JPH0381349B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

The present invention relates to an electronic still camera using an electronic storage medium (solid-state memory, magnetic floppy disk, etc.) as a storage means. According to conventional electronic still cameras, even if the storage medium is recorded, when it is played back, it often contains a considerable amount of information that cannot be saved. This meant that the camera was wasted, which made it impossible to record valuable images. The electronic still camera of the present invention was created by focusing on the characteristics of the electronic storage medium used, namely, that images can be easily reproduced and rewritten, and its purpose is to be extremely user-friendly. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic still camera that can effectively use the capacity of a storage medium. To achieve this object, the electronic still camera of the present invention includes a photographing optical system, an imaging means for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the optical system into an image signal, and an image signal output from the imaging means. at least 1
a buffer memory for temporarily storing still image signals; a storage means for storing a plurality of still image signals;
a display means for visualizing an image signal; a designation means for designating a still image already stored in the storage means and reproducing it on the display means; storage control means for storing a still image signal to be stored in the storage means, and as a result of viewing the stored still image signal specified by the specifying means on the display means, it is determined that the specified image signal does not need to be stored. In this case, the storage control means controls the still image signal stored in the buffer memory to be stored in the specified image signal storage area of the storage means instead of the unnecessary still image signal. That is. In short, the feature is that after specifying an old still image stored in the storage means, it can be played back and viewed on the display means, and if the user decides that the old still image that has been played back is unnecessary, Under the control of the storage control means, this unnecessary old still image is replaced with a new still image read from the buffer memory and stored in the storage means. By adopting this configuration, even if the storage means is full of still image signals, you can continue shooting as long as there are still images that are not needed, so you can save valuable opportunities for shooting. This has the remarkable effect of not causing data to be lost and making it possible to effectively use a storage means with a limited storage capacity. Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the block diagrams (Fig. 3, 4) referred to below
The arrows between each component in the figure) simply indicate the signal transmission/reception relationship, and the arrows between each component indicate the signal transmission/reception relationship.
This does not show only the case where the signal lines are connected, nor does it show only the case where one type of signal is transmitted and received. In FIG. 1, an electronic camera C is composed of an imaging section C ₁ and a storage section C ₂ which are separable from each other.
The imaging unit _C1 generates an image signal corresponding to the subject. This image signal is sent to the storage section _C2 and stored in a built-in storage system (described in detail later). The storage unit _C2 is removed from the imaging unit _C1 ,
By connecting to an external storage means (not shown) such as a VTR, image signals stored in the storage system can be transferred thereto. These configurations will be explained in detail below. A trigger button 1 is provided on the top surface of the imaging section _C1 . The button 1 is pressed to start the operation of the camera C, and can be pressed with a first stroke and a deeper second stroke.
(Hereinafter, the first stroke will be referred to as a half press, and the second stroke will be referred to as a full press.) On the front is a photographic optical system L that is detachable from the imaging unit _C1 , and a push button that is pressed to start self-timer photography. Button 2, flash light emitting section 3, and objective section 4 of optical viewfinder 4
A is provided. On the side, there is a slider 5 that is operated when removing the storage section _C2 from the imaging section _C1 .
is provided. In FIG. 2, above the back of the imaging unit _C1 ,
An eyepiece section 4b of an optical viewfinder, a clear button 6 that is pressed to restart the shooting operation, a switching lever 7 for selecting various shooting modes, and the lever 7.
An access button 8 is provided at the center of rotation. Switching the switching lever 7 to the "A" position selects automatic access mode, switching to the "MAN" position selects manual access mode, and switching the switch lever 7 to the "MUL" position selects multiple exposure mode, as well as "ch ₁ " and "ch ₂ ".
When switched to the position, the first and second chromakey modes are respectively selected. These shooting modes will be explained in detail later. Access button 8
is pressed in order to sequentially and cyclically access a plurality of frames of image signals stored in the storage system built into the storage unit _C2 one frame at a time. Further, on the upper back side of the imaging unit _C1 , there is a switching slider 9 that is operated to select the image signal synthesis mode when the mode for obtaining the composite image signal, that is, the multiple exposure mode or chromakey mode is selected. A display element 10 made of an electro-optical element such as a 7-segment liquid crystal display element is disposed for displaying the type of image being imaged on a monitor D, which will be described later. At the lower part of the back side, there is a monitor D that is composed of electro-optical elements such as a liquid crystal matrix and electroluminescence and that converts one frame of image signal into an image, a push button 11 that is pressed to turn on and off the operation of the monitor D, An exposure mode selection slider 12, an exposure time setting slider 13, an aperture value setting slider 14, a brightness adjustment slider 15, and a color specification slider 16 that is operated when the chromakey mode is selected are arranged. When the exposure mode selection slider 12 is set to the "T" position, shutter priority is selected, when it is set to "A", aperture priority is selected, and when it is set to "P", each automatic exposure mode of program is selected. ” to select manual exposure mode. The side of the imaging unit _C1 is connected to an external storage device such as a VTR or other external storage device such as a VTR.
A connector 17 is provided for outputting to a CRT display device or inputting from an external storage device or an external imaging device. A display element 18 made of an electro-optical element such as an electrochromic display element is arranged on the back side of the storage section _C2 so that the usage status of the storage system, which will be described later, can be seen at a glance. In FIG. 3, light coming from an object (not shown) is transmitted to an image sensor I such as a CCD by a photographing optical system L.
imaged above. The image sensor I has a color mosaic filter on its imaging surface, and photoelectrically converts this subject image. The electrical signal corresponding to this subject image is repeatedly read out as an image signal at a moving image period (for example, at a period of 30 frames per second) by a drive signal from the recording processing system W. (Hereafter, this image signal will be referred to as the raw image signal) Recording processing system W
is amplified to this raw image signal, and the memory system M・
If buffer memory B is digital memory,
Perform processing such as AD conversion and output. The raw image signal is input to the changeover switch circuit S ₁ via the first input terminal S ₁ a, and when it passes through the circuit S ₁ it is input to the delay circuit.
Input to De ₁ and delayed. (The reason for providing this circuit De ₁ will be described later.) After passing through the gate circuit G ₁ , the signal is sent to the adder circuit A via its first input terminal Aa. The circuit A also has a second input terminal Ab, adds image signals sent to both terminals Aa and Ab, and outputs a composite image in which both signals are superimposed. However, if there is only one input signal, that input signal is output as is. Further, a brightness adjustment signal generating means 15a linked to the brightness adjustment slider 15 is connected to the circuit A.
Slider 1 to set the brightness level of the image signal input to
It is variable according to the operation in step 5. When the raw image signal is directly output from the adder circuit A, it is branched into four parts, each of which is connected to the reproduction processing system R, the storage system M, the first input terminal _S2a of the switch circuit _S2 , and the connector 17. sent to. The reproduction processing system R amplifies the input image signal.
If the image signal is input in the form of a digital signal, it is subjected to processing such as DA conversion and sent to the monitor D. The monitor D is controlled by a drive signal from the reproduction processing system R, and converts the input image signal into an image. Therefore, when the raw image signal is input to the reproduction processing system R, the subject image formed on the image sensor I is reproduced on the monitor D as a moving image. The raw image signal path from the image sensor I to the monitor D described above (I-W-S ₁ -De ₁ -G ₁ -A-R
-D) is hereinafter referred to as the ID route. The raw image signal sent from the image sensor I via the adder circuit A to the first input terminal S _{2 a} of the changeover switch circuit S ₂ can be written to the buffer memory B after passing through this. This buffer memory has a capacity for one frame. Only one arbitrary frame of the continuously sent raw image signal is written into the memory B and stored. (Hereinafter, one frame of raw image signal stored in memory B will be referred to as a photographed image signal.) The raw image signal path from this image sensor I to buffer memory B (I-W-S ₁ -De ₁ -G ₁ - A-S ₂
-B) is hereinafter referred to as the IB route. The raw image signal written from the image sensor I to the storage system M via the adder circuit A is stored there. The storage system M is built in the storage unit _C2 , has a capacity to store input image signals for multiple frames, and has the capacity to store an image signal for any one frame (hereinafter, this image signal will be referred to as a stored image). signal)
can be accessed randomly. For example 1
It has a plurality of memories, such as video RAM magnetic bubbles, each having a capacity that can store image signals for frames. Any memory can be accessed at random, and the accessed memory can be connected to the input terminal and output terminal of the storage system M. Each memory is composed of a very large number of memory cells, and one memory cell is allocated to each pixel worth of image signal. The raw image signal path (I-W-S ₁ -De ₁ -G ₁ -A-M) from the image sensor I to the memory system M is shown below as IM.
It is called a route. The stored image signal read from the storage system M is sent to the second input terminal of the delay circuit De ₂ and the changeover switch circuit S ₂ .
S ₂ b. The stored image signal input to the delay circuit _De2 is delayed there and sent to the gate circuit _G2 . (The reason for providing the circuit De ₂ will be described later.) When the stored image signal passes through the circuit G ₂ , it is input to the adder circuit A via the second input terminal Ab, and is input to the first input terminal Aa.
If there is an input signal, the signal is added to the input signal, and if there is no input signal, it is output as is. The stored image signal sent from the addition circuit A to the reproduction processing system R is subjected there to the same processing as described above.
Sent to monitor D. Then, it is converted into a still image. The path of the stored image signal from the storage system M to the display element D (M-De ₂ -G ₂ -A-R-D) will be described below.
It is called the MD pathway. The stored image signal, which is written to the storage system M again after passing through the storage system M or the adder circuit A, is stored there. The path (M-De ₂ -G ₂ -A-M) of the stored image signal from the storage system M to the storage system M is hereinafter referred to as the MM path. The stored image signal read from the storage system M and input to the second input terminal S ₂ b of the changeover switch circuit S ₂ is
After passing through circuit _S2 , it becomes possible to write to buffer memory B. The image signal written to memory B is stored there. The path (M- _S2 -B) of the stored image signal from the storage system M to the buffer memory B is hereinafter referred to as the MB path. Further, the stored image signal read from the storage system M, passed through the adder circuit A, and sent to the first input terminal S ₂ a of the switch circuit S ₂ can be written into the buffer memory B after passing therethrough. The path of the stored image signal from this storage system M to the buffer memory B via the adder circuit A (M-De ₂ -G ₂
-A-S ₂ -B) is hereinafter referred to as the MAB route. The image signal (photographed image signal or stored image signal) stored in the buffer memory B is input to the changeover switch circuit S ₁ via the second input terminal S ₁ b. When passing through this, the gate circuit is passed through the delay circuit De ₁ .
_G1 , and when it passes through it, it is input to the adder circuit A via the first input terminal Aa. The image signal inputted from the adder circuit A to the reproduction processing system R is subjected there to the same processing as described above, and then sent to the monitor D. The monitor D images the image signal as a still image signal. Image signal path from buffer memory B to monitor D (B-S ₁ -De ₁ -G ₁ -A-R-D)
is hereinafter referred to as the BD pathway. The image signal written from buffer memory B to storage system M via adder circuit A is stored there. The signal path (B-S ₁ -De ₁ -G ₁ -A-M) from this buffer memory B to the storage system M is hereinafter referred to as the BM path. In FIG. 3, the changeover switches Sw ₁ , Sw ₂ ,
Sw ₃ , color discrimination circuit CD, inverter Iv, gate circuits G ₁ and G ₂ , and delay circuits De ₁ and De ₂ constitute a chromakey mechanism. For changeover switch Sw ₁ , the common terminal is the color discrimination circuit.
Terminal ch ₁ is the input terminal of the CD, and the selector switch circuit
The terminal ch ₂ is connected to the output terminal of the storage system M to the output terminal of S ₁ . The changeover switch Sw ₂ has its common terminal connected to the output terminal of the circuit CD and the input terminal of the inverter Iv, its terminal ch ₁ ′ connected to the first control input terminal G ₂ c of the gate circuit G ₂ , and its terminal ch ₂ ′ connected to the gate It is connected to the first control input terminal G ₁ c of the circuit G ₁ . The changeover switch Sw ₃ has its common terminal connected to the output terminal of the inverter Iv, its terminal ch ₁ ″ connected to the first control input terminal G ₁ c of the gate circuit G ₁ , and its terminal ch ₂ ″ connected to the first control input terminal of the gate circuit G ₂ Connected to input terminal G ₂ c. Switches Sw ₁ , Sw ₂ , and Sw ₃ are respectively switching levers 7
It can be switched in conjunction with Lever 7 is "A"
When it is in the "MAN" and "MUL" positions, it is neutral (no connection), and when it is in the "ch ₁ " position, it is connected to terminals ch ₁ , ch ₁ ′, ch ₁ ″, respectively, and “ch ₂ '', they are connected to the terminals ch ₂ , ch ₂ ′, and ch ₂ ″, respectively.The input terminal of the color discrimination circuit CD is connected to the switch circuit S ₁ or the memory system M by the switching connection of the switch Sw ₁ . Can be connected to either output terminal of the circuit.
The CD receives an image signal from the switch circuit _S1 or the storage system M, and detects color information of the image signal. When it detects that the image signal corresponds to a predetermined color, it outputs a high level (hereinafter abbreviated as H), and when it does not detect it, it outputs a low level (hereinafter abbreviated as L). Occur. A color designation signal generating means 16a for designating a color to be detected in conjunction with the slider 16 is connected to the circuit CD. The output of circuit CD is the switch
By switching the connection of Sw ₂ , it can be sent to either the first control input terminal G ₁ c, _{G 2} c of the gate circuits G ₁ , G 2 . Switch Sw ₃ connects to input terminal G ₂ c when switch Sw ₂ is connected to input terminal G ₁ c.
When the switch Sw ₂ is connected to the input terminal G ₂ c, it is connected to the input terminal G ₁ c.
Therefore, the output of the inverter Iv receiving the output of the circuit CD, that is, the inverted output of the circuit CD, is the input terminal G ₂ c when the output of the circuit CD is sent to the input terminal G ₁ c.
When the output of circuit CD is sent to input terminal G ₂ c, it is sent to input terminal G ₁ c. The gate circuits G ₁ and G ₂ are in an open state (conducting) when the input to the first control input terminal is H, and are in a closed state (non-conducting) when the input is L. In addition, the switches Sw ₁ , Sw ₂ , Sw ₃
When is neutral and when circuit CD is inactive, an H output is applied to both input terminals G ₁ c and G ₂ c from a power supply line (not shown). Therefore, depending on the H/L outputs of the color discrimination circuit CD and the inverter Iv, the gate circuit _G1 ,
G ₂ is controlled to open and close in a complementary manner, and the delay circuit De ₁ ,
Allows or excludes the image signal output from De ₂ . The delay circuits De ₁ and De ₂ are provided to match the image signal detected by the color discrimination circuit CD with the image signal rendered conductive or non-conductive by the gate circuits G ₁ and G ₂ . be. In FIG. 4, a control circuit CC controls the operation of each component of this embodiment. Switch 1a is the input terminal of circuit CC when you press trigger button 1 halfway.
When i ₁ is pressed all the way, it is connected to input terminal i ₂ and the press of trigger button 1 is transmitted to circuit CC. The switch 6a is closed when the clear button 16 is pressed and sends a clear signal to the circuit CC via the input terminal _i3 . The switch 7a sets the switching lever 7 to "ch ₁ ".
It is closed when aligned with the "ch ₂ " position, and the input terminal to the circuit CC indicates that the chromakey mode is selected.
Convey via i ₄ . The switch 7b is closed when the lever 7 is set to a position other than "A". Switch 8a is closed when access button 8 is pressed, and if switch 7b is also closed at this time, a manual access signal is sent to input terminal _i5 of circuit CC. When the switch 7C is set to the "A" position, the switch 7C connects the input terminals _i6 and "M" of the circuit CC.
When set to the position , input terminal i ₇ is set, and when set to ``MUL'' or ``ch ₁ '' or ``ch ₂ '', switch 8a is set.
It is connected to the common terminal of CC and transmits the selected shooting mode to the control circuit CC. The switch 9a is connected to the input terminal i ₈ of the circuit CC when the switching slider 9 is in the "CM" position, and to the input terminal i ₉ when it is in the "MM" position. At this time, if the switching lever 7 is in the "MUL" or "ch ₁ "/"ch ₂ " position and the switch 7c and the switch 9a are connected, the selected synthesis mode is transmitted to the circuit CC. The output terminal of the memory system M is connected to the input terminal i ₁₀ of the circuit CC,
The output terminal of the AND circuit An shown in FIG. 6 is connected to the input terminal _i11 . The output terminal _O1 of the control circuit CC is connected to the control terminal Wc of the recording processing system W, and outputs an operating signal for operating the recording processing system W and a synchronization signal for reading an image signal from the image sensor I. The output terminal _O2 is connected to the control terminal Rc of the reproduction processing system R, and outputs an operating signal and a synchronization signal for converting the image signal into an image on the monitor D to this as well. Output terminal O ₃ is
It is connected to the control terminal Mc of the storage system M. Each memory that makes up the memory system M is a video
In the case of a memory such as a RAM, a signal for writing an image signal to or reading an image signal from an arbitrary memory is sent from the output terminal _O3 of the circuit CC to the memory system M. That is, a first address signal for accessing any memory (there are as many types of this signal as there are memories),
A write signal that allows an image signal to be written to the accessed memory via the input terminal, a read signal that allows the stored image signal to be read from the accessed memory via the output terminal, and a signal for one pixel. A second address signal is sent to sequentially write or read image signals for one frame into or from each memory cell. Output terminals 0 ₄ and 0 ₅ of the control circuit CC are gate circuits.
It is connected to second control input terminals G ₁ c' and G ₂ c' of G ₁ and G ₂ , respectively, and outputs a control signal for controlling opening and closing of these terminals. Therefore, the gate circuits G ₁ and G ₂ are controlled to open and close by both the chroma key system and the circuit CC. The gate circuit has the first and second gate circuits.
When an H input signal is sent to both control input terminals of the control input terminal, the control input terminal becomes open. Output terminals of circuit CC O ₆ −O ₇
is the control input terminal S ₁ of the changeover switch circuit S ₁ , S ₂
c and S ₂ c, respectively, and generates a signal for switching and controlling these. Output terminal _O8 is the control terminal of buffer memory B
Connected to Bc. For example, if this memory B is 1
Assuming that the video RAM has the capacity to store image signals for frames, a write signal is sent from output terminal _O8 to enable writing of the image signal to memory B.
A read signal for enabling reading from memory B and an address signal for reading and writing an image signal (this corresponds to the second address signal) are output. Output terminal _O9 is the control terminal CDc of the color discrimination circuit CD.
It is connected to the circuit CD and sends an activation signal to the circuit CD. The exposure calculation circuit E includes variable resistors 13a, which are respectively linked to the sliders 13 and 14 shown in FIG.
14a, a switch 12a that is switched in conjunction with the exposure mode selection slider 12, and a side light element Pd that receives object light that has passed through the photographing optical system L and the aperture Stp. variable resistor 13a,
14a transmits exposure time information and aperture value information manually set by the sliders 13 and 14 to the circuit E. The photometric element Pd transmits object brightness information to the circuit E. The switch 12a is an exposure mode switching slider 1.
2 to the "T" position to select shutter-priority automatic exposure, to terminal T, and to "A" to select aperture-priority automatic exposure to terminal A.
When the program automatic exposure is selected according to the position "M", it is connected to the terminal P, and when the manual exposure is selected according to the "M" position, it is connected to the terminal M.
When the switch 12a is connected to the terminal T, the exposure calculation circuit E calculates an appropriate aperture value from the information from the variable resistor 13a and the photometric element Pd, and when the switch 12a is connected to the terminal A, the exposure calculation circuit E calculates the appropriate aperture value from the information from the variable resistor 13a and the photometric element Pd. Calculates the appropriate exposure time from the information from Pd, and when connected to terminal P, selects a preset combination of appropriate exposure time and aperture value corresponding to the information from photometric element Pd, and connects to terminal M. When the variable resistor 13a
The information from and 14a is accepted as is. The exposure calculation circuit E sends manually or automatically set aperture position information to the aperture drive device SD from the output terminal _E4 . Also, when the aperture drive completion signal is received from the device SD via the input terminal E ₃ , the output terminal E ₁ is output at the same time.
The exposure start signal is sent to the input terminal i ₁₂ of the circuit CC via the circuit CC, and the timing is started based on the synchronization signal supplied at the same time from the output terminal O ₁₀ of the circuit CC. Then, after the manually or automatically set exposure time has elapsed, an exposure end signal is sent to the input terminal I ₁₂ via the output terminal E ₁ .
send to The drive SD is connected to the output terminal O ₁₁ of the circuit CC
When the aperture drive start signal is received from the circuit E, the aperture Stp is driven according to the aperture value signal input from the output terminal _E4 of the circuit E, and when the aperture drive is completed, an aperture drive completion signal is sent to the input terminal _E3 of the circuit E. emits. The flash light emitting circuit F has its input terminal connected to the output terminal _E5 of the exposure calculation circuit E, and receives a light emission start signal and a light emission stop signal from the circuit E when the subject brightness is low. In the circuit F, the amount of light emitted is defined by these two signals, and automatic light adjustment photography is possible. Returning to the control circuit CC, the display element 10 of the imaging section _C1 is connected to its output terminal _O12 , and a drive signal for displaying the type of image signal being imaged by the display element D is emitted. It will be done. The display mode is shown in FIG. 5 and will be explained later. The output terminal _O13 of the circuit CC is connected to the display element 18 of the storage section _C2 and emits a drive signal. The element 18 thereby displays whether each memory of the storage system M is used or not so that it can be seen at a glance. The display element 18 maintains its display state even when the storage section _C2 is removed from the imaging section _C1 . For this purpose, a display state holding circuit is provided in the storage section _C2 . Further, if the element 18 is constituted by an electrochromic element, this circuit is not necessary since the element itself has a memory property. In Figure 6, the output terminal of the AND circuit An is
Connected to the input terminal i ₁₀ of the control circuit CC. The circuit CC outputs the output terminal O ₂ when the output of the circuit An is L.
The operation signal is stopped from being sent to the control terminal Rc of the reproduction processing system R, and the operation of the processing system R is made impossible. A T flip-flop T is connected to one input terminal of the circuit An. The flip-flop T alternately produces L and H outputs each time the push button 10 is pressed. A first input terminal Sto of a self-timer circuit St is connected to the other input terminal of the circuit An. The output of the terminal Sto is inverted from H to L in conjunction with the press of the push button 2 for starting self-timer shooting,
After a predetermined time has elapsed, it returns to H. The circuit St further has a second output terminal Sto'. the terminal
Sto′ is connected to the input terminal i ₁ of the circuit CC,
After the predetermined time has elapsed since button 2 was pressed, an L output is generated. Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be explained.
First, the case of selecting automatic access mode and photographing will be explained. The automatic access mode means that the control circuit CC automatically accesses unused memory in the memory system M in sequence every time the trigger button 1 is pressed fully, and writes the photographed image signal to the accessed memory cell. mode. Initially all components are inactive. As shown in FIG. 2, set the switching lever 7 to the "A" position. Then switch 7 in Figure 4
C is connected to the input terminal i ₆ of the control circuit CC, and the circuit
The selection of automatic access mode can be communicated to the CC. Select the exposure mode selection slider 16 to the desired mode. Here, the explanation will be made assuming that the shutter priority mode is selected. Set the slider 12 to the "T" position and slide the exposure time setting slider 13 to select the desired exposure time. In response, the switch 12a in FIG. 4 is connected to the terminal T so that it can transmit to the circuit E that the shutter priority mode has been selected, and the manually set exposure time information can be transmitted to the circuit E. . When the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway (first time), the switch 1a shown in FIG. 4 is connected to the input terminal _i1 of the circuit CC. Then, an actuation signal and a synchronization signal are generated from the output terminals O ₁ , O ₂ , O ₁₀ of the circuit CC, respectively, and the recording processing system W is activated. Regeneration processing system R
Then, the exposure calculation circuit E is activated. At the same time, the control signal from the output terminal O ₆ causes the changeover switch circuit S ₁ to pass the signal from the first input terminal S ₁ a, that is, the output terminal is connected to the input terminal S 1 a, and the output terminal is connected to the input terminal S ₁ a. A control signal from terminal O ₄ causes gate circuit G ₁ to change from a closed state to an open state. For this purpose, the raw image signal flows through the ID path. At this time, the recording processing system W and the playback processing system R operate at a predetermined video cycle (for example, a cycle of 30 frames/second), so the image currently focused on the image sensor I is reproduced as a video on the monitor D. be done. Observe this to determine the subject. At this time, the exposure time (charge accumulation time) is fixed at a predetermined value unrelated to the exposure time set with the slider 13, and the exposure calculation circuit E calculates the value based on this value and the photometric output of the photometric element Pd. The calculated appropriate aperture value signal is sent to the aperture drive device SD. The device SD
receives this signal and an aperture drive start signal from the control circuit CC, and constantly controls the aperture Stp to the appropriate aperture value during photographing. Note that the signal path opened in response to the depression of the trigger button 1 does not change its state even if the finger is released after the depression of the button 1. When the button 1 is pressed halfway again (second time), the circuit E calculates the appropriate aperture value based on the subject brightness information from the photometric element Pd and the exposure time information manually set with the slider 12. That is, circuit E
operates in shutter-priority automatic exposure mode. The calculated appropriate aperture value signal is then sent to the aperture drive device.
Sent to SD. At the same time, the circuit CC
Sends aperture drive start signal to SD. When the device SD receives this signal, it adjusts the aperture Stop according to the appropriate aperture value signal.
to drive. When this aperture drive is completed, the device SD
outputs an aperture drive completion signal to circuit E. Upon receiving this signal, circuit E sends an exposure start signal to input terminal i ₁₂ of control circuit CC. The circuit CC receives this signal and at the same time sends an output terminal to the recording processing system W.
Sends an exposure start signal via O ₁ and sends an exposure start signal to the recording processing system W.
Exposure of image sensor I (Image sensor I is a CCD
In this case, charge accumulation in the light receiving section is started. After the circuit E outputs the exposure start signal, when the exposure time set by the slider 13 has elapsed, the circuit E sends an exposure end signal to the input terminal i ₁₂ of the circuit CC. circuit
Upon receiving this, the CC sends an exposure end signal to the processing system W, and the processing system W ends the exposure of the image sensor I. For example, if the image sensor I is a CCD, this exposure end signal causes the charges accumulated in the light receiving section to be transferred to the storage section. Then the circuit
CC issues a control signal from the output terminal _O7 to enable the switch circuit _S2 to pass the image signal from the first input terminal _S2a , and issues a write signal from the output terminal _O8 to enable writing to the buffer memory B. state. Then, the image signal that has just been photographed in the shutter priority mode is read out from the image sensor I by a synchronizing signal that is subsequently sent from the output terminal _O1 to the recording processing system W. Also, in synchronization with this readout, the output terminal _O8
An address signal for accessing all memory cells once from buffer memory B is issued. Therefore, the image signal read from the image sensor I flows through the IB path and is written into the buffer memory B. When one frame worth of image signals is written to buffer memory B, circuit CC stops sending an operating signal from output terminal _O1 to recording processing system W, making it inactive, and transmitting a control signal from output terminal _O6 . The switch circuit _S1 is set in a state where the image signal from the second input terminal _S1b can pass through, and the readout signal is sent from the output terminal _O8 , and all memory cells of memory B are accessed repeatedly at a cycle of 30 frames/second. An address signal is issued. Therefore, the captured image signal written in the memory B is repeatedly read out, flows through the BD path, and is displayed as a still image on the monitor D. If you intend to record the captured image on monitor D, press trigger button 1 all the way. Then, a first address signal and a write signal for accessing an unused memory in the storage system M are generated from the output terminal O ₃ of the control circuit CC by the above-mentioned access operation, and at the same time, the output terminal O ₈ of the control circuit CC is generated. From there, a second address signal for writing the captured image signal into the accessed memory cell is issued in synchronization with the address signal repeatedly sent to memory B. Therefore, the raw image signal for one frame, that is, the photographed image signal, stored in the memory B flows through the BD path and is written into the memory of the storage system M, which is automatically accessed through the BM path. When this writing is completed, the transmission of the second address signal is stopped, and all components of the camera return to the state in which they do not input or output image signals before the first half-press of the trigger button 1. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = “A”

[Table] Next, we will explain how to select manual access mode and take pictures. This manual access mode is a mode in which the memory of the storage section M is manually accessed regardless of whether it is used or not, and a captured image signal is written into the accessed memory cell. Initially all components are assumed to be inactive. When the switching lever 7 shown in Fig. 2 is set to the "MAN" position, the switch 7b shown in Fig. 4 is closed, and the switch 8a interlocked with the access button 8 is turned on.
Connected to input terminal _i5 of CC. A switch 7c is then connected to the input terminal _i6 , making it possible to communicate to the circuit CC that the manual access mode has been selected. Select a desired exposure mode using the exposure mode selection slider 12. Here, it is assumed that aperture priority mode is selected. Set the slider 12 to position "A" and slide the aperture value setting slider 14 to select a desired aperture value. In response to this, switch 12a in FIG. 4 is connected to terminal A so that it can transmit to circuit E that the aperture priority mode has been selected, and manually set aperture information can be transmitted to circuit E. Then, when you press trigger button 1 halfway (first time), the same operation as in the automatic access mode described above occurs.
The ID path is opened and the subject is displayed as a moving image on monitor D. When trigger button 1 is pressed halfway again (second time), the IB path is first opened in the same manner as in the automatic access mode described above, and the buffer memory B
When writing of raw image signals to the IB path is completed, the IB path is closed. Then the BD pathway is opened. Since the aperture priority mode was selected for this shooting, the aperture drive device SD operates the aperture Stp according to the aperture value signal manually set with the slider 14 from the circuit E.
to drive. The circuit E calculates the appropriate exposure time based on the subject brightness information from the photometric element Pd and the aperture value information manually set with the slider 14,
After outputting an exposure start signal to the input terminal i ₁₂ of the circuit CC, an exposure end signal is sent to the same terminal i ₁₂ when the appropriate exposure time has elapsed. The image on monitor D was taken with this exposure control. Press trigger button 1 halfway again (3rd button)
(time), the output of the read signal and address signal from the output terminal _O8 of the circuit CC to the buffer memory B is stopped. Therefore, image reproduction of the photographed image signal via the BD path is stopped. Then, an H output is sent from the output terminal _O5 to the gate circuit _G2 , and the circuit _G2 becomes open. At the same time, a first address signal is sent from the output terminal _O3 to the memory system M to access the memory that was accessed in the previous shooting, a read signal to read the contents of this memory, and a second address signal is sent repeatedly to the memory system M. An address signal is issued, and the stored image signal stored in the memory is repeatedly read out through the MD path and imaged on the monitor D. Then, if necessary, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate to advance the address of the memory to be accessed one by one, and accesses the memory at the desired address for writing the photographed image signal stored in the buffer memory B. For example, while observing the monitor D, the user accesses a memory in which stored image signals that are deemed unnecessary are stored. Next, when you press trigger button 1 all the way, the BM route will be opened in the same way as in automatic access mode.
The image signal stored in buffer memory B is written into the manually accessed memory cell. Once this writing is complete, all components of the camera will be
The state returns to the state before the third half-press of trigger button 1. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = “MAN”

【table】

[Table] Next, when switching the switching lever 7 in Figure 2 to the "MUL" position to select multiple exposure mode, and setting the switching slider 9 to the "CM" position to select the first composite mode. The photographing operation will be explained. The image obtained in this case is buffer memory B
The captured image signal from the storage section M and the stored image signal from the storage section M are superimposed. Initially all components of the camera are inactive. When the lever 7 is set to the "MUL" position, the switch 7b shown in FIG. 4 is closed, and the switch 7c is connected to the common terminal of the switch 9a. When slider 9 is set to the "CM" position, switch 9a
is connected to input terminal _i8 of circuit CC. This makes it possible to transmit to the circuit CC that the multiple exposure mode has been selected in the first combination mode. Here, it is assumed that the exposure mode selection slider 12 is set to the "P" position and the program mode is selected. In response to this selection, switch 12a in FIG.
is connected to the input terminal P of variable resistors 13a and 14.
Information on the exposure time and aperture value due to a cannot be transmitted to the circuit E. When you press trigger button 1 halfway for the first time, the same operation as in the automatic access mode described above occurs.
ID route is opened. Therefore, a raw image signal is sent to the monitor D, and the subject is visualized as a moving image. When you press the trigger button halfway for the second time,
First, with the same operation as in the automatic access mode described above.
The IB pathway is opened. When the writing of the raw image signal to buffer memory B is completed, the writing of the raw image signal to BD is completed.
The path is opened, and the raw image signal, that is, the photographed image signal stored in the memory B is repeatedly read out and reproduced on the monitor D as a still image. For this shooting, I chose program mode, so the aperture drive device
The SD receives an appropriate aperture value signal automatically set based on subject brightness information from the output terminal _E4 of the circuit E, and drives the aperture Stp accordingly. The circuit E calculates an appropriate exposure time based on the subject brightness, outputs an exposure start signal to the input terminal i ₁₂ of the circuit CC, and then outputs an exposure end signal to the input terminal i ₁₂ when the exposure time has elapsed. The image on display element D is taken under this exposure control. When trigger button 1 is pressed halfway for the third time, the BD path remains open and the MD path opens in the same manner as in the manual access mode described above, and the memory that was accessed in the previous shooting is opened. image signals are read out. Therefore, the photographed image signal from the memory B is sent to the first input terminal Aa of the adding circuit A, and the stored image signal accessed from the storage section M is sent to the second input terminal Ab. Addition circuit A
adds both inputs using circuit CC under perfect synchronization and outputs the result. The monitor D receives the added output, that is, the multiple exposure image signal of the photographed image signal and the stored image signal, and displays the multiple exposure image. If necessary, the access button 8 is appropriately pressed while observing the monitor D, and the used memory in which the appropriate stored image signal is stored is accessed by superimposing it on the first stored image signal. If you want to record this image, press trigger button 1 all the way. Then, the circuit CC first accesses the memory in which the stored image signal is stored from the output terminal _O3 while keeping the switch circuit _S1 , gate circuits _G1 , _G2 , and reproduction processing system R in the state before the full press. 1 address signal, a read signal, and a second address signal for accessing the memory cell at the address where the image signal corresponding to the first pixel is stored. At the same time, the read signal from output terminal _O8 , the second
An address signal for accessing a memory cell at a corresponding address in buffer memory B is output in synchronization with the address signal. The photographed image signal and the stored image signal corresponding to the first pixel output from the memory B and the storage system M are delayed by delay circuits De ₁ and De ₂ , respectively. During this time, a first address signal for accessing an unused memory is output from the output terminal _O3 of the circuit CC to the storage system M. Therefore, the MM route and
The BM paths are both opened, and the photographed image signal and the stored image signal corresponding to the first pixel are added in the adder circuit A, and then written to the memory cell at the corresponding address in the unused memory. After that, the circuit CC outputs a first address signal, a read signal 2, which again accesses the memory in which the stored image signal is stored from the output terminal _O3 .
Outputs a second address signal that accesses the memory cell at the address where the stored image signal corresponding to the pixel is stored, and at the same time outputs the second address signal that accesses the memory cell at the address corresponding to buffer memory B from the output terminal _O8 . Output a signal. Then, in the same manner as described above, two of the photographed image signal and the stored image signal are
The image signal corresponding to the th pixel is written to the memory cell at the corresponding address in the unused memory. The above operation is repeated for all pixels for one frame, and when the captured image signal and the stored image signal corresponding to the last pixel are added and written to the last address of the unused memory, the entire configuration of the camera is completed. The elements are
Returns to the inactive state in which no image signals are input or output. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = "MUL", switching slider = "CM"

[Table] Next, the operation when the selection lever 7 is set to the "MUL" position to select the multiple exposure mode, and the slider 9 is set to the "MM" position to select the second composition mode will be described. The image signal obtained in this case is a superposition of the first stored image signal and the second stored image signal stored in the storage section M. When lever 7 is set to the “MUL” position, the fourth
Switch 7b in the figure is closed, and switch 7c is connected to the common terminal of switch 9a. Slider 9
When set to the "MM" position, the switch 9a is connected to the input terminal _i9 of the circuit CC. This makes it possible to transmit to the circuit CC that the multiple exposure mode has been selected in the second combination mode. Here, there is no need to select an exposure mode since no photographing is performed using the image sensor I. When you press trigger button 1 halfway for the first time, trigger button 1 is activated in the manual access mode described above.
The same operation as when the third half-press is performed. That is, a signal is issued from the circuit CC to the storage section M and the gate circuit _G2 , and the used memory that was accessed in the previous photographing is accessed. At the same time, the stored image signal stored in the memory cell is repeatedly read out through the MD path and displayed as an image on the monitor D. Then, if necessary, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate until the desired stored image appears on the monitor D. The stored image signal of the used memory that was accessed last becomes the first stored image signal. Next, when the trigger button is pressed halfway for the second time, the MD path remains open, and the circuit CC sends a new control signal from the output terminal O ₇ to the switch circuit S ₂ , and the output of the switch circuit S ₂ The terminal is connected to the second input terminal S ₂ b, and a write signal and an address signal for accessing all memory cells once are sent to the memory B from the output terminal O ₈ . This opens the MB path, reads out the first stored image signal, and reads out the first stored image signal from memory B.
written to. At this time, the second address signal of the storage section M and the address signal to the memory B are synchronized. When writing to memory B is completed, circuit CC
are the above signals to the switch circuit _S2 and the memory system M,
The output of the write signal to memory B is stopped, and the read signal is instead output to memory B, the address signal that is repeatedly issued, the switch circuit _S1 , and the gate circuit.
Send control signal to _G1 . The MB pathway is therefore closed and the BD pathway is opened in its place. At the same time, the circuit CC also operates MD in the same way as when trigger button 1 was pressed halfway for the first time in this mode.
Open a path. However, the memory that is accessed is the used memory next to the used memory in which the first stored image is stored. At this time, the address signal sent from the circuit CC to the memory B and the second address signal sent to the storage system M are synchronized. Therefore, in the same way as when trigger button 1 is pressed halfway in the first addition mode described above, the BD path and MD
The route is opened at the same time, and a superimposed image of the first stored image and the second stored image appears on the monitor D. If necessary, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate while observing the monitor D to access the used memory in which a more appropriate second stored image signal is stored. If you intend to record this image, press trigger button 1 all the way. Then, the multiple exposure image signal will be generated using the same operation as in the first composition mode described above.
Written to unused memory via BM and MM paths. When this writing is completed, the camera returns to the state before the first half-press. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = "MUL", switching slider = "MM"

[Table] Next, switch the switching lever 7 in Figure 2 to the "ch ₁ " position to select the first chroma key mode, and set the slider 9 to the "CM" position to select the first composition mode. The operation of time will be explained. In this case, the resulting image is a composite image in which a portion of the designated color of the photographed image is cut out and a positionally corresponding portion of the stored image is inserted into that portion. Initially all components of the camera are inactive. When the lever 7 is set to the "ch ₁ 1" position, the changeover switches _{Sw 1} , _{Sw 2} , and _{Sw 3 shown} in FIG. 7a and 7b are closed, and the switch 7c is connected to the common terminal of the switch 9a.When the slider 9 is set to the "CM" position, the switch 9a is connected to the input terminal _i9 of the circuit CC. As a result, the settings of the first chroma key mode and the first composition mode are set to the chromakey system shown in Figure 3 and the circuit shown in Figure 4.
Done in CC. Furthermore, the user operates the slider 16 to specify a color to be cropped in the photographed image. Here, it is assumed that the exposure mode 11 is set to the "M" position and the manual mode is selected. In response to this selection, switch 12a in FIG.
is connected to the input terminal M of the variable resistor 13a, 14.
Information on the exposure time and aperture value can be transmitted to the circuit E. When you press trigger button 1 halfway for the first time, the ID is activated in the same way as in the automatic access mode described above.
A path is opened. Therefore, a raw image signal is sent to the display element D, and the subject is visualized as a moving image. When you press the trigger button halfway for the second time,
First, with the same operation as in the automatic access mode described above.
The IB pathway is opened. When the writing of the raw image signal to the buffer memory B is completed, the BD path is subsequently opened, and the raw image signal for one frame stored in the memory B, that is, the photographed image signal, is repeatedly read out and displayed on the display element D as a still image. Reproduced. Since manual mode was selected for this shooting, the aperture drive device SD sends the aperture value signal manually set by the slider 13 to the output terminal _E3 of the circuit E.
The aperture Stp is driven accordingly. The circuit E outputs an exposure start signal to the input terminal i ₁₂ of the circuit CC, and then sends an exposure end signal to the same terminal i ₁₀ when the exposure time manually set by the slider 12 has elapsed. The image on display element D is taken under this exposure control. When trigger button 1 is pressed halfway for the third time, the BD path remains open, and the MD path is opened in the same manner as in the manual access mode described above, which was accessed in the previous shooting. The image signal from the memory is read out. And at the same time, an activation signal is issued from the output terminal O ₉ ,
Activate the color discrimination circuit CD. Therefore, the photographed image signal and the stored image signal are read out from the storage section M and the memory B. The color discrimination circuit CD is a switch circuit from memory B.
S ₁ , until the photographed image signal of the color specified by the slider ₁₆ is input via the switch Sw ₁ , the output of L is sent to the inverter IV, and the output is sent to the first control input terminal of the gate circuit G ₂ via the switch Sw 2. Send to G ₂ c. Therefore, inverter IV sends the high output to the first control input terminal of gate circuit _G1 via switch _Sw3 .
G ₁ c, leaving gate circuit G ₁ open,
Leave the BD path open. Gate circuit _G2 is
It becomes a closed state and the MD path is closed. Therefore, the captured image signal stored in the memory B is repeatedly sent to the monitor D, and the signal is converted into an image. When the captured image signal changes to the specified color, the color discrimination circuit
CD sends the H output to inverter IV, and
It is sent via the switch Sw ₂ to the first control input terminal G ₂ c of the gate circuit G ₂ . Inverter IV sends the output of L to the first control input terminal _G1c of gate circuit _G1 via switch _Sw3 , and closes gate circuit _G1 .
The photographed image signal of the specified color that attempts to flow through the BD path is blocked. On the other hand, gate circuit _G2 is in an open state.
MD pathway is opened. Therefore, the stored image signal is displayed as an image on the display element D instead of the photographed image signal. In the end, the display element D generates a composite image signal, that is, a chromakey image signal, in which a portion of the designated color of the photographed image signal is cut out and a positionally corresponding portion of the stored image signal is inserted into that portion. If necessary, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate while observing the monitor D to access the used memory in which a more appropriate stored image signal is stored. If you intend to record this chromakey image, press trigger button 1 all the way. In this case, the operation will be the same as in the multiple exposure/first composition mode described above, but
The chromakey image signal that alternatively flows through the BM path and the MM path is written into an unused memory. When this writing is completed, the camera returns to the state before the first half-press. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = "ch ₁ ", switching slider = "CM"

【table】

[Table] Next, move the switching lever 7 shown in Figure 2 to the "ch ₁ " position.
The operation when the slider 9 is set to the "MM" position and the first chroma key mode is selected as the second compositing mode will be described. The image obtained in this case is a composite image in which a portion of the specified color of the first memory image accessed earlier is cut out, and a positionally corresponding portion of the second memory image accessed later is inserted into that portion. Become. Initially, all components of the camera are in an inactive state with no input or output of image signals. When the lever 7 is set to the "ch ₁ " position, the changeover switches _{Sw 1} , _{Sw 2} , and _{Sw 3 in} FIG. , 7b is closed, and switch 7c is closed.
is connected to the common terminal of switch 9a. When slider 9 is set to "MM" position, switch 9a
is connected to input terminal _i9 of circuit CC. As a result, the first chromakey/second composition mode is set in the chromakey system shown in FIG. 3 and the circuit CC shown in FIG. 4. Operate the slider 16 to specify the color to be cropped in the first stored image. Since no photographing is performed using the image sensor I here, there is no need to select an exposure mode. When the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway for the first time, the MD path is opened in the same manner as when the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway for the third time in the manual access mode described above. Therefore, the stored image signal stored in the used memory cell that was accessed in the previous photographing is repeatedly read out to the monitor D, and is converted into an image there. Then, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate until the desired stored image appears on the monitor D, with the designated color portion cut out. The stored image signal of the used memory accessed last becomes the first stored image signal. Next, when the trigger button 1 is pressed half-way a second time, the first stored image signal is first written through the MB path, and when this is completed, the MB path is closed. Then, in the same manner as in the first chroma key/first composition mode, the color discrimination circuit CD is activated and the chroma key system is activated. Then, either the BD pathway or the MD pathway is opened. However, the memory accessed by the storage system M is the used memory next to the used memory that stored the first stored image signal. B.D.
When the first stored image signal that is about to flow on the path becomes a specified color, the chromakey circuit CD detects this, closes the gate circuit _G1 , and cuts off the BD path. Instead, the chromakey gate circuit _G2 is opened and the second stored image flows through the MD path. Therefore, the monitor D displays a composite image signal, that is, a chromakey image signal, in which a portion of the specified color of the first stored image signal is cut out and a portion corresponding to the position of the second stored image signal is inserted into the clipped portion. be converted into If necessary, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate while observing the monitor D to access the used memory in which a more appropriate second stored image signal is stored. If you intend to record this chromakey image, press trigger button 1 all the way. In this case, the operation will be the same as in the multiple exposure/first composition mode described above, but
A chromakey image signal that alternatively flows through the BM path and the MM path is written into an unused memory cell in which no image signal is stored. When this writing is completed, the camera returns to the state before the first half-press. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = “ch ₁ ” Switching slider = “MM”

【table】

[Table] Regarding the operation when the switching lever 7 in Figure 2 is set to the "ch ₂ " position, the slider 9 is switched to the "CM" position, and the second chromakey mode is selected in the first composition mode. explain. The image obtained in this case is a composite image in which a portion of the designated color of the stored image is cut out and a positionally corresponding portion of the photographed image is inserted into that portion. When the lever 7 is set to the "ch _{2 "} position, the changeover switches Sw ₁ , _{Sw 2} , and _{Sw 3 in} FIG. , 7b is closed, and switch 7c is closed.
is connected to the common terminal of switch 9a. When slider 9 is set to the "CM" position, switch 9a
is connected to input terminal _i9 of circuit CC. As a result, the settings for the second chromakey/first composition mode will be changed to the third
This is done using the chromakey system shown in the figure and the circuit CC shown in Fig. 4.
Furthermore, the user operates the slider 16 to designate a color for cutting out the stored image. Note that a description of the exposure mode setting will be omitted here. The operation sequence of the first and second half-presses of the trigger button 1 is exactly the same as in the case of the first chroma key/first composition mode described above. However, the difference is that a stored image signal suitable for cutting out a designated color portion is accessed, and a photographed image signal suitable for fitting into that portion is photographed. When the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway for the third time, the color discrimination circuit CD is activated in the same manner as in the first chromakey/first composition mode described above, and the color discrimination circuit CD is activated in the MD path or the BD path. An image signal is read out from either one of the two. The color discrimination circuit CD is connected from the memory system M to the switch Sw ₁
The output of L is sent to the first control input terminal G 1 c of the gate circuit G ₁ via the inverter IV and the switch Sw ₃ until the stored image of the color specified by the slider 16 is inputted via the inverter IV and the switch Sw ₃ . Therefore, inverter IV is H
is sent to the first control input terminal G ₂ c of the gate circuit G ₂ through the switch Sw ₃ to keep the gate circuit G ₂ open and the MD path open.
The gate circuit _G1 is in a closed state, and the BD path is closed. Therefore, the storage image signal stored in the accessed memory cell of the storage system M is repeatedly sent to the display circuit D, and the signal is converted into an image. When the stored image signal changes to the specified color, the circuit CD
Generates an H output. Therefore, L of inverter IV
At the output, gate circuit G ₂ becomes closed, the memory image signal of the specified color that is about to flow through the MD path is blocked, and gate circuit G ₁ becomes open instead, and the BD
Photographed image signals flow along the route. Therefore, display circuit D
The photographed image signal is converted into an image. Eventually, on the monitor D, a chromakey image is reproduced in which a portion of the designated color of the stored image signal is cut out and a positionally corresponding portion of the photographed image signal is inserted into that portion. If necessary, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate while observing the monitor D to access the used memory in which a more appropriate stored image signal is stored. When the trigger button 1 is fully pressed, this chromakey image is written into an unused memory in which no image signals are stored, in the same manner as in the first chromakey/first composition mode described above. When this writing is completed, the camera presses the first trigger button 1.
Returns to the state before pressing halfway. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = "ch ₂ ", switching slider = "CM"

【table】

[Table] Next, move the switching lever 7 shown in Figure 2 to the "ch ₂ " position.
The operation when the slider 9 is set to the "MM" position and the first chroma key mode is selected as the second compositing mode will be described. The image obtained in this case is a composite image in which a portion of the specified color of the second memory image accessed later is cut out and a positionally corresponding portion of the first memory image accessed earlier is inserted into that portion. Become. Initially, all components of the camera are in an inactive state with no input or output of image signals. When the lever 7 is set to the "ch _{2 "} position, the changeover switches Sw ₁ , _{Sw 2} , and _{Sw 3 in} FIG. , 7b is closed, and switch 7c is closed.
is connected to the common terminal of switch 9a. When slider 9 is set to "MM" position, switch 9a
is connected to input terminal _i9 of circuit CC. As a result, the second chroma key/second synthesis mode is set in the chromakey system shown in FIG. 3 and the circuit CC shown in FIG. 4. Operate the slider 16 to specify the color to be cropped in the first stored image. The operation sequence for the first half-press of trigger button 1 is the first chroma key/second chroma key described above.
This is exactly the same as in the composite mode. However, the first
The difference is that the stored image signal is photographed in a manner suitable for fitting into the cut-out portion of the specified color of the second stored image signal. Next, when the trigger button 1 is pressed half-way a second time, the first stored image signal is first written through the MB path, and when this is completed, the MB path is closed.
Then, in the same manner as in the first chroma key/first composition mode, the color discrimination circuit CD is activated and the chroma key system is activated. Then, one of the BD and MD pathways is opened. However, the memory accessed by the storage system M is the used memory next to the memory that stored the first stored image signal. When the second stored image signal that is about to flow through the MD path becomes a specified color, the chromakey circuit CD detects this, closes the gate circuit _G2 , and cuts off the BD path. Instead, the chromakey gate circuit _G1 is opened and the first stored image flows through the BD path. Therefore, a synthesized image signal, that is, a chromakey image signal, in which a portion of the designated color of the second stored image signal is cut out and a positionally corresponding portion of the first stored image signal is inserted into the clipped portion of the second stored image signal, is displayed on the monitor D. Ru. If necessary, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate while observing the monitor D to access the used memory in which a more appropriate second stored image signal is stored. If you intend to record this chromakey image, press trigger button 1 all the way. In this case, the operation will be the same as in the multiple exposure/first composition mode described above, but
The chromakey image signal that alternatively flows through the BM path and the MM path is written into an unused memory in which no image signal is stored. When this writing is completed, the camera returns to the state before the first half-press. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = "ch ₂ ", switching slider = "MM"

[Table] When each component is inactive, lever 7
If the camera is in position "A" and you need to quickly take several frames of the subject in succession, decide on the composition using the optical viewfinder 4, then press trigger button 1 all the way from the beginning. Just press it. At this time, if the lever 7 is in the "A" position, in response to the full press, an operating signal/synchronization signal is output from the output terminal O ₁ of the circuit CC to the recording processing system W, and the output terminal O ₆ outputs the signal to the switch circuit S ₁ . Connect the terminal to the first input terminal S ₁ a
A control signal of H from the output terminal O ₄ to the gate circuit G ₁ , a first address signal/write signal/second signal for accessing unused memory from the output terminal O ₃ to the storage system M address signals respectively. Therefore, the raw image signal for one frame corresponding to the subject image that was being formed on the image sensor I when the trigger button 1 was pressed all the way flows through the IM path and is written to the accessed unused memory. When this writing is completed, the above output terminal O ₁ ,
The output of each signal from O ₆ and O ₄ is stopped, and a read signal is output from O ₃ in place of the write signal, and the second
The address signal is repeatedly output. At the same time, a synchronizing signal synchronized with the operating signal and the second address signal to the storage system M is sent from the output terminal O ₂ to the reproduction processing system R, and an H output signal is sent from the output terminal O ₅ to G ₂ . Therefore, the IM route is cut off, and now the memory system M
The image signal written to the monitor D flows through the MD path and is converted into an image on the monitor D. By observing this, the photographing result can be confirmed. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = “A”

[Table] When each component is inactive, lever 7 is in the "MUL" position, button 9 is in the "CM" position, and multiple exposure/first composition mode is selected, press trigger button 1 first. The operation when the button is pressed all the way down will be explained. In response to full press of trigger button 1, from circuit CC to regeneration processing system W, switch circuit S ₁ and gate circuit
G ₁ , each signal that opens the IB path to switch circuit S ₂ ;
A first address signal, a read signal, and a second address signal for accessing the memory that was accessed in the previous shooting are sent from the output terminal O ₃ to the memory system M, and from the output terminal O ₅ to the gate circuit G _2. A control signal of H to set the state is output. Therefore, both the IB path and the MAB path are opened, and the raw image signal for one frame corresponding to the subject image that was formed on the image sensor I when button 1 was pressed all the way is stored in the storage system M from the previous shooting. The stored image signals from the accessed memory are added in complete synchronization in adder circuit A and written to memory B as a multiple exposure image signal. As soon as this writing is completed, the BD
The route and BM route are opened. (At this time, the memory accessed by the storage system M is an unused memory.) Therefore, the multiple exposure image signal is converted into an image on the monitor D and is stored in the storage system M. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = "MUL", switching slider = "CM"

[Table] When the lever 7 is set to "ch ₁ " or "ch ₂ " and the button 9 is set to the "CM" position, and the chroma key/first composition mode is selected, if you press it all the way from the beginning, the above The same signal as in the multiple exposure/first composition mode and an activation signal are generated from the output terminal _O9 . Therefore, the chromakey system is activated, and gate circuits G ₁ and G ₂ are controlled to open and close in a complementary manner based on the detection output of the color discrimination circuit CD, so that either the IB path or the MAB path is opened. Battle memory B
As soon as writing is completed, the multiple exposure and
The BD and BM pathways are opened in the same way as in the first synthesis mode. Therefore, a chromakey image signal is created by combining the raw image signal for one frame corresponding to the subject image that was being formed when trigger button 1 was pressed all the way and the stored image signal stored in the memory that was accessed during the previous shooting. is imaged by the display element D and stored in an unused memory. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = "ch ₁ ""ch ₂ ", switching slider = "CM"

[Table] By appropriately operating the brightness adjustment slider 15 while observing the display element D during the photographing operation, the output of the brightness adjustment signal generating means 15a is changed, and the brightness of the image signal passing through the adding circuit A is changed. The level can be adjusted. According to this, for example, during multiple exposure photography, two images to be superimposed can be weighted. When the clear button 6 is pressed during the photographing operation, the switch 6a closes and a clear signal is sent to the circuit CC via the input terminal _i3 . and control circuit CC
As a result, a control signal is issued to return the operation of each component and the path of the image signal to the previous state. For example, if the clear button 6 is pressed after the first half-press of the trigger button 1, each component of the camera returns to an inactive state in which no image signals are input or output. In addition, when the BD path is opened by the second half-press of the trigger button 1 in the automatic access mode, if the photographed image displayed on the display element D is unsatisfactory, the clear button 6 can be pressed. When pressed, the circuit CC sends the same control signal to each component as after the first half-press. This opens the ID path, and monitor D displays the raw image signal as a moving image. Therefore, the photographed image signal can be retaken. If the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway at the point where the trigger button 1 is to be pressed fully in order to write the image signal to the storage section M, the path of the image signal returns to the state when the first half-press was performed. Therefore, for example, if you select multiple exposure mode and press trigger button 1 halfway three times, monitor D
If the multiple exposure image appearing in is not enough to be written to the storage system M and you wish to take the image again, you can press the button halfway instead of pressing the button fully. The display element 10 in FIG. 2 includes a control circuit CC
monitor D by the drive signal from the output terminal O12 _of
imaged in. In other words, whether the image signal passing through the adding circuit A is a raw image signal from the image sensor I or a photographed image signal from the buffer memory B,
A display is made that allows identification of whether the stored image signal is from the storage system M or the buffer memory B. Each aspect is shown in FIG. a
is the raw image signal, b is the photographed image signal,
c indicates the case of a stored image signal (the number indicates the address of the memory where the stored image signal is stored), and d indicates the case of a photographed image signal and a stored image signal. The above displays a to d appear sequentially each time the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway when the multiple exposure or chromakey mode is selected in the first composition mode. e and f are displays that appear when the second combining mode is selected; e is shown for the first stored image signal, and f is shown for the first and second stored image signals. If imaging on the monitor D is not required, the push button 11 shown in FIG. 2 may be pressed. In FIG. 6, when the switch 11a is closed by pressing the button 11, the T flip-flop T, which had been outputting an H output when the trigger button 1 was pressed for the first time, outputs an L output. Therefore, the AND circuit An connects the output of L to the input terminal i ₁₁ of the control circuit CC shown in FIG.
Send the output of L to . As a result, the circuit CC stops outputting the operating signal from the output terminal _O2 to the reproduction processing system R, making the processing system R inoperable. Therefore, no image signal is sent to monitor D, and imaging on monitor D is stopped. Self-timer photography can be performed when automatic access mode, manual access mode, multiple exposure/first composition mode, or chroma key/first composition mode is selected. To do this, first press the trigger button 1 halfway for the first time to open the ID path, observe the raw image on monitor D, and decide on the composition. Then, instead of pressing the trigger button 1 halfway for the second time, the button 2 shown in FIG. 1 is pressed. Then, the switch 2a shown in FIG. 6 closes, and after a predetermined period of time, the second input terminal of the self-timer circuit St
An L output is issued from Sto' to input terminal _i1 of circuit CC, circuit CC operates in the same way as when the second half-press was performed, opens the IB path, and self-timer photography is completed. do. When the switch 2a is closed, the circuit St inverts the H output from the first output terminal Sto in response to the first half-press of the trigger button 1 to L for the predetermined time period. Meanwhile, the AND circuit An sends the output of L to the input terminal _i11 of the circuit CC, so that during self-timer shooting when monitor D cannot be observed, reproduction processing system R and monitor D are inactive. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed. When image signals have been written to all memories in the storage system M and they are no longer used, the storage unit _C2 is transferred to the imaging unit.
C ₁ and connect it to an external storage device (not shown) such as a VTR, and transfer the image signals stored in each memory there as digital signals or to the DA converter provided in the external storage device. Therefore, it can be reused by converting it into an analog signal and transferring it to another recording medium such as a magnetic tape. The image signal in the memory is read out using a first address signal, a read signal, and a second address signal that are sequentially output from the external storage device to the storage system M. Through this operation, each memory of the storage system M can be used again as unused memory. Each memory is composed of memory cells whose number is one greater than the total number of pixels in one frame (memory cells have a 4-bit configuration, for example). For example, if the total number of pixels is 10 ⁶ , the total number of memory cells is 10 ⁶ +1. This means that the queue signal is stored in the memory cell at address 0, and from address 1
This is because the image signal for one frame is stored over ¹⁰⁶ addresses. This cue signal is
The CC detects this and determines whether the accessed memory is used or not, that is, whether the memory stores image signals that have not been transferred to the external storage device (hereinafter referred to as untransferred image signals). It is there to determine. The cue signal is added to the beginning of the image signal every frame by the recording processing system W, and is distinguishable from the image signal. This cue signal is erased when the storage section _C2 is connected to an external storage device and the transfer of the image signal in the memory, that is, the reading of the image signal from the memory and writing to another recording medium is completed. To be more specific, when the transfer is completed, the external storage device sends the first address signal to access the memory where the transfer has been completed in order to erase the queue signal to the storage system M, the write signal, and the memory in which the queue signal is stored. cell address i.e. 0
and a second address signal to access the address. Then, the external storage device writes a signal different from the queue signal, for example, if the queue signal is (0000), a signal of (1111) to the memory cell at address 0, and erases the queue signal. When the control circuit CC detects the queue signal, the control circuit CC detects an unused memory (memory to which no image signal has been written or memory to which image signals have already been transferred to an external storage device). We will explain the operation when accessing. First, let us assume that a storage section C ₂ in which some memories are used and some memories are unused, that is, a storage section C ₂ that is in the middle of being used, is attached to the imaging section C ₁ .
The circuit CC first sends from the output terminal _O3 to M a first address signal for accessing the first memory, a read signal, and a second address signal for accessing the memory cell at address 0. If the queue signal is output from the output terminal of the memory system M, the circuit
The CC receives this through the input terminal _i11 , and determines that this memory stores untransferred image signals and is therefore a used memory. So the circuit CC is
A first address signal for accessing the second memory, a read signal, and the same second address signal as above are output from the output terminal _O3 to the storage system M. If a queue signal is stored in this memory as well, a first access signal for accessing the third memory, a read signal, and the same second address signal as above are issued. The above access operations are sequentially performed until the memory in which no queue signal is stored is accessed. Assume that when the n-th memory is accessed, no queue signal is input from the output terminal of the storage system M to the input terminal _i11 . The circuit CC detects that this memory stores no untransferred image signals and is an unused memory. When writing one frame worth of image signals into this memory, the circuit CC converts the read signal into a write signal and sequentially accesses all memory cells from address 0 to address ¹⁰⁶ using the second address signal. Further, in conjunction with this, the circuit CC stores the address of this nth memory, that is, the address of the last accessed memory. Next, when accessing an unused memory again, the circuit CC starts the above-described access operation from the memory following the n-th memory accessed in the previous photographing, that is, the (n+1)-th memory. If all memories are accessed and a queue signal is stored in any memory, the circuit CC disables each component and issues a warning. The memory address stored in the circuit CC is erased by removing the storage section _C2 from the imaging section _C1 . When accessing memory that stores untransferred image signals, that is, used memory, the circuit
CC performs the same operation as the above-mentioned access operation.
This process is repeated until the queue signal is output from input terminal _i11 . If a used memory is accessed and an image signal is to be read from this memory, the circuit CC sends the second address signal from address 1 to the last address following address 0 which has already been output to access the queue signal. Output sequentially up to address ¹⁰⁶ . The access operation of the circuit CC described above is performed in response to the depression of the trigger button 1 or the depression of the access button 8. Although the camera of this embodiment is not provided with a power switch, each component of the camera is activated by pressing the trigger button 1, and no operation is performed for a certain period of time after a certain operation is applied to the camera. If this was not the case, the control circuit CC was configured to put all components in an inactive state, so it was no longer necessary. Note that the switches Sw ₁ , Sw ₂ , and Sw ₃ are preferably semiconductor switches that are opened and closed by control signals from the control circuit CC, rather than mechanical switches. In this embodiment, the image signal path is cyclically switched each time the trigger button 1 is pressed, but separate and independent manual operation members are provided for each signal path, and by operating these, any signal path can be changed. It may be opened at any time. For example, after pressing the button to select the multiple exposure mode, if you press the button that opens the IB and BD paths and the button that opens the MB and BD paths, a multiple exposure image in which the photographed image and the stored image are superimposed will be displayed on the monitor D. It may be configured so that it appears. (1) When you press trigger button 1 halfway for the first time,
The IB pathway is opened, followed by the BD pathway.
Therefore, on the monitor D, the subject imaged on the image sensor I at the time of the first half-press appears as a still image (photographed image). However, this state will be maintained as long as you continue to press the button halfway. (2) If the captured image on monitor D is unsatisfactory, release your finger from trigger button 1. Then, the ID path is opened and the subject is visualized as a moving image on monitor D. (3) Then, while observing this monitor D, perform operations (1) and (2), that is, press trigger button 1 halfway (IB, BD route) and release it halfway (ID route), until the desired captured image is obtained. Just repeat. (4) If the desired captured image appears on monitor D and you intend to record it, press trigger button 1 further and fully. Then, the BM path is opened and the captured image signal is written into the memory of the storage system M. As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, media with limited storage capacity can be used effectively. For example, if you use an electronic still camera equipped with a medium (magnetic floppy disk) that can store 50 screens, and you have already stored 50 screens, you may be blessed with good shot performance and the things you really want to record are stored in the buffer memory. At this time, it is possible to select an unnecessary image signal (for example, failed shooting) by comparing it with the image signal recorded in the past, and record a new image signal in place of the image signal stored in the buffer memory. Furthermore, at that time, the image just taken (image signal stored in the buffer memory)
Since the workmanship can be immediately reproduced and checked on a monitor, the image and the recorded image can be compared and evaluated, making it possible to make an error-free judgment as to which image should be recorded. In this embodiment, a solid memory is used as the storage means (B, M), but the present invention is not limited to this, and magnetic disks, magnetic tapes, etc. may also be used. Furthermore, the imaging means I is not limited to a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD, and an imaging tube may be used. A CRT color display can also be used as the display means D. Further, the storage means M may be connected to the imaging means I and the display means D by a cable. Further, in this embodiment, a camera that records still images is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to a camera that records moving images.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 and 2 are perspective views showing the appearance of one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of this embodiment, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of this embodiment, and FIG.
The figure is a front view showing the display mode of the display element of this example, and Figure 6 shows the ON and OFF operation of the monitor.
FIG. Explanation of symbols of main parts, photographing optical system...L, imaging means...I, display means...D, storage means...B
or M, control means...CC.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A photographing optical system, an imaging means for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the optical system into an image signal,
a buffer memory for temporarily storing at least one still image signal of the output image signal of the imaging means;
a storage means for storing a plurality of still image signals; a display means for visualizing the image signal; a designation means for designating a still image already stored in the storage means and reproducing it on the display means; storage control means for storing in the storage means a still image signal to be stored in the buffer memory in place of the designated image signal, and the stored still image signal designated by the designation means is visually recognized on the display means. As a result, when it is determined that the specified image signal does not need to be stored, the storage control means replaces the unnecessary still image signal with the still image signal stored in the buffer memory, and stores the specified image signal in the storage means. An electronic still camera characterized by being controlled so as to be stored in a region. 2. The display means selects one of the image signal output from the imaging means, the still image signal output from the buffer memory, and the still image signal output of a designated still image signal stored in the storage means. 2. The electronic still camera according to claim 1, wherein the electronic still camera is characterized in that the electronic still camera is visually visualized.