JP2000184263A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To ensure more excellent sense of use by displaying an image while its display form on a monitor is changed in response to the posture of a camera in the case of using an image pickup means to acquire and record an object image as an image signal. SOLUTION: The electronic camera 21 is provided with an image pickup means 2 that applies photoelectric conversion to an object image into an electric image signal to generate digital image data, a posture detection means 7 that detects the posture of the camera, a monitor 6 that displays an image represented by the digital image data, and a control means 1 that revises a display of the image displayed on the monitor means 6. This control means 1 controls the monitor means 6 so as to change a vertical direction and the size of the image displayed on the monitor means 6 on the basis of the detection result by the posture detection means 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for generating digital image data by photoelectrically converting a subject image using a camera, more specifically, an image pickup means, and displaying an image represented by the digital image data on a monitor means. It relates to a camera configured.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an electric image signal is obtained by photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by a photographing optical system using an image pickup device such as a CCD, and the obtained image signal is processed into a predetermined form. A digital camera, and a so-called digital camera which is configured to be able to display an image based on the digital image data thus obtained by using a monitor means such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). Electronic still cameras and the like are generally put into practical use.

A general camera for exposing and fixing a subject image formed by a photographic optical system to a silver halide film for photography (hereinafter referred to as a photographic film) also includes:
Conventionally, an image sensor such as a CCD and a monitor device for displaying an image representing a subject image based on an image signal obtained by the image sensor have been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-220222. More various proposals have been made.

In such a camera, an image signal representing an image substantially equivalent to a subject image exposed on a film is obtained by an image sensor, and an image based on the image signal obtained by the image sensor is displayed on a monitor device. For playback display.

The camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 1-202222 is further provided with a posture sensor for detecting how the photographer holds the camera, that is, the posture of the camera body. Based on the detection result of this attitude sensor, the direction of the image to be displayed on the monitor device is set to the direction corresponding to the attitude of the camera.

[0006] The aspect ratio (also referred to as aspect ratio) of an image displayed based on an image signal obtained by an electronic still camera or the like using a general imaging device is as follows.
For example, [3: 4] is used. On the other hand, the aspect ratio of an image obtained by exposure by a camera using a roll-shaped photographic film having a width of, for example, 35 mm in a camera that performs photography using a conventional photographic film is [2: 3]. It is usually set. That is, in a normal camera using a photographic film, when the camera is held in a normal posture (basic posture), a captured image to be acquired generally has a long side in the horizontal direction.

[0007]

However, what is disclosed in the above-mentioned JP-A-1-202722 is that
Only an example is shown in which the captured image exposed to the film and the image displayed by the monitor device are square, and handling of images having different aspect ratios is not considered. In addition, although a description is given of a unit that changes the direction of an image according to the posture of the camera, there is no description of a display mode of an image displayed on the monitor device in that case.

Therefore, when the subject image photographed on the film and the image displayed by the monitor device are general images having long sides in the horizontal direction, applying the means disclosed in the publication will When the camera is rotated at an angle of 90 ° from the reference posture, if the orientation of the display image on the monitor device is simply changed in accordance with the posture of the camera, the display image on the monitor device at that time will be horizontal to the image. There are problems such as inconvenience that a part of the direction runs off the display screen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to convert an object image formed by a photographing optical system into an electric image signal using an image pickup means. In a camera provided with a monitor means or the like for displaying an image, the orientation and size of the image are changed so that the display form of the image displayed on the monitor device becomes an optimum form according to the posture of the camera, and the acquired landscape orientation is obtained. An object of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of ensuring a better feeling of use by reliably displaying an image substantially equivalent to the screen of the above by a monitor device.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a camera according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image into an electric image signal to generate digital image data; Posture detecting means for detecting an image, a monitor means for displaying an image represented by the digital image data, and a control means for changing the display mode of the image displayed on the monitor means, the control means,
It is characterized in that control is performed so as to change the vertical direction and the size of the image displayed on the monitor means based on the detection result by the attitude detection means.

Therefore, the camera according to the first invention is
An imaging unit photoelectrically converting a subject image into an electric image signal to generate digital image data; a posture detection unit detecting a posture of the camera; a monitor unit displaying an image represented by the digital image data; Changes the display mode of the image displayed on the monitor means. At this time, the control means controls to change the vertical direction and the size of the image displayed on the monitor means based on the detection result by the attitude detecting means.

A camera according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an image pickup unit that photoelectrically converts a subject image into an electric image signal to generate digital image data, a posture detection unit that detects a posture of the camera, and the posture detection unit. Signal processing means for performing a predetermined process on the digital image data in response to the detection result by the above to generate display image data composed of an image area and a non-image area; and Monitor means for displaying an image represented by the image data.

Therefore, the camera according to the second invention is
The imaging means photoelectrically converts the subject image into an electrical image signal to generate digital image data, the attitude detection means detects the attitude of the camera, and in response to the detection result by the attitude detection means, the signal processing means A predetermined process is performed on the image data to generate display image data including an image region and a non-image region, and the monitor unit displays an image represented by the display image data generated by the signal processing unit.

Further, the camera according to the third aspect of the present invention includes an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image into an electric image signal to generate digital image data, an attitude detecting means for detecting an attitude of the camera, and the digital image data. Monitor means for displaying an image represented by, a mode setting means for setting a reproduction display mode for displaying an image on the monitor means, and a control means for changing a display mode of an image displayed on the monitor means, When the reproduction display mode is set by the mode setting means, the control means sets the vertical direction and the size of the image to be displayed on the monitor means in a predetermined form according to the detection result by the attitude detection means. It is characterized in that control is performed to change to.

Therefore, the camera according to the third aspect of the present invention
The imaging means photoelectrically converts the subject image into an electric image signal to generate digital image data, the attitude detection means detects the attitude of the camera, the monitor means displays an image represented by the digital image data, and sets the mode. The means sets a reproduction display mode for displaying an image on the monitor means, and the control means changes the display mode of the image displayed on the monitor means. Then, when the playback display mode is set by the mode setting means, the control means sets the vertical direction and the size of the image to be displayed on the monitor means in a predetermined form according to the detection result by the attitude detection means. Change to become.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a subject image formed by a photographing optical system is converted into an electrical image signal by an imaging unit, and the image signal is subjected to predetermined signal processing to perform digital image data (hereinafter, referred to as a predetermined form). This is an example of a so-called electronic still camera (hereinafter, referred to as an electronic camera) configured to be recordable on a recording medium as image data.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention and showing the appearance when viewed from the rear side.
As shown in FIG. 1, various components constituting the electronic camera 21 are arranged at predetermined positions inside the exterior member 22. A liquid crystal display, which is a monitor means for displaying an image based on an image signal obtained by an image pickup device 2 (see FIG. 2) constituting a part of an image pickup means described later, is provided in a substantially central portion on the back side of the exterior member 22. (Hereinafter referred to as LCD) 6 is provided,
In the vicinity of the LCD 6, an eyepiece window 27 of an optical viewfinder for optically confirming a photographing range including a subject and the like.
And an image selecting member 25 which is an operating member for performing an operation for selecting an image to be displayed on the LCD 6.

A release button 2 serving as an operation member for instructing execution of a photographing operation and the like is provided on the upper surface side of the exterior member 22.
And a mode setting member 26 serving as mode setting means for performing an on / off operation of a main power supply of the electronic camera 21 and setting an operation mode of the electronic camera 21.

On the front side of the exterior member 22, a photographing lens barrel 28 having a photographing optical system for forming a subject image and various driving members for moving the photographing optical system in the optical axis direction is provided. Have been.

The mode setting member 26 has an [OFF] position at which the main power of the electronic camera 21 is turned off, and a shooting mode (EXP) at which the main power of the electronic camera 21 is turned on and a shooting operation can be performed. Mode), and the [DISP] position to set a reproduction mode (DISP mode) for reproducing and displaying an image based on the image data recorded on the recording medium 4 (see FIG. 2) on the LCD 6. It is formed by a so-called slide switch that can be used.

The image selection member 25 has two buttons, a plus (+) button 25a and a minus (-) button.
Button 25b, and the electronic camera 21 is a DISP
By operating these two buttons 25a and 25b in the mode set, the recording medium 4
A desired image signal can be sequentially selected from the image signals recorded on the LCD 6 (see FIG. 2), whereby an image based on the selected image signal is sequentially displayed on the display screen of the LCD 6. It has become so.

Next, the internal configuration of the electronic camera 21 of the present embodiment will be described below. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a main part of the electronic camera 21. In FIG. 2, parts not directly related to the present invention are not shown in order to avoid complication of the drawing.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic camera 21 comprises:
The entire operation sequence is controlled by a control circuit 1 which is a control means. Various circuits, switches, and the like shown below are electrically connected to the control circuit 1 so that each circuit is controlled. It is configured to transmit a predetermined control signal or the like to a predetermined circuit in response to a command signal or the like from the like.

The control circuit 1 includes a photographing optical system (not shown)
An image sensor 2 which is an image pickup means including an image sensor such as a CCD for receiving a subject image formed by the image sensor and photoelectrically converting the image into an electric image signal, and receiving an image signal acquired by the image sensor 2, A signal processing circuit 3 that generates image data of a predetermined form by performing the signal processing of
Image data and the like that have been subjected to signal processing so as to be in an optimal form for recording by the signal processing circuit 3 and various information related to the image data, for example, shooting information such as date and time information, and the attitude of the camera at the time of shooting EE to record information etc.
A recording medium 4 composed of a non-volatile memory such as a PROM or a flash memory, which is detachably provided to the electronic camera 21, and an image data recorded on the recording medium 4 are read out and displayed on the LCD 6. A reproduction circuit 5 that is a signal processing unit that generates an image signal in an optimal form; an LCD 6 that is a monitor unit that receives an output signal from the reproduction circuit 5 and reproduces and displays an image based on the image signal;
How the operator holds the camera, that is, a posture detection switch 7 (which will be described later in detail) that constitutes a part of a posture detection mechanism that is a posture detection unit that detects the posture of the camera
In conjunction with the date and time information output circuit 8 having a clock function and generating date and time data, and the mode setting member 26, the main power supply of the electronic camera 21 is turned on or off.
A mode setting switch 9 for generating a signal for setting an FF) state and generating a command signal for setting an operation mode such as [EXP mode] / [DISP mode];
A release switch 10 for generating a signal for instructing execution of a photographing operation or the like in conjunction with the release button 24 and an image selection member 25 for representing a desired image from image data recorded on the recording medium 4. An image selection switch 11 for generating a command signal for selecting image data and the like are electrically connected.

The control circuit 1 is electrically connected to the signal processing circuit 3, recording medium 4, reproducing circuit 5 and the like by a data bus line 12 for transfer so that image data can be transferred reliably. ing.

In the control circuit 1, a temporary memory 13, which is an internal memory area for temporarily storing predetermined image data read from the signal processing circuit 3 or the recording medium 4, is provided.

The recording medium 4 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory, but is not limited to this. For example, a magnetic recording medium such as a floppy disk may be used. .

Here, a posture detecting mechanism constituted by the posture detecting switch 7 and the like for detecting the posture of the camera will be described below. 3, 4, 5, and 6
FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are explanatory diagrams of a posture detection mechanism in the present electronic camera. FIGS. 3, 5, and 7 show postures of the present electronic camera, that is, typical cases when an operator holds the camera. FIG. 3 shows the state of the attitude detection mechanism when the electronic camera is held with the release button being on the lower side in FIG.
7 shows a state of the attitude detection mechanism when the electronic camera is held in a normal state, and FIG. 7 shows a state of the attitude detection mechanism when the electronic camera is held with the release button upward. . FIGS. 4, 6, and 8 are diagrams showing the on / off state of the attitude detection switch when the electronic camera is held in the above three modes.
Respectively.

First, the configuration of the attitude detection mechanism in the electronic camera 21 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7, the posture detecting mechanism includes a non-conductive portion 32 and a conductive portion 3.
3, a rotating member 31 rotatably supported by a fixed member (not shown) inside the electronic camera 21, and a weight provided at an outer edge of a conduction portion 33 of the rotating member 31. It comprises a member 34 and a posture detection switch 7 composed of three electrical contact pieces A, G, B and the like provided so as to come into contact with the rotating member 31.

Each of the non-conductive portion 32 and the conductive portion 33 is formed in a substantially semicircular shape so as to occupy a substantially half area on the surface of the rotating member 31. The weight member 34 is disposed on the outer peripheral edge portion on the side of the conduction portion 33, and is positioned in the middle of the substantially semicircular shape.

The electric contacts A and B of the electric contacts A, G and B have one contact piece, and the electric contact G has two contact pieces. Each electrical contact A
The two switches 35 and 36 (FIG. 4) are used in accordance with a combination of GB and the non-conductive portion 32 and the
Reference). That is, the switch 35 is constituted by the electric contact pieces A and G, and the switch 36 is constituted by the electric contact pieces G and B. The position detection switch 7 is constituted by these two switches 35 and 36. I have.

One end of each of the switches 35 and 36 is
While electrically connected to the input terminal of the control circuit 1,
The other end is grounded. From this, switch 35
The reference numeral 36 is formed so that the signal level of the corresponding input terminal becomes [Low] when turned on.

The operation of the posture detecting mechanism thus configured is as follows. That is, in a normal case, when the electronic camera 21 is held by an operator, the posture of the electronic camera 21 takes various forms depending on how the electronic camera 21 is held.

In this case, the rotating member 31 is rotated by the action of the weight member 34 in accordance with the attitude of the electronic camera 21, that is, how the operator holds the camera. At this time, the ON / OFF state of the switches 35 and 36 depends on the contact or non-contact state between the electric contact pieces A and G and the electric contact pieces GB and the non-conductive portion 32 and the conductive portion 33 of the rotating member 31. Will be determined.

As shown in FIG. 5, the operator operates the electronic camera 2.
When the camera 1 is held in a normal state (hereinafter, the posture of the camera at this time is referred to as [basic posture]), the electric contacts A, G,
Each of B is in contact with the non-conductive portion 32 of the rotating member 31. Therefore, at this time, the two switches 35 and 36
Are both OFF (OFF) (see FIG. 6).
Thereby, the control circuit 1 detects that the input terminals of the switches 35 and 36 are not at the [Low] level. In response to this, the control circuit 1 determines that the electronic camera 21 is in the “basic posture” state.

In the state shown in FIG. 3, that is, in the [basic position] described above, the entire camera is rotated clockwise by an angle of about 90 degrees when viewed from the rear side of the camera, and the release button 24 is turned downward. In a state of holding the camera (hereinafter, the posture of the camera at this time is referred to as “right rotation posture”), one of the electric contact pieces A and G comes into contact with the non-conductive portion 32 and the electric contact piece B
And the other of the electric contact pieces G is in contact with the conducting portion 33. At this time, the switch 35 is turned off and the switch 36 is turned on (see FIG. 4). As a result, the control circuit 1 detects that only the input terminal of the switch 36 is [Low], and determines that the posture of the camera is the [right rotation posture].

Then, the state shown in FIG. 7, that is, the state in which the release button 24 is turned upward with the release button 24 turned upward by about 90 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the above-mentioned [basic position] when viewed from the back side of the camera. (Hereinafter, the posture of the camera at this time is referred to as [left rotation posture]), one of the electric contact B and the electric contact G comes into contact with the non-conductive portion 32, and the electric contact A and the electric contact G The other is in contact with the conducting portion 33.
At this time, the switch 35 is turned on (ON), and the switch 36 is turned off (OFF) (see FIG. 8). Accordingly, the control circuit 1 detects that only the input terminal to the switch 35 is [Low], and determines that the posture of the camera is the [left rotation posture].

The operation of the electronic camera 21 of the above-described embodiment according to the present invention will be described below. First, the mode setting member 26 is slid from the [OFF] position to the [EXP] position. Then, a predetermined command signal is generated from the mode setting switch 9 in conjunction with this. In response to this, the control circuit 1 switches the main power supply from the off state to the on state, and sets the operation mode of the electronic camera 21 to the photographing (EXP) mode.

In this state, the operator holds the electronic camera 21 by hand or the like, holds the electronic camera 21 in a desired posture, faces a desired subject, and presses the release button 24 when desired. Then, in conjunction with this, the release switch 10
Generates a command signal for starting a photographing operation. In response to this, the control circuit 1 drives the image sensor 2 and photoelectrically converts the subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 2 into an electric image signal. This image signal is output to the signal processing circuit 3.

Next, the signal processing circuit 3 performs predetermined signal processing on the input image signal to generate image data of a predetermined form optimal for recording, and then stores the image data in the temporary memory 13. And temporarily store it in it. At the same time, the image data is output to the recording medium 4 and recorded in a predetermined area of the recording medium 4.

At the same time, the control circuit 1 receives predetermined signals from the attitude detection switch 7 and the date / time information output circuit 8 during a series of shooting operations, and generates predetermined shooting data and attitude data. The image data is temporarily stored in the temporary memory 13, output to the recording medium 4, and recorded in a predetermined area of the recording medium 4 in association with the corresponding image data.

The image data thus recorded on the recording medium 4 can be reproduced and displayed on the display screen of the LCD 6 as an image. In this case, the mode setting member 26 is slid to the [DISP] position. Then
A predetermined command signal is generated from the mode setting switch 9 in conjunction with this. In response to this, the control circuit 1 sets the operation mode of the electronic camera 21 to the reproduction mode (DISP mode). Then, the control circuit 1 reads, for example, the newest image data among the image data recorded on the recording medium 4 and temporarily stores it in the temporary memory 13. At the same time, the control circuit 1 outputs the same image data to the LCD 6 via the reproduction circuit 5. This enables LCD
In 6, the latest image data is reproduced and displayed as an image.

In this state, the operator can operate the two buttons 25a and 25b of the image selection member 25 to select a desired image and display it on the LCD 6. The operation at this time is as follows.

That is, when a predetermined command signal generated from the image selection switch 11 linked to the image selection member 25 is transmitted to the control circuit 1, the control circuit 1 controls the recording medium 4, the reproduction circuit 5, the LCD 6, and the like. Under control, the desired image selected and instructed is displayed on the display screen of the LCD 6.

In this case, photographing data such as photographing information corresponding to the image data to be read is also read out from the recording medium 4 and temporarily stored in the temporary memory 13 of the control circuit 1. By referring to this data, the control circuit 1 controls the display form of the image displayed on the LCD 6 to be appropriate.

The operation of the electronic camera 21 will be described in more detail. 9 to 13 are flowcharts showing the operation of the electronic camera of the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a main routine showing a series of operations of the electronic camera. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a shooting sequence of the electronic camera. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of an image recording sequence of the electronic camera. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the electronic camera in the first display mode. FIG. 13 shows a second example of the electronic camera.
9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine in a display mode of FIG.

First, the main routine of the electronic camera 21 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the operator slides the mode setting member 26 from the [OFF] position to the [EXP] position or the [DISP] position, thereby switching the main power supply from the off state to the on state, FIG. The main routine of No. 9 starts.

When the main power supply of the electronic camera 21 is turned on as described above, a memory check is executed in step S1. This is because the control circuit 1 controls the recording medium 4 to check (check) the contents recorded on the recording medium 4 and to determine the final frame number,
That is, it is a process for identifying the frame number assigned to the most recently (last) image data. Here, the frame number corresponds to a frame number of a photo film or the like, and indicates a predetermined number sequentially added to each recorded image data.

Therefore, at this time, when no image data is recorded on the recording medium 4 mounted on the electronic camera 21, for example, when it is in a new state or immediately after all data is erased. Does not identify the frame number, but in this case, the frame number is recognized as [0] for convenience.

Next, in step S2, a frame number is set. Here, in response to the result of the memory check in the above-described step S1, a frame number to be attached to image data to be recorded by the next shooting operation is set. That is, the frame number set here is a number obtained by adding [1] to the frame number identified in the memory check processing in step S1 described above.

Therefore, when the recording medium 4 attached to the camera is in a new state or a state immediately after erasing all data, the frame number is not identified in the above-mentioned step S1, and the frame number is conveniently set. Since it is identified as [0], the frame number set in this step S2 is [1].

In step S3, the state of the set operation mode is confirmed. Here, the control circuit 1 checks the state of the command signal from the mode setting switch 9 and checks whether the command signal indicates the imaging (EXP) mode. In this case, if it is determined that the mode is the EXP mode, the process proceeds to step S4. If it is determined that the mode is not the EXP mode, the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S3, it is determined that the mode is the EXP mode, and the process proceeds to step S4.
In step S4, the control circuit 1 checks the state of the release switch 10. Here, if it is confirmed that the release switch 10 is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S.
Proceeding to the process of No. 5, if it is determined that it is not in the ON state, the process returns to the above-described step S3 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

Next, in step S4, the on-state of the release switch 10 is confirmed, and
In step S5, the sequence of the photographing operation (details will be described later; see FIG. 10) is executed. Here, the image sensor 2 is driven to photoelectrically convert a desired image including a subject image to obtain an electrical image signal.
On the other hand, a series of operations for performing predetermined signal processing by the signal processing circuit 3 to generate image data in a predetermined form and temporarily storing the image data in the temporary memory 13 are performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, an image recording sequence is executed for recording the image data generated in step S5 in a predetermined area of the recording medium 4 together with photographing data and the like (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 11). Then, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the sequence of the first display mode is executed. In the first display mode, the image data that has been shot and temporarily stored in the temporary memory 13 and the accompanying shooting data and attitude data are output to the reproduction circuit 5. The reproduction circuit 5 performs a predetermined process on each of the data and outputs the data to the LCD 6 to reproduce and display an image in a predetermined form on the display screen (details). Will be described later, see FIG. 12).
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the frame number assigned to the image data to be recorded next is set, and thereafter, the process returns to step S3, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

On the other hand, in step S3, EX
If it is determined that the mode is not the P mode and the process proceeds to step S9, it is checked in step S9 whether the command signal of the mode setting switch 9 is a command signal indicating the reproduction (DISP) mode. Here, when it is determined that the mode is the DISP mode, the process proceeds to step S10, and when it is determined that the mode is not the DISP mode, it is determined that the mode setting member 26 is set to the [OFF] position. Then, a series of operations ends (END).

At step S9, when it is determined that the mode is the DISP mode and the process proceeds to step S10, the image data recorded on the recording medium 4 is read out at step S10,
6 for reproducing and displaying an image of a predetermined form on the display screen of No. 6.
Is executed (details will be described later; see FIG. 13). Thereafter, the process returns to the above-described step S3, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

Next, details of the photographing sequence will be described with reference to a subroutine shown in FIG. As described above, upon receiving the command signal from the release switch 10 in step S4 in FIG. First, in step S21, the control circuit 1 receives the command signal from the release switch 10, controls the driving of the image sensor 2, and instructs the image sensor 2 to start a photographing operation. The imaging device 2 starts a predetermined photographing operation, that is, an integration operation, in response to the command signal, and photoelectrically converts the subject image formed on its own light receiving surface into an electric image signal.

Next, in step S22, the control circuit 1 confirms whether or not the photographing operation by the image sensor 2 has been completed. Here, when the imaging operation is completed, the imaging element 2 transmits a signal to that effect to the control circuit 1. Therefore, the control circuit 1 receiving this determines that the photographing operation has been completed, and proceeds to the next step S23. At this time, the image sensor 2 outputs the obtained image signal to the signal processing circuit 3.

In step S23, the control circuit 1
A predetermined command signal is generated for the signal processing circuit 3 (signal processing instruction). In response, the signal processing circuit 3
Upon receiving the image signal (analog signal) input to itself,
In response to this, predetermined signal processing, that is, predetermined signal processing such as A / D conversion processing for converting into a digital signal is started, and image data in a predetermined form is generated.

Subsequently, in step S24, the control circuit 1 confirms whether or not predetermined signal processing performed by the signal processing circuit 3 has been completed. The signal processing circuit 3
When the predetermined signal processing is completed, a signal to that effect is transmitted to the control circuit 1. In response to this, the control circuit 1 determines that the predetermined signal processing is completed, and The process proceeds to step S25.

In step S25, the control circuit 1
In step S24 described above, the image data generated by the signal processing circuit 3 is fetched into the temporary memory 13 and temporarily stored in the temporary memory 13. Thereafter, the series of photographing sequences ends, and the process returns to the main routine in FIG. The process proceeds to the process of step S6 in the figure (return).

Next, the details of the image recording sequence will be described with reference to a subroutine shown in FIG. As described above, when the photographing sequence in step S5 in FIG. 9 (see FIG. 10 for details) ends, the process proceeds to this subroutine. First, in step S31, the control circuit 1 executes reading of posture information. That is, the control circuit 1
By confirming the state of the posture detection switch 7, the posture of the electronic camera 21 at the present time is changed to the [basic posture] shown in FIG. 5 described above, the [right rotation posture] shown in FIG. 3, and the [left rotation posture] shown in FIG. ], And temporarily stores this posture information in a predetermined area of the temporary memory 13.

Next, in step S32, the control circuit 1 reads the date and time information in response to the signal from the date and time information output circuit 8, stores the date and time information in a predetermined area of the temporary memory 13, and then proceeds to step S33. Proceed to processing.

In step S33, the control circuit 1
In order to secure an area for recording image data on the recording medium 4, a data storage address is set.
Here, the set storage address is set in association with the value of the set frame number (see steps S2 and S8 in FIG. 9).

Then, for the data storage address thus set, the control circuit 1 proceeds to step S34.
The recording processing of image data and the like is executed in. That is, the control circuit 1 determines a predetermined area (data storage address) of the recording medium 4 in a form in which the image data temporarily stored in the temporary memory 13 and information data such as posture information and date and time information are associated with each other. Transfer to When a series of recording processes is completed in this way, the present sequence ends,
The process returns to the main routine of FIG. 9 and proceeds to the process of step S7 of FIG. 9 (return).

Details of the sequence in the first display mode will be described with reference to a subroutine shown in FIG. The first display mode of the electronic camera 21 is such that, when the electronic camera 21 is in the EXP mode, an image represented by the image data acquired at that time is immediately displayed on the LCD 6 immediately after the imaging operation.
Is an operation mode to be displayed on the display screen.

Immediately after the photographing operation, the image data acquired by the photographing operation and the accompanying photographing data and posture data are temporarily stored in the temporary memory 13. In the first display mode, an image display operation is performed using the image data stored in the temporary memory 13.

As described above, after the image recording sequence in step S6 in FIG. 9 (for details, see FIG. 11) is completed, the flow automatically shifts to this subroutine. In the sequence of the first display mode, first, in step S41, a sequence of an image generation operation is executed. this is,
In order to determine a display mode of an image to be displayed on the display screen of the LCD 6 based on the attitude information on the attitude of the camera at the time of shooting and the attitude information on the attitude of the camera at the present time, and to perform a display suitable for the display style This is signal processing for generating image data for display (see details later, see FIGS. 14 to 19).

Next, in step S42, the display image data generated in step S41 is reproduced by the reproduction circuit 5.
Is performed, and the process proceeds to the next step S43.

In step S 43, the control circuit 1 sends an instruction signal for displaying an image to the reproduction circuit 5 and the LCD 6.
And so on. In response to this, the reproduction circuit 5 performs predetermined signal processing on the display image data input thereto so as to be in a form suitable for display on the LCD 6, and then transfers the data to the LCD 6. The LCD 6 receives the image data and displays an image in a predetermined form on its own display screen.

In step S44, the control circuit 1 checks whether or not the display processing has been completed. That is, when the reproduction circuit 5 finishes outputting the predetermined image data and the image display processing by the LCD 6 is completed, the reproduction circuit 5 sends back a signal to the control circuit 1 indicating that the display processing is completed. Upon receiving this signal, the control circuit 1 terminates a series of sequences, returns to the main routine of FIG. 9, and proceeds to the processing of step S8 of FIG. 9 (return).

Next, the sequence in the second display mode will be described in detail with reference to a subroutine shown in FIG. The second display mode in the present electronic camera 21 is to select desired image data from a plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium 4 when the present electronic camera 21 is in the DISP mode, and to select the desired image data based on the selected image data. This is an operation mode for reproducing and displaying the displayed image on the display screen of the LCD 6.

As described above, in step S9 of FIG. 9, when it is determined that the electronic camera 21 is in the DISP mode, the operation mode of the electronic camera 21 becomes
Shift to DISP mode.

In the sequence of the second display mode,
First, in step S51, the control circuit 1 sets a frame number of image data to be reproduced. In the present electronic camera 21, a predetermined frame number has already been set through the processing of steps S1 and S2 in FIG. 9 when the main power is turned on, but the frame number set at this time is , The frame number assigned to the image data to be recorded at the next shooting. But,
The image to be reproduced in this second display mode is
Since the image data has already been recorded on the recording medium 4, the frame number assigned to the latest image data should be set. Therefore, in step S51, the frame number set to the camera at this time, that is, the frame number obtained by subtracting [1] from the frame number set through the processing of steps S1 and S2 in FIG. 9, is set. Is performed.

Next, in step S52, the control circuit 1 sets the image data to be subjected to the reproduction display processing first,
That is, the data storage address of the recording medium 4 corresponding to the frame number set in step S51 is set.

In step S53, the control circuit 1
Based on the set data storage address, the corresponding image data from the recording medium 4 and the accompanying attitude information, date and time information, and the like are collectively read into the temporary memory 13.

Subsequently, in step S54, a sequence of an image generating operation is executed. That is, the display mode of the image to be displayed on the LCD 6 is determined based on the posture information read in the above step S53 and the posture information detected by the signal from the posture detection switch 7 at that time. A predetermined image processing is performed on the image data read in step S53,
The display image data suitable for the determined display mode is generated. The details (display form) of the image data generated at this time will be described later with reference to FIGS.

In step S55, the display image data generated in step S54 is transferred to the reproduction circuit 5, and in the next step S56, the control circuit 1 reproduces an instruction signal for displaying an image. The signal is transmitted to the circuit 5, the LCD 6, and the like. In response, the reproduction circuit 5
Is an LCD for image data for display input by the user.
At 6, predetermined signal processing is performed so as to be in a form suitable for display, and thereafter, the data is transferred to LCD 6. LCD6
Receives the image data and displays an image in a predetermined form on its own display screen.

In step S57, the control circuit 1 confirms whether or not the display processing has been completed.
Receives the signal indicating that the display process has been completed, the process proceeds to the next step S58.

In step S58, the control circuit 1 confirms the state of one plus (+) button 25a of the image selection member 25, that is, whether or not the button 25a is operated. If it is determined that the plus (+) button 25a is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S61.
If it is determined that it is not in the ON state, the process proceeds to the next step S59.

In step S58, the control circuit 1 controls the other minus (-) button 25b of the image selecting member 25.
Check whether is operated. Here, if it is determined that the minus (-) button 25b is on, the process proceeds to step S62. If it is determined that the minus button 25b is not on, the next step S60 is performed.
Proceed to processing.

In step S60, the control circuit 1 checks the state of the mode setting switch 9 to determine whether the mode setting member 26 has been operated to switch to an operation mode other than the DISP mode. . Here, if it is determined that the operation mode has been switched to an operation mode other than the DISP mode, the sequence of the second display mode ends, and the process returns to step S1 in FIG. 9 (return). When it is determined that the DISP mode is maintained, the process returns to the above-described step S58 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

In step S58, it is determined that the plus (+) button 25a has been turned on, and
When the process proceeds to step S61, the set value of the frame number is changed in order to perform a display process based on the image data corresponding to the next frame number in this step S61. That is, after resetting the frame number set at this point by adding [1] to the frame number, the process returns to step S52, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

If the set frame number corresponds to the latest image data among the image data recorded on the recording medium 4 at the time when the processing in step S58 is performed, , This step S
The frame number reset at 61 is [1], that is, the frame number corresponding to the first image data among the image data already recorded on the recording medium 4.

If it is determined in step S59 that the minus (-) button 25b has been turned on and the process proceeds to step S62, the process proceeds to step S62.
At 62, the set value of the frame number is changed in order to perform display processing based on the image data corresponding to the immediately preceding frame number. That is, after the frame number set at this point is set to a frame number obtained by subtracting [1], the process returns to the above-described step S52, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

At the time point when the processing in step S59 is performed, the set frame number corresponds to the first image data among the image data recorded on the recording medium 4, that is, the frame number [ 1], the frame number reset in step S62 is set to the frame number corresponding to the latest image data among the image data recorded on the recording medium 4. I have.

On the other hand, image data generated by the sequence of the image generation operation in the electronic camera 21 of the present embodiment will be described below. As described above, the sequence of the image generation operation in the electronic camera 21 is as follows.
A signal for determining a display mode of an image to be displayed on the LCD 6 based on the attitude information of the camera at the time of shooting and the attitude information of the camera at the time of reproduction, and generating image data for performing a display suitable for the display mode Processing.

The electronic camera 21 acquires the posture information of the camera at the time of photographing using the above-described posture detecting mechanism during the photographing operation, and records the posture information and the like on the recording medium 4 in association with the corresponding image data. I have to.

Further, at the time of reproducing and displaying, when the image based on the desired image data is displayed, the attitude information of the camera is detected by using the attitude detecting mechanism described above.
The posture information at that time is obtained.

The display form of the image based on the display image data determined based on these two pieces of posture information is as follows (see FIGS. 14 to 19). That is, (1) When the image based on the image data captured in the [basic attitude] is reproduced and displayed in the [basic attitude], the display form is arranged so as to be a horizontally long display screen as shown in FIG. In this mode, a horizontally long normal image is displayed on the entire display screen of the LCD 6. ● At this time, no particular image processing is performed.

(2) When the image based on the image data captured in the [basic orientation] is reproduced and displayed in the [right rotation orientation], the display form is a vertically long display screen as shown in FIG. In a mode, a horizontally elongated image that has been reduced is arranged and displayed in an image area substantially at the center of the display screen of the LCD 6 arranged at the position shown in FIG. This display image is LC
Since the area becomes smaller than the entire display area of D6, there is a surplus part (non-display area / non-image area) in which no display is made at the upper and lower parts of the image. Therefore, the upper and lower non-display areas are subjected to, for example, black or dark masking processing.

Image processing in this case is as follows: reduction processing is performed so that the area of the image is half of the entire display area of the LCD 6; As a result, the size of the displayed image in the long side direction substantially matches the size of the LCD 6 in the short side direction.

Next, the reduced image is rotated approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise as viewed from the back side of the camera.

Then, the surplus portion of the LCD 6, that is, the non-display area is subjected to, for example, a black or dark masking process.

(3) When the image based on the image data taken in the [basic orientation] is reproduced and displayed by the [left rotation orientation], the display form is a vertically long display screen as shown in FIG. (See (2)) in which a horizontally elongated image that has been reduced is arranged and displayed in an image area substantially at the center of the display screen of the LCD 6 that is arranged in (1). This display image also has a non-display area in which nothing is displayed in the upper and lower parts of the image. Therefore, the non-display area in the upper and lower parts is subjected to masking processing such as dark color.

Image processing in this case is as follows: Reduction processing is performed so that the area of the image is half of the entire display area of the LCD 6. As a result, the size of the displayed image in the long side direction substantially matches the size of the LCD 6 in the short side direction.

Next, the reduced image is rotated approximately 90 degrees clockwise as viewed from the back of the camera.

Then, the surplus portion of the LCD 6, that is, the non-display area is subjected to a masking process such as a dark color.

(4) [Right rotation posture] or [Left rotation posture]
An image based on the image data taken in
The display form when playing back and displaying by [Basic posture]
As shown in FIG. 17, a vertically long image that has been reduced is arranged and displayed in an image area substantially at the center of the display screen of the LCD 6, which is arranged to have a horizontally long display screen. The display area is masked.

Image processing in this case is as follows: Reduction processing is performed so that the area of the image is half of the entire display area of the LCD 6. As a result, the size of the displayed image in the long side direction substantially matches the size of the LCD 6 in the short side direction.

Next, the reduced image is viewed in the clockwise direction (in the case of [right rotation posture] when photographing) or counterclockwise (in the case of [left rotation posture] when photographing) as viewed from the back side of the camera. Rotate the angle approximately 90 degrees.

Then, the surplus portion of the LCD 6, that is, the non-display area is subjected to a masking process such as a dark color.

(5) When the image based on the image data taken in the [right rotation posture] is reproduced and displayed in the [right rotation posture], the display form is a vertically long display screen as shown in FIG. A vertically long image is displayed on the entire display screen of the LCD 6 arranged as described above. ● At this time, no particular image processing is performed.

(6) When the image based on the image data taken in the [right rotation posture] is reproduced and displayed in the [left rotation posture], the display form is a vertically long display screen as shown in FIG. A vertically long image is displayed on the entire display screen of the LCD 6 arranged as described above. In the image processing in this case, a process of rotating the image by approximately 180 degrees is performed.

(7) When the image based on the image data taken in the [left rotation posture] is reproduced and displayed by the [right rotation posture], the display form is the vertically long display screen as in the above (5). A vertically long image is displayed on the entire display screen of the LCD 6 which is arranged as shown in FIG.
8). ● Image processing in this case is as described in (6) above.
A process for rotating the image by approximately 180 degrees is performed in the same manner as in the item.

(8) When the image based on the image data captured in the [left rotation posture] is reproduced and displayed in the [left rotation posture], the display form is the vertically long display screen as in the above (6). A vertically long image is displayed on the entire display screen of the LCD 6 which is arranged as shown in FIG.
9). ● At this time, no particular image processing is performed.

As described above, according to the electronic camera 21 of the above-described embodiment, when the aspect ratio of the display screen of the LCD 6 is different from [1: 1], that is, the display screen has a long side in the horizontal direction. In this case, the aspect ratio is different from [1: 1], and when displaying an image having long sides in the horizontal direction, the orientation of the camera at the time of shooting and the orientation of the camera at the time of playback display are considered. The display mode of the image, that is, the positional relationship such as the vertical direction and size of the display image in the display area of the display screen and the size of the image itself are switched and displayed, so that a good feeling of use is provided to the operator. Can be given.

By changing the display mode on the display screen of the LCD 6, a surplus area other than an image is displayed on the display screen, and the surplus portion is replaced with black or dark color. Since the masking process and the like are performed, the boundary between the image area for displaying the image and the non-display area (non-image area) for not displaying the image becomes clear without being blurred, and the entire captured image is identified. Can be easily done.

Note that the electronic camera 21 of the above-described embodiment is
In the above, the display form of the image displayed on the display screen of the LCD 6 is changed to a predetermined form in consideration of the attitude of the camera when performing the reproduction display. The resulting non-image area, which is a non-display area, is subjected to black or dark masking processing. In other words, for this non-display area,
It is a part that is not used for display.

Therefore, by using the non-display area, various information related to the image being displayed, for example, date and time information at the time of shooting, a corresponding frame number, and the like are displayed simultaneously with the corresponding image by characters. If you do, it will be convenient.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show modified examples of the display form on the display screen when various information and the like are displayed using the non-display area. That is, FIG. 20 shows a modification of the above-described embodiment, which is a display form in which a horizontally long image is displayed on the display screen of the LCD 6 arranged to be a vertically long display screen. The display area has the same form as the example shown in FIGS.

FIG. 21 shows a display form in which a vertically long image is displayed on the display screen of the LCD 6 similarly arranged to be a horizontally long display screen. It has the same form as the example shown in FIG.

In these cases, by utilizing the non-display area 6b formed in the upper and lower portions or the left and right portions, shooting information such as date and time information corresponding to the image 6a being displayed in the image area substantially at the center of the display screen, and the like. The frame number and the like are displayed in a predetermined form such as characters.

The data such as these various kinds of information are read out simultaneously when the image data representing the image to be displayed is read out from the recording medium 4. Therefore, the reproduction circuit 5
When performing predetermined image signal processing on desired image data by using these data, image data in a predetermined display form may be generated by processing these data together. Note that the arrangement of characters and the like on the display screen is appropriately changed in consideration of the position of the image, the shape of the non-display area, and the like, so that the arrangement is optimal.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show another modified example of the above-described embodiment. The display screen of the LCD 6 arranged to be a horizontally long or vertically long display screen is different from the horizontally long or vertically long display screen. It is an example showing a display mode when displaying an image.

This corresponds to FIG. 14 in the above-described embodiment.
Alternatively, this is a display mode corresponding to the display modes shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, but different in the following points. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the image is displayed on the entire display screen as shown in FIG. 14 or FIGS. 18 and 19. In each of the modified examples shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the image is reduced. And a non-display area for displaying various information and the like is intentionally provided.

That is, when predetermined image processing is performed on desired image data to generate image data for display, the non-display area 6b is intentionally formed.

The image processing performed by the reproducing circuit 5 in this case is as follows. First, after the image data is reduced so that the display area of the image becomes a display image having an area of, for example, about 80% of the entire area of the display screen of the LCD 6, the reduced image is LC
D6 is displayed at a position close to one corner of the display screen, and a predetermined masking process is performed on the non-display area (surplus part) 6b generated thereby. In the non-display area 6b, various types of information such as shooting information such as date and time information and frame numbers are appropriately arranged in the form of characters and the like. The image data generated in this way is
When displayed as an image in the image area 6a of the display screen of No. 6, the form shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is obtained.

In a conventional electronic camera or the like, information such as date and time information and a frame number is superimposed on an image to be displayed, and is displayed only for a predetermined time. However, such a conventional means has a problem that a part of an image is not displayed when these various types of information are displayed. Further, it has been pointed out that if the display of various information disappears from the display screen after a lapse of a predetermined time, such information cannot always be referred to.

However, according to the display modes shown in FIGS. 20 to 23, the image relating to the desired image data and the various kinds of information accompanying the image data can always be displayed at the same time. Since it is not displayed as an image, it can contribute to further improving the usability of the camera itself.

[Supplementary Note] According to the above-described embodiment, an invention having the following configuration can be obtained.

(1) Image capturing means for generating digital image data of a subject image, attitude detecting means for detecting the attitude of the camera determined by the attitude of the operator, and a reproduction display mode for reproducing and displaying the image data A mode setting unit that can be set, and when a reproduction display mode is set by the mode setting unit, the image data is processed based on a detection result of the posture detection unit during reproduction display, and an image area and a non-image area are processed. A camera comprising: processing means for generating display image data comprising: and monitor means for displaying the display image data.

(2) In the camera described in Supplementary Note 1,
The non-image area is subjected to a black or dark masking process.

(3) In the camera described in Appendix 1,
Photographing data is displayed in the non-image area.

(4) In the camera described in the appendix 3,
The photographing data is date / time information or posture information.

(5) In the camera described in Supplementary Note 3 or 4, the position at which the photographing data is displayed is changed depending on the size or shape of the non-image area.

(6) Imaging means for generating digital image data of a subject image, attitude detection means for detecting the attitude of the camera determined by the attitude of the operator, monitor means for displaying the image data, Mode setting means for setting a reproduction display mode for reproducing and displaying image data on the monitor means, wherein when the reproduction display mode is set by the mode setting means, the detection result of the attitude detecting means at the time of shooting is obtained. And a camera for changing a display mode displayed on the monitor means based on a detection result of the attitude detecting means at the time of reproduction display.

(7) In the camera described in Supplementary Note 6,
The change in the display mode is a change in the image size and the image position in the screen.

(8) In the camera described in Supplementary Note 6,
The image processing apparatus further includes a recording medium for recording the detection result of the attitude detecting means at the time of shooting together with the shot image data in association with the image data.

[0133]

As described above, according to the present invention, a subject image formed by a photographing optical system is converted into an electric image signal using an image pickup means, and an image based on the image signal is displayed. In a camera equipped with a monitor means, the orientation and size of the image are changed so that the display mode of the image displayed on the monitor device is optimal according to the posture of the camera, and a landscape screen is acquired. It is possible to provide a camera that can ensure a better feeling of use by reliably displaying an image substantially equivalent to the above using a monitor device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view showing the appearance of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear side.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a main part of the electronic camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an attitude detection mechanism in the electronic camera of FIG. 1, showing one mode of the attitude detection mechanism when an operator holds the camera with a release button on a lower side.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an on / off state of a posture detection switch in the posture detection mechanism shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an attitude detection mechanism in the electronic camera of FIG. 1, and illustrates one mode of the attitude detection mechanism when an operator holds the camera in a normal state.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an on / off state of a posture detection switch in the posture detection mechanism shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an attitude detection mechanism in the electronic camera of FIG. 1, and showing one mode of the attitude detection mechanism when the operator holds the camera with the release button up.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an on / off state of a posture detection switch in the posture detection mechanism shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a main routine of a series of operations in the electronic camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a shooting sequence of the electronic camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of an image recording sequence of the electronic camera in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the electronic camera in FIG. 1 in a first display mode.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the electronic camera in FIG. 1 in a second display mode.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a display mode of an image reproduced and displayed on the display screen of the monitor means of the electronic camera in FIG. 1, showing an image taken in [basic attitude] and reproduced and displayed in [basic attitude].

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display mode of an image reproduced and displayed on the display screen of the monitor means of the electronic camera in FIG. 1, showing a mode when an image is captured in [basic posture] and reproduced and displayed in [right rotation posture].

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display mode of an image reproduced and displayed on the display screen of the monitor means of the electronic camera in FIG. 1, showing a mode in which an image is captured in [basic posture] and reproduced and displayed in [left rotation posture].

FIG. 17 shows a display mode of an image reproduced and displayed on the display screen of the monitor means of the electronic camera in FIG. 1, when photographing by [right rotation posture] or [left rotation posture] and reproducing and displaying by [basic posture]. FIG.

18 shows a display mode of an image reproduced and displayed on the display screen of the monitor means of the electronic camera in FIG. 1, in which the image is photographed by [right rotation posture] or [left rotation posture] and reproduced and displayed by [right rotation posture]. FIG.

19 shows a display form of an image reproduced and displayed on the display screen of the monitor means of the electronic camera in FIG. 1, in which the image is photographed by [right rotation posture] or [left rotation posture] and reproduced and displayed by [left rotation posture]. FIG.

FIG. 20 shows a modification of the embodiment of the present invention,
The figure which shows an example of the display form at the time of displaying various information etc. using the non-display area in the display screen of a monitor means.

FIG. 21 shows a modification of the embodiment of the present invention;
The figure which shows another example of the display form in the case of displaying various information etc. using the non-display area in the display screen of a monitor means.

FIG. 22 is a view showing another modification of the embodiment of the present invention, showing an example of a display form in which a non-display area is provided on a display screen of a monitor means and various information and the like are displayed on the non-display area.

FIG. 23 is a view showing another modified example of the embodiment of the present invention, in which a non-display area is provided on a display screen of a monitor means, and another example of a display form in a case where various kinds of information and the like are displayed thereon .

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control circuit 2 ... Image sensor (imaging means) 3 ... Signal processing circuit 4 ... Recording medium 5 ... Reproduction circuit (signal processing means) 6 ... Liquid crystal display (LCD; monitor means) 6a ... Image Area 6b Non-display area (non-image area) 7 Posture detection switch (posture detection mechanism; attitude detection means) 8 Date and time information output circuit 9 Mode setting switch 10 Release switch 11 Image selection Switch 12 Data bus line 13 Temporary memory 21 Electronic camera 22 Exterior member 24 Release button 25 Image selection member 25a Plus (+) button 25b Minus (-) button 26 ... mode setting member (mode setting means) 27 ... eyepiece window 28 ... photographing lens barrel 31 ... rotating member (posture detecting mechanism: posture detecting means) 3 2 ... non-conductive portion (posture detecting mechanism: posture detecting means) 33 ... conductive portion (posture detecting mechanism: posture detecting means) 34 ... weight member (posture detecting mechanism: posture detecting means)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/225 H04N 5/225 A F

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image into an electric image signal to generate digital image data; an attitude detection means for detecting an attitude of a camera; and a monitor for displaying an image represented by the digital image data. Means, and control means for changing a display mode of an image displayed on the monitor means, the control means comprising: A camera characterized in that it is controlled to change its size. 2. An image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image into an electric image signal to generate digital image data; an attitude detection means for detecting an attitude of a camera; Signal processing means for performing predetermined processing on digital image data to generate display image data including an image area and a non-image area; and displaying an image represented by the display image data generated by the signal processing means. A monitor comprising: 3. An image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image into an electric image signal to generate digital image data; an attitude detection means for detecting an attitude of a camera; and a monitor for displaying an image represented by the digital image data. Means, a mode setting means for setting a reproduction display mode for displaying an image on the monitor means, and a control means for changing a display mode of an image to be displayed on the monitor means. When a mode is set, the control means controls to change a vertical direction and a size of an image to be displayed on the monitor means so as to be in a predetermined form according to a detection result by the attitude detection means. A camera characterized by the following.