JP2001326849A - Image pickup device, control method for the image pickup device, and medium for providing control program of the image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device that can reduce a mode shift time between a photographing mode and a reproduction mode by preventing unnecessary extension/retraction of a lens barrel. SOLUTION: A trigger of retracting the lens barrel is given to a reproduced image changeover and start of using an automatic play (automatic reproduction function) without immediately retracting the barrel in the case of shift from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode. Thus, unnecessary extension/ retraction of the lens barrel can be prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus such as a digital camera for picking up and reproducing a still image and a moving image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an imaging apparatus of this type has a lens barrel which is extended from a main body in a photographing mode, an image is taken through an imaging lens disposed in the lens barrel, and the lens barrel is mounted on a main body of the apparatus when power is turned off. Some have a function of collapsing inside.
Such a lens barrel insertion / removal function is employed in many image pickup devices as one of methods for improving portability of the image pickup device.

Further, among the above-mentioned image pickup apparatuses, especially in the case of a digital camera, many have an image reproducing function in addition to the function as the image pickup apparatus. In this image reproduction mode, the lens barrel is retracted inside the apparatus main body. Is done.

[0004]

However, while the portability of the conventional image pickup apparatus is improved in portability, it is necessary to retract or extend the lens barrel every time the mode is switched. It takes time to put the lens barrel in and out. As a result, there is a disadvantage that the usability is impaired.

For example, in a digital camera, a photographed image is frequently confirmed once in a reproduction mode and photographing is continued again very frequently, and the lens barrel is frequently collapsed when the mode is shifted from the imaging mode to the reproduction mode. In addition, it takes time to change the mode, which is not only inconvenient to use, but also wastes battery power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention prevents unnecessary collapsing / extending of a lens barrel, shortens a mode transition time between a photographing mode and a reproducing mode, and prevents unnecessary power consumption. It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging device and the like that can be used.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured to perform photographing in an image pickup apparatus in which an image pickup optical system can be moved in an extending direction and a retracting direction. Having a control means for moving the imaging optical system in the retraction direction when the mode shifts from the shooting mode to a playback mode for playing back a shot image, and when an image different from the image shot immediately before is played back. It is characterized by.

[0008] In the imaging apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention,
2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mode switching unit that switches between the photographing mode and the reproduction mode.

[0009] In the image pickup apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention,
3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode, and remains in the playback mode for a predetermined time without playing back an image different from the image captured immediately before. Also in this case, the imaging optical system is moved in the retraction direction.

[0010] In the image pickup apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention,
The imaging device according to claim 3, further comprising timer means for measuring the predetermined time.

[0011] In the imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention,
5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode, and performs the playback mode without playing back an image different from the image captured immediately before. When the mode shifts to the photographing mode, the imaging optical system is not moved in the retraction direction.

[0012] In the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention,
In an imaging device capable of moving an imaging optical system to a housed state,
When the mode is shifted from the photographing mode for photographing to the reproducing mode for reproducing the photographed image and an image different from the image photographed immediately before is reproduced, the imaging optical system is moved to the housed state. It has a control means.

[0013] In the image pickup apparatus according to the present invention,
7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode, and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode without playing an image different from the image shot immediately before. In this case, the imaging optical system is not moved to the housed state.

In the image pickup apparatus according to the invention described in claim 8,
In an imaging device in which an imaging optical system can be moved between a photographable state and a photographing impossible state, a mode is shifted from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproduction mode for reproducing a photographed image, and the image photographed immediately before is When a different image is reproduced, a control means is provided for moving the imaging optical system to the photographing disabled state.

In the image pickup apparatus according to the ninth aspect,
9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode, and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode without playing back an image different from the image shot immediately before. In this case, the imaging optical system is not moved to the shooting disabled state.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus in which the imaging optical system can be moved in the extending direction and the retracting direction, a reproduction mode for reproducing a photographed image from a photographing mode for photographing. To
In addition, a control means is provided for moving the imaging optical system in the retraction direction when in the reproduction mode state for a predetermined time.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the imaging apparatus according to the tenth aspect, further comprising a timer means for measuring the predetermined time.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, the control means shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, and the control means switches the reproduction mode before the predetermined time elapses. When shifting from the reproduction mode to the shooting mode, the imaging optical system is not moved in the retraction direction.

In the image pickup apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image pickup apparatus capable of moving the image pickup optical system to the housed state, the image pickup apparatus shifts from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproduction mode for reproducing a photographed image. And a control means for moving the imaging optical system to the housed state when in the reproduction mode state for a predetermined time.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the control means shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, and sets the reproduction mode before the predetermined time elapses. When the mode shifts to the photographing mode, the imaging optical system is not moved to the housed state.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus in which an image pickup optical system can be moved between a photographable mode and a non-photographable state to reproduce an image photographed from a photographing mode for photographing. And a control means for moving the imaging optical system to a photographing disabled state when the reproduction mode is shifted to the reproduction mode for a predetermined time.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the control means shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, and sets the reproduction mode before the predetermined time elapses. When the mode shifts to the shooting mode from the above, the imaging optical system is not moved to the shooting disabled state.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the image pickup apparatus in which the image pickup optical system can be moved in the extending direction and the retracting direction, the image photographed from the photographing mode for photographing is taken. When the mode shifts to a reproduction mode for reproduction and an image different from the image taken immediately before is reproduced, the imaging optical system is moved in the retraction direction.

[0024] According to a control method of an image pickup apparatus according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the image pickup apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect, the image pickup apparatus shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode and performs photographing immediately before the photographing. The imaging optical system is moved in the retraction direction even when the reproduction mode is maintained for a predetermined time without reproducing an image different from the image.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the imaging device according to the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect, the imaging device shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, and immediately before the reproduction mode. When the mode is shifted from the reproduction mode to the photographing mode without reproducing an image different from the photographed image, the imaging optical system is not moved in the retraction direction.

According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling an imaging apparatus in which an imaging optical system can be moved to a housed state. To playback mode,
Further, when an image different from the image captured immediately before is reproduced, the imaging optical system is moved to the housed state.

In a control method of an image pickup apparatus according to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the image pickup apparatus according to the twentieth aspect, the image pickup apparatus shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode and performs photographing immediately before the photographing mode. When the mode is shifted from the reproduction mode to the photographing mode without reproducing an image different from the image, the imaging optical system is not moved to the housed state.

According to a control method of an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, in the control method of an image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system between a photographable state and a photographable state, the photographing is performed from a photographing mode for photographing. When the mode shifts to a reproduction mode for reproducing an image and an image different from an image captured immediately before is reproduced, the imaging optical system is moved to the image capturing disabled state.

According to a control method of an image pickup apparatus according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the image pickup apparatus according to the twenty-second aspect, the image pickup apparatus shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode and performs photographing immediately before the photographing mode. When the mode is shifted from the reproduction mode to the shooting mode without playing back an image different from the image, the imaging optical system is not moved to the shooting disabled state.

According to a control method of an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, in the control method of the image pickup apparatus in which the image pickup optical system can be moved in the extending direction and the retracting direction, an image photographed from a photographing mode for photographing is obtained. When the mode shifts to a reproduction mode for reproduction and is in the reproduction mode state for a predetermined time, the imaging optical system is moved in the retraction direction.

In a control method of an imaging device according to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the imaging device of the twenty-fourth aspect, the imaging device shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, and the predetermined time elapses. If the mode has previously been shifted from the reproduction mode to the shooting mode, the imaging optical system is not moved in the retraction direction.

According to a control method of an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, in the control method of the image pickup apparatus capable of moving the image pickup optical system into the housed state, the image picked up from the image pickup mode for image pickup is reproduced. To playback mode,
In addition, when in the reproduction mode state for a predetermined time, the imaging optical system is moved to the housed state.

In a control method of an imaging device according to a twenty-seventh aspect, in the control method of the imaging device according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the imaging device shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, and the predetermined time elapses. If the mode has previously been shifted from the reproduction mode to the shooting mode, the imaging optical system is not moved to the housed state.

According to a control method of an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, in the control method of an image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system between a photographable state and a photographable state, the photographing mode is changed from a photographing mode for photographing. When the mode shifts to a reproduction mode for reproducing the reproduced image, and the reproduction mode is in the reproduction mode for a predetermined time, the imaging optical system is moved to a photographing disabled state.

According to a control method of an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, in the control method of the image pickup apparatus according to claim 28, the image pickup apparatus shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, and the predetermined time elapses. If the mode has previously been shifted from the reproduction mode to the shooting mode, the imaging optical system is not moved to the shooting disabled state.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medium for providing a control program for an imaging apparatus capable of moving an imaging optical system in an extension direction and a retraction direction. When the mode shifts to a playback mode for playing back an image shot from, and when an image different from the image shot immediately before is played, the imaging optical system is moved in the retraction direction. .

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the medium for providing a control program according to the thirty-first aspect, the imaging apparatus shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, and immediately before the reproduction mode. In a case where the reproduction mode is maintained for a predetermined time without reproducing an image different from the captured image, the imaging optical system is moved in the retraction direction.

In the medium for providing a control program according to the invention of claim 32, in the medium for providing a control program according to claim 30 or 31, the imaging apparatus shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, When the mode is shifted from the playback mode to the shooting mode without playing back an image different from the image shot immediately before, the imaging optical system is characterized in that the imaging optical system is not moved in the retraction direction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medium for providing a control program for an image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system to a housed state. When the mode shifts to a reproduction mode for reproducing an image and an image different from an image captured immediately before is reproduced, the image pickup optical system is moved to the housed state.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the medium for providing a control program according to the thirty-third aspect, the imaging apparatus shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode and immediately before the reproduction mode. When the mode is shifted from the playback mode to the shooting mode without playing back an image different from the shot image, the imaging optical system is not moved to the housed state.

According to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medium which provides a control program for an image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system between a photographable state and a photographable state. When the mode shifts from a shooting mode to a playback mode for playing back a shot image, and when an image different from the image shot immediately before is played, the content of moving the imaging optical system to the shooting disabled state is provided. It is characterized by.

[0042] In a medium for providing a control program according to the invention of claim 36, in the medium for providing a control program according to claim 35, the imaging device shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode and immediately before the reproduction mode. When the mode is shifted from the reproduction mode to the photographing mode without reproducing an image different from the photographed image, the photographing optical system is not moved to the photographing disabled state.

According to a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medium which provides a control program for an imaging apparatus capable of moving an imaging optical system in an extending direction and a retracting direction. The mode is characterized in that the mode shifts to a playback mode for playing back an image captured from a predetermined time, and when the playback mode is in the playback mode for a predetermined time, the imaging optical system is moved in the retraction direction.

[0044] In the medium for providing a control program according to the invention of claim 38, in the medium for providing a control program according to claim 37, the imaging device shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, and the predetermined period of time. In the case where the mode is shifted from the reproduction mode to the shooting mode before the lapse, the imaging optical system is characterized in that the imaging optical system is not moved in the retraction direction.

In a medium for providing a control program according to the invention of claim 39, in a medium for providing a control program for an image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system to a housed state, an image is taken from a photographing mode for photographing. The system is characterized in that the mode is shifted to a reproduction mode for reproducing an image, and when the reproduction mode is in the reproduction mode state for a predetermined time, the imaging optical system is moved to the housed state.

[0046] In a medium for providing a control program according to the invention according to claim 40, in the medium for providing a control program according to claim 39, the imaging apparatus shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, and the predetermined time In the case where the mode is shifted from the reproduction mode to the shooting mode before the lapse, the content of the imaging optical system is not moved to the housed state.

According to a 41st aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medium for providing a control program, wherein a medium for providing a control program for an imaging apparatus capable of moving an imaging optical system between a photographing enabled state and a photographing disabled state is used for photographing. From the shooting mode to the playback mode for playing back the captured image,
In addition, when the apparatus is in the reproduction mode state for a predetermined time, the apparatus has a feature of moving the imaging optical system to a shooting impossible state.

In a medium for providing a control program according to the invention of claim 42, in the medium for providing a control program according to claim 41, the imaging device shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, and the predetermined time In a case where the mode is shifted from the reproduction mode to the shooting mode before the lapse, the content of the imaging optical system is not moved to the shooting disabled state.

A medium for providing a control program according to the invention of claim 43 is the medium for providing a control program according to any one of claims 30 to 42, wherein the medium for providing the control program is a storage medium. There is a feature.

[0050]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an imaging device (digital camera) according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a digital camera body, which includes a photographing lens 10, a shutter 12 having an aperture function, an image sensor 14 for converting an optical image into an electric signal, and an analog signal output from the image sensor 14 converted into a digital signal. It has an A / D converter 16 for conversion, and further has a timing generation circuit 18 and an image processing circuit 20.

The timing generation circuit 18 includes the image pickup device 1
4. A circuit that supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the A / D converter 16 and the D / A converter 26, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50. The image processing circuit 20 is a circuit that performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on data from the A / D converter 16 or data from the memory control circuit 22.

Further, in the image processing circuit 20, predetermined arithmetic processing is performed using the captured image data, and based on the obtained arithmetic result, the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control circuit 40 and the distance measurement control circuit 42. By TTL (through the lens) method for controlling
(Autofocus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, and TT
AWB (auto white balance) processing of the L system is also performed.

The camera body further includes a memory control circuit 22, an image display memory 24, a D / A converter 26, and a TFT.
It has an image display unit 28 such as an LCD and a memory 30.

The memory control circuit 22 includes the A / D converter 1
6, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32 are controlled. The data of the A / D converter 16 is transferred to the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or the data of the A / D converter 16 is directly transferred to the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22. Written. The display image data written in the image display memory 24 is displayed by the image display unit 28 via the D / A converter 26. If image data captured by the image display unit 28 is sequentially displayed, an electronic finder function can be realized.

The image display unit 28 can turn on / off the display arbitrarily in accordance with an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display is turned off, the camera body 10
0 power consumption can be significantly reduced.

Further, the image display unit 28 is connected to the camera body 100 by a rotatable hinge, and can be freely set in a desired direction and angle to use the electronic finder function, the reproduction display function, and various display functions. Is possible.
The display portion of the image display unit 28 can be stored toward the camera body 100. In this case, the storage state is detected by an image display unit open / close detection circuit (not shown), It is possible to stop the display operation and prohibit unnecessary power consumption.

The memory 30 is a memory for storing photographed still images and moving images, and has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images and moving images for a predetermined time. Accordingly, even in the case of continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, it is possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

A compression / decompression circuit 32 for compressing / decompressing image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like reads an image stored in the memory 30 and performs a compression process or a decompression process. , And write the processed data to the memory 30.

An exposure control circuit 40 controls the shutter 12 having an aperture function, and also has a flash dimming function in cooperation with the flash 48.
Reference numeral 42 denotes a distance measurement control circuit that controls focusing of the photographing lens 10. Exposure control circuit 40 and ranging control circuit 4
2 is controlled using the TTL method, and the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control circuit 40 and the distance measurement control circuit 42 based on the calculation result obtained by calculating the captured image data by the image processing circuit 20. .

A zoom control circuit 44 controls zooming, extension and retraction of the photographing lens 10, and a barrier control circuit 46 controls the operation of the lens protection cover 102 as a barrier. Reference numeral 50 denotes a system control circuit that controls the entire camera body 100, and includes a timer 50a, which will be described later, which is started when the reproduction mode is started. 5
Reference numeral 2 denotes a memory for storing constants, variables, programs, and the like for operation of the system control circuit 50.

Reference numeral 54 denotes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device and a speaker, which has a function of displaying an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with execution of a program in the system control circuit 50. In addition, one or a plurality of them are installed at easily visible positions in the vicinity of the operation unit 70 of the camera body 100, and are constituted by a combination of, for example, LCDs, LEDs, sound emitting elements, and the like. The display unit 54 has a part of its functions installed in the optical finder 104. Among the display contents of the display unit 54, those displayed on the LCD or the like include a single shot / continuous shooting display, a self-timer display, a compression ratio display, a recording pixel number display, a recording number display, a remaining image number display, a shutter. Speed display,
Aperture value display, Exposure compensation display, Flash display, Red-eye reduction display, Macro shooting display, Buzzer setting display, Battery remaining battery display, Battery remaining display, Error display, Information display with multiple digits, Display of recording medium 200 Detachable state display, communication I /
F operation display, date / time display, and the like.

Of the display contents of the display section 54, those displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 include a focus display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, Etc.

Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory, for example, an EEPROM or the like. 6
Reference numerals 0, 62, 64, 66, 68, and 70 denote operation circuits for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50. The operation circuits include a switch, a dial, a touch panel, pointing by gaze detection, a voice recognition device, or the like. It is composed of multiple combinations. Here, these operation circuits will be specifically described.

Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode dial switch, which can switch and set various function modes such as a power-off mode, an auto shooting mode, a manual shooting mode, a panorama shooting mode, a playback mode, a multi-screen playback / erase mode, and a PC connection mode. it can.

Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch SW1,
Turns on during the operation of the shutter button (not shown),
F (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing,
An instruction is given to start operations such as AWB (auto white balance) processing and EF (flash pre-emission) processing.

Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch SW2.
It turns on when the operation of the shutter button (not shown) is completed,
An exposure process for writing image data into the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22 with a signal read from the image sensor 12; a development process using an operation in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22; A recording process of reading image data from the memory 30, performing compression by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and writing the image data to the recording medium 200;
Is started.

Reference numeral 66 denotes an image display ON / OFF switch, which is a switch for setting ON / OFF of the image display unit 28. With this function, it is possible to save power by cutting off the current supply to the image display unit 28 composed of a TFT / LCD or the like when taking a picture using the optical finder 104.

Reference numeral 68 denotes a single-shot / continuous-shot switch, which is a single-shot mode in which a single frame is shot when the shutter switch SW2 is pressed to be in a standby state;
A switch for setting a continuous shooting mode in which shooting is continuously performed while W2 is pressed.

Reference numeral 70 denotes an operation unit including various buttons, a touch panel, and the like. The operation unit 70 includes a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback change button, a flash setting button, a single
Continuous shooting / self-timer switching button, menu movement +
It has a (plus) button, a menu move-(minus) button, a play image move + (plus) button, a play image-(minus) button, a picture quality selection button, an exposure compensation button, and a date / time setting button. / Switch button, audio recording start button, enter / execute button, image display ON / OFF switch, quick review ON / OFF switch, compression mode switch, playback mode switch, playback switch, drive button, playback display switching button, and information display A button, a power switch and the like are provided.

Here, the selection / switch button is a button for setting selection and switching of various functions when executing photographing and playback in the panorama mode and the like, and the audio recording start button is a button for starting audio recording. The determination / execution button is a button for determining and executing various functions when performing shooting and playback in a panorama mode or the like. The image display ON / OFF switch 66 is used to turn on / off the image display unit 28. The quick review ON / OFF switch is a switch for setting a quick review function for automatically playing back image data immediately after shooting. The compression mode switch is set to JP
CCDR for selecting a compression ratio of EG compression or digitizing a signal of an image sensor as it is and recording it on a recording medium
This is a switch for selecting the AW mode, and the playback mode switch is a switch that can set each function mode such as a playback mode, a multi-screen playback / erase mode, and a PC connection mode. Further, the playback switch is a switch for instructing the start of a playback operation in which the captured image is read out from the memory 30 or the recording medium 200 and displayed on the image display unit 28 in the shooting mode state, and the drive button changes the active drive. The playback display switching button is a button for switching between single image display and multiple image display during playback, and the information display button is a button for displaying supplementary information of a recorded image.

Reference numeral 80 denotes a power supply control circuit, which comprises a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like. Is performed, and based on the detection result and the instruction of the system control circuit 50, DC-
The DC converter is controlled to supply a required voltage to each unit including the recording medium 200 for a required period.

Reference numerals 82 and 84 denote connectors, and reference numeral 86 denotes a power supply circuit, which comprises a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, and an AC adapter.

Reference numeral 90 denotes an interface with a recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk, 92 denotes a connector for connecting to the recording medium 200, and a recording medium attachment / detachment detection circuit 98 determines whether or not the recording medium 200 is attached to the connector 92. Is a circuit for detecting whether

In this embodiment, the interface and the connector for attaching the recording medium are described as one system. Of course, the interface and the connector for attaching the recording medium may have a single or plural number of systems. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which interfaces and connectors of different standards are provided in combination. The interface and the connector may be configured by using a PCMCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card or the like that conforms to the standard.

Further, when the interface 90 and the connector 92 are configured using a standard such as a PCMCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash) card, a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card,
IEEE 1394 card, P1284 card, SCSI
By connecting various types of communication cards such as a card and a communication card such as a PHS to the connector 92, image data and management information attached to the image data are transferred to and from other peripheral devices such as a computer and a printer. be able to.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a lens protection cover serving as a barrier. The lens protection cover 102 covers the imaging unit including the lens 10 of the camera body 100 to prevent the imaging unit from being stained or damaged. 10
Reference numeral 4 denotes an optical finder 104, which can shoot using only the optical finder without using the electronic finder function of the image display unit 28. In the optical viewfinder 104, some functions of the display unit 54, for example, an in-focus display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, and an exposure correction display are provided. .

A communication circuit 110 has various communication functions such as RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication.
Reference numeral 112 denotes a connector for connecting the camera body 100 to another device by the communication circuit 110 or an antenna in the case of wireless communication. Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 including a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk, an interface 204 with the camera body 100, and a connector for connecting to the camera body 100. 206 is provided.

Hereinafter, the above-mentioned algorithm which characterizes the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing from camera startup to shutdown (power off) in this embodiment. The following control method can be realized by storing and operating the program according to the flowchart of FIG. 2 in the memory 52, for example.

When the camera is operating in the photographing mode for photographing (step S31), the state of the lens barrel is always in the retracted (photographable) state, not in the collapsed (retractable, photographable) state. ing. Here, when a change to the reproduction mode for reproducing the photographed image is detected (step S
32), the timer 50a is started from the start of the reproduction mode (step S33). At this time, if the conventional apparatus is used, the lens barrel is collapsed, but in this embodiment, the lens barrel is not yet collapsed.

The image taken immediately before is displayed on the display section 54 of the camera body 100. Here, if there are two or more captured images (step S34), it is possible to advance the frame by using the button of the operation unit 70 and browse the previous image. Judgment is made (step S35), and when the frame is advanced, the lens barrel (photographing lens 10) is retracted by the zoom control circuit 44 (step S36), and the previous image is displayed on the display unit 54.

When there are no more than two images or when frame advance is not detected, it is detected whether or not the operation has shifted to an auto play (automatic reproduction function) for automatically reproducing images sequentially in a slide manner (step S1). S37) If the mode has shifted to the auto play, the lens barrel is retracted (step S3).
6) Execute auto play using the display unit 54.
Further, after the timer 50a starts (step S3).
3) If a certain time has elapsed (step S3)
8) Similarly, the lens barrel is collapsed (step S36).

If the predetermined time has not elapsed, it is detected whether or not the camera has returned to the shooting mode (step 39). If the camera has not returned to the shooting mode, the process returns to step 34; 50a is reset (step 40), and the process returns to the photographing mode of step 31 without retracting the lens barrel.

As described above, in the present embodiment, instead of immediately retracting the lens barrel at the time of transition from the photographing mode to the reproducing mode, a retracting trigger is given for switching the reproduced image or starting the use of the automatic reproducing function. Thereby, unnecessary collapsing / extending of the lens barrel can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to shift from the shooting mode to the reproduction mode, check the image taken immediately before, and, when returning to the shooting mode immediately, operate without inserting and removing the lens barrel,
It is possible to smoothly and speedily check an image.

The present invention is not limited to the apparatus of the above-described embodiment, and may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices or an apparatus including a single device. A storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or C) of the system or the apparatus is provided.
It is needless to say that the program code is completed by a PU or an MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk,
A magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, and a ROM can be used. When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS or the like running on the computer performs the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the operations are performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the next program code. Needless to say, the extended function may be performed by a CPU or the like provided in an expansion board or an expansion unit to perform a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. No.

In the above embodiment, the taking lens 1
0 is the imaging optical system described in the claims, the system control circuit 50 is the control circuit described in the claims, the mode dial switch 60 is the mode switching circuit described in the claims, and the timer 50a is Each corresponds to the timer circuit described in the claims.

The above is the correspondence between the configuration described in the claims and the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the functions or implementations described in the claims are not limited. The present invention can be applied to any configuration as long as the function of the configuration of the embodiment can be achieved.
For example, the software configuration and the hardware configuration of the above embodiment are as follows.
It can be replaced as appropriate.

[0092] The present invention also relates to the following claims.
Alternatively, the whole or a part of the configuration of the embodiment may be one that forms one device, or may be combined with another device, or may be one that constitutes a device. There may be.

The present invention also provides a video movie camera,
Video still cameras, cameras using silver halide film,
Cameras of various forms, such as interchangeable shooting lens cameras, single-lens reflex cameras, lens shutter cameras, surveillance cameras,
Furthermore, an imaging device other than a camera, an optical device, and other devices, and further, a camera, an imaging device, an optical device, a device applied to other devices, a control method of those devices,
The present invention can also be applied to a medium such as a storage medium that provides a control program for these devices, and also to the components constituting these.

[0094]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
When shifting from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, unnecessary collapsing / extending of the lens barrel can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required for the mode transition between the shooting mode and the reproduction mode, to increase the usability of the user, and to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an imaging device (digital camera) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating processing from camera activation to shutdown in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 photographing lens 12 shutter 14 image sensor 16 A / D converter 18 timing generation circuit 20 image processing circuit 22 memory control circuit 24 image display memory 26 D / A converter 28 image display unit 30 memory 32 image compression / decompression circuit 40 exposure Control circuit 42 Distance control circuit 44 Zoom control circuit 46 Barrier control circuit 48 Flash 50 System control circuit 50a Timer 52 Memory 54 Display unit 56 Non-volatile memory 60 Mode dial switch 62 Shutter switch SW1 64 Shutter switch SW2 66 Image display ON / OFF Switch 68 Single / continuous shooting switch 70 Operation unit 80 Power control circuit 82 Connector 84 Connector 86 Power supply circuit 90 Interface 92 Connector 94 Interface 96 Connector 98 Recording medium De-detection circuit 100 Digital camera body 102 Lens protection cover 104 Optical finder 110 Communication circuit 112 Connector (or antenna) 200 Recording medium 202 Recording unit 204 Interface 206 Connector

Claims (43)

[Claims] In an image pickup apparatus in which an image pickup optical system can be moved in an extension direction and a retraction direction, a transition is made from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproduction mode for reproducing a photographed image, and the photographing is performed immediately before. An image pickup apparatus comprising: a control unit that moves the image pickup optical system in a retraction direction when an image different from an image is reproduced. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mode switching unit for switching between the photographing mode and the reproduction mode. 3. The imaging optical system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit shifts from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, and retains the reproduction mode for a predetermined time without reproducing an image different from the image photographed immediately before. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the system is moved in a retraction direction. 4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising timer means for measuring the predetermined time. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode, and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode without playing back an image different from the image shot immediately before. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging optical system is not moved in the retraction direction.
The imaging device according to any one of the above. 6. An image pickup apparatus in which an image pickup optical system can be moved to a housed state, wherein the image pickup apparatus shifts from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproduction mode for reproducing a photographed image, and An imaging apparatus comprising: a control unit that moves the imaging optical system to the housed state when a different image is reproduced. 7. The control means shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode, and when shifting from the playback mode to the shooting mode without playing back an image different from the image shot immediately before, 7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the imaging optical system is not moved to the housed state. 8. An image pickup apparatus in which an image pickup optical system can be moved between a photographable state and a photographable state, and shifts from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproducing mode for reproducing a photographed image. An image pickup apparatus, comprising: a control unit for moving the image pickup optical system to the image pickup impossible state when an image different from the picked-up image is reproduced. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode, and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode without playing back an image different from the image shot immediately before. 10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the imaging optical system is not moved to the photographing disabled state.
An imaging device according to any one of the preceding claims. 10. An image pickup apparatus in which an image pickup optical system can be moved in a feed-out direction and a feed-in direction, and shifts from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproduction mode for reproducing a photographed image, and a reproduction mode for a predetermined time. An imaging apparatus, comprising: a control unit that moves the imaging optical system in the retraction direction when in the state. 11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising timer means for measuring the predetermined time. 12. The control means shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode, and when shifting from the playback mode to the shooting mode before the predetermined time elapses,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the imaging optical system is not moved in a retraction direction. 13. An image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system into a housed state, wherein a transition is made from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproduction mode for reproducing a photographed image, and
An imaging apparatus, comprising: a control unit that moves the imaging optical system to a housed state when in a reproduction mode state for a predetermined time. 14. The control means shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode, and when shifting from the playback mode to the shooting mode before the predetermined time elapses,
14. The imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the imaging optical system is not moved to the housed state. 15. An image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system between a photographable state and a non-photographable state, wherein a transition is made from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproducing mode for reproducing a photographed image, and An imaging apparatus, comprising: a control unit for moving the imaging optical system to a shooting disabled state when in a time reproduction mode state. 16. The control means shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode, and when shifting from the playback mode to the shooting mode before the lapse of the predetermined time,
16. The imaging device according to claim 15, wherein the imaging optical system is not moved to the shooting disabled state. 17. A control method for an image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system in a feed-out direction and a feed-in direction, wherein a mode is shifted from a shooting mode for shooting to a playback mode for playing back a shot image, and A method for moving the imaging optical system in the retraction direction when an image different from the image captured in step (b) is reproduced. 18. The imaging optical system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus shifts from the imaging mode to the reproduction mode, and remains in the reproduction mode for a predetermined time without reproducing an image different from the image captured immediately before. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein is moved in the retraction direction. 19. When the imaging apparatus shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode without playing back an image different from the image shot immediately before, 19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the imaging optical system is not moved in the retraction direction. 20. In a control method of an imaging apparatus capable of moving an imaging optical system into a housed state, a mode is shifted from a shooting mode for shooting to a playback mode for playing back a shot image, and the image is shot immediately before. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, wherein, when an image different from an image is reproduced, the imaging optical system is moved to the housed state. 21. When the imaging device shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode without playing an image different from the image shot immediately before, 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the imaging optical system is not moved to the housed state. 22. A control method for an image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system between a photographing enabled state and a photographing disabled state, wherein a transition is made from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproduction mode for reproducing a photographed image, and And a method of controlling the imaging apparatus, wherein, when an image different from the image captured immediately before is reproduced, the imaging optical system is moved to the imaging impossible state. 23. When the imaging device shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode without playing an image different from the image shot immediately before, 3. The image pickup optical system is not moved to the photographing disabled state.
3. The method for controlling an imaging device according to item 2. 24. A control method for an image pickup apparatus in which an image pickup optical system can be moved in a moving-out direction and a moving-in direction, wherein a mode is shifted from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproducing mode for reproducing a photographed image. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, comprising: moving the imaging optical system in a retraction direction when in a time reproduction mode state. 25. When the imaging apparatus shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode before the predetermined time has elapsed, the imaging optical system is moved in the retraction direction. 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the control is not performed. 26. A control method for an image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system into a housed state, wherein a mode is shifted from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproduction mode for reproducing a photographed image, and the reproduction mode is for a predetermined time. When in the state, the imaging optical system is moved to the housed state. 27. When the imaging apparatus shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode before the predetermined time has elapsed, the imaging optical system is in the stowed state. 27. The method of controlling an imaging device according to claim 26, wherein the imaging device is not moved. 28. A control method for an image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system between a photographing enabled state and a photographing disabled state, wherein a transition is made from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproduction mode for reproducing a photographed image, And a control method of the image pickup apparatus, wherein the image pickup optical system is moved to a photographing disabled state when in the reproduction mode state for a predetermined time. 29. When the imaging apparatus shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode before the predetermined time has elapsed, the imaging optical system is in the shooting disabled state. The control method for an image pickup apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the image pickup apparatus is not moved. 30. A medium for providing a control program for an image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system in a feed-out direction and a feed-in direction. In addition, a medium for providing a control program, characterized in that when an image different from an image captured immediately before is reproduced, the imaging optical system is moved in a retraction direction. 31. The imaging optical system also when the imaging apparatus shifts from the imaging mode to the reproduction mode and remains in the reproduction mode for a predetermined time without reproducing an image different from the image captured immediately before. 31. The medium for providing a control program according to claim 30, wherein the medium has a content for moving the control program in the retraction direction. 32. When the imaging apparatus shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode without playing back an image different from the image shot immediately before, 32. A medium for providing a control program according to claim 30, wherein the medium has a content that does not move the imaging optical system in the retraction direction. 33. A medium for providing a control program for an image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system to a housed state, wherein a transition is made from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproduction mode for reproducing a photographed image, and A medium for providing a control program, characterized in that when an image different from an image captured immediately before is reproduced, the imaging optical system is moved to the housed state. 34. When the imaging apparatus shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode without playing back an image different from the image shot immediately before, The medium for providing a control program according to claim 33, wherein the medium has a content that does not move the imaging optical system to the housed state. 35. A medium for providing a control program for an image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system between a photographable state and a photographable state, from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproduction mode for reproducing a photographed image. A medium for providing a control program, characterized in that the control program shifts and, when a different image is reproduced from an image captured immediately before, moves the imaging optical system to the image capturing disabled state. 36. When the imaging apparatus shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode without playing an image different from the image shot immediately before, 36. The medium for providing a control program according to claim 35, wherein the medium has a content that does not move the imaging optical system to the image capturing disabled state. 37. A medium for providing a control program for an image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system in a feed-out direction and a feed-in direction, and shifts from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproducing mode for reproducing a photographed image. A medium for providing a control program, which has a content for moving the imaging optical system in the retraction direction when in a reproduction mode state for a predetermined time. 38. When the imaging device shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode before the predetermined time has elapsed, the imaging optical system is moved in the retraction direction. The medium for providing a control program according to claim 37, wherein the medium has a content that is not allowed to be performed. 39. A medium for providing a control program for an image pickup apparatus capable of moving an image pickup optical system to a housed state, wherein a transition is made from a photographing mode for photographing to a reproduction mode for reproducing a photographed image, and A medium for providing a control program, having a content for moving the imaging optical system to a housed state when in a reproduction mode state for a predetermined time. 40. When the imaging apparatus shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode before the predetermined time has elapsed, the imaging optical system is in the stowed state. 40. The medium for providing a control program according to claim 39, wherein the medium has content that is not moved. 41. A playback mode for playing back a shot image from a shooting mode for shooting on a medium that provides a control program for an imaging apparatus capable of moving an imaging optical system between a shooting enabled state and a shooting disabled state. To and
A medium for providing a control program, characterized by having a content for moving the imaging optical system to a photographing disabled state when in a reproduction mode state for a predetermined time. 42. When the imaging apparatus shifts from the shooting mode to the playback mode and shifts from the playback mode to the shooting mode before the predetermined time has elapsed, the imaging optical system is in the shooting disabled state. 42. The medium for providing a control program according to claim 41, wherein the medium has content that is not moved to a computer. 43. The medium for providing the control program is a storage medium.
A medium for providing the control program according to any one of the above.