JP2001285688A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera that attains consecutive shot at a short time interval. SOLUTION: The interlace system and the progressive system are adopted for reading a signal from an imaging device. When image data for recording are generated in a single shot mode, the interlace system is adopted to read the signal of all pixel array and in the case of generating image data for recording in a consecutive shot mode, the progressive system is adopted to read the signal at a rate of one pixel column per two pixel columns.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera, and more particularly, to a digital camera having a continuous shooting function for shooting and recording a plurality of images in accordance with a recording instruction.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A digital camera repeatedly shoots and displays an image at a substantially constant cycle, displays an image for recording in accordance with a recording instruction given by a user during that time, and stores image data representing the image. Is recorded on a recording medium. Some digital cameras have a single-shot function of taking an image, generating image data, and recording image data only once when a recording instruction is given. Some have a continuous shooting function of performing the processing up to recording a plurality of times.

In general, an image sensor is configured as a two-dimensional charge-coupled device (CCD), and a vertical transfer register provided for each column of photodiodes as pixels and a horizontal transfer register for output are provided. Prepare. Each pixel performs photoelectric conversion, accumulates charges as a signal representing one point of an image, and outputs the signal to a corresponding vertical transfer register. Each vertical transfer register transfers a signal output from a pixel to a horizontal transfer register. The horizontal transfer register is supplied with the signals of the horizontal pixel columns at the same time.
The signal of the image sensor is read out for each pixel row in the horizontal direction. Note that the vertical transfer register and the horizontal transfer register are shielded from light.

[0004] There are an interlace system and a progressive system for reading signals from the image sensor. In the interlace method, the reading of the signal of the odd-numbered pixel column and the
The reading of the signals of the even-numbered pixel columns is performed separately. A signal for one field with a coarse resolution is obtained in each reading, and one frame of image data is generated by combining signals of two fields. In the progressive system, charges are read out in the order of pixel columns without dividing into odd-numbered columns and even-numbered columns. One frame of image data can be generated by one reading.

[0005]

The interlaced system and the progressive system both have advantages and disadvantages. In the interlace method, while the first reading is performed, each pixel holds a signal to be read second, so that the signal intensity changes as the photoelectric conversion proceeds during this time. For this reason, in a digital camera employing the interlace method, it is necessary to provide a shutter on the optical path of light incident on the image sensor, and to mechanically block exposure of the image sensor after photographing is completed. In addition, in the interlace method, since the reading operation is performed twice, the time required for reading is long, and it is difficult to start the next photographing quickly. In particular, it is a major obstacle to shorten the shooting interval when using the continuous shooting function. However, by using the shutter, a high-quality image without smear can be provided.

In the progressive system in which the signal of the image sensor is read out only once, it is only necessary to output a signal from each pixel immediately after the end of the photoelectric conversion. Therefore, a camera employing the progressive system does not need to have a shutter. The configuration is simplified. Further, it is also possible to read out signals at a ratio of one column to a plurality of pixel columns, whereby the time required for reading can be reduced. In recent years, the development of an imaging device having an extremely large number of pixels has been advanced, and even if image data is generated using signals of some pixel columns, an image having a resolution suitable for shooting conditions can often be obtained. . However, since a shutter is not used, if there is an extremely bright portion such as a light source in the object to be photographed, the light may enter the shielded vertical transfer register and cause smear.

In a conventional digital camera, the reading of signals from the image sensor is fixed to an interlace system or a progressive system, and the features of both systems cannot be utilized. An object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera capable of utilizing the features of both types according to shooting conditions, and in particular, a digital camera capable of selectively using both types depending on whether a continuous shooting function is used or not. With the goal.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided an image pickup device in which pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, and an image for recording is taken in accordance with a given recording instruction. A digital camera for generating image data representing a captured image and recording the image data on a recording medium, wherein when a recording instruction is given, a single photographing operation is performed in which image capturing, image data generation, and image data recording are performed once. Mode, and a continuous shooting mode in which image capture, generation of image data, and recording of image data are performed a plurality of times when a recording instruction is given. Is read out to generate image data, and in the continuous shooting mode, a signal is read out from the image sensor in a progressive manner to generate image data.

In the single-shot mode, high-quality image data can be recorded by reading signals in an interlaced manner. On the other hand, in the continuous shooting mode, the shooting interval can be shortened by reading out signals in a progressive manner.

Here, it is preferable that a shutter is provided on the optical path of the light received by the image pickup device, and that the exposure of the image pickup device is blocked by the shutter after taking an image only in the single shooting mode. In this way, the quality of the image recorded in the single shooting mode can be reliably increased, and in the continuous shooting mode,
It is possible to avoid a delay due to the operation of closing the shutter, and it is possible to reliably shorten the photographing interval.

A shutter may be provided on the optical path of the light received by the image pickup device, and in both the single shooting mode and the continuous shooting mode, the exposure of the image pickup device may be blocked by the shutter after taking an image. The quality of image data recorded in the continuous shooting mode as well as in the single shooting mode can be improved.

In the continuous shooting mode, signals are read from the image sensor at a ratio of one pixel row to a plurality of pixel rows, and only a part of the read signal of each pixel row is used to obtain the same angle of view as the captured image. May be generated. By reading out signals at a rate of one pixel row to a plurality of pixel rows, the time required for reading is greatly reduced, and the shooting interval can be further shortened. In addition, image data representing the entire captured image can be obtained, and the capacity of the recording medium required for recording the image data is reduced.

In the continuous shooting mode, a signal is read from the image sensor at a ratio of one pixel row to a plurality of pixel rows, and an interpolation process is performed on the read pixel row signal to represent an image having the same angle of view as the captured image. Image data may be generated. Even in this case, the time required for reading out the signal is greatly reduced, and the photographing interval can be further reduced. Further, image data representing the entire captured image is obtained, and the resolution of the image is also increased.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera including an image pickup device in which pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, wherein signals are read from the image pickup device in an interlaced manner. A signal can be read from the element. By doing so, it is possible to use the interlace method and the progressive method properly depending on the shooting conditions, for example, whether the shooting is single shooting or continuous shooting.

Here, it is preferable that a shutter is provided on the optical path of the light received by the image pickup device, and the exposure of the image pickup device is blocked by the shutter only when a signal is read from the image pickup device in an interlaced manner. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent a change in the intensity of the signal read by the interlace method, and the time required for reading by the progressive method does not become long due to the operation of closing the shutter.

A shutter is provided on the optical path of the light received by the image sensor, and the shutter blocks the exposure of the image sensor both when reading signals from the image sensor in the interlaced system and when reading signals from the image sensor in the progressive system. It may be. In addition to reliably preventing a change in the intensity of the signal read by the interlace method, addition of noise to the signal read by the progressive method can be prevented, and generation of smear can be prevented.

When signals are read from the image sensor in a progressive manner, signals are read from the image sensor at a ratio of one pixel column to a plurality of pixel columns, and only a part of the read signal of each pixel column is used. It is preferable to generate image data representing an image having the same angle of view as the captured image. By reading out signals at a rate of one pixel row to a plurality of pixel rows, the time required for reading is greatly reduced, and the next shooting can be started immediately. In addition, image data representing the entire captured image can be obtained, and the capacity of the recording medium required for recording the image data is reduced.

When signals are read from the image sensor in the progressive system, signals are read from the image sensor at a ratio of one pixel column to a plurality of pixel columns, and the read signals of the pixel columns are subjected to interpolation processing to obtain a captured image and Image data representing images having the same angle of view may be generated. Even in this case, the time required for reading the signal is significantly reduced,
The next shooting can be started immediately. Further, image data representing the entire captured image is obtained, and the resolution of the image is increased.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a digital camera according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 show the appearance of the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 schematically shows the circuit configuration thereof. 1 is a front view of the digital camera 1, FIG. 2 is a rear view, and FIG. 3 is a top view.

The digital camera 1 has a photographing lens 11 on the front.
And two display units 12 and 13 on the back. On the top surface, a push button type shutter switch 14, a rotary switch 15, and a push button type switch 16 are provided. Although not shown, an insertion port for mounting a memory card 18 (see FIG. 4) as a recording medium is provided on the bottom surface of the digital camera 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, a diaphragm 11a also serving as a shutter is provided at the pupil position of the photographing lens 11, and an image pickup device 21 is arranged behind the photographing lens 11. The digital camera 1 captures an image by photoelectrically converting the light from an object to be photographed transmitted through the photographing lens 11 by the image sensor 21 to generate electric charges, and processes the electric charges accumulated by the image sensor 21 by various circuits described later. Thereby, image data representing an image is generated. The image represented by the generated image data is displayed on the display units 12 and 13, and the image data is recorded on the memory card 18 in response to a recording instruction given by operating the shutter switch 14. The shooting and display of the image are repeatedly performed at a substantially constant cycle, for example, 1/30 second.

One display section 12 is composed of a large liquid crystal display (LCD). The user can observe the image displayed on the display unit 12 from a distance of several tens cm or more. Hereinafter, the display unit 12 is also referred to as a monitor. The other display unit 13 includes a small LCD 13a, a convex lens 13b, and a reflection mirror 13c. The user can use an LCD from a distance of several cm or less through the lens 13b and the mirror 13c.
By viewing 13a, the displayed image can be further enlarged and observed. The lens 13b is an eyepiece. Hereinafter, the display unit 13 is also called an electronic viewfinder or a fan finder.

The user can set the composition while checking the image displayed on the monitor 12 or the electronic viewfinder 13 or check the in-focus state of the photographing lens 11 with respect to the photographing target. The LCD of the monitor 12 and the LCD of the viewfinder 13 are both 64 (horizontal) directions.
0, and 480 pixels in the vertical (vertical) direction.

The image sensor 21 is an area sensor having 2560 pixels in the horizontal direction and 1920 pixels in the vertical direction.
Each pixel is provided with one of filters that selectively transmit red (R) light, green (G) light, or blue (B) light, and all pixels are for R light, G light, and B light.
It is classified into three types for light. These three types of pixels are arranged in a Bayer pattern (see FIG. 7).

The circuit configuration of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The digital camera 1 includes a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit 22 and an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit 23 that process electric charges output as an analog signal from the image sensor 21, and an A / D converter that converts an analog signal into a digital signal. 24, an image processing CPU 25 that processes digital signals to generate image data representing a captured image, and an image memory 26 that the image processing CPU 25 uses for temporary storage.

The CDS circuit 22 reduces the noise of the analog signal output from the image sensor 21, and the AGC circuit 23
The level of all signals from the CDS circuit 22 is adjusted by the gain. The A / D converter 24 converts an analog signal from the AGC circuit 23 into a 10-bit digital signal.

The image processing CPU 25 performs pixel interpolation 25a, resolution conversion 25b, color balance adjustment 25c, and gamma correction 25d on the digitized signal to generate image data representing a photographed image. Further, the image data to be recorded on the memory card 18 is subjected to image compression 25e. Image processing CPU 25
Performs a process of pixel interpolation 25a to image compression 25e while first writing a digital signal from the A / D converter 24 to the image memory 26, and then reading a signal from the image memory 26 and writing a signal to the image memory 26. I will proceed.

The pixel interpolation 25a is to generate a missing signal (for example, R and B signals at the position of a pixel for G light) at the position of each pixel of the image sensor 21 from signals of surrounding pixels. With this, R,
G and B signals are obtained. 4 for G signal
With respect to the average value of the intermediate binary values of the pixel signals, and the R and B signals, the average value of the two pixel signals is obtained.

The resolution converter 25b converts a resolution by extracting a predetermined number of signals from the signals after pixel interpolation or by further performing interpolation processing on the signals after pixel interpolation.
The extraction and interpolation of the signal are performed in connection with the method of reading the signal from the image sensor 21.

The color balance adjustment 25c adjusts the intensity of each of the R, G, and B signal groups so as to obtain an appropriate white balance. More specifically, a portion that is originally white is estimated based on the intensities and distributions of the R, G, and B signals, and the average value of each of the R, G, and B signals is calculated for that portion, and G The intensity of each of the R, G, and B signals is corrected from the intensity ratio of / R and the intensity ratio of G / B.

The gamma correction 25d is for making the signal strength non-linear so as to be compatible with an external device that uses image data via the monitor 12, the finder 13, or the memory card 18. Image compression 25e is JPE
According to the G method, discrete cosine transform (DCT) and Huffman coding are performed to compress image data.
It is also possible to read out the image data recorded on the memory card 18 and reproduce and display the image data on the monitor 12. In this case, the image processing CPU 25 performs the reverse process of the compression on the read out image data to obtain the image before compression. Play the data.

The digital camera 1 further includes a camera control CPU 31, an aperture driver 32, and a sensor driver 3.
3, a video encoder 34 and a card driver 35 are provided. The camera control CPU 31 controls the entire digital camera 1. The camera control CPU 31 is connected to an operation unit 36 including the above-described switches including the shutter switch 14, and controls the operation of the digital camera 1 according to a signal provided from the operation unit 36. The aperture driver 32 drives the aperture 11a also serving as a shutter,
The sensor driver 33 generates a control signal indicating the output timing of the electric charge accumulated by the photoelectric conversion and supplies the control signal to the image sensor 21.

In photographing until a recording instruction is given by the shutter switch 14, the aperture 11a is opened, and the exposure amount is controlled by adjusting the photoelectric conversion time (electronic shutter speed) of the image sensor 21. When a recording instruction is given, that is, when an image for recording is taken, the aperture 1 is set in accordance with a predetermined relationship.
The exposure amount is controlled by setting the aperture of 1a and the photoelectric conversion time. The control of the exposure amount is performed based on the intensity of a signal from a part of the central portion of the image sensor 21.

The video encoder 34 is an image processing CPU 2
5 is converted to the NTSC format or P
The data is encoded by the AL method and output to the monitor 12 and the finder 13. The card driver 35 stores the image data supplied from the image processing CPU 25 into the memory card 1.
8 and read out image data from the memory card 18 and give it to the image processing CPU 25.

When a recording instruction is given by operating the shutter switch 14, the digital camera 1 captures an image for recording, generates image data representing the captured image,
It has a single shooting mode in which the generated image data is recorded only once, and a continuous shooting mode in which, when a recording instruction is given, a plurality of times from photographing of an image for recording to recording of image data. The number of images shot in the continuous shooting mode is set to three. Switching between the single shooting mode and the continuous shooting mode is performed by operating the switch 15.

The digital camera 1 further includes an image sensor 21
There are both an interlace method and a progressive method as a method for reading out electric charges (signals) from the memory. The read mode and the above modes correspond to each other, and the signal is read in an interlace mode in the single shooting mode and a progressive mode in the continuous shooting mode.

The digital camera 1 has a full mode and a half mode for generating image data representing an image for recording. The full mode is to generate and record image data having the same number of signals in the horizontal direction 2560 and the vertical direction 1920 as the number of pixels of the image sensor 21. Half mode is
In both the horizontal and vertical directions, image data having half the number of signals in the full mode is generated and recorded. In both the full mode and the half mode, the angle of view of the image represented by the image data is equal to the angle of view of the image captured by the image sensor 21.

There is no restriction on the relationship between the single shooting mode and the continuous shooting mode, the full mode and the half mode, and the full mode and the half mode can be selected in both the single shooting mode and the continuous shooting mode. Each time the switch 16 is operated, the full mode and the half mode are switched, and the set mode is displayed on the monitor 12 and the finder 13.

Image data representing an image used only for display has the same number of signals in the horizontal direction 640 and vertical direction 480 as the number of pixels of the LCD of the monitor 12 and the finder 13. Further, the image pickup device 21 of an image signal used only for display
Is read out in a progressive manner.

FIG. 5 schematically shows the structure of the image pickup device 21. The imaging device 21 includes a photodiode 21 as a pixel.
a. As described above, the photodiodes 21a are arranged 2560 in the horizontal direction and 1920 in the vertical direction. A vertical transfer register 21b formed as a charge-coupled device (CCD) is provided for each column of the photodiodes 21a in the vertical direction, and each photodiode 21a transfers a charge (signal) accumulated by photoelectric conversion to the vertical transfer register. Output to the corresponding part of 21b.

Each vertical transfer register 21b has the same
It is connected to a horizontal transfer register 21c formed as D, and sequentially outputs signals output from the photodiodes 21a to corresponding portions of the horizontal transfer register 21c. The horizontal transfer register 21c is connected to the amplifier 21d, and the output of the horizontal transfer register 21c is
And is supplied to a CDS circuit 22 (not shown). The vertical transfer register 21b and the horizontal transfer register 21c are shielded from light.

The output of the signal from the photodiode 21a to the vertical transfer register 21b, the transfer of the signal in the vertical transfer register 21b, and the transfer of the signal in the horizontal transfer register 21c are given from the sensor driver 33 as described above. It is controlled by a control signal. On the other hand, the camera control CP
U31 controls the sensor driver 33 to output a charge according to whether the mode is the single mode or the continuous mode, and whether the mode is the full mode or the half mode. Or vertical transfer register 2
1b and the transfer speed of the horizontal transfer register 21c are changed.

The processing from reading out the charge of the image sensor 21 to recording the image data on the memory card 18 or displaying the image on the monitor 12 and the finder 13 will be described below with reference to specific examples. Of the codes used in each example, P1 is a process of reading out electric charges from the image sensor 21;
Reference numeral 2 denotes a process of generating image data representing an image, and P3 denotes a process of displaying an image on the monitor 12 or the finder 13. S1 is the electric charge stored in the image sensor 21, S1
2 is a signal read and digitized in process P1, S3
Represents a signal which is image data representing an image in the process P2.

FIG. 6 shows the signal processing of the first example. This example is processing until a recording instruction is given, that is, processing of a signal used only for display. In this example, the charge of the image sensor 21 is read out at a ratio of one pixel line to four pixel lines by a progressive method, and a thinning process in the vertical direction is performed. In addition, at the time of reading, charges of adjacent pixels of the same color on the vertical transfer register 21b are added.

FIG. 7 shows a pixel column from which electric charges are read. 16
Charges of four pixel rows are read out for each pixel row. Among these pixel rows, two pixel rows including a G light pixel and an R light pixel, a G light pixel and a B light And two pixel columns including pixels for use in the display. The charges of the two pixels for R light are added,
The charges of two pixels for B light are also added, and the charges of four pixels for G light are also added for each two pixels. After all, the read signal S
The number of horizontal rows of 2 is 240. The reading process P1 can be performed at a speed eight times faster than when all the pixel rows in the horizontal direction are individually read.

In the image data generation processing P2, signals are extracted at a rate of one pixel out of four pixels for each horizontal signal row, and the number of signals S3 is set to 640 in the horizontal direction and 240 in the vertical direction. The number of signals in the horizontal direction corresponds to the number of pixels in the horizontal direction of the LCD of the monitor 12 or the finder 13.
The number of signals in the vertical direction is half the number of pixels in the vertical direction of the LCD. Therefore, in the display process P3, each signal sequence in the horizontal direction is output twice. Thus, an image having an angle of view corresponding to the entire image sensor 21 is displayed on the entire monitor 12 and viewfinder 13.

FIG. 8 shows the signal processing of the second example. This example is signal processing when a recording instruction is given in the single shooting mode and the full mode. In the read process P1, the charges of all the pixel columns of the image pickup device 21 are read out twice in an interlaced manner. FIG. 9 shows a pixel column from which charges are read. In the first read, 1 including G and R signals
A signal for the field is obtained, and G is read in the second reading.
And a signal for one field including the signals B and B are obtained. The number of signals S2 in each field is 2560 in the horizontal direction,
The vertical direction is 960.

When reading signals, the sensor driver 3
3 to the image sensor 21 and the shutter 1
FIG. 10 schematically shows the open / closed state of 1a. SH indicates the state of the shutter 11a. VD is a pulse for instructing the photodiode 21a to output a charge. Here, the output command pulse VD is given to the photodiodes in every other row. VT is a pulse for instructing the vertical transfer register 21b to transfer. The leading portion H of the transfer command pulse VT is for eliminating charges on the vertical transfer register 21b, and has a period much shorter than that of a portion for commanding signal transfer after the application of the output command pulse VD. The output command pulse VD and the transfer command pulse VT are given twice, and the shutter 11a is closed over the entire period.

In the image data generation processing P2, the signals of each field are alternately arranged from the first column to obtain a signal S3 representing an image of one frame. This signal S3 is
Will be reflected as it is. The signal S3 is recorded on the memory card 18.

FIG. 11 shows the signal processing of the third example. This example is signal processing when a recording instruction is given in the single shooting mode and the half mode. Read processing P1
In the above, the charges of all the pixel columns of the image sensor 21 are read out twice in an interlaced manner. FIG. 12 shows a pixel column from which electric charges are read. When reading, the vertical transfer register 2
1b, the charges of adjacent pixels of the same color are added. As a result, the transfer speed can be increased, and the time required for reading is about half that of the second example. The number of signals S2 in each field is 2560 in the horizontal direction and 480 in the vertical direction.

In the image data generation processing P2, the signals of each field are alternately arranged from the first column to obtain a signal S3 representing an image of one frame. However, instead of using all the signals in each signal sequence, signals are extracted at a rate of one pixel for every two pixels. As a result, the number of signals S3 becomes 128 in the horizontal direction.
0, 960 in the vertical direction. The angle of view of the image represented by the signal S3 is the same as in the full mode. Although the resolution is reduced to about half, moiré does not occur because adjacent signals of the same color are added at the time of reading. The signal S3 is recorded on the memory card 18.

FIG. 13 shows the signal processing of the fourth example. This example is signal processing when a recording instruction is given in the continuous shooting mode and the half mode. Read processing P1
In the first embodiment, the charges of the image sensor 21 are read out at a ratio of one pixel line to two pixel lines in a progressive system. FIG. 14 shows a pixel column from which charges are read. Since the number of pixel columns from which electric charges are read out is half that of all pixel columns, the transfer speed can be increased, and the time required for reading out is short. The number of the read signals S2 is 2560 in the horizontal direction and 960 in the vertical direction.

In the image data generation processing P2, a signal is extracted from each signal train of the signal S2 at a ratio of one pixel to two pixels, and
The signal S3 represents an image. Thus, the number of signals S3 is 1280 in the horizontal direction and 960 in the vertical direction. Signal S3
The angle of view of the image represented by is the same as in full mode,
Its resolution is halved. The signal S3 is the memory card 18
To record.

FIG. 15 shows a control signal to be given to the image pickup device 21 at the time of signal reading, and the open / close state of the shutter 11a.
Is shown schematically in FIG. Here, the output command pulse VD is given to half the photodiodes. The shutter 11a is closed over the entire period in which the charge output from the photodiode is on the vertical transfer register 21b. Thereby, an image without smear is obtained.

Note that, as shown in FIG.
Reading may be performed without closing 1a. In this case, although smear may occur, it is not necessary to wait for the shutter to close, and the time required for reading can be reduced.

FIG. 17 shows the signal processing of the fifth example. This example is signal processing when a recording instruction is given in the continuous shooting mode and the full mode. In the reading process P1, the charges of the image sensor 21 are read out in two pixel columns at a rate of one pixel column by a progressive method. The pixel column from which electric charges are read is the same as that shown in FIG. Read signal S2
Are 2560 in the horizontal direction and 960 in the vertical direction.

In the image data generating process P2, a new signal sequence is generated by performing a vertical interpolation process on the signal S2, and is set as a signal S3 representing an image. Thus, the number of signals S3 is 2560 in the horizontal direction and 1920 in the vertical direction. Signal S3
Is recorded on the memory card 18. Although the resolution of the signal S3 is lower than that of the second example, since the interpolation processing is performed, the resolution does not decrease to 異 な り unlike the case where the signal sequence is simply copied. Further, since the time required for the reading process P1 is short, the photographing interval can be shortened.

In the camera of the present embodiment, the number of images to be shot and recorded in the continuous shooting mode and the number of signals of image data to be recorded are fixed, but these may be variable. Although specific numerical values such as pixels and a signal sequence to be read out are shown here, these are merely examples, and other values may be used. It is expected that an image sensor having more pixels will be developed in the future, but the number of signals to be read and the number of signals to be included in image data may be determined according to the number of pixels of the image sensor.

[0059]

According to the present invention, when a recording instruction is given, a single shooting mode in which an image is captured, image data is generated, and image data is recorded once, and when a recording instruction is given, an image is captured and an image is created. It has a continuous shooting mode in which data generation and image data recording are performed multiple times.In the single shooting mode, signals are read from the image sensor in the interlaced mode to generate image data, and in the continuous shooting mode, the image is captured in the progressive mode. The digital camera of the present invention, which reads out signals from the elements and generates image data, has a purpose of a single shooting mode in which high quality images are captured and recorded, and a method of capturing and recording a plurality of images at short time intervals. Both of the objectives of the continuous shooting mode can be sufficiently achieved.

If the shutter is used to block the exposure of the image sensor by the single shooting mode only after the image is shot, the quality of the image recorded in the single shooting mode can be reliably improved. It is possible to avoid a delay due to the operation of closing the shutter, and it is possible to reliably shorten the photographing interval.

When the exposure of the image sensor is blocked by the shutter in both the single shooting mode and the continuous shooting mode after taking an image, the quality of image data recorded in the continuous shooting mode as well as in the single shooting mode is high. can do.

In the continuous shooting mode, a signal is read from the image sensor at a ratio of one pixel row to a plurality of pixel rows, and an image having the same angle of view as the captured image is obtained by using only a part of the read signal of each pixel row. Is generated, the time required for reading the signal is greatly reduced, and the photographing interval can be further reduced. Further, image data representing the entire taken image is obtained. In addition, the capacity of the recording medium required for recording the image data is reduced.

In the continuous shooting mode, signals are read from the image sensor at a ratio of one pixel row to a plurality of pixel rows, and an interpolation process is performed on the read signals of the pixel rows to represent an image having the same angle of view as the captured image. Even when the image data is generated, the time required for reading the signal is greatly reduced, and the photographing interval can be further reduced. Further, image data representing the entire captured image is obtained, and the resolution of the image is increased.

In the digital camera according to the present invention, in which signals can be read from the image pickup device in both the interlaced system and the progressive system, it is possible to use both systems in accordance with the photographing conditions. You can make use of it.

If the exposure of the image pickup device is blocked by the shutter only when the signal is read from the image pickup device by the interlace method, it is possible to reliably prevent a change in the intensity of the signal read by the interlace method and to read the signal by the progressive method. Sometimes the required time can be shortened.

If the shutter is used to block the exposure of the image pickup device both when reading signals from the image pickup device using the interlace method and when reading the signal using the progressive method, it is possible not only to reliably prevent a change in the intensity of the signal read using the interlace method. In addition, it is possible to avoid adding noise to a signal read in the progressive system, and to prevent occurrence of smear.

When reading signals from the image sensor in the progressive system, signals were read from the image sensor at a ratio of one pixel column to a plurality of pixel columns, and an image was captured using only a part of the read signal of each pixel column. When the image data representing the image having the same angle of view as the image is generated, the time required for reading the signal is greatly reduced, and the next photographing can be started immediately. Therefore, the risk of missing a photo opportunity is reduced. In addition, image data representing the entire captured image is obtained, and the capacity of the recording medium required for recording the image data is reduced.

When a signal is read from the image sensor by the progressive method, a signal is read from the image sensor at a ratio of one pixel row to a plurality of pixel rows, an interpolation process is performed on the read signal of the pixel row, and a captured image is read. Even if image data representing images with the same angle of view is generated, the next shooting can be started immediately, and the risk of missing a photo opportunity is reduced. Further, image data representing the entire captured image is obtained, and the resolution of the image is increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the digital camera.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an outline of a circuit configuration of the digital camera.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image sensor of the digital camera.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of signal processing of the digital camera.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an arrangement of pixels of the image sensor and a pixel column to be read out in the first example.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a second example of signal processing of the digital camera.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a pixel column to be read in a second example.

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a control signal applied to an image sensor in a read process according to a second example and a state of a shutter;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third example of signal processing of the digital camera.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a pixel column to be read in a third example.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the signal processing of the digital camera.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a pixel column to be read in a fourth example.

FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing a control signal given to an image sensor and a state of a shutter in a readout process of a fourth example.

FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing another state of a shutter and a control signal given to the image sensor in the readout process of the fourth example.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a fifth example of the signal processing of the digital camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 digital camera 11 taking lens 11a shutter / aperture 12 monitor 13 electronic viewfinder 13a LCD 13b eyepiece 14 shutter switch 15, 16 switch 18 memory card 21 image sensor 21a photodiode 21b vertical transfer register 21c horizontal transfer register 22 CDS circuit 23 AGC Circuit 24 A / D converter 25 Image processing CPU 25a Pixel interpolation processing 25b Resolution conversion processing 25c Color balance adjustment processing 25d Gamma correction processing 25e Image compression processing 26 Image memory 31 Camera control CPU 32 Aperture driver 33 Sensor driver 34 Video encoder 35 Card driver 36 Operation unit

Claims (10)

[Claims] An image pickup device in which pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, an image for recording is taken in accordance with a given recording instruction, image data representing the taken image is generated, and recorded on a recording medium. A digital camera, in which a single-shot mode in which image capture, image data generation, and image data recording are performed once when a recording instruction is given; In a single-shot mode, a signal is read from an image sensor in an interlaced manner to generate image data, and in a continuous shooting mode, the image data is generated. A digital camera, wherein a signal is read from an image sensor by a system to generate image data. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein a shutter is provided on an optical path of light received by the image sensor, and exposure of the image sensor is blocked by the shutter after capturing an image only in a single shooting mode. . 3. The image pickup device according to claim 1, further comprising a shutter on an optical path of light received by the image pickup device, wherein exposure of the image pickup device is blocked by the shutter after taking an image in both the single shooting mode and the continuous shooting mode. A digital camera according to claim 1. 4. In a continuous shooting mode, a signal is read from an image sensor at a ratio of one pixel row to a plurality of pixel rows, and only a part of the read signal of each pixel row is used to obtain the same angle of view as a captured image. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein image data representing an image of the digital camera is generated. 5. An image having the same angle of view as a captured image by reading signals from an image sensor at a ratio of one pixel row to a plurality of pixel rows in a continuous shooting mode, performing an interpolation process on the read pixel row signals. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera generates image data representing the following. 6. A digital camera provided with an image sensor in which pixels are two-dimensionally arranged and reading signals from the image sensor by an interlace method, wherein a signal can be read from the image sensor by a progressive method. Digital camera that features. 7. The image pickup device according to claim 6, wherein a shutter is provided on an optical path of light received by the image pickup device, and exposure of the image pickup device is blocked by the shutter only when a signal is read from the image pickup device in an interlaced system. Digital camera. 8. A shutter is provided on an optical path of light received by the image sensor, and when the signal is read from the image sensor by the interlace method and when the signal is read from the image sensor by the progressive method, the exposure of the image sensor is performed by the shutter. The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein the digital camera is shielded. 9. When signals are read from an image sensor in a progressive system, signals are read from the image sensor at a ratio of one pixel column to a plurality of pixel columns, and only a part of the read signal of each pixel column is used. The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein image data representing an image having the same angle of view as the captured image is generated. 10. When signals are read from an image sensor by a progressive method, signals are read from the image sensor at a ratio of one pixel column to a plurality of pixel columns, and an interpolation process is performed on the read signal of the pixel column to capture an image. 7. The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein image data representing an image having the same angle of view as the image is generated.