JP2002176603A - Optical device having contrast display function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical device that can compare a photographed image with a sample image on the spot. SOLUTION: The optical device is configured of an imaging means that images an optical image to generate a photographed image, a database that stores names of samples and sampled images while related with each other, an entry means that accepts an operation of a user to designate a sample name, a retrieval means that retrieves a sample image from the database, on the basis of the sample name designated by the entry means, and a display means that displays the sample image retrieved by the retrieval means in comparison with the pick-up image.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical device having a contrast display function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, binoculars and other optical devices are well known as tools for landscape observation and the like. In addition, a sightseeing telescope is fixedly installed at the observatory in the scenic spot for scenic observation. By using these optical devices, it is possible to observe a distant scenery, a wild bird, and the like with an appropriate magnification.

[0003]

However, in the conventional optical equipment, when the user tries to investigate the object under observation in detail, the user temporarily removes his / her eyes from the optical equipment and places it on a map, a tourist information board, a picture book, or the like. Had to be watched one by one. Since such work relies on visual memory, it is likely to be troublesome and inaccurate. Furthermore, since the user frequently keeps his / her eyes away from the optical device during this operation, there is a high possibility that the object under observation is lost. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical device having a function of displaying a sample image or the like in view of the above-described problems.

[0004]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has the following components.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical apparatus comprising: an imaging unit configured to capture an optical image to generate a captured image;
A database that stores a sample name and a sample image in association with each other, an input unit that receives a user-specified operation of the sample name, a search unit that searches the database for a sample image based on the sample name specified by the input unit, and a search. Display means for displaying the sample image retrieved by the means in comparison with the photographed image.

<2> The optical device according to the above (2), wherein the optical device according to the above (1), wherein the detecting device detects at least one of the current position and the date and time, and the detecting device detects the information. Limiting means for limiting the selection candidates of the sample name according to the received information, the input means,
A selection candidate of the sample name limited by the limiting means is displayed on a menu on the display means, and a user operation for designating the sample name is accepted.

[0007] [Claim 3] An optical apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an image pickup means for picking up an optical image to generate a photographed image;
Communication means for communicating with an external database server having a function of storing a sample name and a sample image in association with each other and a function of searching for a sample image from the sample name, and accepting a user's operation of designating a sample name An input unit, a search request unit that transmits a sample name specified by the input unit to the database server via the communication unit, makes a search request, and receives a sample image returned from the database server, and a search request unit. Display means for displaying the sample image received from the database server in comparison with the photographed image.

<Fourth aspect> The optical device according to the fourth aspect is the optical device according to the third aspect, wherein the optical device is configured to detect at least one of information of a current position and a date and time via a communication unit. And limiting request means for transmitting the information detected by the detecting means to the database server, requesting limitation of sample name selection candidates, and receiving sample name selection candidates returned from the database server. The selection requesting means displays a menu of the sample name selection candidates received from the database server on the display means, and accepts a user operation for designating the sample name.

(5) The optical device according to the above (5), in the optical device according to any one of the above (1) and (2), charges for at least one of retrieval and display of a sample image. It has a billing means for performing the processing.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is an embodiment corresponding to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention. First, the configuration of the present embodiment will be described in the order of the database server and the binoculars.

(Configuration of Database Server) FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a database server 12 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, a server computer 11 is connected to the Internet 10. The following objects are virtually mounted on the server computer 11 along with the execution of the program, and constitute a database server 12. The search engine 13 transmits and receives data to and from optical devices such as the binoculars 21, the sightseeing telescope 61, and the electronic camera 81 via the Internet 10, analyzes a search request, and returns a search result. Database 14: A database in which sample images and sample names are recorded in association with each other. Information such as a photographing position, a photographing direction, and a date and time is associated with the sample name in the database 14. Further, the database 14 includes a plurality of databases (a map database 15, a birds database 16, a plant database 17, and the like) subdivided for each type of sample image. Billing system 18: A system that manages client billing information and bills credit companies and bank accounts.

(Configuration of Binoculars 21) Here, the configuration of the above-described binoculars 21 will be further described. Note that, regarding the above-described sightseeing telescope 61 and the electronic camera 81, the configuration of the characteristic portion of the invention (that is, the configuration related to the search and display of the sample image) is the same as that of the binoculars 21.
The description of the configuration here is omitted.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the binoculars 21 in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an internal block diagram of the binoculars 21. In these figures, an objective lens 22 is attached to the binoculars 21. The objective lens 22 performs a zoom operation and a focus operation via a lens driving mechanism 22a. In the image space of the objective lens 22, an image sensor 23
Are arranged. The image pickup device 23 is supplied with a drive pulse from a photographing driver 24a. The image output of the image sensor 23 is supplied to the frame memory 25 and the display circuit 26 via the image processing circuit 24b.

The display circuit 26 includes left and right LCDs (liquors).
id crystal display) Images are displayed on 27 and 28. The user observes the screens of the LCDs 27 and 28 through the left and right eyepieces 29 and 30. In addition, binoculars 21
The two GPSs (global p
ositioning system) Antennas 31 and 32 are arranged. The outputs of the GPS antennas 31 and 32 are processed via the positioning circuit 33 and then supplied to the MPU 34.

Further, the MPU 34 has a search switch 3
5, the observation switch 36, the selection switch 37, and the display changeover switch 39 are respectively connected. These operation members are arranged near the grip of the binoculars 21. When the user holds the grip with both hands, the index finger and the middle finger of the user naturally come into contact with these operation members.

A communication circuit 38 is connected to the MPU 34. The communication circuit 38 realizes connection to the Internet 10 by performing wireless communication with a nearby base station. Further, an ID memory 40 is connected to the MPU 34. The ID memory 40 stores a product ID and other unique information in a nonvolatile manner. In addition, in MPU34,
The above-described lens drive mechanism 22a, shooting driver 24a,
The frame memory 25 and the display circuit 26 are also connected.

(Correspondence between the present embodiment and the invention)
The correspondence between the items described in the claims and the present embodiment will be described. Note that the association here exemplifies one interpretation for reference, and does not limit the present invention.

Regarding the correspondence between the items described in claim 1 and the present embodiment, the image pickup means corresponds to the image pickup device 23 and the photographing driver 24a, and the database is the database 1
4, the input means corresponds to the selection switch 37, the search means corresponds to the "function of transmitting a search request to the search engine 13 and receiving the search result" of the MPU 34 and the search engine 13, and the display means corresponds to the display. Circuit 26 and MPU3
4 corresponds to “a function of comparing and displaying a sample image and a captured image”.

Regarding the correspondence between the items described in claim 2 and the present embodiment, the detecting means includes the GPS antennas 31 and 3.
2. Corresponding to the positioning circuit 33 and the MPU 34, the limiting means corresponds to the “function of transmitting position information and the like to the search engine 13 and limiting the selection candidates of the sample name” by the MPU 34, and the input means is the selection switch 37 and MPU34
"A function for dynamically generating and displaying a selection menu based on sample name selection candidates and accepting a user selection of the selection menu".

Regarding the correspondence between the items described in claim 3 and the present embodiment, the imaging means corresponds to the imaging element 23 and the imaging driver 24a, the external database server corresponds to the database server 12, and the input means corresponds to the selection. The communication means corresponds to the communication circuit 38, the search request means corresponds to the function of transmitting a search request to the search engine 13 and receiving a search result of the MPU 34, and the display means corresponds to the display circuit 26. And “the function of comparing and displaying the sample image and the photographed image” of the MPU 34.

Regarding the correspondence between the items described in claim 4 and the present embodiment, the detecting means includes the GPS antennas 31 and 3.
2. Corresponding to the positioning circuit 33 and the MPU 34, the restriction requesting means transmits the position information and the like to the search engine 13 by the MPU 34 to request the selection of sample name selection candidates,
In response to the "function of receiving limited selection candidates", the input means uses the selection switch 37 and the MPU 34 to dynamically generate and display a selection menu based on the selection candidates of the sample name, and to allow the user to select the selection menu. Accepting function ”.

Regarding the correspondence between the items described in claim 5 and the present embodiment, the billing means corresponds to the billing system 18.

(Explanation of Operation of Binoculars 21) Here, the operation of the binoculars 21 will be described. The sightseeing telescope 61
Regarding the electronic camera 81, the operation of the characteristic portion of the present invention (that is, the operation relating to the search and display of the sample image) is the same as that of the binoculars 21, and the description of the operation is omitted here. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a search and display operation of the sample image by the binoculars 21. Hereinafter, the operation will be described along the step numbers in FIG.

[Step S1] First, when a main power supply (not shown) of the binoculars 21 is turned on, the MPU 34 periodically drives the image pickup device 23 via the photographing driver 24a.
The subject is repeatedly imaged. The captured image is processed through the image processing circuit 24b, and then displayed on the left and right LCDs 27 and 28 via the display circuit 26 in real time as a moving image. During such an operation, the MPU 34 determines whether or not the display changeover switch 39 has been pressed. When the display changeover switch 39 is pressed, the MPU 34 shifts the operation to Step S2. On the other hand, when the display changeover switch 39 is off, the MPU 34 shifts the operation to Step S3.

[Step S2] Each time the display changeover switch 39 is pressed, the MPU 34 switches the display mode of the display circuit 26 in a cyclic manner in the order of “single screen → multi screen → parent / child screen → single screen”. Here, as shown in FIG. 6A, the single screen displays the photographed image 51 together with the guide marker 50 on the entire screen. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the multi-screen
The sample window 52 and the menu window 53 are displayed side by side on the right side of the screen. In the menu window 53, menu items and a cursor 54 are displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, the parent and child screen displays a sample window 52 as a child window at the lower right of the screen of the captured image 51.

[Step S3] The MPU 34 determines a switch to be pressed next. Here, the selection switch 37
When is pressed, the MPU 34 shifts the operation to Step S4 to perform the menu selection operation. On the other hand, if the search switch 35 is pressed without pressing the selection switch 37, the MPU 34 determines that a search for a sample name has been requested, and shifts the operation to step S8. On the other hand, when neither of the switches 35 and 37 is pressed, the MPU 34 returns the operation to step S1, and continues displaying the moving image.

[Step S4] The MPU 34 forcibly switches the display mode of the display circuit 26 to the multi-screen. At this time, the MPU 34 displays the previously acquired sample name candidate list (see step S14) in the menu item.

[Step S5] Each time the selection switch 37 is pressed, the MPU 34
Is moved forward along the menu items.

[Step S6] Such a menu selection operation is repeated until the search switch 35 is pressed. When the search switch 35 is pressed in this state, MP
U34 exits the menu selection operation and proceeds to step S7.
Move the operation to.

[Step S7] The MPU 34 acquires the menu item where the cursor 54 is currently located as the selected “sample name”. Further, the MPU 34
The product ID is acquired from the D memory 40. MPU34,
The sample name and the product ID are set in the search information.
After setting such search information, the MPU 34 shifts the operation to Step S11.

[Step S8] The MPU 34 stores the currently captured image in the frame memory 25. further,
The MPU 34 controls the display circuit 26 to display the captured images in the frame memory 25 on the left and right LCDs 27 and 28. As a result, the display image is frozen when the user presses the search switch 35 (hereinafter, this state is referred to as “freeze”).

[Step S9] The MPU 34 uses the positioning circuit 33 to measure the current positions (longitude, latitude and altitude) of the GPS antennas 31 and 32, respectively. MPU
34 determines the current shooting position and shooting direction based on the two current positions. It is preferable that the photographing direction detected here substantially coincides with the line-of-sight direction of the guide marker 50 shown in FIG. However, this imaging direction may be a value with a large error of about 30 to 90 degrees because it may be used as a reference when narrowing down sample name candidates to be described later. Further, the MPU 34 acquires the current date and time from an internal timer (not shown).

[Step S10] The MPU 34 sets the photographing position, photographing direction, and date and time in the search information.
Further, the MPU 34 acquires a product ID from the ID memory 40 and sets the product ID as search information. At this time, the sample name column is set to blank (null value).

[Step S11] The MPU 34 transmits the search information created as described above to the database server 12 via the communication circuit 38.

[Step S12] Upon receiving this search information, the database server 12 analyzes whether a sample name exists in the search information. Here, when the sample name exists in the search information, the database server 12 searches the database 14 for a sample image related to the sample name and returns the sample image to the binoculars 21. on the other hand,
If the sample name does not exist in the search information, the database server 12 narrows down the sample name candidate list based on the shooting position, the shooting direction, and the date and time, and returns the list to the binoculars 21.

[Step S13] The MPU 34 receives the search result returned from the database server 12 via the communication circuit 38.

[Step S14] If the received search result is a sample image, the MPU 34 displays this sample image in the sample window 52 as shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C,
The captured image 51 and the sample image are displayed for comparison. On the other hand, when the received search result is a candidate list of sample names, as shown in FIG. 7, the MPU 34 replaces the first sample name (here, “Yakedake”) of the candidate list with the captured image 5
Displayed on top of 1. In this state, when the user presses the search switch 35, the MPU 34 sequentially changes the sample names to be displayed according to the order of the candidate list. Note that MP
U34 stores this candidate list in the memory for use in the next menu display.

[Step S15] The MPU 34 keeps displaying the search result display screen until the observation switch 36 is pressed. Then, the user returns to normal observation,
The observation switch 36 is pressed. Thus, the observation switch 36
Is pressed, the MPU 34 returns to step S1 and repeats the above-described operation. With the series of operations described above, the search and display operation of the sample image by the binoculars 21 is completed.

(Explanation of Operation of Database Server 12)
Here, the operation of the database server 12 described in step S12 will be described in more detail. FIG.
9 is a flowchart for explaining a response process of the database server 12.

[Step S21] The search engine 13 in the database server 12 waits for search information transmitted from the client (here, the binoculars 21).
Upon receiving the search information, the search engine 13 shifts the operation to Step S22.

[Step S22] Product I from search information
D is read and the client is authenticated.

[Step S23] Search Engine 13
Analyzes whether the sample name exists in the search information. If the sample name exists, the search engine 13 determines that the request is a sample image search request, and shifts the operation to step S24. On the other hand, if the sample name does not exist, the request is determined to be a sample name search request, and the operation moves to step S27.

[Step S24] Search Engine 13
Searches the database 14 using the sample name as a key to find a related sample image.

[Step S25] Search Engine 13
Returns the sample image of the search result to the client side via the Internet 10.

[Step S26] Search Engine 13
Requests a search fee for a sample image according to a payment method (such as automatic debit of an account) designated by a client in advance. After processing the search request for the sample image in this way, the search engine 13 returns the operation to step S21.

[Step S27] Search Engine 13
Acquires key information such as a shooting position, a shooting direction, and date and time from the search information. The search engine 13 searches the database 14 based on the key information to find a plurality of related sample names. The search engine 13 rearranges the plurality of sample names searched in this order in the order of strong relation with the key information, and generates a sample name candidate list. When the retrieved sample names have a hierarchical relationship as shown in the menu display of FIG. 6B,
Data indicating the hierarchical relationship in the candidate list (hierarchical relationship data)
Also included.

[Step S28] Search Engine 13
Returns a sample name candidate list to the client via the Internet 10.

[Step S29] Search Engine 13
Charges a search fee for a sample name according to a payment method specified in advance by a client (such as automatic debit of an account). After processing the search request for the sample name in this way, the search engine 13 returns the operation to step S21. With the series of operations described above, the response processing of the search request by the database server 12 is completed.

(Effect of this Embodiment) By the above operation,
In the present embodiment, the effects of the invention described later can be accurately obtained. Further, in the present embodiment, the MPU 34
Displays the top of the sample name candidate list on the captured image. Therefore, the user can know the most likely name of the captured image.

In the present embodiment, the candidate list of sample names is arranged in the order of possibility. Therefore, the user can find a sample image that matches the captured image in almost the shortest time by selecting a menu from the candidate list in order from the top.

Further, in the present embodiment, the MPU 34
As shown in FIG. 6B, the sample names are hierarchically displayed in a menu according to the hierarchical relation data included in the sample name candidate list. Therefore, the user can find a more detailed and specialized sample image by following the hierarchical menu.

In the present embodiment, the database uses the photographing direction as key information to narrow down the sample name candidates. Therefore, it is not necessary to name scenery names and the like around the entire circumference centering on the shooting position, and the sample name candidates are more appropriately limited.

(Supplementary Items of the Embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which a large number of optical devices perform a collective search operation using the database server 12. In this case, there is an advantage that the usage fee of the database 14 can be collectively managed and charged on the database server 12 side. Another advantage is that maintenance such as updating and expansion of the database 14 can be performed collectively on the database server 12 side.

However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a database and a search unit are locally incorporated in an optical device (for example, a CD-ROM).
Or a storage medium such as a hard disk as a database program), and a search operation (for example, the operations shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) may be executed independently on the optical device side. In this case, a search result can be obtained quickly without any loss such as communication time. In this case, the operation of limiting the selection candidates of the sample names may be locally performed on the optical device side. Further, in this case, the charging operation for the search and display of the sample image may be locally performed on the optical device side.

In particular, in such a local database, it is preferable to provide a means for easily exchanging data via a recording medium or a communication medium. In this case, the user can appropriately exchange data in the database according to the destination and interest. As a result, the database does not need to fixedly hold a large amount of general-purpose data, and the capacity of the database can be saved. As a result, it becomes easy to shorten the required search time. Also, by exchanging data, it is easy to always keep the database up to date.

In this embodiment, the binoculars 21 are described as an optical device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Generally, any optical device may be used. It is more preferable that the optical device be portable for outdoor activities. Examples of such an optical device include an electronic camera, glasses, an outdoor portable microscope, a field scope, a portable computer with an electronic camera, and a mobile phone with an electronic camera. By using such optical equipment,
This makes it possible to photograph an object of interest outdoors, compare it with a sample image on the spot, and check the name on the spot. As a result, outdoor activities are extremely meaningful and interesting.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the landscape is to be searched has been described. However, it is not limited to this. For example, wild birds, animals, plants, etc. may be searched.

In the present embodiment, the charging process is performed according to the search for the sample image and the sample name. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example,
The billing process may be performed in response to the display of the sample image or the sample name. In this case, even if a large number of sample images and sample names are searched for one-sided reasons on the database side,
The billing process is not necessarily performed for all search results. Among these many search results, a reasonable accounting process is performed only for those actually displayed. Note that a fee may be set for each of the search and the display, and the billing process may be performed for each search and each display.

In this embodiment, the billing system 18
Are arranged on the external database server 12 side.
However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the database is built in the optical device, the billing system 18 may of course be built in the optical device.

In this embodiment, the input means in the form of a switch has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a line-of-sight input device, a mouse, a trackball, a cursor key, or other input means may of course be used.

Further, in this embodiment, the selection candidates of the sample names are narrowed down based on the photographing position and the date and time. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
Selection candidates for sample names may be narrowed down based on at least one of the shooting position and the date and time.

In this embodiment, the GPS system is used for detecting the position and the direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the position or direction may be detected from the position of a nearby wireless base station or the intensity of communication radio waves at a plurality of wireless base stations. Further, the position and direction may be detected from information of a compass and an acceleration sensor.

In the present embodiment, the "selection processing of sample name selection candidates" and the "menu display" are executed at independent timings. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, immediately before the menu is displayed, the “selection of sample name selection candidates” may be executed each time.

[0064]

According to the first or third aspect of the present invention, a sample image is appropriately selected from a database.
This sample image is displayed in comparison with the photographed image. Therefore, the user can compare the sample image with the captured image without taking his eyes off the captured image. In such an operation, the photographed image and the sample image can be side by side and accurately compared. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to take an eye away from the captured image, problems such as losing the observation target hardly occur.

The invention according to claim 2 or 4 is:
Selection candidates for sample names are narrowed down based on at least one of the location and the date and time information. Therefore, the sample names suitable for the place and the date and time are displayed in a limited manner, and the user can easily and appropriately select the sample names.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a charging process is performed for at least one of retrieval and display of a sample image. Therefore, it is possible to fairly collect the creation cost of the database from the user at an appropriate timing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 illustrates a database server 12 according to an embodiment.
1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of FIG.

FIG. 2 is an external view of binoculars 21 in the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an internal block diagram of the binoculars 21.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a search and display operation of a sample image.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation on the database side.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing screen display switching.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display screen of a search result of a sample name.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Internet 11 Server computer 12 Database server 13 Search engine 14 Database 15 Map database 16 Bird database 17 Plant database 18 Billing system 21 Binoculars 22 Objective lens 22a Lens drive mechanism 23 Image sensor 24a Image driver 24b Image processing circuit 25 Frame memory 26 Display circuit 31, 32 GPS antenna 33 Positioning circuit 34 MPU 35 Search switch 36 Observation switch 37 Selection switch 38 Communication circuit 39 Display changeover switch 40 ID memory 51 Captured image 52 Sample window 53 Menu window 61 Sightseeing telescope 81 Electronic camera

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (reference) H04N 5/765 H04N 5/91 J 7/14 LF term (reference) 5B075 ND06 PQ02 PQ70 5C052 AA17 AB04 AC02 DD02 EE02 EE03 EE06 EE08 GA02 GA08 GB01 GB09 GD03 GD10 GE08 5C053 FA06 FA08 FA30 HA29 JA30 KA01 KA24 LA01 LA14 LA20 5C064 AA06 AB03 AC04 AC12 AC13 AC14 AC20

Claims (5)

[Claims] An imaging unit that captures an optical image to generate a captured image; a database that stores a sample name and a sample image in association with each other; an input unit that receives an operation of designating the sample name by a user; Search means for searching for the sample image from the database based on the sample name specified by means, and display means for displaying the sample image searched for by the search means in comparison with the photographed image. An optical device characterized by the above. 2. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein a detecting means for detecting at least one of information on a current position and a date and time; and a candidate for selecting the sample name in accordance with the information detected by the detecting means. The input unit receives a user operation of designating the sample name by displaying a menu of the sample name selection candidates limited by the limiting unit on the display unit. And optical equipment. 3. An external device comprising: an imaging unit that captures an optical image to generate a captured image; a function of storing a sample name and a sample image in association with each other; and a function of searching for the sample image from the sample name. For the database server,
Communication means for performing communication; input means for receiving an operation of designating the sample name by a user; and transmitting the sample name designated by the input means to the database server via the communication means to make a search request. Search request means for receiving the sample image returned from the database server, and display means for displaying the sample image received from the database server by the search request means in comparison with the photographed image. An optical device characterized by that: 4. The optical device according to claim 3, wherein the detecting unit detects at least one of information on a current position and a date and time, and the information detected by the detecting unit via the communication unit. Requesting limitation of the sample name selection candidate by transmitting the sample name selection candidate to the database server, and receiving the sample name selection candidate returned from the database server. An optical device for displaying a sample name selection candidate received from the database server on a menu on the display means, and accepting a user operation for designating the sample name. 5. The optical device according to claim 1, further comprising a charging unit configured to perform a charging process for at least one of search and display of the sample image. Optical equipment.