Imaging device, control method for imaging device, and program

Abstract

In pre-continuous shooting, this system provides a mechanism that allows recording at a different recording speed than the continuous shooting speed to record files with file numbers assigned in the order of the shooting time. [Solution] The imaging device 300, upon half-pressing the release button, determines that the storage state of the image data held in the image ring buffer area satisfies predetermined conditions, assigns a file number to the image data corresponding to each first imaging interval based on the first recording speed, and records the image data with the assigned file number on the recording medium 312. Furthermore, upon full-pressing the release button while it is half-pressed, the imaging device 300 assigns a file number to the image data corresponding to each second imaging interval based on the second recording speed, and records the image data with the assigned file number on the recording medium 312.

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] In digital cameras and electronic devices equipped with a camera function (hereinafter collectively referred to as "imaging devices"), video shooting and still image shooting are performed. In still image shooting, development processing is performed on the image output from the image sensor, and the developed image data is recorded on a recording medium. In addition, an imaging device can also perform continuous shooting in which still images are continuously shot, and in continuous shooting, the continuous shooting speed can be set to 3fps to 60fps, etc., and still images can be continuously shot.

[0003] In addition, in an imaging device, two-stage button operations of a half-press state in which the release button is pressed halfway and a full-press state in which the release button is further pressed deeper are possible. In such an imaging device, when the release button is half-pressed, the continuously shot images are held in a buffer as image data, and when the release button is fully pressed, pre-continuous shooting is performed in which the image data held in the buffer is recorded on a recording medium. In pre-continuous shooting, not only the image data after the full press of the release button but also the image data before the full press of the release button can be recorded on the recording medium, so that it is possible to prevent missing a decisive moment.

[0004] In addition, a technique for changing the continuous shooting speed before and after the release button is fully pressed during pre-continuous shooting has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, for example, it is possible to set the continuous shooting speed before the release button is fully pressed to 5fps and the continuous shooting speed after the release button is fully pressed to 30fps.

[0005] By the way, in pre-continuous shooting, it is often unclear at what point before the release button is fully pressed the decisive moment occurs, and there are cases where it is desirable to record the images taken during that time as image data to the recording medium at a low speed. In the technology described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, it is possible to change the continuous shooting speed during pre-continuous shooting, but it is not possible to simultaneously hold the image data before the release button is fully pressed in a buffer at high-speed continuous shooting and record that image data to the recording medium at a low speed. In contrast, there is a technology that, when the release button is half-pressed, holds the image data in a buffer at a continuous shooting speed of 30fps and records the image data to the recording medium at a different speed of 5fps, and when the release button is fully pressed, records the image data held in the buffer to the recording medium at the continuous shooting speed of 30fps. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-257925 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In the technology described above, image data recorded on the recording medium is normally assigned file numbers in the order of the shooting time. However, with the technology described above, if recording is performed at a different recording speed than the continuous shooting speed during pre-continuous shooting, there is a concern that the image data recorded on the recording medium will be assigned file numbers that are not in the order of the shooting time.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a mechanism that, in pre-continuous shooting, allows recording to be performed at a recording speed different from the continuous shooting speed, while assigning file numbers in the order of the shooting times. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the imaging apparatus of the present invention comprises: imaging means; recording means; holding means for holding images acquired by the imaging means as image data; determination means for determining whether the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies predetermined conditions; and control means for controlling the recording of the image data held in the holding means in the recording means. The control means, in accordance with a first imaging instruction, assigns a file number to the image data corresponding to each first imaging interval based on the determination that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions, and records the image data with the assigned file number in the recording means. In accordance with a second imaging instruction in the first imaging instruction, it assigns a file number to the image data corresponding to each second imaging interval different from the first imaging interval, and records the image data with the assigned file number in the recording means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, when recording in pre-continuous shooting mode at a recording speed different from the continuous shooting speed, the files can be recorded with file numbers assigned in the order of the shooting times. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the image sensor included in the imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure schematically shows the pixel arrangement of the image sensor in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the imaging device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a menu screen displayed on the display unit shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates the pre-continuous imaging using the imaging device shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the control procedure for pre-continuous imaging using the imaging device. [Figure 7]This figure shows an example of the pre-continuous shooting time setting screen displayed on the display unit in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, before describing the configuration of the imaging device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the image sensor provided in this imaging device will be described.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the image sensor 306 included in the imaging device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] In Figure 1, 101 is a pixel, 102 is a vertical output line, 103 is a transfer signal line, 104 is a reset signal line, and 105 is a row selection signal line. 111 is a column ADC block (hereinafter referred to as "ADC"), 112 is a row scanning circuit, 113 is a column scanning circuit, 114 is a timing control circuit, and 115-a and 115-b are horizontal signal lines. 116 is a toggle switch, and 117 is a parallel-to-serial converter (hereinafter referred to as "P / S converter").

[0015] The timing control circuit 114 controls the imaging timing of the image sensor 306 in accordance with the VD signal (vertical synchronization signal) 118, HD0 signal (horizontal synchronization signal 0) 119, and HD1 signal (horizontal synchronization signal 1) 120 input from the overall control calculation unit 309 shown in Figure 3, which will be described later. 121 is the SIO communication signal.

[0016] The image sensor 306 (imaging means) comprises a plurality of pixels 101 arranged in a matrix. Each pixel 101 is connected to a transfer signal line 103, a reset signal line 104, and a row selection signal line 105 in the horizontal direction (row direction), and to a vertical output line 102 in the vertical direction (column direction). Note that each vertical output line 102 is connected to a different destination depending on the read row unit.

[0017] In addition, the imaging device 306 includes an ADC 111, a row scanning circuit 112, a column scanning circuit 113, a switching switch 116, and a P / S conversion unit 117.

[0018] The switching switch 116 is a switch for outputting image signals respectively output from the horizontal signal lines 115-a and 115-b for each channel. The image signals are subjected to parallel-serial conversion by the P / S conversion unit 117 in accordance with the timing of the signals output from the timing control circuit 114, and then output outside the imaging device 306. Also, as the readout drive, it is possible to select a drive for reading all pixels, a readout drive with thinning in the vertical direction by 1 / 3 or 1 / 5, a drive with vertical cropping, etc.

[0019] The imaging device 306 has a standby state, a read state, and an exposure state. During the standby state, the imaging device 306 does not perform reading of the pixel 101 or transfer of image data to the imaging signal processing circuit 307 shown in FIG. 3 described later. In the read state, the imaging device 306 performs exposure and reading of the pixel 101, and transfers the image data to the imaging signal processing circuit 307 described later. In the exposure state, the imaging device 306 does not perform reading of the pixel 101 or transfer of image data to the imaging signal processing circuit 307 described later, and accumulates charges in the pixel 101.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the pixel array of the imaging device 306 in FIG. 1. A Bayer array is applied to the color filter, and red (R) and green (Gr) color filters are alternately provided for the pixels in odd rows in order from the left. Also, green (Gb) and blue (B) color filters are alternately provided for the pixels in even rows in order from the left. Also, an on-chip microlens 201 is formed on the color filter 202.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the imaging device 300 according to the present embodiment.

[0022] In Figure 3, the imaging device 300 includes a lens 301, a lens drive unit 302, a mechanical shutter 303, an aperture 304, a shutter / aperture drive unit 305, an image sensor 306, and an imaging signal processing circuit 307. The imaging device 300 also includes a memory unit I308 (holding means), an overall control calculation unit 309 (control means), a storage medium control I / F unit 310, a display unit 311, a recording medium 312 (recording means), an external I / F unit 313, a memory unit II314, and an operation unit 315.

[0023] The subject image that passes through lens 301 is adjusted to the appropriate light intensity by aperture 304 and formed on the imaging surface of image sensor 306. The subject image formed on the imaging surface of image sensor 306 is photoelectrically converted by pixel 101, and further gain adjustment and A / D conversion from analog signal to digital signal are performed, and the signal is captured as R, Gr, Gb, and B signals and sent to imaging signal processing circuit 307.

[0024] The imaging signal processing circuit 307 performs predetermined calculations using the captured image signal. Based on the calculation results obtained from this calculation, the overall control calculation unit 309 performs exposure control and distance measurement control. This enables TTL (through-the-lens) type AE (automatic exposure) processing and EF (automatic flash emission) processing. The frame rate can be changed by lengthening or shortening the duration of the VD signal 118 supplied to the image sensor 306 through AE processing.

[0025] Furthermore, the imaging signal processing circuit 307 performs predetermined calculations using the captured image signal and performs TTL-type AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained calculation results. In addition, the imaging signal processing circuit 307 performs scratch pixel correction and shading processing on the image sensor 306 and then performs development processing. In the development processing, low-pass filtering to reduce noise, sharpness correction to correct subject blur, contrast correction to adjust the image contrast, and false color correction to correct false colors are performed.

[0026] The lens 301 is driven and controlled by the lens drive unit 302 for zoom, focus, etc. The mechanical shutter 303 and aperture 304 are driven and controlled by the shutter / aperture drive unit 305. The overall control calculation unit 309 controls the entire imaging device 300 and performs various calculations. The overall control calculation unit 309 also has a timer function and controls the recording speed timer that sets the recording interval for shooting.

[0027] The memory unit I308 temporarily stores (holds) the image signal as image data. The storage medium control interface unit 310 records the image data to the recording medium 312 and reads the image data from the recording medium 312.

[0028] The display unit 311 displays image data. There are two types of display units 311: EVF (Electronic View Finder) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The recording medium 312 is a removable storage medium such as semiconductor memory, and records image data. The external I / F unit 313 is an interface for communication with an external computer, etc. The memory unit II 314 stores the calculation results from the overall control calculation unit 309. Information regarding the driving conditions of the imaging device 300 set by the user in the operation unit 315 is sent to the overall control calculation unit 309, and the entire imaging device 300 is controlled based on this information.

[0029] The control unit 315 includes operating elements such as a menu button for the user to configure the imaging device 300, a playback button for checking captured images, and a release button for issuing imaging commands. The imaging device 300 allows for two-stage button operation: a state where the release button is partially pressed (half-press operation of the release button (SW1)) and a state where the release button is pressed further (full-press operation of the release button (SW2)). The user can perform pre-continuous shooting by performing these two-stage button operations. In pre-continuous shooting, when the release button is half-pressed (SW1), image data is held in the memory unit I308 at a set second recording speed, while image data is recorded on the recording medium 312 at a first recording speed different from the second recording speed. When the release button is fully pressed (SW2), the image data held in the memory unit I308 is recorded on the recording medium 312 at the second recording speed.

[0030] Figure 4 shows an example of the menu screen 400 displayed on the display unit 311 in Figure 3.

[0031] The overall control calculation unit 309 displays the menu screen 400 on the display unit 311 according to the instructions entered by the user into the operation unit 315. On the menu screen 400, the user can select whether or not to perform pre-continuous shooting, and select a first recording speed and a second recording speed. The first recording speed is the recording speed after half-pressing the release button (SW1). The second recording speed is the recording speed after fully pressing the release button (SW2). In this embodiment, as an example, the second recording speed is set to 60 [fps], and the first recording speed is set to 15 [fps], which is slower than the second recording speed. The settings set on the menu screen 400 are stored in the memory unit I308.

[0032] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating pre-continuous imaging using the imaging device 300 shown in Figure 3.

[0033] If continuous shooting is selected on menu screen 400 and the first and second recording speeds are set, the image sensor 306 in live view (LV) mode is controlled at the second recording speed with a drive that reads out all pixels.

[0034] The memory unit I308 is reserved for temporary image storage during pre-continuous shooting. In this embodiment, the image ring buffer area in the memory unit I308 is reserved with a capacity to store image data for 10 still images. When the free space in the image ring buffer area is insufficient and the next image data is to be temporarily stored (held), the oldest image data will be overwritten.

[0035] Furthermore, the memory unit I308 has a buffer allocated for a file number issuance permission flag (identification information) to determine whether or not to issue a file number. A file number is a number assigned to image data recorded on the recording medium 312 from among the images held in the image ring buffer area, in order of the time of capture. For example, the image data recorded on the recording medium 312 is assigned file numbers such as 001, 002, and 003 in order from the oldest image data to the oldest.

[0036] During LV, the image ring buffer area holds the image data in the order in which it was captured. However, at this stage, the image data is not yet recorded to the recording medium 312. At this time, all file number issuance permission flags are set to FALSE.

[0037] When the user half-presses the release button on the control unit 315 to start pre-continuous shooting recording, the file number issuance permission flag is set to TRUE based on the data of the first image sensor 306 exposure completed and read out (image 06 in Figure 5).

[0038] At this time, the recording speed timer of the overall control calculation unit 309 is operated according to the first recording speed. In this embodiment, since the first recording speed is 15 [fps], the recording speed timer is set to 66.66 [ms] and operated to count down.

[0039] During the period when the shutter release button is half-pressed, the value of the recording speed timer in the overall control calculation unit 309 is checked at the timing when the image captured at the second recording speed is held as image data in the image ring buffer area.

[0040] If the value of the recording speed timer in the overall control calculation unit 309 is not 0, the file number issuance permission flag is set to FALSE. If the value of the recording speed timer in the overall control calculation unit 309 is 0, the file number issuance permission flag is set to TRUE.

[0041] Furthermore, if the value of the recording speed timer in the overall control calculation unit 309 is 0, the recording speed timer in the overall control calculation unit 309 is operated again according to the first recording speed.

[0042] During the period when the release button is half-pressed, if the free space in the image ring buffer area of ​​the memory unit I308 is insufficient and the next image data is to be held (overwritten), a file number is assigned to the image data for which the file number issuance permission flag is TRUE, and it is recorded on the recording medium 312.

[0043] Subsequently, when the user fully presses the release button on the control unit 315 to end pre-continuous shooting recording, file numbers are assigned to the oldest image data in the image ring buffer area of ​​the memory unit I308 and recorded to the recording medium 312. At this time, the value of the file number issuance permission flag is not checked, so recording is performed at the second recording speed.

[0044] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure for controlling pre-continuous shooting using the imaging device 300 shown in Figure 3. The control process in Figure 6 is realized by the overall control calculation unit 309 executing a program stored in the memory (not shown) of the overall control calculation unit 309. The control process in Figure 6 starts when the user closes the menu screen 400 after selecting to perform pre-continuous shooting on the menu screen 400 and setting the first recording speed and the second recording speed. As mentioned above, the second recording speed is set to 60 [fps], the same as the continuous shooting speed, and the first recording speed is set to 15 [fps], which is slower than the second recording speed.

[0045] In Figure 6, first, the overall control calculation unit 309 reserves an image ring buffer area in the memory unit I308 (S601). In S601, as described above, an image ring buffer area with a capacity to store image data for 10 still images is reserved in the memory unit I308.

[0046] Next, the overall control calculation unit 309 allocates a ring buffer area for the file number issuance permission flags (S602). Then, the overall control calculation unit 309 sets all file number issuance permission flags to FALSE (S603).

[0047] Next, the overall control calculation unit 309 controls the image sensor 306 at the second recording speed set on the menu screen 400 (S604). As a result, the image sensor 306 reads out the image at the second recording speed.

[0048] Next, the overall control calculation unit 309 determines whether or not the user has performed a half-press operation (SW1) of the release button using the operation unit 315 (S605). If it is determined in S605 that the user has not performed a half-press operation (SW1) of the release button using the operation unit 315, the process proceeds to S606.

[0049] In S606, the overall control calculation unit 309 determines whether or not image reading by the image sensor 306 has started. If it is determined in S606 that image reading by the image sensor 306 has not started, the process returns to S605. If it is determined in S606 that image reading by the image sensor 306 has started, the process proceeds to S607.

[0050] In S607, the overall control calculation unit 309 stores the image acquired by the image sensor 306 as image data in the image ring buffer area. After that, the process returns to S605.

[0051] If it is determined in S605 that the user has performed a half-press operation (SW1) of the release button on the control unit 315, this process proceeds to S608.

[0052] In S608, the overall control calculation unit 309 sets the value of the recording speed timer of the overall control calculation unit 309 to 0.

[0053] Next, the overall control calculation unit 309 determines whether or not image reading by the image sensor 306 has started (S609). If it is determined in S609 that image reading by the image sensor 306 has started, the process proceeds to S610.

[0054] In S610, the overall control calculation unit 309 stores the image acquired by the image sensor 306 as image data in the image ring buffer area.

[0055] Next, the overall control calculation unit 309 determines whether the value of the recording speed timer is 0 (S611). If it is determined in S611 that the value of the recording speed timer is 0, the overall control calculation unit 309 sets the file number issuance permission flag to TRUE (S612).

[0056] Next, the overall control calculation unit 309 starts the operation of its recording speed timer (S613). As described above, the overall control calculation unit 309 operates this recording speed timer based on the first recording speed. In this embodiment, the first recording speed is 15 [fps], so the overall control calculation unit 309 sets the recording speed timer to 66.66 [ms] and operates it to count down. Next, this process proceeds to S615, which will be described later.

[0057] If the recording speed timer value is determined to be non-zero in S611, the overall control calculation unit 309 sets the file number issuance permission flag to FALSE (S614). Thus, in this embodiment, the file number issuance permission flag is set to TRUE when the recording speed timer value is 0. For example, when the user half-presses the release button on the operation unit 315, the file number issuance permission flag is set to TRUE for the data of the image (image 06 in Figure 5) that is read out after the exposure of the first image sensor 306 is completed. Also, when the value of the recording speed timer, which operates based on the first recording speed, becomes 0, that is, for the image data corresponding to each first imaging interval corresponding to the first recording speed, the file number issuance permission flag is set to TRUE.

[0058] Next, the overall control calculation unit 309 determines whether the storage state of the image data in the image ring buffer area satisfies predetermined conditions (S615). In this embodiment, for example, conditions relating to the remaining capacity of the image ring buffer area are set in advance as predetermined conditions. In S615, for example, if the image data held in the image ring buffer area is not in a state where it will be overwritten with the next image data, that is, if there is still capacity in the image ring buffer area to save the next image data, it is determined that the storage state of the image data in the image ring buffer area does not satisfy the predetermined conditions. In this case, the process returns to S609. On the other hand, if the image data held in the image ring buffer area is in a state where it will be overwritten with the next image data, that is, if there is no capacity left in the image ring buffer area to save the next image data, it is determined that the storage state of the image data in the image ring buffer area satisfies the predetermined conditions. In this case, the process proceeds to S616.

[0059] In S616, the overall control calculation unit 309 determines whether the file number issuance permission flag for the oldest image data among the image data held in the image ring buffer area is TRUE (S616). If in S616 it is determined that the file number issuance permission flag for the oldest image data among the image data held in the image ring buffer area is not TRUE, that is, if the file number issuance permission flag is FALSE, the process returns to S609.

[0060] If, in S616, the file number issuance permission flag for the oldest image data held in the image ring buffer area is determined to be TRUE, the process proceeds to S617.

[0061] In S617, the overall control calculation unit 309 assigns a file number to the image data and records this image data with the assigned file number onto the recording medium 312 (S617). After that, the process returns to S609.

[0062] If it is determined in S609 that image reading by the image sensor 306 has not started, this process proceeds to S618.

[0063] In S618, the overall control calculation unit 309 determines whether the half-press operation (SW1) of the release button at the operation unit 315 has been released. If the operation unit 315 determines that the half-press operation (SW1) of the release button has been released, the process proceeds to S619.

[0064] In S619, the overall control calculation unit 309 stops its recording speed timer. Next, the overall control calculation unit 309 determines whether or not image data is held in the image ring buffer area (S620). If it is determined that no image data is held in the image ring buffer area, this process ends. If it is determined that image data is held in the image ring buffer area, this process proceeds to S621.

[0065] In S621, the overall control calculation unit 309 determines whether the file number issuance permission flag for the oldest image data held in the image ring buffer area is TRUE (S621). If it is determined that the file number issuance permission flag for the oldest image data held in the image ring buffer area is TRUE, the process proceeds to S622.

[0066] In S622, the overall control calculation unit 309 assigns a file number to the image data and records this image with the assigned file number onto the recording medium 312. Next, the overall control calculation unit 309 erases this image data from the image ring buffer area (S623). After that, the process returns to S620.

[0067] If, in S621, it is determined that the file number issuance permission flag for the oldest image data stored in the image ring buffer area is not TRUE, that is, if the file number issuance permission flag is FALSE, the process proceeds to S623.

[0068] If, in S618, it is determined that the half-press operation (SW1) of the release button at the control unit 315 has not been released, the process proceeds to S624.

[0069] In S624, the overall control calculation unit 309 determines whether the user has performed a full press operation (SW2) of the release button using the operation unit 315. If it is determined that the user has not performed a full press operation (SW2) of the release button using the operation unit 315, this process returns to S609. If it is determined that the user has performed a full press operation (SW2) of the release button using the operation unit 315, this process proceeds to S625.

[0070] In S625, the overall control calculation unit 309 stops its recording speed timer. Next, the overall control calculation unit 309 determines whether or not image data is held in the image ring buffer area (S626). If it is determined that image data is held in the image ring buffer area, the process proceeds to S627.

[0071] In S627, the overall control calculation unit 309 assigns a file number to the oldest image data among the image data held in the image ring buffer area and records this image data on the recording medium 312. Next, the overall control calculation unit 309 erases the image data recorded on the recording medium 312 from the image ring buffer area (S628). After that, the process returns to S626.

[0072] If it is determined in S626 that no image is stored in the image ring buffer area, this process will terminate.

[0073] According to the embodiment described above, when the release button is half-pressed, it is determined that the storage state of the image data held in the image ring buffer area satisfies predetermined conditions, and based on this determination, a file number is assigned to the image data corresponding to each first imaging interval based on the first recording speed, and the image data with the assigned file number is recorded on the recording medium 312. Furthermore, when the release button is fully pressed during the half-press operation (during the first imaging instruction), a file number is assigned to the image data corresponding to each second imaging interval based on the second recording speed, and the image data with the assigned file number is recorded on the recording medium 312. This makes it possible to assign file numbers in chronological order of shooting time when recording is performed at a first recording speed different from the second recording speed during pre-continuous shooting.

[0074] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, a file number issuance permission flag is assigned to the image data held in the image ring buffer area at each first imaging interval in accordance with the half-press operation of the release button. When it is determined that the storage state of the image data held in the image ring buffer area satisfies predetermined conditions, a file number is assigned to the image data for which the file number issuance permission flag is set to TRUE, and the image data with the assigned file number is recorded on the recording medium 312. This makes it possible to record image data with file numbers assigned in the order of the shooting time when recording image data at the first recording speed.

[0075] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, when the release button is fully pressed while it is being half-pressed, file numbers are assigned sequentially to the oldest image data held in the image ring buffer area, and the image data with the assigned file numbers is recorded on the recording medium 312. This makes it possible to record image data with file numbers assigned in the order of the shooting time when recording image data at a second recording speed after recording at a first recording speed.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, since the first imaging interval is greater than the second imaging interval, when recording is performed at a first recording speed that is slower than the second recording speed during pre-continuous shooting, the files can be recorded with file numbers assigned in the order of the shooting times.

[0077] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the storage state of the image data in the image ring buffer area is determined to satisfy predetermined conditions when the image data held in the image ring buffer area is about to be overwritten by the next image data. That is, for image data held in the image ring buffer area that is about to be overwritten by the next image data, S616 determines whether the file number issuance permission flag for this image data is TRUE before it is overwritten. As a result, if the file number issuance permission flag for this image data is TRUE, a file number can be assigned to this image data before it is overwritten, and this image data with the assigned file number can be recorded on the recording medium 312.

[0078] In the embodiment described above, the determination in S615 was explained using a condition relating to the remaining capacity of the image ring buffer area as a predetermined condition, but the predetermined condition is not limited to this. For example, a condition relating to the number of image data files held in the image ring buffer area may be used. When this condition is used, S615 determines that the storage state of the image data in the image ring buffer area satisfies the predetermined condition if, for example, the number of image data files held in the image ring buffer area is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. For example, this occurs when an image ring buffer area capable of storing 10 image data files is secured in the memory unit I308, and a predetermined number, for example, 8 or more image data files, are held in this image ring buffer area. In this state, where the image ring buffer area secured in the memory unit I308 has space to store 2 more image data files, a file number is assigned to the image data for which the file number issuance permission flag is TRUE, and this image data with the assigned file number is recorded on the recording medium 312. This predetermined number is determined in advance, taking into account the variability in the process of recording the image data to the recording medium 312. By using the conditions described above, a file number can be assigned to image data before the image data for which the file number issuance permission flag is set to TRUE is overwritten, and this image data with the assigned file number can be recorded on the recording medium 312.

[0079] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, in the determination in S615, a condition relating to the total size of image data held in the image ring buffer area may be used as a predetermined condition. When this condition is used, S615 determines, for example, that the storage state of image data in the image ring buffer area satisfies a predetermined condition when the total size of image data held in the image ring buffer area becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined size. For example, this occurs when an image ring buffer area with a capacity of 100 [Mbytes] is allocated in the memory unit I308, and the total size of image data held in this image ring buffer area becomes 80 [Mbytes] or more. With the remaining capacity of the image ring buffer area allocated in the memory unit I308 becoming 20 [Mbytes], a file number is assigned to the image data for which the file number issuance permission flag is TRUE, and this image data with the assigned file number is recorded on the recording medium 312. This predetermined size is determined in advance, taking into account the variability in the process of recording image data to the recording medium 312. By using the conditions described above, a file number can be assigned to image data before the image data for which the file number issuance permission flag is set to TRUE is overwritten, and this image data with the assigned file number can be recorded on the recording medium 312.

[0080] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, in the determination in S615, a condition relating to the retention time of image data held in the image ring buffer area may be used as a predetermined condition. When this condition is used, S615 determines that the storage state of the image data in the image ring buffer area satisfies a predetermined condition if, for example, the retention time of the image data held in the image ring buffer area is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. For example, this is the case when the retention time of the image data held in the image ring buffer area is 1.0 second or more. Here, in a configuration in which the pre-continuous shooting time can be set, if the pre-continuous shooting time is set to 1.0 second, it is not necessary to record image data from 1.0 second or more ago on the recording medium 312. The above condition is used when the pre-continuous shooting time is set in this way.

[0081] Figure 7 shows an example of the pre-continuous shooting time setting screen 700 displayed on the display unit 311 in Figure 3.

[0082] The overall control calculation unit 309 displays the setting screen 700 on the display unit 311 according to the instructions entered by the user into the operation unit 315.

[0083] On the settings screen 700, the user can select either 1.0 second or 2.0 seconds as the pre-continuous shooting time. The setting value set on the settings screen 700 is stored in the memory unit I308.

[0084] In the determination in S615, if a predetermined condition is used that relates to the retention time of image data held in the image ring buffer area, a file number is assigned to image data that has been held in the image ring buffer area for 1.0 second or longer and for which the file number issuance permission flag is TRUE, and this image with the assigned file number is recorded on the recording medium 312. By using such conditions, it is possible to prevent unnecessary image data that the user did not intend to record on the recording medium 312 based on the pre-continuous shooting time set by the user.

[0085] The conditions used in S615 may be pre-set in the imaging device 300, or they may be configured to be set by the user operating the control unit 315.

[0086] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Furthermore, the disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) An imaging device comprising: an imaging means; a recording means; a holding means for holding an image acquired by the imaging means as image data; a determination means for determining whether the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies predetermined conditions; and a control means for controlling the recording of the image data held in the holding means in the recording means, wherein the control means, in accordance with a first imaging instruction, determines that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions, assigns a file number to the image data corresponding to each first imaging interval, and records the image data with the assigned file number in the recording means; and, in accordance with a second imaging instruction in the first imaging instruction, assigns a file number to the image data corresponding to each second imaging interval different from the first imaging interval, and records the image data with the assigned file number in the recording means. (Configuration 2) The imaging apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the control means assigns identification information to the image data held in the holding means at each first imaging interval in accordance with the first imaging instruction, and when it is determined that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions, assigns a file number to the image data to which the identification information has been assigned, and records the image data to which the file number has been assigned in the recording means. (Configuration 3) The imaging apparatus according to Configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means assigns file numbers to the oldest image data held in the holding means in order according to the second imaging instruction in the first imaging instruction, and records the image data to which the file numbers have been assigned in the recording means. (Configuration 4) The imaging apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the first imaging interval is greater than the second imaging interval. (Configuration 5) The imaging apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the determination means determines that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions when the image data held in the holding means is in a state where it is overwritten with the next image data. (Configuration 6) The imaging apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the determination means determines that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions when the number of image data held in the holding means is equal to or greater than a predetermined number set in advance. (Configuration 7) The imaging apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the determination means determines that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions when the total size of the image data held in the holding means is equal to or greater than a predetermined size set in advance. (Configuration 8) The imaging apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the determination means determines that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions when the holding time of the image data held in the holding means is equal to or greater than a predetermined time set in advance. (Configuration 9) A control method for an imaging device comprising an imaging means, a recording means, and a holding means for holding an image acquired by the imaging means as image data, the method comprising: a determination step of determining whether the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies predetermined conditions; and a control step of performing control to record the image data held in the holding means in the recording means, wherein the control step, in accordance with a first imaging instruction, determines that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions, assigns a file number to the image data corresponding to each first imaging interval, and records the image data with the assigned file number in the recording means; and, in accordance with a second imaging instruction in the first imaging instruction, assigns a file number to the image data corresponding to each second imaging interval different from the first imaging interval, and records the image data with the assigned file number in the recording means. (Configuration 10) A program that causes a computer to execute a control method for an imaging device comprising an imaging means, a recording means, and a holding means for holding images acquired by the imaging means as image data, wherein the control method for the imaging device comprises a determination step of determining whether the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies predetermined conditions, and a control step of performing control to record the image data held in the holding means in the recording means, wherein the control step, in accordance with a first imaging instruction, assigns a file number to the image data corresponding to each first imaging interval based on the determination that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions, and records the image data to which the file number has been assigned in the recording means, and in accordance with a second imaging instruction in the first imaging instruction, assigns a file number to the image data corresponding to each second imaging interval different from the first imaging interval, and records the image data to which the file number has been assigned in the recording means. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 300 Imaging devices 306 Image Sensors 308 Memory Section I 309 Overall Control Calculation Unit 312 Recording media

Claims

1. Imaging means, Recording means and A holding means for storing the image acquired by the imaging means as image data, A determination means for determining whether the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies predetermined conditions, The system comprises a control means for controlling the recording of image data held in the holding means to the recording means, The imaging apparatus is characterized in that, in accordance with a first imaging instruction, the control means determines that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions, assigns a file number to the image data corresponding to each first imaging interval, and records the image data with the assigned file number in the recording means, and in accordance with a second imaging instruction in the first imaging instruction, assigns a file number to the image data corresponding to each second imaging interval different from the first imaging interval, and records the image data with the assigned file number in the recording means.

2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means assigns identification information to the image data held in the holding means at each first imaging interval in accordance with the first imaging instruction, and when it is determined that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions, assigns a file number to the image data to which the identification information has been assigned, and records the image data to which the file number has been assigned in the recording means.

3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means assigns file numbers to the oldest image data held in the holding means in order according to the second imaging instruction in the first imaging instruction, and records the image data to which the file numbers have been assigned in the recording means.

4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first imaging interval is greater than the second imaging interval.

5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions when the image data held in the holding means is in a state where it is overwritten with the next image data.

6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions when the number of image data held in the holding means is equal to or greater than a predetermined number set in advance.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions when the total size of the image data held in the holding means is equal to or greater than a predetermined size set in advance.

8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions when the holding time of the image data held in the holding means is equal to or greater than a predetermined time set in advance.

9. A control method for an imaging device comprising an imaging means, a recording means, and a holding means for holding an image acquired by the imaging means as image data, A determination step of determining whether the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies predetermined conditions, The system includes a control step for controlling the recording of image data held in the holding means to the recording means, The control step is characterized by the following: in accordance with a first imaging instruction, a file number is assigned to the image data corresponding to each first imaging interval based on the determination that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions, and the image data to which the file number is assigned is recorded in the recording means; and in accordance with a second imaging instruction in the first imaging instruction, a file number is assigned to the image data corresponding to each second imaging interval different from the first imaging interval, and the image data to which the file number is assigned is recorded in the recording means.

10. A program that causes a computer to execute a control method for an imaging device comprising an imaging means, a recording means, and a holding means for holding an image acquired by the imaging means as image data, The control method for the imaging device is as follows: A determination step of determining whether the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies predetermined conditions, The system includes a control step for controlling the recording of image data held in the holding means to the recording means, The control step is a program characterized by assigning a file number to the image data corresponding to each first imaging interval and recording the image data with the assigned file number in the recording means, based on the determination that the storage state of the image data held in the holding means satisfies the predetermined conditions, in accordance with a first imaging instruction, and assigning a file number to the image data corresponding to each second imaging interval different from the first imaging interval and recording the image data with the assigned file number in the recording means, in accordance with a second imaging instruction in the first imaging instruction.

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