JP2002135647A - Unit/method for imaging apparatus computer-readable storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain proper image data and to obtain comfortable sense of operation, even with respect to suspending operation of photographing during a long-period exposure. SOLUTION: In long photographing processing, a time for exposure is divided by each fixed time decided in advance and stored/read, dark data are subtracted from the data, and outputted plural video signals are added to ultimately obtain a single sheet of video signal. In this case, a system control circuit 50 repeats unit processing, such as finishing of storing by an imaging device 14 (step S622), reading of an imaging signal (step S623), imaging signal arithmetic processing (step S624), the increment of the number of storing times (step S625) and starting of storing (step S626), checks whether a power switch 72 is turned off for each finishing of the unit processing (step S620) to close a shutter, when it has been turned off (step S610).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, a method,
And a computer-readable storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image pickup apparatus using an image pickup device,
When a long-time exposure operation is performed, a signal component tends to decrease due to an increase in a dark current component generated from the image sensor, and the S / N tends to deteriorate. In order to alleviate this phenomenon, a method has been proposed in which reading is performed a plurality of times from an image sensor during one exposure, and signals for a plurality of times are added while subtracting a dark current component (Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-143593). ).

Further, a method has been proposed in which a black image data is obtained a plurality of times in the non-exposure state after the exposure is completed, and an image having a good S / N is obtained by calculating (Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-1).
44052).

[0004]

However, if the user performs an operation to stop shooting during shooting using these shooting processing methods, if the shooting process is immediately stopped, the image data to be read out a plurality of times is required. Of the image data to be read last, the charge accumulation time is different from that of the image data read before that, and a mismatch occurs when a dark current component is subtracted.

In the method of terminating the photographing process after reading the number of times originally planned, it takes a long time from when the user performs the operation of stopping the photographing until the process is actually completed. The feeling of comfortable operation is impaired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image pickup apparatus, a method, and a computer-readable storage medium capable of obtaining appropriate image data and a comfortable operation feeling even when a photographing stop operation is performed during long-time exposure. It is to provide.

[0007]

An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is an image pickup apparatus that performs a plurality of read operations on an image pickup device and generates one image signal by calculating from a plurality of obtained image signals. There is a function of repeating accumulation and readout of the image sensor as a unit process during exposure in one photographing process, and when an operation to instruct to stop photographing is performed, the unit process at that time is included. This is characterized in that it has a control means for starting an end process after one or more unit processes are completed.

According to another feature of the imaging apparatus of the present invention, when an operation for instructing to stop photographing is performed, the control means starts the end processing at the end of the unit processing at that time. On the point.

Another feature of the image pickup apparatus of the present invention is that the control means has a function of performing a noise reduction process after the exposure.

According to another feature of the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, the control means does not perform the noise reduction processing when an operation for instructing to stop photographing is performed during the exposure. The imaging device according to claim 3.

In another feature of the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, the control means stops the noise reduction processing when an operation for instructing to stop photographing is performed during the noise reduction processing. It has features.

According to another feature of the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, the control means performs a predetermined noise reduction process when an operation for instructing to stop photographing is performed during the noise reduction process. Thereafter, the photographing process ends.

According to another feature of the imaging apparatus of the present invention, when an operation for instructing to stop photographing is performed during the execution of the noise reduction processing, the control section stops the noise reduction processing at that time. Or performing the predetermined noise reduction process and then terminating the photographing process.

According to another feature of the image pickup apparatus of the present invention, when an operation for instructing to stop photographing is performed during the exposure, the control means performs a noise reduction process corresponding to the exposure up to that time. The point is that the photographing process is terminated after the execution.

An imaging method according to the present invention is an imaging method in which a plurality of read operations are performed on an image sensor and one image signal is generated by calculating from a plurality of obtained image signals. A procedure of repeating accumulation and readout of the image sensor as a unit process during the exposure in the photographing process, and when an operation for instructing to stop photographing is performed, one or more unit processes including the unit process at that time are performed. And a step of starting an end process after completion.

A computer-readable storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium that performs a read operation on an image sensor a plurality of times and executes a process of generating one image signal by calculating from a plurality of obtained image signals. Is a computer-readable storage medium that stores, during exposure in one shooting process, a process of repeating accumulation and reading of the image sensor as a unit process, and an operation of instructing to stop shooting is performed. It is characterized in that a program for executing a process of starting an end process after completion of one or more unit processes including a unit process at that time is stored.

[0017]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an imaging apparatus, a method and a computer-readable storage medium according to the present invention.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an image pickup apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 12 denotes a shutter, which controls an exposure amount to the image sensor 14. An image sensor 14 converts an optical image into an electric signal. The light beam incident on the lens 310 can be guided through the stop 312, the lens mounts 306 and 106, the mirror 130, and the shutter 12 by a single-lens reflex method, and can be formed on the image sensor 14 as an optical image.

Reference numeral 16 denotes an A / D converter.
Is converted into a digital signal. 18
Denotes a timing generation circuit, which includes an image sensor 14, an A / D
The clock signal and the control signal are supplied to the converter 16 and the D / A converter 26, and are controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.

An image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on data from the A / D converter 16 or data from the memory control circuit 22. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data as necessary, and performs a system control circuit 50 based on the obtained arithmetic result.
Controls TTL (through-the-lens) type AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF
(Flash light control) processing can be performed. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.

In this embodiment, since the distance measuring means 42 and the light measuring means 46 are provided exclusively,
Each of the AF (autofocus) processing, the AE (automatic exposure) processing, and the EF (flash light control) processing is performed using the distance measuring means 42 and the light measuring means 46, and the image processing circuit 2 is used.
A configuration may be adopted in which each of AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, and EF (flash light control) processing using 0 is not performed.

Alternatively, AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, and EF (flash light control) processing are performed by using the distance measuring means 42 and the light measuring means 46. It may be configured to perform each of AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, and EF (flash light control) processing using.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a memory control circuit, which includes an A / D converter 16, a timing generation circuit 18, an image processing circuit 20,
Image display memory 24, D / A converter 26, memory 30,
The compression / decompression circuit 32 is controlled. The data of the A / D converter 16 is transmitted through the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or the data of the A / D converter 16 is transmitted directly through the memory control circuit 22 to the image display memory 24 or the memory 3.
Written to 0.

Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory; 26, a D / A converter; and 28, an image display unit composed of a TFT LCD or the like. The display image data written in the image display memory 24 is a D / A converter 26. Is displayed by the image display unit 28 via the. If image data captured by the image display unit 28 is sequentially displayed, an electronic finder function can be realized. Further, the image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display is turned off, the image display unit 100
Power consumption can be greatly reduced.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing photographed still images and moving images, which has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images and moving images for a predetermined time. Thus, even in the case of continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, it is possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

32 is an adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT)
A compression / decompression circuit for compressing / decompressing image data by reading the image stored in the memory 30 and performing compression processing or decompression processing, and writing the processed data to the memory 30.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a shutter control unit. The shutter control unit 40 controls the shutter 12 based on the photometric information from the photometric unit 46 in cooperation with the aperture control unit 340 that controls the aperture 312.
Control.

Reference numeral 42 denotes a distance measuring unit for performing AF (auto focus) processing. The distance measuring unit 42 converts a light beam incident on the lens 310 into a diaphragm 312, lens mounts 306 and 106, a mirror 130, and a measuring unit (not shown) by a single-lens reflex method. By injecting the light into the distance measuring means 42 via the distance sub-mirror, the in-focus state of the image formed as the optical image can be measured.

Reference numeral 46 denotes a photometric unit for performing an AE (automatic exposure) process, which converts a light beam incident on the lens 310 into an aperture 312 and a lens mount 30 by a single-lens reflex method.
By making the light incident on the light measuring means 46 via the light measuring lenses 46 and 106, the mirrors 130 and 132, and the light measuring lens (not shown), the exposure state of the image formed as an optical image can be measured. Also, the photometric means 46 is EF (flash dimming) by cooperating with the flash 48.
It also has a processing function.

Reference numeral 48 denotes a flash, which also has a function of projecting AF auxiliary light and a function of controlling flash light. The image data captured by the image sensor 14 is transferred to the image processing circuit 20.
The system control circuit 50 controls the shutter control means 40, the aperture control means 340,
Video TT for controlling distance measurement control means 342
Exposure control and AF (autofocus) using L method
It is also possible to control.

Further, the result of measurement by the distance measuring means 42,
The AF is performed by using the image data captured by the image sensor 14 together with the calculation result calculated by the image processing circuit 20.
(Autofocus) control may be performed. Then, the exposure control may be performed by using both the measurement result by the photometry unit 46 and the calculation result obtained by calculating the image data captured by the image sensor 14 by the image processing circuit 20.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a system control circuit for controlling the entire image pickup apparatus 100, and reference numeral 52 denotes a memory for storing constants, variables, programs, and the like for operating the system control circuit 50.

Reference numeral 54 denotes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device and a speaker, which displays an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with execution of a program by the system control circuit 50. The display unit 54 displays
A single or a plurality of them are installed at positions near the operation unit 0 where they are easily visible, and are configured by, for example, a combination of LCDs, LEDs, sound emitting elements, and the like. The display unit 54 has a part of its functions installed in the optical finder 104.

Of the display contents of the display unit 54, those displayed on the LCD or the like include, for example, a single shot / continuous shooting display, a self-timer display, a compression ratio display, a recording pixel number display, a recording number display, and a remaining image capturing. Available number display, Shutter speed display, Aperture value display, Exposure compensation display, Flash display, Red-eye reduction display, Macro shooting display, Buzzer setting display, Battery remaining battery display, Battery remaining display, Error display, Multi-digit number , Display of the attachment / detachment state of the recording media 200 and 210, indication of the attachment / detachment state of the lens unit 300, communication I / F operation display, date / time display, display indicating the connection state with an external computer, and the like.

Of the display contents of the display unit 54, those displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 include, for example,
There are in-focus display, shooting preparation completion display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, flash charge completion display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, recording medium writing operation display, and the like.

Further, among the display contents of the display unit 54, L
The display on the ED or the like includes, for example, an in-focus display, a shooting ready display, a camera shake warning display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a flash charge completion display, a recording medium writing operation display, a macro shooting setting notification display, and a There is a next battery charge state display and the like.

Among the display contents of the display unit 54, those displayed on a lamp or the like include, for example, a self-timer notification lamp. This self-timer notification lamp may be shared with the AF auxiliary light.

Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory, for example, an EEPROM or the like.

60, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70
Is an operation means for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50, and is constituted by one or a combination of a switch, a dial, a touch panel, pointing by gaze detection, a voice recognition device, and the like.

Here, these operation means will be specifically described. Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode dial switch, which includes an automatic shooting mode, a program shooting mode, a shutter speed priority shooting mode, an aperture priority shooting mode, a manual shooting mode, a depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode, a portrait shooting mode, a landscape shooting mode, and a close-up shooting mode. Each function photographing mode such as a photographing mode, a sport photographing mode, a night scene photographing mode, and a panoramic photographing mode can be switched and set.

Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch SW1, which is turned on during operation of a shutter button (not shown),
(Auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, A
It instructs the start of operations such as WB (auto white balance) processing and EF (flash light control) processing.

Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch SW2, which is turned on when the operation of a shutter button (not shown) is completed, and writes a signal read from the image sensor 12 into the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. Exposure processing, development processing using calculations in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, reading image data from the memory 30, performing compression in the compression / decompression circuit 32, and writing the image data in the recording medium 200 or 210 It instructs the start of the operation of a series of processing called processing.

Reference numeral 66 denotes a reproduction switch for instructing the start of a reproduction operation for reading a photographed image from the memory 30 or the recording medium 200 or 210 and displaying it on the image display unit 28 in the photographing mode.

Reference numeral 68 denotes a single shooting / continuous shooting switch, which is a single shooting mode in which when a shutter switch SW2 is pressed, a single frame is shot and a standby state is set, and a shutter switch SW2
While the button is pressed, a continuous shooting mode in which shooting is continuously performed can be set.

An operation unit 70 includes various buttons, a touch panel, and the like, and includes a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a single-shot / continuous-shot / self-timer switching button, and a menu shift. + (Plus) button, menu move-
(Minus) button, playback image move + (plus) button, playback image-(minus) button, shooting image quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button, panorama mode, etc. Selection / switch button for setting selection and switching of functions, decision / execution button for setting and execution of various functions when executing shooting and playback in panorama mode, etc., and image display unit 2
Image display ON / OFF switch to set 8 ON / OFF, Quick review ON / OFF switch to set quick review function to automatically play back image data immediately after shooting, JP
Compression mode switch, which is a switch for selecting the compression ratio of EG compression or for selecting the CCDRAW mode in which the signal of the image sensor is digitized and recorded on the recording medium, playback mode, multi-screen playback / erase mode, PC connection A one-shot AF mode and a shutter switch SW1 that can be used to set various function modes such as a mode, a playback switch, and a shutter switch SW1. There is an AF mode setting switch that can set a servo AF mode in which the autofocus operation is continuously performed while the button is pressed. The functions of the plus button and the minus button are provided with a rotary dial switch, so that it is possible to more easily select a numerical value and a function.

Reference numeral 72 denotes a power switch.
0 power ON and power OFF modes can be switched and set. Further, a lens unit 300 connected to the imaging device 100, an external strobe, recording media 200 and 21
The power ON and power OFF settings of various accessory devices such as 0 can also be switched and set.

Reference numeral 80 denotes a power supply control means, which comprises a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like, and detects whether or not a battery is mounted, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The DC-DC converter is controlled based on the detection result and the instruction of the system control circuit 50, and supplies a necessary voltage to each unit including a recording medium for a necessary period.

82 is a connector, 84 is a connector, 86 is a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a NiCd battery or the like.
This is a power supply means including a secondary battery such as a NiMH battery or a Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

Reference numerals 90 and 94 denote interfaces with recording media such as a memory card and a hard disk, reference numerals 92 and 96 denote connectors for connecting to recording media such as a memory card and a hard disk, and reference numeral 98 denotes recording media 2 to the connectors 92 and 96.
Recording medium attachment / detachment detection means for detecting whether 00, 210 is mounted.

In this embodiment, the description has been made assuming that there are two interfaces and connectors for attaching a recording medium. Of course, the interface and the connector for attaching the recording medium may have a single or plural number of systems. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which interfaces and connectors of different standards are provided in combination.

As the interface and the connector, a PC
A card conforming to the standard such as an MCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card may be used. Further, when the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96 are configured using a standard such as a PCMCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash) card, a LAN card, a modem card, a US
By connecting various communication cards such as a B card, an IEEE1394 card, a P1284 card, a SCSI card, a PHS and other communication cards, image data and management attached to the image data with other peripheral devices such as a computer and a printer. Can transfer information.

Reference numeral 104 denotes an optical finder,
The light beam incident on the lens 10 is converted to a stop 3 by a single-lens reflex method.
12, lens mounts 306 and 106, mirror 130
And 132, and can be displayed as an optical image. Thus, the optical viewfinder 1 can be used without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28.
It is possible to perform photographing using only 04. Further, in the optical viewfinder 104, some functions of the display unit 54, for example, an in-focus display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, and the like are provided.

Reference numeral 110 denotes communication means, such as RS232C or US
It has various communication functions such as B, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication. 112 is communication means 1
Reference numeral 10 denotes a connector for connecting the imaging apparatus 100 to another device or an antenna in the case of wireless communication.

Reference numeral 120 denotes an interface for connecting the imaging device 100 to the lens unit 300 in the lens mount 106. 122 is the imaging device 100
Is a connector that is electrically connected to the lens unit 300. Reference numeral 124 denotes a lens attachment / detachment detection unit that detects whether the lens unit 300 is mounted on the lens mount 106 and / or the connector 122. Connector 12
2 has a function of transmitting a control signal, a state signal, a data signal, and the like between the imaging device 100 and the lens unit 300, and a function of supplying currents of various voltages. Further, the connector 122 may be configured to transmit not only electric communication but also optical communication, voice communication, and the like.

Reference numerals 130 and 132 denote mirrors, and the lens 3
The light beam incident on 10 is guided to the optical finder 104 by a single-lens reflex method. The mirror 132 may have either a quick return mirror configuration or a half mirror configuration.

Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 including a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk, an interface 204 with the imaging device 100, and a connector 206 for connecting to the imaging device 100.

Similarly, reference numeral 210 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 210 includes a recording unit 212 including a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, and the like.
Interface 214 with imaging device 100, imaging device 1
00 and a connector 216 for making connection with the H.00.

Reference numeral 300 denotes an interchangeable lens type lens unit. A lens mount 306 mechanically couples the lens unit 300 with the imaging device 100. Various functions for electrically connecting the lens unit 300 to the imaging device 100 are included in the lens mount 306.

Reference numeral 310 denotes a photographing lens. Reference numeral 312 denotes an aperture. 320 is inside the lens mount 306
This is an interface for connecting the lens unit 300 to the imaging device 100. 322 is the lens unit 30
0 is a connector that is electrically connected to the imaging device 100. The connector 322 transmits a control signal, a status signal, a data signal, and the like between the imaging device 100 and the lens unit 300, and has a function of supplying or supplying current of various voltages. Further, the connector 322 may be configured to transmit not only electric communication but also optical communication, voice communication, and the like.

Reference numeral 340 denotes an aperture control means for controlling the aperture 312 in cooperation with the shutter control means 40 for controlling the shutter 12 based on the photometric information from the photometric means 46. Reference numeral 342 denotes a distance measurement control unit that controls focusing of the photographing lens 310. 344 is a photographing lens 3
10 is a zoom control means for controlling zooming. 3
Reference numeral 50 denotes a lens system control circuit that controls the entire lens unit 300. Lens system control circuit 350
Is a memory storing operation constants, variables, programs, and the like, identification information such as a number unique to the lens unit 300, management information, function information such as an open aperture value, a minimum aperture value, and a focal length; It also has a function of a non-volatile memory for storing setting values and the like.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a flowchart of a main routine of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3. When the power is turned on such as when the battery is replaced, the system control circuit 50 initializes flags, control variables, and the like, and performs predetermined initial settings necessary for each unit of the image processing apparatus 100 (step S101).

The system control circuit 50 includes the power switch 7
2 is determined, and if the power switch 72 is set to power OFF (step S102), the display of each display unit is changed to an end state, and necessary parameters and settings including flags, control variables, and the like are changed. The value and the setting mode are recorded in the non-volatile memory 56, and the power control unit 80 controls the image display unit 2.
After performing a predetermined end process such as shutting off unnecessary power of each unit of the image processing apparatus 100 including the image processing device 8 (step S10).
3) Return to step S102.

If the power switch 72 has been set to power ON (step S102), the system control circuit 50
The power control unit 80 determines whether the remaining capacity of the power supply 86 composed of a battery or the like or the operating condition has a problem in the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 (step S104). After performing a predetermined warning display by image or sound using the button 54 (step S105), the process returns to step S102.

If there is no problem with the power supply 86 (step S
104), the system control circuit 50
Is determined, and if the mode dial 60 is set to the photographing mode (step S106), the process proceeds to step S108.

If the mode dial 60 has been set to any other mode (step S106), the system control circuit 50 executes a process corresponding to the selected mode (step S107). S
Return to 102.

The system control circuit 50 controls the recording medium 200
Alternatively, it is determined whether or not 210 is mounted, the management information of the image data recorded on the recording medium 200 or 210 is obtained, and the operation state of the recording medium 200 or 210 indicates the operation of the image processing apparatus 100, particularly It is determined whether or not there is a problem in the recording / reproducing operation of the image data (Step S108). If there is a problem, a predetermined warning display is performed by using the display unit 54 with an image or sound (Step S105). It returns to step S102.

It is determined whether or not the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted, management information of the image data recorded on the recording medium 200 or 210 is obtained, and the operation state of the recording medium 200 or 210 is determined by the image processing apparatus 100.
(Step S)
108), if there is no problem, proceed to step S109.

The system control circuit 50 checks the setting state of the single shooting / continuous shooting switch 68 for setting single shooting / continuous shooting (step S109), and if single shooting is selected, single shooting / continuous shooting is performed. The shooting flag is set to single shooting (step S11).
0), if continuous shooting has been selected, the single / continuous shooting flag is set to continuous shooting (step S111), and if the flag setting is completed, the flow proceeds to step S121 in FIG.

According to the single shooting / continuous shooting switch 68, a single shooting mode in which one frame is shot when the shutter switch SW2 is pressed and the standby state is set, and the shutter switch SW2
While the button is pressed, the setting can be switched by arbitrarily switching between a continuous shooting mode in which shooting is continuously performed. The state of the single / continuous shooting flag is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

The system control circuit 50 uses the display unit 54 to display various setting states of the image processing apparatus 100 using images and sounds (step S112). If the image display of the image display unit 28 is ON, the image display unit 28
Also, various setting states of the image processing apparatus 100 are displayed by using images and sound.

In the flowchart of FIG. 3, if the shutter switch SW1 has not been pressed (step S1).
21), and return to step S102 in FIG.

When the shutter switch SW1 is pressed (step S121), the system control circuit 50 performs a distance measuring process to focus the photographing lens 10 on the subject,
Distance measurement and photometry processing for determining the aperture value and the shutter time by performing photometry processing is performed (step S122), and the process proceeds to step S123. In the photometric processing, the flash setting is also performed if necessary. The details of the distance measurement / photometry processing step S122 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

If it is determined that the long-time shooting is necessary according to the photometric result or the setting (step S151), the long-time dark shooting for reading a noise image signal such as a dark current is executed (step S124). By performing a correction calculation process using the dark image data captured in the dark capture process, the captured image data is obtained with respect to image quality deterioration such as dark current noise generated by the image sensor 14 and pixel defects due to scratches inherent to the image sensor 14. Can be corrected.

If the shutter switch SW2 has not been pressed (step S125), the shutter switch SW1
Until is released (step S126), the current process is repeated. If the shutter switch SW1 is released (step S126), the process returns to step S102 in FIG.

If the shutter switch SW2 is depressed (step S125), the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not there is an image storage buffer area capable of storing captured image data in the memory 30 (step S12).
7) If there is no area in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 where new image data can be stored, a predetermined warning display is performed using an image or sound using the display unit 54 (step S128). It returns to step S102 of 2nd. For example, immediately after performing the maximum number of continuous shootings that can be stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, the memory 3
The first image to be read from 0 and written to the storage medium 200 or 210 is not yet recorded in the recording medium 200 or 210, and there is still one free area in the memory 30.
This is an example of a state in which it cannot be secured on the image storage buffer area.

When the photographed image data is compressed and stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30, the amount of compressed image data differs depending on the setting of the compression mode, taking into account that The area that can be stored is memory 3.
In step S127, it is determined whether the image is in the image storage buffer area of No. 0.

If there is an image storage buffer area in the memory 30 capable of storing photographed image data (step S1)
27), the system control circuit 50 reads out the image pickup signal which has been imaged and accumulated for a predetermined time from the image pickup device 12, and
The memory control circuit 2 is connected via the converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22 or directly from the A / D converter.
2, a photographing process of writing photographed image data in a predetermined area of the memory 30 is executed according to the short / long flag (step S152) (steps S129 and S15).
3). Details of the short-time shooting processing step S129 will be described later using the flowchart of FIG. 5, and details of the long-time shooting processing step S152 will be described later using the flowchart of FIG.

The system control circuit 50 reads out a part of the image data written in a predetermined area of the memory 30 through the memory control circuit 22 and performs a WB (white balance) integration operation necessary for performing the development processing. , OB (optical black) integration calculation processing, and the calculation results are stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50.
To memorize. The system control circuit 50 uses the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20 to read out the photographed image data written in a predetermined area of the memory 30 and read the captured image data into the internal memory or the memory of the system control circuit 50. 52 using the calculation result stored in
Various development processes including (auto white balance) process, gamma conversion process, and color conversion process are performed (step S13).
2).

Further, the system control circuit 50
Read out the image data written in the predetermined area of 0,
An image compression process according to the set mode is performed by the compression / decompression circuit 32 (step S133), and image data that has been shot and subjected to a series of processes is written in a free image portion of the image storage buffer area of the memory 30. .

With the execution of a series of photographing operations, the system control circuit 50 reads out the image data stored in the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 and sends the image data to the memory card or the compact card via the interface 90 or 94 and the connector 92 or 96. The recording process for writing to the recording medium 200 or 210 such as a flash card is started (step S134). This recording start process is executed on the image data each time a new image data is written into the empty image portion of the image storage buffer area of the memory 30 after the photographing and the series of processes are completed. Note that while writing image data to the recording medium 200 or 210, in order to clearly indicate that a writing operation is being performed,
The display 54 displays a recording medium writing operation such as blinking an LED.

The system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the shutter switch SW1 has been pressed (step S135). If the shutter switch SW1 has been released (step S135), step S135 in FIG.
Return to 102.

If the shutter switch SW1 is in the pressed state (step S135), the single shot / shooting stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 is performed.
The state of the continuous shooting flag is determined (step S136). If single shooting has been set, the process returns to step S135, and the current processing is repeated until the shutter switch SW1 is released. If continuous shooting has been set (step SS13
6) Return to step S125 to perform continuous shooting, and perform the next shooting.

FIG. 4 is a detailed flowchart of the distance measurement / photometry processing in step S122 of FIG. In the distance measurement / photometry processing, the system control circuit 50
The exchange of various signals between the control unit 340 and the distance control unit 342 includes the interface 120, the connector 122, the connector 322, the interface 320,
This is performed via the lens control unit 350.

The system control circuit 50 starts AF (autofocus) processing using the image sensor 14 distance measuring means 42 and distance measuring means 342 (step S20).
1). The system control circuit 50 converts the light beam incident on the lens 310 into the stop 312, the lens mounts 306 and 10
6. The focus state of the image formed as an optical image is determined by making the light incident on the distance measuring means 42 via the mirror 130 and a distance measuring sub-mirror (not shown), and the distance measuring (AF) is determined to be in focus. Until the determination is made (step S203), the AF control for detecting the in-focus state using the distance measuring means 42 is executed while driving the lens 310 using the distance measuring control means 342 (step S202).

If it is determined that the distance measurement (AF) is in focus (step S203), the system control circuit 50 determines the focused distance measurement point from a plurality of distance measurement points in the photographing screen, and determines it. The ranging data and / or the set parameters are stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50 together with the measured ranging point data, and the process proceeds to step S205.

Subsequently, the system control circuit 50 starts AE (auto exposure) processing using the photometric means 46 (step S205). The system control circuit 50 controls the lens 3
The beam incident on the lens 10 is focused on the stop 312 and the lens mount 3
06 and 106, mirrors 130 and 132, and a light metering lens (not shown), the light is incident on the light metering means 46 to measure the exposure state of the image formed as an optical image, and that the exposure (AE) is appropriate. Until the determination is made (step S207), a photometric process is performed using the exposure control means 40 (step S206).

If it is determined that the exposure (AE) is appropriate (step S207), the system control circuit 50 stores the photometric data and / or setting parameters in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50, and proceeds to step S20.
Proceed to 8.

The system control circuit 50 according to the exposure (AE) result detected in the photometry processing step S206 and the photographing mode set by the mode dial 60.
Is determined by the aperture value (Av value) and the shutter speed (Tv value). Then, the shutter speed (Tv
Value), the system control circuit 50 controls the imaging device 14
Is determined, and the photographing process and the dark capturing process are performed with the same charge accumulation time.

Based on the measurement data obtained in the photometric processing step S206, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not a flash is necessary (step S208).
Until the charging of Step 8 is completed (Step S210), the flash 48 is charged (Step S209). When the charging of the flash 48 is completed (S210), the distance measurement / photometry processing routine (step S122) is ended.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed flowchart of the short-time shooting process in step S129 of FIG. In addition,
In the photographing process, various signals are exchanged between the system control circuit 50 and the aperture control unit 340 or the distance measurement control unit 342 through the interface 120 and the connector 12.
2, through the connector 322, the interface 320, and the lens control means 350.

The system control circuit 50 moves the mirror 130 to the mirror-up position by mirror driving means (not shown) (step S301), and controls the aperture according to the photometric data stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50. Aperture 31 by means 340
2 is driven to a predetermined aperture value (step S302).

After performing the charge clear operation of the image pickup device 14 (step S303), the system control circuit 50 starts the charge accumulation of the image pickup device 14 (step S30).
4) The shutter 12 is controlled by the shutter control means 40.
Is opened (step S305), and exposure of the image sensor 14 is started (step S306).

Here, it is determined whether or not the flash 48 is necessary based on the flash flag (step S307).
If necessary, the flash is fired (step S30)
8).

The system control circuit 50 waits for the end of the exposure of the image sensor 14 in accordance with the photometric data (step S30).
9) The shutter 12 is controlled by the shutter control means 40.
Is closed (step S310), and the exposure of the image sensor 14 is completed.

The system control circuit 50 controls the aperture control means 3
The aperture 312 is driven to an open aperture value by 40 (step S311), and the mirror 130 is moved to a mirror down position by a mirror driving unit (not shown) (step S312).

If the set charge accumulation time has elapsed (step S313), the system control circuit 50 terminates the charge accumulation of the image sensor 14 (step S31).
4), the charge signal is read out from the image pickup device 14 and the memory is read through the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter 16 through the memory control circuit 22. The photographed image data is written into a predetermined area of No. 30 (step S315).

When a series of processing is completed, the photographing processing routine (step S129) ends.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed flowchart of the long-time shooting process in step S153 of FIG. In the long-time shooting process according to the present embodiment, accumulation / readout is performed by dividing the exposure time at predetermined time intervals, dark data acquired in advance is subtracted from the data, and a plurality of output video signals are added. do it,
Finally, one video signal is obtained. Furthermore, after exposure is completed, dark data is acquired with the shutter closed, and a difference from the first acquired dark data is calculated.
A noise reduction function for improving the S / N ratio by subtracting this from output data is also provided.

The system control circuit 50 moves the mirror 130 to the mirror-up position by mirror driving means (not shown) (step S601), and controls the aperture according to the photometric data stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. Aperture 31 by means 340
2 is driven to a predetermined aperture value (step S602).

After performing the charge clear operation of the image pickup device 14 (step S603), the system control circuit 50 starts the charge accumulation of the image pickup device 14 (step S604),
The shutter 12 is opened by the shutter control means 40 (step S605), and exposure of the image sensor 14 is started (step S606). Here, it is determined whether or not the flash 48 is necessary based on the flash flag (step S607). If necessary, the flash is fired (step S608).

Next, an end flag which is set when the power switch 72 is turned off is checked (step S620).
If the end flag is set, the shutter is closed (step S610).

If the end flag is not set, the number of times of accumulation has already been compared with the expected number of accumulations determined by the exposure time determined or determined by distance measurement / photometry (step S122) (step S621). If the number of accumulations has already become equal to or greater than the expected number of accumulations, the shutter is closed (step S610) after confirming the exposure end time (step S609). If the number of accumulations has not reached the expected number of accumulations, the accumulation is terminated after the elapse of a predetermined accumulation time (step S622), and the imaging signal is read out (step S623). Then, the dark signal acquired first is subtracted from the read image signal, and an image signal arithmetic processing for adding the dark data to the image signal acquired so far is performed (step S624). Thereafter, the number of times of accumulation is incremented (step S625), and accumulation is started (step S62).
6), and return to the end flag check (step S620). The system control circuit 50 includes a shutter control unit 40
To close the shutter 12 (step S610),
The exposure of the image sensor 14 ends.

The system control circuit 50 controls the aperture control means 3
The aperture 312 is driven to an open aperture value by 40 (step S611), and the mirror 130 is moved to a mirror down position by a mirror driving unit (not shown) (step S612).

After a predetermined accumulation time has elapsed, the accumulation is terminated (step S614), and the image pickup signal is read out (step S6).
15). Then, an imaging signal calculation process of subtracting the first acquired dark data from the read imaging signal and adding the dark data to the imaging signals acquired so far is performed (step S6).
16).

Subsequently, the end flag is checked (step S630). If the end flag is not set, it is checked whether or not the noise reduction function is ON (step S630).
631). If the end flag is set (step S
630), the long-time shooting process ends without performing the noise reduction process. If the noise reduction function is ON (step S631), a noise reduction process in which accumulation / readout is repeated a predetermined number of times with the shutter closed is started.

That is, after the charge clear operation of the image pickup device 14 is performed (step S632), the charge accumulation of the image pickup device 14 is started (step S633). After the accumulation is performed for the same time as the accumulation operation performed during the exposure, the accumulation is terminated (step S634). The imaging signal is read as dark data (step S635), and a difference from the first acquired dark signal is obtained, and an arithmetic process for reducing a noise component is performed by subtracting the difference from the already acquired video signal (step S636). Then, the accumulation number register is incremented (step S637).

It is checked whether or not the number of accumulations already executed is equal to or more than the number of times of accumulation (step S638). If the number of accumulations has reached the number of times of accumulation, the long-time shooting process is terminated. If the scheduled number of accumulations has not been reached, it is determined whether or not an end flag has been set (step S639).
If the end flag is set, the long-time shooting process ends. If the end flag has not been set, the accumulation / read processing is repeated again.

As described above, if the power switch is turned off during the long-second shooting processing, the accumulation / processing being executed at that time is performed.
When the reading process is completed, the photographing process can be ended without performing the subsequent accumulation / read process. Also,
If the power switch is turned off during the exposure, the photographing process can be ended without performing the noise reduction process. Further, when the power switch is turned off during the noise reduction process, the photographing process can be ended without performing the subsequent accumulation / read process at the time when the current accumulation / read process is completed.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment described below is different from the first embodiment in that the long-time shooting process in step S153 in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment is changed. Note that the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 and the image processing apparatus 100
The main routine, the distance measurement / photometry process, and the short-time shooting process are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart of the long-time shooting process according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, a case where the long-time shooting process is performed at the time of bulb shooting for exposing while the shutter switches SW1 and SW2 (62, 64) are pressed will be described with reference to FIG. Note that among the processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the same processes as those in the flowchart of FIG. 6 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The processes from step S601 to step S608 are as described in the first embodiment. Next, an end flag that is set when the power switch is turned off is checked (step S620). If the end flag is not set, the shutter switches SW1 and SW2 are turned off.
A stop flag that stands when the operation is performed is checked (step S720). If the stop flag is not set, the accumulation is terminated after the elapse of a predetermined accumulation time (step S622), and the image pickup signal is read (step S623). Then, the dark signal acquired first is subtracted from the read image signal, and an image signal arithmetic processing for adding the dark data to the image signal acquired so far is performed (step S624). Thereafter, the number of times of accumulation is incremented (step S625), accumulation is started (step S626), and the process returns to the end flag check (step S620).

When the shutter release switches SW1 and SW2 are turned off and the stop flag is set (step S720), or when the power switch is turned off and the end flag is set (step S620), the accumulation process executed so far is set. The number C is stored (step S721). Then, the shutter is closed (step S610), and the exposure of the image sensor 14 ends.

The following steps S611 to S616
The processing up to this point is as described in the first embodiment. After the imaging signal calculation processing (step S616), the priority setting of the noise reduction function set using the operation unit 70 is checked (step S740). If the noise reduction function priority setting has been set (step S74)
0), it is checked whether the noise reduction function is ON (step S631). If the noise reduction function is ON, noise reduction processing for repeating accumulation / readout with the shutter closed is started (steps S632 to 637). The number of times of accumulation is repeated until the number of times of accumulation / readout at the time of exposure stored in step S721 becomes equal to C (step S738). When the noise reduction function priority setting has been made (step S
739) It is not checked whether the power switch is turned off during the noise reduction process and the end flag is set (step S639).

As described above, when the shutter switch is released during the bulb exposure and the photographing is completed, the noise reduction processing corresponding to the exposure time can be performed.
Further, the noise reduction function priority setting enables selection of whether or not to perform the noise reduction processing to the end when the power switch is turned off.

(Other Embodiments) In order to operate various devices in order to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, an apparatus connected to the various devices or a computer in a system is used in the above-described embodiments. Supply the software program code to realize the functions of
The present invention also includes those implemented by operating the various devices according to programs stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus.

Also, in this case, the program code itself of the software realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer,
For example, a recording medium storing such a program code constitutes the present invention. As a recording medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, C
D-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, R
OM or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) or other operating system in which the program code runs on the computer. It goes without saying that such program codes are also included in the embodiments of the present invention when the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized in cooperation with the application software or the like.

Further, after the supplied program code is stored in the memory provided in the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is operated based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that the present invention also includes a case in which a CPU or the like provided for performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

The shapes and structures of the respective parts shown in the above embodiments are merely examples of the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is thereby reduced. It should not be interpreted restrictively. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

[0120]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent inconsistency of imaging data due to interruption of unit processing, and to reduce the time lag from when a termination instruction is issued to when processing is actually terminated. It can be shortened.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce noise. In this case, according to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the time lag from when the end instruction is issued to when the processing is actually ended. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to shorten a time lag from when a termination instruction is issued to when the processing is actually terminated. Further, according to the invention described in claim 6, it is possible to complete the noise reduction process to the end even if a termination instruction is given in the middle of the process. According to the invention described in claim 7, the noise reduction process is completed to the end,
It is possible to select whether to shorten the time lag from when the end instruction is issued to when the processing is actually ended.
Further, according to the invention described in claim 8, it is possible to perform an appropriate noise reduction process even if the exposure time is not determined first.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an imaging device 100.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a part of a main routine of the imaging apparatus 100.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a part of a main routine of the imaging apparatus 100.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a ranging / photometry process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a short-time shooting process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a long-time shooting process according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating long-time shooting processing according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Shutter 14 Image sensor 16 A / D converter 18 Timing generation circuit 20 Image processing circuit 22 Memory control circuit 24 Image display memory 26 D / A converter 28 Image display unit 30 Memory 32 Image compression / expansion circuit 40 Shutter control means 42 Distance measuring means 46 Photometric means 48 Flash 50 System control circuit 52 Memory 54 Display unit 56 Non-volatile memory 60 Mode dial switch 62 Shutter switch SW1 64 Shutter switch SW2 66 Playback switch 68 Single / continuous shooting switch 70 Operation unit 72 Power switch 80 Power supply control means 82, 84 Connector 86 Power supply means 90, 94 Interface 92, 96 Connector 98 Recording medium attachment / detachment detection means 100 Image processing device 104 Optical finder 106 Lens mount 110 Communication means 12 connector (or antenna) 120 interface 122 connector 130, 132 mirror 132 mirror 200, 210 recording medium 202, 212 recording unit 204, 214 interface 206, 216 connector 300 lens unit 306 lens mount 310 photographing lens 312 aperture 320 interface 322 connector 340 Exposure control means 342 Distance measurement control means 344 Zoom control means 350 Lens system control circuit

Claims (10)

[Claims] An image pickup apparatus that performs a plurality of read operations on an image pickup element and generates one image signal by calculating from a plurality of obtained image signals. A function of repeating storage and reading of the image sensor as a unit process during the operation. If an operation for instructing to stop shooting is performed, one or more unit processes including the unit process at that time are completed. An image pickup apparatus, comprising: a control unit that starts an end process from a start. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when an operation for instructing stop of photographing is performed, the control unit starts the end processing after finishing the unit processing at that time. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means has a function of performing a noise reduction process after said exposure.
An imaging device according to claim 1. 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit does not perform the noise reduction process when an operation to instruct to stop shooting is performed during the exposure. 5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit stops the noise reduction process when an operation for instructing to stop photographing is performed during the noise reduction process. 6. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein, when an operation for instructing to stop photographing is performed during the execution of the noise reduction process, the control unit performs a predetermined noise reduction process and then ends the photography process. Item 4. The imaging device according to Item 3. 7. When an operation for instructing to stop photographing is performed during execution of the noise reduction processing, the noise reduction processing is stopped at that time, or the predetermined noise reduction processing is performed, and then the imaging processing ends. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an operation unit capable of selecting one of the following. 8. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein, when an operation for instructing to stop shooting is performed during the exposure, the control unit performs a noise reduction process corresponding to the exposure so far, and then ends the shooting process. The imaging device according to claim 3. 9. An imaging method for performing a plurality of read operations on an image sensor and generating one image signal by calculating from a plurality of obtained image signals, comprising: During the procedure, the storage and reading of the image sensor are repeated as a unit process, and when an operation for instructing to stop shooting is performed, one or more unit processes including the unit process at that time are completed and then terminated. And a procedure for starting processing. 10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for performing a plurality of read operations on an image sensor and performing a process of generating one image signal by calculating from a plurality of obtained image signals. In the case where an operation for instructing to stop photographing is performed during the exposure in one photographing process, the process of repeating accumulation and readout for the image sensor as a unit process is performed, including the unit process at that time. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a process of starting an end process after completion of one or more unit processes.