JP2000069345A - Camera with zoom function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the user operability in a photographing state using a zoom function. SOLUTION: An automatic zoom photographing mode is selected (SA5) in this camera with zoom function through the operation of prescribed keys (SA1-SA3), and when a wide key top for a zoom key is depressed ('YES' in SA10) while a release key is not depressed by two stages ('NO' in SA8) and, a focal distance is set to the minimum focal distance (SA11). Then photographing and video recording are conducted, while the focal distance is changed by every one step up to a maximum focal distance (telescopic end) (SA12-SA16). Furthermore, when a telescopic key top of the zoom key is depressed ('NO' in SA10), the focal distance is set to the maximum focal distance (SA17). Then photographing and video recording are conducted, while the focal distance is changed by each step, up to a minimum focal distance (wide end) (SA18-SA22). Photographing is conducted at focal distances in plural stages by one operation. An object image not actually photographed is obtained by synthesizing plural photographed field angle images.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a camera with a zoom function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a digital camera having a zoom function, the focal length of a lens is changed from a minimum focal length (wide end, for example, 35 mm) to a maximum focal length by operating a zoom key provided on the camera body. Tele end,
For example, it is possible to change the shooting angle range (angle of view) up to 135 mm). That is, when the zoom key is turned on to the wide side, the focal length can be changed continuously or stepwise to the wide angle side, and when turned on to the tele side, the telephoto side can be changed continuously or stepwise.
When the zoom key is turned off, the focal length is fixed at that time or the closest focal length.

[0003]

However, in a digital camera using such a zoom function, if it is desired to perform photographing at many different angles of view in the zoom range from the wide end to the tele end, the focal length of the lens must be increased. While changing
Each time, the user has to press the shutter to take a picture, and such a picture is time-consuming. In addition, although the focal length can be changed, when considering a composition with a different angle of view, the decision cannot be made easily, and as a result, a shutter chance may be missed.

As described above, in the conventional camera with a zoom function, the convenience in performing photographing using the zoom function is still insufficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has as its object to provide a camera with a zoom function that improves the usability when shooting using the zoom function.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lens driving means for driving a zoom lens and varying a focal length thereof, and an image formed by the zoom lens. Imaging means for imaging a subject image;
Zoom control means for controlling the driving of the zoom lens by the lens driving means in accordance with a predetermined operation and variably controlling the focal length stepwise; and while the focal length is variably controlled stepwise by the zoom control means. And image capturing control means for storing the subject image captured by the image capturing means at the focal length of each stage in the image storage means.

In such a configuration, when the photographer performs a predetermined operation, the zoom control means drives the zoom lens in a stepwise manner by the lens driving means to variably control the focal length in a stepwise manner. On the other hand, during that time, the imaging control means causes the image storage means to store the subject image captured by the imaging means at the focal length of each stage. As a result, photographing at a plurality of focal lengths is automatically performed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a designation direction operating means for designating a change direction of the focal length,
The zoom control means variably controls the focal length stepwise from a controllable minimum distance or a maximum distance to a maximum distance or a minimum distance in a change direction designated according to an operation of a designated direction operation means. did. In such a configuration, photographing is automatically performed at a plurality of focal lengths in the change direction designated by the photographer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a designation direction operation means for designating a change direction of the focal length,
The zoom control means variably controls the focal length stepwise to a controllable minimum distance or a maximum distance in a change direction designated in accordance with an operation of a designated direction operation means. In such a configuration, photographing at a plurality of stages of focal lengths is automatically performed only in the change direction designated by the photographer.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a step storage means for storing a plurality of focal lengths set in advance by a user, wherein the zoom control means controls the lens driving in accordance with a predetermined operation. The driving of the zoom lens by means is controlled, and the focal length is variably controlled stepwise to a plurality of focal lengths stored in the step storage means. In such a configuration, shooting with only a plurality of focal lengths set in advance by the user is automatically performed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus further comprises a combining means for combining a new subject image from the plurality of subject images recorded in the image storage means and recording the new subject image in the image storage means. And With this configuration, it is possible to obtain a new subject image that is not actually photographed, and to record it.

Further, in the invention according to claim 6, the synthesizing means, when synthesizing the new subject image, selects specific portions corresponding to each other of the plurality of subject images designated by a user. It was taken. In such a configuration,
The user can easily correct a specific portion of a new subject image by selecting specific portions corresponding to each other of the plurality of subject images.

[0013] In the invention according to claim 7, the combining means performs selection of the specific part in accordance with a determined priority. In such a configuration, the user can automatically correct a new subject image only by selecting a specific portion.

Further, in the invention according to claim 8, the synthesizing means synthesizes a subject image corresponding to a focal length designated by a user as the new subject image. With such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a subject image having a desired angle of view that is not actually photographed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the synthesizing means includes two objects recorded in the image storage means and imaged by the imaging means at two adjacent focal lengths. On the basis of the image, a new subject image corresponding to the intermediate stage focal length located between the two adjacent focal lengths is synthesized. In such a configuration, the actual shooting is not performed,
A subject image corresponding to the intermediate stage focal length can be obtained.

Further, in the invention according to claim 10, the synthesizing means synthesizes subject images having different aspect ratios as the new subject image. With such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a subject image having a different aspect ratio, which is not actually photographed.

Further, in the invention of claim 11, the combining means combines the subject images having different inclinations as the new subject image. In such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a subject image having a different inclination, which is not actually photographed.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the synthesizing means includes a plurality of object images picked up by the image pickup means, the plurality of object images corresponding to focal lengths exceeding a maximum focal length of the zoom lens. Was synthesized.
In such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a subject image corresponding to a focal length at which photographing is actually impossible.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital camera according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the digital camera has a rectangular parallelepiped main body 1 and a camera section 2 rotatably attached to a side portion thereof, and a lens 3 is disposed on the camera section 2. . A release key 4 and a zoom key 5 are provided on the upper surface of the main body 1. The release key 4 is a key that can be operated in two stages: a half-press operation and a full-press operation, and the zoom key 5 is a seesaw key having a wide key top 5a and a tele key top 5b.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the digital camera. A CCD 7 is disposed behind the lens 3 along the optical axis. The CCD 7 is connected to a TG (Timing Generate) through a buffer 8 and an A / D converter 9.
r) 10 is connected. A drive circuit 11 that drives the CCD 7 based on a timing signal generated by the TG 10 is connected to the TG 10. The TG 10 includes a compression / expansion unit 12, an SG (Signal Generator) 1
3. CPU with flash memory 14 and DRAM 15
16 are connected.

The CPU 16 has a ROM 17 and a RAM 1
8, a key input unit 19 and an I / O port 20 are connected. The key input unit 19 includes the release key 4 and the zoom key 5 shown in FIG. 1, and also includes a power key (not shown), a video capture key (shutter), and a shooting mode (R
It has a mode switching key between an EC mode) and a reproduction mode (PLAY mode), a reproduction key for reproducing an image based on recorded image data, and various keys used in various image synthesis modes described later. The ROM 17 has C
Various data such as an operation program of the PU 16 and program AE data are stored.
7 operates based on the operation program in 7 and an input from the key input unit 19, and operates using the RAM 18 as a work memory, thereby functioning as a zoom control unit, an imaging control unit, and a synthesizing unit of the present invention, and controls each unit. Do. Also, a serial I / O terminal 21 is connected to the I / O port 20, so that a video signal or the like converted into a serial signal can be input / output to / from another device such as a general personal computer. Has become.

The DRAM 15 is imaged by the CCD 7 at the time of photographing and is transmitted to the CPU 1 through the A / D converter 9 and the TG 10.
6 is a memory for temporarily storing the digital image signal sent to the memory 6. The CPU 16 creates a luminance signal and a chrominance signal for the digital image signal once stored in the DRAM 15. The created luminance signal and chrominance signal are transmitted to the compression / decompression unit 12.
After the data is transferred to the flash memory 14 and subjected to a compression process by encoding, the image data is stored in the flash memory 14 as image data. The compression / decompression unit 12 performs a decompression process by decoding the image data read from the flash memory 14.

The SG 13 adds a synchronizing signal and the like to the digital image signal transferred from the TG 10 and the digital image signal expanded by the compression / expansion unit 12 to create a digital video signal. The created digital video signal is VR
While being stored in the AM 22, it is converted into an analog video signal by the D / A converter 23, and then sent to the LCD module 25 and the video output terminal 26 via the buffer 24. As a result, an image is displayed on the display screen of the LCD module 25 (not shown) provided on the rear surface (not shown) of the main body 1 and the output of a video signal to an external device becomes possible.

On the other hand, the lens 3 is a zoom lens having a plurality of lenses and capable of changing the focal length (variable magnification) and correcting optical characteristics, and has a lens driving mechanism (not shown). This drive mechanism includes a zooming motor 27 for changing the focal length and a focus adjustment motor 28 for adjusting the focus. Both motors 27 and 28 are driven by drive signals supplied from dedicated drivers 29 and 30 connected to the CPU 16, respectively. CPU16
When the zoom key 5 of the key input unit 19 is operated, the zoom motor 27 is driven and controlled based on the operation signal to change the focal length of the lens 3. At that time, the initial position of the lens is detected by a fund interrupter or the like, and accurate focal length control is performed. Further, an AF sensor 31 is provided in the driving mechanism, and the AF sensor 31 is connected to the CPU 16. The CPU 16
Focus adjustment motor 28 based on the detection signal of AF sensor 31
To perform automatic focus adjustment (AF control) by controlling the position of the constituent lens.

Next, the operation of the digital camera having the above-described configuration when the photographing operation is performed in the automatic zoom photographing mode at the time of photographing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

That is, when the power key is turned on (step SA1) and the REC mode is selected by the mode switching key (step SA2), the digital camera determines whether or not the automatic zoom photographing mode is selected. A determination is made (step SA3). If the automatic zoom shooting mode is not selected, the mode shifts to a normal zoom shooting mode, that is, a mode in which a zoom function similar to that described in the related art works (step SA4). Also,
If the automatic zoom shooting mode is selected, the camera enters the automatic zoom shooting mode (step SA5), and the release key 4
When is pressed one step (half-press operation), automatic focus adjustment is performed (steps SA6 and SA7). Further, when the release key 4 is pressed two steps (fully pressed) (step SA)
(NO in step 8), and the state immediately stands by for photographing (step SA9). On the other hand, after the release key 4 is pressed one step,
When the zoom key 5 is pressed (NO in step SA8),
It is determined whether or not the wide key top 5a or the tele key top 5b of the zoom key 5 is a wide start (step SA10).

If the wide key top 5a has been pressed (YES in step SA10), automatic zoom photography from the wide side to the tele side is started, and the lens 3 is pressed.
Is controlled to set the focal length to the minimum focal length (wide end) (step SA11). Then, the focal length of the lens 3 is increased to the maximum focal length (tele end) by one step, two steps,.
.. While changing the focal length one step at a time, such as n-1 steps and n steps (see FIG. 4), an image capturing operation (photographing operation) by the CCD 7 at each stage and image data obtained by the image capturing are stored in a flash memory. Then, the recording operation stored in 14 is performed (steps SA12 to SA16), and the photographing process is completed with the end of the photographing operation at the telephoto end and the recording operation. It should be noted that AF control is performed each time the photographing operation is performed in each of the above stages.

If the result of the determination at step SA10 is NO and the key top 5b for telephoto is pressed, automatic zoom photographing from the telephoto side to the wide side is started. The driving mechanism is controlled to set the focal length to the maximum focal length (tele end) (step SA17). Then, the same processing is performed while changing the focal length one step at a time in the direction opposite to the above case (see FIG. 4) (step SA18).
To SA22), the photographing process is completed with the end of the photographing operation and the recording operation at the wide end.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the photographer can automatically perform photographing at many angles of view from the wide end to the telephoto end simply by operating the release key 4 and the zoom key 5. Can be done. Therefore, the photographer
It is possible to perform shooting at a large number of angles of view easily and in a short time without taking time and effort. In addition, since it is possible to shoot with compositions at many angles of view without having to consider compositions with different angles of view, it is possible to miss a photo opportunity by leaving only the one with the desired composition after shooting. Can be avoided. This allows
Usability at the time of shooting using the zoom function is improved than before.

In this embodiment, the zoom key 5
Depending on the operation, the shooting order can be designated from the wide end to the tele end, or from the tele end to the wide end. For this reason, when a certain focal length is set at the time of photographing and, for example, is close to the wide end, pressing the wide key top 5a allows photographing at a plurality of angles of view in a shorter time. be able to. This is also convenient.

(Other Automatic Zoom Photographing Operations) In the present embodiment, the case where the focal length of the lens 3 is changed stepwise in the entire zoom range from the wide end to the telephoto end has been described. Separately, in the digital camera,
Another automatic zoom photographing as described below may be performed. Hereinafter, the operation of the digital camera in another embodiment relating to another automatic zoom shooting will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

That is, for example, when normal zoom photography is performed and the focal length of the lens 3 is at an arbitrary focal length nm step (step SB1), if the REC mode is selected (step SB2), the zoom key 5 Until is pressed, the same operation as the above-described steps SA3 to SA9 is performed (steps SB3 to SB9). Then, when the zoom key 5 is pressed, it is determined whether or not to move to the telephoto end depending on which of the wide key top 5a and the tele key top 5b of the zoom key 5 is pressed (step SB1).
0).

If the tele key top 5a is pressed (YES in step SB10), automatic zoom photographing from the wide side to the tele side is started (step S10).
B11), the focal length of the lens 3 is set to the initial focal length nm
While sequentially changing from the stage to the maximum focal length (tele end) (see FIG. 4), an imaging operation (imaging operation) by the CCD 7 for each stage and a recording operation of storing image data obtained by imaging in the flash memory 14 for each stage. (Steps SB12-
SB16) The photographing process is completed with the end of the photographing operation and the recording operation at the telephoto end. It should be noted that AF control is performed each time the photographing operation is performed in each of the above stages.

When the result of the determination in step SB10 is NO and the tele key top 5b is pressed, automatic zoom photographing from the tele side to the wide side is started. The drive mechanism is controlled to set the focal length to the maximum focal length (tele end) (step SB17). Then, the same processing is performed while changing the focal length one step at a time in the direction opposite to the above case (see FIG. 4) (step SB18).
SB22), the photographing process is completed with the end of the photographing operation and the recording operation at the wide end.

In this embodiment, the photographer can automatically perform photographing in which the angle of view is changed only in the designated direction of change of the angle of view. Therefore, when photographing only one of the predetermined angle of view or more and the predetermined angle of view or less, the photographing can be performed in a shorter time. Even in that case, usability is further improved.

Further, apart from the embodiment described above,
Prior to the above-described automatic zoom shooting, a setting mode for allowing a photographer to set a plurality of focal lengths in advance and storing the setting information in, for example, the flash memory 14 or the RAM 18 is provided. Only when a predetermined operation is performed by one of the keys in 19, shooting can be performed by sequentially changing the focal length of the lens 3 to a plurality of preset focal lengths set in advance according to the setting information of the setting mode. You may do so. In this case, the use of automatic zoom shooting is expanded, for example, by changing the number of steps of the focal length as necessary, or shooting only at the required focal length, so that usability is further improved. I do.

(Operation in Image Synthesizing Mode) Next, the operation in the image synthesizing mode prepared in the digital camera of the present embodiment will be described. The image synthesis mode is a mode for synthesizing new image data based on the image data obtained by the above-described automatic zoom shooting or the like,
In the present embodiment, six types of modes are prepared: an intermediate view angle synthesis mode, an arbitrary view angle synthesis mode, an area designation priority synthesis mode, an ultra wide screen synthesis mode, an aspect ratio change mode, and a tilt screen generation mode. . Hereinafter, description will be made in order.

(Intermediate View Angle Combining Mode) In this mode, a subject image corresponding to a focal length at a stage not set at the time of automatic zoom photographing is combined. Less than,
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

That is, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 6, this mode is switched to the reproduction mode by operating the mode switching key after the completion of the above-described automatic zoom photographing, and after the reproduction key is pressed (steps SC1 and SC1).
2) The process is started when the intermediate image synthesis mode is selected by a predetermined operation from the menu displayed on the display screen of the LCD module 25 (YE in step SC3).
S, step SC5). If the result of the determination in step SC3 is NO and the intermediate angle-of-view combination mode and another image combination mode are not selected, a normal zoom playback mode for sequentially playing back a plurality of images recorded by automatic zoom shooting The process proceeds to (Step SC4).

When this mode is started, first, the user is prompted from a plurality of stages of angle-of-view screens (images) photographed by the automatic zoom photographing and recorded in the flash memory 14 to arbitrary focal points adjacent to each other. 2 shot at a distance
One of the angle-of-view screens A and B (step SC6, S
C7). Next, the selected angle-of-view screens A and B are combined and displayed on the display screen (step SC8). In this combination, for example, when the angle-of-view screen A is on the wide end side and the angle-of-view screen B is on the tele end side, first, an intermediate angle of view between the two angle-of-view screens A and B is calculated, and then the angle of view is obtained. This is performed by enlarging the angle of view screen A, reducing the angle of view screen B, and superimposing both screens.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there is a correction request from the user for the intermediate view angle screen synthesized in step SC8 (step SC9). If not, the synthesis is completed, and the synthesized intermediate view angle screen is completed. Is displayed on the display screen, and the image data is newly recorded in the flash memory 14 (step SC15).

On the other hand, if there is a correction request in step SC9, the user is caused to select the angle-of-view screen to be corrected (step S9).
C10). If the angle-of-view screen A is selected (YES in step S11), the angle-of-view screen A is partially corrected or deleted (step SC12), and then the angle-of-view screen A is corrected. Complete (step SC13). Continued
The view angle screen A after the correction or deletion is combined with the view angle screen B again (step SC14). If the result of the determination in step SC12 is NO and the correction request is for the angle of view screen B, after partially correcting or deleting the angle of view screen B (step SC16), The correction of the angle-of-view screen B is completed (step SC17), and the angle-of-view screen A after the correction or deletion and the angle-of-view screen A are combined again (step SC14). Then, the combining process is completed, and the obtained angle-of-view screen is recorded (step SC15).

Accordingly, in such a mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, an intermediate angle-of-view screen between the stepwise angle-of-view screens adjacent to each other that is not actually photographed, and both the angle-of-view screens A and B , The degree of change of the angle of view from the center is 50%, for example, as shown in FIG.
The middle angle of view screen C between the angle of view screen of the (stage) and the second angle of view screen, and the middle angle of view between the angle of view screen at the telephoto end (the nth stage) and the (n-1) th angle of view screen The screen D can be displayed or recorded.

Further, in the intermediate angle-of-view screens C and D, image information obtained by enlarging the angle-of-view screen A located on the tele end side where the focal length is short, and the image information obtained by enlarging the tele end side where the focal length is long And the image information obtained by reducing the angle of view screen B to be obtained, high image quality can be obtained. This is, for example, different from that obtained by trimming and enlarging the angle-of-view screen (first and n-1st steps) located on the wide end side, and is different from the image actually shot. This is because there is no reduction in the amount of image information in the center of the square screen, that is, generally in the range where the subject is located.

(Arbitrary View Angle Synthesizing Mode) This mode is a mode for synthesizing a subject image having a desired angle of view from image data photographed at an arbitrary stage focal length during automatic zoom photographing. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to FIGS.

That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, this mode is switched to the reproduction mode after the completion of the automatic zoom photographing, and after the reproduction key is pressed (step S).
D1, SD2), and is started when the arbitrary angle-of-view combination mode A is selected by a predetermined operation (step SD3).
YES, step SD5). If the result of the determination in step SD3 is NO and the arbitrary angle of view combining mode and another image combining mode are not selected, the normal zoom playback mode for sequentially playing back a plurality of images recorded by the automatic zoom shooting. (Step SD4).

When such a mode is started, first, the user is prompted to arbitrarily select an arbitrary focal length from a plurality of screens of view (images) photographed by automatic zoom photographing and recorded in the flash memory 14. Are selected (steps SD6 and SD7).
Next, it is a view angle arbitrary value indicating the size of a new view angle screen desired to be synthesized from the selected view angle screens A and B, and the rate of change of the view angle of both view angle screens A and B ( For example, 80%, 3
0%), in other words, a value indicating how close the two angle-of-view screens A and B are, for example, directly using a numerical value or using a gauge or the like displayed on the display screen of the LCD module 25. Input indirectly (step SD
8).

Next, the selected angle-of-view screens A and B are combined (step SD8). For example, when the angle-of-view screen A is on the wide end side and the angle-of-view screen B is on the tele end side, first, the angle-of-view screen A is enlarged based on the arbitrary angle of view, and This is performed by reducing the angle-of-view screen B based on the two screens and then superimposing both screens. Note that the subsequent operations in steps SD10 to SD18 are the same as those in the above-described intermediate view angle synthesizing mode, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Therefore, in the case of using the arbitrary angle-of-view combining mode, an arbitrary angle-of-view screen between any two-stage angle-of-view screens that are not actually photographed can be displayed or recorded. Can be. Of course, even in such a mode, it is possible to obtain an intermediate angle-of-view screen between adjacent step angle-of-view screens in the same manner as in the intermediate angle-of-view combining mode, and a high-quality angle-of-view screen can be obtained without actually shooting. Is obtained.

(Area-Specifying Priority Combining Mode) In this mode, as in the above-described arbitrary-field-of-view combining mode, a subject image having a desired angle of view is obtained from image data captured at an arbitrary stage during automatic zoom photography. Is a mode in which the selection of parts corresponding to each other in the composition source object image is automatically performed according to the determined priority. Hereinafter, the operation in such a mode will be described assuming that the angle of view of the subject image to be newly combined is automatically set to an intermediate angle of view between the angles of view of the two subject images to be combined.
And FIG.

That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, this mode is switched to the reproduction mode after the completion of the automatic zoom photographing, and after the reproduction key is pressed (step S).
E1 and SE2), the process is started when the arbitrary angle of view combining mode is selected by a predetermined operation (YES in step SE3, step SE5). When the result of the determination in step SE3 is NO and the area designation priority combination mode and the other angle-of-view combination mode are not selected, the normal zoom reproduction in which a plurality of images recorded by the automatic zoom photographing are sequentially reproduced. The mode is shifted to the mode (step SE4).

When this mode is started, the user is first prompted to select two view angle screens taken at arbitrary different focal lengths from a plurality of view angle screens shot and recorded by automatic zoom shooting. After the user selects A and B (steps SE6 and SE7), preparation for combining both angle-of-view screens A and B is performed (step SE8). In such a synthesis preparation, the angle-of-view screens A and B are enlarged or reduced so as to have intermediate angles of view. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there is a difference in the subject image between the angle-of-view screens A and B that have been enlarged and reduced to have the same size (step SE9). If there is no difference between the two, the two angle-of-view screens A and B are combined (step SE14), the combined angle-of-view screen is displayed on the display screen, and the image data is newly recorded and combined. Is completed (step SE15).

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step SE9 is NO, and there is a difference between the subject images on both the angle-of-view screens A and B, for example, the screen of the nm-th stage shown in FIG.
When there is a difference due to the movement of the subject during the above-described automatic zoom shooting, as in a single-stage screen, first, both the angle-of-view screens A and B are superimposed on the display screen of the LCD module 25 and displayed. On the screen, in the above example, FIG.
On the screen E shown in FIG. 7, the user specifies a subject area, that is, a range surrounding the subject. For such designation, a pointer is displayed on the screen, and is moved by operating a predetermined key of the key input unit 19 to designate a rectangle or a polygon. The LC
The display unit of the D module 25 may be a touch panel, and the subject area may be designated by pen input.

Subsequently, in step SE11, it is determined which of the angle-of-view screens A and B should be given priority for the designated subject area. This determination is made based on which of the angle-of-view screens A and B was the tele-side angle of view at the time of shooting. Here, for example, if the angle-of-view screen A is at nm-m + 1 level shown in FIG. 10 and the angle-of-view screen B is at nm-m level in FIG. The screen A is prioritized, and the subject area on the angle-of-view screen B is deleted (step SE12). Conversely, if the angle-of-view screen B is on the tele side, the object area on the angle-of-view screen A is deleted with priority given to the angle-of-view screen B (step SE12). The square screen is determined (step SE13). After a while
After the two angle-of-view screens A and B are combined based on this (step SE14), the combined angle-of-view screen is displayed on the display screen, the image data is newly recorded, and the combination is completed (step SE15).

Accordingly, in such a mode, even if the subject image is partially shifted or doubled due to the movement of the subject during automatic zoom shooting (see FIG. By simply designating the subject area, the screen E) of FIG. 10 can be automatically corrected. As a result, the correction work at the time of synthesis can be performed very easily, and a high-quality subject image can be obtained very easily.

In the present embodiment, a case has been described where the priority of the angle-of-view screens A and B is determined based on which was the tele-side angle of view at the time of shooting. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Among the other angle-of-view screens (1st to n-th steps) photographed by zoom shooting, a subject image on the angle-of-view screen closest to the angle-of-view screen to be newly combined has a more similar subject image. Priorities are set in advance in a profile such as which one of the angle-of-view screens A and B, and in other shooting information such as resolution, brightness, and color, and subject images to be left in accordance with the priorities are set. It may be determined. Furthermore, if the user can select the plurality of pieces of photographing information at any time, the correction can be performed by a method according to the user's request, and the usability is improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the image of the angle-of-view screens A and B is automatically determined to be prioritized for the subject area is described, but the user is required to make such determination. You may do so. Even in that case, a high-quality subject image can be easily obtained. It should be noted that while the above-described determination is normally made automatically, the user may be able to make the determination as needed. In that case, usability is improved. Further, the operation related to the correction of the subject image in the area designation priority combination mode may be adopted in another image combination mode described above or another image combination mode described later, and the same effect is obtained in that case. Can be

(Ultra Wide Screen Synthesizing Mode) This mode is a mode for synthesizing a subject image having an angle of view even larger than the angle of view screen at the focal length at the wide end described above.
Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to FIGS.

That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, the mode is switched to the reproduction mode after the completion of the automatic zoom photographing, and after the reproduction key is pressed (steps SF1 and SF2), the super wide mode is performed by a predetermined operation. It is started by selecting the screen composition mode (step S
YES at F3, step SF5). Step SF
If the determination result of No. 3 is NO and the super wide screen combining mode and another view angle combining mode are not selected,
The process shifts to a normal zoom playback mode for sequentially playing back a plurality of images recorded by the automatic zoom shooting (step SF4).

When the mode is started, first, the user is caused to input a super wide angle of view magnification, for example, by an angle of view, a focal length, a magnification with respect to the wide end, and the like (step SF6). Enter (Step SF
7), the shooting angle of view is set to the wide end. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, a plurality of screens each including a plurality of images a to h partially overlapping each other without forming a gap are photographed (step SF8). In addition, those images a to h
In the photographing of the above, a predetermined positional relationship can be obtained by displaying the previously photographed image lightly on the display screen of the LCD module 25 at the time of the second and subsequent photographing and performing framing so as to overlap the image. As if shooting.

Thereafter, when the user sets the super wide reproduction mode, it is determined whether or not the information on the super wide screen is sufficient (step SF10). This determination is based on the assumption that the entire outer peripheral range constituted by a plurality of predetermined images a to h corresponds to the assumed photographing range (the range indicated by the broken line in FIG. 12) corresponding to the super-wide angle of view magnification input in step SF6. It is performed by determining whether or not it is wider than P). If the information on the super wide screen is not sufficient, the process returns to step SF6, and the super wide angle of view magnification is again input to step SF7.
Repeat SF9. In this case, the super wide angle of view magnification need not always be changed.

If the information of the super wide screen is sufficient at the initial judgment or if the information of the super wide screen becomes sufficient by repeating steps SF7 to SF9 (YES in step SF10), The image information collection of the square screen is completed (step SF11). Subsequently, the tendency of the angle of view screen, that is, the degree of reducing the assumed shooting range (P) is calculated from the angle of view information from the tele side to the wide side (step SF12), and the super wide angle of view screen is synthesized (step SF12). SF13). Such synthesis is performed by synthesizing the plurality of images a to h described above, trimming the assumed shooting range (P), and then reducing the trimmed image by the reduction degree calculated in step SF12. At this time, the arrangement of the plurality of images a to h is finely adjusted. If there is no request from the user to modify the ultra-wide angle of view screen (NO in step SF14), the synthesis of the ultra wide angle of view screen is completed (step SF15). If there is a correction request, the angle of view screen is corrected or deleted (step SF16). Thus, in such a mode, a subject image having an angle of view that cannot be actually photographed can be obtained and recorded, which is convenient. Further, the same function as that of a camera having a zoom lens having a larger variable amount of the focal length can be secured without increasing the cost of the lens 3.

(Aspect Ratio Change Mode) In this mode, subject images having different aspect ratios are synthesized from image data shot at an arbitrary focal length during automatic zoom shooting. Hereinafter, FIGS. 13 and 14
It will be described according to.

That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, this mode is switched to the reproduction mode after the completion of the automatic zoom photographing, and after the reproduction key is pressed (steps SG1 and SG2), the aspect ratio is determined by a predetermined operation. It starts when the change mode is selected (step S
YES at G3, step SG5). Step SG
If the determination result of No. 3 is NO and the aspect ratio change mode and another view angle combination mode are not selected,
The process shifts to a normal zoom playback mode for sequentially playing back a plurality of images recorded by the automatic zoom shooting (step SG4).

When such a mode is started, first, the user is caused to select the reference screen A for changing the aspect ratio (step SG6), and then to input a desired aspect ratio (step SG7). The reference side (vertical or horizontal side) is designated (step SG8). Subsequently, if the designated reference side is a vertical side (YES in step SG9), a vertical side is set as the reference side (step SG10), and then the vertical direction is set for the reference screen A selected in step SG6. The amount of image information in the direction is confirmed (step SG11). Next, it is determined whether the amount of image information in the horizontal direction is insufficient based on the aspect ratio input in step SG7 (step SG12).

Here, when the image information amount is not insufficient, for example, when the previously input aspect ratio is 2: 1 (NO in step SG12), the reference screen A
The left and right sides (left side or right side) are cut off, the vertical side is left as it is, and the horizontal side is reduced to half (step SG16).
Is displayed on the display screen, and the image data is newly recorded in the flash memory 14, thereby completing the aspect ratio synthesizing process (step SG15).

Further, the result of the determination in step SG12 is YE
S, when there is a shortage in the amount of image information in the horizontal direction,
For example, when the previously input aspect ratio is 1: 2, the image data of the angle-of-view screen whose angle of view is located on the wide side with respect to the reference screen A is called from the flash memory 14 and the image data in the horizontal direction is read therefrom. Of the reference image A, that is, a portion continuous to the left and right of the reference screen A is extracted (step SG13), and it is pasted to the left and right of the reference screen A, and the horizontal side is doubled while the vertical side remains as it is. Image synthesis is performed (step SG14). Then, in the above example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the reference screen A is a screen of nm stages, a horizontally long image H having a wider angle of view in the horizontal direction than the screen is displayed, and the image data is newly added. And the composition process of the aspect ratio is completed (step SG15).

On the other hand, if the determination result in step SG9 is NO and the designated reference side is a horizontal side, the horizontal side is set as the reference side (step S9).
G17), the image information amount in the horizontal direction is checked for the reference screen A selected in step SG6 (step SG1).
8). Next, it is determined whether or not the image information amount in the vertical direction is insufficient based on the aspect ratio input in step SG7 (step SG19). Here, when the image information amount is not insufficient, for example, when the previously input aspect ratio is 1: 2 (N in step SG19)
O), the upper and lower sides (upper side or lower side) of the reference screen A are cut off, the vertical side is halved, and the horizontal side is left as it is (step SG21), and the horizontal screen after the shaping is displayed. The image data is displayed on the screen, the image data is newly recorded, and the aspect ratio synthesizing process is completed (step SG15).

The result of the determination in step SG19 is YE
S, when there is a shortage of image information in the vertical direction,
For example, when the aspect ratio previously input is 2: 1, the image data of the angle-of-view screen in which the angle of view is located on the wide side from the reference screen A is called from the flash memory 14, and the image data in the vertical direction is read therefrom. Of the reference image A, that is, a portion that is continuous above and below the reference screen A is taken out (step SG20), and pasted above and below the reference screen A, doubling the vertical side and leaving the horizontal side as it is. After the image composition (step SG22), the vertically long image after the composition is displayed, the image data is newly recorded, and the aspect ratio composition processing is completed (step SG15).

As a result, in such a mode, a subject image having an arbitrary aspect ratio which has not been actually photographed can be obtained and recorded. Therefore, the use range of the digital camera is wide. In addition, in the above-described synthesized image, that is, in the horizontally long image in which the vertical side is set as the reference side, and in the vertically long image in which the horizontal side is set as the reference side, the center of the screen is set high. Resolution.

In the above description, it is assumed that a horizontal or vertical angle of view screen that can be supplemented to the reference screen A is recorded in the flash memory 14 at the time of the processing of steps SG13 and SG20 described above. As described above, when the refillable angle-of-view screen is not recorded, a new screen is photographed at that point in time, for example, as performed in step SF8 of the super wide screen synthesizing mode described above. May be performed.

(Tilt Screen Generation Mode) This mode is a mode in which subject images having different tilts are synthesized from image data shot at an arbitrary stage focal length during automatic zoom shooting. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS.

That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15, this mode is switched to the reproduction mode after the completion of the automatic zoom photographing, and after the reproduction key is pressed (steps SH1 and SH2), the tilt screen is displayed by a predetermined operation. The process starts when the generation mode is selected (step SH3).
YES, step SH5). If the result of the determination in step SH3 is NO and the tilt screen generation mode and the other angle-of-view combination mode are not selected, the normal zoom playback mode for sequentially playing back a plurality of images recorded by the automatic zoom shooting is set. The process proceeds to step SH4.

When such a mode is started, first, the photographer is asked the photographed screen shown in FIG.
(Step SH)
6) The center coordinates of the reference screen A are aligned with the coordinate axes.
The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the inclination θ are set (step SH7). Next, after the photographer inputs the angle of view necessary for the new screen to be combined (step SH8), it is determined whether or not it is necessary to collect image information with the enlarged angle of view screen (step S8).
H9). In this determination, first, a part or the whole of the range indicated by the X axis and the Y axis of the reference screen A is rotated by the inclination θ about the center coordinate as the rotation center, and the rotation is performed in accordance with the angle of view input in step SH7. After enlarging or reducing the image to the size required, an intermediate screen (angle-of-view image I in FIG. 16) is assumed in which the image is rotated by the inclination θ about the center coordinates. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the intermediate screen assumed here causes a blank portion, that is, a missing portion Q of the image information, on the screen of the input angle of view, thereby determining whether image information collection is necessary. .

In the case where the missing portion Q does not occur, for example, the reference screen A is a one-stage (wide end) screen in FIG. 16, the center coordinates are the screen center, and the entire screen is inclined.
If the angle of view of the new screen is n steps (tele end) (NO in step SH9), the angle of view screen obtained by enlarging or reducing and rotating the reference screen A is
The image data is displayed on the display screen of the LCD module 25, the image data is newly recorded in the flash memory 14, and the synthesizing process is completed (step SH19).

If the result of the determination in step SH9 is YES
If, for example, the reference screen A is an n-stage (tele end) screen in FIG. 16, the center coordinate is the center of the screen, the entire screen is inclined, and the angle of view of the new screen is nm steps. In this case, in order to supplement image information that is not in the reference screen A, that is, the above-mentioned missing portion (Q), the flash memory 14 converts the view angle screen B corresponding to the view angle input in step SH7 to the intermediate screen. Is automatically selected based on the image information (step SH10). Continue to select the view angle screen B
Is the center coordinate set on the reference screen A, the X axis, and the Y axis.
After adjusting to match the axis and inclination θ (Step SH
11), combining the whole or a part of the reference screen A with the angle-of-view screen B, expanding or reducing and rotating the combined screen, and displaying the obtained angle-of-view screen J ( Step SH12). If there is no request for correcting the angle-of-view image (NO in step SH13), the image data is newly recorded and the synthesizing process is completed (step SH19).

As a result, in such a mode, it is possible to obtain a subject image having an arbitrary inclination that was not actually photographed and to record it. as a result,
The range of use of digital cameras can be expanded.

In step SH12, when there is a request for correcting the angle-of-view image, the mode is changed to the partial correction / deletion mode of the composite screen, and a selection is made between the angle-of-view screen A and the angle-of-view screen B. (Step SH14) When the angle-of-view screen A is selected (Y in Step SH15)
ES) When the angle-of-view screen A and the angle-of-view screen B are selected (NO in step SH15), the angle-of-view screen B is corrected (steps SH16 and SH17), and both the angle-of-view screens A and B are combined. Then, the combined angle-of-view screen is displayed, and the image data is newly recorded (step SH1).
8), the combining process is completed (step SH19).

Although the above description has been made on the assumption that the angle-of-view screen B that can be supplemented to the reference screen A is recorded in the flash memory 14 at the time of the processing of step SH10 described above, If a large angle of view screen is not recorded, a new screen may be shot at that point in time, for example, as performed in step SF8 of the super wide screen synthesis mode described above.

[0080]

As described above, in the present invention,
When a photographer performs a predetermined operation, photographing at a plurality of focal lengths is automatically performed. Therefore, the photographer can perform photographing with a large number of angles of view simply and in a short time without any trouble or time. In addition, since it is possible to shoot with compositions at many angles of view without having to consider compositions with different angles of view, it is possible to miss a photo opportunity by leaving only the one with the desired composition after shooting. Can be avoided. Therefore,
The usability at the time of shooting using the zoom function can be improved.

In addition, the photographing is automatically performed at a plurality of focal lengths in the changing direction designated by the photographer. Therefore, when a certain focal length is set at the time of operation and it is close to the minimum distance, for example, by specifying the direction, it is possible to perform shooting at a plurality of angles of view in a shorter time. it can. Thereby, usability is further improved.

Also, only in the change direction specified by the photographer,
Shooting at multiple focal lengths is now performed automatically. Therefore, when photographing only one of the predetermined angle of view or more or the predetermined angle of view or less, the photographing can be performed in a shorter time. This further improves the usability.

Further, since the photographing is automatically performed for a plurality of focal lengths set in advance by the user, the use form at the time of photographing is widened and the usability is further improved.

The image processing apparatus further includes a synthesizing means for synthesizing a new subject image from the plurality of subject images recorded in the image storing means and recording the new subject image in the image storing means. New images such as a subject image having an angle of view, a subject image corresponding to an intermediate-stage focal length, a subject image having a different aspect ratio, a subject image having a different inclination, and a subject image corresponding to a focal length where shooting cannot be performed. A simple subject image can be obtained and recorded. Therefore, the range of use of the camera with the zoom function can be expanded.

Further, since a new subject image such as a subject image corresponding to a focal length at which photographing is impossible can be obtained, the variable amount of the focal length can be increased without increasing the cost of the zoom lens. Functions similar to those having a zoom lens can be secured.

Further, in synthesizing a new subject image, the user can select a specific portion corresponding to each of a plurality of subject images so that the specific portion of the new subject image can be easily corrected. As a result, a high-quality subject image can be easily obtained. Furthermore, since the user can automatically correct a new subject image only by selecting a specific portion, a high-quality subject image can be obtained very easily.

[0087]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the digital camera.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in an automatic zoom photographing mode.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a change in an angle of view screen shot in an automatic zoom shooting mode.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation in another automatic zoom photographing mode.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in an intermediate angle-of-view combination mode.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an angle of view screen synthesized in the same mode.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in an arbitrary angle of view synthesis mode.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation in an area designation priority combining mode.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an angle-of-view screen synthesized in the same mode and an arbitrary angle-of-view synthesizing mode.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation in a super wide screen synthesis mode.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an angle of view screen synthesized in the same mode.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation in an aspect ratio change mode.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an angle of view screen synthesized in the same mode.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in a tilt screen generation mode.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an angle of view screen synthesized in the same mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 Lens 4 Release key 5 Zoom key 14 Flash memory 16 CPU 19 Key input section 24 LCD module

Claims (12)

[Claims] A lens driving unit for driving a zoom lens to change a focal length thereof; an imaging unit for capturing a subject image formed by the zoom lens; a zoom by the lens driving unit according to a predetermined operation A zoom control means for controlling the driving of the lens and variably controlling the focal length stepwise; while the focal length is variably controlled stepwise by the zoom control means, A camera with a zoom function, comprising: an imaging control unit that stores a captured subject image in an image storage unit. 2. A zoom apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a designated direction operating means for designating a change direction of the focal length, wherein said zoom control means can control said focal length in a change direction designated according to an operation of said designated direction operation means. The camera with a zoom function according to claim 1, wherein the camera is variably controlled stepwise from a minimum or maximum distance to a maximum or minimum distance. 3. A designated direction operating means for designating a changing direction of the focal length, wherein the zoom control means can control the focal length in a changing direction designated according to an operation of the designated direction operating means. The camera with a zoom function according to claim 1, wherein the camera is variably controlled stepwise to a minimum distance or a maximum distance. 4. A step storage means for storing a plurality of focal lengths preset by a user, wherein the zoom control means controls driving of a zoom lens by the lens driving means in accordance with a predetermined operation, 4. A camera with a zoom function according to claim 1, wherein said focal length is variably controlled stepwise to a plurality of focal lengths stored in said step storage means. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a combining unit that combines a new subject image from the plurality of subject images recorded in the image storage unit and records the new subject image in the image storage unit. The camera with a zoom function according to claim 1. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the synthesizing unit selects specific portions of the plurality of subject images designated by a user when composing the new subject image. Camera with zoom function. 7. The camera with a zoom function according to claim 5, wherein said synthesizing unit performs selection of said specific portion based on a determined priority. 8. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said combining means combines a subject image corresponding to a focal length designated by a user as said new subject image. Camera with zoom function as described. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the combining unit is configured to record the two-stage image data at the two-stage focal length adjacent to each other based on the two subject images captured by the imaging unit. 8. The camera with a zoom function according to claim 5, wherein a new subject image corresponding to an intermediate stage focal length located at an intermediate position of the focal length of the subject is synthesized. 10. The camera with a zoom function according to claim 5, wherein said combining means combines subject images having different aspect ratios as said new subject image. 11. A camera with a zoom function according to claim 5, wherein said combining means combines subject images having different inclinations as said new subject image. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the combining unit combines a subject image corresponding to a focal length exceeding a maximum focal length of the zoom lens based on the plurality of subject images captured by the imaging unit. A camera with a zoom function according to any one of 5 to 11.