JP2000115597A - Image pickup device with communication function, image pickup method, image pickup system and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize the miniaturized device and the simplified operation by controlling each operation of photographing or communication selected by operation changeover based on a result of detection of a turning angle of a rotary shaft that can be rotated and translated. SOLUTION: When a lever push button switch 106 is set to a photographing mode, a video image of opposite party 103a and its own image 103b are displayed on a liquid crystal display device 103. When a lever push button switch 106 is turned upward (downward), a photographing lens 101 of its own is zoomed toward a wide angle (telescopic) position to obtain a wide angle (telescopic) image 103b. When the lever push button switch 106 is detached, zooming of the photographing lens 101 is stopped. When the lever push button switch 106 is pressed, an object of operation changes to a portable video telephone set of the opposite party. When the lever push button switch 106 is turned upward (downward) a photographing lens 101 of the opposite party is zoomed toward a wide angle (telescopic) position to obtain a wide angle (telescopic) video image 103a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus with a communication function, an imaging method, an imaging system, and a storage medium, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus having a communication means such as a PHS.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9 shows an example of the configuration of a conventional imaging device with a communication function. In FIG. 9, 1 is a lens, 2 is a lens aperture, 3 is a motor for driving the variable power lens, 4 is a driving means for driving the variable power lens, 5 is a motor for driving the aperture, and 6 is an aperture mechanism. Driving means for driving, 7 is a motor for driving the focus lens, and 8 is a driving means for driving the focus lens.

Reference numeral 9 denotes an image sensor (CCD), 10 denotes a CDS / AGC circuit for sampling and holding a video signal from the image sensor and AGC (auto gain control), and 11 denotes an A / D converter for converting an analog signal into a digital signal. A D conversion circuit, 12 is a signal processing circuit for processing the luminance signal and the chrominance signal so as to be an appropriate video signal, and 13 is an image compression / decompression circuit for compressing an image, such as JPEG, H.263, or the like. DV format.

[0004] 14 is a memory, 15 is a communication protocol, 16 is PH
S Transmitter / receiver unit, 17 is a microcomputer, 18 is a D / A conversion circuit that converts digital signals to analog signals, 19 is an antenna, 20 is a monitor (or liquid crystal), 21 is key discriminating means, and 22 is a telephone number input. Shows 10 keys. 23 is a microphone,
Reference numeral 24 denotes an audio signal processing path for processing an audio signal input from the microphone 23 into an appropriate signal, and reference numeral 25 denotes an A / D converter for converting an analog audio signal into a digital signal.

Next, the operation of the imaging device with a communication function configured as described above will be described. An electric signal generated by imaging through the lens 1 and the imaging device 9 is generated by the camera signal processing circuit 12 as a video signal. The data is further compressed by the image compression / decompression circuit 13.

The data compressed by the image compression / decompression circuit 13 is processed by the communication protocol 15 into data conforming to a prescribed communication protocol, and is passed through the PHS transmission / reception unit 16 to the antenna.
Sent from 19. The data output from the camera signal processing circuit 12 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion circuit 18, processed to be displayed on the monitor 20, and then output to the monitor 20.

[0007] Further, the image and audio signals transmitted from the outside by radio are received by the PHS transmission / reception unit 16 through the antenna 19, and the image data and the audio data can be obtained via the communication protocol 15. After that, the image data is
The image is expanded by an image compression / expansion circuit 13 and output to a monitor 20 via a D / A converter 18.

The microcomputer 17 controls the system of this device, and performs various control of the lens (control of the variable-magnification lens and aperture), control of camera signal processing, control of communication, control of keys, and the like. Is going. Reference numeral 22 denotes a 10 key for pressing the telephone number of the other party when making a call, reference numeral 21 denotes a discrimination circuit for discriminating the pressed key, the output of which is input to the microcomputer 17, where a series of calls is made. Is performed.

[0009] The same applies to voice, and after voice is input from the microphone 23, the voice signal is processed by the voice processing circuit 24, and is input to the communication protocol 15 via the next voice A / D circuit 25. Thereafter, it is transmitted wirelessly from the antenna 19 via the PHS transmitting / receiving unit 16 in the same manner as the video signal.

[0010]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional imaging apparatus with a communication function, when taking a picture with a camera, a special function, such as automatically focusing on a designated person on a screen, is used. In addition, there is no function for optimally adjusting the exposure of a specified person on the screen.

This is because, when such a function is provided, the number of operation keys for the automatic focus function and the number of operation keys for optimally adjusting the exposure of the designated person are increased, and the size can be reduced. This is because it becomes difficult. That is, it is difficult to provide the automatic focusing function and the automatic exposure function when realizing miniaturization.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has a function of automatically focusing on a specified person on a screen and optimally adjusting the exposure of the specified person on the screen. It is a first object of the present invention to reduce the size of an imaging device with a communication function having the above. It is a second object of the present invention to be able to operate each function provided in the apparatus more simply.

[0013]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus having a communication function, comprising: an image pickup means for photographing a subject; an image processing means for digitizing and compressively encoding an image signal output from the image pickup means; An image pickup apparatus comprising: an audio processing unit that captures audio and performs predetermined processing; and a communication unit that wirelessly transmits image data compressed and encoded by the image processing unit and audio data output from the audio processing unit. Operating means for controlling the operation of the imaging means and the communication means by operating the upper rotating axis, and detecting the rotation angle of the rotating shaft of the operating means. Angle detection means, parallel movement detection means for detecting parallel movement of the rotation axis of the operation means, and parallel movement of the rotation axis detected by the parallel movement detection means In some cases, an operation target switching unit that switches the operation target of the operation unit to the imaging unit or the communication unit, and an imaging unit that is switched by the operation target switching unit based on a detection result of the angle detection unit. Alternatively, an operation control unit for controlling each operation of the communication unit is provided. Another feature of the imaging device with a communication function of the present invention is that the operation for controlling the operation of the imaging unit, which is performed by the operation unit, is a zoom operation, and the operation for controlling the operation of the communication unit. Is a selection operation of a communication partner. Another feature of the imaging apparatus with a communication function according to the present invention is that the communication means has a function of receiving image data and audio data wirelessly transmitted from the outside. Also,
Other features of the imaging apparatus with a communication function according to the present invention include: an imaging unit that captures an image of an object; an image processing unit that digitizes and compresses and encodes an image signal output from the imaging unit; Voice processing means for taking in and performing predetermined processing; operating means for controlling the operations of the imaging means and the communication means; image data compressed and coded by the image processing means; voice output from the voice processing means An image capturing apparatus having a data and a communication unit for wirelessly transmitting command data output from the operating unit, the image capturing device having a rotation axis that can be rotated and translated and operated by operating an upper rotation axis; Operating means for controlling each operation of the communication means; angle detecting means for detecting a rotation angle of a rotating shaft of the operating means; Parallel movement detecting means for detecting a motion,
When the translation of the rotation axis is detected by the translation detection means, the operation target switching means for switching the operation target of the operation means to the imaging means or the communication means, and the detection result of the angle detection means Based on
An operation control unit for controlling the operation of the imaging unit or the communication unit switched by the operation target switching unit. Another feature of the imaging device with a communication function of the present invention is that the command data output from the operation unit is an operation command for controlling the operation of the imaging unit, and a plurality of imaging devices with a communication function. In a configuration in which the imaging device of the imaging device with a communication function other than the imaging device itself is operated when one is communicating with another, one of the operation purposes of controlling the operation of the operation device is to automatically operate the imaging device to be operated. This is a command for switching between a device and an imaging device other than the own device.

According to the present invention, there is provided an imaging system for photographing a subject, an image processing unit for digitizing and compressing and encoding an image signal output from the imaging unit, and performing predetermined processing by capturing sound. Voice processing means, operation means for controlling a predetermined operation, image data compressed and coded by the image processing means, voice data output from the voice processing means, and command data output from the operation means. An imaging system in which each imaging device with a communication function has communication means for wirelessly transmitting, and each imaging device with a communication function captures images while communicating with each other via the communication means, and is capable of rotation and translation movement. Operating means for controlling each operation of the imaging means and the communication means by operating the upper rotating axis, and a rotation angle of the rotating axis of the operating means Angle detecting means for detecting the rotation of the operating means, parallel movement detecting means for detecting the parallel movement of the rotation axis of the operating means, and when the parallel movement detecting means detects that the rotation axis has been translated, the operating means An operation target switching unit that switches the operation target to the imaging unit or the communication unit; and an operation of the imaging unit or the communication unit that is switched by the operation target switching unit based on a detection result of the angle detection unit. Each communication function-equipped imaging device includes an operation control unit that controls
When the command data output from the operation unit is transmitted from another imaging device with a communication function and a plurality of command data conflict, the command data transmitted from the operation unit of the own device is prioritized. I have.

An image pickup method according to the present invention includes an image pickup step of picking up an image of a subject using an image pickup means, an image processing step of digitizing and compression-coding an image signal output from the image pickup means, An image pickup method comprising: an audio processing step of performing predetermined processing; and a communication step of transmitting image data compressed and encoded by the image processing step and audio data generated by the audio processing step by wireless communication means. And an operation step of operating the upper rotation axis to control each operation of the imaging means and the communication means by using an operation means having a rotation axis capable of translation and movement, and rotation of the rotation axis of the operation means An angle detection step of detecting an angle, a parallel movement detection step of detecting a parallel movement of the rotation axis of the operation means, and a parallel movement of the rotation axis by the parallel movement detection step. Is detected, the operation target of the operation means is switched to the imaging means or the communication means, the operation object switching step, and based on the detection results of the angle detection step and the parallel movement detection step, the operation And an operation control step of controlling each operation of the imaging means or the communication means switched by the target switching step. Another feature of the imaging method of the present invention is that the operation of controlling the operation of the imaging unit, which is performed by the operation unit, is a zoom operation, and the operation of controlling the operation of the communication unit is a communication partner. Is selected. Another feature of the imaging method of the present invention is that the communication means has a function of receiving image data and audio data wirelessly transmitted from the outside.
Another feature of the image pickup method of the present invention is that an image pickup step of photographing a subject using an image pickup means and an image processing step of digitizing and compression-coding an image signal output from the image pickup means. An audio processing step of taking in audio and performing predetermined processing; an operation step of controlling a predetermined operation using an operation means; image data compressed and coded by the image processing step; generated by the audio processing step And a communication step of wirelessly transmitting commanded data output from the operating means, and a communication step, comprising a rotation axis capable of rotating and translating, and operating the upper rotation axis to An operation step performed by using an operation unit that controls each operation of the imaging unit and the communication unit; an angle detection step of detecting a rotation angle of a rotation axis of the operation unit; Parallel movement detecting step of detecting the parallel movement of the rotary shaft of the work unit, when said rotary shaft is detected to have moved in parallel by the parallel movement detection step,
The operation target of the operation means is switched by the operation target switching step based on detection results of the operation target switching step of mutually switching to the imaging means or the communication means and the angle detection step and the parallel movement detection step. And an operation control step of controlling each operation of the imaging means or the communication means. Another feature of the imaging method of the present invention is that the command data output from the operation means is an operation command for controlling the operation of the imaging means. Priority is given to the command data sent from the operation means of the own device.

A storage medium according to the present invention is characterized in that a program for causing a computer to function as each unit constituting the above-described imaging apparatus with a communication function is stored so as to be readable from the computer. Another feature of the storage medium of the present invention is that a program for causing a computer to execute the procedure of the imaging method is stored so as to be readable from the computer.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) Next, a first embodiment of an imaging apparatus with a communication function, an imaging method, an imaging system, and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a portable videophone having a shooting mode and a call mode.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a photographing lens; 102, a speaker for listening to voice during a call; 103, a liquid crystal display for displaying an image or a received image in a photographing mode; Is a numeric keypad for entering a telephone number in the call mode, 105 is a microphone, 106 is a lever push button switch having both a lever function and a push button switch, 107 is a transmitting / receiving antenna,
A power switch 108 selects a shooting mode or a call mode, and also functions as a power switch.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a photographing lens for capturing a subject, 202 denotes a zoom lens driving motor that drives the photographing lens and changes the photographing magnification of the subject,
Reference numeral 203 denotes an aperture for controlling the amount of light to an image sensor, which will be described later, and reference numeral 204 denotes an image sensor for converting a captured subject into an image signal.

Reference numeral 205 denotes a CDS / AGC which samples and holds the image signal to obtain an appropriate signal level, and 206 denotes a CDS / A
A digital signal processing circuit for A / D converting the image signal from the GC and performing digital signal processing, 207 is an image compression circuit for compressing the digital image signal from the digital signal processing circuit, and 208 is a compression circuit for the image compression circuit. This is a recording medium for recording an image.

Reference numeral 209 denotes an image expansion circuit for expanding the compressed image and returning it to the original digital image signal. Reference numeral 210 denotes an image signal from the digital signal processing circuit at the time of photographing, and an image signal from the recording medium / image expansion circuit at the time of reproduction. This is an NTSC encoder that converts a digital image signal into an NTSC image signal and outputs an image.

Reference numeral 211 denotes a signal output terminal; 212, a liquid crystal driver for outputting a digital image signal similar to that of the NTSC encoder to a liquid crystal display 213 built in the main body; 214, transmission and reception of the compressed image data, audio data, and the like in a predetermined procedure; A communication protocol control unit 215 for performing control performs transmission of data from the communication protocol, and a PHS transmission / reception unit for receiving data from a partner terminal. Reference numeral 216 denotes a transmission / reception antenna.

Reference numeral 217 denotes a camera controller for controlling lens zooming, exposure, and the like; 218, a telephone number memory storing telephone numbers used in a call mode; The system controller 220 that performs the above operations is an operation key including a lever push button switch having both a function as a lever switch and a function as a push button switch.

221 is a microphone, 222 is a microphone amplifier, 223
Is a digital signal processing section for D / A conversion or A / D conversion of an audio signal, 224 is an audio compression / expansion section for compressing or expanding audio data, 225 is an amplifier for driving a speaker described later, and 226 is a speaker.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the lever push button switch 106 in FIG. FIG.
In (a), 301 to 305 are terminals, 306 is a lever, 30
7 is a push button switch, 308 is a resistor, 309 is a slider, and 310 is an A / D converter. Note that a spring is inserted into the shaft of the lever, and the lever is always positioned at the center when the operator releases his / her hand.

The lever 306 can be rotated within a range of ± 45 ° around the center position. With the above configuration, the amount of rotation of the lever 306 is equal to that of the terminals 302 to
It is detected as a change in resistance between 303 and between the terminals 303 to 304.

When the resistance value is connected as shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 3B, the voltage value at the terminal 303 changes continuously. The voltage value is digitized by the A / D converter 310 and the pulse train is generated. As above system controller 219
Performs detection. In the present embodiment, the A / D converter 310 uses a two-bit A / D converter, and the amount of rotation of the lever push button switch 106 is expressed by four pulses, that is, it is recognized that one step is performed at 22.5 °. You.

Further, in FIG. 3A, the rotary dial 306 is movable in the direction of A in the figure, and the operation in the A direction is controlled by the push button switch 307 between the terminals 301 to 305. Detected as conduction.

In the portable videophone having the above configuration, when the same portable videophone is communicating with each other and the power switch 106 is in the photographing mode, the liquid crystal display 103 has the configuration shown in FIG. Will be displayed. Here, 103a is the video of the other party, and 103b is the video of itself.

At this time, the lever push button switch 10
When the camera 6 is rotated upward, the own photographing lens 101 zooms to the wide-angle side, and the image 103b becomes a wide-angle image. Further, when the lever push button switch 106 is turned downward, the own photographing lens 101 zooms to the telephoto side, and the image 103b becomes a telephoto image. When the hand is released from the lever push button switch, the lever returns to the center position, and the zoom of the photographing lens 101 stops.

Further, the lever push button switch 10
When the rotation amount of 6 is 0 to 22.5 ° with respect to the center position, the zoom of the imaging lens moves at a low speed, and when the rotation amount of 22.5 to 45 ° moves at a high speed.

When the lever push switch 106 is pressed, the operation target changes to the other party's portable videophone.
At this time, when the lever push button switch 106 is turned upward, the other party's photographing lens 101 zooms to the wide angle side, and the image 103a becomes a wide angle image. When the lever push button switch 106 is turned downward, the other party's photographing lens 101 zooms to the telephoto side, and the image 103a
Is a telephoto image.

On the other hand, when the power switch 106 is in the talk mode, when the lever push button is turned to either side, the liquid crystal display as shown in FIG.
The telephone number stored in advance is displayed. FIG.
Shows a state in which “060-123-4567” is selected.

Here, the lever push button switch 10
6 When you turn upward, “060-
The selection changes to "456-4567". When the lever push button switch 106 is rotated downward, the selection changes to "060-123-1234" displayed below. When 106 is pressed, the calling of the selected telephone number is executed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the four functions of the zoom control of the image pickup unit, the selection of the zoom control destination, the selection of the telephone number, and the execution of the call are performed by the single lever push button switch 106. Can be operated.

In this embodiment, the operation function of the lever push button switch 106 in the photographing mode is zooming of the photographing lens, but other functions such as an exposure compensation function of the camera and a focus position adjustment. May be. For example, when the operation function is the exposure correction function, the image becomes brighter when the lever push button switch 106 is turned upward, and the image becomes darker when the lever push button switch 106 is turned downward. Can be

When the operation function is the focus position adjustment, when the lever push button switch 106 is turned upward, the focus position becomes far from the camera, and the lever push button switch 106 is turned downward. When moved, the focus position can be made closer to the camera.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a portable videophone having a shooting mode and a call mode. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes a photographing lens; 502, a speaker for listening to voice during a call; 503, an image or received image in a photographing mode; a liquid crystal display for displaying operation contents in a call mode; 10 key to enter the number,
505 is a microphone, 506 is a rotary push button switch that has both functions as a rotary dial and a push button switch, 507 is a transmit / receive antenna, 508 is a power switch that selects a shooting mode or a call mode, and also serves as a power switch Switch.

A block diagram showing the configuration of the present embodiment is the same as FIG. 2 shown in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 shows the rotary button switch 50 shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a detailed structure of No. 6; 6A and 6B, terminals 601 to 605 are terminals, 606 is a rotary dial, and 607 is a rotary dial.
Is a push button switch, 608 is a low antibody, 609 is a slider,
610 is an A / D converter.

In the above configuration, the rotary dial 60
(6) The amount of rotation between terminals 602 and 603 and between terminals 603 and 604
The change is detected as a change in the resistance value. When this low resistance value is connected as shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 6B, the voltage value of the terminal 603 changes continuously. The voltage value is digitized by the A / D converter 610 and converted into a pulse train. Detection is performed by the system controller 219. In the present embodiment, a 4-bit A / D converter 610 is used, and one rotation of the rotary pushbutton switch 506 is 16 times.
The number of pulses is expressed as one step, that is, 1/16 rotation is recognized as one step.

Further, referring to FIG.
Is movable in the direction of A in the figure, and the operation in the A direction is controlled by the
It is detected as conduction between 601 and 605.

In the portable videophone having the above configuration, when the same portable videophone is communicating with each other and the power switch 508 is in the shooting mode, the liquid crystal display 503 displays as shown in FIG. Is done. Here, 503a is the video of the other party, and 503b is the video of the user.

At this time, the rotary push button switch 506
When you turn to the right (in the direction of the upward arrow in the figure), your camera lens 501 zooms to the wide-angle side according to the amount of rotation.
The video 503b becomes a wide-angle image. When the rotary push button switch 506 is turned to the left (in the direction of the downward arrow in the figure), the own photographing lens 501 zooms to the telephoto side in accordance with the amount of rotation, and the image 503b becomes a telephoto image.

When the rotary push button switch 506 is pressed, the operation target changes to the other party's portable videophone. At this time, when the rotary push button switch 506 is turned clockwise, the photographic lens 501 of the other party zooms to the wide angle side, and the image 503a becomes a wide angle image. When the rotary push button switch 506 is turned to the left, the photographing lens 50 of the other party is turned.
1 zooms to the telephoto side, and the image 503a becomes a telephoto image.

On the other hand, when the power switch 508 is in the talking mode, the rotary push button switch 506
When is turned to either direction, a telephone number stored in advance is displayed on the liquid crystal display as shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 shows a state where “060-123-4567” is selected. Here, the rotary push button switch 506
Turning to the right changes the selection to “0123-45-4567” displayed above. Also, the lever push button switch 50
When you turn 6 to the left, “03-0123-1234” displayed below
The selection changes.

Further, the rotary push button switch 506
By pressing, the call of the selected telephone number is executed. As described above, in the present embodiment, the four functions of the zoom control of the imaging unit, the selection of the zoom control destination, the selection of the telephone number, and the execution of the call are performed by the single rotary push button switch 506. Can be

In the present embodiment, the operation function of the rotary push button switch 506 in the photographing mode is zooming of the photographing lens, but may be a function such as an exposure correction function of the camera or a focus position adjustment. . For example, when the operation function is the exposure compensation function, turning the rotary push button switch 506 to the right makes the image brighter, and turning the rotary push button switch 506 to the left makes the image darker. it can.

When the operation function is the focus position adjustment, turning the rotary push button switch 506 clockwise shifts the focus position to a position farther from the camera, and turning the rotary push button switch 506 counterclockwise adjusts the focus position. The focal position is closer to the camera.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
It is a figure of this Embodiment. Further, a block diagram of the present embodiment and a diagram showing a detailed structure of the lever push button switch 106 are the same as FIGS. 2 and 3 of the first embodiment.

In the above-described configuration, as shown in FIG.
When the lever push button switch of the imaging device A with one communication function is in a state of controlling the imaging device of the other party, and the imaging device B of the other communication function is in the state of controlling its own imaging device, A control conflict occurs in the imaging device B with the communication function.

For example, the user of the imaging device A with one communication function operates the zoom to the telephoto side with respect to the imaging device B with the other communication function, and at the same time, the imaging device B with the other communication function is operated by the user. When the zoom is to be operated to the wide-angle side with respect to the imaging device, the above-mentioned conflict occurs. At this time, in the other imaging apparatus B with a communication function, the operation from the own apparatus is prioritized, and the control to the wide angle side is executed. As described above, in the present embodiment, smooth control can be performed even when operation conflict occurs.

(Other Embodiments of the Present Invention) The present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), but can be applied to an apparatus composed of one device. You may.

Further, in order to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, a device connected to the above-mentioned various devices or a computer in a system is operated so as to operate various devices so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. The present invention also includes programs implemented by supplying the program code of the software described above and operating the various devices according to programs stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus.

In this case, the program code of the software implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer are provided.
For example, a storage medium storing such a program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM,
A magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (operating system) or other operating system running on the computer. Needless to say, even when the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized in cooperation with application software or the like, such program codes are included in the embodiments of the present invention.

Further, after the supplied program code is stored in a memory provided in a function expansion board of the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is specified based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that the present invention also includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the first embodiment performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0057]

As described above, according to the present invention, in an imaging apparatus with a communication function equipped with a camera function and a communication function, such as a portable videophone, a user can zoom in or out on a subject on a screen. A special function that enables zoom out can be configured without increasing the number of switches. This makes it possible to supply a portable device that is small and does not impair the design. In addition, since the switch configuration can be operated efficiently without useless switches, the operation can be performed easily, and the number of parts can be reduced to manufacture the switch at low cost.

Further, according to another feature of the present invention, even when the operations conflict between users, the functions are executed with an appropriate priority order, so that the communication function which does not impair the operability even during communication. An imaging device with a tag can be supplied. That is, according to the present invention, an efficient imaging device having a communication function that can be easily operated can be provided at low cost by eliminating useless switches and providing an efficient switch configuration while having multiple functions.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a mobile videophone according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the mobile videophone according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating details of a lever push button switch according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a call mode of the mobile videophone according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a portable videophone according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating details of a rotary push button switch according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a call mode of the portable videophone according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the mobile videophone according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a conventional imaging apparatus with a communication function.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Shooting lens 102 Speaker 103 LCD display 104 Key group 105 Microphone 106 Lever push button switch 107 Transmit / receive antenna 108 Power switch 201 Shooting lens 202 Lens drive motor 203 Aperture 204 Image sensor 205 CDS / AGC 206 Digital signal processing circuit 207 Image compression circuit 208 Recording medium 209 Image expansion circuit 210 NTSC encoder 211 Video output terminal 212 LCD driver 213 LCD display 214 Communication protocol control circuit 215 PHS transmission / reception unit 216 Transmission / reception antenna 217 Camera controller 218 Phone number memory 219 System controller 220 Operation keys 221 Microphone 222 Microphone amplifier 223 Digital signal processing circuit 224 Audio compression / expansion circuit 225 Amplifier 226 Speaker 301 terminal 302 terminal 303 terminal 304 terminal 305 terminal 306 Lever 307 Push button switch 308 Resistor 309 Slider 310 A / D converter 501 Photo lens 502 Spy Ca 503 liquid crystal display 504 key group 505 microphone 506 turn press button switch 507 transmit and receive antenna 508 power switch 601 terminal 602 terminal 603 terminal 604 terminal 605 terminal 606 rotary dial 607 push button switch 608 resistor 609 slider 610 A / D converter

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup means for photographing a subject, an image processing means for digitizing and compressing and encoding an image signal output from the image pickup means, an audio processing means for taking in audio and performing predetermined processing, An image pickup apparatus comprising: a communication unit that wirelessly transmits image data compressed and encoded by the image processing unit and audio data output from the audio processing unit; and a rotation axis that can be rotated and translated. Operating means for operating the upper rotation axis to control each operation of the imaging means and the communication means; angle detection means for detecting the rotation angle of the rotation axis of the operation means; and translation of the rotation axis of the operation means When the parallel movement detecting means detects that the rotation axis has been translated, the operation target of the operating means is detected by the imaging means. Operating means switching means for mutually switching to the means or the communication means, and operation control means for controlling each operation of the imaging means or the communication means switched by the operating object switching means based on the detection result of the angle detecting means An imaging device with a communication function, comprising: 2. An operation performed by the operation means for controlling the operation of the imaging means is a zoom operation, and the operation for controlling the operation of the communication means is a selection operation of a communication partner. Item 2. An imaging device with a communication function according to Item 1. 3. The imaging device with a communication function according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit has a function of receiving image data and audio data wirelessly transmitted from the outside. 4. An image pickup means for photographing a subject, an image processing means for digitizing and compressing and encoding an image signal output from the image pickup means, an audio processing means for taking in audio and performing predetermined processing, Operating means for controlling the operations of the imaging means and the communication means; image data compressed and encoded by the image processing means; audio data output from the audio processing means; and command data output from the operating means An image capturing apparatus having a communication unit for wirelessly transmitting the image data, an operation unit having a rotation axis capable of rotating and translating and operating an upper rotation axis to control each operation of the imaging unit and the communication unit. An angle detection means for detecting a rotation angle of a rotation axis of the operation means; a parallel movement detection means for detecting a parallel movement of a rotation axis of the operation means; When the movement detection means detects the parallel movement of the rotation axis, the operation object switching means for switching the operation object of the operation means between the image pickup means or the communication means, and a detection result of the angle detection means. And an operation control unit for controlling the operation of the imaging unit or the communication unit switched by the operation target switching unit. 5. The command data output from the operation means is an operation command for controlling the operation of the imaging means, and when the plurality of imaging devices with communication functions are communicating with each other, the own device or the own device In the configuration for operating the imaging unit of the imaging device with a communication function other than the above, one of the operation purposes for controlling the operation of the operation unit is to determine whether the operated imaging device is the own device or an imaging device other than the own device. The imaging device with a communication function according to claim 4, wherein the command is a switching command. 6. An image pickup means for photographing a subject, an image processing means for digitizing and compressing and encoding an image signal output from the image pickup means, an audio processing means for taking in audio and performing predetermined processing, Operation means for controlling a predetermined operation; communication for wirelessly transmitting image data compressed and encoded by the image processing means, audio data output from the audio processing means, and command data output from the operation means; And an image capturing apparatus, wherein each of the image capturing apparatuses with a communication function has an axis and a rotation axis that can rotate and translate. An operation means for operating the upper rotation axis to control each operation of the imaging means and the communication means; and an angle detection means for detecting a rotation angle of the rotation axis of the operation means. A parallel movement detecting means for detecting a parallel movement of a rotation axis of the operation means; and an imaging means for operating the operation means of the operation means when the parallel movement detection means detects that the rotation axis has moved in parallel. Operating means switching means for mutually switching to the means or the communication means, and operation control means for controlling each operation of the imaging means or the communication means switched by the operating object switching means based on the detection result of the angle detecting means Each of the imaging devices with a communication function is provided, and the command data output from the operation unit is transmitted from another imaging device with a communication function, and when a plurality of command data conflict, the operation unit of the own device is used. An imaging system characterized by giving priority to sent command data. 7. An imaging step of photographing a subject using an imaging unit, an image processing step of digitizing and compressing and encoding an image signal output from the imaging unit, and performing predetermined processing by capturing audio. An imaging method for performing an audio processing step and a communication step of transmitting image data compressed and encoded by the image processing step and audio data generated by the audio processing step by wireless communication means; An operating step of operating the upper rotating axis to control each operation of the imaging means and the communication means by operating the upper rotating axis, and detecting an angle of rotation of the rotating axis of the operating means. A detecting step, a parallel movement detecting step of detecting a parallel movement of a rotation axis of the operation means, and a parallel movement of the rotation axis is detected by the parallel movement detecting step. In some cases, the operation target of the operation means is switched by the operation target switching step based on the detection results of the angle detection step and the parallel movement detection step. An operation control step of controlling each operation of the image pickup means or the communication means provided. 8. An operation performed by the operation means for controlling the operation of the imaging means is a zoom operation, and the operation for controlling the operation of the communication means is a selection operation of a communication partner. Item 8. The imaging method according to Item 7. 9. The imaging method according to claim 7, wherein the communication unit has a function of receiving image data and audio data wirelessly transmitted from the outside. 10. An imaging step of photographing a subject using an imaging unit, an image processing step of digitizing an image signal output from the imaging unit and compression-encoding the image signal.
A voice processing step of capturing a voice and performing a predetermined process; an operation step of controlling a predetermined operation using an operation means; image data compressed and coded by the image processing step; A communication step of wirelessly transmitting voice data and command data output from the operation means, comprising: a rotation axis capable of rotating and translating; and operating the upper rotation axis to operate the imaging means. And an operation step of using an operation means for controlling each operation of the communication means; an angle detection step of detecting a rotation angle of a rotation axis of the operation means; and a parallel detection of a translation of the rotation axis of the operation means. When it is detected in the movement detection step and the translation movement detection step that the rotation axis has been translated, the operation target of the operation means is changed to the imaging means or the communication means. An operation object switching step for mutually switching the means, and an operation control for controlling each operation of the imaging means or the communication means switched by the operation object switching step based on the detection results of the angle detection step and the parallel movement detection step. And an image pickup method. 11. The command data output from the operation means is an operation command for controlling the operation of the imaging means. If a plurality of pieces of command data conflict, the command data transmitted from the operation means of the own device is provided. The method according to claim 10, wherein data is prioritized. 12. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means according to claim 1 so as to be readable from the computer. 13. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the procedure of the imaging method according to claim 7 so as to be readable from the computer.