Patent Publication Number: US-11653081-B2

Title: Imaging apparatus, imaging method and imaging program

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/928,592, filed on Jul. 14, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/314,478 filed on Dec. 31, 2018 which claims the benefit of PCT/JP2016/069710 filed on Jul. 1, 2016, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an imaging control method, and an imaging program, and particularly, the present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an imaging control method and an imaging program configured to synthesize images obtained by taking an image while changing exposure amounts of a plurality of cameras and to generate an HDR (High Dynamic Range) synthetic image. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     The spread of a digital camera is remarkable. The digital camera converts an object image into an electric signal by an electronic device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), for example, and stores the converted electric signal in a memory. Further, recently, an information terminal device on which a digital camera is mounted, such as a cellular phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal is also spreaded widely. 
     A dynamic range of an imaging device used in a digital camera or the like is very narrow compared with a film. Therefore, so-called underexposure (or black spot) or overexposure (or white spot) occurs depending upon an imaging condition, whereby image quality is extremely deteriorated. In order to solve such a defect, an HDR synthesize function gains attention. In the HDR synthesize function, a plurality of images is taken while changing exposure, dark portions are extracted from an image obtained by lengthening exposure and bright portions are extracted from an image obtained by shortening exposure when these images are to be synthesized, whereby a broad dynamic range can be acquired while suppressing overexposure and underexposure. 
     For example, Patent document 1 discloses a video generating apparatus that has two imaging devices in which one with high resolution takes an image with a small exposure amount and the other with low resolution takes an image with a large exposure amount for a short exposure time, whereby an HDR synthetic image is created while reducing noise due to camera shake or the like. 
     RELATED ART DOCUMENTS 
     Patent Documents 
     Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-336561 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Problems to be Solved by the Invention 
     However, a technique disclosed in Patent document 1 aims at reduction of noise such as camera shake by shortening the exposure time when an image with a large exposure amount is to be taken. However, Patent document 1 does not consider an HDR synthesizing method to acquire more suitable image quality based on imaging environment such as motion of an object, brightness, or camera shake. Further, an effective utilization method of the two imaging devices is also not mentioned therein. 
     It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus, an imaging control method and a program configured to generate a high-quality HDR synthetic image compatible with imaging environment. 
     Means for Solving the Problem 
     An outline of representative invention of the present invention disclosed in the present application will briefly be explained as follows. 
     An imaging apparatus according to a representative embodiment of the present invention includes: a video input unit configured to take an image of an object to generate an image signal of the object; a video signal processor configured to generate a taken image of the object on a basis of the image signal; and a controller configured to: detect motion information of the object on the basis of the image signal; cause the video input unit to take an image of the object on a basis of the motion information multiple times so as to differentiate an exposure amount thereof, and cause the video signal processor to generate an HDR synthetic image of the object on the basis of a plurality of image signals whose exposure amounts are different from each other. 
     Effects of the Invention 
     Effects obtained by representative invention of the present invention disclosed in the present application will briefly be explained as follows. 
     Namely, according to a representative embodiment of the present invention, it becomes possible to provide an imaging apparatus, an imaging control method and a program to generate a high-quality HDR synthetic image compatible with imaging environment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an external view illustrating one example of an imaging apparatus  100  according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram illustrating one example of a configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    is a block diagram illustrating one example of a configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    is a block diagram illustrating one example of a configuration of a video signal processor and a video input unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    is a flowchart related to an imaging method according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    is a flowchart illustrating one example of processes at a motion information detecting step, an imaging step, a taken image generating step and the like according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  7    is a flowchart illustrating one example of the motion information detecting step, the imaging step, the taken image generating step and the like according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  8    is a view illustrating a timing chart of the imaging according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  9    is a view schematically illustrating an HDR synthesizing process according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  10    is a view schematically illustrating the HDR synthesizing process according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  11    is a view schematically illustrating the HDR synthesizing process according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  12    is a block diagram illustrating one example of a configuration of the imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  13    is a block diagram illustrating one example of a configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  14    is a flowchart related to an imaging method according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  15    is a flowchart related to the imaging method according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  16    is a view schematically illustrating an HDR synthesizing process according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  17    is a view schematically illustrating the HDR synthesizing process according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  18    is a view schematically illustrating the HDR synthesizing process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, examples of embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments that will be explained below are one example for realizing the present invention, are modified or changed appropriately in accordance with a configuration of an apparatus to which the present invention is applied and/or various conditions, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Further, a part of each of the embodiments (will be described later) may be combined and configured appropriately. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG.  1    is a view illustrating one example of appearance of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG.  1 (A)  is a plan view of an imaging apparatus  100 , and  FIG.  1 (B)  is a rear view of the imaging apparatus  100 .  FIG.  2    is a block diagram illustrating one example of a configuration of the imaging apparatus  100  according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG.  3    is a block diagram illustrating one example of a software configuration of the imaging apparatus  100  according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates the imaging apparatus mounted on a smartphone. However, in addition to this, the imaging apparatus  100  may be mounted on a cellular phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) such as a tablet terminal, or an information processing apparatus such as a notebook PC (Personal Computer), for example. Further, the imaging apparatus  100  may be composed of a digital still camera. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2   , the imaging apparatus  100  includes a main controller (controller)  101 , a system bus  102 , a memory  104 , the storage  110 , a video input unit  120 , an audio processor  130 , an operating unit  140 , a communication processor  150 , a sensor unit  160 , an extension interface unit  170 , a display  121 , and the like. 
     The system bus  102  is a data communication path through which respective components of the imaging apparatus  100  are connected to each other. An output and an input of data are executed via system bus  102  between the main controller  101  and each of the components in the imaging apparatus  100 . 
     The storage  110  is composed of a nonvolatile memory such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), for example. Information is stored in the storage  110  even in a state where electric power is not supplied to the imaging apparatus  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the storage  110  includes a basic operation program storage area  110   a , a camera function program storage area  110   b , an audio recognition function program storage area  110   c , a timing informing function program storage area  110   d , an other program storage area  110   e , a various information/data storage area  110   f  and the like, for example. Basic operation programs by which a basic operation of the imaging apparatus  100  is executed is stored in the basic operation program storage area  110   a . A camera function program that realizes a camera function is stored in the camera function program storage area  110   b . An audio recognition program that realizes an audio recognition function is stored in the audio recognition function program storage area  110   c . A timing informing program that realizes a timing informing function is stored in the timing informing function program storage area  110   d . Other programs and the like are stored in the other program storage area  110   e . Various kinds of information such as operation setting values of the imaging apparatus  100  or user information are stored in the various information/data storage area  110   f.    
     Further, the storage  110  stores a taken image that is taken by the imaging apparatus  100 , a dynamic image (or a moving image), an HDR synthetic image (will be described later), or these thumbnail images, for example, in the various information/data storage area  110   f . Further, the storage  110  stores a new application program downloaded from an application server on the Internet in the other program storage area  110   e , for example. 
     Further, the storage  110  stores therein a first motion threshold value and a second motion threshold value larger than the first motion threshold value. The first and second motion threshold values become a standard when motion of an object (will be described later) is determined. These motion threshold value are set appropriately by experiments and the like, for example. 
     Various kinds of programs stored in each unit of the storage  110  are developed on the memory  104 . When the various kinds of programs are executed by the main controller  101 , various kinds of executing units that realize functions of the respective programs are established on the memory  104 . For example, when the basic operation program stored in the basic operation program storage area  110   a  is developed on the memory  104 , a basic operation executing unit  104   a  that realizes a basic operation of the imaging apparatus  100  is established on the memory  104 . Further, when the camera function program stored in the camera function program storage area  110   b  is developed on the memory  104 , a camera function executing unit  104   b  that realizes the camera function is established on the memory  104 . Further, when an audio recognition function program stored in the audio recognition function program storage area  110   c  is developed on the memory  104 , an audio recognition function executing unit  104   c  that realizes the audio recognition function is established on the memory  104 . Further, when a timing informing function program stored in the timing informing function program storage area  110   d  is developed on the memory  104 , a timing informing function executing unit  104   d  that realizes the timing informing function is established on the memory  104 . Further, the memory  104  has a temporary storage area  104   e  in which data is temporarily stored if needed and the like. 
     Note that each of the components such as the basic operation executing unit  104   a , the camera function executing unit  104   b , the audio recognition function executing unit  104   c , or the timing informing function executing unit  104   d  may be composed of hardware having the similar function to that of the corresponding element. Further, the memory  104  may be formed integrally with the main controller  101 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1 (A) , the display  121  is provided on a front surface  100   a  of the imaging apparatus  100  on which a third video input unit  125  is provided. The display  121  is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, for example. The display  121  displays an HDR synthetic image (will be described later) processed by a video signal processor  122 , a taken image before synthesis, a dynamic image, a thumbnail image and the like. 
     The audio processor  130  is composed of an audio output unit  131 , an audio signal processor  132 , and an audio input unit  133 . The audio output unit  131  is a speaker, for example. As illustrated in  FIG.  1 (A) , the audio output unit  131  is provided at a peripheral part of the display  121  on the front surface  100   a  of the imaging apparatus  100 . The audio output unit  131  emits audio on the basis of an audio signal processed by the audio signal processor  132 . The audio input unit  133  is a microphone, for example. As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 (A) and  1 (B) , the audio input unit  133  is provided on a side surface of the imaging apparatus  100  and on the opposite side of the audio output unit  131  with respect to the display  121 . The audio input unit  133  receives an input of audio from a user or the like of the imaging apparatus  100  to convert the inputted audio into an audio signal. The audio input unit  133  outputs the inputted audio signal to the audio signal processor  132 . Note that the audio input unit  133  may be formed separately from the imaging apparatus  100 . In this case, the audio input unit  133  and the imaging apparatus  100  may be connected to each other by wired communication or wireless communication. 
     The operating unit  140  is an instruction input unit that executes an input of an operational instruction to the imaging apparatus  100 . In the present embodiment, for example, as illustrated in  FIGS.  1 (A) and  1 (B) , the operating unit  140  is composed of a touch panel  140   a , an operation key  140   b , and an operation key  140   c , which are arranged so as to be overlapped on the display  121 . The operation key  140   b  is provided at a side surface of the imaging apparatus  100 . The operation key  140   c  is provided near the display  121  on the front surface  100   a  of the imaging apparatus  100 . However, the operating unit  140  is not required to include all of these components, and may be provided with any of these components. Further, the touch panel  140   a  may be formed integrally with the display  121 . Further, the operating unit  140  may be composed of a keyboard or the like (not illustrated in the drawings), which is connected to the extension interface unit  170  (will be described later). Further, the operating unit  140  may be composed of a separate information terminal apparatus that is connected thereto via wired communication or wireless communication. 
     The communication processor  150  is composed of a LAN (Local Area Network) communication unit  151 , a mobile telephone network communication unit  152 , and a proximity wireless communication unit  153 , for example. The LAN communication unit  151  executes transmission and reception of data by wireless communication that is connected via an access point for wireless communication of the Internet, for example. The mobile telephone network communication unit  152  is connected to a base station of a mobile phone communication network, and executes telephone communication (call) and transmission and reception of data by wireless communication via the base station. The proximity wireless communication unit  153  executes transmission and reception of data with a reader/writer corresponding to proximity wireless. The LAN communication unit  151 , the mobile telephone network communication unit  152 , and the proximity wireless communication unit  153  include various kinds of devices such as an encoder, a decoder, or an antenna (not illustrated in the drawings), for example. Further, the communication processor  150  may include an infrared communication unit that executes infrared communication and the like. 
     The sensor unit  160  is a group of sensors to detect a state of the imaging apparatus  100 . In the present embodiment, the sensor unit  160  is constituted by a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver  161 , an acceleration sensor  162 , a gyro sensor  163 , a geomagnetic sensor  164 , a light quantity sensor  165 , and a proximity sensor  166 , for example. Note that the sensor unit  160  may include any sensor other than these sensors. 
     The GPS receiver  161  receives a GPS signal transmitted from each of a plurality of satellites by using a GPS. The GPS signal received by the GPS receiver  161  is outputted to the main controller  101 , for example, and a position of the imaging apparatus  100  is detected on the basis of the GPS signal in the main controller  101 . 
     The acceleration sensor  162  measures the magnitude and a direction of acceleration (for example, gravitational acceleration) that is applied to the imaging apparatus  100 . Measured values of the magnitude and the direction of the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor  162  are outputted to the main controller  101  as acceleration information, and the acceleration applied to the imaging apparatus  100  is detected on the basis of the acceleration information in the main controller  101 . 
     The gyro sensor  163  measures angular velocity of the imaging apparatus  100 , which is generated in a case where the user moves the imaging apparatus  100 . The angular velocity measured by the gyro sensor  163  is outputted to the main controller  101  as angular velocity information, for example. The angular velocity of the imaging apparatus  100  is detected on the basis of the angular velocity information in the main controller  101 . 
     The geomagnetic sensor  164  measures the magnitude and a direction of earth magnetism that is applied to the imaging apparatus  100 . Measured values of the magnitude and the direction of the earth magnetism measured by the geomagnetic sensor  164  are outputted to the main controller  101  as geomagnetic information. The earth magnetism applied to the imaging apparatus  100  is detected on the basis of the geomagnetic information in the main controller  101 . 
     The light quantity sensor  165  measures brightness of the periphery of the imaging apparatus  100 . The light quantity sensor  165  measures light quantity of the periphery of the object when an image of the object is taken, for example. A measured value of the light quantity measured by the light quantity sensor  165  is outputted to the main controller  101  as light quantity information. The light quantity of the periphery of the imaging apparatus  100  is detected on the basis of the light quantity information in the main controller  101 . 
     The proximity sensor  166  measures a proximity status with a thing around the imaging apparatus  100 . The proximity sensor  166  measures a distance and a direction of the thing around the imaging apparatus  100 , for example. A measured value of the proximity status measured by the proximity sensor  166  is outputted to the main controller  101  as proximity status information. The proximity status with the thing around the imaging apparatus  100  is detected on the basis of the proximity status information in the main controller  101 . 
     The extension interface unit  170  is a group of interfaces for expanding functions of the imaging apparatus  100 . The extension interface unit  170  includes a video/audio interface  171 , a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface  172 , and a memory interface  173 , for example. 
     The video/audio interface  171  is connected to an external video/audio output apparatus, and receives an input of a video signal and/or an audio signal outputted from the video/audio output apparatus. Further, the video/audio interface  171  executes an output or the like of a video signal and/or an audio signal to the video/audio output apparatus. The USB interface  172  is connected to a USB device such as a keyboard, and executes an input and an output of information with the USB device. The memory interface  173  is connected to a memory medium such as a memory card, and executes an input and an output of data with the memory medium. 
     Next, the video input unit  120  and the video signal processor  122  will be described.  FIG.  4    is a block diagram illustrating one example of a configuration of the video input unit and the video signal processor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that the third video input unit  125  is omitted in  FIG.  4   . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  4   , the video input unit  120  includes a first video input unit  123 , a second video input unit  124 , the third video input unit  125 , and an exposure controller  126 , for example. As illustrated in  FIG.  1 (B) , the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  124  are provided side by side on a back surface  100   b  of the imaging apparatus  100 , for example. As illustrated in  FIG.  1 (A) , the third video input unit  125  is provided in the vicinity of the display  121  on the front surface  100   a  of the imaging apparatus  100 . 
     In  FIG.  1 (B) , the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  124  are provided on the back surface  100   b  of the imaging apparatus  100 . However, they may be provided on the front surface  100   a  of the imaging apparatus  100 , for example. Further, the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  124  may be formed integrally with each other. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the first video input unit  123  includes a first imaging optical system  123   a  and a first imaging device  123   b , for example. As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the second video input unit  124  includes a second imaging optical system  124   a  and a second imaging device  124   b , for example. 
     Each of the first imaging optical system  123   a  and the second imaging optical system  124   a  is composed of a plurality of lenses, a diaphragm (an iris diaphragm or the like), a mechanical or electronical shutter, and the like, for example. The plurality of lenses focuses incident light from the object. Each of the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  124   b  is composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or the like, for example. 
     Each of the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  124  takes an image of the object, and generates an image signal of the object. Specifically, light from the first imaging optical system  123   a  is stored in each pixel of the first imaging device  123   b  as an electric charge, whereby input light is converted into an electric signal. Further, light from the second imaging optical system  124   a  is also stored in each pixel of the second imaging device  124   b  as an electric charge, whereby input light is converted into an electric signal. The electric signals as an image signal are generated in the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  124   b  in this manner. 
     In the present embodiment, the first imaging device  123   b  is an imaging device with first resolution (high resolution), and the second imaging device  124   b  is an imaging device with second resolution (low resolution) that is resolution lower than that of the first imaging device  123   b.    
     The exposure controller  126  defines a diaphragm and a shutter speed of each of the first imaging optical system  123   a  and the second imaging optical system  124   a  on the basis of an instruction from the main controller  101  to control an exposure amount to be inputted to each of the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  124   b.    
     The video signal processor  122  generates a taken image of the object on the basis of the image signal. As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the video signal processor  122  includes a first image processor  122   a , a second image processor  122   b , an image synthesizer  122   c , and an image output unit  122   d , for example. 
     The first image processor  122   a  is connected to the first imaging device  123   b , and converts the electric signal (image signal) outputted from the first imaging device  123   b  into digital image data with a gradation width of predetermined bits. The first image processor  122   a  then executes image processing for the digital image data to generate intermediate image data suitable for HDR image synthesis. The first image processor  122   a  outputs the generated intermediate image data to the image synthesizer  122   c . Further, the first image processor  122   a  outputs the taken image before synthesis to the storage  110 . 
     The second image processor  122   b  is connected to the second imaging device  124   b , and converts the electric signal (image signal) outputted from the second imaging device  124   b  into digital image data with a gradation width of predetermined bits. The second image processor  122   b  then executes image processing for the digital image data to generate intermediate image data suitable for HDR image synthesis. The second image processor  122   b  outputs the generated intermediate image data to the image synthesizer  122   c . Further, the second image processor  122   b  outputs the taken image before synthesis to the storage  110 . 
     The image synthesizer  122   c  synthesizes the two intermediate image data inputted from the first image processor  122   a  and the second image processor  122   b  to generate an HDR synthetic image as the taken image. The image synthesizer  122   c  outputs the generated HDR synthetic image to the storage  110 . 
     The image output unit  122   d  outputs the HDR synthetic image generated by the image synthesizer  122   c , the taken image before synthesis, the dynamic image, these thumbnail images and the like to the display  121  to cause the display  121  to display them. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1 (B) , a flash unit  129  is provided adjacent to the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  124  on the back surface  100   b  of the imaging apparatus  100 , for example. The flash unit  129  irradiates flash light to the object when the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  124  take an image of the object, for example. 
     The main controller (controller)  101  is composed of a computer such as a microprocessor unit. The main controller  101  executes each of the executing units  104   a  to  104   d  formed in the memory  104 , whereby the function of each program is realized. The main controller  101  thus actuates each of the elements of the imaging apparatus  100 . 
     The main controller  101  detects motion information of the object on the basis of the image signal generated by the video input unit  120 . Further, the main controller  101  causes the video input unit  120  to take an image of the object multiple times on the basis of the motion information so as to differentiate an exposure amount thereof. Specifically, the main controller  101  compares the motion information with the first motion threshold value and the second motion threshold value, and causes the video input unit  120  to take an image of the object by switching respective imaging modes (will be described later) on the basis of its result. Further, the main controller  101  generates exposure information such as exposure amounts regarding the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  124 , shutter speed, or a diaphragm on the basis of the image signal or the taken image. The main controller  101  outputs the generated exposure information to the video input unit  120 . Further, the main controller  101  causes the video signal processor  122  to generate the HDR synthetic image of the object on the basis of a plurality of image signals whose exposure amounts are different from each other. 
     Next, an imaging method according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, for example, various kinds of programs in the camera function program storage area  110   b  or the like illustrated in  FIG.  3    are developed on the memory  104 , and the main controller  101  executes each of the executing units such as the camera function executing unit  104   b , whereby an operation related to taking an image is executed. 
       FIG.  5    is a flowchart of the imaging method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , a video inputting step S 10 , a motion information detecting step S 20 , an imaging step S 30 , and an HDR synthetic image generating step S 40  are executed when an image is taken. 
     When an instruction for taking an image is made from the operating unit  140 , the operation related to taking an image of the object is started. At the video inputting step S 10 , the video input unit  120  takes an image of the object to generate an image signal of the object. The first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  124  take an image of the object, and generate electric signals as image signals in the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  124   b . The first imaging device  123   b  outputs the generated electric signal to the first image processor  122   a  of the video signal processor  122 , and the second imaging device  124   b  outputs the generated electric signal to the second image processor  122   b  of the video signal processor  122 . Here, the case where both the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  124  take an image of the object has been explained. However, only any of the video input units may take an image of the object. The processing flow then shifts to the motion information detecting step S 20 . 
       FIG.  6    and  FIG.  7    are a flowchart illustrating one example of processes at the motion information detecting step, the imaging step, the taken image generating step and the like according to the first embodiment of the present invention. At the motion information detecting step S 20 , the main controller  101  detects the motion information of the object on the basis of the image signal. Specifically, the first image processor  122   a  of the video signal processor  122  outputs the electric signal outputted from the first imaging device  123   b  to the main controller  101 . The second image processor  122   b  of the video signal processor  122  outputs the electric signal outputted from the second imaging device  124   b  to the main controller  101 . Note that the first image processor  122   a  and the second image processor  122   b  may generate a taken image on the basis of the electric signal and output the generated taken image to the main controller  101 . 
     The main controller  101  detects the motion information (for example, motion vector) of the object on the basis of these inputted electric signals (image signals). The main controller  101  uses a well-known block matching method or the like for these image signals to detect the motion vector of the object. Note that the main controller  101  may detect the motion information of the object on the basis of the inputted taken image. The processing flow then shifts to the imaging step S 30 . 
     At the imaging step S 30 , the video input unit  120  takes an image of the object multiple times on the basis of the motion information detected at the motion information detecting step S 20  so as to differentiate an exposure amount thereof. At the imaging step S 30 , a process at Step S 102  is executed. At Step S 102 , motion of the object is determined on the basis of the motion information. Specifically, the main controller  101  compares the motion vector detected at the motion information detecting step S 20  with the first motion threshold value and the second motion threshold value, thereby determining the motion of the object. Specifically, the main controller  101  reads out the first motion threshold value and the second motion threshold value stored in the storage  110  to the memory  104 , and compares the motion vector with the first motion threshold value and the second motion threshold value. 
     [Still Image Imaging Mode] 
     In a case where the main controller  101  determines that the magnitude of the motion vector is less than the first motion threshold value at Step S 102 , a process at Step S 113  is executed. Namely, the main controller  101  determines that the object hardly moves, and switches into a still image imaging mode. 
       FIG.  8    is a view illustrating a timing chart of the imaging according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG.  9    is a view schematically illustrating an HDR synthesizing process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. At Step S 113 , for example, as illustrated in  FIG.  8 (A) , the first video input unit  123  takes an image of the object in succession so as to differentiate an exposure amount thereof. Specifically, the main controller  101  determines the exposure amount (for example, shutter speed, a diaphragm value and the like) whenever an image is taken on the basis of the electric signal (image signal) outputted from the first imaging device  123   b  or the second imaging device  124   b . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  8 (A) , the main controller  101  sets the exposure amount on taking an image first time to an exposure amount L A0  at which a dark portion at a low light quantity side does not become underexposure, and sets the exposure amount on taking an image second time to an exposure amount L A1  at which a bright portion at a high light quantity side does not become overexposure, for example. The exposure amount L A1  is smaller than the exposure amount L A0  (L A0 &gt;L A1 ). The main controller  101  outputs information regarding the determined exposure amount to the video input unit  120  as exposure information. In the video input unit  120 , on the basis of the inputted exposure information, the first video input unit  123  takes an image of the object with the exposure amount L A0  first time, and takes an image of the object with the exposure amount L A1  second time. 
     Whenever an image of the object is taken, the first imaging device  123   b  generates an electric signal regarding the taken image as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , for example. Whenever an image of the object is taken, the first imaging device  123   b  generates an electric signal (A 0 ) with the exposure amount L A0  and an electric signal (A 1 ) with the exposure amount L A1  as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , for example, and outputs the generated electric signals (A 0 , A 1 ) to the first image processor  122   a  of the video signal processor  122 . Here, the case where the image of the object is taken twice so as to differentiate the exposure amount thereof has been described. However, the image of the object may be taken three times or more, for example. 
     On the other hand, the second video input unit  124  takes a dynamic image (Bm) of the object, for example. Further, the second video input unit  124  may take an image of the object so as to differentiate a depth of field thereof by changing diaphragm values, for example. The second imaging device  124   b  outputs an image signal regarding the dynamic image and the like to the second image processor  122   b  of the video signal processor  122 . The processing flow then shifts to the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 . 
     At the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 , a process at Step S 114  is executed. At Step S 114 , an HDR synthetic image with the first resolution is generated on the basis of the plurality of image signals (A 0 , A 1 ) whose exposure amounts are different from each other and that is generated at Step S 113 . Specifically, the first image processor  122   a  of the video signal processor  122  converts each of the electric signals (A 0 , A 1 ) inputted from the first imaging device  123   b  into digital image data with a gradation width of predetermined bits. The first image processor  122   a  then executes image processing for the respective digital image data to generate respective intermediate image data suitable for HDR image synthesis. The first image processor  122   a  outputs the respective intermediate image data to the image synthesizer  122   c . Further, the first image processor  122   a  generates respective taken images before synthesis on the basis of the electric signals (A 0 , A 1 ). Further, the first image processor  122   a  generate thumbnail images corresponding to the respective taken images before synthesis. 
     The second image processor  122   b  generates a dynamic image on the basis of the image signal inputted from the second video input unit  124 , or generates a taken image so as to differentiate a depth of field thereof. Further, the second image processor  122   b  generates thumbnail images respectively corresponding to the generated dynamic image and the generated taken image. 
     The image synthesizer  122   c  generates an HDR synthetic image (taken image) (A 0 +A 1 ) with the first resolution (high resolution) as illustrated in  FIG.  9    by weighting and synthesizing the respective intermediate image data inputted from the first image processor  122   a , for example. The HDR synthetic image (A 0 +A 1 ) generated in this manner allows underexposure of a dark portion and/or overexposure of a bright portion to be solved, thereby becoming an image close to a scene that the user sees with the naked eye. Further, the image synthesizer  122   c  generates a thumbnail image corresponding to the generated HDR synthetic image. 
     Note that each of the first image processor  122   a  and the second image processor  122   b  may convert an image signal with high resolution into an image signal with low resolution, and the image synthesizer  122   c  generates an HDR synthetic image with low resolution. The processing flow then shifts to Step S 115 . 
     At Step S 115 , the HDR synthetic image generated at Step S 114 , the taken images before synthesis, the dynamic image, the thumbnail image and the like are stored in the storage  110 . Specifically, the image synthesizer  122   c  outputs the generated HDR synthetic image (A 0 +A 1 ) and the thumbnail image to the storage  110 , and the storage  110  stores therein the inputted HDR image synthesis (A 0 +A 1 ) and the thumbnail image. Further, each of the first image processor  122   a  and the second image processor  122   b  outputs the taken image before synthesis, the dynamic image, and the thumbnail image to the storage  110 , and the storage  110  stores therein the inputted taken images before synthesis, the dynamic images, and the thumbnail images. When these processes are executed, the process at the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40  is completed, and the processing flow shifts to Step S 104 . A process at Step S 104  will be described later. 
     [Micromotion Imaging Mode] 
       FIG.  10    and  FIG.  11    are views schematically illustrating the HDR synthesizing process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In a case where the main controller  101  determines that the motion vector is equal to or more than the first motion threshold value at Step S 102  of the imaging step S 30 , a process at Step S 123  or Step S 133  is executed. Specifically, in a case where the main controller  101  determines that the magnitude of the motion vector is equal to or more than the first motion threshold value and is equal to or less than the second motion threshold value, the process at Step S 123  is executed. Namely, the main controller  101  determines that the motion of the object is greater compared with that in the still image imaging mode but the motion is smaller than a moving object imaging mode (will be described later), and switches into a micromotion imaging mode. 
     At Step S 123 , the main controller  101  causes the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  124  to take an image of the object at the same time so as to differentiate an exposure amount thereof, and then causes the second video input unit  124  to take an image of the object so as to differentiate the exposure amount thereof. Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG.  8 (B) , the main controller  101  sets the exposure amount on taking an image by the first video input unit  123  to the exposure amount L A0  at which a dark object at a low light quantity side does not become underexposure, for example. In other words, the first video input unit  123  takes an image of the object with suitable exposure. The suitable exposure herein means that an image of a dark object at a low light quantity side is taken with a sufficient exposure amount. Further, the main controller  101  sets the exposure amount on taking an image first time by the second video input unit  124  to an exposure amount L B0  between an exposure amount at which the low light quantity side may become underexposure and an exposure amount at which the high light quantity side may become overexposure, for example, and sets the exposure amount on taking an image second time by the second video input unit  124  to the exposure amount L A1  at which a bright portion does not become overexposure, for example. The exposure amount L A1  is smaller than exposure amount L B0  (L A0 &gt;L B0 &gt;L B0 . 
     Further, since resolution of the second imaging device  124   b  is lower than that of the first imaging device  123   b , the second video input unit  124  can acquire the same exposure amount even for a shorter imaging time (faster shutter speed) than that of the first video input unit  123 . Therefore, since it is possible to shorten an imaging interval (time difference) by the second video input unit  124  compared with the first video input unit  123 , it is possible to keep occurrence of noise due to micromotion of the object down when the HDR synthesizing process is executed. 
     The main controller  101  outputs information regarding the determined exposure amount to the video input unit  120  as exposure information. In the video input unit  120 , on the basis of the inputted exposure information, the first video input unit  123  takes an image of the object with the exposure amount L A0 , the second video input unit  124  takes an image of the object with the exposure amount L B0  first time, and takes an image of the object with exposure amount L B1  second time. 
     The first imaging device  123   b  generates the electric signal (A 0 ) with the exposure amount L A0  as illustrated in  FIG.  10 (A) , for example, and outputs the generated electric signal (A 0 ) to the first image processor  122   a  of the video signal processor  122 . 
     Whenever an image of the object is taken, the second imaging device  124   b  generates an electric signal (B 0 ) of the exposure amount L B0  and an electric signal (B 1 ) of the exposure amount L B1  as illustrated in  FIG.  10 (A) , for example, and outputs the generated electric signals (B 0 , B 1 ) to the second image processor  122   b  of the video signal processor  122 . The processing flow then shifts to the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 . 
     At the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 , a process at Step S 124  is first executed. At Step S 124 , the resolution of the taken image of the electric signal generated at Step S 123  is converted. Specifically, the main controller  101  causes the video signal processor  122  to convert the resolution of the image signal generated by the first video input unit  123  into the second resolution, and to convert the resolution of the image signal generated by the second video input unit  124  into the first resolution. 
     Specifically, the main controller  101  causes the first image processor  122   a  to convert resolution of the electric signal (A 0 ) generated by the first imaging device  123   b  from the first resolution to the second resolution, and causes the second image processor  122   b  to convert resolution of the electric signal (B 0 ) generated by the second imaging device  124   b  from the second resolution to the first resolution. More specifically, the first image processor  122   a  executes resolution conversion for the electric signal (A 0 ) with the first resolution to generate an electric signal (A 0   d ) with the second resolution illustrated in  FIG.  10 (B) . The second image processor  122   b  executes resolution conversion for the electric signal (B 0 ) with the second resolution, and generates an electric signal (B 0   u ) with the first resolution illustrated in  FIG.  10 (A)  by executing a process such as an interpolating process, for example. The processing flow then shifts to Step S 125 . 
     At Step S 125 , an HDR synthetic image with the first resolution and an HDR synthetic image with the second resolution are generated on the basis of the plurality of image signals (A 0 , B 0 , B 1 , A 0   d , B 0   u ) generated at Step S 124 . Specifically, the first image processor  122   a  converts each of the electric signal (A 0 ) with the first resolution and the electric signal (A 0   d ) with the second resolution into digital image data with a gradation width of predetermined bits. The first image processor  122   a  then executes image processing for the respective digital image data to generate intermediate image data suitable for HDR image synthesis. The first image processor  122   a  outputs the respective intermediate image data to the image synthesizer  122   c . Further, the first image processor  122   a  generates respective taken images before synthesis on the basis of the electric signals (A 0 , A 0   d ). Further, the first image processor  122   a  generates a thumbnail image corresponding to each of the taken images before synthesis. 
     The second image processor  122   b  converts each of the electric signals (B 0 , B 1 ) with the second resolution and the electric signal (B 0   u ) with the first resolution into digital image data with a gradation width of predetermined bits. The second image processor  122   b  then executes image processing for the respective digital image data to generate respective intermediate image data suitable for HDR image synthesis. The second image processor  122   b  outputs the respective intermediate image data to the image synthesizer  122   c . Further, the second image processor  122   b  generates respective taken images before synthesis on the basis of the electric signals (B 0 , B 1 , B 0   u ). Further, the second image processor  122   b  generates thumbnail images respectively corresponding to the generated taken images before synthesis. 
     The image synthesizer  122   c  generates an HDR synthetic image with the first resolution and an HDR synthetic image with the second resolution by weighting and synthesizing the respective intermediate image data outputted from the first image processor  122   a  and the respective intermediate image data outputted from the second image processor  122   b.    
     Specifically, the image synthesizer  122   c  generates an HDR synthetic image (A 0 +B 0   u ) with the first resolution illustrated in  FIG.  10 (A) , for example, on the basis of the intermediate image data of the electric signal (A 0 ) and the intermediate image data of the electric signal (B 0   u ). Further, the image synthesizer  122   c  generates an HDR synthetic image (A 0   d +B 0 ) with the second resolution illustrated in  FIG.  10 (B)  on the basis of the intermediate image data of the electric signal (A 0   d ) and the intermediate image data of the electric signal (B 0 ), for example. Further, the image synthesizer  122   c  generates an HDR synthetic image (B 0 +B 1 ) with the second resolution illustrated in  FIG.  11 (A)  on the basis of the intermediate image data of the electric signal (B 0 ) and the intermediate image data of the electric signal (B 1 ), for example. Further, the image synthesizer  122   c  generates an HDR synthetic image (A 0   d +B 0 +B 1 ) with the second resolution illustrated in  FIG.  11 (B)  on the basis of the intermediate image data of the electric signal (A 0   d ) and the intermediate image data of the electric signals (B 0 , B 1 ), for example. Further, the image synthesizer  122   c  generates a thumbnail image corresponding to the generated HDR synthetic image. 
     When the user views or browses the HDR synthetic images later, the user may select one, which is visually determined to be the best, from these images, and treats the one as an image of a final processing result by being subjected to the HDR synthesizing process. The processing flow then shifts to Step S 126 . 
     At Step S 126 , the HDR synthetic images generated at Step S 125 , the taken images before synthesis, the thumbnail images and the like are stored in the storage  110 . Specifically, the image synthesizer  122   c  outputs the generated HDR synthetic images (A 0 +B 0   u ), (A 0   d +B 0 ), (B 0 +B 1 ) and (A 0   d +B 0 +B 1 ), and the thumbnail images to the storage  110 , and the storage  110  stores therein the inputted HDR image synthesis (A 0 +B 0   u ), (A 0   d +B 0 ), (B 0 +B 1 ) and (A 0   d +B 0 +B 1 ), and the thumbnail images. Further, each of the first image processor  122   a  and the second image processor  122   b  outputs a taken image before synthesis and a thumbnail image to the storage  110 , and the storage  110  stores therein the inputted taken image before synthesis and thumbnail image. When these processes are executed, the process at the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40  is completed, and the processing flow then shifts to Step S 104 . A process at Step S 104  will be described later. 
     [Moving Object Imaging Mode] 
     At Step S 102  of the imaging step S 30 , in a case where the main controller  101  determines that the motion vector exceeds the second motion threshold value, a process at Step S 133  is executed. Namely, the main controller  101  determines that the motion of the object is greater than the micromotion imaging mode, and switches into a moving object imaging mode. 
     At Step S 133 , a process similar to the process at Step S 123  is executed. Namely, at Step S 123 , the main controller  101  causes the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  124  to take an image of the object at the same time so as to differentiate exposure amounts thereof. The first video input unit  123  takes an image of the object with the exposure amount L A0 , for example, to generate the electric signal (A 0 ) for the taken image with the first resolution as illustrated in  FIGS.  10 (A) and  10 (B) . The second video input unit  124  takes an image of the object with the exposure amount L B0 , for example, to generate the electric signal (B 0 ) for the taken image with the second resolution as illustrated in  FIGS.  10 (A) and  10 (B) . Note that in the moving object imaging mode, the second video input unit  124  does not take an image of the object with time differences unlike the micromotion imaging mode. This is because the motion of the object is greater, and thus, deflection of the object in the generated HDR synthetic image becomes marked when an image of the object is taken with time intervals. 
     The first imaging device  123   b  outputs the electric signal (A 0 ) of the exposure amount L A0  to the first image processor  122   a . The second imaging device  124   b  outputs the electric signal (B 0 ) with the exposure amount L B0  to the second image processor  122   b . The processing flow then shifts to the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 . 
     At the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 , a process at Step S 134  is first executed. At Step S 134 , the process similar to the process at Step S 124  described above is executed. Namely, at Step S 134 , the first image processor  122   a  executes resolution conversion for the electric signal (A 0 ) with the first resolution to generate the electric signal (A 0   d ) with the second resolution illustrated in  FIG.  10 (B) , for example. The second image processor  122   b  executes resolution conversion for the electric signal (B 0 ) with the second resolution to generate the electric signal (B 0   u ) with the first resolution illustrated in  FIG.  10 (A) . The processing flow then shifts to Step S 135 . 
     At Step S 135 , a process substantially similar to the process at Step S 125  described above is executed. Namely, at Step S 135 , an HDR synthetic image with the first resolution and an HDR synthetic image with the second resolution are generated on the basis of the plurality of image signals (A 0 , B 0 , A 0   d , B 0   u ) generated at Step S 134 . Specifically, the image synthesizer  122   c  generates the HDR synthetic image (A 0 +B 0   u ) with the first resolution illustrated in  FIG.  10 (B)  and the HDR synthetic image (A 0   d +B 0 ) with the second resolution illustrated in  FIG.  10 (A) . Further, each of the first image processor  122   a  and the second image processor  122   b  generates a taken image before synthesis and a thumbnail image corresponding to the taken image before synthesis. 
     When the user views or browses the HDR synthetic images later, the user may select one, which is visually determined to be the best, from these images, and treats the one as an image of a final processing result by being subjected to the HDR synthesizing process. The processing flow then shifts to Step S 126 . 
     At Step S 126 , the HDR synthetic images generated at Step S 135 , the taken images before synthesis, the thumbnail images and the like are stored in the storage  110 . Specifically, the image synthesizer  122   c  outputs the generated HDR synthetic images (A 0 +B 0   u ) and (A 0   d +B 0 ), and the thumbnail images to the storage  110 , and the storage  110  stores therein the inputted HDR image synthesis (A 0 +B 0   u ) and (A 0   d +B 0 ), and the thumbnail images. Further, each of the first image processor  122   a  and the second image processor  122   b  outputs a taken image before synthesis and a thumbnail image to the storage  110 , and the storage  110  stores therein the inputted taken image before synthesis and thumbnail image. When these processes are executed, the process at the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40  is completed, and the processing flow then shifts to Step S 104 . 
     At Step S 104 , an image to be displayed on the display  121  and the like are selected. Specifically, the image to be displayed on the display  121  and the like are selected among the images generated at each of Steps S 114 , S 125 , S 135  for the respective imaging modes and stored in the storage  110  (including the HDR synthetic image, the taken image before synthesis, and the dynamic image). 
     For example, the storage  110  outputs information regarding the stored images (for example, the thumbnail images) to the image output unit  122   d . The image output unit  122   d  outputs the inputted thumbnail images to the display  121 . The display  121  displays the inputted thumbnail images thereon. The user selects the image or the like displayed on the display  121  from the displayed thumbnail images. The processing flow then shifts to Step S 105 . 
     At Step S 105 , the image or the like corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is displayed. Specifically, the image output unit  122   d  outputs the image or the like corresponding to the thumbnail image selected by the user from the storage  110 , for example. The image output unit  122   d  outputs the image read out therefrom to the display  121 . The display  121  displays the inputted image or the like. 
     Note that the user may arbitrarily select the image or the like to be displayed on the display  121 , the preference order to be displayed may be registered in advance in the imaging apparatus  100 , and the images and the like may be displayed in turn in accordance with this order. 
     Further, the image and the like to be displayed on the display  121  may be expanded or reduced appropriately in accordance with resolution of the display  121 . In this case, a plurality of images or the like may be displayed with the same size, or the plurality of images or the like may be displayed with respective different sizes in accordance with resolution of the selected image or the like. 
     Note that the imaging apparatus  100  according to the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration illustrated in  FIG.  2   . For example, the imaging apparatus  100  may not include the communication processor  150  or the sensor unit  160 , or may include various kinds of functions such as a digital television broadcasting receiving function or an electronic money settlement function. 
     According to the present embodiment, on the basis of the motion vector of the object, the main controller  101  causes the video input unit  120  to take an image of the object multiple times so as to differentiate an exposure amount thereof, and causes the video signal processor  122  to generate an HDR synthetic image of the object on the basis of the plurality of image signals whose exposure amounts are different from each other. 
     According to this configuration, it is possible to select an appropriate imaging mode based on motion of the object. Therefore, it is possible to generate a high-quality HDR synthetic image compatible with imaging environment such as motion of the object or camera shake. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, in a case where the main controller  101  determines that the magnitude of the motion vector is less than the first motion threshold value, the main controller  101  switches into the still image imaging mode. The main controller  101  causes the first video input unit  123  including the first imaging device  123   b  first resolution that is high resolution to take an image of the object in succession so as to differentiate an exposure amount thereof, and causes the video signal processor  122  to generate an HDR synthetic image with the first resolution on the basis of the plurality of image signals (A 0 , A 1 ) whose exposure amounts are different from each other. 
     According to this configuration, the object hardly moves in the still image imaging mode. Therefore, even though an image of the object is taken with time intervals, it is possible to keep occurrence of noise due to motion of the object down in the HDR synthetic image. This makes it possible to take an image of the object in succession by using only an imaging device with high resolution. Therefore, it is possible to generate a high-quality HDR synthetic image. 
     Further, according to this configuration, the electric signal (A 0 ) generated by taking an image of a dark object at a low light quantity side with a sufficient exposure amount and the electric signal (A 1 ) generated by taking an image of a bright object at a high light quantity side while suppressing the exposure amount are synthesized. Therefore, a high-quality HDR synthetic image whose dynamic range is expanded is generated. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, in a case where the main controller  101  determines that the motion vector is equal to or more than the first motion threshold value, the main controller  101  switches into the micromotion imaging mode or the moving object imaging mode. The main controller  101  causes the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  124  to take an image of the object at the same time so as to differentiate exposure amounts thereof, and causes the video signal processor  122  to convert the image signal with the first resolution into the image signal with the second resolution and to convert the image signal with the second resolution into the image signal with the first resolution to generate the HDR synthetic image with the first resolution and the HDR synthetic image with the second resolution. 
     According to this configuration, even in a case where the object moves, the HDR synthetic image is generated on the basis of the plurality of image signals obtained by taking an image at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an influence of noise caused by motion of the object or camera shake, and a high-quality HDR synthetic image in which a dynamic range thereof is expanded is generated. 
     Further, according to this configuration, since the plurality of HDR images whose resolution is different from each other is generated, it is possible to provide the HDR images suitable for use application of the user. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, in a case where the main controller  101  determines that the motion vector is equal to or more than the first motion threshold value and is equal to or less than the second motion threshold value, the main controller  101  switches into the micromotion imaging mode. The main controller  101  causes the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  124  to take an image of the object at the same time so as to differentiate exposure amounts thereof, and then causes the second video input unit  124  to take an image of the object so as to differentiate an exposure amount thereof. 
     According to this configuration, the HDR synthesizing process is executed on the basis of at least three kinds of image signals whose exposure amounts are different from each other. Therefore, it is possible to generate the HDR synthetic image with higher quality. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, the resolution of the second imaging device  124   b  is lower than the resolution of the first imaging device  123   b.    
     According to this configuration, the second video input unit  124  can acquire the same exposure amount even in the imaging time shorter than that of the first video input unit  123 . This makes it possible to suppress occurrence of noise due to motion of the object even though the second video input unit  124  takes an image of the object with time intervals. Therefore, it is possible to suppress occurrence of noise due to motion of the object in the HDR synthetic image. 
     Further, according to this configuration, it is possible to lower the cost of the second imaging device  124 . This makes it possible to lower a manufacturing cost of the imaging apparatus  100 . 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, the display  121  displays the thumbnail image such as the HDR synthetic image. When the thumbnail image is selected, the display  121  displays the HDR synthetic image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image. 
     According to this configuration, the user is allowed to readily identify the HDR synthetic images and the like stored in the storage  110 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce a load when the user selects the HDR image or the like to be displayed on the display  121 . 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, the imaging method includes: the video inputting step S 10  of causing the video input unit  120  to take an object of an object to generate an image signal of the object; the motion information detecting step S 20  of detecting motion information of the object on the basis of the image signal by the main controller  101 ; the imaging step S 30  of causing the video input unit  120  to take an image of the object multiple times on the basis of the motion information so as to differentiate an exposure amount thereof by the main controller  101 ; and the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40  of causing the video signal processor  122  to generate an HDR synthetic image of the object on the basis of a plurality of image signals whose exposure amounts are different from each other. 
     According to this configuration, it is possible to select an appropriate imaging mode based on motion of the object and take an image of the object. Therefore, it is possible to provide an imaging method capable of generating a high-quality HDR synthetic image compatible with imaging environment. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, the main controller  101  that is a computer is caused to execute: the video inputting step S 10  of causing the video input unit  120  to take an object of an object to generate an image signal of the object; the motion information detecting step S 20  of detecting motion information of the object on the basis of the image signal; the imaging step S 30  of causing the video input unit  120  to take an image of the object multiple times on the basis of the motion information so as to differentiate an exposure amount thereof, and the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40  of causing the video signal processor  122  to generate an HDR synthetic image of the object on the basis of a plurality of image signals whose exposure amounts are different from each other. 
     According to this configuration, it is possible to select an appropriate imaging mode based on motion of the object and take an image of the object. Therefore, it is possible to provide an imaging program capable of generating a high-quality HDR synthetic image compatible with imaging environment. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a case where imaging modes are switched on the basis of motion and light quantity of an object will be described. Hereinafter, detailed explanation of overlapped portions with those according to the first embodiment described above may be omitted appropriately. 
       FIG.  12    and  FIG.  13    are block diagrams illustrating one example of a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG.  12   , an imaging apparatus  200  includes a video input unit  220  and the like. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  12    and  FIG.  13   , the video input unit  220  includes a second video input unit  224 , a resolution converter  228 , and the like. The second video input unit  224  includes a second imaging device  224   b . The second imaging device  224   b  is an imaging device with first resolution (high resolution) as well as the first imaging device  123   b . The first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  224   b  are configured so that resolution is converted appropriately. 
     The light quantity sensor  165  measures light quantity in the vicinity of the periphery of the imaging apparatus  200  or the object. The light quantity sensor  165  then outputs the measured light quantity information to the exposure controller  126  and the main controller  101 . 
     For example, the exposure controller  126  sets an exposure amount when the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  224  take an image on the basis of the light quantity information outputted from the light quantity sensor  165  and an instruction from the main controller  101 . 
     The main controller  101  switches imaging modes on the basis of the light quantity measured by the light quantity sensor  165  and a detecting result of motion vector of the object. Further, the main controller  101  causes the resolution converter  228  to group a plurality of pixels, thereby converting resolution of each of the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  224   b  from the first resolution (high resolution) to second resolution (low resolution). Further, the main controller  101  causes the resolution converter  228  to release the grouping of the plurality of pixels, thereby converting the resolution of each of the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  224   b  from the second resolution (low resolution) to the first resolution (high resolution). 
     For example, the main controller  101  outputs resolution conversion information to the resolution converter  228 . The resolution conversion information is used to convert the resolution of each of the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  224   b  in accordance with the imaging mode. The resolution converter  228  converts the resolution of each of the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  224   b  on the basis of the resolution conversion information. In the imaging device whose resolution is converted into low resolution, a plurality of grouped pixels is set to one pixel. Herewith, an exposure amount in one pixel after grouping is increased compared with one pixel before grouping. Therefore, it is possible to shorten an exposure time (shutter speed) to acquire the same exposure amount. 
     The light quantity sensor  165  measures light quantity of the object from a region of high luminosity to a region of low luminosity.  FIG.  12    and  FIG.  13    illustrate a case where the light quantity sensor  165  is provided independently. However, the light quantity sensor  165  is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the first imaging device  123   b  or the second imaging device  224   b  may also be provided with a function of the light quantity sensor  165 . 
     Next, an imaging method according to the present embodiment will be described.  FIG.  14    and  FIG.  15    are flowcharts related to the imaging method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the video inputting step S 10 , the motion information detecting step S 20 , the imaging step S 30 , and the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 , which are illustrated in  FIG.  5   , are executed. The video inputting step S 10  and the motion information detecting step S 20  are similar to those according to the first embodiment described above. 
     At the imaging step S 30 , a process at Step S 202  is first executed. At Step S 202 , motion of the object is determined on the basis of the motion information. Specifically, the main controller  101  compares the motion vector detected at the motion information detecting step S 20  with a third motion threshold value, thereby determining the motion of the object. Specifically, the main controller  101  reads out the third motion threshold value stored in the storage  110  to the memory  104 , and compares the motion vector with the third motion threshold value. The third motion threshold value is set appropriately y experiments and the like, for example. 
     [Still Image Imaging Mode] 
     In a case where the main controller  101  determines that the magnitude of the motion vector is less than the third motion threshold value at Step S 202 , a process at Step S 214  is executed. Namely, the main controller  101  determines that the object hardly moves, and switches into a still image imaging mode. 
     At Step S 214 , a process similar to the process at Step S 113  according to the first embodiment is executed. Namely, the first video input unit  123  takes an image of the object in succession so as to differentiate an exposure amount thereof. The first video input unit  123  takes an image of the object with an exposure amount L A0  on taking an image first time, for example, and takes an image of the object with an exposure amount L A1 , which is smaller than the exposure amount L A0  (L A0 &gt;L A1 ), on taking an image second time. For example, the first imaging device  123   b  generates electric signals (A 0 , A 1 ) illustrated in  FIG.  9    with respect to a taken image with high resolution, and outputs the generated electric signals (A 0 , A 1 ) to the first image processor  122   a . Here, a case where two kinds of image signals whose exposure amounts are different from each other are subjected to a synthesizing process will be described. However, for example, three kinds or more of image signals may be subjected to the synthesizing process. 
     On the other hand, the second video input unit  224  may take a dynamic image (Bm) of the object, for example, or take an image of the object so as to differentiate a depth of field thereof. Further, since the second imaging device  224   b  of the second video input unit  224  is also high resolution, for example, the second video input unit  224  may take an image of the object at the same time with the first video input unit  123  so as to differentiate an exposure amount thereof (for example, L A1  or the like). The second imaging device  224   b  generates the electric signal (A 0 ) with the exposure amount L A0  and an electric signal (A 1 ) with the exposure amount L A1 , and outputs the generated electric signals (A 0 , A 1 ) to the first image processor  122   a . The second imaging device  224   b  outputs the image signals regarding the dynamic image and the like to the second image processor  122   b  of the video signal processor  122 . The processing flow then shifts to the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 . 
     At the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 , a process at Step S 215  is executed. At Step S 215 , a process similar to the process at Step S 114  according to the first embodiment is executed. Namely, the image synthesizer  122   c  generates an HDR synthetic image (A 0 +A 1 ) with the first resolution on the basis of the plurality of image signals (A 0 , A 1 ) whose exposure amounts are different from each other, which are generated at Step S 214 . Further, the image synthesizer  122   c  may generate an HDR synthetic image on the basis of the electric signals generated by the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  224   b . Further, the image synthesizer  122   c  generates a thumbnail image corresponding to the HDR synthetic image. The first image processor  122   a  and the second image processor  122   b  generate taken images before synthesis, dynamic images, and thumbnail images corresponding to these images. 
     Note that the first image processor  122   a  and the second image processor  122   b  may convert an image signal with high resolution into an image signal with low resolution, and the image synthesizer  122   c  may generate an HDR synthetic image with low resolution. The processing flow then shifts to Step S 216 . 
     At Step S 216 , a process similar to the process at Step S 115  according to the first embodiment is executed. Namely, the HDR synthetic image generated at Step S 215 , the taken images before synthesis, the dynamic images, the thumbnail images and the like are stored in the storage  110 . 
     [Moving Object Imaging Mode] 
       FIG.  16    is a view schematically illustrating an HDR synthesizing process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In a case where the main controller  101  determines at Step S 202  of the imaging step S 30  that the motion vector is equal to or more than the third motion threshold value, the main controller  101  determines that motion of the object is large, and switches into a moving object imaging mode. When to switch into the moving object imaging mode, the processing flow shifts to Step S 203 . 
     At Step S 203 , the imaging modes are switched on the basis of the light quantity measured by the light quantity sensor  165 . Specifically, the light quantity sensor  165  measures light quantity of the periphery of the imaging apparatus  200 , and outputs information regarding the measured light quantity to the main controller  101  as light quantity information. The main controller  101  compares the measured light quantity with a first light quantity threshold value and a second light quantity threshold value on the basis of the inputted light quantity information. The second light quantity threshold value is larger than the first light quantity threshold value. Specifically, the main controller  101  reads out the first light quantity threshold value and the second light quantity threshold value stored in the storage  110  to the memory  104 , and compares the light quantity with the first light quantity threshold value and the second light quantity threshold value. The first light quantity threshold value and the second light quantity threshold value are set appropriately by experiments and the like, for example. 
     &lt;High Light Quantity Moving Object Imaging Mode&gt; 
     In a case where the main controller  101  determines that the light quantity exceeds the second light quantity threshold value, the processing flow shifts to Step S 224 . Namely, the main controller  101  determines that the light quantity is high, and switches into a high light quantity moving object imaging mode. 
     At Step S 224 , the main controller  101  causes the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  224  to take an image of the object at the same time so as to differentiate exposure amounts thereof. At this time, the main controller  101  sets resolution of each of the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  224   b  to the first resolution that is high resolution. 
     For example, in a case where the resolution of the first imaging device  123   b  or the second imaging device  224   b  is set to low resolution, the main controller  101  outputs the resolution conversion information, by which resolution of the corresponding imaging device is to be converted, to the resolution converter  228 . The resolution converter  228  converts the resolution of the corresponding imaging device from low resolution to high resolution on the basis of the inputted resolution conversion information. 
     When the resolution of the imaging device is set in this manner, the first video input unit  123  takes an image of the object with the exposure amount L A0 , for example, to generate the electric signal (A 0 ) as illustrated in  FIG.  16    with respect to the taken image with high resolution. The second video input unit  124  takes an image of the object with an exposure amount L B0  that is smaller than the exposure amount L A0  (L A0 &gt;L B0 ), for example, to generate an electric signal (B 0 ) as illustrated in  FIG.  16    with respect to the taken image with high resolution. 
     The first imaging device  123   b  outputs the electric signal (A 0 ) with the exposure amount L A0  to the first image processor  122   a . The second imaging device  124   b  outputs the electric signal (B 0 ) with the exposure amount L B0  to the second image processor  122   b . The processing flow then shifts to the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 . 
     At the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 , a process at Step S 225  is executed. At Step S 225 , the image synthesizer  122   c  generates an HDR synthetic image (A 0 +B 0 ) with high resolution illustrated in  FIG.  16    on the basis of the plurality of image signals (A 0 , B 0 ) generated at Step S 224 , for example. Further, the image synthesizer  122   c  generates a thumbnail image corresponding to the HDR synthetic image. The first image processor  122   a  and the second image processor  122   b  generates the taken images before synthesis, the dynamic images, and the thumbnail images corresponding to these images. 
     Note that each of the first image processor  122   a  and the second image processor  122   b  may converts an image signal with high resolution into an image signal with low resolution, and the image synthesizer  122   c  may generate an HDR synthetic image with low resolution. The processing flow then shifts to Step S 237 . 
     At Step S 237 , a process similar to the process at Step S 126  according to the first embodiment is executed. Namely, the HDR synthetic image generated at Step S 225 , the taken image before synthesis, the dynamic image, the thumbnail image and the like are stored in the storage  110 . The processing flow then shifts to Step S 204 . The process at Step S 204  will be described later. 
     &lt;Intermediate Light Quantity Moving Object Imaging Mode&gt; 
       FIG.  17    is a view schematically illustrating an HDR synthesizing process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In a case where the main controller  101  determines that the light quantity is equal to or more than the first light quantity threshold value and is equal to or less than the second light quantity threshold value, the processing flow shifts to Step S 234 . Namely, the main controller  101  determines that the light quantity is smaller than that in the high light quantity moving object imaging mode, and switches into an intermediate light quantity moving object imaging mode. 
     At Step S 234 , the main controller  101  causes the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  224  to take an image of the object at the same time so as to differentiate exposure amounts thereof. At this time, the main controller  101  causes the resolution converter  228  to convert resolution of the first imaging device  123   b  into the first resolution, and to convert resolution of the second imaging device  224   b  into the second resolution. 
     For example, in a case where the resolution of the first imaging device  123   b  is set to low resolution, the main controller  101  outputs the resolution conversion information, by which the resolution of the first imaging device  123   b  is to be converted, to the resolution converter  228 . The resolution converter  228  converts the resolution of the first imaging device  123   b  from low resolution to high resolution on the basis of the inputted resolution conversion information. Further, in a case where the resolution of the second imaging device  224   b  is set to high resolution, the main controller  101  outputs the resolution conversion information, by which the resolution of the second imaging device  224   b  is to be converted, to the resolution converter  228 . The resolution converter  228  converts the resolution of the second imaging device  224   b  from high resolution to low resolution on the basis of the inputted resolution conversion information. 
     When the resolution of the imaging device is set in this manner, the first video input unit  123  takes an image of the object with the exposure amount L A0 , for example, to generate the electric signal (A 0 ) as illustrated in  FIGS.  17 (A) and  17 (B)  with respect to the taken image with high resolution. The second video input unit  124  takes an image of the object with an exposure amount L b0  that is smaller than the exposure amount L A0  (L A0 &gt;L b0 ), for example, to generate an electric signal (b 0 ) as illustrated in  FIGS.  17 (A) and  17 (B)  with respect to the taken image with low resolution. Since resolution of the second video input unit  224  is smaller than that of the first video input unit  123 , it is possible to appropriately set the exposure amount for expanding a dynamic range in the HDR synthetic image. 
     The first imaging device  123   b  outputs the electric signal (A 0 ) with the exposure amount L A0  to the first image processor  122   a . The second imaging device  124   b  outputs the electric signal (b 0 ) of the exposure amount L b0  to the second image processor  122   b . The processing flow then shifts to the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 . 
     At the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 , a process at Step S 235  is first executed. At Step S 235 , for example, the process similar to the process at Step S 124  according to the first embodiment is executed. Namely, resolution of each of the electric signals generated at Step S 235  and Step S 234  is converted. Specifically, the first image processor  122   a  executes resolution conversion for the electric signal (A 0 ) with high resolution, for example, to generate an electric signal (A 0   d ) with low resolution illustrated in  FIG.  17 (B) . The second image processor  122   b  executes resolution conversion for the electric signal (b 0 ) with low resolution, for example, to generate an electric signal (B 0   u ) with high resolution illustrated in  FIG.  17 (A) . The processing flow then shifts to Step S 236 . 
     At Step S 236 , the image synthesizer  122   c  generates an HDR synthetic image (A 0 +B 0   u ) with high resolution illustrated in  FIG.  17 (A) , for example, and an HDR synthetic image (A 0   d +b 0 ) with low resolution illustrated in  FIG.  17 (B) , for example, on the basis of the plurality of electric signals (A 0 , b 0 , A 0   d , B 0   u ) generated at Step S 235 . Further, the image synthesizer  122   c  generates a thumbnail image corresponding to the HDR synthetic image. The first image processor  122   a  and the second image processor  122   b  generates the taken images before synthesis, the dynamic images, and the thumbnail images corresponding to these images. The processing flow then shifts to Step S 237 . 
     At Step S 237 , the HDR synthetic images generated at Step S 236 , the taken images before synthesis, the dynamic image, the thumbnail images and the like are stored in the storage  110 . The processing flow then shifts to Step S 204 . The process at Step S 204  will be described later. 
     &lt;Low Light Quantity Moving Object Imaging Mode&gt; 
       FIG.  18    is a view schematically illustrating an HDR synthesizing process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In a case where the main controller  101  determines that the light quantity is less than the first light quantity threshold value, the processing flow shifts to Step S 244 . Namely, the main controller  101  determines that the light quantity is smaller than that in the intermediate light quantity moving object imaging mode, and switches into a low light quantity moving object imaging mode. 
     At Step S 224 , the main controller  101  causes the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  224  to take an image of the object at the same time so as to differentiate exposure amounts thereof. At this time, the main controller  101  causes the resolution converter  228  to convert resolution of each of the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  224   b  into the second resolution that is low resolution. 
     For example, in a case where the resolution of the first imaging device  123   b  or the second imaging device  224   b  is set to high resolution, the main controller  101  outputs the resolution conversion information, by which the resolution of the corresponding imaging device is to be converted, to the resolution converter  228 . The resolution converter  228  converts the resolution of the corresponding imaging device from high resolution to low resolution on the basis of the inputted resolution conversion information. 
     When the resolution of the imaging device is set in this manner, the first video input unit  123  takes an image of the object with the exposure amount L a0 , for example, to generate the electric signal (a 0 ) as illustrated in  FIG.  18    with respect to the taken image with low resolution. The second video input unit  124  takes an image of the object with an exposure amount L b0  that is smaller than the exposure amount L a0 , for example, to generate an electric signal (b 0 ) as illustrated in  FIG.  18    with respect to the taken image with low resolution. Since resolution of each of the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  224  is set to low resolution, it is possible to appropriately set the exposure amount for expanding the dynamic range in the HDR synthetic image. 
     The first imaging device  123   b  outputs the electric signal (a 0 ) with the exposure amount L a0  to the first image processor  122   a . The second imaging device  124   b  outputs the electric signal (b 0 ) of the exposure amount L b0  to the second image processor  122   b . The processing flow then shifts to the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 . 
     At the HDR synthetic image generating step S 40 , a process at Step S 225  is executed. At Step S 225 , the image synthesizer  122   c  generates an HDR synthetic image (a 0 +b 0 ) with low resolution illustrated in  FIG.  18    on the basis of the plurality of image signals (a 0 , b 0 ) generated at Step S 224 , for example. Further, the image synthesizer  122   c  generates a thumbnail image corresponding to the HDR synthetic image. The first image processor  122   a  and the second image processor  122   b  generates the taken images before synthesis, the dynamic images, and the thumbnail images corresponding to these images. The processing flow then shifts to Step S 237 . 
     At Step S 237 , the HDR synthetic image generated at Step S 225 , the taken image before synthesis, the dynamic image, the thumbnail image and the like are stored in the storage  110 . 
     Note that each of the first image processor  122   a  and the second image processor  122   b  may convert an image signal with low resolution into an image signal with high resolution, and the image synthesizer  122   c  may generate an HDR synthetic image with high resolution. The processing flow then shifts to Step S 204 . 
     At Step S 204 , a process similar to the process at Step S 104  according to the first embodiment is executed, whereby an image or the like to be displayed on the display  121  is selected. The processing flow then shifts to Step S 205 . 
     At Step S 205 , a process similar to the process at Step S 105  according to the first embodiment is executed, whereby the image selected by a user at Step S 204  is displayed on the display  121 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus  100  includes the light quantity sensor  165  configured to measure light quantity, and the main controller  101  causes the video input unit  220  to take an image of the object multiple times so as to differentiate an exposure amount thereof on the basis of the motion vector and the light quantity. 
     According to this configuration, it is possible to select a more appropriate imaging mode based on motion of the object and light quantity of the periphery. Therefore, it is possible to generate a high-quality HDR synthetic image compatible with imaging environment. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, the main controller  101  compares the motion vector with the third motion threshold value. In a case where it is determined that the motion information is less than the third motion threshold value, the main controller  101  switches into the still image imaging mode. The main controller  101  causes the first video input unit  123  to take an image of the object in succession so as to differentiate an exposure amount thereof, and causes the video signal processor  122  to generate the HDR synthetic image with the first resolution. 
     According to this configuration, since the object hardly moves, it is possible to suppress occurrence of noise due to motion of the object even in a case of taking an image of the object with time intervals. This makes it possible to generate a high-quality HDR synthetic image compatible with imaging environment by using only the first video input unit  123 . Further, this makes it possible to use the second video input unit  224  for motion or animation imaging, and the imaging apparatus  200  with excellent handleability is thus provided. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, in a case where the main controller  101  determines that the motion vector is equal to or more than the third motion threshold value and the light quantity exceeds the second light quantity threshold value, the main controller  101  switches into the high light quantity moving object imaging mode, causes the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  224  to take an image of the object at the same time so as to differentiate exposure amounts thereof, and causes the video signal processor  122  to generate the HDR synthetic image with high resolution. 
     According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress occurrence of noise due to motion of the object. Therefore, the high-quality HDR synthetic image (A 0 +B 0 ) with high resolution is generated even though motion of the object is large. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, in a case where the main controller  101  determines that the motion vector is equal to or more than the third motion threshold value, the light quantity is equal to or more than the first light quantity threshold value and is equal to or less than the second light quantity threshold value, then the main controller  101  switches into the intermediate light quantity moving object imaging mode. The main controller  101  causes the resolution converter  228  to convert resolution of the second imaging device  224   b  into the second resolution, and causes the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  224  to take an image of the object at the same time so as to differentiate exposure amounts thereof. The main controller  101  then converts resolution of the image signal generated by the first video input unit  123  into the second resolution, converts resolution of the image signal generated by the second video input unit  224  into the first resolution, and causes the video signal processor  122  to generate an HDR synthetic image with the first resolution and an HDR synthetic image with the second resolution. 
     According to this configuration, by converting the resolution of the second imaging device  224   b  into low resolution, an area of each of the pixels after resolution conversion is increased. Therefore, it is possible to improve sensitivity of each of the pixels. This makes it possible to shorten an imaging time (exposure time) by the second video input unit  224 . Therefore, even in a situation that light quantity is small, it is possible to suppress occurrence of noise due to motion of the object, and it is possible to generate the high-quality HDR synthetic images (A 0 +B 0   u , A 0   d +B 0 ) compatible with imaging environment. 
     Further, according to this configuration, since a plurality of HDR synthetic images each of which has different resolution is generated, the imaging apparatus  200  with excellent handleability is provided. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, in a case where the main controller  101  determines that the motion vector is equal to or more than the third motion threshold value and the light quantity is less than the first light quantity threshold value, the main controller  101  switches into the low light quantity moving object imaging mode. The main controller  101  causes the resolution converter  228  to convert the resolution of each of the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  224   b  into the second resolution, causes the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  224  to take an image of the object at the same time so as to differentiate exposure amounts thereof, and causes the video signal processor  122  to generate an HDR synthetic image with the second resolution. 
     According to this configuration, by converting the resolution of each of the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  224   b  into low resolution, an area of each of the pixels after resolution conversion is increased. Therefore, it is possible to improve sensitivity of each of the pixels. This makes it possible to shorten the imaging time of both the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  224 . Therefore, even in a situation that light quantity is further small, it is possible to suppress occurrence of noise due to motion of the object, and it is possible to generate the high-quality HDR synthetic images (a 0 +B 0 ) compatible with imaging environment. 
     Further, according to the present embodiment, the main controller  101  causes the resolution converter  228  to group a plurality of pixels, thereby converting the resolution of each of the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  224   b  from high resolution to low resolution. Further, the main controller  101  causes the resolution converter  228  to release grouping of the plurality of pixels, thereby converting the resolution of each of the first imaging device  123   b  and the second imaging device  224   b  from low resolution to high resolution. 
     According to this configuration, since there is no need to prepare plural types of imaging devices for plural kinds of resolution, it is possible to miniaturize the imaging apparatus. This makes is possible to suppress manufacturing cost of the imaging apparatus from being increased. 
     Another Embodiment 
     In the first and second embodiments that have been explained above, a main controller  101  detects motion information of an object (for example, motion vector) on the basis of an image signal generated by a first imaging device  123   b  or a second imaging device  124   b  (or  224   b ). However, in addition to this, for example, the main controller  101  may detect the motion information of the object on the basis of a focal distance of a video input unit  120 . Specifically, in a case where the focal distance of the video input unit  120  is short, an influence of camera shake becomes small. In a case where the focal distance is long, the influence of the camera shake becomes larger. Namely, the main controller  101  detects motion information indicating that the motion of the object is small when the focal distance is short. The main controller  101  detects motion information indicating that the motion of the object is large when the focal distance is long. Thus, the main controller  101  compares the focal distance of the video input unit  120  with a first focal distance threshold value and a second focal distance threshold value. The second focal distance threshold value is larger than the first focal distance threshold value. Then, in a case where the main controller  101  determines that the focal distance of the video input unit  120  is less than the first focal distance threshold value, the main controller  101  switches into a still image imaging mode. Further, in a case where the main controller  101  determines that the focal distance of the video input unit  120  is equal to or more than the first focal distance threshold value and is equal to or less than the second focal distance, the main controller  101  switches into a micromotion imaging mode. Further, in a case where the main controller  101  determines that the focal distance of the video input unit  120  exceeds the second focal distance threshold value, the main controller  101  switches into a moving object imaging mode. Even though the imaging modes are switched on the basis of the focal distance of the video input unit  120  in this manner, the effects described above can be obtained. 
     Moreover, in the first and second embodiments, the case where an image of the object is taken by two cameras, that is, the first video input unit  123  and the second video input unit  124  (or  224 ) to generate the HDR synthetic image has been described. However, for example, an image of the object may be taken by using three or more cameras to generate an HDR synthetic image. 
     As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained, but needless to say, the configuration to realize the technique of the present invention is not limited these embodiments. Further, the numerical values and the like described in the specification or illustrated in the drawings are just one example. Even though different numerical values are utilized, the effects of the present invention are not lost. 
     A part or all of the functions and the like of the present invention described above may be realized with hardware by designing an integrated circuit, for example. A computer such as a microprocessor unit may interpret programs that realize the respective functions and execute the programs, thereby realizing a part or all of the functions and the like of the present invention described above by software. Alternatively, a part or all of the functions and the like of the present invention described above may be realized by using both hardware and software. 
     Further, the control lines and the information lines illustrated in the drawings are illustrated as ones that are thought to be necessary for explanation. All of the control lines and the information lines on a product are not necessarily illustrated in the drawings. In fact, it may be thought that almost all components are mutually connected to each other. 
     REFERENCE SINGS LIST 
       100  . . . imaging apparatus,  101  . . . main controller,  104   a  . . . basic operation executing unit,  104   b  . . . camera function executing unit,  110   a  . . . basic operation program storage area,  110   b  . . . camera function program storage area,  120  . . . video input unit,  123  . . . first video input unit,  123   b  . . . first imaging device,  124  . . . second video input unit,  124   b  . . . second imaging device,  165  . . . light quantity sensor,  224  . . . second video input unit,  224   b  . . . second imaging device,  228  . . . resolution converter