JPH0381348B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

The present invention relates to an electronic camera. More specifically, a subject image formed by a photographing optical system is converted into an image signal using an imaging means,
The present invention relates to an electronic camera that converts the image signal into an image on a display means and stores it on a storage means. Conventionally, this type of camera records one frame worth of image signal, that is, a still image signal, from an imaging means on a storage means such as a videotape or a video disk, and is capable of displaying the recorded image as an image on a display means. is known. However, in such a camera, the user has to play back and evaluate the recorded image signal later on the display means, and as a result, it may be determined that the image signal is unnecessary. This resulted in a wasteful use of storage means with limited storage capacity. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera with good operability that allows only necessary image signals to be recorded in storage means. In order to achieve this object, the gist of the present invention will be described below. The storage means includes a first storage means that can store image signals for a plurality of frames, and a second storage means that can store image signals for one frame. First, when a first non-intermittent manual operation is performed, the camera writes an image signal from the imaging means into the second storage means. Incidentally, since at least the first manual operation is a discontinuous operation, once the operation is performed, there is no need to be attentive to subsequent operations, and the hands are free. When this is completed, the image signal of this second storage means is automatically repeatedly read out to the display means,
Then it is played back as a still image. If this is observed and evaluated and it is determined that recording is necessary, a second manual operation is performed. At the time of the observation and evaluation, the first operation has already been completed, so there is no need to pay attention to the operation, the user can concentrate on the observation, and his/her hands are free. In response, the image signal is transferred from the second storage means to the first storage means. Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the block diagrams (Figs. 3 and 4) referred to below
The arrows between each component in the figure) simply indicate the signal transmission/reception relationship, and the arrows between each component indicate the signal transmission/reception relationship.
This does not show only the case where the signal lines are connected, nor does it show only the case where one type of signal is transmitted and received. In FIG. 1, an electronic camera C is composed of an imaging section C ₁ and a storage section C ₂ which are separable from each other.
The imaging unit _C1 generates an image signal corresponding to the subject. This image signal is sent to the storage section _C2 and stored in a built-in storage system (described in detail later). The storage unit _C2 is removed from the imaging unit _C1 ,
By connecting to an external storage means (not shown) such as a VTR, image signals stored in the storage system can be transferred thereto. These configurations will be explained in detail below. A trigger button 1 is provided on the top surface of the imaging section _C1 . The button 1 is pressed to initiate camera operation C, and can be pressed with a first stroke and a deeper second stroke. (Hereinafter, the first stroke will be referred to as a half-press, and the second stroke will be referred to as a full-press.) On the front is the imaging unit.
A photographic optical system L that is detachable from _C1 , a push button 2 that is pressed to start self-timer photography,
A flash light emitting section 3 and an objective section 4a of an optical viewfinder 4 are provided. Storage section on the side
A slider 5 is provided which is operated when removing C ₂ from the imaging section C ₁ . In FIG. 2, on the upper back side of the imaging section _C1 ,
An eyepiece section 4b of an optical viewfinder, a clear button 6 that is pressed to restart the shooting operation, a switching lever 7 for selecting various shooting modes, and the lever 7.
An access button 8 is provided at the center of rotation. Switching the switching lever 7 to the "A" position selects automatic access mode, switching the switch lever 7 to the "MAN" position selects manual access mode, and switching the switch lever 7 to the "MUL" position selects multiple exposure mode, as well as "ch1" and "ch2".
When switched to the position, the first and second chromakey modes are respectively selected. These shooting modes will be explained in detail later. Access button 8
is pressed in order to sequentially and cyclically access a plurality of frames of image signals stored in the storage system built into the storage unit _C2 one frame at a time. Further, on the upper back side of the imaging unit _C1 , there is a switching slider 9 that is operated to select the image signal synthesis mode when the mode for obtaining the composite image signal, that is, the multiple exposure mode or chromakey mode is selected. A display element 10 made of an electro-optical element such as a 7-segment liquid crystal display element is disposed for displaying the type of image being imaged on a monitor D, which will be described later. At the lower part of the back side, there is a monitor D, which is composed of electro-optical elements such as a liquid crystal matrix and electroluminescence, and which converts one frame of image signal into an image, a push button 11 that is pressed to turn on and off the operation of the monitor D, An exposure mode selection slider 12, an exposure time setting slider 13, an aperture value setting slider 14, a brightness adjustment slider 15, and a color specification slider 16 that is operated when the chromakey mode is selected are arranged. When the exposure mode selection slider 12 is set to the "T" position, shutter priority is selected, when it is set to "A", aperture priority is selected, and when it is set to "P", each automatic exposure mode of the program is selected. "M" position selects manual exposure mode. Imaging section C ₁
A connector 17 is provided on the side surface for outputting image signals to an external storage device such as a VTR or a CRT display device, or for inputting image signals from an external storage device or an external imaging device. A display element 18 made of an electro-optical element such as an electrochromic display element is arranged on the back side of the storage section _C2 so that the usage status of the storage system, which will be described later, can be seen at a glance. In FIG. 3, light coming from an object (not shown) is transmitted to an image sensor I such as a CCD by a photographing optical system L.
It is visualized above. The image sensor I has a color mosaic filter on its imaging surface, and photoelectrically converts this subject image. The electrical signal corresponding to this subject image is repeatedly read out as an image signal at a moving image period (for example, at a period of 30 frames per second) by a drive signal from the recording processing system W. (Hereafter, this image signal will be referred to as the raw image signal) Recording processing system W
is amplified to this raw image signal, and the recording system M・
If buffer memory B is digital memory,
Perform processing such as AD conversion and output. The raw image signal is input to the changeover switch circuit S ₁ via the first input terminal S ₁ a, and when it passes through the circuit S ₁ it is input to the delay circuit.
Input to De ₁ and delayed. (The reason for providing this circuit De ₁ will be described later.) After passing through the gate circuit G ₁ , the signal is sent to the adder circuit A via its first input terminal Aa. The circuit A also has a second input terminal Ab, adds image signals sent to both terminals Aa and Ab, and outputs a composite image in which both signals are superimposed. However, if there is only one input signal, that input signal is output as is. Further, a brightness adjustment signal generating means 15a linked to the brightness adjustment slider 15 is connected to the circuit A.
Slider 1 to set the brightness level of the image signal input to
It is variable according to the operation in step 5. When the raw image signal is directly output from the adder circuit A, it is branched into four parts, which are respectively sent to the reproduction processing system R, the storage system M, the first input terminal _S2a of the switch circuit _S2 , and the connector 17. sent to. The reproduction processing system R amplifies the input image signal.
If the image signal is input in the form of a digital signal, it is subjected to processing such as DA conversion and sent to the monitor D. The monitor D is controlled by a drive signal from the reproduction processing system R, and converts the input image signal into an image. Therefore, when the raw image signal is input to the reproduction processing system R, the subject image formed on the image sensor I is reproduced on the monitor D as a moving image. The raw image signal path from the image sensor I to the monitor D described above (I-W-S ₁ -De ₁ -G ₁ -A-R
-D) is hereinafter referred to as the ID route. The raw image signal sent from the image sensor I to the first input terminal S ₂ a of the switch circuit S ₂ via the adder circuit A can be written to the buffer memory B after passing through this. This buffer memory has a capacity for one frame. Only one arbitrary frame of the continuously sent raw image signal is written into the memory B and stored. (Hereinafter, one frame of raw image signal stored in memory B will be referred to as a photographed image signal.) The raw image signal path from this image sensor I to buffer memory B (I-W-S ₁ -De ₁ -G ₁ - A-S ₂
-B) and is hereinafter referred to as the IB route. The raw image signal written from the image sensor I to the storage system M via the adder circuit A is stored there. The storage system M is built in the storage unit _C2 , has a capacity to store input image signals for multiple frames, and has the capacity to store an image signal for any one frame (hereinafter, this image signal will be referred to as a stored image). signal)
can be accessed randomly. For example 1
It has a plurality of memories, such as video RAM magnetic bubbles, each having a capacity that can store image signals for frames. Any memory can be accessed at random, and the accessed memory can be connected to the input terminal and output terminal of the storage system M. Each memory is composed of a very large number of memory cells, and one memory cell is allocated to each pixel worth of image signal. The raw image signal path (I-W-S ₁ -De ₁ -G ₁ -A-M) from the image sensor I to the memory system M is shown below as IM.
It is called a route. The stored image signal read from the storage system M is sent to the second input terminal of the delay circuit De ₂ and the changeover switch circuit S ₂ .
S ₂ b. The stored image signal input to the delay circuit _De2 is delayed there and sent to the gate circuit _G2 . (The reason for providing the circuit De ₂ will be described later.) After passing through the circuit G ₂ , the stored image signal is inputted to the adder circuit A via the second input terminal Ab, and is input to the first input terminal Aa.
If there is an input signal, the signal is added to the input signal, and if there is no input signal, it is output as is. The stored image signal sent from the addition circuit A to the reproduction processing system R is subjected there to the same processing as described above.
Sent to monitor D. Then, it is converted into a still image. The path of the stored image signal from the storage system M to the display element D (M-De ₂ -G ₂ -A-R-D) will be described below.
It is called the MD pathway. From the memory system M, through the adder circuit A, and then back to the memory system M
The stored image signal written to is stored there. The path (M-De ₂ -G ₂ -A-M) of the stored image signal from the storage system M to the storage system M is hereinafter referred to as the MM path. The stored image signal read from the storage system M and input to the second input terminal S ₂ b of the changeover switch circuit S ₂ is
After passing through circuit _S2 , it becomes possible to write to buffer memory B. The image signal written to memory B is stored there. The path (M-S ₂ -B) of the stored image signal from the storage system M to the buffer memory B is hereinafter referred to as the B path. Further, the stored image signal read from the storage system M, passed through the adder circuit A, and sent to the first input terminal S ₂ a of the switch circuit S ₂ can be written into the buffer memory B after passing therethrough. The path of the stored image signal from this storage system M to the buffer memory B via the adder circuit A (M-De ₂ -G ₂
-A-S ₂ -B) is hereinafter referred to as the MAB route. The image signal (photographed image signal or stored image signal) stored in the buffer memory B is input to the changeover switch circuit S ₁ via the second input terminal S ₁ b. When passing through this, the gate circuit is passed through the delay circuit De ₁ .
_G1 , and when it passes through it, it is input to the adder circuit A via the first input terminal Aa. The image signal input from the adding circuit A to the reproduction processing system R is subjected there to the same processing as described above, and then sent to the monitor D. The monitor D images the image signal as a still image signal. Image signal path from buffer memory B to monitor D (B-S ₁ -De ₁ -G ₁ -A-R-D)
is hereinafter referred to as the BD pathway. The image signal written from buffer memory B to storage system M via adder circuit A is stored there. The signal path (B-S ₁ -De ₁ -G ₁ -A-M) from this buffer memory B to the storage system M is hereinafter referred to as the BM path. In Figure 3, selector switches SW1, SW2,
SW3, color discrimination circuit CD, inverter IV, gate circuits G1 and G2, and delay circuits De ₁ and De ₂ constitute a chromakey mechanism. The changeover switch SW1 has its common terminal connected to the input terminal of the color discrimination separate circuit CD, its terminal ch1 connected to the output terminal of the changeover switch circuit _S1 , and its terminal ch2 connected to the output terminal of the storage system M. Changeover switch SW2 has its common terminal connected to the output terminal of circuit CD and inverter IV.
The terminal ch1′ is the first input terminal of the gate circuit _G2 .
The control input terminal _G2C has a terminal ch2' connected to the first control input terminal _G1C of the gate circuit _G1 . The changeover switch SW ₃ has its common terminal connected to the output terminal of the inverter IV, its terminal ch1'' connected to the first control input terminal _G1c of the gate circuit _G1 , and its terminal ch2'' connected to the first control input terminal G1 of the gate circuit _G2 . Connected to _2C . The switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 are respectively switched in conjunction with the switching lever 7. When the lever 7 is in the "A", "MAN", and "MUL" positions, it is neutral (no connection), and when it is in the "ch1" position, it is connected to the terminals ch1, ch1', and ch1'', respectively. When it is in the "ch2" position, it is connected to the terminals ch2, ch2', and ch2'', respectively.The input terminal of the color discrimination circuit CD is connected to the output of the switch circuit _S1 or the memory system M by switching the connection of the switch SW1. Can be connected to either terminal.Circuit
The CD receives an image signal from the switch circuit _S1 or the storage system M, and detects color information of the image signal. When it detects that the image signal corresponds to a predetermined color, it outputs a high level (hereinafter abbreviated as H), and when it does not detect it, it outputs a low level (hereinafter abbreviated as L). Occur. A color designation signal generating means 16a for designating a color to be detected in conjunction with the circuit 16 is connected to the circuit CD. The output of the circuit CD can be sent to either the first control input terminal G1C or G2C of the gate circuits G1 or G2 by switching the switch SW2.
Switch SW3 is connected to input terminal G2 _C when switch SW2 is connected to input terminal G1 _C ,
When switch SW2 is connected to input terminal G2C, it is connected to input terminal _G1C . Therefore the circuit CD
The output of inverter IV, which receives the output of circuit CD, is the inverted output of circuit CD.
When the output of circuit CD is sent to input terminal _G2C , it goes to input terminal G2C when it is sent to G1 _C.
sent to. The gate circuits G1 and G2 are in an open state (conducting) when the input to the first control input terminal is H, and are in a closed state (non-conducting) when the input is L. In addition, switches SW1, SW2,
When SW3 is neutral and circuit CD is inactive, both input terminals G1 _C and G2 _C are connected to a high level from a power supply line (not shown).
The output of is applied. Therefore, the gate circuit is activated by the H/L outputs of the color discrimination circuit CD and the inverter IV.
G1 and G2 are controlled to open and close in a complementary manner, and the delay circuit
Allows or excludes the image signals output from De ₁ and De ₂ . The delay circuits De ₁ and De ₂ are provided to match the image signal detected by the color discrimination circuit CD with the image signal rendered conductive or non-conductive by the gate circuits G1 and G2. In FIG. 4, a control circuit CC controls the operation of each component of this embodiment. The switch 1a is connected to the input terminal i1 of the circuit CC when the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway, and to the input single terminal i2 when the trigger button 1 is pressed fully.
The press of trigger button 1 is transmitted to the circuit CC. The switch 6a is closed when the clear button 6 is pressed, and the clear signal is sent to the circuit CC via the input signal i3.
send to The switch 7a is closed when the switching lever 7 is set to the "ch ₁ " or "ch ₂ " position.
The fact that the chroma key mode has been selected is transmitted to the circuit CC via the input terminal i4. The switch 7b is
It is closed when the lever 7 is set to a position other than "A". Switch 8a is closed when access button 8 is pressed, and if switch 7b is also closed at this time, a manual access signal is sent to input terminal i5 of circuit CC. The switch 7C connects the input terminal i6 of the circuit CC when the switching lever 7 is set to the "A" position, and the input terminal i6 when the switch lever 7 is set to the "M" position.
7 and "MUL" or "ch ₁ " or "ch ₂ ", it is connected to the common terminal of the switch 8a, and the selected photographing mode is transmitted to the control circuit CC. The switch 9a is connected to the input terminal i8 of the circuit CC when the switching slider 9 is in the "CM" position, and to the input terminal i9 when it is in the "MM" position. At this time, if the switching lever 7 is in the "MUL" or "ch ₁ "/"ch ₂ " position and the switch C and the switch 9a are connected, the selected combination mode is transmitted to the circuit CC. The output terminal of the memory system M is connected to the input terminal i10 of the circuit CC, and the output terminal of the AND circuit An shown in FIG. 6 is connected to the input terminal i11. The output terminal O1 of the control circuit CC is connected to the recording processing system W.
It is connected to the control terminal Wc of the image sensor I, and outputs an activation signal for activating it and a synchronization signal for reading an image signal from the image sensor I. The output terminal O2 is connected to the control terminal Rc of the reproduction processing system R, and outputs an operation signal and a synchronization signal for making the image signal into an image on the monitor D to this as well. Output terminal O3
is connected to the control terminal Mc of the storage system M. Each memory that makes up the memory system M is a video
In the case of a memory such as a RAM, a signal for writing an image signal to or reading an image signal from an arbitrary memory is sent from the output terminal O3 of the circuit CC to the memory system M. That is, a first address signal for accessing any memory (there are as many types of this signal as there are memories),
A write signal that allows an image signal to be written to the accessed memory via the input terminal, a read signal that allows the stored image signal to be read from the accessed memory via the output terminal, and a signal for one pixel. A second address signal is sent to sequentially write or read image signals for one frame into or from each memory cell. Output terminals O4 and O5 of the control circuit CC are connected to second control input terminals G1c' and G2c' of the gate circuits G1 and G2, respectively, and output control signals for controlling opening and closing of these. Therefore, gate circuits G1, G2
is controlled to open and close by both the chroma key system and circuit CC. The gate circuit is the first
When an H input signal is sent to both the control input terminal and the second control input terminal, they become open. Output terminal O of circuit CC
6-O7 is connected to the control input terminals S ₁ c and S ₂ c of the changeover switch circuits S ₁ and S ₂ , respectively, and generates a signal for switching and controlling these. Output terminal O8 is a control terminal of buffer memory B.
Connected to Bc. For example, if this memory B is 1
Assuming that the video RAM has a capacity to store an image signal for a frame, the output terminal O8 outputs a write signal to enable the image signal to be written to the memory B, a read signal to enable the image signal to be read from the memory B, and An address signal (this corresponds to the second address signal) for reading and writing an image signal is output. Output terminal 09 is the control terminal of the color discrimination circuit CD.
It is connected to CDc and sends an activation signal to the circuit CD. The exposure calculation circuit E includes variable resistors 13a, which are respectively linked to the sliders 13 and 14 shown in FIG.
14a, a switch 12a that is switched in conjunction with the exposure mode selection slider 12, and a photometric element Pd that receives object light that has passed through the photographing optical system L and the aperture Stp. variable resistor 13a,
14a transmits exposure time information and aperture value information manually set by the sliders 13 and 14 to the circuit E. The photometric element Pd transmits object brightness information to the circuit E. The switch 12 is an exposure mode switching slider 12.
When you set the terminal to the "T" position and select shutter-priority automatic exposure, set the terminal T to the "A" position and select aperture-priority automatic exposure, set the terminal A to the "P" position and set the program automatic exposure. When selected, it is connected to terminal P, and when manual exposure is selected according to the "M" position, it is connected to terminal M. When the switch 12a is connected to the terminal T, the exposure calculation circuit E calculates an appropriate aperture value from the information from the variable resistor 13a and the photometric element Pd, and when the switch 12a is connected to the terminal A, the exposure calculation circuit E calculates the appropriate aperture value from the information from the variable resistor 13a and the photometric element Pd. Calculates an appropriate exposure time from information from Pd, and when connected to terminal P, selects a preset combination of appropriate exposure time and aperture value corresponding to information from photometric element Pd, and connects to terminal M. If so, the information from variable resistors 13a and 14a is accepted as is. The exposure calculation circuit E sends manually or automatically set aperture position information to the aperture drive device SD from the output terminal _E4 . Also, when the aperture drive completion signal is received from the device SD via the input terminal E ₃ , the output terminal E ₁ is output at the same time.
The exposure start signal is sent to the input terminal i1 of the circuit CC through
2 and along with it the output terminal O10 of the circuit CC.
Starts timekeeping based on the synchronization signal supplied from. After the manually or automatically set exposure time has elapsed, an exposure end signal is sent to the input terminal _i12 via the output terminal E1. When the drive device SD receives the aperture drive start signal from the output terminal O11 of the circuit CC, it drives the aperture Stp according to the aperture value signal input from the output terminal _E4 of the circuit E, and when the aperture drive is completed, the drive device SD starts the aperture drive start signal from the output terminal O11 of the circuit CC. Sends an aperture drive completion signal to input terminal _E3 of E. The flash light emitting circuit F has its input terminal connected to the output terminal _E5 of the exposure calculation circuit E, and receives a light emission start signal and a light emission stop signal from the circuit E when the subject brightness is low. In the circuit F, the amount of light emitted is defined by these two signals, and automatic light adjustment photography is possible. Returning to the control circuit CC, the display element ₁₀ of the imaging section C1 is connected to its output terminal O12,
A drive signal for displaying the type of image signal being imaged by the display element D is emitted. The display mode is shown in FIG. 5 and will be explained later. The output terminal O13 of the circuit CC is connected to the display element 18 of the storage section _C2 and emits a drive signal.
The element 18 thereby displays whether each memory of the storage system M is used or not so that it can be seen at a glance. The display element 18 maintains its display state even when the storage section _C2 is removed from the imaging section _C1 . For this purpose, a display state holding circuit is provided in the storage section _C2 . Further, if the element 18 is constituted by an electrochromic element, this circuit is not necessary since the element itself has a memory property. In Figure 6, the output terminal of the AND circuit An is
It is connected to the input terminal i11 of the control circuit CC.
When the output of the circuit An is L, the circuit CC stops sending the operating signal from the output terminal O2 to the control terminal Rc of the reproduction processing system R, making the processing system R inoperable. A T flip-flop T is connected to one input terminal of the circuit An. The flip-flop T alternately generates L and H outputs each time the push button 10 is pressed. A first input terminal Sto of a self-timer circuit St is connected to a local input terminal of the circuit An. The output of the terminal Sto is inverted from H to L in conjunction with the press of the push button 2 for starting self-timer shooting,
After a predetermined time has elapsed, it returns to H. The circuit St further has a second output terminal Sto'. the terminal
Sto' is connected to the input terminal i1 of the circuit CC, and is turned to L after the predetermined time has elapsed since the button 2 was pressed.
emits the output of Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be explained. First, the case of selecting automatic access mode and photographing will be explained. The automatic access mode means that the control circuit CC automatically accesses unused memory in the memory system M in sequence every time the trigger button 1 is pressed fully, and writes the photographed image signal to the accessed memory cell. mode. Initially all components are inactive. As shown in FIG. 2, set the switching lever 7 to the "A" position. Then switch 7 in Figure 4
C is connected to the input terminal i6 of the control circuit CC, allowing the selection of the automatic access mode to be communicated to the circuit CC. Select the exposure mode selection slider 16 to the desired mode. Here, the explanation will be made assuming that the shutter priority mode is selected. Set the slider 12 to the "T" position and slide the exposure time setting slider 13 to select the desired exposure time. In response, switch 12a in FIG. 4 can transmit to circuit E connected to terminal T that the shutter priority mode has been selected, and manually set exposure time information can be transmitted to circuit E. . When the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway (first time), the switch 1a shown in FIG. 4 is connected to the input terminal i1 of the circuit CC. Then, an actuation signal and a synchronization signal are respectively issued from the output terminals O1, O2, and O10 of the circuit CC, and the recording processing system W, the reproduction processing system R, and the exposure calculation circuit E are activated. At the same time, the control signal from the output terminal O6 causes the changeover switch circuit _S1 to pass the signal from the first input terminal _S1a , that is, the output terminal is set to the input terminal.
S ₁ a, and changes the gate circuit G1 from closed to open by a control signal from output terminal O4. For this purpose, the raw image signal flows through the ID path. At this time, the recording processing system W and the playback processing system R operate at a predetermined video cycle (for example, a cycle of 30 frames/second), so the image currently being formed on the image sensor I is reproduced as a video on the monitor D. be done. Observe this to determine the subject. At this time, the exposure time (charge accumulation time) is fixed at a predetermined value unrelated to the exposure time set with the slider 13, and the exposure calculation circuit E calculates the value based on this value and the photometric output of the photometric element Pd. The calculated appropriate aperture value signal is sent to the aperture drive device SD. The device SD
receives this signal and an aperture drive start signal from the control circuit CC, and constantly controls the aperture Stp to the appropriate aperture value during photographing. Note that the signal path opened in response to the depression of the trigger button 1 does not change its state even if the finger is released after the depression of the button 1. When the button 1 is pressed halfway again (second time), the circuit E calculates the appropriate aperture value based on the subject brightness information from the photometric element Pd and the exposure time information manually set with the slider 12. That is, circuit E
operates in shutter-light automatic exposure mode. The calculated appropriate aperture value signal is then sent to the aperture drive device.
Sent to SD. At the same time, the circuit CC
Sends aperture drive start signal to SD. When the device SD receives this signal, it adjusts the aperture Stop according to the appropriate aperture value signal.
to drive. When this aperture drive is completed, the device SD
outputs an aperture drive completion signal to circuit E. Upon receiving this signal, circuit E sends an exposure start signal to input terminal i12 of control circuit CC. The circuit CC is
At the same time as receiving this signal, an exposure start signal is sent to the recording processing system W via the output terminal O1, and the recording processing system W causes the exposure of the image sensor I (the image sensor I is
In the case of a CCD, charge accumulation in the light receiving section is started. After the circuit E outputs the exposure start signal, when the exposure time set by the slider 13 has elapsed, the circuit E sends an exposure end signal to the input terminal i12 of the circuit CC. Upon receiving this, the circuit CC sends an exposure end signal to the processing system W, and the processing system W ends the exposure of the image sensor I. For example, if the image sensor I
If it is a CCD, this exposure end signal causes the charges accumulated in the light receiving section to be transferred to the storage section. Next, the circuit CC issues a control signal from the output terminal O7 to enable the switch circuit _S2 to pass the image signal from the first input terminal _S2a , and issues a write signal from the output terminal O8 to write the buffer memory B. Make it possible. Then, the image signal that has just been photographed in the shutter priority mode is read out from the image sensor I by a synchronization signal that is subsequently sent from the output terminal O1 to the recording processing system W. Also, in synchronization with this readout, an address signal is issued from the output terminal O8 to buffer memory B to access all memory cells once. Therefore, the image signal read out from the image sensor I is
The signal flows through the path and is written to buffer memory B.
When one frame worth of image signals is written to the buffer memory B, the circuit CC stops sending the operating signal from the output terminal O1 to the recording processing system W, makes it inactive, and issues a control signal from the output terminal O6. The switch circuit S ₁ is set in a state where the image signal from the second input terminal S ₁ b can pass through, and the read signal is sent from the output terminal O 8 to all memory cells of the memory B for 30 frames/
An address signal is issued that is accessed repeatedly at a cycle of seconds. Therefore, the captured image signal written in the memory B is repeatedly read out, flows through the BD path, and is displayed as a still image on the monitor D. If you intend to record the captured image on monitor D, press trigger button 1 all the way. Then, the first address signal and write signal for accessing the unused memory in the storage system M are generated from the output terminal O3 of the control circuit CC by the above-mentioned access operation, and at the same time, the first address signal and the write signal are generated from the output terminal O8 of the control circuit CC. , a second address signal for writing the captured image signal into the accessed memory cell is issued in synchronization with the address signal repeatedly sent to memory B.
Therefore, the raw image signal for one frame, that is, the captured image signal, stored in the memory B flows through the BD path and is written into the memory of the storage system M, which is automatically accessed through the BM path. When this writing is completed, the transmission of the second address signal is stopped, and all the components of the camera return to the state in which they do not input or output image signals before the first half-press of the trigger button 1. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode.

[Table] Next, we will explain how to select manual access mode and take pictures. This manual access mode is a mode in which the memory of the storage section M is manually accessed regardless of whether it is used or not, and a captured image signal is written into the accessed memory cell. Initially all components are assumed to be inactive. When the switching lever 7 shown in Fig. 2 is set to the "MAN" position, the switch 7b shown in Fig. 4 is closed, and the switch 8a interlocked with the access button 8 is turned on.
Connected to input terminal 15 of CC. The switch 7c is then connected to the input terminal i6, making it possible to transmit to the circuit CC that the manual access mode has been selected. Select a desired exposure mode using the exposure mode selection slider 12. Here, it is assumed that aperture priority mode is selected. Set the slider 12 to position "A" and slide the aperture value setting slider 14 to select a desired aperture value. In response, the switch 12a shown in FIG. 4 is connected to terminal A, making it possible to transmit to circuit E that the aperture priority mode has been selected, and transmitting manually set aperture value information to circuit E. . Then, when you press trigger button 1 halfway (first time), the same operation as in the automatic access mode described above occurs.
The ID path is opened and the subject is displayed as a moving image on monitor D. When trigger button 1 is pressed halfway again (second time), the IB path is first opened in the same manner as in the automatic access mode described above, and the buffer memory B
When writing of raw image signals to the IB path is completed, the IB path is closed. Then the BD pathway is opened. Since the aperture priority mode was selected for this shooting, the aperture drive device SD operates the aperture Stp according to the aperture value signal manually set with the slider 14 from the circuit E.
to drive. The circuit E calculates the appropriate exposure time based on the subject brightness information from the photometric element Pd and the aperture value information manually set with the slider 14,
After an exposure start signal is output to the input terminal i12 of the circuit CC, an exposure end signal is sent to the same terminal i12 when the appropriate exposure time has elapsed. The image on monitor D was taken with this exposure control. Press trigger button 1 halfway again (3rd button)
(time), the output of the read signal and address signal from the output terminal O8 of the circuit CC to the buffer memory B is stopped. Therefore, image reproduction of the photographed image signal via the BD path is stopped. Then, an H output is sent from the output terminal O5 to the gate circuit G2, and the circuit G2 becomes open. At the same time, a first address signal from the output terminal O3 to the memory system M for accessing again the memory that was accessed during the previous shooting;
A read signal for reading out the contents of this memory and a second address signal are repeatedly issued, and the stored image signal stored in the memory is repeatedly read out through the MD path and imaged on the monitor D. And if necessary, access button 8
Press 1 to select the address of the memory to be accessed.
Step by step, the memory at the desired address for writing the captured image signal stored in buffer memory B is accessed. For example, while observing the monitor D, the user accesses a memory in which stored image signals that are deemed unnecessary are stored. Next, when you press trigger button 1 all the way, the BM route will be opened in the same way as in automatic access mode.
The image signal stored in buffer memory B is written into the manually accessed memory cell. Once this writing is complete, all components of the camera will be
The state returns to the state before the third half-press of trigger button 1. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode.

[Table] Next, when switching the switching lever 7 in Figure 2 to the "MUL" position to select multiple exposure mode, and setting the switching slider 9 to the "CM" position to select the first composite mode. The photographing operation will be explained. The image obtained in this case is buffer memory B
The captured image signal from the storage section M and the stored image signal from the storage section M are superimposed. Initially all components of the camera are inactive. When the lever 7 is set to the "MUL" position, the switch 7b shown in FIG. 4 is closed, and the switch 7c is connected to the common terminal of the switch 9a. When slider 9 is set to the "CM" position, switch 9a
is connected to input terminal i8 of circuit CC. This makes it possible to transmit to the circuit CC that the multiple exposure mode has been selected in the first combination mode. Here, it is assumed that the exposure mode selection slider 12 is set to the "P" position and the program mode is selected.
In response to this selection, the switch 12a in FIG. 4 is connected to the input terminal P of the circuit E, and the variable resistors 13a, 1
The exposure time and aperture value information obtained by 4a cannot be transmitted to the circuit E. When you press trigger button 1 halfway for the first time, the same operation as in the automatic access mode described above occurs.
ID route is opened. Therefore, a raw image signal is sent to the monitor D, and the subject is visualized as a moving image. When you press the trigger button halfway for the second time,
First, with the same operation as in the automatic access mode described above.
The IB pathway is opened. When the writing of the raw image signal to buffer memory B is completed, the writing of the raw image signal to BD is completed.
The path is opened, and the raw image signal, that is, the photographed image signal stored in the memory B is repeatedly read out and reproduced on the monitor D as a still image. For this shooting, I chose program mode, so the aperture drive device
The SD receives an appropriate aperture value signal automatically set based on subject brightness information from the output terminal _E4 of the circuit E, and drives the aperture Stp accordingly. The circuit E calculates an appropriate exposure time based on the subject brightness, outputs a calculation start signal to the input terminal i12 of the circuit CC, and then outputs an exposure end signal to the input terminal i12 when the exposure time has elapsed. The image on display element D is taken under this exposure control. When trigger button 1 is pressed halfway for the third time, the BD path remains open and the MD path opens in the same manner as in the manual access mode described above, and the memory that was accessed in the previous shooting is opened. image signals are read out. Therefore, the photographed image signal from the memory B is sent to the first input terminal Aa of the adding circuit A, and the stored image signal accessed from the storage section M is sent to the second input terminal Ab. Adder circuit A adds both inputs under complete synchronization by circuit CC and outputs the result. The monitor D receives the added output, that is, the multiple exposure image signal of the photographed image signal and the stored image signal, and displays the multiple exposure image. If necessary, the access button 8 is appropriately pressed while observing the monitor D, and the used memory in which the appropriate stored image signal is stored is accessed by superimposing it on the first stored image signal. If you want to record this image, press trigger button 1 all the way. Then, while keeping the switch circuit S ₁ , gate circuits G ₁ , G ₂ , and reproduction processing system R in the state before the full press, the circuit CC first accesses the memory in which the stored image signal is stored from the output terminal O 3 . , a read signal, and a second address signal for accessing the memory cell at the address where the image signal corresponding to the first pixel is stored. At the same time, a read signal is output from the output terminal O8, and the second
An address signal for accessing a memory cell at a corresponding address in buffer memory B is output in synchronization with the address signal. The photographed image signal and the stored image signal corresponding to the first pixel output from the memory B and the storage system M are delayed by delay circuits De1 and De2, respectively. In the meantime, the first access to the unused memory from the output terminal O3 of the circuit CC to the memory system M is made.
address signal is output. Therefore, the MM route and
The BM paths are both opened, and the photographed image signal and the stored image signal corresponding to the first pixel are added in the adder circuit A, and then written to the memory cell at the corresponding address in the unused memory. After that, the circuit CC outputs a first address signal and a read signal 2 for accessing the memory in which the stored image signal is stored again from the output terminal O3.
A second address signal for accessing the memory cell at the address where the stored image signal corresponding to the pixel is stored is output, and at the same time, an address signal for accessing the memory cell at the address corresponding to buffer memory B from the output terminal O8. Output. Then, in the same manner as described above, two of the photographed image signal and the stored image signal are
The image signal corresponding to the th pixel is written to the memory cell at the corresponding address in the unused memory. The above operation is repeated for all pixels for one frame, and when the captured image signal and the stored image signal corresponding to the last pixel are added and written to the last address of the unused memory, the entire configuration of the camera is completed. The elements are
Returns to a non-operating state in which no image signals are input or output. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = "MUL", switching slider = "CM"

[Table] Next, the operation when the selection lever 7 is set to the "MUL" position to select the multiple exposure mode, and the slider 9 is set to the "MM" position to select the second composition mode will be described. The image signal obtained in this case is a superposition of the first stored image signal and the second stored image signal stored in the storage section M. When lever 7 is set to the “MUL” position, the fourth
Switch 7b in the figure is closed, and switch 7c is connected to the common terminal of switch 9a. Slider 9
When set to the "MM" position, the switch 9a is connected to the input terminal i9 of the circuit CC. This makes it possible to transmit to the circuit CC that the multiple exposure mode has been selected in the second combination mode. Here, there is no need to select an exposure mode since no photographing is performed using the image sensor I. When you press trigger button 1 halfway for the first time, trigger button 1 is activated in the manual access mode described above.
The same operation as when the third half-press is performed. That is, a signal is issued from the circuit CC to the storage section M and the gate circuit G2, and the used memory that was accessed in the previous photographing is accessed. At the same time, the stored image signal stored in the memory cell is repeatedly read out through the MD path and displayed as an image on the monitor D. Then, if necessary, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate until the desired stored image appears on the monitor D. The stored image signal of the used memory that was accessed last becomes the first stored image signal. Next, when the trigger button is pressed halfway for the second time, the MD path remains open and a new control signal is sent to the switch circuit S ₂ from the output terminal O7 of the circuit CC, and the output of the switch circuit S ₂ is terminal is connected to the second input terminal S ₂ b, and the output terminal O8 is connected to the memory B
A write signal/address signal for accessing all memory cells once is sent to the memory cell. This opens the MB path and the first stored image signal is read and written to memory B. At this time, the second address signal to the storage section M and the address signal to the memory B are synchronized. When writing to memory B is completed, the circuit
CC stops outputting the above-mentioned signals to the switch circuit S ₂ and the memory system M, and the write signal to the memory B, and instead outputs the read signal to the memory B, the repeatedly issued address signal, and the switch circuit S ₁ and sends a control signal to gate circuit G1. The MB pathway is therefore closed and the BD pathway is opened in its place. At the same time, circuit CC operates in the same way as when trigger button 1 was pressed halfway for the first time in this mode.
Open MD pathway. However, the memory that is accessed is the used memory next to the used memory in which the first stored image is stored. At this time, the address signal sent from the circuit CC to the memory B and the memory system M
It is synchronized with the second address signal sent to. Therefore, in the same way as when trigger button 1 is pressed halfway for the third time in the first addition mode described above, the BD path and MD path are opened at the same time, and monitor D displays the first stored image and the second stored image. An image superimposed with the stored image appears. If necessary, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate while observing the monitor D to access the used memory in which a more appropriate second stored image signal is stored. If you intend to record this image, press trigger button 1 all the way. Then, the multiple exposure image signal will be generated using the same operation as in the first composition mode described above.
Written to unused memory via BM and MM paths. When this writing is completed, the camera returns to the state before the first half-press. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = "MUL", switching slider = "MM"

[Table] Next, when switching the switching lever 7 in Figure 2 to the "ch1" position to select the first chromakey mode, and setting the slider 9 to the "CM" position to select the first composition mode. The operation will be explained. In this case, the resulting image is a composite image in which a portion of the designated color of the photographed image is cut out and a positionally corresponding portion of the stored image is inserted into that portion. Initially all components of the camera are inactive. When lever 7 is set to the "ch1" position, the third
Changeover switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 in the figure are connected to terminals ch1, ch1', and ch1'', respectively, switches 7a and 7b in FIG. 4 are closed, and switch 7c is connected to a common terminal of switch 9a. When the slider 9 is set to the "CM" position, the switch 9a is connected to the input terminal i9 of the circuit CC. As a result, the first chromakey mode and first synthesis mode are set in the chromakey system in FIG. 3 and the circuit CC in FIG. 4. Furthermore, the user operates the slider 16 to specify a color to be cropped in the photographed image. Here, it is assumed that the exposure mode 11 is set to the "M" position and the manual mode is selected. In response to this selection, switch 12a in FIG.
is connected to the input terminal M of the variable resistors 13a, 14.
Information on the exposure time and aperture value can be transmitted to the circuit E. When you press trigger button 1 halfway for the first time, the ID is activated in the same way as in the automatic access mode described above.
A path is opened. Therefore, a raw image signal is sent to the display element D, and the subject is visualized as a moving image. When you press the trigger button halfway for the second time,
First, with the same operation as in the automatic access mode described above.
The IB pathway is opened. When the writing of the raw image signal to the buffer memory B is completed, the BD path is subsequently opened, and the raw image signal for one frame stored in the memory B, that is, the photographed image signal, is repeatedly read out and displayed on the display element D as a still image. Reproduced. Since manual mode was selected for this shooting, the aperture drive device SD sends the aperture value signal manually set by the slider 13 to the output terminal _E3 of the circuit E.
The aperture Stp is driven accordingly. Circuit E sends the exposure start signal to input terminal i1 of circuit CC.
2 and then sends an exposure end signal to the dynamic terminal i10 when the exposure time manually set by the slider 12 has elapsed. The image on display element D is taken under this exposure control. When trigger button 1 is pressed halfway for the third time, the BD path remains open, and the MD path is opened in the same manner as in the manual access mode described above, which was accessed in the previous shooting. The image signal from the memory is read out. At the same time, an activation signal is issued from the output terminal O9 to activate the color discrimination circuit CD. Therefore, the photographed image signal and the stored image signal are read out from the storage section M and the memory B. The color discrimination circuit CD is a switch circuit from memory B.
Until the photographed image signal of the color specified by the slider ₁₆ is input via S1/switch SW1, the output of L is sent to the inverter IV _, and the output is sent to the first control input terminal of the gate circuit G2 via switch _SW2 . Send to G2 _C. Therefore, the inverter IV sends an H output to the first control input terminal _G1C of the gate circuit G1 through the switch _SW3 , keeping the gate circuit G1 open and keeping the BD path open. Gate circuit G2
becomes a closed state, and the MD path is closed. Therefore, the captured image signal stored in the memory B is repeatedly sent to the monitor D, and the signal is converted into an image. When the captured image signal changes to the specified color, the color discrimination circuit
CD sends the H output to inverter IV, and
It is sent to the first control input terminal _G2C of the gate circuit G2 via the switch _SW2 . Inverter IV sends the output of L to the first control input terminal _G1C of gate circuit G1 through switch _SW3 , and closes gate circuit G1.
The photographed image signal of the specified color that attempts to flow through the BD path is blocked. On the other hand, gate circuit G2 is in an open state.
MD pathway is opened. Therefore, the stored image signal is displayed as an image on the display element D instead of the photographed image signal. In the end, the display element D generates a composite image signal, that is, a chromakey image signal, in which a portion of the designated color of the photographed image signal is cut out and a positionally corresponding portion of the stored image signal is inserted into that portion. If necessary, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate while observing the monitor D to access the used memory in which a more appropriate stored image signal is stored. If you intend to record this chromakey image, press trigger button 1 all the way. Then, the operation will be the same as the multiple exposure/first composition code mentioned above, but
The chromakey image signal that alternatively flows through the BM path and the MM path is written into an unused memory. When this writing is completed, the camera returns to the state before the first half-press. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = “ch1”, switching slider = “CM”

【table】

[Table] Next, set the switching lever 7 in Fig. 2 to the "ch1" position and the slider 9 to the "MM" position, and then
The operation when the chromakey mode is selected as the second composition mode will be explained. The image obtained in this case is a composite image in which a portion of the specified color of the first memory image accessed earlier is cut out, and a positionally corresponding portion of the second memory image accessed later is inserted into that portion. Become. Initially, all components of the camera are in an inactive state with no input or output of image signals. When lever 7 is moved to the "ch1" position, the third
Changeover switches SW ₁ , SW ₂ , and SW ₃ in the figure are connected to terminals ch1, ch1', and ch1'', respectively, switches 7a and 7b in FIG.
c is connected to the common terminal of switch 9a. When slider 9 is set to the "MM" position, switch 9
a is connected to the input terminal i9 of the circuit CC. As a result, the first chromakey/second composition mode is set in the chromakey system shown in FIG. 3 and the circuit CC shown in FIG. 4. Operate the slider 16 to specify the color to be cropped in the first stored image. Since no photographing is performed using the image sensor I here, there is no need to select an exposure mode. When the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway for the first time, the MD path is opened by the same operation as when the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway for the third time in the manual access mode described above. Therefore, the stored image signal stored in the used memory cell that was accessed in the previous photographing is repeatedly read out to the monitor D, and is converted into an image there. Then, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate until the desired stored image appears on the monitor D, with the designated color portion cut out. The stored image signal of the used memory accessed last becomes the first stored image signal. Next, when the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway for the second time, the first stored image signal is first written through the MB path, and when this is completed, the MB path is closed.
Then, in the same manner as in the first chroma key/first composition mode, the color discrimination circuit CD is activated and the chroma key system is activated. Then, either the BD pathway or the MD pathway is opened. However, the memory accessed by the storage system M is the used memory next to the used memory that stored the first stored image signal.
When the first stored image signal that is about to flow through the BD path becomes the specified color, it is sent to the chromakey circuit CD.
is detected, the gate circuit G1 is closed, and the BD path is cut off. Instead, the chromakey gate circuit G2 is opened and the second memory image is stored.
Flows through the MD route. Therefore, a synthesized image signal, that is, a chromakey image signal, in which a portion of the specified color of the first stored image signal is cut out and a positionally corresponding portion of the second stored image signal is inserted into the clipped portion of the first stored image signal, is displayed on the monitor D. Ru. If necessary, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate while observing the monitor D to access the used memory in which a more appropriate second stored image signal is stored. If you intend to record this chromakey image, press trigger button 1 all the way. In this case, the operation will be the same as in the multiple exposure/first composition mode described above, but
A chromakey image signal that alternatively flows through the BM path and the MM path is written into an unused memory cell in which no image signal is stored. When this writing is completed, the camera returns to the state before the first half-press. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = “ch1”, switching slider = “MM”

【table】

[Table] Explanation of the operation when the switching lever 7 in Figure 2 matches the "ch2" position, the slider 9 is switched to the "CM" position, and the second chromakey mode is selected with the first composition mode. do. The image obtained in this case is a composite image in which a portion of the designated color of the stored image is cut out and a positionally corresponding portion of the photographed image is inserted into that portion. When the lever 7 is set to the "ch2" position, the changeover switches SW ₁ , SW ₂ , and SW ₃ in Fig. 3 are connected to the terminals ch2, ch2', and ch2', respectively, and the switches 7a and 7b in Fig. 4 are closed. Completed, and then switch 7c
is connected to the common terminal of switch 9a. When slider 9 is set to the "CM" position, switch 9a
is connected to input terminal i9 of circuit CC. As a result, the setting of the second chromakey/first synthesis mode is performed by the chromakey system shown in FIG. 3 and the circuit CC shown in FIG. 4. Furthermore, the user operates the slider 16 to designate a color for cutting out the stored image. Note that a description of the exposure mode setting will be omitted here. The operation sequence of the first and second half-presses of the trigger button 1 is exactly the same as in the first chromakey/first composition mode described above.
However, the difference is that a stored image signal suitable for cutting out a designated color portion is accessed, and a photographed image signal suitable for fitting into that portion is photographed. When the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway for the third time, the color discrimination circuit CD is activated in the same manner as in the first chromakey/first composition mode described above, and the color discrimination circuit CD is activated in the MD path or the BD path. An image signal is read out from either one of the two. Color discrimination circuit CD is connected from memory system M to switch SW1
The output of L is sent to the first control input terminal _G1C of the gate circuit G1 via the inverter IV and switch SW3 until the memory image of the color specified by the slider 16 is inputted via the inverter IV and the switch SW3. Therefore, inverter IV is H
The output of is sent to the first control input terminal _G2C of the gate circuit G2 through the switch SW3 to keep the gate circuit G2 open and the MD path open.
The gate circuit G1 is in a closed state, and the BD path is closed. Therefore, the storage image signal stored in the accessed memory cell of the storage system M is repeatedly sent to the display circuit D, and the signal is converted into an image. When the stored image signal changes to the specified color, the circuit CD
Generates an H output. Therefore, L of inverter IV
At the output, gate circuit G2 becomes closed, the memory image signal of the designated color that is about to flow through the MD path is blocked, and gate circuit G1 becomes open instead, and the BD
Photographed image signals flow along the route. Therefore, display circuit D
The photographed image signal is converted into an image. Eventually, on the monitor D, a chromakey image is reproduced in which a portion of the designated color of the stored image signal is cut out and a positionally corresponding portion of the photographed image signal is inserted into that portion. If necessary, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate while observing the monitor D to access the used memory in which a more appropriate stored image signal is stored. When the trigger button 1 is fully pressed, this chromakey image is written into an unused memory in which no image signals are stored, in the same manner as in the first chromakey/first composition mode described above. When this writing is completed, the camera returns to the state before the first half-press of the trigger button 1. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = "ch2", switching slider = "CM",

【table】

[Table] Next, we will explain the operation when the switching lever 7 in Figure 2 is set to the "ch2" position, the slider 9 is set to the "MM" position, and the first chroma key mode is selected as the second composition mode. do. The image obtained in this case is a composite in which a portion of the specified color of the second memory image accessed later is cut out, and a positionally corresponding portion of the first memory image accessed in full light is inserted into that portion. It becomes an image. Initially, the total synthesis element of the camera is in an inactive state, not inputting or outputting image signals. When the lever 7 is set to the "ch2" position, the changeover switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 in FIG. 3 are connected to the terminals ch2, ch2', and ch2'', respectively, and the switches 7a and 7b in FIG. 4 are closed. Furthermore, switch 7
c is connected to the common terminal of switch 9a. When slider 9 is set to the "MM" position, switch 9
a is connected to the input terminal i9 of the circuit CC. As a result, the second chroma key/second synthesis mode is set in the chromakey system shown in FIG. 3 and the circuit CC shown in FIG. 4. Operate the slider 16 to specify the color to be cropped in the first stored image. The operation sequence for the first half-press of trigger button 1 is the first chroma key/second chroma key described above.
This is exactly the same as in the composite mode. However, the first
The difference is that the stored image signal is photographed in a manner suitable for fitting into the cut-out portion of the specified color of the second stored image signal. Next, when the trigger button 1 is pressed half-way a second time, the first stored image signal is first written through the MB path, and when this is completed, the MB path is closed.
Then, in the same manner as in the first chroma key/first composition mode, the color discrimination circuit CD is activated and the chroma key system is activated. Then, either the BD pathway or the MD pathway is opened. However, the memory accessed by the storage system M is the used memory next to the memory that stored the first stored image signal. When the second stored image signal that is about to flow through the MD path becomes the designated color, the chromakey circuit CD detects this, closes the gate circuit G2, and cuts off the BD path. Instead, the chromakey gate circuit G1 is opened and the first stored image flows through the BD path. Therefore, a synthesized image signal, that is, a chromakey image signal, in which a portion of the designated color of the second stored image signal is cut out and a positionally corresponding portion of the first stored image signal is inserted into the clipped portion of the second stored image signal, is displayed on the monitor D. Ru. If necessary, the user presses the access button 8 as appropriate while observing the monitor D to access the used memory in which a more appropriate second stored image signal is stored. If you intend to record this chromakey image, press trigger button 1 all the way. In this case, the operation will be the same as in the multiple exposure/first composition mode described above, but
The chromakey image signal that alternatively flows through the BM path and the MM path is written into an unused memory in which no image signal is stored. When this writing is completed, the camera returns to the state before the first half-press. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = “ch2”, switching slider = “MM”

[Table] When each component is inactive, lever 7
If the camera is in position "A" and you need to quickly take several frames of the subject in succession, decide on the composition using the optical viewfinder 4, then press trigger button 1 all the way from the beginning. Just press it. At this time, if the lever 7 is in the "A" position, in response to the full press, an operating signal/synchronization signal is sent from the output terminal O1 of the circuit CC to the recording processing system W, and an output terminal from the output terminal O6 to the switch circuit _S1 . the first input terminal
Control signal for connecting to S ₁ a, H control signal from output terminal O4 to gate circuit G1, output terminal O3
A first address signal, a write signal, and a second address signal for accessing an unused memory are output from the memory system M to the storage system M, respectively. Therefore, trigger button 1
The raw image signal for one frame corresponding to the subject image that was formed on the image sensor I when the button was pressed all the way is IM.
The signal flows through the path and is written to the accessed unused memory, and when this writing is completed, the output of each signal from the output terminals O1, O6, and O4 is stopped, and the signal is read from O3 in place of the write signal. A signal is output, and a second address signal is output repeatedly. At the same time, a synchronization signal synchronized with the operating signal and the second address signal to the storage system M is sent from the output terminal O2 to the reproduction processing system R, and an H output signal is sent from the output terminal O5 to G2. Therefore, the IM path is cut off, and the image signal just written to the storage system M flows through the MD path and is converted into an image on the monitor D. By observing this, the photographing result can be confirmed. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = “A”

[Table] When each component is inactive, lever 7 is in the "MUL" position, button 9 is in the "CM" position, and multiple exposure/first composition mode is selected, press trigger button 1 first. The operation when the button is pressed all the way down will be explained. In response to full press of trigger button 1, from circuit CC to regeneration processing system W, switch circuit S ₁ and gate circuit
G1, each signal that opens the IB path to switch circuit _S2 ,
A first address signal, a readout signal, and a second address signal for accessing the memory accessed in the previous shooting are sent from the output terminal O3 to the memory system M, and from the output terminal O5 to the gate circuit G2, these are opened. A control signal of H is output. Therefore, IB
Both the path and the MAB path are opened, and the raw image signal for one frame corresponding to the subject image that was being formed on the image sensor I when button 1 was pressed all the way is stored in the storage system M.
The stored image signals from the memory accessed during the previous photographing are added in complete synchronization in addition circuit A, and written into memory B as a multiple exposure image signal. Immediately after this write is completed
The BD pathway opens the BM pathway. (At this time, the memory accessed by the storage system M is an unused memory.) Therefore, the multiple exposure image signal is transmitted to the monitor D.
The image is converted into an image and stored in the storage system M. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = "MUL", switching slider = "CM"

[Table] When lever 7 is set to "ch1" or "ch2", button 9 is set to "CM", and chroma key/first composition mode is selected, if you press it all the way from the beginning, the multiple exposure described above will not be activated. - The same signal as in the first synthesis mode and an activation signal are issued from the output terminal O9. Therefore, the chroma key system is activated, and gate circuits G1 and G2 are controlled to open and close in a complementary manner based on the detection output of the color discrimination circuit CD, and either the IB path or the MAB path is opened. Battle memory B
As soon as writing is completed, the multiple exposure and
The BD and BM pathways are opened in the same way as in the first synthesis mode. Therefore, a chromakey image signal is created by combining the raw image signal for one frame corresponding to the subject image that was being formed when trigger button 1 was pressed all the way and the stored image signal stored in the memory that was accessed during the previous shooting. is imaged by the display element D and stored in an unused memory. The table below summarizes the operation of this mode. Switching lever 7 = "ch1""ch2", switching slider = "CM"

[Table] By appropriately operating the brightness adjustment slider 15 while observing the display operation D during the photographing operation, the output of the brightness adjustment signal generating means 15a is changed, and the brightness of the image signal passing through the addition circuit A is changed. The level can be adjusted. According to this, for example, during multiple exposure photography, two images to be superimposed can be weighted. When the clear button 6 is pressed during the photographing operation, the switch 6a is closed and a clear signal is sent to the circuit CC via the input terminal i3. and control circuit
The CC thereby issues a control signal that returns the operation of each component and the path of the image signal to the previous state. For example, if the clear button 6 is pressed after the first half-press of the trigger button 1, each component of the camera returns to an inactive state in which no image signals are input or output. In addition, when the BD path is opened by the second half-press of the trigger button 1 in the automatic access mode, if the photographed image displayed on the display element D is unsatisfactory, the clear button 6 can be pressed. When pressed, the circuit CC sends the same control signal to each component as after the first half-press. This opens the ID path, and monitor D displays the raw image signal as a moving image. Therefore, the photographed image signal can be retaken. If the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway at the point where the trigger button 1 is to be pressed fully in order to write the image signal to the storage system M, the path of the image signal returns to the state when the first half-press was performed. Therefore, for example, if you select multiple exposure mode and press the Ritoga button 1 halfway three times, the monitor D
If the multiple exposure image appearing in is not enough to be written to the storage system M and you wish to take the image again, you can press the button halfway instead of pressing the button fully. The display element 10 in FIG. 2 includes a control circuit CC
An image is generated on the monitor D using the drive signal from the output terminal O12 of the . In other words, it is possible to identify whether the image signal passing through the adding circuit A is a raw image signal from the image sensor I, a photographed image signal from buffer memory B, or a stored image signal from storage system M or buffer memory B. Perform display. Each aspect is shown in FIG. a
is the raw image signal, b is the photographed image signal,
c is a stored image signal (the number indicates the address of the memory where the stored image signal is stored),
d shows the case of a photographed image signal and a stored image signal. The above displays a to d appear sequentially each time the trigger button 1 is pressed halfway when the multiple exposure or chromakey mode is selected in the first composition mode. e and f are displays that appear when the second combining mode is selected, where e is the first stored image signal and f is the first and second stored image signals. If imaging on the monitor D is not required, the push button 11 shown in FIG. 2 may be pressed. In FIG. 6, when the switch 11a is closed by pressing the button 11, the T flip-flop T, which had been outputting an H output when the trigger button 1 was pressed for the first time, outputs an L output. Therefore, the AND circuit An connects the output of L to the input terminal i of the control circuit CC shown in FIG.
Send the output of L to 11. As a result, the circuit CC stops outputting the operating signal from the output terminal O2 to the reproduction processing system R, making the processing system R inoperable. Therefore, no image signal is sent to monitor D, and imaging on monitor D is stopped. automatic access mode,
Self-timer photography can be performed when manual access mode, multiple exposure/first composition mode, or chroma key/first composition mode is selected.
To do this, first press the trigger button 1 halfway for the first time to open the ID path, observe the raw image on monitor D, and decide on the composition. Then, instead of pressing trigger button 1 halfway for the second time,
Press button 2 shown in the figure. Then the 6th
The switch 2a shown in the figure is closed, and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, an L output is generated from the second input terminal sto' of the self-timer circuit st to the input terminal i1 of the circuit CC, and the circuit CC Opens the IB route in the same way as when the button is pressed halfway,
Self-timer shooting is completed. When the switch 2a is closed, the circuit St inverts the H output from the first output terminal Sto in response to the first half-press of the trigger button 1 to L for the predetermined time period. During this time, the AND circuit An sends the output of L to the input terminal i11 of the circuit CC, so that the reproduction processing system R and the monitor D are inactive during self-immersion shooting when the monitor D cannot be observed. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed. When image signals have been written to all memories in the storage system M and they are no longer used, the storage unit _C2 is transferred to the imaging unit.
C ₁ and connect it to an external storage device (not shown) such as a VTR, and transfer the image signals stored in each memory there as digital signals or to the DA converter provided in the external storage device. Therefore, it can be reused by converting it into an analog signal and transferring it to another recording medium such as a magnetic tape. The image signal in the memory is read out using a first address signal, a read signal, and a second address signal that are sequentially output from the external storage device to the storage system M. Through this operation, each memory of the storage system M can be used again as unused memory. Each memory is composed of memory cells whose number is one greater than the total number of pixels in one frame (memory cells have a 4-bit configuration, for example). For example, if the total number of pixels is 10 ⁶ , the total number of memory cells is 10 ⁶ +1. This means that the queue signal is stored in the memory cell at address 0, and from address 1
This is because the image signal for one frame is stored over ¹⁰⁶ addresses. This cue signal is
The CC detects this and determines whether the accessed memory is used or not, that is, whether the memory stores image signals that have not been transferred to the external storage device (hereinafter referred to as untransferred image signals). It is there to determine. The cue signal is added to the beginning of the image signal every frame by the recording processing system W, and is distinguishable from the image signal. This cue signal is erased when the storage section _C2 is connected to an external storage device and the transfer of the image signal in the memory, that is, the reading of the image signal from the memory and writing to another recording medium is completed. To be more specific, when the transfer is completed, the external storage device sends the first address signal to access the memory where the transfer has been completed in order to erase the queue signal to the storage system M, the write signal, and the memory in which the queue signal is stored. cell address i.e. 0
and a second address signal to access the address. Then, the external storage device receives a signal different from the queue signal, for example, if the queue signal is 0000,
Write the signal 1111 to the memory cell at address 0 and erase the queue signal. When the control circuit CC detects the queue signal, the control circuit CC detects an unused memory (memory to which no image signal has been written or memory to which image signals have already been transferred to an external storage device). We will explain the operation when accessing. First, let us assume that a storage section C ₂ in which some memories are used and some memories are unused, that is, a storage section C ₂ that is in the middle of being used, is attached to the imaging section C ₁ .
The circuit CC first sends from the output terminal O3 to M a first address signal for accessing the first memory, a read signal, and a second address signal for accessing the memory at address 0. If this is the memory system M
When a queue signal is output from the output terminal of
CC receives this through input terminal i11, and this memory stores untransferred image signals.
It is determined that the memory is used. So the circuit
CC outputs a first address signal for accessing the second memory, a read signal, and the same second address signal as described above to the storage system M from the output terminal O3. Therefore, if a queue signal is stored in this memory as well, the first access signal for accessing the third memory, the read signal, and the same second queue signal as above.
Emit an address signal. The above access operations are sequentially performed until the memory in which no queue signal is stored is accessed. Assume that when the n-th memory is accessed, no queue signal is input from the output terminal of the storage system M to the input terminal i11. The circuit CC detects that this memory stores no untransferred image signals and is an unused memory. When writing one frame worth of image signals to this memory, the circuit CC converts the read signal to a write signal and sequentially accesses all memory cells from address 0 to address ¹⁰⁶ using the second address signal. . Further, in conjunction with this, the circuit CC stores the address of this nth memory, that is, the address of the last accessed memory. Next, when accessing an unused memory again, the circuit CC starts the above-described access operation from the memory following the n-th memory accessed in the previous photographing, that is, the (n+1)-th memory. If all memories are accessed and a queue signal is stored in any memory, the circuit CC disables each component and issues a warning. The memory address stored in the circuit CC is erased by removing the storage section _C2 from the imaging section _C1 . When accessing memory that stores untransferred image signals, that is, used memory, the circuit
CC performs the same operation as the above-mentioned access operation.
The process continues until the queue signal is output to the input terminal i11. When a used memory is accessed and an image signal is read from this memory, the circuit CC
sequentially outputs the second address signal from address 1 to the last address ¹⁰⁶ following address 0, which has already been output for accessing the queue signal. The access operation of the circuit CC described above is performed in response to the depression of the trigger button 1 or the depression of the access button 8. Although the camera of this embodiment is not provided with a power switch, each component of the camera is activated by pressing the trigger button 1, and no operation is performed for a certain period of time after a certain operation is applied to the camera. If this was not the case, the control circuit CC was configured to put all components in an inactive state, so it was no longer necessary. Note that the switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 are preferably semiconductor switches that are opened and closed by control signals from the control circuit CC, rather than mechanical switches. In this embodiment, the image signal path is cyclically switched each time the trigger button 1 is pressed, but separate and independent manual operation members are provided for each signal path, and by operating these, any signal path can be changed. It may be opened at any time. For example, if you press the button to select the multiple exposure mode and then press the button that opens the IB/BD route and the button that opens the MB/BD route, a multiple exposure image in which the photographed image and the stored image are superimposed will be displayed on the monitor D. It may be configured so that it appears. As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, an electronic camera with good operability that can record only necessary image signals can be obtained. More specifically, discontinuous first manual operation (automatic access, manual access,
In response to the second half-press in each mode of multiple exposure/first composition and chroma key/first composition, one frame worth of image signal from the imaging means I is written to the second storage means B (IB path ), when this is completed, this photographed image signal is automatically read out repeatedly from the second storage means to the display means D and played back (BD
route), which enables observation and evaluation of captured image signals.
At this time, since the first manual operation is discontinuous, the operation has already been completed, and no attention is required for the operation. And your hands are free. Therefore, it is extremely easy to operate. For example, if the first manual operation is to press the trigger button halfway, continuing to press the trigger button halfway requires attention to the fingertips and binds the hands, which significantly impairs the operability of the camera. However, according to the present invention, once the trigger button is pressed halfway, it is possible to release the finger, so there is no need to pay attention to the finger, and the user can concentrate on observation and evaluation. And since your fingers are free, it's extremely easy to use as a camera. Then, as a result of observation and evaluation, only when it is determined that recording is necessary, in response to the second manual operation (full press in each of the above modes),
Since the photographed image signal can be written to the first storage means M (BM path), it is possible to store only the necessary image signals, and an electronic camera with good operability can be obtained. Note that the first and second manual operations referred to here are the first and second manual operations.
It does not mean the operation performed second or second, but rather the relationship between one operation and another, that is, the first
This indicates that the manual operation is performed before the second manual operation. Although solid memories are used as the storage means B and M in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and magnetic disks, magnetic tapes, etc. may also be used. Furthermore, the imaging means I is not limited to a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD, and an imaging tube may be used. A CRT color display can also be used as the display means D. Further, the storage means M may be connected to the imaging means I and the display means D by a cable.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 and 2 are perspective views showing the appearance of one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of this embodiment, and FIG.
The figure is a block diagram showing the control system of this embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a front view showing the display mode of the display element of this embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit for turning on and off the operation of the monitor. Explanation of the symbols of the main parts: photographing optical system...L, imaging means...I, display means...D, first storage means...M, second storage means...B, control means...
C.C.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A photographing optical system L, and an imaging means I that photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by the optical system into an image signal.
and display means D for converting the image signal into a visible image.
In an electronic camera having storage means B and M for storing the image signals, and a control means CC for generating various control signals for controlling these operations, the storage means is configured to respond to the control signals from the control means. a first storage means M capable of storing image signals for a plurality of frames in response to a control signal from the control means; and a second storage means B capable of storing image signals for one frame in response to a control signal from the control means; The electronic camera includes: an imaging drive means W that operates the imaging means to output an image signal for one frame in response to a control signal from the control means; a first
a signal path (IB path); a second signal path (BD path) for inputting the output of the second storage means to the display means in response to a control signal from the control means and converting it into a visible image; and the control means. said second in response to a control signal from
a third signal path (BM path) for inputting the output of the storage means into the first storage means, and the control means receives a control signal from the control means based on a discontinuous first manual operation. The first signal path is formed to drive the imaging driving means and input the output of the imaging means to the second storage means, and the image signal for one frame of the imaging means is input to the second storage means. A second signal path is formed to automatically input the stored image signal from the second storage means to the display means to turn it into a visible image after the second storage means stores it, and further the control means a third signal path for inputting the output of the second storage means to the first storage means by a control signal from the control means based on a second manual operation subsequent to the first manual operation; An electronic still camera characterized in that the image signal stored in the second storage means is transferred to the first storage means by forming an image signal.