CN100420281C - Image sensing apparatus and image sensing apparatus control method - Google Patents

Abstract

An image sensing apparatus has a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix-like layout and containing photoelectric conversion devices reads signals in units of one line or a plurality of lines and is provide with an image sensing device 14 adapted to read a signal from a given block area. The apparatus has a flash read mode that, during flash operation, adjusts parameters relating to the readout of the image sensing device 14 so as to produce the same exposure period for all the plurality of lines that comprise a predetermined block area of the image sensing device 14 , thus enabling accurate quantity of light detection even when performing strobe photography at high shutter speeds.

Description

The control method of image-pickup device, image-pickup device

Technical field

The present invention relates to carry out photometry uses the luminous image-pickup device such as pre-luminous and the control method of image-pickup device.More particularly, relate to the image-pickup device that is suitable for using the solid photographic device as cmos sensor and the control method of solid photographic device, in this solid photographic device, dispose a plurality of photo-electric conversion elements two-dimensionally, and can stagger by delegation or number row unit and drive between exposure period.

Background technology

In recent years, the solid photographic device of integrated to high-density photo-electric conversion element is applied to video camera and digital camera etc., can write down many view data on recording medium, or printing out image data, or carries out display and show.

In this video camera, digital camera etc., adopted automatic exposure (AE:AutomaticExposure) function,, measured the light quantity of shooting face, exposed with the optimum exposure condition of being obtained in the DT.

And, have photoflash lamp, flash tube auxiliary illuminating devices such as (strobo), when less night of light quantity or indoor the photography, make above-mentioned auxiliary illuminating device flash of light photograph (strobo photography).

The instantaneous use AE function control that exposes when flash light emission is actually and has difficulties, and therefore, generally all is carry out that photometry uses luminous in advance, measures the light quantity of this moment, finishes automatic exposure control before flash light emission, and then formally photographs.Usually, outside the integration time of solid photographic device,,, accumulate action so regularly synchronously carry out luminously in advance with flash light emission even carry out pre-luminously also can't measuring the flash of light light quantity exactly.

In recent years, in order in video camera, digital camera etc., to realize high-resolution, efforts be made so that the dwindling of unit (cell) size of the photo-electric conversion element of having used micro-gasification process.

On the other hand, because along with the dwindling of cell size, the photoelectric conversion signal output that causes each unit is degradation down, so can the amplification type solid state imaging device that photoelectric conversion signal amplifies output be received publicity.About such amplification type solid state imaging device, the two-dimensional solid-state imaging device of XY address type transducers such as BASIS, MOS type, SIT, AMI, CMD is arranged.

In addition, as other two-dimensional solid-state imaging devices, based in the outstanding representation aspect densification and the high S/N, CCD (Charge Coupled Device) transducer is widely used.

In the digital camera with two-dimensional solid-state imaging device etc., when photographic images, suitably adjust the conditions of exposure of this shooting, set the corresponding time for exposure of sensitivity with solid photographic device.When setting this time for exposure, measurement shines by the light quantity on the part of the photo-electric conversion element of two-dimensional arrangement, and photographic parameters such as change aperture till the value of the light quantity of measuring becomes a certain desired value, find optimum value.This action is AE (Automatic Exposure).

When in the digital camera that has used ccd sensor, carrying out AE, read whole pixel datas and store in the storage medium, therefrom extract predetermined piece (block) zone, after the interim accumulation, compare with suitable predetermined exposure level.Then, the pixel data of reading for photographic parameter such as change shutter speed, aperture extracts the piece zone once more, compares with the predetermined exposure level.By so repeatedly carrying out repeatedly, the condition the when exposure levels in piece zone is become the predetermined exposure level is defined as optimum exposure condition.

With reference to Figure 17 A～Figure 17 C, the AE action of being undertaken by the solid photographic device that has used ccd sensor is described.No matter the mode that reads of transducer is in the ranks (interline) load mode or frame load mode, the picture signal of reading by the time sequence from ccd sensor 1601 all converts data image signal to by A/D converter 1602, writes 1 frame amount in frame memory 1603.

When the AE that carries out based on central emphasis photometry, especially, only read the piece zone of central part, the video level in this piece zone with integrator 1604 integrations, is obtained whole integrated values in this piece zone.With the decision circuit 1605 relatively whole integrated values and the predetermined predetermined exposure level in this piece zone,, just output to exposure condition setting circuit 1606 if this comparative result there are differences.Exposure condition setting circuit 1606 from conditions of exposures such as integration time to the time for exposure shutter speed of ccd sensor 1601, f-number, ccd sensor 1601, modification such as shutter speed etc.With with exposure condition setting circuit 1606 in the corresponding conditions of exposure of setting, detect the exposure integrated value in the piece zone in the view data that obtains by ccd sensor 1601 once more, compare, judge by decision circuit 1605, carry out these operations repeatedly till difference becomes smaller or equal to predetermined value, thereby obtain best conditions of exposure.

This AE action schedule is shown the sequential chart of Figure 17 B.In Figure 17 B, in (1) to represent the time for exposure (electric charge accumulating time) between low period.In (2) when AE estimates, after electric charge accumulation and A/D change, read the piece zone from frame memory 1603, with high level represent integral processing during.In addition, in the AE value (3) when each AE estimates, what dot is the AE value of being scheduled to.If (graph) represents with curve chart, then become Figure 17 C, in the 3rd time exposure tests value, the AE value is too high, and the condition that the conditions of exposure by with the AE value of the 4th the time is used as AE can be carried out best AE.

In recent years, based on cheap, do not need complicated timing generator and can move with single power supply, reason such as consumed power is also less, the situation that cmos sensor is used in two-dimensional solid-state imaging device increases gradually.

But the COMS transducer is with the unit's of going read output signal, so the time started of every row accumulation optical charge staggers.Therefore, the timing that is used for the light quantity accumulation of AE is sometimes staggered by every row, and the integration time and the pre-fluorescent lifetime that are used for the piece zone of AE evaluation stagger.That is, be comprised in sometimes in the row that is used for the piece zone that AE estimates, appear at the row that does not accumulate in pre-luminous.

Countermeasure as this problem, in TOHKEMY 2000-196951 communique for example, following content is disclosed: control, make in the piece zone respectively reading row carry out in the overlapped period in time luminous in advance, thereby pre-luminously be irradiated to whole zone.

But, carry out in the daytime shutter speed such as (synchro) photography synchronously for situation at a high speed under, respectively the reading capable overlapped period in time in the piece zone does not exist sometimes.Under these circumstances, if regularly carry out arbitrarily luminous in advance, the optical charge of the photography light that constitutes by the reverberation of outer light and photoflash lamp then, mixing with the optical charge of the photography light that only is made of outer light is accumulated in the cmos sensor.Its result, existence can't detect the problem of light quantity accurately.

Summary of the invention

The present invention puts in view of the above problems and finishes, and purpose is, even be the high-speed shutter action when luminous, can realize that also high-precision light quantity detects.

To achieve these goals, the image-pickup device of the 1st aspect of the present invention is characterised in that, comprising: image unit, dispose the pixel that multirow comprises photo-electric conversion element; Driver element, staggering by delegation or number row unit drives above-mentioned image unit between exposure period; And control unit, when luminous, can be from the read mode of the presumptive area read output signal of above-mentioned image unit, different pre-luminous read mode when switching to straight-through demonstration, wherein, this straight-through demonstration is that the consecutive image that will export successively from above-mentioned image unit is presented on the display unit; Wherein, above-mentioned pre-luminous read mode is, make the part between the exposure period of the row of reading at first, and the part between the exposure period of the row of reading at last is overlapping in time.

In addition, to achieve these goals, the image-pickup device of other aspects of the present invention is characterised in that, comprising: image unit, dispose the pixel that multirow comprises photo-electric conversion element; Driver element, staggering by delegation or number row unit drives above-mentioned image unit between exposure period; And control unit, when luminous, can be from the read mode of the presumptive area read output signal of above-mentioned image unit, different pre-luminous read mode when switching to straight-through demonstration, wherein, this straight-through demonstration is that the consecutive image that will export successively from above-mentioned image unit is presented on the display unit; Wherein, above-mentioned pre-luminous read mode is, short during the reading of read mode when making during the reading of the presumptive area read output signal of above-mentioned image unit than above-mentioned straight-through demonstration, make from the time for reading of above-mentioned presumptive area read output signal and pre-fluorescent lifetime sum less than shutter speed.

And, above-mentioned purpose can also realize by the control method of image-pickup device, this image-pickup device comprises and disposes the image unit that multirow comprises the pixel of photo-electric conversion element, and stagger by delegation or number row unit and to drive the driver element of above-mentioned image unit between exposure period, this control method is characterised in that: the step that is included in when luminous pre-luminous read modes different in the time of switching to straight-through demonstration from the read mode of the presumptive area read output signal of above-mentioned image unit, wherein, should straight-through be shown as the consecutive image that will export successively from above-mentioned image unit is presented on the display unit, wherein, above-mentioned pre-luminous read mode is, make the part between the exposure period of the row of reading at first, and the part between the exposure period of the row of reading at last is overlapping in time.

In addition, above-mentioned purpose can also realize by the control method of image-pickup device, this image-pickup device comprises and disposes the image unit that multirow comprises the pixel of photo-electric conversion element, and stagger by delegation or number row unit and to drive the driver element of above-mentioned image unit between exposure period, this control method is characterised in that: the step that is included in when luminous pre-luminous read modes different in the time of switching to straight-through demonstration from the read mode of the presumptive area read output signal of above-mentioned image unit, wherein, this straight-through be shown as the consecutive image that will export successively from above-mentioned image unit and be presented on the display unit; Wherein, above-mentioned pre-luminous read mode is, short during the reading of read mode when making during the reading of the presumptive area read output signal of above-mentioned image unit than above-mentioned straight-through demonstration, make from the time for reading of above-mentioned presumptive area read output signal and pre-fluorescent lifetime sum less than shutter speed.

Other features and advantages of the present invention can obtain clearly by the following explanation that preferred embodiment is carried out, and the accompanying drawing in the specification constitutes a part of the present invention, illustrate various execution mode of the present invention.But these examples can not limit various execution modes of the present invention, and its scope is defined by the appended claims.

Description of drawings

Accompanying drawing constitutes the part of this specification, is used to illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and is used from this explanation one and illustrates principle of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is the figure of the structure example of expression the present invention image-pickup device applicatory.

Fig. 2 is the flow chart of a part of main program (routine) of processing action of the image-pickup device of expression the 1st execution mode.

Fig. 3 is the flow chart of a part of main program of processing action of the image-pickup device of expression the 1st execution mode.

Fig. 4 is the flow chart that expression range finding photometry colour examining is handled.

Fig. 5 is the flow chart of expression photograph processing.

Fig. 6 is the flow chart of expression recording processing.

The precedence diagram of the processing action when Fig. 7 is photoflash lamp ON.

Fig. 8 is the circuit diagram of COMS transducer.

Fig. 9 is the figure of the circuit structure of expression add circuit.

Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B are used to illustrate the mode that reads of COMS transducer and the figure of EF action.

Figure 11 is that the expression shutter speed is the figure of the timing of 1/60 o'clock EF integration time of estimating piece.

Figure 12 is that the expression shutter speed is the figure of the timing of 1/250 o'clock EF integration time of estimating piece.

Figure 13 is the figure of the timing of the integration time of expression when having changed read level pixel count, driving frequency or horizontal blanking time.

Figure 14 is the figure that expression has changed the timing of the integration time when reading Vertical number of pixels.

Figure 15 is the flow chart of a part of main program of processing action of the image-pickup device of expression the 2nd execution mode.

Figure 16 is the figure of the relation of the shutter speed of image-pickup device of expression the 3rd execution mode and driving frequency.

Figure 17 A～Figure 17 C is the figure that is used to illustrate the AE mode of the solid photographic device that has used CCD.

Embodiment

Describe preferred implementation of the present invention in detail below in conjunction with accompanying drawing.

(the 1st execution mode)

Fig. 1 is the figure that represents the structure example of image-pickup devices 100 such as the present invention's digital camera applicatory.In the figure, the 10th, phtographic lens.The 12nd, the shutter with aperture function.The 14th, solid-state imager (solid photographic device) in the present embodiment, has used following cmos sensor, promptly, a plurality of pixel arrangement that comprise photo-electric conversion element become rectangular, by delegation or number row units read output signal, and can be from piece zone read output signal arbitrarily.The 16th, the analog signal of solid-state imager 14 is exported the A/D converter that is converted to digital signal.

The 18th, provide the timing generating circuit of clock signal, control signal respectively to solid-state imager 14, A/D converter 16, D/A converter 26, by memory controller 22 and systems control division 50 controls.

The 20th, image processing part is to from the view data of A/D converter 16 or from the view data of memory controller 22, the pixel interpolation processing of being scheduled to, look conversion process.And image processing part 20 uses the calculation process of being scheduled to from the view data of A/D converter 16 outputs.Then, according to this operation result, 50 pairs of exposures of systems control division control part 40 and range finding control part 42 carry out automatic focus (AF) processing, automatic exposure (AE) processing, the photoflash lamp luminous in advance (EF) of TTL (Through The Lens) mode to be handled.And then image processing part 20 uses the calculation process of being scheduled to from the view data of A/D converter 16 outputs, according to the operation result of obtaining, also carries out the Automatic white balance (AWB:Auto White Balance) of TTL mode and handles.

The 22nd, memory controller, control A/D converter 16, timing generating circuit 18, image processing part 20, image display-memory 24, D/A converter 26, memory 30, compressed and decompressed 32.From the view data of A/D converter 16 output,, write image display-memory 24 or memory 30 via image processing part 20, memory controller 22 or only via memory controller 22.

The 24th, image display-memory, the 26th, D/A converter, the 28th, the image displaying part that constitutes by TFT LCD etc.Be written to the view data of the demonstration usefulness in the image display-memory 24,, on image displaying part 28, show via D/A converter 26.

If use image displaying part 28 orders to show captured view data, then can realize electronic viewfinder (EVF:Electric View Finder) function.In addition, image displaying part 28 can make demonstration open (ON) according to the indication of systems control division 50 or close (OFF).Make image displaying part 28 be shown as pass (OFF) time, can reduce the power consumption of image-pickup device 100 significantly.And image displaying part 28 is according to the indication from systems control division 50, show about in focus, the information of hand shake, flashlight charging, shutter speed, f-number, exposure correction etc.

The 30th, be used to store captured rest image, the memory of motion video, have the memory capacity of abundance of rest image, the motion video of the scheduled time of storing predetermined number.Thus, even under the situation of continuous shooting of taking continuously many rest images or panoramic shooting, also can be at a high speed and in large quantities with image write memory 30.And memory 30 can also use as the service area of systems control division 50.

The 32nd, the compressed and decompressed portion that view data is carried out compression and decompression by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) etc.Have the view data of reading from memory 30 is carried out image compression, and the function of the view data write memory 30 that will be crossed by image compression, and the view data of reading from memory 30 decompressed, with the function of the view data write memory 30 after decompressing.

The 40th, control has the exposure control part of the shutter 12 of aperture function, by cooperating with photoflash lamp 48, also has the photoflash lamp dimming function.The 42nd, the range finding control part of focusing of control phtographic lens 10, the 44th, the change change times control part doubly of control phtographic lens 10, the 46th, control is used for the lens cap control part of action of the lens cap 102 of len.The 48th, photoflash lamp has the projection function of AF fill-in light, also has the photoflash lamp dimming function.Exposure control part 40 and range finding control part 42 are used the TTL mode and control, as described above, control part 50 is according to the operation result that is undertaken by 20 pairs of view data from A/D converter of image processing part after the computing, control exposure control part 40 and range finding control part 42.

The 50th, the systems control division of control image-pickup device 100 integral body, the 52nd, the memory of the constant of the action usefulness of storage system control part 50, variable, program etc.

The 54th, liquid crystal indicator, loud speaker untill further notice portion, be arranged on 1 place or the many places of near the position of the easy identification the operating portion of image-pickup device 100, wherein, this notice portion carries out according to the program of systems control division 50, uses literal, image, sound untill further notice operate condition, message etc.For example constitute by the combination of LCD or LED, sounding component etc.And the part of functions of notice portion 54 is arranged in the optical finder 104.

In the displaying contents of notice portion 54, as the displaying contents that is shown on the LCD etc., there is single bat/continuous shooting photography to show, autodyne and show, compression ratio shows, the recording pixel digital display shows, the record number shows, residue can be taken number and be shown, shutter speed shows, f-number shows, exposure correction shows, photoflash lamp shows, IGBT shows, macroshot shows, buzzer is set and is shown, clock shows with battery allowance, battery allowance shows, mistake shows, information based on long number shows, recording medium 200 and 210 pack into/disassembly status shows, communication I/F action shows, date shows etc. constantly.

In addition, in the displaying contents of notice portion 54,, demonstration in focus, hand shake warning demonstration, flashlight charging demonstration, shutter speed demonstration, f-number demonstration, exposure correction demonstration etc. are arranged as the displaying contents that in optical finder 104, shows.

The 56th, the nonvolatile memory of electric erasable record for example uses EEPROM etc.

60,62,64 and 70 is the operating means that are used for the exercises indication of input system control part 50, by switch, dial, touch-screen, based on one or more the constituting of the indicating device (pointing) of line-of-sight detection, voice recognition device etc.

The 60th, the pattern rotary disk shutter can switch various functional modes such as setting power supply OFF, automatic photography pattern, photograph mode, panorama photographic mode, reproduction mode, many picture reproductions removing pattern, PC connection mode.

The 62nd, shutter release SW1, the operation of not shown shutter release button midway (half by) become ON, the action that indication AF handles, AE handles, AWB handles, EF handles etc. begins.

The 64th, shutter release SW2 becomes ON when finishing (complete pressing) in the operation of not shown shutter release button.By the ON of SW2, indication

The signal that to read from solid-state imager 14 is via A/D converter 16, memory controller 22, as the exposure-processed in the view data write memory 30;

Used the development treatment of the computing of image processing part 20, memory controller 22;

Read view data from memory 30, handle by compressed and decompressed 32 compressed encoding that carries out image compression;

The action of this series of processes of recording processing of view data writing recording medium 200 or 210 is begun.

The 70th, the operating portion that constitutes by various buttons, touch-screen.Operating portion 70 for example comprises following such button, key etc.: menu button, setting (set) button, microspur/non-microspur switching push button, many picture reproductions skip button, photoflash lamp set button, single bats/continuous shooting/auto heterodyne switching push button, menu and move+(adding) button, menu move-(subtracting) button, reproduced image move+(adding) button, reproduced image move-(subtracting) button, take image quality selector button, exposure correction button, date setting button etc.

The 80th, power control part is by switching battery detection circuit, DC-DC transducer, switching the formations such as switching circuit of the piece (block) that will switch on.And, having or not the kind of the battery of packing into, battery, the detection of battery allowance, the indication control DC-DC transducer according to testing result and systems control division 50 offers required voltage each one that comprises recording medium in the time of needs.

82, the 84th, connector, the 86th, the power supply that constitutes by secondary cells such as disposable batteries such as alkaline battery, lithium battery, NiCd battery, NiMH battery, Li battery, AC adapter etc.

90 and 94 are and the interface of recording mediums such as storage card, hard disk, and 92 and 96 is the connectors that are connected with recording mediums such as storage card, hard disks.The 98th, the recording medium whether detection record medium 200,210 is connected with connector 92,96 test section of packing into/dismantle.

The 102nd, lens cap by hiding the image pickup part that comprises camera lens 10 of image-pickup device 100, prevents that image pickup part from being polluted and sustain damage.

The 104th, optical finder can not use the electronic viewfinder function based on image displaying part 28, and only use optical finder 104 to photograph.And, in optical finder 104, be provided with the part of functions of notice portion 54, for example demonstration in focus, hand shake warning demonstration, flashlight charging demonstration, shutter speed demonstration, f-number demonstration, exposure correction demonstration etc.

The 110th, Department of Communication Force comprises various communication functions such as RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modulator-demodulator, LAN, radio communication.The 112nd, by the connector that Department of Communication Force 110 makes image-pickup device 100 be connected with other machines, perhaps under the situation of radio communication antenna.

200 and 210 is recording mediums such as storage card, hard disk.Recording medium 200 and 210 comprises: the recording portion 202 and 212 that is made of semiconductor memory, disk etc.; Interface 204 and 214 with image-pickup device 100; The connector 206 and 216 that connects with image-pickup device 100.

Fig. 2, Fig. 3 are the flow charts of the main program of the processing action in the presentation video capturing apparatus 100.Insert by the power supply of changing battery etc., systems control division 50 will indicate initialization (step S101) such as (flag), control variables, and the image demonstration of image displaying part 28 is initially set OFF state (step S102).

The desired location of systems control division 50 judgment model rotary disk shutters 60.If pattern rotary disk shutter 60 is set at power supply OFF (step S103), the end process of then being scheduled to (step S105).End process for example comprises following processing:

The demonstration of each display part is changed to done state.

Close lens cap 102 protection image pickup parts

The parameters needed, set point, setting mode record that will comprise sign, control variables etc. are in nonvolatile memory 56

Cut off the unwanted power supply of each one of the image-pickup device 100 that comprises image displaying part 28 by power control part 80

After the bundle that finishes is handled, return step S103.

On the other hand, if pattern rotary disk shutter 60 has been set at photograph mode (step S103), then enter step S106.If pattern rotary disk shutter 60 has been set at other patterns (step S103), then systems control division 50 execution if finished processing, are then returned step S103 corresponding to the processing (step S104) of selected pattern.

In photograph mode, whether the residual capacity, running-active status that systems control division 50 is judged the power supply 86 that is made of battery etc. by power control part 80 be to the action of image-pickup device 100 have problems (step S106).Then, if existing problems, the warning of then using notice portion 54 to be scheduled to by image or sound shows (step S108), returns step S103 then.

If power supply 86 does not have problems, then systems control division 50 judge recording medium 200 or 210 operate condition whether to the action of image-pickup device 100, especially for recording medium 200 or 210 record image data of carrying out and reproducing movement whether have problems (step S107).Then, if existing problems, the warning of then using notice portion 54 to be scheduled to by image or sound shows (step S108), returns step S103 then.

If the operate condition of recording medium 200 or 210 does not have problems (step S107), then use notice portion 54 by image, sound, the various set conditions of image-pickup device 100 are notified to user (step S109).In addition, be shown as under the situation of ON, also can use image displaying part 28, report the various set conditions of image-pickup device 100 by image, sound to the user at the image of image displaying part 28.

Then, systems control division 50 is set at straight-through (through) show state (step S116) that order shows captured view data.Straight-through show state is to be used to state that image displaying part 28 is played a role as electronic viewfinder.Particularly, will be via solid-state imager 14, A/D converter 16, image processing part 20, memory controller 22, order writes the data in the image display-memory 24, via memory controller 22, D/A converter 26, is shown by image displaying part 28 orders.

Then, check the state of shutter release SW1,, then return step S103 if shutter release SW1 is OFF (step S119).If shutter release SW1 is ON (step S119), then systems control division 50 processing of finding range with the subject in focus of phtographic lens 10, is carried out photometry and is handled, and determines f-number and shutter speed.In photometry is handled, go back set (set) photoflash lamp sign as required, carry out the setting (step S120) of photoflash lamp.The details that this range finding photometry colour examining is handled will use Fig. 4 to discuss later.

Handle (step S120) if finished range finding photometry colour examining, then check the state of shutter release SW2.If shutter release SW2 is not pressed (step S121), and then switch SW 1 also is disengaged (step S122), then returns step S103.If shutter release SW2 is not pressed (step S121), the state (step S122) that switch SW 1 is still kept ON then returns step S121.

If shutter release SW2 is pressed (step S121), then systems control division 50 is handled the photoflash lamp sign of setting in (step S120) according to having or not as described later in range finding photometry colour examining, need to judge whether photoflash lamp (step S127).Photoflash lamp then will read mode from the signal of solid-state imager 14 read output signals if desired, switch to pre-luminous read mode (step S128) from before this EVF read mode, and carry out pre-luminous exposure-processed (step S129).If do not need photoflash lamp, then enter step S123.Details about this pre-luminous read mode will be in hereinafter discussing.

Then, systems control division 50 carries out following exposure-processed: via solid-state imager 14, A/D converter 16, image processing part 20, memory controller 22, perhaps from A/D converter 16 directly via memory controller 22, will be shot image data write memory 30.And, carry out the photograph processing that constitutes by development treatment, this development treatment is, uses memory controller 22, also uses image processing part 20 as required, reads the view data that is written in the memory 30 and carries out various processing (step S123).The details of this photograph processing will use Fig. 5 to discuss later.

After photograph processing finished, systems control division 50 was read the photographic image data that is written in the memory 30, used memory controller 22, also used image processing part 20 as required, carried out various image processing.In addition, use and carry out for compressed and decompressed 32 and the corresponding image Compression of setting of pattern, carry out recording processing (step S124) then view data writing recording medium 200 or 210.The details of this recording processing will use Fig. 6 to discuss later.

After recording processing finishes, check the state (step S125) of shutter release SW2, if be OFF, then return step S103, if be ON, then confirm whether to be set to burst mode (step S126).If be not set to burst mode, then return step S125, wait for that shutter release SW2 is disengaged, and returns step S103.If be set to burst mode, then return step S123, carry out ensuing photography.

Fig. 4 is the detail flowchart that the range finding photometry colour examining among the step S120 of presentation graphs 3 is handled.Systems control division 50 is read charge signal from solid-state imager 14, via A/D converter 16 the view data order is read in image processing part 20 (step S201).Image processing part 20 uses this view data of reading in proper order, the predetermined computing that the AE that is used for the TTL mode handles, EF handles, AF handles.In addition, every processing herein is the specific part that suits the requirements in whole pixel counts of having taken, cuts and extract the part that needs the place, is used for computing.Thus, in every processing of AE, the EF of TTL mode, AWB, AF, can carry out best computing to each of different various patterns such as central emphasis pattern, average mode, evaluation model.

Systems control division 50 uses exposure control part 40 to carry out AE control (step S203), is judged as exposure (AE) suitably (step S202) up to the operation result that uses image processing part 20.Systems control division 50 uses the measurement data that obtains by AE control, need to judge whether photoflash lamp (step S204), and photoflash lamp set photoflash lamp sign then makes photoflash lamp 48 chargings (step S205) if desired.If do not need photoflash lamp, then return step S201 at this point.

If be judged as exposure (AE) suitably (step S202), then measurement data and/or setup parameter stored in the internal storage or memory 52 of systems control division 50.

Then, systems control division 50 uses the operation result of image processing part 20 and the measurement data that is obtained by AE control, carries out Automatic white balance (AWB) control and treatment.That is, use image processing part 20 to regulate the parameter (step S207) that look is handled, up to being judged as white balance suitably (step S206).If be judged as white balance suitably (step S206), then measurement data and/or setup parameter stored in the internal storage or memory 52 of systems control division 50.

Use range finding control parts 42 to carry out AF control (step S209) at systems control division 50, being judged as range finding (AF) up to the measurement data of using acquisition in AE control and AWB control is (step S208) in focus.If be judged as range finding (AF) and be (step S208) in focus, then measurement data and/or setup parameter are stored in the internal storage or memory 52 of systems control division 50, finish range finding photometry colour examining handling procedure.

Fig. 5 is the detail flowchart of the photograph processing among the step S123 of presentation graphs 3.

Systems control division 50 is as illustrated in fig. 4, and according to the photometric data in internal storage that is stored in systems control division 50 or the memory 52, control exposure control part 40 makes the shutter 12 with aperture function according to f-number open (step S301).Then, the exposure (step S302) of beginning solid-state imager 14.

Then, judge whether needs photoflash lamp (step S303), if desired, then make photoflash lamp 48 luminous (step S304) according to the photoflash lamp sign.If do not need photoflash lamp, then do not make photoflash lamp 48 enter step S306 beamingly.

Systems control division 50 is waited for the end exposure (step S305) of solid-state imager 14 according to photometric data.Time for exposure is closed shutter 12 (step S306) after finishing, and reads charge signal from solid-state imager 14.Then, via A/D converter 16, image processing part 20, memory controller 22, perhaps from A/D converter 16 directly via memory controller 22, with view data write memory 30 (step S307).

Then,, finish look in turn and handle back (step S310),, finish the photograph processing program having finished in the view data write memory of handling 30 according to the photograph mode that sets.

Fig. 6 is the detail flowchart of the recording processing among the step S124 of presentation graphs 3.Systems control division 50 uses memory controller 22, also uses image processing part 20 as required, reads the view data that is written in the memory 30, by compressed and decompressed the 32 corresponding image Compression of the pattern of carrying out and setting (step S402).Then, with compressing image data via interface 90 or 94, connector 92 or 96, be written to storage card, CF (compactflash: registered trade mark) in the recording medium 200 or 201 (step S403) such as card, the end record handling procedure.

In the image-pickup device of above explanation, when photoflash lamp was ON, as also illustrating among Fig. 7, when shutter release SW1 becomes ON (step S119), (step S120) handled in the photometry colour examining of finding range.Afterwards,, then will read mode, switch to pre-luminous read mode (step S128) from the EVF read mode from the signal of solid-state imager 14 read output signals if shutter release SW2 has become ON (step S121).Then, as pre-luminous exposure-processed, carrying out in advance, luminous and pre-exposure, signal read (step S129).That is, pre-when luminous, transfer to the EVF read mode, the different pre-luminous read mode of read mode formally exposes.So, send out exposure-processed at once in advance, shorten the time of formal exposure time started and pre-exposure time started, thereby can realize high-precision photoflash lamp light modulation by after becoming ON at shutter release SW2.

In this case, when shutter release SW2 became ON, the demonstration of image display device 28 (EVF output) was upgraded and is ended, and the signal of reading by pre-luminous read mode does not lead directly to demonstration.

Fig. 8 is the circuit diagram as the COMS transducer of solid-state imager 14.

In the figure, B11～B44 has photo-electric conversion element such as photodiode, reads the stored charge of photo-electric conversion element and the pixel of the scale-up version MOS transistor of amplifying, the selection MOS transistor that activates the scale-up version MOS transistor etc.That pixel is configured to is rectangular (in the illustrated example be 4 * 4 pixel).

In the EVF read mode, for example be set at that 2 pixels on 2 pixels, the vertical direction on the horizontal direction are carried out addition is average.That is, the VSEL1 that output is read by each horizontal line from vertical movement memory 801, the light output of each pixel of being selected by the control impuls of VSEL1 is read out each vertical output line VSIG1～4, stores in the add circuit 802.

Fig. 9 is the figure of the circuit structure of expression add circuit 802, and the situation of sum operation is carried out in the light output of 2 pixel B 12 of 2 pixel B 11, B12 and the vertical direction of expression horizontal direction, B22.As shown in the drawing like that, the signal component of pixel B 11, B12, is stored in the storage capacitance 903,904 via transmission switch 901,902 from the vertical output line that is connected with each pixel.At the VSEL2 of next one timing output map 8, the signal component of pixel B 21, B22 is stored in the storage capacitance 907,908 via transmitting switch 905,906.

Then, according to control signal, transmit switch 909,910,911,912 and become ON from horizontal shifting register 803.Thus, in horizontal output line 913, the pixel B 21 of the pixel B 11 of horizontal direction and the signal component of B12 and vertical direction and the signal component of B22 carry out additional calculation, have finished the additional calculation of level, vertical 2 pixels.

Herein, the staggering of the timing when having used rolling types such as cmos sensor (rolling) electronic shutter mode,, describe on one side on one side with reference to the key diagram of the mode that reads of the COMS transducer of Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B luminous in advance (EF).Figure 10 A represents for example to estimate based on the EF of cmos sensor the accumulation definition status of the pre-luminous optical charge in piece zone.When wanting to accumulate the optical charge that CMOS receives, by 1 row unit read output signal, so each row n, n+1, n+2 ..., the accumulation of m begins to stagger respectively.

And, for EF action, at a time between in make photoflash lamp carry out pre-luminous intensity when luminous, be transverse axis with time, shown in Figure 10 B, change like that, cmos sensor receives that this light quantity changes, and estimates a part of piece zone that extracts in Zone Full.At this moment, the capable n～m in EF evaluation piece zone must carry out the accumulation of electric charge all in advance between light emission period.

That is, estimate the piece zone if not all EF pre-luminous light is subjected to light, just can't accurately detect flash of light, will cause precise decreasing.In the example of Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B, EF estimates the piece zone and all pre-luminous light is subjected to light.

Then, under which type of situation, the pre-luminous situation that can't project the part in EF evaluation piece zone describes for example.

When strobo photography (normal (shutter speed 1/60sec))

Figure 11 represents that EF estimates the timing of the integration time in piece zone.Current, shutter speed is 1/60sec, so becomes 16.7ms integration time.And reading for 1 needed time of row in hypothesis is 24 μ s, and when the line number of the vertical direction of EVF was 180, the time for reading of per 1 picture was 24 μ s * 180=4.3ms.As shown in Figure 11, the overlapping period of the integration time of all row in EF piece zone is 12.4ms.If supposing pre-fluorescent lifetime is 20 μ s, then luminous in advance by carrying out at this overlapping period, it is luminous in advance just can to estimate all row projections in piece zone to EF.

When synchronous shooting ((shutter speed 1/250sec)) in the daytime

Figure 12 represents that EF estimates the timing of the integration time in piece zone.Current, shutter speed is 1/250sec, so becomes 4ms integration time.And, suppose when reading 1 row needed time, vertical direction line number identical with normal strobo photography.In this case, as shown in Figure 12, EF estimates the overlapping period on all capable not life periods in piece zone, therefore, which type of no matter regularly carries out luminous in advance with, all can't pre-luminously project the part row in EF evaluation piece zone.

Like this, under the situation that shutter speed is high when synchronous shooting in the daytime etc., compare with reading for 1 needed time of row, shorten integration time.Therefore, estimate in the row in piece zone, occur not by pre-luminous row at EF.

According to The above results,, pre-luminous all EF that project could be estimated piece zones in synchro-shutter speed, from the time for reading of EF evaluation piece zone read output signal, when pre-fluorescent lifetime satisfies following formula (1).

Synchro-shutter speed 〉=time for reading+pre-fluorescent lifetime ... formula (1)

Therefore, be used to by change when luminous to shorten from the parameter during the reading of the signal of the presumptive area (being 4 * 4 pixels in the present embodiment) of following such solid-state imager, make it to move with pre-luminous read mode pre-.

(1) read level pixel count

(2) driving frequency

(3) horizontal blanking time

(4) read Vertical number of pixels

By changing the value of (1), (2), (3), can change the inclination of the parallelogram of sequential chart.This information slip is shown among Figure 13.And, when having changed the value of (4), read line number and change, therefore, sequential chart changes as shown in Figure 14.By changing at least 1 value in these 4 values, can in integration time, make row of reading at first and the row of reading at last overlapping in time by the shutter speed decision.Therefore, can become pre-luminous all EF that project and estimate the so pre-luminous read mode in piece zone.

(the 2nd execution mode)

In above-mentioned the 1st execution mode, always transfer to pre-luminous read mode when luminous pre-.And in pre-luminous read mode, be set at suitable value by Vertical number of pixels is read in (1) read level pixel count, (2) driving frequency, (3) horizontal blanking time, (4) as described above, make pre-luminous all EF that project estimate the piece zone.

Yet, in order to tackle high-speed shutter, trend towards cutting down the read level pixel count, read Vertical number of pixels, may well cause photoflash lamp light modulation precise decreasing owing to cross at interval.And, trend towards increasing, so also consider consumed power also to increase thereupon for driving frequency.And, for horizontal blanking time, trend towards reducing, so consider because the high speed of switching speed, may bring the deterioration of sensor performance.

In the present embodiment, judge that pre-luminous all EF that whether can project estimate the piece zone, only are judged to be under the situation not at this and just transfer to pre-luminous read mode.Figure 15 is the flow chart corresponding to Fig. 3 of above-mentioned the 1st execution mode, gives identical label for the processing action identical with Fig. 3, only difference is described at this.

If supress shutter release SW2 (step S121), then systems control division 50 need to judge whether photoflash lamp (step S127).If desired, judge at first that then whether shutter speed is more than or equal to threshold value (step S130).This threshold value equals " time for reading+pre-fluorescent lifetime " shown in the above-mentioned formula (1).Then, if shutter speed is not more than or equal to threshold value, therefore then pre-luminous all EF evaluation piece zones that just can't project switch to pre-luminous read mode (step S128).But,, carry out pre-luminous exposure-processed (step S129) if shutter speed, then keeps EVF read mode (step S131) more than or equal to threshold value at this point.

(the 3rd execution mode)

In the 1st execution mode, be in pre-light-emitting mode, adjust (1) read level pixel count, (2) driving frequency, (3) horizontal blanking time, (4) to read Vertical number of pixels, when high-speed shutter, also can allow pre-luminous all EF that project estimate the piece zones even if make.

Yet,, consider and may consumed power can increase because driving frequency is trended towards adjusting with increasing.

In the present embodiment, according to shutter speed change driving frequency.Now, adopt driving frequency can select 40MHz, 20MHz, this transducer of 3 kinds of 10MHz.

In addition, the synchro-shutter speed of establishing digital camera is 1/500s (2ms), and then to establish pre-fluorescent lifetime be 1/2000s (0.5ms), and the time for reading when 40MHz drives is 1.5ms.In this case, synchro-shutter speed becomes more than or equal to (time for reading when 40MHz drives+pre-fluorescent lifetime), and pre-luminous all EF that project estimate the piece zone.

And then, suppose that the time for reading when 20MHz drives is 2ms, the time for reading when 10MHz drives is 2.5ms.In this case, when 20MHz drove, the shutter speed that satisfies the minimum of above-mentioned formula (1) became the pre-fluorescent lifetime 0.5ms=2.5ms of time for reading 2ms+ (1/400s).That is, the shutter speed more than or equal to 2.5ms also can be set at 20MHz with driving frequency.Similarly, when 10MHz drove, the shutter speed that satisfies the minimum of above-mentioned formula (1) was the pre-fluorescent lifetime 0.5ms=3.0ms of time for reading 2.5ms+ (1/333s).That is, the shutter speed more than or equal to 3.0ms also can be set at 10MHz with driving frequency.

That is, sum up shutter speed Tv and driving frequency, as follows.

(situation 1) 2ms≤Tv＜2.5ms satisfies above-mentioned formula (1) with driving frequency 40MHz.

(situation 2) 2.5ms≤Tv＜3ms satisfies above-mentioned formula (1) with driving frequency 20MHz.

(situation 3) 3ms≤Tv satisfies above-mentioned formula (1) with driving frequency 10MHz.

Above-mentioned relation is summarized in Figure 16.Based on this, do not need all the time can to slow down driving frequency according to shutter speed with the frequency drives of 40MHz, the result can reduce power consumption.

(other execution modes)

In addition, obvious purpose of the present invention can also realize like this: the storage medium of program code that will write down the software of the function that realizes above-mentioned execution mode, offer system or device, the program code that is stored in the storage medium is read and carried out to the computer of this system or device (perhaps CPU, MPU).

In this case, itself just realizes the function of above-mentioned execution mode the program code of reading from storage medium, and storage code itself and the storage medium of having stored this program code just constitute the present invention.

As the storage medium that is used to provide program code, can use for example floppy disk, hard disk, CD, photomagneto disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, tape, Nonvolatile memory card, ROM etc.

And, not only carry out the program code of reading by computer, can realize the function of above-mentioned execution mode, indication according to this program code, Yun Hang OS (fundamental system or operating system) etc. carries out part or all of actual treatment on computers, realizes that by this processing the situation of the function of above-mentioned execution mode obviously is also contained in the scope of the present invention.

And then, the program code of reading from storage medium, after being written to the function expansion card that is inserted in the computer or connecting on computers the memory that functional expansion unit possessed, indication according to this program code, the CPU that this function expansion card or functional expansion unit had etc. carries out part or all of actual treatment, obviously is also contained in the scope of the present invention by this situation of handling the function that realizes above-mentioned execution mode.

More than, by preferred implementation the present invention is had been described in detail, under the premise without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention can carry out various change, and be construed as, the present invention is not subjected to the qualification of above-mentioned specific execution mode, and its scope is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. an image-pickup device is characterized in that, comprising:

Image unit disposes the pixel that multirow comprises photo-electric conversion element;

Driver element, staggering by delegation or number row unit drives above-mentioned image unit between exposure period; And

Control unit, when luminous, can be from the read mode of the presumptive area read output signal of above-mentioned image unit, different pre-luminous read mode when switching to straight-through demonstration, wherein, this straight-through demonstration is that the consecutive image that will export successively from above-mentioned image unit is presented on the display unit;

Wherein, above-mentioned pre-luminous read mode is, make the part between the exposure period of the row of reading at first, and the part between the exposure period of the row of reading at last is overlapping in time.

2. an image-pickup device is characterized in that, comprising:

Image unit disposes the pixel that multirow comprises photo-electric conversion element;

Driver element, staggering by delegation or number row unit drives above-mentioned image unit between exposure period; And

Control unit, when luminous, can be from the read mode of the presumptive area read output signal of above-mentioned image unit, different pre-luminous read mode when switching to straight-through demonstration, wherein, this straight-through demonstration is that the consecutive image that will export successively from above-mentioned image unit is presented on the display unit;

Wherein, above-mentioned pre-luminous read mode is, short during the reading of read mode when making during the reading of the presumptive area read output signal of above-mentioned image unit than above-mentioned straight-through demonstration, make from the time for reading of above-mentioned presumptive area read output signal and pre-fluorescent lifetime sum less than shutter speed.

3. image-pickup device according to claim 1 is characterized in that:

Under above-mentioned pre-luminous read mode, make and to satisfy shutter speed more than or equal to time for reading and this condition of fluorescent lifetime sum from the presumptive area read output signal of above-mentioned image unit.

4. according to claim 1 or the described image-pickup device of claim 2, it is characterized in that:

Change read level pixel count, driving frequency, horizontal blanking time, read in the Vertical number of pixels any one or a plurality of values.

5. image-pickup device according to claim 4 is characterized in that:

When the value of the above-mentioned driving frequency of change, according to shutter speed change driving frequency.

6. according to claim 1 or the described image-pickup device of claim 2, it is characterized in that:

Under above-mentioned pre-luminous read mode, do not lead directly to demonstration.

7. according to claim 1 or the described image-pickup device of claim 2, it is characterized in that:

Have action the 1st shutter release that begins and the 2nd shutter release of indicating the photography beginning that the indication automatic exposure is handled, under the situation that photoflash lamp is out, when above-mentioned the 2nd shutter release becomes out, switch to above-mentioned pre-luminous read mode.

8. according to claim 1 or the described image-pickup device of claim 2, it is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned when luminous, shutter speed and predetermined threshold value are compared, when above-mentioned shutter speed during more than or equal to above-mentioned predetermined threshold value, the readout mode when keeping above-mentioned straight-through demonstration, when above-mentioned shutter speed during, switch to above-mentioned pre-luminous read mode less than above-mentioned predetermined threshold value.

9. image-pickup device according to claim 8 is characterized in that:

Above-mentioned predetermined threshold value is from the time for reading of the presumptive area read output signal of above-mentioned image unit and fluorescent lifetime sum.

10. the control method of an image-pickup device, this image-pickup device comprises and disposes the image unit that multirow comprises the pixel of photo-electric conversion element, and stagger by delegation or number row unit and to drive the driver element of above-mentioned image unit between exposure period, this control method is characterised in that:

Be included in when luminous the step of pre-luminous read modes different in the time of switching to straight-through demonstration from the read mode of the presumptive area read output signal of above-mentioned image unit, wherein, should straight-through be shown as the consecutive image that will export successively from above-mentioned image unit is presented on the display unit

Wherein, above-mentioned pre-luminous read mode is, make the part between the exposure period of the row of reading at first, and the part between the exposure period of the row of reading at last is overlapping in time.

11. the control method of an image-pickup device, this image-pickup device comprises and disposes the image unit that multirow comprises the pixel of photo-electric conversion element, and stagger by delegation or number row unit and to drive the driver element of above-mentioned image unit between exposure period, this control method is characterised in that:

Be included in when luminous the step of pre-luminous read modes different in the time of switching to straight-through demonstration from the read mode of the presumptive area read output signal of above-mentioned image unit, wherein, should straight-through be shown as the consecutive image that will export successively from above-mentioned image unit is presented on the display unit

Wherein, above-mentioned pre-luminous read mode is, short during the reading of read mode when making during the reading of the presumptive area read output signal of above-mentioned image unit than above-mentioned straight-through demonstration, make from the time for reading of above-mentioned presumptive area read output signal and pre-fluorescent lifetime sum less than shutter speed.

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