JP2005136654A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily carry out the comparison of images obtained by bracket photographing and the arrangement of image data. <P>SOLUTION: This camera is provided with an image pickup means which generates image data by performing the photoelectric conversion of an optical image, a folder preparing means which prepares a folder for maintaining the image data in a recording medium, a recording means which records the image data generated by the image pickup means in the folder prepared by the folder preparing means and a deciding means which decides the recordable number of the image data in the folder, and configured to generate the plurality of image data while changing photographic conditions and can set a photographic mode. When it is decided that the plurality of image data obtained by photographing in the photographic mode can not be recorded in one folder by the deciding means, the folder preparing means prepares the other folders, and the recording means records the plurality of image data in the other folders. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic camera having a bracket function capable of obtaining different imaging data from the same exposure condition by changing the imaging sensitivity of an imaging means.

  With a still camera using a silver halide film, when it is difficult to determine the correct exposure, such as when there are some scenes at sunset or when there are high-reflectance subjects, multiple frames can be shot while slightly changing the exposure of the same scene. Then, so-called auto bracket shooting is performed in which an appropriately exposed frame is selected.

  Even when an electronic camera using a CCD or the like is used as a photographic device, the circumstances related to exposure are the same, and when shooting with an inappropriate exposure amount, only dark images or conversely too bright images can be obtained. In difficult scenes, auto bracketing photography is performed in the same way as a silver halide camera.

  As for an image obtained by such bracket shooting, an optimum image is generally selected by comparing a series of images.

  In the conventional silver halide camera, the result of bracket shooting is recorded on the film, so the bracket shooting result does not fall apart and the shooting results cannot be compared. Also, even if the film runs out during bracket shooting, the subsequent shooting cannot be performed, so that the bracket shooting results have fallen apart and it has not been possible to compare the shooting results.

  In an electronic camera, a folder is usually created in a removable memory, and a predetermined number (number of image data) can be recorded therein. The reason why the number of images that can be recorded in the folder is limited is that, when a large capacity is used for the memory means, it is troublesome to organize the shooting data if the unlimited recording is possible.

Conventionally, in a camera having a bracket shooting function, a new folder is always created when bracket shooting is selected and executed, and a new folder is created when bracket shooting is completed, and the next shooting data is recorded. There are some (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-6-78260

  However, in the method proposed in Patent Document 1, since a new folder is created in the memory every time bracket shooting is executed, it is difficult to compare and organize image data because the number of folders is too large. There was an evil that said.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera having a bracket shooting function, which can easily compare bracket shooting after shooting and easily organize the entire shot image data.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an imaging means for generating image data by photoelectrically converting an optical image, a folder creation means for creating a folder for storing image data in a recording medium, and the folder A recording unit that records the image data generated by the imaging unit in a folder created by the creating unit; and a determination unit that determines a recordable number of image data in the folder, and changes shooting conditions. In the camera in which a shooting mode for generating a plurality of image data can be set, the folder creation unit cannot record the plurality of image data obtained by the determination unit in shooting in the shooting mode in one folder When the determination is made, another folder is created, and the recording means stores the plurality of image data in the other folder. It characterized in that for recording to.

  In addition, an imaging unit, a removable recording unit, a folder creating unit for creating a folder for storing image data in the recording unit, a remaining folder number determining unit for determining the recordable number of sheets in the folder, AEB shooting means that changes the exposure stepwise to shoot a plurality of frames, or ISO bracket shooting means that changes the imaging sensitivity stepwise to shoot a plurality of frames, or a white balance correction value that changes step by step. In an electronic camera having white balance bracket photographing means for performing photographing, the remaining number of images is not recorded unless a series of image data obtained by AEB photographing means, ISO bracket photographing means, or white balance bracket photographing means can be recorded in a single folder. When the judging means makes a judgment, the folder creating means creates a new folder. While creating, characterized in that for recording a series of bracket photography image data to the new folder.

  With the above configuration, when new image data cannot be written to a folder in the memory during bracket shooting, a new folder can be created and a series of bracketed image data can be written therein.

  According to the present invention, the image pickup means, the removable recording means, the folder creation means for creating a folder for storing image data in the recording means, and the remaining number of folders for determining the recordable number of sheets in the folder In an electronic camera having a determination means and an AEB photographing means or ISO bracket photographing means or white balance bracket photographing means for photographing a plurality of frames, a series of images obtained by the AEB photographing means, the ISO bracket photographing means or the white balance bracket photographing means. When the remaining number determining means determines that image data cannot be recorded in a single folder, a new folder is created by the folder creating means and a series of bracketed image data is recorded in the new folder. The camera is characterized by.

  As a result, even if it becomes impossible to write to the folder during bracket shooting, a new folder is created and a series of bracket shooting image data is recorded together in the created new folder. It is possible to make an electronic camera that makes it easy to compare shooting results. Moreover, since the number of folders in the memory does not increase only by performing bracket shooting, the ease of organizing the shot image data due to the increase in the number of folders is not impaired.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  Embodiment 1 of an electronic camera according to the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a top view of the appearance of a single-lens reflex type electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the appearance of a single-lens reflex type electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of a single-lens reflex type electronic camera in the embodiment, and FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4B ′, 4C ′, and 4D ′ are ISO brackets. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the LCD monitor apparatus of the single-lens reflex type electronic camera at the time of a setting.

  5 is a flowchart showing the ISO bracket setting operation of the single-lens reflex type electronic camera in the embodiment according to the present invention, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the AEB bracket setting operation of the single-lens reflex type electronic camera in the embodiment according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a shooting sequence of the bracket of the single-lens reflex type electronic camera according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the shooting processing in steps S305 and S322 of FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing for recording bracket-related images in one folder without being distributed in different folders in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the LCD monitor device of the single-lens reflex type electronic camera when the AEB bracket is set. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital single-lens reflex camera at the time of white balance bracketing. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of the LCD monitor of the digital single lens reflex camera when the white balance bracket is set.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments of single-lens reflex type electronic cameras. In the present embodiment, a detachable recording device is used as the recording means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be similarly implemented by incorporating the recording device.

  1 and 2 show a “single-lens reflex type electronic camera” which is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an external top view showing the configuration of a single-lens reflex electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an external rear view showing the configuration of the electronic camera.

  In each figure, 100 is a camera body, and 111 is an eyepiece window for viewfinder observation. 1 and 2, reference numeral 112 denotes an AE (automatic exposure) lock button, and 113 denotes an AF (autofocus) distance measuring point selection button.

  Reference numeral 114 denotes a release button for performing a photographing operation, which is configured such that SW1 is turned on in the first stroke and SW2 is turned on in the second stroke.

  Reference numeral 115 denotes a main electronic dial which is a first operation means. For example, a 2-bit signal having a phase difference of 90 ° is sent to the microcomputer 1 to detect the rotation direction and the number of clicks.

  By detecting this rotation direction and the number of rotation clicks, it is possible to input numerical values to the camera and switch the shooting mode in combination with other operation buttons. Since this information setting method is known in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 58-63922 and 60-103331, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, 117 is a shooting mode selection button, 118 is an AF mode selection button, 119 is a photometry mode selection button, and also functions as a light control button. For example, when the main electronic dial 115 is rotated while the shooting mode selection button 117 is pressed, Tv priority → Av priority → manual → program → Tv priority → Av priority → manual → program is changed to a mode intended by the photographer. Can be set.

  Further, when the main electronic dial 115 is rotated in the reverse direction, the mode is changed from program → manual → Av priority → Tv priority → program →. When Tv priority is set as a mode by the shooting mode selection button 117 and the electronic dial 115, the Tv value desired by the photographer can be set by rotating the main electronic dial 115. At this time, the amount of change per one click of the dial rotation can be changed by selecting and setting a dial resolution setting SW described later.

  When Av priority is set as a mode by the shooting mode selection button 117 and the main electronic dial 115, the Av value desired by the photographer can be set by rotating the main electronic dial 115. At this time, the amount of change per one click of the dial rotation can be changed by selecting and setting a dial resolution setting SW described later.

  Further, by simultaneously pressing the AF mode selection button 118 and the photometry mode selection button 119, an ISO bracket setting mode capable of setting an ISO value and setting an ISO bracket is selected. The ISO bracket setting mode will be described later in detail.

  Reference numeral 126 denotes a SW (drive mode SW) for setting the continuous shooting mode of the camera. By simultaneously pressing the photometry mode selection button 119, an AEB setting mode in which AEB can be set is selected. The AEB setting mode will be described later in detail.

  2 and 3, reference numeral 120 denotes an LCD monitor device (liquid crystal display) as display means for displaying a photographed image.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 121 denotes a monitor switch for turning on / off the LCD monitor device 120. Since the LCD monitor device 120 according to the present embodiment is a transmissive type, an image cannot be visually recognized only by driving the LCD monitor device, and a backlight illumination device (not shown) is always required on the back surface. A white balance information display unit 201 is provided inside the LCD monitor device. The white balance information display unit 201 will be described using a display example when white balance setting is described.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 116 denotes a sub electronic dial which is a second operation means having the same function as the main electronic dial 115. When the manual mode is set by the shooting mode selection button 117 and the main electronic dial 115, the appropriate exposure measured in the aperture value input setting, program mode (P), shutter priority mode (Tv), and aperture priority mode (Av). On the other hand, the exposure correction amount input setting for changing the control exposure amount of the camera is performed.

  In FIG. 2, 122 is a dial lock switch for locking the input function by the sub electronic dial 116, and 123 is a main switch for prohibiting all operations of the electronic camera.

  125 designates the amount of change per dial when the main electronic dial 115 and sub electronic dial 116 are used to set the shutter speed, aperture value, exposure correction amount, bracket correction amount, etc., that is, dial resolution. Dial resolution setting SW (setting value resolution changing means). When in the position shown in FIG. 2, the dial resolution is set to “1/2 stage”. When SW is set on the left side, “1/3 stage” is set.

  Reference numeral 124 denotes a menu button for selecting a mode when displaying an image on the LCD monitor device 120 or when initializing the camera. When selecting each mode, the sub-electronic dial 116 is pressed while pressing the menu button 124. Rotate to select the desired mode. When the desired mode is selected, the selection / setting is completed when the menu button 124 is released.

  Reference numeral 127 denotes a button for changing the white balance setting. When the sub electronic dial 116 is rotated while this button is pressed, a white balance condition can be selected from predetermined color temperature (daytime shade, cloudy, fine weather, etc.) conditions. Further, the white balance bracket mode can be set by operating the sub electronic dial 116 with the white balance setting button 127 and the menu button 124 pressed simultaneously.

  Reference numeral 140 denotes an external liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display device having an external display function for displaying photographing conditions and the like.

  The photographing lens 200 can be exchanged with the camera body 100 via a body mount (not shown).

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the “single-lens reflex electronic camera” that is an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as MPU) of a microcomputer which is a control means built in the camera body. The MPU 1 includes an AF drive circuit 12, an aperture drive circuit 13, a mirror drive circuit 14, a focus detection circuit 16, a shutter drive circuit 17, a video signal processing circuit 11, a switch sense circuit 21, a photometric circuit 23, and a liquid crystal display drive circuit 24. It is connected. The MPU 1 sequentially controls each element and the circuit in a predetermined order. The MPU 1 is a folder remaining capacity determining unit that determines whether image data can be written to a folder in the memory unit, and is a folder creating unit that creates a new folder when the remaining capacity is insufficient.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a photographing lens, and reference numeral 12 denotes an AF (autofocus) driving circuit, which is configured by, for example, a stepping motor, and focuses on the CCD 7 by changing the focus lens position in the photographing lens 200 under the control of the MPU 1.

  The aperture driving circuit 13 is configured by, for example, an auto iris or the like, and changes the optical aperture value by changing the aperture 2 under the control of the MPU 1.

  The main mirror 4 guides the subject image formed by the photographing lens 200 to the pentaprism (pentagonal roof prism) 3 and transmits part of the subject image to the focus detection sensor 15 through the submirror 5 described later. It is. The mirror drive circuit 14 is configured to be movable between a position where the subject image can be observed with the finder and a retreat position where the subject image is retracted from the optical path of the subject light beam during photographing.

  Reference numeral 5 denotes a sub-mirror for reflecting subject light transmitted through a part of the main mirror 4 and guiding the subject image to the focus detection sensor 15. The sub mirror 5 is linked to the main mirror 4 or the mirror driving circuit 14 of the main mirror 4, and when the main mirror 4 is at a position where a subject image can be observed with a finder, the sub mirror 5 is connected to the focus detection sensor 15. It is configured to be movable to a position for guiding light and to a retreat position for retreating from the optical path of the subject light beam at the time of photographing.

  The mirror drive circuit 14 is composed of, for example, a DC motor and a gear train, and drives the main mirror 4 and the sub mirror 5 under the control of the MPU 1.

  The pentaprism (pentagonal roof prism) 3 is an optical member that converts and reflects the subject image guided by the main mirror 4 into an erect image.

The subject luminous flux that has passed through the photographing lens 200 passes through the aperture 2, is reflected by the main mirror 4, is guided to the pentaprism 3, and the subject image is observed through the eyepiece window 111.
Furthermore, it is guided to the photometric sensor 22. Further, the light beam that has passed through the main mirror 4 is reflected by the sub mirror 5 and re-imaged on the detection surface of the focus detection sensor 15 placed at a position substantially equivalent to the CCD 7 surface.

  The optical image is converted into an electrical image signal and supplied to the focus detection circuit 16. The focus detection circuit 16 performs accumulation control and readout control of the focus detection sensor 15 according to the signal of the MPU 1 and outputs pixel information to the MPU 1.

  The MPU 1 performs a focus detection calculation by a known phase difference detection method based on the image signal of the subject image from the focus detection circuit 16, and the difference between the imaging surface formed by the photographic lens 200 and a predetermined imaging surface such as a film surface, That is, the defocus amount and the defocus direction are obtained.

  Then, based on the calculated defocus amount and defocus direction, the MPU 1 changes the focus lens position in the photographing lens 200 via the AF drive circuit 12 and drives it to the in-focus position.

  Reference numeral 6 denotes a mechanical shutter device, which intercepts the subject light flux during viewfinder observation, retracts from the optical path of the subject light flux in response to a release signal during image pickup, and starts the exposure by a group of leading blade groups 6a (not shown). It is a focal plane shutter that is retracted from the optical path and has a rear blade group 6b (not shown) that shields the subject luminous flux at a predetermined timing after the start of traveling of the front blade group 6a during imaging. The mechanical shutter device 6 is controlled by a shutter drive circuit 17 that receives a command from the MPU 1.

  In the present embodiment, the case where both the front blade group 6a and the rear blade group 6b are provided is described. However, when exposure is started with only one shielding member, the light beam is retracted from the optical path of the subject luminous flux. However, it may be configured to return to a position where the optical path of the subject light flux is again blocked after the photographing is completed.

  Reference numeral 7 denotes a solid-state image sensor that captures a subject image formed by the photographing lens 200 and converts it into an electrical signal. A CCD, which is a known two-dimensional imaging device, is used as the solid-state imaging device. There are various types of imaging devices such as a CCD type, a MOS type, a CID type, and a CPD type, and any type of imaging device may be adopted. In this embodiment, a photoelectric conversion element (photosensor) is used. Are arranged two-dimensionally, and an interline CCD image pickup device is employed in which signal charges accumulated by each sensor are output via a vertical transfer path and a horizontal transfer path.

  Reference numeral 8 denotes a clamp / CDS (correlated double sampling) circuit that performs basic analog processing before A / D conversion and can also change the clamp level.

  Reference numeral 9 denotes an AGC (automatic gain adjusting device) that performs basic analog processing before A / D conversion and can change the AGC basic level. The AGC basic level is set to a value corresponding to the ISO setting described later. That is, when the ISO value is changed, the basic level of AGC is changed.

  An A / D converter 10 converts an analog CCD 7 output signal into a digital signal. The CCD 7, the clamp / CDS circuit 8, the AGC 9, the A / D converter 10, and a CCD drive circuit (not shown) constitute an imaging means.

  Reference numeral 11 denotes a video signal processing circuit which takes charge of overall image processing by hardware such as gamma / knee processing, filter processing, and information composition processing for monitor display on the digitized image data of the CCD 7.

  The image data for monitor display from the video signal processing circuit 11 is displayed on the LCD monitor device 120 via the LCD drive circuit 25. These functions are switched by exchanging data with the MPU 1, and the white balance information of the output signal of the CCD 7 can be output to the MPU 1 as needed. Based on this information, the MPU 1 performs white balance adjustment and gain adjustment. Do.

  Further, it is also possible to store image data in the buffer memory 27 through the memory controller 26 without doing anything in response to an instruction from the MPU 1. The video signal processing circuit 11 also has a function of performing compression processing such as JPEG.

Further, in the case of continuous shooting, image data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 27. When processing time is required, unprocessed image data is read through the memory controller 26, and image processing and compression processing are performed by the video signal processing circuit 11. It is configured to increase the continuous shooting speed.
The number of continuous shots greatly depends on the capacity of the buffer memory 27.

  In the memory controller 26, unprocessed digital image data input from the video signal processing circuit 11 is stored in the buffer memory 27, and the processed digital image is stored in the memory 28, or conversely from the buffer memory 27 and the memory 28. Image data is output to the video signal processing circuit 11.

  Further, the memory controller 26 can store the video sent from the external interface 29 in the memory 28 and can output the image stored in the memory 28 from the external interface 29. The memory 28 is configured to be detachable from the camera body.

  Reference numeral 21 denotes a switch sense circuit which controls each part according to the operation state of each switch. Reference numeral 114a denotes a switch SW1 that is turned on by the first stroke of the release button 114. 114b is a switch SW2 that is turned on by the second stroke of the release button 114. When the switch SW2 is turned on, the release operation is started.

  The main electronic dial 115, sub electronic dial 116, shooting mode selection button 117, AF mode selection button 118, photometry mode selection button 119, and dial resolution setting SW 125 are connected, and the state of each button / SW is transmitted to the MPU 1. To do.

  When the dial resolution setting SW 125 is set to the “1/2” side (the state shown in FIG. 2), the amount of change per click when the main electronic dial 115 and the sub electronic dial 116 are rotated is set to 1 / Set to 2 levels. When it is set to the “1/3” side, the amount of change per click when the main electronic dial 115 and the sub electronic dial 116 are rotated is set to 1/3 step. The parameters whose resolution is changed are shutter speed, aperture value, exposure correction amount, and bracket correction amount.

  The ISO sensitivity setting value, that is, the reference value in the ISO bracket shooting mode, is displayed as “1” regardless of the position of the dial resolution setting SW 125 so that the ISO sensitivity that does not exist in the silver halide film is displayed, so as not to confuse the user. / 3 stage "step.

  A photometric circuit 23 outputs an output from the photometric sensor 22 to the MPU 1 as a luminance signal for each area in the screen. The MPU 1 performs A / D conversion on the luminance signal and calculates the exposure at the time of shooting.

  A liquid crystal display driving circuit 24 drives the external liquid crystal display device 140 and the in-finder liquid crystal display 30 in accordance with the display content command of the MPU 1. Further, the liquid crystal display driving circuit 24 can put a specific segment in a blinking display state according to an instruction from the MPU 1. A power source 31 supplies power necessary for each IC (integrated circuit) and drive system.

  Next, an ISO bracket shooting setting method will be described with reference to FIGS.

  ISO bracket photography means changing the shooting sensitivity value of the image sensor (the gain adjustment value of the image signal output from the image sensor) without changing the exposure time (without changing the shutter speed or aperture value). It is to shoot.

  In step S100 in FIG. 5, it is determined whether both the AF mode selection button (SW) 118 and the AE mode selection button (SW) 119 are turned on. If it is determined that it has been turned ON, the process proceeds to step S101 to enter the ISO bracket setting mode. At this time, the external liquid crystal display device 140 displays as shown in FIGS. 4 (a), (b), (c), (b '), (c'), and (d ').

  FIG. 4 shows the display screen of the external liquid crystal display device 140, and the dot display shown below the display screen indicates that bracket shooting is performed with the bracket correction amount (gain adjustment amount). That is, in this embodiment, it is shown that gain adjustment is performed with three different bracket correction amounts (gain adjustment amounts).

  In FIG. 4, FIG. 4 (a) shows an initial state. When an operation described in detail later is performed, the display changes to the display after FIG. 4B or FIG. 4B '.

  Reference numeral 140a denotes a set ISO value, that is, a reference value in the ISO bracket shooting mode. Reference numeral 140b denotes an ISO bracket correction amount (gain adjustment amount) with dots, which represents 1/3 stage of one dot. When the dial resolution setting SW 125 is set to the 1/3 side, it changes in units of one dot. When the dial resolution setting SW 125 is set to the 1/2 side, the bracket correction amount (gain adjustment amount) changes in half steps. When the position of the 1/2 step is represented by dots, This is done by displaying two dots on both sides of the setting value of 1/2 level. When the position of each stage (± 1, ± 2, ± 3, etc.) is indicated by a dot, it is indicated by one dot at the corresponding position. Reference numeral 140c indicates a bracket correction amount (gain adjustment amount) in a 7-segment display.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in steps S102 and S104, the input of the main electronic dial 115 and the sub electronic dial 116 is determined. When no input is made, the process proceeds to step S109.

  When the input of the main electronic dial 115 is confirmed in step S102, the ISO value is changed in step S103.

  In this case, if the initial value is ISO 200, the display of 140a in FIG. 4 is performed in 1/3 steps from 200 to 250 to 320 to 400 to 1600 every time the main electronic dial 115 is rotated by one click. The gain adjustment value of the image signal increases. Further, when operated in the reverse rotation direction, the gain adjustment value of the image signal is decreased by 1/3 as 1600 → 1250 → 1000 → 800. This changes every 1/3 regardless of the position of the dial resolution setting SW125.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when the input of the sub electronic dial 116 is confirmed in step S104, the position of the dial resolution setting SW 125 is confirmed in step S105, and the dial resolution setting SW 125 is set to the 1/3 step side. If so, in step S107, the amount of change in gain adjustment per click is set to 1/3 EV, and the correction amount is determined.

  The display 140b in FIG. 4 at this time changes from the initial state of FIG. 4A by one dot every time the sub electronic dial 116 is rotated by one click. FIG. 4B shows a dot state when the sub electronic dial 116 is operated by one click from the initial state FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4C shows two clicks from the initial state of the sub electronic dial 116. Indicates the operated state.

  When the sub electronic dial 116 is rotated in the reverse direction, the state changes from the state shown in FIG. 4C to the state shown in FIG. 4B to FIG.

  The display of 140c also corresponds to the display of dots, and every time the sub electronic dial 116 is rotated by one click, it is incremented by 1/3 from 0.0 → 0.3 → 0.7 →. It will change. Moreover, if it rotates in the reverse direction, it will change with 3.0-> 2.7-> 2.3-> ...-> 0.0.

  In step S105, the position of the dial resolution setting SW 125 is confirmed. If the dial resolution setting SW 125 is set to the 1/2 stage, the amount of change in gain adjustment per click is set to 1/2 EV in step S106. Determine the correction amount.

  The display 140b in FIG. 4 at this time changes from the initial state of FIG. 4A by one dot every time the sub electronic dial 116 is rotated by one click. FIG. 4B ′ shows a dot state when the sub electronic dial 116 is operated by one click from the initial state FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4C ′ shows the sub electronic dial 116 from the initial state. 2 shows a state in which a two-click operation has been performed. FIG. 4D 'shows a state in which the sub electronic dial 116 has been operated by three clicks from the initial state.

  When the sub electronic dial 116 is rotated in the reverse direction, the state shown in FIG. 4 (d ′) is reversed one dot at a time from the state shown in FIG. 4 (c ′) to the state shown in FIG. 4 (b ′) → FIG. It will change.

  The display of 140c also corresponds to the display of dots, and every time the sub-electronic dial 116 is rotated by one click, a half step from 0.0 → 0.5 → 1.0 →. It will change. Moreover, if it rotates in the reverse direction, it will change with 3.0-> 2.5-> 2.0-> ...-> 0.0.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when the ISO bracket is corrected in step S106, the ISO bracket flag is set in step S108, the variable N = 0 is stored in the memory in the MPU 1, and the process proceeds to step S109. To do. When this flag is set, ISO bracket shooting described later is performed. That is, when the sub electronic dial 116 is operated in the ISO setting mode and the bracket correction amount is set, ISO bracket photographing is performed.

  In step S109, it is determined whether or not the AF mode selection button (SW) 118 / AE mode selection button (SW) 119 is turned off. If not, the operation described above is repeated to determine that the AF mode selection button (SW) 118 / AE mode selection button (SW) 119 is turned off. When done, the ISO bracket setting mode is terminated.

  Next, a setting method for AEB bracket shooting will be described with reference to FIGS. AEB bracket shooting is bracket shooting by changing either or both of the shutter speed and the aperture value.

  In step S200 of FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not both the drive mode selection button (SW) 126 and the AE mode selection button (SW) 119 are turned on. If it is determined that the power has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S201 to enter the ISO bracket setting mode. At this time, the external liquid crystal display device 140 displays as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10 </ b> B, 10 </ b> C, 10 </ b> B ′, 10 </ b> C ′, and 10 </ b> D ′.

  FIG. 10 shows a display screen of the external liquid crystal display device 140, and the dot display shown below the display screen indicates that bracket shooting is performed with the bracket correction amount. That is, in this embodiment, it is shown that shooting is performed with three different bracket correction amounts. In this figure, the shooting mode will be described using the state set in the program.

  In FIG. 10, FIG. 10 (a) shows an initial state. When an operation that will be described in detail later is performed, the display changes to the display after FIG. 10B or FIG. 10B '.

  Reference numeral 140b denotes an ISO bracket correction amount (gain adjustment amount) with dots, which represents 1/3 stage of one dot. When the dial resolution setting SW 125 is set to the 1/3 side, it changes in units of one dot. When the dial resolution setting SW 125 is set to the 1/2 side, the bracket correction amount (gain adjustment amount) changes in half steps. When the position of the 1/2 step is represented by dots, This is done by displaying two dots on both sides of the setting value of 1/2 level. When the position of each stage (± 1, ± 2, ± 3, etc.) is indicated by a dot, it is indicated by one dot at the corresponding position. Reference numeral 140c denotes a bracket correction amount in a 7-segment display.

  Returning to FIG. 6, in step S202, the input of the sub electronic dial 116 is determined. When no input is made, the process proceeds to step S207.

  Returning to FIG. 6, when the input of the sub electronic dial 116 is confirmed in step S202, the position of the dial resolution setting SW 125 is confirmed in step S203, and the dial resolution setting SW 125 is set to the 1/3 step side. If so, in step S107, the amount of change in gain adjustment per click is set to 1/3 EV, and the correction amount is determined.

  The display 140b in FIG. 10 at this time changes from the initial state of FIG. 10A by one dot every time the sub electronic dial 116 is rotated by one click. FIG. 10B shows a dot state when the sub electronic dial 116 is operated by one click from the initial state FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10C shows two clicks from the initial state of the sub electronic dial 116. Indicates the operated state.

  Further, when the sub electronic dial 116 is rotated in the reverse direction, the state changes from the state of FIG. 10C to the state of FIG. 10B to FIG.

  The display of 140c also corresponds to the display of dots, and every time the sub electronic dial 116 is rotated by one click, it is incremented by 1/3 from 0.0 → 0.3 → 0.7 →. It will change. Moreover, if it rotates in the reverse direction, it will change with 3.0-> 2.7-> 2.3-> ...-> 0.0.

  In step S203, the position of the dial resolution setting SW 125 is confirmed. If the dial resolution setting SW 125 is set to the 1/2 step side, the change amount of gain adjustment per click is set to 1/2 EV in step S106. Determine the correction amount.

  The display 140b in FIG. 10 at this time changes from the initial state of FIG. 10A by one dot every time the sub electronic dial 116 is rotated by one click. FIG. 10 (b ′) shows a dot state when the sub electronic dial 116 is operated by one click from the initial state FIG. 10 (a), and FIG. 10 (c ′) shows the sub electronic dial 116 from the initial state. 2 shows a state in which a two-click operation has been performed. FIG. 10D 'shows a state in which the sub electronic dial 116 has been operated by three clicks from the initial state.

When the sub electronic dial 116 is rotated in the reverse direction, the state shown in FIG. 10 (d ′) is reversed one dot at a time from the state shown in FIG. 10 (c ′) to the state shown in FIG. 10 (b ′) → FIG. It will change.
The display of 140c also corresponds to the display of dots, and every time the sub-electronic dial 116 is rotated by one click, a half step from 0.0 → 0.5 → 1.0 →. It will change. Moreover, if it rotates in the reverse direction, it will change with 3.0->2.5->2.0->...-> 0.0.

  Returning to FIG. 6, when the AEB bracket correction is performed in step S204, the AEB bracket flag is set in step S206, the variable N = 0 is stored in the memory in the MPU 1, and the process proceeds to step S207. To do. When this flag is set, AEB bracket shooting described later is performed. In other words, when the sub electronic dial 116 is operated in the AEB bracket setting mode and the bracket correction amount is set, AEB bracket shooting is performed.

  In step S207, it is determined whether or not the drive mode selection button (SW) 126 / AE mode selection button (SW) 119 has been turned off. If not, the operation described above is repeated to determine that it has been turned off. When it is done, the AEB bracket setting mode is terminated.

  Next, the ISO bracket shooting sequence will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S301, it is determined whether or not SW1 (114a) is turned on. If it is determined that SW1 (114a) is turned on, the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, based on the data output from the photometry circuit 23, the MPU 1 calculates an exposure value (calculates the shutter speed and aperture value). The photometric circuit 23 performs a known photometric calculation weighted to a photometric area (not shown) including the focused focus detection area, and an exposure value is calculated.

  At the same time, the MPU 1 calculates and determines the lens driving amount based on the focus information that is the output of the focus detection circuit 16, drives a part of the photographing lens 200 using the AF driving circuit 12, and adjusts the focus.

  In step S303, it is determined whether the AEB flag (M = 1) is set. If the AEB flag is set, the process proceeds to step S317 to perform AEB shooting. If the AEB flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S304, it is determined whether or not SW2 (114b) is turned on. When it is determined that it is not ON, the process returns to step S301, and the operation already described is repeated. If it is determined in step S304 that the power has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S305.

  The photographing process in step S305 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 shows a detailed flowchart of the photographing process in steps S305 and S322 of FIG.

  In step S401, the mirror drive circuit 14 moves the main mirror 4 and the sub mirror 5 to the mirror-up position according to a command from the MPU 1.

  In step S402, the MPU 1 drives the aperture 2 by the aperture drive circuit 13 in accordance with the aperture value calculated in step S302 of FIG. In the case of AEB bracket shooting, the diaphragm drive circuit 13 drives the diaphragm 2 in accordance with the diaphragm values calculated in steps S319, S321, and S320.

  In step S403, after performing the charge clear operation of the CCD 7, the MPU 1 starts charge accumulation in the CCD 7 in step S404, and proceeds to step S305.

  In step S405, the shutter drive circuit 17 drives the leading blade group 6a (not shown) in the mechanical shutter device 6 (the shutter is opened), and exposure of the CCD 7 is started (step S406).

  In step S407, the MPU 1 determines whether or not the exposure time of the CCD 7 calculated in step S302 of FIG. 7 has ended, and when it is determined that it has ended, the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step 408, the shutter drive circuit 17 drives the rear blade group 6b (not shown) in the mechanical shutter device 6 according to the instruction of the MPU 1, closes the shutter, and ends the exposure of the CCD 7.

  In step S409, the aperture driving circuit 13 drives the aperture 2 to the full aperture value, and the main mirror 4 and the sub mirror 5 are moved to the mirror down position by the mirror driving circuit 13 in step S410.

  In step S411, it is determined whether or not the set charge accumulation time has elapsed. If it is determined that it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S412.

  In step S412, the MPU 1 ends the charge accumulation of the CCD 7, and then reads out a charge signal as an imaging signal from the CCD 7 in step S413.

  When the series of processing is finished, the photographing processing routine step S305 is finished, and the process proceeds to step S205. In the case of AEB bracket shooting, step S322 is ended, and the process proceeds to S323.

  Returning to FIG. 7, in step S306, it is determined whether or not the ISO bracket flag is set in step S108 of FIG. When the ISO bracket flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S309 and an operation described later is performed. When the ISO bracket flag is set, the process proceeds to step S307.

  In step S307, the MPU 1 checks the value of the variable N. If N = 0, the process proceeds to step S308, and the AGC 9 gains the amount corresponding to the bracket correction amount set in step S106 or S107 in FIG. Is corrected to the under side (ISO under setting).

  If N = 1, the process proceeds to step S309, and the AGC 9 performs correction with a gain corresponding to the ISO value set in step S103 in FIG. 5 (ISO standard setting). If N = 2, the process proceeds to step S310, and the AGC 9 corrects the gain to the over side by an amount corresponding to the bracket correction amount set in step S106 or S107 in FIG. 5 (ISO over setting).

  In step S311, the video signal processing circuit 11 performs predetermined image processing, and then performs compression processing. Then, the process proceeds to step S312, and the memory controller 26 records the compressed data in the memory 28, and then proceeds to step S313. Transition. Step S312 is a feature of the present invention, and will be described in detail later.

  In step S313, the MPU 1 checks the state of the ISO bracket flag stored in the internal memory in the MPU 1. If the ISO bracket flag has been set, the process proceeds to step S314. If the ISO bracket flag has been cleared, the MPU 1 continues. Shooting ends.

  In step S314, the MPU 1 sets N = N + 1 for the variable N, and proceeds to step S315.

  In step S315, the MPU 1 determines whether or not the variable N has reached N = 3. If it is determined that N = 3 has been reached, the MPU 1 cancels the ISO bracket execution flag in step S316, Stop shooting.

  If it is determined in step S315 that the variable N has not reached N = 3, the process returns to step S305 to perform the next shooting.

  The operation when the AEB flag is set in step S303 will be described.

  In step S317, it is determined whether or not SW2 (114b) is turned on. When it is determined that it is not ON, the process returns to step S301, and the operation already described is repeated. If it is determined in step S317 that the power has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S318.

  In step S318, the MPU 1 checks the value of the variable N. If N = 0, the process proceeds to step S319, and the shutter time is the amount corresponding to the bracket correction amount set in step S204 or S205 of FIG. Alternatively, either the aperture value or the sum of both is set to the underexposure side (underexposure setting).

  If N = 1, the process proceeds to step S320, and the exposure parameter is set to the I exposure value (shutter time, aperture value) set in step S302 of FIG. (Exposure standard setting).

  If N = 2, the process proceeds to step S321 to expose either the shutter time or the aperture value, or the sum of both, corresponding to the bracket correction amount set in step S204 or S205 in FIG. Set to over (overexposure setting). Since the photographing process in step S322 has been described above, it is omitted here.

  In step S323, the video signal processing circuit 11 performs predetermined image processing and then performs compression processing. Then, the process proceeds to step S312, and the memory controller 26 records the compressed data in the memory 28, and then proceeds to step S324. Transition. Step S324 is the same as step S312 and is a feature of the present invention, and will be described in detail later.

  In step S325, the MPU 1 checks the state of the AEB bracket flag stored in the internal memory in the MPU 1. If the AEB bracket flag is set, the process proceeds to step S326. If the AEB bracket flag is cleared, a series of steps are performed. Shooting ends.

  In step S326, the MPU 1 sets N = N + 1 for the variable N, and proceeds to step S327.

  In step S327, the MPU 1 determines whether or not the variable N has reached N = 3. If it is determined that N = 3 has been reached, the MPU 1 cancels the AEB bracket execution flag in step S328, Stop shooting.

  If it is determined in step S327 that the variable N has not reached N = 3, the process returns to step S317 to perform the next shooting.

  The operation at the time of memory writing will be described with reference to FIG.

  Usually, in a digital camera, not only an image is recorded in a memory, but also a folder is created in consideration of later data arrangement, and a predetermined number of image data is written therein. In this embodiment, 100 sheets are set.

  In step 502, the MPU 1 determines whether or not a photographed image can be written to an existing folder provided in the memory 28. In the present embodiment, the number of shots in bracket shooting is three. That is, in the bracket shooting mode and the first bracket shooting, if the number of shooting data recorded in the folder is 97 or less, it is determined that writing is possible. Similarly, it is determined that writing is possible if the number is 98 or less in the case of the second bracket shooting and 99 or less in the case of the third bracket shooting. In other photographing, it is determined whether or not one piece of photographing data can be recorded. If it is determined that writing to the existing folder is possible, the process proceeds to step S505. If it is determined that the existing folder cannot be written, the process proceeds to step S503.

  In step S503, a new folder is created.

  In step S504, the memory controller 26 writes the compressed data to the new folder created in step S503 of the memory 28.

  In step S505, the memory controller 26 records the compressed data in the existing folder in the memory 28.

  FIG. 12 is one display example showing a setting state in the white balance bracket photographing mode in the white balance information display unit 201 provided in a part of the display unit of the LCD monitor display device 120. The state shown in the figure represents a state in which the sub electronic dial 116 is operated for two clicks while the menu button 124 and the white balance setting button 128 are continuously pressed as described in FIG.

  “AWB” of the mark 201a represents the white balance setting state, and in the state shown in the figure, indicates “auto white balance”. That is, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the reference white balance value is obtained by the video signal processing circuit 11 receiving the output signal of the CCD 7 in the camera, extracting the white balance information from the CCD 7 output signal and transmitting it to the MPU 1. The white balance calculation result calculated in this way is used. The “:” mark portion at the center of the mark 201b is set as the standard white balance value, and the portion indicated by the “o” mark in 201c is the white balance correction value set for bracket shooting.

  That is, with respect to the standard white balance value, there are two plus steps and two minus steps, and the one step in this case is preset as, for example, a Kelvin value, which is a unit representing the color temperature of light, as 100 Kelvin. This is a setting for performing exposure control of a total of three stages of plus 200 kelvin and minus 200 kelvin with respect to the standard white balance value. However, the correction value setting of 1 stage = 100 Kelvin is not necessarily limited to this. When the white balance bracket is set, the white balance bracket flag is set and the variable N is set to N = 0.

  Further, if the operation of the sub electronic dial 116 is repeated by the same operation, the correction step width can be changed, and the operation of releasing the white balance setting button 127 after adjusting the correction step width to the “:” mark portion is performed. The white balance bracket shooting mode is canceled.

  A shooting sequence at the time of white balance bracketing will be described with reference to FIG.

  The operation when the white balance bracket (WBB) flag is set in step S303 will be described.

  In step S601, it is determined whether or not SW2 (114b) is turned on. If it is determined in step S601 that the power has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S602.

  In step S602, shooting processing is performed. The photographing process is performed in the sequence shown in FIG.

  In step S603, the MPU 1 determines what number the white balance bracket photographing is. If it is the first sheet, the process proceeds to step S604, where the video signal processing circuit 11 performs image processing by white balance under correction, and performs compression processing.

  If it is the second sheet, the process proceeds to step S605, where the video signal processing circuit 11 performs image processing with the white balance standard (same correction as AWB), and performs compression processing. If it is the third image, the process proceeds to step S606, where the video signal processing circuit 11 performs image processing with white balance over correction and performs compression processing.

  In step S607, the memory controller 26 records the compressed data in the memory 28, and proceeds to step S608. Step S604 is the same as steps S312 and S324, and the operation described in FIG. 9 is performed.

  In step S608, the MPU 1 checks the state of the white balance bracket flag stored in the internal memory of the MPU 1, and if the white balance bracket flag is set, the process proceeds to step S609, and the white balance bracket flag has been canceled. Then, a series of shooting is finished.

  In step S609, the MPU 1 sets N = N + 1 for the variable N, and proceeds to step S610.

  In step S610, the MPU 1 determines whether the variable N has reached N = 3. If it is determined that the variable N has reached N = 3, the MPU 1 cancels the white balance bracket execution flag in step S611. End shooting.

  If it is determined in step S610 that the variable N has not reached N = 3, the process returns to step S601 to perform the next shooting.

  In this way, even if a series of image data obtained by bracket shooting cannot be written to the folder during bracket shooting, a new folder is created, and a series of bracket shooting image data is added to the created new folder. Since the data is written together, it is possible to make an electronic camera that makes it easy to compare bracketing results. Moreover, since the number of folders in the memory does not increase only by performing bracket shooting, the ease of organizing the shot image data due to the increase in the number of folders is not impaired.

  As a storage medium for storing a program for realizing the control method of the electronic camera in this embodiment, for example, a magnetic disk such as FD, HD, CD-ROM, CD-R, optical disk, magneto-optical disk (MO Or a non-volatile storage device such as a magnetic tape. However, the type of storage medium is not limited.

  In the above embodiment, bracket shooting is performed independently in the AEB shooting mode, the ISO bracket shooting mode, and the white balance bracket shooting mode. However, the bracket shooting is performed by combining some of them. However, the same effect can be obtained.

1 is a top view of an external appearance of a single-lens reflex type electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external rear view of a single-lens reflex electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the single-lens reflex type electronic camera in the Example which concerns on this invention Explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the LCD monitor apparatus of the single-lens reflex type electronic camera at the time of ISO bracket setting of Example 1 7 is a flowchart showing an ISO bracket setting operation of the single-lens reflex type electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing an AEB bracket setting operation of the single-lens reflex electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a bracket shooting sequence of a single-lens reflex electronic camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a flowchart showing details of imaging processing in steps S305 and 322 in FIG. 7 and S602 in FIG. Flowchart for explaining processing (memory writing processing) for recording bracket-related images in one folder without being distributed to different folders Explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the LCD monitor apparatus of the single-lens reflex type electronic camera at the time of AEB bracket setting Flowchart diagram showing the operation of a digital SLR camera during white balance bracketing The figure which shows the example of a display of the LCD monitor of a digital single-lens reflex camera at the time of ISO bracket setting

Explanation of symbols

1 microcomputer (MPU)
2-aperture 3-penta prism (Pentagonal Dach prism)
4 main mirror 5 sub mirror 6 mechanical shutter device 7 CCD
8 clamps / CDS circuit 9AGC (automatic gain adjuster)
10 A / D converter 11 Video signal processing circuit 12 AF drive circuit 13 Aperture drive circuit 14 Mirror drive circuit 15 Focus detection sensor 16 Focus detection circuit 17 Shutter drive circuit 21 Switch sense circuit 22 Photometric sensor 23 Photometric sensor 24 Liquid crystal display drive circuit 25 LCD drive Circuit 26 memory controller 27 buffer memory 28 memory 29 external interface 30 liquid crystal display device 31 in finder 31 power supply unit 100 camera body 114 release button 115 main electronic dial,
116 Sub electronic dial 117 Shooting mode selection button 118 AF mode selection button 119 Metering mode selection button 120 LCD monitor device 125 Dial resolution setting SW
140 External liquid crystal display device 200 photographic lens

Claims (4)

Imaging means for generating image data by photoelectrically converting an optical image;
Folder creating means for creating a folder for storing image data in a recording medium;
A recording means for recording the image data generated by the imaging means in a folder created by the folder creating means;
Determining means for determining the recordable number of image data in the folder;
In a camera that can set a shooting mode that generates multiple image data while changing the shooting conditions,
The folder creation means creates another folder when the determination means determines that a plurality of image data obtained by shooting in the shooting mode cannot be recorded in one folder,
The camera characterized in that the recording means records the plurality of image data in the other folder. Imaging means, removable recording means, folder creation means for creating a folder for storing image data in the recording means, remaining folder number judgment means for judging the recordable number of sheets in the folder, stepwise In a camera having an ISO bracket photographing means for photographing a plurality of frames by changing the imaging sensitivity to
When the remaining number determining means determines that the series of image data obtained by the ISO bracket photographing means cannot be recorded in a single folder, a new folder is created by the folder creating means, and a series of ISO bracket A camera characterized in that photographed image data is recorded in the new folder. Imaging means, removable recording means, folder creation means for creating a folder for storing image data in the recording means, remaining folder number judgment means for judging the recordable number of sheets in the folder, stepwise In a camera having an AEB photographing means for changing the exposure to photographing a plurality of frames,
When the remaining number determining means determines that the series of image data obtained by the AEB photographing means cannot be recorded in a single folder, a new folder is created by the folder creating means, and a series of AEB photographed images are also created. A camera which records data in the new folder. Imaging means, removable recording means, folder creating means for creating a folder for storing image data in the recording means, remaining folder number judging means for judging the recordable number of sheets in the folder, white balance In a camera having a white balance bracket photographing means that changes a correction value stepwise and shoots a plurality of frames,
When the remaining number determining means determines that the series of image data obtained by the white balance bracket photographing means cannot be recorded in a single folder, a new folder is created by the folder creating means, and a series of white A camera, wherein balance bracket photographed image data is recorded in the new folder.

Images