JP2001157159A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera, capable of making an electronic camera main body small without having to provide a dedicated switch of a trimming operation. SOLUTION: A zoom operation piece 12 for causing a zoom lens to operate toward telephoto T or wide angle W so as to select photographing modes is operated toward the telephoto T, while an image-forming mode is selected. By doing this, trimming frames Q1, Q2 or Q3 for designating a trimming area on an object image, where image formation (print) is made by an image forming means (53), are concurrently used for trimming operation for display.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer-integrated electronic camera for forming image data obtained by capturing a subject image on an image forming medium such as an instant film or photosensitive paper.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electronic camera displays an image of a subject to be captured or an image obtained by capturing the subject on a screen of a monitor liquid crystal display (LCD). This electronic camera extracts an image of a region desired by the user from images displayed on the LCD screen, for example, an image of a region where a human is reflected from a human image with a mountain background (hereinafter, referred to as an image). Trimming), and a function of enlarging this image and displaying it on an LCD screen.

In this trimming operation, for example, when a user operates a trimming operation switch provided on the electronic camera body, a trimming frame of a preset size is displayed on the LCD screen, and the trimming frame is displayed. The image is superimposed and displayed on the image to be trimmed. Then, the trimming frame is moved by a user's operation to an image of a desired region, for example, an image of a region where a human is reflected from a human image having the mountain as a background,
The image in the trimming frame is displayed in an enlarged manner.

[0004]

However, the electronic camera body must be provided with a dedicated trimming operation switch for performing the trimming operation, and the size of the electronic camera cannot be reduced by that much.

In the trimming operation, an image is taken out using a trimming frame of a preset size, so that the size of the area desired to be trimmed and the size of the trimming frame do not match for the user side. It is bad.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera in which the size of the electronic camera body can be reduced without providing a dedicated switch for trimming operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera in which the trimming magnification can be easily changed and the usability is improved.

[0008]

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, an electronic camera according to the present invention is configured as follows.

(1) A camera according to the present invention comprises: a photographing lens system including at least a zoom lens; and an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the photographing lens system to obtain electronic image data. A recording unit for recording the image data obtained by the imaging unit on a recording medium, and an image based on the image data obtained by the imaging unit or an image based on the image data read from the recording medium. Image display means for displaying, image forming means for forming an image based on the image data obtained by the imaging means or an image based on the image data read from the recording medium on an image forming medium, at least the A photographing mode for photographing the subject image by the imaging means and an image forming mode for forming an image by the image forming means are selectively switched. And mode switching means for changing,
A zoom control for operating the zoom lens to a telephoto side or a wide angle side when the shooting mode is selected, and a zoom control for operating the telephoto side when the image forming mode is selected. And control means for controlling a trimming frame for specifying a trimming area to be displayed on the image on which an image is to be formed by the image forming means, which is displayed on the image display means. , Are provided.

(2) The camera according to (1), further comprising: trimming magnification setting means for setting a plurality of trimming magnifications corresponding to the size of the trimming frame; Each time the zoom control is operated to the telephoto side while the image forming mode is selected, the trimming magnification is sequentially changed, and the size of the trimming frame is changed according to the trimming magnification. It is characterized in that it is controlled so as to be changed and displayed on the image display means.

(3) The camera according to the present invention is the camera according to (1) or (2), wherein the mode switching means reproduces the image data read from the recording medium to reproduce the image data. A reproduction mode for displaying the image on the image display unit, wherein the control unit determines a predetermined area of the image displayed on the image display unit when the reproduction mode is selected and the zoom control is operated to the telephoto side; Is controlled to be enlargedly displayed.

(4) The camera according to the present invention includes:
(2) The camera according to (3), wherein the control unit is configured to output a plurality of images when the image forming mode or the reproduction mode is selected and the zoom operation element is operated to the wide angle side. Is controlled to be reduced and displayed on one screen.

(5) The camera according to any one of the above (1) to (4), wherein the recording means is provided in the trimming area designated by the trimming frame. Is recorded on the recording medium.

[0014]

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an external view of a camera surface of an electronic camera, and FIG. 2 is an external view of a camera back surface of the electronic camera. On the camera surface of the electronic camera body 1, a zoom lens 2 provided in a photographing lens system, a release button 3 pressed by a user when performing photographing, and a surrounding environment including a subject with a predetermined brightness. Strobe light emitting unit 4 to emit light when it is dark
And an instant film (polaroid film) 5 for printing out image data obtained by imaging.
The electronic camera body 1 is provided with a film cartridge lid 6 that opens and closes for loading a film cartridge containing therein into the electronic camera body 1, and a film discharge port 7 provided at an upper portion of the electronic camera body. In FIG. 1, an instant film 5 on which an image is printed from a film outlet 7 is shown.
Is shown in the figure.

A monitor liquid crystal display (hereinafter, referred to as an image display LCD) 8 for monitoring a subject image to be photographed or an already recorded image, and an instant film 5 A print button 9 for printing an image, a power button 10 of a push-operation type, a mode switch 11 serving as mode switching means for selecting a photographing mode, a reproduction mode or a print mode, and a wide-angle (abbreviated wide: W). ) Side and a telephoto (abbreviated tele: T) side, a zoom lever 12 as a zoom operator, a trimming frame to be described later is moved up, down, left and right, and a plurality of images displayed on the image display LCD 8 are displayed. And a cross key 13 for moving an image selection frame up, down, left, and right to select a desired image from the list.

Among these, the mode switch 11 indicates, for example, a shooting mode with a “〇” mark, a reproduction mode with a “△” mark, and an image forming mode (hereinafter, a print mode) with a “□” mark. Therefore, by rotating the mode switch 11 and setting the mark of the desired mode to the selection mark "-" 14, the photographing mode, the reproduction mode or the print mode is selected. For convenience, the shooting mode is marked with “〇”,
Although the reproduction mode is indicated by “△” and the print mode is indicated by “□”, it is needless to say that other marks may be used.

The zoom lever 12 is rotatably provided on the outer periphery of the cross key 13, and can be selected by operating the projection 15 to the wide-angle side W or the telephoto side T.

The cross key 13 is provided with various direction indications “△”, “▽”, etc., indicating up, down, left, and right movements. By pressing a desired direction, for example, an upward direction indication “△”, For example, the trimming frame is moved upward.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the electronic camera. The imaging lens system 20 includes a focus lens system for auto focus (AF), a zoom lens system 2, and a mechanical shutter, an aperture, and the like. The imaging lens system 20 includes a focus lens system by a lens driving unit 23 controlled by a lens driving control circuit 22,
The zoom lens system 2, the mechanical shutter, and the aperture operate respectively.

The image sensor 24 has a function of generating and outputting an image signal of a subject image formed through the photographing lens system 20. This image signal is subjected to signal processing by the image pickup circuit 25 and then converted to a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 26. The output terminal of the A / D conversion circuit 26 is connected to a system controller 28 via a bus 27. The imaging element 24, the imaging circuit 25, and the A / D conversion circuit 26 constitute an imaging unit.

The system controller 28 has a bus 27
, A memory interface (I / F) 29, a buffer memory 30, a video memory 31, an external interface (external I / F) 32, a line memory 33 and the like are connected. A memory card 35 as a recording medium is connected to the memory interface 29 via a card slot 34. The video output circuit 3 is provided in the video memory 31.
6, the image display LCD 8 and the video-out terminal 37 are connected. The line memory 33 has an LCD
The control circuit 38 is connected.

An output terminal of the system controller 28 is provided with the lens drive control circuit 22 and the strobe light emitting section 4.
, A mode display LCD 39 and an operation unit 40 are connected. The mode display LCD 39 displays a shooting mode, a reproduction mode, or a print mode selected by the mode switch 11, and is not shown in FIGS.

The operation unit 40 includes a release button 3, a print button 9, a power button 10, and a mode switch 11 provided on the front and back surfaces of the electronic camera body 1.
, A zoom lever 12 and a cross key 13.

A printer unit described below is connected to the system controller 28. The system controller 28 is connected with a linear light emitting element (hereinafter, referred to as a linear LED) 41 serving as an exposure light source of the instant film 5 and an LCD shutter 42 thereof. The linear LEDs 41 are R (red) G (green) B (blue)
A plurality of LEDs corresponding to the three primary colors are arranged on one line. The LCD shutter 42 is for changing the gradation exposed by the instant film 5 by changing the transmittance of light emitted from each LED corresponding to the three primary colors of RGB.

A discharge drive unit 44 is connected to the system controller 28 via a drive control circuit 43. The discharge drive unit 44 has a function of opening the film cartridge lid 6 and discharging the instant films 5 one by one from the film cartridge 45 loaded in the electronic camera body 1. This discharge drive unit 44
For example, by rotating a roller, the instant film 5 is discharged at a predetermined speed in consideration of the exposure time from the linear LED 41.

In the film cartridge 45, one light shielding sheet for shielding the instant film 5 from light as described above and, for example, ten instant films 5 are stored in the unused state. The light-shielding sheet is arranged on the uppermost layer of the ten instant films 5. Therefore, printing on the instant film 5 becomes possible after one light-shielding sheet is discharged. The film cartridge 45 is provided with a film battery (F battery) 46.

A film cartridge lid open / close sensor 47 is connected to the system controller 28. The film cartridge lid opening / closing sensor 47 detects an operation in which the film cartridge lid 6 is once opened and then closed, and outputs an opening / closing detection signal to the system controller 2.
8 is provided.

The power supply section 48 supplies electric power to the above-described camera section and printer section.
The external power supply input terminal 50 is connected and receives power from the F battery 46.

The system controller 28 receives operation signals from an operation section 40 including a release button 3, a print button 9, a power button 10, a mode switch 11, a zoom lever 12, and a cross key 13, and responds to these operation signals. It has a function of driving and controlling, for example, the lens drive control circuit 22, the strobe light emitting unit 4, the mode display LCD 39, and the like in a series of operation controls at the time of photographing.

The system controller 28 has various functions as shown in FIG. The recording unit 51 performs a series of operation control at the time of photographing, in a photographing mode,
The image signal output from the imaging element 24 is
And then A / D-converted by the A / D conversion circuit 26, stored in the buffer memory 30 as one image data, and a plurality of image data stored and accumulated in the buffer memory 30 are processed one by one. After compression, the memory I / F2
9 has a function of storing data in the memory card 35.

In the reproduction mode, the image display means 52 stores the image signal output from the image sensor 24 as image data in the buffer memory 30 as described above, immediately reads out the image data, and controls the video output circuit 36. Image display on the image display LCD 8 via the memory card 3
5 has a function of reading out the image data already stored in 5 and decompressing it, and then displaying the image on the image display LCD 8 via the video output circuit 36.

In the print mode, the image forming means 53 converts the image signal output from the image sensor 24 into image data stored in the buffer memory 30 as image data or image data already stored in the memory card 35 as described above. At the same time, the LCD shutter 42 is operated, and the discharge drive unit 44 is operated through the drive control circuit 43 to discharge the instant film 5 from the film cartridge 45 one by one at a predetermined speed, and print an image on the instant film 5. Has a function.

Further, the system controller 28 includes the following functions relating to the enlarged display in the reproduction mode and the trimming operation in the print mode, that is, the trimming magnification setting means 54 as shown in FIG. 4, and the first to fourth displays. Each function of the control means 55 to 58 and the trimming recording means 59 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 5, the trimming magnification setting means 54 adjusts the trimming magnifications corresponding to the sizes of a plurality of trimming frames Q1, Q2, Q3 for designating a trimming area, for example, 1.5 times, 2.0 times. Times and 3.0 times are set. Note that the trimming frames Q1, Q2, and Q3 are also used as enlarged display frames in the enlarged display in the reproduction mode.

When the zoom lever 12 is operated to the telephoto side (T) while the print mode is selected by the mode switch 11, the first display control means 55 performs printing displayed on the image display LCD 8. Any one of the trimming frames Q1, Q2, Q3 is superimposed on the target image and displayed, and each time the zoom lever 12 is operated to the telephoto side (T), the trimming magnification is set to, for example, 1.5 times. 2.
The image is sequentially changed in order of 0 times and 3.0 times, and the sizes of the trimming frames Q1, Q2 and Q3 are sequentially changed in accordance with the trimming magnifications of 1.5 times, 2.0 times and 3.0 times. It has a function of controlling to display on the image display LCD 8 in combination with the data.

When the print mode is selected by the mode switch 11 and the zoom lever 12 is operated to the wide angle side (W), the second display control means 56 reduces a plurality of images, for example, image data of four frames. The display has a function of controlling so as to simultaneously display images on one screen of the image display LCD 8, that is, a so-called print index display (see FIG. 13).

When the zoom lever 12 is operated to the wide-angle side (W) in the reproduction mode, the second display control means 56 reduces the image data of a plurality of images, for example, four frames, to one of the image display LCDs 8. It has a function of performing so-called index display for reproduction (see FIG. 10) that is simultaneously displayed on the screen. When displaying this playback index,
The second display control means 56 has a function of displaying a selection frame S on one image of, for example, four frames of image data displayed on the image display LCD 8.

As described above, in addition to the selection between the original telephoto side (T) and the wide-angle side (W), the zoom lever 12 is used in the print mode every time the zoom lever 12 is operated to the telephoto side (T). It is used for both a trimming operation of displaying Q2 or Q3 superimposed on an image and an index display of a plurality of images by being operated on the wide-angle side (W).

When the reproduction mode is selected by the mode switch 11 and the zoom lever 12 is operated to the telephoto side (T), the third display control means 57 displays the image display LCD 8.
Frame (enlarged display frame) Q of the image displayed on
It has a function of controlling an area surrounded by 1, Q2 or Q3 to be enlarged and displayed. In this case, zoom lever 1
Each time 2 is operated on the telephoto side (T), the enlarged display magnification is sequentially changed in the order of, for example, 1.5 times, 2.0 times, and 3.0 times.

The trimming recording means 58 has a function of taking out image data in a trimming area designated by any of the trimming frames Q1, Q2, Q3 and recording the image data on the memory card 35.

The system controller 28 receives the opening / closing detection signal from the film cartridge lid opening / closing sensor 47, and opens and closes the film cartridge lid 6 once and then closes the film cartridge 45. And has the function of cartridge replacement detection means 59 for detecting as The cartridge replacement detecting means 59 resets the film counter when receiving the open / close detection signal from the film cartridge lid open / close sensor 47, and discharges one instant film 5 in the print mode after the light shielding sheet is discharged. The film counter is operated for counting every time.

Further, the system controller 28 detects the output voltage of the F power supply 46 provided in the film cartridge 45 directly or through the power supply section 48, and detects whether or not the film cartridge 45 is loaded. Has a function.

Next, the operation of the electronic camera configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of the operation handling shown in FIG.

When the power button 10 is pressed and turned on to turn on the power, the system controller 28 performs a card check as to whether or not the memory card 35 is mounted on the electronic camera body 1, and as a result of this check, When it is determined that the memory card 35 is inserted, it is determined whether the mode switch 11 has been selected to any of the photographing mode, the reproduction mode, and the print mode. The operation will be described below for each of the shooting mode, the reproduction mode, and the print mode.

First, the photographing mode is operated according to the photographing mode flowchart shown in FIG.

The system controller 28 determines in step #
In step 1, it is determined whether the zoom lever 12 has been selected for either the telephoto side (T) or the wide-angle side (W).
If the operation is performed on the telephoto side (T) or the wide-angle side (W), the process proceeds to step # 2, where a control signal is sent to the lens drive control circuit 22 to drive the lens drive unit 23, and the zoom lens of the imaging lens system 20 The system 2 is operated for telephoto or wide-angle use.

Again, the system controller 28 determines in step # 1 whether the zoom lever 12 has been selected on either the telephoto side (T) or the wide-angle side (W). Button 3 is step #
When the first release (first release: half-pressed state) operation is performed in step 3, the exposure (AE) and the auto focus (AF) are controlled in the next step # 4.
These exposure (AE) and auto focus (AF)
The system controller 28 sends a control signal to the lens drive control circuit 22 to drive the lens drive unit 23,
The operation of the focus lens system and the aperture of the imaging lens system 20 is controlled.

Subsequently, the release button 3 is set at step # 5.
When the second release (2nd release: photographing state) is operated in step (1), the system controller 28 opens and closes the mechanical shutter from the lens drive control circuit 22 via the lens drive unit 23 in step # 6.

At this time, the image pickup device 24 is
Then, an image signal of the subject image formed through 0 is generated and output. The image signal is processed by the image pickup circuit 25 in step # 6 by the operation control of the recording unit 51 of the system controller 28, and then A / D converted by the A / D conversion circuit 26.
Is stored in the buffer memory 30 as image data of a sheet,
In the next step # 8, the plurality of image data stored and accumulated in the buffer memory 30 are image-compressed one by one, and then stored in the memory card 35 via the memory I / F 29 in the next step # 9.

Next, the reproduction mode is operated according to the reproduction mode flowchart shown in FIG.

When the system controller 28 determines that the mode switch 11 is set to the reproduction mode, it reads out one frame of image data stored in the memory card 35 through the bus 27 in step # 10, and In step # 11, one frame of image data is decompressed. Thereafter, in step # 12, image processing is performed by the video output circuit 36 so as to be suitable for displaying an image on the image display LCD 8, and in the next step # 13, the image is displayed on the image display LCD 8. One frame image is reproduced and displayed.

Next, the cross key 13 is turned on in step # 14 while one frame image is being displayed on the image display LCD 8.
Is pushed leftward or rightward, the system controller 28 moves the image displayed on the image display LCD 8 by so-called frame movement. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of image data “1”, “2”, “3”
Are stored, of which image data “3” is displayed on the image display LCD 8. Cross key 1 in this state
3 is pressed to the left, for example, the image display LCD 8
Is displayed with image data “2”, and then the four-way controller 13
Is pressed to the left, image data "1" is displayed. When the cross key 13 is pressed to the right while the image data "3" is displayed on the image display LCD 8, the image data "4" is displayed on the image display LCD 8. In such a frame movement, the system controller 28 reads out image data stored in the memory card 35 for each image of each frame and performs data expansion,
This is displayed on the image display LCD 8 as an image.

Next, while the image of one frame is being displayed on the image display LCD 8, the zoom lever 12 is moved to step #.
When it is operated to the wide-angle side (W) at 15, the second display control means 56 of the system controller 28 proceeds to step # 16, where four image data from the memory card 35, for example, from the first image data shown in FIG. The fourth image data “1” to “4” photographed at the fourth time are read, the four image data “1” to “4” are decompressed in the next step # 17, and the image is displayed in the next step # 18. LC
The data is converted into data suitable for display on D8, and in the next step # 19, a four-frame image is displayed on the image display LCD 8 as a reproduction index as shown in FIG.

In this index display for reproduction, the system controller 28 operates as shown in FIG.
For example, the selection frame S is displayed on the image of the image data “1” displayed on the CD 8.

In the state of the index display for reproduction, the zoom lever 12 is moved to the telephoto side (T) in step # 20.
Is operated, the system controller 28 returns to step # 12. When the cross key 13 is pressed up or down in step # 21, the system controller 28 returns to step 16, and the next four image data, for example, four image data "1" to "4" are displayed. When the cross key 13 is pressed down while the index is displayed, the four image data “5” to “8” photographed from the fifth to the eighth are read from the memory card 35 and the same as above. The image data "5" to "8" are subjected to data expansion, converted into data suitable for display on the image display LCD 8, and index-displayed on the image display LCD 8 as four frames of images.

When the cross key 13 is depressed left or right in step # 21 in the index display state for reproduction, the system controller 28 executes step # 21.
At 22, the selection frame S in the index display shown in FIG. 10 is moved, for example, from image “1” to image “2”, image “3”, and image “4”.

When the mode is switched by the mode switch 11 or the power is turned off by operating the power button 10, the system controller 28 proceeds to step # 2.
At 3, the reproduction mode ends.

On the other hand, when the zoom lever 12 is operated to the telephoto side (T) in step # 15 in the state where one frame image is displayed on the image display LCD 8, the third display control of the system controller 28 is performed. The means 57 proceeds to step # 24 to trim the image data displayed on the image display LCD 8, for example, the image data "1", by using the trimming frames Q1 and Q2 shown in FIG.
For example, a 1.5 times enlarged display frame Q1 is set in Q3,
The area surrounded by the enlarged display frame Q1 is enlarged, and is enlarged and displayed on the image display LCD 8 in step # 25.

Here, the third display control means 57 operates, for example, when the zoom lever 12 is operated to the telephoto side (T) again while the image data "1" is being enlarged and displayed at 1.5 times. Moving to step # 27, the enlarged display frame is changed from Q1 to Q2.
, And enlarge the magnification from 1.5 times to 2.0 times, for example.
And 3.0 times in order.

When the cross key 13 is pressed up, down, left and right, for example, in a state where the enlarged display frame of the image data "1" shown in FIG.
The system controller 28 proceeds from step # 28 to step # 29, scrolls the enlarged display frame Q1 in accordance with the direction pressed by the cross key 13, as shown in FIG. 11, and is surrounded by the enlarged display frame Q1. The enlarged area is enlarged and scroll-displayed on the image display LCD 8.

When the mode is switched by the mode switch 11 or the power is turned off by operating the power button 10, the system controller 28 proceeds to step # 3.
At 0 or 31, the reproduction mode ends.

Next, the print mode operates according to the print mode flowchart shown in FIG.

When the system controller 28 determines that the mode switch 11 is set to the print mode, it reads out one frame of image data stored in the memory card 35 through the bus 27 at step # 40, and In step # 41, the memory card 3
5, the image data read out from the image data is expanded, and in step # 42, image processing is performed by the video output circuit 36 so as to be suitable for displaying an image on the image display LCD 8, and in the next step # 43, one frame of image data is converted into an image. An image is displayed on the display LCD 8.

Next, the cross key 13 is turned on in step # 44 while one frame image is being displayed on the image display LCD 8.
Is pushed leftward or rightward, the system controller 28 moves the image displayed on the image display LCD 8 in the same manner as described above.

Next, when the print button 9 is operated while the image of the image data "1" is being displayed on the image display LCD 8, for example, the image forming means 53 of the system controller 28 starts from step # 46. Step # 4
7, the LCD shutter 42 is operated based on the image data "1" read from the memory card 35, and the discharge drive unit 44 is operated through the drive control circuit 43 in step # 48, so that the film cartridge 45 is operated.
, One instant film 5 is discharged at a predetermined speed, and the image data “1”
Print one frame image.

When the zoom lever 12 is operated to the wide-angle side (W) in step # 45 while the image of the image data "1" is displayed on the image display LCD 8, for example, the system controller 28 is operated. The second display control means 56 proceeds to step # 49, reads four image data, for example, image data “1” to “4” shown in FIG. 9 from the memory card 35, and in the next step # 50, reads four image data. The data "1" to "4" are decompressed and converted into data suitable for display on the image display LCD 8 in the next step # 51, and are displayed on the image display LCD 8 as images of four frames in the next step # 52. A print index is displayed as shown in FIG.

When the zoom lever 12 is operated to the telephoto side (T) in step # 53 in the print index display state, the system controller 28
It returns to step # 42. Also, the cross key 13 is changed to step #
When the button is pressed up or down at 54, the system controller 28 returns to step 49, and the next four image data, for example, the first to fourth four image data “1” to “4” are displayed. When the cross key 13 is pressed down while the print index is displayed, the fifth to eighth image data “5” to “8” are displayed.
Is read from the memory card 35, and the image data "5" to "8" are decompressed in the same manner as described above, and the image display LC
D8 is converted to data suitable for display on the image display L
The index for printing is displayed as four frames of images on the CD8.

When the print button 9 is operated in the index display for printing four frames of images, the image forming means 53 of the system controller 28 moves from step # 55 to step # 47, and for example, for four frames. LCD shutter 42 based on image data “1” to “4”
Is operated, and in step # 48, the discharge drive unit 44 is operated through the drive control circuit 43 to discharge one instant film 5 from the film cartridge 45 at a predetermined speed. Simultaneously print (index print) the four images displayed in the index.

On the other hand, when the zoom lever 12 is operated to the telephoto side (T) in the step # 45 while one image is displayed on the image display LCD 8, the first display of the system controller 28 is performed. The control means 55
In step # 56, the image data displayed on the image display LCD 8, for example, the image data "1" is displayed as shown in FIG.
Of the trimming frames Q1, Q2, Q3 shown in FIG.
A trimming frame Q1 that is five times larger is set, and the trimming frame Q1 is superimposed on the image data “1” and displayed on the image display LCD8.

FIG. 14 shows an image obtained by superimposing a trimming frame Q1 on image data "1" obtained by photographing a person with, for example, a mountain as a background. Here, when the zoom lever 12 is operated to the telephoto side (T), the thirty-first display control means 55 proceeds to step # 58, and sets the trimming frame to Q1, Q2, Q3 every time the zoom lever 12 is operated. The trimming frames are displayed in such a manner that Q1, Q2 or Q3 is superimposed on the image data "1".

As shown in FIG. 14, the image data "1"
In the state where the trimming frame Q1 is displayed superimposed on
When the cross key 13 is pressed up, down, left, and right, the system controller 28 proceeds from step # 59 to step # 6.
Move to 0, and scroll the trimming frame Q1, Q2 or Q3.

FIG. 15 shows a state in which the trimming frame Q3 has been selected, and the trimming frame Q3 has been adjusted to a human by scrolling.

When the print button 9 is operated in such a state that the trimming frame Q3 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the image data "1", the image forming means 53 of the system controller 28 causes the steps # 61 to # 61 to proceed. # 62
Then, the image data in the trimming frame Q3 of the image data "1" is enlarged, and the LCD shutter 42 is operated based on the image data in the trimming frame Q3. The discharge drive unit 44 is operated to discharge the instant film 5 one by one from the film cartridge 45 at a predetermined speed, and the image in the trimming frame Q3 enlarged and processed into one instant film 5 as shown in FIG. Perform printing (trimming print).

Next, the trimming recording means 58 takes out the image data in the trimming area designated by the trimming frame Q3 and records it on the memory card 35 in step # 64.

(Features of Embodiment) [1] The electronic camera shown in the first embodiment has a photographic lens system (20) including at least a zoom lens.
An imaging unit (24) for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the imaging lens system (20) to obtain electronic image data; and a recording medium for storing the image data obtained by the imaging unit (24). Recording means (51) for recording in (35)
Image display means (52, 8) for displaying an image based on the image data obtained by the imaging means (24) or an image based on the image data read from the recording medium (35)
An image forming means (53) for forming an image based on the image data obtained by the imaging means (24) or an image based on the image data read from the recording medium (35) on the image forming medium (5); A mode switching unit (11) for selectively switching at least a photographing mode in which a subject image is photographed by the imaging unit (24) and an image forming mode (print mode) in which an image is formed by the image forming unit (53). And a zoom operator (12) for operating the zoom lens to the telephoto side or the wide angle side when the shooting mode is selected, and a zoom operator (12) for operating the image forming mode. When operated on the telephoto side (T), a trimming area is specified on an image to be formed by the image forming means (53) displayed on the image display means (52, 8). It is characterized by comprising a control means for controlling to display the trimming frame of order (28).

In the electronic camera, a zoom control (12) for operating the zoom lens to the telephoto side (T) or the wide-angle side (W) when the photographing mode is selected.
Is operated on the telephoto side (T) while the image forming mode is selected, whereby the image forming means (53) is operated.
Frames Q1 and Q2 for specifying a trimming area on an image on which image formation (printing) is to be performed
Alternatively, since the electronic camera body 1 is also used as a trimming operation for displaying Q3, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated operator for the trimming operation in the electronic camera body 1, and the electronic camera body 1 has a space corresponding to the space where the dedicated operator is provided. Can be reduced in size.

Further, a trimming frame is displayed on the image to be subjected to image formation (printing), and the zoom operator (1) is displayed.
For each operation of 2), the trimming magnification is, for example, 1.5 times,
Since the magnification is successively changed to three times, the trimming magnification can be easily changed, and the layout image to be formed (printed) in the trimming frame can be easily grasped.

[2] The electronic camera described in the embodiment is the electronic camera described in [1], wherein a plurality of trimming magnifications corresponding to the sizes of the trimming frames Q1, Q2 or Q3 are set. Trimming magnification setting means (5
The control means (28) is provided with a trimming magnification (for example, 1.5 times) every time the image forming mode (print mode) is selected and the zoom control (12) is operated to the telephoto side (T). , 2 times, 3 times), and the trimming frames Q1, Q2, or Q3 according to the trimming magnification.
Is controlled so that the size is changed and displayed on the image display means (52, 8).

In the electronic camera described above, the trimming magnification is sequentially increased to, for example, 1.5 times, 2 times, and 3 times each time the zoom control (12) is operated to the telephoto side (T) in the image forming mode (print mode). Since it is changed, the operation of changing the trimming magnification can be performed very easily. Again,
There is no need to provide a dedicated operator for changing the trimming magnification on the electronic camera body 1, and the zoom operator (12) can also be used to change the trimming magnification, thereby making the electronic camera body 1 compact and further improving usability. it can.

[3] The electronic camera described in the above embodiment is the electronic camera described in the above [1] or [2], wherein the mode switching means (11) reads from the recording medium (35). The reproduced image data is reproduced and displayed on the image display means (5).
2 and 8), and the control means (2
8) The playback mode is selected and the zoom control (1) is selected.
When 2) is operated on the telephoto side (T), the image display means (5)
It is characterized in that a predetermined area of the image displayed in (2, 8) is controlled to be enlarged and displayed using an enlarged display frame.

In the electronic camera described above, when the zoom control (12) is operated to the telephoto side (T) in the reproduction mode, a predetermined area of the image is enlarged and displayed. ) Is also used for the enlarged display, and it is not necessary to provide an operator dedicated to the enlarged display in the electronic camera main body 1, and the electronic camera main body 1 can be reduced in size by the space where the dedicated operator is provided.

[4] The electronic camera described in the above embodiment is the electronic camera described in the above [1], [2] or [3], wherein the control means (28) operates in an image forming mode ( When print or playback mode is selected and the zoom control (12) is operated to the wide-angle side (W), control is performed such that a plurality of images are reduced and displayed on one screen. .

In the above electronic camera, in the image forming mode (print) or the reproduction mode, a plurality of images are reduced and displayed on one screen simply by operating the zoom control (12) to the wide-angle side (W). The zoom operator (12) can also be used for the index display. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated operator for displaying an index on the electronic camera main body 1, and the electronic camera main body 1 can be reduced in size by a space for providing the dedicated operator.

[5] The electronic camera described in the above embodiment is the electronic camera described in any one of the above [1] to [4], wherein the recording means (58) includes a trimming frame. The image data in the trimming area designated by Q1, Q2 or Q3 is recorded on a recording medium (35).

In the electronic camera, the image data in the trimming area can be recorded on the recording medium (35), and when it is desired to print the trimmed image again, the image in the trimming area can be easily reproduced without performing the trimming operation again. Can be printed quickly and immediately, making it easier to use.

(Modifications) The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but may be modified as follows.

The trimming frame and its trimming magnification in the print mode use a plurality of magnifications other than the magnification described in the above-described embodiment.

The enlarged display frame in the reproduction mode and its magnification also use a plurality of magnifications other than the magnification described in the above embodiment.

In the above-described embodiment, the instant film is used as the image forming medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and printing is performed using processed paper, paper, printing paper, or the like.

[0090]

According to the present invention, there is provided a photographing lens system having at least a zoom lens, and an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the photographing lens system to obtain electronic image data. Recording means for recording the image data obtained by the imaging means on a recording medium, and image display means for displaying an image based on the image data obtained by the imaging means or an image based on the image data read from the recording medium. Image forming means for forming, on an image forming medium, an image based on image data obtained by an imaging means or an image based on image data read from a recording medium, and a photographing mode for photographing a subject image by at least the imaging means A mode switching unit for selectively switching between an image forming mode in which image formation is performed by the image forming unit, and a photographing mode being selected. When the zoom control for operating the zoom lens to the telephoto side or the wide-angle side in a state where the zoom lens is operated to the telephoto side while the image forming mode is selected, the image is displayed on the image display means. Control means for controlling a trimming frame for designating a trimming area on an image to be subjected to image formation by the image forming means. It is possible to provide an electronic camera capable of reducing the size of the electronic camera body without providing the electronic camera.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided trimming magnification setting means for setting a plurality of trimming magnifications corresponding to the size of the trimming frame. Each time the operation is performed, the trimming magnification is sequentially changed, and the size of the trimming frame is changed in accordance with the trimming magnification and controlled so as to be displayed on the image display means, so that the trimming magnification can be easily changed. An electronic camera with improved usability can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a camera surface in an electronic camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a camera rear surface in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing functions related to a trimming operation of a system computer in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the size of a trimming frame in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of operation handling in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a shooting mode flowchart in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a playback mode flowchart in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing image data stored in a memory card in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an index display in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view showing the operation of scroll display in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a print mode flowchart in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an index display in a print mode in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view showing scroll display in a print mode in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a trimming frame moved by scrolling in a print mode in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view showing a result of trimming printing in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Electronic camera body 2: Zoom lens 3: Release button 4: Flash light-emitting part 5: Instant film 6: Film cartridge lid 7: Film outlet 8: Monitor liquid crystal display (image display LCD) 9: Print button 10: Power supply Button 11: Mode switch 12: Zoom lever 13: Cross key 20: Image pickup lens system 22: Lens drive control circuit 23: Lens drive section 24: Image pickup device 25: Image pickup circuit 26: A / D conversion circuit 28: System controller 29: Memory interface (I / F) 30: Buffer memory 31: Video memory 32: External interface (external I / F) 33: Line memory 35: Memory card 36: Video output circuit 37: Video out terminal 38: LCD control circuit 39: Mode display LCD 40: Operation 41: Line-shaped light emitting element (line-shaped LED) 42: LCD shutter 43: Drive control circuit 44: Ejection drive unit 45: Film cartridge 46: Film battery (F battery) 47: Film cartridge lid open / close sensor 48: Power supply unit 51: Recording means 52: Image display means 53: Image forming means 54: Trimming magnification setting means 55: First trimming display control means 56: Second trimming display control means 57: Third trimming display control means 58: Trimming recording means 59: cartridge replacement detecting means 60: cartridge loading detecting means

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup system comprising at least a zoom lens, an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting a subject image formed by the image pickup lens system to obtain electronic image data, and an image pickup means obtained by the image pickup means. Recording means for recording the image data on a recording medium, image display means for displaying an image based on the image data obtained by the imaging means or an image based on the image data read from the recording medium, Image forming means for forming, on an image forming medium, an image based on the image data obtained by the image capturing means or an image based on the image data read from the recording medium; and A mode for selectively switching between a photographing mode for photographing and an image forming mode for forming an image by the image forming means. Switching means, a zoom operator for operating the zoom lens on the telephoto side or the wide-angle side when the shooting mode is selected, and a zoom operator when the image forming mode is selected. When operated on the telephoto side, control is performed so that a trimming frame for specifying a trimming area is displayed on the image to be formed by the image forming means, which is displayed on the image display means. An electronic camera, comprising: the control unit of (1). 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a trimming magnification setting unit configured to set a plurality of trimming magnifications corresponding to the size of the trimming frame, wherein the control unit operates the zoom operating element while the image forming mode is selected. Each time the operation is performed on the telephoto side, the trimming magnification is sequentially changed, and the size of the trimming frame is changed in accordance with the trimming magnification so as to be displayed on the image display means. The electronic camera according to claim 1. 3. The mode switching means has a reproduction mode for reproducing the image data read from the recording medium and displaying the image data on the image display means, and the control means selects the reproduction mode. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein when the zoom control is operated on the telephoto side, control is performed such that a predetermined area of an image displayed on the image display unit is enlarged and displayed. . 4. When the image forming mode or the reproduction mode is selected and the zoom control is operated to the wide angle side, the control means reduces a plurality of images and displays them on one screen. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera is controlled as follows. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit records the image data in the trimming area specified by the trimming frame on the recording medium. Electronic camera.