JP4798506B2 - Imaging apparatus and program thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a program thereof, and more particularly, to an imaging apparatus and a program thereof that can obtain a time lag of imaging instruction timing.

In an imaging apparatus such as an electronic camera, when a user deems that a photo opportunity is present and presses the shutter button, a still image shooting process is performed in response to the operation. The timing of the time slightly deviated, and it was not possible to obtain an image taken at the timing that the user wanted to take.
In view of these problems, a time lag measurement mode is provided to measure the time from when the lamp shines until the shutter button is pressed (time lag). In the still image shooting mode, the time lag is measured from when the shutter button is fully pressed. A technique of recording an image that is traced back by the measured time has been developed (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-271673

  However, according to the conventional technology, it is possible to obtain a time lag of the shooting timing of each individual, but even for the same person, the time lag changes depending on the situation of the subject, and a time lag corresponding to the shooting situation is obtained. I couldn't.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of obtaining a time lag of an imaging instruction timing according to an imaging situation and a program thereof.

In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises continuous image pickup control means for continuously picking up an image of a subject,
Timing instruction means for the user to instruct an arbitrary timing;
Image acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of image data imaged by the continuous imaging control means based on the timing instructed by the timing instruction means;
Acquisition means for acquiring the shooting status;
A deviation timing information acquisition means for acquiring deviation timing information according to the photographing situation acquired by the acquisition means;
Among the plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition means, the continuous imaging control means at a timing determined by the deviation timing information acquired by the deviation timing information acquisition means and the timing indicated by the timing instruction means. Control means for identifying the imaged image data ;
It is characterized by having.

For example, as described in claim 2, a plurality of shooting scenes,
Among the plurality of shooting scenes, shooting scene selection means for the user to select a shooting scene according to the shooting situation;
With
The acquisition means includes
The image capturing apparatus may include a unit that acquires a shooting scene designated by the shooting scene selection unit as a shooting state.

In addition, for example, as described in claim 3, a shooting condition table that records shooting conditions corresponding to each of the plurality of shooting scenes is provided,
The continuous imaging control means includes
A shooting condition corresponding to the shooting scene selected by the shooting scene selection unit may be acquired from the shooting condition table, and imaging may be performed under the acquired shooting condition.

Further, for example, as described in claim 4, the apparatus includes a frame rate selection unit for the user to select a height of a frame rate continuously captured by the continuous imaging control unit,
The acquisition means includes
The image processing apparatus may include means for acquiring a frame rate at a height selected by the frame rate selection means as a shooting situation.

Further, for example, as described in claim 5, the apparatus includes a movement amount detection unit that detects a movement amount of a subject based on image data captured by the continuous imaging control unit,
The acquisition means includes
You may make it contain the means which acquires the motion amount detected by the said motion amount detection means as an imaging | photography condition.

For example, as described in claim 6, the image acquisition unit includes:
A plurality of pieces of image data captured by the continuous imaging control unit may be acquired before or after the timing instructed by the timing instruction unit, or before or after the instructed timing.

In addition, for example, as described in claim 7, a table in which deviation timing information corresponding to each shooting situation is recorded is provided.
The deviation timing information acquisition means includes:
You may make it acquire the shift | offset | difference timing information according to the imaging | photography condition acquired by the said acquisition means from the said table.

Further, for example, as described in claim 8, a selection unit for a user to select arbitrary image data from among the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit;
Corresponding to the shooting situation acquired by the acquisition unit based on the time difference between the timing at which the image data selected by the selection unit was captured by the continuous imaging control unit and the timing instructed by the timing instruction unit Recording update control means for updating the record of the deviation timing information recorded in the table;
You may make it provide.

For example, as described in claim 9, the control means includes
You may make it contain the display control means which controls the display of the image data acquired by the said image acquisition means based on the specified image data .

Further, for example, as described in claim 10, the display control means includes:
The specified image data may be initially displayed as a single image .

For example, as described in claim 11, the display control unit includes:
A plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition means may be displayed in a multi display manner, and the specified image data may be displayed in a differential manner first.

Further, for example, as described in claim 12, the image processing unit includes an image designating unit that designates arbitrary image data among the image data obtained by the image obtaining unit,
The display control means includes
When image data is designated by the image designation means, the image data to be displayed in a single display or differently may be changed to the designated image data for display.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 13, a recording control unit that records the image data selected by the selection unit in the recording unit may be provided.

In addition, for example, as described in claim 14, the selection unit includes:
When a predetermined operation is performed by the user, the image data that is single-displayed or differentially displayed by the display control means may be selected.

Further, for example, as described in claim 15, recording instruction means for a user to instruct recording of image data;
When recording of image data is instructed by the recording instruction means, recording control means for recording the image data acquired by the image acquisition means on the recording means;
With
The selection means includes
When recording of the image data is instructed by the recording instruction unit, the image data that is displayed in a single display or differently by the display control unit may be selected.

Further, for example, as described in claim 16, the recording control means includes:
When recording of image data is instructed by the recording instructing means, image data that is displayed in a single display or in a differential display by the display control means may be recorded when the recording is instructed.

For example, as described in claim 17, the control means includes
A recording control unit that controls recording of the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit based on the specified image data may be included.

For example, as described in claim 18, the recording control unit includes:
The specified image data may be recorded.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the invention of claim 19 includes a continuous imaging control process for continuously imaging a subject;
A timing instruction process for instructing an arbitrary timing according to a user operation;
An image acquisition process for acquiring a plurality of image data captured by the continuous imaging control process based on the timing instructed by the timing instruction process;
Acquisition processing to acquire the shooting status;
A shift timing information acquisition process for acquiring shift timing information corresponding to the shooting situation acquired by the acquisition process;
Among the plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition process, the continuous imaging control process at a timing determined by the timing of the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing information acquisition process and the timing specified by the timing instruction process. Control processing for identifying captured image data ;
And each of the above processes is executed by a computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to acquire a time lag (shift timing information) between the timing of actually instructing shooting according to the shooting situation and the timing of the photo opportunity.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as an example in which the imaging apparatus of the present invention is applied to a digital camera.
[First embodiment]
A. Configuration of Digital Camera FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a digital camera 1 that implements the imaging apparatus of the present invention.
The digital camera 1 includes a photographing lens 2, a lens driving block 3, an aperture 4, a CCD 5, a driver 6, a TG (timing generator) 7, a unit circuit 8, an image generation unit 9, a CPU 10, a key input unit 11, a memory 12, a DRAM 13, A flash memory 14, an image display unit 15, and a bus 16 are provided.

  The photographing lens 2 includes a focus lens, a zoom lens, and the like that are constituted by a plurality of lens groups (not shown). A lens driving block 3 is connected to the photographing lens 2. The lens driving block 3 includes a focus motor and a zoom motor that drive the focus lens and the zoom lens along the optical axis direction, respectively, and a focus motor driver that drives the focus motor and the zoom motor according to a control signal sent from the CPU 10. And a zoom motor driver (not shown).

The diaphragm 4 includes a drive circuit (not shown), and the drive circuit operates the diaphragm 4 in accordance with a control signal sent from the CPU 10.
The diaphragm 4 is a mechanism that controls the amount of light that enters from the photographing lens 2.

  The CCD 5 is driven by the driver 6 and photoelectrically converts the intensity of light of each color of the RGB value of the subject image for every fixed period and outputs it to the unit circuit 8 as an imaging signal. The operation timing of the driver 6 and the unit circuit 8 is controlled by the CPU 10 via the TG 7. The CCD 5 has a Bayer color filter and also functions as an electronic shutter. The shutter speed of the electronic shutter is controlled by the CPU 10 via the driver 6 and TG7.

  A TG 7 is connected to the unit circuit 8, a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) circuit that holds the imaged signal output from the CCD 5 by correlated double sampling, and an AGC that performs automatic gain adjustment of the imaged signal after the sampling. An (Automatic Gain Control) circuit and an A / D converter that converts an analog image pickup signal after the automatic gain adjustment into a digital signal, the image pickup signal output from the CCD 5 passes through the unit circuit 8 as a digital signal. It is sent to the image generator 9.

  The image generation unit 9 performs processing such as γ correction processing and white balance processing on the image data sent from the unit circuit 8, generates a luminance color difference signal (YUV data), and generates the generated luminance color difference. The image data of the signal is sent to the CPU 10. That is, the image generation unit 9 performs image processing on the image data output from the CCD 5.

The CPU 10 has functions of performing imaging control on the CCD 5, storage processing of the captured image data in the DRAM 13, recording processing in the flash memory 14, and display processing of the image data, and controls each part of the digital camera 1. It is a one-chip microcomputer. Further, the CPU 10 includes a clock circuit and has a function as a timer.
In particular, the CPU 10 has a function of continuously capturing an image of a subject (continuous imaging control unit), and a function of acquiring a plurality of image data that has been continuously captured based on a timing arbitrarily designated by a user (image acquisition). Means), a function (acquisition means) for acquiring a photographing situation, a function (accuracy information acquisition means) for obtaining deviation timing information corresponding to the obtained photographing situation, the obtained deviation timing information, and the obtained It also has a function (control means) for executing predetermined processing using image data.

The key input unit 11 includes a plurality of operation keys such as a shutter button that can be fully pressed halfway, a mode switching key, a frame rate setting key, a shooting scene setting key, a cross key, and a SET key. An operation signal is output to CPU10. The key input unit 11 functions as a timing instruction unit, selection unit, designation unit, and instruction unit of the present invention.
The memory 12 stores a control program necessary for the CPU 10 to control each unit and necessary data (such as a deviation timing table and a photographing condition table), and the CPU 10 operates according to the program.

The DRAM 13 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data sent to the CPU 10 after being imaged by the CCD 5 and also as a working memory for the CPU 10.
The flash memory 14 is a recording medium that stores compressed image data.

  The image display unit 15 includes a color LCD and its driving circuit, and displays the subject imaged by the CCD 5 as a through image when in a shooting standby state, and is read out from the flash memory 14 and decompressed when a recorded image is reproduced. The recorded image is displayed.

B. Operation of Digital Camera 1 The operation of the digital camera 1 in the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
When the still image shooting mode is set by the user operating the mode switching key of the key input unit 11, in step S1, the CPU 10 starts imaging by the CCD 5 at a predetermined frame rate (for example, 30 fps).
Next, in step S2, the CPU 10 stores the image data of the luminance / color difference signals sequentially captured by the CCD 5 and sequentially generated by the image generation unit 9 in the buffer memory (DRAM 13), and the stored image data is stored in the image display unit. 15 starts so-called through image display.

  Next, in step S3, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the user has set the frame rate (continuous shooting speed) setting mode. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the frame rate setting key is sent from the key input unit 11. Here, the user can change the height of the frame rate by operating the frame rate setting key when he / she wants to set the current moving image capturing frame rate to a frame rate corresponding to the current subject situation. it can.

If it is determined in step S3 that the frame rate setting mode has been set, in step S4, the CPU 10 determines whether or not an arbitrary frame rate has been selected by the user.
At this time, if the CPU 10 determines that the frame rate setting mode has been set, the CPU 10 causes the image display unit 15 to display a list of heights of a plurality of frame rates (for example, frame rates of 15 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps, etc.). An arbitrary frame rate can be selected from among a plurality of frame rates displayed in a list by operating the cross key and the SET key. Here, the user selects a high frame rate when the movement of the subject is fast, and selects a low frame rate when the movement of the subject is stationary or slow. Here, it is assumed that “60 fps” is selected because a subject to be batted is relatively fast moving.

Briefly describing the user's selection of the frame rate height, it is possible to temporarily select an arbitrary frame rate height by operating the cross key, and when the frame rate of the temporarily selected height is OK. By operating the SET key, the temporarily selected frame rate can be selected. At this time, the frame rate of the temporarily selected height is displayed differently from the frame rates of other heights.
Note that when displaying a list of heights of a plurality of frame rates, the CPU 10 may preliminarily select a frame rate of the height captured by the current moving image capturing in advance, You may make it exclude from the height of the frame rate currently displayed as a list the frame rate of the height imaged by moving image pick-up.

  If it is determined in step S4 that the frame rate height has not been selected, the process stays in step S4 until it is determined that the frame rate has been selected. If it is determined that the frame rate height has been selected, the process proceeds to step S5. The CPU 10 changes the height of the frame rate for moving image capturing to the height of the selected frame rate, and stores the height of the changed frame rate in the rate storage area of the buffer memory, step S6. Proceed to Thereby, after the change, the moving image is captured at the changed frame rate. Note that the height of the frame rate stored in this rate storage area is only the height of the current moving image capturing frame rate. When the frame rate height is changed, the changed height is stored. The

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the frame rate setting mode is not set, the process proceeds directly to step S6.
In step S6, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the shooting scene setting mode has been set. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the shooting scene setting key is sent from the key input unit 11. Here, when the user wants to shoot the subject under the shooting condition of the shooting scene most suitable for the current subject situation, the shooting condition can be changed by operating the shooting scene setting mode key.

If it is determined in step S6 that the shooting scene setting mode has been set, the process proceeds to step S7, and the CPU 10 determines whether or not an arbitrary shooting scene has been selected by the user.
At this time, when the CPU 10 determines that the shooting scene setting mode is set, the CPU 10 displays a list of names of a plurality of types of shooting scenes stored in the memory 12 on the image display unit 15, and the user displays the list of the plurality of types displayed. An arbitrary shooting scene can be selected from the names of the shooting scenes by operating the cross key and the SET key. The memory 12 records in advance a shooting condition table in which names of a plurality of types of shooting scenes and shooting conditions (aperture, shutter speed, sensitivity, etc.) corresponding to the respective shooting scenes are recorded. Here, the user selects a shooting scene most suitable for the current subject situation.

This shooting scene includes a plurality of shooting scenes such as “photographing a person”, “photographing a landscape”, “photographing a child”, “photographing sports”, etc., and the shooting conditions corresponding to each of the shooting scenes are also recorded. ing. Here, it is assumed that “sport” is selected because the subject to be batting is shot.
This shooting scene selection by the user will be described in detail. An arbitrary shooting scene can be temporarily selected by the operation of the cross key, and if the shooting scene temporarily selected is OK, by operating the SET key. The temporarily selected shooting scene can be selected. At this time, the temporarily selected shooting scene is displayed differently from other shooting scenes.

  In addition, you may make it display separately for every imaging | photography scene, without displaying a list of imaging | photography scenes. In this case, by operating the cross key, the shooting scenes to be displayed individually are moved forward, and when the SET key is operated, the shooting scenes displayed individually are selected.

  If it is determined in step S7 that a shooting scene has not been selected, the process stays in step S7 until a shooting scene is selected. If it is determined that a shooting scene has been selected, the process proceeds to step S8, where the CPU 10 captures the current moving image. The condition is changed to the shooting condition corresponding to the selected shooting scene, and the information (for example, name) of the selected shooting scene is stored in the shooting scene storage area of the buffer memory, and the process proceeds to step S9. As a result, after the shooting scene is selected, a moving image is captured under the changed shooting conditions (the shooting conditions corresponding to the selected shooting scene), and the shooting conditions suitable for the current shooting situation are used. An image can be taken. Note that the name of the shooting scene stored in the shooting scene storage area is the name of the most recently selected shooting scene, and when the shooting scene is selected again, only the name of the selected shooting scene is stored.

In step S9, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the shutter button is half-pressed by the user. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to a half-press operation of the shutter button is sent from the key input unit 11.
At this time, when the user thinks that a photo opportunity will come soon, a half-press operation of the shutter button is performed.

If it is determined in step S9 that the shutter button is not half-pressed, the process returns to step S3 and the above-described operation is repeated.
Thereby, until the user presses the shutter button halfway, the height of the frame rate and the selection of the shooting scene can be changed.

  When a frame rate or shooting scene is selected, shooting is performed at the selected frame rate or shooting conditions corresponding to the selected shooting scene. Only for the subsequent imaging processing, the imaging may be performed under the shooting conditions corresponding to the frame rate and shooting scene selected by the user. That is, until the shutter button is half-pressed, even if a frame rate or a shooting scene is selected, the shooting conditions corresponding to the selected frame rate and the selected shooting scene are not affected by the shooting process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that the shutter button has been half-pressed, the process proceeds to step S10, where the CPU 10 starts processing for sequentially storing the frame image data captured after half-pressing the shutter button in the buffer memory. .
The circular storage means that the captured frame image data is sequentially stored and accumulated until the buffer memory runs out of space, and when the buffer memory runs out of space, the newly captured frame image data is The oldest frame image data is overwritten on the frame image data stored in the buffer memory. As a result, the frame image data from the most recently captured frame image data to a certain time before is stored.

FIG. 4 shows a state of images displayed on the image display unit 15 at a certain timing, and it is assumed that the time of these images has elapsed such as A → C → B.
FIG. 4A shows a state of an image that is first picked up and displayed after half-pressing the shutter button.

Next, in step S11, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the shutter button has been fully pressed by the user. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the full pressing operation of the shutter button is sent from the key input unit 11.
At this time, when the user determines that the photo opportunity has come, the user fully presses the shutter button.

  If it is determined in step S11 that the shutter button is not fully pressed, the process stays in step S11 until the shutter button is fully pressed. If it is determined that the shutter button is fully pressed, the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG. The frame image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed is added with identification information for identifying that it is an image instructed to be an image of the photo opportunity, and stored. The identification information may be attached to the frame image data displayed on the image display unit 15 when the shutter button is fully pressed.

Next, in step S13, the CPU 10 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed since the shutter button was fully pressed.
If it is determined in step S13 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process stays in step S13 until the predetermined time elapses. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S14, and the CPU 10 performs the moving image capturing process and the captured frame. The circular storage process of the image data is finished.

  The reason for capturing and storing the moving image during this predetermined time is that the shutter button is fully pressed later than the shutter chance, or the shutter button is fully pressed earlier than the shutter chance, depending on the shooting situation such as the subject situation. This is because if the moving image is not captured and stored after the shutter button is fully pressed, the shutter button cannot be fully pressed before the shutter chance.

  Further, since the frame image data is cyclically stored in the buffer memory for the length of the predetermined time, if the predetermined time is lengthened, all the frame image data stored in the buffer memory will be stored after the shutter button is fully pressed. Since the image is captured, it is necessary to determine that at least a plurality of frame image data captured before the shutter button is fully pressed is stored in the buffer memory. The predetermined time is preferably a time such that the number of frame image data captured before the shutter button is fully pressed and the number of frame image data captured after the shutter button is fully pressed are approximately the same.

  Next, in step S15, the height of the frame rate at which the frame image data stored in the buffer memory is imaged (the height of the frame rate stored in the rate storage area) and the shooting at which the frame image data is imaged. The shift timing information corresponding to the name of the shooting scene corresponding to the condition (name of the shooting scene stored in the shooting scene storage area) is acquired from the shift timing table recorded in the memory 12.

FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining a deviation timing table recorded in the memory 12.
From FIG. 5A, it can be seen that shift timing information (shift time: ms) is recorded for each shooting scene and each frame rate height.
Although not shown in the drawing, there are “+ ·· ms” and “− ·· ms”. In the case of “−”, the deviation time represents a deviation timing when the full-press operation is performed later than the shutter chance. In the case of, the shift timing when the shutter button is fully pressed faster than the photo opportunity is shown. Note that “None” in the shooting scene item in FIG. 5 is a shift timing corresponding to the height of each frame rate when no shooting scene is selected.

As described above, since the shift timing information corresponding to the shooting scene and the frame rate is recorded in the shift timing table, the shift timing information corresponding to the subject situation and the shooting situation can be acquired easily and quickly.
For example, even if an image as shown in FIG. 4C is a photo opportunity, the image actually captured when the shutter button is fully pressed becomes an image as shown in FIG. 4B, resulting in a time lag. In other words, depending on the shooting situation, the actual shutter button full-pressing operation timing may be delayed from the timing of the shutter chance, or when shooting is instructed in advance by predicting the shutter chance, Since the push operation timing is faster than the timing of the photo opportunity, and there is a time lag between the photo opportunity timing and the shooting instruction timing, the image captured (displayed) when the shutter button is fully pressed is an image of the photo opportunity. Not. Accordingly, in order to obtain a time lag between the photo opportunity and the time when the shutter button is fully pressed in the shooting situation, the time lag (shift timing) according to the selected shooting scene and the frame rate height, that is, according to the shooting situation. Information) is obtained from the deviation timing table.

  Next, in step S16, the CPU 10 includes frame image data to which identification information is attached (frame image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed or all of the shutter button among the frame image data stored in the buffer memory). Frame image data corresponding to the obtained deviation timing information is selected as a recommended image (photograph chance image) from the frame image data displayed at the time of pressing) and displayed on the image display unit 15.

  The selection of the recommended image will be specifically described. The number of shifts is calculated based on the current frame rate height (the frame rate currently stored in the rate storage area) and the acquired shift timing information. Then, frame image data corresponding to the calculated number of deviations is selected as a recommended image from the frame image data to which the identification information is attached. The reason for taking this frame rate into account is that the number of shifts varies depending on the frame rate (30 fps, 60 fps) even if the shift time is the same.

For example, when the acquired shift timing information is “−50 (ms)”, frame image data captured at a timing 50 ms before the shooting timing of the frame image data to which the identification information is attached is used as a recommended image. Select to display.
That is, the number of deviations is calculated based on the obtained deviation timing information “−50 (ms)” and the current frame rate height. For example, when the calculated shift number is “−3”, the frame image data captured three frames before the frame image data to which the identification information is attached is selected.
Conversely, when the obtained misalignment timing information is “+ •• (ms)”, the calculated misalignment count is “+ ••”, and the frame image data selected as the recommended image has identification information attached. The frame image data is captured after the frame image data being captured.

Next, in step S17, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the user has operated the SET key. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the SET key is sent from the key input unit 11.
At this time, if the user wants to record the frame image data selected and displayed as still image data, the user operates the SET key.
If it is determined in step S17 that the SET key is not operated, the process proceeds to step S18, and the CPU 10 determines whether or not the cross key is operated. This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the cross key is sent from the key input unit 11.

If it is determined in step S18 that the cross key has been operated, the process proceeds to step S19, where the CPU 10 newly selects frame image data in accordance with the operation, and causes the image display unit 15 to display the selected frame image data. Then, the process proceeds to step S17.
For example, when the operation of the “↓” key of the cross key is performed, the frame image data captured next to the frame image data selected and displayed is newly selected and displayed. When the key is operated, the frame image data captured before the selected and displayed frame image data is newly selected and displayed. Thereby, it is possible to search for an image of a photo opportunity from the frame image data stored and held by moving image capturing, and it is also possible to confirm what image has been captured.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18 that the cross key is not operated, the process directly returns to step S17.
When the SET key is operated in step S17, the process proceeds to step S20, and the CPU 10 captures the selected (displayed) frame image data at the best timing (photo opportunity). And the selected frame image data is recorded in the flash memory 14 as still image data. That is, the frame image data selected as the best timing image can be recorded.
In addition, since the frame image data displayed when the SET key is operated is selected as the best timing image, there is no erroneous selection of the best timing image.

C. As described above, in the first embodiment, the user selects a shooting scene and a frame rate according to the shooting situation, and acquires the timing information corresponding to the selected shooting scene and frame rate. It is possible to acquire a time lag (shift timing information) between the timing of actually instructing shooting according to the situation and the timing of the photo opportunity.
In addition, since the frame image data determined based on the timing when the shutter button is fully pressed and the acquired shift timing information is first displayed as a recommended image, it is assumed that the image was captured at the timing (shutter chance) that the user wants to shoot. Possible images can be displayed first.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the deviation timing information is acquired from a deviation timing table recorded in advance. In the second embodiment, the actual deviation timing information of the user is learned and the deviation is obtained. The storage of the timing table is updated.

D. Operation of Digital Camera 1 In the second embodiment, the imaging apparatus of the present invention is realized by using the digital camera 1 having the same configuration as that shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, a deviation timing table as shown in FIG. 5B is recorded instead of the deviation timing table in FIG.
Hereinafter, the operation of the digital camera 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7.

When the still image shooting mode is set by the user operating the mode switching key of the key input unit 11, in step S51, the CPU 10 starts imaging by the CCD 5 at a predetermined frame rate (for example, 30 fps).
Next, in step S52, the CPU 10 stores the image data of the luminance / color difference signals sequentially captured by the CCD 5 and sequentially generated by the image generation unit 9 in the buffer memory (DRAM 13), and the stored image data is stored in the image display unit. 15 starts so-called through image display. At this time, the CPU 10 also displays the names of a plurality of types of shooting scenes recorded in the memory 12.

Next, in step S53, the CPU 10 determines whether or not a shooting scene has been selected by the user.
At this time, the user can select an arbitrary shooting scene from among the displayed names of the plurality of shooting scenes by operating the cross key and the SET key.
As this shooting scene, there are a plurality of shooting scenes such as “batter shooting”, “pitcher shooting”, “shoot shooting”, and “tennis serve shooting”. The names of the multiple types of shooting scenes are names arbitrarily given by the user. It should be noted that the user may give a predetermined name such as “learning 1”, “learning 2”, or “learning 3” without giving an arbitrary name.

  If it is determined in step S53 that a shooting scene has not been selected, the process stays in step S53 until it is selected. If it is determined that a shooting scene has been selected, the process proceeds to step S54, and the CPU 10 obtains information on the selected shooting scene. The shift timing information corresponding to the acquired shooting scene is acquired from the shift timing table. Here, since the subject to be batting is shot, it is assumed that “batting shooting” is selected.

FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining a deviation timing table recorded in the memory 12 according to the second embodiment.
From FIG. 5B, it can be seen that deviation timing information (deviation time: ms) is recorded for each shooting scene. At this time, although not shown, the number of updates is also stored for each shooting scene.
Note that the deviation timing information recorded for each shooting scene is initially ± 0 ms (in the case of the number of updates of 0), and is updated based on the actually obtained deviation timing information described later.

Next, the process proceeds to step S55, and the CPU 10 determines whether or not the shutter button has been half-pressed by the user. At this time, when the user thinks that a photo opportunity will come soon, the user performs a half-press operation of the shutter button.
If it is determined in step S55 that the shutter button is not half-pressed, the process stays in step S55 until it is half-pressed. If it is determined that the shutter button is half-pressed, the process proceeds to step S56. The process of sequentially storing data in the buffer memory is started.
Also at this time, after the shutter button is half-pressed, the first image captured and displayed is an image as shown in FIG.

Next, in step S57, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the shutter button has been fully pressed by the user. When the user determines that a photo opportunity has arrived, the user performs a full press operation of the shutter button.
If it is determined in step S57 that the shutter button is not fully pressed, the process stays in step S57 until the shutter button is fully pressed. If it is determined that the shutter button is fully pressed, the process proceeds to step S58 in FIG. The frame image data captured at the time of full depression is stored with identification information for identifying that the image is instructed to be a photo opportunity image. The identification information may be attached to the frame image data displayed on the image display unit 15 when the shutter button is fully pressed.

Next, in step S59, the CPU 10 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the shutter button was fully pressed.
If it is determined in step S59 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process stays in step S59 until the predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S60, where the CPU 10 performs the moving image capturing process and the captured frame. The circular storage process of the image data is finished.

  As described in the first embodiment, it is necessary to determine the length of the predetermined time so that at least a plurality of frame image data captured before the shutter button is fully pressed is stored in the buffer memory. Preferably, the time is such that the number of frame image data captured before the shutter button is fully pressed and the number of frame image data captured after the shutter button is fully pressed are substantially the same.

  Next, in step S61, the CPU 10 recommends frame image data corresponding to the deviation timing information acquired in step S54 from the frame image data to which the identification information is attached, among the frame image data stored in the buffer memory. The image is selected and displayed on the image display unit 15.

  For example, even if an image as shown in FIG. 4C is a photo opportunity, the image actually captured when the shutter button is fully pressed becomes an image as shown in FIG. 4B, resulting in a time lag. In other words, depending on the shooting situation, the actual shutter button full-pressing operation timing may be delayed from the timing of the shutter chance, or when shooting is instructed in advance by predicting the shutter chance, Since the push operation timing is faster than the timing of the photo opportunity, and there is a time lag between the photo opportunity timing and the shooting instruction timing, the image captured (displayed) when the shutter button is fully pressed is an image of the photo opportunity. It will not be. Accordingly, the recommended image that is considered to be a photo opportunity is selected and displayed in consideration of the shift timing information corresponding to the acquired selected shooting scene (according to the shooting situation).

Here, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image of each frame image data stored in the buffer memory.
When FIG. 8 is seen, it can be seen that images of human batting are sequentially captured.
C in FIG. 8 shows frame image data captured when the user determines that a photo opportunity has arrived. B or D in FIG. 8 is actually captured (or displayed) when the shutter button is fully pressed. B) shows frame image data. A, B, and C in FIG. 8 and A, B, and C in FIG. 4 are respectively captured at the same timing.

8B shows frame image data captured (or displayed) when the shutter button is fully pressed later than the photo opportunity, and FIG. 8D shows that the shutter button was fully pressed earlier than the photo opportunity. It shows frame image data that is sometimes captured (or displayed).
When the shutter button is fully pressed at the timing B in FIG. 8, for example, when “± 0 (ms)” is stored as the shift timing information in the shift timing storage area, the shutter button actually Frame image data captured (or displayed) when fully pressed (frame image data with identification information), that is, frame image data B in FIG. 8 is selected as a recommended image and is displayed on the image display unit 15. When information other than “± 0 (ms)” is stored as the shift timing information, for example, when “−30 (ms)” is stored, the frame image data of B in FIG. Frame image data captured at a timing 30 (ms) before the imaging timing is selected as a recommended image and displayed on the image display unit 15. The selection of the recommended image is the same as that in the first embodiment.

Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 7, when the recommended image is displayed in step S61, the process proceeds to step S62, and the CPU 10 determines whether or not the user has operated the SET key.
At this time, when the user wants to record the frame image data selected and displayed as still image data, that is, when the user thinks that the image is at the best timing, the user operates the SET key.

If it is determined in step S62 that the SET key is not operated, the process proceeds to step S63, and the CPU 10 determines whether or not the cross key is operated by the user.
If it is determined in step S63 that the cross key has been operated, the process proceeds to step S64, where the CPU 10 newly selects frame image data in accordance with the operation, and causes the image display unit 15 to display the selected frame image data. Then, the process returns to step S62. Thereby, it is possible to search for an image of a photo opportunity from the frame image data stored and held by moving image capturing, and it is also possible to confirm what image has been captured.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S63 that the cross key is not operated, the process directly returns to step S62.

If it is determined in step S62 that the SET key has been operated, the process proceeds to step S65, where the CPU 10 selects the selected frame image data as frame image data captured at the best timing (photo opportunity), and The selected frame image data is recorded in the flash memory 14 as still image data. That is, the image data selected as the best timing can be recorded.
Next, in step S66, the CPU 10 calculates shift timing information indicating a shift time of the timing at which the recorded (selected) frame image data and the frame image data to which the identification information is added are captured.

The calculation of the deviation timing information will be specifically described. First, the number of deviations between the recorded (selected) frame image data and the frame image data to which the identification information is attached is calculated. For example, when the frame image data to which the identification information is attached is B in FIG. 8 and the recorded (selected) frame image data is D in FIG. 8, the calculated shift number is “−3”. It turns out that. Then, based on the calculated number of shifts and the current frame rate height (the frame rate height currently stored in the rate information storage area), a shift time (shift timing information) is calculated.
This is because even if the number of shifts is the same, the shift time varies depending on the frame rate.

Next, in step S67, based on the calculated deviation timing information, the storage of the deviation timing information recorded in the deviation timing table corresponding to the shooting scene selected in step S53 is updated.
The update of the storage of the shift timing information is performed based on the shift timing information recorded in the shift timing table corresponding to the shooting scene selected in step S53, the number of times of the update, and the calculated shift timing information. An average value of information (which may be a weighted average value) is calculated, and the calculated shift timing information is recorded as shift timing information corresponding to the shooting scene selected in step S53. At this time, the number of updates is also updated.

  For example, when the deviation timing information corresponding to the shooting scene is updated four times, the recorded deviation timing information is −30 (ms), and the calculated deviation timing information is −20 (ms). {−30 (ms) × 4 + (− 20 (ms))} / 5 = −28 (ms) (in the case of a simple average).

Note that the calculated shift timing information may be recorded as the shift timing information corresponding to the shooting scene without calculating the average value. In this case, the most recently calculated deviation timing information is always recorded.
Further, in step S66, the deviation timing information may be stored cumulatively every time the deviation timing information is calculated. That is, the past deviation timing information is accumulated. In this case, in step S54 of FIG. 6, an average value of the cumulatively stored deviation timing information corresponding to the selected shooting scene may be calculated, and the calculated deviation timing information may be acquired. .

E. As described above, in the second embodiment, for each shooting scene, the timing when the frame image data selected and recorded by the user is captured and the timing when the shutter button is actually fully pressed are Since the deviation time is calculated, and the calculated deviation time is calculated and recorded as deviation timing information, the time lag between the timing of actually instructing photographing according to the photographing situation and the timing of the photo opportunity (deviation timing information) ) Can be obtained.

In addition, since the average value of the deviation time calculated in the past for each shooting scene and the latest deviation time are used as the deviation timing information, the deviation timing table specialized for use by the user can be obtained.
Further, since the shift timing information corresponding to the shooting scene selected by the user is acquired from the shift timing table specialized for the user, the accuracy of the shift timing information can be improved, and the acquired shift timing information The image displayed first based on this is likely to be an image captured at the timing (shutter chance) that the user wants to capture.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the deviation timing information is acquired from the deviation timing table in accordance with the shooting scene and the frame rate selected by the user. In the third embodiment, the image is captured. The movement amount of the subject is detected from the frame image data, and the deviation timing information corresponding to the detected movement amount is acquired from the deviation timing table.

F. Operation of Digital Camera 1 In the third embodiment, the imaging apparatus of the present invention is realized by using the digital camera 1 having the same configuration as that shown in FIG. In the third embodiment, a deviation timing table as shown in FIG. 5C is recorded instead of the deviation timing table in FIG.
The operation of the digital camera 1 according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the still image shooting mode is set by the user operating the mode switching key of the key input unit 11, in step S101, the CPU 10 starts imaging with the CCD 5 at a predetermined frame rate (for example, 30 fps).
Next, in step S102, the CPU 10 stores the frame image data of the luminance / color difference signals sequentially captured by the CCD 5 and sequentially generated by the image generation unit 9 in the buffer memory, and the stored frame image data is stored in the image display unit 15. So-called through image display is started. At this time, a frame called an attention image designation frame is displayed at a predetermined position (for example, the center position) on the through image display.

  Next, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the shutter button halfway. At this time, when the user thinks that a photo opportunity will be coming soon, not only the half-press operation of the shutter button but also the subject (main subject) that the user really wants to shoot overlaps the target image designation frame. Sometimes press the shutter button halfway. This is because, as will be described later, when the shutter button is half-pressed, the position of the subject overlapping the target image designation frame is sequentially detected when the shutter button is half-pressed. Therefore, the user needs to adjust the main subject to the attention image designation frame by changing the position and orientation of the digital camera.

  If it is determined in step S103 that the shutter button is not half-pressed, the process stays in step S103 until the shutter button is half-pressed. If it is determined that the shutter button is half-pressed, the process proceeds to step S104, where the CPU 10 A process of sequentially storing the frame image data captured after the push in the buffer memory is started.

  Next, in step S105, the CPU 10 detects the position of the subject based on the sequentially captured frame image data. That is, the position of the main subject in the captured frame image data is detected for each sequentially captured frame image data. The detected position of the main subject is stored in the buffer memory.

  This subject position detection method recognizes a main subject that overlaps the target image designation frame when the shutter button is half-pressed by image recognition, and detects where the main subject is located in frame image data that is sequentially captured. Alternatively, the position of the main subject may be detected using a block matching method or the like. Note that an attention image designation frame may be displayed at the detected subject position. As a result, the attention image designation frame follows the main subject, and the user can determine whether or not the position of the main subject has been reliably detected by looking at the attention image designation frame.

Next, in step S106, it is determined whether or not the shutter button has been fully pressed by the user.
If it is determined in step S106 that the shutter button is not fully pressed, the process stays in step S106 until the shutter button is fully pressed. If it is determined that the shutter button is fully pressed, the process proceeds to step S107, and the CPU 10 The frame image data captured at the time of pressing is stored with identification information for identifying that the image is instructed to be an image of the photo opportunity. The identification information may be attached to the frame image data displayed on the image display unit 15 when the shutter button is fully pressed.

Next, in step S108, the CPU 10 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the shutter button was fully pressed.
If it is determined in step S108 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process stays in step S108 until the predetermined time elapses. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S109, and the CPU 10 performs the moving image capturing process and the captured frame. The image data circulation storage process and the subject position detection process are terminated.
As described in the first embodiment, it is necessary to determine the length of the predetermined time so that at least a plurality of frame image data captured before the shutter button is fully pressed is stored in the buffer memory. Preferably, the time is such that the number of frame image data captured before the shutter button is fully pressed and the number of frame image data captured after the shutter button is fully pressed are substantially the same.

Next, in step S110, the CPU 10 calculates the amount of movement of the main subject based on the position of the main subject in the plurality of frame image data before and after the shutter button is fully pressed, which is detected by the detection processing in step S105.
The plurality of frame image data before and after the shutter button is fully pressed is predetermined from the time when the shutter button is fully pressed, based on the frame image data captured a predetermined number of times before the shutter button is fully pressed (for example, 10 frames before). This refers to a plurality of frame image data up to frame image data captured after the number of images (for example, after 10 images), and the amount of movement of the subject (amount of movement per unit time) based on the plurality of frame image data. Calculate and acquire the calculated amount of motion.

The calculation of the amount of movement of the subject based on the plurality of frame image data is performed by, for example, moving the main subject based on the position of the main subject between two consecutive frame image data among the plurality of frame image data. Each amount may be calculated and may be an average value of the calculated movement amounts, or may be an average value obtained by weighting the amount of movement of the main subject immediately before and after the shutter button is fully pressed.
The amount of motion may be calculated based on two pieces of frame image data: frame image data that is a predetermined number before the shutter button is fully pressed and frame image data that is a predetermined number after the shutter button is fully pressed. .

Next, in step S111, the CPU 10 obtains deviation timing information corresponding to the calculated and acquired movement amount from the deviation timing table.
In this deviation timing table, as shown in FIG. 5C, deviation timing information is recorded according to the amount of movement. Here, the amount of movement is divided into three stages (small, medium and large), and the deviation timing information is recorded, but it may be two stages or four stages, and the deviation timing information is recorded in a plurality of stages. Any mode may be used.

Next, in step S112, the CPU 10 recommends frame image data corresponding to the obtained deviation timing information from the frame image data to which the identification information is attached among the frame image data stored in the buffer memory. Are selected and displayed on the image display unit 15.
Next, in step S113, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the user has operated the SET key.
At this time, when the user wants to record the frame image data selected and displayed as still image data, the user operates the SET key.
If it is determined in step S113 that the SET key has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S114, and the CPU 10 determines whether or not the cross key has been operated by the user.

If it is determined in step S114 that the operation of the cross key has been performed, the process proceeds to step S115, and the CPU 10 newly selects frame image data in accordance with the operation, and causes the image display unit 15 to display the selected frame image data. Then, the process returns to step S113. Thereby, it is possible to search for an image of a photo opportunity from the frame image data stored and held by moving image capturing, and it is also possible to confirm what image has been captured.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S114 that the cross key is not operated, the process directly returns to step S113.
If it is determined in step S113 that the SET key has been operated, the process proceeds to step S116, and the CPU 10 captures the selected (displayed) frame image data at the best timing (photo opportunity). The frame image data is selected, and the selected frame image data is recorded in the flash memory 14 as still image data.

G. As described above, in the third embodiment, since the amount of movement of the subject is detected and acquired, and deviation timing information corresponding to the acquired amount of movement is acquired, actual shooting according to the shooting situation is performed. A time lag (shift timing information) between the instructed timing and the timing of the photo opportunity can be acquired.
In addition, since the frame image data determined based on the timing when the shutter button is fully pressed and the acquired shift timing information is first displayed as a recommended image, it is assumed that the image was captured at the timing (shutter chance) that the user wants to shoot. Possible images can be displayed first.

[Modification]
H. The above embodiment may be the following modes.

  (01) In the first embodiment, the shift timing information is acquired according to the shooting scene and the frame rate. However, the user selects either the shooting scene or the frame rate, and the selected The deviation timing information may be acquired according to the shooting situation. In this case, a deviation timing table corresponding only to the shooting scene and a deviation timing table corresponding only to the height of the frame rate are provided.

  (02) In addition, in the above modification (1), a demo video is recorded for each shooting scene, and the user performs pseudo-photographing while reproducing the demo video, and the shift time is calculated based on the result. The calculated deviation time may be recorded as a default value in the deviation timing table as deviation timing information.

  (03) In the first embodiment, the user manually selects the frame rate height. However, the frame rate height may be automatically selected. In this case, the amount of movement of the subject is detected, and if the subject moves fast (if the amount of movement is large), a high frame rate is automatically selected, and if the subject moves slowly (if the amount of movement is small), a low frame rate is selected. Select automatically.

(04) In the first and third embodiments, when the SET key is operated in step S17 in FIG. 3 and step S113 in FIG. 9, the frame image data currently displayed is simply displayed. Although it was only recorded, as in the second embodiment, the shift timing information indicating the shift time of the timing at which the recorded frame image data and the frame image data to which the identification information is attached was captured is calculated. The record of the deviation timing table may be updated based on the calculated deviation timing information.
In the first embodiment, the recording of the shift timing information corresponding to the selected shooting scene (including the case where the shooting scene is not selected) and the frame rate of the selected height is updated, and the third embodiment is performed. In this embodiment, the record of the deviation timing information corresponding to the calculated amount of movement of the subject is updated.

(05) In the second embodiment, the shooting conditions corresponding to each shooting scene may be recorded in association with each other. In this case, the user specifies the shooting conditions for each shooting scene, and records the shooting conditions in association with each other.
The user can input the parameters for each item (aperture, shutter speed, sensitivity, etc.) of the shooting conditions. When the recorded image data is specified, the shooting conditions can be specified. A shooting condition when the image data recorded in association with each other is imaged may be extracted and recorded in association with a shooting scene.
When the shooting scene is selected, a moving image is picked up under shooting conditions recorded in association with the selected shooting scene according to the user's designation.

(06) In the second and third embodiments, the shift timing table in which the shift timing information corresponding only to each shooting scene and the shift timing information corresponding only to the amount of movement of the subject is used. As in the first embodiment, a deviation timing table in which deviation timing information corresponding to the shooting scene and the frame rate is recorded may be used, or the movement amount of the subject and the shooting scene may be used. A deviation timing table in which deviation timing information is recorded may be used.
In short, it is sufficient to use a deviation timing table in which deviation timing information corresponding to one or more conditions for knowing the photographing situation is recorded.

  (07) Further, in the third embodiment, there is provided a timing table for each type such as human, animal, and object, and whether the main subject is a person, an animal, or an object (vehicle Etc.) may be recognized by image recognition, and a deviation timing table corresponding to the recognized type may be used.

  (08) In each of the above embodiments, a plurality of deviation timing tables may be recorded for each user age and each user, and a deviation timing table corresponding to the age or user name selected by the user may be used.

(09) In the above embodiments, the frame image data to be displayed is changed by the user's operation of the cross key (step S19, step S64, step S115), but the frame image data to be automatically displayed. May be switched and displayed. As a result, the user's effort is not required and it can be enjoyed as a moving image.
In this case as well, it goes without saying that the frame image data corresponding to the obtained deviation timing information from the frame image data to which the identification information is attached is displayed first as a recommended image.

(10) In the above embodiment, the frame image data stored in the buffer memory is displayed in a single manner as in steps S16 and S19 of FIG. 3, for example, but is stored in the buffer memory. Multiple frame image data may be displayed. In this case, the frame image data selected as the recommended image is first discriminated and displayed, and when the user operates the cross key, the frame image data is selected according to the operation, and the selected frame image data is discriminated. Display.
Thereby, image data captured at the best timing can be selected from a plurality of displayed image data.

  (11) In each of the above embodiments, the frame image data before and after the shutter button is fully pressed is stored and held in the buffer memory, but the frame image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed is also stored. (Frame image data before the shutter button is fully pressed) may be stored and held, or frame image data after the frame image data captured when the shutter button is fully pressed (frame image data after the shutter button is fully pressed) May be stored. In this case, when storing the frame image data before the shutter button is fully pressed, the moving image capturing process and the circular storage process are terminated by pressing the shutter button fully, and the frame image data after the shutter button is fully pressed is stored. In this case, the storage process is started by fully pressing the shutter button.

The method of storing the frame image data before the shutter button is fully pressed, the frame image data after the shutter button is fully pressed, and the frame image data before and after the shutter button is fully pressed are as follows. If the timing information to be acquired is known when the shutter button is half-pressed, the frame image data before the shutter button is fully pressed or the frame image data after the shutter button is fully pressed according to the timing information. The storage process of the frame image data before and after the shutter button is fully pressed is performed only when the shift timing information to be acquired is not known.
In addition, the user can store any of the frame image data storage process before the shutter button is fully pressed, the frame image data storage process after the shutter button is fully pressed, and the frame image data storage process before and after the shutter button is fully pressed. It may be possible to select either.
Thereby, it is not necessary to store the image data of a useless part.

(12) In each of the above embodiments, when the SET key is operated, the currently displayed frame image data is recorded as still image data. However, the frame with the identification information is attached. Frame image data corresponding to the obtained deviation timing information from the image data may be automatically recorded as a recommended image. As a result, it is possible to easily record an image that seems to have been captured at the best timing.
In addition to the frame image data automatically recorded based on the shift timing information, a plurality of other frame image data captured and stored by moving image capturing may be recorded as one group. In this case, it is indicated that the frame image data (recommended image) corresponding to the acquired deviation timing information from the frame image data with identification information is an image captured at a photo opportunity (besta timing). The best image information (discrimination information) is recorded in association.
In this case, when the group is selected in the playback mode, the CPU 10 causes the image display unit 15 to display a plurality of image data belonging to the group based on the associated best image information. Also good.
For example, among the recorded image data, image data recorded in association with the best image information is displayed first, and when there is an operation of the cross key, other image data is displayed according to the operation.

  (13) In each of the above embodiments, when the SET key is operated, the currently displayed frame image data is recorded as still image data. However, the same frame image data for a predetermined time is recorded. If displayed, the displayed frame image data may be automatically recorded.

(14) In the above embodiments, when the SET key is operated, the currently displayed frame image data is recorded as still image data. However, only the displayed frame image data is displayed. Instead of recording the frame image data, a plurality of other frame image data captured by moving image capturing may be recorded as a group together with the displayed frame image data. In this case, the best image information (discrimination information) indicating that the image is captured at a photo opportunity (best time timing) is recorded in association with the frame image data displayed when the SET key is operated.
In this case, when the group is selected in the playback mode, the CPU 10 causes the image display unit 15 to display a plurality of image data belonging to the group based on the associated best image information. Also good.
For example, among the recorded image data, image data recorded in association with the best image information is displayed first, and when there is an operation of the cross key, other image data is displayed according to the operation.

  (15) In each of the above embodiments, the moving image is uniformly taken regardless of whether or not the shutter button is half-pressed. However, after the shutter button is half-pressed, the subject is switched to the continuous imaging process. You may make it image. Further, the subject may be imaged by continuous imaging processing instead of moving image imaging processing regardless of whether the shutter button is half-pressed.

(16) Further, in each of the above embodiments, the deviation timing information may be a deviation time, that is, a time, but the deviation number information may be a deviation number instead of a deviation time. In this case, it is necessary to record the number of shifts and the frame rate in association with each other. This is because if the frame rate changes, even if the number of shifts is the same, the shift time will be different, and it is necessary to record the reference frame rate height.
When the frame rate does not change, that is, when the frame rate is the same, it is not necessary to record the height of the frame rate. This is because when the frame rate is the same, the number of deviations = the deviation time.

(17) In the above-described embodiments, when the condition that the shutter button is half-pressed is satisfied, the captured image data is circularly stored. However, the image data is stored according to other conditions. You may make it let me.
Other conditions include, for example, whether the shooting mode is set by operating the mode switching key, and whether the subject's face is imaged during through image display or whether the front of the face is imaged by image recognition. When it is determined that the face or the front of the face has been imaged, when an object enters the AF area, or when an image in the AF area changes, the image data that has been imaged before is captured When the difference from the image data becomes large (when the subject comes within the angle of view) or when an instruction to store the image data is given, a predetermined sound is further emitted from the microphone by sound recognition. There are a case where the sound is recognized, a case where a sound higher than a predetermined volume is recognized from the microphone, a case where a predetermined instruction is received from the user, and the like.
The point is that the image data may be stored under a predetermined condition.

(18) In each of the above embodiments, it is determined whether or not the shutter button is fully pressed. However, it is determined whether or not other conditions are satisfied instead of pressing the shutter button fully. If it is determined that the other condition is satisfied, the identification information is stored in association with the image data captured when the other condition is satisfied, and a moving image is captured for a predetermined time from when the other condition is satisfied. May be.
Other conditions include, for example, when it is determined that the facial expression of the subject being imaged by image recognition has changed, or when the subject has entered the AF area (when the image in the AF area has changed). If the image in the AF area changes, the difference between the currently captured image data and the previously captured image data is detected, and if the area with the difference has moved to the center, There are a case where a predetermined sound is recognized from the microphone by sound recognition, a case where a sound of a predetermined volume or higher is recognized from the microphone, a case where a predetermined instruction is given from the user, and the like.
In short, any mode may be used as long as identification information is recorded in association with image data captured when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

(19) The above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples as the best embodiments, and are described in order to better understand the principle and structure of the present invention. And is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
Therefore, it should be understood that all the various variations and modifications that can be made to the above-described embodiments of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention and protected by the appended claims.

  Finally, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the photographing apparatus of the present invention is applied to the digital camera 1 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the main point is that the subject is continuously arranged. Any device capable of imaging can be applied.

1 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera 1 of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera 1 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mode of the image displayed on the image display part 15 at a certain timing. It is a figure for demonstrating the shift | offset | difference timing table currently recorded on the memory. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera 1 of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera 1 of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mode of the image of each image data memorize | stored in the buffer memory. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the digital camera 1 of 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital Camera 2 Shooting Lens 3 Lens Drive Block 4 Aperture 5 CCD
6 Driver 7 TG
8 Unit circuit 9 Image generator 10 CPU
11 Key input section 12 Memory 13 DRAM
14 Flash memory 15 Image display unit 16 Bus

Claims (19)

Continuous imaging control means for continuously imaging a subject;
Timing instruction means for the user to instruct an arbitrary timing;
Image acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of image data imaged by the continuous imaging control means based on the timing instructed by the timing instruction means;
Acquisition means for acquiring the shooting status;
A deviation timing information acquisition means for acquiring deviation timing information according to the photographing situation acquired by the acquisition means;
Among the plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition means, the continuous imaging control means at a timing determined by the deviation timing information acquired by the deviation timing information acquisition means and the timing indicated by the timing instruction means. Control means for identifying the imaged image data ;
An imaging apparatus comprising: Multiple shooting scenes,
Among the plurality of shooting scenes, shooting scene selection means for the user to select a shooting scene according to the shooting situation;
With
The acquisition means includes
2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for acquiring a shooting scene designated by the shooting scene selection means as a shooting situation. A shooting condition table that records shooting conditions corresponding to each of the plurality of shooting scenes;
The continuous imaging control means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an imaging condition corresponding to the imaging scene selected by the imaging scene selection unit is acquired from an imaging condition table, and imaging is performed under the acquired imaging condition. A frame rate selection means for the user to select a frame rate height for continuous imaging by the continuous imaging control means;
The acquisition means includes
4. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for acquiring a frame rate at a height selected by the frame rate selection means as a shooting state. A motion amount detecting means for detecting a motion amount of the subject based on the image data imaged by the continuous imaging control means;
The acquisition means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for acquiring a motion amount detected by the motion amount detection means as a shooting state. The image acquisition means includes
6. A plurality of pieces of image data captured by the continuous imaging control unit before and after the timing instructed by the timing instructing unit, or before or after the instructed timing. An imaging apparatus according to claim 1. It has a table that records deviation timing information according to each shooting situation,
The deviation timing information acquisition means includes:
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein shift timing information corresponding to a shooting situation acquired by the acquisition unit is acquired from the table. A selection means for the user to select arbitrary image data from among the image data acquired by the image acquisition means;
Corresponding to the shooting situation acquired by the acquisition unit based on the time difference between the timing at which the image data selected by the selection unit was captured by the continuous imaging control unit and the timing instructed by the timing instruction unit Recording update control means for updating the record of the deviation timing information recorded in the table;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: The control means includes
9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for controlling display of the image data acquired by the image acquisition means based on the specified image data . The display control means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the specified image data is first displayed as a single image. The display control means includes
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition unit are displayed in a multi-display manner, and the identified image data is first displayed in a differential manner. Image specifying means for specifying arbitrary image data among the image data acquired by the image acquisition means by the user,
The display control means includes
12. The image data according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein when image data is designated by the image designating means, the image data to be displayed in a single display or differently is changed to the designated image data and displayed. Imaging device.   13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a recording control unit that records the image data selected by the selection unit on a recording unit. The selection means includes
14. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when the user performs a predetermined operation, image data that is single-displayed or discriminated by the display control means is selected. Recording instruction means for the user to instruct recording of image data;
When recording of image data is instructed by the recording instruction means, recording control means for recording the image data acquired by the image acquisition means on the recording means;
With
The selection means includes
13. The image data that is single-displayed or discriminated by the display control means is selected when recording of image data is instructed by the recording instruction means. Imaging device. The recording control means includes
16. When recording of image data is instructed by the recording instructing unit, image data that is single-displayed or discriminated by the display control unit is recorded when the recording is instructed. The imaging device described. The control means includes
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a recording control unit that controls recording of the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit based on the specified image data . The recording control means includes
18. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the specified image data is recorded. Continuous imaging control processing for continuously imaging a subject;
A timing instruction process for instructing an arbitrary timing according to a user operation;
An image acquisition process for acquiring a plurality of image data captured by the continuous imaging control process based on the timing instructed by the timing instruction process;
Acquisition processing to acquire the shooting status;
A shift timing information acquisition process for acquiring shift timing information corresponding to the shooting situation acquired by the acquisition process;
Among the plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition process, the continuous imaging control process at a timing determined by the timing of the shift timing information acquired by the shift timing information acquisition process and the timing specified by the timing instruction process. Control processing for identifying captured image data ;
A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the processes described above.

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