JP2009033507A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus which can display a graphic image prepared arbitrarily by a user freely by superimposing it to an image of a photographic subject. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus 2 is provided with an imaging element 61 to image photographic subject light and a display portion 63 to display an image based on an imaging signal output from the imaging element. The imaging apparatus 2 is provided with a storage portion 67 to store a graphic image data prepared by the user, a reading portion 60 to read the graphic image data out of the storage portion, and a display controller 64 to display a through image based on the imaging signal output from the imaging element and the image based on the graphic image data read by the reading portion by registering them in the display portion. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus including an imaging element that images subject light.

Conventionally, the functions and specifications of the photographic lens mounted on the camera body are identified, and the graduation lines and grid lines stored in advance are selected based on the functions and specifications of the photographic lens and automatically combined with the through image. A digital camera that displays the image is proposed (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2007-36983 A

  By the way, the scale lines and grid lines that are combined and displayed for the through image are used for determining the composition at the time of shooting, etc. In the digital camera described in Patent Document 1 described above, Scale lines and grid lines that can be combined and displayed on the through image are limited to those selected from scale lines and grid lines prepared in advance in the digital camera. In some cases, it could not be used.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of displaying a graphic image arbitrarily created by a user on a subject image.

  The configuration of the present invention will be described below with reference to the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

  The imaging device (2) of the present invention is an imaging device including an imaging element (61) that images subject light and a display unit (63) that displays an image based on an imaging signal output from the imaging element. A storage unit (67) for storing graphic image data created by the user, a reading unit (60) for reading the graphic image data from the storage unit, and a through based on the imaging signal output from the imaging element. And a display control unit (64) for displaying an image based on the graphic image data read by the reading unit on the display unit so as to overlap each other.

  The image pickup apparatus (20) of the present invention outputs an image pickup device (61) for picking up subject light, an optical viewfinder (FD) for visually observing an optical image of the subject, and the image pickup device. An image pickup apparatus including a display unit (63) that displays an image based on an image pickup signal, a storage unit (67) that stores graphic image data created by a user, and the graphic image data from the storage unit A reading unit (60) for reading, and an optical member (34) for superimposing an image based on the graphic image data read by the reading unit on an optical image of the subject visually observed by the optical finder. Features.

  The image pickup apparatus (21) of the present invention includes an image pickup element (61) for picking up subject light, and an electronic viewfinder (for visually observing a subject image with an image based on an image pickup signal output from the image pickup element). 72), a storage unit (67) for storing graphic image data created by a user, a reading unit (60) for reading the graphic image data from the storage unit, and the electronic viewfinder And a display control unit (64) for displaying an image based on the graphic image data read out by the reading unit and displaying it on the image of the subject visually observed.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, since a graphic image such as a grid line arbitrarily created by the user can be displayed superimposed on the image of the subject, the graphic image displayed superimposed on the image of the subject is captured. It can be used effectively for determining the composition of time.

  The imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the digital camera 2 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera (imaging device) 2 includes a photographing lens 4 and a camera body 6. Here, the photographing lens 4 may be fixed to the camera body 6 or may be an interchangeable photographing lens.

  The camera body 6 is provided with a CPU 60. The CPU 60 is constituted by a CCD or a CMOS that images subject light via the photographing lens 4 and generates an imaging signal (analog signal as accumulated charge). The image sensor 61, the image signal output from the image sensor 61 is A / D converted by an A / D converter (not shown) to generate image data, and the image data storage unit 62 temporarily stores the image data. A display unit 63 configured by an LCD disposed on the back surface of the camera body 6 to display image data, an image displayed on the display unit 63 based on an imaging signal output from the imaging element 61, and a graphic such as a grid line to be described later A display control unit 64 that controls the display of the image on the display unit 63, and image data based on the imaging signal output from the imaging element 61 are subjected to white balance adjustment. An image processing unit 65 that performs image processing such as contour compensation and gamma correction, a memory card 66 that stores image data, a graphic image data storage unit 67 that stores graphic image data such as grid line data, a through image display instruction, An operation button 68 for instructing display of grid lines and the like, and a communication unit 69 for communicating with a personal computer (PC) 80 for creating graphic image data such as grid line data are connected.

  2A to 2D show grid line data (graphic image data) stored in the graphic image data storage unit 67. FIG. This grid line data is created by the user in the PC 80 so that the composition can be determined effectively when shooting various subjects. The image data is stored in advance in the image data storage unit 67.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, display processing in the case where display is performed by superimposing grid lines on a subject image will be described. When a power button (not shown) of the digital camera 2 is operated to turn on the power of the digital camera 2 (step S10), and the operation button 68 is instructed to display a through image (step S11), the image sensor 61 Imaging is performed at predetermined sampling intervals and an imaging signal is output, and a through image based on the imaging signals captured and output at the predetermined sampling intervals is displayed under the control of the display control unit 64. Is displayed (step S12).

  When the display of the grid line is instructed by the operation of the operation button 68 (step S13), the display of the through image on the display unit 63 is stopped (step S14) and read from the graphic image data storage unit 67. A grid line is displayed based on the output graphic image data (step S15). That is, the grid line graphic image data read from the graphic image data storage unit 67 is displayed on the display unit 63 under the control of the display control unit 64 (for example, 4 in FIGS. 2A to 2D). The image of the two grid lines is displayed on the display unit 63 at the same time.) Therefore, the user arbitrarily selects a grid line to be displayed on the display unit 63 so as to overlap the subject image by operating the operation button 68 (step S16). When the selection of the grid line by the user is completed, under the control of the display control unit 64, the through image based on the imaging signal output from the imaging element 61 in the display unit 63 and the image of the selected grid line are displayed. The images are superimposed and displayed (step S17).

  According to the digital camera of the first embodiment, a grid line image arbitrarily created by the user can be superimposed on the subject image displayed on the display unit and displayed. The superimposed grid lines can be used effectively for determining the composition at the time of photographing.

  Next, an imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera (imaging device) according to the second embodiment. In addition, regarding the digital camera 20 according to the second embodiment, the description of the digital camera 2 according to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description of the already described part will be omitted. Further, the same components as those in the digital camera 2 according to the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the digital camera 20 includes a photographing lens 4, a camera body 6, and a finder portion FD that is fixed to the upper portion of the camera body 6. An imaging element 61 such as a CCD or a CMOS is attached inside the camera body 6. A quick return mirror RM is pivotally supported on the front side of the image sensor 61 so as to be rotatable. The quick return mirror RM, as indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 4, rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 4 and a mirror-down position that blocks the front surface of the image sensor 61 at approximately 45 degrees with respect to the image sensor surface of the image sensor 61. Thus, the mirror can be selectively operated at high speed so as to be in a mirror-up position that is substantially orthogonal to the imaging surface of the imaging element 61 (substantially parallel to the lower side of the focusing screen 32). When the quick return mirror RM is in the mirror down position, the light (optical image) from the photographing lens 4 is reflected upward by the quick return mirror RM and enters the finder unit FD. On the other hand, when the quick return mirror RM is in the mirror up position, the light from the photographing lens 4 is incident on the image sensor 61.

  The finder unit FD is an optical finder for visually observing an optical image of a subject formed through the photographing lens 4 and the quick return mirror RM. And an LED display unit 35, an eyepiece unit (eyepiece lens) 36, and the like. On the back surface of the camera body 6, a display unit 63 capable of displaying an image formed on the image sensor 61 is provided.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the digital camera 20 according to the second embodiment, except that an LED display unit 70 (corresponding to the LED display unit 35 in FIG. 4) is provided. The configuration is the same as that of the digital camera 2 shown in FIG.

  In the digital camera 20 according to the second embodiment, similarly to the digital camera 2 according to the first embodiment, the digital camera 20 is turned on and a through image is displayed. When the display of the grid lines is instructed, the display of the through image on the display unit 63 is stopped, and the grid line image is displayed based on the graphic image data read from the graphic image data storage unit 67. It is. In this state, when the user arbitrarily selects a grid line image to be superimposed on the optical image of the subject visually observed by the optical finder FD, the LED display unit 70 displays the graphic image data of the selected grid line. The half-mirror 34 superimposes the lattice image displayed by the LED display unit 70 on the optical image of the subject.

  Therefore, the optical viewfinder allows visual observation of the state in which the grid line image is superimposed on the optical image of the subject, so the composition of the grid line image superimposed on the optical image of the subject can be determined at the time of shooting, etc. Can be used effectively.

  Next, an imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a digital camera (imaging device) according to the third embodiment. In addition, regarding the digital camera 21 according to the third embodiment, the description of the digital camera 2 according to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description of the already described part will be omitted. Further, the same components as those in the digital camera 2 according to the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the digital camera 21 is the same as the configuration of the digital camera 2 shown in FIG. 1 except that an electronic viewfinder 72 is provided. In the digital camera 21 according to the third embodiment, similarly to the digital camera 2 according to the first embodiment, the digital camera 20 is turned on and a through image is displayed. When the display of the grid lines is instructed, the display of the through image on the display unit 63 is stopped, and the grid line image is displayed based on the graphic image data read from the graphic image data storage unit 67. It is. In this state, when an image of a grid line to be superimposed on an image of a subject visually observed by the electronic viewfinder 72 is arbitrarily selected by the user, the image sensor in the electronic viewfinder 72 under the control of the display control unit 64. The through image based on the imaging signal output from 61 and the image of the selected grid line are displayed in a superimposed manner.

  Accordingly, since the electronic viewfinder 72 can visually observe the state in which the selected grid line image is superimposed on the subject image, the grid line image superimposed on the subject image is captured at the time of shooting. It can be used effectively for determining composition.

  In the third embodiment, the electronic viewfinder 72 and the display unit 63 (rear LCD) are combined. However, only the electronic viewfinder 72 may be provided. In this case, the grid line selection performed on the display unit 63 may be performed by displaying the grid line on the electronic viewfinder 72 and selecting the grid line.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, an image of a grid line arbitrarily selected by the user is converted into a through image displayed on the display unit 63 or the electronic viewfinder 72, or an optical image visually observed on the optical viewfinder FD. Although it is displayed in a superimposed manner, the shooting mode information is stored in association with the grid line data, and when the shooting is performed, the grid line data is selected according to the selected shooting mode, manually read out, the through image or The image may be displayed so as to be superimposed on the optical image. FIG. 7 shows grid line data stored in the graphic image data storage unit 67 in association with the shooting mode information. Here, FIG. 7A shows grid line data composed of a plurality of concentric circles stored in association with the long-time shooting mode used in astronomical photography, for example. FIG. 7B shows grid line data composed of a plurality of broken lines extending in the left-right direction of the screen stored in association with the landscape shooting mode. FIG. 7C shows grid line data composed of circles and crosshairs stored in association with the sports shooting mode. FIG. 7D shows grid line data composed of vertical and horizontal broken lines with high luminance stored in association with the night scene shooting mode.

  Further, a shooting mode information input unit for inputting shooting mode information may be provided in the digital camera, and the shooting mode information may be added to the graphic image data stored in the graphic image data storage unit 67 and stored.

  In the digital camera, lattice line data (graphic image data) may be created and stored in the graphic image data storage unit 67 using the operation buttons 68 and the display unit 63. In this case, it is also possible to input the shooting mode information using the shooting mode information input unit at the same time as creating the grid line data, and store the shooting mode information in association with the created grid line data.

It is a block block diagram of the digital camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the figure image (grid line image) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the display process of the grid line which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which showed typically the structure of the digital camera which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block block diagram of the digital camera which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block block diagram of the digital camera which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the figure image (grid line image) which concerns on embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

2, 20, 21 ... digital camera, 4 ... photographic lens, 6 ... camera body, 60 ... CPU, 61 ... image sensor, 62 ... image data storage unit, 63 ... Display unit 64 Display control unit 65 Image processing unit 66 Memory card 67 Graphic image data storage unit 68 Operation buttons 69 Communication unit , 70... LED display section, 72 .. Electronic viewfinder.

Claims (10)

An image sensor for imaging subject light;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a display unit configured to display an image based on an image pickup signal output from the image pickup element;
A storage unit for storing graphic image data created by a user;
A reading unit for reading the graphic image data from the storage unit;
A display control unit configured to superimpose and display a through image based on the imaging signal output from the imaging element and an image based on the graphic image data read by the reading unit on the display unit. An imaging device. An image sensor for imaging subject light;
An optical viewfinder for visually observing the optical image of the subject;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a display unit configured to display an image based on an image pickup signal output from the image pickup element;
A storage unit for storing graphic image data created by a user;
A reading unit for reading the graphic image data from the storage unit;
An imaging apparatus comprising: an optical member that superimposes an image based on the graphic image data read by the reading unit on an optical image of the subject visually observed by the optical finder. An image sensor for imaging subject light;
An imaging apparatus comprising an electronic viewfinder for visually observing an image of a subject with an image based on an imaging signal output from the imaging element,
A storage unit for storing graphic image data created by a user;
A reading unit for reading the graphic image data from the storage unit;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a display control unit configured to superimpose and display an image based on the graphic image data read out by the reading unit on an image of the subject visually observed by the electronic viewfinder. A receiver that receives the graphic image data created by the user;
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage unit stores the graphic image data received by the reception unit. A graphic image data creating unit for creating the graphic image data;
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage unit stores the graphic image data created by the graphic image data creation unit. The storage unit stores shooting mode information in association with the graphic image data,
6. The graphic image data having the selected shooting mode information is read out from the graphic image data stored in the storage unit. The imaging device according to item. A shooting mode information input unit for inputting shooting mode information in association with the graphic image data stored in the storage unit;
7. The storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the shooting mode information input by the shooting mode information input unit in association with the graphic image data. 7. Imaging device.
  The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the graphic image data is grid line data.   The grid line data when the shooting mode information stored in association with the graphic image data in the storage unit is a night scene shooting mode is grid line data with high luminance. 8. The imaging device according to 8.   In the storage unit, the grid line data when the shooting mode information stored in association with the graphic image data is a landscape shooting mode is grid line data extending in a horizontal direction of the screen. The imaging device according to claim 8.

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