Imaging device, control method for imaging device, and program

Abstract

This system provides a mechanism that can reduce the amount of storage space used on the recording medium while increasing the likelihood of acquiring images at the best possible timing. [Solution] In accordance with the operation to start continuous shooting, the imaging device 100 causes the image sensor 102 to perform imaging processing at a second shooting speed, and the image processing unit 104 performs development processing and the image recording unit 105 performs recording processing based on the image signal obtained in the imaging processing and held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103, based on a first shooting speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, a control method for an imaging device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] As an imaging device capable of realizing the desire of a photographer to obtain an image captured at the best timing, an imaging device having a pre-capture function is known. An imaging device having a pre-capture function continuously captures images before a photographer performs a shooting operation and temporarily holds a plurality of digital image signals in a temporary storage memory in the imaging device, and records them on a recording medium when the shooting operation is performed. Therefore, when shooting a subject whose movement prediction is difficult, even if the shooting operation is delayed from the desired timing, it is possible to record an image on the recording medium up to the timing before the shooting operation, and the possibility of obtaining an image at the best timing can be increased.

[0003] In addition, a photographer may shoot a subject whose movement prediction is difficult and whose movement speed is very fast. In such a case, in order to increase the possibility of obtaining an image at the best timing, it is necessary to keep the shooting speed of continuous shooting during the movement of the subject as high as possible and obtain as many images at different timings as possible. As a related technology, the technology of Patent Document 1 has been proposed. In Patent Document 1, at the timing when a shooting operation is performed, the shooting speed is switched to a higher shooting speed than the shooting speed of pre-capture executed before the shooting operation. Thereby, while recording an image captured at a timing before the shooting operation on a recording medium, it is possible to perform high-speed continuous shooting after the shooting operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1 above, pre-shooting performed before the actual shooting action does not involve continuous shooting at a high shooting speed. Generally, the faster the subject's movement speed, the more likely it is that the photographer's timing for taking the shot will be delayed from the intended timing. Therefore, with the pre-shooting described above, there is a high possibility of missing the best timing image when photographing a subject with a very fast movement speed. Furthermore, if continuous shooting at a high shooting speed is performed from the pre-shooting stage, the number of images recorded on the recording medium increases, which could lead to the recording medium running out of capacity before the best timing image is recorded, potentially causing the best timing image to be missed.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a mechanism that can increase the likelihood of acquiring images at the best possible timing while suppressing the capacity used in the recording medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the imaging apparatus of the present invention comprises: imaging means; holding means for temporarily holding an image signal obtained by imaging processing by the imaging means; first receiving means for receiving a command to start continuous shooting from a photographer; second receiving means for receiving a command to switch the shooting speed of continuous shooting from the photographer during continuous shooting; setting means for setting a first shooting speed to be used for continuous shooting and a second shooting speed to be used as the shooting speed of continuous shooting according to the switching command; recording means; and control means for controlling continuous shooting. In accordance with the command to start continuous shooting, the control means causes the imaging means to perform the imaging processing at a shooting speed equal to or greater than the second shooting speed, and the image signal obtained by the imaging processing is the first The process of developing the held image signal and recording the processed image signal obtained from the development process in the recording means is performed based on the first shooting speed. In accordance with the switching instruction, the control means causes the imaging means to perform the imaging process at a second shooting speed, and performs the process of developing the held image signal that has not undergone the development process and recording the processed image signal obtained from the development process in the recording means for a predetermined period retrospectively from the time the switching instruction was received. After the switching instruction, the process of developing the held image signal and recording the processed image signal obtained from the development process in the recording means is performed based on the second shooting speed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the likelihood of acquiring images at the best timing while suppressing the capacity used in the recording medium. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the imaging device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the timing relationship between imaging control and development / recording control performed by the system control unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3]This flowchart shows the procedure for the control process performed by the imaging device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows the timing relationship between imaging control and development / recording control performed by the system control unit of the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the procedure for the control processing performed by the imaging device of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that these embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While several features are described in the embodiments, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way.

[0011] First, an imaging device and its control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the imaging device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0013] In Figure 1, the imaging device 100 includes an imaging lens 101, an image sensor 102, an image acquisition unit 103, an image processing unit 104, an image recording unit 105, an operation unit 106, a storage unit 107, a display unit 108, a system control unit 109, an image sensor control unit 110, and a lens control unit 111.

[0014] The imaging lens 101 is an interchangeable lens unit that can be attached to the main body of the imaging device 100, or a lens unit incorporated into the main body, and is composed of multiple lens groups such as a focus lens and a zoom lens, an aperture mechanism, and the like.

[0015] The imaging device 102 is a CMOS image sensor having a plurality of pixels. The imaging device 102 performs photoelectric conversion on the optical image of the subject imaged by the imaging lens 101 at each pixel to generate charges according to the amount of incident light, and applies a gain to each pixel to output an image signal. Further, the imaging device 102 has an electronic shutter function including a rolling shutter, and is capable of controlling the exposure time.

[0016] The image acquisition unit 103 has an A / D conversion mechanism for digitizing the image signal (analog signal) output from the imaging device 102, and a temporary storage medium such as a volatile memory, and temporarily holds the acquired digital image signal.

[0017] The image processing unit 104 performs various signal processes necessary for viewing an image, such as noise reduction processing, gamma processing, color signal processing, and exposure correction processing, on the digital image signal held by the image acquisition unit 103.

[0018] The image recording unit 105 records the image signal processed by the image processing unit 104 on a recording medium. As the recording medium, for example, a memory device such as a hard disk or an SD card that can be attached to the main body of the imaging device 100 is used.

[0019] The operation unit 106 receives various operation instructions from the photographer for the imaging device 100. The operation unit 106 includes a plurality of operation members such as a camera power button, a continuous shooting speed setting button, a release button, and a speed switching button. The release button can be operated in two stages according to the degree of pressing, such as half-pressing and full-pressing. The instructions input via the operation unit 106 are notified to the system control unit 109 and stored as operation information in the storage unit 107.

[0020] The storage unit 107 is composed of an electrically erasable and recordable volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The storage unit 107 stores software programs used by the system control unit 109, operation information based on the information notified from the operation unit 106, setting information such as the shooting speed setting before and after switching, and the number of pre-shot images setting.

[0021] The display unit 108 is composed of a plurality of TFT devices, LCD devices, etc., and displays still image shooting results, LV images, control information, etc. The control information is, for example, information such as sensor sensitivity, exposure time, and aperture value for exposure control. The TFT device has a touch panel mechanism and can also be used as an input mechanism that receives various operations from the photographer in conjunction with the operation unit 106.

[0022] The system control unit 109 has an arithmetic mechanism for electronic control such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The system control unit 109 performs imaging control of the imaging device 100 via the imaging element control unit 110, the lens control unit 111, and the image acquisition unit 103 based on the software program and operation information stored in the storage unit 107. In addition, the system control unit 109 performs development and recording control of the imaging device 100 via the image processing unit 104 and the image recording unit 105.

[0023] The imaging element control unit 110 performs drive control of the imaging element 102 according to the control signal received from the system control unit 109. The lens control unit 111 performs drive control of the imaging lens 101 according to the control signal received from the system control unit 109.

[0024] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the timing relationship between the imaging control and the development and recording control executed by the system control unit 109 of Figure 1.

[0025] In Figure 2, at operation timing T201, the system control unit 109 sets the continuous shooting speed. Here, a first shooting speed and a second shooting speed are set. The first shooting speed is the shooting speed used for continuous shooting that starts when the release button on the operation unit 106 is fully pressed (shooting start instruction) at operation timing T202, which will be described later (hereinafter referred to as the "shooting speed before switching"). The second shooting speed is the shooting speed used for continuous shooting when the speed switching button on the operation unit 106 is pressed at operation timing T203, which will be described later, while continuous shooting is being performed at the first shooting speed (hereinafter referred to as the "shooting speed after switching"). In this embodiment, the system may be configured to recall the setting values ​​of the first shooting speed and the setting values ​​of the second shooting speed that have been stored in advance in the memory unit 107, or it may be configured to recall the setting value of the shooting speed selected by the photographer using the continuous shooting speed setting button on the operation unit 106. In this embodiment, as an example, the first shooting speed is set to 5 [fps], and the second shooting speed is set to 10 [fps], which is faster than the first shooting speed and is a multiple of the first shooting speed.

[0026] At the operation timing T202, continuous shooting begins when the release button on the operation unit 106 is fully pressed. The system control unit 109 performs imaging control at the second shooting speed. Specifically, the system control unit 109 controls the image sensor control unit 110 to drive the image sensor 102 at the second shooting speed, causing the image sensor 102 to perform imaging processing at the second shooting speed. At this time, the imaging interval FPS206 between frames Fc204 and Fc205, which are image signals obtained continuously from the image sensor 102, is an interval based on the second shooting speed (10 [fps]) set at the operation timing T201. The captured image signals are temporarily held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103. In this embodiment, the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103 is assumed to have a storage area capable of holding data for 10 frames, as an example. In this embodiment, to prevent the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103 from running out of free space and becoming unusable for writing data to the volatile memory, the retained data is deleted in order from oldest to newest at predetermined intervals.

[0027] Furthermore, the system control unit 109 performs development and recording control at the first shooting speed. Specifically, the system control unit 109 controls the image processing unit 104 to perform development processing on the image signal held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103. In addition, the system control unit 109 controls the image recording unit 105 to record the developed image signal onto the recording medium. In Figure 2, frame Fd207, which is a developed image signal, is obtained by applying development processing to frame Fc204, and frame Fd208, which is a developed image signal, is obtained by applying development processing to frame Fc209. Frames Fd207 and Fd208 are recorded onto the recording medium. Here, the imaging interval FPS210 between frame Fd207 and frame Fd208 is an interval based on the first shooting speed (5 [fps]) set at the operation timing T201. Thus, in this embodiment, when the release button on the operation unit 106 is fully pressed, imaging control is performed at a second shooting speed, and development and recording control is performed at a first shooting speed that is slower than the second shooting speed. In other words, only some of the multiple image signals captured in continuous shooting, which is started when the release button on the operation unit 106 is fully pressed and held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103, are developed and recorded on the recording medium, rather than all of them.

[0028] At the operation timing T203, in response to the pressing of the speed switching button on the operation unit 106, the system control unit 109 controls the development and recording of frames captured during the pre-shooting period PR211 and held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103, and controls the speed switching for continuous shooting. The pre-shooting period PR211 is determined based on a setting value pre-stored in the memory unit 107. This setting value is, for example, the number of pre-shooting frames setting, which indicates the number of images. In this embodiment, as an example, the number of pre-shooting frames is set to "2 frames". Note that the setting value that determines the pre-shooting period PR211 is not limited to the number of pre-shooting frames setting, but may also be determined based on a value indicating the length of the pre-shooting period. The system control unit 109 controls the image processing unit 104 and the image recording unit 105 to perform development and recording control on frames Fc212 that were captured during the pre-shooting period PR211, held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103, and for which development and recording control has not been performed. As a result, frame Fd214, which is a developed image signal, is recorded on the recording medium. From operation timing T203 (pressing the speed switching button) onward, imaging control is performed at the second shooting speed (10 fps) set at operation timing T201, and similarly, development and recording control is performed at the second shooting speed.

[0029] As described above, by controlling both image capture and development recording, it becomes possible to record images retrospectively to a point before the continuous shooting speed switching operation (pressing the speed switching button), increasing the likelihood of obtaining images at the best possible timing.

[0030] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the control process performed by the imaging device 100 in Figure 1. Each process (step) indicated by the number S in the flowchart of Figure 3 is realized by the system control unit 109 executing a program stored in the memory unit 107 to comprehensively control the operation of each part that constitutes the imaging device 100.

[0031] In Figure 3, first, in S301, the system control unit 109 starts up the imaging device 100 when the camera power button on the operation unit 106 is pressed.

[0032] Next, in S302, the system control unit 109 sets the first shooting speed. Specifically, the system control unit 109 reads a setting value that has been pre-programmed and stored in the memory unit 107, or a setting value set by the photographer using the continuous shooting speed setting button on the operation unit 106, and sets the read setting value to the first shooting speed. In this embodiment, as an example, the first shooting speed is set to 5 [fps].

[0033] Next, in S303, the system control unit 109 sets the second shooting speed. In S303, as in S302, the system control unit 109 reads a setting value that has been pre-programmed and stored in the memory unit 107, or a setting value set by the photographer using the continuous shooting speed setting button on the operation unit 106, and sets the read setting value to the second shooting speed. In this embodiment, as an example, the second shooting speed is set to 10 [fps].

[0034] Next, in S304, the system control unit 109 determines whether or not it has received a command to start continuous shooting. In this embodiment, if the photographer fully presses the release button on the operation unit 106, this operation information is stored in the storage unit 107. The system control unit 109 determines whether or not it has received a command to start continuous shooting based on the presence or absence of this operation information. If it is determined that the command to start continuous shooting has not been received, this process returns to S302. If it is determined that the command to start continuous shooting has been received, this process proceeds to S305.

[0035] In S305, the system control unit 109 controls the image sensor control unit 110 to start imaging control at the second shooting speed set in S303. In this imaging control, the image sensor 102 performs imaging processing at the second shooting speed and acquires frames at an imaging interval based on the second shooting speed (10 [fps]). The acquired frames are stored as digital image signals in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103.

[0036] Next, in S306, the system control unit 109 controls the image processing unit 104 to start development and recording control at the first shooting speed set in S302. In this embodiment, as explained in Figure 2 above, frames to be processed are selected at intervals of 5 [fps] from frames captured at an imaging interval of 10 [fps] and held in the image acquisition unit 103. The image processing unit 104 performs development processing on the selected frames, and the image recording unit 105 records the developed frames on the recording medium. Frames that are not selected are held in the image acquisition unit 103 and processing is skipped.

[0037] Next, in S307, the system control unit 109 determines whether or not it has received a request to end continuous shooting. In this embodiment, if the photographer releases the fully pressed shutter release button on the operation unit 106, for example, the operation information stored in the memory unit 107 in S304 is deleted. Based on the presence or absence of this operation information, the system control unit 109 determines whether or not it has received a request to end continuous shooting. If it is determined that the request to end continuous shooting has been received, this process ends. If it is determined that the request to end continuous shooting has not been received, this process proceeds to S308.

[0038] In S308, the system control unit 109 determines whether or not it has received a continuous shooting speed switching operation (switching instruction). In this embodiment, when the photographer presses the speed switching button on the operation unit 106, this operation information is stored in the storage unit 107. Based on the presence or absence of this operation information, the system control unit 109 determines whether or not it has received a continuous shooting speed switching operation. If it is determined that the continuous shooting speed switching operation has not been received, this process returns to S305. If it is determined that the continuous shooting speed switching operation has been received, this process proceeds to S309.

[0039] In S309, the system control unit 109 performs development and recording control during the pre-shooting period. Specifically, the system control unit 109 reads the pre-shooting count setting from the memory unit 107. In this embodiment, as an example, the pre-shooting count setting is set to "2 frames". Of the two frames captured during the pre-shooting period and held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103, the system control unit 109 performs development processing by the image processing unit 104 and recording processing by the image recording unit 105 for the frame for which development and recording control was skipped in S306. The pre-shooting period is the period retrospectively from the time the photographer pressed the speed switching button, and its length is determined based on the pre-shooting count setting. As an example, in S305, as shown in Figure 2, the case where five frames, frame Fc204, frame Fc205, frame Fc209, frame Fc212, and frame Fc213, are held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103 will be described. In this case, in S306, development and recording control is performed on frames Fc204, Fc209, and Fc213 out of these five frames. Frames Fc205 and Fc212, which were not subjected to development and recording control, are held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103 and their processing is skipped. In S309, development processing is performed by the image processing unit 104 and recording processing by the image recording unit 105 on frame Fc212, which was captured during the pre-shooting period PR211, held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103, and whose development and recording control was skipped in S306. As a result, frame Fd214, which is the developed image signal of frame Fc212, is recorded on the recording medium.

[0040] Next, in S310, the system control unit 109 controls the image processing unit 104 to start development and recording control at the second shooting speed set in S303. In this development and recording control, the image processing unit 104 performs development processing on the frames held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103 after the continuous shooting speed switching operation (after the switching instruction) at intervals based on 10 [fps]. The image recording unit 105 also records the developed frames to the recording medium at the same intervals. After this, the process returns to S307.

[0041] According to the first embodiment described above, in accordance with the continuous shooting start operation, the image sensor 102 performs imaging processing at a second shooting speed. The image processing unit 104 performs development processing on frames Fc204, Fc209, and Fc213 obtained from the imaging processing and held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103 based on the first shooting speed. The image recording unit 105 records the developed frames Fd207, Fd208, and Fd215, based on the first shooting speed, onto the recording medium. As a result, in accordance with the continuous shooting start operation, the number of images recorded on the recording medium is limited to the number based on the first shooting speed, while images based on the second shooting speed, which is the shooting speed after the switch, can be held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103 as images at the timing before the continuous shooting speed switching operation. The image processing unit 104 performs development processing on frames Fc212 that have been held during the pre-shooting period PR211, which is retrospective of the time when the continuous shooting speed switching operation was received, and which have not yet undergone development processing. The image recording unit 105 records the developed frames Fd214 obtained from this development processing onto the recording medium. The image processing unit 104 also performs development processing on frames held after the continuous shooting speed switching operation based on a second shooting speed. The image recording unit 105 records the developed frames obtained from this development processing onto the recording medium based on the second shooting speed. This makes it possible to suppress the number of images recorded on the recording medium before the continuous shooting speed switching operation to the number based on the first shooting speed, while realizing pre-shooting based on the time when the continuous shooting speed switching operation is received. In other words, in the above embodiment, it is possible to increase the possibility of obtaining images at the best timing while suppressing the capacity used on the recording medium.

[0042] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the pre-shooting period PR211 is determined based on a setting value pre-stored in the memory unit 107. This makes it possible to increase the likelihood of acquiring an image at the best timing while suppressing the capacity used on the recording medium, without forcing the photographer to set the pre-shooting period PR211.

[0043] In the control process shown in Figure 3 described above, a configuration in which imaging control is performed at a second imaging speed in S305 was explained, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, if the imaging device 100 can perform imaging control at a third imaging speed that is faster than the second imaging speed, imaging control may be performed at the third imaging speed in S305. The same effects as in the embodiment described above can be achieved even with such a configuration.

[0044] Next, an imaging device and its control method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0045] The second embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment described above in terms of its configuration and operation, but differs from the first embodiment in that it has multiple pre-shooting periods in continuous shooting. Therefore, the explanation of overlapping configurations and operations will be omitted, and the explanation of the different configurations and operations will be given below.

[0046] Figure 4 shows the timing relationship between imaging control and development recording control performed by the system control unit 109 of the second embodiment.

[0047] In Figure 4, at the operation timing T401, the system control unit 109 sets the continuous shooting speed. Here, as with the operation timing T201 in Figure 2 described above, the first shooting speed and the second shooting speed are set. Here, too, the system may be configured to recall the settings for the first and second shooting speeds that have been previously stored in the memory unit 107, or it may be configured to recall the setting for the shooting speed selected by the photographer using the continuous shooting speed setting button on the operation unit 106. Here, as an example, the first shooting speed is set to 5 [fps] and the second shooting speed is set to 10 [fps], which is faster than the first shooting speed and is a multiple of the first shooting speed.

[0048] At operation timing T402, pre-shooting begins when the release button on the operation unit 106 is half-pressed. The system control unit 109 controls the image sensor control unit 110 to drive the image sensor 102 at a first shooting speed, causing the image sensor 102 to perform imaging processing at the first shooting speed. At this time, the imaging interval FPS407 between frames Fc405 and Fc406, which are image signals obtained continuously from the image sensor 102, is an interval based on the first shooting speed (5 [fps]) set at operation timing T401. The image signals captured during pre-shooting are stored in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103.

[0049] At the operation timing T403, development and recording control for the first pre-shooting period PR408 is started when the release button on the operation unit 106 is fully pressed. The first pre-shooting period PR408 is determined based on a first setting value that is pre-stored in the memory unit 107. The first setting value is a value that indicates the number of pre-shoots and the length of the pre-shooting period, similar to the setting value in the first embodiment described above. In this embodiment, as an example, the number of pre-shoots set as the first setting value is set to "2". The system control unit 109 controls the image processing unit 104 to perform development processing on the image signal held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103, and controls the image recording unit 105 to record the developed image signal on the recording medium. In Figure 4, frame Fd409, which is a developed image signal, is obtained by applying development processing to frame Fc405, and frame Fd410, which is a developed image signal, is obtained by applying development processing to frame Fc406. Frames Fd409 and Fd410 are recorded on the recording medium.

[0050] Furthermore, at the operation timing T403, continuous shooting begins when the release button on the operation unit 106 is fully pressed. The system control unit 109 performs imaging control at the second shooting speed. Specifically, the system control unit 109 controls the image sensor control unit 110 to drive the image sensor 102 at the faster of the first and second shooting speeds, causing the image sensor 102 to perform imaging processing at this speed. Here, the image sensor 102 is driven at the second shooting speed. In this case, the imaging interval FPS413 between frames Fc411 and Fc412, which are image signals obtained continuously from the image sensor 102, is an interval based on the second shooting speed (10 [fps]) set at the operation timing T401. The captured image signals are stored in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103. The system control unit 109 also performs development and recording control at the first shooting speed. Specifically, the system control unit 109 controls the image processing unit 104 to perform development processing on the image signal held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103, and controls the image recording unit 105 to record the developed image signal onto the recording medium. In Figure 4, frame Fd414, which is a developed image signal, is obtained by applying development processing to frame Fc411, and frame Fd415, which is a developed image signal, is obtained by applying development processing to frame Fc416. Frames Fd414 and Fd415 are recorded onto the recording medium. Here, the imaging interval FPS417 between frames Fd414 and F415 is an interval based on the first shooting speed (5 [fps]) set at the operation timing T401. From there, until the speed switching button on the operation unit 106 is pressed, imaging control is performed at the second shooting speed, and development recording control is performed at the first shooting speed.

[0051] At the operation timing T404, in accordance with the pressing of the speed switching button on the operation unit 106, the system control unit 109 performs development recording control for the second pre-shooting period and switching control of the shooting speed. The second pre-shooting period PR418 is determined based on a second setting value that is pre-stored in the memory unit 107. The second setting value is a value that indicates the number of pre-shoots and the length of the pre-shooting period, similar to the first setting value described above. In this embodiment, as an example, the number of pre-shoots set as the second setting value is set to "2 frames". In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the first setting value and the second setting value have been described as being the same value, but they may be different values, for example, the first setting value may be "2 frames" and the second setting value may be "3 frames". The system control unit 109 controls the image processing unit 104 and the image recording unit 105 to perform development recording control on frames Fc419 that were captured during the second pre-shooting period PR418, are held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103, and have not yet undergone development recording control. As a result, frame Fd421, which is an image signal obtained by developing frame Fc419, is recorded on the recording medium. From operation timing T403 (pressing the speed switching button) onward, imaging control is performed at the second shooting speed (10 [fps]) set at operation timing T401, and development and recording control is also performed at the second shooting speed.

[0052] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the control processing performed by the imaging device 100 of the second embodiment. The control processing in Figure 5 is similar to the control processing in Figure 3 described above, and the differences from the control processing in Figure 3 will be explained below. Each process (step) indicated by the number S in the flowchart of Figure 5 is realized by the system control unit 109 executing a program stored in the memory unit 107 to comprehensively control the operation of each part that constitutes the imaging device 100.

[0053] In Figure 5, first, processes S501 to S503, which are the same as those described in S301 to S303, are performed. Here, as an example, we will assume that the first shooting speed is set to 5 [fps] and the second shooting speed is set to 10 [fps], similar to the control process in Figure 3 described above.

[0054] Next, in S504, the system control unit 109 determines whether the second shooting speed is faster than the first shooting speed. If it is determined that the second shooting speed is faster than the first shooting speed, the process proceeds to S505. If it is determined that the second shooting speed is not faster than the first shooting speed, that is, if the second shooting speed is less than or equal to the first shooting speed, the process proceeds to S506.

[0055] In S505, the system control unit 109 sets the imaging speed at the start of continuous shooting to the second imaging speed. Then, the process proceeds to S507.

[0056] In S506, the system control unit 109 sets the imaging speed at the start of continuous shooting to the first imaging speed. Thus, in this embodiment, the faster of the first and second imaging speeds is set as the imaging speed at the start of continuous shooting. Next, this process proceeds to S507.

[0057] In S507, the system control unit 109 determines whether or not it has received a pre-shoot start operation. In this embodiment, when the photographer half-presses the release button on the operation unit 106, this operation information is stored in the storage unit 107. The system control unit 109 determines whether or not it has received a pre-shoot start operation based on the presence or absence of this operation information. If it is determined that the pre-shoot start operation has not been received, this process returns to S502. If it is determined that the pre-shoot start operation has been received, this process proceeds to step S508.

[0058] In S508, the system control unit 109 controls the image sensor control unit 110 to start imaging control at the first shooting speed set in S502. In this imaging control, the image sensor 102 performs imaging processing at the first shooting speed and acquires frames at an imaging interval based on the first shooting speed (5 [fps]). The acquired frames (for example, frames Fc405 and Fc406 in Figure 4) are stored as digital image signals in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103.

[0059] Next, in S509, the system control unit 109 determines whether or not it has received a command to start continuous shooting. The determination method in S509 is the same as in S304 described above. If it is determined that the command to start continuous shooting has not been received, this process returns to S508. If it is determined that the command to start continuous shooting has been received, this process proceeds to S510.

[0060] In S510, the system control unit 109 controls the image sensor control unit 110 to start imaging control of the image sensor 102 at the imaging speed set in S505 or S506 for the start of continuous shooting. In this embodiment, frames are acquired at imaging intervals based on the faster imaging speed (10 [fps]) among the first imaging speed (5 [fps]) and the second imaging speed (10 [fps]). The acquired frames (for example, frames Fc411, Fc412, Fc416, Fc419, and Fc420 in Figure 4) are stored as digital image signals in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103.

[0061] Next, in S511, the system control unit 109 controls the development and recording of the first pre-shooting period PR408. Specifically, the system control unit 109 reads a first setting value from the memory unit 107. In this embodiment, as an example, the number of pre-shoots set as the first setting value is set to "2". The system control unit 109 controls the image processing unit 104 to perform development processing on the frames captured during the first pre-shooting period PR408 and held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103. The system control unit 109 also controls the image recording unit 105 to record the developed frames obtained from the development processing onto the recording medium. The first pre-shooting period PR408 is a period counting back from the time the photographer fully pressed the shutter release button, and its length is determined based on the first setting value. Here, as an example, we will describe the case in S508 where, as shown in Figure 4, two frames, frame Fc405 and frame Fc406, are stored in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103. In this case, in S511, development and recording control is performed on frame Fc405 and frame Fc406. As a result, frame Fd409, which is frame Fc405 that has undergone development processing, and frame Fd410, which is frame Fc406 that has undergone development processing, are recorded on the recording medium.

[0062] Next, in S512, the system control unit 109 controls the image processing unit 104 to start development and recording control at the first shooting speed set in S502. In this embodiment, in S510, frames to be processed are selected from a plurality of frames captured at 10 [fps] and held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103 at intervals based on 5 [fps]. For example, in Figure 4, in S510, frames Fc411, Fc416, and Fc420 are selected from frames Fc411, Fc412, Fc416, Fc419, and Fc420 held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103. The image processing unit 104 then performs development processing on the selected frames Fc411, Fc416, and Fc420, and the image recording unit 105 records the frames Fd414, Fd415, and Fd422 obtained from the development processing onto the recording medium. Furthermore, frames Fc412 and Fc419 that were not selected are stored in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103 and their processing is skipped.

[0063] Next, in S513, the system control unit 109 determines whether or not it has received a command to end continuous shooting. The determination method in S513 is the same as in S307 described above. If it is determined that a command to end continuous shooting has been received, this process ends. If it is determined that a command to end continuous shooting has not been received, this process proceeds to S514.

[0064] In S514, the system control unit 109 determines whether or not it has received a request to switch the continuous shooting speed. The determination method in S514 is the same as in S308 described above. If it is determined that the request to switch the continuous shooting speed has not been received, the process returns to S510. If it is determined that the request to switch the continuous shooting speed has been received, the process proceeds to S515.

[0065] In S515, the system control unit 109 determines whether the continuous shooting speed is the second shooting speed. If it is determined that the continuous shooting speed is the second shooting speed, the process proceeds to S517, which will be described later. If it is determined that the continuous shooting speed is not the second shooting speed, the process proceeds to S516.

[0066] In S516, the system control unit 109 sets the continuous shooting speed to the second shooting speed. As a result, the system control unit 109 controls the image sensor control unit 110 to start imaging control at the second shooting speed.

[0067] Next, in S517, the system control unit 109 controls the development and recording of the second pre-shooting period PR418. Specifically, the system control unit 109 reads the second setting value from the memory unit 107. In this embodiment, as an example, the pre-shooting count setting as the second setting value is set to "2 frames". The system control unit 109 controls the image processing unit 104 to perform development processing on the frame that was skipped in S512, out of the two frames captured during the second pre-shooting period PR418 and held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103. The system control unit 109 also controls the image recording unit 105 to record the developed frame obtained from the development processing onto the recording medium. The second pre-shooting period PR418 is a period retrospective of the time when the photographer pressed the speed switching button, and its length is determined based on the second setting value. In the example shown in Figure 4, among the frames Fc419 and Fc420 captured during the second pre-shooting period PR418 and held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103, the frame Fc419, which was skipped in processing at S512, is subjected to development processing. Furthermore, the developed frame Fd421 obtained from this development processing is recorded on the recording medium.

[0068] Next, in S518, the system control unit 109 controls the image processing unit 104 to start development and recording control at the second shooting speed set in S503. In this embodiment, development processing by the image processing unit 104 and recording processing by the image recording unit 105 are performed at intervals based on 10 [fps]. After that, this process returns to 513.

[0069] In the second embodiment described above, in accordance with the operation to start continuous shooting, the image sensor 102 performs imaging processing at the faster of the first and second imaging speeds. The image processing unit 104 performs development processing on frames Fc411, Fc412, Fc416, Fc419, and Fc420, obtained from the imaging processing and held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103, that correspond to the imaging interval based on the first imaging speed. The image recording unit 105 records the developed frames Fd414, Fd415, and Fd422 obtained from the development processing on the recording medium. As a result, in accordance with the operation to start continuous shooting, the number of images to be recorded on the recording medium is limited to the number based on the first imaging speed, while images based on an imaging speed of the same number as the imaging speed after the switch can be held in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103 as images at the timing before the continuous shooting speed switching operation. Furthermore, in accordance with the continuous shooting speed switching operation, the image sensor 102 performs imaging processing at a second shooting speed. The image processing unit 104 performs development processing on frames Fc419 that have been held in a second pre-shooting period PR418, which is retrospective of the time when the continuous shooting speed switching operation was received, and which have not yet undergone development processing. The image recording unit 105 records the developed frames Fd421 obtained from this development processing onto the recording medium. Moreover, the development processing by the image processing unit 104 and the recording processing by the image recording unit 105, based on the frames held after the continuous shooting speed switching operation, are performed based on the second shooting speed. This makes it possible to achieve pre-shooting based on the time when the continuous shooting speed switching operation was received, while suppressing the number of images recorded on the recording medium before the continuous shooting speed switching operation to the number based on the first shooting speed. In other words, in the above embodiment, it is possible to increase the possibility of obtaining images at the best timing while suppressing the capacity used on the recording medium.

[0070] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the image sensor 102 performs imaging processing at a first shooting speed in accordance with the pre-shooting start operation. In accordance with the continuous shooting start operation, development processing is performed on frames Fc405 and Fc406 held during the first pre-shooting period PR408, and the processed frames Fd409 and Fd410 obtained from the development processing are recorded on the recording medium. This makes it possible to realize pre-shooting based on the time when the continuous shooting start operation is received, in addition to pre-shooting based on the time when the continuous shooting speed switching operation is received. As a result, images can be acquired at more timings, and the possibility of acquiring the best timing image can be increased.

[0071] In the control process shown in Figure 5 above, a configuration in which pre-shooting is performed at a first shooting speed is described in S508, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, pre-shooting may be performed at a shooting speed faster than the first shooting speed.

[0072] Furthermore, in the control process shown in Figure 5 described above, a configuration was described in which the faster of the first and second shooting speeds is set as the imaging speed at the start of continuous shooting in S505 or S506, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, if the imaging device 100 can perform imaging control at a third shooting speed that is faster than either the first or second shooting speed, imaging control may be performed at the third shooting speed in S505 or S506. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as in the embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0073] Furthermore, in the control process shown in Figure 5 above, steps S504 to S506 may be omitted, and imaging control may be performed at a second shooting speed in S510.

[0074] Furthermore, in the control process shown in Figure 5 above, if the imaging device 100 can perform imaging control at a third imaging speed that is faster than either the first or second imaging speed, the system may be configured to perform imaging control at the third imaging speed in S510 without performing steps S504 to S506.

[0075] In this embodiment, the imaging device 100 may also include a UI or the like to allow the photographer to select whether or not to store the image signal obtained by the imaging process of the image sensor 102 in the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103. This allows pre-shooting to be performed only when desired by the photographer, and can suppress insufficient capacity of the volatile memory of the image acquisition unit 103 caused by pre-shooting.

[0076] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0077] Furthermore, the disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) comprising: an imaging means; a holding means for temporarily holding an image signal obtained by imaging processing by the imaging means; a first receiving means for receiving a command to start continuous shooting from the photographer; a second receiving means for receiving a command to switch the shooting speed of the continuous shooting from the photographer during the continuous shooting; a setting means for setting a first shooting speed to be used for the continuous shooting and a second shooting speed to be used as the shooting speed of the continuous shooting according to the switching command; a recording means; and a control means for controlling the continuous shooting, wherein, in accordance with the command to start continuous shooting, the control means causes the imaging means to perform the imaging processing at a shooting speed of the second shooting speed or higher, and the image signal obtained by the imaging processing is the held image signal. An imaging device characterized in that it performs a development process and a process of recording the processed image signal obtained from the development process in the recording means based on the first shooting speed, and in accordance with the switching instruction, the control means causes the imaging means to perform the imaging process at a second shooting speed, and performs a development process on the held image signal that has not undergone the development process and a process of recording the processed image signal obtained from the development process in the recording means for a predetermined period retrospectively from the time the switching instruction was received, and after the switching instruction, it performs a development process on the held image signal and a process of recording the processed image signal obtained from the development process in the recording means based on the second shooting speed. (Configuration 2) The system comprises an imaging means, a holding means for temporarily holding an image signal obtained by imaging processing by the imaging means, a first receiving means for receiving a command to start continuous shooting from the photographer, a second receiving means for receiving a command to switch the shooting speed of the continuous shooting from the photographer during the continuous shooting, a first setting means for setting a first shooting speed to be used for the continuous shooting and a second shooting speed to be used as the shooting speed of the continuous shooting according to the switching command, a second setting means for setting the faster of the first and second shooting speeds as the shooting speed at the start of the continuous shooting, a recording means, and a control means for controlling the continuous shooting, wherein, in accordance with the command to start continuous shooting, the control means commands the imaging means to perform the imaging processing at a shooting speed equal to or greater than the shooting speed set by the second setting means. An imaging device characterized by the following: executing a development process on the image signal obtained in the imaging process and the retained image signal, and recording the processed image signal obtained in the development process in the recording means, based on the first shooting speed; in accordance with the switching instruction, the control means causes the imaging means to execute the imaging process at a second shooting speed, and executes a development process on the retained image signal that has not undergone the development process and recording the processed image signal obtained in the development process in the recording means during a predetermined period retrospectively from the time the switching instruction was received; and after the switching instruction, executing a development process on the retained image signal and recording the processed image signal obtained in the development process in the recording means, based on the second shooting speed. (Configuration 3) The imaging apparatus according to Configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, in accordance with a predetermined instruction received before receiving the instruction to start continuous shooting, the control means causes the imaging means to perform the imaging process at a shooting speed equal to or greater than the first imaging speed, and in accordance with the instruction to start continuous shooting, the control means further performs a development process on the held image signal and a process to record the processed image signal obtained from the development process in the recording means during another period retrospectively from the time when the predetermined instruction was received. (Configuration 4) An imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, further comprising a selection means for causing the photographer to select whether or not to hold the image signal obtained by the imaging process by the imaging means in the holding means. (Configuration 5) An imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the predetermined period is determined based on a pre-saved setting value. (Configuration 6) The imaging apparatus according to Configuration 5, characterized in that the setting value is a value indicating the length of the predetermined period. (Configuration 7) The imaging device according to Configuration 5 or 6, characterized in that the setting value is a value indicating the number of images. (Configuration 8) An imaging device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the first shooting speed and the second shooting speed are in a multiple relationship. (Configuration 9) A control method for an imaging device comprising an imaging means, a holding means for temporarily holding an image signal obtained by imaging processing by the imaging means, and a recording means, comprising: a first receiving step of receiving an instruction from a photographer to start continuous shooting; a second receiving step of receiving an instruction from the photographer to switch the shooting speed of the continuous shooting during the continuous shooting; a setting step of setting a first shooting speed to be used for the continuous shooting and a second shooting speed to be used as the shooting speed of the continuous shooting according to the switching instruction; and a control step of controlling the continuous shooting, wherein in accordance with the instruction to start continuous shooting, the control step causes the imaging means to perform the imaging processing at a shooting speed of the second shooting speed or higher, and the image signal obtained by the imaging processing is the held image A control method for an imaging device, characterized in that, in accordance with the switching instruction, the imaging device performs the imaging process at a second imaging speed, and in the control step, the imaging device performs the imaging process at a second imaging speed, and in a predetermined period retrospectively from the time the switching instruction was received, the imaging device performs the imaging process at a second imaging speed, and in the control step in the control step, the imaging device performs the imaging process at a second imaging speed, and in the control step, in the imaging process, (Configuration 10) A control method for an imaging device comprising an imaging means, a holding means for temporarily holding an image signal obtained by imaging processing by the imaging means, and a recording means, comprising: a first receiving step of receiving an instruction from a photographer to start continuous shooting; a second receiving step of receiving an instruction from the photographer to switch the shooting speed of the continuous shooting during the continuous shooting; a first setting step of setting a first shooting speed to be used for the continuous shooting and a second shooting speed to be used as the shooting speed of the continuous shooting according to the switching instruction; a second setting step of setting the faster of the first shooting speed and the second shooting speed as the shooting speed at the start of the continuous shooting; and a control step of controlling the continuous shooting, wherein in accordance with the instruction to start continuous shooting, the control step sets the imaging means to perform the imaging processing at a shooting speed faster than the setting in the second setting step. A control method for an imaging device, characterized in that, in accordance with the switching instruction, the imaging device performs the imaging process at a second imaging speed, and in the control step (Configuration 11) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the imaging device described in Configuration 9 or 10. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 100 Imaging device 103 Image acquisition unit 104 Image Processing Unit 105 Image Recording Unit 106 Operation section 109 System Control Unit 110 Image sensor control unit

Claims

1. Imaging means, A holding means for temporarily holding the image signal obtained by the imaging process by the imaging means, A first receiving means for receiving instructions from the photographer to start continuous shooting, A second receiving means that receives an instruction from the photographer to switch the shooting speed of the continuous shooting during the continuous shooting, A setting means for setting a first shooting speed to be used for continuous shooting, and a second shooting speed to be used as the shooting speed for continuous shooting according to the switching instruction, Recording means and The system includes a control means for controlling the continuous shooting, In accordance with the instruction to start continuous shooting, the control means causes the imaging means to perform the imaging process at a shooting speed equal to or greater than the second shooting speed, and performs a development process on the image signal obtained in the imaging process and the recorded image signal obtained in the development process in the recording means based on the first shooting speed. An imaging device characterized in that, in accordance with the switching instruction, the control means causes the imaging means to perform the imaging process at the second shooting speed, performs a development process on the held image signals that have not undergone the development process during a predetermined period retrospectively from the time the switching instruction was received, and records the processed image signals obtained from the development process in the recording means, and after the switching instruction, performs a development process on the held image signals and records the processed image signals obtained from the development process in the recording means based on the second shooting speed.

2. Imaging means, A holding means for temporarily holding the image signal obtained by the imaging process by the imaging means, A first receiving means for receiving instructions from the photographer to start continuous shooting, A second receiving means that receives an instruction from the photographer to switch the shooting speed of the continuous shooting during the continuous shooting, A first setting means for setting a first shooting speed to be used for continuous shooting, and a second shooting speed to be used as the shooting speed for continuous shooting according to the switching instruction, A second setting means for setting the faster of the first and second shooting speeds to the shooting speed at the start of continuous shooting, Recording means and The system includes a control means for controlling the continuous shooting, In accordance with the instruction to start continuous shooting, the control means causes the imaging means to perform the imaging process at a shooting speed equal to or greater than the shooting speed set by the second setting means, and performs a development process on the image signal obtained from the imaging process and the retained image signal, and a process to record the processed image signal obtained from the development process in the recording means, based on the first shooting speed. An imaging device characterized in that, in accordance with the switching instruction, the control means causes the imaging means to perform the imaging process at the second shooting speed, performs a development process on the held image signals that have not undergone the development process during a predetermined period retrospectively from the time the switching instruction was received, and records the processed image signals obtained from the development process in the recording means, and after the switching instruction, performs a development process on the held image signals and records the processed image signals obtained from the development process in the recording means based on the second shooting speed.

3. In accordance with a predetermined instruction received before the instruction to start continuous shooting, the control means causes the imaging means to perform the imaging process at a shooting speed equal to or greater than the first shooting speed. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in accordance with the instruction to start continuous shooting, the control means further performs a development process on the held image signal and a process to record the processed image signal obtained from the development process in the recording means during another period retrospectively from the time when the predetermined instruction was received.

4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a selection means for causing the photographer to select whether or not to hold the image signal obtained by the imaging process by the imaging means in the holding means.

5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the predetermined period is determined based on a pre-saved setting value.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the setting value is a value indicating the length of the predetermined period.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the aforementioned setting value is a value indicating the number of images.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first shooting speed and the second shooting speed are in a multiple relationship.

9. A control method for an imaging device comprising an imaging means, a holding means for temporarily holding an image signal obtained by imaging processing by the imaging means, and a recording means, The first reception process involves receiving instructions from the photographer to start continuous shooting, A second reception step in which the photographer gives an instruction to switch the shooting speed of the continuous shooting during the continuous shooting, A setting step of setting a first shooting speed to be used for continuous shooting and a second shooting speed to be used as the shooting speed for continuous shooting according to the switching instruction, The system includes a control step for controlling the continuous shooting process, In accordance with the instruction to start continuous shooting, the control step is performed in which the imaging means performs the imaging process at an imaging speed equal to or greater than the second imaging speed, and the development process of the image signal obtained in the imaging process and the process of recording the processed image signal obtained in the development process in the recording means is performed based on the first imaging speed. A control method for an imaging device, characterized in that, in accordance with the switching instruction, the control step involves the imaging means performing the imaging process at the second shooting speed, performing a development process on the held image signals that have not undergone the development process during a predetermined period retrospectively from the time the switching instruction was received, and recording the processed image signals obtained from the development process in the recording means, and after the switching instruction, performing a development process on the held image signals and recording the processed image signals obtained from the development process in the recording means based on the second shooting speed.

10. A control method for an imaging device comprising an imaging means, a holding means for temporarily holding an image signal obtained by imaging processing by the imaging means, and a recording means, The first reception process involves receiving instructions from the photographer to start continuous shooting, A second reception step in which the photographer gives an instruction to switch the shooting speed of the continuous shooting during the continuous shooting, A first setting step of setting a first shooting speed to be used for continuous shooting and a second shooting speed to be used as the shooting speed for continuous shooting according to the switching instruction, A second setting step involves setting the faster of the first and second shooting speeds to the shooting speed at the start of continuous shooting, The system includes a control step for controlling the continuous shooting process, In accordance with the instruction to start continuous shooting, in the control step, the imaging means performs the imaging process at an imaging speed equal to or greater than the imaging speed set in the second setting step, and the development process of the image signal obtained in the imaging process and the process of recording the processed image signal obtained in the development process in the recording means is performed based on the first imaging speed. A control method for an imaging device, characterized in that, in accordance with the switching instruction, the control step involves the imaging means performing the imaging process at the second shooting speed, performing a development process on the held image signals that have not undergone the development process during a predetermined period retrospectively from the time the switching instruction was received, and recording the processed image signals obtained from the development process in the recording means, and after the switching instruction, performing a development process on the held image signals and recording the processed image signals obtained from the development process in the recording means based on the second shooting speed.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of an imaging device described in claim 9 or 10.

Images