JP2002122934A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that release by remote control in the conventional camera is a system requiring a transmitter-receiver and causes cost increase or becomes the main cause of the hindrance of miniaturization. SOLUTION: In this camera, the release by the remote control is performed without using the transmitter-receiver such as a remote controller by recognizing the specified shape, the movement (locus) and the pattern or the color of an object from an image picked up by an electronic imaging device and starting releasing operation when the corresponding one is recognized.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera for converting a subject image into an image signal by photoelectric conversion and performing a release operation remotely based on the image signal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, remote control of home appliances is performed by using a wireless remote control system using infrared light (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller). The transmitter transmits the operation instruction as an infrared light signal obtained by modulating a signal (data), and the receiver receives and demodulates the infrared light signal to extract the original signal (data). . The operation according to the operation instruction is performed by the extracted signal. For example, when the camera is equipped with a remote controller, if the photographer presses a photographing button provided on the transmitter, the photographer can take a picture remotely without directly pressing the release button of the camera. .

As a remote controller without a transmitter, a technology using a human interface module is known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-31551
In the number, the motion (expression) of the human body is captured as an image by an image sensor, gesture recognition is performed on the image, and based on a predetermined algorithm, image information is recognized to generate a control signal. Is provided at a subsequent stage to realize a predetermined process. In this system, it has been proposed to remotely control the operation of gesture information as input information to a multimedia device, a general home appliance, a game machine, a nursing device, or the like.

[0004]

When the above-mentioned remote controller using infrared light is applied to a camera, a transmitter for transmitting a remote controller signal for operation by a photographer and a transmitter attached to the camera body. A receiving device for receiving the remote control signal is required. Since the transmitter must be separate from the camera body, it must be housed in a case or provided with a space for housing the camera body. Therefore, problems such as inconvenience in terms of portability and an increase in the size of the camera body due to the transmitter are met. Since this transmitter is driven by a button-type battery, the battery must be replaced when the battery is exhausted, which is troublesome. Therefore, a system that uses the transmitter and the receiver is a factor that hinders cost increase or size reduction of the camera.

[0005] The technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-31551 has many conceptual descriptions, and does not refer to a specific description realized for a certain device. Also,
A system using such an algorithm requires a processing capability comparable to a personal computer or the like, and is difficult to apply to a device such as a camera that is assumed to be portable.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a camera which can be remotely released by a wireless remote control system which does not require a transceiver.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided an electronic imaging device for generating an image signal from a subject image by photoelectric conversion, and a shape recognizing means for recognizing the shape of the subject from the image signal. A self-mode setting unit for setting the camera to a self-mode, and when the self-mode setting unit sets the camera to the self-mode, the electronic image pickup device repeatedly performs image capturing, and the shape recognizing unit sets a predetermined shape of the subject. If it is detected, a camera for starting a release operation is provided.

An electronic image pickup device for generating an image signal from a subject image by photoelectric conversion; motion recognition means for recognizing the motion of the subject from the image signal; self mode setting means for setting the camera to a self mode; When the self mode is set by the self mode setting means, a camera is provided which repeatedly shoots by the electronic image pickup device and starts a release operation when a predetermined movement of the subject is detected by the movement recognition means. I do.

Further, an electronic image pickup device for generating an image signal from a subject image by photoelectric conversion, pattern recognition means for recognizing a pattern included in the subject from the image signal, and self mode setting means for setting the camera to a self mode. When the self mode is set by the self mode setting means, the electronic image pickup device repeatedly performs imaging, and when a predetermined pattern of a subject is detected by the pattern recognition means, a camera which starts a release operation. I will provide a.

In the camera having the above-described structure, the shape of the subject is recognized by the shape recognizing means from the image signal output from the electronic image pickup device, the motion of the subject is recognized by the motion recognizing means, or the pattern included in the subject by the pattern recognizing means. If a match is found from the recognition,
Release is performed by remote control without using a transmitter for starting the release operation.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The camera of the present invention is a camera having both functions of film (silver film) photography and electronic imaging. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention in which a strobe light emitting unit is popped up, as viewed from an obliquely upward front direction, and FIG. It is a figure showing the appearance composition which looked at the state from the back.

On the upper surface of the camera, a pop-up unit 1 which pops up when auxiliary light is required.
, A power switch 4, and a shooting mode setting unit 5 including picto buttons for selecting and setting various shooting modes
And a release button 6 for indicating exposure. The pop-up unit 1 has a strobe unit 3 for emitting auxiliary light, and an electronic imaging optical system for forming a subject image on an electronic imaging device. A system (part) 2 is provided. When the power switch 4 is turned on, the pop-up unit 1 pops up mechanically.

An eyepiece window 7 of an optical viewfinder for observing a subject image based on the subject light transmitted through the photographing lens is arranged in the upper center of the rear side of the camera. A monitor 8 for displaying an electronic image captured from the element is provided. A self-button 11 for setting a self-photographing mode is arranged in the left lateral direction of the eyepiece window 7, and a zoom-up / down operation button for manually changing the focal length of the zoom lens in the opposite direction. A confirmation window 9 is provided to allow the user to confirm the type of film 10 loaded.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a sectional structure of the pop-up unit 1. As shown in FIG. In this unit, an electronic imaging optical system 2 and a flash unit 3 are arranged.

The electronic image pickup optical system 2 includes image pickup lenses 2a to 2a.
2d lens group and lens frame 12 supporting the lens group
, An aperture 13 provided in the lens frame 12, an electronic imaging device 14, and a flexible substrate 15 on which the electronic imaging device 14 is mounted.

In this lens group, a negative lens imaging lens 2a, 2d and a positive lens imaging lens 2b, 2c are combined and arranged in the lens frame 12, and the imaging lens 2b and the photographing lens are arranged. An aperture 13 is disposed between the stop 2c and the stop 2c. Further, the imaging element 14 is, for example, an IC chip formed by a CMOS process including a CMOS imager, and the flexible substrate 15 on which the IC chip is mounted is crawled inside the camera body, and the electronic imaging element 14
Is output to a signal processing circuit (not shown) of the camera body.

The strobe unit 3 is configured to permit light emission in a pop-up state, and a panel (Fresnel lens) that allows strobe light to pass therethrough.
A flash reflector 16 for irradiating light emitted from a light emitting tube 18 toward a subject and a trigger transformer 19 for exciting xenon gas sealed in the light emitting tube 18 to emit light are provided in the light emitting tube 16. Is done.

Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the camera according to the present embodiment and will be described. This camera includes a part related to a film photographing apparatus and a part related to an electronic imaging apparatus. On the film photographing apparatus side, a photographing lens 21 for forming a subject image is composed of a positive lens 21a and a negative lens 21b.
An aperture mechanism 22 that is driven and controlled by an aperture drive circuit 35 is disposed in the device 1. A movable mirror 24 having a half mirror substantially at the center is disposed behind the photographing lens 21, and a sub-mirror 25 is provided at a central portion on the back side of the movable mirror 24 so that a subject image is provided below. reflect. A separator optical system 29 composed of two optical systems for separating two images is arranged in the direction of the reflection optical axis of the sub-mirror 25 and substantially perpendicular to the drawing. A line sensor 30 is disposed at a position where the subject image is formed by the separator optical system 29.
Driven by the line sensor drive circuit 37.

The sub-mirror 25, the separator optical system 29, the line sensor 30 and the like constitute a focus detection device based on a known phase difference method, and the CPU 41 operates based on a signal input via a line sensor drive circuit 37. (2) Calculate the distance between the two images and calculate the driving amount data of the photographing lens for driving to the in-focus position. This driving amount is transferred to the zoom / focus driving circuit 34,
Is changed. The zoom / focus drive circuit 34 includes drive sources such as known electromagnetic motors and ultrasonic motors, driver circuits for controlling these drive sources, and an encoder device for detecting the position of a lens. It is. Further, the CPU 41, as described later,
It functions as shape recognizing means for recognizing the shape of the subject based on the image signal output from the electronic image sensor 14.

A focusing plate 31, a pentaprism 32, and a finder eyepiece optical system (optical finder) 33 are arranged on the reflected light path in the upward direction of the movable mirror 24. In the present embodiment, the reason why the optical finder 33 is provided in addition to the LCD monitor 8 described later for the subject monitor is that the photographer looks into the optical finder 33 rather than taking a picture while looking at the LCD monitor 8. This is because taking a picture improves the holding performance of the camera and makes it easier to prevent camera shake and the like. The movable mirror 24 described above is driven by a mirror driving circuit 36, and the shutter 26 is driven by a shutter driving circuit 38. The movable mirror 24 is raised and the shutter 26
Is opened, a subject image is formed on the film 27 and is exposed. A diaphragm 22 for obtaining proper exposure is obtained based on a subject luminance value output from a signal processing circuit 45 described later, a film sensitivity detected by a film sensitivity detection circuit (not shown), and a program chart (not shown).
The CPU 41 calculates the aperture value and the shutter speed of the shutter 26, and the shutter 26 is driven and controlled at the calculated shutter speed.

A magnetic recording layer is formed on the film 27, and a magnetic head 28 is arranged so as to be in contact with the magnetic recording layer. With this configuration, when one frame is wound up after the end of shooting by the film drive circuit 39, information about shooting is recorded on the film 27 by being driven by the magnetic head drive circuit 40. The switch input 42 includes a release button 6, a hower switch linked to the slide switch 4, and a self button 11 for setting a self-photographing mode according to the present invention.
And a plurality of switches such as a switch for detecting the operation of a mechanical mechanism (not shown). The release button 6 includes a first release switch that is turned on by a pressing operation, and a second release switch that is turned on when the button is further pressed. The EEPROM 43 is a non-volatile memory for storing an adjustment value for each camera in order to ship the camera at a factory with characteristic fluctuations of each camera suppressed.

Next, parts related to the electronic image pickup apparatus will be described. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, in the pop-up unit 1, the imaging lens 2 and the fixed aperture 12
To form a subject image on the image sensor 14.

The subject image formed on the image sensor 14 is
The signal is converted into an analog video signal by photoelectric conversion, and further converted into digital image data by a control circuit (not shown) and output to the signal processing circuit 45.

This signal processing circuit 45 has an internal RISC
Including a processor, a color processor, a JPEG core, and the like, and compressing / expanding, white balance processing, edge enhancement processing of digital video signals obtained from the image sensor 14,
It performs synthesis with character information described later, conversion to a composite signal (luminance signal, color difference signal) output to the LCD monitor 8, and the like. The EPROM 47 stores a program to be processed by a processor included in the signal processing circuit 45.
An SRAM (static RAM) 48 and a DRAM (dynamic RAM) 49 are memories for temporarily storing an image before image processing and an image during image processing. The flash memory 50 is a non-volatile memory that stores a finally determined image, and its stored contents are preserved even when the power of the camera is turned off. The imaging angle of view of the imaging lens 21 is substantially the same as the imaging angle of view of the shortest focus (so-called wide end) of each of the imaging lenses 21a and 21b. 34, the electronic image is enlarged / reduced (electronically zoomed) by the signal processing circuit 45, so that the
The angle of view of the electronic image displayed on the monitor 8 substantially matches the angle of view of the latent image printed on the film 27.

Next, the flash unit 3 will be described. The strobe section 3 is triggered by a trigger signal output from a trigger circuit 44 including at least the trigger transformer 19.
The xenon gas emitted in the arc tube 18 is excited to emit light, and the light is reflected by the reflector 17 and further passes through the panel 16 to irradiate an object (not shown). In addition,
The emission angle of view of the flash unit 3 is substantially the same as the imaging angle of view of the shortest focus (the so-called wide end) of the photographing lens 21.
The strobe control circuit 46 performs a charging process of a strobe main capacitor (not shown) and a light emission instruction to the trigger circuit 44.

The above-described strobe circuit 46, zoom focus drive circuit 34, aperture drive circuit 35, mirror drive circuit 36, line sensor drive circuit 37, shutter drive circuit 3
8, film drive circuit 39, magnetic head drive circuit 40,
EEPROM 43, switch input 42 and CPU 41
Are connected via a data bus 52 and communicate with each other. The operations of these drive circuits are controlled by the CPU 41 in a centralized manner. Further, the signal processing circuit 45, E
The PROM 47, the SRAM 48, the DRAM 49, and the flash memory 50 are connected via a data bus 51,
Data communication is in progress. The signal processing circuit 45 controls the operations of these circuits. The CPU 41 and the signal processing circuit 45 are connected via a communication line 53, and the timing of capturing an image signal, the timing of electronic imaging and the timing of silver halide photography, and the like are adjusted via the communication line 53.

Next, FIGS. 5 to 8 show composition examples for starting the release operation of the camera when the self-photographing mode by the camera of this embodiment is set. The composition shown in FIG. 5 is for detecting the "V" sign formed by the subject by hand and starting the release operation. However, irrespective of the V-sign, if a form that can be formed by humans using limbs or a body, for example, a predetermined shape such as a circle, a triangle, or a square, is detected, the release operation may be started. In the composition shown in FIG. 6, an "S" character is detected as a trajectory of the palm with the subject waving his arm, and the release operation is started. Of course, the release motion is not limited to the locus of the “S” character, and if a locus that can be moved by a human, for example, a predetermined locus such as a circle, a triangle, a square, an alphabet, a hiragana, and a mark, is detected, the release operation is started. Just do it.

The composition shown in FIG. 7 detects a bar code held in the hand of the subject and starts the release operation. Further, the release operation may be started when a predetermined pattern possessed by the subject is detected regardless of the barcode. Further, in FIG. 8, a predetermined number may be used instead of the barcode shown in FIG. Further, a card having a predetermined color instead of a barcode or a number may be used.

Next, the main sequence of the camera will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, a reset process for clearing the counter value to “0” is performed on a timer that is a counter that counts up every predetermined time, and then counting is started (step S1). As a result, by reading out the counter value appropriately, it is possible to detect the elapsed time from the start of counting. Next, it is determined whether the first release button has been pressed and turned on (step S).
2). If depressed here (YES), a subroutine "photographing sequence" is executed (step S5).
However, if it is turned off without being pressed (NO), it is determined whether or not the release operation has been started in the self-photographing mode, that is, whether or not the flag F_SOK is set to 1 (step S3). The flag F_
If SOK is 1 (YES), it is determined whether or not the self-photographing mode is currently set, that is, F_SELF
Is determined to be 1 (step S4).
The flag F_SELF is a flag determination for accepting a release start instruction only when the camera is set to the self-photographing mode, and for shifting to the “photographing sequence” when the flag is set. Therefore, if F_SELF is 1 in this judgment (YE
S), it is determined that the start of the release operation has been instructed, and the process shifts to step S5 to execute the “photographing sequence”.

The flag F_S is determined in step S3.
If OK is not 1 (NO), or if F_SELF is not 1 in the judgment of step S4 (NO), or after execution of the subroutine "photographing sequence" in step S5, whether or not the self button 11 has been pressed Is determined (step S6). If the self button 11 is pressed (YES), it is determined whether or not the self-photographing mode is set [F_SELF = 1] (step S7). If the self-photographing mode is set here, (YES), the flag F_SELF is cleared, that is, the self-photographing mode is released [F_SELF ←
{0} is performed (step S8). However, when the self-photographing mode is not set (NO), the flag F_SE
LF is set [F_SELF ← ♯1] (step S
9). Then, the counter value is reset, and counting is started (step S10).

Next, after the counting is started, or if the self-button 11 is not depressed in the judgment in step S6 (NO), the self-photographing mode is set [F_SELF = 1] as in step S7. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S11). If the self-photographing mode has not been set (NO), it is determined whether five minutes have elapsed since the start of counting by the timer (step S12), and if five minutes have elapsed (YES). Then, an instruction to turn off the display is output and the liquid crystal monitor 8 is turned off (step S13), and thereafter, the operation of the CPU 41 is stopped.
The operation shifts to a so-called stop mode (step S14).
The release of the stop mode is performed by operating a release button, a self-photographing mode setting button, a power switch, and the like. However, if 5 minutes have not elapsed in step S12 (NO), the process returns to step S2,
The following processing is repeated.

If it is determined in step S11 that the self-photographing mode has been set (YES), it is determined whether or not 10 minutes have elapsed since the timer started counting (step S15). If 10 minutes have passed (YES), the self-photographing mode is canceled [F_S
ELF♯ {0} is performed (step S16), and the liquid crystal monitor 8
Is turned off (step S17). Then, step S
Return to 2. On the other hand, if 10 minutes have not elapsed in step S15 (NO), an imaging instruction signal is sent to the signal processing circuit 45 (step S18). The imaging operation is controlled by the signal processing circuit 45, and the area sensor 15 starts the imaging operation in response to the above-described imaging instruction signal. Next, an image pickup operation is performed by the area sensor 15, an analog image signal is fetched from the area sensor 15 into the signal processing circuit 45, and predetermined image processing described later is performed (step S19). Thereafter, an instruction to turn on the display is given to the liquid crystal monitor 8 (step S20), and
2, the following processing is repeated.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, a subroutine for executing image processing in the photographing sequence of step 5 described above will be described. This sequence is an example of executing the shape recognition described with reference to FIG. First, the flag F_SOK is cleared [F_SOK ← 0].
Is performed (step S21). Next, after the signal processing circuit 45 takes in the analog image signal from the area sensor 15 (step S22), the signal processing circuit 45 converts the analog image signal into digital image data by a known method and stores it in the DRAM 49 (step S23). Thereafter, a detection operation is performed to determine whether or not the image stored in the DRAM 49 includes a predetermined shape as shown in FIG. 5 (step S2).
4). In this detection operation, it is determined whether a predetermined shape is detected (step S25). If a predetermined shape, for example, the V-sign shown in FIG. 5 is detected (YES), the flag F_SOK is set [F_SOK ← 1] to instruct a release start (step S26). However, if the predetermined shape has not been detected (NO), the process returns to the subroutine “imaging sequence”.

The subroutine of the photographing sequence in the camera operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, photometry is performed by the area sensor 15, a subject luminance value is output from the signal processing circuit 45, and input to the CPU 53 via the signal processing circuit 45 (step S31). Thereafter, based on the signal input via the line sensor driving circuit 37, the interval between the two images is obtained, and the driving amount data of the photographing lens 21 for driving to the in-focus position is calculated (step S32). Based on this driving amount, the zoom / focus driving circuit 34
The focal position of each lens 21a, 21b is changed. Next, based on the subject luminance value obtained by the photometry in step S31, a program diagram (not shown), and the film sensitivity detected by a film sensitivity detection circuit (not shown), an appropriate exposure is obtained by a known technique. The aperture value of the aperture 22 and the shutter speed are calculated (step S33).

In the state where the camera is set to the self-photographing mode, it is determined whether or not the start of the release operation is instructed (step S34). If the start is not instructed (NO), the second release is performed. It is determined whether or not the switch has been turned on (step S35). If it has not been turned on (NO), it is determined whether or not the first release switch has been turned on (step S36). With this judgment,
If the first release switch is on (YES),
The process returns to step S35, and waits for the second release to be turned on. If the second release has not been turned on (NO), the process proceeds to step S52 described later.

If it is determined in step S35 that the second release is on (YES), it is determined whether 1 is set in the flag F_SELF (step S3).
7). If the flag is not set (N
O), the aperture 22 is reduced to the aperture value calculated in step S33 by the output of the aperture drive circuit 35. (Step S38). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S34 that the start of the release operation has been instructed (YE
S) In the self-photographing mode, when the release button 6 is pressed, a delay time of about 10 seconds is provided, and a self-display (not shown) blinks at a predetermined cycle. In the case of a release start instruction by remote control, a delay time of about 3 seconds is provided, and a self-display (not shown) is similarly blinked at a predetermined cycle (step S39). Thereafter, the flag F_SELF is cleared [F_SELF ← 0], the self-photographing mode is released (step S40), and step S38 is performed.
Move to

Next, after the aperture stop in step S38 is completed, the movable mirror 24 is retracted outside the photographic optical path by the output of the mirror driving circuit 36 (step S41).
An imaging instruction signal is sent to the signal processing circuit 45 (step S42). The imaging operation is controlled by the signal processing circuit 45, and the area sensor 15 starts the imaging operation in response to the imaging instruction signal.
Then, the shutter drive circuit 38 having the shutter speed value calculated in step S33 causes the shutter 26 to operate.
Is driven to open and close (step S43).

Next, when the imaging operation by the area sensor 15 is completed, the signal processing circuit 45 takes in the analog image signal from the area sensor 15 and converts it into digital image data by a known method (step S44). The obtained digital image data is subjected to predetermined signal processing (for example, conversion to display data, etc.),
The data is transferred to and stored in M49 (step S45). Then, after returning the movable mirror 24 retracted in the "mirror up" routine to a normal position in the photographing optical path (step S46), the aperture mechanism 22 which has been in the aperture state in the "aperture" routine is returned to the open state. (Step S
47).

Next, a feeding mechanism (not shown) is driven by the film driving circuit 39 to wind up the film 27 by one frame (step S48). At this time, predetermined data is magnetically recorded on the magnetic recording layer of the film 27 by the magnetic head 28, which is a known technique itself.
Detailed description here is omitted. At the time of film winding, a display operation is instructed to the signal processing circuit 45, and LC
The captured image is displayed on the D monitor 8 (step S
49). Then, the digital image data stored in the DRAM 49 is compressed (step S50),
Stored in the flash memory 50 (step S5
1). After that, a reset process for clearing the counter value to “0” is performed on the timer, which is a counter,
The counting is started (step S52), and the process returns to the main sequence.

Next, a subroutine for executing image processing in the above-described photographing sequence of step 5 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. This sequence is an example of executing the motion recognition described in FIG. First, the flag F_SOK is cleared [F_SOK ← 0].
Is performed (step S61). Next, after the signal processing circuit 45 takes in the analog image signal from the area sensor 15 (step S62), the signal processing circuit 45 converts the analog image signal into digital image data by a known method and stores it in the DRAM 49 (step S63). Thereafter, a detection operation is performed from a plurality of images sequentially stored in the DRAM 49 to determine whether or not a predetermined movement as shown in FIG. 6 is included (step S64). In this detection operation, it is determined whether a predetermined movement has been detected (step S65).
In this determination, if a predetermined movement, for example, an S-shaped trajectory shown in FIG. 6 is detected (YES), the flag F_SOK is set [F_SOK] to instruct the release start.
K ← 1] (step S66). However, if the predetermined shape has not been detected (NO), the process returns to the subroutine “imaging sequence”.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, a subroutine for executing image processing in the photographing sequence in step 5 described above will be described. This sequence is an example of executing the pattern recognition described with reference to FIGS. First, the flag F_SOK is cleared [F_
[SOK ← 0] is performed (step S71). Next, after the signal processing circuit 45 fetches the analog image signal from the area sensor 15 (step S72), the signal processing circuit 45 converts the analog image signal into digital image data by a known method and stores it in the DRAM 49 (step S73). Thereafter, a detection operation is performed to determine whether or not the image stored in the DRAM 49 includes a predetermined pattern (may be a predetermined color) (step S74). In this detection operation,
It is determined whether a predetermined pattern has been detected (step S65). If a predetermined pattern, for example, a barcode shown in FIG. 7 is detected in this determination (YES),
In order to instruct the start of the release operation, the flag F
_SOK is set [F_SOK ← 1] (step S
76). However, if the predetermined pattern has not been detected (NO), the process returns to the subroutine “photographing sequence”.

A camera having an electronic image pickup device having an electronic image pickup device for converting a subject image into an electric signal according to the present embodiment described above: (1) Recognizes a predetermined shape of a subject and starts release.

(2) The release is started upon recognizing a predetermined movement of the subject.

(3) A predetermined pattern of the subject is recognized and the release is started.

(4) The release is started upon recognizing a predetermined color of the subject.

These effects can be realized at a low cost without using a transmission / reception device such as an infrared remote controller because the start of the release operation is recognized by using the electronic imaging device originally provided in the camera. In addition, since a remote control transmitter is not required, there is an effect that the battery of the remote control transmitter does not need to be replaced, which is convenient.

Although the above embodiments have been described, the present invention includes the following inventions.

(1) An electronic image sensor for converting a subject image into an electric signal, pattern recognition means for recognizing a pattern included in the subject from an image signal output from the electronic image sensor, and setting the camera to a self mode When the self mode is set by the self mode setting unit and the self mode setting unit, the electronic imaging device repeatedly performs image capturing, and when the predetermined pattern of the subject is detected by the pattern recognition unit, the release operation is performed. Camera to start.

(2) In the above item (1), the pattern recognition means detects a predetermined character or number.

(3) In the above item (1), the pattern recognition means detects a predetermined bar code or mark.

(4) An electronic image pickup device for converting a subject image into an electric signal, a color recognizing means for recognizing a color contained in the object from an image signal output from the electronic image pickup device, and a camera set to a self mode. When the self mode is set by the self mode setting means and the self mode setting means, an image is repeatedly taken by the electronic image pickup device, and when the predetermined color of the subject is detected by the pattern recognition means, a release operation is performed. Camera to start.

[0052]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a camera which can be remotely released by a wireless remote control system which does not require a transceiver.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a strobe light emitting unit is popped up as viewed from an obliquely upward front direction.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a state in which a pop-up unit of the camera is stored, as viewed from the back.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the pop-up unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a composition including a predetermined shape for starting a release operation in the camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a composition including a trajectory for starting a release operation in the camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a composition including a barcode for starting a release operation in the camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a composition including a card on which numbers and colors for starting a release operation are written in the camera of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a main sequence of the camera.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine for executing image processing in a photographing sequence.

FIG. 11 is a first half of a flowchart for describing a subroutine of a shooting sequence in a camera operation.

FIG. 12 is a latter half of a flowchart for describing a subroutine of a shooting sequence in a camera operation.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine for executing image processing in a photographing sequence.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine for executing image processing in a photographing sequence.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pop-up unit 2 ... Electronic imaging optical system 3 ... Strobe unit 4 ... Power switch 5 ... Shooting mode setting unit 6 ... Release button 8 ... LCD monitor 11 ... Self button 14 ... Electronic image sensor 21 ... Shooting lens 26 ... Shutter 33 ... Finder eyepiece optical system (optical finder) 34 ... zoom / focus drive circuit 41 ... CPU 42 switch input 43 ... EEPROM 45 ... signal processing circuit 47 ... EPROM 48 ... SRAM (static RAM) 49 ... DRAM (dynamic RAM)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An electronic imaging device for generating an image signal from a subject image by photoelectric conversion, shape recognition means for recognizing the shape of a subject from the image signal, self mode setting means for setting a camera to a self mode, When the self mode is set by the self mode setting means, the electronic imaging device repeatedly performs image capturing, and when the predetermined shape of the subject is detected by the shape recognizing means, a release operation is started. Camera. 2. An electronic image pickup device for generating an image signal from a subject image by photoelectric conversion, a motion recognizing means for recognizing a motion of the subject from the image signal, a self mode setting means for setting a camera to a self mode, When the self-mode is set by the self-mode setting means, the electronic imaging device repeatedly performs imaging, and when the predetermined motion of the subject is detected by the motion recognition means, a release operation is started. And the camera. 3. An electronic image sensor for generating an image signal from a subject image by photoelectric conversion, pattern recognition means for recognizing a pattern included in the subject from the image signal, and self mode setting means for setting the camera to a self mode. When the self-mode is set by the self-mode setting means, the electronic imaging device repeatedly performs imaging, and when a predetermined pattern of a subject is detected by the pattern recognition means, a release operation is started. A camera characterized by the following.