Title of Invention	IMAGING APPARATUS
Abstract	The invention relates to an imaging apparatus, comprising a control setting section (3) for setting a frame mode of an imaging section or a photographing parameter of the imaging section, an automatic switch setting section (5) In which setting contents to be automatically switched in the control setting section (3) and a set time for implementing the contents are set; and a system control section (4) which detects an operation of an operation switch and automatically switches the setting contents of the control setting section (3) according to a setting of the automatic switch setting section (5), wherein the system control section (4) controls the control setting section (3) in such a manner as to detect an operation of the operation switch and switch at least one of the frame mode and the photographing parameter according to the setting of the automatic switch setting section (5), detects that the operation switch is operated again In a set time of a current setting, and forcibly performs automatic switching to subsequent setting contents of the automatic switch setting section (5).

Title of Invention

IMAGING APPARATUS

Abstract

The invention relates to an imaging apparatus, comprising a control setting section (3) for setting a frame mode of an imaging section or a photographing parameter of the imaging section, an automatic switch setting section (5) In which setting contents to be automatically switched in the control setting section (3) and a set time for implementing the contents are set; and a system control section (4) which detects an operation of an operation switch and automatically switches the setting contents of the control setting section (3) according to a setting of the automatic switch setting section (5), wherein the system control section (4) controls the control setting section (3) in such a manner as to detect an operation of the operation switch and switch at least one of the frame mode and the photographing parameter according to the setting of the automatic switch setting section (5), detects that the operation switch is operated again In a set time of a current setting, and forcibly performs automatic switching to subsequent setting contents of the automatic switch setting section (5).

Full Text	DESCRIPTION IMAGING APPARATUS Technical Field The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus used in the field of an imaging system for production, in which image creation is important. Background Art A conventional imaging apparatus is disclosed m Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-152569. This apparatus enables a video camera to obtain an imaging signal similar to that of a film camera in response to the digital cinema of recent years. Particularly a frame rate can be freely changed for image creation unique to a film camera. The imaging apparatus is shown in FIG. 19. An imaging section 1 is constituted of a CCD drive section 7 and a frame rate conversion section 8. The CCD drive section 7 can realize various frame rates according to a drive pulse. The frame rate conversion section 8 converts various frame rates outputted from the CCD drive section 7 into predetermined frame rates. Reference numeral 9 denotes a frame mode control setting section provided in a control setting section 3 which sets a frame mode or a photographing parameter of the imaging section 1. The frame mode control setting section 9 controls the CCD drive section 7 and the frame rate conversion section 8 . Reference numeral 2 denotes a camera signal processing section which performs basic processing such as gammua correction and matrix processing of the imaging apparatus. Reference numeral 10 denotes a recording section. Reference numeral 6 denotes an operation switch which includes various operation switches of a gain selector switch and a menu switch . Reference numeral 4 denotes a system control section which controls the entire imaging apparatus according to a usage state designated by the operation switch 6. As shown m FIG. 20, the conventional imaging apparatus configured thus can change a frame rate. In this case, a frame rate is made variable and an imaging signal of slow motion and an imaging signal of fast forward are obtained as film signals (signals of 24 frames per second). A delay caused by the processing of the frame rate conversion sectior 8 is not shown in FIG. 20. When a film signal is obtained, progressive scanning is use^d and thus a frame rate should be rep)resented as a "24P (progressive) frame rate." In the following explanation, "progressive" is omitted and simply 2 4 frames or the like will be indicated. When a slow motion image is obtained In this case, the apparatus is operated in step 1, siep 2, and step 3 of FIG. 20. When a slow motion image is obtained, in step 1, a photographer operates the menu switch of the operation switch 6 to select a frame rate of 60 for the imaging apparatus. The system control section 4 instructed by the operation of the operation switch 6 controls the CCD drive sectior 7 such that the imaging apparatus has a frame rate of 60 during photographingas shown instep2 (a) . Thesyst em control sectaon 4 also outputs a control signal to the frame rate cor.version section 8 and makes a conversion such that an output signal to the camera signal processing section 2 has a frame rat;e of 60 as shown in step 2(b). In this example, an object is to obtain a slow motion image from a frame rate of 60 of the output signal of the frame rate con vers ion section 8. Along with the output signal of the frame rate conversion section 8, a flag of an effective fram.e :s also outputted that indicates which frame is effective during reproduction. The output signal of the frame rate conversion seccion 8 is subjected to basic processing of the imaging apparatus in the camera signal processing section 2. The processing includes gamma correction and matrix correction. Then, the flag signal of an effective frame is recorded with an imaging signal on a recording medium by the recording sect ion 10. In the case where the recording medium, on which the imaging signal of 60 frames per second has been recorded thus by the recording section 10, is slowly reproduced at 0.4x speed to confirm the reproduction of a slow motion image, effective frames are extracted by another apparatus and are reproduced as 24 frames as shown in step 3. Thus, as shown in FIG. 20(c) , it is possible to obtain a reproduction signal whose cime axis is extended by 2.5 times, that is, a slow-motion signal of 0.4xspeed. In '".his case, all frames are extracted as ef f ect:, ve frames. When a fast-forward imaging signal is obtained In this case, the apparatus is operated in step 4, step 5, and step 6 cf FIG. 20. When a f as •:-f orward image is obtained, in step) 4, a photographer operates the menu switch of the operation swi':ch 6 to select a frame rate of 12 for the imaging apparatus. The system control section 4 instructed by the operat:on of the operation switch 6 controls the CCD drive section 7 such that the imaging apparatus has a frame rate o~ 12 12 frames per second) during photographing as shown in step 5 (d) . The system control section 4 also outputs a control signal to the frame rate conversion section 8 and makes a conversion such that an output signal to the camera signal processing section 2 has a frame rate of 60. To be specific, the same frame is duplicated and outputted such that an output frame rate is always 60. In this case, the same frame is outp)utted five times at a rate of 60 frames. An effective frame :.s added to one of the frames (in this case, the first frame) . In trie processing of the frame rate conversion section 8 anc later, since the frame rate is converted into 60 frames, the processi ng is similar to the case where the CCD drive section 7 has a frame rate of 60 frames . A signal shown in FIG . 20 (e) is recorded by the recording section 10. In the case where the recording medium, on which ~he imaging signal of 60 frames per second has been recorded thus by the recording section 10, is reproduced by another apparatus to confirm the reproduction of a fast-forward image of double speed, as shov/n in step 6(f), effective frames are extracted by another apparatus and reproduced as 24 frames. Tnus, it is possible to obtain a fast-forward signal of double speed whose time axis is reduced by 0.5 times. In this way, the conventional imaging apparatus can perform variable-speed photographing, thereby achieving the same image creation as a film camera. However, in the conventional imaging apparatus, when a frame rate is made variable, the photographer has to operate the operation switch 6 and select a mode before photographing. E'urther, when a frame rate is changed for image creat ion during photographing, a manual operation of the photographer affects an image and thus desired image creation cannot be obtained. Regarding an imaging apparatus for producing a fil.Ti material, an object of the present invention is tc provide an imaging apparatus which allows a frame rate and so on to be freely changed during photographing and improves operabii 11 y for image creation. Disclosure of the Invention An imaging apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a control setting section for settinq a frame m.ode of an imaging section or a photographing parameter of the imaging section, an automatic switch setting section in which setting contents to be automatically switched m tne control setting section and a set time for implement incj the contents are set, and a system control section which detects an operation of an operation switch and automatically swiLches the setting contents of the control setting section according to the setting of the automatic switch setting section. According to claim 1, in an imaging apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention, the system control section controls the control setting section in such a manner as to detect an operation of the operation switch and switch at least one of the frame mode and the photographing parameter according to the setting of the automatic switch setting section. According to claim 1, in an imaging apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention, the system, control section controls the control setting section in such a manner as to detect an operation of the operation switch and switch at Least one of the frame mode and the photographing parameter according to the setting of the automatic switch setting section, the system control section detects that the operation switch is operated again in the set time of the current setting, and the system control section forcibly performs automatic switching to ihe subsequent setting contents of the automatic switch setting section. Accordingtoclaim2or3, inan imaging apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention, the systemi control section detects an operation of the operation switch and autom.atically switches the frame mode and the photographing paraimeter in series in a p^redetermined order. According to claim2 or 3, in an imaging apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention, the system control section detects an operation of the operation switch and automatically switches the frame mode and the photographing parameter in parallel in a predetermined order according to the setting contents of the automatic switch setting section. According to claim 1, in an imaging apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention, the system control section controls the control setting section in such a manner as to detect an operation of the operation switch and switch at least one of the framte mode and the photographing parameter according to the setting of the automatic switch setting section, the system control section detects that the operation switch is operated again in the set time of the current setting, and the system control section does not forcibly terminate the current setting contents in the set time of the automatic switch setting section but automatically extends the set time. According to claim 1, an imaging apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention further comprises a display section for displaying a state of the current frame mode or P'hotographing parameter. According to claim 3 or 6, an imaging apparatus accoramg to claim 8 of the present invention further comprises a memory section for storing the history of corrections made to the set time when the operation switch is operated again. According to claim 3 or 6, an imaging apparatus according to claim 9 of the present invention further comprises a memory section for storing the history of corrections made to the set time when the operation switch is operated again, the system control section can replace the set time of the automatic switch setting section with another according to the records of the memory section. According to claim 3 or 6, an imaging apparatus according to claim 10 of the present invention further comprises a memory section for storing the histc^ry of corrections made to the set time when the operation switch is operated again, and a recording/reproducing section which records and reproduces an imaging signal, the system control section can replace the set time of the automatic switch setting section with another according to the records of the memory section, and the history information of the memory section is recorded with the imaging signal by the recording/reproducing section. An imaging apparatus according to claim 11 of the present invention comprises a control setting section for setting a frame mode of an imaging section or a photographing parameter of the; imaging section, an automatic switch setting section in which the setting contents to be automatically switched in the control setting section and a set time for implementing the contents are set, a system control section for autom.at i cally switching the setting contents of the control setting section according to ~he setting of the automatic switch set ting section, and an imaging signal state decision section for deciding an image state of an imaging signal system outputted from the imaging section, wherein the system control section can detect a change point of the image state according to a decision signal of the imaging signal state decision section and automat i cally switch the setting contents of the control setting section to another state designated by the setting contents of the automatic switch setting. According to claim 11, in an imaging apparatus according to claim 12 of the present invention, the imaging signal state decision section decides a motion picture/still picture according to the image state of the imaging signal system, and the system control section detects that a decision signal of the imaging signal state decision section changes Irom a still picture to a motion picture, and automatically switches the setting contents of the control setting section sucn that a dynamic resolution of the contents is higher tnan that of the setting contents of the automatic setting section. According to claim 11, in an imaging apparatus according to claim 13 of the present invention, the imaging signal state decision section decides an amount of noise and a frequency characteristic of an imaging signal of the ImLaging signal system, and the system control section automaticall-y switches the setting contents of the control setting section, according to the decision signal of the imaging signal state decision section, more suitably for the state of the imaqing signal than the setting contents of the automatic setting section. According to the imaging apparatuses of the present invention, it is possible to achieve an imaging apparatus which can automatically change a frame rate and so on as; intended during photographing. r^yx t^s^ i t-^^Ov^ Brief Description of theKDrawings FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus according to iEmbodimenr 1) of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory drawing showing a change of a frame rate of (Embodiment 1); FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an automatic switch setting section 5 of (Embodiment 1); FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an image obtained when the imaging apparatus of (Embodiment 1) is used; FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus according to (Embodiment 2) of the present invention; FIG. 6 isanoperationexplanatorydrawingshowinga shutter speed of (Embodiment 2); FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an image obtained wher^ the imaging apparatus of (Embodiment 2) is used; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing setting examples of an automatic switch setting section 5 of an imaging apparatus anc switching sequences according to (Embodiments) of the present invention; FIG . 9 is a diagram showing a setting example of an automatic switch setting section 5 of an imaging apparatus ana switching sequences according to (Embodiment 4) of the present invent_L.on; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a setting example ot the automatic switch setting section 5 of the imaging apparatus and switchinc sequences according to (Embodiment 4;; FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus according to (Embodiment 5) of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a disp.-ay example of a display section 12 according to (Embooiment 5;; FIG. 13 IS a block diagram showing an imiaginq apparatus according to '.Embodiment 6) of the present invention; FIG. 14 IS a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus according to i'Embodiment 7) of the present mvertion; FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a display example of a display section 12 during reproduction according to (Embodiment 7); FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus according to (Embodiment 8) of the present invention; FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing the way to performi automatic function switching of frame rates according to (Embodiment 8;; FIG. 18 is a block diagram: showing an imaging signal state decision section 15 of (Embodiment 8); FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional imaging apparatus; and FIG. 20 is an operation explanatory drawing showing a change of a frame rate of the conventional imaging apparatus. Eiest Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Referring to FIGS. 1 to 18, the following will describe embodiments of the present invention. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shov/s an imaging apparatus according to (Embodiment 1) of the present invention. In the imaging apparatus of (Embodiment 1), when an operation switch 6 is operated during photographing, a system control section 4 sequentially reads setting modes and the set times of set values that have been registered m an automat ic switch setting section 5 before photographing, and tne system control section 4 supplies the modes and set times to a frame mode control set ting section 9. The frame mcide contro 1 se;tt mg section 9 causes a CCD drive section 7 and a frame rate ccnvers ron section 8, which constitute an imaging section 1, tc^ operate in a state designated by the system control section 4. In this case, the frame mode is items concerning tl,e specifications of a photographing method that include a frame rate, an aspect ratio, and an interlace/progressive. The automatic switching of a frame rate, which is one of the items, v/ill be described below as an example. The CCD drive section 7 realizes various frame rates according to a drive pulse. The frame rate conversion section 8 converts various frame rates outputted from the CCD drive section 7 into predetermined frame rates. In this case, the frame mode control setting section 9 is provided as a control setting section 3 which sets a frame mode or a photcjgraphing parameter of the imaging section 1. A camera signal processing section 2 performs basic processing such as gamma correction and matrix processing of on an output signal of the frame rate conversion section 8. Reference numeral 10 denotes a recording section. As in the 'lonventional example of FIG. 19, the imaging apparatus of (Embodiment 1) can obtain an imaging signal of 24 frames for a film. (Embodiment 1) is different in that the automatic switch setting section 5 is added. FIG. 2 shov/s slow motion and fast-forward reproduction as FIG. 20, which is an explanatory drawing showing an operation of changing a frame rate in the conventional example. To be specific, in slew motion reproduction, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), photographing is performed in 60 frames (60 frames per second) and recording is performed by the recording section ID. When a recording medium, on which an imaging signal of 60 frames per second has been recorded, is reproduced by another apparat us to confirm the reproduction of a slow motion image, as shown in FIG. 2(b), frames are reproduced as 24 frames, so that a slow signal of 0 . 4x speed is obtained with a time axis extended by 2.5 times. FIG. 3 shows a specific example of the automatic switch setting section 5. According to orders 1 to 14, a frame rate 24P of five seconds, 24P of five seconds, 28P of four seconds, 32Pof four seconds, 3 6P of four seconds, 4 OP of three seconds , . . . are set before photographing. with this configuration, after the start of photographing, the photographer operates a specific switch of the operation switch 6 with a single touch to supply a trigger signa] to the imaging apparatus. Just this operation allows the system control section 4, which includes a microcomputer, to recognize a start cue of the operation switch 6, read predetermined settings, which have been set in orders 1 to 14 of the automatic switch setting section 5, for each frame rate set time, and send set values to the frame mode control setting section 9. Thus, automatic switching can be performed such that a frame rate increases from 24 frames to 60 frames in four frame steps for eiach set time of FIG. 3 during photographing. In this way, the frame rates of the automatic switch setting section 5 and the time periods of the set frame rates are set in a proper manner. Thus, upon photographing the shooting of a basket ball as shown in FIG. 4, the photographei' pesrforms a one-touch operation on the operation switch 6 and continues photographing when the basket ball is separated from the hands of a player. Just this operation can readily achieve an image in which the orbit of the basket ball coming close to a goal is reproduced gradually in slow motion when the record ing medium recorded by the recording section 10 is reproduced oy another apparatus . FIGS. 3 and 4 show slow motion reproduction. The same configuration is used in fast-forward reproduction. In the case of fast-forward reproduction, as shown in FIG. 2c), photographing is performed in 12 frames (12 frames per second) and recording is performed by the recording section 10. A recording medium, on which an imaging signal of 12 frames per second has been recorded, is reproduced by another apparatus so as to reproduce the frames as 24 frames as shown in FIG. 2 (d) , thereby obtaining a fast-forward signal of double speed with a time axis reduced by 0.5 times. Therefore, the trame rates of the automatic switch setting section 5 and the set times of the periods of frame rates are automatically swir.ched in predetermined frame steps, so that fast-forward reproduction is achieved in which a fast-forward speed can be gradually changed smoothly as compared with the conventional art: . Needless ^o say, in the automatic switch setting section 5, it is possible to freely set frame rates, the set times of the frame rates, and the orders of the set times. According to (Embodiment 1) of the present invention, the automatic switch setting section 5 is provided which stores setting data for switching the frame rates for each predetermined time period. Thus, it is possible to automatically switch the frame rates for each setting tim.e, thereby achieving various kinds of image creation. (Embodiment 2) FIG. 5 shows an imaging apparatus according to (E]mbodiment 2) of the present invention. In (Embodiment 1), the system control section 4 automatically switches frame modes according to the setting contents of the automatic switch setting section 5 during photographing. In (Embodiment 2), the settings of photographing parameters are automatically changed as well as frame modes. Photographing parameters are items of a photographing state that include a shutter speed, a CCD gam (bright/dark) , zoom-in/zoom-out lens control, and an apertur e . The following will discuss the case where a shuttei" speed, which is one of the items, is changed automatically. To be specific, an automatic switch setting section 5 stores the settings of shutter speeds in addition to the settings of the frame rates of frame modes. When a one-touch operation is performed on an operation switch 6 during photographing, a system control section 4 automatically switches the frame rates of a CCD drive section 7 and a frame rate conversion section 8 via a frame mode control setting section 9 for each set time according to the settings of the automatic switch setting section 5. Accordingly, the shutter speed of the CCD drive section 7 is controlled at a set value via a shutter speed control setting section 11. FIG. 6 is an explanatory drawing shov/ing an operation of a shutter speed. FIG. 6 shows the case where a shutter speed is fixed at 50% (1/48 second) with a frame rate of 24 frames and the case where a shutter speed gradually increases from 100% (1/24 sec;ond) to 80%, 60%, . . . every three frames of the 24 frames. FIG. 8 shows an example of a phorograohed image when the imaging apparatus of this embodiment is used. FIG. 6(a) shows a time interval (charge storage time 1/24 second) of one frame when a frame rate is 24 frames. In this case, a reading pulse shown in FIG. 6(b; is outpitted fromi the CCD drive section 7. When a shutter pulse outputted from. the shutter speed control setting section 11 is .almost 50% of the frame time interval as shown in FIG. 6(c), the charge storage time of a CCD is also 50% as shown FIG. 6(a), so that an imaging signal with a shutter speed of 50% (1/48 second) can be obtained. In this way, a shutter speed can oe changed by outputting a shutter pulse to a predetermined position. To be specific, with a time setting of three frames, the automatic switch setting section 5 has a set value inaicating a position where a shutter pulse for det:ei:mining a shutter speed is gener.ated. The system control section 4 reads setting data from the automatic switch setting section 5 in response to a start cue (trigger) of the operation switch 6. Based on ihe read data, a set value is set in the shutter speed control setting section 11 for each set time. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 6(e) to 6(h) , the shutter speed control setting section 11 operates such that a reading pulse (FIG. 6'f) has an interval of 1/24 second and a shutter pulse (FIG. biq)) changes its position every three frames. Accordingly, charge storage time changes as shown in FIG. 6(h) (FIGS. 6'e) to 6(h) show the same state every three frames). With tnis automatic operation, a shorter shutter time clarifies an imaging signal. Thus, when a set time is properly selected, for example, when a hit tennis ball is traced as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to obtain an image in which the ball gradually becomes more visible from the moment when the ball is hit. Also in this case, unprecedented film production is achieved as in the automatic switching of frame rate modes. Needless to say, in the automatic switch setting section 5, it is possible to freely set frame rates, the set times of shutter speeds of photographing parameters, and the orders of the set times. /According to (Embodiment 2) of the present invention, the automatic switch setting section 5 is provided which stores setting data for switching frame rates and the set values of photographing parameters for each predetermined time period. Thus, it is possible to automatically switch frame rates and photographing parameters for each set time, thereby achieving various kinds of image creation. (Embodiment 3) In the abcive-described embodiments, the system control section 4 automatically switches frame rates via ihe frame mode control se-tting section 9 during photographing as shown in FIG. 1, and the system control section 4 automatically switches the snutter speeds of photographing parameters as well as frame rates via the frame mode control setting sect ion 9 and the shutier speed control setting section IL during photographing a.s shown in FIG. 5. The system control section 4 and the automatic switch setting section 5 may be configured as follows: as shown in FIG. 8(b), the shutter speseds of photographing parameters are set in the order of "setting 1" to "setting 10" in the automatic switch setting section 5, the shutter speeds being paired with set times, and as shown in FIG. 8(d), after the system control section 4 oetects a trigger made by a one-touch operation of the operation switch 6, a frame rate during photographing is left as it is and shutter speeds are automatically switched in the order of "setting '." to "setting 10" for each set time set in the automa::ic switch setting section 5. FIG. 8 fa) shows a specific example of the automatic switch setting section 5 discussed in (Embodiment i). The system control section 4 and the automatic switch setting section 5 may be configured as follows: frame rates are set in the order of "mode 1" to "mode 10", the modes being paired with set times, and as shown in FIG. 8 (c) , after the system control section 4 detects a trigger made by a one-touch operation of che operation switch 6, a frame rate during photographing is left as it is and frame rates are automatically switchea in che order of "mode 1" to "mode 10" for each set time set in che automatic switch setting section 5. In the case of FIG. 8(0), an automatic switch setting section 5 for setting frame modes and an automaric switch setting section 5 for setting photographing parameters are prepared, and the system control section 4 performs automatic switching according to the settings of the frame rates and two or m.ore photographing parameters. In this case, when the system control secticn 4 detects a trigger made by a one-touch operat ion of the operation switch 6, the photographing parameters are fixed and frame rates are switched for each set timie as shown in FIG. 8 (c) . When "order 1" to "order 10" are completed, the system, control section 4 switches a shutter speed (represented as function 1), which is one of the photographing parameters, to "order 1" to "order 10" as shown in FIG B(d) . When the switching is completed, the system control section 4 switches a CCD gain (represented as function 2), which is one of the photographing parameters, to "order 1" to "order 10" as shown in FIG 8(d). When the switching is completed, tne system control section 4 switches lens control (represented cas function 3), which is one of the photographing parameters, to "order 1" to "order 10" as shown in FIG 3(d). When the switching is completed, the photographing parameters are fixed and frame rates are switched for each set tim.e. When "order I" to "order 10" are completed, the system control section 4 switches an aperture (represented as function 4), which is one of the photographing parameters, to "order 1" to "order 10" as shown inFIG8(d) . Inthisway, the system control section 4 may be configured to perform a sequence of automatically switching frame rates and any.one of the photographing parameters in a sequential order. Instead of automatically switching frame rates and any one of the photographing parameters in a sequential order as showninFIG. 8 (e) , thesyst em controlsection4 maybe ion figured as follows: as shown in FIG. 9, frame rates and the settings of the functions of the photographing parameters are automatically switched in parallel in a sequential order in response to a start cue of the operation switch 6. As described above, according to (Embodiment 3) of the present invention, the automatic switch secting section 5 is provided which stores setting data for sv\rit:ching frame rates and the set values of photographing parameters for each predetermined time period. Thus, it is possible to automatically switch frame rates and photographing parameters for each set time, thereby achieving various kinds of image cre^ition. (Embodiment 4) In the s.bove-described embodiments, a sequence is constructed such that just a trigger made by a one-tr^uch operation of the operation switch 6 causes the system control section 4 to automatically switch frame rates, photographing parameters, and so on according to the setting contents of the automatic switch setting section 5. In (Embodiment 4) , withC'Ut rewriting the set time of the automatic switch setting section 5, a system control section 4 of (Embodim^ent 4) is configured such that photographing can be performed with a shorter set time for automatic switching by detecting a retrigger in response to a one-touch operation of an operation switch 6. The specific example of FIG. 10 shows that frame rates are automatically switched. In FIG. 10 (a) , as in (Embodiment 1), when the system control section 4 detects a trigger made by a one-touch operation of the operation switch 6, automatic switching is performed as follows: photographing is performed with a frame rate of 24P over a set time of ten seconds, the frame rate is switched to 30P to perform photographing for ten seconds, and then the frame rate is switched to 36F to perform photographing for eight seconds. Even when the automatic switch setting section 5 is used with the same setting contents, in the case of the system contrcd sect:on 4 of lEmbodiment 4), as shown in FIG. 10(b), the system control section 4 detects the first trigger made by a one-touch operation of the operation switch 6, photographing is perfcrm.ed with a frame rate of 24P, and the system control section 4 detects a retrigger made by a one-touch operation of the operation switch 6 within ten seconds of a set time which is set in the automatic switch setting section 5, that is, seven seconds later from the first trigger in this example. In this case, although the set time of ten seconds does not elapse, the photographing is forcibly switched as "order 2" to photographing with a frame rate of 30P, which is set in the automatic switch setting section 5. Also in the case of "order 2", as in "order 1", when a retrigger is made within ten seconds of the: set time of "order 2", the system control section 4 sv/itches a frame rate to the setting of "order 3." In tnis example, since a retrigger is not made within ten seconds of the set time of "order 2," photographing with a frame rate of 30P is performed for ten seconds according to the setting contents of the automatic switch setting section 5. The system control section 4 is configured such that rhe reoccurrence of a trigger is detected in each set time, termination is forcefully performed even in the set time to perform automatic switching to the subsequent set ting, thereby improving operability. The above explanation described the case where a change point of a frame rate is advanced during photographing. When a change point of a frame rate is delayed during photographing, the system control section 4 may be configured as follows: a second operation performed on the operation switch t is detected in the set time of the current settings, and the current setting contents are not terminated at the set "ime of the automatic switch setting section 5 but the set time is automatically extended. (Embodiment 5; FIGS. 11 and 12 show an imaging apparatus of (Embodiment 5) . FIGS. 11 and 12 are different from FIG. 1 illustrating (Embodiment 1) only in that a display section 12 is added to a camera processing section 2. Other configurations are completely the same as those of (Embodiment 1). The display section 12 is, for example, an electronic view findeir for displaying images during photographing. The display section 12 displays images during photographing and, as shov/n in FIG. 12, displays frame modes at different times and the set tim.es of the frame modes on its screen. The frame modes are set by a system control section 4. With this configuration, the photographer can confirm the set f rame modes , the setting contents of photographing parameters, and the set times of the parameters. This configuration permits the display section 12 to display setting contents and set times, which serve as information for automatic switching. Thus, it is possible to estimate the set frame modes and the time when photographing parameters are' switched, thereby offering convenienc:e for P'hotographing work. Needless to say, any kind of display is acceptable as "^ ong as switching timing is recognized on the display of set times. For example, a remaining time or a ratio to a set time is displayed. Needless zo say, instead of sharing the electronic view finder to display images during photographing, the dispxay section 12 may include another display section in addition to the electronic view finder. (Embodiment 6) FIG. 13 shows an imaging apparatus of (Embodiments). FIG. 13 is different from FIG. 1 illustrating (Embodiment ]) only in that a memory section 13 is added. Other configurations are completely the same as those of (Embodiment 1 . In (Embodiment 4), without rewriting the set time of the automatic switch setting section 5 as shown in FIG. 10, a system control section 4 enables photographing with a shorter set time for automatic switching by detecting a retricger made by an operation switch 6. In the imaging apparatus configured thus, the system control section 4 records, in the memory sect ion 13, the history of actual set times according to a retrigger made by the operation switch 6. That is, in (Embodiment 6) , it is possible to record, m the memory section 13, the history of actual set times a coord mg to a retrigger made by the operation switch 6. The history can be recorded any number of times until a desired sett:ing is made . Information about a determined hist orymay be replaced as the data c^f an automatic switch setting seccion 5. This replacement is performed by the system control section 4 which transfers data between the automatic switch setting section 5 and the memory section 13. In this way, it is possible to perform photographing whi le correcting set times in the automatic switch setting section 5 at an actual photographing site as necessary relative lo the frame modes and photographing parameters of the imaging apparatus, set and correct set times any number of times according to actual photographing, replace the value of tne automatic switch setting section 5 with the value of the memory section 13, and use refined data as data for automatic function switching, so that higher operability is expected. (Embodiment 7) FIG. 14 snows an imaging apparatus of (Embodiment 7). (Embodiment 7) is different from (Embodiment 6) shown m FIG. 13 only in the following point: A system control section 4 of (Embodiment 1] causes a recording/reproducing section 14 to record in a recording medium the history information of a memory section 13 together with an imaging signal outputted from a camera signal processing section 2. As shown in FIG. 15, the history mformiation of the meimory section 13 is displayed on a display section 12 during' reproduction. Needless to say, as in (Embodiment 5) , any kind of display is acceptable as long as switching timing is recognized on the display of set times. For example, a remaining t^me or a ratio to a set time is displayed. Ne;edless to say, instead of sharing an electronic; view finder to display images during photographing, the display section 12 may include another simple display section. With this configuration, it is possible to record the history information of the memory section 13 together with an imaging signal produced according to the setting of the information, and to reproduce and display the history information together with a reproduction signal, thereby confirming frame modes and photographing parameters which are changed by the setting of automatic function switching. (Embodiment 8) FIG. 16 shows an imaging apparatus of (Embodiments). FIG. 16 is different from FIG. 1 illustrating (Embodiment 1) oniy in that an imaging signal state decision section 15 is added. Other configurations are completely the same as those of (Embodiment 1). The imaging signal state decision section 15 decides a state of an imaging signal from an image state of an _^maging signal system, and a system control section 4 recognizes a decision signal of the imaging signal state decision section 15 and controls the function of automatically switching functions. For example, based on an imaging signal generated in the output of the camera signal processing section 2, the imaging signal state decision section 15 decides whether the contents of the imaging signal include amotion picture era still picture. When it is decided that the contents include a motion picture, the system concrol section 4 performs switching to another setting contents regardless of setting contents designated by an automatic switch setting section 5 . To be specif ic, frame rates are switched to increase a dynamic resolution. FIG. 17 shews automatic function switching of frame rates when the imaging apparatus is used for a surveillance camera and so on. For example, frame rates and set times are set in the automatic switch setting section 5 as shown in FIGS. 17 ua) and 17(b) . The imaging apparatus is operated such that rhe system control section 4 automatically switches frame rates to five frames per second from 0 o'clock to 6 o'clock, "en frames per second from 6 o'clock to 18 o'clock, and five frames per second from 18 o'clock to 24 o'clock. As shown in FIG. 17(d), when the imaging signal state decision section 15 decides after 6 o'clock that a still picture is changed to a motion picture from the 100th frame m tine setting of ten frames per second of frame rates designated by the automatic switch setting section 5, even if the automat ic switch setting section 5 designates a frame rate of ten frames per second, the system control section 4 changes a frame rate to 6 0 frames per second as shown in FIGS . 17(c), 17(d),, 1 7 (e , and 17 (f) and outputs a signal having a large number of frames per second. Thus, it is possible to increase the number of photographing frames of a subject which is decided to be in a motion picture state and increase a dynamic resolution. FIG. 18 shows a specific structural example of the automatic switch setting section 5 of this case. Reference numeral 16 denotes a frame memory for outputting a signal delayed by one frame or several frames of an imaging signal. Reference numeral 17 denotes a difference detector circuit for detecting a difference between an imaging signal at each time and a video signal which is stored in and read from the frame memory 16. Reference numeral 18 denotes a comparator circuit which compares the output signal of the difference detector circuit 17 with a set threshold level. When the output signal does not exceed the threshold level, it is decided that a still picture is produced. When the output signal exceeds the threshold level, it is decided that a motion picture is produced . According to (Embodiment 8) of the present invention, in addition to the automatic switch setting section 5 which stores setting data for switching the frame modes of the imaging apparatus or the set values of functions for each predetermined time period, the imaging signal state decision section 15 is furtheir provided which decides the state of an imaging signal, thereby deciding whether the signal is in a motion picture state or a still picture state. The decision signal makes it possible to change the state of a predetermined automatic setting and change the automatic setting suitably for the state of the imaging signal. Needless tc say, the decision signal of the imaging signal state decision section 15 makes it possible to decide not oni^y a motion picture or a still picture but also an amount of noise and a frequency characteristic. Set values can be changed to proper values in response to the decision. We Claim: 1. An imaging apparatus, comprising: a control setting section (3) for setting a frame mode of an imaging section or a photographing parameter of the imaging section ; an automatic switch setting section (5) in which setting contents to be automatically switched in the control setting section (3) and a set time for implementing the contents are set; and a system control section (4) which detects an operation of an operation switch and automatically switches the setting contents of the control setting section (3) according to a setting of the automatic switch setting section (5), wherein the system control section (4) controls the control setting section (3) in such a manner as to detect an operation of the operation switch and switch at least one of the frame mode and the photographing parameter according to the setting of the automatic switch setting section (5), detects that the operation switch is operated again in a set time of a current setting, and forcibly performs automatic switching to subsequent setting contents of the automatic switch setting section (5). 2. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system control section (4) detects an operation of the operation switch and automatically switches the frame mode and the photographing parameter in series in a predetermined order. 3. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the system control section (4) detects an operation of the operation switch and automatically switches the frame mode and the photographing parameter in parallel in a predetermined order according to the setting contents of the automatic switch setting section (5). 4. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , comprising a memory section (13) for storing history of corrections made to a set time when the operation switch is operated again. 5. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a memory section (13) for storing history of corrections made to a set time when the operation switch is operated again, wherein the system control section (4) can replace the set time of the automatic switch setting section (5) with another according to a record of the memory section (13). 6. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a memory section (13) for storing history of corrections made to a set time when the operation switch is operated again, and a recording/reproducing section (14) which records and reproduces an imaging signal, wherein the system control section (4) can replace the set time of the automatic switch setting section (5) with another according to a record of the memory section (13), and history information of the memory section (13) is recorded with the imaging signal by the recording/reproducing section (14). 7. An imaging apparatus, comprising: a control setting section (3) for setting a frame mode of an imaging section or a photographing parameter of the imaging section; an automatic switch setting section (5) in which setting contents to be automatically switched in the control setting section (3) and a set time for implementing the contents are set; and a system control section (4) which detects an operation of an operation switch and automatically switches the setting contents of the control setting section (3) according to a setting of the automatic switch setting section (5), wherein the system control section (4) controls the control setting section (3) in such a manner as to detect an operation of the operation switch and switch at least one of the frame mode and the photographic parameter according to the setting of the automatic switch setting section (5), detects that the operation switch is operated again in a set time of a current setting, and does not terminate current setting contents in the set time of the automatic switch setting section (5) but automatically extends the set time. 8. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 7, comprising a memory section (13) for storing history of corrections made to a set time when the operation switch is operated again , 9. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 7, comprising a memory section (13) for storing history of corrections made to a set time when the operation switch is operated again, wherein the system control section (4) can replace the set time of the automatic switch setting section (5) with another according to a record of the memory section (13). 10.The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 7, comprising a memory section (13) for storing history of corrections made to a set time when the operation switch is operated again, and a recording/reproducing section (14) which records and reproduces an imaging signal, wherein the system control section (4) can replace the set time of the automatic switch setting section (5) with another according to a record of the memory section (13), and history information of the memory section (13) is recorded with the imaging signal by the recording/reproducing section (14). 11. An imaging apparatus, comprising: a control setting section (3) for setting a frame mode of an imaging section or a photographing parameter of the imaging section , an automatic switch setting section (5) in which setting contents to be automatically switched in the control setting section (3) and a set time for implementing the contents are set, a system control section (4) for automatically switching the setting contents of the control setting section (3) according to a setting of the automatic switch setting section (5), and an imaging signal state decision section (15) for deciding an image state of an imaging signal system outputted from the imaging section , wherein the system control section (4) can detect a change point of the image state according to a decision signal of the imaging signal state decision section (15) and automatically switch the setting contents of the control setting section (3) to another state designated by setting contents of the automatic switch setting section(5). 12. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the imaging signal state decision section (15) decides a motion picture/still picture according to the image state of the imaging signal system, and the system control section (4) detects that a decision signal of the imaging signal state decision section (15) changes from a still picture to a motion picture, and automatically switches the setting contents of the control setting section (3) such that a dynamic resolution of the contents is higher than that of the setting contents of the automatic switch setting section (5). 13. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the imaging signal state decision section (15) decides an amount of noise and a frequency characteristic of an imaging signal of the imaging signal system, and the system control section (4) automatically switches the setting contents of the control setting section (3), according to the decision signal of the imaging signal state decision section (15), more suitably for a state of the imaging signal than the setting contents of the automatic switch setting section (5). The invention relates to an imaging apparatus, comprising a control setting section (3) for setting a frame mode of an imaging section or a photographing parameter of the imaging section, an automatic switch setting section (5) In which setting contents to be automatically switched in the control setting section (3) and a set time for implementing the contents are set; and a system control section (4) which detects an operation of an operation switch and automatically switches the setting contents of the control setting section (3) according to a setting of the automatic switch setting section (5), wherein the system control section (4) controls the control setting section (3) in such a manner as to detect an operation of the operation switch and switch at least one of the frame mode and the photographing parameter according to the setting of the automatic switch setting section (5), detects that the operation switch is operated again In a set time of a current setting, and forcibly performs automatic switching to subsequent setting contents of the automatic switch setting section (5).

Full Text

DESCRIPTION
IMAGING APPARATUS
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus used
in the field of an imaging system for production, in which
image creation is important.
Background Art
A conventional imaging apparatus is disclosed m Japanese
Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-152569.
This apparatus enables a video camera to obtain an imaging
signal similar to that of a film camera in response to the
digital cinema of recent years. Particularly a frame rate can
be freely changed for image creation unique to a film camera.
The imaging apparatus is shown in FIG. 19.
An imaging section 1 is constituted of a CCD drive section
7 and a frame rate conversion section 8. The CCD drive section
7 can realize various frame rates according to a drive pulse.
The frame rate conversion section 8 converts various frame
rates outputted from the CCD drive section 7 into predetermined
frame rates. Reference numeral 9 denotes a frame mode control
setting section provided in a control setting section 3 which
sets a frame mode or a photographing parameter of the imaging
section 1. The frame mode control setting section 9 controls
the CCD drive section 7 and the frame rate conversion section
8 .
Reference numeral 2 denotes a camera signal processing
section which performs basic processing such as gammua
correction and matrix processing of the imaging apparatus.
Reference numeral 10 denotes a recording section.
Reference numeral 6 denotes an operation switch which
includes various operation switches of a gain selector switch
and a menu switch . Reference numeral 4 denotes a system control
section which controls the entire imaging apparatus according
to a usage state designated by the operation switch 6.
As shown m FIG. 20, the conventional imaging apparatus
configured thus can change a frame rate. In this case, a frame
rate is made variable and an imaging signal of slow motion
and an imaging signal of fast forward are obtained as film
signals (signals of 24 frames per second). A delay caused by
the processing of the frame rate conversion sectior 8 is not
shown in FIG. 20. When a film signal is obtained, progressive
scanning is use^d and thus a frame rate should be rep)resented
as a "24P (progressive) frame rate." In the following
explanation, "progressive" is omitted and simply 2 4 frames
or the like will be indicated.
When a slow motion image is obtained
In this case, the apparatus is operated in step 1, siep
2, and step 3 of FIG. 20.
When a slow motion image is obtained, in step 1, a
photographer operates the menu switch of the operation switch
6 to select a frame rate of 60 for the imaging apparatus.
The system control section 4 instructed by the operation
of the operation switch 6 controls the CCD drive sectior 7
such that the imaging apparatus has a frame rate of 60 during
photographingas shown instep2 (a) . Thesyst em control sectaon
4 also outputs a control signal to the frame rate cor.version
section 8 and makes a conversion such that an output signal
to the camera signal processing section 2 has a frame rat;e
of 60 as shown in step 2(b).
In this example, an object is to obtain a slow motion image
from a frame rate of 60 of the output signal of the frame rate
con vers ion section 8. Along with the output signal of the frame
rate conversion section 8, a flag of an effective fram.e :s
also outputted that indicates which frame is effective during
reproduction. The output signal of the frame rate conversion
seccion 8 is subjected to basic processing of the imaging
apparatus in the camera signal processing section 2. The
processing includes gamma correction and matrix correction.
Then, the flag signal of an effective frame is recorded with
an imaging signal on a recording medium by the recording sect ion
10.
In the case where the recording medium, on which the imaging
signal of 60 frames per second has been recorded thus by the
recording section 10, is slowly reproduced at 0.4x speed to
confirm the reproduction of a slow motion image, effective
frames are extracted by another apparatus and are reproduced
as 24 frames as shown in step 3. Thus, as shown in FIG. 20(c) ,
it is possible to obtain a reproduction signal whose cime axis
is extended by 2.5 times, that is, a slow-motion signal of
0.4xspeed. In '".his case, all frames are extracted as ef f ect:, ve
frames.
When a fast-forward imaging signal is obtained
In this case, the apparatus is operated in step 4, step
5, and step 6 cf FIG. 20.
When a f as •:-f orward image is obtained, in step) 4, a
photographer operates the menu switch of the operation swi':ch
6 to select a frame rate of 12 for the imaging apparatus.
The system control section 4 instructed by the operat:on
of the operation switch 6 controls the CCD drive section 7
such that the imaging apparatus has a frame rate o~ 12 12
frames per second) during photographing as shown in step 5 (d) .
The system control section 4 also outputs a control signal
to the frame rate conversion section 8 and makes a conversion
such that an output signal to the camera signal processing
section 2 has a frame rate of 60. To be specific, the same
frame is duplicated and outputted such that an output frame
rate is always 60. In this case, the same frame is outp)utted
five times at a rate of 60 frames. An effective frame :.s added
to one of the frames (in this case, the first frame) . In trie
processing of the frame rate conversion section 8 anc later,
since the frame rate is converted into 60 frames, the processi ng
is similar to the case where the CCD drive section 7 has a
frame rate of 60 frames . A signal shown in FIG . 20 (e) is recorded
by the recording section 10.
In the case where the recording medium, on which ~he imaging
signal of 60 frames per second has been recorded thus by the
recording section 10, is reproduced by another apparatus to
confirm the reproduction of a fast-forward image of double
speed, as shov/n in step 6(f), effective frames are extracted
by another apparatus and reproduced as 24 frames. Tnus, it
is possible to obtain a fast-forward signal of double speed
whose time axis is reduced by 0.5 times.
In this way, the conventional imaging apparatus can perform
variable-speed photographing, thereby achieving the same image
creation as a film camera.
However, in the conventional imaging apparatus, when a
frame rate is made variable, the photographer has to operate
the operation switch 6 and select a mode before photographing.
E'urther, when a frame rate is changed for image creat ion
during photographing, a manual operation of the photographer
affects an image and thus desired image creation cannot be
obtained.
Regarding an imaging apparatus for producing a fil.Ti
material, an object of the present invention is tc provide
an imaging apparatus which allows a frame rate and so on to
be freely changed during photographing and improves operabii 11 y
for image creation.
Disclosure of the Invention
An imaging apparatus according to claim 1 of the present
invention comprises a control setting section for settinq a
frame m.ode of an imaging section or a photographing parameter
of the imaging section, an automatic switch setting section
in which setting contents to be automatically switched m tne
control setting section and a set time for implement incj the
contents are set, and a system control section which detects
an operation of an operation switch and automatically swiLches
the setting contents of the control setting section according
to the setting of the automatic switch setting section.
According to claim 1, in an imaging apparatus according
to claim 2 of the present invention, the system control section
controls the control setting section in such a manner as to
detect an operation of the operation switch and switch at least
one of the frame mode and the photographing parameter according
to the setting of the automatic switch setting section.
According to claim 1, in an imaging apparatus according
to claim 3 of the present invention, the system, control section
controls the control setting section in such a manner as to
detect an operation of the operation switch and switch at Least
one of the frame mode and the photographing parameter according
to the setting of the automatic switch setting section, the
system control section detects that the operation switch is
operated again in the set time of the current setting, and
the system control section forcibly performs automatic
switching to ihe subsequent setting contents of the automatic
switch setting section.
Accordingtoclaim2or3, inan imaging apparatus according
to claim 4 of the present invention, the systemi control section
detects an operation of the operation switch and autom.atically
switches the frame mode and the photographing paraimeter in
series in a p^redetermined order.
According to claim2 or 3, in an imaging apparatus according
to claim 5 of the present invention, the system control section
detects an operation of the operation switch and automatically
switches the frame mode and the photographing parameter in
parallel in a predetermined order according to the setting
contents of the automatic switch setting section.
According to claim 1, in an imaging apparatus according
to claim 6 of the present invention, the system control section
controls the control setting section in such a manner as to
detect an operation of the operation switch and switch at least
one of the framte mode and the photographing parameter according
to the setting of the automatic switch setting section, the
system control section detects that the operation switch is
operated again in the set time of the current setting, and
the system control section does not forcibly terminate the
current setting contents in the set time of the automatic switch
setting section but automatically extends the set time.
According to claim 1, an imaging apparatus according to
claim 7 of the present invention further comprises a display
section for displaying a state of the current frame mode or
P'hotographing parameter.
According to claim 3 or 6, an imaging apparatus accoramg
to claim 8 of the present invention further comprises a memory
section for storing the history of corrections made to the
set time when the operation switch is operated again.
According to claim 3 or 6, an imaging apparatus according
to claim 9 of the present invention further comprises a memory
section for storing the history of corrections made to the
set time when the operation switch is operated again, the system
control section can replace the set time of the automatic switch
setting section with another according to the records of the
memory section.
According to claim 3 or 6, an imaging apparatus according
to claim 10 of the present invention further comprises a memory
section for storing the histc^ry of corrections made to the
set time when the operation switch is operated again, and a
recording/reproducing section which records and reproduces
an imaging signal, the system control section can replace the
set time of the automatic switch setting section with another
according to the records of the memory section, and the history
information of the memory section is recorded with the imaging
signal by the recording/reproducing section.
An imaging apparatus according to claim 11 of the present
invention comprises a control setting section for setting a
frame mode of an imaging section or a photographing parameter
of the; imaging section, an automatic switch setting section
in which the setting contents to be automatically switched
in the control setting section and a set time for implementing
the contents are set, a system control section for autom.at i cally
switching the setting contents of the control setting section
according to ~he setting of the automatic switch set ting section,
and an imaging signal state decision section for deciding an
image state of an imaging signal system outputted from the
imaging section, wherein the system control section can detect
a change point of the image state according to a decision signal
of the imaging signal state decision section and automat i cally
switch the setting contents of the control setting section
to another state designated by the setting contents of the
automatic switch setting.
According to claim 11, in an imaging apparatus according
to claim 12 of the present invention, the imaging signal state
decision section decides a motion picture/still picture
according to the image state of the imaging signal system,
and the system control section detects that a decision signal
of the imaging signal state decision section changes Irom a
still picture to a motion picture, and automatically switches
the setting contents of the control setting section sucn that
a dynamic resolution of the contents is higher tnan that of
the setting contents of the automatic setting section.
According to claim 11, in an imaging apparatus according
to claim 13 of the present invention, the imaging signal state
decision section decides an amount of noise and a frequency
characteristic of an imaging signal of the ImLaging signal system,
and the system control section automaticall-y switches the
setting contents of the control setting section, according
to the decision signal of the imaging signal state decision
section, more suitably for the state of the imaqing signal
than the setting contents of the automatic setting section.
According to the imaging apparatuses of the present
invention, it is possible to achieve an imaging apparatus which
can automatically change a frame rate and so on as; intended
during photographing. r^yx t^s^ i t-^^Ov^
Brief Description of theKDrawings
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus
according to iEmbodimenr 1) of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory drawing showing a change
of a frame rate of (Embodiment 1);
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an automatic switch
setting section 5 of (Embodiment 1);
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an image obtained when the
imaging apparatus of (Embodiment 1) is used;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus
according to (Embodiment 2) of the present invention;
FIG. 6 isanoperationexplanatorydrawingshowinga shutter
speed of (Embodiment 2);
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an image obtained wher^ the
imaging apparatus of (Embodiment 2) is used;
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing setting examples of an automatic
switch setting section 5 of an imaging apparatus anc switching
sequences according to (Embodiments) of the present invention;
FIG . 9 is a diagram showing a setting example of an automatic
switch setting section 5 of an imaging apparatus ana switching
sequences according to (Embodiment 4) of the present invent_L.on;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a setting example ot the
automatic switch setting section 5 of the imaging apparatus
and switchinc sequences according to (Embodiment 4;;
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus
according to (Embodiment 5) of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a disp.-ay example
of a display section 12 according to (Embooiment 5;;
FIG. 13 IS a block diagram showing an imiaginq apparatus
according to '.Embodiment 6) of the present invention;
FIG. 14 IS a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus
according to i'Embodiment 7) of the present mvertion;
FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a display example
of a display section 12 during reproduction according to
(Embodiment 7);
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus
according to (Embodiment 8) of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing the way to performi
automatic function switching of frame rates according to
(Embodiment 8;;
FIG. 18 is a block diagram: showing an imaging signal state
decision section 15 of (Embodiment 8);
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of
a conventional imaging apparatus; and
FIG. 20 is an operation explanatory drawing showing a change
of a frame rate of the conventional imaging apparatus.
Eiest Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 18, the following will describe
embodiments of the present invention.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shov/s an imaging apparatus according to (Embodiment
1) of the present invention.
In the imaging apparatus of (Embodiment 1), when an
operation switch 6 is operated during photographing, a system
control section 4 sequentially reads setting modes and the
set times of set values that have been registered m an automat ic
switch setting section 5 before photographing, and tne system
control section 4 supplies the modes and set times to a frame
mode control set ting section 9. The frame mcide contro 1 se;tt mg
section 9 causes a CCD drive section 7 and a frame rate ccnvers ron
section 8, which constitute an imaging section 1, tc^ operate
in a state designated by the system control section 4.
In this case, the frame mode is items concerning tl,e
specifications of a photographing method that include a frame
rate, an aspect ratio, and an interlace/progressive. The

automatic switching of a frame rate, which is one of the items,
v/ill be described below as an example.
The CCD drive section 7 realizes various frame rates
according to a drive pulse. The frame rate conversion section
8 converts various frame rates outputted from the CCD drive
section 7 into predetermined frame rates. In this case, the
frame mode control setting section 9 is provided as a control
setting section 3 which sets a frame mode or a photcjgraphing
parameter of the imaging section 1.
A camera signal processing section 2 performs basic
processing such as gamma correction and matrix processing of
on an output signal of the frame rate conversion section 8.
Reference numeral 10 denotes a recording section.
As in the 'lonventional example of FIG. 19, the imaging
apparatus of (Embodiment 1) can obtain an imaging signal of
24 frames for a film. (Embodiment 1) is different in that the
automatic switch setting section 5 is added.
FIG. 2 shov/s slow motion and fast-forward reproduction
as FIG. 20, which is an explanatory drawing showing an operation
of changing a frame rate in the conventional example. To be
specific, in slew motion reproduction, as shown in FIG. 2 (a),
photographing is performed in 60 frames (60 frames per second)
and recording is performed by the recording section ID. When
a recording medium, on which an imaging signal of 60 frames
per second has been recorded, is reproduced by another apparat us
to confirm the reproduction of a slow motion image, as shown
in FIG. 2(b), frames are reproduced as 24 frames, so that a
slow signal of 0 . 4x speed is obtained with a time axis extended
by 2.5 times.
FIG. 3 shows a specific example of the automatic switch
setting section 5. According to orders 1 to 14, a frame rate
24P of five seconds, 24P of five seconds, 28P of four seconds,
32Pof four seconds, 3 6P of four seconds, 4 OP of three seconds , . . .
are set before photographing.
with this configuration, after the start of photographing,
the photographer operates a specific switch of the operation
switch 6 with a single touch to supply a trigger signa] to
the imaging apparatus. Just this operation allows the system
control section 4, which includes a microcomputer, to recognize
a start cue of the operation switch 6, read predetermined
settings, which have been set in orders 1 to 14 of the automatic
switch setting section 5, for each frame rate set time, and
send set values to the frame mode control setting section 9.
Thus, automatic switching can be performed such that a frame
rate increases from 24 frames to 60 frames in four frame steps
for eiach set time of FIG. 3 during photographing.
In this way, the frame rates of the automatic switch setting
section 5 and the time periods of the set frame rates are set
in a proper manner. Thus, upon photographing the shooting of
a basket ball as shown in FIG. 4, the photographei' pesrforms
a one-touch operation on the operation switch 6 and continues
photographing when the basket ball is separated from the hands
of a player. Just this operation can readily achieve an image
in which the orbit of the basket ball coming close to a goal
is reproduced gradually in slow motion when the record ing medium
recorded by the recording section 10 is reproduced oy another
apparatus .
FIGS. 3 and 4 show slow motion reproduction. The same
configuration is used in fast-forward reproduction. In the
case of fast-forward reproduction, as shown in FIG. 2c),
photographing is performed in 12 frames (12 frames per second)
and recording is performed by the recording section 10. A
recording medium, on which an imaging signal of 12 frames per
second has been recorded, is reproduced by another apparatus
so as to reproduce the frames as 24 frames as shown in FIG.
2 (d) , thereby obtaining a fast-forward signal of double speed
with a time axis reduced by 0.5 times. Therefore, the trame
rates of the automatic switch setting section 5 and the set
times of the periods of frame rates are automatically swir.ched
in predetermined frame steps, so that fast-forward reproduction
is achieved in which a fast-forward speed can be gradually
changed smoothly as compared with the conventional art: .
Needless ^o say, in the automatic switch setting section
5, it is possible to freely set frame rates, the set times
of the frame rates, and the orders of the set times.
According to (Embodiment 1) of the present invention, the
automatic switch setting section 5 is provided which stores
setting data for switching the frame rates for each
predetermined time period. Thus, it is possible to
automatically switch the frame rates for each setting tim.e,
thereby achieving various kinds of image creation.
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 5 shows an imaging apparatus according to (E]mbodiment
2) of the present invention.
In (Embodiment 1), the system control section 4
automatically switches frame modes according to the setting
contents of the automatic switch setting section 5 during
photographing. In (Embodiment 2), the settings of
photographing parameters are automatically changed as well
as frame modes. Photographing parameters are items of a
photographing state that include a shutter speed, a CCD gam
(bright/dark) , zoom-in/zoom-out lens control, and an apertur e .
The following will discuss the case where a shuttei" speed,
which is one of the items, is changed automatically.
To be specific, an automatic switch setting section 5 stores
the settings of shutter speeds in addition to the settings
of the frame rates of frame modes. When a one-touch operation
is performed on an operation switch 6 during photographing,
a system control section 4 automatically switches the frame
rates of a CCD drive section 7 and a frame rate conversion
section 8 via a frame mode control setting section 9 for each
set time according to the settings of the automatic switch
setting section 5. Accordingly, the shutter speed of the CCD

drive section 7 is controlled at a set value via a shutter
speed control setting section 11.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory drawing shov/ing an operation of
a shutter speed. FIG. 6 shows the case where a shutter speed
is fixed at 50% (1/48 second) with a frame rate of 24 frames
and the case where a shutter speed gradually increases from
100% (1/24 sec;ond) to 80%, 60%, . . . every three frames of the
24 frames. FIG. 8 shows an example of a phorograohed image
when the imaging apparatus of this embodiment is used.
FIG. 6(a) shows a time interval (charge storage time 1/24
second) of one frame when a frame rate is 24 frames. In this
case, a reading pulse shown in FIG. 6(b; is outpitted fromi
the CCD drive section 7. When a shutter pulse outputted from.
the shutter speed control setting section 11 is .almost 50%
of the frame time interval as shown in FIG. 6(c), the charge
storage time of a CCD is also 50% as shown FIG. 6(a), so that
an imaging signal with a shutter speed of 50% (1/48 second)
can be obtained. In this way, a shutter speed can oe changed
by outputting a shutter pulse to a predetermined position.
To be specific, with a time setting of three frames, the
automatic switch setting section 5 has a set value inaicating
a position where a shutter pulse for det:ei:mining a shutter
speed is gener.ated. The system control section 4 reads setting
data from the automatic switch setting section 5 in response
to a start cue (trigger) of the operation switch 6.
Based on ihe read data, a set value is set in the shutter
speed control setting section 11 for each set time. Thus, as
shown in FIGS. 6(e) to 6(h) , the shutter speed control setting
section 11 operates such that a reading pulse (FIG. 6'f) has
an interval of 1/24 second and a shutter pulse (FIG. biq))
changes its position every three frames. Accordingly, charge
storage time changes as shown in FIG. 6(h) (FIGS. 6'e) to 6(h)
show the same state every three frames).
With tnis automatic operation, a shorter shutter time
clarifies an imaging signal. Thus, when a set time is properly

selected, for example, when a hit tennis ball is traced as
shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to obtain an image in which
the ball gradually becomes more visible from the moment when
the ball is hit. Also in this case, unprecedented film
production is achieved as in the automatic switching of frame
rate modes.
Needless to say, in the automatic switch setting section
5, it is possible to freely set frame rates, the set times
of shutter speeds of photographing parameters, and the orders
of the set times.
/According to (Embodiment 2) of the present invention, the
automatic switch setting section 5 is provided which stores
setting data for switching frame rates and the set values of
photographing parameters for each predetermined time period.
Thus, it is possible to automatically switch frame rates and
photographing parameters for each set time, thereby achieving
various kinds of image creation.
(Embodiment 3)
In the abcive-described embodiments, the system control
section 4 automatically switches frame rates via ihe frame
mode control se-tting section 9 during photographing as shown
in FIG. 1, and the system control section 4 automatically
switches the snutter speeds of photographing parameters as
well as frame rates via the frame mode control setting sect ion
9 and the shutier speed control setting section IL during
photographing a.s shown in FIG. 5. The system control section
4 and the automatic switch setting section 5 may be configured
as follows: as shown in FIG. 8(b), the shutter speseds of
photographing parameters are set in the order of "setting 1"
to "setting 10" in the automatic switch setting section 5,
the shutter speeds being paired with set times, and as shown
in FIG. 8(d), after the system control section 4 oetects a
trigger made by a one-touch operation of the operation switch
6, a frame rate during photographing is left as it is and shutter
speeds are automatically switched in the order of "setting
'." to "setting 10" for each set time set in the automa::ic switch
setting section 5.
FIG. 8 fa) shows a specific example of the automatic switch
setting section 5 discussed in (Embodiment i). The system
control section 4 and the automatic switch setting section
5 may be configured as follows: frame rates are set in the
order of "mode 1" to "mode 10", the modes being paired with
set times, and as shown in FIG. 8 (c) , after the system control
section 4 detects a trigger made by a one-touch operation of
che operation switch 6, a frame rate during photographing is
left as it is and frame rates are automatically switchea in
che order of "mode 1" to "mode 10" for each set time set in
che automatic switch setting section 5.
In the case of FIG. 8(0), an automatic switch setting
section 5 for setting frame modes and an automaric switch setting
section 5 for setting photographing parameters are prepared,
and the system control section 4 performs automatic switching
according to the settings of the frame rates and two or m.ore
photographing parameters. In this case, when the system
control secticn 4 detects a trigger made by a one-touch operat ion
of the operation switch 6, the photographing parameters are
fixed and frame rates are switched for each set timie as shown
in FIG. 8 (c) . When "order 1" to "order 10" are completed, the
system, control section 4 switches a shutter speed (represented
as function 1), which is one of the photographing parameters,
to "order 1" to "order 10" as shown in FIG B(d) . When the
switching is completed, the system control section 4 switches
a CCD gain (represented as function 2), which is one of the
photographing parameters, to "order 1" to "order 10" as shown
in FIG 8(d). When the switching is completed, tne system
control section 4 switches lens control (represented cas
function 3), which is one of the photographing parameters,
to "order 1" to "order 10" as shown in FIG 3(d). When the
switching is completed, the photographing parameters are fixed
and frame rates are switched for each set tim.e. When "order

I" to "order 10" are completed, the system control section
4 switches an aperture (represented as function 4), which is
one of the photographing parameters, to "order 1" to "order
10" as shown inFIG8(d) . Inthisway, the system control section
4 may be configured to perform a sequence of automatically
switching frame rates and any.one of the photographing
parameters in a sequential order.
Instead of automatically switching frame rates and any
one of the photographing parameters in a sequential order as
showninFIG. 8 (e) , thesyst em controlsection4 maybe ion figured
as follows: as shown in FIG. 9, frame rates and the settings
of the functions of the photographing parameters are
automatically switched in parallel in a sequential order in
response to a start cue of the operation switch 6.
As described above, according to (Embodiment 3) of the
present invention, the automatic switch secting section 5 is
provided which stores setting data for sv\rit:ching frame rates
and the set values of photographing parameters for each
predetermined time period. Thus, it is possible to
automatically switch frame rates and photographing parameters
for each set time, thereby achieving various kinds of image
cre^ition.
(Embodiment 4)
In the s.bove-described embodiments, a sequence is
constructed such that just a trigger made by a one-tr^uch
operation of the operation switch 6 causes the system control
section 4 to automatically switch frame rates, photographing
parameters, and so on according to the setting contents of
the automatic switch setting section 5. In (Embodiment 4) ,
withC'Ut rewriting the set time of the automatic switch setting
section 5, a system control section 4 of (Embodim^ent 4) is
configured such that photographing can be performed with a
shorter set time for automatic switching by detecting a
retrigger in response to a one-touch operation of an operation
switch 6.

The specific example of FIG. 10 shows that frame rates
are automatically switched. In FIG. 10 (a) , as in (Embodiment
1), when the system control section 4 detects a trigger made
by a one-touch operation of the operation switch 6, automatic
switching is performed as follows: photographing is performed
with a frame rate of 24P over a set time of ten seconds, the
frame rate is switched to 30P to perform photographing for
ten seconds, and then the frame rate is switched to 36F to
perform photographing for eight seconds. Even when the
automatic switch setting section 5 is used with the same setting
contents, in the case of the system contrcd sect:on 4 of
lEmbodiment 4), as shown in FIG. 10(b), the system control
section 4 detects the first trigger made by a one-touch operation
of the operation switch 6, photographing is perfcrm.ed with
a frame rate of 24P, and the system control section 4 detects
a retrigger made by a one-touch operation of the operation
switch 6 within ten seconds of a set time which is set in the
automatic switch setting section 5, that is, seven seconds
later from the first trigger in this example. In this case,
although the set time of ten seconds does not elapse, the
photographing is forcibly switched as "order 2" to
photographing with a frame rate of 30P, which is set in the
automatic switch setting section 5. Also in the case of "order
2", as in "order 1", when a retrigger is made within ten seconds
of the: set time of "order 2", the system control section 4
sv/itches a frame rate to the setting of "order 3." In tnis
example, since a retrigger is not made within ten seconds of
the set time of "order 2," photographing with a frame rate
of 30P is performed for ten seconds according to the setting
contents of the automatic switch setting section 5.
The system control section 4 is configured such that rhe
reoccurrence of a trigger is detected in each set time,
termination is forcefully performed even in the set time to
perform automatic switching to the subsequent set ting, thereby
improving operability.
The above explanation described the case where a change
point of a frame rate is advanced during photographing. When
a change point of a frame rate is delayed during photographing,
the system control section 4 may be configured as follows:
a second operation performed on the operation switch t is
detected in the set time of the current settings, and the current
setting contents are not terminated at the set "ime of the
automatic switch setting section 5 but the set time is
automatically extended.
(Embodiment 5;
FIGS. 11 and 12 show an imaging apparatus of (Embodiment
5) . FIGS. 11 and 12 are different from FIG. 1 illustrating
(Embodiment 1) only in that a display section 12 is added to
a camera processing section 2. Other configurations are
completely the same as those of (Embodiment 1).
The display section 12 is, for example, an electronic view
findeir for displaying images during photographing. The
display section 12 displays images during photographing and,
as shov/n in FIG. 12, displays frame modes at different times
and the set tim.es of the frame modes on its screen. The frame
modes are set by a system control section 4. With this
configuration, the photographer can confirm the set f rame modes ,
the setting contents of photographing parameters, and the set
times of the parameters.
This configuration permits the display section 12 to
display setting contents and set times, which serve as
information for automatic switching. Thus, it is possible to
estimate the set frame modes and the time when photographing
parameters are' switched, thereby offering convenienc:e for
P'hotographing work.
Needless to say, any kind of display is acceptable as "^ ong
as switching timing is recognized on the display of set times.
For example, a remaining time or a ratio to a set time is
displayed.
Needless zo say, instead of sharing the electronic view
finder to display images during photographing, the dispxay
section 12 may include another display section in addition
to the electronic view finder.
(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 13 shows an imaging apparatus of (Embodiments). FIG.
13 is different from FIG. 1 illustrating (Embodiment ]) only
in that a memory section 13 is added. Other configurations
are completely the same as those of (Embodiment 1 .
In (Embodiment 4), without rewriting the set time of the
automatic switch setting section 5 as shown in FIG. 10, a system
control section 4 enables photographing with a shorter set
time for automatic switching by detecting a retricger made
by an operation switch 6. In the imaging apparatus configured
thus, the system control section 4 records, in the memory sect ion
13, the history of actual set times according to a retrigger
made by the operation switch 6.
That is, in (Embodiment 6) , it is possible to record, m
the memory section 13, the history of actual set times a coord mg
to a retrigger made by the operation switch 6. The history
can be recorded any number of times until a desired sett:ing
is made . Information about a determined hist orymay be replaced
as the data c^f an automatic switch setting seccion 5. This
replacement is performed by the system control section 4 which
transfers data between the automatic switch setting section
5 and the memory section 13.
In this way, it is possible to perform photographing whi le
correcting set times in the automatic switch setting section
5 at an actual photographing site as necessary relative lo
the frame modes and photographing parameters of the imaging
apparatus, set and correct set times any number of times
according to actual photographing, replace the value of tne
automatic switch setting section 5 with the value of the memory
section 13, and use refined data as data for automatic function
switching, so that higher operability is expected.
(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 14 snows an imaging apparatus of (Embodiment 7).
(Embodiment 7) is different from (Embodiment 6) shown m FIG.
13 only in the following point:
A system control section 4 of (Embodiment 1] causes a
recording/reproducing section 14 to record in a recording
medium the history information of a memory section 13 together
with an imaging signal outputted from a camera signal processing
section 2. As shown in FIG. 15, the history mformiation of
the meimory section 13 is displayed on a display section 12
during' reproduction.
Needless to say, as in (Embodiment 5) , any kind of display
is acceptable as long as switching timing is recognized on
the display of set times. For example, a remaining t^me or
a ratio to a set time is displayed.
Ne;edless to say, instead of sharing an electronic; view
finder to display images during photographing, the display
section 12 may include another simple display section.
With this configuration, it is possible to record the
history information of the memory section 13 together with
an imaging signal produced according to the setting of the
information, and to reproduce and display the history
information together with a reproduction signal, thereby
confirming frame modes and photographing parameters which are
changed by the setting of automatic function switching.
(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 16 shows an imaging apparatus of (Embodiments). FIG.
16 is different from FIG. 1 illustrating (Embodiment 1) oniy
in that an imaging signal state decision section 15 is added.
Other configurations are completely the same as those of
(Embodiment 1).
The imaging signal state decision section 15 decides a
state of an imaging signal from an image state of an _^maging
signal system, and a system control section 4 recognizes a
decision signal of the imaging signal state decision section

15 and controls the function of automatically switching
functions.
For example, based on an imaging signal generated in the
output of the camera signal processing section 2, the imaging
signal state decision section 15 decides whether the contents
of the imaging signal include amotion picture era still picture.
When it is decided that the contents include a motion picture,
the system concrol section 4 performs switching to another
setting contents regardless of setting contents designated
by an automatic switch setting section 5 . To be specif ic, frame
rates are switched to increase a dynamic resolution.
FIG. 17 shews automatic function switching of frame rates
when the imaging apparatus is used for a surveillance camera
and so on.
For example, frame rates and set times are set in the
automatic switch setting section 5 as shown in FIGS. 17 ua)
and 17(b) . The imaging apparatus is operated such that rhe
system control section 4 automatically switches frame rates
to five frames per second from 0 o'clock to 6 o'clock, "en
frames per second from 6 o'clock to 18 o'clock, and five frames
per second from 18 o'clock to 24 o'clock.
As shown in FIG. 17(d), when the imaging signal state
decision section 15 decides after 6 o'clock that a still picture
is changed to a motion picture from the 100th frame m tine
setting of ten frames per second of frame rates designated
by the automatic switch setting section 5, even if the automat ic
switch setting section 5 designates a frame rate of ten frames
per second, the system control section 4 changes a frame rate
to 6 0 frames per second as shown in FIGS . 17(c), 17(d),, 1 7 (e ,
and 17 (f) and outputs a signal having a large number of frames
per second.
Thus, it is possible to increase the number of photographing
frames of a subject which is decided to be in a motion picture
state and increase a dynamic resolution.
FIG. 18 shows a specific structural example of the automatic
switch setting section 5 of this case. Reference numeral 16
denotes a frame memory for outputting a signal delayed by one
frame or several frames of an imaging signal. Reference numeral
17 denotes a difference detector circuit for detecting a
difference between an imaging signal at each time and a video
signal which is stored in and read from the frame memory 16.
Reference numeral 18 denotes a comparator circuit which
compares the output signal of the difference detector circuit
17 with a set threshold level. When the output signal does
not exceed the threshold level, it is decided that a still
picture is produced. When the output signal exceeds the
threshold level, it is decided that a motion picture is produced .
According to (Embodiment 8) of the present invention, in
addition to the automatic switch setting section 5 which stores
setting data for switching the frame modes of the imaging
apparatus or the set values of functions for each predetermined
time period, the imaging signal state decision section 15 is
furtheir provided which decides the state of an imaging signal,
thereby deciding whether the signal is in a motion picture
state or a still picture state. The decision signal makes it
possible to change the state of a predetermined automatic
setting and change the automatic setting suitably for the state
of the imaging signal.
Needless tc say, the decision signal of the imaging signal
state decision section 15 makes it possible to decide not oni^y
a motion picture or a still picture but also an amount of noise
and a frequency characteristic. Set values can be changed to
proper values in response to the decision.

We Claim:
1. An imaging apparatus, comprising:
a control setting section (3) for setting a frame mode of an imaging
section or a photographing parameter of the imaging section ;
an automatic switch setting section (5) in which setting contents to be
automatically switched in the control setting section (3) and a set time for
implementing the contents are set; and
a system control section (4) which detects an operation of an operation
switch and automatically switches the setting contents of the control setting
section (3) according to a setting of the automatic switch setting section (5),
wherein the system control section (4) controls the control setting section (3)
in such a manner as to detect an operation of the operation switch and
switch at least one of the frame mode and the photographing parameter
according to the setting of the automatic switch setting section (5), detects
that the operation switch is operated

again in a set time of a current setting, and forcibly performs automatic
switching to subsequent setting contents of the automatic switch setting
section (5).
2. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system control
section (4) detects an operation of the operation switch and automatically
switches the frame mode and the photographing parameter in series in a
predetermined order.
3. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the system control
section (4) detects an operation of the operation switch and automatically
switches the frame mode and the photographing parameter in parallel in a
predetermined order according to the setting contents of the automatic
switch setting section (5).
4. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , comprising a memory
section (13) for storing history of corrections made to a set time when the
operation switch is operated again.
5. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a memory
section (13) for storing history of corrections made to a set time when the
operation switch is operated again, wherein the system control section (4)
can replace the set time of the automatic switch setting section (5) with
another according to a record of the memory section (13).
6. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising
a memory section (13) for storing history of corrections made to a set
time when the operation switch is operated again, and
a recording/reproducing section (14) which records and reproduces an
imaging signal,
wherein the system control section (4) can replace the set time of the
automatic switch setting section (5) with another according to a record of the
memory section (13), and history information of the memory section (13) is
recorded with the imaging signal by the recording/reproducing section (14).
7. An imaging apparatus, comprising:
a control setting section (3) for setting a frame mode of an imaging
section or a photographing parameter of the imaging section;

an automatic switch setting section (5) in which setting contents to be
automatically switched in the control setting section (3) and a set time for
implementing the contents are set; and
a system control section (4) which detects an operation of an
operation switch and automatically switches the setting contents of the
control setting section (3) according to a setting of the automatic switch
setting section (5), wherein
the system control section (4) controls the control setting section (3) in
such a manner as to detect an operation of the operation switch and switch
at least one of the frame mode and the photographic parameter according to
the setting of the automatic switch setting section (5), detects that the
operation switch is operated again in a set time of a current setting, and does
not terminate current setting contents in the set time of the automatic switch
setting section (5) but automatically extends the set time.
8. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 7, comprising a memory
section (13) for storing history of corrections made to a set time when the
operation switch is operated again ,
9. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 7, comprising a memory
section (13) for storing history of corrections made to a set time when the
operation switch is operated again, wherein the system control section (4)
can replace the set time of the automatic switch setting section (5) with
another according to a record of the memory section (13).

10.The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 7, comprising
a memory section (13) for storing history of corrections made to a set
time when the operation switch is operated again, and
a recording/reproducing section (14) which records and reproduces an
imaging signal,
wherein the system control section (4) can replace the set time of the
automatic switch setting section (5) with another according to a record of the
memory section (13), and history information of the memory section (13) is
recorded with the imaging signal by the recording/reproducing section (14).
11. An imaging apparatus, comprising:
a control setting section (3) for setting a frame mode of an imaging
section or a photographing parameter of the imaging section ,

an automatic switch setting section (5) in which setting contents to be
automatically switched in the control setting section (3) and a set time for
implementing the contents are set,
a system control section (4) for automatically switching the setting
contents of the control setting section (3) according to a setting of the
automatic switch setting section (5), and
an imaging signal state decision section (15) for deciding an image state
of an imaging signal system outputted from the imaging section ,
wherein the system control section (4) can detect a change point of the image
state according to a decision signal of the imaging signal state decision section
(15) and automatically switch the setting contents of the control setting section
(3) to another state designated by setting contents of the automatic switch
setting section(5).
12. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the imaging signal
state decision section (15) decides a motion picture/still picture according to the
image state of the imaging signal system, and

the system control section (4) detects that a decision signal of the imaging
signal state decision section (15) changes from a still picture to a motion picture,
and automatically switches the setting contents of the control setting section (3)
such that a dynamic resolution of the contents is higher than that of the setting
contents of the automatic switch setting section (5).
13. The imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the imaging signal
state decision section (15) decides an amount of noise and a frequency
characteristic of an imaging signal of the imaging signal system, and
the system control section (4) automatically switches the setting contents of
the control setting section (3), according to the decision signal of the imaging
signal state decision section (15), more suitably for a state of the imaging
signal than the setting contents of the automatic switch setting section (5).

The invention relates to an imaging apparatus, comprising a control setting
section (3) for setting a frame mode of an imaging section or a photographing
parameter of the imaging section, an automatic switch setting section (5) In
which setting contents to be automatically switched in the control setting section
(3) and a set time for implementing the contents are set; and a system control
section (4) which detects an operation of an operation switch and automatically
switches the setting contents of the control setting section (3) according to a
setting of the automatic switch setting section (5), wherein the system control
section (4) controls the control setting section (3) in such a manner as to detect
an operation of the operation switch and switch at least one of the frame mode
and the photographing parameter according to the setting of the automatic
switch setting section (5), detects that the operation switch is operated again In
a set time of a current setting, and forcibly performs automatic switching to
subsequent setting contents of the automatic switch setting section (5).

Documents:

01562-kolnp-2005-claims.pdf

01562-kolnp-2005-description complete.pdf

01562-kolnp-2005-drawings.pdf

01562-kolnp-2005-form 1.pdf

01562-kolnp-2005-form 2.pdf

01562-kolnp-2005-form 3.pdf

01562-kolnp-2005-form 5.pdf

01562-kolnp-2005-international publication.pdf

1562-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-form 26.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-claims.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-correspondence.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-examination report.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-form 13.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-form 18.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-form 2.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-form 26.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-form 3.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-form 5.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-gpa.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-specification.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-others.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-petition under rule 137.pdf

1562-kolnp-2005-reply to examination report.pdf

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Patent Number

239881

Indian Patent Application Number

1562/KOLNP/2005

PG Journal Number

15/2010

Publication Date

09-Apr-2010

Grant Date

06-Apr-2010

Date of Filing

05-Jul-2005

Name of Patentee

PANASONIC CORPORATION

Applicant Address

1006, OAZA KADOMA, KADOMA-SHI, OSAKA

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	RYOJT ASADA	1-29-3, NASUZUKURI, HIRAKATA-SHI, OSAKA 573-0071
2	SYOJI NISHIKAWA	1-9-11, NISHITOMI GAOKA, NARA-SHI, NARA 631-0006

PCT International Classification Number

H04N 5/32, 5/225

PCT International Application Number

PCT/JP2004/08184

PCT International Filing date

2004-06-04

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	2003-371370	2003-10-31	Japan