Imaging device and its control method, program, and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides an imaging device that makes it easy to understand which frame rate is used as the basis for the angle notation when the frame rates of the recorded video and the output video are different. [Solution] The system comprises: an imaging unit that captures images and generates a video signal; a recording unit that records the images generated by the imaging unit at a first frame rate; an output unit that converts the images generated by the imaging unit to a second frame rate different from the first frame rate and outputs images for display on a display unit; and a display control unit that simultaneously displays on the display unit a first angle for displaying the exposure time based on the first frame rate as an angle, and a second angle for displaying the exposure time based on the second frame rate as an angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device capable of controlling the frame rate of output video.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the differentiation of video expression has been progressing. Various video expressions such as a video expression with a shallow depth of field of view using a large sensor and a large aperture lens, and a high-definition video expression with a high-resolution video are used according to the application.

[0003] As one of such video expressions, there is a method of making an impression as an artistic and mysterious video by reducing the image update cycle to 24 fps, approaching the cycle of traditional film movies. Conversely, a picture quality expression that expresses the vividness of a subject by setting the image update cycle to the same 60 fps or 50 fps as that of television broadcasting is also used depending on the application.

[0004] In various event scenes such as concerts and sports, an event is carried out in which a video signal is output from a camcorder and displayed on a display device in the venue in real time, and the video display is also used as one means of venue production. In addition, the camcorder also has a function of recording to a medium mounted inside, and at the same time as the video output to the event venue, recording to the internal medium is often performed. At that time, the output video is treated as the main use, and the video material internally recorded as the secondary use can be used as the recorded video after the event or edited and used as a video content product.

[0005] Among the diverse events, there are complex events that proceed with different content in different parts. For example, an event may consist of a live performance by musicians in part, and a speech by the performers in part. In such cases, it is desirable to output the video at 60fps (or 50fps) and display it in the venue for the live performance part to convey a sense of rawness, while outputting it at 24fps (or 30fps) and displaying it in the venue for the speech part to convey artistry and mystery.

[0006] Since each part of the event progresses seamlessly in real time according to the event's progress at the venue, it is desirable that the video output signal from the camcorder can seamlessly switch between 60fps (50fps) and 24fps (or 30fps) without interruption.

[0007] On the other hand, when switching the drive rate of the image sensor within a typical camera system, it is necessary to regenerate the synchronization signal generated within the camera and switch the drive settings of the image sensor, which causes a brief interruption in the video output. In event scenes where various parts proceed seamlessly, interruptions in the video displayed on the venue's visual effects are undesirable from a performance standpoint.

[0008] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to exposure control that enables the capture of seamless video without noticeable gaps in image quality when switching frame rates. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5161879 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Incidentally, camcorders have traditionally been equipped with a function that allows them to record video to the image sensor and internal media at 60fps (or 50fps), while simultaneously downsampling some frames to output video at a lower frame rate. This is for the following reason: In video production, there are applications where the camcorder's video output is displayed on a large screen for detailed monitoring during shooting. In this case, if the display device's specifications prevent it from receiving 60fps (or 50fps) video, monitoring is performed at a different frame rate than the recorded video.

[0011] This function is intended to be used to switch the video output from the camcorder during event scenes. Specifically, in camera mode that outputs a video signal at 60fps (or 50fps), video recording to the image sensor and internal media, as well as video output to the outside, will also be performed at 60fps (or 50fps). On the other hand, in camera mode that outputs video at 24fps (or 30fps), the following control is performed: while video recording to the image sensor and internal media is performed at 60fps (or 50fps), some frames are dropped to effectively output at a frame rate equivalent to 24fps (or 30fps). With this control, even when switching video output based on frame rate, the recording rate to the image sensor and internal recording media does not change, so video can be output continuously without interruption.

[0012] Here, let's consider angle notation (opening angle notation), one method of displaying exposure time. Angle notation is a method of displaying exposure time where the exposure time equivalent to 1 / frame rate is expressed as 360°, and faster exposure times are expressed as a ratio to 360°. For example, at a frame rate of 60fps, 1 / 60 (second) is expressed as 360°, 1 / 120 (second) is expressed as 180°, and 1 / 240 (second) is expressed as 90°.

[0013] Normally, once the frame rate is determined, the angle display and exposure time are uniquely determined. However, in recording modes where the frame rates of the recorded video and the output video are different, a problem arises where it is unclear which frame rate is being used as the basis for the angle notation, which is expressed based on the frame rate.

[0014] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an imaging device that makes it easy to understand which frame rate is used as the basis for the angle notation when the frame rates of the recorded video and the output video are different. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The imaging apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: an imaging means for capturing images and generating an image signal; a recording means for recording the image generated by the imaging means at a first frame rate; an output means for converting the image generated by the imaging means to a second frame rate different from the first frame rate and outputting an image for display on a display means; and a display control means for simultaneously displaying on the display means a first angle for displaying the exposure time based on the first frame rate as an angle, and a second angle for displaying the exposure time based on the second frame rate as an angle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device that makes it easy to understand which frame rate is used as the basis for the angle notation when the frame rates of the recorded video and the output video are different. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the internal structure of a digital video camera. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates an example of converting 60fps video to effectively 24fps video through downsampling. [Figure 3]A diagram showing an example of converting a 60fps video to a substantially 30fps video by decimation. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing an operation for determining a range of shutter speeds. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of an exposure setting screen for setting a shutter speed. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of an exposure setting screen for setting a shutter speed. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of converting an output video to a 24fps video. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of converting an output video to a 30fps video. [Figure 9] A flowchart for explaining display control of a shutter speed. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of display of a shutter speed in angular notation. [Figure 11] A block diagram showing a configuration when recording while connected to an external device.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential for the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a digital video camera 100 which is an embodiment of an imaging device of the present invention.

[0020] In Figure 1, the imaging lens 103 is a lens group including a zoom lens and a focus lens, which forms an image of the subject. The aperture 101 adjusts the amount of light incident on the imaging unit 22. The ND (Neutral Density) filter 104 is used to reduce the amount of light incident on the imaging unit 22. The imaging unit 22 includes an image sensor 22a, which is composed of a CCD or CMOS element that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and its peripheral circuits. The imaging unit 22 also includes circuits that control accumulation by an electronic shutter, change the analog gain, and change the readout speed. For example, the imaging unit 22 outputs a vertical synchronization signal to control the timing of the imaging operation of the image sensor 22a. The A / D converter 23 converts the analog signal output from the imaging unit 22 into a digital signal. The barrier 102 covers the imaging system of the digital video camera 100, including the imaging lens 103, aperture 101, and imaging unit 22, to prevent dirt and damage to the imaging system.

[0021] The image processing unit 24 performs color conversion, gamma correction, and digital gain addition processing on image data from the A / D converter 23 or image data from the memory control unit 15. It also performs predetermined calculations using the captured image data and transmits the calculation results to the system control unit 50. Based on the transmitted calculation results, the system control unit 50 performs exposure control, distance measurement control, white balance control, etc. This enables TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus), AE (automatic exposure), AWB (auto white balance) processing, etc. The video conversion unit 91 converts the video signal processed by the image processing unit 24 into video signals with different gradation characteristics. The video output unit 92 has video output terminals such as an SDI (Serial Digital Interface) terminal, an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, or an Ethernet terminal. The frame rate conversion processing of the output video by decimation control using the video conversion unit 91 will be described later.

[0022] The output data from the A / D converter 23 is written to the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15, or directly via the memory control unit 15. The memory 32 stores image data captured by the imaging unit 22 and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 23, as well as image data for display on the display unit 28. The memory 32 has sufficient storage capacity to store moving images and audio for a predetermined period of time.

[0023] Furthermore, memory 32 also serves as memory for image display (video memory). The D / A converter 13 converts the display image data stored in memory 32 into an analog signal and supplies it to the display unit 28. In this way, the display image data written to memory 32 is displayed by the display unit 28 via the D / A converter 13. The display unit 28 displays on a display device such as an LCD according to the analog signal from the D / A converter 13. By converting the digital signal, which has been A / D converted once by the A / D converter 23 and stored in memory 32, to analog in the D / A converter 13 and sequentially transferring it to the display unit 28 for display, an electronic viewfinder is realized, enabling through-image display.

[0024] The non-volatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable and recordable memory, such as an EEPROM. The non-volatile memory 56 stores constants for the operation of the system control unit 50, programs, and the like. In this embodiment of the present invention, the program refers to a program for executing various flowcharts, which will be described later.

[0025] The system control unit 50 controls the entire digital video camera 100. It executes the program recorded in the non-volatile memory 56 described above to realize each of the processes of this embodiment, which will be described later. RAM is used in the system memory 52, and constants, variables for the operation of the system control unit 50, the program read from the non-volatile memory 56, etc. are stored there. The system control unit 50 also performs display control by controlling the memory 32, the D / A converter 13, the display unit 28, etc.

[0026] The system timer 53 is a timing unit that measures the time used for various controls and the time of the built-in clock. The mode switching switch 60, recording switch 61, and operation unit 70 are operating members for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 50.

[0027] The mode switch 60 switches the operating mode of the system control unit 50 to one of the following: video recording mode, still image recording mode, playback mode, etc. Modes included in the video recording mode and still image recording mode include auto shooting mode, auto scene detection mode, manual mode, various scene modes which are shooting settings for different shooting scenes, program AE mode, custom mode, etc. The mode switch 60 can be used to directly switch to any of these modes included in the video shooting mode. Alternatively, the mode switch 60 can be used to switch to the video shooting mode first, and then another operating component can be used to switch to any of these modes included in the video shooting mode. The recording switch 61 switches between the shooting standby state and the shooting state. The system control unit 50 starts a series of operations from reading the signal from the imaging unit 22 to writing video data to the recording medium 90 when the recording switch 61 is used.

[0028] Each operating element of the operation unit 70 is assigned a function as appropriate for each situation by selecting various function icons displayed on the display unit 28, and acts as various function buttons. Examples of function buttons include an exit button, back button, image advance button, jump button, filter button, attribute change button, etc. For example, when the menu button is pressed, a menu screen where various settings can be made is displayed on the display unit 28. Users can intuitively make various settings using the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28 and the four-way directional pad (up, down, left, and right) and SET button. The operating elements may also be physical buttons, or an image prompting operation may be displayed on the liquid crystal element, and the operation may be accepted by detecting the user's touch operation on the corresponding part via the touch panel. In the exposure time setting screen, each operating element functions as an exposure time setting button. The operation of setting the exposure time will be described later.

[0029] The power control unit 80 consists of a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching which blocks are energized, and detects whether a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The power control unit 80 also controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50, supplying the necessary voltage to each part, including the recording medium 90, for the required period. The power supply unit 30 consists of primary batteries such as alkaline batteries and lithium batteries, secondary batteries such as NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries, and Li-ion batteries, and an AC adapter. I / F18 is an interface to the recording medium 90, such as a memory card or hard disk, or to an external output device. Figure 1 shows the state when connected to the recording medium 90. The recording medium 90 is a recording medium such as a memory card for recording captured images, and consists of semiconductor memory or magnetic disks.

[0030] Next, Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the frame rate conversion of output video by downsampling. Figure 2 shows a possible method for converting 60fps video to effectively 24fps video by downsampling, while keeping the exposure time at 1 / 60 (seconds) (16.6ms).

[0031] The upper part of Figure 2 shows a 60fps video signal transmitted to the recording medium 90, updated at 16.6ms intervals. In contrast, the lower part of Figure 2 shows a decimated video where sections of the 60fps video signal from the upper section are decimated, resulting in image updates at 33.33ms intervals (by decimating 2 frames from 1 frame) and sections are decimated, resulting in image updates at 50.0ms intervals (by decimating 3 frames from 2 frames), with a 1:1 ratio of these sections. Because images at 33.33ms intervals and images at 50.0ms intervals are mixed in a 1:1 ratio, the average is: (1×50.0+1×33.3) / (1+1)=41.665[ms] 1000 / 41.665 = 24.0 [fps] This is equivalent to the image being updated at an average rate of 24fps. While there are localized dropdown rates of once every two frames and twice every three frames, from a broader perspective, it can be considered as video equivalent to a 24fps frame rate.

[0032] Next, using Figure 3, we will show an example of converting 60fps video to effectively 30fps video by downsampling. The lower part of Figure 3 shows that by downsampling one frame from every two frames of the 60fps video signal in the upper part, a video is generated where the image is updated at 33.33s intervals. Therefore, 1000 / 33.33 = 30.0 [fps] This means that when generating 30fps video from 60fps, it is done using a single decimation frame rate.

[0033] In the explanations of Figures 2 and 3 above, we described the case where the exposure time remains at 1 / 60 second and only the frame rate is changed. However, in this embodiment, we will further describe a method in which the exposure time is set to a time longer than 1 / 60 second according to the frame rate.

[0034] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating how the shutter speed range is determined. The operation of the flowchart in Figure 4 is realized when the system control unit 50 loads the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executes it. Note that "S" represents the step number.

[0035] First, in S100, the system control unit 50 determines whether the set recording mode is a mode in which the recording frame rate FR1 and the output frame rate FR2 match (the third shooting mode). If they match, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S101; otherwise, it proceeds to S102.

[0036] In S101, the system control unit 50 sets the lower limit of the configurable shutter speed (Tv limit) to 1 / FR1 (seconds) and terminates the processing of this flow. Here, FR1 and FR2 are the same, so it does not matter which one is used as the reference.

[0037] In S102, the system control unit 50 determines whether the recording mode prioritizes output video or recorded video. If the recording mode prioritizing recorded video (first shooting mode) is set, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S103; if the mode prioritizing output video (second shooting mode) is set, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S104.

[0038] The first, second, and third shooting modes can be switched by operating the control unit 70.

[0039] In S103, the system control unit 50 sets the lower limit of the shutter speed to 1 / FR1 (seconds) and terminates the processing of this flow. Here, FR1 ≠ FR2, and furthermore, FR1 > FR2.

[0040] In S104, the system control unit 50 sets the lower limit of the shutter speed to 1 / FR2 and terminates. By determining the lower limit of the shutter speed in this way, the range of shutter speeds can be set based on the frame rate of the recording mode that is important.

[0041] Next, Figure 5 shows an example of the shutter speed setting screen when the video output is 24fps. In both cases, Figure 5 shows the shutter speed setting screen in recording modes where the frame rate differs between internal recording (60fps) and video output (24fps). Figure 5(a) shows a recording mode that prioritizes internally recorded video, and Figure 5(b) shows a recording mode that prioritizes output video.

[0042] As shown in the flowchart in Figure 4, in the mode prioritizing internal recording (Figure 5(a)), the lower limit of the shutter speed is set based on the internal recording's 60fps, so the shutter speed cannot be set slower than 1 / 60th of a second. On the other hand, in the recording mode prioritizing output video (Figure 5(b)), the lower limit of the shutter speed is set based on the video output's 24fps, so the shutter speed can be slowed down to 1 / 24th of a second. This makes it possible to achieve image quality close to that of film.

[0043] Next, Figure 6 shows an example of the shutter speed setting screen when the video output is 30fps. Both Figure 6 shows the shutter speed setting screen in recording modes where the frame rate differs between internal recording (60fps) and video output (30fps). Figure 6(a) shows a recording mode that prioritizes internally recorded video, and Figure 6(b) shows a recording mode that prioritizes output video.

[0044] As shown in the flowchart in Figure 4, in the mode prioritizing internal recording (Figure 6(a)), the lower limit of the shutter speed is set based on the internal recording's 60fps, so the shutter speed cannot be set slower than 1 / 60th of a second. On the other hand, in the recording mode prioritizing output video (Figure 6(b)), the lower limit of the shutter speed is set based on the video output's 30fps, so the shutter speed can be slowed down to 1 / 30th of a second. This makes it possible to achieve image quality close to that of film.

[0045] Next, Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the image generation process when an exposure time exceeding 1 / 60th of a second is set for internal recording (60fps) and video output (24fps).

[0046] As an example of an exposure time exceeding 1 / 60th of a second, we show an example where 1 / 48th of a second is set. The camera's recording frame rate is set to 60fps, and a Vd signal with a 60fps period is input to the sensor. Therefore, the image generation unit is based on a 60fps period, and the image update period is managed in multiples of 60fps. 1 / 48th of a second is between 1Vd (vertical sync period) and 2Vd, so the image is output from the image sensor at a 30fps period, which corresponds to a 2Vd period in 60fps.

[0047] The upper part of Figure 7 shows the image signal output from the image sensor, where the image is output at a period of 33.3 ms, corresponding to 30 fps. The middle part shows the 60 fps video signal transmitted to the recording medium 90, which is updated at 16.6 ms intervals. Although the image signal from the image sensor has a period of 33.3 ms, the recording frame rate is set to 60 fps, so the same image is generated every two consecutive frames without image updates. In contrast, the lower part shows a desampled video in which sections updated at 33.33 ms intervals and sections updated at 66.6 ms intervals are mixed in a 3:1 ratio. Because the 33.33 ms and 66.6 ms intervals are mixed in a 3:1 ratio, the average is: (1×66.6+3×33.3) / (1+3)=41.625[ms] 1000 / 41.625 = 24.0 [fps] This means that, on average, the image is updated at 24fps. While there are local intervals of 33.3ms and 66.6ms, from a broader perspective, it can be considered as video at effectively 24fps.

[0048] Next, we will explain the image generation process when an exposure time exceeding 1 / 60th of a second is set for internal recording (60fps) and video output (30fps), using Figure 8. As an example of an exposure time exceeding 1 / 60th of a second, we will show an example where 1 / 30th of a second is set.

[0049] The upper part of Figure 8 shows the image signal output from the image sensor, where the image is output at a period of 33.3 ms, corresponding to 30 fps. The middle part shows the 60 fps video signal transmitted to the recording medium 90, which is updated at 16.6 ms intervals. Although the image signal from the image sensor has a period of 33.3 ms, the recording frame rate is set to 60 fps, so the same image is generated every two consecutive frames without image updates. In contrast, the lower part shows that by skipping one frame every two frames from the recorded video at 16.6 ms intervals, a video signal updated at 33.33 s intervals is generated. 1000 / 33.33 = 30.0 [fps] This means that when generating 30fps video from 60fps, it is done using a single decimation frame rate.

[0050] By controlling the exposure time and frame decimation as described above, it becomes possible to switch between three shooting modes without interrupting the video display: a first shooting mode that prioritizes recorded video over output video, a second shooting mode that prioritizes output video over recorded video, and a third shooting mode where the recorded frame rate FR1 and the output frame rate FR2 match.

[0051] Next, Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the control of the shutter speed display, and Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the shutter speed display. The operation of the flowchart in Figure 9 is realized when the system control unit 50 loads the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executes it.

[0052] First, in S900, the system control unit 50 determines whether the set recording mode is one in which the recording frame rate FR1 and the output frame rate FR2 match. If they match, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S901; otherwise, it proceeds to S902.

[0053] In S901, the system control unit 50 displays the shutter speed based on the frame rate FR1, as shown at 1000 in Figure 10(a), and then terminates. Here, the angle is shown as 180° as an example, but in the case of 60fps, the shutter speed may be displayed as 1 / 120 (seconds).

[0054] Here, let me explain the angle notation for shutter speed. In the era of film cameras, a rotary shutter was used to capture 24 frames per second, and the exposure time was determined by the angle at which the shutter opened.

[0055] For example, if the frame rate is 24fps, and the rotary shutter is open to its full angle (360°) for the duration of one frame, the exposure time will be 1 / 24 (seconds), which is the duration of one frame. In other words, if the angle is indicated as 360°, the exposure time will be 1 / 24 (seconds). Similarly, if the angle is indicated as 180°, the exposure time will be half the duration of one frame, so the shutter speed will be 1 / 48 (seconds).

[0056] Similarly, if the frame rate is 30fps, the shutter speed will be 1 / 30 second if the angle is 360°, 1 / 60 second if it's 180°, and 1 / 120 second if it's 90°.

[0057] Thus, in angle display, the exposure time for 360° is the same as the time equivalent to one frame, and the exposure time becomes shorter or longer depending on the ratio of the angle to 360°.

[0058] In S902, the system control unit 50 determines whether the set shutter speed is expressed in angle notation. If the shutter speed is expressed in angle notation, the system control unit 50 proceeds to S903; otherwise, it proceeds to S904.

[0059] In S903, the system control unit 50 displays two shutter speeds, as shown in 1001 and 1002 of Figure 10(b): one based on the recording frame rate FR1 and another based on the output frame rate FR2 (shown in parentheses). The angle notation, as explained above, is a method of expressing exposure time by representing the exposure time corresponding to one frame as 360°, and expressing faster exposure times as a ratio to 360°. Therefore, when FR1 and FR2 are different, both the angle notation based on the recording frame rate FR1 and the angle notation based on the output frame rate FR2 are displayed to make it easy to determine the exposure time.

[0060] In the example in Figure 10(b), 1001 shows the angle notation (450°) based on the recording frame rate FR1 (60fps), and 1002 shows the angle notation (180°) based on the output frame rate (24fps). When the frame rate is 60fps, an angle notation of 450° means 1 / 60 (seconds) × 450° / 360° = 1 / 48 (seconds). Similarly, when the frame rate in parentheses is 24fps, an angle notation of 180° means 1 / 24 (seconds) × 180° / 360° = 1 / 48 (seconds). When expressed in shutter speed seconds, both values ​​are the same.

[0061] Figure 10(c) shows an example with a recording frame rate of FR1 (60fps) and an output frame rate of 30fps. 1003 shows the angle notation based on the recording frame rate FR1 (60fps), and 1004 shows the angle notation based on the output frame rate (30fps). Once the above display processing is complete, the processing of this flow is terminated.

[0062] In S904, the system control unit 50 displays the shutter speed as shown at 1005 in Figure 10(d). In this example, it is displayed as 1 / 48 (seconds) in seconds. Unlike the angle notation described above, there is no difference in notation based on the frame rate in seconds notation, so as shown in Figure 10(d), the display is the same for both the recording frame rate and the output frame rate. Once the above display process is complete, the processing of this flow is terminated.

[0063] Next, we will explain the case where video recording is performed under the conditions shown in Figure 10(b), using Figure 11.

[0064] As shown in Figure 11, the digital video camera 100 and the external recorder 1100 are connected via an SDI terminal.

[0065] When recording video with the digital video camera 100, the shutter speed (metadata) recorded on the recording medium 90 shall be 450.00° as shown in 1101, and the shutter speed (metadata) transmitted from the digital video camera 100 to the recorder 1100 shall be 180.00° as shown in 1102.

[0066] This makes it possible to make the metadata of the recorded video file identical to the shutter speed notation shown in Figure 10(b).

[0067] Alternatively, the recorder 1100 may be sent information regarding the recording frame rate FR1 (60fps) and the output frame rate FR2 (24fps) as frame rate information 1103, and the above FR1 and FR2 information may be included as metadata for the video file.

[0068] (Other embodiments) Furthermore, 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 a process in which 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.

[0069] The disclosures herein include the following imaging devices and their control methods, programs, and storage media.

[0070] (Item 1) A shooting method that captures images and generates video signals, A recording means for recording the video generated by the aforementioned shooting means at a first frame rate, An output means that converts the video generated by the aforementioned shooting means to a second frame rate different from the first frame rate, and outputs the video for display on a display means, A display control means for simultaneously displaying on the display means a first angle for displaying the exposure time based on the first frame rate as an angle, and a second angle for displaying the exposure time based on the second frame rate as an angle, An imaging device characterized by comprising:

[0071] (Item 2) The imaging apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that the second frame rate is a lower frame rate than the first frame rate.

[0072] (Item 3) The imaging apparatus according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the display control means causes the first frame rate and the second frame rate to be displayed on the display means simultaneously.

[0073] (Item 4) In a shooting mode in which the first frame rate and the second frame rate are the same, the display control means causes the display means to display the angle of the exposure time based on the first frame rate. This is the imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 3.

[0074] (Item 5) The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the second frame rate is a frame rate obtained as the average of multiple update cycles generated by downsampling images of the first frame rate at different intervals.

[0075] (Item 6) The imaging apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the second frame rate is a frame rate generated by subsampling the video of the first frame rate in a single period.

[0076] (Item 7) The imaging apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that the angle displayed by the angle representation of the exposure time based on the first frame rate can take a value exceeding 360°.

[0077] (Item 8) The imaging apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that the recording means records the angle, which is an angle display of the exposure time based on the first frame rate, as metadata.

[0078] (Item 9) The imaging apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that the output means outputs the angle of the exposure time based on the second frame rate as metadata.

[0079] (Item 10) The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 9, further comprising a switching means for switching between a first shooting mode in which the first frame rate and the second frame rate are different, and a second shooting mode in which the first frame rate and the second frame rate are the same.

[0080] (Item 11) The imaging device according to item 10, characterized in that it is possible to switch between the first shooting mode and the second shooting mode while an image is being output by the output means.

[0081] (Item 12) The imaging apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that the recording means records information regarding the second frame rate as metadata.

[0082] (Item 13) The imaging device according to item 1, characterized in that the output means includes at least one of the following: an SDI (Serial Digital Interface) terminal, an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, or an Ethernet terminal.

[0083] (Item 14) A method for controlling an imaging device comprising: an imaging means for capturing images and generating a video signal; and a recording means for recording the images generated by the imaging means at a first frame rate, An output step which involves converting the image generated by the shooting means to a second frame rate different from the first frame rate, and outputting the image for display on the display means, A display control step for simultaneously displaying on the display means a first angle for displaying the exposure time based on the first frame rate and a second angle for displaying the exposure time based on the second frame rate, A control method for an imaging device, characterized by having the following features.

[0084] (Item 15) A program to cause a computer to execute each step of the control method for the imaging device described in item 14.

[0085] (Item 16) A computer-readable storage medium containing a program that causes a computer to execute each step of the control method for the imaging device described in item 14.

[0086] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 100: Digital video camera, 22: Imaging unit, 24: Image processing unit, 28: Display unit, 50: System control unit

Claims

1. A shooting method that captures images and generates video signals, A recording means for recording the video generated by the aforementioned shooting means at a first frame rate, An output means that converts the video generated by the aforementioned shooting means to a second frame rate different from the first frame rate, and outputs the video for display on a display means, A display control means for simultaneously displaying on the display means a first angle for displaying the exposure time based on the first frame rate as an angle, and a second angle for displaying the exposure time based on the second frame rate as an angle, An imaging device characterized by comprising:

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second frame rate is a lower frame rate than the first frame rate.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control means causes the first frame rate and the second frame rate to be displayed on the display means simultaneously.

4. In a shooting mode in which the first frame rate and the second frame rate are the same, the display control means causes the display means to display the angle of the exposure time based on the first frame rate. This is the imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second frame rate is a frame rate obtained as the average of a plurality of update cycles generated by downsampling images of the first frame rate at different intervals.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second frame rate is a frame rate generated by downsampling the video of the first frame rate in a single period.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle displayed by the angle representation of the exposure time based on the first frame rate can take a value exceeding 360°.

8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the recording means records the angle, which is an angle display of the exposure time based on the first frame rate, as metadata.

9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the output means outputs the angle, which is an angle display of the exposure time based on the second frame rate, as metadata.

10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a switching means for switching between a first shooting mode in which the first frame rate and the second frame rate are different, and a second shooting mode in which the first frame rate and the second frame rate are the same.

11. The imaging device according to claim 10, characterized in that it is possible to switch between the first shooting mode and the second shooting mode while an image is being output by the output means.

12. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the recording means records information regarding the second frame rate as metadata.

13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the output means includes at least one of the following: an SDI (Serial Digital Interface) terminal, an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, or an Ethernet terminal.

14. A method for controlling an imaging device comprising: an imaging means for capturing images and generating a video signal; and a recording means for recording the images generated by the imaging means at a first frame rate, An output step which involves converting the image generated by the shooting means to a second frame rate different from the first frame rate, and outputting the image for display on the display means, A display control step for simultaneously displaying on the display means a first angle for displaying the exposure time based on the first frame rate and a second angle for displaying the exposure time based on the second frame rate, A control method for an imaging device, characterized by having the following features.

15. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method for the imaging device described in claim 14.

16. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method for the imaging device described in claim 14.

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