is displayed on the LCD monitor 38 so as to be superimposed on the through image.

  In step S15, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 28sh is half-pressed. If the determination result is NO, a simple AE process is executed in step S17. As a result, the brightness of the through image is appropriately adjusted.

  When the determination result in step S15 is updated from NO to YES, a strict AE process is executed in step S19. As a result, the brightness of the through image is adjusted strictly. In step S21, AF processing is executed. As a result, the focus lens 12 is disposed at the focal point, and the sharpness of the through image is improved.

  In step S23, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the shutter button 28sh has been fully pressed. If the determination result is NO, it is determined in step S25 whether or not the shutter button 28sh has been released. If the determination result in step S25 is NO, the process returns to step S23, while if the determination result in step S25 is YES, the process returns to step S15.

  If the decision result in the step S23 is YES, the display of the through image on the LCD monitor 38 is stopped in a step S27. In step S29, continuous shooting control processing is executed. When the process in step S29 is completed, in step S31, the RAW image data captured in the Mth area of the buffer BF by the process in step S29 is subjected to a process for converting to DNG format and a pixel defect correction process. As a result, DNG format image data is created in the SDRAM 32.

  In order to write an image file based on the created DNG image data to the recording medium 42, the flag FLG_jpeg is set to “0” in step S33, the flag FLG_file is set to “0” in step S35, and the file is set in step S37. Start the write task.

  In step S39, it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the flag FLG_file in order to determine the end of the file writing task activated in step S37. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S47 while if the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S41, it is determined whether or not the variable N is less than Nmax. If the determination result is NO, the process returns to step S39, whereas if the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S43. In step S43, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed. If the determination result is NO, the process returns to step S39, whereas if the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, a continuous shooting control process is executed, and after the continuous shooting control process is completed, the process returns to step S39.

  In step S47, the RAW image data captured in the Mth area of the buffer BF by the processing in step S29 or S43 is subjected to processing for conversion to JPEG format. As a result, JPEG format image data is created in the SDRAM 32.

  In order to write the image file based on the created JPEG image data to the recording medium 42, “1” is set to the flag FLG_jpeg in step S49, “0” is set to the flag FLG_file in step S51, and the file is set in step S53. Start the write task.

  In step S55, it is determined whether or not the variable N indicates “2” or more. If the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S71. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S57. In step S57, the variable M is incremented, and it is determined in step S59 whether or not the variable M has exceeded Nmax. If the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S63, and if the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S63 through the process of step S61.

  In step S61, the variable M is set to “1”, and in step S63, the RAW image data captured in the Mth area of the buffer BF by the process in step S29 or S43 is converted into the DNG format and the pixel. Defect correction processing is performed. As a result, an image in the DNG format is created in the SDRAM 32.

  In step S65, it is repeatedly determined whether or not “1” is set in the flag FLG_file in order to determine the end of the file writing task started in step S53. When the determination result is updated from NO to YES, the process proceeds to Step S67.

  In step S67, the variable N is decremented. In step S69, the display of the number of continuously shootable images on the LCD monitor 38 is updated to “Nmax−N”, and then the process returns to step S33.

  In step S71, it is repeatedly determined whether or not “1” is set in the flag FLG_file in order to determine the end of the file writing task started in step S53. When the determination result is updated from NO to YES, the process proceeds to Step S73.

  In step S73, the variable N is decremented, and in step S75, the display of the number of continuously shootable images on the LCD monitor 38 is updated to “Nmax−N”. In step S77, display of the through image on the LCD monitor 38 is started, and then the process returns to step S15.

  The continuous shooting control process of steps S29 and S43 is executed according to the subroutines shown in FIGS. In step S81, the variable N is incremented, and in step S83, the variable P is incremented.

  In step S85, it is determined whether or not the value indicated by the variable P exceeds Nmax. If the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S89, and if the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S89 through a process in step S87. In step S87, the variable P is set to “1”.

  In step S89, the flag FLG_raw is set to “0”, and in step S91, the RAW capture task is activated. In step S93, the display of the number of continuously shootable images on the LCD monitor 38 is updated to “Nmax−N”.

  In step S95, it is repeatedly determined whether or not “1” is set in the flag FLG_raw in order to determine the end of the RAW capture task activated in step S91. When the determination result is updated from NO to YES, the process proceeds to Step S97.

  In step S97, it is determined whether or not the variable N is less than Nmax. If the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S101, and if the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S99. In step S99, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed. If the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S101, and if the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the value indicated by the variable P is set as the variable Q.

  In order to create a freeze image based on the RAW image data captured in the buffer BF, “0” is set to the flag FLG_frz in step S103, and the freeze image task is activated in step S105. In step S107, it is determined whether or not the flag FLG_frz is set to “1” in order to determine the end of the activated freeze image task. When the determination result is updated from NO to YES, the process returns to the upper hierarchy routine.

  In step S109, the variable N is incremented, and in step S111, the variable P is incremented.

  In step S113, it is determined whether or not the value indicated by the variable P exceeds Nmax. If the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S117. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S117 via step S115. In step S115, the variable P is set to “1”.

  In step S117, the flag FLG_raw is set to “0”, and in step S119, the RAW capture task is activated. In step S121, the display of the number of continuously shootable images on the LCD monitor 38 is updated to “Nmax−N”.

  In step S123, it is repeatedly determined whether or not “1” is set in the flag FLG_dma in order to determine whether or not the RAW image data transfer processing by the DMA is started in the RAW capturing task activated in step S119. When the determination result is updated from NO to YES, the process proceeds to Step S125.

  In step S125, a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the value indicated by the variable P is set as the variable Q. In step S127, it is determined whether or not the variable Q is less than “1”. If the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S131, while if the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S131 through the process of step S129. In step S129, the value indicated by Nmax is set in the variable Q.

  In order to create a freeze image based on the RAW image data captured in the buffer BF, “0” is set to the flag FLG_frz in step S131, and the freeze image task is activated in step S133. Thereafter, the process returns to step S95.

  Referring to FIG. 20, in step S141, flag FLG_dma is set to “0”, and the exposure operation for the period determined by the strict AE process in step S19 is commanded to driver 18c in step S143. When the exposure process is completed, in order to capture the RAW image data generated by the exposure process into the Pth area of the buffer BF, an instruction to start DMA transfer is issued in step S145. Further, in order to announce the start of DMA transfer, in step S147, “1” is set to the flag FLG_dma.

  In step S149, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the DMA transfer is completed. If the determination result is updated from NO to YES, "1" is set to the flag FLG_raw in step S151 in order to assert the end of the RAW capture task. Thereafter, the RAW capture task is terminated.

  Referring to FIG. 21, in step S161, RAW image data captured in the Qth area of buffer BF is read, and a freeze image is created in step S163 based on the read RAW image data. The created freeze image is displayed on the LCD monitor 38 in step S165 instead of the through image or the previous freeze image.

  In step S167, “1” is set to the flag FLG_frz in order to announce the end of the freeze image task. Thereafter, the freeze image task is terminated.

  Referring to FIG. 22, in step S171, it is determined whether or not “0” is set in flag FLG_jpeg. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S183 through the processing of steps S173 and S175, while the determination result If NO, the process proceeds to step S183 through steps S177 to S181.

  In step S173, writing of the DNG image file to the recording medium 42 is started based on the DNG image data stored in the SDRAM 32. Whether or not the writing is completed is repeatedly determined in step S175, and if the determination result is updated from NO to YES, the process proceeds to step S183.

  In step S177, writing of the JPEG image file to the recording medium 42 is started based on the JPEG image data stored in the SDRAM 32. Whether or not the writing is completed is repeatedly determined in step S179, and when the determination result is updated from NO to YES, the writing content of the Mth area of the buffer BF is cleared in step S181.

  In step S183, the flag FLG_file is set to “1” to announce the end of the file writing task. Thereafter, the file writing task is terminated.

  As can be seen from the above description, the CPU 26 writes the electronic image output from the image sensor 16 to the buffer BF every time when the shutter button 28sh is fully pressed, and the electronic image stored in the buffer BF is recorded in the recording medium 42. Forward to. The CPU 26 also detects the full press of the shutter button 28sh at the first frequency in the first period in which the free capacity of the buffer BF indicates a capacity greater than or equal to the reference, and in the second period in which the free capacity of the buffer BF indicates a capacity below the reference. A full press of the shutter button 28sh is detected at a second frequency lower than the first frequency. The CPU 26 also repeatedly notifies the free space of the buffer BF.

  When the continuous shooting speed changes according to the free space of the buffer BF, the free space of the buffer BF is repeatedly notified. This improves operability.

  In this embodiment, the number of areas of the buffer BF that can receive RAW image data is set to “4”. However, a number of areas other than “4” may be provided in the buffer BF.

  In this embodiment, image files in the DNG and JPEG formats are created on the recording medium 42. However, you may make it produce the image file of formats other than these.

  Further, in this embodiment, the display of the number of continuous shots that can be performed in continuous shooting executed by continuing the shutter button fully pressed is given as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case of so-called “quick shooting” executed by intermittently pressing the shutter button.

  In this case, strict AE processing, AF processing, RAW image capture, and freeze image creation and display processing are executed for each frame image in accordance with the rapid shooting operation. At the time when the rapid shooting operation is completed, each process of conversion from RAW image data to DNG image data, writing of a DNG format image file, conversion of RAW image data to JPEG image data, and writing of a JPEG format image file is performed. , Executed for each frame image. In association with the execution of each of these processes, the display of the number of possible rapid shots is updated in accordance with the increase / decrease in the free area of the buffer.

  In this embodiment, the multitask OS and control programs corresponding to a plurality of tasks executed thereby are stored in the flash memory 44 in advance. However, a communication I / F 60 for connecting to an external server is provided in the digital camera 10 in the manner shown in FIG. 23, and some control programs are prepared as internal control programs in the flash memory 44 from the beginning, while other parts are provided. These control programs may be acquired from an external server as an external control program. In this case, the above-described operation is realized by cooperation of the internal control program and the external control program.

  In this embodiment, the processing executed by the CPU 26 includes the main imaging task shown in FIGS. 11 to 15, the RAW capture task shown in FIG. 20, the freeze image task shown in FIG. 21, and the file writing shown in FIG. Divided into multiple tasks including tasks. However, these tasks may be further divided into a plurality of small tasks, and some of the divided small tasks may be integrated. Further, when the transfer task is divided into a plurality of small tasks, all or part of the transfer task may be acquired from an external server.

  Further, in this embodiment, immediately after the activation of the RAW capture task, the display of the number of continuous shots that can be reduced during the continuous shooting operation is updated. However, the display may be updated at other timings. For example, the display of the number of images that can be continuously shot may be updated after the creation of the freeze image is completed.

  In this case, the following processing is executed in place of step S93 in FIG. 16 and S121 in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 24, when the determination result in step S107 is updated from NO to YES, step S191 is executed. In step S191, processing similar to that in steps S93 and S121 is executed.

  Referring to FIG. 25, steps S193 and S195 are executed after the process of step S133 is completed. In step S193, processing similar to that in step S107 is performed, and in step S195, processing similar to that in steps S93 and S121 is performed.

  In this embodiment, the digital still camera has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a digital video camera, a tablet computer, a mobile phone terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

  In this embodiment, the operator is notified of the number of images that can be continuously shot by displaying on the LCD monitor 38. However, an external device other than the digital camera 10 may notify the operator of the number of images that can be continuously shot and whether continuous shooting is possible.

  For example, when the external optical finder 70 having the LED 72 is attached to the digital camera 10 as in the example shown in FIG. 26, the CPU 26 and the LED 72 may be connected. In this case, as shown in the example of FIG. 9B, when the RAW image data is captured in all the areas of the buffer BF, the LED 72 is caused to emit light and the operator looking into the optical finder 70 can determine the number of continuous shots “ What is necessary is just to notify that it is 0 ".

  In this embodiment, the number of buffer BF areas into which RAW image data can be captured is displayed on the LCD monitor 38 as the number of continuously shootable images. However, it is also possible to display the number of continuous shots taking into account the free space of the recording medium 42. In this case, the number of continuous shots may be calculated and displayed as follows.

  Referring to FIG. 27, step S201 is executed after the process of step S3 in FIG. 11 is completed and before step S5 is executed. In step S201, the free space confirmation task shown in FIG. 28 is activated.

  Referring to FIG. 28, in step S211, the recording medium 42 is accessed through the I / F 40, and the free capacity of the recording medium 42 is acquired.

  Based on the free space acquired in step S211, in step S213, the number of images that can be loaded into the buffer BF as RAW image data is calculated. In this embodiment, a DNG format image file and a JPEG format image file are created on the recording medium 42 based on one RAW image data. Therefore, by dividing the free capacity of the recording medium 42 by the sum of the assumed size of the DNG image file and the assumed size of the JPEG image file, the number of sheets that can be loaded into the buffer BF is obtained.

  In step S215, it is determined whether or not the number of sheets that can be captured calculated in step S213 is equal to or less than the maximum value Nmax of the variable N. If the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S221 through the process of step S219, and if the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S221 through the process of step S217.

  In step S217, the flag FLG_disk is set to “1”, and in step S219, the flag FLG_disk is set to “0”.

  In step S221, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the recording content of the recording medium 42 has been updated. If the determination result is updated from NO to YES, the process returns to step S211.

  Referring to FIG. 29, if YES is determined in step S65 in FIG. 15, step S231 is executed before the process in step S67. In step S231, it is determined whether or not “0” is set in the flag FLG_disk. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S69 through the process of step S67. If the determination result is NO, step S67 is performed. It progresses to step S69, without performing.

  Similarly, referring to FIG. 30, if YES is determined in step S71 of FIG. 15, step S233 is executed before the process of step S73. In step S233, it is determined whether or not “0” is set in the flag FLG_disk. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S75 through the process of step S73. If the determination result is NO, step S73 is performed. It progresses to step S75, without performing.

  As described above, even when the available number of images calculated based on the free space of the recording medium 42 is equal to or less than the maximum value Nmax of the variable N, even if the free area of the buffer BF increases due to clearing of the RAW image data, The display of the number of possible shots is not updated. Further, when the recording medium 42 runs out of free space, new RAW image data is not captured even when the shutter button 28 sh is fully pressed.

  Referring to FIG. 31, if YES is determined in step S23 of FIG. 11, step S241 is executed before the process of step S27. In step S241, it is determined whether or not the variable N is less than Nmax. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S27. If the determination result is NO, the process proceeds to step S25.

  As described above, when the recording medium 42 runs out of space due to the writing of the DNG image file and the JPEG image file, each process for shooting is not executed even if an operation for continuous continuous shooting is performed.

10 ... Digital camera 16 ... Image sensor 26 ... CPU
28 ... Key input device 32 ... SDRAM
42 ... Recording medium 28sh ... Shutter button BF ... Buffer

Claims (8)

A writing means for writing the electronic image output from the imaging means to the first storage area each time an acquisition operation by a full pressing operation of the shutter button is detected;
Transfer means for transferring an electronic image stored in the first storage area to the second storage area by the writing means;
First detection means for detecting the acquisition operation at a first frequency in a first period in which a free capacity of the first storage area indicates a capacity greater than or equal to a reference;
Second detection means for detecting the acquisition operation at a second frequency less than the first frequency in a second period in which the free capacity of the first storage area is less than the reference; and
Informing means for repeatedly informing the free space of the first storage area in units of acquirable frames ;
A display means for displaying the electronic image output from the imaging means or the electronic image stored in the first storage area;
Each time the acquisition operation is detected, the electronic image displayed on the display unit is updated and displayed, and the number of acquirable frames notified by the notification unit is updated on the updated electronic image. and displays, electronic camera.   The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a limiting unit that limits processing of the transfer unit in association with detection of the acquisition operation by the first detection unit. The transfer means generates an electronic image of a format different from the electronic image based on the electronic image stored in the first storage area by the writing means, and the electronic image generated by the image generation means including file creation means for creating in the second storage area of the file for storing, according to claim 1 to the electronic camera according to any one of 2. The first storage area corresponds to a main storage device, the second storage area corresponding to the recording medium, the electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In the electronic camera processor,
A writing step of writing the electronic image output from the imaging means into the first storage area each time an acquisition operation by a full press operation of the shutter button is detected;
A transfer step of transferring the electronic image stored in the first storage area to the second storage area by the writing step;
A first detection step of detecting the acquisition operation at a first frequency in a first period in which a free capacity of the first storage area indicates a capacity greater than a reference;
A second detection step of detecting the acquisition operation at a second frequency less than the first frequency in a second period in which the free capacity of the first storage area indicates a capacity below the reference;
An informing step of repeatedly informing the free capacity of the first storage area in units of acquirable frames , and the electronic image output from the imaging means or the electronic image stored in the first storage area Display and update the displayed electronic image every time the acquisition operation is detected, and superimpose the updated electronic image to update the number of acquirable frames notified in the notification step. An imaging control program for executing a display step of displaying. An imaging control method executed by an electronic camera,
A writing step of writing the electronic image output from the imaging means into the first storage area each time an acquisition operation by a full press operation of the shutter button is detected;
A transfer step of transferring the electronic image stored in the first storage area to the second storage area by the writing step;
A first detection step of detecting the acquisition operation at a first frequency in a first period in which a free capacity of the first storage area indicates a capacity greater than a reference;
A second detection step of detecting the acquisition operation at a second frequency less than the first frequency in a second period in which the free capacity of the first storage area indicates a capacity below the reference;
An informing step of repeatedly informing the free capacity of the first storage area in units of acquirable frames , and the electronic image output from the imaging means or the electronic image stored in the first storage area Display and update the displayed electronic image every time the acquisition operation is detected, and superimpose the updated electronic image to update the number of acquirable frames notified in the notification step. An imaging control method comprising a display step for displaying the image. An external control program supplied to an electronic camera including a processor that executes processing according to an internal control program stored in a memory,
A writing step of writing an electronic image output from the imaging means into the first storage area each time an acquisition operation by a full press operation of the shutter button is detected;
A transfer step of transferring the electronic image stored in the first storage area to the second storage area by the writing step;
A first detection step of detecting the acquisition operation at a first frequency in a first period in which a free capacity of the first storage area indicates a capacity greater than a reference;
A second detection step of detecting the acquisition operation at a second frequency less than the first frequency in a second period in which the free capacity of the first storage area indicates a capacity below the reference;
An informing step of repeatedly informing the free capacity of the first storage area in units of acquirable frames , and the electronic image output from the imaging means or the electronic image stored in the first storage area Display and update the displayed electronic image every time the acquisition operation is detected, and superimpose the updated electronic image to update the number of acquirable frames notified in the notification step. An external control program for causing the processor to execute a display step of displaying in cooperation with the internal control program. An electronic camera comprising: a receiving unit that receives an external control program; and a processor that executes processing according to the external control program received by the receiving unit and an internal control program stored in a memory,
The external control program is
A writing step of writing the electronic image output from the imaging means into the first storage area each time an acquisition operation by a full press operation of the shutter button is detected;
A transfer step of transferring the electronic image stored in the first storage area to the second storage area by the writing step;
A first detection step of detecting the acquisition operation at a first frequency in a first period in which a free capacity of the first storage area indicates a capacity greater than a reference;
A second detection step of detecting the acquisition operation at a second frequency less than the first frequency in a second period in which the free capacity of the first storage area indicates a capacity below the reference;
An informing step of repeatedly informing the free capacity of the first storage area in units of acquirable frames , and the electronic image output from the imaging means or the electronic image stored in the first storage area Display and update the displayed electronic image every time the acquisition operation is detected, and superimpose the updated electronic image to update the number of acquirable frames notified in the notification step. An electronic camera corresponding to a program that executes a display step of displaying in cooperation with the internal control program.

Images